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.
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).
10. Surah Yunus
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
بَلْ كَذَّبُواْ
بِمَا لَمْ
يُحِيطُواْ
بِعِلْمِهِ
وَلَمَّا يَأْتِهِمْ
تَأْوِيلُهُ...
10: 39. Nay,
they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them:
C1431. Taawil: elucidation, explanation, final fulfilment, Cf., 7:53,
The Message of Allah not only gives us rules for our every-day conduct, but speaks of high matters of religious significance, which require elucidation in two ways:
- by experience from the actual facts of life, and
- by the final fulfilment of the hopes and warnings which we now take on trust through our Faith.
The Unbelievers reject Allah's Message simply because they cannot understand it and without giving it even a chance of elucidation in any of these ways. (R).
...كَذَلِكَ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ... ...
thus did those before them make charges of falsehood:
...فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٣٩﴾
but see what was the end of those who did wrong!
C1432. Wrong-doers always came to grief ultimately.
The true course of history shows it from a broad standpoint. But they are so headstrong that they prejudge issues in their ignorance before they are decided.
Other versions:
10: 39
Yusuf Ali Nay they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them: thus did those before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the end of those who did wrong!
Pickthall Nay, but they denied that, the knowledge whereof they could not compass, and whereof the interpretation (in events) hath not yet come unto them. Even so did those before them deny. Then see what was the consequence for the wrongdoers!
Transliteration Bal kazzabu_ bima_ lam yuhitu_ bi 'ilmihi wa lamma_ ya'tihim ta'wiluh(u_), kaza_lika kazzabal lazina min qablihim fanzur kaifa ka_na 'a_qibatuz za_limin(a).
[[ Ruby’s note – This consequence must be in this world that is why the Quran is exhorting to ‘see’. The manifestation of these failures must be seen by people in this life: empires fall, civilization disappear, human sufferings of different kinds, etc. A human should take a note of these and intuitively understand and accept the understanding from God by bringing him/her to the situation and giving the guidance and ability to understand. However, one trespasses or transgresses limits when one is certain about it and claims to have known the exact reason of the outcome or consequence of a human failure. An understanding of this nature should be always taken with a degree of humility that one can be wrong. A righteous person understands many things correctly but internalize some of these and exercise due discretion in articulation and communication to others with acknowledgement of one’s own limitations as to making a mistake of being wrong. One must endeavor and remain open to the events around one and in one’s own life to see the cause and consequences and take heed. ]]
13.Surah ArRa'd
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَفَمَنْ
هُوَ قَآئِمٌ
عَلَى كُلِّ
نَفْسٍ بِمَا
كَسَبَتْ...
13: 33. Is then He Whostandeth over every soul (and knoweth) all that it doth, (like any others)?
...وَجَعَلُواْ لِلّهِ شُرَكَاء قُلْ سَمُّوهُمْ...
And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: "But name them!
C1851. Cf. 12:40.
'You have but to name your false gods, and you will see that they are nothing but names. There is no reality behind them, whereas Allah is the One great Reality. He penetrates everything through and through and knows all things.
Do you dare to tell aim of something on earth that He does not know?
Or is it just a trick or a show of words?
...أَمْ تُنَبِّئُونَهُ بِمَا لاَ يَعْلَمُ فِي الأَرْضِ أَم بِظَاهِرٍ مِّنَ الْقَوْلِ...
Is it that ye will inform Him of something He knoweth not on earth,
or is it (just) a show of words?"
...بَلْ زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مَكْرُهُمْ وَصُدُّواْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ...
Nay! to those who believe not, their pretence seems pleasing, but they are kept back (thereby) from the Path:
C1852. All pretences and fancies seem attractive to their inventors, but alas! they are a great obstruction to the Path of Religion and Truth.
However, if by their contumacy, they have cut themselves off from Allah's grace, who can guide them or reclaim them from their errors?
...وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ ﴿٣٣﴾
and those whom Allah leaves to stray, no one can guide.
لَّهُمْ عَذَابٌ
فِي الْحَيَاةِ
الدُّنْيَا
وَلَعَذَابُ
الآخِرَةِ
أَشَقُّ...
13: 34. For them is a Penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the Penalty of the Hereafter;
C1853. The consequences of sin may be felt in this life itself, but they are nothing compared to the final penalties in the life to come.
...وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللّهِ مِن وَاقٍ ﴿٣٤﴾
and defender have they none against Allah.
مَّثَلُ
الْجَنَّةِ
الَّتِي وُعِدَ
الْمُتَّقُونَ...
13: 35. The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! --
...تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ...
beneath if flow rivers:
...أُكُلُهَا دَآئِمٌ ...
perpetual is the enjoyment thereof
C1854. For the comprehensive meaning of the root akala (literally "to cat"), see 5:66, n. 776.
In its derived meaning it means fruit and enjoyment of all kinds, spiritual as well as other.
The joys of heaven are not like the joys of the earth, which fade away or cloy. The joys of heaven are pure, lasting, and without any of the drawbacks which we associate with the joys of the sense.
... وِظِلُّهَا...
and the shade therein:
C1855. Zillun: literally shade, hence, shelter, protection, security.
All these meanings are implied.
Shade is one of the delights of a garden. Cf. 4:57 and n. 579.
...تِلْكَ عُقْبَى الَّذِينَ اتَّقَواْ...
such is the End of the Righteous;
...وَّعُقْبَى الْكَافِرِينَ النَّارُ ﴿٣٥﴾
and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire.
C1856. In this, as in other places, the Fire is contrasted with the Garden, as Misery is contrasted with Bliss.
We can also imagine other incidents in contrast with those of the Garden, e.g., with the Fire will be drought, aridity, thirst, instead of beautiful rivers; pain and suffering, instead of perpetual delight; no protection against the fierceness of the heat, as contrasted with the cool shades ever deepening as you proceed in the Garden.
Other versions:
13: 33
Yusuf Ali Is then He Who standeth over every soul (and knoweth) all that it doth (like any others)? And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: "But name them! Is it that ye will inform Him of something He knoweth not on earth or is it (just) a show of words?" Nay! to those who believe not their pretence seems pleasing but they are kept back (thereby) from the Path: and those whom Allah leaves to stray no one can guide.
Pickthall Is He Who is aware of the deserts of every soul (as he who is aware of nothing)? Yet they ascribe unto Allah partners. Say: Name them. Is it that ye would inform Him of something which He knoweth not in the earth? Or is it but a way of speaking? Nay, but their contrivance is made seeming fair for those who disbelieve and they are kept from the right road. He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide.
Transliteration Afaman huwa qa_'imun 'ala_ kulli nafsim bima_ kasabat, wa ja'ala_ lilla_hi syuraka_'(a), qul sammu_hum, am tunabbi'u_nahu_ bima_ la_ ya'lamu fil ardi am bi za_hirim minal qaul(i), bal zuyyina lillazina kafaru_ makruhum wa suddu_ 'anis sabil(i), wa may yudlilillu_hu famu_ laha_ min ha_d(in).
13: 35
Yusuf Ali The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the End of the Righteous; and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire.
Pickthall A similitude of the Garden which is promised unto those who keep their duty (to Allah): Underneath it rivers flow; its food is everlasting, and its shade; this is the reward of those who keep their duty, while the reward of disbelievers is the Fire.
Transliteration Masalul jannatil lati wu'idal muttaqu_n(a), tajri min tahtihal anha_r(u), ukuluha_ da_'imuw wa zilluha_, tilka 'uqbal lazina-ttaqaw, wa 'uqbal ka_firinan na_r(u).
25.Surah Al Furqan
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قُلْ
مَا يَعْبَأُ
بِكُمْ رَبِّي
لَوْلَا دُعَاؤُكُمْ...
25:77. Say [Ali] (to the rejecters):
"My Lord is not uneasy because of you if ye call not on Him,
C3136. Let not the wicked think that it causes Allah any annoyance or uneasiness if they do not serve or worship Him. He is high above all needs. But He turns in His Mercy to all who call on Him.
For those who arrogantly reject Him, the evil consequences of their rejection are inevitable, and must soon come to pass. (R).
... فَقَدْ كَذَّبْتُمْ فَسَوْفَ يَكُونُ لِزَامًا ﴿٧٧﴾
but ye have indeed rejected (Him), and soon will come the inevitable (punishment)!"
Asad’s Version:
25:77
SAY [unto those who believe] : "No weight or value would my Sustainer attach to you were it not for your faith [in Him]!" 57 [And say unto those who deny the truth:] "You have indeed given the lie [to God's message], and in time this [sin] will cleave unto you!" 58
[[ Asad’s notes -
57 Lit., "were it not for your prayer", which term Ibn 'Abbas (as quoted by Tabari) equates in this context with "faith". [ Ruby disagrees, faith here is the conviction about God and His moral laws]
58 I.e., "unless you repent, this sin will determine your spiritual destiny in the life to come. ]]
35. Sura Fatir
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّا
أَرْسَلْنَاكَ
بِالْحَقِّ
بَشِيرًا
وَنَذِيرًا...
35: 24. Verily We have sent thee in truth, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner:
C3907. It is Allah Who sends the Revelation. While there is warning in it for the heedless, there is good news for those who listen and repent.
The warning always came to all peoples before punishment.
... وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ ﴿٢٤﴾
and there never was a people, without a warner having lived among them (in the past).
وَإِن
يُكَذِّبُوكَ
فَقَدْ كَذَّبَ
الَّذِينَ مِن
قَبْلِهِمْ...
35: 25. And if they reject thee, so did their predecessors,
... جَاءتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَبِالزُّبُرِ وَبِالْكِتَابِ الْمُنِيرِ ﴿٢٥﴾
to whom came their messengers with Clear Signs, Books of Dark Prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment.
C3908. The three things here mentioned are also mentioned in 3:184, where I have explained the meaning in n. 490.
All spiritual teaching centres round
- the evidences of Allah in our lives,
- the sublime teaching of Prophets of Allah, and
- the rules and laws which guide holy living. (R).
ثُمَّ
أَخَذْتُ
الَّذِينَ
كَفَرُوا...
35: 26. In the end did I punish those who rejected Faith:
... فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ ﴿٢٦﴾
and how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)!
The rejecters of Allah hardly realise the terrible consequences to them individually and collectively, if Allah's grace is withdrawn from them and they are left to perish in their own sins and wrong-doing
Asad’s Version:
35:24 Verily, We have sent thee with the truth, as a bearer, of glad tidings and a warner: for there never was any community but a warner has [lived and] passed away in its midst. 18
(35:25) And if they give thee the lie - even so gave the lie to the truth [many of] those who lived before their time, [when] there came unto them their apostles with all evidence of the truth, and with books of divine wisdom, and with light-giving revelation;
(35:26) [but] tn the end I took to task all those who were bent on denying the truth: and how awesome was My rejection!
.
67. Sura al-Mulk
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا ...
67: 15. It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you,
C5571. Dhalul is used in 2:71 for an animal trained and tractable: here it is used to qualify the earth, and I have translated 'manageable'.
Man has managed to make paths through deserts and over mountains: through rivers and seas by means of ships; through the air by means of airways; he has made bridges and tunnels and other means of communication. But this he has only been able to do because Allah has given him the necessary intelligence and has made the earth tractable to that intelligence.
... فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ ...
so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes:
... وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ ﴿١٥﴾
but unto Him is the Resurrection.
C5572. In describing Allah's gifts and mercies and watchful care in this our temporary sojourn on this earth, it is made clear that the ultimate end is the Hereafter. The real Beyond, which is the goal, is the life after theResurrection.
أَأَمِنتُم مَّن فِي السَّمَاء أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمُ الأَرْضَ فَإِذَا هِيَ تَمُورُ ﴿١٦﴾
67: 16. Do ye feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth when it shakes (as in an earthquake)?
C5573. Cf. 17:68. and n. 2263.
Also Cf. the story of Qarun in 28:76-82.
If we feel safe on land, it is because Allah has made this earth amenable, manageable and serviceable to us (verse 15 above). But if we defy Allah and break Ms Law, have we any security that even this comparatively unimportant safety in a fleeting world will last? Looking at it from a purely physical point of view, have there not been dreadful earthquakes, typhoons, and tornadoes?
أَمْ أَمِنتُم مَّن فِي السَّمَاء أَن يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ...
67: 17. Or do ye feel secure that He Who is in Heaven will not send against you a violent tornado (with showers of stones),
C5574. Cf. 17:68; and 29:40, n. 3462. Such a violent wind destroyed the wicked Cities which defied Lut's warning.
...فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ كَيْفَ نَذِيرِ ﴿١٧﴾
so that ye shall know how (terrible) was My warning?
وَلَقَدْ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ ﴿١٨﴾
18. But indeed men before them rejected (My warning):
then how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)?
C5575. Cf. 22:42-44, and n. 2822.
Asad’s Version:
67:15 He it is who has made the earth easy to live upon: 14 go about, then, in all its regions, and partake the sustenance which He provides: but [always bear in mind that] unto Him you shall be resurrected.
(67: 16) Can you ever feel secure that He who is in heaven 15 will not cause the
earth to swallow you up when, lo and behold, it begins to quake?
67:17 Or can you ever feel secure that He who is in heaven will not let loose against you a deadly stormwind," whereupon you would come to know how [true] My warning was? (67: 18) And, indeed, [many of] those who lived aforetime 17 did give the lie [to My warnings]: and how awesome was My rejection [of them]!
Yuksel’s version
67:15 He is the One who made the earth subservient to you. So roam its paths, and eat from His provisions; and to Him is the final summoning.
67:16 Are you secure that the One in heaven will not cause the earth to rupture, thus causing it to shake?
67:17 Or are you secure that the One in heaven will not send upon you a violent storm? Then you will know the value of the warning.
67:18 Those before them have rejected; so how terrible was My requital!
[[Asad’s version - 14 Lit., "who has made the earth submissive (dhalulan) to you": i.e., yielding to the intelligence with which He has endowed man.
1 5 This expression is, of course, purely metaphorical since God is limitless in space as well as in time. Its use here is apparently meant to stress the unfathomable quality of His existence and power, which penetrates, and reveals itself in, every aspect of His cosmic creativeness, symbolized in the term "heaven" .
16 Lit., "a stormwind that raises stones".
17 Lit., "before them" (min qablihim). Lhis personal pronoun relates - as does the whole of the passage beginning with verse 1 3 - to people of all times, who are herewith reminded of what happened to deniers of the truth in earlier times; hence my rendering of min qablihim as "aforetime". ]]