السَّمَآءِ
Appears 79 times in Quran
Occurrences in Quran
Found 50 verses containing "السَّمَآءِ".
اَمَّنۡ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضَ وَاَنۡزَلَ لَکُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَنۡۢبَتۡنَا بِہٖ حَدَآئِقَ ذَاتَ بَہۡجَۃٍ مَّا کَانَ لَکُمۡ اَنۡ تُنۡۢبِتُوۡا شَجَرَہَاۤ ۗ اَءِلٰہٌ مَّعَ اللّٰہِ ۚ بَلۡ ہُمۡ قَوۡمٌ یَّعۡدِلُوۡنَ
سَمَآءٌ کے معنے آسمان کے علاوہ بادل کے بھی ہوتے ہیں (اقرب)
عَدَلَ بِرَبِّہٖ کے معنے ہوتے ہیں اَشْرَکَ (اقرب) یعنی شریک قرار دیا۔
31:11; 50:10.
6:2.
The first argument in favour of the subject introduced in the preceding verse is taken from nature—from the creation of heavens and earth, from the coming down of rain and the life it gives to the dead earth, and from mountains and rivers.
31:11; 50:10.
6:2.
Commentary:
The first argument in favour of the subject introduced in the preceding verse is taken from nature—from the creation of heavens and earth, from the coming down of rain and the life it gives to the dead earth and from mountains and rivers. All these things point to the existence of a great Divine Being Who is One and Unique in His marvellous powers and attributes.
b
31:11; 50:10.
c
6:2.
3
سَمَآءٌ کے معنے آسمان کے علاوہ بادل کے بھی ہوتے ہیں (اقرب)
4
عَدَلَ بِرَبِّہٖ کے معنے ہوتے ہیں اَشْرَکَ (اقرب) یعنی شریک قرار دیا۔
b
31:11; 50:10.
c
6:2.
2854
Commentary:
The first argument in favour of the subject introduced in the preceding verse is taken from nature—from the creation of heavens and earth, from the coming down of rain and the life it gives to the dead earth and from mountains and rivers. All these things point to the existence of a great Divine Being Who is One and Unique in His marvellous powers and attributes.
b
31:11; 50:10.
c
6:2.
2182
The first argument in favour of the subject introduced in the preceding verse is taken from nature—from the creation of heavens and earth, from the coming down of rain and the life it gives to the dead earth, and from mountains and rivers.
اَمَّنۡ یَّبۡدَؤُا الۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ یُعِیۡدُہٗ وَمَنۡ یَّرۡزُقُکُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ ۗ اَءِلٰہٌ مَّعَ اللّٰہِ ۚ قُلۡ ہَاتُوۡا بُرۡہٰنَکُمۡ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ صٰدِقِیۡنَ
10:35; 29:20; 30:12, 28.
10:32; 34:25; 35:4.
The words, originates creation and then repeats it, signify creation and procreation.
10:35; 29:20; 30:12, 28.
10:32; 34:25; 35:4.
Commentary:
The words, "originates creation and then repeats it," signify creation and procreation.
a
10:35; 29:20; 30:12, 28.
b
10:32; 34:25; 35:4.
953
“原始创造, 继而再造它们” 这些字, 意示创造和再创造新的。
a
10:35; 29:20; 30:12, 28.
b
10:32; 34:25; 35:4.
2857A
Commentary:
The words, "originates creation and then repeats it," signify creation and procreation.
c
10:35; 29:20; 30:12, 28.
d
10:32; 34:25; 35:4.
2186
The words, originates creation and then repeats it, signify creation and procreation.
اَوۡ کَصَیِّبٍ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ فِیۡہِ ظُلُمٰتٌ وَّرَعۡدٌ وَّبَرۡقٌ یَّجۡعَلُوۡنَ اَصٰبِعَہُمۡ فِیۡۤ اٰذَانِہِمۡ مِّنَ الصَّوٰعِقِ حَذَرَ الۡمَوۡتِ ۚ وَاللّٰہُ مُحِیۡطٌۢ بِالۡکٰفِرِیۡنَ
6:40, 123; 24:41.
13:13; 24:44; 30:25.
سَمَاء (Sama’) 挂在头顶上空并形成影荫的东西; 天空或天; 一片乌云或许多乌云。 (Lane)
这一节和上一节涉及两类虚伪者: (1) 假装成穆斯林的不信道的人; 与 (2) 信道的人, 但信得不诚、德行较差、有不信道的倾向。这节经典的要点看来是, 后一种虚伪者的情况像那些胆小的人, 稍为碰到一阵雷雨和闪电就惊恐而未能从中受益。
واؤ اس جگہ حالیہ ہے۔ مطلب یہ ہے کہ جب کفار خداتعالیٰ کی گرفت تلے آگئے ہیں اور تباہ ہونے والے ہیں تو پھر ان سے ڈرنا حماقت نہیں تو اور کیا ہے۔ چونکہ واؤ حالیہ ہے اس لئے اس کا ترجمہ ’’حالانکہ‘‘ کیا گیا ہے۔
6:40, 123; 24:41.
13:13; 24:44; 30:25.
Sama’ means, anything which hangs overhead and gives shade; the sky or the heaven; a cloud or clouds (Lane).
This and the preceding verses refer to two classes of hypocrites: (1) Disbelievers who posed as Muslims; and (2) believers, bad in faith and worse in works, with leaning towards disbelief. The purport of the verse seems to be that the condition of the latter class of hypocrites is like that of those timorous people who, at a mere shower of rain with thunder and lightning, become alarmed and fail to benefit by it.
6:40, 123; 24:41.
13:13; 24:44; 30:25.
Important Words:
او (or) is a conjunction signifying several meanings. Here it is used in the sense of "or". It does not, however, denote doubt but simply indicates the presentation of an alternative similitude.
صیب (heavy rain) is derived from صاب which means, it came down; it descended; or it poured forth. The word صیبmeans, clouds pouring down heavy rain; or heavy rain itself (Lane).
السماء (the clouds) is derived from سما i.e. he or it became high or towering. Thus السماء means, anything that hangs high over your head and covers you in its shade; the sky; any canopy, ceiling or roof; a cloud (Aqrab).
رعد (thunder). رعدالسحاب means, the cloud thundered. رعد لی فلان means, he threatened me. رعد therefore means, thunder of clouds; or thunder of war, etc. In the present verse it is used figuratively, meaning, weighty commands; or prophecies relating to coming disasters; or injunctions relating to war, etc.
البرق (lightning) is derived from برق i.e. it shone or gave out light. برق السماء means, the sky shone with lightning. برق الشیءmeans, the thing shone with light. البرق therefore means, lightning or gleaming in the clouds (Aqrab). In this verse it is used figuratively, meaning, victories in wars; or spoils of war; or clear signs of truth, etc.
الصواعق (thunderclaps) is the plural of الصاعقة (a thunderclap) which is derived from صعق (sa‘iqa) or صعق (sa‘aqa). They say صعقت السماء القوم i.e. the sky hit the people with lightning. صعق الرعد means, the thunder grew louder. صعق الرجل means, the man fell down in a swoon; he died; he lost the power of thinking owing to some great and sudden noise accompanying a calamity. الصاعقة means: (1) lightning that descends from the thundering clouds and burns what it smites; (2) any destructive calamity or punishment; (3) death and destruction; (4) noise or report accompanying a divine punishment like an earthquake, etc.; (5) swoon and unconsciousness (Aqrab & Lane).
الموت (death) is from مات i.e. he died (in various senses); he became as if dead; he slept. موت is the opposite of حیاة (life) and means death or lifelessness. Like life, death is also of several kinds: (1) Stoppage of the power of growth (50:12). (2) Deprivation of sensation or consciousness (19:24). (3) Depri-vation of the faculty of intellect and understanding (6:123). (4) To be, as though, dead with grief or sorrow or fear (14:18). (5) Spiritual death (3:170). (6) Sleep, which the Arabs call a light sort of death (Mufradat). (7) Stillness or motionlessness. (8) Being reduced to poverty. (9) Becoming worn out. (10) Becoming base, abject, vile and despicable. (11) Becoming destitute of cultivation or of inhabitants (Lane). According to Lisan موت (death) also signifies any painful condition such as poverty, humiliation, dotage, sinfulness, etc.
Commentary:
This verse refers to the second class of hypocrites, viz. those who, though not quite insincere in their belief, were yet weak in their faith and practice and became upset whenever there was a threat of attack by the enemy or whenever a situation arose demanding some sacrifice. These people feared the oppression of men more than the punishment of God, and tried to maintain good relations with disbelievers by secret correspondence and by supplying information about the believers. They consoled themselves with the thought that as Islam was a true religion from God, its victory was assured in spite of anything they might do, and hence it was not proper for them to expose themselves to unnecessary danger.
Islam has no place for such weaklings. It is a religion of action and sacrifice. That is why, in the very beginning of the Quran, such people have been plainly told that God reckons them among the hypocrites and will deal with them accordingly. Islam teaches us not to spare any sacrifice to win the pleasure of God and one who is not prepared for such a complete sacrifice will not deserve the reward promised to Islam and Muslims.
This and the preceding verses refer to two classes of hypocrites: (1) disbelievers who posed as Muslims, and (2) believers bad in faith and worse in works––with leanings towards disbelievers. This is proved by the following considerations: (a) In verse 18 it is said that the hypocrites kindled a fire, but in the present verse there is no mention of the hypocrites kindling a fire. On the contrary, mention is made of signs or trials coming from heaven; (b) In the first simile it was said that when the fire illuminated its surroundings, the hypocrites were bereft of their sight. In the second simile embodied in vv. 20 & 21 it is said that when there is light, the people take advantage of it and begin to move;(c) In the first simile it was said that the people referred to were not believers. They were deaf, dumb and blind. But in the second simile it is only said that if God willed He would make these people deaf and blind, implying that they were not so already but would become so, if they continued to pursue the course they had adopted; and (d) The men in the first simile were said to be plotting against Islam and Muslims, whereas those in the second simile are not spoken of as plotting against Muslims, but simply as leaving them alone in times of danger. All these facts indicate that these verses refer to two separate classes of hypocrites and this is why the word او (or) has been placed between the two verses. They are two separate classes and not the same class.
The purport of the present verse is that the condition of the latter class of hypocrites is like that of those timorous people who, at a mere shower of rain with thunder and lightning, become timid and fail to benefit from the rain. Similarly, the coming of Islam is accompanied by trials and hardships. The true believer knows that these too have a purpose and is not upset. The trials serve only to increase his zeal.
Objection is sometimes taken against Prophets on the ground that their advent produces disorder and disunion in the earth. The verse provides an answer to this objection by pointing out that just as rain, which gives life to the earth, is accompanied by darkness and thunder and a temporary screening of the sun, even so the trials which accompany the advent of Prophets only presage the dawning of a new era in even greater splendour and effulgence.
The word صاعقة (thunderclap) is spoken of in the verse as making the hypocrites fearful of death. The verse suggests that such a fear is unreasonable because the thunder-clap which makes these people afraid comes after the lightning has actually struck. To slip one’s fingers into one’s ears can therefore serve no purpose. A state of war already exists between believers and disbelievers and this must entail some suffering and hardship. It is of no use to the hypocrites to try to escape the implications and consequences of war.
The words, Allah encompasses the disbelievers, at the end of the verse point to the unreasonableness of the fear entertained by the hypocrites. Since God has already decreed the defeat and destruction of the disbelievers, the hypocrites need have no fear of any serious harm from them.
b
6:40, 123; 24:41.
c
13:13; 24:44; 30:25.
29K
سَمَاء (Sama’) 挂在头顶上空并形成影荫的东西; 天空或天; 一片乌云或许多乌云。 (Lane)
29L
这一节和上一节涉及两类虚伪者: (1) 假装成穆斯林的不信道的人; 与 (2) 信道的人, 但信得不诚、德行较差、有不信道的倾向。这节经典的要点看来是, 后一种虚伪者的情况像那些胆小的人, 稍为碰到一阵雷雨和闪电就惊恐而未能从中受益。
3
واؤ اس جگہ حالیہ ہے۔ مطلب یہ ہے کہ جب کفار خداتعالیٰ کی گرفت تلے آگئے ہیں اور تباہ ہونے والے ہیں تو پھر ان سے ڈرنا حماقت نہیں تو اور کیا ہے۔ چونکہ واؤ حالیہ ہے اس لئے اس کا ترجمہ ’’حالانکہ‘‘ کیا گیا ہے۔
b
6:40, 123; 24:41.
c
13:13; 24:44; 30:25.
26
Important Words:
او (or) is a conjunction signifying several meanings. Here it is used in the sense of "or". It does not, however, denote doubt but simply indicates the presentation of an alternative similitude.
صیب (heavy rain) is derived from صاب which means, it came down; it descended; or it poured forth. The word صیبmeans, clouds pouring down heavy rain; or heavy rain itself (Lane).
السماء (the clouds) is derived from سما i.e. he or it became high or towering. Thus السماء means, anything that hangs high over your head and covers you in its shade; the sky; any canopy, ceiling or roof; a cloud (Aqrab).
رعد (thunder). رعدالسحاب means, the cloud thundered. رعد لی فلان means, he threatened me. رعد therefore means, thunder of clouds; or thunder of war, etc. In the present verse it is used figuratively, meaning, weighty commands; or prophecies relating to coming disasters; or injunctions relating to war, etc.
البرق (lightning) is derived from برق i.e. it shone or gave out light. برق السماء means, the sky shone with lightning. برق الشیءmeans, the thing shone with light. البرق therefore means, lightning or gleaming in the clouds (Aqrab). In this verse it is used figuratively, meaning, victories in wars; or spoils of war; or clear signs of truth, etc.
الصواعق (thunderclaps) is the plural of الصاعقة (a thunderclap) which is derived from صعق (sa‘iqa) or صعق (sa‘aqa). They say صعقت السماء القوم i.e. the sky hit the people with lightning. صعق الرعد means, the thunder grew louder. صعق الرجل means, the man fell down in a swoon; he died; he lost the power of thinking owing to some great and sudden noise accompanying a calamity. الصاعقة means: (1) lightning that descends from the thundering clouds and burns what it smites; (2) any destructive calamity or punishment; (3) death and destruction; (4) noise or report accompanying a divine punishment like an earthquake, etc.; (5) swoon and unconsciousness (Aqrab & Lane).
الموت (death) is from مات i.e. he died (in various senses); he became as if dead; he slept. موت is the opposite of حیاة (life) and means death or lifelessness. Like life, death is also of several kinds: (1) Stoppage of the power of growth (50:12). (2) Deprivation of sensation or consciousness (19:24). (3) Depri-vation of the faculty of intellect and understanding (6:123). (4) To be, as though, dead with grief or sorrow or fear (14:18). (5) Spiritual death (3:170). (6) Sleep, which the Arabs call a light sort of death (Mufradat). (7) Stillness or motionlessness. (8) Being reduced to poverty. (9) Becoming worn out. (10) Becoming base, abject, vile and despicable. (11) Becoming destitute of cultivation or of inhabitants (Lane). According to Lisan موت (death) also signifies any painful condition such as poverty, humiliation, dotage, sinfulness, etc.
Commentary:
This verse refers to the second class of hypocrites, viz. those who, though not quite insincere in their belief, were yet weak in their faith and practice and became upset whenever there was a threat of attack by the enemy or whenever a situation arose demanding some sacrifice. These people feared the oppression of men more than the punishment of God, and tried to maintain good relations with disbelievers by secret correspondence and by supplying information about the believers. They consoled themselves with the thought that as Islam was a true religion from God, its victory was assured in spite of anything they might do, and hence it was not proper for them to expose themselves to unnecessary danger.
Islam has no place for such weaklings. It is a religion of action and sacrifice. That is why, in the very beginning of the Quran, such people have been plainly told that God reckons them among the hypocrites and will deal with them accordingly. Islam teaches us not to spare any sacrifice to win the pleasure of God and one who is not prepared for such a complete sacrifice will not deserve the reward promised to Islam and Muslims.
This and the preceding verses refer to two classes of hypocrites: (1) disbelievers who posed as Muslims, and (2) believers bad in faith and worse in works––with leanings towards disbelievers. This is proved by the following considerations: (a) In verse 18 it is said that the hypocrites kindled a fire, but in the present verse there is no mention of the hypocrites kindling a fire. On the contrary, mention is made of signs or trials coming from heaven; (b) In the first simile it was said that when the fire illuminated its surroundings, the hypocrites were bereft of their sight. In the second simile embodied in vv. 20 & 21 it is said that when there is light, the people take advantage of it and begin to move;(c) In the first simile it was said that the people referred to were not believers. They were deaf, dumb and blind. But in the second simile it is only said that if God willed He would make these people deaf and blind, implying that they were not so already but would become so, if they continued to pursue the course they had adopted; and (d) The men in the first simile were said to be plotting against Islam and Muslims, whereas those in the second simile are not spoken of as plotting against Muslims, but simply as leaving them alone in times of danger. All these facts indicate that these verses refer to two separate classes of hypocrites and this is why the word او (or) has been placed between the two verses. They are two separate classes and not the same class.
The purport of the present verse is that the condition of the latter class of hypocrites is like that of those timorous people who, at a mere shower of rain with thunder and lightning, become timid and fail to benefit from the rain. Similarly, the coming of Islam is accompanied by trials and hardships. The true believer knows that these too have a purpose and is not upset. The trials serve only to increase his zeal.
Objection is sometimes taken against Prophets on the ground that their advent produces disorder and disunion in the earth. The verse provides an answer to this objection by pointing out that just as rain, which gives life to the earth, is accompanied by darkness and thunder and a temporary screening of the sun, even so the trials which accompany the advent of Prophets only presage the dawning of a new era in even greater splendour and effulgence.
The word صاعقة (thunderclap) is spoken of in the verse as making the hypocrites fearful of death. The verse suggests that such a fear is unreasonable because the thunder-clap which makes these people afraid comes after the lightning has actually struck. To slip one’s fingers into one’s ears can therefore serve no purpose. A state of war already exists between believers and disbelievers and this must entail some suffering and hardship. It is of no use to the hypocrites to try to escape the implications and consequences of war.
The words, Allah encompasses the disbelievers, at the end of the verse point to the unreasonableness of the fear entertained by the hypocrites. Since God has already decreed the defeat and destruction of the disbelievers, the hypocrites need have no fear of any serious harm from them.
a
6:40, 123; 24:41.
b
13:13; 24:44; 30:25.
39
Sama’ means, anything which hangs overhead and gives shade; the sky or the heaven; a cloud or clouds (Lane).
40
This and the preceding verses refer to two classes of hypocrites: (1) Disbelievers who posed as Muslims; and (2) believers, bad in faith and worse in works, with leaning towards disbelief. The purport of the verse seems to be that the condition of the latter class of hypocrites is like that of those timorous people who, at a mere shower of rain with thunder and lightning, become alarmed and fail to benefit by it.
وَمَا مِنۡ غَآئِبَۃٍ فِی السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ اِلَّا فِیۡ کِتٰبٍ مُّبِیۡنٍ
اَلَّذِیۡ جَعَلَ لَکُمُ الۡاَرۡضَ فِرٰشًا وَّالسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً وَّاَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَخۡرَجَ بِہٖ مِنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ رِزۡقًا لَّکُمۡ ۖ فَلَا تَجۡعَلُوۡا لِلّٰہِ اَنۡدَادًا وَّاَنۡتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ
20:54; 27:62; 43:11; 51:49; 71:20; 78:7.
51:48; 78:13; 79:28-29.
这话意指:正如一幢大楼或一个顶篷可以作为住在其中或其下的人们的一种保护物, 宇宙的较远许多部分相似地可以作为我们这颗行星 (地球) 的一种保护物; 那些研究星球、云层与其他大气现象的科学家知道那些其他天体如何在地球四周高空的浩瀚空间沿着它们的轨道穿越运行, 使地球安稳地运行着。这也暗示着, 物质世界的完美存在必须依靠天地之间各种力量的协作。
اَلسَّمَآءُ کے معنے عربی زبان میں اَلسَّحَابُ کے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ یعنی بادل (اقرب) اسی لئے ہم نے وَ اَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً کے معنے یہ کئے ہیں ’’اور بادلوں سے پانی اتارا ہے۔‘‘
20:54; 27:62; 43:11; 51:49; 71:20; 78:7.
51:48; 78:13; 79:28-29.
The expression suggests that just as a building or a roof is a means of protection for those living in or under it, similarly the remoter parts of the universe serve as a protection for our planet (earth); and those who have studied the science of the stars, the clouds and other atmospheric phenomena, know how the other heavenly bodies, running their courses through the boundless expanse rising high above the earth on all sides, make for its safety and stability. It is also hinted here that the perfection of the material world depends upon the co-ordination between earthly and heavenly forces.
20:54; 27:62; 43:11; 51:49; 71:20; 78:7.
51:48; 78:13; 79:28, 29.
Important Words:
فراش (a bed) is derived from فرش. They say فرش الشیء i.e. he spread out the thing; he expanded it. فراش means, a thing that is spread upon the ground: a thing that is spread for one to sit or lie upon: a bed on which one sleeps; a wide or spacious plain or tract of land (Lane).
بناء (a roof) is derived from بنی meaning, he built; he constructed. So بناء means, a building; a structure; a thing that is built or constructed; also the roof or ceiling of a house or of a chamber or the like (Lane).
الثمرات (fruits) is the plural of ثمرة meaning, a fruit. The word is derived from the verb ثمر which means, the fruit became ripe. اثمر means, the tree, etc. produced fruit. The word ثمرة is also used figuratively, meaning, son or offspring; or profit of a thing (Taj).
انداد (equals) is the plural of ند which means, the like of a person or thing; or the like of a thing by participation of substance. It is a more specialised term than مثل which signifies alike by participation of anything. The word ند also means, a thing which does or may supply the place of another thing; or a like that is contrary or opposed to another thing; a thing taken as an object of worship instead of the true God (Lane). ند is to be distinguished from شریك; for whereas ند is the like of a thing, being contrary or opposed to it, شریك is simply a participant that shares the attributes or work of a thing (Aqrab under شریك and ند)
Commentary:
The subject matter of the last verse has been completed in this. It was said in that verse that رب should be worshipped because He is the Creator and He alone can foster man’s powers. In the present verse it is said that not only man but the heavens and the earth also have been created by God. It is evident that human actions depend upon environment. Trade, agriculture, industry, travel, etc. are made possible ultimately by the nature and influence of the heavens and the earth. So human actions can be guided aright only by a Being Who has made the heavens and the earth. It is only He Who can harness them for the use of man. None else has such knowledge, power or authority. So man should worship God alone.
The expression, and Who made the heaven a roof, suggests that just as a building or a roof is a source of protection for those living in or under it, similarly the remoter parts of the universe are a protection for our planet; and those who have studied the science of the stars, the clouds and other atmospheric phenomena know how the other heavenly bodies, running their courses through the boundless expanse rising high above the earth on all sides, make for its safety and stability.
In the clause, caused water to come down from the clouds, the word سماء has been used in the sense of "cloud", whereas in the preceding clause, and Who made the heaven a roof, it signifies "heaven". Had it meant the same thing in the two places, it would have been replaced in the second place by a pronoun. The repetition of the word is intended to convey a difference of meaning in the second place.
After making it clear that everything in this world is the creation of God, attention is drawn to the fact that God has no equal. There is nothing in the whole universe which can show any part of it to have been created by anyone other than God. Why, then, should man worship anyone else?
In this verse it is also hinted that the perfection of the material world depends upon a co-ordination of earthly and heavenly forces. When water is made corrupt by men on earth, fresh and pure water is supplied from heaven. Breathing makes the air foul but it is purified by nature. The eye is useful, but of what avail is it without the rays of the sun? In short, if the earth is a bed for man, the heaven is a roof. So is the case with the spiritual world. Man is gifted with reason but, like the eye, reason cannot function properly without the help of divine revelation. Human instincts are pure but they become polluted by greed, malice, etc. They can only be cleansed by the water of revelation. Hence man cannot attain to spiritual success without attaching himself to God. By showing material life to be dependent upon both earth and heaven, God points to a parallel in the spiritual world, and teaches that in spiritual matters also man should not trust earthly means alone. The intellect is not enough. Like the material world, the spiritual world also requires heavenly help. Just as there is a heaven above the earth, there is a heaven above the heart and brain of man. This is God’s guidance received through revelation.
An interesting question arises here. According to a widespread modern belief, the idea of God has evolved out of a primitive belief in spirits, ghosts and fairies. It is also said that in primitive times man worshipped beasts and poisonous insects and then gradually advanced to the idea of God. Modern critics appear to be in agreement that the idea of many gods has always preceded the idea of one God. The history of man’s beliefs is cited as evidence.
Some of those who hold such a view seem anxious to reconcile it with religion. They claim that their view does not go against religion. They say that God revealed the laws of nature by degrees; therefore there is nothing surprising if He should have revealed Himself also by degrees. Now, all religions base themselves upon revelation. And if the basis of religion is revelation, then the belief—that God revealed Himself by degrees and that He first guided the world to other gods, and then to Himself—at once falls to the ground. It is against all reason that God should first guide man to spirits, stones, rivers and snakes and then reveal Himself. What was there to hinder Him from guiding man to Himself from the very beginning? The living religions of the world have ever believed in revelation. Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Islam, all teach that revelation began with the creation of man. This being the case, there can have been no gradual evolution of the idea of God. Evolutionary accounts, therefore, conflict with religion. Those who hold them must deny revelation, the basis of religion.
The denial of revelation is, of course, very common in the Christian West. Christendom has failed for a long time to provide any examples of persons with revelation experience. Little wonder that those speculators, who have had no such experience themselves and who have not been made aware of such experience in others, should deny revelation outright. According to the Quran, however, God has spoken to man in all ages. The Quran itself is a record of revelation and, according to the Quran, the followers of Islam must continue to receive revelation. The recipient in our age is the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Nobody who knows all this can be impressed by denials of revelation. He can only treat them as mere ignorant conjectures.
Evolutionary accounts have little foundation in fact. It is said that the idea of God found amongst uncivilised peoples of the world today is polytheistic, therefore the idea of one God must have originated in polytheism. But it is not realized that the uncivilized peoples of today are not samples of the earliest human beings. Civilization has known many ages. Greece, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, India and China were centres of civilization and culture in their own days, but now they seem engulfed in darkness and ignorance. If ignorance can grow out of civilization, why not polytheism out of monotheism? In India, Krishna preached the doctrine of the Unity of God, but after his time a wave of idolatry swept over the country; and when Muslims came here, they found idol-worship rampant throughout the land. In Judaism false gods have taken the place of Jehovah. Jesus preached a simple faith in One God, but Christendom now believes in Trinity. A lower conception can easily supplant a higher one. Islam is an historical religion. Even its enemies admit that it teaches belief in the pure Unity of God. But today even Muslims have degenerated to the worship of things other than God. These examples refute the doctrine that monotheism has necessarily grown out of polytheism.
Moreover, a study of primitive religion itself shows that among the primitive people the idea of a perfect Deity exists side by side with their worship of many deities. Only, God is known by different names among different peoples. There also exists among the primitives the idea of revelation; they hold it to be the medium through which they came to have a knowledge of God.
b
20:54; 27:62; 43:11; 51:49; 71:20; 78:7.
c
51:48; 78:13; 79:28-29.
29P
这话意指:正如一幢大楼或一个顶篷可以作为住在其中或其下的人们的一种保护物, 宇宙的较远许多部分相似地可以作为我们这颗行星 (地球) 的一种保护物; 那些研究星球、云层与其他大气现象的科学家知道那些其他天体如何在地球四周高空的浩瀚空间沿着它们的轨道穿越运行, 使地球安稳地运行着。这也暗示着, 物质世界的完美存在必须依靠天地之间各种力量的协作。
3
اَلسَّمَآءُ کے معنے عربی زبان میں اَلسَّحَابُ کے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ یعنی بادل (اقرب) اسی لئے ہم نے وَ اَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً کے معنے یہ کئے ہیں ’’اور بادلوں سے پانی اتارا ہے۔‘‘
a
20:54; 27:62; 43:11; 51:49; 71:20; 78:7.
b
51:48; 78:13; 79:28, 29.
29
Important Words:
فراش (a bed) is derived from فرش. They say فرش الشیء i.e. he spread out the thing; he expanded it. فراش means, a thing that is spread upon the ground: a thing that is spread for one to sit or lie upon: a bed on which one sleeps; a wide or spacious plain or tract of land (Lane).
بناء (a roof) is derived from بنی meaning, he built; he constructed. So بناء means, a building; a structure; a thing that is built or constructed; also the roof or ceiling of a house or of a chamber or the like (Lane).
الثمرات (fruits) is the plural of ثمرة meaning, a fruit. The word is derived from the verb ثمر which means, the fruit became ripe. اثمر means, the tree, etc. produced fruit. The word ثمرة is also used figuratively, meaning, son or offspring; or profit of a thing (Taj).
انداد (equals) is the plural of ند which means, the like of a person or thing; or the like of a thing by participation of substance. It is a more specialised term than مثل which signifies alike by participation of anything. The word ند also means, a thing which does or may supply the place of another thing; or a like that is contrary or opposed to another thing; a thing taken as an object of worship instead of the true God (Lane). ند is to be distinguished from شریك; for whereas ند is the like of a thing, being contrary or opposed to it, شریك is simply a participant that shares the attributes or work of a thing (Aqrab under شریك and ند)
Commentary:
The subject matter of the last verse has been completed in this. It was said in that verse that رب should be worshipped because He is the Creator and He alone can foster man’s powers. In the present verse it is said that not only man but the heavens and the earth also have been created by God. It is evident that human actions depend upon environment. Trade, agriculture, industry, travel, etc. are made possible ultimately by the nature and influence of the heavens and the earth. So human actions can be guided aright only by a Being Who has made the heavens and the earth. It is only He Who can harness them for the use of man. None else has such knowledge, power or authority. So man should worship God alone.
The expression, and Who made the heaven a roof, suggests that just as a building or a roof is a source of protection for those living in or under it, similarly the remoter parts of the universe are a protection for our planet; and those who have studied the science of the stars, the clouds and other atmospheric phenomena know how the other heavenly bodies, running their courses through the boundless expanse rising high above the earth on all sides, make for its safety and stability.
In the clause, caused water to come down from the clouds, the word سماء has been used in the sense of "cloud", whereas in the preceding clause, and Who made the heaven a roof, it signifies "heaven". Had it meant the same thing in the two places, it would have been replaced in the second place by a pronoun. The repetition of the word is intended to convey a difference of meaning in the second place.
After making it clear that everything in this world is the creation of God, attention is drawn to the fact that God has no equal. There is nothing in the whole universe which can show any part of it to have been created by anyone other than God. Why, then, should man worship anyone else?
In this verse it is also hinted that the perfection of the material world depends upon a co-ordination of earthly and heavenly forces. When water is made corrupt by men on earth, fresh and pure water is supplied from heaven. Breathing makes the air foul but it is purified by nature. The eye is useful, but of what avail is it without the rays of the sun? In short, if the earth is a bed for man, the heaven is a roof. So is the case with the spiritual world. Man is gifted with reason but, like the eye, reason cannot function properly without the help of divine revelation. Human instincts are pure but they become polluted by greed, malice, etc. They can only be cleansed by the water of revelation. Hence man cannot attain to spiritual success without attaching himself to God. By showing material life to be dependent upon both earth and heaven, God points to a parallel in the spiritual world, and teaches that in spiritual matters also man should not trust earthly means alone. The intellect is not enough. Like the material world, the spiritual world also requires heavenly help. Just as there is a heaven above the earth, there is a heaven above the heart and brain of man. This is God’s guidance received through revelation.
An interesting question arises here. According to a widespread modern belief, the idea of God has evolved out of a primitive belief in spirits, ghosts and fairies. It is also said that in primitive times man worshipped beasts and poisonous insects and then gradually advanced to the idea of God. Modern critics appear to be in agreement that the idea of many gods has always preceded the idea of one God. The history of man’s beliefs is cited as evidence.
Some of those who hold such a view seem anxious to reconcile it with religion. They claim that their view does not go against religion. They say that God revealed the laws of nature by degrees; therefore there is nothing surprising if He should have revealed Himself also by degrees. Now, all religions base themselves upon revelation. And if the basis of religion is revelation, then the belief—that God revealed Himself by degrees and that He first guided the world to other gods, and then to Himself—at once falls to the ground. It is against all reason that God should first guide man to spirits, stones, rivers and snakes and then reveal Himself. What was there to hinder Him from guiding man to Himself from the very beginning? The living religions of the world have ever believed in revelation. Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Islam, all teach that revelation began with the creation of man. This being the case, there can have been no gradual evolution of the idea of God. Evolutionary accounts, therefore, conflict with religion. Those who hold them must deny revelation, the basis of religion.
The denial of revelation is, of course, very common in the Christian West. Christendom has failed for a long time to provide any examples of persons with revelation experience. Little wonder that those speculators, who have had no such experience themselves and who have not been made aware of such experience in others, should deny revelation outright. According to the Quran, however, God has spoken to man in all ages. The Quran itself is a record of revelation and, according to the Quran, the followers of Islam must continue to receive revelation. The recipient in our age is the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Nobody who knows all this can be impressed by denials of revelation. He can only treat them as mere ignorant conjectures.
Evolutionary accounts have little foundation in fact. It is said that the idea of God found amongst uncivilised peoples of the world today is polytheistic, therefore the idea of one God must have originated in polytheism. But it is not realized that the uncivilized peoples of today are not samples of the earliest human beings. Civilization has known many ages. Greece, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, India and China were centres of civilization and culture in their own days, but now they seem engulfed in darkness and ignorance. If ignorance can grow out of civilization, why not polytheism out of monotheism? In India, Krishna preached the doctrine of the Unity of God, but after his time a wave of idolatry swept over the country; and when Muslims came here, they found idol-worship rampant throughout the land. In Judaism false gods have taken the place of Jehovah. Jesus preached a simple faith in One God, but Christendom now believes in Trinity. A lower conception can easily supplant a higher one. Islam is an historical religion. Even its enemies admit that it teaches belief in the pure Unity of God. But today even Muslims have degenerated to the worship of things other than God. These examples refute the doctrine that monotheism has necessarily grown out of polytheism.
Moreover, a study of primitive religion itself shows that among the primitive people the idea of a perfect Deity exists side by side with their worship of many deities. Only, God is known by different names among different peoples. There also exists among the primitives the idea of revelation; they hold it to be the medium through which they came to have a knowledge of God.
b
20:54; 27:62; 43:11; 51:49; 71:20; 78:7.
c
51:48; 78:13; 79:28-29.
43
The expression suggests that just as a building or a roof is a means of protection for those living in or under it, similarly the remoter parts of the universe serve as a protection for our planet (earth); and those who have studied the science of the stars, the clouds and other atmospheric phenomena, know how the other heavenly bodies, running their courses through the boundless expanse rising high above the earth on all sides, make for its safety and stability. It is also hinted here that the perfection of the material world depends upon the co-ordination between earthly and heavenly forces.
ہُوَ الَّذِیۡ خَلَقَ لَکُمۡ مَّا فِی الۡاَرۡضِ جَمِیۡعًا ثُمَّ اسۡتَوٰۤی اِلَی السَّمَآءِ فَسَوّٰٮہُنَّ سَبۡعَ سَمٰوٰتٍ ۚ وَہُوَ بِکُلِّ شَیۡءٍ عَلِیۡمٌ
السَّمَآءِ اسم جنس ہے ایک کے لئے بھی بولا جاتا ہے اور زیادہ کے لئے بھی‘ چونکہ اس کے بعد اس کی طرف جمع کی ضمیر استعمال کی گئی ہے معلوم ہوا کہ یہاں السَّمَآءِ سے جمع مراد ہے۔
سَوّٰی کے معنے کسی چیز کو اس طرح بنانے کے ہوتے ہیں کہ اس میں سب ضرورتوں کا لحاظ رکھا گیا ہو۔ کہتے ہیں سَوّٰیہُ اور اس کے معنے یہ ہوتے ہیں کہ صَنَعَہٗ مُسْتَوِیًا یعنی اس کو ایسا بنایا کہ اس کی ضرورتوں کا لحاظ کر لیا گیا (اقرب)
شَیْئٌ کا ترجمہ اس جگہ بجائے’’چیز‘‘کے ’’بات‘‘کیا گیا ہے۔ کیونکہ اردو میں ’’چیز‘‘ کا لفظ اس موقعہ پر پورا مفہوم ادا نہیں کرتا‘ لیکن ’’بات‘‘ کا لفظ اس مفہوم کو ادا کرتا ہے۔ بات کے معنے اس جگہ قول کے نہیں بلکہ امر اور حقیقت کے ہیں۔
22:66; 31:21; 45:14.
7:55; 10:4; 41:10-13.
Istawa means, he became firm or firmly settled. Istawa ilash-shai’ means, he turned to a thing or he directed his attention to it (Lane).
Sawwa-hu means, he made it uniform or even, congruous or consistent in its several parts; he fashioned it in a suitable manner; he made it adapted to the exigencies, or requirements of its case; he perfected it; or he put it into a right or good state (Lane).
In Arabic "seven" is generally used as a symbol of perfection and the word along with "seventy" or "seven hundred" signifies a large number. All these three words have been used in this sense in the Qur’an (9:80; 15:45). Elsewhere, the words "seven heavens" have been substituted by "seven stages" (23:18).
The sun, the moon and other heavenly bodies are of immense benefit to man. Modern science has made many discoveries in this connection—and many more may yet be made—all of which testify to the truth and comprehensiveness of the Quranic teaching. Science also continues to find more and more properties of things of this earth; many things which were formerly thought to be useless are now known to be highly serviceable to man.
22:66; 31:21; 45:14.
7:55; 10:4; 41:10-13.
Important Words:
استوی (he turned) is derived from سوی meaning, it became straight and even and rightly set. استوی gives the same meaning as سوی. It also means, he became firm or was firmly settled. استوی علی ظھر دابة means, he became firmly seated on the horse or the like. استوی علی العرش means, he (the king) was or became firmly established on the throne. استوی الی الشیء means, he turned to a thing, or he directed his attention to it (Aqrab). استوی gives different meanings when used with regard to two or more things as opposed to when used with regard to one thing only. When used about more than one thing, it means, to be or to become equal; and when used about one thing only it means, to become straight and firm (Mufradat).
سواھن (perfected them) is derived from سوی (Sawwa) which is the transitive form of سوی (sawiya) for which see above. سویmeans, he made it uniform or even; he made it congruous or consistent in its several parts; he fashioned it in a suitable manner; he made it adapted to the exigencies, or requirements, of its case; he perfected it; he made it in a right or good manner; or he put it into a right or good state (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
Whatever is on the earth is created by God for the benefit of man. Elsewhere we read, And He has subjected to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, all from Himself. In that surely are signs for a people who reflect (45:14). The sun, the moon, and other heavenly bodies are of immense benefit to mankind. Modern science has made many discoveries in this connection and more may yet be made, all of which testify to the truth and comprehensiveness of the Quranic teaching. Science also continues to find more and more the properties of things of this earth; many things which were formerly thought to be useless are now known to be highly serviceable to man.
Again, of all creatures man alone has the knowledge to profit by the things of the world. When so many things have been created to promote the comfort of man and to extend the field of his activities, and when such unlimited provision has been made for his material advance, it cannot be said that there is no purpose in the creation of man or no provision for his spiritual advance.
The verse also hints that the world is the common inheritance of mankind. It should not become the property of one man or one nation. By ignoring this great truth, Europe is now going to rack and ruin.
If the teachings of the Quran are acted upon, envy and malice between individuals and nations will disappear. The ordinances of Islam regarding charity and Zakah are also based upon this conception of the world being the common inheritance of all men. Islam does not disallow the right of private ownership but this is not to be exercised so as to deprive others of their right to the common inheritance.
It should also be noted that, according to most religions, this world is not a desirable place for man. Salvation, according to them, lies in killing desire or escaping from evil and suffering. The Jews, on the other hand, make this world the sole end of life. It is Islam alone that teaches man to use rightly the gifts and opportunities which this world affords and to make them a means of attaining success and salvation in the next.
The words, He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth; then He turned towards the heaven, do not refer to the creation of the earth or the heavens. The verse only purports to say that whatever has been created in the earth is for the benefit of man. Then it goes on to say that those who make good use of the gifts of God will advance to higher and still higher stages of spiritual progress. The words "seven heavens" signify seven stages of spiritual progress, the figure seven, according to Arabic idiom, standing for perfection and completeness. So God has not omitted to provide a place of everlasting spiritual progress, viz. Paradise of the next world.
With this verse concludes the present discussion about the necessity of revelation. The way God has created the universe points to the necessity of revelation. If man is not destined for unlimited spiritual progress for which revelation is the only effective means, there was no need to create the heaven and the earth and whatever is in them for his benefit, nor were the powers and capabilities, with which he has been equipped, necessary for him. All this is to enable him to make endless progress.
a
22:66; 31:21; 45:14.
b
7:55; 10:4; 41:10-13.
31A
اِسْتَوٰی (Istawa) 的意思是他成为坚定的或他坚强地决定了。اِسْتَوٰی اِلَی الشَّیْء (Istawa ilash-shai’) 意谓:他转向一件东西或他注意它 (Lane)
1
السَّمَآءِ اسم جنس ہے ایک کے لئے بھی بولا جاتا ہے اور زیادہ کے لئے بھی‘ چونکہ اس کے بعد اس کی طرف جمع کی ضمیر استعمال کی گئی ہے معلوم ہوا کہ یہاں السَّمَآءِ سے جمع مراد ہے۔
2
سَوّٰی کے معنے کسی چیز کو اس طرح بنانے کے ہوتے ہیں کہ اس میں سب ضرورتوں کا لحاظ رکھا گیا ہو۔ کہتے ہیں سَوّٰیہُ اور اس کے معنے یہ ہوتے ہیں کہ صَنَعَہٗ مُسْتَوِیًا یعنی اس کو ایسا بنایا کہ اس کی ضرورتوں کا لحاظ کر لیا گیا (اقرب)
3
شَیْئٌ کا ترجمہ اس جگہ بجائے’’چیز‘‘کے ’’بات‘‘کیا گیا ہے۔ کیونکہ اردو میں ’’چیز‘‘ کا لفظ اس موقعہ پر پورا مفہوم ادا نہیں کرتا‘ لیکن ’’بات‘‘ کا لفظ اس مفہوم کو ادا کرتا ہے۔ بات کے معنے اس جگہ قول کے نہیں بلکہ امر اور حقیقت کے ہیں۔
a
22:66; 31:21; 45:14.
b
7:55; 10:4; 41:10-13.
36
Important Words:
استوی (he turned) is derived from سوی meaning, it became straight and even and rightly set. استوی gives the same meaning as سوی. It also means, he became firm or was firmly settled. استوی علی ظھر دابة means, he became firmly seated on the horse or the like. استوی علی العرش means, he (the king) was or became firmly established on the throne. استوی الی الشیء means, he turned to a thing, or he directed his attention to it (Aqrab). استوی gives different meanings when used with regard to two or more things as opposed to when used with regard to one thing only. When used about more than one thing, it means, to be or to become equal; and when used about one thing only it means, to become straight and firm (Mufradat).
سواھن (perfected them) is derived from سوی (Sawwa) which is the transitive form of سوی (sawiya) for which see above. سویmeans, he made it uniform or even; he made it congruous or consistent in its several parts; he fashioned it in a suitable manner; he made it adapted to the exigencies, or requirements, of its case; he perfected it; he made it in a right or good manner; or he put it into a right or good state (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
Whatever is on the earth is created by God for the benefit of man. Elsewhere we read, And He has subjected to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, all from Himself. In that surely are signs for a people who reflect (45:14). The sun, the moon, and other heavenly bodies are of immense benefit to mankind. Modern science has made many discoveries in this connection and more may yet be made, all of which testify to the truth and comprehensiveness of the Quranic teaching. Science also continues to find more and more the properties of things of this earth; many things which were formerly thought to be useless are now known to be highly serviceable to man.
Again, of all creatures man alone has the knowledge to profit by the things of the world. When so many things have been created to promote the comfort of man and to extend the field of his activities, and when such unlimited provision has been made for his material advance, it cannot be said that there is no purpose in the creation of man or no provision for his spiritual advance.
The verse also hints that the world is the common inheritance of mankind. It should not become the property of one man or one nation. By ignoring this great truth, Europe is now going to rack and ruin.
If the teachings of the Quran are acted upon, envy and malice between individuals and nations will disappear. The ordinances of Islam regarding charity and Zakah are also based upon this conception of the world being the common inheritance of all men. Islam does not disallow the right of private ownership but this is not to be exercised so as to deprive others of their right to the common inheritance.
It should also be noted that, according to most religions, this world is not a desirable place for man. Salvation, according to them, lies in killing desire or escaping from evil and suffering. The Jews, on the other hand, make this world the sole end of life. It is Islam alone that teaches man to use rightly the gifts and opportunities which this world affords and to make them a means of attaining success and salvation in the next.
The words, He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth; then He turned towards the heaven, do not refer to the creation of the earth or the heavens. The verse only purports to say that whatever has been created in the earth is for the benefit of man. Then it goes on to say that those who make good use of the gifts of God will advance to higher and still higher stages of spiritual progress. The words "seven heavens" signify seven stages of spiritual progress, the figure seven, according to Arabic idiom, standing for perfection and completeness. So God has not omitted to provide a place of everlasting spiritual progress, viz. Paradise of the next world.
With this verse concludes the present discussion about the necessity of revelation. The way God has created the universe points to the necessity of revelation. If man is not destined for unlimited spiritual progress for which revelation is the only effective means, there was no need to create the heaven and the earth and whatever is in them for his benefit, nor were the powers and capabilities, with which he has been equipped, necessary for him. All this is to enable him to make endless progress.
b
22:66; 31:21; 45:14.
c
7:55; 10:4; 41:10-13.
54
Istawa means, he became firm or firmly settled. Istawa ilash-shai’ means, he turned to a thing or he directed his attention to it (Lane).
55
Sawwa-hu means, he made it uniform or even, congruous or consistent in its several parts; he fashioned it in a suitable manner; he made it adapted to the exigencies, or requirements of its case; he perfected it; or he put it into a right or good state (Lane).
56
In Arabic "seven" is generally used as a symbol of perfection and the word along with "seventy" or "seven hundred" signifies a large number. All these three words have been used in this sense in the Qur’an (9:80; 15:45). Elsewhere, the words "seven heavens" have been substituted by "seven stages" (23:18).
56A
The sun, the moon and other heavenly bodies are of immense benefit to man. Modern science has made many discoveries in this connection—and many more may yet be made—all of which testify to the truth and comprehensiveness of the Quranic teaching. Science also continues to find more and more properties of things of this earth; many things which were formerly thought to be useless are now known to be highly serviceable to man.
فَبَدَّلَ الَّذِیۡنَ ظَلَمُوۡا قَوۡلًا غَیۡرَ الَّذِیۡ قِیۡلَ لَہُمۡ فَاَنۡزَلۡنَا عَلَی الَّذِیۡنَ ظَلَمُوۡا رِجۡزًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَفۡسُقُوۡنَ
7:163.
مفسرین کہتے ہیں کہ انہوں نے حِنْطَۃٌ یعنی گندم کا لفظ کہنا شروع کر دیا تھا۔ مگر ایسی تاویل کی ضرورت نہیں۔ شریر آدمی ہنسی کے طور پر کئی رنگ میں لفظ بدل دیتا ہے۔
7:163.
7:163.
Important Words:
رجز (a punishment) means: (1) filth; (2) punishment; (3) idol-worship (4) iniquity or sin (Aqrab).
من السماء (from heaven). For سماء see note on 2:20. As سماء means a "height" or "anything that is high above us", therefore the expression من السماء would mean "from on high" or "from God", implying that the punishment meted out to the Israelites was not brought about through earthly means but, as it were, descended from above.
Commentary:
This verse is a continuation of the previous one. God commanded the Israelites to behave submissively and to pray to Him for the forgiveness of their sins, but they, mischievous and arrogant as ever, disobeyed the injunctions given to them and changed the words of prayer taught by God, whereupon He chastised them with a punishment that was not of this earth, i.e. He visited them with a pestilence or plague that destroyed a number of them. Or the expression رجزا من السماء may mean that their disobedience recoiled on their own souls in the sense of moral degradation and filthiness of heart and mind.
The question of the word which the Israelites used in place of the one taught to them is immaterial. According to some, they used the word حبة or حنطة i.e. "give us corn to eat" instead of حطة i.e. "remove our sins" (Bukhari & Jarir). The words sound alike and afforded a playful opportunity to the mischief-minded among the Israelites. But as already said, the word substituted is not material. What matters is that they, i.e. many of them as the Quran hints, disobeyed the Lord and made religion a plaything. Hence the punishment.
c
7:163.
4
مفسرین کہتے ہیں کہ انہوں نے حِنْطَۃٌ یعنی گندم کا لفظ کہنا شروع کر دیا تھا۔ مگر ایسی تاویل کی ضرورت نہیں۔ شریر آدمی ہنسی کے طور پر کئی رنگ میں لفظ بدل دیتا ہے۔
a
7:163.
66
Important Words:
رجز (a punishment) means: (1) filth; (2) punishment; (3) idol-worship (4) iniquity or sin (Aqrab).
من السماء (from heaven). For سماء see note on 2:20. As سماء means a "height" or "anything that is high above us", therefore the expression من السماء would mean "from on high" or "from God", implying that the punishment meted out to the Israelites was not brought about through earthly means but, as it were, descended from above.
Commentary:
This verse is a continuation of the previous one. God commanded the Israelites to behave submissively and to pray to Him for the forgiveness of their sins, but they, mischievous and arrogant as ever, disobeyed the injunctions given to them and changed the words of prayer taught by God, whereupon He chastised them with a punishment that was not of this earth, i.e. He visited them with a pestilence or plague that destroyed a number of them. Or the expression رجزا من السماء may mean that their disobedience recoiled on their own souls in the sense of moral degradation and filthiness of heart and mind.
The question of the word which the Israelites used in place of the one taught to them is immaterial. According to some, they used the word حبة or حنطة i.e. "give us corn to eat" instead of حطة i.e. "remove our sins" (Bukhari & Jarir). The words sound alike and afforded a playful opportunity to the mischief-minded among the Israelites. But as already said, the word substituted is not material. What matters is that they, i.e. many of them as the Quran hints, disobeyed the Lord and made religion a plaything. Hence the punishment.
a
7:163.
اِنَّا مُنۡزِلُوۡنَ عَلٰۤی اَہۡلِ ہٰذِہِ الۡقَرۡیَۃِ رِجۡزًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَفۡسُقُوۡنَ
27:59.
27:59.
27:59.
Important Words:
رجزا (punishment) is infinitive-noun from رجز (rajaza) and means, punishment; dirt or filth; iniquity or sin; idol worship, etc. (Aqrab). See also 2:60.
e
27:59.
a
27:59.
2963
Important Words:
رجزا (punishment) is infinitive-noun from رجز (rajaza) and means, punishment; dirt or filth; iniquity or sin; idol worship, etc. (Aqrab). See also 2:60.
f
27:59.
قَدۡ نَرٰی تَقَلُّبَ وَجۡہِکَ فِی السَّمَآءِ ۖ فَلَنُوَلِّیَنَّکَ قِبۡلَۃً تَرۡضٰٮہَا ۚ فَوَلِّ وَجۡہَکَ شَطۡرَ الۡمَسۡجِدِ الۡحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَیۡثُ مَا کُنۡتُمۡ فَوَلُّوۡا وُجُوۡہَکُمۡ شَطۡرَہٗ ۗ وَاِنَّ الَّذِیۡنَ اُوۡتُوا الۡکِتٰبَ لَیَعۡلَمُوۡنَ اَنَّہُ الۡحَقُّ مِنۡ رَّبِّہِمۡ ۗ وَمَا اللّٰہُ بِغٰفِلٍ عَمَّا یَعۡمَلُوۡنَ
2:150, 151.
在麦加, 穆圣在安拉的指令下, 在祈祷中把脸转向耶路撒冷的圣寺, 可是心中最大的愿望是把天房作为他的朝向, 而他也直觉到他的愿望终将得到满足, 他通常选择他能既面向耶路撒冷的圣寺又面向天房的地方作礼拜。可是, 当他移居麦地那时, 由于这座城的位置, 他只能面向耶路撒冷的圣寺。由於朝向的更改, 他内心的愿望自然加剧了, 虽然出于对安拉指令的敬服, 他没有实际作要求更改的祈祷, 然而他却焦急渴求地向天仰视, 以期得到那样的指令。
نُوَلِّيَنَّكَ (Nuwalliyannaka) 也含意为 “我将使你为主人和监护人。” 这一句包含了双重预言, 即, 天房终将成为各民族的朝向, 它的所有权也将交给穆圣。
这话表示, 虽然在一般情况下穆斯林在祷告时应该把脸转向天房, 但方向是次要的。更改的意图是促使并维持穆斯林兄弟般的团结和统一。
قِبْلَۃً کا لفظی ترجمہ تو ’’ایسے قبلہ‘‘ ہے لیکن چونکہ اس سے قبلہ ٔمعروفہ کی طرف اشارہ نہیں ہوتا اس لئے ہم نے ترجمہ میں ’’اس قبلہ‘‘ لکھا ہے۔
2:150, 151.
While at Mecca, the Holy Prophet under Divine command turned his face in Prayers towards the Temple at Jerusalem. But, as in his heart of hearts, he desired the Ka‘bah to be his Qiblah and he also had a sort of intuition that eventually his wish will be satisfied, he generally chose such a place for worship where he could keep both the sacred Temple at Jerusalem and the Ka‘bah before him. When, however, he emigrated to Medina, in view of the position of the town, he could only face towards the Temple at Jerusalem. With the change of the Qiblah his inner desire naturally became intensified, and though, out of deference to God’s command, he did not actually pray for the change, yet he anxiously and eagerly looked towards heaven for a command to that effect.
Nuwalliyannaka also means, "We will make thee master and guardian." The expression embodied a double prophecy, viz. that eventually the Ka‘bah will become the Qiblah of all peoples and that its possession will also pass over to the Holy Prophet.
The words signify that though in ordinary circumstances, the Muslims are enjoined to turn their faces to the Ka‘bah when saying their Prayers, yet direction is of secondary importance. The change was intended to bring about and maintain unity and uniformity in the Muslim brotherhood.
See Gen. 21: 21; John 4: 21. Isa. 45: 13, 14, & Deut. 32: 2.
2:150, 151.
Important Words:
قد (verily) means, already; sometimes; often; verily, etc. (Lane).
تقلب (turning) is derived from قلب. They say قلب الشیء i.e. (1) he made the thing change direction; (2) he turned it about so that its face and back changed directions; (3) he turned it upside down; (4) he turned it inside out; (5) he changed its condition. The word قلب (qallaba) gives almost the same meaning but with greater intensification. تقلب الشیء means, the thing turned over and over, doing so much and repeatedly (Aqrab). The expression تقلب وجھك would therefore mean, turning thy face with eagerness and anxiety to receive an order.
فلنولینك (We will make thee turn) is derived from ولی (walla) which again is derived from ولی (waliya). The expression ولاهgives two distinct meanings: (1) he made him ruler or master or guardian of it; (2) he made it change direction or he made it turn towards a thing or away from it as the case may be (Aqrab).
الحرام (Sacred) is derived from حرم which means, it was or became forbidden, prohibited or unlawful whether from sanctity or owing to its being injurious. حرمه الشیء means, he denied or refused him the thing. Thus
حرام means: (1) forbidden and unlawful; (2) sacred and inviolable (Aqrab). المسجدالحرام signifies, the Sacred Mosque at Mecca, i.e. the Ka‘bah.
Commentary:
While at Mecca, the Holy Prophet had orders to turn his face in Prayers towards the sacred Temple at Jerusalem. The Prophet, of course, obeyed the divine behest; but, as in his heart of hearts he desired the Ka‘bah to be his Qiblah and had a sort of intuition that eventually he would be ordered to turn his face towards it, he generally tried to choose such a place for worship where he could keep both the sacred Temple at Jerusalem and the Sacred Mosque of Mecca before him. When, however, the Holy Prophet migrated to Medina, it became impossible for him to turn his face to both the places at one and the same time, and in compliance with divine command he was forced to turn his face to the Temple at Jerusalem alone. With this change the inner desire of the Holy Prophet naturally became intensified, and though, out of deference to God’s command, he did not actually pray for the change, yet he anxiously and eagerly looked towards heaven for an order to that effect. The clause, verily We see thee turning thy face often to heaven, is therefore highly eulogistic of the Prophet, inasmuch as it indicates (1) that the Holy Prophet had such great insight into spiritual matters that in spite of the interim command from God he knew that sooner or later the order for turning the face towards the Ka‘bah would come; (2) that despite his great desire that the Ka‘bah should be appointed as Qiblah, the Holy Prophet had such extraordinary respect for his Lord’s command that he refrained from even praying to that effect; (3) that God the Almighty had such great love for His Messenger that He most graciously refers to his turning his face towards heaven and expedites the command about the change of Qiblah, lovingly adding, We will make thee turn to the Qiblah which thou likest; and (4) that God had such great regard for the wish of the Prophet that He not only ordered him to turn his face towards the Qiblah of his liking but at the same time hinted that He would soon make him master and guardian of it; for, as explained under Important Words, the expression نولینك also means, "We will make thee master or guardian". Truly did ‘A’ishah say to her illustrious husband, "I see that God hastens to fulfil your wishes" (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir).
After the above introduction follows the commandment about the change of Qiblah in the words, So turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you be, turn your faces towards it. This commandment was given after the Holy Prophet had migrated to Medina and had stayed there for about sixteen months. The words "Sacred Mosque" do not merely stand for the Ka‘bah but also provide an argument in favour of the change ordered. The Mosque was sacred and full of blessings and would prove a sanctuary for the faithful. The words, wherever you be, turn your faces towards it, have been added with a threefold purpose: (1) to make it clear that the order was not meant for the people of Medinaonly but for all Muslims wherever they might be; (2) to point to the fact that one of the reasons underlying the order relating to the Qiblah was to bring about unity and uniformity among all Muslims, wherever they might be; and (3) to hint that the commandment did not apply to the Holy Prophet only but extended to all Muslims, for whereas, in the preceding clause the Quran says, turn thy face, in the clause under comment it says, turn your faces.
The words, They to whom the Book has been given know that this is the truth from their Lord, mean that Jews and Christians were convinced on the basis of prophecies found in their Scriptures having special reference to the Ka‘bah and the Holy Prophet (Isa. 45:13, 14; John 4:21; Deut. 33:2; Gen. 21:21), that the commandment about the change of the Qiblah from the Temple at Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah at Mecca was truly from God. Mecca lies in what is known as the Desert of Faran or Paran mentioned in some of the above-mentioned verses of the Bible, and therefore the Jews knew that the prophecies contained in them applied to the Ka‘bah and the Holy Prophet.
It may be noted here that, though in ordinary circumstances, the Muslims are enjoined to turn their faces to the Ka‘bah when saying their prayers, yet as direction is of secondary importance, Islam ordains that, if in special circumstances, it becomes difficult for a man to turn his face to the Ka‘bah or to keep it so turned, he can say his Prayers in any direction that may be convenient. For instance, when a man does not know in which direction the Ka‘bah lies, while travelling at night in a Railway train or on the back of an animal, etc., he can pray facing any direction. Similarly, a sick man lying in bed may pray in a lying posture facing any direction that he may find convenient.
a
2:150, 151.
92
在麦加, 穆圣在安拉的指令下, 在祈祷中把脸转向耶路撒冷的圣寺, 可是心中最大的愿望是把天房作为他的朝向, 而他也直觉到他的愿望终将得到满足, 他通常选择他能既面向耶路撒冷的圣寺又面向天房的地方作礼拜。可是, 当他移居麦地那时, 由于这座城的位置, 他只能面向耶路撒冷的圣寺。由於朝向的更改, 他内心的愿望自然加剧了, 虽然出于对安拉指令的敬服, 他没有实际作要求更改的祈祷, 然而他却焦急渴求地向天仰视, 以期得到那样的指令。
93
نُوَلِّيَنَّكَ (Nuwalliyannaka) 也含意为 “我将使你为主人和监护人。” 这一句包含了双重预言, 即, 天房终将成为各民族的朝向, 它的所有权也将交给穆圣。
94
这话表示, 虽然在一般情况下穆斯林在祷告时应该把脸转向天房, 但方向是次要的。更改的意图是促使并维持穆斯林兄弟般的团结和统一。
2
قِبْلَۃً کا لفظی ترجمہ تو ’’ایسے قبلہ‘‘ ہے لیکن چونکہ اس سے قبلہ ٔمعروفہ کی طرف اشارہ نہیں ہوتا اس لئے ہم نے ترجمہ میں ’’اس قبلہ‘‘ لکھا ہے۔
a
2:150, 151.
151
Important Words:
قد (verily) means, already; sometimes; often; verily, etc. (Lane).
تقلب (turning) is derived from قلب. They say قلب الشیء i.e. (1) he made the thing change direction; (2) he turned it about so that its face and back changed directions; (3) he turned it upside down; (4) he turned it inside out; (5) he changed its condition. The word قلب (qallaba) gives almost the same meaning but with greater intensification. تقلب الشیء means, the thing turned over and over, doing so much and repeatedly (Aqrab). The expression تقلب وجھك would therefore mean, turning thy face with eagerness and anxiety to receive an order.
فلنولینك (We will make thee turn) is derived from ولی (walla) which again is derived from ولی (waliya). The expression ولاهgives two distinct meanings: (1) he made him ruler or master or guardian of it; (2) he made it change direction or he made it turn towards a thing or away from it as the case may be (Aqrab).
الحرام (Sacred) is derived from حرم which means, it was or became forbidden, prohibited or unlawful whether from sanctity or owing to its being injurious. حرمه الشیء means, he denied or refused him the thing. Thus
حرام means: (1) forbidden and unlawful; (2) sacred and inviolable (Aqrab). المسجدالحرام signifies, the Sacred Mosque at Mecca, i.e. the Ka‘bah.
Commentary:
While at Mecca, the Holy Prophet had orders to turn his face in Prayers towards the sacred Temple at Jerusalem. The Prophet, of course, obeyed the divine behest; but, as in his heart of hearts he desired the Ka‘bah to be his Qiblah and had a sort of intuition that eventually he would be ordered to turn his face towards it, he generally tried to choose such a place for worship where he could keep both the sacred Temple at Jerusalem and the Sacred Mosque of Mecca before him. When, however, the Holy Prophet migrated to Medina, it became impossible for him to turn his face to both the places at one and the same time, and in compliance with divine command he was forced to turn his face to the Temple at Jerusalem alone. With this change the inner desire of the Holy Prophet naturally became intensified, and though, out of deference to God’s command, he did not actually pray for the change, yet he anxiously and eagerly looked towards heaven for an order to that effect. The clause, verily We see thee turning thy face often to heaven, is therefore highly eulogistic of the Prophet, inasmuch as it indicates (1) that the Holy Prophet had such great insight into spiritual matters that in spite of the interim command from God he knew that sooner or later the order for turning the face towards the Ka‘bah would come; (2) that despite his great desire that the Ka‘bah should be appointed as Qiblah, the Holy Prophet had such extraordinary respect for his Lord’s command that he refrained from even praying to that effect; (3) that God the Almighty had such great love for His Messenger that He most graciously refers to his turning his face towards heaven and expedites the command about the change of Qiblah, lovingly adding, We will make thee turn to the Qiblah which thou likest; and (4) that God had such great regard for the wish of the Prophet that He not only ordered him to turn his face towards the Qiblah of his liking but at the same time hinted that He would soon make him master and guardian of it; for, as explained under Important Words, the expression نولینك also means, "We will make thee master or guardian". Truly did ‘A’ishah say to her illustrious husband, "I see that God hastens to fulfil your wishes" (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir).
After the above introduction follows the commandment about the change of Qiblah in the words, So turn thy face towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you be, turn your faces towards it. This commandment was given after the Holy Prophet had migrated to Medina and had stayed there for about sixteen months. The words "Sacred Mosque" do not merely stand for the Ka‘bah but also provide an argument in favour of the change ordered. The Mosque was sacred and full of blessings and would prove a sanctuary for the faithful. The words, wherever you be, turn your faces towards it, have been added with a threefold purpose: (1) to make it clear that the order was not meant for the people of Medinaonly but for all Muslims wherever they might be; (2) to point to the fact that one of the reasons underlying the order relating to the Qiblah was to bring about unity and uniformity among all Muslims, wherever they might be; and (3) to hint that the commandment did not apply to the Holy Prophet only but extended to all Muslims, for whereas, in the preceding clause the Quran says, turn thy face, in the clause under comment it says, turn your faces.
The words, They to whom the Book has been given know that this is the truth from their Lord, mean that Jews and Christians were convinced on the basis of prophecies found in their Scriptures having special reference to the Ka‘bah and the Holy Prophet (Isa. 45:13, 14; John 4:21; Deut. 33:2; Gen. 21:21), that the commandment about the change of the Qiblah from the Temple at Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah at Mecca was truly from God. Mecca lies in what is known as the Desert of Faran or Paran mentioned in some of the above-mentioned verses of the Bible, and therefore the Jews knew that the prophecies contained in them applied to the Ka‘bah and the Holy Prophet.
It may be noted here that, though in ordinary circumstances, the Muslims are enjoined to turn their faces to the Ka‘bah when saying their prayers, yet as direction is of secondary importance, Islam ordains that, if in special circumstances, it becomes difficult for a man to turn his face to the Ka‘bah or to keep it so turned, he can say his Prayers in any direction that may be convenient. For instance, when a man does not know in which direction the Ka‘bah lies, while travelling at night in a Railway train or on the back of an animal, etc., he can pray facing any direction. Similarly, a sick man lying in bed may pray in a lying posture facing any direction that he may find convenient.
a
2:150, 151.
164
While at Mecca, the Holy Prophet under Divine command turned his face in Prayers towards the Temple at Jerusalem. But, as in his heart of hearts, he desired the Ka‘bah to be his Qiblah and he also had a sort of intuition that eventually his wish will be satisfied, he generally chose such a place for worship where he could keep both the sacred Temple at Jerusalem and the Ka‘bah before him. When, however, he emigrated to Medina, in view of the position of the town, he could only face towards the Temple at Jerusalem. With the change of the Qiblah his inner desire naturally became intensified, and though, out of deference to God’s command, he did not actually pray for the change, yet he anxiously and eagerly looked towards heaven for a command to that effect.
165
Nuwalliyannaka also means, "We will make thee master and guardian." The expression embodied a double prophecy, viz. that eventually the Ka‘bah will become the Qiblah of all peoples and that its possession will also pass over to the Holy Prophet.
166
The words signify that though in ordinary circumstances, the Muslims are enjoined to turn their faces to the Ka‘bah when saying their Prayers, yet direction is of secondary importance. The change was intended to bring about and maintain unity and uniformity in the Muslim brotherhood.
167
See Gen. 21: 21; John 4: 21. Isa. 45: 13, 14, & Deut. 32: 2.
اِنَّ فِیۡ خَلۡقِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ وَاخۡتِلٰفِ الَّیۡلِ وَالنَّہَارِ وَالۡفُلۡکِ الَّتِیۡ تَجۡرِیۡ فِی الۡبَحۡرِ بِمَا یَنۡفَعُ النَّاسَ وَمَاۤ اَنۡزَلَ اللّٰہُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مِنۡ مَّآءٍ فَاَحۡیَا بِہِ الۡاَرۡضَ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِہَا وَبَثَّ فِیۡہَا مِنۡ کُلِّ دَآبَّۃٍ وَّتَصۡرِیۡفِ الرِّیٰحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الۡمُسَخَّرِ بَیۡنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوۡمٍ یَّعۡقِلُوۡنَ
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
The Qur’an takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken collectively. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, and a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible for one to escape the conclusion, that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that pervades it forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by One Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet,
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
Important Words:
اختلاف (alternation) is derived from خلف. They say خلفه i.e. he or it was or became his or its successor. خلف الرجل means, he came after or remained after the man and stood in his place. اختلفه means, he followed him as his successor. اختلفوا means (1) they came one after another by turn; (2) they differed or disagreed (Aqrab).
الفلك (ships) is derived from the verb فلك meaning, it became round or circular. الفلك (al-fulk) means a ship, or a boat, probably because it looks round and shapeless when seen at sea from a distance. The word is both singular and plural. الفلك (al-falak) means, the vault of heaven or the firmament in which the stars move. This is also probably owing to the apparently round shape of the sky (Aqrab, Mufradat & Lane).
دابة (beast) is the active participle from دب which means, he or it crept or crawled or walked slowly like an ant or a reptile or a child or a weak or sickly person. دابة means, all such animals or insects as creep or crawl or walk slowly (Aqrab). The word is used about all moving animals, whether big or small, whether walking on two legs or on four legs or creeping on the belly, etc. (24:46). It is also used about beasts used for riding or for carrying burden, like the horse, the mule, the donkey, etc. (Lane).
المسخر (pressed into service) is the passive participle from سخر sakhkhara. They say سخره (sakhkhara-hu or سخره sakhara-hu, not سخر sakhira which gives a different meaning), i.e. (1) he employed him or imposed on him a task without compensation; (2) he subjugated him and made him subservient to himself. Thus مسخر is that who or which has been made subservient to another, being unable to free himself or itself from constraint (Aqrab).
Commentary:
This verse gives a twofold meaning, one literal and the other metaphorical. In the former sense, it supplies an argument in support of the existence of God referred to in the preceding verse. A careful study of the universe unfailingly points to a Creator on the one hand and to man being created with a definite object on the other. It also proves that, having created the world, God did not leave it alone but continues to watch over and control its affairs and is the First Cause of all change and every working in the universe. Heaven and earth, night and day (with alternating light and darkness), the supply of provisions, rainfall with its power of quickening and devastating, the means of communications, the blowing of winds, and shade and sunshine, all point to one controlling agency, God, the Maker of heavens and earth. And if God has done so much for the material requirements of man, He cannot be imagined to have neglected his spiritual needs which are much more important. Let all thinking men think and ponder and again think and ponder.
The Quran takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken together. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, or a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible to escape the conclusion that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that prevails throughout the universe, forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by one Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing.
Taken in the metaphorical sense, the ship mentioned in the verse will be taken to stand for Prophets who help men to cross the gulfs of carnal desires and materialistic concepts of things which separate men from God, rain being likened to God’s revelation which comes down like rain and gives life to the world after it has become dead. The clouds send down no new water. Water already exists in the vast oceans of the earth but, as it is impure, men cannot make use of it. God purifies it and changes it into clouds and then sends it back to earth in the form of pure rainwater. Similarly, by sending a new revelation God purifies beliefs, which, with the passage of time, get mixed up with false notions and superstitious ideas. It is inconceivable that God Who supplies man with fresh rainwater for the maintenance of his physical life should have omitted to supply him with heavenly water which is so necessary for the preservation of his spiritual life. Similarly, night and day stand for the alternating periods of light and darkness, it being hinted that the coming of the Holy Prophet heralds the dawn of a new day.
Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature in the verse under comment, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet, because the whole universe is controlled by God and is working in favour of His Prophet and in furthering his cause.
f
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
a
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
171
Important Words:
اختلاف (alternation) is derived from خلف. They say خلفه i.e. he or it was or became his or its successor. خلف الرجل means, he came after or remained after the man and stood in his place. اختلفه means, he followed him as his successor. اختلفوا means (1) they came one after another by turn; (2) they differed or disagreed (Aqrab).
الفلك (ships) is derived from the verb فلك meaning, it became round or circular. الفلك (al-fulk) means a ship, or a boat, probably because it looks round and shapeless when seen at sea from a distance. The word is both singular and plural. الفلك (al-falak) means, the vault of heaven or the firmament in which the stars move. This is also probably owing to the apparently round shape of the sky (Aqrab, Mufradat & Lane).
دابة (beast) is the active participle from دب which means, he or it crept or crawled or walked slowly like an ant or a reptile or a child or a weak or sickly person. دابة means, all such animals or insects as creep or crawl or walk slowly (Aqrab). The word is used about all moving animals, whether big or small, whether walking on two legs or on four legs or creeping on the belly, etc. (24:46). It is also used about beasts used for riding or for carrying burden, like the horse, the mule, the donkey, etc. (Lane).
المسخر (pressed into service) is the passive participle from سخر sakhkhara. They say سخره (sakhkhara-hu or سخره sakhara-hu, not سخر sakhira which gives a different meaning), i.e. (1) he employed him or imposed on him a task without compensation; (2) he subjugated him and made him subservient to himself. Thus مسخر is that who or which has been made subservient to another, being unable to free himself or itself from constraint (Aqrab).
Commentary:
This verse gives a twofold meaning, one literal and the other metaphorical. In the former sense, it supplies an argument in support of the existence of God referred to in the preceding verse. A careful study of the universe unfailingly points to a Creator on the one hand and to man being created with a definite object on the other. It also proves that, having created the world, God did not leave it alone but continues to watch over and control its affairs and is the First Cause of all change and every working in the universe. Heaven and earth, night and day (with alternating light and darkness), the supply of provisions, rainfall with its power of quickening and devastating, the means of communications, the blowing of winds, and shade and sunshine, all point to one controlling agency, God, the Maker of heavens and earth. And if God has done so much for the material requirements of man, He cannot be imagined to have neglected his spiritual needs which are much more important. Let all thinking men think and ponder and again think and ponder.
The Quran takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken together. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, or a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible to escape the conclusion that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that prevails throughout the universe, forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by one Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing.
Taken in the metaphorical sense, the ship mentioned in the verse will be taken to stand for Prophets who help men to cross the gulfs of carnal desires and materialistic concepts of things which separate men from God, rain being likened to God’s revelation which comes down like rain and gives life to the world after it has become dead. The clouds send down no new water. Water already exists in the vast oceans of the earth but, as it is impure, men cannot make use of it. God purifies it and changes it into clouds and then sends it back to earth in the form of pure rainwater. Similarly, by sending a new revelation God purifies beliefs, which, with the passage of time, get mixed up with false notions and superstitious ideas. It is inconceivable that God Who supplies man with fresh rainwater for the maintenance of his physical life should have omitted to supply him with heavenly water which is so necessary for the preservation of his spiritual life. Similarly, night and day stand for the alternating periods of light and darkness, it being hinted that the coming of the Holy Prophet heralds the dawn of a new day.
Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature in the verse under comment, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet, because the whole universe is controlled by God and is working in favour of His Prophet and in furthering his cause.
e
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
188
The Qur’an takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken collectively. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, and a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible for one to escape the conclusion, that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that pervades it forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by One Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet,
وَمَاۤ اَنۡتُمۡ بِمُعۡجِزِیۡنَ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ وَلَا فِی السَّمَآءِ ۖ وَمَا لَکُمۡ مِّنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰہِ مِنۡ وَّلِیٍّ وَّلَا نَصِیۡرٍ
10:54; 11:34; 42:32.
Disbelievers are most emphatically warned that they cannot frustrate God’s plan and avert the terrible fate that is in store for them as the Divine decree has gone forth that Islam shall make progress and its cause shall triumph.
10:54; 11:34; 42:32.
Commentary:
The warning is conveyed to disbelievers in yet more emphatic words in this verse, that they cannot frustrate God’s plan, and avert the terrible fate that is in store for them as the Divine decree has issued forth that Islam shall make progress and its cause shall triumph.
b
10:54; 11:34; 42:32.
975
不信的人受到最严重的警告说, 他们是不可能破坏安拉的计划和避免给他们准备着的可怕命运的, 因为安拉的命令宣布说, 伊斯兰教一定发展以及它的事业必然胜利。
c
10:54; 11:34; 42:32.
2956
Commentary:
The warning is conveyed to disbelievers in yet more emphatic words in this verse, that they cannot frustrate God’s plan, and avert the terrible fate that is in store for them as the Divine decree has issued forth that Islam shall make progress and its cause shall triumph.
c
10:54; 11:34; 42:32.
2246
Disbelievers are most emphatically warned that they cannot frustrate God’s plan and avert the terrible fate that is in store for them as the Divine decree has gone forth that Islam shall make progress and its cause shall triumph.
اِنَّ اللّٰہَ لَا یَخۡفٰی عَلَیۡہِ شَیۡءٌ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ وَلَا فِی السَّمَآءِ
14:39; 40:17; 64:5; 86:6.
14:39; 40:17; 64:5; 86:6.
14:39; 40:17; 64:5; 87:8.
Commentary:
God is not only Mighty and the Possessor of the power to requite but He is also All-Knowing, which is a necessary attribute for the successful exercise of power and the infliction of punishment. The verse thus constitutes yet another argument against the alleged divinity of Jesus. Nothing is hidden from God, His knowledge encompassing everything; but Jesus, according to his own admission, did not know many things (Mark 11: 12, 13). He even did not know when the Judgement Day was to be (Matt. 24:36). Such lack of knowledge is evidently incompatible with the dignity of God.
a
14:39; 40:17; 64:5; 86:6.
a
14:39; 40:17; 64:5; 87:8.
297
Commentary:
God is not only Mighty and the Possessor of the power to requite but He is also All-Knowing, which is a necessary attribute for the successful exercise of power and the infliction of punishment. The verse thus constitutes yet another argument against the alleged divinity of Jesus. Nothing is hidden from God, His knowledge encompassing everything; but Jesus, according to his own admission, did not know many things (Mark 11: 12, 13). He even did not know when the Judgement Day was to be (Matt. 24:36). Such lack of knowledge is evidently incompatible with the dignity of God.
b
14:39; 40:17; 64:5; 86:6.
وَلَئِنۡ سَاَلۡتَہُمۡ مَّنۡ نَّزَّلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَحۡیَا بِہِ الۡاَرۡضَ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ مَوۡتِہَا لَیَقُوۡلُنَّ اللّٰہُ ۚ قُلِ الۡحَمۡدُ لِلّٰہِ ۚ بَلۡ اَکۡثَرُہُمۡ لَا یَعۡقِلُوۡنَ
وَمِنۡ اٰیٰتِہٖ یُرِیۡکُمُ الۡبَرۡقَ خَوۡفًا وَّطَمَعًا وَّیُنَزِّلُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَیُحۡیٖ بِہِ الۡاَرۡضَ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِہَاۤ ۚ اِنَّ فِیۡ ذٰلِکَ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوۡمٍ یَّعۡقِلُوۡنَ
13:13.
40:14; 42:29.
Apart from heralding rain which brings fertility and prosperity in its wake, lightning kills germs of various diseases and eliminates worms that destroy crops. Thus, besides causing fear, it is a source of manifold benefits to man. Every element of nature plays its allotted part in the Divine scheme of things, thus hearing testimony to God’s existence, and to His great wisdom and power.
13:13.
40:14; 42:29.
Commentary:
A part from the fact that lightning heralds rain which brings fertility and prosperity in its wake, it kills germs of many different diseases and eliminates worms that destroy crops. So, lightning not only causes fear but is also a source of manifold benefits to man. Every element of nature plays its allotted part in the divine scheme of things, thus bearing testimony to God’s existence, His great wisdom and power.
c
13:13.
d
40:14; 42:29.
b
13:13.
c
40:14; 42:29.
3006
Commentary:
A part from the fact that lightning heralds rain which brings fertility and prosperity in its wake, it kills germs of many different diseases and eliminates worms that destroy crops. So, lightning not only causes fear but is also a source of manifold benefits to man. Every element of nature plays its allotted part in the divine scheme of things, thus bearing testimony to God’s existence, His great wisdom and power.
c
13:13.
d
40:14; 42:29.
2280
Apart from heralding rain which brings fertility and prosperity in its wake, lightning kills germs of various diseases and eliminates worms that destroy crops. Thus, besides causing fear, it is a source of manifold benefits to man. Every element of nature plays its allotted part in the Divine scheme of things, thus hearing testimony to God’s existence, and to His great wisdom and power.
یَسۡـَٔلُکَ اَہۡلُ الۡکِتٰبِ اَنۡ تُنَزِّلَ عَلَیۡہِمۡ کِتٰبًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ ۚ فَقَدۡ سَاَلُوۡا مُوۡسٰۤی اَکۡبَرَ مِنۡ ذٰلِکَ فَقَالُوۡۤا اَرِنَا اللّٰہَ جَہۡرَۃً فَاَخَذَتۡہُمُ الصّٰعِقَۃُ بِظُلۡمِہِمۡ ۚ ثُمَّ اتَّخَذُوا الۡعِجۡلَ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡہُمُ الۡبَیِّنٰتُ فَعَفَوۡنَا عَنۡ ذٰلِکَ ۚ وَاٰتَیۡنَا مُوۡسٰی سُلۡطٰنًا مُّبِیۡنًا
اہل کتاب میں مسیحی اور یہودی دونوں شامل ہیں۔ مگر اس جگہ اہل کتاب سے مراد صرف یہودی ہیں کیونکہ آگے یہ ذکر آتا ہے کہ وہ حضرت مریمؑ پر بہتان باندھتے تھے اور انہوں نے حضرت مسیحؑ کو صلیب پر لٹکا کر مارنے کی کوشش کی اور یہ کام یہود کا تھا مسیحیوں کا نہیں تھا۔
2:109.
2:56.
2:52, 93; 7:149, 153.
See {96}.
2:109.
2:56.
2:52, 93; 7:149, 153.
Important Words:
For the meaning of صاعقة (destructive punishment) see 2:56.
Commentary:
For an explanation of the words "show us Allah openly" see 2:56.
b
2:109.
c
2:56.
d
2:52, 93; 7:149, 153.
2
اہل کتاب میں مسیحی اور یہودی دونوں شامل ہیں۔ مگر اس جگہ اہل کتاب سے مراد صرف یہودی ہیں کیونکہ آگے یہ ذکر آتا ہے کہ وہ حضرت مریمؑ پر بہتان باندھتے تھے اور انہوں نے حضرت مسیحؑ کو صلیب پر لٹکا کر مارنے کی کوشش کی اور یہ کام یہود کا تھا مسیحیوں کا نہیں تھا۔
b
2:109.
c
2:56.
d
2:52, 93; 7:149, 153.
617
Important Words:
For the meaning of صاعقة (destructive punishment) see 2:56.
Commentary:
For an explanation of the words "show us Allah openly" see 2:56.
b
2:109.
c
2:56.
d
2:52, 93; 7:149, 153.
693
See {96}.
اَللّٰہُ الَّذِیۡ یُرۡسِلُ الرِّیٰحَ فَتُثِیۡرُ سَحَابًا فَیَبۡسُطُہٗ فِی السَّمَآءِ کَیۡفَ یَشَآءُ وَیَجۡعَلُہٗ کِسَفًا فَتَرَی الۡوَدۡقَ یَخۡرُجُ مِنۡ خِلٰلِہٖ ۖ فَاِذَاۤ اَصَابَ بِہٖ مَنۡ یَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِہٖۤ اِذَا ہُمۡ یَسۡتَبۡشِرُوۡنَ
24:44.
یعنی ایک بادل کے کئی بادل بنا دیتا ہے۔ تا ایک لمبے علاقہ کو سیراب کر سکیں۔
24:44.
24:44.
Important Words:
کسفا (pieces) is derived from کسف (kasafa). They say کسف الثوب i.e. he cut up the cloth. کسف أمله means, his hope was blasted. کسفة means, piece, fragment, part (Aqrab).
ودق (rain) is infinitive-noun from ودق (wadaqa). They say ودق السماء i.e. the cloud rained. ودق السیف means, the sword became sharp (Aqrab).
c
24:44.
2
یعنی ایک بادل کے کئی بادل بنا دیتا ہے۔ تا ایک لمبے علاقہ کو سیراب کر سکیں۔
d
24:44.
3025
Important Words:
کسفا (pieces) is derived from کسف (kasafa). They say کسف الثوب i.e. he cut up the cloth. کسف أمله means, his hope was blasted. کسفة means, piece, fragment, part (Aqrab).
ودق (rain) is infinitive-noun from ودق (wadaqa). They say ودق السماء i.e. the cloud rained. ودق السیف means, the sword became sharp (Aqrab).
c
24:44.
اِذۡ قَالَ الۡحَوَارِیُّوۡنَ یٰعِیۡسَی ابۡنَ مَرۡیَمَ ہَلۡ یَسۡتَطِیۡعُ رَبُّکَ اَنۡ یُّنَزِّلَ عَلَیۡنَا مَآئِدَۃً مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ ۖ قَالَ اتَّقُوا اللّٰہَ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ مُّؤۡمِنِیۡنَ
“从天上” 这几个字, 意指不费多少周折就得到的一件东西, 而且是确实和耐久的东西。
It was not a single meal that the disciples of Jesus asked for, but a permanent provision of sustenance which might be had without any trouble or hardship.
The words "from heaven" denote a thing that is obtained without much trouble and is sure and lasting.
Commentary:
The words, send down to us a table spread with food from heaven, show that it was not a single meal that the disciples of Jesus asked for, but a permanent provision of sustenance which might be had without any trouble or hardship. The words "from heaven" denote a thing that is obtained without trouble and is sure and lasting.
402
“从天上” 这几个字, 意指不费多少周折就得到的一件东西, 而且是确实和耐久的东西。
740
Commentary:
The words, send down to us a table spread with food from heaven, show that it was not a single meal that the disciples of Jesus asked for, but a permanent provision of sustenance which might be had without any trouble or hardship. The words "from heaven" denote a thing that is obtained without trouble and is sure and lasting.
807
It was not a single meal that the disciples of Jesus asked for, but a permanent provision of sustenance which might be had without any trouble or hardship.
808
The words "from heaven" denote a thing that is obtained without much trouble and is sure and lasting.
قَالَ عِیۡسَی ابۡنُ مَرۡیَمَ اللّٰہُمَّ رَبَّنَاۤ اَنۡزِلۡ عَلَیۡنَا مَآئِدَۃً مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ تَکُوۡنُ لَنَا عِیۡدًا لِّاَوَّلِنَا وَاٰخِرِنَا وَاٰیَۃً مِّنۡکَ ۖ وَارۡزُقۡنَا وَاَنۡتَ خَیۡرُ الرّٰزِقِیۡنَ
اسی دعا کے نتیجہ میں مسیحی قوم کے پہلے حصہ کو بھی دنیا میں حکومت ملی تھی اور آخری حصہ کو بھی۔ درمیان میں محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے غلاموں نے ان کی طاقت کو توڑا۔ اب یہ پیشگوئی پوری ہوئی ہے تو مسلمان ایک طرف تو یہ مبالغہ کرتے ہیں کہ آسمان پر جبریل نعمتیں پکا کر اور خوان فرشتوں کے سر پر رکھ کر صبح شام مسیحیوں کے کھانے کے لئے لاتے تھے اور دوسری طرف مسیحی حکومتوں کے ظلموں پر نالہ و بکا کرتے ہیں۔
The Christians were granted temporal power in the beginning as under the Romans and they hold sway now over vast areas of the earth.
There were to be two periods of prosperity and progress for the Christian peoples, as the word ‘Id literally meaning "a day which returns," shows. Christian peoples were granted worldly goods in abundance in the early ages after Constantine and then in the 18th and 19th centuries they had material prosperity and political grandeur in such measure as has no parallel in the history of any other people.
Commentary:
This verse shows that Jesus approved of the wish of his disciples and, therefore, while praying, he included himself among them.
The words, that it may be to us a festival, to the first of us and to the last of us, embody a great prophecy. There were to be two periods of prosperity and progress for the Christian peoples, as the word عید (festival) literally meaning "a day which returns", shows. The first was to be in the time immediately after Jesus, while the second was to be in the latter days; and the period between these two was to be marked by decay and decline. And this is exactly what is more clearly referred to in the words, to the first of us and to the last of us. Christian peoples were granted worldly goods in abundance in the early ages, i.e. before the rise of Islam, and now in the latter days, i.e. after the decline of Islam, they have had material prosperity and grandeur in such measure as has no parallel in the history of any other religion. But with the advent of the like of Jesus in the person of Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, in Islam, the sun is indeed nearing its setting on "the last of the Christians", who can now save themselves only by identifying themselves with him who had come in the spirit and power of their Master.
403
基督教徒在古罗马时代开始受赐世间的权力, 现在在世界广大地区掌握着支配权。
404
基督教各民族有两个繁荣进步时期, 正如 عِيْد (‘Id) 这个单词文字上的意义 “再现的一天” 所表明的那样。基督教各民族早期在君士坦丁大帝后被赐予丰富的世俗财富, 而后在十八和十九世纪他们物质昌盛和政治辉煌成就的程度达到别的民族历史上无可与之相比的程度。
1
اسی دعا کے نتیجہ میں مسیحی قوم کے پہلے حصہ کو بھی دنیا میں حکومت ملی تھی اور آخری حصہ کو بھی۔ درمیان میں محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے غلاموں نے ان کی طاقت کو توڑا۔ اب یہ پیشگوئی پوری ہوئی ہے تو مسلمان ایک طرف تو یہ مبالغہ کرتے ہیں کہ آسمان پر جبریل نعمتیں پکا کر اور خوان فرشتوں کے سر پر رکھ کر صبح شام مسیحیوں کے کھانے کے لئے لاتے تھے اور دوسری طرف مسیحی حکومتوں کے ظلموں پر نالہ و بکا کرتے ہیں۔
742
Commentary:
This verse shows that Jesus approved of the wish of his disciples and, therefore, while praying, he included himself among them.
The words, that it may be to us a festival, to the first of us and to the last of us, embody a great prophecy. There were to be two periods of prosperity and progress for the Christian peoples, as the word عید (festival) literally meaning "a day which returns", shows. The first was to be in the time immediately after Jesus, while the second was to be in the latter days; and the period between these two was to be marked by decay and decline. And this is exactly what is more clearly referred to in the words, to the first of us and to the last of us. Christian peoples were granted worldly goods in abundance in the early ages, i.e. before the rise of Islam, and now in the latter days, i.e. after the decline of Islam, they have had material prosperity and grandeur in such measure as has no parallel in the history of any other religion. But with the advent of the like of Jesus in the person of Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, in Islam, the sun is indeed nearing its setting on "the last of the Christians", who can now save themselves only by identifying themselves with him who had come in the spirit and power of their Master.
808A
The Christians were granted temporal power in the beginning as under the Romans and they hold sway now over vast areas of the earth.
809
There were to be two periods of prosperity and progress for the Christian peoples, as the word ‘Id literally meaning "a day which returns," shows. Christian peoples were granted worldly goods in abundance in the early ages after Constantine and then in the 18th and 19th centuries they had material prosperity and political grandeur in such measure as has no parallel in the history of any other people.
وَاِنۡ کَانَ کَبُرَ عَلَیۡکَ اِعۡرَاضُہُمۡ فَاِنِ اسۡتَطَعۡتَ اَنۡ تَبۡتَغِیَ نَفَقًا فِی الۡاَرۡضِ اَوۡ سُلَّمًا فِی السَّمَآءِ فَتَاۡتِیَہُمۡ بِاٰیَۃٍ ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ اللّٰہُ لَجَمَعَہُمۡ عَلَی الۡہُدٰی ۚ فَلَا تَکُوۡنَنَّ مِنَ الۡجٰہِلِیۡنَ
5:49; 6:150; 11:119; 13:32; 16:10.
یعنی خداتعالیٰ کی مشیّت پر صبر کر۔
5:49; 6:150; 11:119; 13:32; 16:10.
The words, to seek a passage into the earth, signify 'using worldly means,' i.e. preaching and propagating the truth; and the words, a ladder unto heaven, imply 'using spiritual means,' i.e. offering prayers to God for the guidance of disbelievers, etc. Prayer is indeed the ladder by which a man can spiritually mount to heaven. The Holy Prophet is told to employ both these means. The word Jahil as in 2:274 means "one not knowing" or "unacquainted." The Holy Prophet is exhorted not to remain unacquainted with the law of God in this respect. The verse also sheds light on the Holy Prophet’s great solicitude and concern for the spiritual well-being of his people. He was prepared to go to any length to bring them a Sign, even if he had "to seek a passage in the earth or a ladder unto heaven."
5:49; 6:150; 11:119; 13:32; 16:10.
Important Words:
نفقا (passage). نفق means, a hole or a passage bored into or through the earth and having an opening at the other end (Aqrab). See also 9:67.
سلما (ladder) is derived from سلم (sallama). They say سلمه i.e. he made him safe and secure. سلمه الیه means, he gave or delivered it to him. سلم (sullam) means, a ladder or series of stairs or steps meant for ascending. It is so called because it delivers one to the place to which one desires to go. The word also signifies a means to a thing (Lane).
Commentary:
The words, to seek a passage into the earth, signify using worldly means, i.e. preaching and propagating the truth in the earth in order to strengthen the faith; and the words, a ladder unto Heaven, imply using spiritual means, i.e. offering up prayers to God for the guidance of disbelievers, etc. Prayer is indeed the ladder by which a man can mount to Heaven.
The Holy Prophet has been told here that God is not going to compel men to embrace Islam; if he desires their wholesale conversion he should assiduously follow the two prescribed courses, one earthly and the other heavenly. He should, on the one hand, devote himself vigorously to preaching and propagating the truth; and, on the other, he should fervently pray to God that He may guide mankind and help the cause of Islam.
It goes without saying that the Holy Prophet acted upon both these methods to the fullest extent, as a result of which God helped the cause of Islam, so much so that within a small space of time the whole of Arabia was converted.
The word جاھل (one lacking knowledge) is here used only in the sense of one not knowing or unacquainted, and not in the stronger sense of ignorant. It has been also used in this sense in other verses of the Quran. For instance, we read in 2:274; "One who does not know them (the needy) thinks them to be free from want", i.e. those who are unacquainted with the real condition of the poor, think them to be well off. In the verse under comment, the Holy Prophet has been exhorted not to remain unacquainted with the law of God in this respect.
It should also be noted that it was not by way of rebuke, as some have thought, that the Holy Prophet was asked to seek a passage into the earth or a ladder into the sky. The words become meaningless, if taken in that light. What is meant is simply the suggestion of two ways of success which, when acted upon, proved wonderfully effective.
c
5:49; 6:150; 11:119; 13:32; 16:10.
1
یعنی خداتعالیٰ کی مشیّت پر صبر کر۔
c
5:49; 6:150; 11:119; 13:32; 16:10.
783
Important Words:
نفقا (passage). نفق means, a hole or a passage bored into or through the earth and having an opening at the other end (Aqrab). See also 9:67.
سلما (ladder) is derived from سلم (sallama). They say سلمه i.e. he made him safe and secure. سلمه الیه means, he gave or delivered it to him. سلم (sullam) means, a ladder or series of stairs or steps meant for ascending. It is so called because it delivers one to the place to which one desires to go. The word also signifies a means to a thing (Lane).
Commentary:
The words, to seek a passage into the earth, signify using worldly means, i.e. preaching and propagating the truth in the earth in order to strengthen the faith; and the words, a ladder unto Heaven, imply using spiritual means, i.e. offering up prayers to God for the guidance of disbelievers, etc. Prayer is indeed the ladder by which a man can mount to Heaven.
The Holy Prophet has been told here that God is not going to compel men to embrace Islam; if he desires their wholesale conversion he should assiduously follow the two prescribed courses, one earthly and the other heavenly. He should, on the one hand, devote himself vigorously to preaching and propagating the truth; and, on the other, he should fervently pray to God that He may guide mankind and help the cause of Islam.
It goes without saying that the Holy Prophet acted upon both these methods to the fullest extent, as a result of which God helped the cause of Islam, so much so that within a small space of time the whole of Arabia was converted.
The word جاھل (one lacking knowledge) is here used only in the sense of one not knowing or unacquainted, and not in the stronger sense of ignorant. It has been also used in this sense in other verses of the Quran. For instance, we read in 2:274; "One who does not know them (the needy) thinks them to be free from want", i.e. those who are unacquainted with the real condition of the poor, think them to be well off. In the verse under comment, the Holy Prophet has been exhorted not to remain unacquainted with the law of God in this respect.
It should also be noted that it was not by way of rebuke, as some have thought, that the Holy Prophet was asked to seek a passage into the earth or a ladder into the sky. The words become meaningless, if taken in that light. What is meant is simply the suggestion of two ways of success which, when acted upon, proved wonderfully effective.
b
5:49; 6:150; 11:119; 13:32; 16:10.
844
The words, to seek a passage into the earth, signify 'using worldly means,' i.e. preaching and propagating the truth; and the words, a ladder unto heaven, imply 'using spiritual means,' i.e. offering prayers to God for the guidance of disbelievers, etc. Prayer is indeed the ladder by which a man can spiritually mount to heaven. The Holy Prophet is told to employ both these means. The word Jahil as in 2:274 means "one not knowing" or "unacquainted." The Holy Prophet is exhorted not to remain unacquainted with the law of God in this respect. The verse also sheds light on the Holy Prophet’s great solicitude and concern for the spiritual well-being of his people. He was prepared to go to any length to bring them a Sign, even if he had "to seek a passage in the earth or a ladder unto heaven."
خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ بِغَیۡرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوۡنَہَا ۖ وَاَلۡقٰی فِی الۡاَرۡضِ رَوٰسِیَ اَنۡ تَمِیۡدَ بِکُمۡ وَبَثَّ فِیۡہَا مِنۡ کُلِّ دَآبَّۃٍ ۚ وَاَنۡزَلۡنَا مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَنۡۢبَتۡنَا فِیۡہَا مِنۡ کُلِّ زَوۡجٍ کَرِیۡمٍ
قرآن مجیدنے مصدری مثبت جملہ استعمال کیا ہے۔ ہم نے ترجمہ میں مصدری منفی جملہ استعمال کیا ہے اور یہ عربی قاعدہ کے مطابق ہے۔ جس میں اَنْ کے بعد ’’نہ‘‘ کا نکالنا نحوی لوگ جائز قرار دیتے ہیں۔
قرآن کریم میں لفظ اَ نْـبَتْـنَا ہے جس کے معنے اُگانے کے بھی ہیں اور بڑھانے کے بھی ہیں چونکہ آگے جوڑے کا ذکر آتا ہے اور قرآنی اصطلاح میں جوڑا جانوروں کے لئے بھی بولا جاتا ہے اور نباتات کے لئے بھی اس لئے ہم نے یہ ترجمہ کیا ہے کہ اس میں ہر قسم کے جوڑے پیدا کیے۔
13:3.
13:4; 15:20; 16:16; 77:28.
27:61; 50:8.
Elsewhere (13:4) the Qur’an has used the word Ja‘ala (He has made) to express the sense of Alqa (He has placed) which shows that mountains formed a part of the earth and were not placed on it from outside.
13:3.
13:4; 15:20; 16:16; 77:28.
27:61; 50:8.
Commentary:
It should not be understood from the word ألقی which literally means, "He has cast" or "He has placed" that the mountains were placed on the earth from somewhere outside, after it had been created. Elsewhere the Quran has used the word جعل(He made) to express the same sense which shows that the mountains formed a part and parcel of the earth and were not placed on it from outside.
Incidentally, the verse points to a truth which science has only recently discovered but which the Quran revealed about 1400 years ago, viz. that mountains instead of being a cause of earthquakes, exert a stabilizing influence, rendering earth tremors a very infrequent occurrence.
This verse gives three arguments to prove the Oneness and Almightiness of God: (a) He is the Creator of heavens and the whole solar system; (b) He has created the earth and regulates, controls and guides all life on it; (c) He sends down water from heaven and gives a new life to the earth after it has become parched and dry. This means that God is the Creator of the universe, its Controller and the Giver of life. These are essential attributes of a Supreme Being Who demands and commands our adoration and worship. See also 16:16.
a
13:3.
b
13:4; 15:20; 16:16; 77:28.
c
27:61; 50:8.
1004
«古兰经» 其他经文 (13:4) 中使用 جَعَلَ (Ja‘ala, 造出了) 这一单词来表达 اَلْقَى (Alqa, 他安置了) 的意义, 这说明山岳是大地的一个组成部分而不是从外面放在大地上的。
2
قرآن مجیدنے مصدری مثبت جملہ استعمال کیا ہے۔ ہم نے ترجمہ میں مصدری منفی جملہ استعمال کیا ہے اور یہ عربی قاعدہ کے مطابق ہے۔ جس میں اَنْ کے بعد ’’نہ‘‘ کا نکالنا نحوی لوگ جائز قرار دیتے ہیں۔
3
قرآن کریم میں لفظ اَ نْـبَتْـنَا ہے جس کے معنے اُگانے کے بھی ہیں اور بڑھانے کے بھی ہیں چونکہ آگے جوڑے کا ذکر آتا ہے اور قرآنی اصطلاح میں جوڑا جانوروں کے لئے بھی بولا جاتا ہے اور نباتات کے لئے بھی اس لئے ہم نے یہ ترجمہ کیا ہے کہ اس میں ہر قسم کے جوڑے پیدا کیے۔
a
13:3.
b
13:4; 15:20; 16:16; 77:28.
c
27:61; 50:8.
3038
Commentary:
It should not be understood from the word ألقی which literally means, "He has cast" or "He has placed" that the mountains were placed on the earth from somewhere outside, after it had been created. Elsewhere the Quran has used the word جعل(He made) to express the same sense which shows that the mountains formed a part and parcel of the earth and were not placed on it from outside.
Incidentally, the verse points to a truth which science has only recently discovered but which the Quran revealed about 1400 years ago, viz. that mountains instead of being a cause of earthquakes, exert a stabilizing influence, rendering earth tremors a very infrequent occurrence.
This verse gives three arguments to prove the Oneness and Almightiness of God: (a) He is the Creator of heavens and the whole solar system; (b) He has created the earth and regulates, controls and guides all life on it; (c) He sends down water from heaven and gives a new life to the earth after it has become parched and dry. This means that God is the Creator of the universe, its Controller and the Giver of life. These are essential attributes of a Supreme Being Who demands and commands our adoration and worship. See also 16:16.
a
13:3.
b
13:4; 15:20; 16:16; 77:28.
c
27:61; 50:8.
2303
Elsewhere (13:4) the Qur’an has used the word Ja‘ala (He has made) to express the sense of Alqa (He has placed) which shows that mountains formed a part of the earth and were not placed on it from outside.
وَہُوَ الَّذِیۡۤ اَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَخۡرَجۡنَا بِہٖ نَبَاتَ کُلِّ شَیۡءٍ فَاَخۡرَجۡنَا مِنۡہُ خَضِرًا نُّخۡرِجُ مِنۡہُ حَبًّا مُّتَرَاکِبًا وَّمِنَ النَّخۡلِ مِنۡ طَلۡعِہَا قِنۡوَانٌ دَانِیَۃٌ وَّجَنّٰتٍ مِّنۡ اَعۡنَابٍ وَّالزَّیۡتُوۡنَ وَالرُّمَّانَ مُشۡتَبِہًا وَّغَیۡرَ مُتَشٰبِہٍ ۗ اُنۡظُرُوۡۤا اِلٰی ثَمَرِہٖۤ اِذَاۤ اَثۡمَرَ وَیَنۡعِہٖۤ ۚ اِنَّ فِیۡ ذٰلِکُمۡ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوۡمٍ یُّؤۡمِنُوۡنَ
14:33; 16:11; 22:64; 35:28.
6:142; 13:5.
启示在此比作雨水。这节经文回答了这样一个问题: 如果启示确实是一种幸福, 那么, 为什么每当一个先知被选拔出来的时候有不和与斗争呢? 经文说, 正如雨后生长出各种植物那样, 根据埋藏在土里的种籽的情况长出来的东西有好有坏, 同样, 在安拉的一位使者降临时, 那时还混杂在一起的人们, 就开始分成好人和坏人。“有些相似, 也有些是不同的” 这句话, 意示有些果实相似, 有些是彼此不同的。
这可以用於不同种类的果实, 彼此在某此方面相似, 而在另些方面不同, 或者用於同类的果实, 虽然在主要的各点上彼此相似, 而在小的细点上彼此却不相同, 有些味道比另一些甜些, 有些颜色和大小不一。那些接受先知和追随安拉引导的人的情况也是那样。他们在一方面彼此非常相似, 而在另一方面却不相同。有些人在道德和精神上比另一些人要高超。还有, 有些人在精神发展的一个侧面比另一些人要快些, 而另一些人在另一个侧面发展得要快些。他们按照各自天然的能力和气质达到精神完美的不同阶段以及发展着不同的特性。“其成长的情况” 这些字, 指的是果实成熟的相似情况。正如以一只不成熟的果样来判断一种果实那种做法是不公平的那样, 假如因为有些信者尚在精神发展过程中而尚未达到完美的地步就对启示的结果找错误, 那也是不公正的。
عربی زبان میں ضمیریں کثرت سے بدلتی ہیں۔ ایک جگہ ’’وہ‘‘ آتا ہے پھر اس کے بعد ’’میں‘‘ آجاتا ہے اور ایسا اس لئے کیا جاتا ہے تاکہ کچھ پڑھنے والے کی عقل پر بھی چھوڑا جائے۔
عربی میں ’’ہم‘‘ کے لفظ ہیں۔ جو اردو میں زائد ہیں۔ اس لئے ہم نے یہ لفظ حذف کر دیے ہیں۔ اردو میں اس کے بغیر کام چل جاتا ہے۔
قرآن مجید میں مفرد ضمیر ہے مگر اردو میں جمع لانا ضروری ہے قرآن مجید کی آیت کا مفہوم یہ ہے کہ جب ہر قسم کے درخت کو پھل آتا ہے اس طرح درخت مفرد بھی ہو جاتا ہے اور جمع بھی۔
14:33; 16:11; 22:64; 35:28.
6:142; 13:5.
Revelation is likened here to rainwater, and the verse answers the question, why, if revelation is indeed a blessing, is there discord and strife whenever a Prophet is raised? It says that just as after rainfall all kinds of vegetation grow up, both bad and good, according to the seeds lying concealed in the earth, similarly, at the advent of a Divine Messenger, men, who so far had remained mixed up, become divided into good and bad. The words "like and unlike" imply that whereas some fruits resemble, and some differ from, each other.
This may apply either to fruits of different kinds, which resemble one another in certain respects and differ in others, or to fruits of the same kind which, although resembling one another in the main points, differ from one another in minor details, some tasting sweeter than others and some varying in colour or size. The same is the case with those persons who accept a Prophet and follow Divine guidance. Whereas they bear great resemblance to each other in one respect
14:33; 16:11; 22:64; 35:28.
6:142; 13:5.
Important Words:
متراکبا (clustered) is derived from رکب. They say رکبه i.e. he rode it or mounted it; it got upon it or it became superincumbent upon it. تراکب means, it lay one part upon another; it was or became heaped or piled up. So متراکب means, piled or clustered together one above another (Aqrab).
طلع (sheaths) is from the verb طلع (tala‘a), i.e., he or it rose or appeared or came forth. طلع is what comes forth from the palm tree and becomes dates; the spathe or flowers of the palm tree (Lane).
قنوان (bunches) is the plural of قنو which is derived from قنا . They say قنا المال i.e. he acquired and amassed property for himself. قنو means, a bunch of dates (Aqrab).
ینعه (the ripening thereof). ینع is from the verb ینع (yana‘a). They say ینع الثمر i.e. the fruit became ripened and fit for gathering; it (fruit, etc.) became red. یانع means, the ripe fruit. ینع is both the noun-infinitive from the verb ینع (yana‘a) in which case it means the ripening of a fruit, and the plural of یانع in which case it means the ripe fruits (Aqrab).
Commentary:
In this verse revelation is likened to rainwater and the verse answers the question why there is discord and strife at the advent of Prophets, if revelation is indeed a blessing. The verse says that just as by rainwater all kinds of vegetation grow up, both bad and good, according to the seeds lying concealed in the earth, similarly at the advent of Divine revelation, men, so far remaining mixed up, become divided into good and bad. The good ones accept the Messenger of God, help him and become pious and holy, like trees which bear good fruit or like shrubs which bring forth beautiful flowers or like herbs which give out a sweet odour; but there are others—the bad ones—who oppose the Prophet, persecute his followers and act corruptly in the earth. These are like trees which bear bitter fruit or like flowerless and thorny bushes or like plants and herbs which give out a bad smell.
The words مشتبھا و غیر متشابه (similar and dissimilar) imply that whereas some fruits resemble each other, some differ from others. This may apply either to fruits of different kinds, which resemble one another in certain respects and differ in others, or to fruits of the same kind which, although resembling one another in the main points, differ from one another in minor details, some tasting sweeter than others and some varying in colour or size. The same is the case with those who believe in the Prophets and follow Divine guidance. Although they bear great resemblance to one another, yet there are differences between them, some being morally and spiritually more advanced than others. Again, some are advanced in one phase of spiritual growth, while others are advanced in another. Among the Companions of the Holy Prophet, too, we see that one became an Abu Bakr, another an ‘Umar, and another an ‘Uthman and yet another an ‘Aliand so on. They attained to different stages of spirituality and developed different phases, according to their respective natural capacities and dispositions.
The words, the ripening thereof, refer to an implied objection that might be raised by the deniers of revelation––namely, that even those who accept Divine revelation do not all become pure and holy. The above-quoted words answer this objection by pointing to the analogy of the ripening of fruit. The people are asked first to note the condition of fruits when they are yet unripe and then see how sweet and delicious they become after becoming ripe. Just as it is unfair to judge a fruit by an unripe specimen, similarly, it is unfair to find fault with the fruits of revelation on the basis of such individuals as are yet in the process of development and have not attained to perfection. The verse points out that in the beginning there are bound to be weaknesses and shortcomings even in believers, just as there is bound to be sourness in the taste of an unripe or undeveloped fruit. So it is not just to deny the usefulness of revelation on the basis of weaknesses that are to be met with in believers whose spiritual condition is not yet fully developed.
The verse most beautifully draws attention to three important points that can be deduced from the analogy of the various kinds of vegetation that grow as a result of rain: (1) that rain brings forth both good and bad vegetation (believers and disbelievers); (2) that even in good fruits (believers) some variety is to be found, i.e. points of similarity and dissimilarity; and (3) that in the early stage of development even good fruits are not sweet and may even be sour.
g
14:33; 16:11; 22:64; 35:28.
h
6:142; 13:5.
443
启示在此比作雨水。这节经文回答了这样一个问题: 如果启示确实是一种幸福, 那么, 为什么每当一个先知被选拔出来的时候有不和与斗争呢? 经文说, 正如雨后生长出各种植物那样, 根据埋藏在土里的种籽的情况长出来的东西有好有坏, 同样, 在安拉的一位使者降临时, 那时还混杂在一起的人们, 就开始分成好人和坏人。“有些相似, 也有些是不同的” 这句话, 意示有些果实相似, 有些是彼此不同的。
这可以用於不同种类的果实, 彼此在某此方面相似, 而在另些方面不同, 或者用於同类的果实, 虽然在主要的各点上彼此相似, 而在小的细点上彼此却不相同, 有些味道比另一些甜些, 有些颜色和大小不一。那些接受先知和追随安拉引导的人的情况也是那样。他们在一方面彼此非常相似, 而在另一方面却不相同。有些人在道德和精神上比另一些人要高超。还有, 有些人在精神发展的一个侧面比另一些人要快些, 而另一些人在另一个侧面发展得要快些。他们按照各自天然的能力和气质达到精神完美的不同阶段以及发展着不同的特性。“其成长的情况” 这些字, 指的是果实成熟的相似情况。正如以一只不成熟的果样来判断一种果实那种做法是不公平的那样, 假如因为有些信者尚在精神发展过程中而尚未达到完美的地步就对启示的结果找错误, 那也是不公正的。
2
عربی زبان میں ضمیریں کثرت سے بدلتی ہیں۔ ایک جگہ ’’وہ‘‘ آتا ہے پھر اس کے بعد ’’میں‘‘ آجاتا ہے اور ایسا اس لئے کیا جاتا ہے تاکہ کچھ پڑھنے والے کی عقل پر بھی چھوڑا جائے۔
3
عربی میں ’’ہم‘‘ کے لفظ ہیں۔ جو اردو میں زائد ہیں۔ اس لئے ہم نے یہ لفظ حذف کر دیے ہیں۔ اردو میں اس کے بغیر کام چل جاتا ہے۔
4
قرآن مجید میں مفرد ضمیر ہے مگر اردو میں جمع لانا ضروری ہے قرآن مجید کی آیت کا مفہوم یہ ہے کہ جب ہر قسم کے درخت کو پھل آتا ہے اس طرح درخت مفرد بھی ہو جاتا ہے اور جمع بھی۔
a
14:33; 16:11; 22:64; 35:28.
b
6:142; 13:5.
842
Important Words:
متراکبا (clustered) is derived from رکب. They say رکبه i.e. he rode it or mounted it; it got upon it or it became superincumbent upon it. تراکب means, it lay one part upon another; it was or became heaped or piled up. So متراکب means, piled or clustered together one above another (Aqrab).
طلع (sheaths) is from the verb طلع (tala‘a), i.e., he or it rose or appeared or came forth. طلع is what comes forth from the palm tree and becomes dates; the spathe or flowers of the palm tree (Lane).
قنوان (bunches) is the plural of قنو which is derived from قنا . They say قنا المال i.e. he acquired and amassed property for himself. قنو means, a bunch of dates (Aqrab).
ینعه (the ripening thereof). ینع is from the verb ینع (yana‘a). They say ینع الثمر i.e. the fruit became ripened and fit for gathering; it (fruit, etc.) became red. یانع means, the ripe fruit. ینع is both the noun-infinitive from the verb ینع (yana‘a) in which case it means the ripening of a fruit, and the plural of یانع in which case it means the ripe fruits (Aqrab).
Commentary:
In this verse revelation is likened to rainwater and the verse answers the question why there is discord and strife at the advent of Prophets, if revelation is indeed a blessing. The verse says that just as by rainwater all kinds of vegetation grow up, both bad and good, according to the seeds lying concealed in the earth, similarly at the advent of Divine revelation, men, so far remaining mixed up, become divided into good and bad. The good ones accept the Messenger of God, help him and become pious and holy, like trees which bear good fruit or like shrubs which bring forth beautiful flowers or like herbs which give out a sweet odour; but there are others—the bad ones—who oppose the Prophet, persecute his followers and act corruptly in the earth. These are like trees which bear bitter fruit or like flowerless and thorny bushes or like plants and herbs which give out a bad smell.
The words مشتبھا و غیر متشابه (similar and dissimilar) imply that whereas some fruits resemble each other, some differ from others. This may apply either to fruits of different kinds, which resemble one another in certain respects and differ in others, or to fruits of the same kind which, although resembling one another in the main points, differ from one another in minor details, some tasting sweeter than others and some varying in colour or size. The same is the case with those who believe in the Prophets and follow Divine guidance. Although they bear great resemblance to one another, yet there are differences between them, some being morally and spiritually more advanced than others. Again, some are advanced in one phase of spiritual growth, while others are advanced in another. Among the Companions of the Holy Prophet, too, we see that one became an Abu Bakr, another an ‘Umar, and another an ‘Uthman and yet another an ‘Aliand so on. They attained to different stages of spirituality and developed different phases, according to their respective natural capacities and dispositions.
The words, the ripening thereof, refer to an implied objection that might be raised by the deniers of revelation––namely, that even those who accept Divine revelation do not all become pure and holy. The above-quoted words answer this objection by pointing to the analogy of the ripening of fruit. The people are asked first to note the condition of fruits when they are yet unripe and then see how sweet and delicious they become after becoming ripe. Just as it is unfair to judge a fruit by an unripe specimen, similarly, it is unfair to find fault with the fruits of revelation on the basis of such individuals as are yet in the process of development and have not attained to perfection. The verse points out that in the beginning there are bound to be weaknesses and shortcomings even in believers, just as there is bound to be sourness in the taste of an unripe or undeveloped fruit. So it is not just to deny the usefulness of revelation on the basis of weaknesses that are to be met with in believers whose spiritual condition is not yet fully developed.
The verse most beautifully draws attention to three important points that can be deduced from the analogy of the various kinds of vegetation that grow as a result of rain: (1) that rain brings forth both good and bad vegetation (believers and disbelievers); (2) that even in good fruits (believers) some variety is to be found, i.e. points of similarity and dissimilarity; and (3) that in the early stage of development even good fruits are not sweet and may even be sour.
c
14:33; 16:11; 22:64; 35:28.
d
6:142; 13:5.
884
Revelation is likened here to rainwater, and the verse answers the question, why, if revelation is indeed a blessing, is there discord and strife whenever a Prophet is raised? It says that just as after rainfall all kinds of vegetation grow up, both bad and good, according to the seeds lying concealed in the earth, similarly, at the advent of a Divine Messenger, men, who so far had remained mixed up, become divided into good and bad. The words "like and unlike" imply that whereas some fruits resemble, and some differ from, each other.
This may apply either to fruits of different kinds, which resemble one another in certain respects and differ in others, or to fruits of the same kind which, although resembling one another in the main points, differ from one another in minor details, some tasting sweeter than others and some varying in colour or size. The same is the case with those persons who accept a Prophet and follow Divine guidance. Whereas they bear great resemblance to each other in one respect
فَمَنۡ یُّرِدِ اللّٰہُ اَنۡ یَّہۡدِیَہٗ یَشۡرَحۡ صَدۡرَہٗ لِلۡاِسۡلٰمِ ۖ وَمَنۡ یُّرِدۡ اَنۡ یُّضِلَّہٗ یَجۡعَلۡ صَدۡرَہٗ ضَیِّقًا حَرَجًا کَاَنَّمَا یَصَّعَّدُ فِی السَّمَآءِ ۚ کَذٰلِکَ یَجۡعَلُ اللّٰہُ الرِّجۡسَ عَلَی الَّذِیۡنَ لَا یُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ
10:101.
10:101.
He regards Divine commandments as a burden and finds physical difficulty and mental trouble in carrying them out. His bosom, as it were, becomes narrow like one who is climbing up a steep height.
10:101.
Important Words:
حرجاً (close) means, close, strait or narrow (Lane). See also 4:66.
رجس (Punishment). See 5:91.
Commentary:
The desire of Allah, mentioned in the words, whomsoever Allah wishes to guide, follows the actions of man. It is the result of man’s own good deeds, and not arbitrary.
The words, He expands his bosom for the acceptance of Islam, signify that such a one is cheerfully willing to accept and obey every command of God. He feels pleasure in obeying God’s behests. If a man is always ready and willing to obey the commandments of God, it shows that he is progressing spiritually. But if a man feels Divine commandments to be a burden, it is an indication of the fact that he is spiritually retrogressing.
The "wish" of Allah to make a man go astray also comes as a sequence to man’s own evil deeds. When a man becomes a sinner and does wicked deeds the result is that he is led astray from the right path. Such a one feels the commandments of God to be burdensome, and perceives difficulty and mental trouble in carrying them out. His bosom becomes narrow and close. His case is like that of a person who is asked to climb up a steep height.
It may be noted here in passing that the verse also hints that to ascend into heaven with the physical body is a sort of punishment and not a boon.
The verse tells us that God helps those who practise virtue and willingly obey His commandments and He causes them to progress spiritually, while those who do not believe and lead sinful lives continue to advance in sin and wickedness.
The verse further teaches us that we cannot progress spiritually unless we render obedience to God with willing and cheerful hearts.
b
10:101.
a
10:101.
867
Important Words:
حرجاً (close) means, close, strait or narrow (Lane). See also 4:66.
رجس (Punishment). See 5:91.
Commentary:
The desire of Allah, mentioned in the words, whomsoever Allah wishes to guide, follows the actions of man. It is the result of man’s own good deeds, and not arbitrary.
The words, He expands his bosom for the acceptance of Islam, signify that such a one is cheerfully willing to accept and obey every command of God. He feels pleasure in obeying God’s behests. If a man is always ready and willing to obey the commandments of God, it shows that he is progressing spiritually. But if a man feels Divine commandments to be a burden, it is an indication of the fact that he is spiritually retrogressing.
The "wish" of Allah to make a man go astray also comes as a sequence to man’s own evil deeds. When a man becomes a sinner and does wicked deeds the result is that he is led astray from the right path. Such a one feels the commandments of God to be burdensome, and perceives difficulty and mental trouble in carrying them out. His bosom becomes narrow and close. His case is like that of a person who is asked to climb up a steep height.
It may be noted here in passing that the verse also hints that to ascend into heaven with the physical body is a sort of punishment and not a boon.
The verse tells us that God helps those who practise virtue and willingly obey His commandments and He causes them to progress spiritually, while those who do not believe and lead sinful lives continue to advance in sin and wickedness.
The verse further teaches us that we cannot progress spiritually unless we render obedience to God with willing and cheerful hearts.
b
10:101.
907
He regards Divine commandments as a burden and finds physical difficulty and mental trouble in carrying them out. His bosom, as it were, becomes narrow like one who is climbing up a steep height.
یُدَبِّرُ الۡاَمۡرَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ اِلَی الۡاَرۡضِ ثُمَّ یَعۡرُجُ اِلَیۡہِ فِیۡ یَوۡمٍ کَانَ مِقۡدَارُہٗۤ اَلۡفَ سَنَۃٍ مِّمَّا تَعُدُّوۡنَ
这节经文提及伊斯兰教在它兴衰交替的经历中命定要遇到的非常严重的危机。伊斯兰教在它的历程的最初三个世纪中必然是一个持续发展和成功的时期。据说穆圣曾经明确地暗示过这一事实, 他说, “最好的一个世纪是我活着的这个世纪, 而后是下一个世纪, 而后是再一个世纪” (تِرْمِذِی و بُخَارِی كِتابُ الشَّهَادَات, Tirmidhi & Bukhari, Kitabush Shahadat)。在最初三个世纪的连续胜利之后, 伊斯兰教开始衰落。这种衰退的过程在以后的千年中进行下去。“而后在一天之内上升回到他那里, 这一天的时间按照你们的计算是一千年。” 这句话所指的是这一千年的时期。据传, 他在另一次讲话中曾说过, 这一宗教将上升到昴 (宿) 星团 (Pleiades), 而一个波斯血统的人将把它带回地球 (بُخَارِی كِتابُ التَّفْسِيْر, Bukhari, Kitabut Tafsir)。伊历纪元第十四世纪主许迈喜合显现后, 这个衰退过程已经停止, 伊斯兰教复兴时期已经开始。
بہائی لوگ اس آیت کے غلط معنے کرکے مسلمانوں کو بہکاتے ہیں وہ کہتے ہیں کہ اسلام کی زندگی صرف ایک ہزار سال ہے پھر وہ منسوخ ہو جائے گا اور بہائی مذہب اس کی جگہ لے لے گا۔ حالانکہ آیت کے معنی صاف ہیں کہ اسلام ہزار سال میں آسمان پر چڑھے گا۔ اس کے معنے منسوخ ہونے کے نہیں ہو سکتے۔ کیونکہ منسوخ تو ایک آیت سے ایک منٹ میں ہو جاتا ہے۔ درحقیقت اس آیت میں بتایا گیا ہے کہ ایک ہزار سال تک مسلمان دنیا میں کمزور ہوتے جائیں گے۔ اس کے بعد محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی پیشگوئیوں کے مطابق اسلام کو قائم کرنے والا مامور آجائے گا۔ اور اسلام پھر مضبو طی سے قائم ہو جائے گا۔ چنانچہ اسی سور
The verse refers to a very serious crisis that was destined to come over Islam in its chequered career. Islam was to pass through a period of sustained progress and prosperity during the first three centuries of its life. The Holy Prophet is reported to have pointedly alluded to this fact in his saying: 'The best century is the one in which I live, then the next century, then the century after that '(Tirmidhi & Bukhari, Kitabush-Shahadat). Islam began to decline after the first three centuries of uninterrupted conquests. The process of decline and decay continued in the next thousand years. It is to this period of a thousand years that reference has been made in the words, then will it go up to Him in a day the duration of which is a thousand years. In another of his sayings the Holy Prophet is reported to have said that Faith will ascend to the Pleiades and a man of Persian descent will bring it back to the earth (Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafsir). With the appearance of the Promised Messi
Commentary:
As mentioned above the principal theme of the Surah under comment is the progressive expansion and eventual triumph of Islam. In the present verse, however, reference has been made to a very serious crisis that was destined to come over Islam in its chequered career. Islam was to pass through a period of sustained progress and prosperity during the first three centuries of its life. The Holy Prophet is reported to have pointedly alluded to this fact in a well-known saying, viz. خیر القرون قرنی ثم الذین یلونھم الخ i.e. the best century is the one in which I live, then the next century, then the century after that. Then there will spread falsehood at the hands of people who will take pride in their wealth and riches and will grow fat on the earnings of others (Tirmidhi & Bukhari, Kitabush-Shahadat). As foretold in this saying of the Prophet, Islam began to decline after the first three centuries of uninterrupted conquests and growing prosperity, till it suffered a very serious check in about 271 A.H. when its gradual decline set in. The process of decline and decay continued till it reached its nadir in the next one thousand years. It is to this period of a thousand years that reference has been made in the words, then shall it go up to Him in a day the duration of which is a thousand years. In another of his sayings the Holy Prophet is reported to have said that Faith will ascend to the Pleiades and a man of Persian descent, namely the Promised Messiah, will bring it back to the earth (Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafsir). With the appearance of the Promised Messiah in the 14th century A.H., the process of decay has been arrested and a renaissance of Islam has taken place. The indications are, and prophecies in Divine Scriptures and those in the Hadith lend support to the inference, that the present renaissance of Islam will extend over a much longer period and its spiritual conquests will not stop unless they have embraced in their orbit almost the entire globe.
1016
这节经文提及伊斯兰教在它兴衰交替的经历中命定要遇到的非常严重的危机。伊斯兰教在它的历程的最初三个世纪中必然是一个持续发展和成功的时期。据说穆圣曾经明确地暗示过这一事实, 他说, “最好的一个世纪是我活着的这个世纪, 而后是下一个世纪, 而后是再一个世纪” (تِرْمِذِی و بُخَارِی كِتابُ الشَّهَادَات, Tirmidhi & Bukhari, Kitabush Shahadat)。在最初三个世纪的连续胜利之后, 伊斯兰教开始衰落。这种衰退的过程在以后的千年中进行下去。“而后在一天之内上升回到他那里, 这一天的时间按照你们的计算是一千年。” 这句话所指的是这一千年的时期。据传, 他在另一次讲话中曾说过, 这一宗教将上升到昴 (宿) 星团 (Pleiades), 而一个波斯血统的人将把它带回地球 (بُخَارِی كِتابُ التَّفْسِيْر, Bukhari, Kitabut Tafsir)。伊历纪元第十四世纪主许迈喜合显现后, 这个衰退过程已经停止, 伊斯兰教复兴时期已经开始。
1
بہائی لوگ اس آیت کے غلط معنے کرکے مسلمانوں کو بہکاتے ہیں وہ کہتے ہیں کہ اسلام کی زندگی صرف ایک ہزار سال ہے پھر وہ منسوخ ہو جائے گا اور بہائی مذہب اس کی جگہ لے لے گا۔ حالانکہ آیت کے معنی صاف ہیں کہ اسلام ہزار سال میں آسمان پر چڑھے گا۔ اس کے معنے منسوخ ہونے کے نہیں ہو سکتے۔ کیونکہ منسوخ تو ایک آیت سے ایک منٹ میں ہو جاتا ہے۔ درحقیقت اس آیت میں بتایا گیا ہے کہ ایک ہزار سال تک مسلمان دنیا میں کمزور ہوتے جائیں گے۔ اس کے بعد محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی پیشگوئیوں کے مطابق اسلام کو قائم کرنے والا مامور آجائے گا۔ اور اسلام پھر مضبو طی سے قائم ہو جائے گا۔ چنانچہ اسی سور
3062
Commentary:
As mentioned above the principal theme of the Surah under comment is the progressive expansion and eventual triumph of Islam. In the present verse, however, reference has been made to a very serious crisis that was destined to come over Islam in its chequered career. Islam was to pass through a period of sustained progress and prosperity during the first three centuries of its life. The Holy Prophet is reported to have pointedly alluded to this fact in a well-known saying, viz. خیر القرون قرنی ثم الذین یلونھم الخ i.e. the best century is the one in which I live, then the next century, then the century after that. Then there will spread falsehood at the hands of people who will take pride in their wealth and riches and will grow fat on the earnings of others (Tirmidhi & Bukhari, Kitabush-Shahadat). As foretold in this saying of the Prophet, Islam began to decline after the first three centuries of uninterrupted conquests and growing prosperity, till it suffered a very serious check in about 271 A.H. when its gradual decline set in. The process of decline and decay continued till it reached its nadir in the next one thousand years. It is to this period of a thousand years that reference has been made in the words, then shall it go up to Him in a day the duration of which is a thousand years. In another of his sayings the Holy Prophet is reported to have said that Faith will ascend to the Pleiades and a man of Persian descent, namely the Promised Messiah, will bring it back to the earth (Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafsir). With the appearance of the Promised Messiah in the 14th century A.H., the process of decay has been arrested and a renaissance of Islam has taken place. The indications are, and prophecies in Divine Scriptures and those in the Hadith lend support to the inference, that the present renaissance of Islam will extend over a much longer period and its spiritual conquests will not stop unless they have embraced in their orbit almost the entire globe.
2323
The verse refers to a very serious crisis that was destined to come over Islam in its chequered career. Islam was to pass through a period of sustained progress and prosperity during the first three centuries of its life. The Holy Prophet is reported to have pointedly alluded to this fact in his saying: 'The best century is the one in which I live, then the next century, then the century after that '(Tirmidhi & Bukhari, Kitabush-Shahadat). Islam began to decline after the first three centuries of uninterrupted conquests. The process of decline and decay continued in the next thousand years. It is to this period of a thousand years that reference has been made in the words, then will it go up to Him in a day the duration of which is a thousand years. In another of his sayings the Holy Prophet is reported to have said that Faith will ascend to the Pleiades and a man of Persian descent will bring it back to the earth (Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafsir). With the appearance of the Promised Messi
اِنَّ الَّذِیۡنَ کَذَّبُوۡا بِاٰیٰتِنَا وَاسۡتَکۡبَرُوۡا عَنۡہَا لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَہُمۡ اَبۡوٰبُ السَّمَآءِ وَلَا یَدۡخُلُوۡنَ الۡجَنَّۃَ حَتّٰی یَلِجَ الۡجَمَلُ فِیۡ سَمِّ الۡخِیَاطِ ۚ وَکَذٰلِکَ نَجۡزِی الۡمُجۡرِمِیۡنَ
یعنی جنت میں داخل ہونا ان کے اعمال کے سبب سے ناممکن نظر آئے گا۔ ہاں خداتعالیٰ کا رحم کرنا الگ بات ہے۔
See 7:37.
Jamal may also mean a rope, for a rope bears a better resemblance to the thread which is passed through the eye of a needle. It will not be possible for rejectors of God’s Signs to enter Heaven. See Matt. 19: 24.
7:37.
Important Words:
الجمل (camel) is the noun-infinitive from جمل. They say جمل الشیء i.e. he collected the thing. جمل الشھم means, he melted the fat. جمل (jamila) or جمل (jamula) with different vowel points at the central root letter, means, he was or became beautiful, goodly or pleasing in person or behaviour. جمل means, a he-camel; a full grown he-camel; a camel; palm-trees as being likened to the he-camel in respect of their tallness and bigness; a large sea fish or whale (Lane.) It also means a cable or a ship’s rope (Aqrab).
Commentary:
With this verse begins a description of the life after death, a brief reference to which was made in the three preceding verses.
Heaven is the lofty abode of true believers. The Holy Prophet used to say that it is the souls of the righteous that shall reside in the garden of Heaven, while those of the wicked shall descend into the pit of Hell.
The words, the gates of the spiritual firmament will not be opened for them, signify that rejecters of God’s signs are never vouchsafed the spiritual knowledge and the nearness of God granted to believers.
Though in the translation the word جمل has been rendered as 'camel' following a parallel expression in the New Testament (Matt. 19:24), yet the Arabic sentence may be better explained by using the word 'rope', for a rope rather than a camel bears a resemblance to the thread which is passed through the eye of a needle. The expression, until a camel (or a rope) goes through the eye of a needle, signifies that it will be impossible for rejecters of God’s Signs to enter Heaven.
c
7:37.
491
جَمَلْ (Jamal) 的意思也可以是一根绳索, 因为一根绳索很像一根穿进针眼的细线。摒拒安拉迹象的人是不可能进入天园的。读 «马太» 19:24。
1
یعنی جنت میں داخل ہونا ان کے اعمال کے سبب سے ناممکن نظر آئے گا۔ ہاں خداتعالیٰ کا رحم کرنا الگ بات ہے۔
a
7:37.
940
Important Words:
الجمل (camel) is the noun-infinitive from جمل. They say جمل الشیء i.e. he collected the thing. جمل الشھم means, he melted the fat. جمل (jamila) or جمل (jamula) with different vowel points at the central root letter, means, he was or became beautiful, goodly or pleasing in person or behaviour. جمل means, a he-camel; a full grown he-camel; a camel; palm-trees as being likened to the he-camel in respect of their tallness and bigness; a large sea fish or whale (Lane.) It also means a cable or a ship’s rope (Aqrab).
Commentary:
With this verse begins a description of the life after death, a brief reference to which was made in the three preceding verses.
Heaven is the lofty abode of true believers. The Holy Prophet used to say that it is the souls of the righteous that shall reside in the garden of Heaven, while those of the wicked shall descend into the pit of Hell.
The words, the gates of the spiritual firmament will not be opened for them, signify that rejecters of God’s signs are never vouchsafed the spiritual knowledge and the nearness of God granted to believers.
Though in the translation the word جمل has been rendered as 'camel' following a parallel expression in the New Testament (Matt. 19:24), yet the Arabic sentence may be better explained by using the word 'rope', for a rope rather than a camel bears a resemblance to the thread which is passed through the eye of a needle. The expression, until a camel (or a rope) goes through the eye of a needle, signifies that it will be impossible for rejecters of God’s Signs to enter Heaven.
b
See 7:37.
974
Jamal may also mean a rope, for a rope bears a better resemblance to the thread which is passed through the eye of a needle. It will not be possible for rejectors of God’s Signs to enter Heaven. See Matt. 19: 24.
وَلَوۡ اَنَّ اَہۡلَ الۡقُرٰۤی اٰمَنُوۡا وَاتَّقَوۡا لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَیۡہِمۡ بَرَکٰتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ وَلٰکِنۡ کَذَّبُوۡا فَاَخَذۡنٰہُمۡ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَکۡسِبُوۡنَ
2:104; 5:66.
2:104; 5:66.
2:104; 5:66.
Commentary:
In this verse the words, the people of those towns, refer to all the different peoples mentioned in the foregoing verses. The verse is thus intended to sum up the given narration with a view to introducing the case of the people of the Holy Prophet’s time.
The words لفتحنا الخ rendered as, We would have surely opened for them blessings from heaven and earth, may signify: "We would have taught them wisdom or granted them knowledge from heaven as well as from earth". By earthly wisdom or knowledge is meant that wisdom or knowledge which a person acquires from personal observation or from his fellowmen; but the wisdom or knowledge from Heaven is that wisdom or knowledge which comes directly from God. The word "blessings" may also be taken in the physical sense. In this case blessings from heaven would mean, for example, timely rains, extraordinary success, the removal of diseases, etc., while blessings from the earth would signify, for example, abundant produce of land, peace and order, etc.
d
2:104; 5:66.
a
2:104; 5:66.
993
Commentary:
In this verse the words, the people of those towns, refer to all the different peoples mentioned in the foregoing verses. The verse is thus intended to sum up the given narration with a view to introducing the case of the people of the Holy Prophet’s time.
The words لفتحنا الخ rendered as, We would have surely opened for them blessings from heaven and earth, may signify: "We would have taught them wisdom or granted them knowledge from heaven as well as from earth". By earthly wisdom or knowledge is meant that wisdom or knowledge which a person acquires from personal observation or from his fellowmen; but the wisdom or knowledge from Heaven is that wisdom or knowledge which comes directly from God. The word "blessings" may also be taken in the physical sense. In this case blessings from heaven would mean, for example, timely rains, extraordinary success, the removal of diseases, etc., while blessings from the earth would signify, for example, abundant produce of land, peace and order, etc.
c
2:104; 5:66.
اَلَمۡ تَرَ اَنَّ اللّٰہَ اَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَخۡرَجۡنَا بِہٖ ثَمَرٰتٍ مُّخۡتَلِفًا اَلۡوٰنُہَا ۚ وَمِنَ الۡجِبَالِ جُدَدٌۢ بِیۡضٌ وَّحُمۡرٌ مُّخۡتَلِفٌ اَلۡوٰنُہَا وَغَرَابِیۡبُ سُوۡدٌ
14:33; 22:6; 45:6.
14:33; 22:6; 45:6.
The verse purports to say that when rain falls upon dry and parched land it gives rise to a vast variety of crops, flowers and fruits of different colours, tastes, forms and kinds. The rain-water is the same but the crops, flowers and fruits it produces are vastly different from one another. This difference is evidently due to the nature of the soil and the seed. Similarly, when Divine revelation, which at many places in the Qur’an has been likened to water, comes to a people, it produces different effects upon different men according to the soil of their hearts and to the way in which they receive it.
14:33; 22:6; 30:51; 45:6.
Important Words:
الوانھا (their colours) is the plural of لون which is substantive noun from لون (lawwana). They say لون الشیء i.e. he coloured the thing. لون الشیب فیه means, old age appeared in his hair. تلون الرجل means, the man became fickle minded. لون means, colour, exterior; form, shape; kind, sort, species (Aqrab & Lane).
جدد (streaks) is the plural of جدة which is derived from جد which means, it (a garment) was or became new; جدة (juddatun) means, a beaten way or road; a road leading to water; a main road; a sign; the bank or side of a river; the stripe or streak that is in the back of an ass differing from his general colour, a streak in anything as in a mountain, differing in colour from the rest of the mountain (Lane & Aqrab).
غرابیب سود (raven black). غرابیب is the plural of غربیب which is derived from غرب (ghariba) which means, he or it was or became black; or it was or became black on account of very hot wind. غربیب means, intensely black; of which the colour resembles the colour of a crow; when applied to an old man it means one whose hair is intensely black or whose hair does not become white or who blackens his white hair with dye. أسود غربیب means, intensely black. But if you say غرابیب سود you make the latter word a substitute for the former; because a word corroborative of one signifying a colour cannot precede, nor can the corroborative of any word; one of the most excellent kinds of grapes; a variety of grapes growing at At-Ta’if; intensely black; of the most excellent and most delicate and blackest of grapes. غرابیب سود relating to mountains, may mean streaks having black rocks.
Commentary:
The present and the next verse invite attention to the study of a wonderful phenomenon of nature which bears striking resemblance to a similar phenomenon in the spiritual realm. The verse purports to say that when rain falls upon dry and parched land it gives rise to a vast variety of crops, flowers and fruits of different colours, tastes, forms and kinds. The rainwater is the same, but the crops, flowers and fruits it produces are vastly different from one another. This difference is evidently due to the nature of the soil and the seed. Similarly, when Divine revelation, which at many places in the Quran has been likened to water, comes to a people, it produces different effects upon different men according to the soil of their hearts and the way in which they receive it. The same revelation which produced such paragons of righteousness and piety as Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, served only to increase Abu Jahl, ‘Utbah or Shaibah in wickedness and opposition to truth. The verse also signifies that the Faithful and the disbelievers are variously graded in goodness and evil. All believers were not like Abu Bakr and ‘Umar in righteousness, nor all disbelievers as wicked as Abu Jahl, ‘Utbah or Shaibah. The verse further says that the vast variety of colour and kind is not to be found only in plants but also in mountains and rocks as well. All of these wonderful phenomena point to an Intelligent and Powerful mind behind it.
a
14:33; 22:6; 45:6.
a
14:33; 22:6; 30:51; 45:6.
3197
Important Words:
الوانھا (their colours) is the plural of لون which is substantive noun from لون (lawwana). They say لون الشیء i.e. he coloured the thing. لون الشیب فیه means, old age appeared in his hair. تلون الرجل means, the man became fickle minded. لون means, colour, exterior; form, shape; kind, sort, species (Aqrab & Lane).
جدد (streaks) is the plural of جدة which is derived from جد which means, it (a garment) was or became new; جدة (juddatun) means, a beaten way or road; a road leading to water; a main road; a sign; the bank or side of a river; the stripe or streak that is in the back of an ass differing from his general colour, a streak in anything as in a mountain, differing in colour from the rest of the mountain (Lane & Aqrab).
غرابیب سود (raven black). غرابیب is the plural of غربیب which is derived from غرب (ghariba) which means, he or it was or became black; or it was or became black on account of very hot wind. غربیب means, intensely black; of which the colour resembles the colour of a crow; when applied to an old man it means one whose hair is intensely black or whose hair does not become white or who blackens his white hair with dye. أسود غربیب means, intensely black. But if you say غرابیب سود you make the latter word a substitute for the former; because a word corroborative of one signifying a colour cannot precede, nor can the corroborative of any word; one of the most excellent kinds of grapes; a variety of grapes growing at At-Ta’if; intensely black; of the most excellent and most delicate and blackest of grapes. غرابیب سود relating to mountains, may mean streaks having black rocks.
Commentary:
The present and the next verse invite attention to the study of a wonderful phenomenon of nature which bears striking resemblance to a similar phenomenon in the spiritual realm. The verse purports to say that when rain falls upon dry and parched land it gives rise to a vast variety of crops, flowers and fruits of different colours, tastes, forms and kinds. The rainwater is the same, but the crops, flowers and fruits it produces are vastly different from one another. This difference is evidently due to the nature of the soil and the seed. Similarly, when Divine revelation, which at many places in the Quran has been likened to water, comes to a people, it produces different effects upon different men according to the soil of their hearts and the way in which they receive it. The same revelation which produced such paragons of righteousness and piety as Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, served only to increase Abu Jahl, ‘Utbah or Shaibah in wickedness and opposition to truth. The verse also signifies that the Faithful and the disbelievers are variously graded in goodness and evil. All believers were not like Abu Bakr and ‘Umar in righteousness, nor all disbelievers as wicked as Abu Jahl, ‘Utbah or Shaibah. The verse further says that the vast variety of colour and kind is not to be found only in plants but also in mountains and rocks as well. All of these wonderful phenomena point to an Intelligent and Powerful mind behind it.
f
14:33; 22:6; 45:6.
2418
The verse purports to say that when rain falls upon dry and parched land it gives rise to a vast variety of crops, flowers and fruits of different colours, tastes, forms and kinds. The rain-water is the same but the crops, flowers and fruits it produces are vastly different from one another. This difference is evidently due to the nature of the soil and the seed. Similarly, when Divine revelation, which at many places in the Qur’an has been likened to water, comes to a people, it produces different effects upon different men according to the soil of their hearts and to the way in which they receive it.
فَبَدَّلَ الَّذِیۡنَ ظَلَمُوۡا مِنۡہُمۡ قَوۡلًا غَیۡرَ الَّذِیۡ قِیۡلَ لَہُمۡ فَاَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَیۡہِمۡ رِجۡزًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَظۡلِمُوۡنَ
2:60.
مفسرین کہتے ہیں کہ انہیں کہا گیا تھا کہ وہ کہیں حِطَّۃٌ ہمارے گناہ گرجائیں مگر انہوں نے کہنا شروع کر دیا حِنْطَۃٌ حِنْطَۃٌ یعنی ہمیں گندم دو گندم دو۔ بہرحال فقرہ کی تعیین کی ضرورت نہیں اصل بات صرف یہ ہے کہ انہیں فرمانبرداری کے ساتھ شہر میں داخل ہونے کا حکم تھا اور اس کے مطابق دعائیں کرنے کا حکم تھا مگر انہوں نے استہزا سے کام لیکر بے ہودہ فقرے کہنے شروع کر دئے جس کی وجہ سے عذاب آگیا۔
2:60.
b
2:60.
3
مفسرین کہتے ہیں کہ انہیں کہا گیا تھا کہ وہ کہیں حِطَّۃٌ ہمارے گناہ گرجائیں مگر انہوں نے کہنا شروع کر دیا حِنْطَۃٌ حِنْطَۃٌ یعنی ہمیں گندم دو گندم دو۔ بہرحال فقرہ کی تعیین کی ضرورت نہیں اصل بات صرف یہ ہے کہ انہیں فرمانبرداری کے ساتھ شہر میں داخل ہونے کا حکم تھا اور اس کے مطابق دعائیں کرنے کا حکم تھا مگر انہوں نے استہزا سے کام لیکر بے ہودہ فقرے کہنے شروع کر دئے جس کی وجہ سے عذاب آگیا۔
d
2:60.
1052
Commentary:
See note on 2:60.
a
2:60.
اِذۡ یُغَشِّیۡکُمُ النُّعَاسَ اَمَنَۃً مِّنۡہُ وَیُنَزِّلُ عَلَیۡکُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً لِّیُطَہِّرَکُمۡ بِہٖ وَیُذۡہِبَ عَنۡکُمۡ رِجۡزَ الشَّیۡطٰنِ وَلِیَرۡبِطَ عَلٰی قُلُوۡبِکُمۡ وَیُثَبِّتَ بِہِ الۡاَقۡدَامَ
3:155.
这节经文指的是白德尔战役。
شَيْطَانْ (Shaitan) 这个单词也可意指干渴的极度痛苦, 称为 الْفَلَاةْ شَيْطَانُ (Shaitanul-Falat), 即沙漠中的恶魔。见注释1112, 敌人占领了水源, 穆斯林当然害怕。没有水对他们可能成为一种极为困难的根源。这个单词也可意指恶魔的朋友和合伙人。
穆斯林扎营在沙地上, 而麦加军队扎营在硬地上。一场及时雨使前一种沙地变得结实而后一种硬地变得溜滑。
ضمیر کی بجائے ظاہر اسم استعمال کیا گیا ہے۔
یہ بدر کی جنگ کا واقعہ ہے اور بدر کے موقعہ پر مومنوں اور کافروں کے درمیان ریت کا ایک میدان تھا جس کے پرے چکنی مٹی تھی۔ بارش سے ریت دب گئی۔ جب مسلمانوں نے ان پر حملہ کیا تو ان کے پاؤں خوب جمے رہے اور کافروں کی مدد جب پیچھے کی طرف سے آئی تو پھسلتے میدان میں ان کے پاؤں پھسلتے تھے اور مددنہ پہنچ سکتی تھی۔ اسی طرح جب مومن حملہ کرتے تو کفار بھاگتے ہوئے میدان کی پھسلن میں پھنس جاتے۔
رَبَطَ عَلٰی قَلْبِہٖ کے معنے ہوتے ہیں قَوَّاہُ وَ صَبَّرَہٗ دل کو مضبوط کیا اور شدائد برداشت کرنے کی توفیق دی۔ (اقرب)
3:155.
The reference in the verse is to the Battle of Badr.
The word Shaitan may also signify pangs of thirst and is called Shaitanul-Falat, i.e. devil of the desert. See {2535}. The enemy had taken possession of water and the Muslims naturally feared that lack of it might prove a source of great hardship for them. The word may also signify the friends and associates of Satan.
The Muslims had encamped at a sandy place and the Meccan army on hard ground. Timely rain made the former place firm and the latter slippery.
3:155.
Important Words:
رجز (filth) is derived from رجز. They say رجز الناقة i.e. the she-camel had the disease of convulsive motion in the legs or thighs. رجزت الریح means, the wind was continuous or lasting. رجز means, commotion or agitation or convulsion; consecutiveness of motion; punishment that agitates by its vehemence and occasions vehement consecutive commotions; conduct that leads to punishment; sin; uncleanness or filth; polytheism or worship of idols; the Devil and his suggestions; plague or pestilence (Lane).
Commentary:
Before a battle, especially an important one, begins, there is generally great uneasiness and disquietude among the contestants; their hearts throb with anxiety, and sleep vanishes. So the verse mentions the coming of sleep on the battlefield of Badr as a sign of God’s favour. God caused sleep to come upon Muslims with the result that their anxiety was removed, that they were inspired with a feeling of confidence and security and that it had a soothing effect on their minds. This mental state proved highly helpful and materially contributed to their success.
The second favour mentioned in the verse pertains to the falling of rain. God caused rain to fall, which, as the verse points out, served four useful purposes: Firstly, it purified the Muslims because, seeing this token of God’s help, their faith in God was strengthened, with the result that their hearts, being filled with faith, were purified. Secondly, it dispelled from them the filth of Satan, i.e. thirst. In the Quran, thirst has been figuratively described as a pang due to Satan or the Devil; for instance, it is related that when Job was stricken with the pangs of thirst, he prayed to God, saying: Satan has smitten me with affliction and torment (38:42), whereupon God accepted his prayer, saying: Strike thy riding beast with thy foot. Here is cool water to wash with and a drink (38:43). So the removal of “the filth of Satan” signifies removal of thirst or the pangs of extreme thirst. The word "Satan" may also signify "those who are of Satan," i.e. the friends or associates of Satan. Taken in this sense, the clause would mean: "God dispelled from you the attack of the wicked people," the hint being that the rain proved a means of dispelling the attack of the Quraish, inasmuch as it rendered the hard ground occupied by the Meccan army slippery, thus preventing the enemy from making a successful attack on the Muslims. Thirdly, the rain strengthened the hearts of the Faithful. This was due to their faith being reinforced by witnessing signs of God’s special assistance. Fourthly, the rain helped to make the steps of the Muslims firm for, as mentioned in books of history, the ground occupied by the Muslims was sandy, so the rain made it hard, and the Muslims were able to tread it with firm steps. All these factors contributed to the success of the Muslims.
The reader should note the beautiful order in the words of this verse. It begins with the purification of the heart (the first purpose served by the rain) and ends with the establishing of the steps and making them firm (the fourth purpose served by the rain), i.e. the favour of God descended on the heart and then, as it were, travelled down to the feet.
a
3:155.
536
这节经文指的是白德尔战役。
537
شَيْطَانْ (Shaitan) 这个单词也可意指干渴的极度痛苦, 称为 الْفَلَاةْ شَيْطَانُ (Shaitanul-Falat), 即沙漠中的恶魔。见注释1112, 敌人占领了水源, 穆斯林当然害怕。没有水对他们可能成为一种极为困难的根源。这个单词也可意指恶魔的朋友和合伙人。
538
穆斯林扎营在沙地上, 而麦加军队扎营在硬地上。一场及时雨使前一种沙地变得结实而后一种硬地变得溜滑。
1
ضمیر کی بجائے ظاہر اسم استعمال کیا گیا ہے۔
2
یہ بدر کی جنگ کا واقعہ ہے اور بدر کے موقعہ پر مومنوں اور کافروں کے درمیان ریت کا ایک میدان تھا جس کے پرے چکنی مٹی تھی۔ بارش سے ریت دب گئی۔ جب مسلمانوں نے ان پر حملہ کیا تو ان کے پاؤں خوب جمے رہے اور کافروں کی مدد جب پیچھے کی طرف سے آئی تو پھسلتے میدان میں ان کے پاؤں پھسلتے تھے اور مددنہ پہنچ سکتی تھی۔ اسی طرح جب مومن حملہ کرتے تو کفار بھاگتے ہوئے میدان کی پھسلن میں پھنس جاتے۔
3
رَبَطَ عَلٰی قَلْبِہٖ کے معنے ہوتے ہیں قَوَّاہُ وَ صَبَّرَہٗ دل کو مضبوط کیا اور شدائد برداشت کرنے کی توفیق دی۔ (اقرب)
b
3:155.
1102
Important Words:
رجز (filth) is derived from رجز. They say رجز الناقة i.e. the she-camel had the disease of convulsive motion in the legs or thighs. رجزت الریح means, the wind was continuous or lasting. رجز means, commotion or agitation or convulsion; consecutiveness of motion; punishment that agitates by its vehemence and occasions vehement consecutive commotions; conduct that leads to punishment; sin; uncleanness or filth; polytheism or worship of idols; the Devil and his suggestions; plague or pestilence (Lane).
Commentary:
Before a battle, especially an important one, begins, there is generally great uneasiness and disquietude among the contestants; their hearts throb with anxiety, and sleep vanishes. So the verse mentions the coming of sleep on the battlefield of Badr as a sign of God’s favour. God caused sleep to come upon Muslims with the result that their anxiety was removed, that they were inspired with a feeling of confidence and security and that it had a soothing effect on their minds. This mental state proved highly helpful and materially contributed to their success.
The second favour mentioned in the verse pertains to the falling of rain. God caused rain to fall, which, as the verse points out, served four useful purposes: Firstly, it purified the Muslims because, seeing this token of God’s help, their faith in God was strengthened, with the result that their hearts, being filled with faith, were purified. Secondly, it dispelled from them the filth of Satan, i.e. thirst. In the Quran, thirst has been figuratively described as a pang due to Satan or the Devil; for instance, it is related that when Job was stricken with the pangs of thirst, he prayed to God, saying: Satan has smitten me with affliction and torment (38:42), whereupon God accepted his prayer, saying: Strike thy riding beast with thy foot. Here is cool water to wash with and a drink (38:43). So the removal of “the filth of Satan” signifies removal of thirst or the pangs of extreme thirst. The word "Satan" may also signify "those who are of Satan," i.e. the friends or associates of Satan. Taken in this sense, the clause would mean: "God dispelled from you the attack of the wicked people," the hint being that the rain proved a means of dispelling the attack of the Quraish, inasmuch as it rendered the hard ground occupied by the Meccan army slippery, thus preventing the enemy from making a successful attack on the Muslims. Thirdly, the rain strengthened the hearts of the Faithful. This was due to their faith being reinforced by witnessing signs of God’s special assistance. Fourthly, the rain helped to make the steps of the Muslims firm for, as mentioned in books of history, the ground occupied by the Muslims was sandy, so the rain made it hard, and the Muslims were able to tread it with firm steps. All these factors contributed to the success of the Muslims.
The reader should note the beautiful order in the words of this verse. It begins with the purification of the heart (the first purpose served by the rain) and ends with the establishing of the steps and making them firm (the fourth purpose served by the rain), i.e. the favour of God descended on the heart and then, as it were, travelled down to the feet.
a
3:155.
1101
The reference in the verse is to the Battle of Badr.
1102
The word Shaitan may also signify pangs of thirst and is called Shaitanul-Falat, i.e. devil of the desert. See {2535}. The enemy had taken possession of water and the Muslims naturally feared that lack of it might prove a source of great hardship for them. The word may also signify the friends and associates of Satan.
1103
The Muslims had encamped at a sandy place and the Meccan army on hard ground. Timely rain made the former place firm and the latter slippery.
وَاِذۡ قَالُوا اللّٰہُمَّ اِنۡ کَانَ ہٰذَا ہُوَ الۡحَقَّ مِنۡ عِنۡدِکَ فَاَمۡطِرۡ عَلَیۡنَا حِجَارَۃً مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ اَوِ ائۡتِنَا بِعَذَابٍ اَلِیۡمٍ
阿布•贾赫耳 (اَبُوْجَهْل) 在白德尔بَدْر) ) 战地上祈祷的几乎就是这些话 (بُخَارِی كِتابُ التَّفْسِيْر, Bukhari, Kitabut Tafsir)。这一祈祷确实是实现了。阿布·贾赫耳连同古来西的其他首领都被杀死, 他们的尸体被抛入一个土坑内。
It was almost in these words that Abu Jahl prayed in the battlefield of Badr (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir). The prayer was literally fulfilled. Abu Jahl along with many other leaders of the Quraish was killed and their bodies were thrown into a pit.
Commentary:
This was the prayer which Abu Jahl, the leader of the disbelievers, offered to God at Badr and it was accepted. He prayed on that memorable day that God might destroy him and his party if the Prophet was in the right (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir). Strange to say, not only were Abu Jahl and his companions punished at Badr by God but, as prayed for by Abu Jahl, even stones were rained down upon them; for, when at the throwing of a handful of pebbles by the Holy Prophet (8:18), there arose a strong wind, it literally rained upon the disbelieving host hard pebbles from the desert.
545
阿布•贾赫耳 (اَبُوْجَهْل) 在白德尔بَدْر) ) 战地上祈祷的几乎就是这些话 (بُخَارِی كِتابُ التَّفْسِيْر, Bukhari, Kitabut Tafsir)。这一祈祷确实是实现了。阿布·贾赫耳连同古来西的其他首领都被杀死, 他们的尸体被抛入一个土坑内。
1121
Commentary:
This was the prayer which Abu Jahl, the leader of the disbelievers, offered to God at Badr and it was accepted. He prayed on that memorable day that God might destroy him and his party if the Prophet was in the right (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir). Strange to say, not only were Abu Jahl and his companions punished at Badr by God but, as prayed for by Abu Jahl, even stones were rained down upon them; for, when at the throwing of a handful of pebbles by the Holy Prophet (8:18), there arose a strong wind, it literally rained upon the disbelieving host hard pebbles from the desert.
1117
It was almost in these words that Abu Jahl prayed in the battlefield of Badr (Bukhari, ch. on Tafsir). The prayer was literally fulfilled. Abu Jahl along with many other leaders of the Quraish was killed and their bodies were thrown into a pit.
قُلۡ مَنۡ یَّرۡزُقُکُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ اَمَّنۡ یَّمۡلِکُ السَّمۡعَ وَالۡاَبۡصٰرَ وَمَنۡ یُّخۡرِجُ الۡحَیَّ مِنَ الۡمَیِّتِ وَیُخۡرِجُ الۡمَیِّتَ مِنَ الۡحَیِّ وَمَنۡ یُّدَبِّرُ الۡاَمۡرَ ۚ فَسَیَقُوۡلُوۡنَ اللّٰہُ ۚ فَقُلۡ اَفَلَا تَتَّقُوۡنَ
27:65; 34:25; 35:4.
3:28; 6:96.
10:4.
这节经文中存在着一种优美而明智的程序。首先谈到保存肉体生活所需的资料的供给。然后谈到获得智慧和知识的器官: 视官和听官。此后谈到生和死的规律, 指出人类在获得智慧和理解后自然会引起对行动的激发作用。最后, 它谈及当一个人在开始使出他行动力量时所需要的支配和管理事务的问题。تَدْبِيْر (Tadbir), 意为, 有条不紊地进行一件事以及在各种行动间保持正确的平衡。简言之, 为达到人类生活目的所必需的这四种手段, 在这节经文中依自然的次序都谈到了。
27:65; 34:25; 35:4.
3:28; 6:96.
10:4.
There exists a beautiful and intelligent order in this verse. It begins with a reference to sustenance, which is the means of the preservation of physical life. Then it speaks of the organs of sight and hearing, which are the means of acquiring wisdom and knowledge. After that it speaks of the system of life and death, pointing to man’s incentive to action which naturally comes into operation after the acquirement of wisdom and understanding. Last of all, it speaks of the government or management of affairs which is needed when one begins to exercise his power of action, Tadbir, meaning conducting an affair in an ordered and regulated manner and maintaining proper balance between different acts. In short, all the four means which are needed for the achievement of the purpose of man’s life have been mentioned here in their natural order.
27:65; 34:25; 35:4.
3:28; 6:96.
See 10:4.
Commentary:
This verse explains in a beautiful manner the relation between Divine revelation and human reason. It says that all physical or spiritual sustenance is provided by heaven and earth acting in concert. Neither of them can do it singly. For example, if heaven should continue to send down rain but the earth should lack the necessary power and capacity for bringing forth vegetation, the rain would produce nothing. On the other hand, if no rain falls, then the fertility of the soil alone will not suffice to produce vegetation. Exactly in the same way human reason, which is like soil, cannot produce spiritual vegetation, which serves as spiritual food for man, unless the water of Divine revelation comes to its aid from heaven. It is, therefore, vain to hope that man can attain to God by the help of reason alone, without the aid of Divine revelation.
The verse proceeds to say that it is foolish to think that God should have given eyes and ears to men but should have failed to provide for them the task they were meant to perform. That task is provided through Divine guidance. Similarly, the verse draws our attention to the process of life and death in this world. Oftentimes the living come out of the dead and things which to all outward appearance are dead begin to show signs of life and vice versa. Is it not then possible that there should sometimes gush forth a fountain of life from a dead heart? When such a possibility exists, why should not God grant respite to the sinful so that such of them as possess the germs of life may revive?
The verse continues the argument in the words, And who governs all affairs?, meaning that it is inconceivable that a being who is entrusted with the conduct of an affair should himself seek to destroy it. No wise man can ever think of undoing his own handiwork. How then can God wish to destroy the universe which is the means for the manifestation of His powers and attributes? He would much rather save it than destroy it. This is why He is slow in punishing.
There exists an extremely beautiful and intelligent order in this verse. It begins with a reference to sustenance, which is the means of the preservation of life. Then it speaks of the organs of sight and hearing, which are the means of acquiring wisdom and knowledge. After that the verse speaks of the system of life and death, pointing to man’s power of action which naturally comes into operation after the acquirement of wisdom and understanding. Last of all, it speaks of the government or management of affairs which is needed when one begins to exercise the power of action, for تدبیرmeans, conducting an affair in an ordered and regulated manner and maintaining proper balance between different acts. In short, all the four means which are needed for the achievement of the purpose of man’s existence have been mentioned here in their natural order. Now can there be a being so unreasonable as to first create life and endow man with feelings and the necessary capabilities for work and also provide a well-regulated order in his actions, and then, having endowed him with all these gifts, leave him alone and give him no instructions to employ these great gifts for the attainment of a particular object? A man with even a grain of sense can see that such a thing is impossible. And it is equally impossible that, after having done all this, God should be hasty in bringing about destruction or awarding punishment.
Sometimes even Christian commentators of the Quran feel constrained to admire the beauty and force of its teachings. Commenting on this and the following few verses, the Rev. E.M. Wherry says: "This passage contains very cogent reasoning against idolaters. These teachings account for much of the success of Islam as a missionary religion." It is a pity, however, that even in the face of such admissions some Christian writers should have the hardihood to ascribe the success of Islam to the sword and the so-called "temptations" which Islam is alleged to have offered to its followers.
e
27:65; 34:25; 35:4.
f
3:28; 6:96.
g
10:4.
589
这节经文中存在着一种优美而明智的程序。首先谈到保存肉体生活所需的资料的供给。然后谈到获得智慧和知识的器官: 视官和听官。此后谈到生和死的规律, 指出人类在获得智慧和理解后自然会引起对行动的激发作用。最后, 它谈及当一个人在开始使出他行动力量时所需要的支配和管理事务的问题。تَدْبِيْر (Tadbir), 意为, 有条不紊地进行一件事以及在各种行动间保持正确的平衡。简言之, 为达到人类生活目的所必需的这四种手段, 在这节经文中依自然的次序都谈到了。
a
27:65; 34:25; 35:4.
b
3:28; 6:96.
c
See 10:4.
1307
Commentary:
This verse explains in a beautiful manner the relation between Divine revelation and human reason. It says that all physical or spiritual sustenance is provided by heaven and earth acting in concert. Neither of them can do it singly. For example, if heaven should continue to send down rain but the earth should lack the necessary power and capacity for bringing forth vegetation, the rain would produce nothing. On the other hand, if no rain falls, then the fertility of the soil alone will not suffice to produce vegetation. Exactly in the same way human reason, which is like soil, cannot produce spiritual vegetation, which serves as spiritual food for man, unless the water of Divine revelation comes to its aid from heaven. It is, therefore, vain to hope that man can attain to God by the help of reason alone, without the aid of Divine revelation.
The verse proceeds to say that it is foolish to think that God should have given eyes and ears to men but should have failed to provide for them the task they were meant to perform. That task is provided through Divine guidance. Similarly, the verse draws our attention to the process of life and death in this world. Oftentimes the living come out of the dead and things which to all outward appearance are dead begin to show signs of life and vice versa. Is it not then possible that there should sometimes gush forth a fountain of life from a dead heart? When such a possibility exists, why should not God grant respite to the sinful so that such of them as possess the germs of life may revive?
The verse continues the argument in the words, And who governs all affairs?, meaning that it is inconceivable that a being who is entrusted with the conduct of an affair should himself seek to destroy it. No wise man can ever think of undoing his own handiwork. How then can God wish to destroy the universe which is the means for the manifestation of His powers and attributes? He would much rather save it than destroy it. This is why He is slow in punishing.
There exists an extremely beautiful and intelligent order in this verse. It begins with a reference to sustenance, which is the means of the preservation of life. Then it speaks of the organs of sight and hearing, which are the means of acquiring wisdom and knowledge. After that the verse speaks of the system of life and death, pointing to man’s power of action which naturally comes into operation after the acquirement of wisdom and understanding. Last of all, it speaks of the government or management of affairs which is needed when one begins to exercise the power of action, for تدبیرmeans, conducting an affair in an ordered and regulated manner and maintaining proper balance between different acts. In short, all the four means which are needed for the achievement of the purpose of man’s existence have been mentioned here in their natural order. Now can there be a being so unreasonable as to first create life and endow man with feelings and the necessary capabilities for work and also provide a well-regulated order in his actions, and then, having endowed him with all these gifts, leave him alone and give him no instructions to employ these great gifts for the attainment of a particular object? A man with even a grain of sense can see that such a thing is impossible. And it is equally impossible that, after having done all this, God should be hasty in bringing about destruction or awarding punishment.
Sometimes even Christian commentators of the Quran feel constrained to admire the beauty and force of its teachings. Commenting on this and the following few verses, the Rev. E.M. Wherry says: "This passage contains very cogent reasoning against idolaters. These teachings account for much of the success of Islam as a missionary religion." It is a pity, however, that even in the face of such admissions some Christian writers should have the hardihood to ascribe the success of Islam to the sword and the so-called "temptations" which Islam is alleged to have offered to its followers.
b
27:65; 34:25; 35:4.
c
3:28; 6:96.
d
10:4.
1258
There exists a beautiful and intelligent order in this verse. It begins with a reference to sustenance, which is the means of the preservation of physical life. Then it speaks of the organs of sight and hearing, which are the means of acquiring wisdom and knowledge. After that it speaks of the system of life and death, pointing to man’s incentive to action which naturally comes into operation after the acquirement of wisdom and understanding. Last of all, it speaks of the government or management of affairs which is needed when one begins to exercise his power of action, Tadbir, meaning conducting an affair in an ordered and regulated manner and maintaining proper balance between different acts. In short, all the four means which are needed for the achievement of the purpose of man’s life have been mentioned here in their natural order.
اِنَّمَا مَثَلُ الۡحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنۡیَا کَمَآءٍ اَنۡزَلۡنٰہُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ فَاخۡتَلَطَ بِہٖ نَبَاتُ الۡاَرۡضِ مِمَّا یَاۡکُلُ النَّاسُ وَالۡاَنۡعٰمُ حَتّٰۤی اِذَاۤ اَخَذَتِ الۡاَرۡضُ زُخۡرُفَہَا وَازَّیَّنَتۡ وَظَنَّ اَہۡلُہَاۤ اَنَّہُمۡ قٰدِرُوۡنَ عَلَیۡہَاۤ اَتٰٮہَاۤ اَمۡرُنَا لَیۡلًا اَوۡ نَہَارًا فَجَعَلۡنٰہَا حَصِیۡدًا کَاَنۡ لَّمۡ تَغۡنَ بِالۡاَمۡسِ ۚ کَذٰلِکَ نُفَصِّلُ الۡاٰیٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ یَّتَفَکَّرُوۡنَ
3:118.
11:69.
18:46.
The moral of the parable is that when nations become proud and vain and take life lightly, their decline sets in and they come to grief.
18:46.
3:118.
11:69.
Important Words:
حصیدا (a field that is mown down) is derived from حصد meaning, he reaped or cut with the scythe seed-produce or plants or herbage. They say حصدھم بالسیف i.e. he mowed them down with the sword; he slew them; he exerted his utmost power or exceeded ordinary bounds in slaying them; he exterminated them with the sword. The Arab proverb من زرع الشر حصد الندامةmeans, he who sows evil reaps regret. حصید means, reaped seed-produce; grain that is reaped; seed-produce torn up and carried away by the wind; slain or mown down with the sword, like seed-produce when reaped. حصاد means, time or season of reaping; what remains on the ground after the crop has been reaped; what falls off and becomes scattered of the seed-produce (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The life of this world has been likened here to rainwater. The verse purports to say that when rain descends from heaven, it causes various kinds of vegetation to grow. Some of them are useful for man and others for animals. But man, instead of ascribing this to the favour of God, looks upon it as the fruit of his own industry and skill. When, however, in consequence of his pride and vanity, a sudden visitation from God destroys all the produce of the earth, he cannot prevent or delay its destruction, let alone possess the power to produce it which he so vaingloriously claimed to have. The moral of the parable is that when nations become proud and vain, i.e. when they take life lightly, their decline sets in and they come to grief.
Water in this verse may also be taken to stand for the word of God. In this sense, the verse would mean that the word of God brings about mighty changes in the life of those who accept and follow it and various new sciences come into existence as a result of its study and new discoveries are made in the material as well as in the spiritual world. The revelation of the Quran gave birth not only to highly spiritual and righteous men but also to eminent philosophers and scientists. But when Muslims became vain and refused to acknowledge their debt to the word of God and began to look upon themselves as the real originators and creators of all these sciences, they fell from the high pedestal of material and spiritual glory to the depths of degradation and degeneration.
b
18:46.
c
3:118.
d
11:69.
a
18:46.
b
3:118.
c
11:69.
1300
Important Words:
حصیدا (a field that is mown down) is derived from حصد meaning, he reaped or cut with the scythe seed-produce or plants or herbage. They say حصدھم بالسیف i.e. he mowed them down with the sword; he slew them; he exerted his utmost power or exceeded ordinary bounds in slaying them; he exterminated them with the sword. The Arab proverb من زرع الشر حصد الندامةmeans, he who sows evil reaps regret. حصید means, reaped seed-produce; grain that is reaped; seed-produce torn up and carried away by the wind; slain or mown down with the sword, like seed-produce when reaped. حصاد means, time or season of reaping; what remains on the ground after the crop has been reaped; what falls off and becomes scattered of the seed-produce (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The life of this world has been likened here to rainwater. The verse purports to say that when rain descends from heaven, it causes various kinds of vegetation to grow. Some of them are useful for man and others for animals. But man, instead of ascribing this to the favour of God, looks upon it as the fruit of his own industry and skill. When, however, in consequence of his pride and vanity, a sudden visitation from God destroys all the produce of the earth, he cannot prevent or delay its destruction, let alone possess the power to produce it which he so vaingloriously claimed to have. The moral of the parable is that when nations become proud and vain, i.e. when they take life lightly, their decline sets in and they come to grief.
Water in this verse may also be taken to stand for the word of God. In this sense, the verse would mean that the word of God brings about mighty changes in the life of those who accept and follow it and various new sciences come into existence as a result of its study and new discoveries are made in the material as well as in the spiritual world. The revelation of the Quran gave birth not only to highly spiritual and righteous men but also to eminent philosophers and scientists. But when Muslims became vain and refused to acknowledge their debt to the word of God and began to look upon themselves as the real originators and creators of all these sciences, they fell from the high pedestal of material and spiritual glory to the depths of degradation and degeneration.
a
3:118.
b
11:69.
c
18:46.
1252
The moral of the parable is that when nations become proud and vain and take life lightly, their decline sets in and they come to grief.
وَمَا تَکُوۡنُ فِیۡ شَاۡنٍ وَّمَا تَتۡلُوۡا مِنۡہُ مِنۡ قُرۡاٰنٍ وَّلَا تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ اِلَّا کُنَّا عَلَیۡکُمۡ شُہُوۡدًا اِذۡ تُفِیۡضُوۡنَ فِیۡہِ ۚ وَمَا یَعۡزُبُ عَنۡ رَّبِّکَ مِنۡ مِّثۡقَالِ ذَرَّۃٍ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ وَلَا فِی السَّمَآءِ وَلَاۤ اَصۡغَرَ مِنۡ ذٰلِکَ وَلَاۤ اَکۡبَرَ اِلَّا فِیۡ کِتٰبٍ مُّبِیۡنٍ
57:5; 58:8.
34:4.
While some things remain hidden on account of their smallness, there are others parts of which remain hidden owing to their largeness. God’s vision is so sharp and penetrating that nothing, however small, can remain hidden from Him and it is so comprehensive that no part of a thing, however big, can escape His sight.
57:5; 58:8.
34:4.
Important Words:
شأن (anything) is the substantive noun from شأن. They say شأنت شأنه i.e. I pursued his way or course, doing as he did. They say ھو رجل عظیم الشان i.e. he is a man of great importance. The Arabs say من شأنه ان یفعل کذا i.e. it is his business or his way or nature to do such a thing. شأن means, a thing, an affair or a business; state, condition, quality or manner; importance attached to a person or thing (Lane & Aqrab).
یعزب (is hidden) is formed from عزب which means, he or it was or became distant or remote or absent; he or it became hidden or concealed; he or it went away or departed. They say عزبت الابل i.e. the camels went away to a distance in the pasturage not returning in the evening. عزب عن فلان حلمه means, the forbearance of such a one quitted him. عزبت الارض means, the land was or became destitute of inhabitants (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The present is one of the most remarkable verses of the Quran. It appears as if God is making His address from the Throne of His Majesty and Glory. Whereas on one side of Him are seated the Holy Prophet and his followers, on the other are the disbelievers. The words, And thou art not engaged in anything and thou recitest not from Him any portion of the Quran, refer to the Holy Prophet and Muslims, and the words, and you do no work but We are witnesses of you when you are engrossed therein, are addressed to disbelievers. The verse reminds believers that mere acceptance of truth or mere preaching of the word of God is not sufficient. It is the way in which one carries belief into practice and the motives behind actions that really count. A true believer, therefore, should always be subjecting his intentions and deeds to strict scrutiny. So let not those who have believed delude themselves with the idea that the mere profession of faith and the preaching of it would win them the pleasure of God and attract His help. They will have to show by the sincerity of their motives and the purity of their conduct that they really deserve it. The verse embodies the great lesson that unless good actions are performed with pure motives and done in the right manner, they cannot produce good results or win the pleasure of God. To the other side, also, the stern warning is issued that their denial of the truth and mocking and scoffing at it as well as their activities against the religion of God are not going unnoticed and they will meet with the fate they deserve.
The words اصغر and اکبر (smaller and greater) have been used to point out that whereas some things remain hidden on account of their smallness, there are others, parts of which remain hidden owing to their largeness. For instance, one can see only a part of a big mountain and not the whole. The Quran, therefore, rightly says that on the one hand God’s vision is so sharp and penetrating that nothing, however, small it may be, can remain hidden from Him; and on the other hand, His vision is so comprehensive that no part of a thing, however big it may be, can escape His sight.
Moreover, science has established the fact that both seeing and hearing depend on waves and vibrations and that there is a limit to perception by both eye and ear. The eye does not react to vibrations which fall short of a certain limit, nor to those which are beyond a certain limit. The same is the case with the ear. The ear cannot hear a sound which is communicated to it by vibrations which are less than thirty per second or which exceed forty per second. Thus, even scientifically, it is proved that certain things escape the comprehension of both the ear and the eye by reason of either their smallness or their bigness. But, says the Quran, it is not so with God, Who sees all things in their entirety.
e
57:5; 58:8.
f
34:4.
b
57:5; 58:8.
c
34:4.
1337
Important Words:
شأن (anything) is the substantive noun from شأن. They say شأنت شأنه i.e. I pursued his way or course, doing as he did. They say ھو رجل عظیم الشان i.e. he is a man of great importance. The Arabs say من شأنه ان یفعل کذا i.e. it is his business or his way or nature to do such a thing. شأن means, a thing, an affair or a business; state, condition, quality or manner; importance attached to a person or thing (Lane & Aqrab).
یعزب (is hidden) is formed from عزب which means, he or it was or became distant or remote or absent; he or it became hidden or concealed; he or it went away or departed. They say عزبت الابل i.e. the camels went away to a distance in the pasturage not returning in the evening. عزب عن فلان حلمه means, the forbearance of such a one quitted him. عزبت الارض means, the land was or became destitute of inhabitants (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The present is one of the most remarkable verses of the Quran. It appears as if God is making His address from the Throne of His Majesty and Glory. Whereas on one side of Him are seated the Holy Prophet and his followers, on the other are the disbelievers. The words, And thou art not engaged in anything and thou recitest not from Him any portion of the Quran, refer to the Holy Prophet and Muslims, and the words, and you do no work but We are witnesses of you when you are engrossed therein, are addressed to disbelievers. The verse reminds believers that mere acceptance of truth or mere preaching of the word of God is not sufficient. It is the way in which one carries belief into practice and the motives behind actions that really count. A true believer, therefore, should always be subjecting his intentions and deeds to strict scrutiny. So let not those who have believed delude themselves with the idea that the mere profession of faith and the preaching of it would win them the pleasure of God and attract His help. They will have to show by the sincerity of their motives and the purity of their conduct that they really deserve it. The verse embodies the great lesson that unless good actions are performed with pure motives and done in the right manner, they cannot produce good results or win the pleasure of God. To the other side, also, the stern warning is issued that their denial of the truth and mocking and scoffing at it as well as their activities against the religion of God are not going unnoticed and they will meet with the fate they deserve.
The words اصغر and اکبر (smaller and greater) have been used to point out that whereas some things remain hidden on account of their smallness, there are others, parts of which remain hidden owing to their largeness. For instance, one can see only a part of a big mountain and not the whole. The Quran, therefore, rightly says that on the one hand God’s vision is so sharp and penetrating that nothing, however, small it may be, can remain hidden from Him; and on the other hand, His vision is so comprehensive that no part of a thing, however big it may be, can escape His sight.
Moreover, science has established the fact that both seeing and hearing depend on waves and vibrations and that there is a limit to perception by both eye and ear. The eye does not react to vibrations which fall short of a certain limit, nor to those which are beyond a certain limit. The same is the case with the ear. The ear cannot hear a sound which is communicated to it by vibrations which are less than thirty per second or which exceed forty per second. Thus, even scientifically, it is proved that certain things escape the comprehension of both the ear and the eye by reason of either their smallness or their bigness. But, says the Quran, it is not so with God, Who sees all things in their entirety.
b
57:5; 58:8.
c
34:4.
1273
While some things remain hidden on account of their smallness, there are others parts of which remain hidden owing to their largeness. God’s vision is so sharp and penetrating that nothing, however small, can remain hidden from Him and it is so comprehensive that no part of a thing, however big, can escape His sight.
اَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَالَتۡ اَوۡدِیَۃٌۢ بِقَدَرِہَا فَاحۡتَمَلَ السَّیۡلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِیًا ۚ وَمِمَّا یُوۡقِدُوۡنَ عَلَیۡہِ فِی النَّارِ ابۡتِغَآءَ حِلۡیَۃٍ اَوۡ مَتٰعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثۡلُہٗ ۚ کَذٰلِکَ یَضۡرِبُ اللّٰہُ الۡحَقَّ وَالۡبٰطِلَ ۚ فَاَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَیَذۡہَبُ جُفَآءً ۖ وَّاَمَّا مَا یَنۡفَعُ النَّاسَ فَیَمۡکُثُ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ ۚ کَذٰلِکَ یَضۡرِبُ اللّٰہُ الۡاَمۡثَالَ
39:22.
یعنی اللہ تعالیٰ کے ابتلا آنے کے نتیجہ میں جو کارآمد وجود ہوں گے‘ وہ باقی رہ جائیں گے اور جو لوگ ناکارہ اور خبیث ہوں گے‘ اٹھا کر پھینک دئے جائیں گے یعنی تباہ کر دئے جائیں گے۔
یعنی اللہ تعالیٰ حق اور باطل میں دلیل کے ساتھ بھی اور عمل کے ساتھ بھی فرق کرکے دکھاتا ہے۔
39:22.
The verse has used two very apt illustrations. In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam. Falsehood in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is swept away by truth even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, throws off the dross leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.
39:22.
Important Words:
جفاء (rubbish) is derived from جفأ (jafa’a) which means, it (valley flowing with water) cast forth froth or foam or particles of rubbish or refuse. جفت القدر means, the cooking-pot cast forth its froth or foam in boiling. Hence جفاء means, what is cast forth in the form of froth or foam or scum or rubbish by a torrent or a cooking-pot. Figuratively, the word also means, anything that is worthless or useless (Lane).
Commentary:
The verse has used two very apt illustrations. First, it says that when rain falls and water begins to flow in various directions, then so much foam and froth appears on the surface of the water in places which are quite clean that it seems to cover it altogether.
But soon the foam subsides and the water is seen rushing along. In the second illustration froth is referred to as appearing on the surface of gold or silver or any other metal when the smith melts it to make ornaments or utensils, but the smith removes the scum and then only pure metal remains behind.
In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam which, in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is carried away even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, brings forth a foamy excretion which is cast away, leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.
The parable implies that before the mighty onrush of Islam the foam and froth of false beliefs and practices will disappear. The parable also means that through the Prophets of God a great awakening in the nature of man causes a conflict between his good inclinations and the evil customs and usages to which he has subjected himself. Those whose inner nature is good emerge from this conflict with their wrong ideas and beliefs replaced by right ones.
The words, so that valleys flow according to their measure, mean that different people benefit by the truth according to their respective capacities for assimilation.
a
39:22.
1
یعنی اللہ تعالیٰ کے ابتلا آنے کے نتیجہ میں جو کارآمد وجود ہوں گے‘ وہ باقی رہ جائیں گے اور جو لوگ ناکارہ اور خبیث ہوں گے‘ اٹھا کر پھینک دئے جائیں گے یعنی تباہ کر دئے جائیں گے۔
2
یعنی اللہ تعالیٰ حق اور باطل میں دلیل کے ساتھ بھی اور عمل کے ساتھ بھی فرق کرکے دکھاتا ہے۔
a
39:22.
1629
Important Words:
جفاء (rubbish) is derived from جفأ (jafa’a) which means, it (valley flowing with water) cast forth froth or foam or particles of rubbish or refuse. جفت القدر means, the cooking-pot cast forth its froth or foam in boiling. Hence جفاء means, what is cast forth in the form of froth or foam or scum or rubbish by a torrent or a cooking-pot. Figuratively, the word also means, anything that is worthless or useless (Lane).
Commentary:
The verse has used two very apt illustrations. First, it says that when rain falls and water begins to flow in various directions, then so much foam and froth appears on the surface of the water in places which are quite clean that it seems to cover it altogether.
But soon the foam subsides and the water is seen rushing along. In the second illustration froth is referred to as appearing on the surface of gold or silver or any other metal when the smith melts it to make ornaments or utensils, but the smith removes the scum and then only pure metal remains behind.
In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam which, in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is carried away even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, brings forth a foamy excretion which is cast away, leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.
The parable implies that before the mighty onrush of Islam the foam and froth of false beliefs and practices will disappear. The parable also means that through the Prophets of God a great awakening in the nature of man causes a conflict between his good inclinations and the evil customs and usages to which he has subjected himself. Those whose inner nature is good emerge from this conflict with their wrong ideas and beliefs replaced by right ones.
The words, so that valleys flow according to their measure, mean that different people benefit by the truth according to their respective capacities for assimilation.
a
39:22.
1433
The verse has used two very apt illustrations. In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam. Falsehood in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is swept away by truth even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, throws off the dross leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.
اَلَمۡ تَرَ کَیۡفَ ضَرَبَ اللّٰہُ مَثَلًا کَلِمَۃً طَیِّبَۃً کَشَجَرَۃٍ طَیِّبَۃٍ اَصۡلُہَا ثَابِتٌ وَّفَرۡعُہَا فِی السَّمَآءِ
The Word of God has been likened in these verses to a tree which possesses four essential qualities: (a) It is good, meaning it is free from all such teachings as may, in any way, offend against human reason and conscience or against human feelings and susceptibilities. (b) Like a good and deep-rooted fruitful tree it possesses a strong and stable foundation and receives fresh life and sustenance from its Source, and like a strong tree it does not bend before the blasts of objections and adverse criticism but stands firm against all storms. It derives life and sustenance from only One Source and there is therefore no disharmony or discard in its principles and teachings. (c) Its branches reach into heaven, which means that by acting upon it a man can scale the highest summits of spiritual eminence. (d) It yields its fruits in abundance in all seasons which signifies that its blessings are witnessed at all times and it continues to produce in every age men who by acting upon its teaching attain communion wi
Important Words:
طیبة (good) is derived from طاب which means, it was or became sweet and pleasant, or good and ennobled. طابت النفس بکذاmeans, the soul became pleased, contented and satisfied with that. طاب عیشه means, his life became happy and plentiful. طابت الارض means, the land became abundant in herbage; طیب خاطرہ (tayyaba) means, he put his heart at rest and afforded him peace of mind; he placated or soothed his mind. (Aqrab).
Commentary:
This and the following verses constitute two of the most important verses of the Quran. They contain the infallible criterion which helps a man to test and realize the truth of a revealed book that claims to meet the needs and requirements of all mankind.
The Word of God has been likened in these verses to a tree which possesses five essential qualities: It is (1) good (طیب), which means that it possesses a good and beautiful form; (2) it has deep roots in the earth (اصلھا ثابت); (3) its branches reach high into the sky (فرعھا فی السماء); (4) it yields its fruits in abundance and in all seasons (تؤتی اکلھا کل حین) and (5) the yielding of its fruits is in conformity with the command and decree of God (باذن ربھا).
The first quality is that it is طیب (good). As given under Important Words, a thing is called طیب (good) when it is free from all defects, is beautiful to look at, possesses an agreeable flavour, is clean and pure and is possessed of all good qualities in abundance. These qualities possessed by a revealed Book would mean that (a) it is free from all such teachings as may in any way offend against human reason and conscience or against human feelings and susceptibilities; (b) the person who acts upon it becomes fully satisfied with it; (c) it is grand and splendid in every way; (d) it is highly pleasing and (e) it surpasses other corrupted revealed Books in all these qualities.
The second essential quality of such a book is (1) that, like a good and deep-rooted fruitful tree, it possesses a strong and stable foundation which means that it ever continues to receive fresh life and sustenance from its source, satisfying all human needs and the depth and vastness of its meaning knowing no end; (2) that, like a strong tree, it does not bend before the blasts of objections and adverse criticism but stands firm against all storms; also that it remains firmly fixed in its place and is not swayed by changes in the views and conditions of man; (3) that, like the tree which has roots deep in the earth, it possesses a very long life and is not subject to change or abrogation; (4) that it continues to possess a community of votaries and followers who, by carrying its teachings into actual practice, set up a very high standard of moral excellence and thus demonstrate by their practical example the excellence and beauty of its teachings; and (5) that it derives life and sustenance from only one source and there is, therefore, no disharmony or discord in its principles and teachings.
The third characteristic of such a book is that its branches reach high into heaven, which means that by acting upon it a man can scale the highest summits of spiritual eminence; that, like a large tree with branches extending over a wide area, it fully meets all the vast and multifarious needs of man, and there is not a question which concerns the material or spiritual welfare of man that it does not answer.
The fourth distinctive feature of such a book is that it yields its fruits in abundance and in all seasons (see the succeeding verse), which means that its blessings are witnessed at all times and that it continues to produce in every age men who by acting upon its teachings attain communion with God and who by their uprightness and the purity of their conduct tower high above their contemporaries.
The fifth characteristic of such a book is that the works of its followers produce not only results in harmony with the physical laws of nature but also a spiritual result which is the pleasure of God.
The Quran possesses all these qualities in full measure. In most beautiful and simple language it has thoroughly dealt with all the intricate and difficult moral and spiritual problems of man. It has satisfied and will continue to satisfy all the multifarious and multitudinous needs of man. Its principles and teachings are practical and practicable in all times. It has produced in all ages in the past (and will also continue to produce in future) men who, by acting upon it, came to establish a real and living contact with their Creator and who drank deep at the fountain of Divine communion. It has never been found wanting whenever tested and tried. The Quranic tree will never wither or decay and will continue to yield delicious and wholesome fruit till the end of time.
1679
Important Words:
طیبة (good) is derived from طاب which means, it was or became sweet and pleasant, or good and ennobled. طابت النفس بکذاmeans, the soul became pleased, contented and satisfied with that. طاب عیشه means, his life became happy and plentiful. طابت الارض means, the land became abundant in herbage; طیب خاطرہ (tayyaba) means, he put his heart at rest and afforded him peace of mind; he placated or soothed his mind. (Aqrab).
Commentary:
This and the following verses constitute two of the most important verses of the Quran. They contain the infallible criterion which helps a man to test and realize the truth of a revealed book that claims to meet the needs and requirements of all mankind.
The Word of God has been likened in these verses to a tree which possesses five essential qualities: It is (1) good (طیب), which means that it possesses a good and beautiful form; (2) it has deep roots in the earth (اصلھا ثابت); (3) its branches reach high into the sky (فرعھا فی السماء); (4) it yields its fruits in abundance and in all seasons (تؤتی اکلھا کل حین) and (5) the yielding of its fruits is in conformity with the command and decree of God (باذن ربھا).
The first quality is that it is طیب (good). As given under Important Words, a thing is called طیب (good) when it is free from all defects, is beautiful to look at, possesses an agreeable flavour, is clean and pure and is possessed of all good qualities in abundance. These qualities possessed by a revealed Book would mean that (a) it is free from all such teachings as may in any way offend against human reason and conscience or against human feelings and susceptibilities; (b) the person who acts upon it becomes fully satisfied with it; (c) it is grand and splendid in every way; (d) it is highly pleasing and (e) it surpasses other corrupted revealed Books in all these qualities.
The second essential quality of such a book is (1) that, like a good and deep-rooted fruitful tree, it possesses a strong and stable foundation which means that it ever continues to receive fresh life and sustenance from its source, satisfying all human needs and the depth and vastness of its meaning knowing no end; (2) that, like a strong tree, it does not bend before the blasts of objections and adverse criticism but stands firm against all storms; also that it remains firmly fixed in its place and is not swayed by changes in the views and conditions of man; (3) that, like the tree which has roots deep in the earth, it possesses a very long life and is not subject to change or abrogation; (4) that it continues to possess a community of votaries and followers who, by carrying its teachings into actual practice, set up a very high standard of moral excellence and thus demonstrate by their practical example the excellence and beauty of its teachings; and (5) that it derives life and sustenance from only one source and there is, therefore, no disharmony or discord in its principles and teachings.
The third characteristic of such a book is that its branches reach high into heaven, which means that by acting upon it a man can scale the highest summits of spiritual eminence; that, like a large tree with branches extending over a wide area, it fully meets all the vast and multifarious needs of man, and there is not a question which concerns the material or spiritual welfare of man that it does not answer.
The fourth distinctive feature of such a book is that it yields its fruits in abundance and in all seasons (see the succeeding verse), which means that its blessings are witnessed at all times and that it continues to produce in every age men who by acting upon its teachings attain communion with God and who by their uprightness and the purity of their conduct tower high above their contemporaries.
The fifth characteristic of such a book is that the works of its followers produce not only results in harmony with the physical laws of nature but also a spiritual result which is the pleasure of God.
The Quran possesses all these qualities in full measure. In most beautiful and simple language it has thoroughly dealt with all the intricate and difficult moral and spiritual problems of man. It has satisfied and will continue to satisfy all the multifarious and multitudinous needs of man. Its principles and teachings are practical and practicable in all times. It has produced in all ages in the past (and will also continue to produce in future) men who, by acting upon it, came to establish a real and living contact with their Creator and who drank deep at the fountain of Divine communion. It has never been found wanting whenever tested and tried. The Quranic tree will never wither or decay and will continue to yield delicious and wholesome fruit till the end of time.
1465
The Word of God has been likened in these verses to a tree which possesses four essential qualities: (a) It is good, meaning it is free from all such teachings as may, in any way, offend against human reason and conscience or against human feelings and susceptibilities. (b) Like a good and deep-rooted fruitful tree it possesses a strong and stable foundation and receives fresh life and sustenance from its Source, and like a strong tree it does not bend before the blasts of objections and adverse criticism but stands firm against all storms. It derives life and sustenance from only One Source and there is therefore no disharmony or discard in its principles and teachings. (c) Its branches reach into heaven, which means that by acting upon it a man can scale the highest summits of spiritual eminence. (d) It yields its fruits in abundance in all seasons which signifies that its blessings are witnessed at all times and it continues to produce in every age men who by acting upon its teaching attain communion wi
اَللّٰہُ الَّذِیۡ خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضَ وَاَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَخۡرَجَ بِہٖ مِنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ رِزۡقًا لَّکُمۡ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ لَکُمُ الۡفُلۡکَ لِتَجۡرِیَ فِی الۡبَحۡرِ بِاَمۡرِہٖ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ لَکُمُ الۡاَنۡہٰرَ
2:23; 20:54; 22:64; 35:28.
22:66; 43:14; 45:13.
2:23; 13:18; 20:54; 22:64; 35:28.
22:66; 43:14; 45:13.
Commentary:
See under next verse.
f
2:23; 20:54; 22:64; 35:28.
g
22:66; 43:14; 45:13.
c
2:23; 13:18; 20:54; 22:64; 35:28.
d
22:66; 43:14; 45:13.
1687
Commentary:
See under next verse.
f
2:23; 20:54; 22:64; 35:28.
g
22:66; 43:14; 45:13.
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنَّکَ تَعۡلَمُ مَا نُخۡفِیۡ وَمَا نُعۡلِنُ ۗ وَمَا یَخۡفٰی عَلَی اللّٰہِ مِنۡ شَیۡءٍ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ وَلَا فِی السَّمَآءِ
2:78; 3:6; 27:66.
2:78; 3:6; 27:66.
2:78; 3:6; 27:66.
Commentary:
This and the preceding verses speak of the nobility and purity of Abraham’s motives in settling his wife and child in the uncultivable valley of Mecca. Thus, incidentally, they also constitute a refutation of the Biblical imputation against Abraham that he drove away Hagar and Ishmael in order to please Sarah (Gen. 21 :10,14). The charge has been proved to be false and baseless from the mouth of Abraham himself. He is spoken of in these verses as saying that the Omniscient God to Whom the inmost secrets of the human heart are known, was aware that he was not leaving Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness of Mecca in order to please any woman but to win the pleasure of God and that He might be worshipped in the Sacred House. In the pathetic words, Our Lord, certainly Thou knowest what we conceal and what we make known, Abraham calls on God to testify to the honesty of his motives.
By the words, And nothing whatsoever is hidden from Allah, whether in the earth or in the heaven, God testifies to the truth of Abraham’s words, meaning that He knew the purity of Abraham’s intentions in settling his wife and child in that bleak and barren place.
f
2:78; 3:6; 27:66.
a
2:78; 3:6; 27:66.
1693
Commentary:
This and the preceding verses speak of the nobility and purity of Abraham’s motives in settling his wife and child in the uncultivable valley of Mecca. Thus, incidentally, they also constitute a refutation of the Biblical imputation against Abraham that he drove away Hagar and Ishmael in order to please Sarah (Gen. 21 :10,14). The charge has been proved to be false and baseless from the mouth of Abraham himself. He is spoken of in these verses as saying that the Omniscient God to Whom the inmost secrets of the human heart are known, was aware that he was not leaving Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness of Mecca in order to please any woman but to win the pleasure of God and that He might be worshipped in the Sacred House. In the pathetic words, Our Lord, certainly Thou knowest what we conceal and what we make known, Abraham calls on God to testify to the honesty of his motives.
By the words, And nothing whatsoever is hidden from Allah, whether in the earth or in the heaven, God testifies to the truth of Abraham’s words, meaning that He knew the purity of Abraham’s intentions in settling his wife and child in that bleak and barren place.
c
2:78; 3:6; 27:66.
یَعۡلَمُ مَا یَلِجُ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ وَمَا یَخۡرُجُ مِنۡہَا وَمَا یَنۡزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ وَمَا یَعۡرُجُ فِیۡہَا ۚ وَہُوَ الرَّحِیۡمُ الۡغَفُوۡرُ
57:5.
یعنی زمین کے اندر رہنے والے جانوروں اور اس سے نکلنے والے جانوروں سب کو جانتا ہے اسی طرح تنزل کرنے والی قوموں کو بھی جانتا ہے جو اوپر سے نیچے گر رہی ہوتی ہیں اور ترقی کرنے والی قوموں کو بھی جانتا ہے جو گویا زمین سے آسمان کی طرف جا رہی ہوتی ہیں۔
57:5.
The words, 'His is all praise in the Hereafter' refer to the time when Islam again will become triumphant after its temporary decline. The allusion in this verse is to the subject dealt with in 32:6. It signifies that it is God alone Who knows what kind of teaching is needed in a particular age. Similarly, it is He who knows when to take back to heaven the teaching which had descended from it, after it has been corrupted by the people, just as He takes water back to heaven in the form of vapours after it becomes corrupt, and sends it down in a purified form in the shape of rain. The words, 'whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes forth from it,' may also signify that whatever man shall sow, so shall he reap. Good actions produce good results and bad deeds lead to evil consequences. The verse may also be taken as signifying that God is aware of every phenomenon and every event, including the rise and fall of nations.
57:5.
Commentary:
This verse consists of four clauses. The first clause, "whatever goes into the earth" corresponds to the third clause, viz. "whatever descends from the heaven;" and the second clause, "and whatever comes forth from it," corresponds to the fourth clause, "whatever ascends into it." The allusion in this verse is to the subject dealt with in 32:6. The verse signifies that it is God alone Who knows what kind of teaching is needed in a particular age. Similarly, it is He Who knows when to take back to heaven the teaching which had descended from it, after it has been corrupted by the people, just as He takes water back to heaven in the form of vapours after it becomes corrupt, and sends it down in a purified form in the shape of rain. The words "whatever comes forth from it, and whatever descends from the heaven" may refer to the Word of God which is cast away by the people and is corrupted by them and then is taken up to heaven so that it may descend on earth in a purified state.
The words, "whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes forth from it," may also signify that whatever man shall sow, so shall he reap. Good actions produce good results and bad deeds lead to evil consequences.
The verse may also signify that God is aware of every phenomenon and every event, including the rise and fall of nations and peoples.
b
57:5.
3
یعنی زمین کے اندر رہنے والے جانوروں اور اس سے نکلنے والے جانوروں سب کو جانتا ہے اسی طرح تنزل کرنے والی قوموں کو بھی جانتا ہے جو اوپر سے نیچے گر رہی ہوتی ہیں اور ترقی کرنے والی قوموں کو بھی جانتا ہے جو گویا زمین سے آسمان کی طرف جا رہی ہوتی ہیں۔
b
57:5.
3132
Commentary:
This verse consists of four clauses. The first clause, "whatever goes into the earth" corresponds to the third clause, viz. "whatever descends from the heaven;" and the second clause, "and whatever comes forth from it," corresponds to the fourth clause, "whatever ascends into it." The allusion in this verse is to the subject dealt with in 32:6. The verse signifies that it is God alone Who knows what kind of teaching is needed in a particular age. Similarly, it is He Who knows when to take back to heaven the teaching which had descended from it, after it has been corrupted by the people, just as He takes water back to heaven in the form of vapours after it becomes corrupt, and sends it down in a purified form in the shape of rain. The words "whatever comes forth from it, and whatever descends from the heaven" may refer to the Word of God which is cast away by the people and is corrupted by them and then is taken up to heaven so that it may descend on earth in a purified state.
The words, "whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes forth from it," may also signify that whatever man shall sow, so shall he reap. Good actions produce good results and bad deeds lead to evil consequences.
The verse may also signify that God is aware of every phenomenon and every event, including the rise and fall of nations and peoples.
b
57:5.
2376
The words, 'His is all praise in the Hereafter' refer to the time when Islam again will become triumphant after its temporary decline. The allusion in this verse is to the subject dealt with in 32:6. It signifies that it is God alone Who knows what kind of teaching is needed in a particular age. Similarly, it is He who knows when to take back to heaven the teaching which had descended from it, after it has been corrupted by the people, just as He takes water back to heaven in the form of vapours after it becomes corrupt, and sends it down in a purified form in the shape of rain. The words, 'whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes forth from it,' may also signify that whatever man shall sow, so shall he reap. Good actions produce good results and bad deeds lead to evil consequences. The verse may also be taken as signifying that God is aware of every phenomenon and every event, including the rise and fall of nations.
اَفَلَمۡ یَرَوۡا اِلٰی مَا بَیۡنَ اَیۡدِیۡہِمۡ وَمَا خَلۡفَہُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ ۚ اِنۡ نَّشَاۡ نَخۡسِفۡ بِہِمُ الۡاَرۡضَ اَوۡ نُسۡقِطۡ عَلَیۡہِمۡ کِسَفًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ ۚ اِنَّ فِیۡ ذٰلِکَ لَاٰیَۃً لِّکُلِّ عَبۡدٍ مُّنِیۡبٍ
6:66; 17:69; 67:17, 18.
یعنی پے در پے بارش ان کے ملک پر آئے اور ان کو تباہ کر دے۔
6:66; 17:69; 67:17, 18.
Mountain tribes. For a similar expression see 12:83.
6:66; 17:69; 67:17-18.
Commentary:
The verse under comment continues the theme of the preceding verses and purports to say that there are evident signs in the heavens and the earth which constitute an unmistakable evidence of the fast approaching triumph of Islam and the downfall and disgrace of disbelievers. The words "We will make the earth sink with them" refer to the signs of the earth; and the words "or cause to fall upon them a portion of the heaven" allude to heavenly signs. Undoubtedly, the manner in which the forces of darkness and disbelief were put to rout in their combat against Islam showed that the victory of Islam was due solely to Divine help and succour which came to Muslims in the nick of time.
d
6:66; 17:69; 67:17, 18.
1
یعنی پے در پے بارش ان کے ملک پر آئے اور ان کو تباہ کر دے۔
b
6:66; 17:69; 67:17-18.
3136
Commentary:
The verse under comment continues the theme of the preceding verses and purports to say that there are evident signs in the heavens and the earth which constitute an unmistakable evidence of the fast approaching triumph of Islam and the downfall and disgrace of disbelievers. The words "We will make the earth sink with them" refer to the signs of the earth; and the words "or cause to fall upon them a portion of the heaven" allude to heavenly signs. Undoubtedly, the manner in which the forces of darkness and disbelief were put to rout in their combat against Islam showed that the victory of Islam was due solely to Divine help and succour which came to Muslims in the nick of time.
b
6:66; 17:69; 67:17, 18.
2378
Mountain tribes. For a similar expression see 12:83.
وَلَوۡ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَیۡہِمۡ بَابًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ فَظَلُّوۡا فِیۡہِ یَعۡرُجُوۡنَ
此节经文的意思可能是: 如果安拉意欲开启其仁慈的大门而不予惩罚, 那么, 不信的人就会忙于获取物质繁荣和享乐, 却不归向安拉。
The verse may mean that if God were to open the gates of His mercy and avert punishment, then instead of turning to Him, the disbelievers would become engaged in the acquisition of material prosperity and comforts.
Commentary:
See note on the succeeding verse.
655
此节经文的意思可能是: 如果安拉意欲开启其仁慈的大门而不予惩罚, 那么, 不信的人就会忙于获取物质繁荣和享乐, 却不归向安拉。
1721
Commentary:
See note on the succeeding verse.
1484
The verse may mean that if God were to open the gates of His mercy and avert punishment, then instead of turning to Him, the disbelievers would become engaged in the acquisition of material prosperity and comforts.
وَلَقَدۡ جَعَلۡنَا فِی السَّمَآءِ بُرُوۡجًا وَّزَیَّنّٰہَا لِلنّٰظِرِیۡنَ
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here. The great purpose which their creation serves is mentioned in the following verses as well as in 16:17 and 67:6, and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies.
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
Important Words:
بروجا (mansions of stars) is the plural of برج (burj) which is from the verb برج (baraja) which means, it was or became apparent, manifest or conspicuous; or it was or became high or elevated. ابرج means, he built a tower. برج (burj) means a tower; a chamber built upon the sides of a fortress or palace; a sign of the Zodiac. بروج means, mansions (i.e. the courses or stages) of the moon or the stars; or asterisms or constellations (Lane).
Commentary:
The word بروج may be taken here either in the sense of "mansions" of planets and stars i.e. the spaces or courses wherein the planets perform their circuits, or it may signify the stars themselves.
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here, because they are not meant to serve only as an ornament for the heavens or to provide a beautiful sight. In reality their creation serves a great purpose which is mentioned in the succeeding verses as well as in 16:17 & 67:6 and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies. See the following verses.
b
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
a
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
1723
Important Words:
بروجا (mansions of stars) is the plural of برج (burj) which is from the verb برج (baraja) which means, it was or became apparent, manifest or conspicuous; or it was or became high or elevated. ابرج means, he built a tower. برج (burj) means a tower; a chamber built upon the sides of a fortress or palace; a sign of the Zodiac. بروج means, mansions (i.e. the courses or stages) of the moon or the stars; or asterisms or constellations (Lane).
Commentary:
The word بروج may be taken here either in the sense of "mansions" of planets and stars i.e. the spaces or courses wherein the planets perform their circuits, or it may signify the stars themselves.
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here, because they are not meant to serve only as an ornament for the heavens or to provide a beautiful sight. In reality their creation serves a great purpose which is mentioned in the succeeding verses as well as in 16:17 & 67:6 and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies. See the following verses.
b
37:7; 41:13; 67:6.
1486
It is not merely the beautiful appearance of the planets and the stars at night that is meant here. The great purpose which their creation serves is mentioned in the following verses as well as in 16:17 and 67:6, and it is in the fulfilment of that great purpose that their real beauty lies.
وَاَرۡسَلۡنَا الرِّیٰحَ لَوٰقِحَ فَاَنۡزَلۡنَا مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَسۡقَیۡنٰکُمُوۡہُ وَمَاۤ اَنۡتُمۡ لَہٗ بِخٰزِنِیۡنَ
7:58; 24:44; 25:49.
یعنی بادلوں کے طریق سے میٹھا پانی محفوظ ہوتا ہے۔ اگر یہ طریق نہ ہوتا تو نہ دریا اور نہریں ہوتیں نہ کنوؤں کا پانی محفوظ ہوتا اور لوگ پیاسے مر جاتے اور کھیت سوکھ جاتے۔
7:58; 24:44; 25:49.
Lawaqih are such winds as carry pollen from the male to the female trees in order to fecundate them. The word also means such winds as carry vapours rising from the earth to the upper regions where they assume the form of clouds.
7:58; 24:44; 25:49.
Important Words:
لواقح (impregnating) is the plural of لاقح which is the active-participle from لقح. They say لقحت الناقة i.e. the she camel became pregnant; or she received into her womb the seed of the stallion. لقحت النخیل means, the palm-trees became fecundated by means of the لقاح or spadix of the male tree which is bruised or brayed and sprinkled upon the spadix of the female. لاقحmeans, a she-camel having just conceived, or become pregnant. ریاح لواقح means, pregnant winds; impregnating or fecundating winds; winds which collect vapours and then form into clouds and send down rain. حرب لواقح means, a war pregnant with great events. لاقح also means, a man to whom offspring is born (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary
The word لواقح as explained under Important Words signifies such winds as carry pollen from the male to the female trees in order to fecundate them. It also means the winds which carry vapours rising from the earth to the upper air where they assume the form of clouds. In the present verse the word may be taken in the latter sense or in both senses. The verse would thus mean that it is God Who sends winds which carry the pollen from male to female trees as well as the winds which raise vapours from the earth which become transformed into clouds that send down rain, fertilizing the fecundated plants and making them bear fruit in abundance. The verse proceeds to point out that when with such a common necessity as water it is not in the power of man to preserve it in its purity, it cannot be possible for him to preserve the spiritual blessings of God in their original purity without His help and protection.
The verse is addressed to both believers and disbelievers. To the latter it answers the question of what was the need for the Quran to be revealed in the presence of previous Scriptures? They are told that just as in the presence of oceans of water on the earth there is still need for fresh water from heaven, even so the Quran was needed in the presence of the previous Scriptures. To believers it says that just as even heavenly water becomes impure and has to be renewed afresh from time to time, similarly, whenever the so-called believers would pollute the pure sense of the Quran by the interpolation of their own impure thoughts and false notions into its teachings, God would arrange to have its true meaning restored to its pristine purity by fresh revelation from heaven.
e
7:58; 24:44; 25:49.
2
یعنی بادلوں کے طریق سے میٹھا پانی محفوظ ہوتا ہے۔ اگر یہ طریق نہ ہوتا تو نہ دریا اور نہریں ہوتیں نہ کنوؤں کا پانی محفوظ ہوتا اور لوگ پیاسے مر جاتے اور کھیت سوکھ جاتے۔
a
7:58; 24:44; 25:49.
1729
Important Words:
لواقح (impregnating) is the plural of لاقح which is the active-participle from لقح. They say لقحت الناقة i.e. the she camel became pregnant; or she received into her womb the seed of the stallion. لقحت النخیل means, the palm-trees became fecundated by means of the لقاح or spadix of the male tree which is bruised or brayed and sprinkled upon the spadix of the female. لاقحmeans, a she-camel having just conceived, or become pregnant. ریاح لواقح means, pregnant winds; impregnating or fecundating winds; winds which collect vapours and then form into clouds and send down rain. حرب لواقح means, a war pregnant with great events. لاقح also means, a man to whom offspring is born (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary
The word لواقح as explained under Important Words signifies such winds as carry pollen from the male to the female trees in order to fecundate them. It also means the winds which carry vapours rising from the earth to the upper air where they assume the form of clouds. In the present verse the word may be taken in the latter sense or in both senses. The verse would thus mean that it is God Who sends winds which carry the pollen from male to female trees as well as the winds which raise vapours from the earth which become transformed into clouds that send down rain, fertilizing the fecundated plants and making them bear fruit in abundance. The verse proceeds to point out that when with such a common necessity as water it is not in the power of man to preserve it in its purity, it cannot be possible for him to preserve the spiritual blessings of God in their original purity without His help and protection.
The verse is addressed to both believers and disbelievers. To the latter it answers the question of what was the need for the Quran to be revealed in the presence of previous Scriptures? They are told that just as in the presence of oceans of water on the earth there is still need for fresh water from heaven, even so the Quran was needed in the presence of the previous Scriptures. To believers it says that just as even heavenly water becomes impure and has to be renewed afresh from time to time, similarly, whenever the so-called believers would pollute the pure sense of the Quran by the interpolation of their own impure thoughts and false notions into its teachings, God would arrange to have its true meaning restored to its pristine purity by fresh revelation from heaven.
a
7:58; 24:44; 25:49.
1491
Lawaqih are such winds as carry pollen from the male to the female trees in order to fecundate them. The word also means such winds as carry vapours rising from the earth to the upper regions where they assume the form of clouds.
ہُوَ الَّذِیۡۤ اَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً ۖ لَّکُمۡ مِّنۡہُ شَرَابٌ وَّمِنۡہُ شَجَرٌ فِیۡہِ تُسِیۡمُوۡنَ
2:23; 6:100; 13:18; 16:66; 22:64.
2:23; 6:100; 13:18; 16:66; 22:64.
2:23; 6:100; 13:18; 16:66; 22:64
Commentary:
The Arabs were the first addressees of the Quran and in Arabia water is very scarce. So they have been told in this verse that water which is the source of all life and which brings out food and vegetation for them and their cattle is indeed a great gift of God. And, repeating the argument embodied in the preceding verse, the present verse goes on to say that when God has made ample provision for the physical needs of man, He could not have neglected to provide for his spiritual needs. Also that when man very gladly accepts and uses all the physical provisions made for him, why should he decline to make similar use of God’s spiritual gifts?
The expression لکم (for you) in the verse points to the truth that the whole universe has been created for the service of man because he is the acme and end of all creation. So it is really very strange that God should have omitted to fix a great object for man’s creation or should have neglected to provide means for the fulfilment of that object. This subject has been further developed in the next verse.
d
2:23; 6:100; 13:18; 16:66; 22:64.
a
2:23; 6:100; 13:18; 16:66; 22:64
1812
Commentary:
The Arabs were the first addressees of the Quran and in Arabia water is very scarce. So they have been told in this verse that water which is the source of all life and which brings out food and vegetation for them and their cattle is indeed a great gift of God. And, repeating the argument embodied in the preceding verse, the present verse goes on to say that when God has made ample provision for the physical needs of man, He could not have neglected to provide for his spiritual needs. Also that when man very gladly accepts and uses all the physical provisions made for him, why should he decline to make similar use of God’s spiritual gifts?
The expression لکم (for you) in the verse points to the truth that the whole universe has been created for the service of man because he is the acme and end of all creation. So it is really very strange that God should have omitted to fix a great object for man’s creation or should have neglected to provide means for the fulfilment of that object. This subject has been further developed in the next verse.
b
2:23; 6:100; 13:18; 16:66; 22:64.
یٰۤاَیُّہَا النَّاسُ اذۡکُرُوۡا نِعۡمَتَ اللّٰہِ عَلَیۡکُمۡ ۚ ہَلۡ مِنۡ خٰلِقٍ غَیۡرُ اللّٰہِ یَرۡزُقُکُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ ۚ لَاۤ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا ہُوَ ۖ فَاَنّٰی تُؤۡفَکُوۡنَ
10:32; 27:65; 34:25.
10:32; 27:65; 34:25.
10:32; 27:65; 34:25.
d
10:32; 27:65; 34:25.
b
10:32; 27:65; 34:25.
a
10:32; 27:65; 34:25.
وَاللّٰہُ اَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَحۡیَا بِہِ الۡاَرۡضَ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِہَاۤ ۚ اِنَّ فِیۡ ذٰلِکَ لَاٰیَۃً لِّقَوۡمٍ یَّسۡمَعُوۡنَ
2:165; 13:18.
2:165; 13:18.
2:165; 13:18.
Commentary:
By 'water' here is meant Divine revelation and the attention of disbelievers has been drawn to the fact that if Prophets have been appearing in the past to give life to the dead, why should the present generation not have their Prophet?
f
2:165; 13:18.
a
2:165; 13:18.
1866
Commentary:
By 'water' here is meant Divine revelation and the attention of disbelievers has been drawn to the fact that if Prophets have been appearing in the past to give life to the dead, why should the present generation not have their Prophet?
c
2:165; 13:18.
اَلَمۡ یَرَوۡا اِلَی الطَّیۡرِ مُسَخَّرٰتٍ فِیۡ جَوِّ السَّمَآءِ مَا یُمۡسِکُہُنَّ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ ۗ اِنَّ فِیۡ ذٰلِکَ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوۡمٍ یُّؤۡمِنُوۡنَ
67:20.
67:20.
The verse only contains a reference to the punishment which was soon to overtake the disbelievers of Mecca. The keeping back of the birds signifies the withholding of the punishment that was in store for them. Arabic poetry abounds in verses where birds are spoken of as following in the rear of a victorious army to feed on the dead bodies of the enemy killed and left on the field of battle. And the hovering of birds, according to Arabic idiom, is symbolic of the defeat and destruction of a people (see 67:20). The present verse declares that God has withheld Muslims from waging war against disbelievers. But once they were given permission to fight the disbelievers will be defeated and destroyed and their dead bodies will be eaten by the birds which they see flying in the sky.
67:20.
Commentary:
Some commentators of the Quran erroneously consider that this verse alludes to the Almightiness of God Who has given the birds the power to fly in the air but there is no such allusion here to any such power and might of God. The verse only contains a reference to the punishment that was soon to overtake the disbelievers of Mecca. The keeping back of the birds signifies the withholding of the punishment that was in store for them. Arabic poetry abounds in verses where birds are spoken of as attending a victorious army to feed on the dead bodies of the enemy killed and left on the field of battle. The great poet Nabighah says:
اذا ما غدی بالجیش حلق فوقه
عصا ثب طیر تھتدی بالعصائب
i.e. When he marches out, flocks of birds attend his victorious army, knowing that he will surely defeat his enemy and thus would provide a good feast for them. So the hovering of birds according to Arabic idiom is symbolic of the defeat and destruction of a people. Verses 105:2-5 contain a clear reference to this significance of the Arabic idiom. The verse under comment means to say that God has withheld Muslims from waging war against disbelievers. But once they were given permission to fight, the disbelievers will be defeated and destroyed and their dead bodies will be eaten by the birds which they see flying in the sky.
a
67:20.
a
67:20.
1880
Commentary:
Some commentators of the Quran erroneously consider that this verse alludes to the Almightiness of God Who has given the birds the power to fly in the air but there is no such allusion here to any such power and might of God. The verse only contains a reference to the punishment that was soon to overtake the disbelievers of Mecca. The keeping back of the birds signifies the withholding of the punishment that was in store for them. Arabic poetry abounds in verses where birds are spoken of as attending a victorious army to feed on the dead bodies of the enemy killed and left on the field of battle. The great poet Nabighah says:
اذا ما غدی بالجیش حلق فوقه
عصا ثب طیر تھتدی بالعصائب
i.e. When he marches out, flocks of birds attend his victorious army, knowing that he will surely defeat his enemy and thus would provide a good feast for them. So the hovering of birds according to Arabic idiom is symbolic of the defeat and destruction of a people. Verses 105:2-5 contain a clear reference to this significance of the Arabic idiom. The verse under comment means to say that God has withheld Muslims from waging war against disbelievers. But once they were given permission to fight, the disbelievers will be defeated and destroyed and their dead bodies will be eaten by the birds which they see flying in the sky.
d
67:20.
1567
The verse only contains a reference to the punishment which was soon to overtake the disbelievers of Mecca. The keeping back of the birds signifies the withholding of the punishment that was in store for them. Arabic poetry abounds in verses where birds are spoken of as following in the rear of a victorious army to feed on the dead bodies of the enemy killed and left on the field of battle. And the hovering of birds, according to Arabic idiom, is symbolic of the defeat and destruction of a people (see 67:20). The present verse declares that God has withheld Muslims from waging war against disbelievers. But once they were given permission to fight the disbelievers will be defeated and destroyed and their dead bodies will be eaten by the birds which they see flying in the sky.
وَاضۡرِبۡ لَہُمۡ مَّثَلَ الۡحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنۡیَا کَمَآءٍ اَنۡزَلۡنٰہُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ فَاخۡتَلَطَ بِہٖ نَبَاتُ الۡاَرۡضِ فَاَصۡبَحَ ہَشِیۡمًا تَذۡرُوۡہُ الرِّیٰحُ ۗ وَکَانَ اللّٰہُ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیۡءٍ مُّقۡتَدِرًا
10:25; 57:21.
What an apt and forceful description of the transitoriness of worldly life!
10:25; 57:21.
Important Words:
ھشیما (dry grass broken into pieces) is derived from ھشم. They say ھشم الشیء i.e. he broke the thing. ھشمه (hashshama-hu) means, he broke it much or crushed it, namely a dry thing or anything hollow. ھشیما means, a plant that is dry and breaks or is broken into pieces (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The subject of the worldly life has been further elaborated by another parable in this verse. It purports to say that in the beginning worldly life looks very beautiful and attractive but its end is most wretched and miserable. On the other hand, spiritual life appears very hard and unpleasant at first but it ends most auspiciously and pleasantly. In the heyday of their power nations are very gay and happy and it appears that their glory will endure forever but once their decay and decline set in they are scattered by the winds of adversity like dry broken grass and are so completely forgotten as if they had never lived on this earth.
a
10:25; 57:21.
766
对今世生命的暂短性描写得多么的贴切和有力啊！
c
10:25; 57:21.
2086
Important Words:
ھشیما (dry grass broken into pieces) is derived from ھشم. They say ھشم الشیء i.e. he broke the thing. ھشمه (hashshama-hu) means, he broke it much or crushed it, namely a dry thing or anything hollow. ھشیما means, a plant that is dry and breaks or is broken into pieces (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The subject of the worldly life has been further elaborated by another parable in this verse. It purports to say that in the beginning worldly life looks very beautiful and attractive but its end is most wretched and miserable. On the other hand, spiritual life appears very hard and unpleasant at first but it ends most auspiciously and pleasantly. In the heyday of their power nations are very gay and happy and it appears that their glory will endure forever but once their decay and decline set in they are scattered by the winds of adversity like dry broken grass and are so completely forgotten as if they had never lived on this earth.
d
10:25; 57:21.
1696
What an apt and forceful description of the transitoriness of worldly life!
اَوۡ یَکُوۡنَ لَکَ بَیۡتٌ مِّنۡ زُخۡرُفٍ اَوۡ تَرۡقٰی فِی السَّمَآءِ وَلَنۡ نُّؤۡمِنَ لِرُقِیِّکَ حَتّٰی تُنَزِّلَ عَلَیۡنَا کِتٰبًا نَّقۡرَؤُہٗ ۗ قُلۡ سُبۡحَانَ رَبِّیۡ ہَلۡ کُنۡتُ اِلَّا بَشَرًا رَّسُوۡلًا
اس آیت سے واضح ہے کہ معراج کا معجزہ بھی کفار کے لئے کافی نہ تھا۔ وہ اس پر مصر تھے کہ آسمان پر جانے کو ہم تب مانیں گے جب ایک کتاب بھی آپ اتار کر لائیں‘ جسے ہم خود چھو کر دیکھیں اور پڑھیں ورنہ خالی کہہ دینا کہ میں آسمان پر گیا تھا۔ ہمارے لئے کافی نہ ہوگا۔
یعنی بشر رسول آسمان پر نہیں جا سکتا۔ تعجب ہے مسلمانوں پر جو اس کے باوجود مسیح کو آسمان پر مانتے ہیں حالانکہ قرآن مجید کے مطابق وہ بشر رسول تھا۔
In answer to their impudent demands the disbelievers are told that these demands pertain either to God or to the Prophet. The demands of the first category are frivolous in character and God is above such frivolities. As for their demands pertaining to the Holy Prophet, they are incompatible with his limited powers as a human being and his mission as a Prophet of God.
Commentary:
The contemptuous tone of the disbelievers’ discourse is continued in this verse. They are represented as saying to the Prophet that if he could not accomplish any of the things they demanded of him, he might at least have some good things for himself. Pharaoh had challenged Moses that he could not be a true Prophet because he possessed no bracelets of gold (43:54); but the Meccan disbelievers went a step further and declared that the Prophet’s claims could only be regarded true if he possessed a house made of gold.
The words, Or thou ascend up into heaven…that we can read, contain a derisive reference to the Mi‘raj or the Ascension of the Prophet. The disbelievers meant to say that they would not believe in his ascension unless he stayed in the heavens and let fall to them a book that they might read. To these foolish demands of the disbelievers the words, Say, Holy is my Lord! I am not but a man sent as a Messenger, embody a crushing reply. They are told that their demands fall under two heads: (a) those that pertain to God; (b) those that pertain to the Prophet. The demands of the first category are frivolous in character and God is above such frivolities. These demands have nothing to do with the spiritual development of man for which Divine Messengers are raised. As for their demands pertaining to the Prophet, they are incompatible with his humanity and his mission as a Prophet of God. A human being, even one invested with prophethood, could not and would not indulge in such acrobatic feats.
1
اس آیت سے واضح ہے کہ معراج کا معجزہ بھی کفار کے لئے کافی نہ تھا۔ وہ اس پر مصر تھے کہ آسمان پر جانے کو ہم تب مانیں گے جب ایک کتاب بھی آپ اتار کر لائیں‘ جسے ہم خود چھو کر دیکھیں اور پڑھیں ورنہ خالی کہہ دینا کہ میں آسمان پر گیا تھا۔ ہمارے لئے کافی نہ ہوگا۔
2
یعنی بشر رسول آسمان پر نہیں جا سکتا۔ تعجب ہے مسلمانوں پر جو اس کے باوجود مسیح کو آسمان پر مانتے ہیں حالانکہ قرآن مجید کے مطابق وہ بشر رسول تھا۔
2022
Commentary:
The contemptuous tone of the disbelievers’ discourse is continued in this verse. They are represented as saying to the Prophet that if he could not accomplish any of the things they demanded of him, he might at least have some good things for himself. Pharaoh had challenged Moses that he could not be a true Prophet because he possessed no bracelets of gold (43:54); but the Meccan disbelievers went a step further and declared that the Prophet’s claims could only be regarded true if he possessed a house made of gold.
The words, Or thou ascend up into heaven…that we can read, contain a derisive reference to the Mi‘raj or the Ascension of the Prophet. The disbelievers meant to say that they would not believe in his ascension unless he stayed in the heavens and let fall to them a book that they might read. To these foolish demands of the disbelievers the words, Say, Holy is my Lord! I am not but a man sent as a Messenger, embody a crushing reply. They are told that their demands fall under two heads: (a) those that pertain to God; (b) those that pertain to the Prophet. The demands of the first category are frivolous in character and God is above such frivolities. These demands have nothing to do with the spiritual development of man for which Divine Messengers are raised. As for their demands pertaining to the Prophet, they are incompatible with his humanity and his mission as a Prophet of God. A human being, even one invested with prophethood, could not and would not indulge in such acrobatic feats.
1652
In answer to their impudent demands the disbelievers are told that these demands pertain either to God or to the Prophet. The demands of the first category are frivolous in character and God is above such frivolities. As for their demands pertaining to the Holy Prophet, they are incompatible with his limited powers as a human being and his mission as a Prophet of God.
قُل لَّوۡ کَانَ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ مَلٰٓئِکَۃٌ یَّمۡشُوۡنَ مُطۡمَئِنِّیۡنَ لَنَزَّلۡنَا عَلَیۡہِمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ مَلَکًا رَّسُوۡلًا
23:25; 25:22; 43:61.
23:25; 25:22; 43:61.
The verse may have two meanings: (a) Angels descend upon angel- like men, and not upon their opposites, and if the disbelievers should also bring about an angelic change in their lives, angels would descend upon them. (b) Beings of the same species only can serve as exemplars or models for one another. Thus only a man could be the bearer of Divine Message for mankind, because only he alone could serve as a model for other men.
23:25; 25:22; 43:61.
Commentary:
It is clear from this verse that what is here meant by "angels" are not real angels but angel-like men, because real angels certainly would not need other angels to come as Warners to them.
The verse constitutes an effective answer to those people who in their arrogance say that, being superior to their Prophet, they should have received revelation direct from God. They are told that angels descend upon angel-like men, and not upon their opposites and that if they bring about an angelic change in their lives, angels would begin to descend upon them.
But as they have allied themselves with Satan they could not expect visits from angels. The verse also provides an answer to another class of men who believe that man is too puny and inconsequential a being to be the recipient of Divine revelation and that higher beings are required for this purpose. The answer given is that only beings of the same species can help their prototypes achieve their salvation, because only they can serve as exemplars or models for them. Thus none but a man could be the bearer of a Divine Message for mankind, because only a man could serve as a model for other men. The word رسول (Messenger) here does not mean simply the bearer of Divinerevelation, but the possessor of all the attributes and qualifications of a Divine Messenger.
b
23:25; 25:22; 43:61.
a
23:25; 25:22; 43:61.
2024
Commentary:
It is clear from this verse that what is here meant by "angels" are not real angels but angel-like men, because real angels certainly would not need other angels to come as Warners to them.
The verse constitutes an effective answer to those people who in their arrogance say that, being superior to their Prophet, they should have received revelation direct from God. They are told that angels descend upon angel-like men, and not upon their opposites and that if they bring about an angelic change in their lives, angels would begin to descend upon them.
But as they have allied themselves with Satan they could not expect visits from angels. The verse also provides an answer to another class of men who believe that man is too puny and inconsequential a being to be the recipient of Divine revelation and that higher beings are required for this purpose. The answer given is that only beings of the same species can help their prototypes achieve their salvation, because only they can serve as exemplars or models for them. Thus none but a man could be the bearer of a Divine Message for mankind, because only a man could serve as a model for other men. The word رسول (Messenger) here does not mean simply the bearer of Divinerevelation, but the possessor of all the attributes and qualifications of a Divine Messenger.
a
23:25; 25:22; 43:61.
1653
The verse may have two meanings: (a) Angels descend upon angel- like men, and not upon their opposites, and if the disbelievers should also bring about an angelic change in their lives, angels would descend upon them. (b) Beings of the same species only can serve as exemplars or models for one another. Thus only a man could be the bearer of Divine Message for mankind, because only he alone could serve as a model for other men.
فَعَسٰی رَبِّیۡۤ اَنۡ یُّؤۡتِیَنِ خَیۡرًا مِّنۡ جَنَّتِکَ وَیُرۡسِلَ عَلَیۡہَا حُسۡبَانًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ فَتُصۡبِحَ صَعِیۡدًا زَلَقًا
68:33.
这节经文以及第36和40节经文只谈了一座果园, 因为两座果园 (第33节) 中的一座实际上已在伊斯兰教以前消失了。这座 “果园” 是在伊斯兰教以后兴盛起来的, 它证明是基督教徒自豪的最大的根源--------现在他们的物质上的极大进步和权力。
“从天降下” 这一短语表明, 世界上没有力量能够有效地和西方基督教国家的军事力量作战和抗衡。安拉自己能创造环境来使他们毁灭。据说穆圣曾经说过, “没有人会有力量来和他们作战” (《穆斯林》骗子章, مُسْلِمْ كِتَابُ الدَّجَّال), 这句话指的就是雅朱者和马朱者的这种不可抵抗的力量, 这种力量代表基督教的物质方面的光荣地位。
یہ اسلام کے متعلق پیشگوئی ہے کہ بظاہر کمزور نظر آتے ہوئے اسلام بڑی شان کو پہنچے گا اور مسیحی و موسوی قوم کا باغ آسمانی آگ سے تباہ ہو جائے گا۔
68:33.
This verse and vv. 36 and 40 speak of one garden only because of the two gardens (v. 33) one had practically perished before Islam. The "garden" which proved to be the greatest source of pride for Christians is the one which flourished after Islam their present material great progress and power.
The words 'from heaven' show that no earthly power will be able effectively to combat and resist the military might of Western Christian nations. God Himself will create circumstances which will bring about their destruction. It is to this irresistible might of Gog and Magog who represent the material glory of Christianity that the Holy Prophet referred when he is reported to have said, 'None will have the power to fight them' (Muslim, ch. on "Dajjal").
68:33
Important Words:
حسبانا (thunderbolt) is derived from حسب. They say حسبه i.e. be counted, reckoned or computed it. حسبه (hassabahu) means, he placed a pillar for him; he buried him or buried him in stones. حسباناmeans, punishment; a calamity; an affliction with which a man is tried; locusts; dust or smoke; fire; small arrows; a thunderbolt (Lane & Aqrab).
زلقا (bare slippery) is derived from زلق i.e. he slipped. زلق راسه means, he shaved his head. مکان زلق means, a slippery place; a place where the foot does not remain firm. The Quranic expression فتصبح صعیدا زلقا means, so that it shall become smooth ground, with nothing in it or such that the feet shall not stand firmly upon it (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The word used here is جنة (garden) which is singular and so are the pronouns that follow it (as also in vv. 36 and 40). Thus the present verse and vv. 36 and 40 speak of one garden only because of the two gardens one had practically perished before Islam and was not worth much compared with the other. If Christians had boasted of their two gardens it would have been an empty boast. The garden which is the source of pride for Christians is the one which flourished after Islam—their present material progress and power. Hence the use of the word جنة in the singular.
The words "from heaven" show that no earthly power will be able effectively to combat and resist the military might of Christian nations. God Himself will create circumstances which will lead to their destruction. It is to this irresistible might of Gog and Magog who represent the material glory of Christianity that the Holy Prophet referred when he said, لا یدان لاحد لقتا لھم i.e. none will have the power to fight them (Muslim, Chap. on Dajjal).
The words صعیدا زلقا (bare slippery ground) which have been used here are analogous to the words صعیدا جرزا (barren soil) which have been used in v. 9 above about Christians who attribute a son to God. This shows that the present verse also speaks of Christians.
c
68:33.
762
这节经文以及第36和40节经文只谈了一座果园, 因为两座果园 (第33节) 中的一座实际上已在伊斯兰教以前消失了。这座 “果园” 是在伊斯兰教以后兴盛起来的, 它证明是基督教徒自豪的最大的根源--------现在他们的物质上的极大进步和权力。
763
“从天降下” 这一短语表明, 世界上没有力量能够有效地和西方基督教国家的军事力量作战和抗衡。安拉自己能创造环境来使他们毁灭。据说穆圣曾经说过, “没有人会有力量来和他们作战” (《穆斯林》骗子章, مُسْلِمْ كِتَابُ الدَّجَّال), 这句话指的就是雅朱者和马朱者的这种不可抵抗的力量, 这种力量代表基督教的物质方面的光荣地位。
1
یہ اسلام کے متعلق پیشگوئی ہے کہ بظاہر کمزور نظر آتے ہوئے اسلام بڑی شان کو پہنچے گا اور مسیحی و موسوی قوم کا باغ آسمانی آگ سے تباہ ہو جائے گا۔
a
68:33
2081
Important Words:
حسبانا (thunderbolt) is derived from حسب. They say حسبه i.e. be counted, reckoned or computed it. حسبه (hassabahu) means, he placed a pillar for him; he buried him or buried him in stones. حسباناmeans, punishment; a calamity; an affliction with which a man is tried; locusts; dust or smoke; fire; small arrows; a thunderbolt (Lane & Aqrab).
زلقا (bare slippery) is derived from زلق i.e. he slipped. زلق راسه means, he shaved his head. مکان زلق means, a slippery place; a place where the foot does not remain firm. The Quranic expression فتصبح صعیدا زلقا means, so that it shall become smooth ground, with nothing in it or such that the feet shall not stand firmly upon it (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The word used here is جنة (garden) which is singular and so are the pronouns that follow it (as also in vv. 36 and 40). Thus the present verse and vv. 36 and 40 speak of one garden only because of the two gardens one had practically perished before Islam and was not worth much compared with the other. If Christians had boasted of their two gardens it would have been an empty boast. The garden which is the source of pride for Christians is the one which flourished after Islam—their present material progress and power. Hence the use of the word جنة in the singular.
The words "from heaven" show that no earthly power will be able effectively to combat and resist the military might of Christian nations. God Himself will create circumstances which will lead to their destruction. It is to this irresistible might of Gog and Magog who represent the material glory of Christianity that the Holy Prophet referred when he said, لا یدان لاحد لقتا لھم i.e. none will have the power to fight them (Muslim, Chap. on Dajjal).
The words صعیدا زلقا (bare slippery ground) which have been used here are analogous to the words صعیدا جرزا (barren soil) which have been used in v. 9 above about Christians who attribute a son to God. This shows that the present verse also speaks of Christians.
a
68:33.
1692
This verse and vv. 36 and 40 speak of one garden only because of the two gardens (v. 33) one had practically perished before Islam. The "garden" which proved to be the greatest source of pride for Christians is the one which flourished after Islam their present material great progress and power.
1693
The words 'from heaven' show that no earthly power will be able effectively to combat and resist the military might of Western Christian nations. God Himself will create circumstances which will bring about their destruction. It is to this irresistible might of Gog and Magog who represent the material glory of Christianity that the Holy Prophet referred when he is reported to have said, 'None will have the power to fight them' (Muslim, ch. on "Dajjal").
اَلَّذِیۡ جَعَلَ لَکُمُ الۡاَرۡضَ مَہۡدًا وَّسَلَکَ لَکُمۡ فِیۡہَا سُبُلًا وَّاَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَخۡرَجۡنَا بِہٖۤ اَزۡوٰجًا مِّنۡ نَّبَاتٍ شَتّٰی
43:11.
43:11.
43:11.
Commentary:
The word ازواجاً (in pairs) points to a profound scientific truth which has only recently been discovered, viz. that there are pairs in the vegetable world as there are pairs in the animal world. Long before this scientific truth was discovered the Quran had stated it. It has further stated that all objects have been created in pairs (51:50). Science seems to be moving in the direction pointed by the Quran. Its discoveries in organic and inorganic matter have been increasingly supporting and substantiating the truth enunciated by the Quran centuries ago.
The verse under comment continues the argument begun in the previous verse, viz. that just as physical rain gives life to plants and vegetation, similarly water of Divine revelation is indispensable for the spiritual life of man.
d
43:11.
b
43:11.
2273
Commentary:
The word ازواجاً (in pairs) points to a profound scientific truth which has only recently been discovered, viz. that there are pairs in the vegetable world as there are pairs in the animal world. Long before this scientific truth was discovered the Quran had stated it. It has further stated that all objects have been created in pairs (51:50). Science seems to be moving in the direction pointed by the Quran. Its discoveries in organic and inorganic matter have been increasingly supporting and substantiating the truth enunciated by the Quran centuries ago.
The verse under comment continues the argument begun in the previous verse, viz. that just as physical rain gives life to plants and vegetation, similarly water of Divine revelation is indispensable for the spiritual life of man.
b
43:11.