About the Surah

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

       Alif-Lam-Ra. (Only Allah Alone knows their meanings). (This is) a Book (the Quran) and its Verses are perfected (in every way) and they are explained in detail by the All-Wise, Well-Acquainted with all things.

       (Main purpose of this Book is) don’t worship anybody besides Allah. Indeed, I [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] am a warner and a conveyor of glad tidings to you from Allah.

And that you should seek forgive-ness (of your sins) from your Creator, and turn to Him in repen-tance. (Consequently) He shall pro-vide you excellent com-forts of life for a fixed term, and give you ad-ditional reward for every good deed of yours. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Judgement).

(Finally) you have to return to Allah, and Allah is Able to do all things.

       Bear in mind that they fold their breasts to hide (their talk) from Him. Bear in mind that He knows what they conceal and what they reveal even when they are covered in garments. Indeed, Allah knows what is hidden in their breasts. (Why should He not know what they utter by their tongues?)

       And no (living) creature is there on the earth but Allah has provision for it. And Allah knows its residence (i.e. mother’s uterus) and also the place of its stay (i.e. grave) - Imam Shawkani. All is recorded in a Clear Book. 

       And Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His Throne was on the water (Hence, water and His Throne had already been created). Allah created you to test you, which of you have the best deeds. But if you say to the people: “You shall, indeed, be resurrected after death, the disbelievers would surely say: ‘This is nothing except an obvious magic.’”

       And if We delay the torment for them for a limited time, they will surely say (by way of fun and denial): “What is holding back the torment?” Bear in mind, on the day the torment touches them, it cannot be turned away from them and they will be entrapped in what they used to mock at!

       And if We bestow Our Mercy on a person and then withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing, ungrateful.

       But if We bestow Our Favour on a person after he experiences misfortune, he will surely say: “My misfortune has disappeared from me.” Surely, he is jubilant and boastful,

       Except those who remain steadfast and do righteous deeds. They will have forgiveness and a great reward (Paradise).

       (Due to denial and mocking of disbelievers) Perhaps you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] are going to give up part of what is revealed to you and your heart is burdened with it when they say: “Why has not a treasure been sent down to him, or why has not an angel accompanied him?” (Listen) indeed, you are only a warner. And Allah is the Guardian over all things.

       Or they say: “He [Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] has fabricated the Quran.” Say: “Why don’t you bring ten similar fabricated chapters? And seek help from whomsoever you can besides Allah, if you are truthful?” (Also Surah Al-Isra:88)

       If they don’t accept your challenge, then know that it (the Quran) is sent down with the Knowledge (and Power) of Allah and that none has the right to be worshipped except Him. So do you still embrace Islam (or not)?

       Whosoever desires the life of this world and its pomp and show, We pay them fully for their deeds in the worldly life and their reward will not be decreased a bit. 

       They will have nothing in the Hereafter except Fire, and all their deeds will become null and void, and whatever they used to do is going to be destroyed there.

       A person (i.e. Muslim) with clear proof (i.e. the Quran) from his Creator and has a witness with him [i.e. Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) or the Quran], and, before this Book of Musa ( ) , a guidance and mercy (is witness), (would that person be equal to a disbeliever?). These people believe in the Quran. But those who deny the Quran from any sect, Fire will be their promised place. So do not be in doubt about it. Indeed, it is the truth from your Creator, but most of the people do not believe in it. (Also Surah Saba:20)

       And who will be more wrong than he who coins a lie against Allah? Such people will be brought before their Creator, and the wit-nesses will say: “These are the ones who lied against their Creator!” Bear in mind that the Curse of Allah is on the wrong-doers.

       Those who hinder others from the Path of Allah and look for crookedness in it (to lead others astray), and they are those who deny the Hereafter.

       They will not be able to escape the punishment of Allah on the earth, nor do they have protector besides Allah. They will have double punishment (since they were not only disbeliever but they were also trying to make others disbelievers). They could not hear the truth (due to their extreme hatred for Islam) and they could not see (the Right Path due to their stubbornness). (Also Surah Al-Ahqaf:26)

       They pushed themselves in loss and whatever they used to invent, will disappear from them.

       Indeed, they will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter.

       Indeed, those who believed and did righteous deeds and humbled themselves before their Creator, they will be the residents of Paradise and they shall be there forever.

       The example of these two groups (disbelievers and believers) is like a blind and deaf person (who does not hear nor can see any movements, there is no chance of his understanding it) and a seer and a hearer (it is easy for him to understand). Are both of them equal in this example? (No way). Will you not learn a lesson from it? (Also Surah Al-Hashr:20)

       And, indeed, We sent Nuh ( )  to his people (and he said): “I have come to you as an obvious warner.

       “That don’t worship anybody besides Allah. I, indeed, fear for you the punishment of a painful Day.”

       The leaders of the disbelievers among his people said: “We consider you an ordinary person like us. We also notice that your followers are apparently the meanest among us (and they follow you) without any thinking. And we don’t see in you any merit above us. In fact we consider you a liar.”

       Nuh ( )  said: “O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Creator and Mercy (Prophethood) has been bestowed upon me from Him, but you still close your eyes on it, shall we then compel you to accept it when you strongly hate it?

       “And O my people! I don’t ask you for any monetary reward, my reward is only with Allah. I am not going to push away those who have believed. Indeed, they are going to meet their Creator (with honour and dignity). (Does anybody push away the royal guests?) I, however, see that you are totally ignorant people. (Also Surah Al-Kahf:28)

       “And O my people! Who will help me against Allah, if I push them away? Will you not learn a lesson from it?

       “And I don’t claim that I own treasures of Allah, nor that I know the unseen, nor do I say that I am an angel. And I don’t say regarding those whom your eyes consider mean, that Allah will not give them any good reward. Allah knows what is in their inner-selves (regarding belief). (If I say what I do not know) I shall indeed, be one of the wrong-doers.”

       They said: “O Nuh ( ) ! You have disputed with us and you have disputed a lot. (Stop further disputing). Do bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are one of the truthful.”

       He said: “If Allah wills, He will bring (the torment) upon you, and then you will not be able to escape it.

       “And my advice will not benefit you, even if I wish to give you an advice, when Allah’s Will is to keep you astray. He is your Creator and you shall return to Him.”

       Or, do they say that he [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] has fabricated this Quran? Say: “If I have fabricated it, my crime is on me. (And if you have fabricated this blame on me) I am free from those crimes which you commit.”

       [When Nuh’s ( )  advice fell flat on them for a long time]. And it was revealed to Nuh ( ) : “None of your people will believe except those who have already believed. So don’t be sad for what they used to do.” (We intend to drown them in a storm).

       “And (to save yourself and the believers from the storm) construct a boat under Our supervision and following Our instructions, and don’t talk to Me about the (safety of) the wrong-doers, since they are surely to be drowned.”

       Nuh ( )  started constructing the boat (himself or with the help of others). Whenever the leaders of the disbelievers passed by there, they laughed at Nuh ( )  (saying, there is no sign of any water, he is torturing himself for nothing). Nuh ( )  answered: “If you laugh at us, we laugh at you just like you laughed at us. (We laugh at you, since storm and punishment is very near, but you are acting funny).

       “So soon you will know who is disgraced by the torment (in this world) and (in the Hereafter) will fall upon him a permanent torment too.”

       (After similar dialogues) Our command (for the torment) came and the oven (i.e. water – Ibn-Katheer) started gushing out (from the earth, and it also rained from the top). We said to Nuh ( ) : “Embark in this boat with two of each kind (male and female – which cannot survive in water and are useful for mankind) and your family except those against whom Our Command has already been issued, and also embark all the believers. (Alas!) And only very few of them believed in Nuh ( ) .”

       And Nuh ( )  said (to the believers): “Embark in this boat (Don’t be afraid of drowning, since) its sailing and stopping are with the Name of Allah. (And Allah is its Guardian). Surely, my Creator is Very-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Also Surah Al-Muminun:28, 29)

       (In the meanwhile water in-creased) And the boat started sail-ing amidst waves like mountains, and Nuh ( )  invited his son, who was away from the boat: “O my son! (After believing) ride in the boat with us and don’t join the dis-believers.”

       (The son) replied: “I shall soon take protection on a mountain which will save me from water (since water had not yet reached the mountains).” Nuh ( )  said: “Today none can save himself from the Decree of Allah except on whom He has mercy. (In the meanwhile) a wave of water came in between them and so the son (Kinaan ) was among the drowned.  

       (After all disbelievers were drowned) and it was said: “O earth! Swallow up the water (on your surface), and O sky! Cease (your rain).” (Both things occurred). And water sank and the job was accomplished and the boat stopped on the mountain Judi. And it was said: “Be away the people who are the wrong-doers (i.e. be deprived from the Mercy of Allah!).”

       And Nuh ( )  called upon his Creator and said: “O My Creator! Verily, my son is from my family! And, indeed, Your Promise is true, and You are the Most Just of the judges.”

       Allah said: “O Nuh ( ) ! Surely, he is not from your family. Indeed, his deeds are not righteous. Hence, don’t ask Me that of which you have no knowledge! I advise you lest you become one of the ignorant persons.”

       Nuh ( )  said: “O my Creator! I seek refuge with you for asking you that of which I have no knowledge. And unless you forgive me and have Mercy on me, I will, indeed, be one of the losers.”

       (The boat stopped at mountain Judi, then after a few days the land became dry). It was said (by Allah): “O Nuh ( ) ! Disembark from the boat (to the land) with peace and blessings from Us on you and on the believers with you. However, there will be (some descendants of these) groups whom We will give enjoyable worldly life but We will punish them severely (in the Hereafter).

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] We reveal this news to you from the Unseen, neither you nor your people knew it before this. (This revelation from the Unseen is the proof of your Prophethood). So, be patient [just like you noticed the patience of Nuh ( )  in this story]. Indeed, the good end is for the pious persons only [as you learnt in Nuh’s ( )  story]. (Also Surah Ghafir:51)

       And (We sent) to A’d their brother (country man) Hud ( ) . He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god for worship except Him. In fact, you are only inventing lies! 

       “O my people! I don’t ask you for any reward (for providing you guidance). My reward is with Allah Who created me. Will you not then understand?

       “And O my people! Ask forgiveness (of your sins) from your Creator, and then repent to Him. (With your belief and good deeds) He will send plenty of rain from the sky and He will add strength to your strength. (Hence, do believe in Him). And don’t walk away as criminals.”

       They said: “O Hud ( ) ! You have not brought to us any clear proof (of your Prophethood). (They said that out of their stubbornness) We shall not leave our gods just by your lip service and we are not going to believe in you at all.

       “We think some of our gods have seized you with evil (mad-ness).” Hud ( )  replied: “I make Allah my witness and you remain witness too that I am fed up from all those whom you make partners in worship (with Him),

       With Him. So all of you plot against me, then don’t postpone its execution even a little bit.

       “(I am not afraid of you) Indeed, I put my trust in Allah, my Creator and your Creator! There is not a (living) creature but He is holding its forelock (i.e. He has full control over it).  Indeed, my Creator is on the Straight Path (the truth).

       So if you turn away (even after this eloquent speech, it will not be my fault) I have conveyed the message to you which I was entrusted with. (You will be destroyed) and my Creator will establish another community in your place and you will not be able to harm Him in any way. Indeed, my Creator is Guardian over all things.”

       And when Our Command (for the torment) came We saved Hud ( )  and those who believed with him through Our Mercy, and We saved them from a severe torment.

       Such were A’d (community). They denied the proofs of their Cre-ator and disobeyed His messengers and they followed the command of every oppressor and obstinate (leader).

       And they were pursued by a curse in this world as they will be on the Day of Judgement. No doubt, A’d (people) disbelieved in their Creator. Bear in mind, A’d, the people of Hud ( ) , were deprived of the Mercy of Allah.

       And to Thamud (people) (We sent) their brother Salih ( ) . He said: “O my people! Worship Allah. You have no other god except Him. He created you from dust and then established you in the land. So ask forgiveness (of your sins) from Him and then turn to Him in repentance. Indeed, my Creator is near (by His Knowledge) and He readily grants the supplications.”

       They said: “O Salih ( ) ! Before this we had many hopes from you. Do you forbid us to worship what our forefathers have been worshipping? We are, indeed, very doubtful (about the religion) to which you are inviting.”

       Salih ( )  said: “O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Creator and He has bestowed upon me His Mercy (i.e. Prophet-hood), then if I were to disobey Him, who can help me against Allah? So you are only pushing me into a big loss (through your bad counselling).

       “And O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a miracle for you (as you demanded for a miracle). (It is a proof of my Prophethood and note that this she-camel has its rights too). So leave it to graze (freely) in  Allah’s land and don’t harm it, otherwise a near torment would seize you.”

       (In spite of all this warning) then they killed the she-camel. So Salih ( )  said: “You may enjoy three more days in your homes. (After that a torment will seize you). This is not a false promise.”

       (After three days) when Our Command came, We saved Salih ( )  and those who believed with him, through Our Mercy, from the disgrace of that Day. Indeed, your Creator is All-Strong, All-Mighty. 

       And a terrible cry seized the wrong-doers and they were lying dead in their homes on their faces,

       As if they never resided there. Bear in mind, Thamud (people) disbelieved in their Creator. Bear in mind, Thamud (people) were deprived of the Mercy of Allah.

       And, indeed, Our angels came (in the form of human beings) to Ibrahim ( )  with glad tidings [of the birth of Ishaq ( )  and also to punish the people of Lut ( ) ]. The angels said: “Salam.” Ibrahim ( )  replied: “Salam (to you too).” Then Ibrahim ( )  brought a roasted calf without any delay (to entertain them). 

       But when Ibrahim ( )  saw their hands not approaching the meal, he felt mistrust in them and felt a fear from them. The guests said: “Don’t fear. (we are angels) indeed, we have been sent against the people of Lut ( ) .”

       Ibrahim’s ( )  wife was standing (nearby), and she laughed. So We (through angles) gave her good tidings of Ishaq ( ) , and after Ishaq ( ) , of Yaqub ( ) .

       She said (out of surprise): “Woe to me! Shall I give birth (to a child) while I am a very old woman, and my husband is a man of old age too? Indeed, this is a strange thing!” 

       The angels said: “Are you surprised at the Command of Allah? O people of this house! Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you. Indeed, Allah is All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.”

       So when the fear had disap-peared from Ibrahim ( ) , and he had received the glad tidings, he started pleading Us (through the angels) for the people of Lut ( ) .

       Indeed, Ibrahim ( )  was very forbearing, used to pray to Allah with extreme humbleness, and repented a lot (to Allah). (Hence, he pleaded for the people of Lut ( )  very strongly).

       (Angels said): “O Ibrahim ( ) ! Leave this matter alone (the people of Lut ( )  will never believe). The Command of your Creator has already been issued. Indeed, a torment will come to them and it is unavoidable.”

       When Our messengers came to Lut ( )  (in the form of beautiful young men), he was grieved because of them and felt very bad in his heart. And Lut ( )  said (to himself): “It is a very dreadful day.”

       And the people of Lut ( )  came rushing towards him, and they used to commit sins. (i.e. sodomy) before this. Lut ( )  said: “O my people! Here are my daughters (i.e. women of your community), they are purer for you (if you marry them). So fear Allah and don’t disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you any right-minded man?”

       They said: “Surely you know that we have no interest in your daughters and, indeed, you do know what we want!”

       Lut ( )  said: “I wish I was strong enough to confront you or I had a strong support to help me (to stop you).”

       (The angels) said: “O Lut ( ) ! Indeed, we are the messengers from your Creator. (Don’t worry) These people cannot reach you (to harm you). (We have come to inflict torment upon them). Hence, you leave this place with your family during any part of the night and none of you should look back (i.e. leave swiftly) but your wife (will remain behind) and she will have same punishment as inflicted upon others.(We advise you to leave this place during the night since) indeed, their promise will be fulfilled early in the morning. [Lut ( )  was so much fed up with his people; he wished that punishment occurred even sooner than morning]. The angels added: “Is the morning not near?”

       So when Our Command came, We turned (the buildings of Sodom in Palestine) upside down and rained on them stones of baked clay layer after layer.

       (These stones) were marked from your Creator (i.e. these stones were distinguished from ordinary stones). (This story is a special reminder for people of Makkah) since the towns of the people of Lut ( )  are not far from the evil-doers.

       And to the Madyan (We sent) their countryman Shuaib ( ) . He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other god except Him. And don’t give short measure or weight. I see you financially sound (hence, you should not give short measure or weight). And (If you don’t stop it) I fear for you the torment of the Encompassing Day (i.e. the Day of Judgement).

       “And O my people! Give full measure and weigh justly, and don’t decrease the things due to other people and don’t go around in the world spreading mischief. (Also Surah Al-Mutaffifin:1-3)

       “Whatever wealth is left by Allah (after fulfilling the rights of people) is better, if you are believers. (And if you don’t agree to this) I am not a guardian over you.”

       They said: “O Shuaib ( ) ! Does your Salat (i.e. religious activities) order you that we give up what Our forefathers used to worship, and also give up using our wealth according to our liking? Indeed, you are a forbearing, right minded person”! (They said this sarcastically).

       Shuaib ( )  said: “Tell me if I have a clear proof from my Creator and He has also given me a good provision (i.e. Prophethood, Ibn-Kathir) from Himself. And I don’t intend to do what I forbid you. (I like for you what I like for myself). I simply wish to reform you to the best of my ability. And whatever (good) I do is due to the help of Allah. I trust in Him and to Him I repent.

       “And O my people! Let not your opposition to me, make you a deserving candidate for one of the torments which were inflicted upon the people of Nuh ( )  or the people of Hud ( )  or the people of Salih ( ) . And the people of Lut ( )  are not far off from you!.

       “And ask forgiveness from your Creator and turn to Him in repentance. Indeed, my Creator is Most Merciful, Most Loving (Fountain of Love).”

       (After listening to this eloquent speech they had no answer. As ignorant people), they said: “O Shuaib ( ) ! We don’t understand most of your speech, and consider you a weak person among us. If we did not have regard for your tribe (since they have same religion as we have) we should certainly have stoned you and you are not strong against us.” 

       Shuaib ( )  said: “O my people! Is my tribe more honourable to you than Allah? And you have put Allah behind your backs (i.e. you ignore Allah). Indeed, my Creator is encompassing all that you do.

       “And O my people! (Go ahead) act according to your way and thinking, and I am acting according to mine. Soon you will come to know on whom the torment is inflicted to disgrace him and who is a liar! And you wait and I am waiting with you too.”

       And when Our Command came, We saved Shuaib ( )  and those who believed with him through Our Mercy. And a terrible cry seized the wrong-doers, and they lay (dead) on their faces in their homes,

       As if they had never resided there! Bear in mind, the Madyan were deprived from the Mercy of Allah as were the Thamud (people).

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

       To Firaun and his chiefs but they followed the command of Firaun and the command of Firaun was not rightly guided.

       Firaun will lead his people on the Day of Judgement and will lead them into the Hell-Fire. It is, indeed, an evil destination to be led into.

       And they were persuaded by curse in this (worldly life) and they will be cursed in the Hereafter. What an evil gift which is presented!

       These are the stories of certain towns which We have related to you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!], some of them are still standing (on their feet) and others are totally destroyed.

       And this is how Allah seizes when He seizes (the residents of) the towns who are engaged in the evil activities. Indeed, His Seizure is painful and severe.

       Indeed, there is a lesson in it for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter. That is the Day when all people will be gathered together and that is the Day when all of them will be present.

       And We delay it only for a limited time. 

       On the Day when it occurs, no person shall be able to speak except with the Permission of Allah. So some of them will be unblessed (i.e. disbelievers) and others will be blessed (i.e. believers).

       The unblessed people will be in Hell-Fire. They will shout loudly and cry bitterly there.

       They will reside there as long as the heaven and the earth endure (i.e. forever) except, as your Creator wills since your Creator does whatsoever He wills. (Note that the heaven and the earth of the Hereafter is different from the heaven and the earth of this world).

       And those who are blessed, they will be in  Paradise, residing there forever as long as the heaven and the earth endure, except as your Creator wills. It is a non-ending (i.e. a permanent) gift.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Don’t be in doubt regarding what they worship. Their worshipping is nothing but just like the worshipping of their forefathers before (them). And, indeed, We will repay them in full their portion undiminished.

       Indeed, We gave the Book to Musa ( ) , so they differed about it (as they are differing about the Quran, hence don’t be sad). If your Creator had not decided this in advance (that they will get major punishment in the Hereafter), the matter would have been settled between them. And (in spite of all proofs) indeed, they are in grave doubt concerning it (i.e. the Quran or the occurrence of the torment).

       And, indeed, your Creator will reward each of them in full according to their deeds. Surely He is Well-Acquainted with what they do.

       Hence, remain firm (on the Right Path) as you have been commanded and also those who have turned in repentance with you should remain firm (to Allah). And don’t transgress (the Islamic limits). Indeed, He is All-Seer of what you do.

       And don’t lean towards the wrong-doers, lest the Fire should touch you, and then you will have no protector besides Allah, nor you would be helped.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And you perform Salat at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Indeed, the good deeds erase the evil deeds. This is an advice for those who intend to seek advice.

       And be patient. Indeed, Allah does not waste the reward of the good-doers.

       So why were there not good people among the previous com-munities who forbade spreading mischief in the land, with the ex-ception of a few of them whom We saved among them? The wrong-doers were (totally) absorbed in the luxuries they were given and they were criminals.

       And your Creator would never destroy the towns unjustly when its residents are engaged in reforming (themselves and others by good deeds).

       And if Allah had willed, He could have made all mankind follow one religion (i.e. Islam). (Due to some hidden wisdom, Allah did not will so, therefore differences took place). Hence, there will be always differences among people,

       Except he on whom your Creator has showered His Mercy. (And don’t be sad or surprised about the difference). Allah has created mankind for this purpose. (And the reason for creating differences is) so that the Word or Promise of your Creator is fulfilled. (That promise is) Allah shall, surely, fill Hell with (some) jinn and (some) men all together.

       [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] we relate the stories of the messengers to you to give your heart strength and satisfaction with it. And in this chapter (of the Quran) truth has also come to you and also an advice and reminder for the believers.

       And say to those who don’t believe: “Act according to your way and thinking and We are acting according to Ours.

       “And you wait! Indeed, we are waiting too.”

       And only Allah has Knowledge of the Unseen in the heavens and the earth, and all affairs will return to Him (for decision). Hence, worship Him and put your trust in Him. And your Creator is not unaware of what you do.