55. Ar-Rah Man (The Most Gracious)

Period Uncertain

Asad’s Version:

55:14 He has created man out of sounding clay, like pottery, 5

(55:15) whereas the invisible beings He has created out of a confusing flame of fire. 6

(55:16) Which, then, of your Sustainer's powers can you disavow?

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ كَالْفَخَّارِ ﴿١٤﴾

55: 14.  He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery.

وَخَلَقَ الْجَانَّ مِن مَّارِجٍ مِّن نَّارٍ ﴿١٥﴾

55: 15.  And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke:

  فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ﴿١٦﴾

55: 16.  Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

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[[Asad’s notes - 5 See 1 5 : 26 and the corresponding note 24.

6 Cf. 1 5 :27 - "the fire of scorching winds (nar as-samum)" - thus stressing their non-corporeal origin and composition. The significance of the term jinn ("invisible beings") has been touched upon briefly in note 86 on 6:100 and note 67 on 37:158; for a more detailed explanation, see Appendix III. ]]

[[ Ali’s notes:

C5181. See n. 1966 to 15:26.

The creation of men and Jinns is contrasted. Man was made of sounding clay, dry and brittle like pottery. The Jinn (see next note) was made from a clear flame of fire. Yet each has capacities and possibilities which only Allah's Grace bestows on them.

How can they deny Allah's favours?

C5182. For the meaning of Jinn, see n. 929 to 6:100.

They are spirits, and therefore subtle like a flame of fire. Their being free from smoke implies that they are free from grossness, for smoke is the grosser accompaniment of fire. (R).

C5183. Part of the idea of this refrain will be found in 16:71, 72; 40:81; and 53:55 (where see n. 5122). ]]