syadidul'aza_b
2. Surah al-Baqara, Medina 87
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمِنَ
النَّاسِ مَن
يَتَّخِذُ مِن
دُونِ اللّهِ
أَندَاداً
يُحِبُّونَهُمْ
كَحُبِّ اللّهِ...
2: 165. Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah as equal (with Allah); they love them as they should love Allah.
... وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلّهِ...
But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.
... وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلّهِ جَمِيعاً...
If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty, that to Allah belongs all power,
... وَأَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ ﴿١٦٥﴾
and Allah will strongly enforce the Punishment.
C167. Everything around and within us points to unity of purpose and design, - points to Allah. Yet there are foolish persons (unrighteous - those who deliberately use the choice given them to go wrong). They think something else is equal to Allah. Perhaps they even do lip service to Allah.
If only the unrighteous could see the consequences, they would see the terrible Penalty, and that all Power is in Allah's hands, not in that of any one else.
Who are these others who are used as fetishes by the misguided?
It may be:
- creatures of their own imagination, or of their faculties misused; the idea lying behind Idols is akin to this, for no intelligent idol-worshipper owns to worshipping stocks and stones; or
- good leaders whose names have been misused out of perversity to erect them to a position of equality with Allah; or
- Powers of evil that deliberately mislead.
When it comes to the inevitable consequences of blasphemy and the rejection of Allah, the eyes of all are opened and these false and artificial, relations dissolve. The idea which was created into a fetish disowns its follower, i.e. is seen to have no reasonable basis in the life of the follower, and the follower is forced to renounce it as false. The good ones would take an unholy delight in exposing the facts. The Reality is now irresistible but alas! at what cost?
سَلْ
بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ
كَمْ آتَيْنَاهُم
مِّنْ آيَةٍ
بَيِّنَةٍ ...
2: 211. Ask the Children of Israel how many Clear (Signs) We have sent them.
C232. The Israelites under Moses were shown Allah's glory and many clear Signs and yet they went after their own ways, and preferred their own whims and fancies. So do people in all ages.
But let them not deceive themselves. Allah's justice is sure, and when it comes, it will be strict and unmistakable to those who reject His grace.
... وَمَن يُبَدِّلْ نِعْمَةَ اللّهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءتْهُ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ﴿٢١١﴾
But if anyone, after Allah's favor has come to him, substitutes (something else), Allah is strict in punishment.
C233. Cf. 2:196 (end) where the question was of those who do not fear Allah.
Here the question is of those who reject Allah's Signs.
2: 165
Pickthall Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only)--Those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah--Oh, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!
Wa minan na_si may yattakhizu min du_nilla_hi anda_day yuhibbu_nahum ka hubbilla_h(i), wallazinaa_manu_ asyaddu hubbal lilla_h(i), wa lau yaral lazina zalamu_ iz yaraunal 'aza_b(a), annal quwwata lilla_hi jami'a_(n), wa annalla_ha syadidul'aza_b(i).
2: 211
Asad Ask the children of Israel how many a clear message We have given them! And if one alters God’s blessed Message after it has reached him – verily, God is severe in retribution!
Pickthall Ask of the Children of Israel how many a clear revelation We gave them! He who altereth the grace of Allah after it hath come unto him (for him), lo! Allah is severe in punishment.
Sal bani isra_'ila kam a_taina_hum min a_yatim bayyinah(tin), wa may yubaddil ni'matalla_hi mimba'di ma_ ja_'athu fa innalla_ha syadidul 'iqa_b(i).
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5. Surah al-Maida, Medina 112
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
يَا
أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ لاَ
تُحِلُّواْ
شَعَآئِرَ
اللّهِ ...
5: 2. O ye who believe!
violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah,
C686. Cf. 2:158, where Safa and Marwa are called "Symbols (shaair) of Allah".
Here the Symbols are everything connected with the Pilgrimage, viz.,
1. the places (like Safa and Marwa, or the Ka'bah or 'Arafat, etc.);
2. the rites and ceremonies prescribed;
3. prohibitions (such as that of hunting, etc.);
4. the times and seasons prescribed. There is spiritual and moral dimension in all these.
See notes on 2:158, 2:194-200.
... وَلاَ الشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ ...
nor of the Sacred Month,
C687. The month of pilgrimage, or else, collectively, the four sacred months (9:36), viz.,
- Rajab (7th).
- Dhu al Qadah (11th),
- Dhu al Hijjah (12th, the month of Pilgrimage), and
- Muharram (the first of the year).
In all these months War was prohibited. Excepting Rajab the other three months are consecutive.
... وَلاَ الْهَدْيَ وَلاَ الْقَلآئِدَ...
nor of the animals brought for sacrifice,
nor the garlands that mark out such animals,
... وَلا آمِّينَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلاً مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرِضْوَانًا...
nor the people resorting to the Sacred House, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord.
C688. The immunity from attack or interference extended to the animals brought as offerings for sacrifice and the garlands or fillets or distinguishing marks which gave them immunity. They were treated as sacred symbols.
And of course every protection or immunity was enjoyed by the Pilgrims.
... وَإِذَا حَلَلْتُمْ فَاصْطَادُواْ...
But when ye are clear of the Sacred Precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt,
C689. This is the state opposite to that described in n. 684, i.e., when ye have left the Sacred Precincts, and have doffed the special pilgrim garb, showing your return to ordinary life.
... وَلاَ يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ أَن صَدُّوكُمْ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ أَن تَعْتَدُواْ...
and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part).
C690. See n. 205 to 2:191.
In the sixth year of the Hijrah the Pagans, by way of hatred and persecution of the Muslims, had prevented them from access to the Sacred Mosque. When the Muslims were re-established in Makkah, some of them wanted to retaliate.
Passing from the immediate event to the general principle, we must not retaliate or return evil for evil. The hatred of the wicked does not justify hostility on our part. We have to help each other in righteousness and piety, not in perpetuating feuds of hatred and enmity. We may have to fight and put down evil, but never in a spirit of malice or hatred, but always in a spirit of justice and righteousness.
... وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الْبرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى...
Help ye one another in righteousness and piety,
... وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى الإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ ...
but help ye not one another in sin and rancor:
fear Allah:
... إِنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ﴿٢﴾
for Allah is strict in punishment.
Other Versions:
5: 2
Asad ……….Offend not against the symbols set up by God, nor against the sacred month [of pilgrimage], nor against the garlanded offerings [note 4], nor against those who flock to the Inviolable Temple, seeking favor with their Sustainer and His goodly acceptance; and [only] after your pilgrimage is over [note 5] are you free to hunt. And never let your hatred of people who would bar you from the Inviolable House of Worship lead you into the sin of aggression [note 6]: but rather help one another in furthering virtue and God-consciousness, and do not help one another furthering evil and enmity; and remain conscious of God: for, behold, God is severe in retribution!
Pickthall O ye who believe! Profane not Allah's monuments nor the Sacred Month nor the offerings nor the garlands, nor those repairing to the Sacred House, seeking the grace and pleasure of Allah. But when ye have left the sacred territory, then go hunting (if ye will). And let not your hatred of a folk who (once) stopped your going to the Inviolable Place of Worship seduce you to transgress;
but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment.
Transliteration Ya_ ayyuhal lazina a_manu_ lu_ tuhilla_ sya'a_iralla_hi wa lasy syahral hara_ma wa lal hadya wa lal qala_'ida wa la_ a_mminal baital hara_ma yabtagu_na fadlam mir rabbihim wa ridwa_na_(n), wa iza_ halaltum fasta_du_, wa la_ yajrimannakum syana'a_nu qaumin an saddu_kum 'anil masjidil hara_mi an ta'tadu_, wa ta'a_wanu_ 'alal birri wat taqwa_, wa la_ ta'a_wanu_ 'alal ismi wal'udwa_n(i), wattaqulla_h(a), innalla_ha syadidul 'iqa_b(i).
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8. [al-Anfal, Medina 88, after Badr 2H]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَاتَّقُواْ
فِتْنَةً لاَّ
تُصِيبَنَّ
الَّذِينَ
ظَلَمُواْ
مِنكُمْ خَآصَّةً...
8: 25. And fear tumult or oppression, which affecteth not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong
C1198. Fitnah: has many meanings:
- the root meaning is trial or temptation, as in 2:102 and 8: 28;
- an analogous meaning is trial or punishment, as in 5:71;
- tumult or oppression, as in 2:193, and here: and in 8:39,
- there is here (8:25) the further shade of meaning suggested, discord, sedition, civil war.
This warning against internal discord or tumult was very necessary in the Civil Wars of early Islam, and was never more necessary than it is now. For it affects innocent and guilty alike.
...وَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ﴿٢٥﴾
and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
Other Versions:
8: 25
Asad And beware of that temptation to evil which does not befall only those among you who are bent on denying the truth, to the excusion of others [note 25]; and know that God is severe is retribution.
Pickthall And guard yourselves against a chastisement which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who are wrong-doers, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.
Transliteration Wattaqu_ fitnal la_ tusibannal lazina zalamu_ minkum kha_ssah(tan), wa'lamu_ annalla_ha syadidul 'iqa_b(i).
[[ Asad’s note 25 – The term ‘fitnah’ – here rendered as “temptation to evil” – comprises a wide range of concepts, e.g., “seduction” or “trial” or “test” or “an affliction whereby one is tried”, hence also “confusion” (as in 3:7 and 6:23), “discord” or “dissention” ……………..not merely the deliberate deniers of spiritual truths who are exposed to such a temptation, but that also people who are otherwise righteous may fall prey to it unless they remain always, and consciously, on their guard against anything that might lead them astray from the right course.]]
[[ Ali’s note - 1198 Fitna has many meanings: (1) the root meaning is trial or temptation, as in ii. 102 and viii. 28; (2) an analogous meaning is trial or punishment, as in v. 71; (3) tumult or oppression, as in ii. 193, and here: and in viii. 39 (4) there is here (viii. 25) the further shade of meaning suggested, discord, sedition, civil war. This warning against internal discord or tumult was very necessary in the Civil Wars of early Islam, and was never more necessary than it is now. For it affects innocent and guilty alike. (8.25) ]]
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13. Surah Ar Ra'd, Medina 96
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَإِن
تَعْجَبْ فَعَجَبٌ
قَوْلُهُمْ
أَئِذَا كُنَّا
تُرَابًا أَئِنَّا
لَفِي خَلْقٍ
جَدِيدٍ...
13: 5. If thou dost marvel (at their want of faith), strange is their saying:
"When we are (actually) dust, shall we indeed then be in a creation renewed?"
C1808. After seeing the Signs in nature and the Signs in revelation, it is indeed strange that people should deny their Creator.
But if they admit the Signs of the Creator, Who works marvels before their very eyes every day, why should they doubt that when they are reduced to dust, they can be raised up again?
If one creation is possible, what difficulty can there be in accepting a renewed creation?
It becomes then a question of an obstinate and rebellious will, for which the punishment is described.
...أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِرَبِّهِمْ...
They are those who deny their Lord!
...وَأُوْلَئِكَ الأَغْلاَلُ فِي أَعْنَاقِهِمْ...
They are those round whose necks will be yokes (of servitude):
C1809. Aglal: yokes (of servitude): Cf. 7:157 and n. 1128.
The punishment may be conceived of in two stages:
- immediately, yokes of servitude to superstition, falsehood, etc., as against the freedom in Faith;
- and finally, the Fire which bums the very soul.
...وَأُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدونَ ﴿٥﴾
they will be Companions of the Fire, who dwell therein (for aye)!
وَيَسْتَعْجِلُونَكَ
بِالسَّيِّئَةِ
قَبْلَ الْحَسَنَةِ
وَقَدْ خَلَتْ
مِن قَبْلِهِمُ
الْمَثُلاَتُ...
13: 6. They ask thee to hasten on the evil in preference to the good: yet have come to pass, before them, (many) exemplary punishments!
C1810. The Unbelievers by way of a taunt say: "If there is a punishment, let us see it come down now."
The answer to it is threefold.
1. Why do you want to see the punishment rather than the mercy of Allah?
Which is better?
2. Have you not heard in history of terrible punishments for evil?
And have you not before your very eyes seen examples of wickedness brought to book?
3. Allah works not only in justice and punishment, but also in mercy and forgiveness, and mercy and forgiveness come first.
...وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو مَغْفِرَةٍ لِّلنَّاسِ عَلَى ظُلْمِهِمْ...
But verily thy Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind for their wrongdoing:
...وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَشَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ﴿٦﴾
and verily thy Lord is (also) strict in punishment.
وَيَقُولُ
الَّذِينَ
كَفَرُواْ
لَوْلآ أُنزِلَ
عَلَيْهِ آيَةٌ
مِّن رَّبِّهِ...
13: 7. And the Unbelievers say!
"Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?"
C1811. After all the Signs that have just been mentioned it is mere fractiousness to say, "Bring down a Sign."
Al-Mustafa brought Signs and credentials as other Prophets did, and like them, refused to satisfy mere idle curiosity.
...إِنَّمَا أَنتَ مُنذِرٌ وَلِكُلِّ قَوْمٍ هَادٍ ﴿٧﴾
But thou art truly a warner and to every people a guide.
C1812. The last sentence of this verse has usually been interpreted to mean that the Prophet's function was merely to warn, and that guidance was sent by Allah to every nation through its Prophets.
I think the following interpretation is equally possible:
'it is itself a Sign that Al-Mustafa should warn and preach and produce the Quran, and the guidance which he brings is universal guidance, as from Allah.'
Other Versions:
13: 5
Pickthall And if thou wonderest, then wondrous is their saying: When we are dust, are we then forsooth (to be raised) in a new creation? Such are they who disbelieve in their Lord; such have carcans on their necks; such are rightful owners of the Fire, they will abide therein.
Yuksel If you wonder, then what is more wondrous is their saying: "Can it be that when we are dust, we will be created anew!" These are those who rejected their Lord, and they will have chains around their necks, and they are the dwellers of the fire, in it they will abide.
Transliteration Wa in ta'jab fa 'ajabun qauluhum a'iza_ kunna_ tura_ban ainna_ lafi khalqin jadid(in), ula_'ikal lazina kafaru_ bi rabbihim, wa ula_'ikal agla_lu fi a'na_qihim, wa ula_'ika asha_bun na_r(i), hum fiha_ kha_lidu_n(a).
13: 6
Pickthall And they bid thee hasten on the evil rather than the good, when exemplary punishments have indeed occurred before them. But lo! thy Lord is rich in pardon for mankind despite their wrong, and lo! thy Lord is strong in punishment!
Yuksel They ask you to hasten with the doom rather than the good, yet the examples of those before them have already been given. Your Lord is with great forgiveness to the people despite their transgression, and your Lord is severe in retribution.
Transliteration Wa yasta'jilu_naka bis sayyi'ati qablal hasanati wa qad khalat min qablihimul masula_t(u), wa inna rabbaka lazu_ magfiratil lin na_si 'ala_ zulmihim, wa inna rabbaka lasyadidul 'iqa_b(i).
13: 7
Pickthall Those who disbelieve say: If only some portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Thou art a warner only, and for every folk a guide.
Yuksel Those who reject say, "If only a sign was sent down to him from his Lord." You are but a warner, and to every nation is a guide.
Transliteration Wa yaqu_lul lazina kafaru_ lau la_ unzila 'alaihi a_yatum mir rabbih(i), innama_ anta munziruw wa likulli qaumin ha_d(in).
[[ Ruby’s note 13:5-7 - These challenges come from people who do not believe and who are extremely arrogant. That is why they are challenging the Prophet to bring down the punishment as they are sure it is not going to come and the Prophet would be at default.]]
[[ Ali’s note -
1809 Aglal: yokes (of servitude): Cf. vii. 157 and n. 1128. The punishment may be conceived of in two stages: immediately, yokes of servitude to superstition, falsehood, etc., as against the freedom in Faith; and finally, the Fire which burns the very soul. (13.5)
1810 The Unbelievers by way of a taunt say: "If there is a punishment, let us see it come down now." The answer to it is threefold. (1) Why do you want to see the punishment rather than the mercy of Allah? Which is better? (2) Have you not heard in history of terrible punishments for evil? And have you not before your very eyes seen examples of wickedness brought to book? (3) Allah works not only in justice and punishment, but also in mercy and forgiveness, and mercy and forgiveness come first. (13.6)
1811 After all the Signs that have just been mentioned it is mere fractiousness to say, "Bring down a Sign." Al-Mustafa brought Signs and credentials as other Prophets did, and like them, refused to satisfy mere idle curiosity. (13.7)
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40. Ghafir (Forgiving)/al mumin
Mecca 60 [85 verses]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
أَوَ
لَمْ
يَسِيرُوا
فِي
الْأَرْضِ
فَيَنظُرُوا
كَيْفَ
كَانَ
عَاقِبَةُ
الَّذِينَ
كَانُوا
مِن
قَبْلِهِمْ
...
40:21 Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them?
C4386. Cf. 30:9. and several other similar passages.
... كَانُوا هُمْ أَشَدَّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَآثَارًا فِي الْأَرْضِ ...
They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces (they have left) in the land:
C4387. See n. 3515 to 30:9.
We can learn from the history of previous nations. Many of them were more powerful, or have left finer and more imposing monuments and made a deeper impression on the world around them than any particular generation addressed. "Traces" in the text may be taken in that extended sense. And yet all this did not save them from the consequences of their sins. They were called to account and punished. None of the power or pomp or skill of which they boasted could for a moment ward off the punishment when it came in God's good time.
... فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَا كَانَ لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ ﴿٢١﴾
but Allah did call them to account for their sins, and none had they to defend them against Allah.
ذَلِكَ
بِأَنَّهُمْ
كَانَت
تَّأْتِيهِمْ
رُسُلُهُم
بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ
فَكَفَرُوا...
40: 22. That was because there came to them their messengers with Clear (Signs), but they rejected them:
C4388. But Allah in His Mercy always sends a Message of warning and good news through his messengers, and He gives His messengers Clear Signs and an authority that can be recognised.
Among the Clear Signs are:
- the pure and unselfish lives of the messengers;
- the revelation of truth which they bring;
- their influence on the course of events in their own and succeeding generations; etc. Some of these may be so remarkable that they merit the name of Miracles.
... فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ...
So Allah called them to account:
... إِنَّهُ قَوِيٌّ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ﴿٢٢﴾
for He is full of Strength, Strict in Punishment.
Asad’s Version:
40:21 Have they, then, never journeyed about the earth and beheld what happened in the end to those [deniers of the truth] who lived before their time? Greater were they in power than they are, and in the impact which they left on earth: but God took them to task for their sins, and they had none to defend them against God:
(40:22) this, because their apostles had come to them with all evidence of the truth, and yet they rejected it: and so God took them to task - for, verily, He is powerful, severe in retribution!