Ibrahim

And from his own chain of transmitters on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said in the explanation of Allah's words (Alif. Lam. Ra.): '(Alif. Lam. Ra.) He says: I am Allah: I see what you say and do; it is also said that it is an oath by which Allah swore. ((This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto thee (Muhammad)) with which We have sent Gabriel to you (that thereby thou mayst bring forth mankind) that you may call the people of Mecca (from darkness unto light) to leave disbelieve and accept faith, (by the permission of their Lord) you call them by the command of their Lord, (unto the path) to Religion (of the Mighty) in His retribution against those who do not believe, (the Owner of Praise) in the eyes of him who professes His divine Oneness; it is also said that this means: the Praised One in His acts.

(Allah, unto Whom belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth) of creation and wondrous things. (And woe) this refers to the hottest, narrowest and deepest valley in hell. This valley would cry: �O Lord! My heat is intense, my width is very narrow and my depth is so deep, so let me take revenge on those who disobeyed you and make that nothing takes revenge against me�, (unto the disbelievers from an awful doom) a severe torment.

(Those who love the life of the world) those who prefer the life of this world (more than the Hereafter, and debar (men) from the way of Allah) and save people from Allah's religion and obedience (and would have it crooked) and would have it differently than it actually is: (such) the disbelievers (are far astray) from the Truth and guidance; it is also said that this means: they are in manifest error.

(And We never sent a messenger save with the language of his folk, that he might make (the message) clear for them) in their own language what they have been commanded with and prohibited from; it is also said that this means: in a language through which it is possible for them to learn. (Then Allah sendeth whom He will astray) from His religion, (and guideth) to His religion (whom He will) whoever deserves to be guided. (He is the Mighty) in His kingdom and sovereignty; it is also said that this means: the Mighty in His retribution against those who do not believe, (the Wise) in His command and decree; it is also said that this means: the Wise in guiding some and misguiding others.

(We verily sent Moses with Our revelations) the nine signs: the hand, the staff, the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, blood and the drought and shortage of foodstuff, (saying: Bring your people forth) invite your people (from darkness unto light) to embrace faith and leave disbelief. (And remind them of the days of Allah) of the days when Allah sent His chastisement; it is also said that this means: remind them of the days of Allah's mercy. (Lo! Therein) in what I have mentioned (are revelations) signs (for each steadfast) in obedience, (thankful (heart)) for the blessings bestowed upon him.

(And (remind them) how Moses said unto his people) the Children of Israel: (Remember Allah's favour unto you when He delivered you from Pharaoh's folk) from Pharaoh and his folk, the Copts, (who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, and were slaying your sons) at a young age (and sparing) and using (your women) when they are mature; (that was a tremendous trial from your Lord) that was a tremendous test from your Lord; it is also said that this means: saving you from such a tremendous trial was a great blessing from your Lord.

(And when your Lord proclaimed) when your Lord said and informed you in the Scripture: (If ye give thanks) for your success, safety, favour and blessings, (I will give you more) success, safety, favour and blessings; (but if ye are thankless) if you do not believe me or are ungrateful for the blessings bestowed upon you, (lo! my punishment is dire) for the one who disbelieves.

(And Moses said: Though you and all who are in the earth prove thankless) disbelieve, (lo! Allah verily is Absolute) He is free of need for your faith, (Owner of Praise) in the sight of he who professes His divine Oneness.

(Has not the history) the news (of those before you reached you) O people of Mecca: (the folk of Noah. and (the tribes of) 'Aad and Thamud) i.e. the people of Salih, (and those after them) after the folk of Salih, i.e. the people of Shu'ayb and others: how Allah destroyed them when they disbelieved in Him? (None save Allah knoweth them) none knows their numbers or their punishment save Allah. (Their messengers came unto them with clear proofs) they came to them with commands, prohibitions and signs, (but they thrust their hands into their mouths) He says: they rejected what the messengers brought to them; it is also said that this means: they thrust their hands into their mouths, as if saying: be quiet or we will silence you, (and said) to the messengers: (Lo! we disbelieve) we reject (in that wherewith ye have been sent) of Scripture and monotheism, (and lo! we are in grave doubt) in manifest doubt (concerning that to which ye call us) of Scripture and monotheism.

(Their messengers said: Can there be doubt concerning Allah) can there be any doubt regarding the divine Oneness of Allah, (the Creator of the heavens and the earth? He calleth you) to repent and profess monotheism (that He may forgive you your sins) which you committed in the time of ignorance (and reprieve you) without any punishment (unto an appointed term) to an ordained time, i.e. to the time of death. (They said) to the messengers: (Ye are but mortals) human beings (like us, who would fain turn us away from what our fathers used to worship) of idols. (Then bring some clear warrant) an edict or proof.

(Their messengers said unto them: We are but mortals) human beings (like you) we are but created beings like you, (but Allah giveth grace unto whom He will of His slaves) by bestowing upon them prophethood and total surrender to Him. (It is not ours) it behoves us not (to bring you a warrant) a decree or proof (unless by the permission of Allah) by the command of Allah. (In Allah let believers put their trust!) He says: the believers should rely on Allah.

They said to the messengers: �do yourselves put your trust in Allah so that you can see what He will do with you�. The messengers said: (How should we not put our trust in Allah when He hath shown us our ways) when He favoured us with prophethood and complete surrender to Him? (We surely will endure that hurt ye do us) we will endure your physical harm through obedience of Allah. (In Allah let the trusting put their trust!) let them rely on Allah.

(And those who disbelieved said unto their messengers: Verily we will drive you out from our land) from our township, (unless ye return to our religion. Then their Lord inspired them) i.e. the messengers, ((saying):) be steadfast! (Verily We shall destroy the wrong-doers) the disbelievers,

(And verily We shall make you to dwell in the land) in their township and habitations (after them) after their destruction. (This) dwelling in their land (is for him who feareth My Majesty) standing before Me [on the Day of Judgement] (and feareth My threats) My chastisement.

(And they sought help) each people sought help against their prophet (and every froward) who turns away from the Truth and guidance (potentate) deceitful, arrogant person (was brought to naught) they got no help when they requested it;

(Hell is before him) Hell is before this arrogant person when he dies, (and he is made to drink a festering water) and he is made to drink what comes of his skin of puss and blood.

(Which he sippeth) he sips puss and holds it in his throat (but can hardly swallow, and death) the agony of death (cometh unto him from every side) from beneath every single hair that he has; it is also said that this means: the Fire surrounds him from every side (while yet he cannot die) from such a torment, (and before him) after sipping puss (is a harsh doom) harsher than drinking puss.

(A similitude of those who disbelieve in their Lord: Their works) He says: the works of those who disbelieve in their Lord (are as ashes which the wind bloweth hard upon a stormy day. They have no control of aught that they have earned) He says: they will not find the reward of their good works which were performed in their state of disbelief, just as one will not find ashes when the wind blows hard on it. (That is the extreme failure) the error which is far remote from the Truth or guidance.

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad; Allah addressed His Prophet, but it is his people who are meant by this address: (that Allah hath created the heavens and the earth with truth) to explain the Truth and falsehood; it is also said that this means: He created them for evanescence and extinction? (If He will, He can remove you) He can destroy you, or make you die, O people of Mecca, (and bring (in) some new creation) and will create other beings who are better than you and more obedient to Allah.

(And that is no great matter for Allah) that is not very difficult for Allah; He says: it is not very difficult for Allah to destroy you and create different beings.

(They all) the leaders and the lowly among people (come forth unto their Lord) they emerge from the graves by Allah's command. (Then those who were despised) the lowly among people (say unto those who were scornful) towards faith, i.e. the leaders: (We were unto you a following) we obeyed your commands, (can ye then avert from us) bear on behalf of us (aught of Allah's doom? They say) i.e. the leaders: (Had Allah guided us) to His religion, (we should have guided you) we would have invited you to His religion. (Whether we rage) for being tormented (or patiently endure) or keep silent (is (now) all one for us: we have no place of refuge) or helper.

(And Satan) Iblis (says, when the matter hath been decided) when the people of Paradise enter Paradise and the people of hell enter hell; he says to the people of hell when they are in hell: (Lo! Allah promised you a promise of truth) He promised you that Paradise, hell, the Resurrection, the Reckoning, the Scale and the Bridge over hell are all true; (and I promised you) that there is no Paradise, hell, the Resurrection, the Reckoning, the Scale or the Bridge over hell, (then failed you) I lied to you. (And I had no power) proof, reason or power (over you save that I called unto you) to obey me (and ye obeyed me. So blame me not) for calling you, (but blame yourselves) for answering me. (I cannot help you) save you from the chastisement of hell, (nor can ye help me) nor can you save me from entering hell. (Lo! I disbelieved in that which ye before) before you associated it with me; it is also said that this means: I disbelieve today in that which you associate with me; he says: I disassociate myself from you and from your religion and from your response to me before this, i.e. in the worldly life (ascribed to me) you associated with me. (Lo! For wrong-doers) for the disbelievers (is a painful doom) a severe torment that will extend to their hearts.

(And those who believed) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and did good works) acts of obedience such none knows them except Allah (are made to enter Gardens beneath which) beneath its trees and habitations (rivers) of wine, water, honey and milk (flow, therein abiding by permission of their Lord) by the command of their Lord, (their greeting) their favour (therein) in Paradise: (Peace!) when they meet therein, they greet one another.

(Seest thou you not) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, (how Allah coineth a similitude: A goodly saying) He says: how Allah has exposited the description of a goodly saying which is " there is no god save Allah " , (as a goodly tree) which is the believer, (its root set firm) He says: the heart of the sincere believer is firm by means of " there is no god save Allah " , (its branches reaching into heaven) He says: due to it the works of a sincere believer are accepted,

(Giving its fruit at every season) He says: the sincere believer performs goodness and acts of obedience to Allah at all times (by permission of its Lord?) He says: by command of its Lord; it is also said: the trait of a goodly saying insofar as its benefit and praise are concerned is like a goodly tree-the palm-tree-whose fruits are goodly. And the same goes for the believer. He says: the origin of the tree is firmly grounded in the soil by means of its roots, and so is the believer: he is firm by means of proof and argument. (Its branches reaching into heaven) He says: the branches of the palm-trees are raised towards the sky, and so are the works of the believer raised to heaven. (Giving its fruit at every season) He says: it yields fruits every six months by the will of its Lord, and so is the believer, he performs acts of goodness or obedience at all times. (Allah coineth the similitudes) thus Allah explains His divine Oneness by coining similes (for mankind in order that they may reflect) so that people may take heed and desire to profess His divine Oneness.

(And the similitude of a bad saying) associating partners with Allah (is as a bad tree) this refers to the idolater. He says: idolatry is blameworthy and no aspect of it is praiseworthy, just as the idolater is censored and there is nothing praiseworthy about him; it is also said that the bad tree refers to the colocynth which is bitter and useless, and so is the idolater: useless and censored, (uprooted from upon the earth, possessing no stability) it has no firmness on the face of the earth; and so is the idolater: he does not have any proof to cling to, just as the colocynth does not have roots which keep it firmly grounded. Moreover, while a person is an idolater none of his works are accepted.

(Allah confirmeth those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an; it is also said that this means: those who believed were on the day of the Covenant with a good disposition of the soul, and these are the felicitous people, (by a firm saying) the testification that there is no god but Allah (in the life of the world) so that they do not go back on it (and in the Hereafter) i.e. in the grave when asked about it, (and Allah sendeth wrong-doers) the idolaters (astray) from the testification of there is no god but Allah in the life of this world, so that they do not say it with a good disposition of the soul, nor in the grave nor when they come out of it. These are the people destined for damnation. (And Allah doeth what He will) whether it is sending astray or holding people firm; it is also said: (And Allah doeth what He will) about turning away Munkar and Nakir.

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, about (those who gave the grace of Allah in exchange) they changed the gift of Allah who bestowed upon them the Scripture and the messengers and instead opted (for thanklessness) disbelief in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an. These are the Banu Umayyah and the Banu'l-Mughirah who fed the army of the unbelievers on the Day of Badr, (and led their people down to) they let the people of Mecca camp at (the Abode of Loss) the abode of destruction, i.e. the place of Badr; it is also said that the Abode of Loss refers to Gehenna,

Allah then said: ((Even to) hell? They are exposed thereto) they will enter it on the Day of Judgement. (A hapless end!) their abode and destination is Gehenna.

(And they set up rivals to Allah) they ascribed to Allah co-equals from among idols which they worshipped (that they may mislead (men) from His way) from His religion and obedience. (Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (Enjoy life (while ye may)) in your state of disbelief (for lo! your journey's end will be the Fire) on the Day of Judgement.

(Tell) O Muhammad (My bondmen who believe) in Me and in My Scripture and messengers (to establish worship) the five daily prayers, complete with their ritual ablution, bowings, prostrations and that which is obligated in them in their prescribed times (and spend of that which We have given them) and give alms, (secretly and publicly) these are the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh) (before a day comes) this is the Day of Judgement (wherein there will be neither traffic) ransom (nor befriending) for the disbeliever, while the believer will benefit from his friendships.

Allah then declared His divine Oneness, saying: (Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth, and causeth water) rain (to descend from the sky, thereby producing) the rain brought forth (fruits) different kinds of fruit (as food for you) and for all other created beings, (and maketh the ships to be of service) subservient (unto you, that they) i.e. the ships (may run upon the sea at His command) by His permission and will, (and hath made of service) subservient (unto you the rivers) they flow wherever you want;

(And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their courses) until the Day of Judgement, (to be of service unto you) subservient to you, (and hath made of service) and made subservient (unto you the night and the day) which come and go.

(And He giveth you of all ye ask of Him) as well as that which you do not know even how to ask for, (and if ye would count the bounty of Allah) the blessings of Allah (ye cannot reckon it) you would not be able to remember them or give thanks for them. (Lo! Man) i.e. the disbeliever (is verily a wrong-doer) he associates others with Allah, (an ingrate) He disbelieves in Allah and in His blessings.

(And when Abraham said) after the building of the House: (My Lord!) O my Lord! (Make safe) such that no turmoil takes place and whoever is in fear finds safety in (this territory) Mecca, (and preserve me and my sons from serving idols) from worshipping idols or fire.

And preserve me (My Lord!) O my Lord! (Lo! they have led many of mankind astray) i.e. they were made to lead many people astray; it is also said that this means: many people went astray because of them. (But whoso followeth me) whoever follows my religion and obeys me, (he verily is of me) he follows my religion. (And whoso disobeyeth me) whoever opposes my religion, (still Thou art Forgiving) of whoever repent of among them, (Merciful) towards whoever dies repentant.

(Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Lo! I have settled some of my posterity) Ishmael and his mother Hagar (in an uncultivable valley) in a valley with no vegetation or crops (near unto Thy holy House) i.e. Mecca, (our Lord!) O our Lord! (that they may establish proper worship) so that they perform the prayer faced towards the Ka'bah; (so incline some hearts of men) the hearts of some men (that they may yearn towards them) long and head towards them every year, (and provide Thou them with fruits) with different kinds of fruit (in order that they may be thankful) so that they are grateful for your blessings.

(Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Lo! Thou knowest that which we hide) of the love of Ishmael (and that which we proclaim) of the love of Isaac; it is also said that this means: You know that which we hide of the love of Ishmael and what we proclaim of aloofness towards him. (Nothing in the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah) whether it is a good or evil work.

(Praise be to Allah) Thanks to Allah (Who hath given me, in my old age, Ishmael and Isaac!) he was then 100 years old and his wife Sarah was 99 years old. (Lo! my Lord is indeed the Hearer of Prayer) He answers prayers.

(My Lord!) O my lord! (Make me to establish proper worship) make me perform the prayer properly, (and some of my posterity (also)) he says: bless me and bless my offspring so that we perform the prayer properly; (our Lord!) O our Lord! (and accept the prayer) accept my worship.

(Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Forgive me) my sins (and my parents) and forgive my believing forefathers (and believers) and forgive all believing men and women (on the day when the account is cast) when there is reckoning and both the good and evil deeds are displayed, such as those whose good deeds outweigh their evil deeds will enter Paradise and those whose evil works outweigh their good deeds will enter hell; while those whose good works equal their evil works will be among the people of the Heights.

(Deem not that Allah is unaware of what the wicked do) do not think that Allah will not punish the idolaters for what they do. (He but gives them a respite till a day when eyes will stare (in terror)) the eyes of the disbelievers will stare in terror on the Day of Judgement.

(As they come hurrying on in fear) looking to the caller, (their heads upraised) stretching their necks; it is also said that this means: lowering down their heads, (their gaze returning not to them) out of fear and terror, (and their hearts as air) empty from all goodness; it is also said: neither coming out nor going back in.

(And warn mankind) warn the people of Mecca by means of the Qur'an (of a day) the Day of Badr; it is also said that this is a reference to the Day of Judgement (when the doom will come upon them, and those who did wrong) the idolaters (will say: Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Reprieve us for a little while) in the life of this world. (We will obey Your call) to monotheism (and will follow the messengers) we will obey the messengers. Allah will then say to them: (Did ye not swear before) before this, when you were in the life of the lower world (that there would be no end for you) in the life of the world and that there is no resurrection?

(And (have ye not) dwelt in the dwellings of those who wronged themselves (of old)) through idolatry and denial without take heed from their destruction (and (hath it not) become plain to you how We dealt with them) in this worldly life, (and made) struck (examples for you) in the Qur'an of all sorts: of promises, of threats, of mercy and of chastisement?

(Verily they have plotted their plot) they did their deed through their denial of the messengers, (and their plot is with Allah) the punishment of their deed is with Allah, (though their plot were one whereby the mountains should be moved) whereby the mountains should crumble; it is also said that this means: the plotting of Nimrod was such that the mountains would have crumbled, for the sounds of the Ark and eagles were heard.

(So think not that Allah will fail to keep His promise to His messengers) that He will help and destroy their enemies. (Lo! Allah is Mighty) in His dominion and sovereignty, (Able to Requite) Able to act in retribution against His enemies in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.

(On the day when the earth will be changed to other than the earth) it will be changed to a state other than the actual state. Its changing will take place by adding to and subtracting from it, and its valleys and mountains will be levelled down; and it is also said that this means: the earth will be changed to other than what it is now, (and the heavens (also will be changed)) they will be folded up in His right Hand (and they will come forth unto Allah) they emerge and become manifest to (the One, the Almighty) Who conquers His created being by means of death.

(Thou wilt see the guilty) the idolaters (on that day) the Day of Judgement (linked together in chains) with the satans.

(Their raiment of pitch) of black fire, like tar; it is also said that this means: their raiment are made of very hot, trickling tar, (and the Fire covering their faces).

They emerge and become manifest to Allah so (That Allah may repay each soul) whether it is a believing or a sinful soul (what it hath earned) of good or evil. (Lo! Allah is swift at reckoning) Allah is severe in His chastisement.

(This is a clear message for mankind) convey it them on behalf of Allah; it is also said: this is an exposition for them detailing commands and prohibitions, promises and threats, the lawful and the prohibited (in order that they may be warned thereby) that they may be warned by means of the Qur'an, (and that they may know) and acknowledge (that He is only One God) without a son or partner, (and that men of understanding) people endowed with intelligence (may take heed) through the Qur'an'.