Al-An'am

And on his authority from Ibn 'Abbas, regarding Allah's saying (Praise be to Allah) he said: '(Praise be to Allah) Allah says: gratitude and godhood are Allah's, (Who hath created the heavens) in two days: Sunday and Monday (and the earth) in two days: Tuesday and Wednesday, (and has appointed darkness and light) He created faith and disbelief or night and day. (Yet those who disbelieve) the unbelievers of Mecca (ascribe rivals) idols (unto their Lord).

(He it is Who hath created you from clay) i.e. from Adam and Adam was created from clay, (and hath decreed a term for you) He created this world and fixed a term for its extinction and made created beings whose lifespan expires with death. (A term is fixed with Him) Allah knows the term of the Hereafter: therein there is no death or evanescence. (Yet still you) O people of Mecca (doubt) in Allah and resurrection after death!

(He is Allah in the heavens) He is the God of the dwellers of heaven (and in the earth) and the God of all the dwellers of the earth. (He knoweth both your secret and your utterance) He says: He knows what you keep hidden in your breasts just as He knows what you make public, (and He knoweth what you earn) of good or evil.

(Never came there unto them) i.e. unto the people of Mecca (a revelation of the revelations of Allah) such as the eclipse of the sun or the splitting of the moon or stars (but they did turn away from) except that they disbelieved in (it) i.e. the sign.

(And they) the people of Mecca (denied the Truth) the Qur'an and the sign (when it came unto them) when Muhammad (pbuh) came to them. (But there will) this is a threat of punishment (come unto them the tidings of that which they used to deride) the news of their derision and the punishment of their derision on the Day of Badr and the Day of Uhud as well as on the Day of the Confederates.

(See they not) were the people of Mecca not informed in the Qur'an (how many a generation) past nations (We destroyed before them, whom We had established) We gave them sovereignty and respite (in the earth more firmly than We have established you) than the sovereignty and respite We have given you, O people of Mecca, (and We shed on them abundant showers from the sky) whenever they needed it, (and made the rivers flow beneath them) beneath their fields, plantations and trees. (Yet We destroyed them for their sins) We destroyed them because of denying the prophets, (and created after them another generation) a different people who were better than they.

(Had we sent down unto thee (Muhammad)) if Gabriel had brought down the Qur'an to you in one bulk ((actual) writing upon parchment) as asked for by 'Abdullah Ibn Umayyah al-Makhzumi and his friends, (so that they could feel it with their hands) so that they would hold and read it, (those who disbelieve) i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Umayyah al-Makhzumi (would have said: This is naught else than mere magic) a clear lie.

(They say) i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Umayyah al-Makhzumi: (Why hath not an angel been sent down unto him?) to testify for what he is saying. (If We sent down an angel) as they are asking you, (then the matter would be judged) he would come down to punish them and take away their souls; it is also said that this means: if the angel comes down, he would destroy all of them; (no further time would be allowed them (for reflection)) they would not be allowed any delay.

(Had We appointed an angel) as Our messenger, (We assuredly had made him (as) a man) in the form of a man such that they are able to look at him; (and (thus) obscured for them) the real form of the angel ((as) they (now) obscure) the traits and description of Muhammad.

(Messengers (of Allah) have been derided before thee) their people derided them as your people are deriding you now, (but that whereat they scoffed surrounded) befell (such of them) of the unbelievers (as did deride) the punishment of their derision.

(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (Travel in the land, and see) and reflect upon (the nature of the consequence for the rejecters!) what happened to those who denied Allah and His messengers.

(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (Unto whom belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth) of created beings? If they answer you, fine; if not, (Say: Unto Allah) belongs the creation of the heavens and the earth. (He hath prescribed for Himself mercy) for the Community of Muhammad (pbuh) in deferring His punishment, (that He may bring you all together) by Allah, He will bring you all together (to a Day) to the Day of Judgement (whereof there is no doubt. Those who ruin their own souls) as well as their dwellings, servants and spouses in Paradise (will not believe) in Muhammad and the Qur'an.

And about their saying to Muhammad (pbuh): �revert to our religion and we shall make you rich, marry you, give you status and make you king over us�, Allah said: (Unto Him belongeth whatsoever resteth in the night and the day. He is the Hearer) of their saying, (the Knower) of their punishment and of the provisions of created beings.

(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Shall I choose for a protecting friend) for a lord to worship (other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, who feedeth) provides sustenance to the servants (and is never fed?) is never provided sustenance; it is also said: He is not helped in providing sustenance to His servants. (Say) to the unbelievers of Mecca, O Muhammad: (I am ordered to be the first to surrender (unto Him)) the first to embrace Islam; it is also said that this means: the first among the people of his time to worship sincerely and declare Allah's divine Oneness. (And be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters) with the idolaters, following their religion.

(Say) O Muhammad: (I fear) I know, (if I rebel against my Lord) and worship other than Him, I would be reverting back to your religion, (the retribution of an Awful Day) I would face then a tremendous torment on an Awful Day; it is also said that this means: I would be facing torment on an Awful Day.

(He from whom) such retribution (is averted on that day) the Day of Judgement ((Allah) hath in truth had mercy on him) He had preserved and forgiven him. (That) forgiveness (will be the signal triumph) a great salvation.

(If Allah touch thee with) if Allah brings on you (affliction) hardship and penury, (there is none that can relieve therefrom) none can lift them from you (save Him, and if He touch thee with) if Allah brings on you (good fortune) blessing and wealth ((there is none that can impair it); for He is Able to do all things): hardship and penury, blessing and wealth.

(He is the Omnipotent) the All-Conquering (over His slaves, and He is the Wise) in His command and decree, (the Knower) of His created beings and their works.

When they said to the Prophet (pbuh) bring us a witness to testify that you are a prophet, Allah said: (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (What thing is of most weight) that is, fairer and most pleasing (in testimony?) If they answer, fine, if not (Say: Allah is witness between you and me) that I am His Messenger and this Qur'an is His speech. (And this Qur'an hath been inspired in me) and that Gabriel has brought down this Qur'an to me, (that I may warn therewith you) with the Qur'an (and whomsoever it may reach) I am a warner to him. (Do ye) O people of Mecca (in sooth bear witness that there are gods beside Allah) i.e. idols: you say that they are Allah's daughters? And if they bear witness, (Say: I bear no such witness) with you. (Say) O Muhammad: (He is only One God) the true God is only One God. (Lo! I am innocent of that which you associate (with Him)) of idols in worship.

(Those unto whom We gave the Scripture) those unto who We gave the knowledge of the Torah, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers (recognise (him)) Muhammad through his traits and description (as they recognise their sons. Those who ruin their own souls) through losing this world and the Next, i.e. Ka'b Ibn al-Ashraf and his followers (will not believe) in Muhammad or the Qur'an.

(Who doth greater wrong) and is more daring (than he who inventeth a lie against Allah) by associating with Him other gods (and denieth His revelations) Muhammad and the Qur'an? (Lo! the wrong-doers) the disbelievers and idolaters (will not be successful) will not escape or be safe from Allah's torment.

(And on the Day We gather them together) all mankind on the Day of Judgement (We shall say unto those who ascribed partners (unto Allah): Where are (now) those partners) idols (of your make-believe) that you worshipped and claimed they would intercede for you?

(Then will they have no contention) excuse or answer (save that they will say: By Allah, our Lord, we never were idolaters).

(See) O Muhammad; and it is also said the address here is to the angels (how they lie against themselves) how they have prescribed upon themselves the punishment of their lies, (and (how) the thing which they devised) how what they falsely worshipped; it is also said that this means: how what they invented has become void (hath failed them!) in that they are busy with their own plight.

(Of them are some who listen unto you) Allah says: of the people of Mecca there are some who listen to your speech and words, among them Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb, al-Walid Ibn al-Mughira, al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith, 'Utbah and Shaybah the sons of Rabi'ah, Umayyah Ibn Khalaf, and al-Harth Ibn 'Amir, (but We have placed upon their hearts veils) a cover, (lest they should understand) so that they do not understand your speech or words, (and in their ears a deafness) so that they do not hear the Truth and guidance; it is also said this means: We have placed a heaviness in their ears so that they cannot comprehend the guidance. (If they saw every token) they have asked you to produce (they would not believe therein) this was asked by al-Harth Ibn 'Amir; (to the point that, when they come unto thee to argue with thee) asking you about what was revealed in the Qur'an, and when you informed them, (the disbelievers) i.e. al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith (say: This) what Muhammad (s)ays (is naught else than fables of the men of old) the lies and stories of people of old.

(And they) Abu Jahl and his folk (forbid (men) from it) from Muhammad and the Qur'an (and avoid it) prevent people from it and steer away from it; it is also said that this relates to Abu Talib [the Prophet's uncle] who used to warn against harming the Prophet (pbuh) even though he did not accept his message, (and they ruin none save themselves, though they perceive not) they do not realise that they carry the same sins of the men they are warning.

(If thou couldst see) O Muhammad (when they are set before) locked up in (the Fire and say: Oh, would that we might return!) to the world (Then would we not deny the revelations of our Lord) i.e. in the Scriptures and messengers (but we would be of the believers!) with the believers inwardly and outwardly.

(Nay, but that) their punishment (hath become clear unto them which before) in the life of this world (they used to hide) their disbelief and idolatry. (And if they were sent back) to the life of this world, as they request (they would return unto that which they are forbidden) their disbelief and idolatry. (Lo! they are liars) because were they to be returned, they would still not believe.

(And they say) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca: (There is naught save our life of the world, and we shall not be raised (again)) after we die.

(If thou couldst see) O Muhammad (when they are set before) constrained before (their Lord! He will say) Allah says to them; it is also said that this means: the angels say to them: (Is not this real?) Is not this torment and resurrection after death real? (They will say: Yea, verily, by our Lord!) It is the Truth as informed by the messengers (He will say: Taste now the retribution for that ye used to disbelieve) in your resurrection after death.

(They indeed are losers who deny their meeting with Allah) i.e. deny their resurrection after death; Allah says: leave them (until, when the Hour cometh on them suddenly, they cry: Alas for us) how great is our sadness, and how sorry we are, (that we neglected it!) that we neglected faith and repentance in our worldly life. (They bear upon their back their burdens) their sins. (Ah, evil is that which they bear) of sins!

(Naught is the life of the world) the comfort and enjoyment of the life of the world is nothing (save a pastime) amusement (and a sport) worthless activity. (Better far is the abode of the Hereafter) i.e. Paradise (for those who keep their duty (to Allah)) for those who ward off disbelief, idolatry and indecencies. (Have ye then no sense?) Do you not comprehend that this world is evanescent and that the Hereafter is everlasting?

(We know well how their talk) their slander, denial and demand for proofs (grieveth thee) O Muhammad, (though in truth they) i.e. al-Harth Ibn 'Amir and his followers (deny not thee (Muhammad)) inwardly (but evil-doers) the idolaters (flout the revelations of Allah) quite openly.

(Messengers indeed have been denied before thee) their people denied them as your people deny you now, (and they were patient under the denial) of their own people (and the persecution) and they were patient in the face of their people's harm (till Our succour reached them) through the destruction of their people. (There is none to alter the decisions of Allah) in that He helps His friends against His enemies. (Already there hath reached thee) O Muhammad ((somewhat) of the tidings of the messengers (We sent before)) how their people denied them, as your people deny you now, and how they were patient.

(And if their aversion is grievous unto thee, then, if thou canst, seek a way down) a tunnel (into the earth) such that you enter it (or a ladder) or a method or way which enables you to rise (unto the sky that thou mayst bring unto them a portent (to convince them all)) then do so! (If Allah willed, He could have brought them all together to the guidance) to the declaration of Allah's divine Oneness. (So be not thou among the foolish ones) regarding My decree about their disbelief.

(Only those can accept) believe and obey (who hear) who give their assent; it is also said: those who comprehend admonition. (As for the dead) the dead of the Battle Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Confederates; it is also said that this means: the dead of heart, (Allah will raise them up) after death; (then unto Him they will be returned) in the place of mustering and He will reward them for their works.

(They say) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca: al-Harth Ibn 'Amir and his folk: Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham, al-Walid Ibn al-Mughira, Umayyah and Ubayy the sons of Khalaf: (Why hath no portent been sent down upon him from his Lord) to prove his prophethood? (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Lo! Allah is Able to send down a portent) as they have asked. (But most of them know not) they have no knowledge of it being sent.

(There is not an animal in the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings) between the earth and sky, (but they are peoples) creations and servants (like unto you) they resemble you in eating, copulation, understanding one another, just as you understand one another: this is a sign for you. (We have neglected nothing in the Book) We have neglected nothing that We have inscribed in the Preserved Tablet; We have mentioned everything in the Qur'an. (Then unto their Lord they) the birds and beasts (will be gathered) with all other created beings on the Day of Judgement.

(Those who deny our revelations) i.e. deny Muhammad and the Qur'an (are deaf) of heart; it is also said that this means: they pretend not to hear the Truth (and dumb) they pretend to be dumb in relation to the Truth and guidance (in darkness) i.e. they adhere to disbelief. (Whom Allah will He sendeth astray) He makes him die in a state of disbelief, (and whom He will) He makes him die such that (He placeth on a straight path) places on the straight path which He is pleased with; it is also said that this means: Allah forsakes whom He will and guides, gives success and firmness in adhering to the straight path (Islam), which He is pleased with, to whom He will.

(Say: Can ye see yourselves) what you are saying, O people of Mecca, (if the punishment of Allah come upon you) such was the case on the Day of Badr, Uhud or the Confederates (or the Hour come upon you) or if torment comes upon you on the Day of Judgement, (calling upon other than Allah? Do ye then call (for help) to any other than Allah) to lift the torment from you? ((Answer that) if ye are truthful) that the idols are His partners.

(Nay, but unto Him ye call) meaning that they will not call anyone except Allah to lift the torment from them, (and He removeth that because of which you call unto Him, if He will, and you forget) you leave (whatever partners ye ascribed unto Him) you leave the idols and do not call unto them.

(We have sent already unto peoples that were before you) just as We have sent you to your people, (and We visited them with tribulation) fear from one another, affliction and hardship, when they did not believe (and adversity) illness, pain and hunger, (in order that they might grow humble) in order that they may believe and pray that I lift the punishment from them.

(If only, when our disaster) punishment (came on them, they had been humble) they had believed! (But their hearts were hardened) their hearts dried up (and the devil made all that they used to do) in their disbelief that such is the state of life: hardship alternates with ease and comfort (seem fair unto them!)

(Then, when they forgot that whereof they had been reminded) when they turned their backs on that which they had been commanded with in the Scripture, (We opened unto them the gates of all things) vegetation, land fertility and comfort (till, even as they were rejoicing in that which they were given) vegetation, land fertility and comfort, (We seized them unawares) with punishment, (and lo! they were dumbfounded) despairing of any good.

(So of the people who did wrong) who ascribed partners to Allah, they were exterminated through punishment (the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah) say praise and thanks be to Allah, (Lord of the Worlds!) for their extermination.

(Say: Have ye imagined) what you are saying, O people of Mecca, (if Allah should take away your hearing) such that you do not hear any admonition or guidance (and your sight) such that you do not see the Truth (and seal your hearts) such that you do not perceive the Truth or guidance, (who is the God) referring here to the idols (who could restore it to you) that which Allah has taken away from you (save Allah? See) O Muhammad (how We display the revelations unto them) how We explain the Qur'an to them? (Yet still they turn away) they deny the revelations.

(Say: Can ye see yourselves) O people of Mecca, (if the punishment of Allah come upon you unawares) suddenly (or openly? Would any perish) through such a punishment (save wrong-doing folk?) who disobey that with which they have been commanded; it is also said that this refers to the idolaters.

(We send not the messengers save as bearers of good news) of Paradise for whoever believes (and warners) of the Fire for whoever disbelieves. (Whoso believeth) in the messengers and Scriptures (and doeth right) regarding that which is between him and his Lord, (there shall no fear come upon them) when fear comes upon the folk of hell (neither shall they grieve) when the people of hell grieve.

(But as for those who deny Our revelations) those who deny Muhammad and the Qur'an, (torment will afflict them for that they used to disobey) because of their denial of Muhammad and the Qur'an.

(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (I say not unto you (that) I possess) the keys to (the treasures of Allah): vegetations, fruits, rain or punishment, (nor that I have knowledge of the Unseen) when punishment is inflicted; (and I say not unto you: Lo! I am an angel) from heaven. (I follow) I do and say (only that which is inspired in me) only that which I am commanded with in the Qur'an. (Say) O Muhammad: (Are the blind man and the seer equal?) Are the believer and disbeliever equal in acts of obedience and reward? (Will ye not then take thought) about the similes of the Qur'an? This verse was revealed about Abu Jahl and his companions al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith and 'Uyaynah, and then it was revealed about the clients.

(Warn hereby) warn by the Qur'an; it is also said that this means: warn by Allah (those who fear) those who know and have certainty, among them Bilal Ibn Rabah, Suhayb Ibn Sinan, Mihja' Ibn Salih, 'Ammar Ibn Yasir, Salman al-Farisi, 'Amir Ibn Fuhayrah, Khabbab Ibn al-Aratt and Salim, the client of Abu Hudhayfah, (that they will be gathered unto their Lord) after death, (for whom there is no protecting friend) to protect them (nor intercessor beside Him) to interceded for them or save them from the torment, (that they may ward off (evil)) ward off transgressions, and this will help them perform works of obedience.

(Repel not) O Muhammad, because of what 'Uyaynah Ibn Hisn al-Fazari has said-he said: �repel these from you so that the nobles of Mecca come to you, hear you and believe in you�-and these nobles also asked 'Umar to request the Prophet (pbuh) to allocate one day for them and another for weak believers, but Allah rejected this and warned them against such a deed, (those who call upon their Lord) Salman and his fellow believers, among the clients, who worship their Lord (at morn and evening) through performing the five daily prayers, (seeking His Countenance) and by doing so they only seek Allah's Countenance and good pleasure. (Thou art not accountable for them) for their provision (in aught, nor are they accountable for you) for your provision (in aught, that thou shouldst repel them and be of the wrong-doers) of those who harm themselves.

(And even so) thus (do We try) test (some of them by others) the Arab by the client and the noble by the lowly person. This was revealed about 'Uyaynah Ibn Hisn al-Fazari, 'Utbah and Shaybah the sons of Rabi'ah, Umayyah Ibn Khalaf al-Jumahi, al-Walid Ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi, Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham, Suhayl Ibn 'Amr and their likes among the leaders of the Quraysh who were tested by the clients, (that they) i.e. 'Uyaynah Ibn Hisn al-Fazari and his lot (say: Are these) i.e. Salman and his fellow believers (they whom Allah favoureth) with faith (among us? Is not Allah best aware of the thanksgivers) of the believers, those who deserve such favour?

(And when those who believe in Our revelations) in our Book and Messenger; the reference here is to 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab (come unto thee, say) O Muhammad: (Peace be unto you!) Allah has accepted your repentance and excuse (Your Lord hath prescribed for Himself mercy) for anyone who repents, (that whoso of you doeth evil) sins (through ignorance) intentionally even though he did not know its due punishment (and repenteth afterward thereof) and repents of this sin (and doeth right) in relation to that which is between him and his Lord, ((for him) lo! Allah is Forgiving) He overlooks sins, (Merciful) towards him who repents.

(Thus do We expound the revelations) We expound the Qur'an, explaining commands, prohibitions as well as their events (that the way of the unrighteous may be manifest) the way of the idolaters, 'Uyaynah and his folk, why it is that they do not believe?

(Say) O Muhammad to 'Uyaynah and his folk: (I am forbidden) in the Qur'an (to worship those on whom you call) you worship (instead of Allah) i.e. idols. (Say) O Muhammad to 'Uyaynah and his folk: (I will not follow your desires) by worshipping idols and repelling Salman and his fellow believers from me, (for then) for if I do that (should I go astray) from guidance (and I should not be of the rightly guided) to that which is right if I were to do so.

(Say) O Muhammad to al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith and his folk: (I am (relying) on clear proof from my Lord) and I have full insight of my matter and religion, (while you deny Him) you deny the Qur'an and Allah's divine Oneness. (I have not that for which ye are impatient) i.e. your punishment. (The decision) to send a punishment on you (is for Allah only. He telleth the Truth) His judgement is just and He commands only that which is right (and He is the Best of Deciders) the best of Judges.

(Say) O Muhammad: (If I had that for which ye are impatient) i.e. punishment, (then would the case (ere this) have been decided between me and you) you would have already been destroyed. (Allah is best aware of the wrong-doers) of the punishment of the idolaters: al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith and his folk. Then, the punishment for which al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith asked happened: he was killed in captivity on the Day of Badr.

(And with Him are the keys of the invisible) the stores of the unseen: rain, vegetation, fruits, and the descent of punishment you asked for on the Day of Badr. (None but He knoweth them) no one knows the keys of the unseen: when the punishment for which you are impatient will come down on you. (And He knoweth what is in the land and the sea) of created beings and marvels; it is also said that this means: Allah knows what He destroys in the land and in the sea. (Not a leaf falleth) from a tree (but He knoweth it) He knows how many times it spins in the air before it falls, (not a grain amid the darkness of the earth) under a rock at the bottom of the earth except that He knows it, (naught of wet) i.e. water (or dry) steppe (but (it is noted) in a) written (clear record) all of it is in the Guarded Tablet: with their precise measure and time.

(He it is Who gathereth you at night) He takes your souls away in your sleep (and knoweth that which ye commit) you earn (by day. Then He raiseth you again to life) He returns to you again your souls (therein) in the day, (that the term appointed (for you) may be accomplished) that your lifespan and provisions reach their terms. (And afterward unto Him is your return) after you die. (Then He will proclaim unto you what ye used to do) of good and evil.

(He is the Omnipotent) the All-Conquering (over His slaves. He sendeth guardians) angels: two angels during the day and two at night; they record your good and bad deeds (over you until, when death cometh unto one of you, Our messengers) i.e. the angel of death and his assistants (receive him, and they neglect not) they do not delay the time of death by even a fraction of a second.

(Then are they restored unto Allah) on the Day of Judgement, (their Lord, the Just) Who is in charge of their right and just reward and punishment; it is also said (their Lord, the Just) means: their true God whom they ought to have worshipped, but they did not worship Him truly as He ought to have been worshipped. However, objects of worship other than Allah are void. (Surely His is the judgement) between people on the Day of Judgement. (And He is the most swift of reckoners) when He takes people to task, He does so swiftly.

(Say) O Muhammad to the disbelievers of Mecca: (Who delivereth you from the darkness) from the hardships and tumults (of the land and the sea? Ye call upon Him humbly and in secret) openly and in secret, ((saying): If we are delivered from this) from these hardships and tumults (we truly will be of the thankful) of the believers.

(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Allah delivereth you from this) from the hardships of the sea and the land (and from all afflictions) from all grief and turmoil. (Yet ye) people of Mecca (attribute partners) idols (unto Him).

(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (He is able to send punishment upon you from above you) as He did on the people of Noah and the people of Lot (or from beneath your feet) or make the earth swallow you as it swallowed Korah, (or to bewilder you with dissension) make divide into conflicting sects as He did with the Children of Israel after the prophets (and make you taste the tyranny) the sword of (one of another. See) O Muhammad (how We display the revelations) how We expound in the Qur'an the events of past nations and that which We did with them (so that they may understand) so that they may understand Allah's commands and His divine Oneness.