61. As-Saff (The Ranks)

Medina Period [109]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ ﴿٤﴾

61: 4. Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.

C5433. A battle array, in which a large number of men stand, march, or hold together against assault as if they were a solid wall, is a striking example of order, discipline, cohesion, and courage.

"A solid cemented structure" is even a better simile than the usual "solid wall" as the "structure" or building implies a more diversified organisation held together in unity and strength, each part contributing strength in its own way, and the whole held together not like a mass but like a living organism.

Cf. also 37:I and n. 4031.

Asad’s Version:

61: 4 Verily, God loves [only] those who fight in His cause in [solid] ranks, 2 as though they were a building firm and compact

[[Asad’s notes - 2 I.e., in unison, with their deeds corresponding to their assertions of faith. This moral necessity is further illustrated - by its opposite -in the subsequent reference to Moses and the recalcitrant among his followers. ]]