Ar-Rum

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 this is an oath by which Allah swore.

(The Romans have been defeated) the Romans, who were people of the Book, were defeated by the Persians who were worshippers of fire.

(In the nearer land) close to Persia and, as a consequence, the believers were aggrieved while the idolaters rejoiced, saying: " We shall defeat the believers just as the Persians defeated the Romans " , but then Allah proceeded to mention their victory (and they) i.e. the Romans, (after their defeat) at the hand of the Persians (will be victorious) over the Persians.

(Within a few years) at the beginning of the seventh year from now; Abu Bakr al-Siddiq betted ten camels on this against Ubayy Ibn Khalaf al-Jumahi (Allah's is the command) victory and the upper hand to Muhammad (pbuh) (in the former case) before the Persians defeated the Romans (and in the latter) and after the Persian defeated the Romans; it is also said that this means: before and after the victory of the Romans against the Persians; it is also said: to Allah belongs knowledge, power, will, before the beginning of creation and after the evanescence of creation; and it is also said that this means: Allah was Commander before and after the creation of those He commanded just as He was Creator before and after the existence of creation, and Provider before and after the existence of those for whom He provided, and Master before and after the existence of His subjects (and in that day) when the Romans will defeat the Persians and also when He gives victory to Muhammad (pbuh) over the disbelievers of Mecca, on the Day of Badr, or on the Day of al-Hudaybiyyah, (believers will rejoice

In Allah's help to victory) for Muhammad (pbuh) against his enemies and giving the upper hand to the Romans over the Persians. (He helpeth to victory whom He will) i.e. Muhammad (pbuh). (He is the Mighty) in retribution against Abu Jahl and his host on the Day of Badr, (the Merciful) towards the believers in Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions.

(It is a promise of Allah) that victory and the upper hand will be for Muhammad (pbuh). (Allah faileth not His promise) to His prophet that victory and the upper hand will be his, (but most of mankind) the people of Mecca (know not) that Allah will not fail His promise to His Prophet.

(They) i.e. the people of Mecca (know only some appearance of the life of the world) the dealings of the life of this world, such as earning a livelihood, trade, buying and selling and counting from one to 1,000, and also that which they need in winter and summer, (and are heedless) ignorant (of the Hereafter) of the matter of the Hereafter and do not strive for it.

(Have they not) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (pondered upon themselves) among themselves? (Allah created not the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them) of created beings and marvels, (save with truth) save for the Truth and the establishment of commands and prohibitions and not merely for falsehood (and for a destined end) and for an appointed time in which there will be requital. (But truly many of mankind) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (are disbelievers in) deny (the meeting with their Lord) resurrection after death.

(Have they not travelled) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (in the land and seen) and reflect upon (the nature of the consequence for) the requital of (those who were before them) when they disbelieved in their messengers? (They were stronger than these in power) in physical strength, (and they dug the earth) for agriculture more than the people of Mecca did; it is also said that this means: they travelled more for their trade (and built upon it) and lived in their buildings (more than these have built) more than the period in which the people of Mecca lived in their buildings. (Messengers of their own came unto them with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty)) with commands, prohibitions and signs but they disbelieved and Allah, Exalted is He, destroyed them because of their disbelief. (Surely Allah wronged them not) when He destroyed them, (but they did wrong themselves) through their disbelief, idolatry and denial of the messengers.

(Then evil) the Fire in the Hereafter (was the consequence) the reward (to those who dealt in evil) those who associated partners with Allah, (because they denied the revelations of Allah) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (and made a mock of them) and because they derided the revelations of Allah.

(Allah produceth creation) from a sperm drop, (then He reproduceth it) on the Day of Judgement, (then unto Him ye will be returned) in the Hereafter and then He will requite each according to his works.

(And in the day when the Hour) which is the Day of Judgement (riseth the criminals will despair) the idolaters will despair of any good.

(There will be none to intercede) in order to escape Allah's punishment (for them) for the worshippers of idols (of those whom they made equal with Allah) of their deities. (And they will reject their partners (whom they ascribed unto Him)) they will reject their deities, saying: by Allah! We were not idolaters.

(In the day) which is the Day of Judgement (when the Hour cometh, that day they will be sundered) a party in Paradise and a party in hell.

(As for those who believed) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and did good works) acts of obedience between themselves and their Lord, (they will be made happy in a Garden) they will be in Paradise, honoured and showered with gifts.

(But as for those who disbelieved) in Allah (and denied Our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an, (and denied the meeting of the Hereafter) denied resurrection after death, (such will be brought to doom) they will be tortured in the Fire.

(So glory be to Allah) so pray to Allah (when ye enter the night) the prayers of Maghrib and 'Isha' (and when ye enter the morning) the prayer of Fajr.

(Unto Him be praise in the heavens and the earth) gratitude and obedience is incumbent upon the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth! (and at the sun's decline) the 'Asr prayer (and in the noonday) which is the Zuhr prayer.

(He bringeth forth the living from the dead) He brings forth living beings and animals from a sperm drop and birds from eggs and palm-trees from seeds, (and He bringeth forth the dead from the living) sperm drops from living beings and beasts and brings forth eggs from birds and seeds from palm-trees, (and He reviveth the earth after her death) after drying up and being exposed to drought. (And even so will you be brought forth) in such manner will you be quickened and brought forth from the graves.

(And of His signs) of the signs of His divine Oneness, power and prophethood of His Messenger (is this: He created you of dust) He created you of Adam and Adam is from dust, and you are his progeny, (and behold you human beings) living beings, (ranging widely) enjoying comfort on the face of the earth!

(And of His signs) of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (is this: He created for you spouses) human beings like yourselves (from yourselves that ye might find rest in them) so that the husband may find rest in his wife, (and He ordained between you) husband and wife (love) love of the wife for her husband (and mercy) of the husband towards his wife; it is also said that this means: love of the young ones of the old ones and mercy from the older ones towards the young ones. (Lo, herein) in that which I have mentioned (indeed are portents) signs and lessons (for folk who reflect) upon what Allah created.

(And of His signs) of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages) Arabic, Persians and others languages (and colours) the colours of your forms: the red, the black, etc. (Lo! Herein) in the differences that I have mentioned (indeed are portents) signs (for men of knowledge) for the jinn and human beings.

(And of His signs) and of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (is your slumber) in your house (by night and by day, and your seeking of His bounty) of His provision by day. (Lo! Herein) in what I have mentioned about the day and the night (indeed are portents) signs and lessons (for folk who heed) and obey.

(And of His signs) and of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (is this: He showeth you the lightning) in the sky (for a fear) to the traveller lest the rain comes down and soak his clothes (and for a hope) for the settler lest it waters his fields, (and sendeth down water) rain (from the sky, and thereby) and by means of the rain (quickeneth the earth after her death) after drying up and being exposed to drought. (Lo! Herein) in what I mentioned about the rain (indeed are portents) signs and lessons (for folk who understand) for people who believe that it is from Allah.

(And of His signs) of the signs of Allah's divine Oneness and power (is this: The heavens and the earth stand fast by His command) the heavens and the earth came into being by His leave, (and afterward, when He calleth you) i.e. when Allah calls you on the Day of Judgement through Seraphiel, (lo! from the earth) from the graves (you will emerge.

Unto Him belongeth whosoever is in the heavens and in the earth) whosoever is in the heavens and in the earth are His slaves. (All are obedient unto Him) except the disbelievers.

(He it is Who produceth creation) from a sperm drop, (then reproduceth it) revives the person on the Day of Judgement (and it is easier for Him) bringing people to life after they die is as easy for Him and creating them in the first place. (His is the Sublime Similitude in the heavens and in the earth) He says: He has the most sublime attribute in His power over the dwellers of the heavens and the earth. (He is the Mighty) in His kingdom and dominion, (the Wise) in His command and decree.

(He coineth for you) O congregation of disbelievers (a similitude of yourselves) a human being like you. (Have ye, from among those whom your right hands possess) your slave boys and slave girls, (partners in the wealth We have bestowed upon you) on what We gave you of wealth, family and offspring, (equal with you) i.e. your slave boys and slave girls (in respect thereof) in that which We bestowed upon you, (so that ye fear them) you fear their rebuke (as ye fear each other) as you fear the rebuke of your fathers, sons and brothers were you not to fulfil their due rights in inheritance? They said: " No! " Allah said: " Would you then accept for Me that which you do not accept for yourselves: you make My servants My partners but refuse to make your own slaves your partners? " (Thus We display the revelations) the signs of My divine Oneness and power (for people who have sense) for people who believe in the similitudes of the Qur'an.

(Nay, but those who do wrong) those who disbelieved: the Jews and Christians and idolaters (follow their own lusts) i.e. that which they presently follow: Judaism, Christianity and idolatry (without knowledge) or proof. (Who is able to guide him) to Allah's religion (whom Allah hath sent astray) from His religion? (For such) for the Jews, Christians and idolaters (there are no helpers) no one to save them from Allah's chastisement.

(So set thy purpose) your own self and work ((O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright) He says: make your religion and work sincere to Allah and be straight in following the religion of Islam (the nature (framed) of Allah) the religion of Allah, (in which He hath created man) in the wombs of their mothers; it is also said that this means: follow the Day of the Covenant. (There is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation) there is no altering of the religion of Allah. (That is the right religion) the straight truth, (but most men know not) that the true religion of Allah is Islam.

(Turning unto Him (only)) be believers in Him, i.e. turning towards Him with acts of obedience; (and be careful of your duty unto Him) and obey Him in that which He commanded you, (and establish worship) perform the five daily prayers, (and be not of those who ascribe partners (unto Him)) do not be with the idolaters in their religion;

(Of those who split up their religion) they abandoned the religion of Islam (and became schismatics) they became different sects: Jews, Christians as well as all other sects, (each sect) the adherents of each sect (exulting in its tenets) fascinated with the religion they have, believing it to be the Truth.

(And when harm) hardship (toucheth men) the people of Mecca (they cry unto their Lord) to relieve them from the hardship, (turning to Him in repentance) and supplications; (then, when they have tasted of His mercy) of His blessing, (behold! some of them) some of the disbelievers (attribute partners to their Lord) their consider idols His partners.

(So as to disbelieve in that which We have given them) of blessings ((Unto such it is said): Enjoy yourselves awhile) live, O people of Mecca, in the life of this world, (but ye will come to know) what will be done with you in the Hereafter.

(Or have We revealed unto them) to the people of Mecca (any warrant) a book containing a pretext and proof from heaven (which speaketh of) and testifies about (that which they associate with Him) they make equal with Allah?

(And when We cause mankind) the disbelievers of Mecca (to taste of mercy) bounty (they rejoice therein) without giving thanks for it; (but if an evil thing) hardship, tightness, drought or sickness (befall them as the consequence of their own deeds) which they did in their state of idolatry, (lo! they are in despair) they despair from the mercy of Allah, and fail to withstand it!

(See they not) were the disbelievers of Mecca not informed in the Book (that Allah enlargeth the provision) gives abundant wealth (for whom He will) and this could be a lure to his perdition, (and straiteneth (it for whom He will)) out of care for him. (Lo! Herein) in that which I have mentioned of enlargement and straitening (indeed are portents) signs and lessons (for folk who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an.

(So give to the kinsman) so give, O Muhammad, to the one related to you by blood (his due) the right of his kinship, (and to the needy) give him clothing and food, (and to the wayfarer) be hospitable to your guest for three days, and whatever you give him after three days is alms. (That) which I have mentioned of kinship, giving and hospitality (is best) is a reward and honour in the Hereafter (for those who seek Allah's Countenance) by their giving. (And such are they who are successful) those who are saved from Allah's wrath and torment.

(That which ye give in usury in order that it may increase on (other) people's property) to increase your wealth at the expense of people's wealth (hath no increase with Allah) for He will not multiply it since it is not for His Countenance; (but that which ye give in charity) to the needy, (seeking) with it (Allah's Countenance, hath increase manifold) in the Hereafter and their wealth will be increased in the life of this world by the grace of Allah and His preservation of it.

(Allah is He Who created you) as living beings in the wombs of your mothers and then He made you emerge from there possessed of a spirit (and then sustained you) provided you with sustenance until you die, (then causeth you to die) when your lifespan expires, (then giveth life to you again) for the resurrection after you die. (Is there any of your (so called) partners (of Allah)) of your idols, O people of Mecca, (that doeth aught of that) who is able to do any of this? (Praised) He exonerated Himself from having a son or partners (and exalted be He above what they associate (with Him)) of idols!

(Corruption doth appear) transgression has appeared (on land) from Cain who killed his brother Abel (and sea) from Jalandan al-Azdi (because of (the evil) which men's hands have done) due to the killing of Abel by Cain and Jalandan's seizure of people's ships in the sea; it is also said that this means: corruption has appeared through the death of cattle, drought, lack of food and vegetation in the plains, mountains, countryside and wilderness as well as in townships and cities because of the transgressions committed by people, (that He may make them taste) that He may make them be seized by (a part of that which they have done) of transgressions, (in order that they may return) in order that they may repent of their sins and thus be relieved.

(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (Travel in the land, and see) and reflect upon (the nature of the consequence for) the retribution of (those who were before you) how Allah destroyed them when they denied their messengers! (Most of them) all of them (were idolaters) they associated partners with Allah.

(So set your purpose) set your own self and works (resolutely for the right religion) He says: make your religion and works sincere to Allah, and follow the true, straight religion, (before the inevitable day) which is the Day of Judgement (comes from Allah. On that day) the Day of Judgement (mankind will be sundered) a party of them in Paradise and a party in hell.

(Whoso disbelieveth) in Allah (must (then) bear the consequences of his disbelief) the punishment of his disbelief is to dwell in the Fire forever, (while those who do right) and are also believers (make provision for themselves) and collect reward and honour in Paradise.

(That He may reward out of His bounty 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. (Lo! He loveth not the disbelievers) He does not accept their religion.

(And of His signs) and of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (is this: He sendeth herald winds) that the rain is being created (to make you taste His mercy) His bounty, (and that the ships may sail at His command) by His will in the sea, (and that ye may seek His favour) that by sailing in your ships you seek His provision, (and that haply ye may be thankful) for His bounty.

(Verily We sent before thee) O Muhammad (messengers to their own folk. They brought them clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty)) they explained to them the commands, prohibitions and signs but they did not believe. (Then We took vengeance) by sending a chastisement (upon those who were guilty) the idolaters. (To help believers is incumbent upon Us) it is incumbent to help the believers with the messengers by saving them and destroying their enemies.

(Allah is He Who sendeth the winds so that they raise clouds) they raise as cloud heavy with the rain, (and spreadeth them along the sky as pleases Him, and causeth them to break and thou seest the rain downpouring from within them) from within the clouds. (And when He maketh it) the rain (to fall on whom He will of His bondmen) in the earth, (lo! they rejoice) for the coming down of rain;

(Though before that) before the rain, (even before it was sent down upon them, they were in despair) about the rain.

(Look, therefore,) O Muhammad (at the prints of Allah's mercy (in creation)) before and after the rain: (how He quickeneth the earth after her death) after her dryness and exposure to drought. (Lo! He verily is the Quickener of the Dead) for the resurrection, (and He is Able to do all things) give life and death and resurrect the creation.

(And if We sent a wind) cold or hot wind on their vegetation (and they beheld it) i.e. the vegetation (yellow) when it was green before that; (they verily would still continue in their disbelief) even after seeing it turn yellow, they would still disbelieve in Allah and show no gratitude towards Him.

(For verily thou (Muhammad) canst not make the dead to hear) you cannot make someone who is like a dead man hear, (nor canst thou make the deaf) the person who pretends to be deaf (to hear the call) your call to the Truth and guidance (when they have turned to flee) from the Truth and guidance.

(Nor canst thou guide the blind out of their error) towards guidance. (Thou canst make none to hear) your call (save those who believe in Our revelations) in Our Scripture and Messenger (so that they surrender (unto Him)) they are sincere to Him in their worship and confession of Allah's divine Oneness.

(Allah is He who shaped you out of weakness) from a weak sperm, (then appointed after weakness strength) a strong, young man, (then, after strength, appointed weakness) old age (and grey hair) after enjoying youth. (He createth what He will) He transforms His created beings as He wills from one state to another. (He is the Knower) of His creation, (the Mighty) He is able to transform them.

(And on the day) which is the Day of Judgement (when the Hour riseth the guilty will vow) those who associate partners with Allah will swear (that they did tarry) in their graves (but an hour thus) they will be in disbelief in the Hereafter (were they ever deceived) just as they disbelieved in the life of this world.

(But those to whom knowledge and faith are given) those honoured with knowledge and faith (will say: The truth is, ye have tarried) in your graves, (by Allah's decree) those who say this are the angels; and it is said they are the prophets; and it is also said they are those who are sincere in their faith, they will say to the disbelievers: you remained in your graves (until the Day of Resurrection) from the graves. (This is the Day of Resurrection) this is the Day of Judgement, (but ye used not to know) this nor believe in it.

(In that day) which is the Day of Judgement (their excuses) for the sins they committed (will not profit those who did injustice) those who associated partners with Allah, (nor will they be allowed to make amends) their repentance will not be accepted and they will not be returned to the life of this world.

(Verily We have coined) We have explained (for mankind in the Qur'an all kinds of similitudes) in all kinds of ways; (and indeed if thou camest unto them with a miracle) from heaven as they have asked, (those who disbelieve) the disbelievers of Mecca (would verily exclaim: Ye are) O congregation of believers (but tricksters) liars!

(Thus doth Allah seal the hearts of those who know not) Allah's divine Oneness and disbelieve in it.

(So have patience) O Muhammad! (Allah's promise) to help you, give you the upper hand and to destroy them (is the very truth) it will surely happen, (and let not those who have no certainty) those who do not believe (make thee impatient) make you swerve from faith on the day of Judgement'.