Bearer of Good News & Warner

Sura-7 [ Al Araf mecca 39]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:

أَوَلَمْ يَتَفَكَّرُواْ مَا بِصَاحِبِهِم مِّن جِنَّةٍ...

7:184. Do they not reflect?

Their companion is not seized with madness:

C1155. Their companion, i.e., the Holy Prophet, who lived with and amongst them. He was accused of madness because he behaved differently from them.

- He had no selfish ambitions;

- he was always true, in thought, word, and deed:

- he was kind and considerate to the weak, and was not dazzled by worldly power or wealth or position:

- he was undeterred by fear of the strong, the mockery of the cynics, the bitterness of the evil, or the indifference of the heedless.

That is why he stood out boldly against wrong: he did not mince his words, and his warnings were not mealy-mouthed.

...إِنْ هُوَ إِلاَّ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿١٨٤﴾

he is but a perspicuous warner.

C1156. Mubin; perspicuous.

The reason why I have not used a simpler word, such as "plain" or "clear" is explained in n. 716 to 5:15.

Al-Mustafa's sermons were not polite reminders, with an eye to the flattery of weaknesses in high places or national vanities or crowd passions. They brought out every foible into the glare of light, by a fiery eloquence fed by inspiration from Allah.

أَوَلَمْ يَنظُرُواْ فِي مَلَكُوتِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَمَا خَلَقَ اللّهُ مِن شَيْءٍ...

7:185. Do they see nothing in the government of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah hath created?

C1157. An appeal to Allah's most wonderful universe should at once convince a thinking mind of man's nothingness, and Allah's power, glory, and goodness.

Man's term here is fleeting. If he is not warned by the great Signs, and the Messages which call his attention to them, is he capable of any faith at all?

...وَأَنْ عَسَى أَن يَكُونَ قَدِ اقْتَرَبَ أَجَلُهُمْ ...

(Do they not see) that it may well be that their term is nigh drawing to an end?

...فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَهُ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾

In what message after this will they then believe?

مَن يُضْلِلِ اللّهُ فَلاَ هَادِيَ لَهُ...

7:186. To such as Allah rejects from His guidance, there can be no guide;

...وَيَذَرُهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ ﴿١٨٦﴾

He will leave them in their trespasses, wandering in distraction.

C1158. Cf. 2:15.

If Allah's light is removed, the best of them can only wander hither and thither, like blind men, in distraction.

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ السَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرْسَاهَا...

7:187. They ask thee about the (final) hour, when will be its appointed time?

...قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّي لاَ يُجَلِّيهَا لِوَقْتِهَا إِلاَّ هُوَ...

Say:

"The knowledge thereof is with my Lord (alone): none but He can reveal as to when it will occur.

C1159. The fact of its coming is a certainty: the exact time appointed for it is not revealed by Allah. If it were it would be so momentous as to disturb our thoughts and life. It would be a heavy burden to us. Our duty is to be prepared for it at all times.

It will come when we least expect it. In the present Gospels Jesus says the same thing: he does not know the Hour, but it will come suddenly.

"But of that day and that Hour knoweth no man, no, not the angles which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." (Mark. 13:32-33).

...ثَقُلَتْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ لاَ تَأْتِيكُمْ إِلاَّ بَغْتَةً ...

Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth.

Only, all of a sudden, will it come to you.

...يَسْأَلُونَكَ كَأَنَّكَ حَفِيٌّ عَنْهَا...

They ask thee as if thou wert eager in search thereof:

C1160. Hafiyy is usually construed to mean; "eager or anxious in search of":

the preposition following here is 'an = concerning, about.

Some commentators (including Raghib) understand it in this passage to mean "well-acquainted."

In 19:47, with the preposition bi following it, it signifies "well-disposed to", favourable to, good to, kind to."

...قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ اللّهِ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٨٧﴾

Say: "The knowledge thereof is with Allah (alone), but most men know not."

قُل لاَّ أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعًا وَلاَ ضَرًّا إِلاَّ مَا شَاء اللّهُ...

7:188. Say:

"I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as Allah willeth.

...وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ لاَسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِيَ السُّوءُ...

If I had knowledge of the unseen, I should have multiplied all good, and no evil should have touched me,

...إِنْ أَنَاْ إِلاَّ نَذِيرٌ وَبَشِيرٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٨٨﴾

I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings to those who have faith."

C1161. A warner to all, and a bringer of glad tidings to those who have faith, because they will profit by the glad tidings.

As every one is invited to faith, the glad tidings are offered to all, but they are not necessarily accepted by all.

Other versions:

7: 184

Yusuf Ali Do they not reflect? Their companion is not seized with madness: he is but a perspicuous warner.

Pickthall Have they not bethought them (that) there is no madness in their comrade? He is but a plain warner.

Transliteration Awalam yatafakkaru_ ma_ bisa_hibihim min jinnah(tin), in huwa illa_ nazirum mubin(un).

7: 185

Asad Have they, then, never considered [God’s] mighty dominion over the heavens and the earth, and all the things that God has created, and [asked themselves] whether, perchance, the end of their own term might already have drawn nigh? In what other tiding, then, will they, after this believe?

Yusuf Ali Do they see nothing in the government of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah hath created? (Do they not see) that it may well be that their term is nigh drawing to an end? In what message after this will they then believe?

Pickthall Have they not considered the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and what things Allah hath created, and that it may be that their own term draweth nigh? In what fact after this will they believe?

Transliteration Awalam yanzuru_ fi malaku_tis sama_wa_ti wal ardi wa ma_ khalaqalla_hu min syai'iw wa an 'asa_ ay yaku_na qadiqtaraba ajaluhum, fabi'ayyi hadisim ba'dahu_ yu'minu_n(a).

7: 186

Asad For those whom God lets go astray, there is no guide: and He shall leave them in their over weening arrogance, blindly stumbling to and fro [note 152].

Yusuf Ali To such as Allah rejects from His guidance there can be no guide; He will leave them in their trespasses wandering in distraction.

Pickthall Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them. He leaveth them to wander blindly on in their contumacy.

Transliteration May yudlililla_hu fala_ ha_diya lah(u_), wa yazaruhum fi tugya_nihim ya'mahu_n(a).

[[ Asad’s note 152 – As in verse 178 above – and in many other places I nthe Quran …………whereby a willful neglect of one’s inborn, cognitive faculties unavoidably results in the loss of all ethical orientation: that is, not an act of “predisposition” but a result of one’s own choice. See also surah 2, note 7, and surah 14, note 4.]]

7: 188

Asad ……..I am nothing but a warner, and a herald of glad tidings unto people who will believe. [note 154]”

Yusuf Ali Say: "I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as Allah willeth. If I had knowledge of the unseen I should have multiplied all good and no evil should have touched me I am but a warner and a bringer of glad tidings to those who have faith."

Pickthall Say: For myself I have no power to benefit, nor power to hurt, save that which Allah willeth. Had I knowledge of the Unseen, I should have abundance of wealth, and adversity would not touch me. I am but a warner, and a bearer of good tidings unto folk who believe.

Transliteration Qul la_ amliku linafsi naf'aw wa la_ darran illa_ ma_ sya_'alla_h(u), wa lau kuntu a'lamul gaiba lastaksartu minal khairi - wa ma_ massaniyas su_'u - in ana illa_ naziruw wa basyirul li qaumiy yu'minu_n(a).

Asad’s note 154 – See 6:50, as well as the corresponding note. The repeated insistence in the Quran on the humanness of the Prophet is in tune with the doctrine that no created being has or could have any share, however small, in any of the Creator’s qualities or powers. …]

Sura-2 [Al-Baqara medina 87]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلاَ تُسْأَلُ عَنْ أَصْحَابِ الْجَحِيمِ ﴿١١٩﴾

2:119. Verily, We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner.

But of thee no question shall be asked of Companions of the blazing fire.

وَلَن تَرْضَى عَنكَ الْيَهُودُ وَلاَ النَّصَارَى حَتَّى تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ...

2:120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion.

قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَى...

Say: "The guidance of Allah, that is the (only) guidance."

... وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءهُم بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ...

Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee,

... مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ ﴿١٢٠﴾

then wouldst thou find neither protector nor helper against Allah.

الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَتْلُونَهُ حَقَّ تِلاَوَتِهِ أُوْلَـئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ...

2:121. Those to whom We have sent the book study it as it should be studied; they are the ones that believe therein;

... وَمن يَكْفُرْ بِهِ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ ﴿١٢١﴾

those who reject faith therein, the loss is their own.

C.48 (The running Commentary, in Rhythmic Prose)

(2:122-141)

If the people of the Book rely

Upon Abraham, let them study

His history. His posterity included

Both Israel and Ismail. Abraham

Was a righteous man of Allah,

A Muslim, and so were his children.

Abraham and Ismail built

The Ka'bah as the house of Allah,

And purified it, to be a centre

Of worship for all the world;

For Allah is the God of all peoples.

C 121. The argument now proceeds on another line. Ye People of the Book who go back to Abraham! not only is your claim to exclusive knowledge of Allah false and derogatory to the Lord of All the Worlds. If you must appeal to Abraham, he was also the progenitor of the Arab race through Ismail. Indeed Abraham and Ismail together built the House of Allah in Makkah (long before the Temple of Jerusalem was built). They purified it and laid the foundation of the universal religion, which is summed up in word Islam, or complete submission to the Will of Allah. Abraham and Ismail were thus true Muslims. Whence then your rancour against Islam?

Historically the House of Allah at Makkah must have been far more ancient place of worship than the Temple of Jerusalem. Arab tradition connects various places in and around Makkah with the name of Abraham and identifies the well of Zamzam with the well in the story of the child Ismail.

Arab tradition also refers the story of the Sacrifice to Ismail and not to Isaac, therein differing from the Jewish tradition in Gen, 22:1-19. (R).

Other versions:

2: 119

Asad Verily, We have sent thee [O Prophet] with the truth, as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: and thou shalt not be held accountable for those who are destined for the blazing fire.

Yusuf Ali Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. But of thee no question shall be asked of Companions of the blazing fire.

Pickthall Lo! We have sent thee (O Muhammad) with the truth, a bringer of glad tidings and a warner. And thou wilt not be asked about the owners of hell fire.

Transliteration Inna_ arsalna_ka bil haqqi basyiraw wa nazira_(n), wa la_ tus'alu 'an asha_bil jahim(i).

[ Ruby’s note: I think it implies to the Rejecters of Truth who are extremely arrogant and unreasonable. And this verse do not imply Jews or followers of any specific creed in general [See previous verses] ]

2: 120

Asad For, never will the Jews be pleased with thee, not yet the Christians, unless thou follow their own creeds: Say: “Behold, God’s guidance is the only true guidance.”

Yusuf Ali Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The guidance of Allah that is the (only) guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee then wouldst thou find neither protector nor helper against Allah.

Pickthall And the Jews will not be pleased with thee, nor will the Christians, till thou follow their creed. Say: Lo! the guidance of Allah (Himself) is Guidance. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then wouldst thou have from Allah no protecting friend nor helper.

Transliteration Wa lan tarda_ 'ankal yahu_du wa lan nasa_ra_ hatta_ tattabi'a millatahum, qul inna hudalla_hi huwal huda_, wa la'inittaba'ta ahwa_'ahum ba'dal lazi ja_'aka minal 'ilm(i), ma_ laka minalla_hi miw waliyyiw wa la_ nasir(in).

[Ruby’s note: It is easy here to fall into the trap of misconception in regards to Jews and Christians. If this verse needs to be reconciled with the verse 2:62 where it recognizes righteousness among the followers of these faith. Then the way it can be reconciled is that those Jews and Christians who are absolutely arrogant even to seriously consider what is before them, in this case a man with God’s message, and just look the other way and say this is completely nonsense and unacceptable, then it is arrogance that is causing this rejection. A person of God needs to be on guard and sincere anything in life that is coming before him/her, not only the Devine Revelations but also all the events and circumstances that one is brought to.

Not all Jews and Christians are like that. There are place of humility and wisdom in them to say ‘we do not know what God knows, there may be something here to seriously look into’, instead the ones who outright and completely reject it without giving any consideration at all. And asking unreasonable and meaningless question like “Why God is not speaking directly to us.”

These attitudes are the focus here. And if there are people among Jews and Christians who are wise, who in their inner self harbors love of God and humility and know that all human beings are creation of God and God is most merciful and just, then they would have a more open minded approach into this complex affairs of diversity even in faith. A true believer is always kind and compassionate towards others, and they are humble and do not judge others.

These verses need more discussion so that a serious flaw in judgment regarding Jews and Christians do not come, and these two verses make the whole Quran irreconcilable. Because God is declaring there is no inconsistency in the Quran. It must be in our understanding and limited knowledge that we are facing a seemed contradictions. See the immediately next verse here. ]

2: 121

Asad Those unto whom We have vouchsafed the divine writ [and who] follow it as it ought to be followed – it is they who [truly] believe in it; whereas all who choose to deny its truth – it is they, they who are the losers!

Yusuf Ali Those to whom We have sent the book study it as it should be studied; they are the ones that believe therein; those who reject faith therein the loss is their own.

Pickthall Those unto whom We have given the Scripture, who read it with the right reading, those believe in it. And whoso disbelieveth in it, those are they who are the losers.

Transliteration Allazina a_taina_humul kita_ba yatlu_nahu_ haqqa tila_watih(i), ula_'ika yu'minu_na bih(i), wa may yakfur bihi fa ula_'ika humul kha_siru_n(a).

[ Ruby – These Books [kitab] is indicating all divine Books or Scriptures that came from God, if one sincerely read these even with distortions and human manipulation down the ages, one would find Truth in any of these Books. Therefore, a sincere and keen heart is the essence here to receive Guidance and Truth.]

6: 19 [al-Anam, Mecca 55]

Asad Say:”What could most weightily bear witness to the truth?” Say: “God is witness between me and you; and this Quran has been revealed unto me so that on the strength thereof I might warn you and all whom it may reach.”……………

Yusuf Ali Say: "What thing is most weighty in evidence?" Say: "Allah is Witness between me and you: this Qur'an hath been revealed to me by inspiration that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can ye possibly bear witness that besides Allah there is another god?" Say: "Nay! I cannot bear witness!" Say: "But in truth He is the One Allah and I truly am innocent of (your blasphemy of) joining others with Him.

Pickthall Say (O Muhammad) : What thing is of most weight in testimony? Say: Allah is witness between you and me. And this Qur'an hath been inspired in me, that I may warn therewith you and whomsoever it may reach. Do ye in truth bear witness that there are gods beside Allah? Say: I bear no such witness. Say: He is only One God. Lo! I am innocent of that which ye associate (with Him).

Transliteration Qul ayyu syai'in akbaru syaha_dah(tan), qulilla_h(u), syahidum baini wa bainakum, wa u_hiya ilayya ha_zal qur'a_nu li unzirakum bihi wa mam balag(a), a'innakum latasyhadu_na anna ma'alla_hi a_lihatan ukhra_, qul la_ asyhad(u), qul innama_ huwa ila_huw wa_hiduw wa innani bari'um mimma_ tusyriku_n(a).

6: 19 [al-Anam, Mecca 55]

Asad Say:”What could most weightily bear witness to the truth?” Say: “God is witness between me and you; and this Quran has been revealed unto me so that on the strength thereof I might warn you and all whom it may reach.”……………

Yusuf Ali Say: "What thing is most weighty in evidence?" Say: "Allah is Witness between me and you: this Qur'an hath been revealed to me by inspiration that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can ye possibly bear witness that besides Allah there is another god?" Say: "Nay! I cannot bear witness!" Say: "But in truth He is the One Allah and I truly am innocent of (your blasphemy of) joining others with Him.

Pickthall Say (O Muhammad) : What thing is of most weight in testimony? Say: Allah is witness between you and me. And this Qur'an hath been inspired in me, that I may warn therewith you and whomsoever it may reach. Do ye in truth bear witness that there are gods beside Allah? Say: I bear no such witness. Say: He is only One God. Lo! I am innocent of that which ye associate (with Him).

Transliteration Qul ayyu syai'in akbaru syaha_dah(tan), qulilla_h(u), syahidum baini wa bainakum, wa u_hiya ilayya ha_zal qur'a_nu li unzirakum bihi wa mam balag(a), a'innakum latasyhadu_na anna ma'alla_hi a_lihatan ukhra_, qul la_ asyhad(u), qul innama_ huwa ila_huw wa_hiduw wa innani bari'um mimma_ tusyriku_n(a).

6: 48 [al-Anam, Cattle, Mecca 55]

Asad And We send [Our] message-bearers only as heralds of glad tidings and as warners: hence, all who believe and live righteously – no fear need they have and neither shall they grieve;

Yusuf Ali We send the Apostles only to give good news and to warn: so those who believe and mend (their lives) upon them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

Pickthall We send not the messengers save as bearers of good news and warners. Whoso believeth and doeth right, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.

Transliteration Wa ma_ nursilul musalina illa_ mubasysyirina wa munzirin(a), fa man a_mana wa aslaha fala_ khaufun 'alaihim wa la_ hum yahzanu_n(a).

6: 49

Asad whereas those who give the lie to Our messages – suffering will afflict them in result of all their sinful doings.

Yusuf Ali But those who reject Our Signs them shall our punishment touch for that they ceased not from transgressing.

Pickthall But as for those who deny Our revelations, torment will afflict them for that they used to disobey.

Transliteration Wallazina kazzabu_ bi a_ya_tina_ yamassuhumul 'aza_bu bima_ ka_nu_ yafsuqu_n(a).

6: 50

Asad …………………Will you not, then, take thought?”

Yusuf Ali Say: "I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah nor do I know what is hidden nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me." Say: "Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?" Will ye then consider not?

Pickthall Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): I say not unto you (that) I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I have knowledge of the Unseen; and I say not unto you: Lo! I am an angel. I follow only that which is inspired in me. Say: Are the blind man and the seer equal? Will ye not then take thought?

Transliteration Qul la_ aqu_lu lakum 'indi khaza_'inulla_hi wa la_ a'lamul gaiba wa la_ aqu_lu lakum innimalak(un), in attabi'u illa_ ma_ yu_ha_ ilayy(a), qul hal yastawil a'ma_ wal basir(u), afala_ tatafakkaru_n(a).

[[ Asad’s note 38 – This denial on the part of the Prophet of any claim to supernatural powers refers, primarily, to the demand of the unbelievers (mentioned in verse 37) that he should prove his prophetic mission by causing a “miraculous sign” to be bestowed on him. Beyond this specific reference, however, the above passage is meant to prevent any deification of the Prophet and to make it clear that he – like all other prophets before him –was but a moral human beings, a servant whom God had chosen to convey His message to mankind. See also 7:188]]

[[ Ali’s notes - 866 The Apostles are not sent to cancel man's limited free-will. They are sent to preach and teach, - to preach hope to the repentant ("good news"), and to warn the rebellious of the Wrath to come. (6.48)

867 Literally it might mean that the men of God are not like vulgar soothsayers, who pretend to reveal hidden treasures, or peer into future, or claim to be something of a different nature from men. But the meaning is wider: They deal out God's great treasures of truth, but the treasures are not theirs, but God's; they have greater insight into the higher things, but that insight is not due to their own wisdom, but to God's inspiration; they are of the same flesh and blood with us, and the sublimity of their words and teaching arises through God's grace- to them and to those who hear them. (6.50)]]

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10: 2 [Yunus, Mecca 51]

Yusuf Ali It is a matter of wonderment to men that We have set Our inspiration to a man from among themselves? That he should warn mankind (of their danger) and give the good news to the Believers that they have before their Lord the lofty rank of Truth (but) say the Unbelievers: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer!"

Pickthall Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man among them, saying: Warn mankind and bring unto those who believe the good tidings that they have a sure footing with their Lord? The disbelievers say: Lo! this is a mere wizard.

Transliteration Aka_na lin na_si 'ajaban an auhaina_ ila_ rajulim minhum an anzirin na_sa wa basysyiril lazina a_manu_ anna lahum qadama sidqin 'inda rabbihim, qa_lal ka_firu_na inna ha_za_ lasa_hirum mubin(un).

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11: 2

Yusuf Ali (It teacheth) that ye should worship none but Allah. (Say:) "Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings:

Pickthall (Saying): Serve none but Allah. Lo! I am Unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings.

Transliteration Alla_ ta'budu_ illalla_h(a), innani lakum minhu naziruw wa basyir(uw),-

11: 12 [Hud, Mecca 52]

Asad Is it, then, conceivable [O Prophet] that you could omit any part of what is being revealed unto you [because the deniers of the truth dislike it, and] because your heart is distressed at their saying [note 20] “Why has not a treasure been bestowed upon his from on high?” – or, “[Why has not] and angel come [visibly] with him?” [note 21]. [They fail to understand] that you are only a warner, whereas God has everything in His care [note 22];

Yusuf Ali Perchance thou mayest (feel the inclination) to give up a part of what is revealed unto thee and thy heart feeleth straitened lest they say "Why is not a treasure sent down unto him or why does not an angel come down with him? But thou art there only to warn! It is Allah that arrangeth all affairs!

Pickthall A likely thing, that thou wouldst forsake aught of that which hath been revealed unto thee, and that thy breast should be straitened for it, because they say: Why hath not a treasure been sent down for him, or an angel come with him? Thou art but a warner, and Allah is in charge of all things.

Yuksel So perhaps you wish to ignore some of what has been inspired to you, and you are depressed by it, because they say, "If only a treasure was sent down with him, or an angel had come with him!" You are but a warner, and God is caretaker over all things.

Transliteration Fa la'allaka ta_rikum ba'da ma_ yu_hu_ ilaika da_'iqum bihi sadruka ay yaqu_lu_ lau la_ unzila 'alaihi kanzun au ja_'a ma'ahu_ malak(un), innama_ anta nazir(un), walla_hu 'ala_ kulli syai'iw wakil(un).

11: 13 [[The Quran is a Unique Book with Extraordinary Features]]

Asad and so they assert, “[Muhammad himself] has invented this[Quran]”! [note 23]. Say [unto them]: “Produce, then, ten surahs of similar merit, invented [by yourseves], and [to this end] call to your aid whoever you can, other than God, if hwat you say is true! [note 24]

Yusuf Ali Or they may say "He forged it." Say "Bring ye then ten Surahs forged like unto it and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can other than Allah! if ye speak the truth!

Pickthall Or they say: He hath invented it. Say: Then bring ten surahs, the like thereof, invented, and call on everyone ye can beside Allah, if ye are truthful!

Yuksel Or do they say, "He invented it!" Say, "Bring ten invented chapters like it, and call on whom you can besides God if you are truthful."*

Transliteration Am yaqu_lu_na-ftara_h(u), qul fa'tu_ bi 'asyri suwarim mislihi muftaraya_ tiw wa-d'u_ man-istata'tum min du_nilla_hi in kuntum sa_diqin(a).

[[ Yuksel’s note - 011:013 The mathematical structure of the Quran is too intricate to be imitated. ]]

13: 7

Yusuf Ali And the Unbelievers say! "Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?" But thou art truly a warner and to every people a guide.

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).

17: 105 [al-Israa, Mecca 50]

Yusuf Ali We sent down the (Qur'an) in Truth and in Truth has it descended: and We sent thee but to give Glad Tidings and to warn (sinners).

Pickthall With truth have We sent it down, and with truth hath it descended. And We have sent thee as naught else save a bearer of good tidings and a warner.

Yuksel 17:105 It is with truth that We have sent it down, and with truth it came down. We have not sent you except as a bearer of good news and a warner.

Transliteration Wa bil haqqi anzalna_hu wa bil haqqi nazal(a), wa ma_ arsalna_ka illa_ mubasysyiraw wa nazira_(n).

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22:49 [al-Hajj, Medina 103]

Asad

SAY [O Muhammad]: "0 men! I am but a plain warner [sent by God] unto you!"

(22:50) And [know that] those who attain to faith and do righteous deeds shall be granted forgiveness of sins and a most excellent sustenance;"

(22:51) whereas those who strive against Our messages, seeking to defeat their purpose - they are destined for the blazing fire.

22:50

22:51 [al-Hajj, Medina 103]

Ali

قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّمَا أَنَا لَكُمْ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٤٩﴾

Qul ya ayyuha alnnasu innama ana lakum natheerun mubeenun

49. Say:

"O men! I am (sent) to you only to give a clear warning:

C2828. It is Messenger's duty to convey the warning in the clearest terms to the wicked.

It is not part of his duty to coerce them or judge them, or bring on the Punishment for them. That only rests with Allah. But the warning itself is full of Mercy: for it gives the highest hope to the repentant sinner who turns and comes to Allah.

فَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ ﴿٥٠﴾

Faallatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati lahum maghfiratun warizqun kareemun

50. "Those who believe and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.

C2829. The "sustenance" must be construed in the widest sense, spiritual as well as intellectual and physical.

The reward of righteousness is far more generous than any merit there may be in the creature following the Will of his Creator.

وَالَّذِينَ سَعَوْا فِي آيَاتِنَا مُعَاجِزِينَ أُوْلَئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ ﴿٥١﴾

51. "But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them, they will be Companions of the Fire."

C2830. It will not be in their power to frustrate Allah's Plan; all they will do is to go further and further down in their spiritual state, deeper and deeper in their Hell.

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al-Furqan, Mecca 42

Asad

(25:56) Yet [withal, O Prophet,] We have sent thee only as a herald of glad tidings and a warner.

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا ﴿٥٦﴾

25: 56. [ALI] But thee We only sent to give glad tidings and admonition.

قُلْ مَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ أَجْرٍ إِلَّا مَن شَاء أَن يَتَّخِذَ إِلَى رَبِّهِ سَبِيلًا ﴿٥٧﴾

(25:57) Asad

say: "For this, no reward do I ask of you [- no reward] other than that he who so wills may unto his Sustainer find a way!"

25:57. [Ali] Say:

"No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a (straight) Path to his Lord."

وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِ...

25:58

Hence, place thy trust in the Living One who dies not, and extol His limitless glory and praise: for none is as aware of His creatures' sins as He

25:58. And put thy trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate His praise;

... وَكَفَى بِهِ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا ﴿٥٨﴾

and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His servants --

C3116. Allah knows our faults better than we or anyone else. It is no use hiding anything from Him. We must put our trust completely in Him. His care is for all, and He is Allah Most Gracious.

(25:59) He who has created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six aeons, and is established on the throne of His almightiness:" the Most Gracious! Ask, then, about Him, [the] One who is [truly] aware. 47

الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ...

25:59. He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in six days,

C3117. Cf. 7:54 and n. 1031.

... ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ...

and is firmly established on the Throne (of authority):

25:60

Yet when they [who are bent on denying the truth] are told, "Prostrate yourselves before the Most Gracious," they are wont to ask, "And [who and] what is the Most Gracious? Are we to prostrate ourselves before whatever thou biddest us [to worship]?" - and so [thy call] but increases their aversion.

25:61

HALLOWED is He who has set up in the skies great constellations, and has placed among

them a [radiant] lamp and a light-giving moon. 48

(25:62) And He it is who causes the night and the day to succeed one another, [revealing Himself in His works] unto him who has the will to

take thought - that is," has the will to be grateful.

27 An-Naml (The Ants)

Mecca Period 48

27:91 [Asad] [SAY, O Muhammad:] "I have been bidden to worship the Sustainer of this City 82 - Him who has made it sacred, and unto whom all things belong; and I have been bidden to be of those who surrender themselves to Him,

(27:92) and to convey this Qur'an [to the world]." Whoever, therefore, chooses to follow the right path, follows it but for his own good; and if any wills to go astray, say [unto him]: "I am only a warner!"

27:93 And say: "All praise is due to God! In time He will make you see [the truth of] His messages, and then you shall know them [for what they are]." And thy Sustainer is not unmindful of whatever you all may do.

وَأَنْ أَتْلُوَ الْقُرْآنَ...

92. And to rehearse the Qur'án:

C3323. The duty of the Prophet and his adherents was,

- first, to accept Islam and become themselves shining examples of Allah's grace and mercy, as they in fact were, and

- secondly to preach that message and spread that Light to all around.

It was not for them to force it on unwilling people: for any who rejected it would find their own spiritual loss in such rejection. But they must clearly warn them of the consequences.

...فَمَنِ اهْتَدَى فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ ...

and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls,

...وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ ﴿٩٢﴾

and if any stray, say: "I am only a Warner."

وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ سَيُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِهِ فَتَعْرِفُونَهَا...

93. And say: "Praise be to Allah, Who will soon show you His Signs, so that ye shall know them;"

C3324. In a few years after that, many wonderful things happened that removed the doubts of the doubters and confirmed the faith of the Believers. They showed how the logic of events proved the true mission of the holy Prophet. Other things some minds may not be able to grasp. But the logic of events is for all to see.

...وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٩٣﴾

and thy Lord is not unmindful of all that ye do.

C3325. Trials and tribulations, persecution and exile, and the patient endurance and constancy with which they were met by the Believers-all are known to Allah and will be credited to their account.

28 Al-Qasas, (The Story)

Mecca Period 49

28:46 And neither wert thou present on the slope of Mount Sinai when We called out [to Moses]:" but [thou, too, art sent] as an act of thy Sustainer's grace, to warn people to whom no warner has come before thee, so that they might bethink themselves (of Us];

The Twenty-Ninth Surah

Al-'Ankabut (The Spider)

Period Uncertain

29:50 [Asad] And yet they say, "Why have no miraculous signs ever been bestowed upon him from on high by his Sustainer?" Say: "Miracles are in the power of God alone; 49 and as for me - 1 am but a plain warner.

وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ آيَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ...

29:50 [Ali] . Yet they say: "Why are not Signs sent down to him from his Lord?"

...قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْآيَاتُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّمَا أَنَا نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٥٠﴾

Say:

"The Signs are indeed with Allah: and I am indeed a clear Warner [nazirun mubin]."

33 Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)[73 verses]

Medina Period 90 [3-5 Hijrah]

33:45 [And as for thee,] O Prophet - behold, We have sent thee as a witness [to the truth], and as a herald of glad tidings and a warner,

(33:46) and as one who summons [all men] to God by His leave, 53 and as a light-giving beacon.

(33:47) And [so,] convey to the believers the glad tiding that a great bounty from God awaits them;

(33:48) and defer not to [the likes and dislikes of] the deniers of the truth and the hypocrites, and disregard their hurtful talk, 54 and place thy trust in God: for none is as worthy of trust as God.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا ﴿٤٥﴾

33: 45 [Ali] O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner --

C3734. The Prophet was sent by Allah in five capacities. Three are mentioned in this verse, and the other two in the verse following.

1. He comes as a Witness to all men about the spiritual truths which had been obscured by ignorance or superstition, or by the dust of sectarian controversy.

He did not come to establish a new religion or sect. He came to teach Religion.

He is also a witness to Allah about men's doings and how they receive Allah's Message: see 4:41 and n. 560.

2. He comes as a bearer of the Glad Tidings of the Mercy of Allah. No matter how far men may have transgressed, they have hope if they believe, repent, and live a good life.

3. He also comes as a Warner to those who are heedless. This life will not last. There is a Future Life, and that is all- important. See next note.

وَدَاعِيًا إِلَى اللَّهِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَسِرَاجًا مُّنِيرًا ﴿٤٦﴾

46. And as one who invites to Allah's (Grace) by His leave, and as a Lamp spreading Light.

C3735. See last note. The two other capacities in which the Prophet was sent are here specified.

4. He comes as one who has a right to invite all men to repentance and the forgiveness of sins: but he does this, not of his own authority, but by the permission and authority given to him by Allah.

This is said lest people may deify the Prophet as they did with other Prophets before him. The personal responsibility of each individual remains, but the Prophet can lead him on the Right and help him.

5. The Prophet also comes as a Light or a Lamp (Siraj) to illuminate the whole world. In 71:16 and elsewhere the same word (Siraj) is used for the sun.

The comparison is apt. When the sun appears, all the lesser lights pale before its light. And the Message of Islam, i.e., of the Universal Religion, is to diffuse Light everywhere.

وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ بِأَنَّ لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ فَضْلًا كَبِيرًا ﴿٤٧﴾

47. Then give the glad tidings to the Believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great Bounty.

C3736. The light of Islam is the Biggest Bounty possible and if they truly understand it, they should glory in it.

Sura-34 [Saba Mecca 58]

Saba-(Sheba) Mecca 58 [54 verses]

34:28

NOW [as for thee, O Muhammad,] We have not sent thee otherwise than to mankind at large, to be a herald of glad tidings and a warner; but most people do not understand [this],

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا...

34:28. We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin),

C3832. Allah's Revelation, through the holy Prophet, was not meant for one family or tribe, one race or set of people. It was meant for all mankind, to whom, if they turn to Allah, it is a Message of the glad tidings of His Mercy, and if they do not turn to Him, it is a warning against sin and the inevitable Punishment.

That the Punishment does not come immediately (as far as they perceive) is no reason for doubting it. It has been declared in clear and unequivocal terms, and nothing can be more certain.

Why delay?

Why ask carping questions?

Why not profit by the Message, turn to Allah in repentance, and bring forth the fruits of righteousness?

... وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٢٨﴾

but most men understand not.

The Thirty-Fifth Surah

Al-Fatir (The Originator)

Mecca Period 43

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!

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا...

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...

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...

26. In the end did I punish those who rejected Faith:

... فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ ﴿٢٦﴾

and how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)!

C3909. Cf. 22:44 and 34:45.

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.

Al-Fath (Victory) [29 verses]

Medina Period 111

48:8 VERILY, [O Muhammad,] We have sent thee as a witness [to the truth], and as a herald of glad tidings and a warner - (48:9) so that you [O men] might believe in God and His Apostle, and might honour Him, and revere Him, and extol His limitless glory from morn to evening. 7

Ali’s version

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا ﴿٨﴾

8. We have truly sent thee as a witness, as a bringer of Glad Tidings, and as a Warner:

C4876. The Prophet came in order to establish Faith in Allah and true worship. We can view him in three capacities:

• as a witness to help the weak if they were oppressed and check the strong if they did wrong;

• as a giver of the Glad Tidings of Allah's Grace and Mercy to those who repented and lived good lives; and

• as one who warned sinners of the consequences of their sin.

لِتُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ...

9. In order that ye (o men) may believe in Allah and His Messenger,

... وَتُعَزِّرُوهُ وَتُوَقِّرُوهُ وَتُسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا ﴿٩﴾

that ye may assist and honor Him, and celebrate His praises morning and evening.

C4876a. Assist and honour Him: most commentators agree that the pronoun 'Him' refers to Allah, while a few believe it refers to the Holy Prophet. [Eds.]