ONLY One TRUE Faith / STANDARD RELIGION
30: 30 So set your face steadily and truly to the Faith: [establish] God’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change in the work by God: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not. Ali
30: 30 And so, set your face steadfastly towards the [one ever-true] faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition which God has instilled into human: not to allow any change to corrupt what God has thus created – this is the [purpose of the one] ever true faith; but most people know it not. Asad
30: 30 So set your purpose [O Muhammad] for a religion as a man by nature upright – the nature of God, in which He has created man. There is no altering [the Laws of]) God’s creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not- Pickthall
Transliteration Fa aqim wajhaka lid dini hanifa_ fitratal la_hil lati fataran na_sa alaiha_ la_ tabdila lihalqil la_h za_likad dinul qay yimu wa la_kin na aksaran na_si la_ yalamu_n
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Sura-3 [Al-Imran, Medina 89 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:
إِنَّ
الدِّينَ
عِندَ
اللّهِ
الإِسْلاَمُ
...
3:19. The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will):
...وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوْتُواْ الْكِتَابَ إِلاَّ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ...
nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them.
C359. Baghyan:
- through envy,
- through selfish contumacy or obstinacy,
- through sheer contrary-mindedness, or desire to resist or rebel.
...وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ فَإِنَّ اللّهِ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ ﴿١٩﴾
But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.
فَإنْ
حَآجُّوكَ
فَقُلْ
أَسْلَمْتُ
وَجْهِيَ
لِلّهِ
وَمَنِ
اتَّبَعَنِ
...
3:20. So if they dispute with thee, say:
"I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." .
C360. Wajh: whole self.
See n. 114 to 2:112.
...وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوْتُواْ الْكِتَابَ وَالأُمِّيِّينَ أَأَسْلَمْتُمْ ...
And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?"
C361. The People of the Book may be supposed to know something about the previous religious history of mankind. To them the appeal should be easy and intelligible, as all Religion is one, and it is only being renewed in Islam.
But the appeal is also made to the Pagan Arabs, who are unlearned, and who can well be expected to follow the example of one of their own, who received divine enlightenment, and was able to bring new knowledge to them.
A great many of both these classes did so. But the few who resisted Allah's grace, and actually threatened and persecuted those who believed, are told that Allah will look after His own.
...فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُواْ فَقَدِ اهْتَدَواْ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلاَغُ ...
If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, thy duty is to convey the Message;
...وَاللّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ ﴿٢٠﴾
and in Allah's sight are (all) His servants.
C362. Note the literary skill in the argument as it proceeds.
The mystery of birth faintly suggests that we are coming to the story of Jesus.
The exposition of the Book suggests that Islam is the same religion as that of the People of the Book.
Next we are told that the People of the Book made their religion one-sided, and through the priesthood of the family of Imran, we are brought to the story of Jesus, who was rejected by a body of the Jews as Muhammad was rejected by a body of both Jews and Christians.
C.55 (The running Commentary, in Rhythmic Prose)
(3:21-30)
If the people who received
Earlier revelations confine themselves
To partial truths, and in their pride
Shut their eyes to the whole of the Book
Of Allah, their day is done
Let the Muslims seek the society
And friendship of their own, and trust
In Allah, who knows all, and holds
Every soul responsible for its own deeds.
Asad’s Version:
3: 19
Asad Behold, the only (true) religion in the sight of God is self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views only after knowledge had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God’s message – behold, God is swift in reckoning!
Yusuf Ali The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will): nor did the people of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah Allah is swift in calling to account.
Pickthall Lo! religion with Allah (is) The Surrender (to His will and guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Allah (will find that) Lo! Allah is swift at reckoning.
Transliteration Innad dina 'indalla_hil isla_m(u), wa makhtalafal lazina u_tul kita_ba illa_ mim ba'di ma_ ja_'ahumul 'ilmu bagyam bainahum, wa may yakfur bi a_ya_tilla_hi fa innalla_ha sari'ul hisa_b(i).
[Asad’s note 13: ……….man’s self-surrender to Him [Islam in its original connoration] is the essence of all true religion. Their subsequent divergencies were an outcome of sectarian pride and mutual exclusiveness. ]
3: 20
Asad Thus, if they argue with thee, say, “I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and all who follow me!"”and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as unlettered people, “Have you surrendered yourselves unto Him?”….... And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path .
( addresses to non-muslims having the right path by surrendering ? )
Yusuf Ali So if they dispute with thee say: "I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." And say to the people of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do they are in right guidance but if they turn back thy duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah's sight are (all) His servants.
Pickthall And if they argue with thee, (O Muhammad), say: I have surrendered my purpose to Allah and (so have) those who follow me. And say unto those who have received the Scripture and those who read not: Have ye (too) surrendered? If they surrender, then truly they are rightly guided, and if they turn away, then it is thy duty only to convey the message (unto them). Allah is Seer of (His) bondmen.
Transliteration Fa in ha_jju_ka fa qul aslamtu wajhiya lilla_hi wa manittaba'an(i), wa qul lillazina u_tul kita_ba wal ummiyyina a'aslamtum, fa in aslamu_ fa qadihtadau, wa in tawallau fa innama_ 'alaikal bala_g(u), walla_hu basirum bil'iba_d(i).
[Ali’s note: 361 The People of the Book may be supposed to know something about the previous religious history of mankind. To them the appeal should be easy and intelligible, as all Religion is one, and it is only being renewed in Islam. But the appeal is also made to the Pagan Arabs, who are unlearned, and who can well be expected to follow the example of one of their own, who received divine enlightenment, and was able to bring new knowledge to them. A great many of both these classes did so. But the few who resisted Allah's grace, and actually threatened and persecuted those who believed, are told that Allah will look after His own. (3.20)
The Only True Religion
The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:
Asad’s Version:
9: 33
Asad He it is who has sent forth His Apostle with the [task of spreading] guidance and the religion of truth, to the end that He may cause it to prevail over all [false] religion [note 50]– however hateful this may be to those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God.
Yusuf Ali It is He who hath sent His apostle with guidance and religion of truth to proclaim it over all religions even though the pagans may detest (it).
Pickthall He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse.
Transliteration Huwal lazi arsala rasu_lahu_ bil huda_ wa dinil haqqi liyuzhirahu_ 'alad dini kullih(i), wa lau karihal musyriku_n(a).
[[ Asad’s ntoe 49 – Lit., “except (illa) that He bring His light to completion”, or “to perfection”. The expression “for He has willed” (i.e., contrary to what the erring ones want), is here elliptically implied by means of the particle “illa”.
note 50 – Cf. 3:19 – “the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man’s] self-surrender unto Him”. See also 61:8-9.]]
362
Sura-3 [Al-Imran, Medina 89 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:
perverted transgressors.
أَفَغَيْرَ
دِينِ
اللّهِ
يَبْغُونَ...
3:83. Do they seek for other than the Religion of Allah?
...وَلَهُ أَسْلَمَ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا ...
While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam),
C417. Allah's Truth is manifest, and all that is good and true and sane and normal accepts it with joy.
But even where there is "disease in the heart" (2:10), or judgment is obscured by perversity, every creature must eventually see and acknowledge Allah and His power (2:167).
Cf. R. Bridges: "Testament of Beauty": iv. 1419-22:-
"For God's love is unescapable as nature's environment, which if a man ignore or think to thrust it off, he is the ill-natured fool that runneth blindly on death."
All Nature adores Allah, and Islam asks for nothing peculiar or sectarian; it but asks that we follow our nature and make our will conformable to Allah's Will as seen in Nature, history, and revelation.
Its message is universal.
... وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ ﴿٨٣﴾
and to Him shall they all be brought back.
قُلْ
آمَنَّا
بِاللّهِ
وَمَا
أُنزِلَ
عَلَيْنَا...
3:84. Say:
"We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us
...وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالأَسْبَاطِ ...
and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes,
...وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَالنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ...
and in (Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord;
...لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ ﴿٨٤﴾
we make no distinction between one and another among them,
and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)."
وَمَن
يَبْتَغِ
غَيْرَ
الإِسْلاَمِ
دِينًا
فَلَن
يُقْبَلَ
مِنْهُ...
3:85. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him;
C418. The Muslim position is clear.
The Muslim does not claim to have a religion peculiar to himself. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion. In its view all Religion is one, for the Truth is one. It was the religion preached by all the earlier Prophets. It was the truth taught by all the inspired Books.
In essence it amounts to a consciousness of the Will and Plan of Allah and a joyful submission to that Will and Plan.
If any one wants a religion other than that, he is false to his own nature, as he is false to Allah's Will and Plan. Such a one cannot expect guidance, for he has deliberately renounced guidance.
...وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ ﴿٨٥﴾
and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual
Asad’s Version:
3: 83 [al-I’Imran, Medina 89 ]
Asad Do they seek, perchance, a faith other than in God (note 66), although it is unto Him that whatever is in the heavens and on earth surrenders itself, willingly or unwillingly, since unto Him all must return.
Yusuf Ali Do they seek for other than the Religion of Allah? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have willing or unwilling bowed to His Will (accepted Islam) and to Him shall they all be brought back.
Pickthall Seek they other than the religion of Allah, when unto Him submitteth whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly, or unwillingly, and unto Him they will be returned.
Transliteration Afagaira dinilla_hi yabgu_na wa lahu_ aslama man fis sama_wa_ti wal ardi tau'aw wa karhaw wa ilaihi yurja'u_n(a).
[ Ali’s note -417 Allah's Truth is manifest, and all that is good and true and sane and normal accepts it with joy. But even where there is "disease in the heart" (Q. ii. 10), or judgment is obscured by perversity, every creature must eventually see and acknowledge Allah and His power (ii. 167). Cf. R. Bridges: "Testament of Beauty": iv. 1419-22:-"For God's love is unescapable as nature's environment, which if a man ignore or think to thrust it off, he is the ill-natured fool that runneth blindly on death." All Nature adores Allah, and Islam asks for nothing peculiar or sectarian; it but asks that we follow our nature and make our will conformable to Allah's Will as seen in Nature, history, and revelation. Its message is universal. (3.83) ]
3: 84
Asad ………we make no distinction between any of them [note 68].
Yusuf Ali Say: "We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes and in (Books) given to Moses Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)."
Pickthall Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
Transliteration Qul a_mannu_ billa_hi wa ma_ unzila 'alaina_ wa ma_ unzila'ala_ ibra_hima wa isma_'ila wa isha_qa wa ya'qu_ba wal asba_ti wa ma_ u_tiya mu_sa_ wa 'isa_ wan nabiyyu_na mir rabbihim, la_ nufarriqu baina ahadim minhum, wa nahnu lahu_ muslimu_n(a).
3: 85
Asad For, if one goes in search of a religion other than self-surrender unto God, it will never be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.
Yusuf Ali If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
Pickthall And whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.
Transliteration Wa may yabtagi gairal isla_mi dinan falay yuqbala minh)u), wa huwa fil a_khirati minal kha_sirin(a).
[ Ali’s note - 418 The Muslim position is clear. The Muslim does not claim to have a religion peculiar to himself. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion. In its view all Religion is one, for the Truth is one. It was the religion preached by all the earlier Prophets. It was the truth taught by all the inspired Books. In essence it amounts to a consciousness of the Will and Plan of Allah and a joyful submission to that Will and Plan. If any one wants a religion other than that, he is false to his own nature, as he is false to Allah's Will and Plan. Such a one cannot expect guidance, for he has deliberately renounced guidance. (A) Cf. ii. 161-62. (3.85) ]
3:187 And Lo, God accepted a solemn pledge from those who were granted earlier revelation : " Make it known unto mankind, and do not conceal it!"
But they cast this behind their backs: and bartered it away for triffling gain: and how evil was their bargain!
6: 154 And once again: We vouchsafed the divine writ unto Moses in fulfillment [of Our favor] upon those who persevered in doing good, clearly spelling out everything, and guidance and grace, so that they might have faith in the meeting with their Sustainer.
Asad
6: 154 Moreover, We gave Moses the Book, completing to those who would do right,.........Ali
6: 154 Again, We gave the Scripture unto Moses, completing for him who would do good, an explanation of all things, a guidance and a mercy, ........Pickthall
Sura- 12 [Yusuf mecca 53]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:
Asad’s Version:
12: 40
Asad “All that you worship instead of God is nothing but names which you have invented……………..He has ordained that you should worship nothing but Him: this is the [one] ever-true faith; but most people know it not.”
Yusuf Ali "If not Him ye worship nothing but names which ye have named ye and your fathers for which Allah hath sent you no authority: the Command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that you worship none but Him: that is the right religion but Most men understand not...
Pickthall Those whom ye worship beside Him are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers. Allah hath revealed no sanction for them. The decision rests with Allah only, Who hath commanded you that ye worship none save Him. This is the right religion, but most men know not.
Yuksel Yuksel "What you serve besides Him are nothing but names which you have fabricated you and your fathers. God did not send down any authority for such. The judgment is for none but God. He ordered that none be served but He. That is the true system, but most of the people do not know."
Transliteration Ma_ ta'budu_na min du_nihi illa_ asma_'an sammaitumu_ha_ antum wa a_ba_'ukum ma_ anzalalla_hu biha_ min sulta_n(in), inil hukmu illa_ lilla_h(i), amara alla_ ta'budu_ illa_ iyya_h(u), za_likad dinul qayyimu wa la_kinna aksaran na_si la_ ya'lamu_n(a).
42: 13 -15
Yusuf Ali The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah--the which We have sent by inspiration to thee--and that which We enjoined on Abraham Moses and Jesus: Namely that ye should remain steadfast in Religion and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).
Pickthall He hath ordained for you that religion which He commended unto Noah, and that which We inspire in thee (Muhammad), and that which We commended unto Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying: Establish the religion, and be not divided therein. Dreadful for the idolaters is that unto which thou callest them. Allah chooseth for Himself whom He will, and guideth unto Himself him who turneth (toward Him).
Transliteration Sara'a lakum minad dini ma_ wasa_ bihi nu_haw wal lazi auhaina_ ilaika wa ma_ was saina_ bihi ibra_hima wa mu_sa_ wa isa_ an aqimud dina wa la_ tatafar raqu_ fih kabura alal musrikina ma tadu_hum ilaih al la_hu yajtabi ilaihi may yasya_u wa yahdi ilaihi may yunib
Sura -42 [ Ash-Shura, Mecca 53 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s version:
وَمَا
تَفَرَّقُوا
إِلَّا
مِن
بَعْدِ
مَا
جَاءهُمُ
الْعِلْمُ
بَغْيًا
بَيْنَهُمْ...
42:14. And they became divided only after knowledge reached them -- through selfish envy as between themselves.
C4544. Cf. 2:213.
If you reject Truth after it has reached you, it can only be through selfish contumacy or envy.
...وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى لَّقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ...
Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, (tending) to a Term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them:
C4545. Cf. 10:19, and n. 1407.
Allah's decree has allowed a certain Term during which a sinner has the chance of repentance and forgiveness. Were it not so, sin would be punished at once, and the matter would be decided straightway.
So also, when people reject Truth from selfish or contumacious motives, they get rope: perchance they may repent.
...وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُورِثُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مُرِيبٍ ﴿١٤﴾
but truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious (disquieting) doubt concerning it.
"Those who have inherited the Book" are the People of the Book, of the ages since the Book or Revelation came to them. Referring to the Jews and Christians, contemporary with our Prophet, how true it is that they were broken up into hostile sects which hated and persecuted each other!
Islam came to unite them, and it did. For the present phases of Christianity and Judaism are of later growth.
فَلِذَلِكَ فَادْعُ وَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءهُمْ...
42:15. Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as thou art commanded, nor follow thou their vain desires;
C4547. How beautifully the mission of Islam is commended in this verse!
1. The more sectarianism and division there is in the world, the more need is there for the Gospel of Unity.
2. It must steadfastly pursue its way.
3. It must not be deflected by worldly or political motives.
4. Its faith must be directly in Allah and in Allah's Revelation. "The Book" mentioned here covers all the revelations sent by Allah to His prophets.
5. it must judge justly between warring factions, as the Religion of Peace and Unity.
...وَقُلْ
آمَنتُ
بِمَا
أَنزَلَ
اللَّهُ
مِن
كِتَابٍ
وَأُمِرْتُ
لِأَعْدِلَ
بَيْنَكُمُ...
"I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you.
...اللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ لَنَا أَعْمَالُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَالُكُمْ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ...
Allah is Our Lord and your Lord.
For us (is the responsibility for) Our deeds, and for you for your deeds.
There is no contention between us and you.
C4548. The Mission of Islam is further described.
6. The God whom it preaches is not an exclusive God: He is the Lord of the Worlds: to any given person, of whatever faith, 'He is your Allah, as well as mine.'
7. Our Faith is not a question of words; it is deeds which decide; each one of us has personal responsibility for his own conduct.
8. There is no cause of contention whatever, when we preach Unity, Truth, and the Hereafter.
9. If you have doubts, the final arbiter is Allah, and His pleasure is our Goal.
...اللَّهُ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ ﴿١٥﴾
Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (Our) final goal.
Asad’s Version:
42: 14
Yusuf Ali And they became divided only after knowledge reached them through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord (tending) to a Term appointed the matter would have been settled between them: but truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious (disquieting) doubt concerning it.
Pickthall And they were not divided until after the knowledge came unto them, through rivalry among themselves; and had it not been for a Word that had already gone forth from thy Lord for an appointed term, it surely had been judged between them. And those who were made to inherit the Scripture after them are verily in hopeless doubt concerning it.
Transliteration Wa ma_ tafar raqu_ il la_ min badi ma_ ja_ ahumul ilmu bagyan bainahum wa lau la_ kalimatun sabaqat mir rab bika ila_ ajalim musam mal faqudiya bainahum wa in nal lazina u_ritsul kita_ba min badihim lati sakim imnu murib
42: 15
Yusuf Ali Now then for that (reason) call (them to the Faith) and stand steadfast as thou art commanded nor follow thou their vain desires; but say: "I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is Our Lord and your Lord. For us (is the responsibility for) Our deeds and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together and to Him is (Our) final goal.
Pickthall Unto this, then, summon (O Muhammad). And be thou upright as thou art commanded, and follow not their lusts, but say: I believe in whatever Scripture Allah hath sent down, and I am commanded to be just among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. Unto us our works and unto you your works; no argument between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and unto Him is the journeying.
Transliteration Fa liza_lika fadu wastaqim kama_ umirta wa la_ tat tabi ahwa_ ahum wa qul a_mantu bima_ anzalal la_hu min kita_b wa umirtu li adila bainakum al la_hu rab buna_ wa rab bukum lana_ ama_luna_ wa lakum ama_lukum la_ huj jata bainana_ wa bainakum al la_hu yajmau bainana_ wa ilaihil masir