About the Surah

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

       O Mankind! Fear your Creator. Indeed, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is an aweful thing.

       That Day you shall see it, every suckling mother will forget her suckling child, and every pregnant one will deliver her burden and the people will appear to be drunk, yet they will not be drunk, but the torment of Allah will be very severe.

       Some people argue about Allah even without any knowledge and they follow every rebellious devil (e.g. Allah cannot resurrect etc.).

       It is decreed (by Allah) that whosoever befriends him (the devil), so he will make him go astray, and lead him to the torment of Fire.

       O Mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then indeed, We have created you (i.e. Adam ( ) ] from dust and then (as Children of Adam ( ) ] from the mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge, then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed, to show you (Our Power of creation). And We keep in the womb of the mother whom We will for a fixed period. Then We bring you in this world as a child. Then (We let you) attain your full strength. And some of you die and some of you are returned to the difficult old age when they lose their knowledge which they had acquired. (Another proof of resurrection is) you see barren land, so when We send down rain on it, it (slightly) rises, then (somewhat) expands or swells, and then gives rise to all kinds of lovely vegetations. (Also Surah Yasin:68)

       This is because Allah is the Truth and He can give life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things.

       And that the Day of Judgement will definitely occur and there is no doubt about it. And that Allah will definitely resurrect those who are in the graves.

       And there are some people who dispute about Allah without any knowledge or guidance or a Book giving light (from Allah),

       Bending his neck with arro-gance in order to lead others astray from the Path of Allah. There is disgrace for him in this worldly life and We shall make him taste the tor-ment of burning fire on the Day of Judgement. (Also Surah Luqman:7)

       That is because of what your hands have sent forth and that Allah is not unjust to (His) slaves. 

       And some people worship Allah as if they are standing on an edge (i.e. in doubt). If he receives some benefit, he is content with it, but if an adversity comes, he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts back to disbelief). He is in a loss in this world as well as in the Hereafter. That is, in fact, an obvious loss.

       He calls besides Allah that which can neither harm him nor benefit him. That is the straying far away.

       He is worshiping the one whose harm is nearer than his benefit. Certainly it is an evil patron and certainly it is an evil companion!

       Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and do good deeds to the Gardens beneath which rivers flow (in Paradise). Indeed, Allah does what He wills.

       (In this Verse the helplessness of the disbelievers is described) Whoever thinks that Allah will not help [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and his religion] in this world and in the Hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the sky (and reach the sky with this rope, if he can) to make the revelations cut off (obviously nobody can do this), then he should ponder whether his plan can stop the thing (i.e. revelations) which made him very angry! (Explanation by Imam Shawkani).

       And thus We have sent this [the Quran to Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] as clear Verses. And, surely, Allah guides whom He wills.

       Indeed, those who believe and those who are Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians and the Majus (who worship fire) and the idolater, Allah will definitely judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Allah is Witness over all things.

       Don’t you see that whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and all (living) creatures, and many of mankind prostrate themselves to Allah (in a form suitable to their situation)? And there are many people for whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allah disgraces, none can bestow honour on him. Indeed, Allah does what He wills. (Also Surah Al-Isra:44)

       These two opponents (i.e. believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other (sometimes verbally and sometimes physically) about their Creator. (This dispute will be settled on the Day of Judgement as follows). So the disbelievers will have garments of fire cut out for them (i.e. fire will be touching their bodies as their garments do), and the boiling water will be poured over their heads.

       It will melt whatever is in their bellies, as well as their skins.

       And there will be steel ham-mers for them (to punish them).

       Every time they try to get out from Hell, due to sadness (and exhaustion), they will be pushed back into it, and (it will be) said to them: “Taste the torment of burning (forever)!”

       Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and do good deeds to the Gardens, beneath which rivers flow (in Paradise). They will be decorated with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be of silk.

       (They are honoured because in the worldly life) they were guided to Kalma Tayyab [there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is His messenger] and they were guided to the Path (of Allah) Who is Worthy of all praise.

       Indeed, those who disbelieved and hindered others from the Path of Allah and from Masjid-al-Haram (in Makkah) in which We have made the local residents (living within the limits of Haram) and the visitors equal. And whoever intends to do any form of profanity or partiality (in Haram Shareef), We will make him taste a painful torment.

       And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim ( )  the location of the Sacred House (saying): “Don’t associate anything (in worship) with Me, and keep My House clean for those who go around it, and those who stand up (for prayer) and those who bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer).”

       And announce to mankind the pilgrimage for the people. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camels (which become lean because of long journey) from the very distant mountain highways.

       So that they may witness the benefits for themselves (i.e. Salat, Tawaf and trade etc.). And during the appointed days (during 10th-13th of Dhul-Hijjah) mention Allah’s Name on domestic cattle which Allah has given them (for sacrifice). So eat from it yourself and also feed the distressed poor people having a hard time.

       (After sacrificing the animal) they should (further) clean themselves (i.e. have hair and nail cut etc.) and fulfil their vows and go around the Ancient House (of Allah in Makkah) (this going around the Ancient House is called Tawaf Ziarah).

       These (are the specific instruc-tions about Hajj. Now listen to other general instruction). Whoever honours the sacred things of Allah, then that is better for him with his Creator. And the cattle are lawful for you except those mentioned earlier (in Surah Al-Maidah:3). Hence, save yourselves from the dirt of idols (i.e. worshipping idol is a dirty and mean thing) and save yourselves from false statements (since to lie is the third major sin after making partners with Allah and violating rights of the parents, and it converts a believer into a hypocrite).

       While believing in the Oneness of Allah and without ascribing any partner in worship with Him. And whoever associates partners with Allah, it is as if he has fallen from the sky. Then the birds will snatch away his meat or the wind will make him fall in a distant place.

       You listened to that. (Now listen more) and whoever honours the symbols of Allah, then it is, indeed, due to the piety of the hearts.

       There are benefits for you in the cattle (offered for sacrifice), for an appointed term (i.e. to milk them or ride them is permissible before sacrificing them). And the place of sacrifice for such animal is near the ancient Sacred House (it means any where in the limits of Haram).

       And for every nation We have appointed the method of sacrifice so that they may mention the Name of Allah on those cattle which He has given them for food. So your god is one God –Allah, hence you should submit to Him sincerely. [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Give glad tidings to those who are humble (to Allah).

       Those whose hearts tremble with fear when Allah is mentioned and they are patient during the hardships, and they perform Salat and they spend (in Allah’s Cause) from what We have given them.

       And We have made camels for sacrifice (and cows and oxen, offered for sacrifice) as among the Symbols of Allah (to remind about the Greatness of Allah). There are benefits for you in them. So you should make the camel stand and mention the Name of Allah at the time of sacrifice. When it falls down on its side (and is without any sign of life), then feel free to eat from it and feed those who live in contentment and also the beggar. Thus We have put cattle under your control so that you may be grateful (to Allah).

       It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Allah. Thus We have put them under your control (so that you may sacrifice them for Allah) and, mention the Greatness of Allah for the guidance He has provided you. (If His guidance was not there, it might have been sacrificed for others besides Allah). [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Give glad tidings to the good-doers.

       Indeed, Allah gets rid of the enemies of the sincere believers (e.g. idolaters of Makkah). Indeed, Allah does not like any treacherous and ungrateful person.

       (From now on) those believers are allowed to fight back (the disbelievers) who fight with them since they (the believers) have been wronged. And, indeed, Allah is Able to grant victory to the believers. (According to many scholars, this was the first command of Allah to permit believers to fight physically against disbelievers).

       Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: “Our Creator is Allah.” And if it had not been that Allah gets rid of one group of people with another group, many monasteries (i.e. places where monks live), churches, synagogues and masajid, in which the Name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely have been demolished. Indeed, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

       (Here the goals and objectives of the sincere Muslim rulers are described). If We establish them (i.e. make them rulers) in the land, they perform Salat, pay Zakat, command others to do good deeds and forbid them from the evil activities. And the end result of all matters (of His creatures) is in Allah’s Hand.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!]: “And if they deny you, so did deny before them, the people of Nuh ( ) , A’d and Thamud.

       And the people of Ibrahim ( )  and the people of Lut ( ) ,

       And the residents of Madyan. And Musa ( )  was denied too. So I delayed the punishment for the disbelievers, then I seized them (suddenly). Hence, how (terrible) was My punishment.

       And We destroyed many towns (with torment) since they were engaged in wrong-doings. So they have fallen on their roofs. And there are also several deserted wells and deserted lofty castles too.

       Have they not travelled in the land so that their hearts could understand (the facts) or their ears could hear (about these events)? In fact, it is not only the eyes that become blind but also the hearts in the breasts become blind.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] They ask you to hasten the occurrence of torment. Allah will not break His promise. And, indeed, one day with your Creator is like a thousand years according to your counting.

       And I delayed punishment of many cruel communities and then finally seized them (with torment). (None can escape the punishment) and they all have to return to Me. (Then full punishment will be served).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “O mankind! I am only a simple warner.” (Only Allah can send torment at the appointed time).

       Hence, those who believe and do good deeds there is forgiveness and generous provision (i.e. Paradise) for them.

       And those who strive against Our signs to defeat (their purpose) will be the people of Hell.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)! They debate with you regarding the whispering of Satan. It is nothing new.] And whenever We sent a messenger or a Prophet before you and when he desired something, Satan mixed something in what he desired. So Allah wipes out the mixture from Satan and further strengthens (the subject matter) of His Revelations. And Allah is All-Knower of (their objections) and Allah is All-Wise (to answer them).

       (This is because) Allah makes the mixture (or doubts) created by Satan a trial for those people whose hearts have disease (of hypocrisy and disbelief) and their hearts are hardened. And, indeed, the wrong-doers are in deep opposition (of the truth).

       (This is also so that) those who have been given correct knowledge may know that (the message which has been recited) is the truth from their Creator, so that they may believe in it and their hearts may lean to it with humility. And, indeed, Allah does guide those who believe, to a Straight Path.

       And the disbelievers will not cease to be in doubt about Allah’s revelation, until the Hour (of Judgement) comes suddenly upon them or the torment of the unblessed Day (i.e. Day of Judgement) comes (for the disbelievers).

       Allah Alone will be Sovereign on that Day. He will judge between them. Hence, those who believed and did good deeds will be in the Gardens of delight (Paradise). (Also Surah Ghafir:16)

       And those who disbelieved and denied Our revelations, so for them will be a disgraceful torment.

       Those who emigrated in the Cause of Allah and were killed (fighting against the disbelievers) or died (a natural death), Allah will provide for them good provision (in Paradise). And, indeed, Allah is the Best Provider.

       Allah will take them to a place with which they shall be highly pleased. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing. 

       It (the above promise for the emigrants) is true. If someone harms an enemy by way of retaliation equal to that which he was made to suffer, and then if he is wronged again (by the enemy), Allah will surely help him. Indeed, Allah is Very Pardoning, Very Forgiving.

       (Allah is very Powerful) that is because Allah merges the night into the day and He merges the day into the night. And, indeed, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Seer.

       That is also because Allah is the Truth and what they worship besides Allah is falsehood. And, indeed, Allah is the Most High, the Most Great.

       Don’t you see that Allah sends down rainwater from the sky which makes the earth green? Indeed, Allah is Extremely Kind and is Well-Acquainted (with all things).

       All that is in the heavens and on the earth belongs to Him. And, indeed, Allah is All-Rich (free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.

       Don’t you see that Allah has put everything on the earth under your control (or to serve you) and boats too which sail in the sea with His command. And He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except by His Permission. Indeed, Allah is Full of Kindness, Most Merciful to mankind.

       It is He, who gave you life, and then will cause you to die, and will again give you life (on the Day of Resurrection). (You should have been thankful for these favours). Man is, indeed, very ungrateful.

       We have fixed a method of worship for every nation which they follow. Hence, let them not (the pagans) dispute with you about the matter. [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] you invite them to (the Path of) your Creator. Indeed, you are on the (true) straight guidance.

       And if they continue arguing with you (regarding the slaughtering of sacrifices), say: “Allah knows best of what you do.

       “Allah will judge between all of you on the Day of Resurrection about that which you used to differ.”

       Don’t you know that Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on the earth? Indeed, it is all in the Book (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz). Indeed, it (judging) is very easy for Allah.

       And they worship others besides Allah, for which Allah has sent no authority and regarding which they have no knowledge. And for the wrong-doers there is no helper. 

       And when Our clear Verses are recited to them, you will see a denial on the faces of the disbelievers. It appears that they are about to attack those who recite Our Verses to them. Say: “Shall I tell you of something worse than that? The Fire (of Hell) which Allah has promised for the disbelievers and evil is that destination!”

       O mankind! An example is being described, so listen to it (carefully). Indeed, those whom you call besides Allah cannot create a fly, even though they get together for it. And if a fly snatches away something from them, they cannot recover this thing from the fly. So very weak and helpless are (both) the seeker and the sought.

       They did not value Allah (His Power, Majesty etc.) as it should be valued. (Hence, they made partners with Him). Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

       Allah chooses messengers from the angels and from men. In-deed, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Seer.

       He knows what is in front of them and what is behind them. (Hence, knowing their present conditions is easier). And all matters return to Allah (for decision).

       O you who have believed! (Perform Salat regularly). Bow down, and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Creator and always perform good deeds so that you may be successful.

       And strive hard in Allah’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity). He has chosen you (to convey His Message) and He has not put any hardship for you in the religion. It is the religion of your father Ibrahim ( ) . It is He (Allah) who named you Muslims both before and in this Quran, so that Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind. Hence perform Salat and give the poor-due and (also in other affairs) hold fast to Allah. Since He is your Patron, hence what an excellent Patron and what an excellent Helper!