Al-Furqan

And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said concerning the interpretation of Allah's saying (Blessed is): '(Blessed is) He says: He is the Possessor of grace; it is also said that this means: He is exalted and transcendent above and exonerated from having a son or partner (He Who hath revealed unto His slave) Muhammad (pbuh) (the Criterion (of right and wrong)) He Who sent Gabriel with the Qur'an, (that he) Muhammad (pbuh) (may be a warner) a Messenger warning by the Qur'an (to the peoples) the jinn and human beings.

(He unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty) the storehouses (of the heavens) rain (and the earth) vegetation. (He hath chosen no son) as claimed by the Jews and Christians (nor hath He any partner in the sovereignty) as claimed by the Arab idolaters. (He hath created everything) that which they worship and that which they do not worship (and hath meted out for it a measure) their lifespan, provision and works are all in a specific measure; it is also said that this means: He decreed for each male a female.

(Yet they) the disbelievers of Mecca: Abu Jahl and his host (choose) to worship (beside Him) beside Allah (other gods who create naught) who are unable to create anything (but are themselves created) while their deities, i.e. idols, are created and carved, (and possess) the idols (not hurt) driving away harm (nor profit) nor obtaining profit (for themselves) or for anyone else, (and possess not death) they have no ability to diminish one's life (nor life) nor to increase one's life; it is also said that this means: they are unable to create a sperm drop nor to place therein the spirit, (nor power to raise the dead) after they die.

(Those who disbelieve) the disbelievers of Mecca (say: This) Qur'an (is naught but a lie that he hath invented) that Muhammad (pbuh) has invented, (and other folk) Jabr, Yasar and Fukayhah al-Rumi (have helped him with it) to invent it, (so that they have produced a slander and a lie.

And they) al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth and his host (say: Fables of the men of old) this Qur'an is nothing but the tales and lies of the people of old (which he hath had written down) which Muhammad (pbuh) copied from Jabr and Yasar (so that they are dictated to him) to Muhammad (pbuh) (morn and evening) in the morning and the evening.

(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (He Who knoweth the secret of the heavens and the earth has revealed it) i.e. He sent Gabriel with the Qur'an. (Lo! He ever is Forgiving) He forgives those who repent among them, (Merciful) He shows mercy towards those who die in a state of repentance.

(And they say) Abu Jahl and his host, al-Nadr and his host, and Umayyah Ibn Khalaf and his host say: (What aileth this messenger (of Allah) that he eateth food) like we do (and walketh in the markets) and goes to the markets and walks there as we do? (Why is not an angel sent down unto him, to be a warner with him) to help and inform him of the evil things which are planned against him.

(Or (why is not) a treasure thrown down unto him) for him to use, (or why hath he not a Paradise) a garden (from whence to eat) and be full? (And the evil-doers) the idolaters: Abu Jahl, al-Nadr and Umayyah and their hosts (say: Ye are but following a man) Muhammad (bewitched) who is possessed and mad.

(See how they coin similitudes for thee) see how they explain things to you and call you names: magician, fortune teller, liar, poet, and madman; it is also said that this means: see how they liken you to a bewitched person, (so that they are all astray) their scheming went amiss and they fell in error (and cannot find a road) they cannot find a way out of what they said about you, nor do they have any proof about what they say about you!

(Blessed is He) He says: Exalted is He (Who, if He will) and He does will, (will assign you better than (all) that) than all what they said. (Gardens) in the Hereafter (underneath which) beneath its trees and habitations (rivers) of wine, water, honey and milk (flow, and will assign you mansions) and He has indeed assigned you in Paradise mansions of gold and silver which are better for you than that which they say; and it is also said that this means: if Allah wills, he will assign to you in this worldly life that which they requested of you: mansions and gardens, i.e. He will make you conquer towers and townships, in the East and the West, in spite of the disbelievers.

(Nay, but they deny the Hour) they deny the coming of the Hour, (and for those who deny (the coming of) the Hour We have prepared a Flame) the Fire and its fuel.

(When it) the Fire (seeth them from afar) from a distance of 500 years, (they bear the cracking) the exasperation which is akin to that of human beings (and the roar) similar to the braying of a donkey (thereof) coming from the Fire.

(And when they are flung into a narrow place) the narrowness of an arrowhead (thereof) in the Fire, (chained together) chained with the satans, (they pray for destruction there) at that point, in despair they pray.

Allah will say to them: (Pray not that day for one destruction, but pray for many destructions) for what has befallen you!

(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca, Abu Jahl and his host: (Is that (doom)) are destruction and fire which I mentioned to you (better or the Garden of Immortality) for Muhammad and his Companions (which is promised unto those who ward off (evil)) disbelief, idolatry and indecencies? (It) the Garden of Immortality (will be their reward and journey's end) in the Hereafter.

(Therein) in the Garden (abiding) never to die or come out, (they have all that they desire) and wish. (It is for thy Lord a promise that must be fulfilled) they asked Him and He gave them.

(And on the day) which is the Day of Judgement (when He will assemble them) i.e. those who worship idols (and that which they worship instead of Allah) of idols (and will say) Allah will say to the idols; and it is said: He will say to the angels: (Was it ye who misled these my slaves) from My obedience and commanded them to worship you (or did they (themselves) wander from the way) and worshipped you out of their own whims?

(They) the idols (will say: Be Thou glorified) they exonerated Him! (It was not for us) we had no right (to choose) to worship (any protecting friends beside Thee) as lords; it is also said that this means: they said, i.e. the angels, glory be to You! We were not permitted to worship any lords besides You, so how could we have command them to worship us? (but Thou didst give them and their fathers) before them (ease) You gave them a reprieve in their state of disbelief (till they forgot the warning) until they shunned professing Your divine Oneness and refrained from worshipping you (and became lost folk) doomed for destruction and whose hearts became evil.

(Thus they will give you the lie regarding what ye say, then ye) i.e. the disbelievers (can neither avert) avert the angels, and it is said this means: avert the idols from testifying against them or avert the chastisement from themselves (nor obtain help) backup. (And whoso among you doeth wrong) whoever among you, O Muslims, disbelieves; it is also said that this means: whosever of you, O disbelievers, remains firm in his disbelief, (We shall make him taste great torment) in the Fire.

(We never sent before you) O Muhammad (any messengers but lo! they ate food) as you do; this is in response to the disbelievers of Mecca who said: (What ails this messenger (of Allah) that he eats food), (and walked in the markets) just as you walk. (And We have appointed some of you a test) a trial (for others) We test the pure Arab with the client, and the noble by birth with the lowly and the rich with the poor; Allah said to Abu Jahl and his host: (Will ye be steadfast) with the Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) Salman and his fellow believers, such that you become with them, in relation to Religion and other matters, equal and that you sit together with them? (And thy Lord is ever Seer) that they will not be steadfast regarding this. It is also said that this means: will you be steadfast, O Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) in the face of their harm until I grant you the reward of the steadfast, and your Lord sees who believes among you and who does not?

(And those who look not for a meeting with Us) those who do not believe in resurrection after death, i.e. Abu Jahl and his host (say: Why are angels not sent down unto us) to inform us that Allah sent you to us (and (why) do we not see our Lord) to ask Him about you? (Assuredly they think too highly of themselves) to simply believe; it is also said that this means: they think too highly of themselves when they ask to see Allah, (and are scornful with great pride) refusing to believe; it is also said that they dared to ask for a tremendous thing when they asked for the angels to come to them.

(On the day) which is the Day of Judgement (when they behold the angels) at the moment of death, (on that day there will be no good tidings) the angels will say to them: there is no good tidings, i.e. there is no Paradise (for the guilty) for the idolaters; (and they will cry) i.e. the angels will cry: (A forbidding ban) the glad tiding of Paradise is forbidden for the disbelievers; and it is also said that this means: the disbelievers will say upon seeing the angels: let a great distance be between you and us!

(And We shall turn unto the work they did) the good work they did in the life of this world (and make it) in the Hereafter (scattered motes) like scattered dust in the hooves of beasts; it is also said that this means: like tiny particles of dust which can be seen when, from a hole, light enters into a dark place, but these particles cannot be touched even though one can see them.

(Those who have earned the Garden) Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions (on that day) the Day of Judgement (will be better in their home) abode (and happier in their place of noonday rest) better and happier than the homes and places of Abu Jahl and their hosts;

(A day when the heaven with the clouds will be rent asunder) for the descent of Allah and this descent is without any modality (bi-la kayf) (and the angels will be sent down, a grand descent) one after another.

(The Sovereignty) judgement (on that day will be the True (Sovereignty)) justice (belonging to the Beneficent One, and it will be a hard day for disbelievers) the hardship of that Day is very severe on them.

(On the day when the wrong-doer) the disbeliever, i.e. 'Uqbah Ibn Ma'it (gnaweth his hands) his fingers, (he will say: Ah, would that I had chosen a way together with the messenger (of Allah)) would that I had chosen, and were upright in following the religion of the Prophet!

(Alas for me! Ah, would that I had never taken such an one) Ubayy Ibn Khalaf (for friend) following his religion!

(He verily led me astray from the Reminder) from Allah's divine Oneness and obedience (after it had reached me) after Muhammad (pbuh) reached me with Allah's divine Oneness. (Satan was ever man's deserter in the hour of need) he lets him down at the time of need.

(And the messenger) Muhammad (pbuh) (saith: O my Lord! Lo! mine own folk make this Qur'an of no account) they speak ill of it, they do not believe in it and do not act upon its teachings.

(Even so) just as We have appointed Abu Jahl as your enemy (have We appointed unto every Prophet) before you (an opponent from among the guilty) from the idolaters of his people; (but Allah sufficeth for a Guide) a Preserver (and Helper) and Defender against what they plot against you.

(And those who disbelieve) Abu Jahl and his host (say: Why is the Qur'an not revealed unto him all at once) just like the Torah was revealed all at once to Moses, and the Gospel to Jesus and the Psalms to David? ((It is revealed) thus) He says: We have sent Gabriel with the Qur'an in instalments (that We may strengthen thy heart therewith) that We may gladden your heart and preserve your heart; (and We have arranged it in right order) We exposited it by detailing the commands and prohibitions; it is also said that this means: We have sent Gabriel with the Qur'an in instalments verse after verse.

(And they bring thee) O Muhammad (no similitude) no description, proof or explanation (but We bring thee the Truth) with a description, exposition and proof that contradict their proof (and better (than their similitude) as argument) and better explanation and proof than their proof.

(Those who will be gathered) will be dragged (on their faces unto hell) i.e. Abu Jahl and his host: (such are worse in plight) they have a worse abode in the Hereafter and worse works in this worldly life (and further from the right road) from the Truth and guidance.

(We verify gave Moses the Scripture) the Torah (and placed with him his brother Aaron as henchman) as helper.

(Then We said: Go together unto the folk who have denied Our revelations) those who disbelieved in Our nine signs, i.e. Pharaoh and his people, the Copts. (Then We destroyed them, a complete destruction) by drowning them.

(And Noah's folk) and We destroyed the people of Noah, (when they denied the messengers) i.e. Noah and the rest of messengers, (We drowned them) by means of the flood (and made of them a portent for mankind) We made them an admonition for other people so that they do not follow their example. (We have prepared a painful doom) in the Fire (for evil-doers) for the idolaters, the idolaters of Mecca.

(And (the tribes of) 'Aad) and We destroyed the people of Hud (and Thamud) the people of Salih, (and the dwellers in Ar-Rass) the people of Shu'ayb, (and many generations in between) We destroyed them all, even though We have not mentioned them by name.

(Each (of them) We warned by examples) We explained to each generation the chastisement We inflicted upon the generations before them, but still they did not believe, (and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin) one after the other.

(And indeed they) the people of Mecca (have passed by the township) the town of Lot (whereon was rained the fatal rain) a rain of stones. (Can it be that they have not seen it) have they not seen what was done to it and to its people, and thus refrain from disbelieving in you and in what you say? (Nay, but they hope for no resurrection) they do not fear resurrection after death.

(And when they) the disbelievers of Mecca (see thee (O Muhammad) they treat thee only as a jest) they only speak to you in jest and derision ((saying): Is this he whom Allah sendeth as a messenger) to us?

(He would have led us far away from our gods) from the worship of our deities (if we had not been staunch to them) if we had not been staunch in worshipping them. (They will know) this is a threat to them from Allah, (when they behold the doom, who is more astray as to the road) as to Religion and proof.

(Hast thou) O Muhammad (seen him who chooseth for his god his own lust) who worshipped his god, i.e. al-Nadr and his host, out of the whim of his ego? (Wouldst thou) O Muhammad (then be guardian over him) a protector against going out for such corruption? But this was abrogated by the verse of jihad; it is also said that this means: would you be their protector from chastisement?

(Or deemest thou) O Muhammad (that most of them hear) the Truth (or understand) such Truth when they listen to your words? (They are) in relation to understanding the Truth (but as the cattle) which know nothing but eating and drinking; they are with regard to the Truth like this, (nay, but they are farther astray) from proof and Religion! Because the cattle have no ability to understand proofs.

(Hast thou not seen how thy Lord hath spread the shade) after sunrise and before sunset, from the East to the West. (And if He willed He could have made it) i.e. the shade (still) with no sun, (then We have made the sun its) the shade's (pilot) wherever one finds the sun one expects to find the shade before that; it is also said that this means: a guide which comes after it;

(Then We withdraw it) i.e. the shade (unto Us, a gradual withdrawal) a slight-or as it is said: hidden-withdrawal?

(And He it is Who maketh night a covering for you) which covers everything, (and sleep repose) for your bodies, (and maketh day a resurrection) a pursuit for your livelihood.

(And He it is Who sendeth the winds, glad tidings heralding His mercy) rain, (and We send down purifying water from the sky) water which purifies and cannot be purified.

(That We may give life thereby to a dead land) a land that has no vegetation, (and We give many beasts and men that We have created to drink thereof.

And verily We have repeated it) the rain (among them) year after year (that they may remember) that they may take heed, (but most of mankind begrudge aught save in gratitude) they refused and stayed firm in ingratitude towards Allah and His blessings.

(If We willed, We could raise up) We could have sent (a warner) a warning messenger (in every village) to the people of every village. Instead, We have sent you to all mankind as a Messenger so that reward and honour will be all yours.

(So obey not the disbelievers) Abu Jahl and his host regarding hat which they ask of you, (but strive against them herewith) by means of the Qur'an (with a great endeavour) by the sword.

(And He it is Who hath given independence to the two seas (though they meet); one palatable, sweet, and the other saltish, bitter; and hath set a bar) a barrier between the sweet and the salty (and a forbidding ban between them) preventing either one from transgressing against the other, such as to make the taste of either of them change.

(And He it is Who hath created man from water) from the water of the male and female, (and hath appointed for him kindred by blood) who are unmarriageable (and kindred by marriage) who are marriageable, whether they are relatives or not; (for thy Lord is) in relation to the lawful and the unlawful which He created (ever Powerful.

Yet they) the disbelievers of Mecca (worship instead of Allah that which can neither benefit them) in this world or in the next, if they worshipped and obeyed them (nor hurt them) in this world or in the next, if they were to disobey them and abstain from their worship. (The disbeliever) Abu Jahl (was ever a partisan) rebellious (against his Lord) it is also that this means: he is always a helper, through his disbelief, to the disbelievers against his Lord.

(And We have sent thee) O Muhammad to the people of Mecca (only as a bearer of good tidings) Paradise (and a warner) from the Fire.

(Say) O Muhammad to the people of Mecca: (I ask of you no reward) no payment or provision (for this) for professing Allah's divine Oneness and for the Qur'an, (save that whoso will may choose a way unto his Lord) through faith; it is also said that this means: save for the one who desires to profess Allah's divine Oneness and by means of this profession tread a way back to his Lord whereby he will find his reward.

(And trust thou) O Muhammad (in the Living One Who dieth not) and do not trust in those living who die such as Abu Talib or Khadijah, nor trust yet in the dead who have no movement, (and hymn His praise) and pray by His command. (He sufficeth as the Knower of His bondmen's sins) He is aware of the sins of His bondmen,

(Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them) of created beings and marvels (in six Days) of the beginning of creation, the length of each day was 1,000 years of the days that you count presently; the first day was Sunday and the last day Friday, (then He mounted the Throne. The Beneficent! Ask any one informed concerning Him) ask those who possess knowledge about Allah, and they will inform you!

(And when it is said unto them) to the people of Mecca: (Adore the Beneficent) submit to the Beneficent through the profession of Allah's divine Oneness! (they say: And what is the Beneficent) we do not know anyone with this name except Musaylimah the liar? (Are we to adore whatever thou (Muhammad) biddest us) a manifest lie? (And it) i.e. the mention of the Beneficent; and it is said: the mention of the Qur'an; and it is said the call of the Prophet (pbuh) (increaseth aversion in them) from faith.

(Blessed be He) He is the Possessor of grace He (Who hath placed in the heaven mansions of the stars) and it is said that this means: mansions, (and hath placed therein) in the heaven (a great lamp) the sun shining during the day for the children of Adam (and a moon giving light) to the Children of Adam during the night!

(And He it is Who hath appointed night and day in succession) to each other, (for him who desireth to remember) to take admonition in their succession, (or desireth thankfulness) or desires to do righteous works, whatever he left undone at night he does it during the day, and whatever he left undone during the day he does it at night.

(The (faithful) slaves of the Beneficent) the elite of the Beneficent (are they who walk upon the earth modestly) with humility from the fear of Allah, (and when the foolish ones) the disbelievers and sinners (address them answer: Peace) they answer with that which is good and say only nice words;

(And who spend the night before their Lord) praying, (prostrate and standing) in the night prayer,

(And who say: Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Avert from us the doom of hell; lo! the doom thereof is anguish) binding and persistent;

(Lo! it is wretched as abode and station) dwelling;

Allah then mentioned their spending, saying: (And those who, when they spend, are neither prodigal) they are not prodigal with regard to transgression (nor grudging) they do not withhold that which is right; (and there is ever a firm station) a middle ground (between the two) between prodigality and being miserly;

(And those who cry not unto) worship not (any other god along with Allah) among the idols, (nor take the life which Allah hath forbidden) to kill nor declare it lawful to be killed (save in (course of) justice) through stoning, retaliation or apostasy, (nor commit adultery) nor deem adultery lawful (and whoso doeth this) i.e. deem it lawful (shall pay the penalty) a valley in the Fire; and it is said: a well in the Fire;

(The doom will be doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein) in the doom (disdained) humiliated (for ever;

Save him who repenteth) from his disbelief (and believeth) in Allah (and doth righteous work) sincerely after he accepts faith; (as for such, Allah will change their evil deeds to good deeds) Allah will change them from the state of disbelief to the state of faith, from disobedience to obedience, from the worship of idols to His worship, and from evil to goodness. (Allah is ever Forgiving) He forgives whoever repents, (Merciful) He shows mercy towards whoever dies in a state of repentance.

(And whosoever repenteth) from sins (and does good) sincerely between him and his Lord, (he verily repenteth towards Allah with true repentance) he will find the reward of this with his Lord.

(And those who will not witness vanity) those who do not attend the sessions of false testimony, (but when they pass near senseless play) the assemblies of falsehood, (pass by with dignity) they avoid them out of clemency.

(And those who, when they are reminded of) admonished about (the revelations of their Lord, fall not deaf) unable to hear (and blind) unable to see while being very capable of hearing and seeing (thereat) the signs of Allah.

(And who say: Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Vouchsafe us comfort of our wives and of our offspring) make our wives and offspring righteous so that we may find comfort in them, (and make us patterns for (all) those who ward off (evil)) make us righteous so that they emulate us.

(They) those who have such traits (will be awarded the high place) the highest ranks in Paradise (forasmuch as they were steadfast) in obedience of Allah and in bearing poverty and misfortune, (and they will meet therein) in Paradise (with welcome) from Allah (and the word of peace) the angels will meet them in Paradise with greeting and peace from Allah,

(Abiding there for ever) they will remain in Paradise for ever, neither to die nor leave. (Happy is it as abode) as habitation (and station!) and dwelling!