Supreme Reward
5. Surah Al-Ma'idah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
قَالَ
اللّهُ هَذَا
يَوْمُ يَنفَعُ
الصَّادِقِينَ
صِدْقُهُمْ
...
5: 119. Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth:
... لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا...
theirs are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, their eternal home:
... رَّضِيَ اللّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُواْ عَنْهُ ...
Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah:
... ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿١١٩﴾
that is the great Salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires)."
C833. Fauz: Felicity, happiness, achievement, salvation, the attainment or fulfilment of desires.
What a beautiful definition of salvation or the end of life! -that we should win Allah's good pleasure and that we should reach the stage at which His good pleasure is all-in-all to us.
لِلّهِ
مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ
وَالأَرْضِ
وَمَا فِيهِنَّ
...
5: 120. To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein,
... وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿١٢٠﴾
and it is He who hath power over all things.
Asad’s Version:
5:119 [And on Judgment Day] God will say: “ Today, their truthfulness shall benefit all who have been true to their word: theirs shall be gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide beyond the count of time; well-pleased is God with them, and well-pleased are they with Him: this is the triumph supreme.”
5: 120 God’s is the dominion over the heavens and the earth and all that they contain: and He has the power to will anything.
3. Sura al-Imran
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
فَاسْتَجَابَ
لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ...
3: 195. And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them:
...أَنِّي لاَ أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى بَعْضُكُم مِّن بَعْضٍ...
"Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female:
ye are members, one of another;
C500. In Islam the equal status of the sexes is not only recognised but insisted on. If sex distinction, which is a distinction in nature, does not count in spiritual matters, still less of course would count artificial distinctions, such as rank, wealth, position, race, colour, birth, etc,
...فَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُواْ وَأُخْرِجُواْ مِن دِيَارِهِمْ وَأُوذُواْ فِي سَبِيلِي وَقَاتَلُواْ وَقُتِلُواْ...
those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My cause, or fought or been slain,
...لأُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلأُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ ...
verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath;
... ثَوَابًا مِّن عِندِ اللّهِ...
a reward from the presence of Allah,
C501. Here, and in 3:198 below, and in many places elsewhere, stress is laid on the fact that whatever gift, or bliss will come to the righteous, its chief merit will be that it proceeds from Allah Himself.
"Nearness to Allah" expresses it better than any other symbol.
...وَاللّهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الثَّوَابِ ﴿١٩٥﴾
and from His presence is the best of rewards."
لَكِنِ
الَّذِينَ
اتَّقَوْاْ
رَبَّهُمْ
لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ
تَجْرِي مِن
تَحْتِهَا
الأَنْهَارُ
خَالِدِينَ
فِيهَا ...
3: 198. On the other hand, for those who fear their Lord, are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, therein are they to dwell (for ever),
... نُزُلاً مِّنْ عِندِ اللّهِ...
a gift from the presence of Allah,
...وَمَا عِندَ اللّهِ خَيْرٌ لِّلأَبْرَارِ﴿١٩٨﴾
and that which is in the presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the righteous.
Other versions:
3: 195
Asad And thus does their Sustainer answer their prayer: “I shall not lose sight of the labors [in My way], be it man or woman: each of you is an issue of the other [note 150]. Hence as for those who forsake the domain of evil [151], and are driven from their homelands, and suffer hurt in My cause, and fight [for it], and are slain – I shall most certainly efface their bad deeds, and shall most certainly bring them into gardens through which running waters flow, as a reward from God: for with God is the most beauteous of rewards.”
Yusuf Ali And their Lord hath accepted of them and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you be he male or female: ye are members one of another; those who have left their homes or been driven out there from or suffered harm in My cause or fought or been slain verily I will blot out from them their iniquities and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath; a reward from the presence of Allah and from His presence is the best of rewards."
Pickthall And their Lord hath heard them (and He saith): Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. Ye proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards.
Transliteration Fastaja_ba lahum rabbuhum anni la_ udi'u 'amala'a_milim minkum min zakarin au unsa_, ba'dukum mim ba'd(in), fallazina ha_jaru_ wa ukhriju_ min diya_rihim wa u_zu_ fi sabili wa qa_talu_ wa qutilu_ la'ukaffiranna'anhum sayyi'a_tihim wa la'udkhilannahum janna_tin tajri min tahtihalanha_r(u), sawa_bam min'indilla_h(i), walla_hu'indahu_ husnus sawa_b(i).
[ zakarin = male, unsa= female, fastaja ba = responded, answered etc. ]
3: 198
Asad Whereas those who remain conscious of their Sustainer shall have gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide: a ready welcome from God. And that which is with God is best for the truly virtuous.
Yusuf Ali On the other hand for those who fear their Lord are gardens with rivers flowing beneath therein are they to dwell (for ever) a gift from the presence of Allah and that which is in the presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the righteous.
Pickthall But those who keep their duty to their Lord, for them are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will be safe forever. A gift of welcome from their Lord. That which Allah hath in store is better for the righteous.
Transliteration La_kinil lazinat taqau rabbahum lahum janna_tun tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ nuzulam min'indilla_h(i), wa ma_'indalla_hi khairul lil abra_r(i).
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
يَا
أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ لاَ
تَخُونُواْ
اللّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ...
8: 27. O ye that believe!
betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger,
...وَتَخُونُواْ أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٢٧﴾
nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.
C1200. Trusts may be of various kinds:
- property, goods, credit, etc.;
- plans, confidences, secrets, etc.;
- knowledge, talents, opportunities, etc.,
which we are expected to use for our fellowmen.
Men may betray the trust of Allah and His Prophet by misusing property, or abusing the confidence reposed in them, or the knowledge or talents given to them. On that special occasion, when the plans for the protection of Allah's worshippers against annihilation were of special importance, the Prophet's trust and confidence had to be guarded with special care.
Occasions for scrupulously respecting the trust and confidence of our fellow-men occur every day in our life, and few of us can claim perfection in this respect. Hence the special distinction of the Prophet of Allah, who earned the title of Al-Amin, the one who was true to every trust reposed in him.
وَاعْلَمُواْ
أَنَّمَا
أَمْوَالُكُمْ
وَأَوْلاَدُكُمْ
فِتْنَةٌ...
8: 28. And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial;
C1201. A big family-many sons-was considered a source of power and strength: 3:10, 116.
So in English, a man with many children is said to have his "quiver full":
Cf. Psalms, 127:4-5:
"As arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, so are the children of thy youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."
So with property and possessions: they add to a man's dignity, power, and influence. But both possessions and a large family are a temptation and a trial. They may turn out to be a source of spiritual downfall, if they are mishandled, or if the love of them excludes the love of Allah.
...وَأَنَّ اللّهَ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٢٨﴾
and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward.
Other versions:
8: 27
Asad [Hence] O you who have attained to faith, do not be false to God and the Apostle, and do not knowingly be false to the trust that has been reposed in you [ note 27]
Yusuf Ali O ye that believe! betray not the trust of Allah and the apostle nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.
Pickthall O ye who believe! Betray not Allah and His messenger, nor knowingly betray your trusts.
Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ la_ takhu_nulla_ha war rasu_la wa takhu_nu_ ama_na_tikum wa antum ta'lamu_n(a).
8: 28
Asad and know that your worldly goods and your children are but a trial and a temptation, and that with God there is a tremendous reward [note 28].
Yusuf Ali And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward.
Pickthall And know that your possessions and your children are a test, and that with Allah is immense reward.
Transliteration Wa'lamu_ annama_ amwa_lukum wa aula_dukum fitnah(tuw), wa annalla_ha 'indahu_ ajrun'azim(un).
[[ Ali’s notes -
1200 Trusts may be of various kinds: (1) property, goods, credit, etc.; (2) plans, confidences, secrets, etc.; (3) knowledge, talents, opportunities, etc., which we are expected to use for our fellowmen. Men may betray the trust of Allah and His Prophet by misusing property, or abusing the confidence reposed in them, or the knowledge or talents given to them. On that special occasion, when the plans for the protection of Allah's worshippers against annihilation were of special importance, the Prophet's trust and confidence had to be guarded with special care. Occasions for scrupulously respecting the trust and confidence of our fellow-men occur every day in our life, and few of us can claim perfection in this respect. Hence the special distinction of the Prophet of Allah, who earned the title of Al-Amin, the one who was true to every trust reposed in him. (8.27)
1201 A big family-many sons-was considered a source of power and strength: iii. 10, 116. So in English, a man with many children is said to have his "quiver full": Cf. Psalms, cxxvii. 4-5: "As arrows are in the hands of a mighty man, so are the children of thy youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." So with property and possessions: they add to a man's dignity, power, and influence. But both possessions and a large family are a temptation and a trial. They may turn out to be a source of spiritual downfall, if they are mishandled, or if the love of them excludes the love of Allah. (8.28) ]]
[[ Asad’s note 27 – Lit., “do not be false to your trusts, the while you know”. Regarding the deeper meaning of “amanah” (“trust”), see note 87 on 33:72.]
9. Surah At Tawbah
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَعَدَ
اللّهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي
مِن تَحْتِهَا
الأَنْهَارُ
خَالِدِينَ
فِيهَا...
9: 72. Allah hath promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein,
...وَمَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِي جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ ...
and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.
...وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللّهِ أَكْبَرُ...
But the greatest bliss in the Good Pleasure of Allah:
...ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿٧٢﴾
that is the supreme felicity.
لَـكِنِ الرَّسُولُ
وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ مَعَهُ
جَاهَدُواْ
بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ
وَأَنفُسِهِمْ...
9: 88. But the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with their wealth and their persons:
...وَأُوْلَـئِكَ لَهُمُ الْخَيْرَاتُ ...
for them are (all) good things:
C1340. "Good things," and "prosperity," are to be understood both in the physical and in the highest spiritual sense as the next verse makes clear.
... وَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٨٨﴾
and it is they who will prosper.
أَعَدَّ اللّهُ
لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ
تَجْرِي مِن
تَحْتِهَا
الأَنْهَارُ
خَالِدِينَ
فِيهَا...
9: 89. Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow,
to dwell therein:
...ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿٨٩﴾
that is the supreme felicity.
C1341. In this verse there is a reminiscence, but not an exact repetition, of verse 72 above. This balances the parallel repetition or reminiscence in verse 85 above. See n. 1338.
The symmetry of the argument is thus completed, as regards the Hypocrites of Madinah before we pass on to consider the case of the Hypocrites among the desert Bedouins in section 12.
وَالسَّابِقُونَ
الأَوَّلُونَ
مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ
وَالأَنصَارِ
وَالَّذِينَ
اتَّبَعُوهُم
بِإِحْسَانٍ...
9: 100. The vanguard (of Islam) -- the first of those who forsook (their homes) and of those who gave them aid, and (also) those who follow them in (all) good deeds,
C1348. The vanguard of Islam-those in the first rank-are those who dare and suffer for the Cause and never flinch. The first historical examples are the Muhajirs and the Ansar.
- The Muhajirs-those who forsook their homes in Makkah and migrated to Madinah, the Holy Prophet being among the last to leave the post of danger, are mentioned first.
- Then come the Ansar, the Helpers, the citizens of Madinah who invited them, welcomed them, and gave them aid, and who formed the pivot of the new Community.
- Then are mentioned all who follow them in good deeds: not only the early heroes and ordinary men and women who had been Companions of the Prophet or had seen him, but men and women in all ages who have lived noble lives.
In spite of all their sacrifice and suffering they rejoice in the precious gift of the Good Pleasure of Allah, and their Salvation is the Supreme Felicity which such Good Pleasure gives, symbolized by the Gardens of Heaven.
... رَّضِيَ اللّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُواْ عَنْهُ...
well pleased is Allah with them, as are they with him:
... وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا...
for them hath He prepared gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever:
... ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿١٠٠﴾
that is the supreme felicity.
C1349. Note the description of the final accomplishment of the destiny of man. In mathematical science it would be like a letter or formula which would sum up a long course of reasoning.
In this very Surah it occurs before in 9:72 and 9:89, where see n. 1341. (R).
إِنَّ
اللّهَ اشْتَرَى
مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
أَنفُسَهُمْ
وَأَمْوَالَهُم
بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ
الجَنَّةَ...
9: 111. Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their good; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise):
C1361. In a human bargain both sides give something and receive some advantage. In the divine bargain of Allah with man, Allah takes man's will and soul and his wealth and goods, and gives him in return ever-lasting Felicity.
Man fights in Allah's Cause and carries out His will. All that he has to give up is the ephemeral things of this world, while he gains eternal salvation, the fulfilment of his highest spiritual hopes, -a supreme achievement indeed.
... يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ فَيَقْتُلُونَ وَيُقْتَلُونَ...
they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain:
... وَعْدًا عَلَيْهِ حَقًّا فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَالإِنجِيلِ وَالْقُرْآنِ...
a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'án:
C1362. We offer our whole selves and our possessions to Allah, and Allah gives us Salvation. This is the true doctrine of redemption: and we are taught that this is the doctrine not only of the Quran but of the earlier Revelations, -the original Law of Moses and the original Gospel of Jesus.
Any other view of redemption is rejected by Islam, especially that of corrupted Christianity, which thinks that some other person suffered for our sins and we are redeemed by his blood. It is our self-surrender that counts, not other people's merits.
Our complete self-surrender may include fighting for the cause, both spiritual and physical. As regards actual fighting with the sword there has been some difference in theological theories at different times, but very little in the practice of those who framed those theories.
The Jewish wars were ruthless wars of extermination. The Old Testament does not mince matters on this subject. In the New Testament St. Paul, in commending the worthy fruits of Faith, mentions Gideon. Barak, and other warriors of the Old Testament as his ideals, "Who through faith subdued kingdoms... waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens..." (Hebrews, 11:32-34).
The monkish morality of the Gospels in their present form has never been followed by any self-respecting Christian or other nation in history. Nor is it common-sense to ignore lust of blood in unregenerate man as a form of evil which has to be combated "within the limits, set by Allah" (9:112). (R).
... وَمَنْ أَوْفَى بِعَهْدِهِ مِنَ اللّهِ...
and who is more faithful to his Covenant than Allah?
... فَاسْتَبْشِرُواْ بِبَيْعِكُمُ الَّذِي بَايَعْتُم بِهِ...
Then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded:
... وَذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿١١١﴾
that is the achievement supreme.
Other versions:
9: 72
Asad …………gardens of perpetual bliss [note 100]: but God’s goodly acceptance is the greatest [bliss of all] – for this, this is the triumph supreme!
Yusuf Ali Allah hath promised to believers men and women gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss in the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity.
Pickthall Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide--blessed dwellings in Gardens of Eden. And greater (far)!--acceptance from Allah. That is the supreme triumph.
Transliteration Wa'adalla_hul mu'minina wal mu'mina_ti janna_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ wa masa_kina tayyibatan fi janna_ti 'adn(in), wa ridwa_num minalla_hi akbar(u), za_lika huwal fauzul 'azim(u).
[[ Asad’s note 100 – For an explanation of this rendering of ‘and (akin to the Hebrew eden, delight or bliss) see note 45 on 38:50, where this expression occuprs for the first time in the chronological order of Quranic revelation.]]
9: 88
Yusuf Ali But the apostle and those who believe with him strive and fight with their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: and it is they who will prosper.
Pickthall But the messenger and those who believe with him strive with their wealth and their lives. Such are they for whom are the good things. Such are they who are the successful.
Transliteration La_kinir rasu_lu wallazina a_manu_ ma'ahu_ ja_hadu_ bi amwa_lihim wa anfusihim, wa ula_'ika lahumul khaira_t(u), wa ula_'ika humul muflihu_n(a).
[[ Ali’s notes: 1339 Khawalif, plural of khalifa, those (feminine) who remain behind at home when the men go to war: women. There is a stinging taunt in this, a suggestion that such men were cowards, preferring to remain behind like women when stiff work was to be done by men in defending their homes. They were not only cowards, but fools: as they did not understand their own best interests. If the enemy got the better of their brethren, they would themselves be crushed. "Their hearts are sealed": the habits of cowardice and hypocrisy which they have adopted have become their second nature. (9.87)
1340 "Good things," and "prosperity," are to be understood both in the physical and in the highest spiritual sense as the next verse makes clear. (9.88)
1341 In this verse there is a reminiscence, but not an exact repetition, of verse 72 above. This balances the parallel repetition or reminiscence in verse 85 above. See n. 1338. The symmetry of the argument is thus completed, as regards the Hypocrites of Madinah before we pass on to consider the case of the Hypocrites among the desert Bedouins in section 12. (9.89) ]]
9: 89
Yusuf Ali Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein: that is the supreme felicity.
Pickthall Allah hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide. That is the supreme triumph.
Transliteration A'addalla_hu lahum janna_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_, za_likal fauzul 'azim(u).
9: 100
Asad And as for the first and foremost of those who have forsaken the domain of evil and of those who have sheltered and succored the Faith [note 132]………God is well-pleased with them, and well pleased are they with Him.……..
Yusuf Ali The vanguard (of Islam) the first of those who forsook (their homes) and of those who gave them aid and (also) those who follow them in (all) good deeds well pleased is Allah with them as are they with him: for them hath He prepared gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein for ever: that is the supreme felicity.
Pickthall And the first to lead the way, of the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and those who followed them in goodness--Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him and He hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph.
Transliteration Was sa_biqu_nal awwalu_na minal muha_jirina wal ansa_ri wallazina-ttaba'u_hum bi ihsa_n(ir), radiyalla_hu'anhum wa radu_ 'anhu wa a'adda lahum jannu_tin tajri min tahtihal anha_ru kha_lidina fiha_ abada_(n), za_likal fauzul 'azim(u).
[[ Asad’s note 132 – In the above context, the term “muhajirun” – lit., “emigrants”, rendered by me as “those who have forsaken the domain of evil” (see surah 2, note 203, and surah 4, note 124)- applies primarily to the Meccan followers of the Prophet who migrated (hajaru) from Mecca to Medina – which until then was called Yathrib – at a time when Mecca was still in the possession of the enemies of Islam; the “first and foremost” among them were the earliest emigrants, i.e., those who left Mecca in or before the year 622 of the Christian era (which marks the beginning of the Islamic hijri era) and in the course of the next few years, when the Muslim community at Median was still in danger and being overrun by the powerful Quraysh of Mecca. Similarly, the term ansar (lit., “helpers”) applies here to the early converts from among the people of Median who sheltered and succored (nasaru) their brethren in faith – the “first and foremost” among them being those who embraced Islam before the and shortly after the Prophet’s and his Comapnions’ exodus (hijrah) form Mecca. and particularly those who did so on the occasion of the two meetings, Al-Aws and Khazraj a little over a year and a few months, respectively, before the Prophet’s hijrah).
Apart, however, from their purely historical connotations, both the terms muhajirun and ansar bear in the Quran a spiritual meaning as well, and are often used to describe those who morally “forsake the domain of evil” and those who “shelter and succor the Faith” (see surah 8, note 78). ]]
[[ Ali’s notes - 1348 The vanguard of Islam-those in the first rank-are those who dare and suffer for the Cause and never flinch. The first historical examples are the Muhajirs and the Ansar. The Muhajirs-those who forsook their homes in Makkah and migrated to Madinah, the Holy Prophet being among the last to leave the post of danger, are mentioned first. Then come the Ansar, the Helpers, the citizens of Madinah who invited them, welcomed them, and gave them aid, and who formed the pivot of the new Community. Then are mentioned all who follow them in good deeds: not only the early heroes and ordinary men and women who had been Companions of the Prophet or had seen him, but men and women in all ages who have lived noble lives. In spite of all their sacrifice and suffering they rejoice in the precious gift of the Good Pleasure of Allah, and their Salvation is the Supreme Felicity which such Good Pleasure gives. (9.100)
1349 Note the description of the final accomplishment of the destiny of man. In mathematical science it would be like a letter or formula which would sum up a long course of reasoning. In this very Sura it occurs before in ix. 72 and ix. 89, where see n. 1341. (9.100) ]]
9: 111 [at-Tawbah, Medina 113 after Tabuk9H ]
Asad Behold, God has brought of the believers their lives and their possessions, promising them paradise in return, [and so] they fight in God’s cause, and slay, and are stain: a promise which in truth He has willed upon himself in [the words of] Torah, and the Gospel, and the Quran. And who could be more faithful to his covenant than God?
Yusuf Ali Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their good; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth through the Law the Gospel and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.
Pickthall Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.
Yuksel God has purchased from those who acknowledge their very lives and their wealth; that they will have paradise. They fight in the cause of God so they kill and are killed. A promise that is true upon Him in the Torah, the Injeel and the Quran. Whoever fulfills his pledge to God, then have good news of the deal which you concluded with. Such is the supreme success.
Transliteration Innalla_ha-sytara_ minal mu'minina anfusahum wa amwa_lahum bi anna lahumul jannah(ta), yuqa_tilu_na fi sabililla_hi fa yaqtulu_na wa yuqtalu_na wa'dan 'alaihi haqqan fit taura_ti wal injili wal qura'a_n(i), wa man aufa_ bi 'ahdihi minalla_hi fa-stabsyiru_ bi bai'ikumul lazi ba_ya'tum bih(i), wa za_lika huwal fauzul 'azim(u).
[[ Ali’s notes - 1361 In a human bargain both sides give something and receive some advantage. In the divine bargain of Allah with man, Allah takes man's will and soul and his wealth and goods, and gives him in return ever-lasting Felicity. Man fights in Allah's Cause and carries out His will. All that he has to give up is the ephemeral things of this world, while he gains eternal salvation, the fulfilment of his highest spiritual hopes,-a supreme achievement indeed. (9.111)
1362 We offer our whole selves and our possessions to Allah, and Allah gives us Salvation. This is the true doctrine of redemption: and we are taught that this is the doctrine not only of the Qur-an but of the earlier Revelations,-the original Law of Moses and the original Gospel of Jesus. Any other view of redemption is rejected by Islam, especially that of corrupted Christianity, which thinks that some other person suffered for our sins and we are redeemed by his blood. It is our self-surrender that counts, not other people's merits. Our complete self-surrender may include fighting for the cause, both spiritual and physical. As regards actual fighting with the sword there has been some difference in theological theories at different times, but very little in the practice of those who framed those theories. The Jewish wars were ruthless wars of extermination. The Old Testament does not mince matters on this subject. In the New Testament St. Paul, in commending the worthy fruits of Faith, mentions Gideon, Barak, and other warriors of the Old Testament as his ideals, "Who through faith subdued kingdoms... waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens..." (Hebrews, xi. 32-34). The monkish morality of the Gospels in their present form has never been followed by any self-respecting Christian or other nation in history. Nor is it common-sense to ignore lust of blood in unregenerate man as a form of evil which has to be combated "within the limits, set by Allah" (Q. ix. 112). (9.111) ]]
10. Surah Yunus
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَلا
إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاء
اللّهِ لاَ
خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ
وَلاَ هُمْ
يَحْزَنُونَ ﴿٦٢﴾
10: 62. Behold!
verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve;
C1451. Allah's all-embracing knowledge and constant watchful care over all His creatures, may be a source of fear to sinners, but there is no fear for those whom He honours with His love and friendship,-neither in this world nor in the world to come.
الَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ وَكَانُواْ
يَتَّقُونَ ﴿٦٣﴾
10: 63. Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil --
لَهُمُ
الْبُشْرَى
فِي الْحَياةِ
الدُّنْيَا
وَفِي الآخِرَةِ...
10: 64. For them are Glad Tidings, in the life of the Present and in the Hereafter:
...لاَ تَبْدِيلَ لِكَلِمَاتِ اللّهِ...
no change can there be in the Words of Allah.
...ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿٦٤﴾
This is indeed the supreme Felicity.
Other versions:
10: 62
Yusuf Ali Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear nor shall they grieve;
Pickthall Lo! verily the friends of Allah are (those) on whom fear (cometh) not, nor do they grieve.
Transliteration Ala_ inna auliya_'alla_hi la_ khaufun 'alaihim wa la_ hum yahzanu_n(a).
10: 63
Yusuf Ali Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil
Pickthall Those who believe and keep their duty (to Allah),
Yuksel Those who acknowledged and were aware.
Transliteration Allazina a_manu_ wa ka_nu_ yattaqu_n(a).
10: 64
Yusuf Ali For them are Glad Tidings in the life of the Present and in the Hereafter: no change can there be in the Words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme Felicity.
Pickthall Theirs are good tidings in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the Words of Allah that is the Supreme Triumph.
Yuksel For them are glad tidings in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of God. Such is the supreme success.
Transliteration Lahumul busyra_ fil haya_tid dunya_ wa fil a_khirah(ti), la_ tabdila li kalima_tilla_h(i), za_lika huwal fauzul 'azim(u).
48. Surah Al-Fath
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
هُوَ
الَّذِي أَنزَلَ
السَّكِينَةَ
فِي قُلُوبِ
الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
...
48: 4. It is He who sent down Tranquility into the hearts of the Believers,
C4869. The results were achieved by tranquility, calmness, and cool courage among the 1400 to 1500 unarmed men who accompanied the Prophet to Hudaybiyah and who were threatened with violence by the excited Quraish leaders of Makkah.
... لِيَزْدَادُوا إِيمَانًا مَّعَ إِيمَانِهِمْ ...
that they may Add Faith to their Faith;
C4870. It is a casuistical question to ask.
Are there degrees in Faith?
The plain meaning is that believers will see one Sign of Allah after another, and with each their Faith is confirmed. During all the long years of persecution and conflict they had Faith, but when they see their old enemies actually coming out to negotiate with them, their Faith is justified, fulfilled, and confirmed: and they turn in gratitude to Allah.
...وَلِلَّهِ جُنُودُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ...
for to Allah belong the Forces of the heavens and the earth;
C4871. There are visible forces which you see in the physical world. Men fight with armed forces, and the Muslims had to defend themselves with arms also, and not without success.
But social, moral, and spiritual forces were fighting for them under Allah's command, and they were the real forces that established the Message of Islam and the position of its Leader and Preacher.
... وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا ﴿٤﴾
and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom;
لِيُدْخِلَ
الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي
مِن تَحْتِهَا
الْأَنْهَارُ
خَالِدِينَ
فِيهَا...
48: 5. That He may admit the men and women who believe, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein for aye,
C4872. This clause is coordinated to the previous clause, "'That they may add Faith to their Faith".
The intervening words, "For to Allah ... and Wisdom" are parenthetical. The third coordinate clause comes in the next verse, "And that He may punish ......
The skeleton construction will be, -Allah sends down calm courage to Believers in order that they may be confirmed in their Faith; that they may qualify for the Bliss of Heaven; and that the evil ones may receive the punishment they deserve."
...وَيُكَفِّرَ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَكَانَ ذَلِكَ عِندَ اللَّهِ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا ﴿٥﴾
and remove their ills from them;
and that is, in the sight of Allah, the highest achievement (For man)
Asad’s Version:
48:4 It is He who from on high has bestowed inner peace upon the hearts of the believers, so that –seeing that God's are all the forces of the heavens and the earth, and that God is all-knowing, truly wise they might grow yet more firm in their faith; 5
(48:5) [and] that He might admit the believers, both men and women, into gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide, and that He might efface their [past bad] deeds: and that is, in the sight of God, indeed a triumph supreme!
)
57. SUrah Al-Hadid
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
يَوْمَ
تَرَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
يَسْعَى نُورُهُم
بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ
وَبِأَيْمَانِهِم...
57: 12. One Day shalt thou see the believing men and the believing women how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands:
C5288. In the Darkness of the Day of Judgment there will be a Light to guide the righteous to their Destination. This will be the Light of their Faith and their Good Works: for the Blessed will receive their Record in their right hand (69:19-24).
...بُشْرَاكُمُ الْيَوْمَ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا...
(their greeting will be): "Good News for you this Day!
Gardens beneath which flow rivers! To dwell therein for aye!
... ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿١٢﴾
this is indeed the highest Achievement!"
C5289. The highest Achievement, the highest felicity, the attainment of Salvation, the fulfilment of all desires.
See n. 4733 to 44:57.
Asad’s Version:
(57:12) on the Day when thou shalt see all believing men and believing women, with their light spreading rapidly before them and on their right, 12 [and with this welcome awaiting them:] "A glad tiding for you today: gardens through which running-waters flow, therein to abide! This, this is the triumph supreme!"
[[Asad’s note - 12 See note 25 on the expression ashab al-yamin ("those on the right hand") in 74:39. In many instances, the metaphor of "the right hand" or "right side" is used in the Qur'an to denote "righteousness" and, therefore, "blessedness", symbolized in the present context by the "light spreading rapidly" before and on the right side of the believers as a result of their "cognition of God, and their high morality, and their freedom from ignorance and blameworthy traits" (Razi). ]]