About the Surah

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

       Ha-Mim (Only Allah knows their meanings).

       The revelation of the Book (the Quran) is from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Knower.

       The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment, the Bestower (of favours) (or the Owner of Power). None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, to Him is the final return. (Also see Surah Al-Hajr:49 and 50)

       Only the disbelievers dispute about the revelations of Allah. So let not their (successful) activities in the land deceive you (since their end will be the Hell-Fire).

       The people of Nuh (pbuh), and other powerful groups after them, denied (their messengers) earlier. Every (disbelieving) group tried to seize his messenger (and then kill him) and disputed by means of falsehood to refute the truth. Then I seized them (with punishment). Hence, how (terrible) was My punish-ment!

       And thus the word of your Creator has been justified against the disbelievers that they will be the residents of Hell-Fire. (Hence, the disbelievers are punished Here and in the Hereafter).

       (On the other hand, the believers are highly respected and the angels pray for them). Those (angels) who carry the Throne (of Allah) and those around it, glorify the praise of their Creator, and they believe in Him, and they ask for forgiveness for those who believe (saying): “Our Creator! You encompass everything with (Your) mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Path, and save them from the torment of the Hell-Fire!”

       “Our Creator! And make them enter the Paradise of everlasting Gardens which you have promised them and also their forefathers, their wives and their children who do good deeds. Indeed, you are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (Also see Surah At-Tur:21)

       “And save them from (the punishment of) sins, and whoever You saved from (the punishment of) sins that Day, you have, indeed, showered Your mercy on him.” And that is the supreme success. 

       Indeed, it will be said to the disbelievers: “Allah’s anger is more than your anger within yourself, when you were invited to the Faith, then you (bluntly) denied (the truth).”

       (The disbelievers will) say: “Our Creator! You have made us die twice (i.e. once before birth in this world, and once after our birth), and you have given us life twice (i.e. one life in this world and one in the Hereafter. But we used to deny the life of the Hereafter). Now we confess our sins. So is there any way to get out (of this Hell-Fire, so that we go back to the worldly life and makeup for our faults)?” (Also see Surah Al-Baqarah:28)

       (The answer will be: “No”) This is because when Allah Alone was mentioned (i.e. the Oneness of Allah was mentioned), you used to deny it, and when some partners were joined with Him, you believed. So, the Judgement belongs to Allah (Alone), the Most High, the Most Great.

       It is He Who shows you His signs, and sends down provisions for you (through rain) from the sky. And none learns lesson (from these signs) except those who intend to turn (to Allah) in repentance.

       (Since the Oneness of Allah is proved by these signs). Hence, worship Allah by fulfilling religious obligations sincerely for Him Only, even though the disbelievers may hate it.

       (Allah is) the Owner of High Levels, the Owner of the Throne. He sends revelations by His command to any of His slaves whom He wills, so that he [the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] may warn people of the Day of Meeting (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).

       On that Day when all of them will appear (i.e. come out of the graves), nothing of them will be hidden from Allah. To whom does the kingdom belong this Day? It is Allah’s, the One, the Supreme!

       This Day every person shall be rewarded according to his deeds. This Day no injustice (shall be done to anybody). Indeed, Allah is Swift in accountability (of others).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And warn them about the Day which is very near (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when the hearts will reach the throats (with terror), full of sadness. The wrong-doers will have no friend, nor intercessor that could have any say (or be heard).

       Allah knows the cheating of the eyes and all that is concealed in the breasts.

       And Allah will judge with justice, while those whom they worship besides Allah, don’t have ability nor power to judge anything. Indeed, Allah is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

       Have they not travelled in the land to see the end of those (disbelievers) who were before them? They were superior in strength and they left signs in the land (e.g. monuments). But Allah seized them due to their sins and none could protect them from Allah.

       That was because the mes-sengers came to them with clear proofs, so they disbelieved in them. Hence, Allah seized them (with punishment). Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, Severe in Punishment.

       And, indeed, We sent Musa ( )with Our commands and clear proofs (miracles),

       To Firaun, Hamaan and Qarun, but they called (him): “A magician, a liar!” (Also see Surah Adh-Dhariyat:52 and 53)

       Then, when he brought them the truth from Us, they said: “Kill the sons of those who believe with him and let their women survive (to serve in the household work).” But the strategy of the disbelievers was totally useless [since in the end Musa ( )defeated the disbelievers].

       And Firaun said: “Leave me alone. I would like to kill Musa ( )and he should call his Creator (for help). I fear that he may change your religion or he may spread mischief in the land.”

       And Musa ( )said: “Indeed, I seek refuge in my Creator and your Creator from every arrogant who does not believe in the Day of Judgement”.

       And a believing man from Firaun’s family who hid his faith (till now) said: “Do you want to kill a man because he says: “My Creator is Allah”, while he has come to you with clear proofs from your Creator? And if he is a liar, he will suffer for his lie (since Allah will disgrace him. Hence, it is not necessary to kill him). And if he is truthful, then at least some of that (torment) which he is promising you, shall fall upon you.” Indeed, Allah does not guide a transgressor, a liar! 

       “O my people! Today the kingdom is yours since you are dominant in the land. So who will save us from the torment of Allah (by your killing him), if it comes to us (which is very likely)?” (On listening to this) Firaun said: “I guide you to that which (according to my thinking) is correct (i.e. do kill him), and I guide you to the beneficial path.”

       (When this believer noticed that soft words of advice were not effective, he started warning them). And he who believed said: “O my people! Indeed, I do fear for you a (bad) day as was for the nations in the past.”

       “Like the fate of the people of Nuh (pbuh), A’d, Thamud and those who came after them. And Allah does not like to do any injustice to His slaves. (This was  a warning about the punishment in this world).”

       “(I also warn you about the punishment of the Hereafter). And O my people! Indeed, I fear for you the Day when there will be a lot of mutual calling (i.e. between the people of Hell and the people of Paradise).”

       “A Day when you will turn your backs and flee having no protector from Allah. And whomsoever Allah sends astray, there is no guide for him.”

       (The believer added:) “And, indeed, Yusuf ( )came to you (i.e. your forefathers are from the Kibt  tribe) before this with clear proofs (of Prophethood), but you remained in doubt of (and denied) what he brought to you till he died and you said: “Allah will not send any messenger after him.” [They said this due to their mischief and denial of Yusuf ( )as a Prophet]. Thus Allah sends astray him who doubts a lot (Allah’s Oneness and His warnings).

       Those who dispute about the revelations of Allah without any proof with them, it is very hateful to Allah and to those who believe. Thus Allah seals up the heart of every arrogant tyrant. (And there is no possibility left for reform).(This was the speech of the believer whose belief became more obvious during his speech).

       And (Firaun had no answer to the speech of the believer. Due to frustration) Firaun said: “O Hamaan! Build me a (lofty) tower to reach the routes (to heavens).”

       “The routes to the heavens to look upon the God of Musa (pbuh). And, indeed, I consider Musa ( )a liar.” And thus the evil deeds of Firaun were made attractive to him which hindered him from the (Right) Path. And Firaun’s (every) strategy (against Musa (pbuh)] totally failed.

       (When the believing man no-ticed that Firaun had no reasonable answer, then) the believing man said: “O my people! Do follow me; I shall guide you to a beneficial path.”

       “O my people! Truly, this worldly life is only a (temporary) enjoyment and, the Hereafter is the home that will remain forever.”

       “Whosoever does an evil deed, will be punished equal to it, and whosoever performs a good deed, whether male or  female, while he/she is a (true) believer, such will enter Paradise, and will have provisions in it without limit.”

       (The believing man felt that the people were surprised by his speech and instead of agreeing with him, they are inviting him to their evil way. Hence, he said:) “And O my people! How is it that I call you to safety (from torment) while you call me to the Fire!”

       “You invite me to disbelieve in Allah and to join partners in worship with Him of which I have no knowledge, and I invite you to the All-Mighty, the Very-Forgiving!”

       “No doubt you are inviting me to (worship) one who is not worth worshiping in this world, nor in the Hereafter. And, definitely, we will be returned to Allah and the sinners shall be the residents of the Fire!” (Also see Surah Al-Ahqaf:5)

       “(You don’t like what I say now) so soon you will recall what I am advising you about. (Since he felt some opposition and possible threat from the people, he added): I entrust my affair to Allah. Indeed, Allah is the All-Seer of (His) slaves.” 

       So Allah saved him from the evil plot they hatched against him, (and he was saved from drowning along with Musa ( )– according to Qatada) while Firaun’s people were entrapped in an evil torment.

       The Fire to which they are exposed every morning and evening (in Barzakh, and they are told that eventually they will reside in this Fire). And on the Day of Judgement (it will be said to the angels:) “Make the people of Firaun (along with Firaun) enter the severest torment.”

       And (that time is worth remembering) when they (the disbelievers) will quarrel with each other in the Hell-Fire. So the weak will say to those who were arrogant: “Indeed, we followed you (in the worldly life), so can you then remove some portion of the Fire from us?”

       Those who were arrogant will say: “Indeed, we all are in this (Fire!) (i.e. if we cannot lighten our own torment, how can we help you?) Indeed, Allah has judged between (His) slaves! (Nobody has the power to change it in the slightest).”

       And the residents of Fire will say to the guards (angels) of Hell: “Pray to your Creator to lighten our torment at least a day!” 

       The Angels will say: “Did your messengers not come to you with clear proofs?” The residents of Hell will say: “Yes, indeed,” The angels will say: “So why don’t you pray yourselves (if you like).” And the prayer of the disbelievers will be useless (since it will not be accepted).

       Indeed, We do help Our messengers [as We did help Musa (pbuh)] and the believers in the worldly life and also on the Day when the witnesses (i.e. angels who keep record of account) will take stand to witness.

       The Day when the excuses of the wrong-doers will not benefit them, there will be curse on them (i.e. they will be deprived from the Mercy of Allah) and they will have an evil residence.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And, indeed, We did give Musa ( )(the Book of) Guidance and We made the Children of Israel inherit that Book.

       It is (full of) guidance and a reminder for the people of understanding.

       So be patient [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!], indeed, the Promise of Allah is true and ask forgiveness for your (tiny) faults and glorify the praise of your Creator in the morning and in the evening (i.e. always).

       Indeed, those who dispute about Our revelations without any proof with them, there is nothing in their hearts except (false) pride which they will never be able to achieve. So seek refuge in Allah (against their mischief). Indeed, Allah is, the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

       The creation of the heavens and the earth is, definitely, much bigger (works) than the creation of mankind. But most people don’t understand even this bit.

       (There are two kinds of people. Some listen to the Quran and believe in it and others neither listen, nor believe in it, i.e. they are blind). Hence, the blind and those who see are not equal. (Similarly) those who believe and do good deeds and those who are wicked (are not equal). Very little lesson you learn (from this guidance!).

       The Day of Judgement will definitely occur, there is no doubt about it, yet most of the people don’t believe in it (due to lack of reflection on its proofs).

       And your Creator said: “Pray to Me (sincerely), I will (instantly) respond to your prayer. Indeed, those who are arrogant in worship-ping Me will soon enter Hell, totally disgraced.”

       And your Creator said: “Pray to Me (sincerely), I will (instantly) respond to your prayer. Indeed, those who are arrogant in worship-ping Me will soon enter Hell, totally disgraced.”

       That is Allah, your Creator, and the Creator of all things. None has the right to be worshipped but Him. How then are you turning away (from Allah)?

       Thus, those who used to deny Allah’s revelations were turned away.

       Allah has made the earth as a dwelling place (for the creatures) and the sky like a roof (or canopy), and (He) shaped you, and He has granted you excellent shapes (i.e. human organs are the most proportionate among all His creatures), and provided you good things (to eat). That is Allah, your Creator, so Blessed is Allah, the Creator of the universe.

       Allah is Ever Living. None has the right to be worshipped but Him. So you pray to Him and worship Him very sincerely. All praise and thanks are due to Him, the Creator of the universe.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “I have been forbidden to worship those whom you worship besides Allah, since the proofs have come to me from my Creator, and I am commanded to obey the Creator of the universe.”

       It is He, Who has created you [Adam (pbuh)] from dust, then (Adam’s children) from mixed semen, then from a clot (a piece of coagulated blood), then brings you out as a child (from your mother’s womb), then (keeps you alive) so that you attain full strength, then (keeps you alive) so that you become old, and some of you die before this, (He keeps you alive) so that you reach an appointed term and so that you may understand (the Power of Allah).

       Allah gives life and causes death and when He decides upon a thing, He only says to it: “Be” – and it is.

       Did you not see (the condition) of those people who dispute regarding Our revelations? How they are turning away (from the truth)!

       Those who deny this Quran and that which We sent with Our messengers (i.e. miracles etc), will soon come to know (i.e. on the Day of Judgement),

       When iron collars will be put around their neck and chains to be dragged, 

       In the boiling water, then they will be burnt in the Hell Fire.

       Then it will be said to them: “Where are those whom you used to join in worship as partners

       Besides Allah?” They will say: “They have disappeared from us. In fact, we did not worship anything before.” Thus Allah makes the disbelievers go astray. (Also see Surah Al-Anam:23)

       (This punishment is) since you were merry making in the worldly life without any justification and because you used to brag (unfairly).

       Enter the gates of Hell to reside there forever, and, indeed, what an evil residence it is for the arrogant people!

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is true and whether We show you (in this world) part of the punishment which We have promised them, or We cause you to die (before this), they shall be returned to Us.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And, indeed, We have sent messengers before you. We have related stories of some of them to you and We have not related the stories of others to you. And none of them could show a miracle without the Permission of Allah. So when the Command of Allah will come, the judgement will be made with justice. And at that time the followers of falsehood will be in an utter loss.

       Allah has created cattle for you to ride on some of them and some of them you eat. 

       And there are many (other) benefits (e.g. leather, milk etc) for you in the cattle and so that you may achieve your desires in your hearts by riding on them and you are carried around on them and on the boats.

       And Allah is showing you (more and more of) His signs (in fact, there are Allah’s signs in everything). So which of the signs of Allah do you deny?

       Have they not travelled through the land and seen what was the end of those (disbelievers) before them? They were more in number and were more powerful. And they built more monuments in the land (than the present disbelievers). Yet nothing benefitted them of what they used to do. 

       So when their messengers came to them with clear proofs, they boasted about the (worldly) knowledge they had. And they were entrapped (in the torment) which they used to mock.

       So when they saw Our torment, they said: “We do believe in Allah Alone and reject all that we used to associate with Him as (His) Partners.”

       So their Faith could not benefit them when they saw Our torment. (Exactly) this has been always the way of Allah, in the past, for His slaves. And the disbelievers were left in utter loss (the present disbelievers shall have similar fate).