Al-Hajj

And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas who said in explaining Allah's words (O mankind!): '(O mankind!) this expression could be of general applicability ('amm) as it could be of particular applicability (khass); here, it is an expression of general applicability. (Fear your Lord) and obey him. (Lo! the earthquake of the Hour (of Doom)) the advent of the Hour (is a tremendous thing) its horror is horrendous.

(On the day when ye behold it) when you see it upon the first blowing of the Trumpet, (every nursing mother will forget) will be preoccupied from (her nursling and every pregnant one will be delivered of her burden) of pregnancy, (and thou (Muhammad) wilt see mankind) standing and (drunken, yet they will not be drunken) from intoxicants, (but the Doom of Allah will be strong (upon them)) this is why they were dazzled as if they were drunk.

(Among mankind) this refers to al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth (is he who disputeth concerning Allah) who argues against Allah's religion and Scripture (without knowledge) without proof or clarity, (and followeth each froward devil) each hardened and accursed rebellious one;

(For him) for the devil (it is decreed that whoso taketh him for friend) whoever obeys him, (he verily will mislead him) from the guidance (and will guide him) and will invite him (to the punishment of the Flame) to that which incurs the punishment of the Fire.

(O mankind!) i.e. O people of Mecca (if ye are in doubt concerning the Resurrection) after death, then reflect upon your initial creation, for bringing you back to life is not more difficult than your initial creation, (then lo! We have created you from dust) We have created you from Adam and Adam is from dust, (then) We created you after that (from a drop of seed, then from a clot) of blood after the drop of semen, (then from a little lump of flesh) after the clot of blood (shapely) in a perfect shape (and shapeless) when miscarriage takes place, (that We may make (it) clean for you) in the Qur'an after you are created. (And We cause what We will) of unborn children (to remain in the wombs) preventing it from miscarriage; and it is also said that this means: We leave it in the wombs (for an appointed time) for a certain number of months, (and afterward We bring you forth) from the wombs (as infants, then (give you growth) that ye attain your full strength) from the age of 18 to the age of 30 years old. (And among you there is he who dieth (young)) before the age of puberty, (and among you there is he who is brought back to the most abject time of life) is brought back to his initial state after he reaches abject age, (so that, after knowledge) after his first initial knowledge, (he knoweth naught) such that he becomes undiscerning. (And thou (Muhammad) seest the earth barren) dead and cracked, (but when We send down water thereon, it doth thrill) with vegetation; it is also said that this means: it vibrates and cheers up (and swell) for the vegetation (and put forth) by means of water (ever lovely kind (of growth)) of every comely kind of plants.

(That is because) the power to transform you, and to do other things, so that you acknowledge and know that (Allah, He is the Truth) the worship of Allah is the Truth. (Lo! He quickeneth the dead) for the resurrection, (and lo! He is Able to do all things) of life and death;

(And because the Hour will come, there is no doubt thereof) there is no doubt that it will come; (and because Allah will raise those who are in the graves) for requital and chastisement.

(And among mankind is he who disputeth concerning Allah) argues against Allah's religion and Scripture (without knowledge or guidance) or proof (or a Scripture giving light) or Scripture expositing what he says.

(Turning away) from the signs and disbelieving in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (in pride to beguile (men) from the way of Allah) from Allah's religion and obedience. (For him in this world is ignominy) the torment of death and being shackled on the Day of Badr, (and on the Day of Resurrection We make him taste the doom of burning) We make him taste the chastisement of the Fire; and it is said that this means: We make him taste a severe chastisement.

(This) killing and shackling on the Day of Badr (is for that which thy two hands have sent before) is because of what your two hands did in your state of idolatry; Allah's words from: (And among mankind is he who disputeth concerning Allah without knowledge or guidance�) to (This is for that which your two hands have sent before) were revealed about al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth, (and because Allah is no oppressor of His slaves) such that He would punish them without them having committed any crime.

(And among mankind is he who worshippeth Allah upon a narrow marge) and among people there is he who worships Allah on an experimental basis, in doubt and because of expectation of some benefit. This was revealed about the Banu'l-Hallaf, the hypocrites of the Banu Asad and Ghatafan, (so that if good) a bounty (befalleth him he is content therewith) he is pleased with the religion of Muhammad (pbuh) but just with his tongue, (but if a trial) hardship (befalleth him, he falleth away utterly) he reverts to his first religion: associating partners with Allah. (He loseth both the world) by missing the life of this world (and the Hereafter) by losing Paradise. (That is the sheer loss) the loss of both this worldly life and the Hereafter.

(He calleth) the Banu'l-Hallaf worship others (beside Allah, unto that which hurts him not) if they do not worship them (nor benefits him) if they worshipped them. (That is the far error) far from the Truth and guidance.

(He calleth unto) the Banu'l-Hallaf worship (him whose harm is nearer than his benefit) his harm is near while his benefit is far; (verily an evil patron) an evil lord (and verily an evil friend!) He says: it is truly an evil god him whose worship is harmful.

(Lo! Allah causeth those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and do good works) acts of obedience between them and their Lord (to enter the Gardens beneath) beneath their trees and habitations (which rivers) rivers of wine, water, honey and milk (flow. Lo! Allah doth what He intendeth) whether it is bestowing bliss or inflicting damnation. This was also revealed about them when they said: we are afraid that Muhammad does not triumph in this world and, thus, we would loose the affinity existing between us and the Jews.

(Whoso is wont to think that Allah will not give him) i.e. Muhammad (pbuh) (victory in the world and the Hereafter) through reason and proof, (let him stretch a rope up to the roof (of his dwelling), and let him hang himself. Then let him see) let him reflect upon (whether his strategy) hanging himself (dispelleth that whereat he rageth!) i.e. regarding Muhammad (pbuh). It is also said that there is another way of understanding this passage: whoever thinks that Allah will not help him in this worldly life with sustenance and in the Hereafter with reward, then let him tie a rope to the roof of his house, hang himself with it and see whether killing himself will dispel his rage regarding sustenance.

(Thus We reveal it as plain revelations) thus We send Gabriel with revelations, expositing the lawful and the unlawful (and verily Allah guideth) to His religion (whom He will) whoever deserves it.

(Lo! those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) (and those who are Jews) the Jews of Medina, (and the Sabaeans) the Itinerants, a Christian sect (and the Christians) the Christians of Najran (and the Magians) the worshippers of the sun and fire (and the idolaters) the Arab idolaters. (Lo! Allah will decide between them on the Day of Resurrection. Lo! Allah is Witness over all things) Allah is aware of their differences and works.

(Hast thou not seen) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, in the Qur'an (that unto Allah payeth adoration whosoever is in the heavens) of created beings (and whosoever is in the earth) of the believers, (and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the hills, and the trees, and the beasts) all of these prostrate to Allah, (and many of mankind) Paradise has been enjoined for them, these are the believers, (while there are many unto whom the doom is justly due) while the chastisement of the Fire has been enjoined upon many, these are the disbelievers. (He whom Allah scorneth) he whom Allah abases through damnation, (there is none to give him honour) through felicity; it is also said that this means: he whom Allah abases by means of ignorance, there is none to give him honour through knowledge. (Lo! Allah doeth what He will) with His created beings; He gives felicity and damnation, knowledge and ignorance.

(These twain) these are the adherents of two religions among the Muslims, Jews and Christians (are two opponents who contend concerning their Lord) concerning he religion of their Lord; one of them saying: I have a better right to Allah and His religion. And so Allah judged between the two. Allah said: (But as for those who disbelieve) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, i.e. the Jews and Christians (garments of fire will be cut out for them; boiling fluid) boiling water (will be poured down on their heads.

Whereby that which is in their bellies) of fat and other things, (and their skins too, will be melted;

And for them are hooked rods of iron) of hot rods of iron with which they will be hit on their heads.

(Whenever, in their anguish) from the anguish of being tortured in hell, (they would go forth from thence) from the Fire (they are driven back therein) beaten with the rods of iron (and (it is said unto them): Taste the doom of burning) taste the severe torment of the Fire.

(Lo! Allah will cause those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and do good works) acts of obedience between themselves and their Lord (to enter Gardens beneath which) beneath their trees and habitations (rivers) of wine, water, honey and milk (flow, wherein they will be allowed) to wear in Paradise (armlets of gold, and pearls, and their raiment therein) in Paradise (will be silk) whose quality is beyond description.

(They are guided unto gentle speech) they were guided in this worldly life to say: there is no deity except Allah; (they are guided unto the path of the Glorious One) and they were guided to the praiseworthy religion. This is Allah's judgement regarding the dispute between the believers, the Jews and the Christians.

(Lo! those who disbelieve) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an; the reference here is to Abu Sufyan-this happened before he embraced Islam-and his host (and bar (men) from the way of Allah) and drive people away from Allah's religion and obedience (and from the Inviolable Place of Worship) and bar Muhammad (pbuh) on the year of al-Hudaybiyyah from performing the lesser and greater pilgrimage in the Sacred Precinct (which We have appointed) as a Sacred Precinct and Qiblah (for mankind together, the dweller therein and the nomad) the dweller therein and the strangers are equal in it; (whosoever seeketh wrongful partiality therein) towards anyone, (him We shall cause to taste a painful doom) We hurt him badly so that he does not wrong anyone after that. It is also said that this was revealed concerning 'Abdullah Ibn Anas Ibn Hanzal who intentionally killed a Helper in Medina, left the religion of Islam and fled to Mecca. And so was revealed the passage: (whosoever seeketh wrongful partiality therein) towards anyone, (him We shall cause to taste a painful doom) such that he is not given food, drink or shelter until he leaves the Sacred Precinct and the legal punishment is applied on him.

(And (remember) when We prepared for Abraham) when We explained to Abraham (the place of the (holy) House) by means of a cloud which had stopped close to him, and so he built the House by the side whereby the cloud stopped. And We inspired him (saying: Ascribe thou no thing) no idols (as partner unto Me, and purify My House) purify My Mosque from idols (for those who make the round (thereof) and those who stand) and those who live there (and those who bow and make prostration) the people who pray from all countries and from wherever they happen to come.

(And proclaim unto mankind) call your offspring for (the Pilgrimage. They will come unto you) so that they come to you (on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine) from every road and remote land.

(That they may witness things that are of benefit to them) the benefits of this worldly life and the benefits of the Hereafter; the benefit of the Hereafter through supplications and worship and the benefit of this worldly life through trade and making profit (and mention the name of Allah) and so that they mention the name of Allah (on appointed days) on well known days, the days of tashriq (over the beast of cattle that He hath bestowed upon them) the beast of cattle offered for immolation. (Then eat thereof) eat from the beasts of cattle you immolated (and feed therewith the poor unfortunate).

(Then let them make an end of their unkemptness) and then let them complete the rites of their pilgrimage: shaving their heads, throwing pebbles, cutting their nails and other things (and pay their vows) and fulfil that which they made incumbent upon themselves (and go around) the obligated circumambulation (the ancient House) more ancient than any tyrant that has ever stepped on its soil; it is also said that this means: more ancient than the flood of Noah; it is also said that it is the first House ever built; and it is also said that whoever go round it will be delivered.

(That (is the command)) that which I have mentioned of rites, they have to fulfil it. (And whoso magnifieth the sacred things of Allah) i.e. the rites of the pilgrimage, (it will be well for him in the sight of his Lord) in terms of reward. (The cattle) the immolated cattle and the eating of their meat (are lawful unto you save that which has been told you) in Surah al-Ma'idah such as carrion, blood and pork. (So shun the filth of idols) so leave the drinking of intoxicants and the worship of idols, (and shun lying speech) and abstain from uttering falsehood and lies. This is because they used to say during their pilgrimage in the pre-Islamic time: " here we are, O Lord, here we are, you have no partners except for a partner that you possess and it possesses not " , and so Allah forbade them from saying this.

(Turning unto Allah (only)) be sincere to Allah in your chanting and pilgrimage, (not ascribing partners unto Him) in your chanting or pilgrimage; (for whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky and the birds had snatched him) to take him wherever they wish (or the wind had blown him to a far-off place).

(That) i.e. being thrown away far off is the lot of he who associates partners with Allah. (And whoso magnifieth the offerings consecrated to Allah) and whoever magnifies the rites of pilgrimage, and thus immolates the fattest and biggest beast of cattle, (it) the immolation of the fattest and biggest beast of cattle (surely is from devotion of the hearts) is due to the limpidity of the person's heart and his sincerity.

(Therein) in the cattle (are benefits for you) benefits in riding them and drinking their milk (for an appointed term) until they are garlanded and designated for immolation in the pilgrimage; (and afterward they are brought for sacrifice unto the ancient House) if this is a lesser pilgrimage, and they are brought for sacrifice to Mina during the greater pilgrimage.

(And for every nation) of believers (have We appointed a ritual) a location for slaughtering their sacrifices in the lesser and greater pilgrimages, (that they may mention the name of Allah over the beast of cattle) which is sacrificed (that He hath given them for food; and your God is One God) without a son or partner, (therefore surrender unto Him) be sincere to Him in worship and profession of His divine Oneness. (And give good tidings to the humble) and give good tidings to those who exert their effort and are sincere.

(Whose hearts fear when Allah is mentioned) when they are commanded with any command from Allah, (and the patient) and give good tidings to those who are patient that they will have Paradise (of whatever may befall them) of hardship and misfortune, (and those who establish worship) and give good tidings to those who perform the five daily prayers, perfecting their ablution, bowings, prostrations and all that which is obligated in their prescribed times (and who spend) in alms and in giving the poor-due (of that We have bestowed on them) of wealth.

(And the camels!) and bovines (We have appointed them) We have made them subservient to you (among the ceremonies of Allah) among the rites of the pilgrimage so that you immolate them. (Therein) in these sacrifices (ye have much good) you have much reward. (So mention the name of Allah over them when they are drawn up in lines) when you immolate them, and let them be free of defects; it is also said that this means: they should have their left foot tied up such that they stand on three. (Then when their flanks fall (dead)) after immolating them, (eat thereof) of the meat of these sacrifices (and feed the beggar) who is content with little (and the supplicant) the one who faces you but does not beg of you. (Thus have We made them subject unto you, that haply ye may give thanks) that you may give thanks to His bounty and dispensation.

(Their flesh and their blood reach not Allah) because in the pre-Islamic time they used to splash the blood of sacrifices on the walls of the Holy House and sully themselves with this blood and so Allah forbade them from doing so; it is also said that this means: Allah does not accept their flesh or blood, (but the devotion from you reacheth Him) but He accepts your pure and sincere works. (Thus have We made them subject unto ye that you may magnify Allah that He hath guided you) as He guided you to His religion and wont. (And give good tidings to the good) to those who are good in their words and deeds; and it is said that the good means: the generous with their sacrifices.

(Lo! Allah defendeth those who are true) Allah defends those who believe in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an against the disbelievers of Mecca. (Lo! Allah loveth not each treacherous ingrate) who disbelieves in Allah.

(Sanction is given unto those who fight) sanction has been given to the believers to fight the disbelievers of Mecca (because they have been wronged) the disbelievers of Mecca wronged them; (and Allah is indeed Able to give them victory) Allah is able to give the believers victory over their enemies;

(Those who have been driven from their homes) the disbelievers of Mecca drove them from their homes (unjustly) without any right or crime (only because they said: Our Lord is Allah) only because they said: there is no deity except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (For had it not been for Allah's repelling some men by means of others) and so He checks by means of the prophets the believers. And through the believers He checks the disbelievers, and through the fighters He checks those who do not take part in fighting; if it had not been for this (cloisters) the cloisters of monks (and churches) of the Jews (and oratories) the Magians' houses of fire, because these were safe from Muslims (and mosques) of the Muslims, (wherein the name of Allah is oft mentioned) repeating the formulas: �Allah is the greatest� and �there is no deity except Allah�, (would assuredly have been pulled down. Verily Allah helpeth one) against his enemies (who helpeth Him) who helps His Prophet in jihad. (Lo! Allah is Strong) to help His Prophet and whoever helps His Prophet, (Almighty) He is Mighty in His vengeance against the enemies of His Prophet.

(Those who, if We give them power in the land) We make them dwell in the land of Mecca, (establish worship) perform the five daily prayers (and pay the poor-due) from their wealth (and enjoin kindness) and enjoin Allah's divine Oneness and the following of Muhammad (pbuh) (and forbid iniquity) and forbid disbelief, idolatry and disobedience of the Messenger. (And Allah's is the sequel of events) the consequence of all matters will be Allah's in the Hereafter.

(If they deny thee) if the Quraysh deny, O Muhammad, (even so the folk of Noah) denied Noah, (and (the tribes of) 'Aad) the people of Hud denied Hud (and Thamud) the people of Salih denied Salih, (before thee) before your people, (denied) they all denied their messengers;

(And the folk of Abraham) denied Abraham (and the folk of Lot) denied Lot;

((And) the dwellers in Midian) the people of Shu'ayb denied Shu'ayb. (And Moses was denied) the Copts denied him; (but I indulged the disbelievers a long while) but I gave a reprieve to the disbelievers in their state of disbelief until the appointed time, (then I seized them) with chastisement, (and how (terrible) was My abhorrence!) see, O Muhammad, how I changed towards them through My punishment.

(How many a township) how many population of townships (have We destroyed) with chastisement (while it was sinful) while their populations were idolaters and disbelievers, (so that it lieth (to this day) in) so they remain demolished until today, (and (how many) a deserted well) and how many wells have been destroyed by their owners such that no one uses them anymore (and lofty tower!) and how many massive towers which exist but which are uninhabited!

(Have they not travelled in the land) have the people of Mecca not travelled for their trade, (and have they hearts wherewith to feel) fear and that which was done to others upon beholding and reflecting (and ears wherewith to hear) the Truth and threats? (For indeed it) seeing without reflection; it is also said that " it " here refers to the expression of idolatry (is not the eyes that grow blind) such that it ceases to see physical objects, (but it is the hearts which are within the bosoms, that grow blind) from the Truth and guidance.

(And they will bid thee) O Muhammad (hasten on the Doom) al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth wanted the chastisement to happen before its due time, (and Allah faileth not His promise) by bringing down His chastisement, (but lo! a Day) like the one in which their chastisement happens (with Allah is as a the sand years of what ye reckon) of the days of this worldly life.

(And how many a township) and how many a population of township (did I suffer long) I gave a reprieve from chastisement (though it was sinful!) though its population were idolaters and disbelievers. (Then I grasped it) I punished them in the life of this world. (Unto Me is the return) in the Hereafter.

(Say: O mankind!) O people of Mecca! (I am) from Allah (only a plain) addressing you in a language you know (warner unto you) a warning Messenger.

(Those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and do good works) good deeds between themselves and their Lord, (for them pardon) for the sins they committed in this worldly life (and a rich provision) a goodly reward in Paradise;

(While those who strive to thwart Our revelations) while those who disbelieved in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (such are rightful owners of the Fire) these are not going to escape from Our chastisement, for they are the inhabitants of hell.

(Never sent We a messenger or a Prophet before thee) O Muhammad (but when he) the Prophet (recited (the message)) or spoke (Satan proposed (opposition) about that which he recited thereof) such that he does not act upon it. (But Allah abolisheth) but Allah elucidates (that which Satan proposeth) on the tongue of His Prophet such that he does not act upon it. (Then Allah establisheth) then He clarifies (His revelations) for His Prophet in order that he acts upon them. (Allah is Knower) of that which Satan proposes, (Wise) He decrees to abolish it;

(That He may make that which the devil proposeth) on the tongue of his Prophet (a temptation) a misfortune (for those in whose hearts is a disease) doubt and opposition for acting upon it, (and those whose hearts are hardened) towards the remembrance of Allah (Lo! the evil-doers) the idolaters: al-Mughirah Ibn Shu'bah and his host (are in open schism) they are in opposition to, and enmity with, the Truth and guidance.

(And that those who have been given knowledge) those who were given knowledge of the Qur'an and the Torah, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers (may know) Allah's clarifications (that it is the Truth from thy Lord, so that they may believe therein) so that they believe the clarification of Allah (and their hearts may submit humbly unto Him) so that their hearts be sincere and accept the clarification of Allah. (Lo! Allah verily is guiding) Allah protects (those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (unto a right path) to an established religion with which Allah is pleased: i.e. Islam.

(And those who disbelieve) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, i.e. al-Walid Ibn al-Mughirah and his host (will not cease to be in doubt thereof) in doubt of the Qur'an, but wait, O Muhammad, (until the Hour) the Last Hour (come upon them unawares) all of a sudden, (or there come unto them the doom of a disastrous day) in which there is no comfort, this is the Day of Badr.

(The Sovereignty) judgement (on that day) on the Day of Judgement (will be Allah's. He will judge between them) He will judge between the believers and disbelievers. (Then those who believed) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and did good works) acts of obedience between themselves and their Lord (will be in Gardens of Delight) honoured with gifts,

(While those who disbelieved and denied Our revelations) in Our Scripture and Messenger, (for them will be a shameful doom) through which they will be humiliated; it is also said that a shameful doom means a severe chastisement.

(Those who fled their homes for the cause of Allah) from Mecca to Medina for the sake of obeying Allah, (and then were slain) in the way of Allah by the enemies (or died) while travelling or in settlement, (Allah verily will provide for them a good provision) a good reward in Paradise for those who die among them; and those who remain alive will have spoils of war and wholesome, lawful things. (Lo! Allah, He verily is Best of all who make provision) the Best of all who give sustenance in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.

(Assuredly He will cause them to enter by an entry that they will love) for themselves; it is also said that this means: they will accept, i.e. Paradise. (Lo! Allah verily is knower) of their reward and honouring, (Indulgent) by deferring the punishment of those who killed them.

(That (is so)) that is Allah's judgement between the believers and disbelievers in the Hereafter. (And whoso hath retaliated) against the killer of his relative (with the like of that which he) his relative (was made to suffer and then hath (again) been wronged) and then he transgresses again against him, (Allah will succour him) i.e. Allah will help the wronged person against the transgressor, such that he kills him and no blood money will be taken from him. This is the case of a man whose relative is killed. And so he takes blood money from the killer of his relative. But then this man proceeds to kill the killer of his relative. This man must be killed and no blood money is accepted from him. (Lo! Allah verily is Mild) He pardons whoever repents, (Forgiving) He forgives whoever dies repentant.

(That) the punishment of whoever transgresses against his brother (is because Allah maketh the night to pass into the day) He makes the night longer than the day (and maketh the day to pass into the night) and makes the day longer than the night, (and because Allah is Hearer) of what His created beings say, (Seer) of their works.

(That) the power that enables you to acknowledge and know (is because Allah, He is the True) is because the worship of Allah is the Truth, and that Allah is the Strong, (and that whereon they call) they worship (instead of Him) instead of Allah, (it is the false) it is flimsy, (and because Allah, He is the High) Higher than everything, (the Great) Greater than everything.

(Seest thou not) have you not been informed, O Muhammad, in the Qur'an (how Allah sendeth down water) rain (from the sky and then the earth becometh green) with vegetation (upon the morrow? Lo! Allah is Subtile) in making plants grow, (Aware) of their place.