About the Surah

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

       Taa-Seen (Allah Alone knows their meanings).These are the Verse of the Quran and (it is) a Book that makes things clear.

       (It is) a guidance (to the Right Path) and glad tidings for the believers.

       Those who perform Salat and pay the poor-due and they firmly believe in the Hereafter.

       Indeed, those who don’t be-lieve in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds attractive (and tempting) to them, so they wander about blindly.

       They will have an evil torment (in this world), and they will be (big) losers in the Hereafter.

       And [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] you are being taught the Quran from the All-Wise, All-Knowing. 

       (Remember) when Musa ( )  said to his family: “Indeed, I have seen a fire (which was actually a light), I will bring you some information from there, or I will bring you a burning brand, so that you may warm yourselves.”

       So when he reached near (that fire or light), he heard a voice (from Allah): “Blessed is whoever is inside this light (i.e. Allah) and whoever is around the light (i.e. Musa ( ) ]. (These are like greetings at the visitation). And Glorified is Allah, the Creator of the universe.

       “O Musa ( ) ! Indeed, it is I, Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

       “And throw down your stick!” So when he saw it moving around as if it were a snake, he ran away towards his back and did not look back.(It was said): “Don’t fear (since We have granted you Prophethood). Indeed, Prophets don’t fear (from things which are the proof of their Prophethood) in front of Me.

       “Except the one who has done wrong and then changed his evil activity to good deeds, then surely I am Very-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.

       “And put your hand into your bosom (opening of the shirt near the neck), it will come out white shining without any (physical) defect. So go to Firaun and his people with nine miracles. Indeed, they are people who are disobedient to Allah.

       So when Our absolutely clear miracles reached them, they said: “This is an obvious magic.”

       And they denied these miracles unjustly and arrogantly although their hearts were convinced about them. Hence, see what the (evil) end of the disbelievers was.

       And, indeed, We gave know-ledge to Dawud ( )  and Sulaiman ( )  and they both said: “All praise and thanks are due to Allah, Who has honoured us above many of His believing slaves!”

       And Sulaiman ( )  inherited (the knowledge of) Dawud ( ) . And Sulaiman ( )  said (to thank Allah): “O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds and We have been given all necessary things (i.e. army, equipment, wealth etc to run a dynasty). This is indeed, an obvious grace (from Allah).”

       And the armies of jinn and men, and birds were gathered before Sulaiman ( ) , each kind was put in its respective group (i.e. Regimentation of troops was done. It is a unique distinction of Sulaiman ( )  that he ruled not only over men but also over jinn and birds etc).

       Till when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman ( )  and his army crush you, unknowingly.

       So Sulaiman ( )  smiled, then burst into laughter on listening to the ant. [Sulaiman ( )  recalled all the favours of Allah bestowed upon him] and he prayed: “O my Creator! Enable me to be grateful to You for Your favours which You have bestowed upon me and on my parents, and that I may do good deeds which will please You and count me, by Your Mercy, among Your righteous slaves.”

       (One time the following inci-dent took place). Sulaiman ( )  reviewed (his army of) the birds and said,” What is the matter that I don’t see the hoopoe? Or has he disappeared (without my permission)?

       “I will surely punish him severely, or rather slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear proof.”

       So hoopoe came after a short while and said: “I have come to you with news which you are not aware of, and I have brought to you true news of Saba (the queen).

       “Indeed, I observed that a woman rules over them, she has been given all kinds of things (needed by any ruler on the earth), and she also has a great throne.

       “Indeed, I observed that a woman rules over them, she has been given all kinds of things (needed by any ruler on the earth), and she also has a great throne.

       So they do not worship Allah Who brings out the hidden things (including rain and vegetation) from the heavens and the earth and He knows what you conceal and what you reveal.

       Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but Him, the Creator of the Supreme Throne!

       Sulaiman ( )  said: “We shall soon find out whether you speak the truth or you are one of the liars.

       “You better go there with my letter and after delivering it to them, withdraw yourself from them and observe what (answer) they give.”

       (Saba received the letter and she gathered her advisors) Saba (said to them): “O my advisors! An esteemed letter has been delivered to me.

       (Stating) “Indeed, it is from Sulaiman ( )  and, indeed, it (starts): ‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

       “That do not be arrogant to me and come to me as Muslims.’” (This letter is very eloquent and is one of the miracles of the Quran).

       Saba said: “O my advisors! Advise me in this matter. I don’t take any decision in any matter till you are present with me (and have expressed your opinion).”

       They said: “We are mighty and very tough in war, but it is up to you to decide, hence think over what you would like to order.”

       Saba said: “Indeed, whenever the kings enter a community (as enemies), they totally destroy it and disgrace the honourable people of that community and thus they (always) do.

       “And, indeed, I am going to send him a gift and then see with what the messengers return.”

       So when they (the messengers) came to Sulaiman ( ) , he said: “Do you want to help me with your wealth? What Allah has granted me is far superior to what you have been given. (We will not accept this gift) Rather you rejoice with your gift!

       “Go back to them. So we shall come to them with an army which they cannot face, and we shall expel them from there with disgrace and they will be demeaned (and become our subjects).”

       Sulaiman ( )  said: “O chiefs! Who can bring me her throne before they come to me with obedience?”

       A strong one from the jinn said: “I will bring it to you, before you rise from your place. And I am, indeed, strong and trustworthy for such work.”

       One who had  knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!” When Sulaiman ( )  saw the throne placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Creator to test me whether I am grateful to Him or not. And whoever is grateful, it is for his good, and whoever is ungrateful (it is for his own loss). So indeed, my Creator is All-Rich (Free of all needs), Bountiful.”

       Sulaiman ( )  said: “Change (slightly) the appearance of this throne so that we may see whether she recognizes her throne or not.”

       So when she came, it was said (to her): “Does your throne look like this?” She said: “It looks as if it is the same throne.” (Sulaiman ( )  said:) “We were already given this knowledge before she came that she will surrender to us in obedience” – Tafseer Ibn-Kathir.

       And the habit of worshipping others besides Allah had prevented her to be a believer, (she had this habit) since she lived among the disbelieving people.

       (Here is a proof of Sulaiman’s ( )  superiority over Saba as far as this worldly life is concerned). It was said to Saba: “Enter this palace. When she saw it, she thought it was a pool or lake of water (in its courtyard). Hence, she exposed her shanks (lower parts of legs by pulling up her dress). Sulaiman ( )  said: “It is merely a glass surface of this palace (with water underneath it).” Saba said: “My Creator! Indeed, I have wronged myself, and I submit myself along with Sulaiman ( ) , to Allah, the Creator of the universe.”

       And, indeed, We sent to Thamud (people) their brother Salih ( ) , saying: “Worship Allah (Alone). But they became two groups (believers and disbelievers) quarrelling with one another.”

       Salih ( )  said: “O my people! Why are you hurrying for the evil (torment) before the goodness (from Allah’s Mercy)? Why don’t you seek forgiveness of Allah so that His Mercy be showered upon you?”

       They said: “We consider you and those with you an ill omen for us.” Salih ( )  said: “Your ill omen is with Allah. In fact, you are a people who are being tested.”

       And there were nine leaders in the city, who used to spread mischief in the land and would not reform.

       (One time they plotted the following mischief) They said: “Swear by Allah that we shall attack Salih ( )  and his family during the night and, then, we shall surely say to his near relatives: ‘We did not witness the destruction of his family, and we are telling the truth.”’

       So they hatched a plot and We made a plan too, while they were not aware of it (i.e. a big rock fell on them and they were completely destroyed – Ad-dur-al-Manthur).

       Then see what the end of their plotting was. Indeed, We destroyed them (as described) and their nation altogether (since the community was the supporter of the mischief makers).

       So, these are their houses absolutely ruined for the wrong they did. Indeed, there is a lesson in it for the people who have (beneficial) knowledge.

       And We saved those who believed and used to fear (Allah).

       And (remember) Lut ( ) ! When he said to his people: “Do you engage in obscene activities while you understand (these are obscene activities)?

       “Do you satisfy your sexual lust with men instead of women? In fact, you are absolutely foolish people.”

So his people had no other answer to give except that they said: “Expel the fami-ly of Lut ( )  from your town since they pretend to be clean and pure people.”

So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her (due to her disbelief) to be of those who remained behind (in the torment). 

And We rained down on them a (new kind of) rain (of stones). What an evil rain it was for the people who were warned (before this rain).

[O Muham-mad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (as His mes-sengers). Is Allah better or those whom they ascribe as partners in worship with Allah?

Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth and sent down rain water for you from the sky, and made the lovely gardens to grow with this water, it was not possible for you to grow the trees of these gardens (better than your gods)? Does any other deity deserve to be worshipped along with Allah? (Not at all). Yet they make other gods equal to Allah!

Is not He Who has made the earth as a fixed and firm abode and canals to flow in it and placed mountains on it and has made a barrier between the two seas (better than your gods)? Does any other deity deserve to be worshipped along with Allah? (Not at all). Infact, most of them know nothing.

Is not He Who answers the call of a distressed person, when he calls on Him and He removes his hardship and He makes you inherit the land, (better than your gods)? Does any other god deserve worshipping along with Allah? (Not at all). You learn very little from it!

Is not He Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea and Who sends the winds before rain as glad tidings (better than your gods)? Does any other deity deserve to be worshipped along with Allah? (Not at all). Highly ex-alted is Allah above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!

Is not He Who originally created and shall create them again (on the Day of Resurrection) and Who gives sustenance to you from the heaven and the earth (better than your god)? Does any other deity deserve to be worshipped along with Allah? (Not at all). Say: “Bring forth your proof if you are truthful.”

Say: “None in the heavens and the earth knows the Unseen except Allah. They don’t even know when they shall be resurrected.”

In fact, they have no knowledge of the Hereafter; they are rather in doubt about it. In fact, they are totally blind about it.

And the disbelievers say: “When we are reduced to dust and our forefathers – shall we really be brought out (alive from our graves)?

“Indeed, We were promised this and our forefathers before this too. Indeed, these are nothing but the stories of the earlier people.”

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say to them: “Travel in the land and see what the end of the criminals was.”

Don’t be grieved about them, nor feel distressed due to what they plot.

And the disbelievers say (rudely): “When will this promise (of tor-ment) be fulfilled, if you are truthful?”

Say: “Perhaps that which you like to hasten for, is very near you.

“Indeed, your Creator is full of Grace for mankind, yet most of them are not grateful.”

And, indeed, your Creator knows what is hidden in their breasts and what they reveal.

And there is nothing hidden in the heaven and the earth but it is in the Clear Book (i.e. Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz).

Indeed, this Quran describes, to the Children of Israel, (the truth) about most of the matters in which they differ.

And truly, this Quran is a (special) guide and a (special), mercy for the be-lievers.

Indeed, your Creator will decide between them (i.e. between various sects) by His Judgement (on the Day of Resurrection). And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

So put your (full) trust in Allah (He will definitely help you, since) you are on the clear truth.

Indeed, you cannot make the dead to hear nor you can make the deaf to hear when they walk away from you, turning their backs.

And you cannot lead the blind out of their ignorance. You can only make to hear those who believe in Our revelations and follow them sincerely.

And when the promise (of torment) is fulfilled against them (i.e. when none is left to enjoin  good deeds and forbid from the evil), We shall bring out from the earth a beast which will speak to the people, since the people did not believe firmly in Our revelations.

And (remember) the Day when We will gather the people from all the na-tions who denied Our revelations, then they will be put in various groups (i.e. sub-groups of drinkers, adulterers etc.)

Till when they come (before their Creator), and He will say: “Why did you deny My revelations while you did not even understand them fully? Or tell me, what you did (which prevented you to even ponder over My revelations)?”

And the promise (of torment) will be fulfilled against them since they have wronged, so they will not be able to speak (to present an excuse).

Don’t they see that We have made the night so that they may rest in it and the day for clear visibility? Indeed, there are signs in this for the people who are believers.

And (remember) the Day when the (first) Trumpet will be blown – and all those who are in the heavens and all those who are on the earth will be terrified except those whom Allah wills (i.e. some angels as in Surah Az-Zumar:68 and also in a Hadith – Ad-dur-al-Manthur ). And all shall come to Him, very humble and submissive.

And you will see the mountains, which you think are firmly seated, flying around like clouds (on that Day). (It is not surprising since) it is the Work of Allah Who has constructed everything strong and perfect (and is Capable of making them weak like wool). Indeed, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do (openly and secretly).

Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. is a believer), will have better reward than what he deserves, and they will remain safe from the terror of that Day. (Also Surah Al-Anbiya:103)

And whoever brings an evil deed (i.e. is a disbeliever), they will be thrown on their faces (headlong) in the Hell-Fire. (And it will be said to them): “Are you not being rewarded for what you used to do (in the world)?”

Indeed, I [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] have been commanded to worship the Creator of this city (Makkah), Who has made it a sacred city, and to Whom everything belongs. And I am commanded to be obedient to Allah (in my beliefs and actions)

And (I am commanded) to recite the Quran to you. So whoever follows the guidance, then, indeed, he follows it for his own benefit. And whoever goes astray, say (to him): “(It does not harm me since) I am only one of the warners, (my duty is only to convey the message).” 

And [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] say: “All praise and thanks are due to Allah (Who doesn’t punish till He justifies it). He shall soon show you His signs and you will recognize those signs (if not dur-ing life, then at the time of death but recognition and Iman at the time of death are not acceptable). And your Creator is not unaware of what you do.” (Also Su-rah Fussilat:53)