2. Surah Al Baqarah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَبِالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ...

2: 8. Of the people there are some who say:

"We believe in Allah and the Last Day,"

C33. We now come to a third class of people, the hypocrites.

They are untrue to themselves, and therefore their hearts, they soon pass into the category of those who deliberately reject light.

... وَمَا هُم بِمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٨﴾

but they do not (really) believe.

يُخَادِعُونَ اللّهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا...

2: 9. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe,

... وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلاَّ أَنفُسَهُم وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ ﴿٩﴾

but they only deceive themselves and realize (it) not!

فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللّهُ مَرَضاً...

2: 10. In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease,

C34. The insincere man who thinks he can get the best of both worlds by compromising with good and evil only increased the disease of his heart, because he is not true to himself.

Even the good which comes to him he can pervert to evil. So the rain which fills out the ear of corn or lends fragrance to the rose also lends strength to the thorn or adds strength to the poison of the deadly nightshade.

... وَلَهُم عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ ﴿١٠﴾

and grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لاَ تُفْسِدُواْ فِي الأَرْضِ ...

2: 11. When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth,"

... قَالُواْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ ﴿١١﴾

they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!"

أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَشْعُرُونَ ﴿١٢﴾

2: 12. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize (it) not.

C35. Much mischief is caused (sometimes unwittingly) by people who think that they have a mission of peace, when they have not even a true perception of right and wrong.

By their blind arrogance they depress the good and encourage the evil.

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُواْ كَمَا آمَنَ النَّاسُ ...

2: 13. When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe"

... قَالُواْ أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَا آمَنَ السُّفَهَاء ...

they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" --

... أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ السُّفَهَاء وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٣﴾

nay,

of a surety they are the fools but they do not know.

C36. This is another phase of the hypocrite and the cynic.

"Faith" he says, "is good enough to fools."

But his cynicism may be the greatest folly in the eyes of Allah.

وَإِذَا لَقُواْ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا...

2: 14. When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe,"

C37. A deeper phase of insincerity is actual duplicity. But it never pays in the end. If we compare such a man to a trader, he loses in the bargain.

... وَإِذَا خَلَوْاْ إِلَى شَيَاطِينِهِمْ قَالُواْ ...

but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say:

... إِنَّا مَعَكْمْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُسْتَهْزِؤُونَ ﴿١٤﴾

"We are really with you, we (were) only jesting."

اللّهُ يَسْتَهْزِىءُ بِهِمْ ...

2: 15. Allah will throw back their mockery on them,

... وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ ﴿١٥﴾

and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro).

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرُوُاْ الضَّلاَلَةَ بِالْهُدَى...

2: 16. These are they who have bartered guidance for error:

... فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَارَتُهُمْ وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهْتَدِينَ ﴿١٦﴾

but their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي اسْتَوْقَدَ نَاراً ...

2: 17. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire;

C38. The man wanted light; he only kindled a fire. It produced a blaze, and won the applause of all around. But it did not last long. When the flame when out as was inevitable, the darkness was worse than before. And they all lost their way.

So hypocrisy, deception, arrogant compromise with evil, cynicism, or duplicity may win temporary applause. But the true light of faith and sincerity is wanting, and therefore it must mislead and ruin all concerned. In the consternation they cannot speak or hear each other, and of course they cannot see; so they end like the deliberate rejecters of Faith (2:7), wildly groping about, dumb, deaf and blind.

... فَلَمَّا أَضَاءتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ ذَهَبَ اللّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ...

when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light

... وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ لاَّ يُبْصِرُونَ ﴿١٧﴾

and left them in utter darkness, so they could not see.

صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لاَ يَرْجِعُونَ ﴿١٨﴾

2: 18. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).

أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاء فِيهِ ظُلُمَاتٌ وَرَعْدٌ وَبَرْقٌ...

2: 19. Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning,

C39. A wonderfully graphic and powerful simile applying to those who reject Faith. In their self-sufficiency they are undisturbed normally.

But what happens when a great storm breaks over them?

They cover their ears against thunder-clasps and the lightning nearly blinds them. They are in mortal fear, but Allah encompasses them around - even them, for He at all times encompasses all.

He give them rope. In the intervals of deafening noise and blinding flashes, there are moments of steady light and these creatures take advantage of them, but again they are plunged into darkness.

Perhaps they curse; perhaps they think that the few moments of effective light are due to their own intelligence!

How much wiser would they be if they humbled themselves and sought the light of Allah!

... يَجْعَلُونَ أَصْابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِم مِّنَ الصَّوَاعِقِ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ...

they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death.

... واللّهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكافِرِينَ ﴿١٩﴾

But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!

يَكَادُ الْبَرْقُ يَخْطَفُ أَبْصَارَهُمْ ...

2: 20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight;

... كُلَّمَا أَضَاء لَهُم مَّشَوْاْ فِيهِ وَإِذَا أَظْلَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ قَامُواْ...

every time the light (helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still.

... وَلَوْ شَاء اللّهُ لَذَهَبَ بِسَمْعِهِمْ وَأَبْصَارِهِمْ ...

And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing;

... إِنَّ اللَّه عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿٢٠﴾

for Allah hath power over all things.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ...

2: 21. O ye people!

... اعْبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿٢١﴾

adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may become ighteous.

C40. For Taqwa see 2:2 n. 26.

I connect this dependent clause with "adore, etc." above, though it could be connected with "created".

According to my construction the argument will be as follows.

Adoration is the act of the highest and humblest reverence and worship. When you get into that relationship with Allah, Who is your Creator and Guardian, your faith produces works of righteousness.

It is a chance given you: will you exercise your free will and take it? If you do, your whole nature will be transformed.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ...

2: 178. O ye who believe!

the law of equality is prescribed to you

C182. Note first that this verse and the next make it clear that Islam has much mitigated the horrors of the pre-Islamic custom of retaliation. In order to meet the strict claims of justice, equality is prescribed, with a strong recommendation for mercy and forgiveness.

To translate qisas, therefore, by retaliation, is I think incorrect. The Latin legal term Lex Talionsis may come near it, but even that is modified here. In any case it is best to avoid technical terms for things that are very different.

"Retaliation" in English has a wider meaning, equivalent almost to returning evil for evil, and would more fitly apply to the blood-feuds of the Days of Ignorance.

Islam says:

if you must take a life for a life, at least there should be some measure of equality in it; the killing of the salve of a tribe should not involve a blood feud where many free men would be killed; but the law of mercy, where it can be obtained by consent, with reasonable compensation, would be better.

Our law of equality only takes account of three conditions in civil society,

- free for free,

- slave for slave,

- woman for woman.

Among free men or women, all are equal: you cannot ask that because a wealthy, or high-born, or influential man is killed, his life is equal to two or three lives among the poor or the lowly. Nor, in cases of murder, can you go into the value or abilities of a slave.

A woman is mentioned separately because her position as a mother or an economic worker is different. She does not form a third class, but a division in the other two classes.

One life having been lost, do not waste many lives in retaliation: at most, let the Law take one life under strictly prescribed conditions, and shut the door to private vengeance or tribal retaliation. But if the aggrieved party consents (and this condition of consent is laid down to prevent worse evils), forgiveness and brotherly love is better, and the door of Mercy is kept open. In Western law, no felony can be compounded.

... الْقِصَاصُ فِي الْقَتْلَى...

in cases of murder;

C183. The jurists have carefully laid down that the law of qisas refers to murder only.

Qisas is not applicable to manslaughter, due to a mistake or an accident. There, there would be no capital punishment.

... الْحُرُّ بِالْحُرِّ وَالْعَبْدُ بِالْعَبْدِ وَالأُنثَى بِالأُنثَى ...

the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman.

... فَمَنْ عُفِيَ لَهُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ ...

But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain,

C184. The brother: the term is perfectly general; all men are brothers in Islam. In this, and in all questions of inheritance, females have similar rights to males, and therefore the masculine gender imports both sexes.

Here we are considering the rights of the heirs in the light of the larger brotherhood.

- In 2:178-79 we have the rights of the heirs to life (as it were):

- in 2:180-82 we proceed to the heirs to property.

... شَيْءٌ فَاتِّبَاعٌ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَأَدَاء إِلَيْهِ بِإِحْسَانٍ...

then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude;

C185. The demand should be such as can be met by the party concerned, i.e., within his means, and reasonable according to justice and good conscience.

For example, a demand could not be made affecting the honour of a woman or a man. The whole penalty can be remitted if the aggrieved party agrees, out of brotherly love. In meeting that demand the culprit or his friends should equally be generous and recognise the good-will of the other side. There should be no subterfuges, no bribes, no unseemly bye-play: otherwise the whole intention of mercy and peace is lost.

... ذَلِكَ تَخْفِيفٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ...

this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord.

... فَمَنِ اعْتَدَى بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فَلَهُ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿١٧٨﴾

After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.

Other versions:

2: 8

Asad And there are people who say, “We do believe in God and the Last Day, “the while they do not [really] believe.

Yusuf Ali Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" but they do not (really) believe.

Pickthall And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not.

Transliteration Wa minanna_si may yaqu_lu a_manna_ billa_hi wa bil yaumil a_khiri wa ma_ hum bimu'minin(a).

2: 9

Asad They would deceive God and those who have attained to faith-the while they deceive none but themselves, and perceive it not.

Yusuf Ali Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe but they only deceive themselves and realize (it) not!

Pickthall They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not.

Transliteration Yukha_di'u_nalla_ha wallazina a_manu_, wa ma_ yakhda'u_na illa_ anfusahum wa ma_ yasy'uru_n(a).

2: 10

Asad In their hearts is disease, and so God lets their disease increase; and grievous suffering awaits them because of their persistent lying. (note 8)

Yusuf Ali In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur) because they are false (to themselves).

Pickthall In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie.

Transliteration Fi qulu_bihim maradun, faza_dahumulla_hu maradu_(n), wa lahum 'azibun alim(un), bima_ ka_na_ yakzibu_n(a).

2: 11

Yusuf Ali When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth" they say: "Why we only want to make peace!"

Pickthall And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only.

Transliteration Wa iza_ qila lahum la_ tufsidu_ fil ard(i), qa_lu_ innama_ nahnu muslihu_n(a).

2: 12

Yusuf Ali Of a surety they are the ones who make mischief but they realize (it) not.

Pickthall Are not they indeed the mischief makers? But they perceive not.

Transliteration Ala_ innahum humul mufsidu_na wala_kil la_ yasy'uru_n(a).

2: 13

Yusuf Ali When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" nay of a surety they are the fools buy they do not know.

Pickthall And when it is said unto them: Believe as the people believe, they say: Shall we believe as the foolish believe? Are not they indeed the foolish? But they know not.

Transliteration Wa iza_ qila lahuma_minu_ kama_ a_manan na_su qa_lu_ anu'minu kama_ a_manas sufaha_'(u), ala_ innahum humus sufahu_'u wa la_kil la_ ya'lamu_n(a).

2: 14

Yusuf Ali When they meet those who believe they say: "We believe" but when they are alone with their evil ones they say: "We are really with you we (were) only jesting."

Pickthall And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe; but when they go apart to their devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock.

Transliteration Wa iza_ laqullazina a_manu_ qa_lu_a_manna_, wa iza_ khalau ila_ syaya_tinihim, qa_lu_ inna_ ma'akum, innama_ nahnu mustahzi'u_n(a).

2: 15

Yusuf Ali Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro).

Pickthall Allah (Himself) doth mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy.

Transliteration Alla_hu yastahzi'u bihim wa yamudduhum fi tugya_nihim ya'mahu_n(a).

2: 16

Yusuf Ali These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless and they have lost true direction.

Pickthall These are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither are they guided.

Transliteration Ula_'ikal lazinasy tarawuddala_lata bil huda_, fama_ rabihat tiaja_ratuhum wama_ ka_nu_ muhtadin(a).

2: 17

Yusuf Ali Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness so they could not see.

Pickthall Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindleth fire, and when it sheddeth its light around him Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness, where they cannot see,

Transliteration Masaluhum kamasalil lazis tauqadana_ra_(n), falamma_ ada_'at ma_ haulahu_ zahaballa_hu binu_rihim wa tarakahum fi zuluma_til la_ yubsiru_n(a).

2: 18

Yusuf Ali Deaf dumb and blind they will not return (to the path).

Pickthall Deaf, dumb and blind; and they return not

Transliteration Summum bukmun 'umyun fahum la_ yarji'u_n(a).

2: 19

Yusuf Ali Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness and thunder and lightning they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!

Pickthall Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder and the flash of lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears by reason of the thunder-claps, for fear of death. Allah encompasseth the disbelievers (in His guidance).

Transliteration Au kasayyibim minas sama_'i fihi zuluma_tuw wara'duw wabarq(un), yaj'alu_na asa_bi'ahum fi a_za_nihim minas sawa_'iqi hazaral ma_t(i), walla_hu muhitum bil ka_firin(a).

2: 20

Yusuf Ali The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them they walk therein and when the darkness grows on them they stand still. And if Allah willed He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.

Pickthall The lightning almost snatcheth away their sight from them. As often as it flasheth forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still. If Allah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.

Transliteration Yaka_dul barqu yakhtafu absa_rahum, kullama_ ada_'a lahum masyau fih(i), wa iza_ azlama 'alaihim qa_mu_, wa lau sya_'alla_hu lazahaba bisam'ihim wa absa_rihim, innalla_ha 'ala_ kulli syai'in qadir(un).

2: 21

Yusuf Ali As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right slay the Prophets and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind announce to them a grievous penalty.

Pickthall Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slay the Prophets wrongfully, and slay those of mankind who enjoin equity: announce them a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina yakfuru_na bi a_ya_tilla_hi wa yaqtulu_nan nabiyyina bi gairi haqq(in), wa yaqtulu_nal lazina ya'muru_na bil qisti minan na_s(i), fa basysyirhum bi'aza_bin alim(in).

2: 178

Asad O you who have attained to faith! Just retribution is ordained for you in cases of killing: the free for the free, and the slave for the slave, and the woman for the woman. And if something [of his guilt] is remitted to a guilty person his brother, this shall be adhered to with fairness, and restitution to his fellow- man shall be made in a goodly manner. This is an alleviation from your Sustainer, and an act of His grace. And for him who, none the less, willfully transgresses the bounds of what is right, there is grievous suffering in store:

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder; the free for the free the slave for the slave the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain then grant any reasonable demand and compensate him with handsome gratitude; this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.

Pickthall O ye who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the murdered; the freeman for the freeman, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. And for him who is forgiven somewhat by his (injured) brother, prosecution according to usage and payment unto him in kindness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord. He who transgress after this will have a painful doom.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ kutiba 'alaikumul qisa_su fil qatla_, al hurru bil hurri wal 'abdu bil 'abdi wal unsa_ bil unsa_, faman 'ufiya lahu_ min akhihi syai'un fat tiba_'um bil ma'ru_fi wa ada_'un ilaihi bi ihsa_n(in), za_lika takhfifum mir rabbikum wa rahmah(tun), fa mani'tada_ ba'da za_lika fa lahu_ 'aza_bun alim(un).

3. Sura al-Imran

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ ...

3: 21. As to those who deny the Signs of Allah, and in defiance of right, slay the Prophets,

C363. Right; haqq has many shades of meaning;

1. right, in the sense of having a right to something;

2. right, in the sense of straight conduct, as opposed to wrong;

3. truth;

4. justice.

All these shades are implied here.

...وَيَقْتُلُونَ الِّذِينَ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْقِسْطِ مِنَ النَّاسِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ ﴿٢١﴾

and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty.

C364. Examples of the Prophets slain were:

- "the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar": Matt. 23:35.

Cf. 2:61. n. 75.

- Again, John the Baptist (Yahya, noble, chaste, a prophet, of the goodly company of the righteous. 3:39), was bound, imprisoned, and beheaded, and his head presented to a dancing harlot: Matt. 14:1-11.

أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ...

3: 22. They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter,

C365. Cf. 2:217.

...وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ ﴿٢٢﴾

nor will they have anyone to help.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَشْتَرُونَ بِعَهْدِ اللّهِ وَأَيْمَانِهِمْ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلاً ...

3: 77. As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price,

C412. All our duties to our fellow creatures are referred to the service and faith we owe to Allah. But in the matter of truth an appeal is made to our self-respect as responsible beings: is it becoming that we should be false to our own word, to ourselves?

And then we are reminded that the utmost we can gain by falsifying Allah's word or being untrue to ourselves is but a miserable price. We get at best something very paltry as the price for selling our very souls.

... أُوْلَـئِكَ لاَ خَلاَقَ لَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ...

they shall have no portion in the hereafter:

...وَلاَ يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللّهُ وَلاَ يَنظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلاَ يُزَكِّيهِمْ ...

nor will Allah (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleanse them (of sin);

C413. Even on sinners -ordinary sinners- Allah will look with compassion and mercy: He will speak words of kindness and cleanse them of their sins.

But those who are in active rebellion against Allah and sin against their own light, -what mercy can they expect?

...وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٧٧﴾

they shall have a grievous penalty.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَمَاتُواْ وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْ أَحَدِهِم مِّلْءُ الأرْضِ ذَهَبًا وَلَوِ افْتَدَى بِهِ...

3: 91. As to those who reject faith, and die rejecting, never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom.

...أُوْلَـئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ ﴿٩١﴾

For such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers.

وَلاَ يَحْزُنكَ الَّذِينَ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْكُفْرِ إِنَّهُمْ لَن يَضُرُّواْ اللّهَ شَيْئاً...

3: 176. Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into unbelief: not the least harm will they do to Allah:

...يُرِيدُ اللّهُ أَلاَّ يَجْعَلَ لَهُمْ حَظًّا فِي الآخِرَةِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿١٧٦﴾

Allah's plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter, but a severe punishment.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُاْ الْكُفْرَ بِالإِيمَانِ لَن يَضُرُّواْ اللّهَ شَيْئًا ...

3: 177. Those who purchase unbelief at the price of faith, not the least harm will they do to Allah,

... وَلهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿١٧٧﴾

but they will have a grievous punishment.

وَلاَ يَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ أَنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ خَيْرٌ لِّأَنفُسِهِمْ...

3: 178. Let not the Unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves:

...إِنَّمَا نُمْلِي لَهُمْ لِيَزْدَادُواْ إِثْمًا ...

We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity:

C480. That the cup of their iniquity may be full. The appetite for sin grows with what it feeds on. The natural result is that the sinner sinks deeper into sin.

If there is any freedom of will, this naturally follows, though Allah's Grace is always ready for the repentant. If the Grace is rejected, the increase of iniquity makes the nature of iniquity plainer to those who might otherwise be attracted by its glitter. The working of Allah's Law is therefore both just and merciful.

See also the next verse.

... وَلَهْمُ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ ﴿١٧٨﴾

but they will have a shameful punishment.

وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللّهُ مِيثَاقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَابَ ...

3: 187. And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book,

C494. Truth -Allah's Message- comes to any man or nation as a matter of sacred trust. It should be broadcast and published and taught and made clear to all within reach.

Privileged priesthood at once erects a barrier. But worse, -when such priesthood tampers with the truth, taking what suits it and ignoring the rest, it has sold Allah's gift for a miserable ephemeral profit; how miserable, it will learn when retributive justice comes.

... لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلاَ تَكْتُمُونَهُ...

o make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it;

...فَنَبَذُوهُ وَرَاء ظُهُورِهِمْ وَاشْتَرَوْاْ بِهِ ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً ...

but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain!

C495. Cf. 2:101.

... فَبِئْسَ مَا يَشْتَرُونَ ﴿١٨٧﴾

and vile was the bargain they made!

لاَ تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَا أَتَواْ وَّيُحِبُّونَ أَن يُحْمَدُواْ بِمَا لَمْ يَفْعَلُواْ ...

3: 188. Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done,

C496. A searching picture of the worldly wise!

They may cause mischief and misery to others, but gloat over any glory it may bring them!

They may trample down Allah's truths, and enthrone false standards of worship.

They may take credit for virtues they do not possess and seeming successes that come in spite of their despicable deceptions.

...فَلاَ تَحْسَبَنَّهُمْ بِمَفَازَةٍ مِّنَ الْعَذَابِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿١٨٨﴾

think not that they can escape the penalty.

For them is a penalty grievous indeed.

Other versions:

3: 21

Yusuf Ali As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right slay the Prophets and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind announce to them a grievous penalty.

Pickthall Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slay the Prophets wrongfully, and slay those of mankind who enjoin equity: announce them a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina yakfuru_na bi a_ya_tilla_hi wa yaqtulu_nan nabiyyina bi gairi haqq(in), wa yaqtulu_nal lazina ya'muru_na bil qisti minan na_s(i), fa basysyirhum bi'aza_bin alim(in).

3: 22

Yusuf Ali They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.

Pickthall Those are they whose works have failed in the world and the Hereafter; and they have no helpers.

Transliteration Ula_'ikal lazina habitat a'ma_luhum fid dunya_ wal a_khirah(ti), wa ma_ lahum min na_sirin(a).

[Ali’s notes -

363 Right; haqq has many shades of meaning; (1) right, in the sense of having a right to something; (2) right, in the sense of straight conduct, as opposed to wrong; (3) truth; (4) justice. All these shades are implied here. (3.21)

364 Examples of the Prophets slain were: "the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar": Matt. xxiii. 35. Cf. Q. ii. 61. n. 75. Again, John the Baptist (Yahya, noble, chaste, a prophet, of the goodly company of the righteous. Q. iii. 39), was bound, imprisoned, and beheaded, and his head presented to a dancing harlot: Matt. xiv. 1-11. (3.21) ]

3: 77

Asad Behold, those who barter away their bond with God and their own pledges for a trifling gain – they shall not partake in the blessings of the life to come; and God will neither speak unto them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He cleanse them of their sins; and grievous suffering awaits them.

Yusuf Ali As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price they shall have no portion in the hereafter: nor will Allah (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment nor will He cleanse them (of sin); they shall have a grievous penalty.

Pickthall Lo! those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah's covenant and their oaths, they have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah will neither speak to them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina yasytaru_na bi'ahdilla_hi wa aima_nihim samanan qalilan ula_'ika la_ khala_qa lahum fil a_khirati wa la_ yukallimuhumulla_hu wa la_ yanzuru ilaihim yaumal qiya_mati wa la_ yuzakkihim, wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

[ Ruby’s note – The group of people indicated here may be from the time of Prophet Muhammad (the people of the Book in particular), however, this group exists among the followers of all brands of faith and exists in every society and in every period of time. These people are the worst: knowingly they change the truth for some worldly gain, they deliberately hide or distort the Message from God for a trifling gain, that is to retain power and influence in a society, to pursue vested interests or to receive favors from the powerbrokers, etc., they distort and deliberately hide God’s Truth knowingly. This is a group which is in a seat of authority in a society that is why they are capable of changing the truth or God Message, namely the clergies or theologians in a society. One cannot break Bond with God or betray God in a state of ignorance or without intention. Neither one can help achieve this kind of distortion in a society without being in a place of importance and authority. This has to be done in a state of knowing the truth and then selling the truth for lies for some worldly gain, a deliberate action to defy or betray God. This group is responsible, down through the ages, for all the distortions of religion in the past and they are responsible for the deepest dissention and divisions, and most serious clashes and disharmony that exist among humankind. The truth is that there is One God and therefore there is One religion and there is one Humanity. But due to the evilness and irresponsibility of these people, this truth become lost and humankind remain divisive. Their betrayal is not only with God but with their fellow human beings to let them live in falsehood and go astray. This is a group that is responsible for such heinous and despicable actions. Therefore, they perpetrate one of the HIGHEST evilness and sin before God. They have completely lost their soul deserving this kind of punishments. ]

[ Ali’s notes - 412 All our duties to our fellow creatures are referred to the service and faith we owe to Allah. But in the matter of truth an appeal is made to our self-respect as responsible beings: is it becoming that we should be false to our own word, to ourselves? And then we are reminded that the utmost we can gain by falsifying Allah's word or being untrue to ourselves is but a miserable price. We get at best something very paltry as the price for selling our very souls. (3.77)

413 Even on sinners-ordinary sinners-Allah will look with compassion and mercy: He will speak words of kindness and cleanse them of their sins. But those who are in active rebellion against Allah and sin against their own light,-what mercy can they expect? (3.77) ]

3: 91

Yusuf Ali As to those who reject faith and die rejecting never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains though they should offer it for ransom. For such is (in store) a penalty grievous and they will find no helpers.

Pickthall Lo! those who disbelieve, and die in disbelief, the (whole) earth full of gold would not be accepted from such a one if it were offered as a ransom (for his soul). Theirs will be a painful doom and they will have no helpers.

Transliteration Innal lazina kafaru_ wa ma_tu_ wa hum kuffa_run falay yuqbala min ahadihim mil'ul ardi zahabaw wa lawiftada_ bih(i), ula_'ika lahum'aza_bun alimnuw wa ma_ lahum min na_sirin(a).

3: 176

Asad And be not grieved by those who vie with one another in denying the truth: verily, they can no wise harm God. It is God’s will that they shall have no share [note 134] in the [blessings of the ] life to come; and tremendous suffering awaits them.

Yusuf Ali Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into unbelief: not the least harm will they do to Allah: Allah's plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter but a severe punishment.

Pickthall Let not their conduct grieve thee, who run easily to disbelief, for Lo! they injure Allah not at all. It is Allah's will to assign them no portion in the Hereafter, and theirs will be an awful doom.

Transliteration Wa la_ yahzunkal lazina yusa_ri'u_na fil kufr(i), innahum lay yadurrulla_ha syai'a_(n), yuridulla_ha alla_ yaj'ala lahum hazzan fil a_khirati wa lahum 'aza_bun'azim(un).

3: 177

Yusuf Ali Those who purchase unbelief at the price of faith not the least harm will they do to Allah but they will have a grievous punishment.

Pickthall Those who purchase disbelief at the price of faith harm Allah not at all, but theirs will be a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazinasytarawul kufra bil ima_ni lay yadurrulla_ha syai'a_(n), wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

3: 178

Asad And they should not think – they who are bent on denying the truth – that Our giving them rein is good for them: We give them rein only to let them grow in sinfulness; and shameful suffering awaits them [note 135].

Yusuf Ali Let not the Unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: but they will have a shameful punishment.

Pickthall And let not those who disbelieve imagine that the rein We give them bodeth good unto their souls. We only give them rein that they may grow in sinfulness. And theirs will be a shameful doom.

Transliteration Wa la_ yahsabannal lazina kafaru_ annama_ numli lahum khairul li anfusihim, innama_ numli lahum liyazda_du_ isma_(n), wa lahum'aza_bum muhin(un).

3: 187

Yusuf Ali And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book to make it known and clear to mankind and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs and purchased with it some miserable gain! and vile was the bargain they made!

Pickthall And (remember) when Allah laid a charge on those who had received the Scripture (He said): Ye are to expound it to mankind and not to hide it. But they flung it behind their backs and bought thereby a little gain. Verily evil is that which they have gained thereby.

Transliteration Wa iz akhazalla_hu misa_qal lazina u_tul kita_ba latubayyinunnahu_ linna_si wa la_ taktumu_nah(u_), fanabazu_hu wara_'a zuhu_rihim wasytarau bihi samanan qalila_(n), fabi'sa ma_ yasytaru_n(a).

[[ Ali’s note - 494 Truth-Allah's Message-comes to any man or nation as a matter of sacred trust. It should be broadcast and published and taught and made clear to all within reach. Privileged priesthood at once erects a barrier. But worse,-when such priesthood tampers with the truth, taking what suits it and ignoring the rest, it has sold Allah's gift for a miserable ephemeral profit; how miserable, it will learn when retributive justice comes. (3.187)

495 Cf. ii. 101. (3.187) ]]

3: 188

Yusuf Ali Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about and love to be praised for what they have not done think not that they can escape the penalty. For them is a penalty grievous indeed.

Pickthall Think not that those who exult in what they have given, and love to be praised for what they have not done--Think not, they are in safety from the doom. A painful doom is theirs.

Transliteration La_ tahsabannal lazina yafrahu_na bima_ atau wa yuhibbu_na ay yuhmadu_ bima_ lam yaf'alu_ fala_ tahsabannahum bimafa_zatim minal 'aza_b(i), wa lahum'aza_bun alim(un).

[[ Ali’s note - 496 A searching picture of the worldly wise! They may cause mischief and misery to others, but gloat over any glory it may bring them! They may trample down Allah's truths, and enthrone false standards of worship. They may take credit for virtues they do not possess and seeming successes that come in spite of their despicable deceptions. (3.188) ]]

4. Sura an-Nisa

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلَيْسَتِ التَّوْبَةُ لِلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ...   

4: 18.  Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil,

C526. Note the fine touch.

A sin may be fashionable, and people may sin together without compunction. When one of them is faced with Death, he repents, but that sort of repentance is no good.

... حَتَّى إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ إِنِّي تُبْتُ الآنَ...  

until death faces one of them, and he says, "Now have I repented indeed;"

... وَلاَ الَّذِينَ يَمُوتُونَ وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ ...

nor of those who die rejecting faith: .

... أُوْلَـئِكَ أَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا ﴿١٨﴾

for them have We prepared a punishment most grievous.

Other versions:

4: 18

Asad whereas repentance shall not be accepted from those who do evil deeds until their dying hour and then say, “Behold, I now repent”; not from those who die as deniers of the truth: it is these for whom We have readied grievous suffering.

Yusuf Ali Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil until death faces one of them and he says "Now have I repented indeed"; nor of those who die rejecting faith: for them have We prepared a punishment most grievous.

Pickthall The forgiveness is not for those who do ill deeds until, when death attendeth upon one of them, he saith: Lo! I repent now; nor yet for those who die while they are disbelievers. For such We have prepared a painful doom.

Transliteration Wa laisatit taubatu lillazina ya'malu_nas sayyi'a_t(i), hatta_ iza_ hadara ahadahumul mautu qa_la inni tubtul a_na wa lallazina yamu_tu_na wa hum kuffa_r(un), ula_'ika a'tadna_ lahum'aza_ban alima_(n).

5. Surah Al-Ma'idah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوْ أَنَّ لَهُم مَّا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا...

5: 36. As to those who reject Faith -- if they had everything on earth

... وَمِثْلَهُ مَعَهُ لِيَفْتَدُواْ بِهِ مِنْ عَذَابِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ مَا تُقُبِّلَ مِنْهُمْ ...

and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, it would never be accepted of them.

... وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٣٦﴾

Theirs would be a grievous penalty.

يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَخْرُجُواْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا هُم بِخَارِجِينَ مِنْهَا...

5: 37. Their wish will be to get out of the fire, but never will they get out therefrom:

... وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّقِيمٌ ﴿٣٧﴾

their penalty will be one that endures.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ...

5: 94. O ye who believe!

... لَيَبْلُوَنَّكُمُ اللّهُ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الصَّيْدِ تَنَالُهُ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَرِمَاحُكُمْ لِيَعْلَمَ اللّهُ مَن يَخَافُهُ بِالْغَيْبِ...

Allah doth but make a trial of you in a little matter of game well within reach of your hands and your lances, that He may test who feareth Him unseen:

C799. Literally, "know" Cf. 3:166, and 3:154, n. 467.

Game is forbidden in the Sacred Precincts. If we deliberately break that injunction, we have no faith and reverence.

... فَمَنِ اعْتَدَى بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فَلَهُ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٩٤﴾

any who transgress thereafter will have a grievous penalty.

Other versions:

5: 36

Yusuf Ali As to those who reject faith if they had everything on earth and twice repeated to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment it would never be accepted of them. Theirs would be a grievous penalty.

Pickthall As for those who disbelieve, lo! if all that is in the earth were theirs, and as much again therewith, to ransom them from the doom on the day of Resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. Theirs will be a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina kafaru_ lau anna lahum ma_ fil ardi jami'aw wa mislahu_ ma'ahu_ liyaftadu_ bihi min 'aza_bi yaumil qiya_mati ma_ tuqubbila minhum, wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

5: 37

Yusuf Ali Their wish will be to get out of the fire but never will they get out there from: their penalty will be one that endures.

Pickthall They will wish to come forth from the Fire, but they will not come forth from it. Theirs will be a lasting doom.

Transliteration Yuridu_na ay yakhruju_ minan na_ri wa ma_ hum bi kha_rijina minha_, wa lahum 'aza_bum muqim(un).

5: 94

Asad you who have attained to faith! Most certainly God will try you by means of the game which may come within the reach of your hands and your weapons [while you are on pilgrimage], so that God might mark out those who fear Him although He is beyond the reach of human perception. And as for him who, after all this, transgress the bounds of what is right – grievous suffering awaits him!

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! Allah doth but make a trial of you in a little matter of game well within reach of your hands and your lances that He may test who feareth Him unseen: any who transgress thereafter will have a grievous penalty.

Pickthall O ye who believe! Allah will surely try you somewhat (in the matter) of the game which ye take with your hands and your spears, that Allah may know him who feareth Him in secret. Whoso transgresseth after this, for him there is a painful doom.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ layabluwannakumulla_hu bi syai'in minas saidi tana_luhu_ aidikum wa rima_hukum liya'lamalla_hu may yakha_fuhu_ bil gaib(i), famani'tada_ ba'da za_lika falahu_ 'aza_bun alim(un).

6. Sura al-Anam

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ الَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِي آيَاتِنَا فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ...

6: 68. When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs, turn away from them

...حَتَّى يَخُوضُواْ فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ...

unless they turn to a different theme.

C891. Cf. 4:140.

If in any gathering truth is ridiculed, we must not sit in such company. If we find ourselves in it, as soon as we realize it, we must show our disapproval by leaving.

...وَإِمَّا يُنسِيَنَّكَ الشَّيْطَانُ فَلاَ تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ الذِّكْرَى مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٦٨﴾

If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of the ungodly.

وَمَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَيْءٍ...

6: 69. On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous,

C892. Every man is responsible for his own conduct. But the righteous have two duties:

- to protect themselves from infection, and

- to proclaim God's truth, for even in the most unlikely circumstances, it is possible that it may have some effect. (R).

...وَلَـكِن ذِكْرَى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ ﴿٦٩﴾

but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (learn to) fear Allah.

وَذَرِ الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُواْ دِينَهُمْ لَعِبًا وَلَهْوًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا...

6: 70. Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world.

C893. Cf. 6:32, where we are told that the life of this world is mere play and amusement, and Religion and the Hereafter are the serious things that require our attention.

Worldly people reverse this because they are deceived by the allurements of this life. But their own acts will find them out.

...وَذَكِّرْ بِهِ أَن تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ...

But proclaim (to them) this (truth):

that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts:

C894. We must never forget our own personal responsibility for all we do, or deceive ourselves by the illusion of vicarious atonement.

...لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ اللّهِ وَلِيٌّ وَلاَ شَفِيعٌ ...

it will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah:

... وَإِن تَعْدِلْ كُلَّ عَدْلٍ لاَّ يُؤْخَذْ مِنْهَا...

if it offered every ransom (or reparation), none will be accepted:

...أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ أُبْسِلُواْ بِمَا كَسَبُواْ ...

such is (the end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts:

...لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكْفُرُونَ ﴿٧٠﴾

they will have for drink (only) boiling water, and for punishment, one most grievous:

for they persisted in rejecting Allah.

Other versions:

6: 68

Asad Now, whenever you meet such as indulge in [blasphemous] talk about Our Messages, turn your back upon them until they begin to talk of other things; and if Satan should ever cause you to forget, remain not, after recollection, in the company of such evildoing folk,

Yusuf Ali When thou see men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget then after recollection sit not thou in the company of the ungodly.

Pickthall And when thou see those who meddle with Our revelations, withdraw from them until they meddle with another topic. And if the devil cause thee to forget, sit not, after the remembrance, with the congregation of wrong doers.

Transliteration Wa iza_ ra'aital lazina yakhu_du_na fi a_ya_tina_ fa a'rid 'anhum hatta_ yakhu_du_ fi hadisin gairih(i), wa imma_ yunsiyannakasy syaita_nu fala_ taq'ud ba'daz zikra_ ma'al qaumiz za_limin(a).

6: 69

Asad for whom those who are conscious of God are in no wise accountable. Theirs, however, is the duty to admonish [the sinners], so that they might become conscious of God.

Yusuf Ali On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous but (their duty) is to remind them that they may (learn to) fear Allah.

Pickthall Those who ward off (evil) are not accountable for them in aught, but the Reminder (must be given them) that haply they (too) may ward off (evil).

Transliteration Wa ma_ 'alal lazina yattaqu_na min hisa_bihim min syai'iw wa la_kin zikra_ la'allahum yataqu_n(a).

6: 70

Asad ……………..for them there [in the life to come] a draught of burning despair [note 62], and grievous suffering awaits them because of their persistent refusal to acknowledge the truth.

Yusuf Ali Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts: it will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah: if it offered every ransom (or reparation) none will be accepted: such is (the end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts: they will have for drink (only) boiling water and for punishment one most grievous: for they persisted in rejecting Allah.

Pickthall And forsake those who take their religion for a pastime and a jest, and whom the life of the world beguile. Remind (mankind) hereby lest a soul be destroyed by what it earn. It has beside Allah no friend nor intercessor, and though it offer every compensation it will not be accepted from it. Those are they who perish by their own deserts. For them is drink of boiling water and a painful doom, because they disbelieved.

Transliteration Wa zaril lazinattakhazu_ dinahum la'ibaw wa lahwaw wa garrathumul haya_tud dunya_ wazakkir bihi an tubsala nafsum bima_ kasabat, laisa laha_ min du_nilla_hi waliyyuw wa la_ syafi', wa in ta'dil kulla 'adlil la_ yu'khaz minha_, ula_'ikal lazina ubsilu_ bima_ kasabu_ lahum syara_bum min hamimiw wa'aza_bun alimum bima_ ka_nu_ yakfuru_n(a).

anomolly

[[ Ali’s notes:-

891 Cf. iv. 140. If in any gathering truth is ridiculed, we must not sit in such company. If we find ourselves in it, as soon as we realize it, we must show our disapproval by leaving. (6.68)

892 "Evil to him who evil thinks," or evil does. Every man is responsible for his own conduct. But the righteous have two duties: (1) to protect themselves from infection, and (2) to proclaim God's truth, for even in the most unlikely circumstances, it is possible that it may have some effect. (6.69)

893 Cf. vi 32. where we are told that the life of this world is mere play and amusement, and Religion and the Hereafter are the serious things that require our attention. Worldly people reverse this because they are deceived by the allurements of this life. But their own acts will find them out. (6.70)

894 We must never forget our own personal responsibility for all we do, or deceive ourselves by the illusion of vicarious atonement. (6.70) ]]

[[ Asad’s note 62 – Among the various meanings attributable to the word “hamim” are the concepts of intense heat as well as of painful cold (Qamus, Taj al-Arus). In the eschatology of the Quran it invariably refers to the suffering of the sinners in the life to come; and since all Quranic references to life after death are, necessarily, allegorical, the term “hamim” may be rendered as “burning despair”.]]

9. Surah At Tawbah

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَأَذَانٌ مِّنَ اللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ إِلَى النَّاسِ يَوْمَ الْحَجِّ الأَكْبَرِ...   

9: 3.     And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage,

C1248. The great day of Hajj is either the 9th of Dhu al Hijjah ('Arafa), or the 10th (the Day of Sacrifice).

...أَنَّ اللّهَ بَرِيءٌ مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ وَرَسُولُهُ...

that Allah and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the pagans.

...فَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ...

If, then, ye repent, it were best for you;

...وَإِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّكُمْ غَيْرُ مُعْجِزِي اللّهِ... ...

but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah.

...وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ ﴿٣﴾

And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject faith.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ...   

9: 34.  O ye who believe!

إِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الأَحْبَارِ وَالرُّهْبَانِ لَيَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِلِ...

there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in false hood devour the substance of men

C1291. Bil-batili: in falsehood. i.e., by false means, pretences, or in false or vain things.

This was strikingly exemplified in the history of Mediaeval Europe. Though the disease is apt to attack all peoples and organizations at all times. Priests got rich by issuing indulgences and dispensations; they made their office a stepping stone to worldly power and possessions.

Even the Monastic Orders, which took vows of poverty for individuals grew rich with corporate property, until their wealth became a scandal, even among their own nations.

...وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ...

and hinder (them) from the way of Allah.

...وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلاَ يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ...

And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah:

C1292. Misuse of wealth, property, and resources is frequently condemned, and in three ways:

1.      do not acquire anything wrongfully or on false pretences;

2.     do not hoard or bury or amass wealth for its own sake but use it freely for good, whether for yourself or for your neighbors; and

3.     be particularly careful not to waste it for idle purposes, but only so that it may fructify for the good of the people.

...فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ ﴿٣٤﴾

announce unto them a most grievous penalty.

وَمِنْهُمُ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ النَّبِيَّ وَيِقُولُونَ هُوَ أُذُنٌ...

9: 61.  Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say,

"He is (all) ear."

C1321. The assonance of the Arabic words "Yu'dhuna" and "udhnun" is of course lost in the Translation. But the sense remains.

Detractors of the Prophet said. "O! he listens to everybody!"

"Yes," is the answer,

"he listens for their good: he is a mercy and a blessing to all men of Faith, but specially to you (who are addressed)."

The general statement is emphasised for the particular people addressed.

قُلْ أُذُنُ خَيْرٍ لَّكُمْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللّهِ وَيُؤْمِنُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ...   

Say,

"He listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allah, has faith in the believers,

...وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ مِنكُمْ...

and is a Mercy to those of you who believe":

...وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ رَسُولَ اللّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٦١﴾

but those who molest the Prophet will have a grievous penalty.

يَحْلِفُونَ بِاللّهِ لَكُمْ لِيُرْضُوكُمْ...   

9: 62.  To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you:

...وَاللّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَحَقُّ أَن يُرْضُوهُ إِن كَانُواْ مُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٦٢﴾

but it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger if they are believers.

أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُواْ أَنَّهُ مَن يُحَادِدِ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَأَنَّ لَهُ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدًا فِيهَا...   

9: 63.  Know they not that for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, is the fire of Hell? --

wherein they shall dwell.

...ذَلِكَ الْخِزْيُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿٦٣﴾

That is the supreme disgrace.

Other versions:

9: 3

Asad And a proclamation from God and His Apostle [is herewith made] unto all mankind on this day of the Greatest Pilgrimage [note 3]: …………..

Yusuf Ali And an announcement from Allah and His apostle to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage that Allah and His apostle dissolve (treaty) obligations with the pagans. If then ye repent it were best for you; but if ye turn away know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject faith.

Pickthall And a proclamation from Allah and His messenger to all men on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage that Allah is free from obligation to the idolaters, and (so is) His messenger. So, if ye repent, it will be better for you; but if ye are averse, then know that ye cannot escape Allah. Give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom to those who disbelieve.

Transliteration Wa aza_num minalla_hi wa rasu_lihi ilan na_si yaumal hajjil akbari annalla_ha bari'um minal musyrikin(a), wa rasu_luh(u_), fa in tubtum fa huwa khairul lakum, wa in tawallaitum fa'lamu_ annakum gairu mu'jizilla_h(i), wa basysyiril lazina kafaru_ bi 'aza_bin alim(in).

9: 34

Asad O you who have attained to faith! Behold, many of the rabbis and monks do indeed wrongfully devour men’s possessions and turn away from the path of God. But as for all who lay up treasures of gold and silver and do not spend them for the sake of God(note 51) – give them the tiding of grievous suffering

Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites who in falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty.

Pickthall O ye, who believe! Lo! many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks devour the wealth of mankind wantonly and debar (men) from the way of Allah. They who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah, unto them give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom.

Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ inna kasiram minal ahba_ri war ruhba_ni laya'kulu_na amwa_lan na_si bil ba_tili wa yasuddu_na 'an sabililla_h(i), wallazina yaknizu_naz zahaba wal fiddata wa la_ yunfiqu_naha_ fi sabililla_h(i), fa basysyirhum bi 'aza_bin alim(iy);

[ Asad’s note 51: Most probably this is, in the first instance, an allusion to the wealth of the Jewish and Christian communities, and their misuse of this wealth. Some of the commentators, however, are of the opinion that the reference is wider, ……]

[ Ruby’s note: Here rabbis and monks are mentioned just to give an example of amassing and misuse of wealth, because at that time they were the most glaring examples. Showing to be the man of God and then misusing the wealth of others is most serious failure and sin. However, the next sentence clarifies that it is not only them but all who does this grave wrongdoing would bear the consequence of grievous suffering. IT is not addressed only to the rabbis and monks but all who wrongfully devour others’ possessions and turn away from the path of God. ]

9:61

Asad And among those [enemies of the truth] there are such as malign the Prophet by saying, “He is all ear.” [note 86] Say: [yes,] he is all ear, [listening] to what is good for you! [note 87] He believes in God, and trusts the believers, and is [manifestation of God’s]grace towards such of you as have [truly] attain to faith……….

Yusuf Ali Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say "he is (all) ear." Say "he listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allah has faith in the believers and is a Mercy to those of you who believe": but those who molest the apostle will have a grievous penalty.

Pickthall And of them are those who vex the Prophet and say: He is only a hearer. Say: A hearer of good for you, who believeth in Allah and is true to the believers, and a mercy for such of you as believe. Those who vex the messenger of Allah, for them there is a painful doom.

Transliteration Wa minhumul lazina yu'zu_nan nabiyya wa yaqu_lu_na huwa uzun(un), qul uzunu khairil lakum yu'minu billa_hi wa yu'minu lil mu'minina wa rahmatul lillazina a_manu_ minkum, wallazina yu'zu_na rasu_lalla_hi lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

9: 62

Asad ………….the while it is God and His Apostle whose pleasure they should seek above all else, if indeed they are believers! [note 88]

Yusuf Ali To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: but it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His apostle if they are believers.

Pickthall They swear by Allah to you (Muslims) to please you, but Allah, with His messenger, hath more right that they should please Him if they are believers.

Transliteration Yahlifu_na billa_hi lakum liyurdu_kum walla_hu wa rasu_luhu_ ahaqqu ay yurdu_hu in ka_nu_ mu'minin(a).

9: 63

Asad ……….that most awesome disgrace?

Yusuf Ali Know they not that for those who oppose Allah and His apostle is the fire of Hell? wherein they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.

Pickthall Know they not that whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, his portion verily is hell, to abide therein? That is the extreme abasement.

Transliteration Alam ya'lamu_ annahu_ may yuha_didilla_ha wa rasu_lahu_ fa anna lahu_ na_ra jahannama kha_lidan fiha_, za_likal khizyul 'azim(u).

[[ Asad’s note 86 – I.e., “he believes everything that he hears”……………………the Prophet’s readiness to listen to what they – in common with many other unbelievers –regarded as mere hallucinatory sounds, and to interpret them “mistakenly” as revelations. This would explain the statement that “they malign the Prophet” – namely, by attributing to him self-deception – and that this saying of theirs “amounts to a denial of the truth” (see verse 74 of this surah) – The verb “adha” signifies primarily “he molested” or “annoyed [another]”, it.e., in a manner not amounting to actual harm (darar). Since in the above context this verb is used in the sense of making a derogatory remark, yu dhun is best rendered as “they malign”.

note 87 – I.e., to divine revelation.

note 88 - ……….As has been pointed out by many of the commentators (and most succingtly by Rashid Rida in Manar X, 607f.), there is no question of any juxtaposition of God and His Apostle in this phrase. This is made clear by the use of the singular pronoun in ‘an yurduhu (“that they should seek His pleasure”), which is meant to bring out – in the inimitable elliptic form so characteristic of the Quran –the idea that God’s pleasure is the only worthwhile goal of all human endeavor, and that a believer’s duty to surrender to the Prophet’s guidance is but an outcome of the fact that he is the bearer of God’s message to man. Cf. in this connection, “Whoever pays heed unto the Apostle pays heed unto God thereby” (4:80), or, “Say [O Prophet]: ‘If you love God, follow me, [and] God will love you’ “ (3:31). ]]

[[Ali’s notes - 1321 The assonance of the Arabic words "Y-zuna" and "uzunun" is of course lost in the translation. But the sense remains. Detractors of the Prophet said. "O! he listens to everybody!" "Yes," is the answer, "he listens for their good: he is a mercy and a blessing to all men of Faith, but especially to you (who are addressed)." The general statement is emphasized for the particular people addressed. (9.61)]]

10. Surah Yunus

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَلاَ تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ ﴿٩٥﴾

10: 95.  Nor be of those who reject the Signs of Allah, or thou shalt be of those who perish.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِمْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿٩٦﴾

10: 96.  Those against whom the Word of thy Lord hath been verified would not believe --

C1477. Allah has given frequent warnings against Evil and want of Faith in all ages, through Signs and through inspiration, -the latter "the Word" being even more direct and personal than the former.

Those who did not heed the warning found to their cost that it was true, and they perished. Such contumacy in the rejection of Truth only yields when the actual penalty is in sight. Belief then is induced by irresistible facts: it is not efficacious as Faith, as was proved against Pharaoh, See 10:90 and n. 1473.

وَلَوْ جَاءتْهُمْ كُلُّ آيَةٍ حَتَّى يَرَوُاْ الْعَذَابَ الأَلِيمَ ﴿٩٧﴾

10: 97.  Even if every Sign was brought unto them -- until they see (for themselves) the Penalty Grievous.

Other versions:

10: 95

Yusuf Ali Nor be of those who reject the Signs of Allah or thou shall be of those who perish.

Pickthall And be not thou of those who deny the revelations of Allah, for then wert thou of the losers.

Transliteration Wa la_ taku_nanna minal lazina kazzabu_ bi a_ya_tilla_hi fa taku_na minal kha_sirin(a).

10: 96

Yusuf Ali Those against whom the Word of thy Lord hath been verified would not believe

Pickthall Lo! those for whom the word of thy Lord (concerning sinners) hath effect will not believe,

Transliteration Innal lazina haqqat 'alaihim kalimatu rabbika la_ yu'minu_n(a).

10: 97

Yusuf Ali Even if every Sign was brought unto them until they see (for themselves) the Penalty Grievous.

Pickthall Though every token come unto them, till they see the painful doom.

Transliteration Wa lau ja_'athum kullu a_yatin hatta_ yarawul 'aza_bal alim(a).

11.Surah Hud

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

قِيلَ يَا نُوحُ اهْبِطْ بِسَلاَمٍ مِّنَّا وَبَركَاتٍ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَى أُمَمٍ مِّمَّن مَّعَكَ...   

11: 48.   The word came:

"O Noah! come down (from the Ark) with Peace from Us, and Blessings on thee and on some of the Peoples (who will spring) from those with thee:

...وَأُمَمٌ سَنُمَتِّعُهُمْ ...

but (there will be other) Peoples to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time),

C1542. Cf. 2:126.

... ثُمَّ يَمَسُّهُم مِّنَّا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٤٨﴾  

but in the end will a grievous Penalty reach them from Us."

C1543. Those who truly seek Allah's light and guidance and sincerely bend their will to His Will are freely admitted to Allah's grace. Notwithstanding any human weaknesses in them, they are advanced higher in the stage on account of their Faith, Trust, and Striving after Right. They are given Allah's Peace, which gives the soul true calmness and strength, and all the blessings that flow from spiritual life.

This was given not only to Noah and his family but to all the righteous people who were saved with him. And their descendants were also promised those blessings on condition of righteousness. But some of them fell from grace, as we know in history. Allah's grace is not a social or family privilege. Each people and each individual must earnestly strive for it and earn it.

Other versions:

11: 48

Yusuf Ali The word came: "O Noah! come down (from the Ark) with Peace from Us and Blessings on thee and on some of the Peoples (who will spring) from those with thee: but (there will be other) Peoples to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time) but in the end will a grievous Penalty reach them from Us."

Pickthall It was said (unto him): O Noah! Go thou down (from the mountain ) with peace from Us and blessings upon thee and some nations (that will spring) from those with thee. (There will be other) nations unto whom We shall give enjoyment a long while and then a painful doom from Us will overtake them.

Transliteration Qila ya_ nu_hu-hbit bi sala_mim minna_ wa baraka_tin 'alaika wa 'ala_ umamim mimmam ma'ak(a), wa umamun sanumatti'uhum summa yamassuhum minna_ 'aza_bun alim(un).

Blind Following Do Not absolve personal responsibility

14. Surah Ibrahim

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَبَرَزُواْ لِلّهِ جَمِيعًا فَقَالَ الضُّعَفَاء لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُواْ...   

14: 21.  They will all be marshaled before Allah together:

then will the weak say to those who were arrogant,

C1895. When the time for judgment comes, there are two kinds of disillusionment waiting for the ungodly:

1.     Those who were misled and failed to see that each soul bears its own personal responsibility (2:134) and cannot shift it on to others, will turn to those who misled them, in the hope that they might intercede for them or do something to help them. They receive a plain answer as in the latter part of this verse.

2.     Those who relied on Satan, His answer (in 14:22 below) is frank, cynical and brutal.

...إِنَّا كُنَّا لَكُمْ تَبَعًا فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّغْنُونَ عَنَّا مِنْ عَذَابِ اللّهِ مِن شَيْءٍ...

"For us, we but followed you; can ye then avail us at all against the wrath of Allah?"

...قَالُواْ لَوْ هَدَانَا اللّهُ لَهَدَيْنَاكُمْ...

They will reply,

"If we had received the guidance of Allah, we should have given it to you:

C1896. Those whose power or specious intelligence or influence misled them -such as false priests or leaders- will find themselves in a parlous state.

How can they help others?

They themselves failed to profit from Allah's guidance, and they can with some justice retort that they put them in the wrong path as they followed it themselves!

...سَوَاء عَلَيْنَآ أَجَزِعْنَا أَمْ صَبَرْنَا مَا لَنَا مِن مَّحِيصٍ ﴿٢١﴾

to us it makes no difference (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience:

for ourselves there is no way of escape."

Section 4

وَقَالَ الشَّيْطَانُ لَمَّا قُضِيَ الأَمْرُ إِنَّ اللّهَ وَعَدَكُمْ وَعْدَ الْحَقِّ...   

14: 22.  And Satan will say when the matter is decided:

C1897. After the Judgment, Evil declares itself in its true colours. Frankly it says:

'I deceived you. The promise of Allah was true, but you believed me rather than Allah. I had no power to force you. I had but to call you, and you came running after me. You must blame yourselves.

Did you think I was equal with Allah?

I know too well that I was not and never could be. If you did wrong, you must suffer the Penalty.'

"It was Allah Who gave you a promise of truth:

...وَوَعَدتُّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُكُمْ...

I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you.

...وَمَا كَانَ لِيَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَانٍ إِلاَّ أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَاسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِي...

I had no authority over you except to call you, but ye listened to me:

...فَلاَ تَلُومُونِي وَلُومُواْ أَنفُسَكُم...

then reproach not me, but reproach your own souls.

...مَّا أَنَاْ بِمُصْرِخِكُمْ وَمَا أَنتُمْ بِمُصْرِخِيَّ...

I cannot listen to your cries, nor can ye listen to mine.

...إِنِّي كَفَرْتُ بِمَآ أَشْرَكْتُمُونِ مِن قَبْلُ...

I reject your former act in associating me with Allah.

C1898. See the last note.

An alternative interpretation of this sentence may be:

"I had already beforehand rebelled against Allah with Whom ye associated me."

...إِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٢٢﴾

For wrongdoers there must be a Grievous Penalty."

Other versions:

14: 21

Yusuf Ali They will all be marshalled before Allah together: then will the weak say to those who were arrogant "For us we but followed you; can ye then avail us at all against the wrath of Allah?" They will reply "If we had received the guidance of Allah we should have given it to you: to us it makes no difference (now) whether we rage or bear (these torments) with patience: for ourselves there is no way of escape."

Pickthall They all come forth unto their Lord. Then those who were despised say unto those who were scornful: We were unto you a following, can ye then avert from us aught of Allah's doom? They say: Had Allah guided us, we should have guided you. Whether we rage or patiently endure is (now) all one for us: we have no place of refuge.

Yuksel They all appeared before God. The weak ones said to those who were arrogant: "We were following you, so will you avail us anything from God's retribution?" They said, "If God had guided us, then we would have guided you. It makes no difference if we rage or endure, for we have no refuge."

Transliteration Wa barazu_ lilla_hi jami'an faqa_lad du'afa_'u lil lazina-stakbaru_ inna_ kunna_ lakum taba'an fahal antum mugna_na 'anna_ min 'aza_billa_hi min syai'(in), qa_lu_ lau had_nalla_hu lahadaina_kum, sawa_'un 'alaina_ ajazi'na_ am sabarna_ ma_ lana_ mim mahis(in).

[[ Ali’s notes -

1895 When the time for judgment comes, there are two kinds of disillusionment waiting for the ungodly: (1) Those who were misled and failed to see that each soul bears its own personal responsibility (ii. 134) and cannot shift it on to others, will turn to those who misled them, in the hope that they might intercede for them or do something to help them. They receive a plain answer as in the latter part of this verse. (2) Those who relied on Satan, His answer (in xiv. 22 below) is frank, cynical and brutal. (14.21)

1896 Those whose power or specious intelligence or influence misled them-such as false priests or leaders-will find themselves in a parlous state. How can they help others? They themselves failed to profit from Allah's guidance, and they can with some justice retort that they put them in the wrong path as they followed it themselves! (14.21) ]]

14: 22

Yusuf Ali And Satan will say when the matter is decided: "It was Allah Who gave you a promise of truth: I too promised but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you but ye listened to me: then reproach not me but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries nor can ye listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allah. For wrongdoers there must be a Grievous Penalty."

Pickthall And Satan saith, when the matter hath been decided: Lo! Allah promised you a promise of truth; and I promised you, then failed you. And I had no power over you save that I called unto you and ye obeyed me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can ye help me. Lo! I disbelieved in that which ye before ascribed to me. Lo! for wrong-doers is a painful doom.

Transliteration Wa qa_lasy syaita_nu lamma qudiyal amru innalla_ha wa'adakum wa'dal haqqi wa wa'attukum fa akhlaftukum, wa ma_ ka_na liya 'alaikum min sulta_nin illa_ an da'autukum fa-stajabtum li, fala_ talu_mu_ni wa lu_mu_ anfusakum, ma_ ana bi musrikhikum wa ma_ antum bi musrikhiyy(a), inni kafartu bima_ asyraktumu_ni min qabl(u), innaz za_limina lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

15. Surah Al Hijr

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

نَبِّىءْ عِبَادِي أَنِّي أَنَا الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿٤٩﴾

15: 49.  Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful;

C1979. We must realise both sides of Allah's attributes: His mercy, grace, and forgiveness are unbounded; if we reject all this, His justice and punishment will also be beyond all that we can conceive.

وَ أَنَّ عَذَابِي هُوَ الْعَذَابُ الأَلِيمَ ﴿٥٠﴾

15: 50.  And that My Penalty will be indeed the most grievous Penalty.

Other versions:

15: 49

Yusuf Ali Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful;

Pickthall Announce, (O Muhammad) unto My slaves that verily I am the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Transliteration Nabbi' 'iba_di anni anal gafu_rur rahim(u).

15: 50

Yusuf Ali And that My Penalty will be indeed the most grievous Penalty.

Pickthall And that My doom is the dolorous doom.

Transliteration Wa anna 'aza_bi huwal 'aza_bul alim(u).

16.Sura al-Nahl

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ لاَ يَهْدِيهِمُ اللّهُ...

16: 104. Those who believe not in the Signs of Allah, Allah will not guide them,

... وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ  ﴿١٠٤﴾

and theirs will be a grievous Penalty.

وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُكُمُ الْكَذِبَ ...

16: 116. But say not, for any false thing that your tongues may put forth,

C2153. Men are apt to create taboos for themselves, out of superstition, and often for selfish ends, and enforce them in the name of religion. Nothing can be more reprehensible.

... هَـذَا حَلاَلٌ وَهَـذَا حَرَامٌ... 

"This is lawful, and this is forbidden,"

... لِّتَفْتَرُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ الْكَذِبَ... 

so as to ascribe false things to Allah.

... إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللّهِ الْكَذِبَ لاَ يُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١١٦﴾  

For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.

مَتَاعٌ قَلِيلٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿١١٧﴾   

16: 117.  (In such falsehood) is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.

Other versions:

16: 104

Yusuf Ali Those who believe not in the Signs of Allah Allah will not guide them and theirs will be a grievous Penalty.

Pickthall Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, Allah guideth them not and theirs will be a painful doom.

Transliteration Innal lazina la_ yu'minu_na bi a_ya_tilla_h(i), la_ yahdihimulla_hu wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

16: 116

Yusuf Ali But say not for any false thing that your tongues may put forth "This is lawful and this is forbidden" so as to ascribe false things to Allah. For those who ascribe false things to Allah will never prosper.

Pickthall And speak not, concerning that which your own tongues qualify (as clean or unclean), the falsehood: "This is lawful, and this is forbidden," so that ye invent a lie against Allah. Lo! those who invent a lie against Allah will not succeed.

Yuksel You shall not invent lies about God by attributing lies with your tongues, saying: "This is lawful and that is forbidden." Those who invent lies about God will not succeed.

Transliteration Wa la_ taqu_lu_ lima_ tasifu alsinatukumul kaziba ha_za_ hal_luw wa ha_za_ hara_mul litaftaru_ 'alalla_hil kazib(a), innal lazina yaftaru_na 'alalla_hil kaziba la_ yuflihu_n(a).

16: 117

Yusuf Ali (In such falsehood) is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.

Pickthall A brief enjoyment (will be theirs); and theirs a painful doom.

Yuksel A small enjoyment, and they will have a painful retribution.

.

Transliteration Mata_'un qaliluw wa lahum 'aza_bun alim(un).

17. Surah Al Isra

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وأَنَّ الَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالآخِرَةِ أَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا ﴿١٠﴾

17: 10.  And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, (it announceth) that We have prepared for them a Penalty grievous (indeed).

Other versions:

17: 10

Yusuf Ali And to those who believe not in the Hereafter (it announceth) that We have prepared for them a Penalty grievous (indeed).

Pickthall And that those who believe not in the Hereafter, for them We have prepared a painful doom.

Yuksel For those who do not acknowledge the Hereafter, We have prepared for them a painful retribution.

Transliteration Wa annal lazina la_ yu'minu_na bil a_khirati a'tadna_ lahum 'aza_ban alima_(n).

22. Sura al-Hajj

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ...

22: 25. As to those who have rejected (Allah), and would keep back (men) from the Way of Allah, and from the Sacred Mosque,

...الَّذِي جَعَلْنَاهُ لِلنَّاسِ سَوَاء الْعَاكِفُ فِيهِ وَالْبَادِ ...

which We have made (open) to (all) men -- equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country --

...وَمَن يُرِدْ فِيهِ بِإِلْحَادٍ بِظُلْمٍ نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ ﴿٢٥﴾

and any whose purpose therein is profanity or wrongdoing -- them will We cause to taste of a most grievous Penalty.

C2796. All these were enormities of which the Pagan clique in power in Makkah before and during the Hijrah

Other versions:

22:25

29 Surah Al 'Ankabut

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا كَيْفَ يُبْدِئُ اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُ...

29: 19. See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it:

C3440. The originating of creation is the creation of primeval matter.

The repetition of the process of creation goes on constantly, for at every moment new processes are being called into being by the creative power of Allah, and according to His Laws.

And the final creation as far as man is concerned will be in the Ma'ad, when the whole world as man sees it will be entirely newly created on a different plane.

As far as Allah is concerned, there is nothing final, no first and last, for He is infinite. He was before our First and will be after our Last.

...إِنَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ ﴿١٩﴾

truly that is easy for Allah.

قُلْ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانظُرُوا كَيْفَ بَدَأَ الْخَلْقَ...

29: 20. Say:

"Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation:

C3441. Travel through the earth: again, literally as well as symbolically.

If we actually go through this wide earth, we shall see the wonderful things in His Creation;

- the Grand Canyon and the Niagaras in America,

- beautiful harbors like that at Sydney in Australia,

- mountains like Fujiyama, the Himalayas, and Elburz in Asia,

- the Nile with its wonderful cataracts in Africa, the Fiords of Norway, the Geysers of Iceland,

- the city of the midnight sun in Tromsoe,

- and innumerable wonders everywhere.

But wonders upon wonders are disclosed in the constitution of matter itself, the atom, and the forces of energy, as also in the instincts of animals, and the minds and capacities of man. And there is no limit to these things.

Worlds upon worlds are created and transformed every moment, within and presumably beyond man's vision. From what we know we can judge of the unknown.

...ثُمَّ اللَّهُ يُنشِئُ النَّشْأَةَ الْآخِرَةَ...

so will Allah produce a later creation:

...إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿٢٠﴾

for Allah has power over all things.

يُعَذِّبُُ مَن يَشَاء وَيَرْحَمُ مَن يَشَاء...

29: 21. "He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants mercy to whom He pleases,

...وَإِلَيْهِ تُقْلَبُونَ ﴿٢١﴾

and towards Him are ye turned.

C3442. I think ilaihi tuqlabun is better translated "towards Him are ye turned" than "towards Him will be your return", as it implies not only the return of man to Allah in the Hereafter (turja'un in verse 17 above) but also the fact explained in verse 22 that man's needs are always to be obtained from Allah:

man cannot frustrate Allah's designs, and can have no help or protection except from Allah: man has always to face Allah, whether man obeys Allah or tries to ignore Allah.

Man will never be able to defeat Allah's Plan. According to His wise Will and Plan, He will grant His grace or withhold it from man.

وَمَا أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاء...

29: 22. "Not on earth nor in heaven will ye be able (fleeing) to frustrate (His plan),

...وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ ﴿٢٢﴾

nor have ye, besides Allah, any protector or helper."

وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَلِقَائِهِ أُوْلَئِكَ يَئِسُوا مِن رَّحْمَتِي...

29: 23. Those who reject the Signs of Allah and the Meeting, with Him (in the Hereafter), it is they who shall despair of My mercy:

...وَأُوْلَئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿٢٣﴾

it is they who will (suffer) a most grievous Penalty.

C3443. The emphasis is on "they" (ulaika).

It is only the people who ignore or reject Allah's Signs and reject a Hereafter, that will find themselves in despair and suffering.

Allah's Mercy is open to all, but if any reject His Mercy, they must suffer.

Asad’s Version:

29:19

ARE, THEN, they [who deny the truth] not aware of how God creates (life] in the first

instance, and then brings it forth anew?" This, verily, is easy for God!

(29:20) Say: "Go all over the earth and behold how [wondrously) He has created [man) in the first instance: 15 and thus, too, will God bring into being your second life - for, verily, God has the power to will anything!

29:21 "He causes to suffer whomever He wills, and bestows His mercy on whomever He wills; and unto Him you shall be made to return:

(29:22) and never - not on earth and not in the skies - can you (hope to) elude Him; and you have none to protect you from God, and none to bring you succour."

(29:23) And [thus it is:] they who are bent on denying the truth of God's

messages and of their [ultimate] meeting with Him - it is they who abandon all hope of My grace and mercy: and it is they whom grievous suffering [azabun alim] awaits (in the life to come]. 16

[[ Asad’s note - 16 Implying that such people deprive themselves of God's grace and mercy (which is the twofold significance of the term rahmah in this context) by rejecting all belief in His existence: in other words, belief in God - or one's readiness to believe in Him - is, in and by itself, already an outcome of His grace and mercy, just as suffering in the hereafter is an outcome of one's be~ing "bent on denying the truth".]]

.

37.Surah as saffat

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

فَأَغْوَيْنَاكُمْ إِنَّا كُنَّا غَاوِينَ ﴿٣٢﴾

37: 32. "We led you astray:

for truly we were ourselves astray."

C4055. Further, the misleaders can well urge against those who reproach them for misleading them:

"How could you expect anything better from us?

You were already warned by Allah's Message that we were astray."

فَإِنَّهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ فِي الْعَذَابِ مُشْتَرِكُونَ ﴿٣٣﴾

37: 33. Truly, that day, they will (all) share in the Penalty.

إِنَّا كَذَلِكَ نَفْعَلُ بِالْمُجْرِمِينَ ﴿٣٤﴾

37: 34. Verily that is how We shall deal with Sinners.

إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ ﴿٣٥﴾

37: 35. For they, when they were told that there is no god except Allah, would puff themselves up with Pride.

C4056. Selfish arrogance was the seed of sin and rebellion: 2:34 (of Satan): 28:39 (of Pharaoh); etc.

It is that kind of arrogance which prevents man from mending his life and conduct. When he speaks of ancestral ways, or public opinion, or national honour, he is usually thinking of himself or of a small clique which thrives on injustice.

The recognition of Allah, the one true God, as the only standard of life and conduct, the Eternal Reality, cuts out Self, and is therefore disagreeable to Sin. If false gods are imagined, who themselves would have weaknesses that fit in with sin, they give countenance to evils, and it becomes difficult to give them up, unless Allah's grace comes to our assistance. (R).

وَيَقُولُونَ أَئِنَّا لَتَارِكُوا آلِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍ مَّجْنُونٍ ﴿٣٦﴾

37: 36. And say: "What! shall we give up our gods for the sake of a Poet possessed?"

C4057. Possessed of an evil spirit, or mad. Such was the charge which the Unbelievers sometimes leveled at the holy Prophet in the early stages of his preaching.

بَلْ جَاء بِالْحَقِّ وَصَدَّقَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ ﴿٣٧﴾

37: 37. Nay!

He has come with the (very) Truth, and he confirms (the Message of) the messengers (before Him).

C4058. The message of Islam, so far from being "mad" or in any way peculiar, is eminently conformable to reason and the true facts of nature as created by Allah. It is the Truth in the purest sense of the term, and confirms the Message of all true Messengers that ever lived.

إِنَّكُمْ لَذَائِقُو الْعَذَابِ الْأَلِيمِ ﴿٣٨﴾

37: 38. Ye shall indeed taste of the Grievous Penalty --

وَمَا تُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٣٩﴾

37: 39. But it will be no more than the retribution of (the Evil) that ye have wrought --

C4059. Justice demands that those who sow evil should reap the fruit, but the punishment is due to their own conduct and not to anything external to themselves.

Asad’s Version:

[see previous verses]

(37:32) So then, [if it be true that] we have caused you to err grievously - behold, we ourselves had been lost in grievous error!" 13 And, verily, on that Day they all will share in their common suffering.

(37:34) Verily, thus shall We deal with all who were lost in sin:

(37:35) for, behold, whenever they were told, "There is no deity save God," they would glory in their arrogance

(37:36) and would say, "Shall we, then, give up our deities at the bidding of a mad poet?" 14

37:37 Nay, but he [whom you call a mad poet] has brought the truth; and he confirms the truth of [what the earlier of God's] message-bearers [have taught]. 15

37:38 Behold, you will indeed taste grievous suffering [in the life to come], [azabil alim]

(37:39) although you shall not be requited for aught but what you were wont to do.