Al-'Ankabut

And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said regarding the interpretation of Allah's saying (Alif. Lam. Mim.): '(Alif. Lam. Mim.) He says: I am Allah, I know; it is also said that it is an oath by which Allah swore because of His saying: (Lo! We tested those who were before you).

(Do men) do the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh) (imagine that they will be left) that they be given a reprieve after Muhammad (pbuh) (because they say, We believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (and will not be tested with affliction) and will not be tried with caprice, blameworthy innovations and the violation of sanctities?

(Lo! We tested those who were before you) before the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh) after the demise of their prophets, with caprice, blameworthy innovations and the violation of sanctities. (Thus Allah knoweth) in order that Allah sees and distinguishes (those who are sincere) in their faith by avoiding caprice, blameworthy innovation and by shunning that which is unlawful, (and knoweth those who feign) i.e. the insincere in their faith who follow caprice, blameworthy innovation and the violation of sanctities.

The following was revealed about Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham, al-Walid Ibn al-Mughirah and 'Utbah and Shaybah the sons of Rabi'ah who had duals with 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be well pleased with him, Hamzah Ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (pbuh) and 'Ubaydah Ibn al-Harth Ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib on the Day of Badr; some of them boasted to others, and so Allah said: (Or do those who do ill deeds) in their state of associating partners with Allah (imagine that they can outstrip Us) that they will evade Our punishment: (Evil (for them) is that which they decide) evil is that which they judge and think for themselves.

(Whoso looketh forward to) whoever fears (the meeting with Allah (let him know that) Allah's reckoning) resurrection after death (is surely nigh) will surely happen, (and He is the Hearer) of what both parties said on the Day of Badr, (the Knower) of that which befalls them.

It was then revealed about 'Ali and his two fellow companions and the boasting they had uttered: (And whosoever striveth) in the way of Allah on the Day of Badr, (striveth only for himself) he has the reward of that, (for lo! Allah is altogether Independent of (His) creatures) He is free of need for the striving of His creatures.

(And as for those who believe) 'Ali and his two fellow companions (and do good works) and perform acts of obedience between themselves and their Lord, (We shall remit from them their evil deeds) We shall expiate their minor sins but not the enormities they commit (and shall repay them the best that they did) in their striving.

(We have enjoined on man) We have commanded Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas (kindness to parents) dutifulness towards his parents: Malik and Hamnah Bint Abi Sufyan; (but if they strive to make thee) but if they command you or want you to (join with Me) to make equal to Me (that of which thou hast no knowledge) that he is My partner and you know that he is not My partner, (then obey them not) in their idolatry; that is because his parents were idolaters. (Unto Me is your return) your return as well as your parents' (and I shall tell you what ye used to do) of good and evil in your state of faith or disbelief.

(And as for those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and do good works) acts of obedience between them and their Lord at all times, (We verily shall make them enter in among the righteous) with the righteous in Paradise: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (the Veracious), 'Umar al-Faruq (the Distinguisher (between good and evil)), 'Uthman of the two lights, and 'Ali the trustworthy, may Allah be well pleased with all of them.

(Of mankind) this is 'Ayyash Ibn Abi Rabi'ah al-Makhzumi (is he who saith: We believe in Allah) we are sincere in our profession of Allah's divine Oneness, (but, if he be made to suffer for the sake of Allah) if he is tortured for the sake of Allah's religion, (he mistaketh the persecution of mankind) their flogging (for Allah's punishment) in the Fire; such that he abandons Islam and reverts to his old religion; (and then, if victory cometh from your Lord) the conquest of Mecca, (will say) 'Ayyash and his host will say: (Lo! we were with you (all the while)) following your religion. (Is not Allah best aware of what is in the bosoms of (His) creatures) of good and evil? 'Ayyash and his friends embraced Islam afterwards and lived as good Muslims.

(Verily Allah knoweth) He sees and distinguishes (those who believe) in private and openly, (and verily He knoweth) He sees and distinguishes (the hypocrites) on the Day of Badr.

(Those who disbelieve) the disbelievers of Mecca, Abu Jahl and his host (say unto those who believe) 'Ali, Salman [al-Farisi] and their fellow believers: (Follow our way) our religion which consists of worshipping idols (and we verily will bear your sins (for you)) on the Day of Judgement. (They cannot bear aught of their sins) on the Day of Judgement. (Lo! they verily are liars) regarding what they claim.

(But they verily will hear their own loads) their sins on the Day of Judgement (and other loads) the sins of those they misled (beside their own) in addition to their own sins, (and they verily will be questioned on the nay of Resurrection concerning that which they invented) concerning their lie against Allah.

(And verily We sent Noah (as Our messenger) unto his folk, and he continued with them for a thousand years save fifty years) calling them to profess Allah's divine Oneness but they did not respond to him; (and the flood engulfed them) and Allah destroyed them by the flood, (for they were wrong-doers) they were disbelievers.

(And We rescued him) Noah (and those with him in the ship) and those who believed in him who were aboard the ship, (and made of it) i.e. the ship of Noah (a portent) a lesson (for the peoples) after them.

(And Abraham! (Remember)) and We sent Abraham to his people (when he said unto his folk: serve Allah) declare Allah's divine Oneness, (and keep your duty unto Him) fear him and obey Him by repenting from disbelief, idolatry and idol worship; (that is better for you) than the state in which you are now (if ye did but know) this and believe in it; but neither do you know this nor believe in it.

(Ye serve instead of Allah only idols) stones, (and ye only invent a lie) carving with your own hand what you worship beside Allah. (Lo! those whom ye serve instead of Allah) of idols (own no provision for you) they are unable to provide your sustenance. (So seek your provision from Allah, and serve Him) declare His divine Oneness, (and give thanks unto Him) through the profession of Allah's divine Oneness, ((for) unto Him ye will be brought back) after death and He will reward each according to his works.

(But if ye deny) the message brought by Muhammad (pbuh) (then nations have denied before you) the messages brought by their messengers and We destroyed them as a consequence. (The messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly) on behalf of Allah in a language they understand.

(See they not) have the disbelievers of Mecca not been informed in the Book (how Allah produceth creation) from a sperm drop, (then reproduceth it) on the Day of Judgement? (Lo! for Allah that is easy) its production and reproduction is easy.

(Say) O Muhammad: (Travel in the land and see how He) how Allah (originated creation) from a sperm drop and then destroyed them after that, (then Allah bringeth forth the later growth) then Allah creates the creation on the Day of Judgement. (Lo! Allah is Able to do all things) of creation, resurrection, life and death.

(He punisheth whom He will) He makes die whoever He will as a disbeliever and thus torments him (and showeth mercy unto whom He will) and makes to die whoever He will as a believer and thus shows mercy upon him, (and unto Him ye will be turned) after death and He will reward each according to his works.

(Ye cannot) O people of Mecca (escape) from His torment (in the earth) from the people of earth (or in the sky) or from the dwellers of the sky, (and beside Allah) beside Allah's punishment (there is for you no friend) to benefit you (nor helper) to save you from Allah's torment.

(Those who disbelieve in the revelations of Allah) those who disbelieve in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, i.e. the Jews, Christians and all other disbelievers (and in (their) Meeting with Him) and also disbelieve in resurrection after death, (such) who have these traits (have no hope of My mercy) of My Paradise; the reference here is to the Jews and Christians; they have no hope that in Paradise there will be food, drink and sexual intercourse. (For such there is a painful doom.

But the answer of his folk was) the response of Abraham's folk when he called them to believe in Allah was (only that they said: �Kill him� or �Burn him�.) or throw him in the Fire. (Then Allah saved him from the Fire) without harm. (Lo! Herein) in that which We did with the folk of Abraham (verily are portents) lessons (for folk who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an.

(He said) Abraham said to his people: (Ye have chosen) you have worshipped (idols) stones (instead of Allah. The love) the connection (between you is only in the life of the world) it will not last. (Then on the Day of Resurrection ye will deny each other) you absolve yourselves from each other (and curse each other, and your abode) your destination (will be the Fire) i.e. the worshipper and the worshipped, (and ye will have no helpers) to save you from Allah's torment.

(And Lot believed him) he believed in Abraham, (and said) and Abraham said: (Lo! I am a fugitive unto my Lord) I am returning to the obedience of my Lord; and he left Harran for Palestine. (Lo! He, only He, is the Mighty) in retribution against them, (the Wise) He decreed that one should move from one country to another for growth and the protection of one's religion.

(And We bestowed on him) on Abraham (Isaac) as a son (and Jacob) as a grandson, (and We established the prophethood and the Scripture among his seed) He says: We honoured his progeny with prophethood and Scriptures and righteous offspring; for there were among them prophets and Scriptures, (and We gave him his reward in the world) We honoured him with prophethood, a good reputation and righteous offspring in this worldly life, (and lo! in the Hereafter he verily is among the righteous) with his forefathers, the messengers, in Paradise.

(And Lot!) We sent Lot to his folk ((Remember) when he said unto his folk: Lo! ye commit lewdness) sodomy (such as no creature did before you) He said: no one before has ever committed your abominable act.

(For come ye not in unto males) do you not have sexual intercourse with men, (and cut ye not the road (for travellers)) and it is also said that this means: you cut off the continuation of progeny by your abominable act, (and commit ye not abomination in your meetings) they used to indulge in ten different kinds of indecency? (But the answer of his folk) the folk of Lot (was only that they said: Bring Allah's doom upon us if thou art a truth-teller) if you are true that we will be punished unless we accept faith!

(He said) Lot said: (My Lord! Give me victory) by sending Your punishment (over folk who work corruption) on the idolaters.

(And when Our messengers) Gabriel and the angels who were with him (brought Abraham the good news) that he will have a son, (they said) to Abraham: (Lo! we are about to destroy the people of that township) the township of Lot, (for its people are wrong-doers) they are idolaters who brought destruction upon themselves because of their abominable acts.

(He said) Abraham said: (Lo! Lot is there) so how could you destroy them, O Gabriel? (They) i.e. Gabriel and the angels with him (said: We are best aware of who is there. We are to deliver him and his household) his daughters Za'ura and Raytha, (all save his wife) Wa'ilah the hypocrite, (who is of those who stay behind) and be destroyed.

(And when Our messengers) Gabriel and the angels who were with him (came unto Lot, he was troubled upon their account) he disliked their coming, (for he could not protect them) from the abominable act of his people; (but they) Gabriel and the angels (said: Fear not) for us, (nor grieve) about us, for fear of our peril! (Lo! we are to deliver you) from your people (and your household) and your two daughters, ((all) save your wife) the hypocrite, (who is of those who stay behind) and be destroyed.

(Lo! we are about to bring down upon folk of this township a fury) a torment (from the sky) hurling upon them stones (because they are evil-livers) because they are disbelievers and transgressors.

(And verily of that) of the township of Lot (We have left a clear sign for people who have sense) for people who believe and know what was done to them so that they do not emulate them.

(And unto Midian We sent Shu'ayb, their brother) their Prophet. (He said: O my people! Serve Allah) declare the divine Oneness of Allah, (and look forward to the Last Day) and fear the Day of Judgement, (and do not evil, making mischief, in the earth) do not engage in transgressions and corruption in the earth.

(But they denied him) they rejected his message, (and the dreadful earthquake took them) as a punishment, (and morning found them prostrate in their dwelling-place) and morning found them dead in their compound, without any movement.

(And (the tribes of) 'Aad) We destroyed the people of Hud (and Thamud) and We destroyed the people of Salih! ((Their fate) is manifest unto you) O people of Mecca (from their (ruined and deserted) dwellings. Satan made their deeds seem fair unto them) in their state of idolatry, hardship and comfort (and so debarred them from the Way) the Truth and guidance, (though they were keen observers) they thought they followed the Truth when they did not.

(And Korah) We destroyed Korah, (Pharaoh and Haman) Pharaoh's aid! (Moses came unto them with clear proofs) with commands, prohibitions and signs, (but they were boastful in the land) they were too proud to accept faith and they rejected the signs. (And they were not winners) they did not escape from Allah's torment.

(So We took each one) each folk (in his sin) while in their state of idolatry; (of them was he on whom We sent a hurricane) of stones: the people of Lot, (and of them was he who was overtaken by the (Awful) Cry) as punishment: the people of Shu'ayb and Salih, (and of them was he whom We caused the earth to swallow) Korah and those with him, (and of them was he whom We drowned) in the sea: Pharaoh and his host. (It was not for Allah to wrong them) by destroying them, (but they wronged themselves) through disbelief, idolatry and giving the lie to the messengers.

(The likeness of those who choose) worshipped (other patrons than Allah) idols as Lords (is as the likeness of the spider when she taketh unto herself a house, and lo! the frailest of all houses is the spider's house) He says: the spider's web does not protect the spider from heat nor from cold; and idols do not protect those who worship them in this worldly life nor in the Hereafter, (if they but knew) this similitude; but they do not know nor believe in it.

(Lo! Allah knoweth what thing they invoke) they worship (instead of Him) of idols do not benefit them in this worldly life nor in the Hereafter. (He is the Mighty) in retribution against those who worship them, (the Wise) He decreed that none should be worshipped except Him.

(As for these similitudes, We coin them) We explain them (for mankind, but none will grasp their meaning) i.e. the meaning of the similitude of the Qur'an (save the wise) those who profess Allah's divine Oneness.

(Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth) for the Truth, not for falsehood. (Lo! Therein) in the similitudes that I coined (is indeed a portent) a lesson (for believers) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an.

(Recite that which hath been inspired in thee of the Scripture) He says: recite unto them, O Muhammad, that which Gabriel brought down to you, i.e. the Qur'an, (and establish worship) fulfil the five daily prayers. (Lo! worship preserveth from lewdness) transgressions (and iniquity) that which is unknown in the Shari'ah or Sunnah; as long as one performs the prayers, they will prevent one from lewdness and iniquity, (but verily remembrance of Allah is more important) He says: Allah's remembrance of you, through His forgiveness and reward, is greater than your remembrance of Him during the prayer. (And Allah knoweth what ye do) whether it is good or evil.

(And argue not with the People of the Scripture) the Jews and Christians (unless it be in (a way) that is better) i.e. by the Qur'an, (save with such of them as do wrong) from among the delegation of Najran, then you can do so by means of Mula'anah; (and say: We believe in that which has been revealed unto us) i.e. the Qur'an (and revealed unto you) the Torah and the Gospel; (our God and your God is One) He has no son or partner, (and unto Him we surrender) we are sincere to Him in our worship and profession of Allah's divine Oneness, and we believe in Him.

(In like manner We have revealed unto thee the Scripture) He says: thus We sent Gabriel to you with the Scripture so that you recite to them that which it contains of commands, prohibitions and similitudes, (and those unto whom We gave the Scripture aforetime) those to whom We gave the knowledge of the Torah, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers (will believe therein) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an; (and of these (also)) of the people of Mecca (there are some who believe therein) who believe in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an. (And none deny our revelations) i.e. Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (save the disbelievers) Ka'b and his host and Abu Jahl and his host.

(And thou (O Muhammad) were not a reader of any scripture before it) before the Qur'an, (nor didst thou write it with thy right hand, for) if you could read or write (then might those have doubted, who follow falsehood) then the Jews, Christians and idolaters would have doubted, for it is mentioned in the Scriptures of the Jews and Christians that you are unlettered.

(But it) your attributes and description (is clear revelations) are clear signs whose knowledge is (in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge) the knowledge of the Torah; it is also said this means: the Qur'an consists of clear verses which explain the lawful and the unlawful, the commands and prohibitions, and this is preserved in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge of the Qur'an, (and none deny our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (save wrong-doers) the disbelievers: the Jews, Christians and idolaters.

(And they say) the Jews, Christians and idolaters say: (Why are not portents) signs (sent down upon him) upon Muhammad (from his Lord) as were sent down to Moses and Jesus? (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Portents are with Allah only) signs are from Allah only, (and I am but a plain warner) a warning messenger addressing you in a language you understand.

(Is it not enough for them) i.e. for the people of Mecca as a sign for your prophethood, O Muhammad, (that We have sent down unto thee the Scripture) We sent down Gabriel with the Qur'an (which is read unto them) and relating to them the commands, prohibitions and the events of past nations? (Lo! Herein) i.e. in the Qur'an (verily is mercy) that saves from chastisement, for those who believe in it, (and a reminder) an admonition (for folk who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an.

(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Allah sufficeth for witness between me and you) that I am His Messenger. (He knoweth whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth) of created beings. (And those who believe in vanity) in the devil (and disbelieve in Allah, they it is who are the losers) who will be tormented, i.e. Abu Jahl and his host.

(They bid thee) O Muhammad (hasten on the doom (of Allah). And if a term had not been appointed, the doom would assuredly have come unto them) before its due time. (And verily it will come upon them suddenly when they perceive not) its coming down upon them.

(They bid you) O Muhammad (hasten on the doom) in the life of this world, (when lo! Hell verily will encompass the disbelievers) and gather them all together.

(On the day when the doom will overwhelm them) will seize them (from above them) from above their heads (and from beneath their feet) upon being cast in the Fire, (and He will say) to them: (Taste what ye used to do) because of what you used to do and say in your state of disbelief!

(O my bondmen who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an! i.e. Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'Ali and their fellow believers (Lo! My earth) the land of Medina (is spacious) is safe, therefore travel to it. (Therefore serve Me only) obey Me only.

(Every soul) every creature possessed of a breath (will taste of death. Then unto Us you will be returned) after death and you will be rewarded according to your works.

(Those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and do good works) and perform acts of obedience between themselves and their Lord, (them verily We shall house in lofty dwellings of the Garden underneath which) beneath its trees and dwellings (rivers) rivers of wine, water, honey and milk (flow. There they will dwell secure) they will dwell therein forever. (How sweet the guerdon of the toilers) the reward of those who do good,

(Who persevere) who are steadfast in performing the commands of Allah and in facing hardship, (and put their trust in their Lord) and not in anyone other than Him!

But when Allah commanded them to migrate to Medina, they said: " we do not have anyone there to give us shelter, food or drink ". And so Allah said: (And how many an animal there is that beareth not its own provision) for the morrow, except ants who store their yearly provision! (Allah provideth for it) for the animal that stores its provision and the animal that does not (and for you) O believers. (He is the Hearer) when you say: " who will provide for us? " , (the Knower) of your sustenance; He knows from whence to provide for you.

(And if thou wert to ask them) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca: (Who created the heavens and the earth, and constrained) and made subservient (the sun and the moon? they would say) the disbelievers of Mecca would say: (Allah) created and made them subservient. (How then are they turned away?) How then do they lie against Allah?

(Allah maketh the provision wide for whom He will of His bondmen) He gives abundant wealth to whom He will of His servants; and this is a lure to perdition for them, (and straiteneth it for whom (He will)) out of care for them. (Lo! Allah is Aware of all things) regarding giving in abundance or straitening His provision.

(And if thou wert to ask them) i.e. the people of Mecca: (Who causeth water) the rain (to come down from the sky, and therewith reviveth the earth after its death) after its drought and dryness? (they) the disbelievers of Mecca (verily would say: Allah) causes it to come down. (Say: Praise be to Allah) thanks to Allah for it! (But most of them) all of them (have no sense) do not know and do not believe in it.

(This life of the world) the comfort and embellishment which is the life of the world (is but a pastime) exhilaration (and a game) and falsehood which does not last. (Lo! the home of the Hereafter) i.e. Paradise (that is Life) wherein its inhabitant never die, (if they but knew) if they but believed, but they do not know this nor believe in it.

(And when they) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (mount upon the ships they pray to Allah) for safety, (making their faith pure for Him only) addressing Him alone in their call, (but when He bringeth them safe to land, behold! they ascribe partners (unto Him)) they associate idols with Him,

(That they may disbelieve in that which We have given them) such that they disbelieve in the bounties that We have given them, (and that they may take their ease) live comfortably in their state of disbelief. (But they will come to know) what will be done with them upon the descent of torment upon them.

(Have they not seen) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (that We have appointed a sanctuary immune (from violence)) such that they are not attacked in the Sacred Precinct, (while mankind are ravaged all around them) by their enemies? (Do they then believe in falsehood) do they believe in the devil and idols (and disbelieve in the bounty of Allah) which He gave them in the Sacred Precinct, thus rejecting Allah's divine Oneness?

(Who doeth greater wrong) who is more insolent towards, and bolder against, Allah (than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah) thus ascribing to Him a son and partners, (or denieth the Truth) or denies Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (when it cometh unto him) when Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an come to him? (Is not there a home in hell for disbelievers) Abu Jahl and his host?

(As for those who strive in Us) in Our obedience; Ibn 'Abbas said this means: those who strive for Our Word, (We surely guide them to Our paths) i.e. whoever acts upon what he knows, We shall give him success to know that which he do not know; it is also said that this means: We shall honour them with a natural aptitude, easiness and sweetness [of faith]; it is also said that this means: We shall guide them to obey Us, (and lo! Allah is with the good) He helps those who are good in their works and speech by giving them success and holding them back from transgression'.