About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

       All (forms of) praise and thanks are for Allah (Alone), Who created the heavens and the earth and made (all shades of) darkness and light, yet the disbelievers hold others equal to their Creator.

       He is the one Who created you [Adam ( )] from clay and then fixed a term for you (to die). And there is another fixed term with Him (when you will be resurrected), yet you doubt (in the Resurrection)? (He Who gave you the first life, why should He not be able to resurrect?).

       He (i.e. Allah) is (worshipped) in the heavens and on the earth. He knows what you conceal and what you reveal, and He knows your deeds (good and bad).

       And whenever a sign comes to them (the disbelievers) from the signs of Allah, they turn away from it. (This is the habit of the disbelievers).

       (Following their habit) So they rejected the truth [i.e. the Quran and [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] when it reached them. (Their rejection will not be ignored) so soon will come to them the news of (that torment) which they used to mock at.

       Have they not seen how many communities We have destroyed before them whom We had established in the land more than We have established you, and We sent plenty of rain for them from the sky, and We made rivers flow under them? (In spite of their worldly power and comforts of life) then We destroyed them for their sins, and We raised other communities after them.

       And even if We had sent down to you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] a message written on paper so that they could touch it with their hands (according to their demand), the disbelievers would have said: “This is nothing but an obvious magic!” (Also Surah Al-Hijr:14, 15)

       And they say: “Why has not an angel been sent down to Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) (so that we see and talk to the angel)? (Allah says:) “If We had sent down an angel, the whole matter would have been judged at once without delaying (their punishment).

       (Since people will be scared to see an angel in its original form) and even if We chose to send an angel, We would have sent him in the human form, and this action of Ours would confuse them as they are confused now.

       (Don’t be sad at their non-sensical demands). And, indeed, many messengers before you were mocked at. Then those who mocked among them were entrapped by (torment) which they used to mock at.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Travel in the land and see what was the fate of those who denied the truth.”

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?” Say: “To Allah”. He has prescribed Mercy for Himself (for those who repent). Allah will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. But those who have pushed themselves in loss, they will not believe (in Allah).(Also Surah Al-Araf:156)

       “And whatever exists in the night and in the day belongs to Allah. And He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Shall I make for me a protecting friend other than Allah, the Original Creator of the heavens and the earth, and Who feeds and is never fed?” Say: “I am commanded to be the first to submit myself to Allah as Muslim, and be not from the idolaters.”

       Say: “If I disobey my Creator, I fear the torment of a Mighty Day.”

       He from whom (such torment) is removed on that Day, (Allah) has, indeed, been merciful to him. And that would be an obvious success.(Also Surah Ale-Imran:185)

       And if Allah inflicts an adversity upon you, none can remove it, except Allah, and if Allah bestows upon you goodness, then He is Able to do all things.

       And He is the Supreme above His slaves and He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “What thing has the maximum weight and reliability in a testi-mony?” (So that with that reliable thing all our differences will be resolved). Say: “Allah is witness between me and you,” (which is the most reliable testimony and this testimony is as follows). (Say :) “Allah has sent down this Quran to me so that I warn you and other people to whom this Quran reaches. (Even after this greatest testimony) would you still witness that there are other gods besides Allah?” Say: “I don’t witness that. But the truth is Allah is the only God. And I am fed up of your making partners with Allah.”

       Those to whom We have given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognize him [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), as messenger of Allah] as they recognize their own sons. Those who have pushed themselves into loss, so they will not believe.

       And who does more wrong than he who coins a lie against Allah or denies His revelations? Indeed, the wrong-doers shall never be successful.

       And on the Day when We shall gather them together then We shall say to those who made partners (with Allah): “Where are your false deities which you used to claim (as partners with Allah, so that they intercede on your behalf)?”

       Then the result of their idol worship will be nothing except that they will say: “By Allah, our Creator, we were never idolaters.”

       Look! How they lie against themselves! And those things about which they used to coin lies will disappear from them.

       And some of them (pretend to) listen to you, but We have put a cover on their hearts, so they cannot understand it, and also deafness in their ears. Even if they see all the proofs (of your Prophethood), they will not believe (because of their stubbornness). And they come to you simply to argue with you, and the disbelievers say: “These are only fables of the old time.”

       (Beyond verbal arguments). They forbid others [from the Quran and Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] and avoid themselves too (out of hatred). (By these activities) they are merely destroying themselves but they don’t understand (whose loss is this).

       If you could see when they will be stationed over the Hell-Fire, then they will say: “Alas! How nice it would be if we are sent back, then we will not deny the revelations of our Creator, and we will be counted among the believers.” (Also Surah Al-Muminun:107, 108)

       In fact, what they used to hide before (i.e. their disbelief) has been made clear to them. And even if they are sent back (to worldly life), they will surely revert to that which they were forbidden. And, indeed, they are liars.

       And they say: “This worldly life is the only life, and we shall not be resurrected (on the Day of Resurrection).”

       And if you could see when they will be stationed in front of their Creator (for accountability), Allah will say: “Is not this (Resurrection and accountability) the truth?” They will say: “Yes, by our Creator!” Allah will say: “So taste the torments due to your disbelief.”

       Indeed, those people are losers who denied their meeting with Allah. And when that Hour (signs of death), arrives suddenly they will say: “Alas! We did not pay much attention to it.” And they will be bearing their burdens on their backs; and evil, indeed, are the burdens that they will bear!

       And worldly life is nothing except a play and pastime. And the residence of the Hereafter is far superior for those who fear Allah. Have you then no sense?

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] We are fully aware that it grieves you what they (the disbelievers) say. So, indeed, they are not denying you but the wrong-doers are denying the revelations of Allah.

       Indeed, many messengers were denied before you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!], but they remained patient regarding their denial and they were tortured till Our help reached them. And nobody can change the Decisions of Allah. And, indeed, the information regarding the mes-sengers (before you) has reached you.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And if their opposition is hard for you, then if you are able to find a tunnel in the earth or a ladder to the sky, so that you may bring for them their (demanded) miracle (and you cannot do it, so be patient). And if Allah willed it, He could have gathered them all on true guidance. So don’t be one of the ignorant persons.

       Indeed, only those people will accept it who listen. (If their oppo-sition is not punished in this world) Allah will raise them from their graves and then they will be re-turned to Him (for the punishment).

       And they say: “Why is a miracle not sent upon them from their Creator?” Say: “Allah is certainly Able to send such a miracle, but most of them are unaware of its result.” (i.e. if they continue to disbelieve after such a miracle, they will be fully destroyed).

       There is not a living animal on earth (in land or sea), nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but they are communities like you (they will be resurrected like you and gathered like you. Although they are too many but) We have not neglected anything in Our record. Then they all shall be gathered to their Creator. (Also Surah An-Nahl:89)

       [For the satisfaction of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), Allah says]. And those who deny Our revelations, they are deaf (to hear the truth) and dumb (to speak the truth), consequently they are (entrapped) in all shades of darkness (i.e. in all forms of ignorance). Allah leads astray whom He wills and He guides on the Straight Path whom He wills.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Tell me, if Allah’s punishment comes to you or the Day of Resurrection comes to you, would you then call (for help) anyone other than Allah, if you are truthful?”

       In fact, you will call Him (Allah Alone). And if He wills, He would remove that (misery) for which you called upon Him, and then you would forget whatever partners you join (with Him).

       Indeed, We sent messengers to many communities before you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!]. We seized those communities with extreme poverty and calamities so that they might become humble (and believe in Allah).

       Why did they not humble themselves when Our calamity struck them (so that they may be forgiven)? In fact, their hearts further hardened and Satan made attractive to them what (evil) they used to do.

       So when they forgot the re-minders (of their messengers), then We made the doors of everything wide open for them until they be-came proud of what they were given. Then We seized them all of a sudden, (with a torment) so they be-came totally disappointed or dumb founded.

       So (with this punishment) the roots of those wrong-doers were cut off. And all praise and thanks to Allah, the Creator of all universes (for punishing these wrong-doers to reduce the evil in this world).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say, (to the disbelievers): “Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your eye-sight, and put a seal on your hearts, then which of your false deity can restore them to you?” Notice how We give proofs from various angles, yet they turn away.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Tell me, if Allah’s torment come to you suddenly (i.e. during night), or openly (i.e. during the day), will any be destroyed except the wrong-doing people?”

       And We send messengers to give people the glad tidings and warn them too. So whosoever believes and reforms himself, so there shall be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

       And those who deny Our rev-elations, torment will be inflicted upon them because of their dis-belief.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “I am not claiming that I have treasures of Allah, nor the knowledge of unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I (strictly) follow what is revealed to me.” Say: “Are the blind and the one who can see equal? Why don’t you ponder over it?”

       And warn (with the Quran) those who fear that they will be gathered before their Creator, when there will be neither a protector nor an intercessor for them besides Him, so that they fear (Allah).

       And don’t drive away those who worship Allah, morning and evening (i.e. always) to seek the sole Pleasure of Allah. You are not accountable for them in any way, nor are they accountable for you in any way that you should drive them away. Otherwise you will be one of the wrong-doers.

       In this way We have made a trial of (well to do) disbelievers with the (poor) believers, so that the disbelievers will say about the (poor) believers: “Are these the ones whom Allah has favoured from amongst us?” Does not Allah know best those who are grateful (to Him)?

       And when those (poor believ-ers) come to you who believe in Our revelations, (honour them) saying: “Peace be upon you.” (i.e. you will be saved from the tor-ment inflicted on the disbelievers in the Hereafter); Your Creator has prescribed Mercy for Himself. So if any of you does an evil in igno-rance, and then repents and reforms himself (by good deeds), then, in-deed. Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

       And in this way We explain Our revelations in detail (to describe the condition of both groups so that the way of believers become clear) and the way of the criminals become clear.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “I have been forbidden to worship those whom you worship besides Allah.” Say: “I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would go astray, and I would not be one of the rightly guided persons.”

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “I am on clear proof from my Creator which you deny. I don’t have (the power) to bring about what (i.e. the torment) you are hastening for. Only Allah makes the decisions. He (Allah) describes the truth and He is the Best of the Deciders.”

       Say: “If I had that which you are hastening for (i.e. the torment), the matter would have been settled at once between me and you, and Allah knows best the wrong-doers.”

       And with Him are the keys of all that is hidden (treasure), none knows them except He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the seas. And no leaf falls (from a tree) but He knows it. And no seed (is planted) in the darkness of neither earth nor anything fresh or dry (e.g. fruits) falls but is (written) in a clear Record.

       And He (Allah) takes your souls by night (i.e. disables your senses) and knows all that you do during the day, then He wakes you up so that (this routine of sleeping and waking) is completed for a fixed term (in worldly life), then you will return to Him, then He will inform you of what you used to do.

       And He has the supreme power over His slaves. He appoints (angels) who guard your (lives and deeds) until death approaches one of you, then Our angels take his soul and they are not neglectful at all.

       Then they are returned to their True Master. Bear in mind, (at that time) He (Alone) will be the judge (nobody can interfere) and He is very Swift in taking account.

       Say: “Who rescues you from the darkness of the land and sea (i.e. storm), when you call Him humbly and quietly (saying): “If You save us from this (danger), we shall truly be grateful (to You)?”

       Say: “Allah does rescue you from this and all (other) adversities, yet you worship others besides Allah.”

       Say: “He has the power to inflict upon you torment (due to your disbelief) from above you or from under your feet, or divide you into groups and pitch you against one another (to settle your worldly differences) and (in this way) make you taste the violence of one another.” [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Notice how We explain Our revelations so that they may understand.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And your people have denied it (the Quran) though it is the truth. Say: “I am not sent as a guardian over you.”

       There is a fixed time for the occurrence of every news (i.e. event), and soon you will come to know about it (that the promised torment is for real).

       And when you [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] come across those who engage in finding faults in (or mocking at) Our revelations, stay away from them till they change this topic. And if Satan causes you to forget, then quit sitting in the company of those wrong-doers as soon as you remember it. (Also Surah An-Nisa:140)

       The pious people shall not be held responsible at all for the accountability of those (who are finding faults in Our revelations). However, it is the duty of the believers to remind them so that they may fear Allah (and avoid such shameful conversation).

       And leave the company of those who have made their religion play and pastime and are deceived by the worldly life. Remind them with the Quran lest someone gets entrapped due to his deeds and then he will not find any helper or intercessor besides Allah, and whatever penalty he is willing to pay, it will not be accepted from him. They are entrapped in it because of their (evil) deeds. They will have boiling water for drinking and a painful torment because they used to disbelieve.

       Say: “Shall we worship others besides Allah, that can neither benefit us nor harm us, and shall we be turned back on our heels after Allah has guided us? (In that case our example will be like) a person whom the devils have led astray in a forest and he is confused. He has some companions who are inviting him to the Right Path and requesting him to join them.” Say: “Indeed, Allah’s guidance is the (only true) guidance, and we have been ordered to submit ourselves fully to the Creator of the universe,

       “(And we are ordered) to perform Salat and fear Allah to Whom you shall be gathered.” (Also Surah Al-Baqarah:45)

       It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in truth (or with wisdom for our benefit). (And don’t consider your gathering on the Day of Resurrection difficult. It is so easy) on that Day Allah will say: “Be!” and it is! His Word is the Truth (and effective). And when the (second) Trumpet will be blown, He will be the sole Sovereign, All-Knower of Unseen and the seen. He is the All-Wise, the Well-Acquainted (of all things).

And (remember) when Ibrahim ( ) said to his father Azar: “Do you take idols as (your) gods? Indeed, I see you and your people (who have same faith as yours) in an obvious error.”

       And thus We showed Ibrahim ( ) (Our) creations in the heavens and the earth so that he be one of those who have very firm Faith.

       When the darkness of the night covered him, he saw a star. He said (to his people): “(According to your thinking) this is my (and your) Creator, (soon fact will be revealed). But when the star set, he said: “I don’t love those that set.” (i.e. I don’t consider it our Creator).

       When he saw the shining moon, he said: “(According to your thinking) this is my (and your) Creator.” But when it set, he said: “Unless my Creator guides me, I shall surely be among the people who went astray.”

       When he saw the sun rising with its full brightness, he said: “This is my Creator since this is greater.” But when it set, he said: “O my people, I am fed up with your associating partners (in worship) with Allah.

       “Indeed, I have totally turned my direction towards Him who has created the heavens and the earth, and I am not from those who associate partners (in worship) with Allah.”

       And his people disputed with him. He said: “Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me, and I don’t fear those whom you associate with Him in worship. (No harm can come to me) except when my Creator wills it. My Creator’s Knowledge is encompassing everything. Will you not then pay heed to it?

       “And why should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah while you don’t fear that you have made partners in worship with Allah for which Allah has not sent down to you any authority? Hence, which of the two groups has more right to be secure? If you know (anything).”

       It is those who are believers and do not mix their belief with idol worship. They have the security and they are the guided people.

       And We gave this proof to Ibrahim ( ) against his people, We raise the levels (in knowledge and in performing good deeds) of whom We will. Indeed, your Creator is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

       [Just like we raised levels of Ibrahim ( ), similarly We raised levels of many others]. And We bestowed upon him Ishaq ( ) and Yaqub ( ), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nuh ( ), and among his progeny Dawud ( ), Sulaiman ( ), Ayub ( ), Yusuf ( ), Musa ( ) and Harun ( ). In this way We reward the good-doers (appropriately).

       And (also) Zakaria ( ) and Yahya ( ) And Isa ( ) and Ilyas ( ), each one of them was from the righteous people.

       And (also) Ismail ( ) and Al-Yasa ( ) and Yunus ( ) and Lut ( ), each one of them We made distinguished (with Prophethood) over mankind and jinns (of their times)!

       And also some of their fathers and their children and their brothers, And We chose them and We guided them to the Straight Path.

       This is the Guidance of Allah with which He guides whomsoever He wills of His slaves. And if they had ascribed partners in worship with Allah, all their deeds would have become null and void.

       We gave them Book, Wisdom and Prophethood. And if these (disbelievers) deny [Prophethood of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)], then We have entrusted it to a people who do not disbelieve it. (i.e. Muhajireen and Ansar).

       These are the people whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance. Say: “I don’t ask you any reward for this (the Quran). It is only a reminder for  mankind and jinn.”

       And they (disbelievers) did not value (the favours of) Allah as they should have valued when they said (bluntly): “Allah did not send down any revelation to any human being.” [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Who sent down the Book which Musa ( ) brought, a light and guidance for  mankind? You (Jews) have di-vided this Book into several leaves. You show some of these leaves to the people and hide most of them (the contents which are against your vain desires). And this Book (the Quran) teaches you many things which you and your forefathers did not know.” [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “(This Book is revealed) by Allah.” Then ignore these people absorbed in their idle talk.

       And this Book (the Quran) which We have sent down is also full of blessings, confirming (the Books) which came before it, so that you may warn the (residents) of Mother of the towns (Makkah) and all those around it. And those who believe in the Hereafter do believe in the Quran and they are very regular in offering their Salat.

       And who will be more unjust than he who coins a lie against Allah, or who says: “A revelation has come to me,” whereas no revelation has come to him of any kind; and who says:  I will send down like what Allah has sent down.” And if you could see when wrong-doers are in the pangs of death, while the angels stretch their hands, (saying:) “Deliver your souls! Today you will have a disgraceful punishment since you used to say things against Allah unjustly, and you used to be arrogant  to the revelations of Allah.”

       And you have come all alone to Us just like when We created you for the first time, and whatever We granted you, it is left behind you. And We don’t see with you the intercessors whom you claimed to be partners with Allah. Indeed, now all your mutual connections have been cut off, and all that you used to claim has disappeared from you.

       Indeed, Allah splits the grain and the seed of a plant (to sprout). He brings forth the living from the dead and He brings forth the dead from the living. Such is Allah, then how are you turning away (from the truth)? 

       He causes the daybreak (from the darkness of the night). And He made the night for resting, and the sun and the moon for counting (pe-riods of time). That is ordained by the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

       And He created stars (for your benefit), so that you may guide yourselves in the darkness of the land and the sea. Indeed, We have explained Our revelations in detail for the people who know.

       And He created you from a single person [Adam ( )], and He has given you a place of residence (in your mother’s womb) and has given you a place of storage (in your graves). Indeed, We have explained Our revelations in detail, for the people of understanding.

       And He sends rain from the sky, and causes vegetation of all kinds to grow with it. Then We bring forth green branches which in turn bring forth grain packed one over the other; and from the buds of palm tree comes forth clusters of dates hanging down and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and olive and pomegranate, each looking alike but differing (in taste and quality). Watch the fruits, when they begin to bear, and notice its ripening process. Indeed, there are signs in it for the people who (are keen to) believe.

       (In spite of all these signs) they make the jinn as partners in worship with Allah, though He has created the jinn, and they assigned sons and daughters for Him without any proof. Glorified is He and Exalted above all that they attribute to Him.

       (Allah) is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can Allah have children when He has no wife? And He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.

       Such is Allah, your Creator! None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, the Creator of all things. Hence, worship Him Alone and He Conducts and Disposes all the affairs.

       No vision can comprehend Him, but He encompasses all visions. He knows everything Minutely and is Well-Acquainted (with all things).

       Indeed, the means to search the truth have reached you from your Creator. So whosoever will understand these, it will be to his advantage, and whosoever will close his eyes on them will only harm himself, and I [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] am not a watcher over you.

       And thus We explain Our revelations (from various angles) and so that they (the disbelievers) may say (due to their prejudice): “You have learnt these from someone,” and We make (the meanings of the Quran) clear to the knowledgeable persons. (Also Surah Al-Furqan:4, 5)

       Follow what has been revealed to you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] from your Creator. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. (Adhere to this thinking) and ignore the idolaters (without being sad about their rejection).

       And had Allah willed, they would not have ascribed partners in worship with Allah. (But due to their evil activities, Allah intends to punish them). We have not sent you as a watcher over them nor you are a guardian over them.

       And don’t rebuke those whom they (the disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they rebuke Allah due to their ignorance. (In this world) thus We have made the deeds of every group attractive. Then they will return to their Creator and He will inform them what they used to do (and will punish the criminals).

       And they swear by Allah in the strongest possible terms stating that if a miracle comes (from one of their demanded miracles) to them, they shall surely believe in it. [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “All mira-cles are in Allah’s control, and you (O believers) don’t know (but Allah knows), that even if those miracles came, they would not believe.”

       And We shall turn away their hearts and eyes(from guidance) just like they did not believe (in the biggest miracle, the Quran when it was revealed) first time. And We shall leave them wandering blindly in their transgression.

       And even if We had sent down to them angels (as they demand) and the dead had spoken to them, and (not only this) even if We had gathered together all things before their eyes, they would not have believed, unless Allah willed. But most of them behave ignorantly. (Also Surah Yunus:96, 97)

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)! The opposition of these people to you is nothing new]. And thus We have made devils as enemies for every Prophet – from mankind as well as jinn. They whispered to one another flowery speech to deceive them. And if your Creator had willed, they would not have done it. (They were however allowed to do it due to some wisdom). Hence, leave them alone along with their fabrications.

       And so that the hearts of those who don’t believe in the Hereafter lean towards them, and they may be pleased with it and they may commit what they used to commit (sinful activities).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Shall I look for a judge other than Allah while He has sent down to you the Quran, explained in detail?” And those people (Jews and Christians) who were given  the Scripture they know that surely it (the Quran) is sent to you from your Creator in truth. So don’t be of those who doubt.

       The Word of your Creator is perfect regarding truthfulness and justice. None can change His Words. (A fantastic proof!) And He is All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

       And if you obey most of the people on the earth, they will mislead you from Allah’s Path. They follow only their conjectures and they have only superficial ideas.

       Indeed, your Creator knows who has gone astray from His Path and He also fully knows those who are rightly guided.

       So eat freely the meat on which Allah’s Name was mentioned (at the time of slaughtering of the animal), if you believe in His revelations.

       And why should you not eat the meat on which Allah’s Name has been mentioned (at the time of slaughtering), while Allah has explained to you in detail what is unlawful for you except in extreme necessity? And, indeed, many people lead others astray by their vain desires without any proof. And indeed, your Creator knows best the transgressors.

       (O Mankind!) Leave apparent as well as hidden sins. Indeed, those who commit sin will be punished for what they used to commit.

       And do not eat the meat of those animals on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned (at the time of slaughtering). And it is surely disobedience of Allah. And certainly the devils do motivate their friends to dispute with you, and if you obey them, then surely, you would be an idolater.

       Is the one who was dead (i.e. lost in ignorance) and We gave him life (become a believer), and We gave such a light (i.e. Faith) with which he walks around amongst men (i.e. it is with him all the time and leads a peaceful life)-like him who is immersed in the darkness (of disbelief) and don’t see any way out from this. Thus the (evil) deeds of the disbelievers always appear attractive and fair-seeming to them. (Also Surah Hud:24)

       And thus We made the leaders of every community to commit crimes and to make an (evil) strategy (to harm the Prophets) there. And they do not plot (this mischief) except against themselves, but they don’t perceive it.

       And when a Verse (of Allah) is conveyed to them, they say: “We shall not believe until we receive similar to that which the messenger of Allah had received.” Allah knows better with whom to place His message. These criminals will soon receive the disgrace and humiliation from Allah and severe torment for that which they used to plot.

       So whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast (i.e. heart) for Islam. And whomsoever Allah wills to lead astray, He makes his breast (i.e. heart) more and more closed, and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. In this way, Allah covers the disbelievers with the impurity (or His Wrath). (Hence they are unable to accept Islamic belief).

       And this is the Straight Path of your Creator. We have given details of Our revelations for the people who seek advice from them.

       For them there will be a home of peace and tranquillity (i.e. Paradise) with their Creator. And He is their Protector because of what they used to do.

       And on the Day when Allah will gather them all together (and say): “O you the group of jinn! You did mislead many men.” The friends of jinn from men will say: “Our Creator, we benefited from each other, but now we have reached our appointed term which You appointed for us.” Allah will say: “Fire is your residence, you will reside there forever, except as Allah may will. Indeed, your Creator is All-Wise, All-Knowing.”

       And in this way, We make the wrong-doers helpers of one another (in committing crimes) because of what they used to do.

       O you the group of jinn and mankind! “Did the messengers not come to you from amongst you, reciting to you My Verses and warning you about the meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say: “We testify against ourselves.” And it was the worldly life which deceived them, and they will testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.

       This is because your Creator would not destroy (in this world) any community for their disbelief while the residents of this community are unaware (of the revelations of Allah sent through His messenger).

       (Hence since the messengers were sent and the guidance was provided, now) Every one of them (from jinn and mankind) will be kept at a level (of honour or disgrace) according to their deeds, and your Creator is not unaware of what they do.

       And your Creator is All-Rich (free of all needs), full of Mercy. If He wills, He can remove you and replace you with whom He wills as your successors, just like He created you from the children of (or seed of) other people.

       Indeed, what you are promised (through the messengers) will definitely take place, and you cannot escape (from the punishment of Allah).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “O my people! Act according to your way, I am also acting (in my way). So you will know soon whose actions (of this world) are beneficial in the Hereafter. Indeed, the wrong-doers will not be successful (in the end).”

       And these people (idolaters) assign a portion of their crops and cattle (which Allah has created for them), as Allah’s (used for guests, charity etc.) according to their thinking and other portion for their false deities, (although their deities did not create these crops and cattle). Then the portion assigned to the deities does not go to the portion assigned for Allah (stating that Allah is All-Rich) but the portion assigned to Allah is transferred to the portion assigned for their deities (i.e. if there are bad crops etc). How evil and (funny) is their justice!

       And similarly the false deities of the idolaters have made the killing of their children fair-seeming to them to lead them to their own destruction and to cause confusion and doubt in their religion. And if Allah had willed, they would not have done so. Hence leave them alone along with their fabrications.

       And the idolaters say: “According to their thinking, the use of such and such crops and cattle are not permissible and none can eat of them except those whom we allow. And such cattle are forbidden to be used for burden (or any other work).” And there are cattle on which they don’t mention Name of Allah (at the time of slaughtering) simply to fabricate against Allah. Allah will punish them soon for what they used to fabricate.

       And the idolater also say: “What is in the bellies of such and such cattle (milk or baby) is for our men only and is forbidden to our women, but if it is (born) dead, then all have share in it.” Allah will punish them soon for their attributing (lies to Allah). Indeed, Allah is All-Wise, All-Knower.

       Indeed, those people are the losers who killed their children foolishly without any proof and have made unlawful for them that which Allah had provided for them, fabricating lies against Allah. They have definitely gone astray and were not guided.

       And it is Allah who produces gardens with plants supported and running over wooden framework (called trellis) and also not trellised gardens, and palm trees, and crops of different kinds, and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat from their fruit when it is ripe, but pay the prescribed Zakat at the time of harvesting and don’t indulge in extravagance since Allah does not like the extravagant people.

       And (Allah created) cattle, some with big height and others with small height. Eat from what Allah has provided for you and don’t follow the footsteps of Satan (i.e. don’t make lawful things unlawful and vice versa). Indeed, Satan is your obvious enemy.

       (Allah created) Eight pairs (of animals). Two kinds of the sheep (male and female) and two kinds of goats (male and female). Say: “Has Allah made unlawful both males and both females or the baby which the wombs of the both females contain? Inform me with proof if you are truthful in your claim (concerning the lawful and unlawful of animals).”

       (Regarding the animals of big height, Allah has created) Two kinds of camels (male and female) and two kinds of oxen (male and female); say: “Has Allah made unlawful both males and both females or the baby which the wombs of both females contain? Or were you present when Allah ordered such a thing? Then who is more unjust than one who coins lies against Allah, to lead people astray without any proof. Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrong-doers.”

       Say: “According to the revela-tions sent to me, I don’t find any of them unlawful to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it is a dead animal, or blood which can flow, or the flesh of swine, since it is, indeed, impure (or impious), and the meat of an animal which is sacrificed for others than Allah. So, whosoever is forced out of utter necessity without willing disobedi-ence or transgression, then, indeed, your Creator is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful (for such persons).

       And We made unlawful for Jews every (animal) with undivided hoof, and the fat of the ox and the sheep except that is pasted on their backs or intestines or is mixed up with a bone. We (Allah) punished them in this manner for their rebellious attitude. And, indeed, We are Truthful.

       If they (the Jews) call you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] a liar (since Allah’s torment has not come to them), say: “Your Creator is Owner of Vast Mercy and His punishment cannot be turned away from the criminal people.”

       The idolaters will soon say: “If Allah had willed, we would not have ascribed partners in worship with Allah, nor our forefathers and nor we would have made anything unlawful.” Thus the people before them denied (Our revelations) until they tasted Our torment. Say: “Do you have any proof that you can present to us? Indeed, you follow only conjectures and the guess work.”

       Say: “With Allah is the perfect proof and argument. Had Allah willed, He would, indeed, have guided you all (to the Straight Path). (But due to certain hidden wisdom He did not).

       Say: “Bring forward your wit-nesses, who can testify that Allah has made this (i.e. animals) un-lawful. Even if they testify, [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] you don’t testify with them. And you should not fol-low the vain desires of those who deny Our revelations, and also those who don’t believe in the Hereafter and they hold others as equal (in worship) with their Creator.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Come, I will recite to you things (i.e. whose disobedience your Creator has made unlawful for you. (Firstly) don’t join anything in worship with Allah. (Secondly) treat your parents graciously. (Thirdly) don’t kill your children with fear of poverty – We (Allah) provide sustenance for you and for them. (Fourthly) don’t go even close to obscene activities – committed openly or secretly. (Fifthly) don’t kill anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except with just cause. Allah has commanded you this so that you may understand it (and act upon it).

       “(Sixthly) don’t touch the orphan’s property, except that it may be beneficial for the orphan, until he/she attains the age of maturity. (Seventhly) give full measure and full weight with justice. We don’t burden any person (with Our Commands) more than he can bear. (Hence they should obey the commands). (Eighthly) when you judge between people (or give evidence), uphold the truth even if a near relative is involved. (Ninthly) fulfil the promise of Allah. Allah commands this to you so that you may remember.

       “And, indeed, these (above mentioned Allah’s commandments) lead to the Straight Path. Hence follow it. And don’t follow other paths since they will lead you away from Allah’s Path. Allah has commanded this to you so that you may be careful (not to get off the Right Path).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)! We have not only sent you as messenger, We sent many messengers before you too] We gave Musa ( )the Book to complete (Our favour) upon those who would do good deeds and to explain all things with full detail and as a guidance and a mercy so that they (Children of Israel) might believe in the meeting with their Creator.

       And We have sent down this Book (the Quran) which is full of blessings. Hence, follow it and fear Allah so that (Allah’s) Mercy is showered on you.

       (We have also sent down the Quran) lest you say: “Indeed the Book was sent down only to two groups before us (Jews and Christians), and we were unaware of their teachings and training.” (Hence we had no idea about the Oneness of Allah)

       Or (lest) you say: “If a Book had been sent down to us, we would surely have been better guided than them (Jews and Christians). (Bear in mind, now you have no excuse left since) a clear proof (the Quran) has come to you from your Creator which is (a means of) guidance, and is a mercy (of your Creator). Hence, who will be more unjust than one who rejects Allah’s revelations and hinders others (to accept them)? So We shall inflict an evil torment on those who hinder Our revelations due to their hindrance. (Just rejection of Verses was enough for punishment, but due to hindering others, the punishment is intensified).

       Are they waiting that the angels should come to them, or your Creator should come, or that some of the signs of your Creator should come (e.g. rising of the sun from the west etc). The Day when some of the signs of your Creator come, the belief of the person will not benefit him unless he had believed before or he had performed good deeds with his belief beforehand. Say: “You wait, we are waiting too.”

       Indeed, those who split their religion (while they were supposed to be guardian of it) and created many sects, [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] you have nothing to do with them. Their affair (and fate) is with Allah, Who will then tell them what they used to do.

       Whoever performs a good deed, he will be rewarded tenfold, and whoever commits an evil deed will be punished for one evil deed only, and they will not be wronged (e.g. a good deed is not recorded or a bad deed is exaggerated).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Indeed, My Creator has guided me (through revelations) to the Straight Path, a strong and upright religion, of Ibrahim (pbuh), who worshipped Allah Alone, and he was not from those who ascribed partners in worship with Allah.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Indeed, my Salat, my all worship, my life and my death is for Allah, the Creator of the universe (This, in fact, is the summary of the teachings of Islam).

       “He has no partner, and I have been commanded this (to follow this religion), and I am the first to submit as a Muslim.”

       Say: “Shall I seek a Creator other than Allah, while He is the Creator of all things? And whatever a person does, he is treated accord-ingly. Nobody will bear other’s bur-den. Then you will return to your Creator. He will inform you about your differences in various matters (and the decision will be made).

       And it is Allah who made you His caliph in this world (i.e. made you the ruler and bestowed upon you the power and authority or made you inherit each other), and raised level of one over the other (in various ways) so that He may test you about the various favours He has bestowed upon you. Indeed, your Creator is Swift in punishment and, indeed, He is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful.