Ash-Shuraa

And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said regarding the interpretation of Allah's saying: (Ha. Mim. 'Ayn. Sin. Qaf.): '(Ha. Mim. 'Ayn. Sin. Qaf.) this is an expression of praise by which Allah is praising Himself. He says: the (Ha) stands for His clemency (hilmuhu), the (Mim) stand for His sovereignty (mulkuhu), the ('Ayn) stands for His knowledge ('ilmuhu), the (Sin) stands for His majesty (sana'uhu), and the (Qaf) stands for his power (quwwatuhu) over His created beings; it is also said that the (Ha) stands for war (harb) that will ever be, the (Mim) stand for the transformation of every sovereignty (mulk) that will ever be, the ('Ayn) stands for every promise (wa'd) that will ever be made, the (Sin) stands for years (sinun) like the hard years of Joseph, and the (Qaf) stands for his slander (qadhf) that will ever be made; and it is also said that it is an oath sworn by Allah that He will not punish eternally in the Fire anyone who sincerely says: �there is no deity but Allah�, and meets Allah believing in it.

(Thus Allah the Mighty) in retribution against those who do not believe in Him, (the Wise) in His command and decree, He commands that none should be worshipped except Him; it is also said this means: the Mighty in His sovereignty and dominion, the Wise in His command and decree (inspireth thee (Muhammad) as (He inspired) those before thee) of messengers; Allah says: just as We have revealed to you (Ha. Mim. 'Ayn. Sin. Qaf.) We have also revealed to those messengers who came before you.

(Unto Him belongeth all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth) of created beings: they are all His slaves, (and He is the Sublime) most sublime than all that is, (the Tremendous) greater than all that is.

(Almost might the heavens above be rent asunder) from the awe of the Beneficent; and it is also said from the claim of the Jews, (while the angels) in heaven (hymn the praise of their Lord) pray by the command of their Lord (and ask forgiveness for those on the earth) for the sincere believers. (Lo! Allah is the Forgiver) He forgives he who repents, (the Merciful) towards he who dies repentant.

(And as for those who choose) worship (protecting friends) deities from among the idols (beside Him) beside Allah, (Allah is Warden over them) Allah is Witness of them and of their works, (and thou art in nowise a guardian over them) you are not responsible for them such that you are taken to task on their account. Later, the Prophet (pbuh) was commanded to fight them.

(And thus we have inspired in thee) We sent you Gabriel with the Qur'an (a Lecture in Arabic) a Qur'an in the Arabic usage, (that thou mayst warn) by the Qur'an (the mother town) the people of Mecca (and those around it) of townships, (and may warn of a day of assembling) of the horrors of the Day of Assembly whereby the dwellers of the heavens and earth will be brought together (whereof there is no doubt. A host) of those assembled (will be in the Garden) these are the believers, (and a host of them in the Flame) and these are the disbelievers.

(Had Allah willed, He could have made them one community) had Allah willed He would have gathered the Jews, Christians and the idolaters in one religion, the religion of Islam, (but Allah bringeth whom He will into His mercy) to His religion: Islam. (And the wrong-doers) the Jews, Christians and idolaters (have no friend) have no relative to assist them (nor helper) to save them from Allah's punishment.

(Or have they chosen protecting friends besides Him) or have they worshipped deities beside Allah? (But Allah, He (alone) is the Protecting Friend) of all of them. (He quickeneth the dead) for the Resurrection, (and He is Able to do all things) whether it is taking away life or giving it.

(And in whatsoever ye differ) regarding religion, (the verdict therein belongeth to Allah) seek its verdict in Allah's book. (Such is my Lord) Who has thus commanded you, (in Whom I put my trust) I rely on Him, (and unto Whom I turn.

The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He hath made for you pairs) males and females (of yourselves) a human being like yourselves, (and of the cattle also pairs) males and females, (whereby He multiplieth you) He creates you in the wombs; it is also said that this means: He multiplies you through marriage. (Naught is as His likeness) in attribute, knowledge, power and providence; (and He is the Hearer) of what you say, (the Seer) of your works.

(His are the keys of the heavens) the stores of the heavens: rain (and the earth) vegetation. (He enlargeth providence for whom He will) He gives abundant provision to whom He will (and straiteneth (it for whom He will). Lo! He is Knower of all things) regarding expansion and straitening of provision.

(He hath ordained for you) He has chosen for you, O community of Muhammad (pbuh) (that religion) the religion of Islam (which He commended unto Noah) that which We revealed to Noah and commanded him to invite people to and to be upright in following it, (and that which We inspire in thee (Muhammad)) in the Qur'an: We commanded you to call people to Islam and be upright in following it, (and that which We commended unto Abraham) and We choose Abraham for Islam and commanded him to call people to it and be upright in following it (and Moses and Jesus) likewise, (saying: Establish the religion) Allah commanded all the prophets to establish Religion and to be in agreement about Religion, (and be not divided therein) do not disagree regarding Religion. (Dreadful for the idolaters) Abu Jahl and his host (is that unto which thou callest them) of Allah's divine Oneness and the Qur'an. (Allah chooseth for Himself) for His religion (whom He will) this he who is born a Muslim and dies as a Muslim, (and guideth unto Himself him who turneth (towards Him)) and guides to His religion whoever turns to Him of the disbelievers.

(And they were not divided) i.e. the Jews and Christians about Muhammad (pbuh) the Qur'an and Islam (until after the knowledge) until after the exposition which is in their Scripture about the attributes and description of Muhammad (pbuh) (came unto them, through rivalry among themselves) out of resentful envy, they disbelieved in Muhammad (pbuh); (and had it not been for a Word) to delay the punishment of this nation (that had already gone forth from your Lord) had already been ordained by your Lord (for an appointed term) until an appointed time, (it surely had been judged between them) He would have already destroyed the Jews and Christians. (And those who were made to inherit the Scripture) and those who were given the Torah (after them) after the messengers; and it is also said: after the generations of old (are verily in hopeless doubt concerning it) concerning the Torah; and it is also said that this means: concerning the Qur'an.

(Unto this, then, summon (O Muhammad)) summon unto belief in Allah's divine Oneness and to the Scripture of your Lord. (And be thou upright) in your profession of Allah's divine Oneness (as thou art commanded) in the Qur'an, (and follow not their lusts) and follow not the Qiblah and religion of the Jews, (but say: I believe in whatever Scripture Allah hath sent down) of Scriptures to the prophets, (and I am commanded) in the Qur'an (to be just among you) through faith in Allah's divine Oneness. (Allah is our Lord and your Lord) He will judge between us on the Day of Judgement. (Unto us our works) unto us is the worship of Allah and the religion of Islam (and unto you your works) and against you is the worship of idols and Satan's religion; (no argument between us and you) regarding religion. (Allah will bring us together) on the Day of Judgement, (and unto Him is the journeying) and unto Him is the destination of both believers and disbelievers.

Allah then commanded fighting, saying: (And those who argue concerning Allah) i.e. the Jews and Christians (after He hath been acknowledged) in the Scripture; it is also said that this refers to the idolaters after they answered on the day of the covenant, (their argument has no weight) their argument is void (with their Lord, and wrath is upon them and theirs will be an awful doom) the most severe torment.

(Allah it is who hath revealed the Scripture) He sent Gabriel with the Qur'an (with truth) to explain the Truth and falsehood, (and the Balance) and exposited therein justice. (How canst thou know) O Muhammad? (It may be that the Hour is nigh) it may be that the Hour is coming soon.

(Those who believe not therein) in the coming of the Hour, i.e. Abu Jahl and his host (seek to hasten it, while those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) in the Qur'an and in the coming of the Hour, i.e. Abu Bakr and his fellow believers (are fearful of it) are fearful of the coming of the Hour, its horrors and terrors (and know that it) i.e. the coming of the Hour (is the Truth) it will happen. (Are not they who dispute, in doubt concerning the Hour, far astray) from the Truth and guidance?

(Allah is gracious unto His slaves) the pious as well as the sinful; it is also said that this means: His knowledge is gracious with His slaves, both the pious and sinful among them. (He provideth for whom He will) He expands the wealth of whomever He will. (And He is the Strong) in providing the sustenance of the slaves, (the Mighty) in retribution against those who do not believe.

(Whoso desireth the harvest of the Hereafter) the reward of the Hereafter through his works for Allah, (We give him increase in its harvest) We give him increase in his reward; it is also said: We give him increase in his strength, activity and reward in the Hereafter. (And Whoso desireth the harvest of the world) and whoever desires the reward of the life of the world through the works that Allah has made obligatory upon him, (We give him thereof) We give him of the life of the world and drive away from him some of its hardship, (and he hath no portion) he has no reward (in the Hereafter) in Paradise because he did not work for Allah.

(Or have they) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (partners (of Allah)) deities (who have made lawful for them in religion that which Allah allowed not) that which Allah did not command the disbelievers: Abu Jahl and his host? (And but for a decisive word (gone forth already)) to delay the punishment of this nation, (it would have been judged between them) they would have been destroyed. (Lo! for wrong-doers) for disbelievers (is a painful doom.

Thou seest the wrong-doers) the disbelievers on the Day of Judgement (fearful of that which they have earned) of that which they have said and done in their state of disbelief, (and it will surely befall them) that which they fear; (while those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and do good works) between them and their Lord, i.e. Abu Bakr and his fellow believers ((will be) in flowering meadows of the Gardens, having what they wish from their Lord) in Paradise. (This) Paradise (is the great preferment) is the great bounty.

(This) bounty (it is which Allah announceth unto His bondmen) in the life of the world (who believe) in Muhammad and the Qur'an (and do good works) between them and their Lord. (Say) O Muhammad, to your Companions; and it is said: to the people of Mecca: (I ask of you no fee) no payment (therefore, save loving kindness among kinsfolk) except that you treat kindly my kinsfolk after me; it is also said this means: except that you draw closer to Allah through the profession of Allah's divine Oneness, according to al-Hasan al-Basri; and according to al-Farra' this means: draw closer to Allah by means of repentance. (And whoso scoreth a good deed we add unto its good for him) nine times. (Lo! Allah is Forgiving) He forgives the one who repents, (Responsive) He is thankful for very little and rewards for it abundantly.

(Or say they) in fact they do say: (He hath invented) Muhammad has invented (a lie concerning Allah?) The Prophet (pbuh) was saddened because of this, and so Allah, glorious and Exalted is He, said: (If Allah willed, He could have sealed) tied (thy heart (against them). And Allah will wipe out the lie) Allah will destroy idolatry and all the idolaters (and will vindicate the Truth by His words) and will manifest the religion of Islam through His enhancement. (Lo! He is aware of what is hidden in the breasts (of men)) He knows what is in people's hearts whether it is good or evil.

(And He it is Who accepteth repentance from his bondmen, and pardoneth the evil deeds, and knoweth what ye do) of good or evil.

(And accepteth those) and forgives those who believe in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an and those (who do good works) between them and their Lord, (and giveth increase unto them of His bounty) of His honouring, by giving them more reward; this honour will be bestowed upon them in Paradise; and it is also said this honour is the beholding of Allah. (And as for disbelievers) Abu Jahl and his host, (theirs will be an awful doom).

(And if Allah were to enlarge the provision for His slaves) if Allah were to give abundant wealth to His slaves (they would surely rebel) they would surely transgress and become too arrogant (in the earth, but He sendeth down) but He enlarges (by measure as He wills) for whomever He will. (Lo! He is Informed) of what is good for His slaves, (a Seer of His bondmen) and of their works.

(And He it is Who sendeth down the saving rain after they have despaired) they have despaired of its coming down, (and spreadeth out His mercy) i.e. rain. (He is the Protecting Friend) Who sends rain year after year, (the Praiseworthy) in His acts.

(And of His portents) and of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (is the creation of the heaven and the earth, and of whatever beasts He hath dispersed therein) they are all signs for you. (And He is Able to gather them) to revive them (when He will.

Whatever of misfortune striketh you) in your own persons, (it is what your right hands have earned. And He forgiveth much) of sins such that He does not take you to task for them

(Ye cannot escape in the earth) you cannot escape from Allah's chastisement, (for beside Allah) from Allah's torment (ye have no protecting friend) who can benefit you (nor any helper) who can defend you.

(And of His portents) and of the signs of His divine Oneness and power (are the ships, like banners) like hills (on the sea;

If He will He calmeth the wind) by means of which ships sail (so that they keep still upon its surface) of the water. (Lo! Herein) in that which I have mentioned regarding ships (verily are signs) and lessons (for every steadfast) in acts of obedience (grateful (heart)) for Allah's blessings.

(Or he causeth them to perish) i.e. the ships (on account of that which they have earned) on account of the sins of their people. (And He forgiveth much) He does not take them to task for it.

(And that those who argue concerning Our revelations) those who disbelieve in Muhammad (pbuh) (may know they have no refuge) or escape from Allah's chastisement.

(Now whatever ye have been given) of wealth and adornment of life (is but a passing comfort for the life of the world) and it will not last, (and that which Allah hath) of reward (is better) than that which you have in the life of this world (and more lasting) than the comfort of the life of the world which is perishing; and then He explained to them by saying: (for those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an: i.e. Abu Bakr and his fellow believers (and put their trust in their Lord) not in their wealth.

(And those who shun the worst of sins) i.e. idolatry (and indecencies) i.e. adultery and other transgressions (and, when they are wroth, forgive) and do not retaliate,

(And those who answer the call of their Lord) through believing in Allah's divine Oneness and obeying Allah (and establish worship) and perform the five daily prayers, (and whose affairs are a matter of counsel) when they want a certain matter, deliberate among themselves about it and then embark upon it, (and who spend) in charity (of what We have bestowed on them) of wealth,

(And those who, when great wrong) iniquity (is done to them, defend themselves) through the law of retaliation, not by means of presumptuousness,

(The guerdon of an ill deed is an ill the like thereof) the guerdon of wound is a wound like it. (But whosoever pardoneth) the wrong he suffers (and amendeth) and forgoes retaliation, (his wage is the affair of Allah) his reward is upon Allah. (Lo! He loveth not wrong-doers) he loves not those who initiate wrong.

(And whoso defendeth himself) and he who reclaims his right through the law of retaliation (after he hath suffered wrong for such, there is no way (of blame) against them) i.e. by applying the law of retaliation against them.

(The way (of blame)) sin (is only against those who oppress mankind) i.e. who initiate wrong in the first place, (and wrongfully rebel in the earth. For such there is a painful doom.

And verily whoso is patient) for the iniquity he suffers (and forgiveth) and forgoes retaliation, (lo! That) patience and forgiveness, (verily, is (of) the steadfast heart of things) verily is the best of matters; it is also said this means: of the most resolute of matters. The verses from (And those who shun the worst of sins and indecencies�) to (�lo! that, verily, is (of) the steadfast heart of things) were revealed about Abu Bakr and his fellow believer 'Amr Ibn Ghazyah al-Ansari in relation to a dispute which happened between the two. Al-Ansari had, in this dispute, abused Abu Bakr al-Siddiq.

(He whom Allah sendeth astray) from His religion, (for him there is no protecting friend after Him) for him there is none to guard him after Allah. (And thou (Muhammad) wilt see the evil-doers) the idolaters (when they see the doom, (how) they say: Is there any way of return) is there any way we can go back to the life of the world?

(And thou wilt see them exposed to (the Fire), made humble by disgrace, and looking) towards you (with veiled eyes) i.e. furtively. (And those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (will say: Lo! the (eternal) losers are they who lose themselves and their housefolk) their servants in Paradise (on the Day of Resurrection. Lo! are not the wrong-doers) the idolaters: Abu Jahl and his host (in perpetual torment) in eternal chastisement?

(And they will have no protecting friends) no relatives (to help them) to save them (instead of Allah) from Allah's torment. (He whom Allah sendeth astray) from His religion, like Abu Jahl, (for him there is no road) for him there is no religion or proof.

(Answer the call of your Lord) by believing in Allah's divine Oneness (before there cometh unto you from Allah a Day) the Day of Judgement (which there is no averting. Ye have no refuge) no escape (on that Day) from Allah's torment, (nor have ye any (power of) refusal) nor do you have any helper.

(But if they are averse) of faith, (We have not sent thee as a warder over them) whereby you have to protect them. (Thine is only to convey (the message)) on behalf of Allah. After this, Allah commanded them to fight. (And lo! when We cause man) the disbelieving person (to taste of mercy) to taste a blessing (from Us he exulteth therefore) without giving thanks for it. (And if some evil) hardship, poverty or misfortune (striketh them because of that which their own hands have sent before) because of what they did in their state of idolatry, (then lo! Man) Abu Jahl (is an ingrate) he disbelieves in Allah and does not give thanks for His blessings.

(Unto Allah belongeth the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth) unto Allah belong the stores of the heaven and the earth: rain and vegetation. (He createth what He will) as He will. (He bestoweth female (offspring) upon whom He will) as was the case with the Prophet Lot who did not have any sons, (and bestoweth male (offspring) upon whom He will) such as was the case with the Prophet Abraham who did not have daughters;

(Or He mingleth them, males and females) as was the case with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (and He maketh barren whom He will) as was the case with the Prophet John the son of Zachariah. (Lo! He is Knower, Powerful) regarding that which He gives of males or females.

(And it was not (vouchsafed)) it was not permissible (to any mortal that Allah should speak to him) directly without a veil (unless (it be) by revelation) in dream (or from behind a veil) as when He spoke with Moses (pbuh) (or (that) He sendeth a messenger) i.e. Gabriel, such as when He sent him to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (to reveal what He will) of commands and prohibitions (by His leave) by His command. (Lo! He is Exalted) more exalted than all created beings, (Wise) in His command and decree.

(And thus have We inspired in thee (Muhammad) a Spirit of Our command) i.e. We sent you Gabriel with the Qur'an. (Thou knewest not what the Scripture was) you did not know what the Qur'an was before the coming of Gabriel to you nor did you know how to recite the Qur'an before it came to you, (nor what the Faith) nor did you know the call to Allah's divine Oneness. (But We have made it) i.e. the Qur'an (a light) an exposition of commands and prohibitions, the lawful and unlawful, the Truth and falsehood (whereby) by means of the Qur'an (We guide whom We will) whoever deserves it (of Our bondmen. And lo! thou verily dost guide) do call (unto a right path) a straight, true religion.

(The path of Allah) the religion of Allah, (unto Whom belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth) of created beings. (Do not all things reach Allah at last?) the consequence of things in the Hereafter reach to the Wise Sovereign'.