QURAN
Translated by Shabbir Ahmed and Liaquat Ali

 

Surah 1 – Al-Fatihah – The Opening
Author's note: The first Surah of the Qur’an is a prayer the Almighty has taught us to seek His guidance and support as we pledge to live our lives in accordance with the Divine Laws.
It has been termed "The Key” to the Book and in fact, that meaning is carried in the title “Al-Fatihah”. Allah, in His Infinite Mercy, instantly responds in the next Surah, “Here is the Book of guidance” you requested.
A'UZUBILLAHI MIN ASHSHAYTAN IR RAJIM
I most humbly seek to shelter myself with Allah against the evil prompting of my Ego and the evil prompting from extrinsic sources.
['Satan' = The straying Ego = Selfish desire = Self-glorification = False pride = Desire that rebels against the higher controls of sound judgment and against the Permanent Moral Values = Intrinsic or extrinsic evil prompting = Negative peer pressure = Violent emotions = A rumor monger, slanderer = A hinderer of good = He who spreads corruption and disorder in the Earth = Anyone who impels others into violating the Permanent Moral Values = Bad company = Anything or Anyone that deceives or charms people into violating Divine Laws. 2:14, 4:38, 4:60, 4:83, 4:119, 5:90-91, 6:43, 6:143, 7:200, 17:26-27, 22:3-4, 25:28-29, 31:21, 67:5]
BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Eternal Source of all Beneficence and Mercy Who embraces the entire Universe in His fold, nourishing and taking care of all things for what they are meant to be, just as a mother's womb nourishes the embryo without any returns.
['Rahm' in 'Rahman' and 'Rahim' encompasses all the meanings rendered]
1:1 All Praise is due to Allah, the Sustainer of the Worlds.
[The marvels and the profound harmony in the Universe are the living witness that its Sustainer is truly worthy of all Praise. All praiseworthy beings and things derive their magnificence from Him. Being awe-struck by any of His creation to the exclusion of His remembrance is nothing but shortsightedness. Even human achievements find their ultimate Source in Him since He it is Who is the Granter of all mental and physical resources]
1:2 The Eternal Source of all Beneficence and Mercy Who embraces the entire Universe in His fold, nourishing and taking care of all things for what they are meant to be, just as a mother's womb nourishes the embryo without any returns.
1:3 He is the Absolute Owner of the Day when all creation shall have completed their journey of existence, evolution and action to the Ultimate Just outcome. And He is the Supreme Appointer of the System of Life that mankind may live by in order to attain success in both lives - and this System will most certainly prevail in this world. The Divine Law of Returns takes mankind to the Day of Final Judgment in His Court to account for all they did with the gift of life. This is a Day whose advent is beyond any doubt.
[3:189-190, 9:32-33, 17:111, 43:84, 82:18-19. 'Deen' = System of Life = The Ultimate Just Outcome]
1:4 (Realizing these facts), we affirm to obey Your Commands and ask You to help us as we do that.
1:5 Guide us to the Straight Path - (by providing us with the faculty to listen and not just hear, to observe and not just see, and to analyze and not just blindly follow 17:36).
1:6 The Path of those upon whom You bestowed the blissful benefits deriving from conscious obedience to Your Commands. (2:47, 31:20).
1:7 Not of those who earned the bitter consequences of rejecting Your Commands, nor of those who deviated from the road. (2:61, 7:152, 29:69, 37:69-71, 45:23, 61:5).

Surah 2 – Al-Baqarah– The Cow
[Author's Note] This is the 2nd Surah of the Qur’an. It has 286 verses. The cow is merely one of the many quadrupeds made useful and subservient to mankind. The title of a Chapter or Surah of the Qur’an is important mainly for reference purposes. Therefore, we find most Surahs imparting to us a bouquet of concepts without getting bound to their titles. Only in the last and the 30th section of the Qur’an, which has very brief Surahs, does the title become the center of discussion through all the verses of the Surah.
Proper understanding of this most detailed Surah Baqarah will enable the reader to become familiar with the basic concepts and the true meanings of the Qur’anic terminology according to the language of its Revelation (the Quraish dialect). Therefore, my rendition of this Surah, while close to the literal translation, is also a free understanding. I have taken special care to explain every verse from within the Qur’an itself, and provided references from TASREEF (the process whereby the Qur’an lets us look at the same concepts in various ways). As we move along to the later Surahs, we will come closer and closer to the linguistic translation, once again letting the Qur’an explain itself.
About the use of parentheses: Whenever the reader finds a sentence that is not seen in the original Arabic verse, it will be representing another verse found elsewhere in the Qur’an and the proper reference will be given right there. In order to keep the flow, a conscious effort will be made to keep the parentheses [] AFTER the verse whenever appropriately possible. Historical notes, author’s comments and linguistic explanations will also be given within parentheses.
BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Eternal Source of all Beneficence and Mercy Who embraces the entire Universe in His fold, nourishing and taking care of all things for what they are meant to be, just as a mother's womb nourishes the embryo without any returns.
2:1 A.L.M. Alif. Laam. Mim. Allah, Aleem - the Knower, Latif - the Unfathomable, Majeed - the Magnificent, knows your prayer and understands your emotional and physical needs.
2:2 Here it is - the Book you asked for! There is absolutely no doubt concerning its authority and authenticity. This Divine Writ, Al-Qur’an, is a Monograph that finds its own way from your mind to your heart. And you will soon notice, as you proceed, that this Scripture leaves no lingering doubts in a sincere, seeking heart or mind. If you remember that this is a Book of Guidance, and hence, consult with it as such, the glittering reality will dawn upon you that this is a Beacon of Light! It is a Guide for all those who wish to journey through life in true honor and security.
[Recorded on parchment by honorable scribes appointed by the noble Messenger. The Almighty Himself guarantees the Truth of this Revelation, its explanation and its preservation. And you will find it free of contradictions. (4:82, 10:37, 15:9, 29:49, 32:2, 52:2-3, 75:17-19. 80:13-16). ‘Al-Qur’an’ = The Lecture or Monograph that finds its own way to sincere hearts, becoming ‘Az-Zikr’ = The Reminder]
2:3 Those who wish to journey through life in true honor and security are the ones who believe in the Law of Cause and Effect, though the stages of action and reaction might be hidden from their senses. Those who understand this simple Universal Law look for ways to establish the Divine System - a noble society in which Permanent Moral Values rule the hearts and minds of men and women. There are neither masters nor subjects in such a system, since therein prevails the Rule of Law. Inhabitants of such a society will keep open the natural and social wealth and resources that We have provided them, for the benefit of the whole society.
[2:177, 22:41, 94:77. ‘Al-Ghayeb’ = The Unseen: The likeness of a seed that is beneath the soil hidden from a farmer’s view. Yet the farmer believes that given proper environment and care the seed will sprout]
2:4 Hence, such men and women whole-heartedly believe in what has been revealed to you (O Messenger) and in the Divine Origin of what was revealed before your times. And they have conviction in the Law of Cause and Effect, and, therefore, in the life to come.
[Similar were the blessed people who believed in and followed the previous Scriptures. Men and women of understanding use their faculty of reasoning and understand that human intellect is not boundless. It can tell mankind what is – but it cannot tell what ought to be. Furthermore, direct Revelation of Knowledge from the Creator economizes human effort and saves them time on trial and error. They also realize that life is no vain sport. It has a sublime purpose and keeps evolving like everything else in the Cosmos. So, the death of the human body is only a transition to a higher form of life for the human personality or ‘Self’. Thus, they have conviction in the Hereafter. This can be likened to the birth of a baby who leaves the mother’s womb and moves on to a new and higher level of existence. Anyone failing to understand the eternity of “Self” (commonly termed 'soul'), bars himself from seeing life in its totality and, hence, toils through this life without a higher moral objective. 2:185, 6:72, 7:52-53, 7:157-158, 10:4, 21:10, 21:24, 40:11, 45:52, 67:2]
2:5 It is they who walk on a Path lighted by their Lord, and they are the ones who will truly prosper.
[The Lord’s Light is this Qur’an unto which one must turn with an open mind. Those who approach it without clearing their minds of pre-conceived notions will fail to “touch” this Book. For, that frame of mind defies reason and logic. 4:88, 5:15, 23:1-11, 24:35, 31:2-5, 42:52, 56:79.]
2:6 Behold, as for those who have chosen denial in advance – it is all one to them whether you apprise them of the consequences of their deeds or do not apprise them. They will refuse to acknowledge the Truth. (2:89-109, 6:26, 27:14, 35:42-43, 36:70, 41:26, 47:32)
2:7 Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and on their sight there is a veil. And theirs will be a tremendous suffering.
[Blind following and arrogance make the human perception and reasoning impermeable to the highest form of Knowledge and Wisdom. It is easy to understand how painful this fall from the high stature of human dignity would be - a tremendous suffering that is built-in as the logical consequence of this attitude. 4:88 17:46, 18:57, 45:23, 83:14]
2:8 And of mankind there are others who claim, “We believe in Allah and the Last Day", when they have indeed not attained belief. (Their actions, which speak louder than words, contradict their claim).
2:9 They would deceive Allah and the believers. But they only deceive themselves, and realize it not!
[Men and women of this psyche fall prey to the misconception that they can bypass the rock solid Divine Law of Cause and Effect. Since reason is a faculty that has to be exercised and they have forsaken it, they are little aware of what opportunity of personal development they are missing]
2:10 This negative attitude is a disease in their hearts that reinforces itself according to the Divine Law of Requital. The conflict between one’s word and action amounts to self-deception that has its own dire consequences. This is because such people lie to themselves! (How can they be true to others, then?)
2:11 When it is said unto them, “Do not cause chaos and disorder in the land by violating the Revealed Moral Values," they say, “We are but reformers, setting things right!”
2:12 Oh, verily, it is they who are corruptors because they in fact do not put their intelligence to good use.
[They bring forth a common argument that they are acting in good faith and in accordance with their conscience. They do not realize that conscience is nothing but an "internalized society" and that it is only a mental reflection of the material conditions and values prevalent in a given society. Therefore, it can never be a substitute for Divine Revelation 3:20, 5:79, 9:67, 24:21]
2:13 When it is said to them, “Believe in the Revealed Moral Values as other people have come to believe”, they retort, "Shall we believe as the foolish believe?" Oh, verily, it is they who are the foolish! But they realize it not.
2:14 When meeting those who have seen the Truth, they say, “We have attained belief.” But when they go apart to their devilish comrades, they say, "Behold, we are with you - we were only mocking.”
2:15 Allah will turn their mockery upon them, leaving them to wander in their arrogant infractions, blindly stumbling to and fro.
2:16 They have bought straying at the expense of guidance. Such trade has to go bankrupt because they have set their caravan in the wrong direction. (‘Muhtadi’ = He who journeys on a lighted road).
2:17 Their example is that of a person who lights up a fire without adequate fuel. As soon as brightness surrounds them, the fuel is consumed and the Divine Law takes away their light leaving them in the dark where they cannot see. (The pursuit of instant gains only grants them a fleeting satisfaction since they have forfeited a long-term goal).
2:18 Deaf, dumb and blind of Reason! They will not return to begin their journey in the right direction (unless they use their faculties of perception and reasoning 8:22, 16:76,17:36).
2:19 Now ponder another example - that of a rainstorm from the sky with darkness, thunder and lightning. They plug their ears with their fingers for fear of death. (But this will not make the storm disappear since denial is no solution to any problems). And Allah’s Law of Recompense encompasses the deniers.
[His changeless Laws are implemented in the Universe without any exceptions whether people accept them or not. 7:183, 14:8, 29:54, 30:24, 79:36, 82:16]
2:20 The lightning almost snatches away their sight and vision. They walk a few steps, in a stop and go fashion. When darkness prevails, they stand still. It is the Law of Allah that those who defy Reason eventually lose the proper use of their perceptual and analytical senses and faculties, hearing and vision, taken away. Behold, Allah is the All-Powerful Designer of His Laws and He has Supreme Control over all things.
[2:201, 7:183, 11:15, 17:18-21, 29:54, 30:24, 42:20, 79:36, 82:16. Those who reject the Divine Messages and rely solely on their intellect, do not realize that Revelation is to the human intellect what sunlight is to the human eye. It takes them out of darkness into ever sustaining Light. 2:257]
2:21 O Mankind! Serve your Lord, Who has created you and those before you, so that you may journey through life in honor and security. (7:172).
2:22 He Who has made the earth habitable for you and the sky over it like a canopy. And brought down rain from therein so that fruits of His Bounty may spring forth for you as abundant provision. When you understand this simple fact, (insult not your intelligence and) equate not others with Allah. (The high atmosphere serves as a protecting canopy against meteorites and keeps balance in the gases and temperature as well).
2:23 (For the real skeptic We have another reason-friendly offer.) If you are still in doubt concerning that which We have revealed unto Our servant (Muhammad), call and set up (a committee, commission, organization, association of the highest order) all your helpers besides Allah, and then produce just one Surah like this, if you are men of Truth.
[Bring some chapters of comparable merit that even come close to it in magnificence, eloquence, grandeur and wisdom 10:38, 11:13, 17:88.
Allah uses for Himself the first person singular ‘I’ as well as the plural ‘We’. The Qur’an being the most eloquent Book on earth has its own unique charisma and style. A slight reflection even on a translation strikes us with the tremendous variety of its usage of semantics. ‘We’ in relation to God indicates His Supreme Royalty, whereas ‘I’ gives us some idea of how close the King of kings is to us. And, "There is none like unto Him." 112:4. Likewise the use of the masculine gender for God in all Scriptures is meant to be in conformity with our social fabric, intellect and understanding. Almost all languages in the world use the male gender when referring to a third person singular except when a specific female is being referred to.]
2:24 And if you fail to do it - and fail you will, yet remain haughty and scornful, it should be easy to think of the outcome. You will live a life unlived since that is the natural consequence of a stubborn denial of the Realities of life. Then guard yourselves against the Fire that has been readied for those who remain bent on denying the Truth, and its fuel are the masses and their stonehearted leaders alike. (This Fire is generated in and engulfs the hearts 9:110, 104:6-7).
2:25 Convey the happy news to those who have chosen to be graced with belief, and have done acts of service to humanity. For them will be a most pleasant reward. Call it Paradise in both lives. (Try to understand it in your current vocabulary). Plush Gardens with rivulets flowing underneath! When they are provided with the delicious fruit of their deeds, they will say, “This is what we were provided before.” They had tasted some of the reward in this world. For, they will be given sustenance that will recall their past. The men and women will have pure companions therein, an everlasting happy family life.
[This Paradise is not given away as charity. It has to be built in this life and then inherited. It has been described in the Qur’an allegorically and it is not confined to one particular place. It encompasses the entire Universe and is a logical consequence of living upright and contributing to the well-being of humanity. 3:132, 13:35, 14:25, 24:55, 32:17, 39:74, 47:15, 57:21, 76:5-6, 76:17.]
2:26 Behold, Allah does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory, even of a mosquito or beyond. Those who attain belief by way of reason appreciate the allegories and know that therein is contained some teaching of the Truth from their Lord. On the other hand, those who have chosen to disbelieve, try to ridicule, saying, "What could Allah mean to teach by this similitude?" Thus His Law of Guidance lets go astray many and shows the lighted Road to many. But He never lets go astray any except those who drift away from Reason. (Men of Reason know that abstract phenomena are frequently best understood in the form of examples, metaphors and allegories).
2:27 [Just as there is One Creator, likewise mankind is but one Community. This is such an indisputable Truth that all men and women will eventually take it to their hearts. 1:1, 2:213, 9:33-34, 9:111, 10:19, 13:21-25, 31:28, 83:6 114:1.]
Those who break this ratified Bond of Allah and cut asunder the unity of mankind that Allah has commanded them to uphold - into races, colors, sects and regions, and thus lay the foundation of chaos in the Earth, those will be the losers in the long run. (2:213, 10:19, 31:28).
2:28 Think! How can you disbelieve in Allah knowing that He it is Who gave you life when you were lifeless? Then He will cause you to die and bring you back to life again. And then, all of you will return unto Him. (37:58, 40:11, 44:56, 76:1).
2:29 He it is Who has created for you whatever is in the Earth – all of it. And He has applied His Design to the High Cosmos and fashioned it as seven Heavens. He is the Supreme Knower of what all things are destined to be. (11:7, 53:31, 57:1-2).
2:30 [Now is related to you the creation of Adam or mankind, in allegorical terms - when Allah decided to create humans who would be given free will and supremacy on Earth.]
Your Lord announced His Plan to the angels, the Universal Natural Laws, “Behold, I am about to place a creation on Earth that will have dominion over it.”
[The angels were not even remotely aware of free will other than the Divine Will. But He had decided to provide humans with that precious gift. The free will may be likened to breathing of something into humans from the Divine Energy. The angels wondered if a clash of wills would not result in chaos and bloody disorder on Earth, while the angelic role had always been that of striving to manifest the Impeccable Glory of their Lord and absolute submission to His Commands.]
They exclaimed, “Will you place on it such creation as will cause disorder therein and shed blood! - Whereas we strive to establish Your Glory in the Universe and make manifest that You are Impeccable!” He answered, “Behold, I know that which you know not.” (15:27, 16:49-50. Human evolution: 6:2, 7:189, 22:5, 23:12-13, 25:54, 32:7-9, 35:11, 37:11, 71:17).
2:31 And Allah endowed humanity with the capacity to attain knowledge. Then He showed the angels certain things and said to them, “Tell me if you have the capacity of learning about these, if you are truly better qualified to have supremacy in the planet Earth.
2:32 They humbly said, “Glorified are You, High Above all creation! We only know the tasks You have assigned to us. Verily, You, and only You, are all-Knowing, all-Wise.”
2:33 Then He said, “O Adam! Show them some of your capacity to attain knowledge.” And when Adam informed them of his ability to learn, He said to the angels, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the Highs and the Lows? And I know that which is manifested by your efforts and the potentials that lie dormant within you, O My creation!”
2:34 And when We said to the angels, “Humble yourselves and be subservient to Adam, or mankind - they instantly complied humbling themselves, except Iblis (Satan). He refused through self-glorification, and so became a rejecter of the Divine Command.
[Thus, Allah endowed mankind with the ability to master or harness the Universal Natural Laws through science. There is, however, an internal domain He has designed within humans. Call it 'I', ‘Self’, ‘Ego’, ‘Personality’, ‘I-am', ‘Me’. This has been placed for the humans to exercise free will and achieve personal growth or self-actualization. But this ‘Self’ is vulnerable to the evil prompting of its own intrinsic selfish desire or that of extrinsic sources. In that situation the ‘Self’ rebels against the higher controls of human judgment, and more importantly, against the Revealed Moral Values. This rebellious state of the ‘Self’ has the ability to rationalize its desire and emotions through the intellect. And this rebellious state of the ‘Ego’ is Satan or Iblis. It was this Iblis that refused to humble itself to the higher human controls of judgment and Divine Commands. Incidentally, the Qur’an nowhere mentions a human ‘soul’, ‘spirit’ or 'spirituality'.]
2:35 We told the early humans - male and female - Adam and his wife, “O Mankind! Reside in this land which is Paradise and partake the fruit thereof as you please. But go not near this branching Tree of Selfishness. If you branched off into parties, sects and groups, you shall replace your Paradise with Hell.” (2:213, 10:19, 20:117-118 ‘Zulm’ = To displace something from its rightful place = Replace good with evil).

2:36 But Satan caused them both to stumble therein and impelled them out of the happy state they were in. And so We said, “Degraded you are - with wedges of discord among one another! There shall be for you on Earth your station and livelihood Earth for a while.”
[Their straying egos and selfish desires had clashed and led them into dividing among themselves for the pursuit of self-interest. The humans fell from the height of felicity into mutual contention and rivalry. The plentiful provision of the land that used to be open for all became a matter of private individual enterprise and hoarding. They have since continued toiling and competing for sustenance.]
2:37 (The solution to this catastrophe was beyond human redress.) Then Adam received Words of Guidance from his Lord and He accepted his repentance. Behold, He is the Acceptor, the Most Merciful. (Adam = Man. His wife = Woman. She also repented and Allah treated both of them equally 7:23-24).
2:38 We said, “For now, move to a lower level of existence, out of this state of spontaneous felicity – all of you. But behold, when Guidance comes to you from Me, those who will follow My Lighted Road, there shall come upon them no fear, nor shall they have grief touch them from within.”
[Note here the multiple plural ‘all of you’ confirming that Adam and his wife are allegorical terms for the humankind. Incidentally the word EVE is nowhere mentioned in the Qur’an, once again Adam denoting mankind.]
2:39 But those who reject Our Messages or deny them in action, such will be the rightful companions of the Fire. They will abide therein.”
2:40 (One example is that of the Israelites.) O Children of Israel! Remember My Bliss that I bestowed upon you (when you were following My Commandments). Fulfill your promise unto Me and I will fulfill My promise unto you. And you shall be fearful of the consequences of violating My Commands.” (3:61, 9:111).
2:41 And grace yourselves with belief in what I reveal now – confirming the Divine Origin of what you already have. Be not the first among those who will conceal the Truth therein, and trade not My Messages for petty gains. Rather, be mindful of Me.
[Petty gains = The false dogma of being the ‘chosen ones’ which is consistently rejected by the Qur’an. The only criterion of honor in the Sight of Allah is character. (10:69-70, 29:25, 49:13). ‘Kufr’ = Denial of the Truth = Concealing the Truth = Ingratitude = Preconceived rejection = Choosing to live in darkness = Hiding or covering something = Closing eyes to light. Therefore, ‘Kufr’ or 'Kafir' does not apply to anyone unto whom the Truth has not been presented or whom it hasn't reached yet.]
2:42 And confound not the Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth while you are well aware of it. (2:159).
2:43 Strive to establish the Divine System, and to set up a Just Economic Order in society. And bow with others who bow to these Commands.
[9:119, 89:29. 'Zakat' = The Revealed Economic System where everyone works according to his capacity and is compensated according to his needs. People spend on others whatever is more than their needs. 2:219. The System of Zakat is managed by the Central Authority that ensures the development of the individuals and the society.

The 2.5 percent annual mandatory charity is a non-Qur'anic concept that trivializes the comprehensive Qur'anic System of Zakat.
Charity or 'Sadaqat' are meant only for the interim period whenever and wherever the Divinely ordained System of life is not yet in place.
For Central Authority, the Qur'an uses the terms 'Allah and Rasul'. After the exalted Rasul (Messenger), it is obligatory upon the believers to elect their leadership through a consultative process in a manner suitable for the times. (42:38). The basic difference between the Western democracy and the Islamic government is that whereas no legislation can pass contrary to the man-made constitution of a land in the former, no legislation can pass contrary to the Qur'an in the latter.]

2:44 Do you wish to preach piety and admonish the people to make room for everyone's welfare and progress in the society, while you disregard practicing what you preach? And all the while you study the Scripture! Will you not, then, use your sense?
[Using your sense will tell you that this attitude amounts to lying to one’s own self. 2:10. 'Birr' denotes the meanings rendered plus exponential growth. 2:177.]
2:45 If you truly wish to strengthen your personality and the well-being of society, then be resolute in establishing the Divinely ordained System of life. This is the hard way except for those those who are committed to that Noble Objective.
[2:153, 70:17-27, 90:11-14. You have become used to thriving on the fruit of others’ toil, such as devouring usury, and, therefore, human equity and social equality strike at your vested interests. 2:275.]
2:46 Who realize that they are destined to face their Lord’s Law of Requital and that every step of theirs takes them in the direction His Laws determine.
2:47 (Once again) O Children of Israel! Remember the Blessings I bestowed upon you and how I gave you distinction among the nations of your times when you were faithful to My Commands. (2:122).
2:48 Hence, beware of the Day when all actions will encounter Absolute Justice, and contrary to your thinking, no person will avail another in the least. And neither intercession will be accepted, nor any compensation will be received from anyone. And they will not get any help outside of their own actions. (6:165).
2:49 Also remember when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people. They persecuted you with a dreadful torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women. As a matter of state policy Pharaoh divided you, humiliating the strong and leaving alone the voiceless weak among you. That was indeed a great tribulation from your Lord (His Law of Requital). (27:34, 28:4-5, 40:25).
2:50 And recall when We parted the sea and rescued you and drowned the people of Pharaoh right before your sight.
[When you faithfully followed Moses, We rescued you through a safe passage in the Red Sea. You crossed over through the Sea of Reeds at low tide, as if it were parted. This Exodus brought you to the safety of Sinai from the persecution in Egypt. 7:138, 10:90, 20:77, 26:63, 44:24.]

2:51 (Instead of being grateful, you did a weird thing.) While We summoned Moses for forty nights to reveal Our Commandments, you took to worshiping the golden calf in his absence. You were once again hurting yourselves.
[‘Zulm’ = Displace something from its rightful place = Relegating the Truth = Hurting someone or one’s own self = Violation of human rights = Live in darkness = Oppression = Diminishing the due measure.
Wasn’t the calf an object of worship of the Egyptians, your recent masters? You demonstrated that physical emancipation did not equate psychological emancipation.]
2:52 Then, even after that, We pardoned you and gave you another chance to show gratitude. (2:56).
2:53 And We gave Moses the Code of Law and the Criterion for you to clearly distinguish between right and wrong to lead you on the Lighted Road.
[‘Hudan’ = ‘Hidayah’ = Guidance = Being led aright = Following a lighted road = Journey through prominent landmarks = The gift of guidance = Any sincere gift = A high rock of identification in the sea = Lighthouse.]
2:54 When Moses returned, he said to his people, “O my people! You have hurt your own ‘Selves’ by worshiping the calf. So, turn in repentance to your Maker and kill your rebellious mentality. This will be best for you in the Sight of your Maker.” Thereupon He accepted your repentance. Verily, He is the Acceptor of repentance, the Merciful.
[7:152. Unfortunately, blindly following the account of Exodus 32:26-28, most ancient and modern commentators of the Qur’an, including Maududi of the 20th century, stumble on this verse as well. Some maintain that the Israelites in a matter of hours killed one another randomly up to 70,000 men! Others claim that only the culprits were killed! All this, because of giving literal meaning to ‘Qatl’ and blindly following some Bible stories. This is all the more amazing since the same verse is showing Pardon from Allah. ‘Qatl’ = Subdue = Bring low = Humiliate = Make humble = Killing inflated or rebellious Ego = Murder = Slaying = Fighting.]
2:55 And recall when you said, “O Moses! We will not believe in you unless we see Allah face to face!” Thereupon lightning thunder overtook you and overpowered your sight and sense.
[Your minds were still programmed with the primitive ways of the "Age of Worship" when humans could only appreciate the tangible. At that level of intellect, humans come to fear natural phenomena. Thus, when you saw the lightning thunder you almost fell dead in fright. 7:155.]
2:56 Then We revived you, and raised you from a dead to a living nation so that you might show gratitude by establishing the Divine Order.
2:57 When you mended your ways, We overshadowed you with the cool shade of Our Mercy and We bestowed upon you Our Bounties in abundance, saying, “Partake of the decent things We have provided you.” And they had done no harm unto Us - but they certainly had harmed their own ‘Selves’.
[‘Manna-was-Salwa’ = Allah’s provision of sustenance that reaches all members of the community indiscriminately. Literally it also means fowl meat and sweet fruit.]
2:58 Then We commanded you, “Enter this town and enjoy the provisions – partake as you desire. But enter the gate in heart-felt adoration saying, ‘HITTATUN’ – ‘Our Lord! Pardon our misdeeds as we mend our ways’, - and We shall forgive you your faults and amply reward the doers of good.”
[‘This town’ = Canaan = The sacred land of Palestine. For more details, see 5:21.]
2:59 But, the transgressors altered the Word they had been given, and changed their attitude of humility and perseverance. And so, Our Law sent down upon the transgressors an Heavenly Requital for their drifting away from the Commandments.
[‘Rijz’ = Weak, shaky legs = Weakening of determination and resolve = Losing individual and collective strength = Becoming lazy = Replacing action with word. ‘Fisq’ = Drifting away - from? – depending on the context. You became shaky in your resolve losing discipline and courage, hence, the Sacred Land became forbidden to you for forty years 2:61, 3:21, 5:22-26.]
2:60 (Remember the times when you were in the Sinai desert and there was shortage of water.) And Moses asked for water for his people. We said, “Smite the rock with your staff.” And there gushed out twelve springs so that each tribe found its respective source of fresh cool water. Moses said, “Enjoy Allah’s provision, but desist from creating disruption and chaos in the land for selfish gains.”
[‘Asa’ = Staff = Force = Conviction = Support. We guided him to rocks under which were hidden twelve springs of water ready to gush forth. Moses, with the strength of his conviction and with the help of his companions, unclogged those springs.]
2:61 (At one stage you demanded Moses to provide you with a great variety of edibles, although you were living in the Sinai desert.) You said, “O Moses! We are weary of the same kind of food, so ask your Lord that He brings forth for us plant food such as herbs, cucumbers, garlic, lentils and onions.” He said, “Would you exchange something superior for something inferior? (Preoccupy yourselves with petty desires instead of higher goals?) Go back in shame to Egypt and you will get what you demand.” So, humiliation and misery were stamped upon them and they had to face the Divine Requital. That was because they kept rejecting Allah's Messages. And they persisted in opposing and even killing some Prophets against all right. They did all this, because they chose to rebel against the Divine Commands, and committed excesses against humanity.
2:62 (That was a glimpse of the past). Behold, those who attain belief in this Divine Writ and call themselves Muslims, and those who are Jews, and Christians and the Agnostics - whoever truly believes in Allah and the Last Day and benefits humanity, surely their reward is with their Lord. For them shall be no fear from without, nor shall grief touch them from within.
[Note: The author of this rendition is not aware of any instance in the Qur’an where the use of TASREEF, that is, looking at the Qur’an in its Big Picture, is more crucial than in the understanding of this verse. Some great commentators have misinterpreted this verse for missing out related verses such as these:
- Those who attain belief and call themselves Muslims and those who are Jews, and the Agnostics, and Christians - whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, and benefits humanity, for them shall be no fear from without, nor shall grief touch them from within. 5:69.
- It is inconceivable that those who deny the Truth, whether they are the People of the Book or the idolaters, could get out of error till the Clear Proof, Al-Qur’an, comes to them. 98:1-3.
- The non-Israelite Prophet liberates the People of the Book from the shackles of their man-made dogmas and brings them from darkness to Light. 7:157.
- They say, “Be Jews or Christians, then you will be rightly guided.” Say, “Nay, we follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He associated no one with the One True God.” 2:135.
- O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Say, “We believe in Allah and the Revelation that has been conveyed to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob as well as the tribal Israelite Prophets - and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among them since all of them were one in Purpose and they got their Guidance from the One True God. And for Him, we are Muslims.” 2:136.
- So, if they come to believe in the way you believe, they will be rightly guided. But if they turn away, they will be falling into opposition and Allah will be Sufficient for you against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower. 2:137. ('You believe’ = You who acknowledge the Qur'an).
Reflecting on the above verses makes it clear that the belief in Allah and the Last Day must be in accordance and conformity with the Qur’an. Verses 2:62 and 5:69 emphasize that mere giving of a name to one’s religion or creed carries no importance.
Now the SABIANS. Historically, Sabians have been small groups of people who used to merge with their respective locales and environment. When residing along with idolaters they called themselves ‘Nature-worshipers’ or ‘Star-worshipers’. Among Judeo-Christian milieu they preferred to announce themselves as ‘Followers of John the Baptist’. In the ancient Persian Empire they identified themselves as 'Sun-worshipers'. This brief analysis reveals that the term SABIANS can be best understood as the 'Agnostics' of all times.]

2:63 O Children of Israel! Recall the times when We made a firm Promise with you in the Valley of Mount Sinai, by the lofty mountain, saying, “Hold fast the Commandments We have given you, and take to your hearts what is therein, so that you may walk aright.”
2:64 Then even after that, you turned away and were it not for the graceful Law of Respite and the Mercy of Allah upon you, you would have lost the Divine Bounties right then.
2:65 And you are well aware of those of you who broke the Sabbath, whereupon We said unto them, “Be as apes despicable!”
[Then some of you transgressed again. For ecological reasons and to inculcate in your hearts the sanctity of Law We had ordained that you refrain from fishing on Saturdays and strengthen social ties rather than going after business on that day (4:154, 7:163-167, 16:124). Persistent indiscipline hurts humanity and inculcates the apish mentality. (4:47, 4:154, 5:60)]
2:66 And We made it a lesson to their times and for the future generations who would (learn from history and) choose to walk aright.
2:67 And when Moses said unto his people, “Behold, Allah Commands you to sacrifice a cow” - (So that the belief in it as a deity could be dispelled 2:54, 7:152) - They said, “Are you mocking us?” Moses said, “I seek refuge in Allah from being so ignorant.”
2:68 (Now, they started making excuses.) They said, "Ask your Sustainer on our behalf what kind of a cow it should be." Moses answered, “Allah says that she is a cow neither too old nor too young. She is between the two conditions - so do as you are commanded.”
2:69 They said, “Call for us unto your Lord that He make it clear to us of what color she is.” Moses answered, “Well, she is a yellow cow. Bright is her color, pleasing to beholders.”
2:70 They said, “Pray for us unto your Lord that He make it clear to us what exactly she is. For cows are much alike to us; and if Allah wills, we may be led aright.”
2:71 Moses answered, “He says that the cow is such that has not toiled in plowing the land nor in watering the crops and it is sound without blemish.” They said, “Now you bring the Truth.” So they sacrificed her with great reluctance. Their hearts had been drenched in cow worship (2:93, 5:101).
2:72 And remember, when you killed a man and blamed one another for this although Allah will expose what you would conceal.
2:73 And We said, “Apply this *Law to relevant cases of unsolved murder. This is how Allah gives life to the dead. (The Law that saves lives indeed gives you life 2:179). And He expounds His Messages for you to use your sense. (13:11).
[The *Mosaic Law ordains the sacrifice of a cow in some cases of murder. The elders of the town wash their hands and say: “Our hands have not shed this blood, nor have our eyes seen it.” The community is then absolved of the collective responsibility (Deuteronomy 21:1-9). In this particular instance the mystery was solved and the murderer was identified]
2:74 Then, even after that, you persisted in a state of defiance that hardened your hearts like rocks, impermeable to reason. Or even worse, for behold, there are rocks from which springs gush forth, or which split asunder releasing moisture, or fall to softness according to the Divine Laws. They are more compliant to Allah’s Laws than the hearts that defy reason. Allah is not unaware of what you do.
2:75 Even now, believers hope in all sincerity, that their compatriots (the Jewish people in town) might join their ranks. But some of them, despite hearing and comprehending the Word of Allah (in Torah) have been distorting it knowingly.
2:76 And when they meet with those who have attained belief, say, “We believe as you believe.” But when they get together with one another, they say, “Do you inform them of that which Allah has disclosed to you, so that they might use it in argument against you? And all this before your Lord! Will you then not use your intellect?”
[The information concerning the coming of a Prophet from among your brethren. (Deuteronomy 18:15-18)]
2:77 Do they not know that Allah is aware of what they conceal and what they reveal?
2:78 Among them are the illiterate who do not know their Scripture except by hearsay and, therefore, depend on conjecture.
2:79 Then, woe unto those (their scholars) who write the Scripture with their own hands and claim, “This is from Allah.” They traffic with it for petty gains. (They distort the Scripture tampering with its verses to suit their designs and exploit those who are illiterate). Woe unto them for what their hands do write, and for the earning they make thereby.”
2:80 And, yet they say, “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” (Because of their wishful thinking that they are the chosen ones). Say, “Have you taken any special pledge from Allah, which of course, He never breaks, or is it that you say things about Allah contrary to the august realm of knowledge?”
2:81 Nay, but whoever keeps disrupting the lives of others, and his faults upon faults surround him - such are destined for the Fire, therein to abide.
2:82 And those who choose to be graced with belief, and help others - they are destined for the Paradise, therein to abide.
2:83 (The Covenant We made with the Children of Israel was not of unconditional favors.) When We made a promise with the Children of Israel, (We said), “Serve none save Allah, and be kind to your parents, and to relatives, and to orphans, widows, and to the needy - those left alone in the society, and those whose income has stalled for any reason. And speak to people and treat them nicely, and establish the Divine System in the society, and set up the Just Economic Order (keeping your wealth open for the benefit of all).” Then, after that, you slid back, except a few of you, and you backslide even now.
2:84 And, We made a Covenant with you saying, “Desist from feuds and mutual bloodshed, and do not expel your own people from your towns and dwellings. Then you agreed and you were witnesses thereof.
2:85 Yet you it is who subdue and slay each other, commit bloody feuds and evict expel your own people from their homes supporting one another in the act of hurting the well being of the society and sowing the seeds of discord. And if they come to you in their helpless state, you demand ransom (from these poor folk for their rehabilitation). Whereas their eviction was unlawful for you in the first place! Do you wish to accept one part of the Scripture and reject the other? And what is the reward of those who do so but disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they be turned over to the most grievous suffering! For Allah is not unaware of what you do.
2:86 Such are those who fall for instant gratification, buying the life of this world at the price of long-term gains and the Hereafter. Their punishment will not be lightened neither will they receive any help.
2:87 And, verily, We had given the Scripture to Moses and We sent other Messengers in succession after him. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear evidence of the Truth and We strengthened him with Sacred Revelation. Yet is it not so that Whenever a Messenger came to you with something that was not to your liking, you became stubbornly arrogant, and some of them you called impostors, and others you killed? (Also, you have attempted to strike a deal with the Messengers in order to alter the Messages 10:15, 11:113, 17:74, 68:9).
2:88 And they say, “Our hearts are bags of knowledge.” Nay, but Allah has deprived them of His Grace for their persistent rejection of the Truth. Therefore, only a few of them will choose to be graced with belief. (2:6).
2:89 And when there comes to them the Book of Allah, confirming the authentic in what they have, they flatly deny it although before that they had been praying for a signal victory over those who denied all Divine Revelation. And whenever there came unto them something that they recognized as the Truth, they would deny it. Then, deprivation of Allah’s grace is the lot of all those who thanklessly reject His Guidance and choose to live in darkness. (‘Kufr’ includes all the meanings given in the last sentence).
2:90 Miserable indeed is for which they sell their ‘Selves’ – that they deny that which Allah has revealed. (Grudgingly, they cannot get over the fact that Allah has chosen a Messenger who is not an Israelite). And that Allah should reveal His bounty to whomever He chooses among His servants. And so (for their discriminatory attitude) they have invited Requital upon Requital. And for all those who thanklessly deny the Guidance and choose to live in darkness, is a logical consequence of suffering that brings them low.
2:91 And when it is said to them, “Be graced with belief in what Allah has revealed,” they say, “We only accept that which has been handed over to us.” And they deny that which comes after it, though it is the Truth confirming the authentic that is with them. Say, “Why then did you oppose and slay the Prophets of Allah, if you were indeed believers (in the earlier Revelations)?”
2:92 And indeed, Moses came to you with all evidence, yet you worshiped the calf in his absence, and you did behave wrongly.
2:93 Recall again the Covenant We made with you in the Valley of the Mount Sinai, with the mountain towering over you, saying, “Hold firmly to what We have given you, and listen with your hearts!” They said, “We hear and we disobey”. The desire to worship a tangible deity was so strong in them that their hearts were infused with the love of the calf, because of their persistent failure to see the Truth. Say, “If your faith teaches you to go back to the primitive ways of worship, then you are in a pitiable state of mind - if you are at all believers.”
2:94 Say, “If the Eternal Abode with Allah is reserved only for you (2:80) and not for others of mankind (2:111), as you claim, then long for death if you are truthful.” (Why do you fear death rather than looking forward to it when you claim that you are the chosen ones of God? 5:18, 11:7, 67:2)?
2:95 But they will never long for it, for (they know) what deeds their hands have sent forth. And Allah is Aware of those who wrong their own ‘Selves’ by relegating the Truth.
2:96 and you will find them greediest of mankind for life, even greedier than the idolaters. Each one of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live long would by no means save him from the suffering. For, Allah is Seer of what they accomplish.
2:97 (They are displeased with Gabriel for he brought Revelation to a gentile Prophet 2:90.) Say, “Who is an enemy to Gabriel! He it is who reveals this (Qur’an) to your heart by Allah’s leave – (and this Revelation) confirms the Divine Origin of the previous Scriptures. And it is a Guidance and glad tiding for those who accept it.
2:98 Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His Messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, behold, Allah’s Law is an enemy to such rejecters. (There is a wedge between Success and those who close their eyes to Universal Realities).
2:99 Verily, We have revealed unto you clear verses, and only those will deny them who drift away from reason.
2:100 (This reflects in their daily lives.) Is it not so that whenever they make a pledge with others, a party among them breaks it (and others feel liberated from their collective responsibility)? Nay, indeed, most of them do not believe in the Permanent Values.
2:101 And now when a Messenger has come to them from Allah confirming the Truth in what they have, a party among those who were given the Scripture before, cast the Scripture (Torah) behind their backs as though unaware (of what it says about the advent of the Messenger in Arabia (Deuteronomy 18:15-18).
2:102 (They followed conjecture in the past as well.) Some rebellious people spread a rumor in the Kingdom of Solomon. Solomon never disbelieved in the Divine Laws, but the rebellious ones did. They fabricated a story that two angels Harut and Marut had descended in Babylon and taught magic to people. That they used to warn people, “We are only a temptation, therefore be not oblivious to the rational Divine Laws.” The rumor further stated that people learned magic from these two angels how to create discord between a man and his wife. (This entire story is nothing but falsehood. Magic, amulets, ghoul, demon-possession, exorcism, witchcraft, evil eye, fortune telling, astrology, palm reading, clairvoyance, voodoo are nothing but conjecture). These things can neither harm nor benefit anyone since they are contrary to the Divine Laws in Nature (3:123-127, 6:73, 7:54, 45:22). (Superstitions can harm people by becoming self-fulfilling prophecies). And that which they try to learn only harms them and profits not. They are well aware that any person indulging in this trade (of the so-called “Occult sciences”) will be a loser in the long run, and shall have no portion in the Hereafter. And surely, evil is the price for which they (magicians, diviners, clairvoyants, fortunetellers and claimants to witchcraft) sell their humanity, if they but knew better.
[that Solomon had turned away from the Divine Truths and became devoted to magical practices and sorcery. Solomon never disbelieved in the Divine Laws, but the rebellious ones did]

2:103 And if they had believed in the changeless Divine Laws and walked aright, the reward from Allah would be far better, if they brought their thoughts in the realm of knowledge.
2:104 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not say (to the Prophet), "Listen to us.” Instead, say, "Look upon us, or, grant us attention.” And always be good listeners. There is a painful consequence for the rejecters of the Divine Commands. (‘Ra’ina’ also has another meaning to it, i.e. “Be our shepherd.” Do not be vague and speak straight to the point 4:46, 33:70).
2:105 The rejecters among the People of the Book and the idolaters do not wish to see any good thing sent to you from your Lord. But Allah showers His Grace according to His Laws (and chooses for His Revelation whom He wills 3:71, 16:30). And Allah is the Lord of Infinite Bounty.
2:106 [(Some People of the Book question why a new book was necessary. The evolution of human civilization has now come to a point where the Final Message for all mankind, can be given and preserved forever (6:116, 15:9)]. We have not abrogated the old commands without replacing them with the everlasting Commands that are either similar or better than the previous ones (5:48, 6:116, 15:9). Do you not know that Allah is the Appointer of due measure for all things?
2:107 Do you not recognize that the Dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah? (He is fully Cognizant of your physical and mental needs, and knows the timing of His Revelation). And you have no Patron or helper besides Allah. (Systems of Life designed contrary to His Laws will keep collapsing).
2:108 Do you wish to demand of your Messenger that was demanded of Moses in the past? (People asked him vain questions in minor details and then disobeyed him 5:101). But whoever changes his stand from the Light of conviction to the haziness of doubt, has already strayed away from the Even Way. (‘Iman’ and ‘Kufr’ translated according to the wider meanings and the context 5:101).
2:109 Many of the People of the Book wish to make you turn back to disbelief after you have attained belief. They do this because of their personal envy even though the Truth has become manifest to them. (Ethnic and nationalistic prejudices give rise to such feelings of envy 2:111, 5:18). Pardon them and leave them with their ways until Allah issues His Command. (5:13, 15:85, 73:10, 74:11). Verily, Allah has Power over all things and all events take place within the framework of His Laws.
2:110 Go ahead and establish the Divine System, and set up the Just Economic Order in the society. And whatever good you send forth to strengthen your ‘Selves’ in this manner will be stamped on your personalities and you will find it with Allah. (2:3). Behold, Allah is Seer of what you do.
2:111 And they claim, “None will enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” This is nothing but their wishful thinking. Say, “Bring your proof if you are truthful.” (2:135).
2:112 Nay, but whoever submits fully to Allah, and benefits people his reward is with his Sustainer. (7:180-181, 41:40). And there shall neither fear come upon them from without nor grief touch them from within.
2:113 And the Jews say that the Christians have no basis, and the Christians say that the Jews have no basis. Yet both read the Scripture! This is how people oblivious to true knowledge have always behaved. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection in what they differ (3:104, 11:118-119). (‘Qaul’ = Utterance = Thought = Tenet = Attitude).
2:114 And who can be a greater transgressor than the one who forbids access to the Centers of the Divine System? - Lest His Name be Eminent in the earth (as it is in the rest of the Universe) - And strives to ruin them! It is not meet for their human dignity that they should enter them except in awe, respect and humility. (9:17-19, 9:107). Communities that fail to heed this warning will suffer humiliation in this world and a tremendous suffering in the Hereafter. (72:18). (‘Masjid’ = Mosque = Centers that administer the Divine System = Place of collective prostration with mind and body = Centers that the Islamic government will establish to implement the Qur’anic Commands in the society, and thus collectively submit to Allah).
2:115 And unto Allah belong the East and the West. (He transcends all boundaries and so is the Divine System that can be established anywhere on earth). Wherever you go, whichever way you turn, there is Allah’s Countenance, and you remain in His Dominion. Behold, Allah is Transcendent, Knower of every site in the Universe. (3:95).
2:116 And they say, “Allah has taken unto Himself a son.” Never! He is High Above what they say. Nay, unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. Everything is subservient to Him.
2:117 The Originator of the heavens and the earth! As soon as He decrees a thing, he says unto it, “Be” – and it is. (He originates and creates and does not procreate).
2:118 Those who do not explore the realm of knowledge say, “Why does not Allah speak to us directly, or a miracle come to us?” Even thus spoke those before them, as these speak. Their minds are alike. We have made clear Our Signs in the Universe (67:3), and in these verses, for people who wish to attain conviction.
2:119 Certainly, We have sent you (O Messenger) with the Decisive Truth, a herald of glad tiding and a Warner. (You are not required to fulfill their demands of miracles. Your job is to convey the message with reason and sublime decency 13:40). For, you will not be questioned about those who lurk before the Insurmountable Barrier. (‘Jahim’ = The barrier to further development of the ‘Self’).
2:120 And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor will the Christians unless you follow their own creeds. Say, “Behold, Allah’s Guidance is the only True Guidance.” (This is the updated, unadulterated Message from the same Creator who revealed the previous Scriptures). And, indeed, if you followed their desires after the Knowledge that has come unto you, then no ally nor helper would you have from Allah. (7:3, 10:109, 13:37).
2:121 Those unto whom We have given the Book, who read it with the right reading (carefully study it beyond mere recitation), and then follow it as it should be followed - it is they who truly believe in it. And whoever does not believe in it this way - it is they, they who are the losers. (‘Tilawat’ = Recitation with understanding and then following it).
2:122 (The Children of Israel can easily relate to what has just been said.) O Children of Israel! Remember My Bliss with which I blessed you and how I gave you distinction over all other peoples of the time.
2:123 And guard against a Day when no person shall avail another, nor will compensation be accepted from him, nor will mediation profit anyone, nor will anyone will receive outside help. (6:165).
2:124 And remember when his Lord tried Abraham to uphold the Commands and he fulfilled them. (He took up the formidable challenge of a mighty priesthood, idolatry and a tyrannical autocracy in Mesopotamia). Then his Lord said, “Behold, I have appointed you an exemplary leader of mankind.” He asked, “And of my generations as well?” He replied, “My Promise does not embrace those who harm others, and thus, harm themselves.” (Being the offspring of a great man shall avail none).
2:125 And when We appointed the House (at Makkah) a focal point for mankind, and a safe sanctuary - We said, [“This House is for all mankind to rally around, to shed their disputes and to become one community (3:96, 5:97, 14:35, 22:25] If you wish to stand at the honored station of Abraham, follow his example.” We commissioned Abraham and his son, Ishmael to build this House saying, “Keep it clean from man-made dogmas for those who come and go and those who are called upon extra duty in establishing the Divine System. And to make it a training center for those who bow down and humble themselves before the Divine Commands (2:143, 3:96, 5:97, 14:35, 22:25).
[Ismail = Ishmael a.s. resided permanently in Makkah, while his father kept traveling between Hagar (Haajirah) in Makkah and Sarah in Canaan (Palestine). Ishmael married a woman from the Qahtani Tribe of Jurham and became the ancestor of MUSTA RIBAH (Arabianized Tribes or the Arabs). So the Arabs are, interestingly, descendants of a Hebrew father, Ishmael a.s. and a Qahtani Jurham mother. They had twelve sons in their long and happy married life. The Qahtanis are still abundantly found in the Arabian Peninsula. They were a wandering tribe in Southern Arabia who had settled in Makkah before Ishmael, because of the (contrary to popular legend) pre-existing Well of Zam-Zam.
The “Wilderness of Beer-Sheba” of Genesis 21:14, embraces the Southern Palestine and Hijaz. Therefore there is no contradiction between the Bible and the Qur’an concerning where Ishmael and his mother Hagar had settled after moving from Canaan.
Now, here is a glimpse of some interesting history about Hagar and Ishmael a.s. as found in the Bible.
Genesis 17:20 - As for Ishmael, I have heard you (O Abraham); behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 21:17 - And God heard the voice of the lad (Ishmael); and the angel of God called to Hagar from the heavens, and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 21:20 - And God was with the lad, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran (Faran, Makkah).
P.S. This history also explains why the Qur’an repeats that the Arabs had not received any Scripture before the Qur'an. The Arabs, of course, became a community long after Ishmael died]
2:126 Abraham prayed, “ My Lord! Make this land peaceful and secure, and provide its people with fruits of Your Blessings. Provide for those who believe in Allah and in the Last Day.” He answered, “I will also provide for him who thanklessly rejects the blessed guidance and let him enjoy life for a while. (But since he coveted instant gratification only and disregarded the long term), then, after that I will commit him to the suffering of Fire.” And what a miserable destination it is after wandering through the journey of life! (14:37, 17:18-20, 22:25, 95:3).
2:127 As Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House (in Makkah) they were praying earnestly, “Our Lord! Accept from us our service. For, verily, You are the Hearer, the Knower.”
2:128 “Our Lord! Make us true Muslims, submissive unto You, and of our descendants a community true Muslims, submissive to You. And show us how we can serve You best and grant Your attention to us. Verily, You, only You, are the Acceptor, the Merciful.” (2:186).
2:129 “Our Lord! And raise among them a Messenger from among them who shall convey unto them Your Messages - and through these shall teach them the Permanent Code of Values and Wisdom, and thus, enable them to grow in goodness. You, only You, are Almighty, the Wise.” (2:231, 17:39, 33:34, 57:25).
2:130 And who forsakes the Creed of Abraham but he who befools himself? Indeed, We raised him high in this world. And, behold, in the Hereafter he will be among those who have perfected their personalities. (16:120-122).
2:131 When his Lord said unto him, “Surrender!” He said without hesitation, “I have surrendered unto the Lord of the Worlds.”
2:132 Abraham held fast to his pledge and enjoined upon his sons to do the same, and so did Jacob, saying, “O’ My children! Behold, Allah has chosen for you the True System of Life. Therefore, do not let death overtake you except that you are truly Muslims.”
2:133 Were you present when death came to Jacob, when he said unto his children, “Whom will You serve after me?” They replied, “We shall serve your God, the God of your fathers, Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac - the One God - And unto Him we have surrendered, and for Him we are Muslims.”
2:134 They were a community who have passed on. Theirs is that which they earned, and yours is that which you earn. And you will not be answerable for what they used to do.
2:135 And they say, “Be Jews or Christians, then you will be rightly guided.” Say, “Nay, we follow the Creed of Abraham, the upright. He turned away from all that is false, and ascribed divinity to none but the One True God.” (And he was neither a Jew nor a Christian 3:67).
2:136 (O Believers!) say, “We believe in Allah and the Revelation that has been conveyed to us, and in that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob as well as their descendant Prophets (the tribal Israelite Prophets, known as the Patriarchs), and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus and to the other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them (in that all of them were one in Purpose and they got their guidance from the One True God). And for Him, we are Muslims.”
2:137 So, if they come to believe like you believe, then they are rightly guided. But if they turn away, then they are in schism and opposition and Allah will suffice you against them. For, He is the Hearer, the Knower.
2:138 The Hue of Allah! (Say that our life takes it color from Allah). And who can give a better hue to life than Allah? (We do our best to adopt the Divine Attributes in our human capacity such as: mercy, forgiveness, creativity, peace, care, truthfulness, justice, clemency, appreciation, trustworthiness, responsibility, kindness, compassion, independence, guidance, patience, giving, unity, strength, affection, courage, patience etc). “And He it is Whom we serve.”
[People can assess their level of personal growth or self-actualization by this criterion, seeing to what extent they have been able to adopt these attributes. 83:28]
2:139 Say (to the Jews and the Christians), “Do you argue with us about God, when He is our Lord and your Lord? We are responsible for our deeds and you are responsible for your deeds. And we are sincere in our Faith in Him.
[Our attitudes are, however, different. For example, some of you think that God is only interested in the Children of Israel, while we believe that He is the Lord of all humanity (1:1-2, 114:1). And some of you think that God begot a son and sacrificed him to absolve you of your sins. We believe in the Law of Requital, that is, “As you sow, so shall you reap”. And there is no such thing as the Original sin. Every human being is accountable for his own doings (2:123)]
2:140 Do you still insist that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob as well as the Tribal Israelite Prophets were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you know better than Allah? And who could be more unjust than he who conceals a testimony that he has received from Allah? (You have received the testimony in your Scriptures). And Allah is not unaware of what you do, reveal or conceal.
2:141 Nevertheless, these are a people who have passed on. They are responsible for their doings and you are responsible for your doings. (Keep this Law in mind). You will not even be asked of what they used to do.
2:142 The people of little understanding will say, “What has turned them from the Center of Devotion (Jerusalem) which people formerly observed? Say, “The East and the West belong to Allah.” He shows the Straight Path to him who wills to be shown it.”
[Why have the Muslims chosen Makkah as their Center of Devotion?” They know that Jerusalem has been specific to the Children of Israel. Allah is the Sustainer of all Humanity (114:1) and the Qur’an invites all Humanity to become One Community (2:213, 10:19, 57:25). And Allah is not a tribal God; He transcends all temporal and spatial boundaries. His Message is not confined to a group of people (4:170, 6:91, 7:158, 12:104, 21:107, 22:49, 34:28, 38:87). Say, “The East and the West belong to Allah.” He guides people to the Straight Path as He Wills.]
2:143 And, thus it is: We have appointed you a middle and just Community that you would be watchers over all mankind and that the Messenger be a witness against you. (It will be your sacred duty to ensure that no people on earth will oppress others). So far as the transformation of the Center of devotion is concerned, it has distinguished between those who succumb to traditional and nationalistic preferences from those who see all mankind as one nation and follow the Messenger. And the Messenger is fulfilling Allah's Command for the Unity of Mankind. In fact it was a hard test except for those who have attained Allah’s Guidance. Allah never lets your Faith go in vain. Verily, Allah is Compassionate and Merciful to all mankind.
2:144 We know your eagerness O Messenger, to fulfill Our Command and to establish Ka’bah as the Center of Devotion for all humanity. Soon, you will happily administer the Sacred Masjid that is dear to you for its Sublime objective. Wherever each of you is, keep your focus on it as a symbol of pure Monotheism, and of your Ideological uniformity. Behold, those who have been given the Scripture know that your call is the Truth from their Lord. (They remain bent upon denial for blind following, prejudice and arrogance). Allah is not unaware of what they do.
2:145 And even if you were to place all evidence before those who previously received the Scripture, they will not accept your Center of Devotion. Nor can you be a follower of their Center, and they do not follow the centers of others. [Each faction of people holds sacred places and temples of their choice. They would not accept the Divinely ordained Center of Devotion until the evolution of human civilization brings them to the right conclusion by the process of elimination (4:170, 6:84-91)] Your job, in the meantime, is to remain sincerely committed to the Divine Plan and not be swayed by people's desires. If you heeded them after the right knowledge has come to you, you will be of those who deviate from justice.
2:146 Those to whom We gave the Scripture before, recognize this Revelation as they recognize their own children but a group among them knowingly conceals the Truth.
2:147 It is the Truth from your Lord, so be not you of those who waver.
2:148 Each person pursues his goal of interest. But you shall race toward doing good to the community. (2:177). Every “Self” has the innate capability of self-actualization (83:26). Regardless of the directions you humans choose, Allah will ultimately bring you all together under One Ideology, and all of you together again on the Day of Resurrection. This Proclamation comes from Allah who has Power and Control over all things in Time and Space. (57:20, 83:26, 102:1-2).
2:149 And wherever you proceed, whatever you are occupied with, remain attentive to the Divine Ideology symbolized by the Sacred Masjid. Behold, it is the Truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do with your life.
2:150 Again, regardless of where you are geographically and whichever way you are proceeding, you must keep in mind the Sacred Masjid as a symbol of the Divine Ideology, that is, unity of mankind. This will help the communities of believers around the world to coordinate their affairs. The opponents will, then, have no argument against you that you are not one in Purpose, except those who are bent on relegating the Ideals. Then, fear them not, but fear Me! So that I may perfect My Bliss upon you and that you may be guided to the Ultimate Success (5:3).
2:151 Hence, We have sent unto you a Messenger from among your own who conveys to you Our Revelations and teaches you how to grow in goodness by helping people. And he empowers you with the Book of Allah, and the Wisdom therein, the knowledge you did not have before.
2:152 Therefore, raise My Name and I shall raise your name! And be grateful to Me, and deny Me not by being practically ungrateful. (2:186, 2:220, 2:177, 15:49, 21:10, 21:24, 23:70, 38:24, 43:44).
2:153 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Seek help in steadfastness and in diligent following of the Divine Commands. Surely, Allah is with those who are steadfast in ease as well as in adversity.
2:154 (Establishment of the Divine Value System will meet with harsh opposition from people and nations with vested interests.) Say not of those who are slain in the Cause of Allah, “They are dead.” Nay, they are alive, but you perceive it not. (While death is a prolonged state of sleep until the Resurrection Day, in their case emergent evolution of the “Self” takes place and they are instantly in a state of Bliss of the Hereafter, and they get honorable provision for mind and body from their Sustainer 3:169).
2:155 (Adversity is a great barometer of the strength of personality.) Fear, hunger, loss of wealth, loss of life and devastation of crops are examples of adversities that let you test your mettle. Our Law will let you try yourselves with such tribulations. Hence, give glad tidings to those who remain proactively steadfast.
2:156 When a calamity befalls them, they do not waver. Rather, they say, "We are for Allah, dedicated to His Cause and every step of ours will advance in the Direction shown by Him." (9:159).
2:157 It is they whom their Lord supports and blesses with His Grace. And it is they, they who are guided to the most desirable destination. (33:43, 33:56).
2:158 [Allah has appointed the Sacred Masjid as the Center of Devotion for all humanity. The establishment of a Universal Divine Order will mandate extensive consultation among nations. Therefore, annual Hajj meetings and ad hoc Umrah conferences have been prescribed for humanity (2:148, 2:196, 3:96, 22:27-28, 40:19)]
There is no blame for a pilgrim of the House or a visitor in walking between the Mount Safa and the Mount Marwa. (They are historical relics of Allah since Abraham and Ishmael worked there to build the Ka’bah. Rites and rituals in themselves are not the end. They must be treated only as devotional means to a higher goal 22:28). Therefore, do every good deed possible that will benefit the community. Allah is Appreciative and fully rewards such people. He is all Knowing.
2:159 (Allah has defined the objectives of the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Masjid in this Book 22:28.) Those who conceal the evidence and the Guidance which We have revealed and made clear for people in the Book – such are rejected by Allah and His righteous servants. (They conceal the sublime Purpose by making these assemblies mere rituals and thus deprive humanity of the blessings of the Divine System).
2:160 Except such of them as repent, and amend, and declare the Truth they had been hiding. They are the ones whose repentance I accept. And I am the Acceptor, the Merciful.
2:161 Behold, those who reject the Truth and die as rejecters, for them is the rejection of Allah and the Universal Laws and of the human society combined. (Allah’s Rule in the Universe is the Rule of Law. Hence, anyone who lives contrary to the changeless Divine Laws only harms himself).
2:162 Since the 'Self' survives after physical death, such men and women logically keep suffering relentlessly.
2:163 And (remember that) your God is One God. There is no god but He, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness. (And it is His Law alone that is operative in the entire Universe).
2:164 (Allah does not propose blind faith at all.) Behold, there are ample Signs for you in the Universe. In the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the ships that roam the ocean for the benefit of mankind, the water that Allah sends down from the heights, thereby giving life to the land after it had been lifeless - and the variety of creatures that are dispersed on the earth, the currents of winds and the clouds they carry at various heights, are clear Signs for those who exercise their intellect. (The Universe is too organized to be the result of an accident 6:73).
2:165 Yet, among mankind are those who consider idols and saints to possess the Attributes of Power and Control like Allah does, and revere them as only God should be revered. But the true believers revere Allah more than all else. (7:3). Oh, that those who relegate the Truth could but see, as see they will when they are made to suffer! They will realize that all Power belongs to Allah alone and that Allah is Awesome in punishing. (Reverence or love of Allah, in the Qur’an, invariably denotes obeying His Commands).
2:166 (On the Day) those who were followed will disown those who followed them. And as soon as they see the doom, their mutual relations will collapse with them.
2:167 Those who followed will say, “If a return were possible for us, we would disown them as they have disowned us.” Thus it is: Allah will show their own doings as remorse for them, and they will not emerge from this Fire of Regret.
2:168 O' Mankind! (In matters of eating and drinking, follow that the Qur’an is telling you, and not what people say). Eat of what is on earth, Lawful, clean, wholesome, decent and pleasing, and of your liking, and let not your selfish desire lead your reason and judgment, step by step into error. Behold, your rebellious desire (Satan) is an enemy that lays bare even your hidden imperfections. (‘Tayyab’ = Clean, decent, wholesome, pleasing, aesthetically good, of your choice).
2:169 This Satan teaches you to disrupt the lives of others - lewd behavior and stinginess – and that you say about Allah that which is outside the realm of your knowledge.
[(‘Fahasha’ = Lewdness = Niggardliness to the point of shame). And the Satans in the society teach people that accumulation of wealth is perfectly permissible. Nay, spend on Allah’s servants all that is beyond your needs (2:21-22, 2:219, 41:10)]
2:170 And when it is said unto them, "Follow that which Allah has revealed", they say, " Nay, we follow that wherein we found our fathers.” "What! Even though their fathers used no reason at all and journeyed through life without any light?” (5:104, 10:78, 11:62, 11:87, 21:53, 34:43, 38:7, 43:23. ‘Hudan’ = Prominent and bright = Lighted = Visibly ahead = Leading = Guidance).
2:171 [The attitude of blind following drags people to subhuman levels (Like a herd of sheep) they understand nothing but only hear calls that are meaningless. (7:179)] The likeness of calling on those who reject the evident Truth is as the likeness of one who calls unto that which hears nothing but a shout and cry. Deaf, dumb, blind of reason -Hence, they fail to attain sense.
2:172 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Partake of the clean, decent and aesthetically good things of your liking that We have provided for all of you. (2:168). And render thanks unto Allah if it is indeed He whom you obey.
2:173 He has forbidden you only carrion (any animal that dies by itself), and blood, and swine flesh, and anything --- (not just meat) --- that has been dedicated to any other than Allah (be it any person, an ancestor, a saint, an idol or a tomb 5:3). But, he who is compelled out of necessity, neither craving nor indulging in excess, it is not a dragging violation for him. Behold, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
2:174 Verily, those who (start making their own lists of the lawful and the unlawful try to) conceal the Book of Allah - They purchase a small gain with it. They eat into their bellies nothing but Fire. Allah will not even address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will make them grow to further evolution of the ‘Self’. For them will be a painful doom (since they infringed upon the Divine Authority of Law-giving).
2:175 They are the ones who are buying error in exchange for Guidance, and buying torment in exchange for security. How constant are they in their strife to reach the Fire!
2:176 This is so, because (they ‘disable’ the Qur’an although) Allah has revealed the Book in Absolute Truth. Behold, those who find excuses for disagreement in the Book, do so for their sectarian affiliations and thus create discord. (4:82, 25:30).
2:177 (One obvious result of sectarianism is their pre-occupation with rituals. This is because each sect leaves the Book aside and makes its own set of dogmas they call religion). No wonder, they forget that) Righteousness and exponential development of personality is not in that you turn your faces to the East and the West. But righteous is he who has conviction in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets. And he gives his wealth that he loves in reverence of Him, to:
- Family and relatives
- Orphans
- Widows
- Those left helpless in the society
- Those whose hard-earned income fails to meet their basic needs
- Those whose running businesses have stalled
- The ones who have lost their jobs
- Whose life has stalled for any reason
- The disabled
- The needy wayfarer, son of the street, the homeless, the one who travels to you for assistance
- Those who ask for help, and
- Those whose necks are burdened with any kind of bondage, oppression, crushing debts and extreme hardship of labor.
(‘Yatim’, ‘Miskin’, ‘Ibnis Sabeel’, ‘Fir-Riqab’ carry all the meanings given above).
They (the truly righteous) strive to establish the Divine System, and set up the Just Economic Order. They are true to their promises whenever they make a promise. They remain steadfast in physical or emotional distress and in times of peril. It is they that have proved to be practically true, and it is they, they that indeed journey through life in Blissful honor and security. (2:4, 3:91).
2:178 (Security of life is the cornerstone of a civilized society.) O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! QISAAS (The Law of Just Recompense) has been prescribed for you in dealing with murder. If a free person has committed murder, that free person will face the Law. If a slave has committed murder, that slave will face the Law. And if a woman has committed murder, that woman will face the Law. (The status of the victim or that of the offender, whether they are free men and women or those in bondage, will have no bearing before the Justice System). If the victim’s kin pardons the guilty, he must be appreciative and pay an equitable compensation to the kin in handsome gratitude. This pardon is a concession from your Lord and Mercy. Whoever, after this, trespasses this Law will have a painful doom (through the court of law and in the Court of Allah). (For full aspects please see 4:92-93, 5:32, 17:33, 42:40).
2:179 And there is life for you in the Law of Just Recompense, O People of understanding, that you may journey through life in security! (Hence, Qisaas is a deterring safeguard for the community and not revenge).
2:180 (Regarding proper dispensation of property) it is ordained for you that before death approaches any of you, and he is leaving behind much wealth – that he prepares a will for parents and family in a decent manner. This is a binding duty on all those who wish to walk aright. (Any oversight or leftover from the will shall be distributed according to portions described in 4:11).

2:181 If anyone tampers with a will after hearing it, the guilt of altering befalls those responsible for such altering. (A will shall be heard and prepared in the presence of two trustworthy witnesses 5:106). Behold, Allah is Hearer, Knower.
2:182 (The one who makes a will, the testator, is likely to make errors of omission or commission.) So, if anyone, who has heard the will, fears from a testator some bias or diminishing of a due right, and then makes proper adjustments to bring about an amicable and acceptable settlement between the concerned parties, he will not be harming his own character. Verily, Allah is Absolver of imperfections, Merciful. (‘Ithm’ = A dragging violation that harms the human personality or potential).
2:183 (Creating an ideal civilized society requires self-discipline, self-control and restraint among the individuals.) O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Abstinence is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to nations before you so that you benefit from this training, and get empowered to walk aright.
(I have translated “Saum” as ‘Abstinence’ since it involves more than ‘fasting’, such as abstaining from anger, backbiting, lying and intimate husband-wife relationship. Moreover, ‘Saum’ literally means self-restraint).
2:184 Just a certain number of days. But, if any of you is sick or is traveling, the number of days should be made up later. For those who can go through Abstinence only with hardship, there is compensation, the feeding of an indigent. Any additional charity will mean additional reward. However, if you knew better, the training course of Abstinence is good for you.
2:185 The month of Ramadhan has been chosen for your collective training because this is the month in which Revelation of the Qur’an began (with the most revolutionary and Benevolent Message ever). It is Guidance for mankind, and it clearly explains the ‘why’ of every Rule. And it is the Criterion of right and wrong.
[The concepts therein are not defunct theories and empty hypotheses. It has a Permanent Universal Code of Values, Laws, Rules and Principles. The yearly training of Abstinence in this month connects the Message with action]
So, whoever is at home during this month should participate in the program. Whoever of you is sick or on a journey, let him do Abstinence later. Allah desires for you ease. He desires not hardship for you - and that you should complete the period. (Do not treat this program as just a ritual). The objective of this training is to establish the Greatness of Allah on earth for having placed you on a well-lighted road, and then being practically grateful by sharing His Bounties with others.
[The Qur’an does not forbid menstruating women from rituals of worship. However, a menstruating or a pregnant woman would come under the category of the sick, if she feels unwell. The only thing forbidden by the Qur’an during the periods is intimate relationship of the husband and wife 2:222. ‘Shukr’ does not mean just verbal thanks. It involves showing gratitude in action]
2:186 (This training program has nothing to do with asceticism or self-denial in any way. The mystics think that enduring hardships and denying themselves the basic needs will bring them close to God). And if My servants ask you concerning Me, behold, I am indeed near. I respond to the call of whoever calls, whenever he calls unto Me. So let them hear My Call and let them trust in Me, that they may be led aright.
[The verses of My Book have answers to all their questions, and that is the way to approach Me. 3:194, 7:56, 8:24, 32:15-16, 40:60, 42:26]
2:187 (The Abstinence is only for the daytime. Eating, drinking, and going to your wives is not forbidden during the night). It is Lawful to go to your wives on the night of the Abstinence. They are your garments and you are their garments - close to each other, source of mutual comfort, complementing each other, trustworthy and keepers of privacy, reason for décor, and redressers of faults. (‘Libas’ embraces all the meanings given). Allah turns to you in Kindness and dispels and pardons your unworthy fears of disobedience at night. Freeing yourselves of misconceptions, keep seeking in life that Allah has decreed to be available for you. So, eat and drink until the white line of dawn becomes distinct for you from the black line of night. Then you shall be in Abstinence until night begins to fall. During this training program, some of you will be called on deputation in local Centers of the Divine Order. (This will be an assignment from the State. During that special duty you will learn, consult and plan the governmental and social affairs). So you will have to divert your attention from personal matters, even from intimately touching your wives. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so overstep them not. Thus it is that Allah explains His Messages to mankind that they may walk aright.
2:188 (When you abstain from the Permissible during the annual training period, you empower yourselves to easily refrain from the forbidden.) So, devour not the wealth and property of one another unjustly, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their possessions. Know that this kind of behavior drags down the individual and collective potential of the society.
2:189 (The exhortation of righteousness must not be considered confined to the Month of Ramadan.) They ask you (O the Messenger) about the phases of the Moon. Say, “They should serve as signs to mark certain timings for people. And for Hajj.” (Misconceptions and superstitions about the sun and the moon have nothing to do with righteousness). You attain righteousness by upholding the Commands in a straightforward manner. Exponential development of humanity cannot be achieved by entering the System through the back door of ritualism – just as you must not enter houses through the back doors (2:177). (Since there is no such thing as a part-time Muslim) you shall be mindful of Allah all the time in order to reap a rich harvest. (2:138, 2:208).
2:190 [When you are a full-time Muslim, you will be trying to establish the Qur’anic Order in the society that ensures human equality and the unity of mankind. The obvious consequence will be bitter opposition from the elite, the powerful, the oppressors, the priesthood and the exploiters of the masses]
Fight in the Cause of Allah those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression. Behold, Allah loves not aggressors. (22:39).
2:191 (But if they keep on fighting), subdue them wherever you find them. And drive them out from where they have driven you out. For, oppression, cruelty and persecution are even more severely destructive than the killing in battle. And fight not against them near the Sacred House that is a Symbol of unified submission of all mankind to their Creator, unless they attack you therein. But if they attack you there, then fight against them. Such is the reward of those who refuse to acknowledge and then violate the sanctity of the Sanctuary of Peace for all humanity. (The Sacred Masjid in Makkah must be a safe Sanctuary and a source of peace and security for all mankind 2:144-148, 3:96, 5:2, 5:97, 9:18, 22:25-28, 40:19, 48:25. 'Qatl' = Kill = Bring low = Subdue = Fight = Attack = Slay).
2:192 But if they stop, then, behold! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
2:193 And fight the aggressors until persecution is eliminated and there remains no compulsion or coercion in religion, the freedom that Allah has ordained (2:256). Anyone accepting the DEEN of Allah must do so freely and for His sake alone. (‘Lillah’ = For Allah’s sake alone). And if the aggressors desist, then let there be no hostility except against those who displace peace with warfare. ('Zulm' = Displace something from its rightful place = Replace good with evil = Oppression = Relegation of the Truth = Violation of human rights = Doing wrong to oneself or others).
2:194 [Temporary cessation of hostilities provides a cooling off period and it can avert war. There should be at least four months upon which mankind should agree as peacetime 9:36]
A violation of sanctity will activate the Law of Just Recompense. So, one who attacks you (during the Sacred Months), attack him to an extent no more that he has aggressed against you. And be mindful of Allah and know that Allah is on the side of those who walk aright.
[History and Tafsirs report the four Sacred Months as the first, the seventh, the eleventh and the twelfth month of the Lunar Calendar. However, the Qur’an being the Ultimate Authority specifies them differently. The four Sacred Months are consecutive, beginning with Zil-Hajjah, the 12th Lunar Month (9:1-6)]
2:195 (It is impossible for a greedy, stingy, niggardly person to grow in goodness. Greed, stinginess and hoarding harm the individual and the society). Spend your wealth in the Cause of Allah, and let not your own hands throw you into destruction. Rather, be consistent in benefiting your fellow human beings. Behold, Allah loves the benefactors of humanity.
2:196 And complete the Hajj or Umrah for Allah. If it so happens that you planned but could not execute your plan to visit, send in gifts that the congregation would utilize. Do not consider that by doing so you have relieved yourself of the burden of the duty from your head. Be with them at heart until all reach the destination. If someone is sick or has other compelling burdens on the head denying him sending the gifts, then Abstinence for a few days at convenience, or an act of charity or fulfilling someone’s need shall be in order. If a person is present in the congregation but cannot afford gift sharing, one should exercise Abstinence for a total number of ten days, three days there and seven days after coming home. This is for him whose folk are not present in the Sacred Masjid (Makkah in the wider sense). This will help him feel no less devoted than others. Follow the Guidance of Allah. Remember the higher goal and be mindful of Allah. And know that Allah's Law of Requital is strict in pursuing and grasping.
[Hajj is the annual Pilgrimage in a specified time while Umrah is a visit to the Sacred Masjid of Makkah any time during the year. Both have sublime objectives as the Qur’an explains, although Muslims have converted them into mere rituals like in the Days of Ignorance. The idea is to arrange regular and intermittent international conferences in Makkah. Delegates from all over the world would get together there and devise ways to make the world a better place to live]
2:197 The Pilgrimage shall take place in the months made well known to mankind. Arrange it in a manner that people may get together from around the world and confer. Whoever participates in Pilgrimage shall refrain from intimate husband-wife relationship, misconduct and arguments throughout Hajj so that mutual consultation could take place in an amicable environment. Allah will acknowledge what you accomplish for the good of mankind. And do make provision for the entire number of days so that you don't have to ask people for help, rather be able to help them. But remember that the most important and best provision is your good conduct. Be mindful of Me, O Men and women of understanding! [The Central Authority, any time in the four Sacred Months shall decide upon and announce the exact timing of Hajj. (2:194, 9:1-6). The current practice of “performing” the ritualistic pilgrimage only in Zilhajjah, the 12th lunar month, finds no authority in the Qur’an]
2:198 Allah is fully Cognizant of your economic needs. And the Pilgrimage is not a gathering of people who have renounced the world. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in seeking Allah's bounty by conducting business. Returning from the field of Arafat, remember Allah at the sacred relic of Muzdalifa. Remember Him as He has guided you, before you were of the straying.
2:199. You have seen that Pilgrimage is not a ritual. It is intended to be a platform for achieving harmony among mankind through interactive dialogue and consultation. When the pilgrimage is over, return to your homes as simple ordinary people without pomp and pride, and stick to the program agreed upon there. Allah, through His Infinite Mercy, will make your efforts fruitful and procure security and protection for mankind through this program, like a helmet protects the head. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
2:200. When you have returned to your homes after completing the acts of devotion, the greatest change that should come in you is that you live your life according to the Commands of Allah rather than what you were doing before, i.e., following the ways of your forefathers. People, who look for short-term gains in blind following, forfeit the long term Eternal success.
2:201 And among men and women are those who forsake not the Hereafter for this world, and forsake not this life for the Hereafter. They are the ones who insure themselves against Fire. They say, “Our Lord! Give to us in this world what is good, and in the Hereafter what is good, and guard us from the doom of fire.”
2:202 For those who seek good in both lives, is a decent portion they have earned. Allah's Law is swift at reckoning.
2:203 The appointed days of Pilgrimage and Umrah are meant to remind one another of Allah’s Commands. If a participant hastens his departure by a couple of days or delays it, there is no detriment in either case for those who walk aright. Walk aright and remember that all of you will be gathered before Him.
2:204 Now there is a kind of man whose views on the life of the world dazzle you, and he even swears by God to what is in his heart. Moreover, he is exceedingly skillful in argument. (But he disregards the Eternal Values and the Hereafter).
2:205 If such people attain political power they create corruption in the earth. Their rule results in destruction of the produce of land and labor and the damage done by them affects generations. Allah loves not corruption and mischief.
2:206 When he is advised to be mindful of Allah's Laws, his false pride plunges him further down in inhumanity. Hell will settle his account, a miserable abode.
2:207 But there is also a kind of man who would willingly sell his “Self” for Allah’s Approval. (He dedicates his whole life, and even is ready to sacrifice it in the Cause of Allah). And Allah is Compassionate to His servants.
2:208 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Come, all of you, into submission to Him. Enter the System of Islam fully and collectively. Do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, your rebellious desire. Selfish desire that rebels against the Divine Values is your most ardent enemy. (Desire or emotion leads our actions while the intellect rationalizes them. Only the Divine Values given the Qur’an can empower our higher control of the intellect).
2:209 (There will be attempts at beclouding the Profound Message of the Qur’an as happened in the case of earlier Scriptures. Certain man-made books would be created and promoted as if they were equivalent to or superseded the Qur’an). If you falter or backslide after these Clear Verses have been conveyed to you, know that Allah is Almighty, Wise. (You will then suffer the consequences in both lives for disregarding His Wisdom).
2:210 The opponents of the Clear Verses will make up weird stories, such that Allah would descend from one heaven to the other heaven and then into dark dense clouds, accompanied by winged angels. And then He would decree all matters. Nay! All matters of guidance have been expounded in this Book. Allah is Omnipresent and all actions return to Allah for judgment.
2:211 O Messenger! Ask the Children of Israel how many clear Revelations We gave them. Whoever alters the blessed Message of Allah after it has come to him must know that Allah’s Requital is Strong in grasping.
2:212 Beautified seems the life of this world to the rejecters, and they ridicule the believers who uphold Permanent Values and look beyond instant gains. Those who live an upright life will be higher in degrees on the Day of Resurrection. Allah provides without stint to His creation according to His Law that does not discriminate between people. He is the Sustainer of all humanity (114:1).
2:213 Mankind were one community. (Nature's provision was abundant and open for all (2:36). Then Satan, their selfish desire, divided them 10:19) Allah sent Prophets as heralds of good news and as Warners. He sent down with them the Scripture with the Truth to judge among people in their differences. After the Prophet passed on, people started differing in the Scripture that was given to them with clear verses. And they did so in stubborn rivalry. Allah by His Will keeps the sincere believers guided in Truth concerning whatever differences arise among them. Allah guides people according to His Laws. (Using your faculties of listening, observing and reasoning will help you achieve guidance, while selfishness, arrogance and blind following will lead people astray 2:170, 6:56, 40:35, 41:17).
2:214 Do you expect to achieve Paradise here and there without being tested as the previous generations were tested? They had to go through hardship and adversity such that they were shaken up. (Unity of mankind will not be easy to attain. The differences of race, ethnicity, creed, color, lineage, wealth and nationalism would be the barriers to surmount). The hardships in the way of this Benevolent Revolution have tasked the hearts and minds of Messengers and their believing companions till they said, “When will come Allah’s help?” But, once this Revolution gets going, Allah's help is near.
2:215. A crucial step toward the establishment of this Unified Order will be the equitable distribution of wealth. People ask you, O Messenger! “What should we spend in the Cause of Allah?” Say, “Although welfare of the entire society would remain the ultimate objective, begin this goodness with your parents, family and relatives, orphans, widows, and those who are left helpless, those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their basic needs, those whose businesses have stalled, and those who have lost their jobs, also the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who has come to your town in a destitute condition.” And whatever good you do, Allah is Aware of it.
2:216 When establishing the Divine Order, you will meet aggression from those who wish to maintain the status quo for their vested interests. Therefore, fighting in the Cause of Allah is ordained for you, even though you dislike it. It may happen that you hate a thing that is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing that is bad for you. Allah knows and you know not.
2:217 During active warfare, mankind should agree upon one month of peacetime. This would serve as a cooling off period. They ask you about the Sacred Months and fighting therein. Say, “ Fighting in the Sacred Months is a grave offense (2:194). However, repelling from the Path of Allah, rejecting His Command and the sanctity of the Sacred Masjid, and evicting its people, are greater offenses in the Sight of Allah. Persecution is a greater crime than killing.” They will not cease from fighting against you till they revert you from your religion, if they can. Those among you who revert from their religion, and die as disbelievers, have nullified their works in this life and their rewards in the Hereafter. These are the companions of Fire; they will abide therein.
2:218 Those who attain to belief and those who emigrate in the Cause of Allah and struggle to establish the Divine Value System, can rightfully hope for the Grace of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Absolver of imperfections, Merciful.
2:219 They ask you (O Messenger), concerning alcohol, intoxicants, gambling, and easy money. Say, “There is great loss for men and women in these things and a little momentary gain. Their damage far outweighs their benefit. They drag down individual and collective potentials of people.” And they ask you what they should spend on others. Tell them, "All that is beyond your needs." Thus Allah makes plain to you His Revelations, that you may reflect and understand the Wisdom behind each Command.
2:220 Reflect that Allah’s Commands can help you here and in the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans, and those left helpless. Say, “Taking care of the development of their human potential, fulfilling their needs, and rearing them with good training and education is best. If they live with you, they are your brothers and sisters.” Allah knows the person who is corrupt from the person who is equitable. Allah has bestowed upon you Guidance without which you would have carried the burdens of Ignorance. He wishes for you ease and not hardship (2:185). The Almighty, Wise Allah uses His Authority in Infinite Wisdom.
2:221 (Family is the unit of any good society. Uniformity of Ideology between the husband and the wife is important to ensure a wholesome family life). Do not marry women who associate others with Allah, till they believe. Even if such women seem attractive to you, marrying a believing woman who toils in labor and might not seem as attractive, is better for you. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to men who associate others with Allah, till they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. Clash of basic value systems creates a fiery atmosphere in the family and it carries on to the Lasting Abode. Allah, by His Leave, invites you to Paradise and protection against your imperfections. (A happy family life is a life of paradise). He expounds His Revelations for all humanity to ponder.
2:222 They ask you about women’s courses. Say, “It is an inconvenient condition. So keep away from intimacy with them during their courses. Once they are clear past it, you may approach your wives for intimate relations in the manner designed by Allah. Allah loves those who make mends and keep their minds and conduct clean.”
2:223 Remember, that women in the society are the guardians of your future generations, just as a garden keeps the seeds and turns them into flowering plants. So, whenever you meet with women socially, treat them with respect, keeping the aforementioned principle in mind. This conduct will go a along way to insure the betterment of the future generations. Send forth good today for tomorrow. Be mindful of Allah’s Laws and know that you will, one day face Him. O Messenger! Give good news to the believers.
2:224 Let not your senseless oaths in the name of Allah deter you from doing good to others, from being mindful of Divine Laws, and from making peace between people. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
2:225 Allah will not task you for your senseless swearing. He holds you responsible for your intentional doings. Allah is Forgiving, Clement. (Therefore, a marriage will not be dissolved for senseless utterances of the husband or the wife).
2:226 Men who take an oath that they will not approach their wives shall have four months of grace. And if they go back on their oath during these four months, behold, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (They must rethink their decision during this grace period and circumstances might change. Similar rules apply for women, since they have rights and obligations as men have, and since no man is permitted to forcibly keep his wife in wedlock against her will as stated later in the Book (2:228, 4:19, 4:21, 4:34, 7:189).
2:227 If they decide upon divorce let them remember that Allah is Hearer, Knower. (They must bear in mind that since marriage is a Solemn Covenant 4:21, divorce can take place only in accordance with this Book of Law).
2:228 After divorce, women shall wait three menstruations before remarriage. There is no waiting period for a woman who is divorced before intimate relations with her husband (33:49). And it is three months if they do not habitually menstruate (65:4). They shall not conceal pregnancy if they believe in Allah and in the Hereafter. In case of pregnancy, their waiting period shall be until delivery (65:4). And during this period their husbands would do better to take them back if both of them desire reconciliation. The husband and the wife have the right to reconcile during this waiting period of the wife. Women have rights similar to those of men in mutual kindness. Men, however, do not have a waiting period for remarriage for obvious physiological reasons. That is where men are on a platform different from them. (2:228-234, 4:3, 4:19, 4:35, 4:128, 33:49, 58:1, 65:1-4).
2:229 In a given couple's lifetime, a divorce is permissible twice. (The whole period of divorce i.e. three menstruations / three months, or until delivery can be taken back twice). Then the divorced woman must be retained in honor or released in kindness. She shall be allowed to live in the same home amicably, or leave it amicably. At or after divorce, it is not lawful for you to take back anything of what you have ever given to her. However, if both of you fear that you might (in waves of emotion) transgress the bounds set by Allah, there shall be no blame on either of you if the wife willingly gives back whatever she chooses. These are the Limits set by Allah; transgress them not. Whoever transgresses the bounds set by Allah, such are the wrongdoers.
2:230 If a man divorces his wife on a third different time during their marital life, it shall be unlawful for him to remarry her. It may so happen that the woman marries another man, and those two do not get along, and the other husband divorces her. In that case, there is nothing wrong if both (the previous couple) decide to come together again, if they consider that they will be able to observe the Limits set by Allah. These Limits have been made clear to enable people to make use of the Divine gift of knowledge.
2:231 When you have divorced women, and they have completed their waiting period, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. You shall allow them to live in the same home amicably, or let them leave amicably. Do not force them to stay against their will, as revenge. Anyone who does this wrongs his own “Self”. Do not make the Revelations of Allah a laughing stock. Remember Allah’s Blessings upon you and the Book and Wisdom He has sent down to you in order to enlighten you. Be mindful of Allah’s Commands and know that Allah is Aware of all things.
2:232 And when you have divorced women, and they have completed their waiting period, people in the society shall not place difficulties if both of them wish to remarry each other in kindness. And they shall not place difficulties if the woman decides to marry a different husband with their mutual agreement. This instruction is for all among you who believe in Allah and the Last Day. Following the Commands helps you develop your personality and stay clear of vice. Allah knows, you know not.
2:233 If the (divorced) mothers wish to nurse their infants, the father shall provide for the mother’s sustenance and clothing equitably up to two years of nursing. No human being shall be burdened with more than he or she is well able to bear. No mother shall be made to suffer because of her child, nor shall a father be made to suffer because of his child. If the father dies, his heir will assume these responsibilities. If both parents decide with mutual consent, there shall be nothing wrong in entrusting your children to foster-mothers.. There shall be nothing wrong if you ensure, in a fair manner, the safety of the child you are handing over. Be mindful of Allah’s Laws and know that Allah is Seer of all that you do.
2:234 Those among you who die and leave wives behind, they shall wait four months and ten days before they remarry. Once they fulfill their interim, the society commits nothing wrong by letting them make amicable decisions about their future including remarriage. And Allah is fully Cognizant of all your actions.
2:235 you do nothing wrong in announcing your engagement to women or keep it to yourselves. Allah knows that the community will think about getting them married. But, never make a secret pledge or contract with them. Speak with them honorably and in recognized words. Do not tie the wedding knot nor sign the martial contract until the waiting period has ended. Know that Allah understands human psyche, and that which is in your hearts. Take heed of Him and know that Allah is Forgiving, Clement. He does not wish to impose hardship on you. His Laws protect your society from harm by absolving your imperfections. (Allah, the Clement never gets enraged and His Rule is the Rule of Law).
2:236 And, there is no blame on you if you nullify the marriage before you have touched the women with whom you have signed the marital contract, and before you have appointed the marital gift. This would be an unexpected situation involving emotional trauma. Therefore, show compassion by giving her as generous a gift as you can afford. This would be an act of equity and it is a binding duty on all those who wish to be counted among the benefactors of humanity.
2:237. And if unexpected circumstances lead you to divorce women before you have touched them, but after the marital gift has been fixed, give them half the amount unless they volunteer to forgo it. If the move for divorce originates purely from you, let her have the whole portion. If you men forgo it, it is closer to righteousness. O People! Never forget kindness among yourselves. This Command is from Allah Whose Law of Requital ever monitors your actions and the motives behind them.
2:238 While describing some important marital Laws, it is reiterated that, your Central Duty remains the guarding of the System in which individuals and families can develop their potentials to the maximum. Stay alert in the obedience to Allah.
2:239 Whether fear threatens you from without, or you are strolling, riding, relaxing in peace, rising, sitting, or recumbent (3:190, 4:103), keep in mind the Laws of Allah as He has taught you the Right and Wrong which you knew not (3:3).
2:240 Men must testify in a written, legal will that, after their death, their widows will receive one year’s maintenance without their being obliged to leave the house. But, if they leave on their own accord, there is nothing wrong in letting them do whatever they wish to do with themselves in a lawful manner. Allah, the Almighty, the Wise grants this permission.
2:241 The widowed and divorced women must be provided for in kindness and equity. (65:6-7). This is a duty for those who wish to walk aright.
2:242 Thus, Allah makes His Revelations clear for you. Now, it is up to you to use your intellect.
2:243 The Ideal Society that you establish shall have sound socio-economic fabric and Rule of Law. That would enable you to thwart aggression from any quarters. You won't then, behave cowardly like those who were thousands in numbers, but when challenged by the enemy, they ran in droves leaving their homes behind. They feared death. Then they realized that the Divine Law of mortality is inescapable, hence the fear of death is vain. Soon, they stood up on their feet and defeated the enemy. They lived again. Allah's Guidance is a Bounty to mankind but the majority of the people do not realize and appreciate this fact.
2:244 We had told them, “Fight in the Cause of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer, Knower.” Fight in self-defense, and against oppression and aggression (2:190-194).
2:245 Who comes forward and gives a beautiful loan to Allah that He shall multiply it many times? The Divine Order in the society pays you handsome dividends. Add to this, the tremendous Reward in the Hereafter. The wealth of nations and individuals is not exempt from the Laws of Allah. Every step of the way you are returning to Him.
2:246 Sustained commitment to the Divine Order with your lives and wealth is no easy undertaking. After the times of Moses, some leaders of the Israelites promised their Prophet (Samuel), “If you appoint a king for us, we will fight in the Cause of Allah.” The Prophet said, “Is it your intention to refrain from fighting if it was decreed to you?” They said’ “Why should we not fight in the Cause of Allah when we have been driven out of our homes with our children?” Yet when fighting was ordained for them, they turned away all but a few. Allah is Aware of the wrongdoers.
2:247. Their Prophet said, “Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as your king.” They objected, “How can he have kingship over us when we are more worthy of kingship than he; he is not even rich?” The Prophet said, “Allah has chosen him over you, and has blessed him with wisdom and stature. Allah bestows His kingship according to His Laws. He is Infinite, Knowing.”
2:248. Their Prophet (Samuel) said, “The sign of his kingdom is that the Ark of the Covenant will be restored to you, reassuring you from your Lord, and the relics left by the house of Moses and the house of Aaron and preserved by natural laws of archaeology. This will be a convincing sign for the believers among you.”
2:249. The Commander Saul then marched along with his soldiers to face the armies of Jaloot (Goliath). They came upon a rivulet on their way. Saul, in order to create discipline among his soldiers and to test their resolve commanded them to refrain from drinking that water, save a sip out of the hand. But except for a few they drank it. Their behavior was hardly strange when they crossed the rivulet. They complained, "This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his armies." But those who were resolute and were convinced that they were marching forward in the Cause of Allah, said, “How often a small force has overwhelmed a big army since it is the Law of Allah that He is with those who are proactively steadfast.”
2:250 Thus praying to their Lord in full conviction in the Law of proactive steadfastness, they advanced toward the invading armies of Goliath.
2:251 And, they routed the much bigger force by the Law of Allah, as David, who was one of the officers of Saul, slew the mighty commander, Goliath. Then Allah honored David with a powerful kingdom, along with wisdom and sound judgment, and commissioned him for the special Office of Knowledge. We have decreed that those who spend their youth in righteousness, i.e., benefiting humanity, shall be granted knowledge and wisdom (12:22, 28:14). The annihilation of the mighty armies of Goliath bears a historical lesson for mankind that if Balance in Nature were not one of the Laws, tyrants would ransack the earth and its inhabitants unopposed. But, oppression brings revolution and eventually, the oppressed overthrow the oppressors (22:39). Allah is Limitless in His Bounties to the Worlds.
2:252 These are the Verses of Allah that We recite to you in Absolute, Guarded Truth. And (O Muhammad!) You are among Our Messengers.
2:253 (All Messengers were one in Purpose). We have caused some of them to excel others. (They were assigned different strategies suitable to their times, locations and people. So they worked at diverse platforms and) Allah communicated to all of them in various ways. Jesus son of Mary was one of those Messengers to whom We gave clear signs of the Truth and We helped him with the Sacred Revelation. If Allah had created human beings like programmed robots, lacking free will, they wouldn't have differed and wouldn’t fight among themselves in matters of belief. But, Allah planned that men and women be endowed with the ability to make choices, and that compulsion in matters of faith would never been ordained (2:256). Allah makes His Laws in the World of Command as He Wills, and then He implements them in the World of Creation (the Universe) and never changes His Laws (7:54, 17:77, 33:62).
2:254 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Spend of Our Provision on fellow human beings, and for the betterment of the society. Do that before the day comes when no bargaining, friendship or intercession shall be of any avail. Those who reject such sensible admonition, do grave injustice to themselves.
2:255 These directions, tidings and warnings come from Allah, the One True God. There is no god but He, the Living, the Originator of life, the Self-Subsisting Sustainer of all creation. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtakes Him. All that exists in the Highs and the Lows, in the Heavens and the Earth, belongs to Him alone. Who can intercede in His Court, except as a witness of Law? His Knowledge transcends time and space. No one can encompass a trace of His Knowledge but through His Laws. The Throne of His Supreme Control extends over the Highs and the Lows. No fatigue touches Him as He benevolently guards His Dominion and creation. He is the Glorious, the Supreme.
2:256 (Although this Message has been sent down by the Almighty), there is absolutely no compulsion or coercion in religion. This Rule shall have no exception because Right has been made distinct from Wrong (3:4). Whoever rejects false gods such as the priesthood, and attains conviction in the Word of Allah, has grasped the Unbreakable Support. This assurance comes from Allah, the Hearer the Knower.
2:257. Allah becomes the Guarding Friend of those who, after due reflection, have chosen to believe in His Word (12:108). He brings them out of darkness into Light (through the Qur’an). Those who deny the Divine System of Life, have devilish human "authorities" as patrons to lead them from Light into darkness. Such people have chosen Fire to be their eternal companion.
2:258 Think of the one who adamantly argued with Abraham about his Lord because Allah had given him power (Nimrod Shaddad, the King of Babylon who used to proclaim divinity). Abraham said to him, “My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death." He answered, “I give life and cause death.” (Being a tyrant king he could reverse or impose death penalty upon his subjects). Abraham said, “Allah makes the sun rise from the East; make it rise from the West.” Thereupon the rejecter of the Truth remained dumbfounded. And Allah does not guide people who displace reality with falsehood.
2:259. (Later on in history, came up another king in the dynasty of Nimrods, his name, Nebuchadnezzar (630-562 B.C.). He invaded Jerusalem, oppressed Israelites and enslaved them. One hundred years of tribulation passed before King Cyrus of Persia liberated them and reinstated them back in Jerusalem. This history bears a lesson for posterity). The similitude of this history is that someone passes by the ruins of a town and wonders if that town could ever come back to life again, and Allah causes him to die for a hundred years and then revives him. He thinks it was only a matter of a day or a part of it. He even finds his food, drink, and donkey standing beside him. Allah creates you in the wombs of your mothers, in bone and flesh. And when the matter became clear to him, he said, “I know now that Allah is Able to do all things.”
2:260. Abraham wanted to understand the Law of Revival of nations. Allah asked him if he believed that it were possible. Abraham said he believed but that he wanted a practical example to educate his heart and mind. Allah told him to take four birds and train them in a kind manner, and then to leave them far apart on each hilltop. And then call them; they will come in haste. (At one call of Abraham, those birds came flying back to him. This is how mankind can be brought to the Word of Allah with decent training, giving them a new life). Know that this Wisdom comes to you from Allah, the Almighty, the Wise.
2:261 (In training their peoples, all Messengers of Allah advised them that) spending their wealth in the Cause of Allah is like sowing a seed that brings numerous shoots; each shoot with a hundred grains. This is how Allah’s Law of Requital rewards men and women. Allah is Infinite, All-Knowing.
2:262. Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, must remember that they have not obliged any persons. Therefore they do not afflict them with reminders of their generosity (17:26, 30:38). Their reward is with their Lord. (The society will return their generosity in this life as well). There will be no fear for them from without, nor grief will touch them from within.
2:263. Kind words and respecting people’s honor is better than charity coupled with injury. Allah, the Rich, the Clement, provides everyone without return or obligation.
2:264. O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injuring the self-respect of the recipients; like those who spend their wealth for show-off. This kind of behavior contradicts the true belief in Allah and His Law of Recompense. Charity has been ordained to help individuals and not to hurt them (93:10), and Allah has promised you manifold reward. But, a seed won't grow on a dusty rock, upon which rain falls and washes it clean. Even Allah won't guide those who deny such simple realities.
2:265. On the other hand, there are people who keep their wealth open for the society in sincere submission to Allah, not for show off, and not for putting anyone under obligation. They have joined hands with Allah in Purpose and have strengthened their "Self" (13:33). They have achieved self-actualization and made themselves truly worthy of immortality (20:76). Remember, that a "Self" that has not been developed by giving to community in wealth or labor, merely survives (14:17, 43:77, 69:27). Immortality is not a spontaneous gift from Allah; men and women are candidates for it (91:9-10). Such people are creating the Paradise of their own making that is ever-blooming; rain or shine. This glad tiding is relayed to you from Allah. Who can be a better Watcher and Guarantor of explaining the intricacies of your psyche and actions than the One who created you?
2:266. Would any of you wish that he had a beautiful, bountiful garden of dates and vineyards with rivulets flowing underneath it, but while age catches up on him and he has feeble offspring, a fiery tornado suddenly strikes and consumes it? This is how Allah wants you to reflect upon the Long Term. Your contribution to the society ensures you the Garden which neither a tornado, nor a hurricane dare take away from you (15:48).
2:267. O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Spend on others the good things you have honorably earned with hard work, whether it is from the product of industry or from the produce of the earth. Do not give away something that you won't like to receive except with closed eyes. Know that Allah, the Rich, Owner of Praise, provides you indiscriminately and without return.
2:268. Satan, your selfish desire, scares you with poverty; that if you spent on others, you might become destitute. It teaches you stinginess to the extent of shame. Allah, the All-Embracing, All-Knowing promises you the protection of Forgiveness from Himself, and abundant Bounty. (And, In the Divine Order, the society would return to you more than you spend on it).
2:269. He bestows wisdom according to His Laws (12:22, 28:14). And whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted a great wealth. And only people of understanding remain mindful of what they learn. (Using their perceptual and conceptual faculties can help the humans attain wisdom 17:36).
2:270 Whatever you spend on others or whatever pledge you make, Allah knows it. Those who do wrong by withholding charity shall have none to help them.
2:271 If you disclose your charities, it is well, but if you give in secret to the needy, it will be better for you. This kind of giving has the power of erasing the imprints of your ill deeds on your "Self". This Law has been decreed by Allah Who knows the interrelations of all your actions within and without your personality.
2:272 Your responsibility (O Messenger!) is only to show them the Right Way (and not to make them walk it). He has established Rules for attaining Guidance. (O People!) Whatever good you give benefits your own “Self” when you spend for the sake of Allah. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.
2:273 And give to the needy who are suffering in the Cause of Allah and cannot emigrate and those who are unable to go about the earth in search of livelihood. One, who is unaware of their condition, might think they are free from want, because they abstain from begging. But you can recognize them by the marks on their faces because they do not ask people insistently. Whatever good thing you spend on them, Allah is Aware of it.
2:274 Those who spend their wealth on the needy, by night and by day, secretly or publicly, have their reward with their Sustainer. They shall have nothing to fear or regret.
2:275 On the other hand are those who eat usury. In greed of money, they run around like someone who has been bitten by a snake. They claim that trade is like usury. This is not so. Trade is the return on labor that is permissible (53:39), while usury is the return on money. That is why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has permitted trade and forbidden usury. One to whom the clear Admonition has come from his Sustainer, must abstain from taking usury forthwith. What he has taken in the past, he may keep and his judgment rests with Allah. (It is better for him to return the interest he has earned if possible, but the law shall not force him to do so). As for him who returns to usury, such are the rightful companions of the Fire to abide therein.
2:276 Allah blights usury and blesses charitable deeds with prosperity. Allah does not love those who defy His Laws and drag down the potential of the human society.
(Mankind will eventually realize that the interest based economic system will have to be replaced with an equitable System. Allah’s Laws of Economic Dynamics erase usury and nurture welfare).
2:277 Those who believe in Allah’s Laws, do works beneficial to the society, strive to establish the Divine Order and the Equitable Economic System of Zakat, have their reward with their Lord. They will have nothing to fear and no reason to be despondent. (Zakat, where everyone spends on others more than he needs 2:219, and the government is responsible for setting up this System).
2:278 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be mindful of the Divine Laws and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are really believers.
2:279 And if you do it not, then know that you are at war with Allah and His Messenger. But, if you mend your ways, simply take back your capital sums. Inflict not injustice and you will not incur injustice.
2:280 If a debtor is in difficult circumstances, let there be postponement to a time of ease. And if you give up the loan entirely as charity, it is better for you if you did but know.
2:281 And be mindful of the Day when you will be returned to Allah and every "Self" will be paid what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.
2:282 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you transact a loan for any period, you shall write it down. An impartial scribe shall do the writing. No scribe shall decline to perform this duty, and write as Allah has taught him. The debtor, or in case he or she is incompetent, his representative shall dictate the document honestly and be mindful of his Lord, and diminish not the amount. There shall be two men among you to witness the transaction. If two men are not available, let there be one man and two women as witnesses. All witnesses should be such that their testimony is acceptable to all. The second woman will not be a witness in the court of law. She is there only to remind the first woman if she forgets. It is the obligation of the witnesses to testify when called upon to do so. Do not tire of writing the details, no matter how long, including the time of repayment. This is equitable in the Sight of Allah, assures better witnessing, and eliminates any doubts you may have. When it is actual merchandise that you transfer among yourselves from hand to hand, there is nothing wrong for you if you write it not, but have it witnessed. The scribe and the witnesses must be held harmless for their services. If you harm them, it would be wickedness on your part. If you follow Allah's Commands He will increase you in knowledge. These are the Injunctions of Allah Who is the Knower of all things; intentions, events and actions.
2:283 If you are traveling and a scribe is not available, a collateral of some value may serve the purpose, or a bond shall be posted to guarantee repayment. If one is trusted in this manner, he shall return the collateral or the bond when due, and be mindful of Allah, his Lord. Do not withhold any testimony by concealing what you have witnessed. Anyone who withholds a testimony is noxious to his own sensitivity. Allah is Aware of all your actions.
2:284 To Allah belong all things in the heavens and all things in the earth. Whether you reveal or conceal your intentions and actions, Allah will bring you to account for it. He has appointed Laws of forgiveness and retribution. Allah has Power over all things and events and He has appointed due measure for everything.
2:285 The Messenger has full Conviction in what is revealed unto him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one has full conviction in Allah, His angels, His Scriptures and His messengers. They say, “We make no distinction between any of His messengers” (since they were one in Purpose). And they say, “We hear and we obey, so grant us the protection of forgiveness, our Lord. We journey through life on Your Way.”
2:286 Allah tasks not and expects not from anyone more than his capacity. Any challenges that come your way, afford you a chance to expand your “Self”. For the “Self” is what it earns and against it is only what it deserves. Pray, “Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or miss the mark! Our Lord! Do not place a burden on us as you did place on those before us. Our Lord! Impose not on us what we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us, and bestow Grace on us, You are our Supreme Master, so help us prevail over those who reject the Truth.”

Chapter 3 – Ale ‘Imran – The Family of Imran
[Author's note] The honored Messengers of Allah, that is, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad were descendants of the Patriarch, Abraham. Prophet Jacob, the grandson of Abraham was also called Israel. Jews are known as Israelites in reference to Jacob. ‘Imran (Amram) is the name of the father of Moses and Aaron, and also of a branch among Israelites. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was born in the family of ‘Imran.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
3:1 A.L.M. Allah Aleem, the Knower Whose Knowledge transcends Time and Space.
3:2 Allah, there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsistent Sustainer of the Universe proclaims that:
3:3 He it is Who has sent down this Book to you (O Messenger) in Absolute Truth, confirming the authentic in what He has revealed before. He is the One who sent down the Torah and the Gospel.
3:4 He has sent down guidance for mankind before, and now He has sent the Final Criterion between the right and the wrong. Those who reject the Revelations of Allah, theirs will be strict retribution. Allah Almighty’s Law of Requital carries all things and actions to their destination.
3:5 Nothing in the Earth and in the Heaven is hidden from Allah.
3:6 He it is Who shapes you in the wombs according to His Laws. There is no god but He. He is the Almighty, the Wise. (He uses his Power with wisdom and His Rule is the Rule of Law).
3:7 (The Book He has sent down bears an important Principle.) He it is Who has revealed to you (O Prophet) the Scripture. In it some verses are Literal, while some verses are Allegorical. The verses that pertain to Permanent Values have been presented literally. These verses, MUHKAMAT, are the Essence of the Divine Law. On the other hand, abstract phenomena, historical events, and the World of the Unseen are described in similes, metaphors and allegories for your understanding (MUTASHABIHAT). But those who are given to crookedness in their hearts pursue the allegories and try to give them literal meanings, thus creating dissension. None knows their final meaning (of such as the Essence of God, His Throne, His Book of Decree, the Eternity) but Allah. Those who are well founded in knowledge understand why the allegories have been used and they keep drawing lessons from them (74:31). They proclaim the belief that the entire Book is from their Lord. As the human knowledge evolves, many of the other allegories will unfold their literal meaning (41:53). But only the men and women of understanding will bear this fact in mind. (Each of the verses in the Qur’an is MUHKAM, Absolute Truth and you can understand which ones are to be taken literally and which ones are to be taken allegorically, by the context 11:1, 47:20. And each verse in the Book complements the other 39:23).
3:8 They say, “Our Lord! Let not our hearts waver, now that you have guided us, and bestow upon us Mercy from Your Presence. You, only You are the Giver of Gifts.”
3:9 “Our Lord! You will surely gather all mankind together on a Day about the advent of which there is no doubt. Allah never fails in His Promise.”
3:10. Those who reject Divine Guidance, neither their wealth nor their children will avail them against Allah’s Law of Requital. They will be fuel for the Fire.
3:11 Like Pharaoh’s people and the ones before them, these people reject Our Revelations, and so Allah will seize them for their trailing behind in humanity. Allah’s Law of Requital is strong in pursuing and grasping.
3:12 (O Messenger) Say to the rejecters, “Soon you shall be overcome and then will be gathered together to Hell, a miserable bed to lie on.”
3:13 (Only recently at Badr), there was a Sign for you in the two armies that met in combat. One was fighting in the Cause of Allah, the other denying Him. With their own eyes the two armies saw each other as twice their number. (The believers in their motivation saw the manifold enemy just twice their own numbers, while the deniers saw the smaller opponents twice the size they actually were). But Allah strengthens people with His support according to His Laws. (Allah helps those who help themselves). This must be a lesson for people of vision for all times.
3:14 Beautiful for mankind is love of the joys that come from women and children, and heaps of gold and silver, and branded horses, and cattle and well-tilled land. That is comfort of the life of the world. Allah! With Him is a more excellent abode. (Believers in the Divine Laws see this comfort as the means to a higher Goal --- Service --- Self-actualization --- Paradise).
3:15 (O Messenger) Say, “Shall I inform you of something better than these, with which those who walk aright will be rewarded by their Lord? Gardens with flowing streams beneath, where they will live forever with spouses of spotless character and the Blissful Approval of Allah. Allah is Seer of His servants.”
3:16 Those who say, “Our Lord! We have Conviction in You and Your Laws. Protect us from trailing behind in honor and save us from the punishment of Fire.”
3:17 They are proactively steadfast, truthful in word and action, ever submitting to the Commandments, keeping their wealth open for the society, and guarding themselves early against any forthcoming challenge.
3:18 Allah Himself witnesses that there is no god but He and so do the Universal Physical Laws, and men and women of Science who research in the right direction (21:22). There is no god but He, the Almighty, the Wise.
3:19 Indeed the System of Life approved by Allah is Al-Islam (Submission to His Will). People of the Scripture differ for self-interest and envy, after the Knowledge has come to them. One who rejects Allah's Revelations will find that His Law of Requital is swift in reckoning.
3:20 If they argue with you (O Messenger), tell them, “I have submitted to Allah; I and those who follow me.” Say to the People of the Scripture, and to those who claim no scripture, “Would you submit?” If they submit, then they have been guided but if they turn away, then your duty is only to convey the Message. Allah is Seer of His servants.
3:21. Those who reject the Message of Allah, and wrongfully kill the prophets or their Mission by mixing Truth with falsehood, and kill the advocates of justice in the society, promise them grievous retribution.
3:22 They are the people whose doings shall be nullified in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers at all.
3:23 Have you noted those who were given guidance through the previous Scriptures? When they are invited to uphold this Book of Allah, to judge their disputes and apply it in their lives, a party among them declines and turns away.
3:24 This is because they say that the Fire will not touch them but only for a few days. See, how that which they used to invent has deceived them in their own religion.
3:25. How will they feel on the Day when We will gather them? The Day about the coming of which there is no doubt. And every person will be paid in full what he or she has earned. No injustice will be done to anyone.
3:26 Say, “O Allah! Owner of all Dominion! You give power to nations according to Your Laws and You strip off power from nations according to Your Laws. You have established Rules for attaining honor and facing humiliation. All good emanates from Your Hand. You are all-Powerful and you have appointed due measure for all things in the Universe. Therefore Your Rule is the Rule of Law.”
3:27 “We witness Your Laws in action throughout the Universe. You merge the night into the day and merge the day into the night. You bring forth the living from the dead and bring forth the dead from the living, and Your Laws sustain all creation indiscriminately.”
3:28 (Those who reject the Laws of such an Omnipotent Creator, will not support the Divine Ideology). Believers should not expect them to be their supporters in the establishment of the Divine System instead of their fellow believers. If a believer did that, he would have nothing to do with (the Cause of) Allah. Exempted are those who are forced to do this to avoid persecution. Allah warns you of His Law of Requital, and to Allah is the Journeying.
3:29 Say, “Whether you hide your strategy or reveal it, Allah is fully Aware thereof.” And He knows all things and events in the heavens and all things and events in the earth. Allah is all-Powerful and He has endowed everything with the potential to become what it is meant to be.
3:30 On the Day of Reckoning every "Self" will confront all its doings, good and evil. Every “Self” would wish there might be a long distance between it and that evil. Allah cautions you in advance, for He is Compassionate to His servants.
3:31 Say (O Messenger), “If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and grant you the protection of forgiveness. He will save you from trailing behind in humanity and in the community of nations. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
3:32 Say (O Messenger), “Obey Allah and the Messenger (as he conveys to you His Revelations and he is the Central Authority for establishing the Divine System on Earth). But if they turn away, Allah does not love the deniers of Truth since they choose to remain in darkness.”
3:33 (This is the Final Perfected Guidance for all humanity). But Allah has chosen people before to convey the Message. Adam, the first humans were chosen (to have free will apart from the animal kingdom). Then Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran were chosen above other peoples of their times.
3:34 In one lineage. Allah is the Hearer, Knower of all things and events. (Muhammad belongs to the same progeny of Abraham through Ishmael, and Jesus belongs to it through the family of Imran). Now is related to you the truth about Jesus son of Mary. History has made fiction of these two real great servants of Allah).
3:35 The wife of Imran prayed, “My Lord! I have dedicated the baby in my belly to You entirely, (for the service of the temple). So accept from me. You are Hearer, Knower.”
3:36 When she was delivered she said, “My Lord! I am delivered of a female.” Allah knew best what she delivered; the male is not the same as the female. (The male she had prayed for could have not been like the outstanding daughter she was granted). “I have named her Mary, I request Your protection for her and for her descendants from the rejected Satan.” (Allah knew that this female would have a role, which no male could have, in breaking the shackles of asceticism. As a custom, nuns were allowed to marry only monks during those times).
3:37 And her Lord accepted her graciously. (Mary was dedicated to the Temple) and she grew up in beauty and purity, a gracious upbringing, under the guardianship of Zechariah. (He was a Prophet of Allah and a distant uncle of Mary). Whenever he entered the chamber of Mary, he found that she had food. Knowingly he asked, “O Mary! Where does this food come from?” (Mary's devotees were taking good care of her. Like all saints) she said, “It is from Allah. Allah provides according to His Laws and sometimes in unexpected ways.”
3:38 Seeing a lovely child grow before his eyes, Zechariah prayed to his Lord, “My Lord! Bless me by bestowing upon me a good child; You are the Hearer of prayer.”
3:39 While he was still praying in the chamber, angels announced to him, “Allah gives you the good news of a son, Yahya (John the Baptist) who would reiterate the Word of Allah, be outstanding among men, and a strict disciplinarian, and a Prophet among those who greatly contribute to humanity.”
3:40 Zechariah prayed to Allah, but then wondered, “My Lord! How could I have a son when old age has overtaken me already and my wife is barren?” He said, “So it will be, Allah does everything according to His Laws.” The infertility in his wife was cured (21:90).
3:41 Thankful, Zechariah asked, “My Lord! Give a message unto me.” He said, “The Message unto you is that you shall not speak to people three days, except by signs. Remember your Lord much and keep striving in His Cause night and day.” (Abstaining from speech would save the elderly couple from people’s curiosity).
3:42 (Mary kept a spotless character as she grew up into a young lady). Angels told her, “Allah has chosen you, given you spotless character and given you distinction among the women of your times.” (She guarded her chastity and built a strong character in very adverse circumstances. Many monks and devotees of temples used to see the nuns with evil intentions. She was the first revolutionary feminine voice against the exploitations of monasteries).
3:43 She was told by angels to gather courage, quit monasticism, submit to the Command of her Lord and join her family for normal life bowing to the design of life Allah has ordained for people.
3:44 (O Messenger) We are revealing to you these events of history so that you may dispel conjecture and rumor. You were not there when the monks cast lots and contended with one another to take hold of (the young beautiful) Mary after Zechariah.
3:45 Angels said, “O’ Mary! Allah gives you the good news through a word from Him. His name would be Christ Jesus, son of Mary, held in honor in this world and among the ones close to Me in the Hereafter.”
3:46 Talking to people while very young and in ripe old age in good health.”
3:47 Mary exclaimed! “O My Lord, How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?” He said, “Just as Allah creates everyone according to His Laws (3:40). When Allah decrees a matter, it starts happening.” (In the repressive society Mary had to keep her wedding confidential in the family).
3:48 “And Allah will teach him the Scripture and the Wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel.”
3:49 And he will be a Messenger to the Children of Israel. He will say to them, “I come to you with Revelation from your Lord. If you follow me, I will raise you from dust to the heights of glory by the Command of Allah (7:176). The blind among you will begin to see the Truth. Those of you who are spotted with sin, I will heal them, and I shall grant real life to those who are just dragging on without purpose; all according to the Laws of Allah. I am here to establish justice and equity. I shall see to it how much you hoard in your houses and how much you spend on the community. My teachings are sufficient signs for you to believe.”
3:50 “And I confirm the truth in the Torah before me and to make permissible to you some of what was forbidden. I have come with Your Lord’s Revelation; be mindful of His Commands and obey me.”
3:51 “Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so obey Him. That is the Straight Path.”
3:52 This is what the angels had told Mary. When Jesus grew up He was commissioned to Prophethood. As he sensed their rejection, he called, “Who are my supporters towards Allah?” The disciples said, “We are Allah’s supporters, we believe in Allah and bear you witness that we are those who submit to Him.”
3:53 They said, “Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed and we shall follow this Messenger, so count us among those who become living witnesses to the Truth.”
3:54 The opponents made some plans, but so did Allah. And Allah is the Virtuous of planners. (They schemed to arrest and crucify Jesus but Allah assured him).
3:55 “O Jesus! I will cause you to die of natural causes and I will exalt you in honor in My Court and I will clear you of the slander of the disbelievers. I will cause those who truly follow you to dominate the rejecters until the Day of Resurrection. Eventually, all of you will return to Me, then I will judge among you about what you used to differ.”
3:56 Those who fail to understand and accept the Divine Laws operative in the Universe, My Law of Requital will cause them to suffer in this world and in the Hereafter. There is no help and there are no helpers for people contrary to these Laws.
3:57 Those who practically believe in Divine Laws and help people, He pays their wages in full. Allah does not love those who displace reality with conjecture.
3:58 (O Messenger) These are the Revelations that We convey to you, a wise Reminder.
3:59 Verily, with Allah, the example or nature of Jesus is that of Adam (the other humans) who were initially created from dust and then evolved through different stages of life (22:5, 30:20). He created mankind beginning from hydrated inorganic matter, then He said unto him, “Be! And he is.” (The process of procreation of the human goes on, “IS”).
3:60 (O Messenger) This is the Truth from your Lord, so there is no room for you in this matter for argumentation.
3:61 If anyone disputes with you regarding Jesus; after the correct knowledge has come to you, say, “Come! We will advise our families and followers and your families and followers, and ourselves and yourselves to maintain our respective beliefs and leave one another alone. Rejection of the Divine Truth deprives people of Allah’s Grace.”
3:62 Verily, this is the true account of Jesus. There is no god but Allah. This Proclamation comes from Allah, the Almighty Wise.
3:63 If they turn away from the Truth, then Allah is Aware of the corruptors. (And His Law of Requital makes note of everything for due recompense).
3:64 Say, “O People of the Book! Let us come to a mutual agreement, that we shall worship and obey none but God. That neither shall we ascribe divinity to anyone beside Him, nor shall we take human beings as our lords beside God.” And if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that it is we who have surrendered ourselves unto Him.”
3:65 O People of the Book! Why will you argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Do you not use your intellect?
3:66 You argued in matters of which you had knowledge (with Moses and about Jesus); why dispute in matters that you know nothing about? Indeed Allah knows and you don't.
3:67 Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was an upright man who had surrendered to Allah. He never ascribed divinity to anyone beside One True God.
3:68 People most worthy of Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe with him. And Allah is the Protecting Friend of the true believers.
3:69 A party among the People of the Book wish to lead you astray. But, by doing so, they shall only lead themselves astray without knowing it.
3:70 O People of the Book! Why do you deny the truth of God’s Messages to which you yourselves bear witness? (Wasn’t the Scripture revealed to you? And it foretells the advent of this Prophet).
3:71 O People of the Book! Why do you cloak the Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth that you are so well aware of?
3:72 Some People of the Book say to one another, “Declare belief in what has been revealed to the believers in the morning, and reject belief in the evening so that the believers might waver and revert. Or let us declare belief in some part of the Revelation and deny the other to sound fair and cause confusion.”
3:73 “And do not really believe in anyone who does not follow your own religion.” Say (O Messenger), “The True Guidance is God’s Guidance that has been revealed to this Prophet as it came to you before. Do you wish to contend about your Sustainer?” Say, “All Grace is in Allah’s hand. He bestows His Grace of Revelation according to His Laws. Allah is all-Embracing, all-Knowing.” And He has chosen a non-Israelite Prophet for this Grace (7:157).
3:74 He selects for His Grace whom He Wills. Allah, the Possessor of infinite bounties knows the proper time, place and person for His Revelation.
3:75 Among People of the Scripture are some who can be trusted with a treasure, and they will give it back to you. Others among them cannot be trusted with a single gold coin; they will not repay you unless you keep after them. This is because they say, “We do not have to be honest when dealing with the Gentiles.” Thus, they attribute lies to Allah and they know it.
3:76 Nay, the chosen of Allah is the one who fulfills his pledge and walks aright. Allah loves those who are mindful of His Commands.
3:77 Those who trade away Allah’s pledge and their oaths for worldly gains, will have no portion in the Hereafter. Allah shall neither speak to them nor look upon them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow their "Self". Development of the personality can only be accomplished in this life. They have incurred a torment of suffering.
3:78 Among them are those who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that you may think that what they say is from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say, “It is from Allah”, when it is not from Allah. They speak a lie concerning Allah, and they know it.
3:79 Never would a human being, whom Allah has blessed with the Scripture, Wisdom and Prophethood, say to people, “Be servants of me instead of Allah.” Instead he would say, “Become men of God by spreading the knowledge of the Scripture and the teachings you learn there from.”
3:80 Nor would he instruct you to take the angels and the Prophets for lords and patrons. Would he command you to disbelieve after you have surrendered to Allah?
3:81 Allah made a Covenant with all the Prophets, and through them with their respective nations, that they would welcome each of the next Messengers in the process of Divine Revelations and support him. Allah said to the Prophets, “I give you the Scripture and Wisdom. Afterward there would come a Messenger who would confirm the Truth in your Scripture. You shall believe in him and help him.” He said, “Do you agree and take this Covenant as binding on you?” They said, “We agree.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.” (This was the Covenant with their nations. The personal covenant made with each Messenger is mentioned in 33:7)
3:82 (The People of the Book must uphold this Covenant). Whoever after this shall turn away, has drifted away from the right path.
3:83 Do they seek other than the DEEN of Allah, when all things in the heavens and the earth, willingly and unwillingly submit to Him, and to Him they will be returned. (All things in the Universe surrender to Allah, either by free will as the believers do, or through their innate nature such as animals, trees, stars, or the deniers in their physical as distinct from moral life etc.)
3:84 Say, “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Prophets of the Israelite Tribes, and that which was given to Moses, Jesus and other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them (See 2:253, 17:55). Unto Him we have surrendered.”
3:85 Whoever seeks as religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter. (This is because the religion, DEEN of the entire Universe is Islam i.e. submission to the will of God).
3:86 Even Allah will not guide those who go back to their old ways after experiencing the blessings of Faith, and after witnessing that the Messenger is true and after they have been given solid proofs. According to Allah’s Laws those who choose conjecture instead of Realities of life, will not attain Guidance.
3:87 The recompense of such people is the deprivation of the Grace of Allah and of the support of the angels (The physical Laws in the Universe), and of the support of the human society.
3:88 They have chosen for themselves this deprivation in which they will abide without relief.
3:89 But, If they repent and mend their ways, they will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
3:90 But those who reject belief after attaining belief and go on adding to their defiance, their repentance will not be accepted (4:18). They are traveling in the wrong direction, so they cannot reach the destination.
3:91 As for those who reject the Truth and die in that state, not the entire gold of the earth shall be accepted from them, if they could offer such ransom. They have incurred a painful doom upon themselves and there shall be no helpers for them.
3:92 You will never attain exponential growth of your "Self" unless you keep spending on others what you love. Allah knows what you spend. Allah, the Knower of your "Self", reminds you that immortality and Paradise are for those who have attained self-actualization by giving (92:18).
3:93 (Jews wonder how certain foods have been declared Permissible in the Qur’an, while they were forbidden for them!) All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Jacob had forbidden for himself before the revelation of the Torah. And there were things that were forbidden to you as a punishment for your transgressions (4:160, 6:147). Say, “Produce the Torah and read it to show what, in the DEEN of Abraham, was contrary to the Qur’an concerning food. Read it unto us if you are truthful.”
3:94 Those who invent a falsehood after that, concerning Allah, will be wrong-doers.
3:95 Say, “Allah speaks Truth. So follow the religion DEEN of Abraham, the upright that shunned all falsehood. He associated no partner with Allah.”
3:96 In fact, he erected the first Sanctuary appointed for humankind at Bakkah (later known as Makkah) a blessed Beacon of guidance for all people.
3:97 Therein are clear signs, the place where Abraham once took stand and bestowed with leadership of humanity (2:124-125). Anyone who enters it finds inner peace and security. Pilgrimage to this House is a duty owed to God by all those who are able to undertake it. People can realize the blessings of unity by rallying around this Center (22:28). As for those who deny the Truth, verily, Allah is Independent of all creation.
3:98 Say, “O People of the Scripture! Why do you deny the Revelations of Allah knowing that Allah Himself is Witness to all your actions?”
3:99 Say, “O People of the Book! Why do you repel believers from the Path of God, seeking to make it crooked, even though you are witnesses to the Divine Guidance?” Allah is not unaware of what you do.
3:100 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! If you obey a party of those who have received the Scripture before, they will make you disbelievers after your belief. (The very act of obeying others against the Messages of Allah is an indication that such believers have not understood the beauty in these Messages).
3:101 How could you choose the darkness of ignorance when Allah's verses are being conveyed to you and are being put into practice by the Messenger? Whoever holds fast to Allah, is already guided onto a Straight Path.
3:102 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Walk aright being mindful of Allah’s Laws as it is due to Him. Let this submission be your resolve all along your life till death.
3:103 You shall hold fast, all of you together, to the Cable of Allah and be not divided among yourselves. The Cable of Allah is your conviction in the Qur’an which is an Unbreakable Support and gives you the noble Ideology (2:256). Remember Allah’s Favor upon you how you were enemies and He made friendship in your hearts. You became brothers and sisters by His Grace. You were on the brink of the Pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes clear His verses to you that you may be rightly guided.
3:104 Among the world communities, let yours be the community who rises up and implements the Divine Value System. Advocate what the Book calls virtue, and forbid what the Book calls vice. Such are the people who are truly successful and will eventually prosper.
3:105 Be not like those who separated and differed after the clear proofs of Truth had come to them. For such there is an awful doom since they cause divisions instead of unity.
3:106 On the Day, the faces of those who convey the Word of Allah clearly, will be lit up by the Light, and the faces of those who becloud the Light with their sectarian beliefs, shall be portraits of gloom. This is because choosing a sect in DEEN is tantamount to disbelief. So taste a befitting chastisement for your disbelief.
3:107 Those whose faces lit up shall dwell in the Grace of Allah, eternally.
3:108 The Rules given in these Revelations determine the Rise and Fall of nations. This is the Rock Solid Truth. Allah has revealed these Rules because He Wills no injustice in the Worlds, and Wills not that the humans get caught off guard.
3:109 Unto Allah belong all things in the Highs and all things in the Lows. You can see that His Laws govern the heavens and the earth. All things are moving and evolving towards what they are meant to be and all things go back to Allah as their Source.
3:110 Since you have been empowered by the Qur’an, you are the best suited Community that has been raised up for the good of mankind. It is your duty to enjoin the Right and forbid the Wrong, since you accept the Final Word of God as the Criterion (3:4). The Qur’an clearly educates you on the Permanent Moral Value System and decrees authoritatively what the otherwise vague terms of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, and ‘good’ and ‘evil’ might mean. Now if People of the Scripture had attained this kind of belief, it would have been for their own good. But only few among them are believers, while most of them are drifting away from the Truth.
3:111 If you truly become worthy of the title of "The Best Suited Community" your opponents would scarcely do a trifling harm and if they come to battle against you, they would flee quickly and find no help.
3:112 Humiliated are they wherever they may be, unless they grasp a bond with God, and a bond with the people. They have incurred displeasure of God, and are committed to disgrace. This is because they have been rejecting the Divine Revelations and have been opposing the Messengers of God, even wrongfully killing some of them. All this, because they rebelled, and persisted in transgressing the bounds of what is right.
3:113 Not all the People of the Scripture are alike. Among them are those who take a firm stand for the right cause, reflect upon the Revelations of Allah by night and fall in full submission.
3:114 They believe in Allah as the One True God, and in the Last Day. They advocate what Allah has decreed as virtuous, and forbid what Allah has decreed as vice. They try to lead in acts of social benefit; such are the ones who augment the human potential.
3:115 No benevolent actions of this kind shall go un-rewarded. Allah knows those who walk aright.
3:116 The wealth and children of the deniers will not avail them against Allah. They will end up in Hellfire to abide therein. (The punishment to humans is built in, in their actions. Allah is not like human tyrants who punish out of anger or displeasure 3:182, 4:111, 20:15, 7:147, 27:90).
3:117 The likeness of what they spend in this life of the world is the likeness of a biting, frosty wind that destroys the harvest of a people who wronged their own “Self”. Allah wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. (They spent their wealth on themselves although it was a trust given to them to share with fellow human beings).
3:118 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not take as intimates others than your own folk. They will do all they can to harm you. They love to see you in distress. Many of them have already voiced their hatred and what they hide in their chests is far worse. We thus clarify Our Commands for you so that you use your intellect.
3:119 You endear them though they endear you not. You believe in all the Scriptures. When they meet you they say, “ We believe as you believe”; but as soon as they leave, they bite their fingers out of rage towards you. Say, “Die in your rage.” Allah is fully Aware of what is hidden in your hearts.
3:120 If something good happens to you, it grieves them but if a calamity befalls you, they rejoice at it. Remain steadfast and keep walking aright, and no amount of their plotting or cunning will harm you. Allah’s Law Surrounds all that they do.
3:121 (O Messenger) Recall, on the day of the Battle of Uhud, you left your household early to station the believers to their positions. Allah is Hearer, Knower of all that transpires.
3:122 Two groups among you fell short of steadfastness, and your men suffered a temporary setback. And Allah was their Protecting Friend. In Allah believers put their trust.
3:123 Recall the year before. At Badr, Allah granted you clear victory although you were few and under-equipped. (Your resolve and steadfastness had made the difference). Be mindful of Allah so that you are grateful in word and action.
3:124 You told the believers, “Is it not enough that your Lord supports you with three thousand angels, sent down?” Fearlessness, determination and courage are the angels Allah sends down upon those who strive in the Cause of Allah (8:10-12, 41:30).
3:125 Indeed if you steadfastly persevere and be mindful of Allah’s Laws, and then the enemy attacks you suddenly, your Lord will support you with five thousand angels sweeping on.
3:126 Allah gave the tiding allegorically only as a message of good cheer for you, and that your hearts might be at rest. Courage and steadfastness are Allah’s angels. There is no victory contrary to the Laws of Allah, the Almighty Wise.
3:127 He annihilated some disbelievers, or neutralized them and that they end up as the losers.
3:128 It is not your concern (O Messenger), whether He forgives them or punishes them, for they are wrongdoers.
3:129 Everything in the Universe and everything in the earth belongs to Allah. His Law of Requital deals with forgiveness and punishment in all fairness. The Forgiving, the Merciful Allah has designed His Laws.
3:130 (The battle was about protection from the external threat. Your prime duty remains to preserve a benevolent society, to which usury is a big detriment). Usury is the return on money while trade is the return on labor (2:275). O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not eat up other people's money by way of usury that appears to you ever-increasing. But Allah’s Law blights usury and flourishes acts of caring (2:276). Walk aright in the Way of Allah to attain true prosperity.
3:131 And guard yourselves and the society against the Fire that has been prepared for the rejecters of the Divine Commandments.
3:132 Follow the System of Allah that the Messenger has established. That is how you will achieve the development of your "Self". A benevolent society helps you to grow like a mother's womb nourishes the embryo.
3:133 Move forward to the tranquil security that comes from your Lord when you follow His Guidance, and to the Paradise that transcends spatial boundaries, and it has been prepared for those who are mindful of Allah’s Laws.
3:134 The candidates to this Paradise keep their wealth open for mankind in favorable as well as in adverse circumstances. They divert and sublimate their anger and potentially virulent emotions to creative energy, and become a source of tranquility and comfort to people. They pardon people gracefully. Allah loves the benefactors of humanity.
3:135 Such men and women quickly correct any wrong or indecency that has occurred from them, they remember Allah, and protect themselves from trailing behind in dignity. And who can absolve imperfections but Allah? They refrain from willfully persisting in error.
3:136 Since they have worked sincerely, their reward is with their Lord in the form of magnificent Gardens with rivulets flowing underneath, wherein they will abide forever, a bountiful reward for sincere workers.
3:137 Systems have passed away before you. (Man-made systems before you, and now before your eyes, are there to reflect upon). Do but travel in the land and see the outcome of nations that rejected the Divine Laws.
3:138 This Qur’an is a declaration to the entire humankind, a Beacon of Guidance and Admonition for those who wish to journey through life in blissful honor and security.
3:139 Do not ever lose heart, and grieve not, for you are bound to prevail if you are truly believers. (4:141).
3:140 If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers hardship. Such days of varying fortunes are governed by Universal Laws. Allah thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. They have become witnesses to the power of Truth with their lives. Allah does not love those who displace courage with fear.
3:141 The true believers emerge stronger from every challenge. On the other hand, the rejecters of Divine Laws wither away.
3:142 Do you expect to enter Paradise without Allah distinguishing those among you who strive, and without distinguishing those who are steadfast?
3:143 You used to long for death in the Cause of Allah before you faced it. Now you have faced it, right before your eyes. You understand that honorable life in this world belongs to those who have conquered the fear of death, and that death is the gateway to the Eternal life.
3:144 Muhammad is but a Messenger. All Messengers before him have passed on. If he died or were slain, would you turn back on your heels? The System he has established is here to stay and to become a Beacon of Light for all humanity. If anyone turns away, he would not harm Allah. Allah will soon reward the appreciative. They will reap the fruit of the Benevolent System and then in the Hereafter.
3:145 Allah’s Law governs life and death. No one dies except by Allah’s leave and at a term appointed per His Laws. Whoever seeks only the vanities of this world, We give him thereof, and whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, We bless him thereof. The Qur’an shows you the Way to success in both worlds (24:55, 28:77). We will soon reward the appreciative.
3:146 Many Prophets have fought in the Cause of Allah and with them a great many men of God, without wavering under adversity, nor did they hesitate nor became discouraged. Allah loves the steadfast.
3:147 They only said, “Our Lord! Protect us from trailing behind, forgive our excesses, make our foothold sure, and give us victory over the rejecters of Truth.”
3:148 Allah gave them excellent reward in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah loves the benefactors of humanity.
3:149 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! If you obey the (overt or covert) rejecters of the Divine System, they will make you turn back on your heels and you will become losers. (The Messenger will not be among you forever 3:144).
3:150 Remember, only Allah is your MAULA (Master) and He is the Best of helpers.
3:151 (Our Law removes fear and grief from the hearts of people who submit to the Divine Guidance alone. 2:38) And causes fear in the hearts of those who are bent upon denying the Truth since they ascribe divine powers besides Allah. People and idols would have no authority against the Laws of Allah. Fire is their abode, a miserable resting place for the wrongdoers.
3:152 Allah made good His promise to you when you routed them by His leave. But then you wavered, disputed among yourselves, and disobeyed after He had shown you the victory you wanted. You were winning the battle of Uhud, but then some of you were distracted by the spoils of the world, while others were concerned with the Hereafter. You disengaged from the enemy and were tested according to His Law. When you mended, Allah pardoned you. Allah is full of Grace for the true believers.
3:153 You were climbing up the hill without looking around and the Messenger was calling you. You suffered according to Allah's Law of Requital. Grieve not about the loss and hardship you have suffered. Allah’s Law has adequate provision to nullify the effects of your misgivings. Allah is Informed of all your actions.
3:154 After the setback, He sent down upon you calm that pacified some of you. While another group was anxious with their own feelings and wrong assumptions about Allah due to ignorance. (They were hypocrites worried for their lives). They said, “Do we have any control?” Tell them, “All control belongs to Allah.” You can control events only within the framework of His Laws. These hypocrites concealed within themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, “If we had nothing to do with this battle and had stayed home we would not have been harmed.” Say, “Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled themselves to the circumstance of death.” Allah thus lets you test your real convictions. Allah is Aware of what is in the hearts.
3:155 Those of you, who turned back on that day when the two armies clashed, it was their selfish desire which caused them to backslide. This happened because of their imperfections. Allah pardoned them (since their good outweighed their shortcomings). Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.
3:156 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not be like disbelievers who grieve that if their brethren had stayed home with them, rather than going out traveling or defending, they wouldn't have died or been killed. Such attitude creates anguish in the hearts according to Allah’s Laws. Fear of death takes away "life" out of life. Allah gives life and causes death and Allah is Seer of your behavior.
3:157 If you are slain or die in the defense of the Divine System, you did not give your life in vain. You leave behind a legacy of steadfastness against adversity, and protection for the society. You become worthy of the Grace of Allah that is better than whatever human beings might amass.
3:158 Whether you die or get slain, life goes on to its Destination; you will be gathered before Allah.
3:159 It is a Mercy of Allah that you (O Messenger), are lenient and compassionate with people. If you were harsh and fierce of heart, they would have broken away from you. Pardon their imperfections, arrange their protection and consult with them about the conduct of affairs. Once you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who do their best and then trust in Allah.
3:160 When Allah helps you no one can overcome you. If He withdraws His help from you, who is there who can help you? If you ignore His Laws, His Laws forsake you. Believers put their trust in Allah (since He never changes his Laws).
3:161 No Prophet could ever act dishonestly. Anyone who acts dishonestly will have to account for it on the Day of Resurrection. That is when every “Self” shall receive the recompense and they will not be wronged.
3:162 Is one who seeks the Approval of Allah the same as one who earned Allah’s disapproval, and his destiny is Hell, the most miserable abode?
3:163 They are at different levels with Allah. Allah is Seer of what they do. The ranks of all people are determined solely by their deeds, and your Lord is not unaware of anything they do (6:132).
3:164 Allah verily has done a great favor to the believers. He has sent a Messenger from amongst them, who conveys and implements the Revelations of Allah. He shows them the way to grow in humanity, and teaches them the Book and Wisdom therein. Before the Messenger came to them, they were in flagrant error.
3:165 Now that you have suffered a setback at Uhud, remember you inflicted twice as much on the enemy at Badr. You say, “How did this happen?” Say (O Messenger), “This is from your own selves.” (3:152). Allah has appointed due measure for everything.
3:166 If you suffered when the two armies clashed, it happened according to Allah's Laws. He made it a test for the believers to know their strength and weakness.
3:167 And that He might distinguish the hypocrites from the believers. They were told, “Come fight in the Cause of Allah, or at least defend the city.” They said, “If we knew that confrontation were forthcoming, we would have joined you.” On that day they were closer to disbelief than belief. They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts. Allah is best Aware of what they conceal.
3:168 Those who sat back at home said that if their brothers who were fighting in the Cause of Allah, had listened to them they would not have been slain. Say (O Messenger), “Avert death from yourselves if you are truthful.”
3:169 Think not of those, who are slain in the Cause of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are alive! With their Lord they have provision. (2:154).
3:170 They are jubilant in the bounty that Allah has given them. And rejoicing for those believers whom they have left behind and who have not joined them yet in Bliss. They shall have nothing to fear or to regret.
3:171 They rejoice because of the favor from Allah and the blessings - they have seen that Allah does not waste the wage of the believers.
3:172 Those who respond to Allah and the Messenger even after being wounded or harmed in the battle, such of them have truly worked collective good and walked aright. Theirs is an outstanding reward. Responding to the call from Allah and His Messenger gives humans the real life (8:24).
3:173 When people said to them, “A great army has assembled against you, so fear them.” But the threat only increased them in their conviction. They said, “Allah suffices for us and He is the best Guardian.”
3:174. They marched forward with conviction and returned with Allah's favor and blessings, and no harm touched them in either case. They sought Allah's Approval, and Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
3:175 It is only Satan, your selfish desire in different guises, that instills fear. Fear not them! You shall fear Me and violating My Commands, if you are indeed believers.
3:176 Let not the conduct of those who rush to rejection, grieve you. They harm the Almighty Allah not the least bit. It is His Law that such people deprive themselves of any portion in the Hereafter. For them is an awful retribution.
3:177 Those who trade denial at the cost of belief, harm Allah not the least. For them is a painful doom.
3:178 Let not the rejecters imagine that the Law of Requital is unreal. We give reprieve to Our servants to rethink and mend their ways. Those who persist in actions that deplete the capacity of the society invite for themselves a humiliating chastisement.
3:179 Allah will not leave the believers confounded. He will clearly distinguish the good from the bad, the right from the wrong, and the true believers from the hypocrites. It is not the Purpose of Allah to let you know the unseen that the hypocrites hide in their hearts. But Allah chooses His Messengers to receive knowledge of the unseen as He Wills. So believe in Allah and His messengers. If you believe and walk aright, yours will be an Immense Reward.
3:180 Let not those, who withhold what Allah has given them from His bounties think that this hoarding is good for them. Nay, it is bad for them. Their hoarded possessions shall be their collar on the Day of Resurrection. Whatever is in the heavens and in the earth is the heritage of Allah. He bestows His provision to humanity for equitable distribution to all (55:10). And Allah is fully Informed of all your actions.
3:181 Allah has heard the taunt of those who said, "Allah is poor and we are rich!" They say this since most of the first followers of the Messengers have been indigent (11:27). We will record everything they say, just as We recorded their killing of the prophets unjustly. We shall say, "Now taste the punishment of burning.”
3:182 This, because of what you have earned with your own hands. Allah is never a tyrant over His servants.
3:183 It is they (the Children of Israel) who say, “God has taken a promise from us that we shall not believe in any Messenger unless he brings us a burnt offering.” (An animal sacrifice that a fire from the heaven shall consume, or that burning of the sacrifice shall be an ordinance). Say (O Prophet), “ Messengers before me came to you with clear Revelations, and as you claim, with burnt offering. Why then did you slay them?” (I Thessalonians ii, 15 / Matthew xxiii, 37)
3:184 If they reject you (O Messenger), remember they have rejected Messengers before you who came with clear signs, the Psalms and Divine Revelation giving Light.
3:185 Every living being shall have to taste death. On the Resurrection Day you shall be paid in full what you have earned. Whoever is drawn away from the Fire, and gets admitted to Paradise, will have gained supreme triumph. Those who consider the life of the world as the end in itself should know that it is only a comfort of self-deception. The real success depends on striving for this world and for the Hereafter (2:201, 10:63-64, 14:27).
3:186 O You who have attained belief! You will be tried in (establishing and defending the Divine System) in wealth, life, labor and resolve. You will be tested in your families, your people and in your character. You will hear much ridicule from those who were given the scripture before you, and from the idolaters. If you persevere and walk aright, this will be a confirmation of your determination.
3:187 Allah took a Covenant from those who received the Scripture, “You shall convey the Message to people and never conceal it.” But they flung it behind their backs, and traded it away for a little gain. What a miserable bargain!
3:188 (And yet they exult in that!) Think not that those who boast about their works, and love to be praised for what they have not done -- Think not, they can escape chastisement. For them is an awful suffering.
3:189 To Allah belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth. He has Power over all things and events.
3:190 In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for men and women of understanding.
3:191 Men and women of understanding keep learning how Allah’s Laws are operational in the Universe. While standing, sitting and on their sides, whatever state they are in, they observe and reflect upon the wonders of Allah's creation in the heavens and the earth, in the Highs and the Lows. They exclaim, "Our Lord! You did not create all this in vain, be You glorified! Save us from the retribution of the Fire.” As the humans harness the Universal Laws, coupled with adopting the Divine Value System, they shall move away from hell and get closer to establishing a Paradise on earth (45:13-14).
3:192 Reflecting on the Universe and upon their own role on the Planet, such people work for the betterment of humanity (13:17). They say, “Our Lord, whomever You commit to Hell, are the ones You have forsaken because they had forsaken You (59:19). For those who displace reflection with conjecture there are no helpers.”
3:193 Our Lord! We have heard a caller calling to Faith, “Believe you in your Lord!” (The caller being the Book of Nature to which these verses are drawing our attention). And we have believed. Our Lord! Grant us the protection of your forgiveness, save us from trailing behind in humanity, help us correct our inequities, and let us be among those who advanced their personality before they passed on.
3:194 They also say, “Our Lord! Since we have believed in the Messengers and tried to translate this belief into action, grant us what You promised through them. Save us from humiliation on the Day when humanity will stand on its feet, in this world and in the Hereafter. Verily, You never break Your Promise.”
3:195 And their Lord has heard them, “I never let the effort of any worker, male or female, go vain. Men and women are from one another, so their Recompense shall be equal. Those who emigrated, or were driven out of their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and fought and were slain, I shall blot their inequities. The imprints of their misdeeds on their “Self” will be erased. I shall admit them into Gardens with rivulets flowing beneath.” A Reward from Allah. And with Allah is the best Reward.
3:196 (O Prophet) Let it not deceive you that the rejecters of the Truth seem to be able to do on earth as they please.
3:197 It is but a brief enjoyment. Hell is their resting place; what a miserable bed to lie on! (They invested not in the Hereafter).
3:198 Those who walked aright as enjoined by their Lord, for them are scenic Gardens, with rivulets flowing beneath, a Gift of Welcome from their Lord. And the reward from Allah is the best for such people who have grown in humanity and eased the way for others.
3:199 Among the People of the Book are some who believe in Allah, and in that which is revealed to you, and in what was revealed to them. They humble themselves before Allah. They trade away not Allah’s Revelations for a little gain. Verily, their Reward is with their Lord and Allah is Swift in account.
3:200 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be patient in adversity, outdo others in endurance, and remain united strengthening the bond of mutual brotherhood. Be mindful of your duty to Allah and be assured that your efforts will bear fruit.

Surah 4 – An-Nisaa – The Women
[Author's note] This is the 4th Surah of the Qur'an. It has 176 verses. In general, NISAA means women in the society unless the description involves husbands. AZWAJ means spouses, ZAUJAH means wife and ZAUJ means husband. On many occasions the context will define the exact connotation these terms carry. Allama Iqbal once commented that if he were an atheist, he would have thought that the Qur’an was written by a group of women! “Women have rights over men as men have rights over women.”

Respected readers of THE QUR’AN AS IT EXPLAINS ITSELF will note that the long discussions and disputations about whether a particular Surah is Makki or Madani are totally irrelevant to the Message of the Qur’an, and so is the SHANE NUZOOL business i.e. the circumstances of Revelation. Not only these indulgences have caused differences among the commentators but they have taken up the readers’ precious time in a “vain sport”. More importantly this exercise tends to shackle the timeless Book of Allah with some event that is “reported” to have happened.
Regarding evolution it must be borne in mind again that the Process of evolution given in the Qur’an does not support every thesis in the Darwinian theory.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
4:1 The noble goal of the development of human personality can be easier achieved in a benevolent society (9:111, 16:71, 43:32, 59:9). In this situation the individual and the society complement each other (14:34). At the outset, it is imperative for you, O Mankind, to know that all of you, men and women, have a common origin. Your Lord began the creation of life at the unicellular level. There was one life cell that divided into two, male and female (6:99). Evolution took place, as has been alluded to in this Book (16:8, 20:50, 21:30, 22:45, 30:20, 31:28, 51:49). Eventually, numerous men and women came into existence on the earth. Since all of you have this common origin, you must consider all mankind as one community (10:19, 57:25). Your first step in that direction is to strengthen your family relations. Be careful of your duty to Allah in Whose Name you expect rights from one another. Allah ever Watches over you.
4:2 Orphans in the community are like your family members (33:5). Be vigilant in guarding their rights (4:127). Protect their property honestly, and give it to them when they have come of age. Exchange not their valuables with your worthless items, nor consume their property by combining it with yours; doing such would be a grave offense.
4:3 If you fear that the society shall not be able to do justice with orphans, (as may happen in times of war and political turbulence, the government shall announce a state of Emergency). In order to accommodate widows and orphans, men of sound finances and character shall be encouraged to marry these widows; two, three, and four (4:127). If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly, then you must not take additional wives, and may continue with what you already have (4:129). This will prevent injustice and financial hardship.
4:4 Upon marriage, give women their marital gifts, a generous portion of your property, unless they forgo it voluntarily. In that case you are welcome to accept it as rightfully yours.
4:5 Do not let the immature orphans manage their property that Allah has entrusted with you as guardians, until they are able to make sound financial decisions. Feed and clothe them decently, take care of all their needs and interact with them kindly.
4:6 Train and educate the orphans well. When they reach the age of marriage, and attain sound judgment, release their property to them. The marriageable age shall mean attainment of physical and mental maturity when one can legally make a solemn contract (4:21). Do not consume their property or let it be wasted. Nor hastily spend it fearing that they will come of age. If the guardian is well off, let him claim no compensation for the management of the property. But, if he is poor he may have a just and reasonable amount. When you are releasing the property to the orphans be sure to take witnesses. Remember that Allah is Competent in taking account.
4:7 Men get a share of what the parents and near relatives leave behind. Women get a share of what the parents and near relatives leave behind. Women have the right to own property (4:12). Whether the inheritance is small or large, these shares have been ordained as a duty.
4:8 If at the time of distribution of the inheritance, relatives, orphans, and the needy are present, give them from it and treat them kindly.
4:9 The distribution of inheritance must be done responsibly and according to Law. Treat others, as you would like to be treated. You will never want injustice to be done to your children, if you leave them behind. In matters such as these, speak clearly and straight to the point.
4:10 Those, who unjustly consume the wealth of orphans, are filling their bellies with fire and will be exposed to burning Flame.
4:11 Preparing a will is a duty ordained (2:180). Allah decrees a will for the benefit of your children.
- (Since the sons have the responsibility to take care of the family, and daughters will be cared for by their husbands, or if unmarried, by other males in the family), sons get twice the share of daughters.
- If two, or more, daughters are the only inheritors, they get two-thirds.
- If only one daughter is left, she gets one-half.
- If the deceased has left any children, then parents get one-sixth each.
- If there are no children, and parents are the only heirs, the mother gets a third and the father gets two-thirds, since the male has the fiscal responsibility of the family.
- If the deceased has left brothers or sisters, the mother gets one-sixth and the father gets one third.
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Remember, this distribution shall take place after fulfilling the will if the deceased has left one, and after paying off all debts. As for your parents and your children, you know not which of them is more deserving of benefit from you. Such is the Ordinance from Allah. Verily, Allah is Omniscient, Wise.
4:12 Additionally:
- If a couple had no children, the husband gets half of what the wife leaves behind.
- If they had children, the husband gets one-fourth.
- If they had no children, then the wives get one-fourth of what the husband leaves behind.
- If they had children then the wife gets one-eighth.
- If a man or a woman, whose inheritance is in question, was a loner, in the sense of leaving behind no ascendants or descendants, but leaves behind a sister and a brother, each of them gets one-sixth of the inheritance. If there are more than two siblings, they equally share one-third of the inheritance.
- For a deceased who has no living parents, see 4:176, 4:177.
The above applies after fully satisfying the will, and after paying of all debts, so that no one's rights are infringed upon. This is the Will decreed by Allah who is All-Knowing, Clement.
4:13 Protection of life, honor and property is the springboard of a vibrant social order. It is the pre-requisite for freedom, equality and character building to the point of self-actualization (4:24, 5:32, 13:24, 17:32, 38:52, 69:21, 89:27). Allah has drawn Boundaries of Law to help you safeguard this crucial pre-requisite. Those who refrain from trespassing these Boundaries are the ones who have obeyed the Divine System established by the Messenger. They shall be admitted to the everlasting Promised Garden that has all the aesthetic elegance that the human mind could ever imagine. That is the Supreme Success.
4:14 Conversely, those who disobey Allah and the Messenger by going against the Divine System established by the Messenger, trespass the Boundaries of the Divine Law and they will be admitted into an everlasting Fire of humiliation and regret.
4:15 Protection of honor and chastity for men and women, both, is the cornerstone of a virtuous society (17:32, 4:24). If any woman or a group of women spread sexual immorality or lewdness in the society, it is required that the appropriate court takes four honorable and reliable witnesses. If their testimony corroborates with other evidence (12:26), confine them to their houses, since immorality is as contagious as good conduct. This confinement would be for an indefinite period, unless such women seek the Way of Allah, such as repentance and amendment, or the singles among them get honorably married.
4:16 If a couple spreads such immorality or lewdness in the society, both of them shall be punished by the appropriate court of law. If they repent and amend, leave them alone. Allah is the Acceptor of repentance, Merciful.
4:17 Allah graciously accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance, and then return quickly to the right conduct. Allah turns to them in Mercy. He is the Knower, the Wise.
4:18 The forgiveness is not for those who commit transgressions until death comes to one of them and he says, “ Behold, I repent now.” (They have no time to make mends). Nor is the forgiveness for those who die as deniers of the Truth. We have prepared an awful suffering for them.
4:19 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! It is not lawful for you to force women into marrying or holding on to them in marriage against their will. Pressuring women to remain in wedlock by threatening to take away the marital gift is forbidden. A wife could forfeit the right to the marital gift only if she has indulged in clear lewdness. You shall treat your wives nicely. Even if you dislike them, it may happen that Allah has placed much good in what you have failed to realize.
4:20 If you wish to marry another wife in place of your present wife, and you have given her a great deal, you shall not take back anything. Would you take it back by way of slander, a transgression that shall sink your "Self" down?
4:21 And how could you take the marital gift back from her after you have lived intimately with each other and after she has taken from you a very Solemn Pledge of the marital contract?
4:22 Marry not women whom your fathers have ever married, except what has already happened in the Age of Ignorance. Doing such was a shameful and abominable custom indeed.
4:23 The following women are prohibited for you in marriage: Your mothers, daughters, sisters, father's sisters, mother's sisters, brother's daughters, sister's daughters, foster-mothers who have ever nursed you, foster-sisters, your wives' mothers, your step-daughters unless you have divorced their mother without being intimate with her. Also forbidden are women who have ever been the wives of your sons. You are not allowed to keep two sisters in wedlock at one time except what has already happened in the past. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
4:24 Also forbidden to you are women who are already married, except those women who have sought asylum with you against their disbelieving husbands at war with you (60:10). This is Allah’s Ordinance binding upon you. All other categories are permitted for you in marriage, with mutual consent, as confirmed by giving her a generous marital gift or dowry. You shall seek them in honest wedlock and let marriage be a fortress of chastity for the husband and wife. You shall maintain morality and go not near adultery (17:32). You like to marry women for a better quality of life, so give them their portions as a duty. And there is nothing wrong in adjusting the sum with mutual agreement after the duty has been done. These Laws are given to you by Allah, the Knower, the Wise.
4:25 (As the Qur’an is being revealed to you (O Messenger), the emancipation of the slaves, male and female, is steadily taking place). A man among you who cannot find a free believing woman willing to marry him, should have no hesitation in asking the hand of a believing maiden from her guardian. Allah knows your beliefs and reiterates that all human beings are equal in the Sight of Allah (17:70). Pay them a generous marital gift in kindness. They shall maintain moral behavior, by not committing adultery, or having secret relations. Since their upbringing has been deficient in the environment of slavery, their punishment will be half that of the free women, if they commit indecency after marriage. The permission to marry a bonded woman is for him who fears to commit sin. The better recourse is freeing her first from bondage. Men and women must be patient and exercise self-control while waiting to get married. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
4:26 Allah would explain to you and guide you by the examples of those who were before you, and turn to you (in Mercy). And Allah is Knower, Wise.
4:27 Allah turns to you in kindness, while those who follow their desires want that you drift far away from the right path. (They would rather have no laws to constrain their desires).
4:28 Allah wishes to lighten your burden with His Guidance. The human being is created weak, having the tendency to fall victim to his own selfish desire (7:17, 25:28-29).
4:29 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Consume not one another's wealth wrongfully, not even in mutually agreed trade. Be just in your trade and cause not people to suffer losses. Do not destroy one another, and thus do not destroy your “Self”. Allah is Merciful to you so you must be merciful to others." (“Illa” here means ‘not even’ and not ‘except’). (2:188, 26:181).
4:30 After such clear Guidance, people and nations that indulge in transgressions and injustice, shall form a society that shall easily burn itself according to Our Law of Requital. And the eternal Fire is not far off either.
4:31 If you refrain from the great transgressions against humanity that are prohibited in the Qur’an i.e. violation of human rights, We have room in Our Laws to remove the slight inequities in your society, and admit you through the gate of honor in this world and the Hereafter.
4:32 Covet not the qualities bestowed upon others by Allah. Men shall earn what they do and women shall earn what they do. Men excel in some areas and women excel in some areas. Envy not one another but seek Allah’s bounty to the best of your abilities. Allah is ever Knower of all things.
4:33 We have ordained the writing of wills, and for each of you are the designated shares in the property left by the parents and the relatives (4:11-12-33-176). As for those to whom you have solemnly pledged, give them in your life. Allah is Witness over all things and events.
4:34 Men are the protectors and maintainers of women. They shall take full care of women with what they spend of their wealth. Allah has made men to excel in some areas and women to excel in some areas. Men must see to it that women are provided for, and that they are able to stand on their feet in the society. So, righteous women are obedient to Allah’s Ordinances and guard their moral values even in privacy, the Values that Allah Commands to be guarded. If you experience rebellion from women, and they stand up against you, apprise them of possible consequences. Next, leave them in their resting places apart from you. And keep admonishing them with examples that they stop rebelling. If they pay heed to you, seek not a way against them. Allah is Most High, Great.
[‘Nushooz’ = to stand up 2:259, 58:11; to stand up against, to rebel / ‘wa’az’ = to apprise of consequences 2:231, 3:66 / ‘dharb’ = example 13:17, 16:74, 36:13; ‘dharb’ = to stop 18:11, 43:5].
4:35 (Families and communities must adopt a proactive approach regarding a husband and a wife in discord). If you fear a breach between a husband and wife, appoint two arbiters, one from his family and one from her family. If they decide to reconcile, Allah will help them get together. Verily, Allah is Knower, Aware. (2:228-234, 4:3, 4:19, 4:35, 4:128, 33:49, 58:1 65:1-4).
4:36 Obey Allah and associate no partner with Him.
- Treat kindly your parents, relatives,
- The orphans,
- And those who have been left alone in the society.
- Take care of the needy,
- The disabled,
- Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs,
- And those whose businesses have stalled,
- And those who have lost their jobs.
- You shall treat kindly your related neighbors,
- And unrelated neighbors,
- Companions by your side in public gatherings,
- Or public transportation.
- Be generous to the needy wayfarer,
- the homeless son of the street,
- and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition.
- Be nice to people who work under your care.
Allah does not love the proud and boastful.
4:37 Those who are stingy and advise others to be stingy, and hide what Allah has given them of His Bounty, for such ungrateful disbelievers We have prepared a humiliating punishment.
4:38 They give money to charity only to show off, and do not believe in Allah and the Last Day. Such people have taken Satan, their selfish desire, as their intimate companion. What a terrible companion indeed!
4:39 What have they to fear if they believe in Allah and the Last Day and spend of what Allah has given them? Allah is ever Aware of them.
4:40 Allah wrongs not anyone even the weight of an atom; and He multiplies a good deed, and from His Own Presence grants a great reward.
4:41 How will it be with them when (on the Resurrection Day) We bring of every community a witness, their Prophet(10:47), and We bring you (O Messenger), a witness against these, of your community? (2:143).
4:42 On that Day, those who denied the Truth and paid no heed to the Messenger will wish that they were level with the ground. But not a single utterance or event could they hide from Allah.
4:43 (Those who attain belief shall promptly establish the Divine System in the community, and the Masjid would assume the role of the community center. The believers will assemble in the Masjid for prayer, and to address social welfare and community action). O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Join not the Salat congregation if your mind is beclouded for any reason, until you understand what you utter, else you might say senseless words that disturb the assembly. Physical cleanliness contributes to moral purity. So, take a bath after ceremonial impurity. If you are traveling, or are ill, or coming from the privy, and cannot find water, take a little clean sand or earth and lightly rub your faces and hands, before entering the Masjid. (This will help you prepare psychologically for the assembly 5:6). Allah pardons and absolves your imperfections.
4:44 Have you noted those who were given a portion of the Scripture but they purchased error for petty gains. (They fell for man-made books). They desire that you do the same and thus stray from the Right Path.
4:45 Allah knows your enemies. (He shows you the Way to protect and help yourselves). As such, Allah is Sufficient as a Protecting Friend and Allah is Sufficient as a Helper.
4:46 Some of those who are Jews, distort words to give a different meaning. They say, "We hear and disobey,” and "Your words are falling on deaf ears,” and "Be our shepherd," and they twist their tongues to mock the DEEN. It would have been better and more upright for them to say, “We hear and obey,” and “We hear you,” and “Please watch over us and guide us.” Instead, they have incurred deprivation from the Grace of Allah due to their denial of the Truth. Few of them will embrace belief.
4:47 O You unto whom the Scripture was given! Reflect and believe in what We have revealed, that confirms the truth that you already possess, lest We efface your hopes and bring them to an end. Just as We rejected those people who broke the Sabbath. (You will lose your identity by getting scattered in the earth). Allah's Command is always done.
4:48 Allah is the Sovereign in the Universe. Whoever ascribes partners to Allah, or divinity to any of His creation, has indeed invented a tremendous sin. Allah will forgive any transgression but SHIRK. Included in this category are those who worship their own desire (45:23), those who indulge in human worship and in sectarianism (30:31, 42:21), and those who follow man-made books in lieu of the Book of Allah (6:122, 6:137), and those who claim or believe in Revelation after the Qur’an, in any form, including claims of attaining Divine knowledge through mystical experience (6:62, 7:173, 7:191). And those who uphold Trinity (4:171, 5:72-73.) And those who claim that God has a son, and those who follow their religious leaders (9:31.) Such people fall from the high station of humanity. Worshiping any entity other than Allah, sinks the human "Self" down to subhuman levels (22:31). But most of those who claim belief (and call themselves Muslims), indulge in SHIRK (12:106).
4:49 Have you seen those who claim that they have purified their souls? Purification of "Self" i.e. development of the personality can only be achieved according to the Laws of Allah, by service to humanity and not through rituals or mysticism (2:177, 13:17). In the Court of Allah, men and women shall find full recompense for their doings without the least injustice.
4:50 See, how the claimants to spiritual purity deceive people by inventing lies against Allah. That is sufficient to flagrantly drag them down in humanity.
4:51 Are you not aware of those who after receiving their share of the Book (Qur’an) believe in JIBT (baseless mysteries, magic, future-telling, astrology, clairvoyance, evil eye, good and bad omens, amulets, dreams and prophecies, palm-reading, soothsaying, superstitions of all kind, jinn-possession of people, exorcism, blowing verses and senseless words on people or in food and drink, counting names on rosaries) and they believe in TAGHOOT (the evil humans who try to play God with their tyranny or with their religious exploitation as priests and monks, mullahs and sufis of any religion)? And then they claim that they, the deniers (of the Qur’an) are better guided than the believers in the Book!
4:52 It is they whom Allah has rejected, and there is no one to help whom Allah rejects.
4:53 Do the people who make claims of divination and clairvoyance have a share in the Divine Kingdom? But if they did, they won't give humanity the speck on a date-stone. (4:124, 15:13).
4:54 Or do they envy other people whom Allah has given of His Bounty? But, Allah does not favor any nation arbitrarily. He is the Lord of all humanity (114:1). We gave the Children of Abraham the Scripture, the Law and Wisdom, and We gave them a great kingdom.
4:55 Some of the Children of Abraham have attained belief in the Prophet while others turn away from him. And enough is Hell for a burning fire.
4:56 Those who are rejecting Our Revelations and opposing the establishment of the Divine System, will soon burn in the agony of defeat. If they come with renewed preparation they will taste further chastisement. Allah is Almighty, Wise.
4:57 Those who attain belief and translate their belief into action by helping people thus creating balance in the society, We shall soon admit them to the Gardens underneath which rivers flow. They will dwell therein forever. For them are virtuous companions, and We shall make them enter the pleasing shadows of Our Grace.
4:58 Allah Commands you to entrust your offices to those who are capable, competent and sincere. They shall rule and judge equitably. Give your trusts to whom they belong. The Enlightenment from Allah is a blessing for you. He is Hearer, Seer of all that transpires in the Universe and in your society.
4:59 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, the Central Authority of the Divine System, and those whom the System has appointed as office-bearers. If you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to the Central Authority. If you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day, this is the best approach for you, and more seemly in the end.
4:60 Have you thought of those who claim that they believe in what has been revealed to you (O Prophet), as well as in what was revealed before you? Yet, they resort to TAGHOOT (priests and monks of any religion) for judgment in their differences. They had been commanded to reject them but their rebellious desire misleads them far astray.
4:61 When they are told, “Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger”, you see the hypocrites shunning him completely.
4:62 They feel ashamed when wrong decisions and judgments hurt them for their own doings. Then they come to you (O Messenger), swearing that they went to others with good and noble intentions.
4:63 Allah knows what is in their hearts. Ignore their attitude, enlighten them and speak to them in plain terms with full understanding of their viewpoints.
4:64 We have sent no Messenger but that he should be obeyed by Allah’s leave. They are not sent with hypotheses, but to show people how they can establish an equitable society, in which people flourish individually and collectively. They attain personal development and become worthy of immortal life in the Paradise (89:29). If anyone hurts his or her "Self" by transgressing His Laws, or wrongs a member of the community, he or she must come to the Messenger, the Central Authority of the System, to make mends. Sitting back at home and praying in hiding won’t help (9:102-105, 20:82, 5:10). The Messenger will then, decide the matter seeing if there is room for forgiveness in the Divine Law. Such is the Moral Order that the Messenger has inculcated in the hearts and in the society where one becomes the watcher over one's own "Self" (8:74-75, 9:100, 48:29, 59:8-9). Indeed, there is plenty of room for making mends, and for mercy in the Divine System. Allah is Acceptor of repentance, Merciful.
4:65 By your Lord, They do not really believe unless they make you (O Prophet) a judge in all their disagreements. And then find no hesitation in their hearts in accepting your judgment, and submit with full submission.
4:66 And if We had decreed for them, “Lay down your lives,” or “Forsake your homelands,” a few of them would do it. Although, if they did as was admonished, it would be for their own good, and a cause for strengthening themselves.
4:67 And then, We would give them from Our Presence an immense reward.
4:68 And would direct them straight to the Path of Paradise.
4:69 Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, belongs with those blessed by Allah: the Prophets, the first supporters of the Truth, the martyrs, and those who helped humanity. Ah! How beautiful is their company!
4:70 Such is the Bounty from Allah. And sufficient it is that Allah knows all.
4:71 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be fully prepared against danger. You shall remain alert to meet aggression. Take your precautions then mobilize in groups or all together as determined by your commander.
4:72 Among you there is he who would rather lag behind. If a setback occurs he would say, "Thank God! I was not present among them.”
4:73 But if you attain the blessing of victory from Allah, he says, as if the love between you and him was beyond question, "Oh! I wish I had been with them and could be a part of such a great victory.”
4:74 Let them fight in Allah’s Cause, all those who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoever fights in Allah’s Cause, be he slain or be he victorious, We shall soon give him an immense Reward.
4:75 What has happened to you that you fight not in the Cause of Allah? Defenseless men, women, and children are being oppressed and crying, "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors, and raise for us protectors and helpers." It is not the Law of Allah that He comes and fights in person, or sends His armies or angels physically 22:39.
4:76 Believers fight in the Cause of Allah, that is, for the removal of tyranny and in self-defense (benign aggression). And the rejecters of the Truth fight in tyranny and for their selfish desire to oppress people (malignant aggression). So fight against those friends of Satan. Verily, Satan's plan is feeble because the selfish desire fails before the Divine Law of Requital.
4:77 Have you seen those who have been told, “Curb your hands, and establish the Divine System and set up the just Economic Order?” But as soon as the Command came to fight, some of them feared men as they should have feared Allah, or even more. They say, "Our Lord! Why have You ordained fighting for us? If only You had granted us a little more delay!" Say, “Brief is the enjoyment of this world, whereas the life to come is the best for those who walk aright. None of you shall be wronged a hair’s breadth.”
4:78 Wherever you may be, death will find you, even if you live in fortified castles. When something good happens to them, they say, “It is from Allah.” And when affliction befalls them they say to each other, “This is from you O fellow-man!” Tell them, “All things happen according to Allah’s Laws.” What is amiss with these people, they understand not a thing?
4:79 Allah never creates evil. Things and events have good and evil aspects. When you act according to the Law of Allah the results are pleasant, and when you act against the Law the results are unpleasant (42:30). So whatever good happens to you is from Allah, and whatever evil happens to you is from yourself. We have sent you as a Messenger to mankind and Allah is Sufficient as Witness.
4:80 Whoever obeys the Messenger, automatically obeys Allah since he rules by the Book of Allah (5:44). But if they turn away, We have not sent you as a watcher over them.
4:81 They express verbal allegiance to the System, “It is Obedience!” But when they go away from you a party of them spends the night in planning against the Belief System you preach. They discuss ways to corrupt the Message. Allah records what they plan by night. Ignore them, go ahead with your Program and trust in Allah (6:107). Allah is Sufficient as Guardian.
4:82 Will they not then, try to understand this Qur’an? If it were from other than Allah they would surely have found in it much contradiction.
4:83 The Book of Allah provides easy and practical social guidance. There are people who spread rumors pertaining to safety or fear. Those who hear rumors shall refer the matter concerning public safety and threat, to the Messenger and the government officials. Those who are engaged in obtaining intelligence will indeed know what to do with it. Had it not been for the Bounty of Allah and His Mercy, most of you would still be following the Satanic elements.
4:84 O Messenger! Fight in the Cause of Allah. You are responsible only for your own actions. While conveying the Revelation is your prime duty, you also teach the believers wisdom, knowledge and self-development by serving humanity (2:151). Therefore, inspire the believers to overcome all fear of death. Allah may well restrain the fury of the unbelievers who are bent upon destroying the System. Allah is Strongest in Might, Strict in Restraining.
4:85 Whoever rallies to a cause that benefits people shall have a share in its blessings, and whoever rallies to a cause that creates injustice, shall be answerable for his part in it. Allah is Watcher over every thing.
4:86 Good deeds that contribute to the well being of the society begin with kindness (2:177). When someone greets you, respond with similar or more courteous greetings. Allah reckons all things. Anyone who contributes towards peace and betterment of life, do as much or better for him.
4:87 Allah! There is no god but He. He will summon all of you on the Day of Resurrection about the advent of which there is no doubt. Who can tell you a more reliable HADITH (saying) than Allah?
4:88 How could you be of two minds about the hypocrites, seeing that Allah has disowned them because of their own guilt? Can you guide anyone against Allah’s Law of Guidance? You can never find a way of enlightenment for those who violate the Divine Laws of Guidance: (Open mind, freedom from prejudice, arrogance, and blind following; use of the faculties of perception and reasoning 7:173, 7:179, 17:36, 27:80-81, 30:22, 37:113, 40:35, 56:79.)
4:89 These hypocrites wish that you reject Belief and become like them. Do not consider them friends unless they practically demonstrate that they have changed, and move along with you in the Way of Allah. But if they persist in their behavior of being with you in word, and against you in action, they are more dangerous than your open enemies. Then subdue them regardless of which group they belong to, and choose no friend or helper among them.
4:90 Fight not the hypocrites who join a people with whom you have signed a peace treaty. And fight not those who come to you wishing not to fight you or their believing relatives. Had Allah willed they could have fought against you. Therefore, if they leave you alone, and offer you peace, Allah has opened no way for you but the way of peace. Your prime duty remains the establishment and defense of the Divine Order in which there is no room for revenge (24:22).
4:91 You will find others who desire peace for their people and make peace with you. But at the slightest opportune moment they come to fight against you. If they neither leave you alone, nor offer peace, nor hold their hands, subdue them regardless of which group they belong to. In their case, Allah has given you a clear authority to fight.
4:92 It is not conceivable that a believer will slay another believer unless it be a mistake. If one kills a believer by mistake, there is the duty of freeing a believing person from bondage; may it be slavery, extreme poverty, crushing debt or oppression. And pay compensation to the victim's family unless they forgo it by way of charity. If case the victim was a believer, and belonged to a tribe who are at war with you, free a believing person from bondage. If the victim was a believer, and belonged to a tribe with whom you have a peace treaty, you should pay the compensation to his family in addition to freeing a believing person from bondage. For those who find this settlement beyond their means, two consecutive months of Abstinence, as in the month of Ramadan, are ordained by way of repentance from Allah. And Allah is the Knower, the Wise.
4:93 Whoever slays a believer intentionally, his or her maximum punishment, considering the circumstances, is capital punishment (2:178, 5:32-33). His requital shall be Hell, therein to abide, and Allah will condemn him, and reject him and prepare for him awesome suffering. (Unjust killing of any human being, regardless of color, creed, religion or sex is a grievous offense that is tantamount to slaying the entire humankind (5:32). Hence, the offender shall be punished accordingly. Intentional murder of any human being is also a crime against the State, therefore, the State would be responsible for tracing, arresting and trying the offender in a court of law. QISAS = the duty of tracing an offender for just recompense).
4:94 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you go forth in the Cause of Allah (to meet the armed challenge), use your discernment. And do not say, out of a desire for the fleeting gains of this worldly life, to anyone who offers you the greeting of peace, “You are not a believer.” For with Allah are abundant gains. Remember, once you were ignorant, and you were weak like the disbelievers are now. Allah has been Gracious to you, so be gracious to His servants (9:128, 90:17). Use your discernment. Allah is always Aware of what you do.
4:95 Those believers who sit back, except for a disability, are not equal in ranks to those who strive with their wealth and person in the Cause of Allah. Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive with their wealth and person than that granted those who remain passive. Although Allah has promised the ultimate good to all believers, yet Allah has exalted with immense reward those who strive, above the ones who sit back at home.
4:96 The higher ranks come from Him, as well as forgiveness and Grace. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
4:97 As for those who wrong their own “Self” by not striving until the angels (the Universal Laws of death) approach them, they are asked, “What kept you occupied?” They say, “We were weak and oppressed in the land.” The angels say, “ Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to migrate?” As for such, their habitation will be Hell, a miserable destination.
4:98 Exempted are the feeble, whether men or women, and children who are unable to devise a plan and to find a way out.
4:99 There is room in Allah’s Law for absolving their inabilities. Allah is indeed the Absolver of imperfections, Forgiver.
4:100 Anyone who emigrates in the Cause of Allah, will find that Allah has placed refuge and abundance in the earth. Whoever forsakes his home, as 'An immigrant to Allah and His Messenger', and death overtakes him, his reward is then incumbent upon Allah. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
4:101 When you are traveling through the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten the congregations of prayers, if you fear that the rejecters of the Truth may attack you. Verily, the rejecters are an open enemy to you.
4:102 O Messenger! When you are with them and establish the congregations of prayers for them, let some of you stand guard, and let them hold their weapons standing with you as you prostrate. Then let the other group who has not prayed take their turn praying with you, while the others stand guard and hold their weapons. The disbelievers wish to see you neglect your weapons and equipment, and ambush you once and for all. You commit no error, if you are hampered by rain or injury, by putting down your weapons. But always be fully prepared against danger. Verily, Allah has readied a humiliating suffering for those who deny the Truth.
4:103 Be mindful of Allah’s Commands whatever state you are in, standing, sitting or lying down. And when you are once again secure, establish the congregations of Salat. Joining the congregations of Salat at the times appointed by the Central Authority is a duty unto believers.
4:104 Do not show weakness in pursuing the enemy. If you suffer hardship they too suffer hardship, but you have hope to receive Allah’s reward that they cannot rightfully hope. Allah is the Knower, the Wise.
4:105 We have sent down the Book to you (O Prophet) in Absolute Truth. Rule and judge among people according to what Allah has shown you (in this Revelation). You shall not advocate for those who are known to have violated their pledges and trusts and betrayed the works assigned to them.
4:106 Pray to Allah that the betrayers and the hypocrites mend their ways and thus become worthy of forgiveness (4:81.) Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
4:107 (You may pray for their guidance but) do not plead on behalf of the people who have betrayed their own "Self". Allah loves not one who drags down his own humanity by betraying his pledges, duties and trusts.
4:108 They seek to hide from people and do not seek to hide from Allah! He is with them when they discuss and plot by night that which He dislikes. And Allah encompasses with His Knowledge all they do.
4:109 You people contend on their behalf in this world. But who will contend with Allah for them on the Resurrection Day? Or who will be their defender?
4:110 Anyone who transgresses against his or her own “Self”, then seeks Allah’s forgiveness, will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful. (The way to achieve Allah’s forgiveness is repentance, taking corrective action and doing good deeds for others 4:17, 11:114).
4:111 Whoever earns a violation against the Permanent Values given in the Qur’an does it against, and drags down, his own "Self". Allah, the Knower, the Wise imparts this information to you.
4:112 And whoever commits a fault or such violation, but throws the blame on the innocent, burdens himself with slander and a clear violation that drags the "Self" down.
4:113 But for the Grace of Allah upon you (O Prophet), a party among them were bent upon diverting you, but they only misled themselves. They cannot hurt you at all. He has given you the Law and the Logic behind it. He teaches you that which you knew not. Contrary to blind faith, the use of Reason empowers you with Conviction (12:108). The Grace of Allah upon you is Infinite.
4:114 There is no good in much of their secret conferences. Most meetings that take place behind closed doors are detrimental to humanity. However, whoever arranges meetings that discuss matters of social welfare, economic equity, human resource development, just legislation and reconciliation of conflicts seeking Allah’s Approval, We shall bestow upon him / her a great Reward.
4:115 One who opposes the Messenger, dissents and treads contrary to the way of the believers, after the Guidance has been made plain to him, We shall let him continue in his chosen direction, and expose him to Hell, a miserable destination.
4:116 Allah will not forgive SHIRK (choosing authorities besides Him) though He may forgive other transgressions according to His Law of forgiveness. Whoever commits SHIRK, has wandered far astray (4:48).

[Associating others with Allah in matters of obedience, subservience, worship and subjugation, is no less than choosing parallel authorities (114:2-3). This is an error that downgrades the human "Self" to the extent that it bars it from rising to the higher levels of self-actualization (9:113). And the “Self” then faces an Insurmountable Barrier to evolution in both lives (22:51, 79:39].
4:117 (Think how this attitude downgrades the human "Self".) Some of them stoop so low that they make seductive statues of females and worship them! In fact, they worship Satan, their selfish desire that rebels against the Divine Values.
4:118 Allah has rejected Satan for saying, “Verily, of your servants I will take my due share.” (A great many people follow their own Satans (45:23) and the clergy eats a portion from their wealth in the name of God; that is Satan’s share (9:31, 9:34).
4:119 Satan (Iblis) in allegorical terms had said, “I surely will lead them astray, I will entice them, confound them.” (2:34-36, 7:11, 15:30-32, 17:62, 18:50, 20:116, 38:74). According to Satan’s promise, these representatives of his mislead men and women away from the Qur’an, and confound them with ritualism and superstitions, such as magic, dreams, astrology, amulets, numerology, ghoul, exorcism, and vain beliefs. Marking cattle's ears, choosing red cows or black goats for specific sacrifices, are superstitions that the clergy propagates. They try to present the Laws of Allah operative in the World of Creation in a distorted fashion. They assign miracles to living or dead "saints" ignoring the Law of Cause and Effect (4:51, 4:60). Whoever befriends this handiwork of Satan, has ignored Allah. Such a person is verily a loser and his loss is manifest.
4:120 (You have seen how associating partners with Allah, and ignoring the Qur’an in favor of human dogmas, drag the "Self" down to subhuman levels.) You will find these agents of Satan dispensing paradise and hell to their followers in outright deception (false hopes and vain desires such as seventy two beauties etc.).
4:121 These custodians of man-made dogmas and their followers will have their dwelling in Hell with no EXIT signs.
4:122 On the other hand, We shall soon admit those who attain belief, and work to improve the lot of humanity, to the Gardens beneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein forever. This is the unwavering Promise of Allah; and who can be truer in word than Allah?
4:123 (The clergy have borrowed many of their dogmas from the previous nations.) But neither your wishful thinking, nor the wishful thinking of some People of the Book shall be of any avail. Whoever lives contrary to the Divine Laws, will have the recompense for it. And he or she will find, besides Allah, no protector and helper.
4:124 And whoever fulfills the needs of the people whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter Paradise. And not the least injustice will be done to them (not amounting to the ‘speck on a date-stone’ 4:53, 35:13).
4:125 Who has a better DEEN (System of Life) than the one who submits completely to Allah, and thus becomes a benefactor of humanity? Such a person is, in fact, following the Way of Abraham, the upright whom Allah chose for friend.
4:126 Unto Allah belongs all that is in the Highs and all that is in the Lows; and indeed Allah encompasses all things.
4:127 (It is imperative to realize that women are no less a part of the society. Moreover, they are the custodians of the future generations like a garden that bears flowery plants 2:223). They ask you to enlighten them further about the Laws concerning women (O Prophet). Say, “Allah Himself enlightens you about the Laws concerning them, and the Book which has been recited to you conveys the decree. (You shall be especially kind to women who are widowed, orphaned, or left helpless for any reason 2:83, 2:215, 4:3, 2:240, 8:41). You shall restore the rights of the orphaned women to whom you give not what is ordained (their due marital gifts) when you wish to marry them. And Allah decrees about helpless children, and your duty to treat orphans in a most kind manner. And whatever good you may do, behold, Allah is ever Aware.”
4:128 If a woman experiences ill-treatment from her husband or fears that he might turn away from her, there should be no hesitation in taking corrective action and resolving the matter between them amicably. Conciliation is best. Selfishness is ever present in human psyche. And if you take care to benefit each other and be mindful of Allah, verily Allah is ever Aware of all you do. (Allah, the Cognizant shows you the best way (2:228-234, 4:3, 4:19, 4:35, 4:128, 33:49, 58:1 65:1-4).
4:129 Men who have been permitted a second wife for post-war exigencies (4:3) must understand that: You will not be able to deal equally between your wives however much you wish. But turn not altogether away from one, leaving her as if in suspense between having and not having a husband. Fulfill the rights of each one of them and be mindful of Allah. Verily, Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. (Your effort is seen 53:40, and He is the Absolver of your imperfections).
4:130 If the couple separate, Allah will provide for each one of them from His Abundance. Allah is Infinite, Wise. (The Divinely Ordained System is versatile enough to accommodate all circumstances).
4:131 And to Allah belong all things in the Highs and all things in the Lows. We directed those who received the Scripture before you, and We direct you to be mindful of Allah’s Laws (so that your society operates as smoothly as the Universe is operating). And if you reject the Truth, know that all things in the heavens and all things in the earth belong to Allah. Allah is Self-Sufficient, Owner of Praise.
4:132 Unto Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. And Allah is Sufficient as Guardian (to carry through all affairs of the Universe).
4:133 If He wills, He can cause you to disappear O Mankind! And bring forth other beings in your stead. Indeed, Allah is Able to do that.
4:134 Whoever desires the reward of the world, let him know that with Allah is the reward of the world and the Hereafter. Allah is ever Hearer, Seer. (Obedience to His Commands ensures success in both worlds).
4:135 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Stand out firmly for justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents and your relatives, and whether the case is of a rich person or a poor person. Allah is nearer to them than you are; His Law comes first. Follow not your emotions lest you fall short of justice. If you distort your testimony or turn away from this Command, Allah is Aware of all your actions.
4:136 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! (and call yourselves Muslims)! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and ( the fact that He revealed) the Scripture before. (Belief to the point of Conviction can only be attained through reason and not as a birth right 12:108). One who denies Allah, and His Angels, and His Books, and His Messengers, and the Last Day, has gone far astray.
4:137 Those who believe, then disbelieve and again believe, then disbelieve, and thus grow stubborn in denial of the Truth, Allah will not forgive them, nor will He intervene to walk them through to the Way.
4:138 Give the tiding to such hypocrites that grievous suffering awaits them.
4:139 Those who ally themselves with the rejecters of the Truth instead of the believers, do they seek honor among them? All Dignity, Honor and Power belong to, and come from, Allah (3:25, 35:10, 63:8).
4:140 He has already revealed unto you in the Book that, when you hear the Revelations of Allah rejected and ridiculed, sit not with them unless they engage in some other conversation (4:63, 6:68). Otherwise you shall bear similar guilt as they bear. Allah will gather hypocrites and rejecters together, all of them, into Hell.
4:141 (The hypocrites adopt the opportunistic attitude.) They watch you and wait. If a victory comes to you from Allah, they say, “Weren’t we with you?” And if the rejecters get a portion of success, they say, “Did we not side with you and protect you from the believers?” Allah will judge between you all on the Day of Resurrection. Allah will not give the rejecters (of the Qur’an) any way of success against the true believers in the Qur’an.
4:142 The hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is Allah’s Law that such people deceive themselves (2:9). When they stand up for prayers, they do so reluctantly and only to be seen by people, and rarely do they think of Allah.
4:143 Swaying between this and that, belonging neither to these nor to those. Anyone who strays according to Allah's Law of Guidance, you will not find a way for him (Law of Guidance 4:88).
4:144 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not take the rejecters for your allies instead of the believers. Do you wish to provide a clear proof to Allah against yourselves?
4:145 Verily, the hypocrites will abide in the lowest pit of the Fire and you will find no
helper for them.
4:146 Except those who repent by returning to the Right Path and make mends and hold fast to Allah’s Guidance in all sincerity. Those are with the believers. Allah will soon grant the believers a reward of immense value.
4:147 Why should Allah punish you if you are practically grateful in spending His Bounties on others and truly believe in His Laws? Allah is Appreciative, Knower.
4:148 Allah does not love loud unpleasant speech except by one who has been wronged. Allah is ever Hearer, Knower.
4:149 If you contribute to the society, whether openly or secretly, and pardon someone’s fault, know that Allah is Pardoner, Powerful. He absolves your individual and societal imperfections, and He has appointed due measure for all things.
4:150 Those who deny Allah and His Messengers, or seek to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers, and say, “We believe in some and reject some.” (The first part of the verse refers to those who believe in God as the Creator, but not as the Law-Giver 29:61-63).
4:151 Such are the real disbelievers. And for deniers of the Truth We have readied a humiliating retribution.
4:152 And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers, in word and action, and understand that all Messengers were one in Purpose, We shall soon give them their rewards. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
4:153 (O Prophet) People of the Scripture ask you to bring a published book from the sky. They made a greater demand to Moses when they said, "Show us Allah face to face". And their psyche was such that when a bolt of lightning struck around them, they fell in fear (2:55). They had displaced the true belief with falsehood. After that, they chose the calf for worship although they had seen the Manifest Truth. Yet, We pardoned them and gave Moses evident authority (as a blessing for their guidance).
4:154 Then We made a Covenant with them at the raised Mount Sinai as a witness. We said to them, “Enter the gate of the town humbly (2:63).” And We said to them, “Do not violate the Sabbath.” Indeed We had made with them a Solemn Covenant.
4:155 They incurred condemnation for breaking their Covenant, rejecting Allah’s Revelations, and killing the Prophets wrongfully. And for saying, “Our hearts are wrapped up; we have made up our minds.” Nay, Allah's Law sets the seal on their hearts because of their persistent denial. They lost their faculties of reasoning. So they do not see the Truth, except a few.
4:156 And for their disbelief to the extent that they brought a terrible charge against Mary.
4:157 And for claiming, “We killed the Messiah Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s Messenger.” They never killed him and never crucified him. But it appeared so to them and the matter remained dubious to them. Those who hold conflicting views on this issue are indeed confused. They have no real knowledge but they are following mere conjecture. Very certainly, they never killed him.
4:158 Nay, Allah exalted him unto Himself. (They had plotted thinking that crucifixion was a death of dishonor. But Allah raised him in honor). Allah is Almighty, Wise.
4:159 Everyone among the People of the Book must believe before dying, in the truth just stated. Jesus will be a witness against them on the Day of Resurrection (that he was neither crucified nor raised to the heavens. God is not confined to the Heavens).
4:160 Due to the transgressions of the Jews We had forbidden them good things that were before allowed to them, and because of their consistent hindering from the Way of Allah.
4:161 Their clergy made usury permissible although it was forbidden, and they devoured the wealth of people with falsification. We have readied for the rejecters grievous suffering.
4:162 Among them (the Jews) are those who are well founded in knowledge. And have attained conviction in what has been revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you. They are supporters of the Divine System and of the Just Economic Order, believers in Allah and in the Last Day. We shall soon give them an immense reward. (Islam is for all humanity. Any prior affiliations are irrelevant 2:62, 3:19, 4:125).
4:163 We have sent you the Revelation as We sent it to Noah and the Prophets after him. We sent Revelations to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his progeny (the Tribes), Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon; and to David We gave the Psalms.
4:164 We sent Our Messengers to all nations with a Uniform Message. We have told you the stories of some in the Qur’an, of the others We have not. (However, all of them were assigned a Common Mission). Allah spoke the same to Moses.
4:165 All Messengers gave good news, as well as warning, so that humans won’t have an argument against God, after the Messengers conveyed to them the Guidance. Allah is Almighty, Wise.
4:166 Allah bears witness concerning what He has revealed to you. With His Own Knowledge He has revealed it. If you reflect on the Order in the Universe, you shall find that His angels, the Universal Laws, bear witness. And Allah is Sufficient Witness.
4:167 Those who deny such obvious Reality and try to hinder from the Way of Allah, have wandered far astray.
4:168 Those who indulge in such blatant denial and hinder people from Allah’s Way, are wrongdoers. They are violating one of the basic human rights i.e. that of attaining knowledge (4:167). According to the Law of Requital, they block their own way to forgiveness and guidance.
4:169 The only way the Divine Law leaves open for them is the way to Hell. And it is easy for Allah.
4:170 O People! The Messenger has come to you with Truth from your Lord. If you believe in him, it is good for you. If you deny, know that to Allah belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Allah is All Knowing, All Wise. (Following His Commands brings you to harmony with the Universe).
4:171 O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion. Say nothing about God except the truth. The Messiah Jesus son of Mary was a Messenger of Allah, the fulfillment of His Word to Mary, created according to the Laws of Creation and given free will from the Divine Energy (like all human beings 15:29, 32:7-9, 38:72). Believe in Allah and His Messengers, and say not: “Three". Cease!
It is for your own good. God is but One God. Far removed it is from His Supreme Majesty that He should have a son. Everything in the Highs and everything in the Lows belongs to Him. He is the Self-Sufficient Sustainer of the Universe (2:255).
4:172 Never was the Messiah too proud to serve Allah, nor the angels nearest to Him shy from obeying Him. Whoever shuns His service and is proud, He will assemble all unto Him.
4:173 Allah will give rewards and add of His Bounty on those who attain belief and contribute to the society. On the other hand, His Law of Requital will dispense an awful doom to those who were scornful and proud. And they will find no one besides Allah, to protect or help them.
4:174 O Humankind! There has come to you a Convincing Proof from your Lord, and We have sent unto you a profound Beacon of Light.
4:175 Allah will admit into His Grace those who believe in Him and hold fast to His Commands, and facilitate for them the Straight Road to Him.
4:176 They ask you about the inheritance of a person who is survived by neither ascendants nor descendants. If one dies and leaves no children, and he had a sister, she gets half the inheritance. If she dies first, he inherits from her if she left no children. If there were two sisters they get two-thirds of the inheritance, if there are sisters and brothers, the brother would get twice the share of the sister for reasons already explained (2:80, 4:11). Allah clarifies the Laws so that you might not go astray. Allah is the Knower of all things.

Surah 5 – Al Maaedah – The Table Spread
This is the fifth Surah of the Qur’an and it has 120 verses. (Establishment of the Divine System ensures Bounties from the Heavens on everyone’s table spread.)
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and the Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
5:1 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Fulfill your pledges and obligations. Permitted for you is the flesh of every beast that eats plants, except what is specifically forbidden in the Book. Allah has ordained that all hunting is prohibited during Hajj. Verily, Allah Ordains as He deems fit.
5:2 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not violate the symbols set up by Allah, nor the Sacred Months (2:194), nor the gifts, nor the camels for use as transport or sacrifice, nor the garlands marking them, nor the people who proceed to the Sacred Sanctuary, Ka'bah, seeking Allah's Blessings and Approval. When you have completed the Hajj, you are free to hunt. Let not your hatred of a people lead you into transgression, because they prevented you from going to the Sacred Masjid (48:25). Help one another in acts of collective benefit and in being mindful of Allah, and do not help one another in deeds that hurt humanity and in creating a wedge between people. Be mindful of Allah’s Laws. His Law of Requital is strong in grasping.
5:3 Forbidden for you (2:173) for dietary consumption are:
- Any Animal that dies of itself.
- Blood.
- The flesh of swine.
- And anything (not just meat) that has been dedicated to any other than Allah (such as an idol, grave or saint).
- Any Animal that has been strangled to death.
- Beaten to death.
- Dies by falling from height.
- Gored to death by horns.
- Animal eaten by a wild animal unless you are able to slaughter it while it is still alive.
-That which is sacrificed on altars (devotional stones or blocks in shrines considered sacred).
Also forbidden is dividing the meat through raffling and games of chance (2:219, 5:90). This Day, the rejecting opponents have given up the hope of eradicating your DEEN, System of Life. Clear distinction in matters of the Lawful and the Unlawful draws a tangible line between their ways and your way. Fear them not but fear Me. This Day, I have perfected your DEEN for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen for you Islam as the System of Life. (There is no hardship in Islam 2:185). Therefore, if one is forced by hunger to consume the Unlawful, with no intention of exceeding the limits, Allah is indeed Forgiving, Merciful.
5:4 They ask you (O Prophet) what foods are Permissible. Tell them all good things of life are Lawful to you. As for the hunting animals, the catch of your trained dogs and falcons, as Allah has taught you, is Permissible. Mention Allah's name thereupon. Always be mindful of Allah's Laws. His Law of Requital is swift in reckoning.
5:5 This Day, all good food of your choice is made Lawful for you. The food of the People of the Scripture is Lawful for you. And your food is Lawful for them. You are permitted to marry chaste women of the People of the Scripture, (provided they do not indulge in SHIRK i.e. not associate anyone with Allah 2:221). You are permitted to marry the virtuous, chaste women among the believers and the virtuous, chaste women of those who were given the Scripture before. You must give your brides a generous marital gift and live with them in honor, not in fornication as secret lovers. (It must be an honest wedlock 4:24). Anyone who rejects belief, all his work will go vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.
5:6 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you congregate for Salat, wash your faces and your forearms, hands to the elbows. Lightly rub you heads and your feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But, if you are ill or traveling, or coming from the privy, or are in a state of ceremonial impurity and find no water, then take clean sand or earth and lightly rub your faces and hands. (This will help you prepare mentally for congregational prayer 4:43). Allah does not wish to place upon you any difficulty, but to make you clean and to perfect His blessings upon you, that you be grateful.
5:7 Remember Allah's Blessing (Guidance) upon you and His Covenant binding upon you when you said, “We hear and obey” (1:4-5). Be mindful of Allah. Allah is fully Aware of what is in the hearts.
5:8 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be upholders of justice for the sake of Allah as witnesses to the truth. Let not the hatred of any people move you away from justice. Deal justly. That is closer to being upright. Be mindful of your duty to Allah. Verily, Allah is fully Aware of what you do.
5:9 Allah promises the protection of forgiveness and a Great Reward to those who attain belief and do works that fulfill the needs of people and augment the being of society.
5:10 On the other hand are those who reject Our Revelations openly, or deny them in action. They are the companions of the Insurmountable Barrier. (“Selves" that fail to develop, are unfit to move up to the higher levels of existence, so they merely survive instead of achieving true immortality 69:27).
5:11 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Remember the Blessing of Allah. There were people who had aggressive designs against you but He withheld their hands from you. (Due preparation against danger is a strong deterrent 4:71, 8:60). Remain mindful of Allah’s Laws. Then, in Allah let believers put their trust.
5:12 Indeed Allah made a Covenant with the Children of Israel. We appointed twelve leaders among them. Allah said to them, "I am with you so long as you follow the Divine Commands, spend your wealth for the community, believe in My Messengers, assist them, and give a beautiful loan to Allah (that is paid back to you manifold in both lives 2:261). I will absolve your imperfections, help you create balance in the society and admit you to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath. But, whoever among you disbelieves after this, will go astray from the Right Path."
5:13 When they broke their Promise, We rejected them and Our Law caused their hearts to harden. So, now they change words from their context and ignore a good part of the Message, forgetting what they were told to bear in mind. (O Prophet) You will not cease to discover betrayal from all but a few of them. Pardon them and forbear. Allah loves those who are kind, benefic.
5:14 We also made a Covenant with those who say, “We are Christians.” But they ignored a good part of the Message that was sent to them and forgot what they were told to bear in mind. As a result, Our Law has caused enmity and hatred among them till the Resurrection Day, when Allah will inform them of what they contrive. (Rivalry based upon Sectarianism and Nationalism, a natural consequence of deviating from the True Message, whether people call themselves Jews, Christians or Muslims).
5:15 O People of the Book! Now has come to you Our Messenger, to make clear to you much of what you have been concealing from yourselves and others. He ignores much of the irrelevant accounts and pardons much of your misdeeds. Now has come to you from Allah a Beacon of Light and a Clear Book.
5:16 Through this Book Allah guides to paths of Peace, those who seek His Approval. He brings them out of darkness into the Light of His Grace, and guides them to the Straight Path.
5:17 They indeed have denied the Truth who say, “God is the Messiah, son of Mary.” Say, "Who could oppose God if He willed to annihilate the Messiah son of Mary, and his mother and everyone on earth, all of them?" Allah’s is the Dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He creates all things according to His Laws. And Allah has Power over all things and events.
5:18 Jews and Christians say, "We are God's children and his loved ones". Ask them "Why does He then, task you to retribution for your transgressions?" Nay, you are but human beings of His creating. He forgives and punishes according to His Laws. The Dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is in between them, belongs to Allah. To Him is the Final Destination of all.
5:19 O People of the Scripture! Our Messenger has come to you, to make the Truth clear, after an interval without Messengers. Lest you say, “No Messenger came to us to give good news and to warn.” Now has come to you the giver of glad tiding and warning. Allah has Power over all things and events.
5:20 Moses told his people, “Remember Allah's Blessings that He raised Prophets among you and made you your own masters. And He gave you what He had not given to any other peoples.”
5:21 “Enter the Sacred Land that Allah has decreed for you as long as you hold fast to His Laws. But, if you turn back in flight, you will be overthrown to your own ruin.” (Sacred Land = Canaan = Palestine, 2:125, 6:137, 12:58, 12:94, 21:71, 23:50, 26:59, 29:26, 30:3, 44:3, Introduction to Surahs: 12, 14, 19).
5:22 They said to Moses, "In this land are ferocious people. Never shall we enter it until they leave. If they leave, than we will enter.”
5:23 Then two men who feared violating Allah’s Command, and whom Allah had blessed, said, “Enter the gate daringly, and you will be in command of the situation and will be victorious. Put your trust in Allah if you are believers.” (The two men were Joshua and Caleb. Bible; Numbers xiv, 6-30).
5:24 They said, "O' Moses! We shall never enter the land while they are in it. You and your Lord should go and fight, while we sit here.”
5:25 Moses said, "My Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, allow us to part ways from those who keep drifting away from the Commands.”
5:26 Their Lord said, “This land will be forbidden for them for forty years. They will wander in the earth, bewildered. So grieve not over these people who keep drifting away from the Right Path.”
5:27 [Among mankind there always have been those who submit and those who transgress. The Children of Israel enjoyed great Divine Blessings, but for their repeated transgressions they were chastised (2:259, 17:5-6) and Allah’s Bounty of Prophethood, in His Infinite Wisdom, moved away from the Children of Israel to the Children of Ishmael, among whom was raised Muhammad, the Final Prophet and Messenger of Allah. The dire opposition of Jews and Christians to the Final Messenger is now alluded to, in the following verses, in reference to the famous story of the two brothers, Abel (Haabil) and Cain (Qaabil)]. (O Messenger) Tell them the true story of the two descendants of Adam. Each of them made an offering, and they thought that it was accepted from one of them, but not from the other. The latter, out of jealousy, said, " Surely I will kill you.” The former said, “Allah accepts every action of the righteous like an accepted offering.”
5:28 “If you extend your hand to kill me, I won't extend my hand against you to kill you. I fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
5:29 “I would rather have you carry two sins. First, of slaying me, and second, of slaying the person inside you, and be among the dwellers of the Fire. That is the reward for the wrongdoers.”
5:30 His ego led him into killing his brother. He killed him and became a loser.
5:31 Allah then sent a raven scratching up the soil, to allude to him that he might have concealed and ignored the imperfections of his brother. He said, “Oh, I failed even to be like this raven to conceal my brother’s imperfections!” Then he became full of regrets. (‘Sauaat’ = Imperfections, faults 7:20-22)
5:32 On that account, We decreed to the Children of Israel the Eternal Moral Ordinance for all humanity (2:178) that whoever kills a human being, unless it is in the course of justice for murder or bloody crimes on the earth, it shall be as if he killed all mankind. And whoever saves one life it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. Our Messengers came to people with clear Truth, yet many of them continued to transgress in the earth.
5:33 The just punishment for people who make war on Allah and His Messenger and commit bloody crimes on earth, is being dispensed by the Divine Law of Requital. They are being slain, crucified, immobilized in great numbers, or are being entirely banished from the face of the earth. Such is their disgrace in this world, and an awful suffering awaits them in the Hereafter.
(The use of present tense in this verse indicates that it is not a decree of Law. In 7:124 the use of ‘qat’a’ pertains to a threat in the future tense, and then it emanates from Pharaoh, tyranny personified. Only the Divine System of life can ensure peace and security in the world 2:27, 2:257, 3:147, 4:125, 26:89).
5:34 Unless the corruptors repent before you become more powerful than they are. (Peace will prevail when you believers become more powerful than the criminals). Know that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
5:35 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be mindful of Allah and seek to come closer to Him by obeying His Commands, and strive hard in His Cause so that you may truly prosper.
5:36 (Those who reject the Revelation, exclude themselves from taking part in the establishment of the Ideal Society). If the rejecters possessed everything on earth and twice as much, and offered it as ransom to spare them from the retribution on the Day of Resurrection, it will not be accepted from them. For them is a painful doom.
5:37 They will wish to come out of the Fire, but they will not be able to come out of it. Theirs will be a lasting punishment.
5:38 (Theft is a crime that steals away the sense of security from a society). A habitual thief, male or female, must have their ability (to steal) cut off. This is the reward for their doings, and a deterrent from Allah. Allah is Almighty, Wise.

[For QAT’A, the so-called cutting of hands, please see 12:31. ‘Yadd’ = Hand = Ability. ‘Allah’s hand’ at many places in the Qur’an, of course, denotes His Power and Authority. So, consider all circumstances with wisdom, and take measures to prevent this crime in the society]

5:39 Whoever repents after the crime and makes amends, surely, Allah grants him pardon. Verily, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (If the hands are cut off, where are the making amends, pardon and mercy?)

5:40 Do you not know that Allah’s is the Dominion of the heavens and the earth? He is the Law-giving Authority. He punishes and forgives according to His Law of Requital. Allah has Control over all things and He has appointed due measure for all things.
5:41 O Messenger! Let not those grieve you who run to disbelief, saying, “We believe,” from their mouths, while their hearts do not believe. And grieve not about those Jews who listen only to fabricate lies. They listen and go to their folk who have never met with you. Then they distort the words out of context and tell others to accept only a part and reject a part. You can do nothing to help those who decide to go astray. Guidance and straying depend upon the Laws of Allah (4:88). Allah does not intervene to purify the hearts of such people. For those who go astray, there is disgrace in this world and an awful punishment in the Hereafter.
5:42 They are upholders of falsehood and they make wealth by unfair means. They get bribed into spying. If they come to you asking to judge among them, the choice to accept or reject their request is yours. You have the right to disclaim jurisdiction since they have not yet accepted the Qur’an and they have the Torah. If you disclaim jurisdiction they cannot harm you at all. However, if you decide to judge among them, do so equitably. Allah loves the equitable.
5:43 Why do they ask you to act as a judge among them when they have the Torah, containing Allah's Law and they disregard it? They are not believers.
5:44 We did send down the Torah containing guidance and a light. By it the Prophets who always sincerely submitted to Allah, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests judged according to Allah’s Scripture as they were commanded to observe. For to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book, and they were witnesses to it. So, fear not people, but fear Me and do not trade away My Revelations for petty gains. Whoever does not judge and rule according to what Allah has Revealed, such are the disbelievers.
5:45 For Jews, We had decreed in the Torah, "Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and equal injury for injury". If one forgoes retaliation by way of charity, it shall absolve his or her imperfections. Whoever does not judge or rule according to what Allah has Revealed, such are the wrongdoers. (The Final Revelation of Allah, the Qur’an has updated Laws for all humanity for all Times. Exodus in the Bible does not leave room for forgiveness on the subject).
5:46 And after them We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming the Divine Origin of what was revealed before him. We gave him the Gospel in which there was guidance and a light, and it confirmed the Divine Origin of what was revealed before it in the Torah, a guidance and admonition to those who wished to live upright.
5:47 Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. Those who fail to judge according to Allah's Revelation are drifters from the Right Path.
5:48 To you (O Messenger) We have sent the Book in Sure Truth confirming the Divine Origin of whatever Scripture was before it. The Qur’an is the Watcher over the old Scriptures and guards the Truth in them. So, Judge between people by that which Allah has revealed to you and follow not their wishes away from the Truth that has come to you. Now has come to all of you the Divine Law, and a traced-out Way. If Allah had willed, He could have made all of you humans a single people. But, He decided to let you choose your own path after showing you the Truth, and thus test yourselves. Outdo one another in actions that serve humanity and thus grow your “Self”. To Allah is your final Destination, of all of you. Then He will make you understand where you differ.
5:49 Rule and judge between people by what Allah has revealed. Do not follow their desires giving in to their demands, lest they divert you from what Allah has revealed to you. If they turn away from the Ultimate Truth, know that Allah’s Law of Requital is going to chastise them for trailing behind in attaining belief and for their previous transgressions. A great many people choose to drift away from the Right Path.
5:50 Do they want to turn back to the Ways of Ignorance? Who can provide more equitable rules than Allah to a people who have attained Conviction in the Truth?
5:51 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! (Since they deny the Final Revelation that is the Constitution of your state). Do not take the Jews and Christians as your allies. They are allies one to another. He among you who takes them for allies is one of them. Allah does not guide those who displace Command with desire.
5:52 You will see those who harbor doubt in their hearts running to them saying, “We fear that a change of fortune may befall us.” But, Allah will bring you victory, or His Command will come to pass and they will regret what they harbored in their hearts.
5:53 The believers will then wonder: "Are these the same people who swore by Allah that they were with the believers?" Eventually, all their deeds will go to waste and they will be great losers.
5:54 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! If you revert from your DEEN Allah will bring in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind to the believers, and stern with the rejecters. They will strive in the Cause of Allah without fear of any blame. Such is the Bounty of Allah that He gives according to His Laws. He is Infinite, All Knowing.
5:55 Your real friends and protectors are Allah, His Messenger and those believers who establish the Divine System, set up the equitable Economic Order and humble themselves before Allah's Commands.
5:56 Those who ally themselves with Allah and His Messenger and the believers, belong in the party of Allah. Absolutely they are the victorious.
5:57 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not take for allies, some of the people who were given the Scripture before you, and the rejecters who mock and ridicule your Religion. Be mindful of Allah’s Commands if you are indeed believers.
5:58 When you call to prayer, they mock at it and make a jest of it, simply because they are a people who do not use reason. (They know not that the call with its clearest Mission Statement is unique in the world and speaks volumes of the conviction behind it).
5:59 Say, "O People of the Scripture! Do you not blame us because we believe in God, and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed before? And because most of you are drifting away from the Right Direction?”
5:60 Say, “Shall I point out to you something much worse for retribution with Allah? Worse is the case of those whom Allah has rejected, and His Law of Requital hits them. And whom Allah’s Law relegated from the honorable stature of humanity and they started behaving like apes and swine (2:65). And they fell into becoming the slaves of TAGHOOT (tyrants and the priesthood of any religion 4:51). Such are in worse plight, and farther astray than the mockers.”
5:61 When they come to you O believers, they say, "We believe". In fact they come in disbelief and depart in disbelief. Allah knows best what they conceal.
5:62 You will see many of them race towards actions that drag down the human potential, create division in the society and they earn wealth through illicit means. Indeed condemnable is what they do.
5:63 Why don't the rabbis and the priests forbid them from their down-grading assertions and illicit earnings? Indeed condemnable is what they manufacture. (A great many religious leaders, rabbis, priests, monks, mullahs, yogis, and mystics devour the wealth of people deceptively, and hinder them from the Way of Allah 9:34).
5:64 (The Divine System wants people to contribute to the society.) The Jews say, "Allah's hand is tied down." It is their hands that are tied down. Their uttering deprives them of Allah's Grace. His hands are wide open and He showers His Bounties according to His Laws. (O Prophet) Since the Revelation given to you by your Lord brings about a Benevolent Revolution in the society, people with vested interests hate it. Many of them plunge deeper into transgression and disbelief. Consequently, Our Law has sent down into their hearts and ranks animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Allah has put down the flames of war that they repeatedly ignited. They try to create corruption and disorder in the land and Allah does not love the corruptors.
5:65 If the People of the Scripture would believe in the Qur’an and be mindful of the Divine Laws, We would remit their sins from them and admit them into the Gardens of Bliss.
5:66 Had they stood fast by the Torah and the Gospel, and all the Revelation that was sent to them by their Lord, they would receive the blessings of the heavens and the earth. Among them are people who are moderate, but a great many of them follow a course that is evil.
5:67 O Messenger! Make known all that your Lord has revealed to you. If you do it not, then you have not fulfilled your duty of conveying His Message at all. Allah will protect you from people. Remember that Allah does not step in to guide those who refuse to acknowledge the Truth.
5:68 Say, "O People of the Scripture! You have no valid ground for your beliefs unless you uphold the Torah and the Gospel and all that has been revealed to you from your Lord." (The Truth in them has been incorporated into the Final Revelation). Yet all that has been revealed to you (O Prophet), by your Lord is bound to make many of them more stubborn in their arrogance and denial of the Truth. But grieve not for the disbelieving folk.
5:69 Those who attain belief (and call themselves Muslims) and those who are Jews, and the agnostics, and Christians; whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, and helps people, for them shall be no fear from without, nor shall grief touch them from within. [ Verily, those who attain belief (and call themselves Muslims), and those who are Jews, and Christians and the agnostics, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and helps people, shall have their reward with their Sustainer. For them there shall be no fear from without, nor shall grief touch them from within. (2:62)
Note: Dear reader, I am not aware of any instance in the Qur’an where the use of TASREEF, the Big Picture could be more crucial than in the understanding of these verses, 2:62, 5:69. Respectfully speaking, some great commentators have misinterpreted this verse for not looking at other related verses. Please read on the Tasreef.
It is inconceivable that those who deny the Truth, whether they are the People of the Book or the idolaters, could get out of error till the Clear Proof Al-Qur’an comes to them (98:1-3).
-------- The non-Israelite Prophet liberates the People of the Book from the shackles of their man-made dogmas and brings them from darkness to Light ------------------ (7:157).
They say, “Be Jews or Christians, then you will be rightly guided.” Say, “Nay, we follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He associated no one with the One True God.” And Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian (2:135).
O you who believe, say, “We believe in Allah and the Revelation that has been conveyed to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob as well as the tribal Israelite Prophets; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among them since all of them were one in Purpose and they got their guidance from the One True God. And for Him, we are Muslims (2:136).”
So, if they come to believe in the way you believe, they will be rightly guided. But if they turn away, they will be falling into opposition and Allah will be Sufficient for you against them. He is the Hearer, Knower of all things and events (2:137). ]
5:70 We made a Covenant with the Children of Israel to follow the Commandments, and sent Messengers to them. Whenever We sent a Messenger to them with anything that clashed with their desires, some of them they rejected, and some they even killed.
5:71 They persisted in their violations thinking they could escape requital. As a consequence, they became blind and deaf to reason. But, there is plenty of room for forgiveness in Allah’s Law. They took corrective actions and attained Allah's Mercy. Yet again, a great many of them faltered and fell blind and deaf. Allah is Seer of what people do.
5:72 Rejecters of the Truth certainly are those who proclaim that God is Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah himself taught them, "O Children of Israel! You shall worship God, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever associates deities with Allah, for such Allah has forbidden Paradise and their abode is the Fire. For those who displace Truth with falsehood there will be no helpers.
5:73 And surely they disbelieve who say that God is one of three in a Trinity when there is no god whatever but the One God. Unless they desist from saying what they say, grievous suffering is bound to befall such of them as are bent upon denying the Truth.
5:74 Will they not rather turn to Allah and seek His forgiveness? For Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
5:75 The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a Messenger, like other Messengers before him who passed on. And his mother was a woman of truth. Both of them were human beings who had to eat food (like all other mortals). See how clearly We explain Our verses for them and note how they keep wandering in thought!
5:76 Say, “Would you worship in place of Allah that which possesses no power of harm or benefit to you?” Allah it is who is the Hearer, the Knower.
5:77 Say, “O People of the Book! Do not overstep the bounds of Truth in your religious beliefs. And do not follow the errant views of people who have gone astray long before, and led a great many others astray, and those who are still straying from the Even Way.
5:78 Those Children of Israel who were bent upon denying the Truth have already been condemned by the tongue of David and of Jesus, son of Mary. This because they rebelled and persisted in overstepping the bounds of what is right.
5:79 They restrained not one another from violating the Divine Values. Miserable indeed was their behavior.
5:80 Even now you see many of them allying themselves with the rejecters. Miserable indeed is what they send forth for their “Self”. Allah is displeased with them and in the doom will they abide forever.
5:81 If they had believed in Allah and the Prophet, and that which is revealed to him, they (the People of the Scripture) would not ally themselves with the rejecters. But a great many of them are drifting away from the Truth.
5:82 (O Prophet) You will find the most vehement of mankind in hostility to the believers to be the Jews and the idolaters. Closer in affection to the believers you will find those who say, "We are Christians." That is because there are among them priests and monks and because they are not given to arrogance.
5:83 When they listen to what has been revealed to the Messenger, you (O Prophet) see their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the Truth. They say, "Our Lord! We accept it, so count us among the witnesses.
5:84 "Why should we not believe in Allah and that which has come to us of the Truth when we so fervently desire that Our Sustainer count us among the righteous?"
5:85 Allah has instantly rewarded them for saying this, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever. That is the reward of the doers of good.
5:86 Whereas those who reject the Truth and belie Our Revelations, are companions of the Insurmountable Barrier. (Their “Self” faces ‘Jaheem’, a great hindrance to actualization.)
5:87 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not deprive yourselves of the good things of life that Allah has made Lawful to you. But commit no excesses. Allah does not love those who exceed the limits. (Self-mortification by ascetics, monks and mystics is not the way to ‘purify’ a ‘soul’).
5:88 Thus, partake of the Lawful, good things that Allah grants you as sustenance. And be conscious of Allah, in Whom you are believers.
5:89 Allah will not call you to account for vain utterances of your oaths. He will hold you accountable for your deliberate and intentional oaths. If you violate such oaths, that would be a transgression against your ‘Self’. The expiation for that if you have violated an oath is: Feeding ten needy persons of what is standard for your own family, or the clothing them. Or, freeing one human being from bondage, whether it is slavery, extreme poverty, heavy debt, or oppression. If you do not have the means to do so, then observe Abstinence for three days, as in Ramadan. This is the expiation of your intentional oaths. But be mindful of your oaths. Allah explains His Messages, so that you might have cause to be grateful.
5:90 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Intoxicants, gambling and games of chance, sacrificing animals on stones i.e. altars of idols and idolatrous practices, and divining of the future by such means as arrows, raffles and omens, is all Satan's handiwork. Refrain from it that you may prosper.
5:91 By means of intoxicants and games of chance Satan, your rebellious and selfish desire, excites you to enmity and hatred among you and hinders you from being conscious of Allah and following the Divine System. Will you not then abstain?
5:92 You shall obey Allah and the Messenger, the Divine System that the Messenger has established, and be careful in this regard. If you turn away, it will be to your own detriment. Know that the duty of Our Messenger is just to convey the Message clearly.
5:93 Those who have believed and do works fruitful to the society, bear no guilt for what and how they eat and drink and partake (of the Lawful). Provided they augment their belief to the point of conviction and cease not helping the needy, and benefiting humanity. Allah loves the benefactors of humanity.
5:94 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! During Hajj, Allah may let you test your belief in privacy with some game or someone else’s wandering livestock within easy reach of your hands and your arrows. Refrain from hunting it. Whoever crosses the limits after this, will face an awful requital.
5:95 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not kill animals of game while you are in the state of Pilgrimage. Whoever kills it intentionally, must send a Permissible domestic animal to the Ka’bah, as a gift for the needy. Two equitable persons will decide what domestic animal is equivalent to the game animal that was killed. They must ensure that the offering reaches the Ka’bah (for use by the needy pilgrims 22:28). Or for expiation, feed some poor persons at a cost equal to the cost of the animal. If someone has no means to do that, then Abstinence (for three days as in Ramadan. Three days of Abstinence would equal feeding ten poor persons (5:89). Allah has pardoned past violations. An appropriate court shall punish those who persist in violating this Law. Allah is Almighty, Able to requite.
5:96 Lawful to you is all water-game, the game of the sea and its food whether they are found in the sea, river, lake, or pond or jump out of them. This is decent provision for you and for those who are traveling to Hajj by sea. Do not pursue land-game during Pilgrimage. Be mindful of Allah to Whom you will be summoned.
5:97 Allah has appointed the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, a Standard for mankind, the Sacred Months (2:194), the gifts for pilgrims, and the offerings marked with garlands. Know that Allah is fully Aware of all things in the heavens and all things in the earth. And that Allah knows all things and events.
5:98 Beware that Allah's Law of Requital is ever vigilant. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (So He has shown you how to become worthy of His Mercy).
5:99 The Messenger's duty is to convey the Message, and Allah knows what you declare and what you hide.
5:100 Say, “The bad and the good are not same. Let not the popularity of the evil dazzle you. O People of understanding! Be mindful of Allah’s Laws if you wish to reap a rich harvest. (The bad or evil is that which harms the collective good of humanity and drags your "Self" down 14:24-27. The right is right, and the wrong is wrong regardless of what the majority think 2:243, 6:116-119, 11:17).
5:101 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Ask not unnecessary details of the things as the Israelites did to Moses about the cow. This attitude may bring unpleasant consequences for you. But if you ask them as the Qur’an is being revealed, the minor details of Ordinances might be given which will be hard for you to follow. The general rule has been given that all pure and good things are Permissible to you. Your questions are very clearly answered in the Qur’an (5:15, 15:1, 22:40). Allah has absolved you in this respect for Allah is Forgiving, Clement. (The Qur’an is for all times, and while the basic Laws and Principles remain immutable, minor details are intended to be flexible according to temporal and spatial requirements 11:1. “This day I have perfected your DEEN for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen for you Islam as the System of Life” 5:3).
5:102 Some folk before you asked such questions and then rejected the instructions (2:68).
5:103 Allah did not ordain that certain kinds of cattle and other livestock be marked out, assigned names, and set aside from human use or consumption. Disbelievers invented such superstitions and attributed them to Allah. Most of them do not use their intellect.
5:104 When it is said to them, “Come to that which Allah has revealed and to His Messenger, they say, "Enough for us is what we found our parents doing." What! Even though their parents had no knowledge whatsoever and no guidance?
5:105 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! You are responsible for yourselves. He who goes astray cannot harm you if you are rightly guided. All of you will return to Allah; and He will make you understand all that you were doing in life.
5:106 (Where necessary, even minor details of Law have been given to you in the Qur’an.) O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When death approaches you, two equitable persons among you should witness your will. If the pangs of death come upon you when you are traveling far from home, then two equitable persons other than your own people (non-Muslims) may do the witnessing. After you have prayed, let the witnesses swear by God, “We shall not sell our word for any price, even though it is in favor of a relative, and we will not conceal what we have witnessed before God, or else we will be among the sinners.”
5:107 If the witnesses commit this very violation, then let two others from among the nearest in kin take their place and swear by God, "Our testimony (that we have heard from the deceased before) is truer than these two, and we have not transgressed the bounds of right, or else, may we indeed be counted among the transgressors."
5:108 This procedure will encourage an honest testimony to begin with. The first witnesses will be more likely to bear true witness fearing that after their oath, the oath of others might be taken. Be mindful of Allah's Laws, and listen. Allah does not guide those who decide to drift away from the Straight Path.
5:109 On the Day when Allah will assemble all Messengers and ask them, “What was the long term response to your teachings?” They will say, “We have no knowledge. You, only You are the Knower of the Unseen.”
5:110 When Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Recall My blessings upon you and your mother. I strengthened you with Sacred Revelation, enabled you to speak eloquently to the people while still in childhood, and also at a later age (3:45). I gave you revelation and wisdom including the Torah and the Gospel. Recall that you told them that you would raise them from dust up into the heights of glory by My leave (7:176). You made people see the Truth otherwise given to blind following by My leave. You healed the wounds of inequity on people by My leave, and you gave a new meaning to life to those who were otherwise no better than dead by My leave (3:48, 3:111, 6:123). Recall, how I prevented the Children of Israel from harming you when you came to them with all evidence of the truth (4:157). And those who were bent upon denying the truth said, “This is nothing but clear deception.”
5:111 Recall, I told the disciples in the Gospel, “Believe in Me and in My messenger. They said, "We believe, and be Witness that we have submitted."
5:112 When the disciples said, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Is your Lord Able to send down for us a Table Spread with Heavenly sustenance? Jesus said, “Be mindful of Allah's Laws if you are believers.” (Establish the Divine Order on earth and that will ensure heavenly provision in abundance and equity (7:96).”
5:113. They said, "This is exactly what we want. So that we live with a contented heart and know that your System is truly workable. And that we may be witnesses for the future generations.”
5:114 Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O God our Lord! Help us create the Heavenly System on earth that ensures abundance of provision for all of us. Let there be a happy feast for the founders and the followers of the Divine System. This will be a Sign from You that Your Commands are blissful. Provide for us and You are the Best of providers.”
5:115. Allah said, “ I will make abundance for you as long as you remain loyal to the System. But, for those who disbelieve afterward, I will punish them as I have never punished anyone else.”
5:116 On the Resurrection Day, Allah will say, "O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you say to mankind, ‘Worship me and my mother as deities besides God?" He will respond, "Be Glorified! Never could I say what was not my right. If I said such a thing, You would indeed know it. You know what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Your mind. You, only You are the Knower of what is beyond human perception.”
5:117 "Never did I say to them except what You Commanded me to say, 'Worship and obey Allah my Lord and your Lord.' I was a witness to them as long as I lived among them. After You caused me to die, You were the Watcher over them and You are Witness over all things and events."
5:118 “If You punish them, they are Your servants, and if You forgive them, You alone are Almighty, Wise.”
5:119 Allah will say, "This is a Day when the truthful will benefit form their truthfulness. For them are Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, wherein they will be immortal. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. This is the Greatest Triumph.”
5:120 To Allah belongs the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything therein. He has Power over all things and events, and He has appointed due measure for all things.

Surah 6 – Al-An’am – The Cattle
[Author's note] This is the 6th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 165 verses. The main distinction between humans and other creations on earth is that of intellect and, with it, the free will.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and the Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
6:1 All Praise in word and action belongs to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and appointed darkness and light. (All things in the Universe witness and manifest His Glory). Yet those who reject the Truth, hold others as equal with their Sustainer.
6:2 He is the One Who created you from inorganic matter, and decreed a term for you humans, a term known to Him. It is determined according to His Laws, for individuals (3:144, 56:60) and nations (7:34, 10:49, 13:38). Yet you keep doubting and arguing about Him.
6:3 He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He knows all that you keep secret as well as all that you do openly.
6:4 Yet whenever a Message from the Revelations of their Sustainer came to them, they turned away from it.
6:5 And so they are denying this Truth as it has come to them. However, soon they will come to understand what they used to ridicule.
6:6 Do they not see how many a generation Our Law of Requital has annihilated before them? We had established them on earth more firmly than you, and We gave them plenty of blessings of the heavens and the earth, abundant showers from the sky and rivers flowing beneath them. When they trailed behind in humanity, Our Law obliterated them or caused them to be enslaved by another nation.
6:7 Even if We had sent down to you (O Prophet) a pre-printed book written upon parchment, so that they could feel it with their hands, the rejecters would have said, "This is nothing but obvious magic!"
6:8 They say, "Why is not an angel sent down to him," for them to behold? If We sent down an angel, the matter would have been judged; no further time would be allowed them. (We send angels to behold only when the period of respite is over 16:33, 25:22).
6:9 If We sent an angel to them, We would have sent him in the form of a man (so that he could live with them and speak to them), and the truth would remain obscure as it is to them now.
6:10 Messengers before you have been mocked. The very thing they used to mock overwhelmed them in the end.
6:11 Say, “Travel through the earth taking lessons from history (in order to comprehend the Laws of the Rise and Fall of nations), and notice the outcome of those who belied these Laws.”
6:12 (From history, let them turn their attention to the Universe). Say, “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?” Say, “To Allah Who has prescribed for Himself Mercy.” (He nourishes the entire Universe as a mother’s womb nourishes the fetus with no returns, while meeting its needs at all stages of development. He does not task individuals and nations to doom, without giving them a period of respite to mend their behavior). He will assemble all individuals and nations on the Day when humanity stands on its feet, and ultimately on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. Only those who have destroyed their “Self” will keep denying the Truth.
6:13 To Him belongs all that dwells in the night and the day. He is the Knower, the Hearer.
6:14 Say, “Shall I take for my master other than Allah Who is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth? And He provides all without return. Feeds but is not fed.” Say, “ I have been commanded to be the foremost among those who surrender to Him and ascribe not divinity besides Him.”
6:15 Say, "I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the retribution of an awesome Day."
6:16 Whoever is saved from retribution on that Day, has attained Allah’s Mercy, and that is the signal triumph.
6:17 Whatever adversity touches you for violating Allah’s Laws, the only way to redress it is to turn to His Laws. And you attain all blessings by following His Laws, for He is Able to do all things. He has appointed due measure for all things including harm and benefit.
6:18 He is Supreme over His servants, and He is the Wise, the Aware. (He uses his Authority with Wisdom and Knowledge).
6:19 Say (O Messenger), "What could be the greatest witness?” Say, “Allah is Witness between me and you. This Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you as well as whomever it reaches. Do you bear witness that there are other deities besides Allah?” Say, “I bear no such witness.” Say, “He is the One God. I disown what you associate with Him.”
6:20 Those who have been given the Scripture, recognize this fact as they recognize their sons (the fact of God’s Transcendental Uniqueness and Oneness). Yet those who have squandered their own "Self” fail to accept such undeniable Truth.
6:21 Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who invents a lie against Allah and belies His Revelations? The wrongdoers who displace reality with falsehood, will not succeed.
6:22 On the Day We assemble them, We will ask the idolaters, “Where are now those partners of Allah that you conceived?”
6:23 They will hardly have a response, but they will swear," By Allah, our Lord, we never were idolaters.”
6:24 Imagine how they lie against themselves, and how their fabricated gods abandon them.
6:25 Some of them pretend to listen to you, but Our Law has already veiled their hearts from understanding and caused deafness in their ears. Blind followers fail to believe even when they see all kinds of proofs. When they come to argue with you, they say about the Qur’an, "These are stories of the bygones."
6:26 They repel others from the Qur’an and deprive themselves of it. They hurt their own “Self” without even knowing it.
6:27 If only you could see them when they face the Fire! They will say, “ We wish we could go back and never reject our Lord's Revelations, and be among the believers.”
6:28 Nay, they will be making excuses since the Truth they used to conceal from themselves, has become obvious to them. If they were sent back (with no retention of what they have seen), they would commit exactly the same crimes. They are indeed liars.
6:29 There are people who think that the only life is the life of this world and that they will not be raised again.
6:30 But if only you could see when they stand before their Lord! He will ask, “Is not this real? ” They will say “Yes, by our Lord.” Allah will then say, “Taste the Requital for your rejection of the Truth.”
6:31 Losers indeed are those who deny meeting with Allah, until the Hour suddenly comes upon them. Then they say, “We deeply regret wasting our lives in this world!” They will bear on their backs their burdens. What a miserable load!
6:32 The life of this world is a play and a passing delight in comparison to the Eternal Life. The abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who live according to the Divine Laws. Will you not use Reason?
6:33 We know well how their talk grieves you (O Messenger). In truth they deny you not. It is the Revelations of Allah that these wrongdoers flout.
6:34 Messengers before you were denied and opposed. They steadfastly faced persecution until Our help reached them. There is none to alter the Decisions, Laws and Words of Allah. Some history of the Messengers has already come to you and sets examples for you.
6:35 If their rejection is hard on you, know that even if you dug a tunnel in the ground, or climbed a ladder into the sky and brought a miracle for them, they still will not believe. If it were Allah's Will, He could assemble them to Guidance. But, He wants them to make free decisions (10:98-99). Be not among those who are carried away to ignore the Law.
6:36 Only those can accept who hear and listen with an open mind (10:100). The living dead will only listen when they use their faculties (2:260), or when Allah will raise them to the second life; unto Him will they be returned.
6:37 They say, “If only a miracle could come down to him from his Lord!” Say, “Allah surely has the Power to send down a miracle, but most of them do not use their knowledge.” (He does not wish to stun the human intellect with supernatural phenomena. He wants people to reflect and use reason 12:108).
6:38 (There are miracles in the Universe to behold). All creatures on earth and all the birds that fly on two wings are communities like you. We did not omit any knowledge from this Book that was essential to be given through Revelation. All these creatures are part of the Divine Plan and they are together working the Plan of their Lord.
6:39 Those who deny Our Signs are deaf and dumb, in total darkness. Straying, and Guidance take place according to the Divine Laws (4:88).
6:40 Ask them, “If a natural disaster strikes you as Divine retribution, or when the Hour comes, would you call upon others besides God? Answer if you are truthful.”
6:41 Nay, you call unto Him, act, and He removes your affliction according to His Laws. At that time you forget your idols.
6:42 We sent Messengers to nations before you. (They compassionately advised their people that the Supreme Law is operative on the earth, as it is in the heavens). When those nations violated Our Laws in their societies, they had to face the consequences. They should have become humble and taken corrective action right away.
6:43 But, instead of being humble when Our Requital touched them, their selfish desire led their minds into rationalizing their actions. This is because their hearts had been hardened with arrogance and repeated rejection of the Truth (2:74, 5:13).
6:44 They ignored the Message, and persisted in their ways. We opened for them the gates of all things and they kept enjoying life exploiting others (16:112). But the Law of Requital is ever vigilant. Social orders based on injustice and inequities eventually fail. Our Requital then came with stunning speed, and all they could do was, to plunge in despair.
6:45 When nations violated human rights with their unjust systems they were uprooted (6:6, 7:129). Allah replaced them with people who were not like them (10:14, 11:57). You can understand that all Praise in word and action belongs to the Lord of the Worlds; His Rule is the Rule of Law (8:53, 13:11).
6:46 (The exploiters of the masses think that they are smarter, and hence, they deserve to take advantage 28:76-82). They must realize that the Creator has given them the faculties of hearing, seeing and thinking. If their faculties were taken away, who can restore these back to them but the Law of Allah? See, how We use TASREEF --presenting Our verses from various view-points -- giving them the Big Picture. Yet they turn away.
6:47 Tell them that the punishment according to the Law of Requital, sneaks up or suddenly hits nations that are transgressors (11:104). Would any people perish unless they are oppressors of the masses? (Nations are not annihilated unless they violate human rights 11:117).
6:48 We have sent Our Messengers to give good news and to warn. Those who attain belief, mend their ways and work for social equity fulfilling the needs of others, will have nothing to fear nor will they have any regrets.
6:49 But those who belie Our Revelations, retribution will afflict them, for they keep drifting from the secure path. (Retribution is a logical and built-in consequence of their wrongdoing (7:147, 91:9-10).
6:50 Say, (O Messenger), “I do not claim that I have the Treasures of Allah, nor do I have the knowledge of the Unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I follow what is revealed to me. (You blindly follow your ancestors). Say, “Is the blind of the heart the same as the seer who uses reason? Won’t you reflect?”
6:51 Counsel those who are mindful of the Law of Requital and have the slightest idea that they will be brought before their Lord. And they know that besides Allah, they will have no protector and no intercessor. Counsel them so that they may live upright.
6:52 In spite of the demands of the rich and powerful leaders, you shall not turn away the poor who call upon their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His Approval. They are responsible for whatever good and bad they have done, and their toiling in labor is respectable in the Sight of Allah. Likewise they are not accountable for you. If you repelled them, you shall be of the wrongdoers.
6:53 We thus let people distinguish one another’s egos. The elite among them say, “Are these the people among us whom Allah has favored?” But, is not Allah best Aware of the appreciative?
6:54 When those who believe in Our Revelations come to you, say, SALAMUN ALAIKUM (Peace be upon you!) Your Lord has decreed for Himself Mercy. Thus anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and makes mends should know that He is Forgiving, Merciful.
6:55 We explain Our Laws to distinguish (between minor, unintended violations and) the way of the criminals who steal the fruit of others’ labor.
6:56 Say, “I am forbidden to worship and obey on whom you call instead of Allah.” Say, “I will not follow your desires, otherwise I will go astray and not be among the rightly guided.”
6:57 Say, “I have a manifest Proof from my Lord that you deny. I do not control the retribution you challenge me to bring. Judgment belongs to none but Allah. And no one has the Ultimate Rule. He declares the Truth and He is the Best of deciders.”
6:58 Say, “If the ultimate decision you are hastening for was up to me, the case would have been already decided. Allah is best Aware of the wrongdoers.”
6:59 With Him are the keys of the Unseen. (None but He knows the subtle processes and their stages where actions culminate into their logical outcome). He knows everything in the land and in the sea. Not even a leaf falls without His knowledge. Neither is there a grain in the dark depths of the soil, nor anything fresh or withered, that He knows not. But all is written in the Open Book of the Universe around you.
6:60 He suspends your consciousness during sleep at night, and knows what you do by day, when awake. He resurrects you every morning until your life span is completed. Death is, likewise, a temporary suspension of consciousness and afterward to Him is your return (39:42). Then, He will inform you of what you really accomplished.
6:61 He is Supreme over His servants. His Laws guard your life until the inescapable Law of death approaches you. When death comes to one of you, Our couriers receive him without delay.
6:62 Then they are restored to Allah, their Rightful Master. Surely, His is the Command and His is the Judgment. And He is the most Swift of reckoners.
6:63 Say, “ Who saves you, in the darkness of the land and the sea, when you call upon Him humbly and quietly saying, “If He saves us this time, we will always be thankful?”
6:64 Say, “It is Allah (Whose Laws you trust never to change), that protects you from different afflictions. Even then you attribute partners to Him!”
6:65 Say, “He is Able to send punishment upon you from above you or from beneath your feet, or to bewilder you with dissension and make you taste the tyranny one of another. (Violation of His Laws can inflict you from the top in the form of tyrannical rule, or from the bottom in the form of popular rebellion. You could then divide into hateful parties, and taste smite of one another). Note how We use TASREEF, explaining Our Verses from various vantage points, that men and women may understand.
6:66 Even then, (O Messenger) Your people deny the Truth. Tell them, “I have not been appointed a guardian over you.”
6:67 Every tiding given in the Qur’an shall come to pass and you mankind will surely find out.
6:68 When you see men and women engaged in mocking Our Verses, ignore them until they turn to a different theme. If your mind gets engrossed in their discourse, then as soon as you recollect, no longer sit with them. Those who displace decent dialogue with mockery indeed wrong their own "Self".
6:69 Those who walk aright bear no responsibility for them, except decent follow up reminders, so that the fellow human beings might reflect and come to walk the Right Path.
6:70 Leave to themselves those who take their religion as nothing but pastime, amusement, games of ritual, and social partying; their life revolving around quick gains of the worldly life. But follow up with reminders with the Qur’an on appropriate occasions. Remind people lest a "Self" be ruined for its own actions. No “Self” has a protecting friend, master or intercessor against the Law of Allah even if it offered any conceivable ransom. Such is the end of those who land themselves into ruin with their own actions. For them is a draught of burning despair and a painful doom. They had kept denying the Truth.
6:71 Say, “Should we call unto those who can neither benefit nor harm us, and turn back on our heels after Allah has guided us aright? In that situation we would be like the person who is left wandering enticed by his satanic thoughts, stranded in the desert of doubt. And his companions trying to guide him: Come to us! Say, “The guidance of Allah is Guidance, and we are commanded to submit to the Lord of the Worlds.”
6:72 “And to establish the Divine System and walk aright. He it is to Whom you will be summoned."
6:73 He has created the heavens and the earth with a definite Plan. Whenever He says “Be!” it is. His Word is the Truth and comes True. As ever, His will be the Dominion on the Day when the Trumpet is blown (of Resurrection). Knower of the invisible and the visible, He is the Wise, the Aware.
6:74 Remember when Abraham said to his father Azar (Terah), “How could you worship idols as gods? I see you and your people are in obvious error.” (Azar is called Terah in the Bible and Zarah in Talmud).
6:75 We gave Abraham insight, the ability to reflect, into the Mighty Dominion of the Universe so that he might attain firm conviction.
6:76 (Some of his people were idolaters and others were Nature worshipers.) One night when it grew dark upon him he saw a star. Abraham exclaimed to them, “This is my Lord!” But when it went down, he said, “I love not the things that go down.”
6:77 (The other night) when the moon was rising, he exclaimed, “This is my Lord." But when it went down, he said to himself and to the people, “Unless my Lord guides me, I surely will go astray.”
6:78 (In the morning) he saw the sun rising in splendor, and he said, “This is my Lord! This is greater!” But, as the sun went down, Abraham exclaimed, “O My people! I am free from all that you associate with God.”
6:79 “I have focused firmly on Him Who initiated the heavens and the earth; as an upright man I turn away from all that is false. I will never be an idol worshiper in any form.”
6:80 His people argued with him, but Abraham said, “You dispute with me about Allah when He has guided me? I have no fear of the idols you set up. Nothing can happen to me contrary to the Laws of Allah. My Lord’s Knowledge encompasses all things. Will you not then, use your intellect?” (This is how Abraham tried that his people reflect and be rational).
6:81 He said, “Why should I fear that which you set up beside Him, when you fear not to set up beside Allah, deities for which He has sent no authority and that are utterly powerless. Think which of the two sides among us deserves peace and security?(3:150-151, 29:41, 33:39) Answer me if you have the answer.”
6:82 Those who attain belief and cloak not their belief with wrong doctrines, for them is inner peace and security. They are rightly guided.
6:83 This is the logic (examples of the star, the moon and the sun) that We taught Abraham against his people. We exalt people in ranks when they follow Our Laws. Your Lord is Wise, All-Knowing.
6:84 We gave him Isaac the son, and Jacob the grandson, and We guided them. Before Abraham, We guided Noah and from his descendants, We guided David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. We thus reward the benefactors of humanity.
6:85 And Zachariah, John, Jesus and Elias; all in the ranks of the righteous who fulfilled the needs of mankind.
6:86 And Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot. To all of them We gave distinction over people of their times.
6:87 And We gave distinction to some of their ancestors, children and siblings and guided them to the Straight Path.
6:88 This is the Guidance of Allah. He guides His servants according to His Laws (4:88). If they had associated others with Allah, their actions would have been vain.
6:89 They were the ones to whom We gave the Scripture, Sound Judgment and Prophethood. Now, if these people reject these truths, We have entrusted these truths to people who will not refuse to acknowledge them.
6:90 Those were the ones guided by Allah, so follow their guidance. Say, (O Messenger), “I ask of you no wage for this. This (Guidance in the Qur’an) is but a Reminder to all nations.”
6:91 People do not value Allah as He must be valued when they say, "Allah has not revealed His Message to any human being." Ask them, “Who then revealed the Scripture which Moses brought, a Light and Guidance for people? Although you put it down on parchment which you show, but you conceal a lot. You were taught what neither you, nor your ancestors knew before.” Say, “Allah (revealed it).” Then leave them to play at their vain talk.
6:92 And this Qur’an is the Blessed Book that We have sent down, confirming the Divine Origin of what was revealed before it, that you (O Prophet) may warn the Central Town, Makkah, and places around it. (From this Center, the Message will fan out 6:90, 12:104). Those who believe in (the Law of Recompense) the Hereafter, accept this Book as a comprehensive Guide. And they will establish the Divine System.
6:93 Who can be a greater wrongdoer than the one who fabricates a lie against Allah, or claims receiving Revelation while he has received none? Or someone who says, “I, too, can bestow the like of what Allah has bestowed.” If only you could see such transgressors reach the pangs of death! The angels extend their hands to them saying, “Bring out your egos. This day you will be awarded a punishment of disgrace for speaking lies concerning Allah, and being arrogant to His revelations.”
6:94 Now you have come to Us alone just as We created you individuals the first time. You have left behind all your belongings. We do not see with you the intercessors you idolized. Now all ties among you have been cut off and your assumptions have failed you.
6:95 Allah is the One Who causes the grains and the seeds to split and germinate. He produces the living from the dead, and the dead from the living. Such is Allah. Where are you headed in bewilderment?
(Similar are the Laws that apply to individuals and nations. They must develop their inherent potentials in order to prosper.)
6:96 He is the Cleaver of the daybreak. He has appointed the night for stillness, (rest and tranquility) and the sun and the moon to run their well-calculated courses. They become means of calculating time for you (10:5). Such is the Design of the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing.
6:97 He it is Who has made the stars to guide you through the darkness of the land and the sea. (And they never fail to guide you 21:33, 36:40). We have scattered Our Signs throughout the Universe for people of Science.
6:98 And He it is Who initiated you from a single life cell. Then in the process of evolution He appointed stages, from one station to the next destination. (Thus goes on the journey of life here and in the Hereafter (11:6). We have explained Our Laws for people who will learn and understand.
6:99 (He took care of your provision even before you were created.) He it is Who sends down water from the heights. With it We produce vegetation of all kind; green multitudes, complex grains, palm trees, from their pollens spring pendant clusters, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranate; fruits that are similar and diverse. Look upon the fruit thereof and look upon its ripening. These are signs for those who reach conviction through reason.
6:100 Yet, there are people who think falsely that there are invisible creatures, Jinns, with occult powers that share the Divine Attributes. But He has created them, and people assign sons and daughters to Him out of sheer ignorance. Glorified, Exalted is He, infinitely Above what they ascribe to Him.
6:101 Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a son when He never chose for Himself a mate? He creates all things (and does not procreate 112:3) and He is the Profound Knower of all things and events.
6:102 Such is Allah, your Sustainer. There is no god but He. No one is worthy of worship and obedience but He, the Creator of all things. Hence, obey Him! He is the Guardian of all and takes care of every thing.
6:103 No vision can encompass Him while He encompasses all vision. He is Subtile, Unfathomable, and therefore beyond physical perception. He is Aware of the minutest details.
6:104 (You are not expected to know His Person.) Say (O Prophet), “The manifest Enlightenment has come to you from your Lord. Whoever sees the Truth, does so for his own good. And whoever turns blind, hurts himself. I am not your keeper or guardian.”
6:105 And thus We give many facets to Our verses that they might realize that, “You (O Prophet) have indeed learned these teachings deep down in your heart.” (Allah has taught the Messenger in the most beautiful manner). And through this method of TASREEF We make the Message clear to those who use their perceptual knowledge.
6:106 Follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. There is no god but He. And disregard those who associate others with Him (21:20-22, 29:61-63).
6:107 We could have created all people without free will and they would then not associate any partners with Him. (But guidance has been distinguished from straying 2:256). And We have not appointed you (O Messenger) as their guardian, nor are you responsible for them.
6:108 O Believers! Insult not the idols they set up besides Allah. They might insult Allah in their ignorance and hurt themselves. To every community Our Law has made their deeds seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return and He will inform them what they accomplished and He will make them understand what they really used to do in life.
6:109 They swear by Allah that if a miracle comes to them, they would surely believe in it (the Book). Say, “All miracles are with Allah (if you reflect on the Universe). What can make you understand that even if a physical miracle came to them, they will find other excuses and still not believe?
6:110 Our Law keeps their hearts and their eyes turned away from the Truth. Since they have preemptively rejected it (the Qur’an), We let them wander blindly in their rebellious attitude.
6:111 Even if We caused the angels to descend to them, and the dead to speak to them, and We lined up all the miracles before them, they would not believe. People can be guided only according to Allah’s Laws, but most of them choose the way of ignorance.
6:112 Thus We have appointed to every Prophet enemies. The rebellious among the urban and the rural populations rose in opposition, (since the Message struck at their vested interests). They plotted and inspired each other with fancy words. If your Lord willed, they won't do that. (But, challenges come your way only to expand your personalities 2:286). (O Prophet) Leave them alone with their fabrications.
6:113 Those who love quick gains and neglect the long-term benefits and the Hereafter, are parties to such fabrications. Let them delight in it and let them earn from it what they may.
6:114 Say, “Shall I seek for Judge and Ruler someone other than Allah? He it is Who has revealed this Book, well expounded in detail for you.” Those whom We have given the Book know that this is revealed in Truth from your Lord. Be not among those who argue for the sake of argument.
6:115 Perfected is the Word of your Lord in Truth and Justice. None can change His Words and His Laws. This announcement comes to you from the Profound Hearer, the Knower.
6:116 (People will confront you with what the majority is doing.) Now if you pay heed to, or get intimidated by majority of those who live on earth, they will lead you astray from Allah’s Way. Most of the people follow nothing but conjecture and they only live by guesswork.
6:117 Only your Lord (shows the Right Path and) knows best those who stray and those who are rightly guided.
6:118 (People wonder why different things have been made Lawful or Unlawful in the Qur’an. But what the majority thinks shall never be the criterion 3:93). So eat of that which Allah has made Permissible, if you are indeed believers in His Revelations.
6:119 Why should you not eat of that on which Allah’s Name has been pronounced (i.e. it is not dedicated to other than Him)? He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden along with certain exceptions in dire need (5:3). Numerous of the clergy mislead people in this matter without knowledge, and with their personal opinions. Verily, your Lord is fully Aware of those who go beyond moderation.
6:120 Abstain from violating the Divine Commands, whether openly or secretly. Those who drag down their “Self” by such violations will be awarded what they have earned. (They will live a subhuman existence and meet a befitting consequence).
6:121 Eat not anything (not just meat) unless the Name of Allah has been pronounced first, for that will mean drifting away from Commands. The rebellious among people inspire their companions to dispute with you. If you people heed them, you will be associating others with Allah.
6:122 (Our Light revives the living dead and makes them walk honorably among mankind.) Is one who was dead and We gave him life with Light that enables him to move among people, equal to one in total darkness from which he cannot come out? (When people have their belief system jumbled up, they lose the power to distinguish between the right and wrong). Hence, the rejecters of the Truth find their own deeds pleasing.
6:123 This is how We allow the greatest ones in every community to become its greatest criminals, to weave their schemes. Yet it is only against themselves that they scheme without even knowing it.
6:124 When a Message comes to them, they say, "We will not believe until we are directly given what Allah’s Messengers are given.” But, Allah knows best with whom to place His Message. Such criminals will be humiliated by Allah’s Law of Requital, and suffer a heavy punishment for their scheming.
6:125 Whoever follows Allah’s Law of Guidance, He expands his chest wide open to submission. And whoever violates Allah’s Law of Guidance, feels his chest tight and narrowed as if he were climbing to the sky. Thus Allah’s Law appoints disgrace for those who continue to reject the Truth.
6:126 And this (Qur’an) is the Path of your Lord, a Straight Path. Clearly indeed have We detailed Our Revelations for those who pay attention and take them to their heart!
6:127 For them is the wonderful Abode of Peace with their Sustainer. He will be their Protecting Friend because of what they used to do.
6:128 The day will come when He gathers all of them and says, “O You nomads! You have seduced many of the urbanites.” Their urbanite friends will say, “Our Lord! We enjoyed each other’s company (and both used each other opportunistically as happens in a chaotic society) until we wasted a life span You had given us. He will say, “Fire is your home. Abide therein forever since Allah’s Laws never change. Your Lord, the Wise, All-Knowing has designed the Law of Requital.”
6:129 Thus Our Law makes the wrongdoers keep company towards a common earning. (The criminals of the same kind tend to hang around together).
6:130 O You, assembly of the nomads and the urbanites! Did not Messengers come to you from among you, who conveyed to you My Messages and warned you of the meeting of this your Day? They will say, "We testify against ourselves.” Pursuit of only the worldly life preoccupied their hearts and minds. They will bear witness against themselves that they disregarded the Truth.
6:131 And so it is that your Lord never destroys communities arbitrarily while their people are unaware of their wrongdoings.
6:132 The ranks of all individuals and nations are determined solely by their deeds, and your Lord is not unaware of what they do. (Calling yourselves believers won't help 2:8)
6:133 Your Lord is Absolute, the Lord of Mercy. He could replace you with whomever He Will, like He raised you from the generations of other folk.(It is His Mercy that He does Justice to peoples without discrimination, and His Rule is the Rule of Law 114:1).
6:134 That which you are promised will surely come to pass, and you can never evade the Divine Laws.
6:135 Say (to the opponents O Messenger), "O My people! Do all that is in your power. Behold, I am working. Very soon, you will come to know for which of us is the ultimate success. Violators of human rights will never be successful."
6:136 (How can their program succeed when their belief system and the resulting actions are wrong?) They set aside a portion of Allah's provision of crops and cattle and claim, "This is for Allah, and this is for our idols.” But the share of their idols never reaches Allah, and the share of Allah does reach their idols. What an unjust decision they make! (Their priesthood devours both portions of their making, and the poor remain wanting. To Allah reaches what you spend on the needy 6:141).
6:137 (At the prompting of the mystics and monks, and in the name of their temples, idols, sanctuaries, and the dead "holy" men and women), the MUSHRIKEEN do acts of omission and commission against their own children! They inflict great pain upon themselves and their families in the name of religion. If they followed Allah’s Commands, they wouldn’t have done it. (Since they take this abuse as a part of their plan to salvation, for the moment), leave them alone with their fabrications (until Reality gazes them in the eyes).
6:138 And they say, “Such and such cattle and fruits of the field are sacred. No one will eat of them except whom we permit.” They also arbitrarily prohibit the riding of some animals (saying that it has been dedicated to some elite or saint. Aren’t such VIP favors very much alive in the modern day JAHILYAH?) And there are cattle over which they pronounce not the Name of Allah (but of someone else to please people). Such are their fabrications in His Name. Soon He will reward them for their false imagery.
6:139 (They display their bias toward women in weird ways.) They say, “What is in the bellies of these cattle is reserved for the males among us, and forbidden to our wives.” But if it is a stillbirth, they permit their wives to share it. He, the Wise, the Knower, will repay them for their innovations.
6:140 Lost indeed are those who kill their children foolishly, and forbid what Allah has provided them as sustenance. And they attribute their innovations to Allah! (They deprive their children to the point of starvation and death in the name of religious service, when under the instructions of the priesthood they abandon their families). Their straying is far from the way of the rightly guided.
6:141 He it is Who creates Bounties for you, such as gardens that are cultivated, greens that are wild, palm trees of various kinds, crops in diversity, olives and pomegranates, fruits that are similar and diverse. Enjoy them, but give Him His Right. Render the poor what is their Divine Right, on the day of the harvest. This is how you shall give Allah His Right. Do not waste the Bounty of Allah. He does not love the wasteful.
6:142 Among the large and small quadrupeds some are for work and transportation and others for flesh, and their skins for bedding materials. Enjoy what Allah has provided you. And follow not the footsteps of Satan. Satan, your selfish desire, is your open enemy.
6:143 Take the example of eight quadrupeds: Two sheep, one male and one female, two goats, one male and one female. Say, “Is it the two males that He has forbidden, or the two females, or the calves in the wombs of the females? Tell me if you have true knowledge.
6:144 Then two camels, one male and one female, two cows, one male and one female. Say, “Is it the two males that He has forbidden, or the two females, or the calves in the wombs of the two females? Were you witnesses when Allah made such prohibitions? Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who invents a lie and attributes it to Allah? They mislead people without knowledge. Allah does not intervene to guide those who displace knowledge with conjecture.”
6:145 Say, "I do not find in the Revelation given to me, any food that is prohibited for one who wishes to eat except: Carrion (dead meat), running blood as against organ meats, the flesh of swine for it is disapproved, or anything (not just meat) which, in disobedience, has been dedicated to other than Allah.” If one is forced by dire need without being deliberate and without transgressing, your Lord is Forgiving, Merciful. (2:173, 5:3).
6:146 For those who are Jewish, We had prohibited some edibles, such as animals with undivided hoof, the fat of the cow and the sheep, except that which is carried on their backs or on their intestines, or what is mixed-up in the bone. But that was only a temporary retribution for their disobedience (4:160). We are indeed True to Our Word.
6:147 If they accuse you of falsehood (O Prophet), tell them, “Your Lord is a Lord of Infinite Mercy, but His Requital will not be averted from the guilty.”
6:148 Those who associate others with Allah will say, “Had Allah willed, we would not practice idolatry, nor would our ancestors, nor would we prohibit anything.” So did their ancestors argue falsely until they tasted Our Requital. Say, “Do you have any proven knowledge that you can present (that the human being is created without free will 18:29, 76:3, 90:10)? Nay, you follow nothing but conjecture. You only run after guess-work.”
6:149 Say, "The most Powerful Reasoning, the Final Evidence belongs to Allah. If He Willed, He could have made all of you innately guided (like other creation who spontaneously follow Divine Laws 16:49, 41:11).”
6:150 Say, “Come, bring forward your witnesses who can bear witness that Allah forbade all this. And if they bear witness falsely, do not bear witness with them. You shall not follow the opinions of those who deny our Revelations, nor of those who believe not in the life to come, and deem others equal with their Lord.
6:151 Say, "Come, let me convey to you what your Sustainer has enjoined upon you as a sacred duty:
-Associate no one with Him.
-Honor you parents, do good to them, fulfill their needs.
-Neither kill your children for fear of poverty nor deprive them of proper training and education. We provide for you and for them. (The Divine System will take care of your needs and their needs).
-Do not go near immodesty or lewdness whether openly or in secret.
-Do not slay a life, life that Allah has made sacred except in the course of justice. This He has commanded you so that you use reason and obey these Commands.”
6:152. Allah Commands you further:
-Approach not the wealth of the orphan except for their own benefit until they come of age with full maturity of body and mind.
-Give full weight and full measure in all your dealings. Uphold justice in all aspects of your life. Our Commands are meant to widen your human potential. We do not assign any “Self” responsibility beyond its means.
-And when you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative.
-Fulfill your Covenant with Allah, the unwavering allegiance to the Divine System (1:4-5, 9:111). This He Commands for you to bear in mind.
6:153 (Say, O My people), this is my Straight Path, (and I, Muhammad, walk this Path 12:108)). Follow it, then, and follow not other ways that take you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you so that you live upright.
6:154 We had given Moses the Scripture complete for him who would do good to others. We gave him the Scripture in detail as guidance and a mercy that they might believe in the meeting of their Lord (and that all actions are recompensed).
6:155 And now this Qur’an is the Blessed Book that We have revealed. So follow it and walk aright so that you attain Mercy (and your human potential is guaranteed development, like a fetus grows in the mother’s womb).
6:156 (It has been given to you) lest you say, “The Scripture was sent down to two groups (Jews and Christians) before our time, and we are unaware what they originally read.”
6:157 Or lest you say, “If a Divine Scripture had come to us, we would be better guided than they. Now has come to you a clear evidence of Truth from your Lord. It is a Beacon and Mercy. Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who denies the Revelations of Allah and turns away from them in disregard? Our Law of Requital will award those who turn away from Our Revelations, an awful suffering for their disregard.
6:158 Are they waiting for angels, your Lord, or some physical miracles to come to them? On the Day one of such Signs comes, no person will benefit from declaring belief if he did not believe before. Or who, while believing, did not do good works. (Belief has to be based on Reason and it must lead you to a productive life). Say, "Keep on waiting (for miracles), we too are waiting (for the results of our efforts)".
6:159 (There is only one Straight Path.) O Messenger! Those who break the unity of their DEEN and become sects, you have nothing to do with them whatsoever. Behold, their case will go to Allah and He will tell them what they had been doing.
6:160 Whoever brings a good deed will receive a tenfold reward. And whoever brings an ill deed will be requited for one. And they will not be wronged.
6:161 Say, "As for me, my Lord has guided me to a Straight Path, the perfect DEEN of Abraham, the upright, who was no idolater in any sense.”
6:162 Say, "All my duties to the Divine System, the ways to discharge them, my living and my dying are for Allah alone, the Lord of the Worlds.
6:163 He has no partner. This is what I have been commanded and I am the foremost of those who surrender to Him.”
6:164 Say, "Shall I seek anyone other than Allah as a lord when He is the Sustainer of all things? No “Self” benefits but from its own works, and none bears the load of another. Then unto your Lord is your return and He will make you understand wherein you differed.
6:165 He it is Who has made you inheritors of the earth after other nations. And your ranks are determined by your actions. People and nations must create in them the capacity to live with honor (10:14). The real test is what you do with that which He has given you. Your Lord is Swift in retribution. Yet He is Forgiving, Merciful.

Surah 7 – Al-A’raf – The Heights
[Author's note] This is the 7th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 206 verses. People with outstanding faculties of reasoning are stationed at the Heights of human dignity.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
7:1 A.L.M.S. Alif. Lam. Mim. Saad. Allah Aleem, the Knower; As-Sadiq, the Truthful, states that,
7:2 This Book, a Divine Writ, has been revealed to you (O Messenger). Let it not burden your chest. It has been revealed to you so that you may caution your fellow human beings against the consequences of their wrong actions. This is a Reminder for those who attain belief.
7:3 O People! Follow what has been sent to you from your Lord and follow no masters other than Him. How seldom do you keep this in mind!
7:4 (You will find ample documentation in history that when communities ignored Our Permanent Value System they met with destruction.) How many a community Our Law of Requital has annihilated! Our Requital visited them by night, or while they slept at noon.
7:5 They had no plea when Our Requital came to them, but they said, “We were indeed unjust, and used to oppress the vulnerable.”
7:6 We will certainly question those to whom Our Messengers were sent, and verily We will question the Messengers.
7:7 We shall recount the whole story for them, for We were never absent in Time and Place.
7:8 The scales on that Day will be truly equitable. Those whose constructive deeds are heavy, will prosper.
7:9 And those whose scales are light, will be the ones who have put their ‘Self’ in loss. This is because they used to replace Our Revelations with man-made dogmas.
7:10 (Take heed before the final scales are set). We have placed you on earth and given you means for a fulfilling life. How seldom are you grateful! (Being grateful is sharing Allah’s bounties with others 16:114, 31:12).
7:11 We created you, then shaped you, then told the angels, "Be of service to Adam! And they agreed to be of service, all but Iblis (Satan). He was not of the subservient. [Take a panoramic view of your common origin. Life began as a single life cell from hydrated inorganic matter (23:13). We made you Adam (Homo sapiens, male and female). And We made the angels (the Universal Forces) subservient to you. Satan or Iblis, your own rebellious desire, refused to submit to your higher controls of judgment.]
7:12 God said, “What stopped you from being subservient when I ordered you?” Iblis responded, "I am better than he. You created me from fire, and him from clay.” (Emotions are fiery in relation to sound judgment. The criterion of honor is not lineage, color, caste or nation. It is nothing but good conduct 49:13).
7:13 (Recall that many of the verses of the Qur’an are allegorical.) God said, “You are dismissed and degraded hence. It is not for you to be arrogant here. Go forth, then! Among the humiliated you shall be.”
7:14 He (Iblis) said, "Give me respite till the Day they are raised up.”
7:15 The request was granted, " Be among those who are given respite.”
7:16 Iblis said, "Since You have willed that I go astray, I will lurk in ambush for them in Your Straight Path.”
7:17 “Then I will assault them openly and secretly, through their strengths and through their weaknesses. And You will not find most of them grateful (for Your Guidance).
7:18 He said, “Go forth from here, degraded and banished. Whoever follows you among them, I will surely fill hell with you all.”
7:19 “ O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden and eat from whatever you may wish; but do not approach this one tree, lest you become wrong doers.” (Contrary to the popular beliefs that the Forbidden Tree was the tree of knowledge, fruit of this plant and that plant, or of sexual charms, it refers to humanity dividing itself like the branches of a tree 2:35-36, 2:213, 20:120).
7:20 Then Satan deceived them in order to reveal their imperfections and fallibility to them. He said, "Your Lord forbade this tree lest you become angels or become immortals.” (The selfish desire of humans prompted them to think about their own children rather than the collective good. That would, in a way, give them power and immortality).
7:21 And Satan swore to both, man and woman, “I am a sincere advisor to you.”
7:22 So by deceit Satan brought about their downfall. They tasted of the tree of discord and started to divide into branches. (Personal interest dominated their minds rather than the collective good of all. Humanity began to fall into mutual contention). Soon their imperfections became obvious and they tried to conceal them in vain with superficial courtesy. Then came a reminder from their Lord, "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan is your open enemy?"
7:23 They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. Unless You forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be lost.” (Man and woman accepted responsibility acknowledging that they had free will as against Satan who had ascribed his disobedience to the Will of Allah 7:16)
7:24 (Self interests of people had given rise to unjust marking of land and individual hoarding. Suppression of the weak had begun). Allah told them that they had fallen down from the high station of humanity. They had ignored the Law that "Mankind is one community" (10:19). From then on, they would live as tribes and nations, enemies to one another, “There will be for you on land an abode and sustenance for a while.”
7:25 He said, "You shall live in the earth and die there and be resurrected from there.” (In the meantime they could regain their lost paradise if they followed the Divine Commands 2:213).
7:26 O Children of Adam! We have provided you with garments to cover your bodies as well as to adorn you. The best garment for you to wear, in addition, is good conduct. Your character decorates you inside out. These are the verses of Allah that they must take to heart.
7:27 O Children of Adam! Let not your selfish desire deceive you as it deceived your ancestors, caused them to lose their paradise, and exposed their imperfections. A host of selfish and rebellious desires lurk within you. You can't even see them but these Satans see you and befriend those who do not believe.
7:28 (As an example) when people commit an indecency they say, "We found our forefathers doing it and Allah has enjoined it upon us." (Made it natural for us). Say (O Prophet), "Allah never enjoins indecency. Do you attribute to Allah of which you have no knowledge?"
7:29 Say (O Messenger), "My Lord enjoins justice and moderation and to stand devoted to Him alone in complete obedience. Call unto Him, sincere in your Faith in Him alone. He it is Who brought you into being in the first place, and to Him you will return.” (And this is how you can regain your lost Paradise in both worlds).
7:30 But there will be two parties among people. Some of them will walk aright according to the Divine Laws of Guidance while others will ally with Satans as their friends. They take their religious leadership as their masters instead of Allah, and think that they are rightly guided (7:3, 22:13).
7:31 O Children of Adam! Subservience and obedience to the Divine Commands ensures for you adornment and nice things in life. So enjoy Allah’s Bounties, but do not commit excesses. Allah does not love the wasters.
7:32 Say, "Who has forbidden the beauty and nice things Allah has brought forth for His servants, and the pure clean things of your choice?” Say, “Such things are for those in this world who believe in the Divine Laws. And on the Day of Resurrection they will be exclusively for those who attained Conviction.” We thus explain Our Laws for those who make good use of what they learn".
7:33 Say, "My Lord forbids only:
- Indecent shameful deeds, open or secret.
- Actions that hurt the “Self” and drag down the individual and collective human potential.
- Unjust aggression.
- Idol worship in any form. It has been completely unauthorized by Allah.
- And that you say things about Allah that you know not.”
7:34 All nations and communities determine the terms of their Rise and Fall in accordance with these Divine Laws. And these Laws work with meticulous timing, without delay and without hastening.
7:35 O Children of Adam! (I had revealed in the early stages of human civilization that I will keep sending My Guidance to you 2:213). So, when Messengers of your own come to you narrating My Messages, those who will walk aright and mend their ways, will have nothing to fear or grieve.
7:36 On the other hand, those who reject Our Revelations and scorn them, will dwell in the Hellfire to live therein, forever.
7:37 Who can do a greater wrong than the one who invents lies about Allah, or belies His Revelations? They get their due share according to the Law of Respite till Our couriers of death come to them saying, “Where are those on whom you called besides Allah?” They will respond, “ They have left us hanging.” Then they will testify against themselves that they had been disbelievers.
7:38 Allah will command them to join the previous rural and urban communities into the Fire. Every later group will blame the former, "Our Lord! These are the ones who misled us; double their punishment.” He will say, “The punishment is doubled for both.” (The first group violated the Laws and misled others, and the second group was guilty of blind following and misleading their successors).
7:39 The first nation will say to the last, “You are not the least bit better than us. So taste the doom for what you earned.”
7:40 Those who deny Our Messages, and scorn them, the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them. And they will not enter the Garden until the camel goes through the eye of a needle. This is how We recompense the guilty. (Likewise nations that ignore the Divine Laws will utterly fail to establish a paradise on earth).
7:41 Hell is their bed and their covering as well. This is how We recompense the guilty, those who steal the fruit of others’ labor and thus violate human rights. (Nations that fail to build their own paradise on earth only lurk on hellish ground. They have a ceiling of chaos keeping them from rising in the community of nations).
7:42 On the other hand, those who attain conviction in Divine Laws and work to augment the individual and collective potential of humanity, will succeed in attaining paradise of their own making (3:136). (The paradise of people's own making will never be lost; it will be their heritage in the life to come 2:25, 3:133, 55: 45-47). We never assign goals to people that are beyond their capacity.
7:43 (In earthly life human beings conceal many negative feelings that they have towards others even though they may have cordial relations with them). We will remove all negative emotions from their hearts. There will be no such feelings amongst the dwellers of earthly and heavenly Paradise wherein streams will flow. (The blessings of such a Social Order would be everlasting!) They will say: “All Praise is due to Allah Who has guided us to such a beautiful destination. Without Divine guidance we would never have reached this place. Allah’s Messengers brought to us this Truth. It will be proclaimed: “This is the Paradise which you have inherited; and since you have inherited this Paradise as a result of your own effort, you will not be expelled from it.”

(In this Ideal Society, justice, and therefore, mutual trust will prevail. Rivers of aesthetic beauties will flow and provision will be abundant. When the basic needs of individuals are secure, they will have the chance to move toward the higher levels of self-actualization. Hence, negative emotions and behavior such as jealousy, selfishness, contempt, rancor, revenge and deceit shall vanish from their hearts. They will praise Allah in word and action for His Guidance, without which the Bliss wouldn't be possible. They will acknowledge that the Messengers of their Lord indeed came with the Absolute Truth. They will hear echoes of Conviction, "This is your Paradise. You have built it and you shall inherit it never to be lost again.”)
7:44 The dwellers of the Garden will call out to the dwellers of the Fire, “We have found that what Our Sustainer promised us has come true. Have you too, found that what your Sustainer promised you has come true?” They will answer, “Yes!” Then from their midst a voice will proclaim, “Allah rejects the oppressors who wrongfully violated human rights.”
7:45 They hindered men and women from the Path of Allah and tried to make it crooked, thus practically denying the Law of Requital and the life Hereafter.
7:46 Between the people of Paradise and Hell there will be a veil. On the Heights there will be people with insight who will recognize others by their looks. They will greet those who, in their estimate, are worthy of entering the Garden, with “Peace!” (2:143, 4:41, 56:10-11.)

(A barrier of distinction will exist between the heavenly and the hellish societies. On the heights of wisdom and knowledge will be some sincere leaders. They will recognize the strengths and the weaknesses of communities. Striving for peace and security, they will show the way to establish the right system to people who will be craving for it).
7:47 When they turn to the ones who have been living a hellish life, they will say, “Our Lord! Keep us away from the ways of the wrongdoers and violators of the human rights.”
7:48 The people on the Heights will recognize another group and say to them, “How did your multitude, the wealth you amassed and the things you took pride in, help you?”
[In my opinion, the people of Heights will advise corrective action to be taken against the hoarding of wealth, population explosion, and false pride of nations. JAM'UKUM = Your great numbers = Your multitude = Your hoards = Your hosts = What you have amassed]
7:49 And pointing to the dwellers of the Garden, they will say, “Are these not the people about whom you used to swear that Allah will never bestow His Grace upon them? They are entering the Garden where there will be no fear or grief.” (They will make it clear that the Divine Law favors no particular peoples. Obeying His Laws brings His Grace and Bounties”). Follow His Laws and, “Enter the paradise of your own making, the society where there shall be no fear nor grief.”
7:50 The dwellers of Hell will say to the dwellers of Paradise “Give us something of the life-giving resources and the provisions bestowed on you by Allah.” They will reply, “Allah has made these things forbidden to the rejecters of His Laws." (The hellish societies will expect Allah’s provisions to be granted to them as free-bees. They will be told that Allah’s Bounties can only be achieved by establishing the Right System, and His Law forbids these Bounties to the rejecters.
7:51 Those who took their religion as mere amusement and ritual partying, were deceived by immediate gains of the worldly life (6:70). We will forget them as they forgot the meeting of this Day, and rejected Our Revelations.
7:52 We have given them a Book of Knowledge that explains the Guidance in full detail. It is a Mercy for those who accept it. (It has the Power to change hellish societies into paradise on earth).
7:53 Are they waiting until the consequences stare them in their eyes? The Day the consequences appear, those who disregarded it will say, “The Messengers of our Lord did bring the Truth. Are there any intercessors to intercede on our behalf? Or can we be returned that we behave differently from our past?” They have put their “Self” in loss and their own forgery fails them. (They will seek mediation for their mutual conflicts and long for starting from scratch. Since they have hurt their "Self", they have lost the power of judgment and they would need help. They have been fabricating unworkable systems).
7:54 Verily, your Sustainer is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth in six stages, and is established on the Throne of His Almightiness (10:3, 13:2). He draws the night over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession. The sun, the moon, the stars are committed to serve by His Command. Listen and remember, to Him belongs the World of Creation, and to Him belongs the World of Command. Exalted, He is the Lord of the Worlds.
7:55 (He has the power to revive dead nations). Call unto your Lord humbly and in the secrecy of your hearts. He does not love those who transgress the bounds of what He has ordained as right.
7:56 Hence, do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set in order. Call unto Him in fear and hope. (Fear the consequences of violating His Commands and hope since you know His Promise is always true). Allah’s Mercy is close to the benefactors of humanity.
7:57 He is the One who sends pleasant winds bearing good news of the forthcoming rain of His blessings. When the winds carry the heavy clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead. The water then causes all kinds of fruit and vegetation to sprout. This is how We can revive dead people and nations. Herein is a sign for those who pay heed.
7:58 The land that has been well prepared springs up rich produce by the Leave of its Lord. The land that has not been well prepared only yields scant vegetation. (Similar is the situation of nations that wish to come back to life. They need reform at the grassroots level). This is how We explain Our verses from various vantage points for those who are grateful to receive such clear Guidance.
7:59 (Now, We give you a brief resume of the previous Prophets and their nations for you to draw lessons). We sent Noah to his people. He said, “ O My people! Serve Allah. You have no other god beside Him. (If you reform not) I fear for you the retribution of an awesome day.”
7:60 The chiefs of his people said, "We surely see you in manifest error.”
7:61 Noah said, "O My people! There is no error in me. I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds.
7:62 I only convey to you the Messages of my Lord. My advice is sincere to you and I know from Allah that which you know not.
7:63 Do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder from your Lord through a man from amongst you - to warn you, and to show you the secure path so that you may flourish in Grace?”
7:64 But they denied him. So, We saved him and those with him in the ship, and drowned those who denied Our Revelations. Indeed they were folk blind in arrogance. (A great flood was about to come and Noah was informed. He and his followers built an Ark. They were with him in belief and in the ship, so were they saved).
7:65 To the people of Aad, We sent their brother, Hud. He said, “O My people! Serve Allah. You have no god beside Him. Don't you wish to walk aright?”
7:66 The elite among his people who were disbelieving said, "Ah! We see that you are in folly, and we think that you are a liar.”
7:67 He said, "O My people! There is no folly in me. I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds.
7:68 I convey to you the Messages of my Lord, and I am a sincere and trustworthy adviser to you.
7:69 Do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder from your Lord through a man from amongst you, to warn you? Recall that He made you successors to Noah’s people and gave you abundant power. Keep in mind Allah’s Authority and Blessings that you may continue to prosper.”
7:70 They said, "Have you come to us that we worship Allah alone and give up what our forefathers worshiped? Bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.”
7:71 (Aad were powerful people but their society had gone unjust. Since there is a Law of Respite for nations, they flourished and were unable to see the wrong thus far). Hud said, "Allah’s Law of Requital is already hovering over you. Do you argue with me about certain names, false authorities that you and your forefathers have fabricated? And Allah never authorized them (53:23). Then wait for the consequences, and I am also waiting.”
7:72 (The people of Aad who inhabited a big empire in the North of Arabia, failed to heed the warning of the Prophet. Then hurricane winds annihilated them 41:16). We saved him and those with him by Mercy from Us, and cut the root of those who belied Our Messages and would not believe.
7:73 The people of Thamud were successors to Aad. To them We sent their brother, Saleh. He said, “O My people! Serve Allah. You have no other god but He. The Clear Truth has come to you from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah, a token for your obedience. So let her feed in Allah’s earth and do not harm her lest painful torment seize you.” (Their feudal lords controlled land, crop, oases and water resources, and the weak were suffering. Saleh assigned a she-camel as a symbol of their reformation).
7:74 Saleh said, “Remember how He made you inherit the land after Aad and established you therein. You build castles in the valleys and carve out homes in the mountains. So, remember Allah’s bounties and do not spread corruption in the land.”
7:75 Their leaders said to the believers, "How do you know that Saleh is sent from his Lord?" They responded, "We believe in the Message he has brought.” (The bringer of such Sublime Message cannot be a liar).
7:76 (The arrogant leaders and the feudal lords could see their vested interests getting hit, so they decided to reject the Divine Message.) The arrogant ones said to the believers, “We reject what you believe in.”
7:77 They killed the she-camel, rebelled against their Lord’s Command and challenged, “O’ Saleh! Bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are really a Messenger.”
7:78 (In their life of luxury, like other strong nations they felt invincible.) The destruction came from under their feet. A powerful earthquake annihilated them, leaving them lifeless in their homes.
7:79 Saleh was grieved that his people disregarded the Message of his Lord. He moved away from the township saying to himself, “O My people! I gave my Lord’s Message to you, and advised you sincerely, but you never liked good advisers.”
7:80 (Hud, Saleh, and their respective followers, escaped destruction because they believed in the Revelation and took appropriate precautions. The people of Prophet Lot lived by the Dead Sea in Sodom.) Lot told them, “You commit such an abomination that no one in the worlds has done before you.”
7:81 You approach men with lust in preference to women. Nay, but you are a people crossing all bounds."
7:82 They said, "Drive them out of your town! These people want to be models of purity.”
7:83 We saved him and his followers. But his wife who lagged behind in belief stayed with the crowd, and was destroyed.
7:84 (It was the time when a huge volcano was about to erupt. The Prophet of God had advance knowledge and he moved out at the right time, along with his followers.) And We rained a rain upon them (a huge shower of stones). See now how grievous was the outcome of the guilty.
7:85 (And there was the Nation of Midyan that lived between Madinah and Damascus since around 2000 B.C. They were the descendants of Prophet Abraham's son MIDYAN from his third wife QATOORA. Most of them were traders but they squandered justice and equity in business.) We sent Shoaib (Jethro), their brother, to them (around 1300 BC). He said, “O My people! Obey Allah. There is none else worthy of obedience and Law-giving. Now has come to you the clear evidence of Truth from your Lord. Be loyal to measure and weight in all your dealings. Withhold not from people the things that are rightfully theirs. Do not corrupt the earth after it has been set straight. All this will be better for you if you would but believe.
Learn from history about the outcome of the corrupt and the bloody criminals.
7:86 Lurk not on every road threatening travelers, and hindering from the Path of Allah those who believe in Him. Nor seek to make it crooked. Remember, when you were few and weak and how He multiplied and strengthened you. Learn from history about the outcome of the corrupt and the bloody criminals.
7:87 A group among you has believed in what I have been sent with and the other group has not believed. Then have patience (let the believers work their program of reform), until Allah judges between us. He is the Best of deciders."
7:88 The arrogant leaders of his community said, "O Shoaib! We will certainly drive you and those who believe with you out of our town unless you return to our ways.” Shoaib said, "Why, even though we detest your ways?”
7:89 “Shall we forge a lie against Allah by embracing your ways when He has rescued us from the wrong? How could we revert to your ways and thus violate the Will of Allah, our Sustainer? Our Lord encompasses all things in Knowledge, (and He knows what is right and what is wrong). In Allah do we put our trust. O Our Lord! Make the Truth triumph between our people and us. You are the best Exponent of the Truth.”
7:90 But the disbelieving chiefs of his nation said, "O People! If you follow Shoaib, then truly we will be ruined (as we lose the big profits in our trade).”
7:91 A tremendous earthquake seized them and the morning found them dead in their homes, on the ground.
7:92 Those who denied Shoaib became as though they had never lived there. Those who denied Shoaib, were the losers.
7:93 (The Prophet of God had been forewarned of the oncoming catastrophe and he moved out into the valley along with his followers.) As he was leaving, he said, "O My people! I delivered my Lord’s Messages to you and gave you sincere advice. How could I mourn for people who rejected the Truth?”
7:94 We sent no Prophet to a community without Our Law of Requital trying them with adversity and tribulation for their wrongdoings, so that they become humble.
7:95 Then We changed their plight for good till they became affluent. Then they said, “(Hardships and prosperity are just a matter of chance). Even our parents and forefathers have gone through these ups and downs.” Our Requital seized them when they least expected it. (To them it appeared sudden, but unjust systems insidiously move towards the consequences).
7:96 If the people of the towns had believed in the Divine Laws and run their system aright, We would have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth. But they denied and what they earned with their deeds seized them.
7:97 Can the people of any community ever feel secure that Our Requital will not come upon them at night, while they are asleep?
7:98 Or do the people of townships feel secure from the coming of Our Requital upon them in the daytime while they play?
7:99 Do they feel secure from the subtle progression of the Divine Laws? Do they think that the Divine Law grants them unconditional security? Only the losers feel secure from the subtle progression of Allah’s Law of Requital.
7:100 Is it not a lesson for those who inherit the earth from previous generations that they could suffer similar consequences? Trailing behind in the community of nations is a tribulation in itself. And Our Law can cause their intellectual and perceptual faculties to be sealed and blunted for their failings.
7:101 Such were the communities whose historical accounts We relate to you (O Prophet). Their Messengers came to them with clear evidence of Truth. But they preemptively rejected it, and then stuck to rejection. Or they denied the Truth in blind following since their ancestors had denied it. This is how the rejecters cause Allah’s Law to seal their hearts to reason.
7:102 And in most of them We found no bond with their honored stature of humanity (17:70). And We found that most of them slip away from the Permanent Values.
7:103 (Here is another historical account. Moses was the next generation to Shoaib. After the Midyans had risen and declined in the previous millennium), We sent Moses to Pharaoh and his chiefs with Our Revelations and they willfully rejected them. Now see the consequence of the corrupters.
7:104 Moses said, "O Pharaoh! I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds.
7:105 It is incumbent upon me that I say about God nothing but the Truth. I come to you with clear evidence of the Truth from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel go with me.”
7:106 Pharaoh said, “If you have come with clear evidence, produce it if you are of the truthful.”
7:107 Moses presented his argument that he held fast, with vibrant confidence and logic.
7:108 The strength of his conviction shone bright to those present (20:17-21).
7:109 The chiefs of Pharaoh's nation said, "This is some knowing wizard!
7:110 It appears to us that Moses, after gaining some following, plans to throw you out of your land.” Said Pharaoh, “Now, what do you advise?”
7:111 After consulting among themselves, the chiefs said, "Put his and his brother, Aaron’s matter on hold and send to cities couriers.
7:112 To bring all master debaters to your court.”
7:113 The master debaters came to Pharaoh. They said, “Surely there will be reward for us if we are victors.”
7:114 He answered, “Yes, verily, and you will be among those who are close to me.”
7:115 The debaters said, “O Moses! Either you begin or let us be the first to present our case.”
7:116 Moses asked them to begin. When they began they cast a spell on the people’s eyes, and struck them with awe, and stunned the assembly with their spellbinding eloquence.
7:117 We inspired Moses to respond with Conviction, and it swallowed the deceptive rhetoric of the debaters.
7:118 The Truth prevailed and their arguments were manifestly proven false.
7:119 Thus were they defeated right there and humiliated.
7:120 The debaters fell down prostrate.
7:121 They were convinced and said, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds.
7:122 The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
7:123 Pharaoh got annoyed, "You believe in Him before I give you permission! This is a political conspiracy you all have made up in the city, so that you get my subjects out on the streets in rebellion and topple the government. You will see the punishment very soon.
7:124 I will immobilize you in handcuffs and fetters. Then I will crucify every one of you." (Cutting off of the hands and feet on the alternate side refers to immobilization otherwise crucifixion won’t be necessary.)
7:125 They responded, "We are determined to turn to the Way of our Lord.”
7:126 "Will you persecute us simply because we believed in the Revelations of our Lord when they came to us? Our Lord! Strengthen our resolve and make us die as those who have surrendered to You.”
7:127 The chiefs among Pharaoh's people said, "Will you allow Moses and his people to create disorder in the land, and forsake your rule and your gods?” He said, "We will slay their sons and spare their women. We are in power over them.”
7:128 Moses assured his people, “Seek help in Allah and endure. Following the Divine Commands will empower you. The earth belongs to Allah, and not to any tyrants. He grants it to His servants according to His Laws (21:105). The ultimate success belongs to those who walk aright in the Divine Light.”
7:129 Fearing persecution they said, "We suffered before you came to us and after you have come to us.” Moses said, “Your Lord will annihilate your enemy, and you will inherit the earth. Then He will see what kind of works you do.”
7:130 The unjust system of Pharaoh and his people began to waver (7:94). When Our Requital struck them with famine, and scanty crop (they found themselves ill prepared for the relief efforts). They should have stopped to think.
7:131 (Instead of reflecting and taking corrective action, they sought the easy way out.) All good that came along, they ascribed it to their own worthiness, and any affliction that struck them, they blamed it on the bad omen of Moses and his companions. Most people know not that there is no such thing as a bad omen or a good omen. People determine their destiny according to Allah’s Laws. In that sense, then, omens are with Allah alone.
7:132 They kept telling Moses, “Whatever the Verses might say, whatever bad omens you could bring, or bewitch us with your logic, we will not believe in you” (and will not consider moral reformation).
7:133 Their System was too inefficient to fight off natural calamities, such as, floods, swarms of locusts, diseases of crops, livestock and humans. These were open signs for them to wake up to reform, but Pharaoh and his chiefs were too arrogant to accept responsibility, and too involved in luxury to take action. They were guilty of misrule.
7:134 (The irrational Egyptians continued to remain sunken in superstition.) Whenever hardship struck, they turned to Moses for prayer stating that Allah had a pledge with him, and promising that they would believe and let the Children of Israel go with him. (They did not understand that the pledge of Allah with His Messenger was only that of obeying His Commands and His blessings in return. It did not involve any supernatural phenomena such as miracles).
7:135 When the hardship ran its course according to Our Laws, they would break their promise with Moses.
7:136 They had to meet with Our Law of Requital as they continued to deny Our Revelations and remained heedless. Instead of mending their ways, they tried to annihilate Moses and his people and We drowned them in the sea as they were pursuing Moses and his people, in rage and arrogance.
7:137 We made the oppressed people inherit the east and the west of the land that We had blessed with abundant provision. The Commands of your Lord were fulfilled for the Children of Israel to reward them for their steadfastness. Pharaoh and his people eventually met destruction for violating Our Laws. And We mingled with dust, the great works and fine buildings, temples, palaces, tombs, statues and stately structures of all kinds that Pharaoh and his people had built with so much skill and pride. (The Children of Israel later inherited a sizeable and highly prosperous kingdom including Syria and Palestine under David and Solomon).
7:138 After they crossed the sea (into Sinai 2: 50-51), the Children of Israel passed by some people who were worshiping statues. They said, ‘O’ Moses! Make a god for us, like the gods they have.” Moses said, "You are a folk who wish to lurk in darkness.
7:139 What these idol worshipers are doing is senseless and vain.
7:140 Shall I seek a god for you other than Allah, when He has blessed you more than the other existing nations?"
7:141 Remember, We delivered you from Pharaoh's folk as they were persecuting you. They killed your sons and spared your women. This was a great tribulation you incurred according to the Laws of your Lord, since you had divided among yourselves and became weak (28:4).
7:142 We summoned Moses for one month and ten days to instruct him about the future program (2:51). The complete term would take forty nights, in two stages of thirty and ten to make it easy for him. Before leaving for Mount Sinai, Moses assigned his brother Aaron, as his deputy and told him to keep social order after him and not to be intimidated by the problem makers.
7:143 When Moses arrived at the appointed time, and his Lord spoke to him, Moses said, "My Lord! Show me Yourself, such that I can see You." His Lord said, "You cannot see Me. The best way to see Me is to look at this mountain and think. If you contemplate, you will understand that even a single mountain is made of countless atoms that were scattered. Then consider that you have seen Me." Realizing this, Moses imagined the Glory of His Lord through His signs in the Universe. He was stunned and when he recovered his senses, he said, "Infinite are You in Your Glory! I feel embarrassed and repent at my question. I am among the foremost believers.” (The 7,359 feet high Mount Sinai is standing to this day. Therefore contrary to popular literal translation of this verse, its understanding in allegorical terms is preferred. Also, a Prophet of God is unlikely to make a demand to behold God in physical form).
7:144 God said, “O Moses! "I have chosen you to be My Messenger and convey My Word to the people. I have given to you My Messages and spoken to you. Hold on to these Commands and be appreciative by sharing My Bounty of Revelations with people.”
7:145 We ordained for him in, the Tablets of Law, Enlightenment and clearly spelled out Guidance. And told him, “Uphold these teachings strongly, and tell your people to uphold them. These are excellent teachings. I will soon let you and your people see (how blessed the outcome of compliance will be and) to which abode the drifters will be headed (39:18).”
7:146 The Law stands* that those who are proud on earth without justification will turn away from My revelations. Even if they went through the entire script, and saw clear evidence of the Truth, their arrogance will keep them from believing. When they see the right guidance, they do not accept it, but they readily accept straying. This is because they choose to preemptively deny Our Revelations and to remain unaware of the wisdom in them. (*The consequences according to the Law of Requital, Allah ascribes to Himself, such as “Allah did it.”)
7:147 Those who deny our Messages and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are fruitless. Are they rewarded anything but what they deserved for their decisions? [Human beings should remember that every action has a consequence and it gets imprinted on the “Self”. While every tomorrow is the AKHIRA (after) of today, the final Judgment and Recompense for us rests with the life to come].
7:148 The people of Moses made up a calf out of their ornaments while Moses was on the Mount Sinai. They made it such that blowing into it produced a lowing sound. They didn't even see that it couldn't talk to them or show them any way. Still they chose it as a god, and thus wronged their own “Self”.
7:149 When they regretted their action and realized that they had gone astray, they said, “Unless our Lord embraces us with Mercy and forgives us, we surely will be lost.’
7:150 Moses returned to his people and was upset and grieved. He said, “You have chosen a terrible thing after me. Do you wish your Lord’s Law of Requital to smite you soon (20:86)? He placed the tablets of the Commands among them and questioned his brother, Aaron, very strictly. Aaron explained, "O Son of my mother! These people treated me harshly and took my patience as weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my opponents rejoice, and count me not among the wrongdoers." (Seizing the beard and head is indicative of interrogating harshly. Aaron had been extra patient with their idolatry to avoid division among them (20:94). Aaron, the Prophet of God, preferred SHIRK over Sectarianism. This is how reprehensible sectarianism and division in religion is).
7:151 Moses said, “My Lord! Forgive me, and my brother and admit us in Your Grace. You are the Most Merciful among the gracious.”
7:152 Those who chose the calf for worship, have incurred their Lord’s Requital, and humiliation in the life of this world. Thus do We requite those who invent a lie.
7:153 Those who have done ill deeds, but then repent and attain belief, for them, afterward, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
7:154 When Moses calmed down, he picked up the tablets, on which was inscribed Merciful Guidance for those who fear violating the Law of their Lord.
7:155 Moses planned for the future. He appointed seventy of his people as officers to prevent the nation from wavering. An earthquake shook them (2:55) and Moses said, “My Lord! You could have destroyed them and me before, if You so willed (when they asked to see God in physical form 2:55). Would you destroy us for the actions of the ignorant among us? This must be Your trial for us. You have appointed Laws of straying and guidance. You are our Protecting Friend. Forgive us and have Mercy on us. You are the Best of forgivers.
7:156 Ordain for us the good in this world and in the Hereafter. We turn to You with conviction in Your Guidance.” God responded, “My punishment is but the Law of Requital, and My Mercy embraces all things. I will specify My Mercy to those who walk aright, spend their wealth on community welfare, and practically believe in Our Revelations.”
7:157 (Now the Law has been revealed to Prophet Muhammad.) Follow the Messenger, the Prophet who is a non-Israelite, and who was unlettered before the Revelation (29:48). They find him well described* in the Torah and the Gospel with them. He enjoins upon them the Right, and forbids them the Wrong. He declares Lawful all good things, and declares Unlawful only the unclean things. He relieves people from the burdens they carried. He breaks the shackles that they used to wear, of mental and physical slavery, and brings them from darkness to Light (5:15-16, 65:11, 76:4). Those who believe in him, honor him, support him, and follow the Light that came with him, are the eternally successful. *(Deuteronomy xviii, 15 and 18. Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7 PARACLETOS = COMFORTER, from original Greek PERICLYTOS = THE PRAISED ONE. In Aramaic, MAWHAMANA = THE PRAISED ONE)
7:158 Say, "O Mankind! I am Allah’s Messenger to all of you (beyond temporal and geographical bounds). The Messenger of Him to Whom belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no god but He. He has Absolute Control over the fountain spring of life and over the Laws of transition to death. So, believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Prophet to whose people no Scripture was given before, and who believes in Allah and in His Words. Follow him so that you may be rightly guided.”
7:159 The people of Moses were given similar guidance and a section among them was guided and did justice in Truth.
7:160 We set up twelve tribal communities among the Israelites for effective administration. When his people asked for water, We revealed to Moses, “Strike the rock with your staff!” And twelve springs gushed forth from there. (Remember the times when you were in the Sinai desert and there was shortage of water. Moses asked for water for his people and We guided him to a rock under which were hidden twelve springs of water ready to gush forth. Moses, with the strength of his conviction and with the help of his companions, unclogged those springs and each of the twelve tribes found their respective source of fresh cool water 2:60). Moses had established the Divine system of life. We shall open the Blessings of the heavens and the earth for any nation that accepts these Laws and works for the collective good of humanity. Such abundance with equity is no less than a heavenly "Table spread" that ensures freedom from want for all, in the shadow of Divine Grace. They enjoyed delicious bird meat and vegetation they had grown in the oasis of their own making. That is what the people of Moses were given, “Eat of the good things that We have provided you.” After a time, the corrupters in that wonderful society started dissenting. Did they harm us? Nay, they harmed their own "Self".
7:161 And remember, when it was said to them, “Dwell in this town, enjoy Our bounties all along and remain humble before Our Commands. As soon as you enter the gate, your wandering in the desert will end*. Remain submissive and We will forgive your faults. We increase the reward for those who benefit humanity.” (2:58) Then We commanded you, “Enter the Sacred Land (of Palestine 5:21) and enjoy the provisions; eat from where you want. Enter the gate humbly and say, HITTATUN, ‘Our Lord! Absolve our misdeeds, we mend our ways.’ Then do what you say and We shall forgive you your misdeeds and amply reward the doers of good.”
7:162 But, some of the wrongdoers began changing the Word of God that was taught to them, and displaced it with their own fabrications. And that resulted in a change in behavior. Our Heavenly Law of Requital caused them to weaken and waver, for they violated the Commands (2:59-61). Detachment from the Ideology made them lose their strength (5:22-24).
7:163 Ask the Israelites about the township (Elat) that was located by the sea, and they had violated the Sabbath. The big fish used to come on the surface in abundance on their day of Sabbath, feeling secure, and did not come up on other days. (But the community failed to persevere, and broke the Sabbath to get a good catch). Thus We tested them to see for themselves how they drift away from discipline.
7:164 The kind-hearted among them kept reminding the violators. And others said, “Why do you preach a people whom Allah’s Requital is going to destroy or punish them with a severe torment?” The counselors said, “In order to be free of guilt before your Lord that we failed to advise. And in the hope that they walk aright.”
7:165 When they disregarded the reminders, We saved the ones who admonished them. And punished those who transgressed and drifted away from the Command.
7:166 As they persisted with their rebellious behavior, Our Law caused their disposition take a downward turn and they developed apish mentality. We told them, “Be the living symbols of humiliation.”
7:167 And remember, your Lord proclaimed that He would raise against them till the Day of Resurrection, people who will persecute them. Your Lord is Swift in Retribution, yet any peoples who mend their ways, will find Him Forgiving, Merciful.
7:168 Our Law caused them to scatter in the earth as sections. Among them some are righteous, and some are opposite. Through the turns of history We have caused them to experience easy and difficult times, in order that they might return to Our Laws.
7:169 But, the succeeding generations that inherited the Scripture, did no better. They became more materialistic, falling for instant gains. Yet, they insist, “We will be forgiven,” and won’t have to account for it. And they keep longing for material gains. Didn’t they promise to uphold the Scripture, and not to say about God but the Truth? And they have studied the Commands in it! The long-term benefit and the abode of the Hereafter are better for those who deal justly with people and walk aright. Do you not use sense?
7:170 Those who hold fast to the Book of Allah, and strive to establish the Divine System, should know that We never squander the reward of the righteous.
7:171 They must recall that the Mount Sinai stands over them as a telling Witness. The mountain could shake with a quake and fall to be level with them but the Divine Guidance is the unwavering Truth (13:31, 59:61). We said, “Hold fast the Scripture We have given you and work the teachings in it, so that you may live upright.”
7:172 Your Lord brought forth generations from the Children of Adam, and they have been the living testimony that He creates and provides them with sustenance. “Am I not your Sustainer?” They practically admit, “Yes, verily. We testify.” Thus you cannot say on the Resurrection Day, “We were not aware of this.”
7:173 Nor will any excuse avail them such as, “It was our forefathers who took false gods and we inherited their belief system. Will you punish us for what falsehood others practiced?” (You will not be questioned what others used to do. No one will bear the load of another 2:134, 39:7).
7:174 We explain Our Verses in detail so that people turn towards the Book.
7:175 And tell them what happens to him whom We have conveyed Our Messages and he passes them by. So his selfish desire overtakes him, and he becomes of those who lose their way.
7:176 He could have raised himself in honor according to Our Laws, but he clung to the earth and followed his own desire. Therefore his likeness is as the likeness of a dog. Whether you pet him or scold him, he pants. Such is the example of people who deny Our Revelations in practice. (The Revelation of Allah lightens your burdens, while man-made dogmas burden you 7:157). So relate this narration that they may reflect.
7:177 Indeed, pitiable is the example of those who reject Our Verses, since they hurt their own “Self”.
7:178 Whoever attains Allah’s Guidance according to His Laws is led aright. And goes astray he who violates Allah’s Law of Guidance. (4:88).
7:179 Our Law has committed to Hell numerous people, rural and urban; they are living the life of hell. They have hearts that they use not to understand. They have eyes with which they see not, and ears with which they hear not. They are like cattle. Nay, they are even worse. Such are the people who have chosen to live through life in total darkness of ignorance.
7:180 All Names of Allah are the fairest names. You can invoke Him by any of them. Be mindful not to over-emphasize a single attribute of His. (For example, the Merciful God is also a Just God). Disregard those who distort His Names or the meaning of His Attributes (like calling Him, father, son, the man upstairs, the destroyer etc.) Be assured that all of you will be rewarded according to your doings, and by no other criterion.
7:181 Among the communities We have created there have been those who guide with Truth and establish justice with it.
7:182 And those who deny Our Revelations, Our Law of Requital leads them in stages to the miserable destination they have no idea of.
7:183 I give them respite but My Law of Requital is designed to be strong.
7:184 Has it never occurred to them that there is no madness whatever in their fellow-man? He has lived a whole life among you (10:16). He is only a plain Warner.
7:185 Can they not see (and correlate what he tells them with) the Dominion of the heavens and the earth and what Allah has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their own life may be near (hence the time to make the right decisions is not unlimited)? What HADITH besides the Qur’an, are they going to believe after him?
7:186 There is no guide for him who misleads himself by violating Allah’s Law of Guidance. When he leaves the Law, the Law leaves him wandering in the wilderness of arrogant trespassing (2:15).
7:187 (They even venture into predicting the end of the world.) They ask you (O Messenger), about the Hour, when the end of the world will come to pass. Say, "That knowledge is only with my Lord. He alone will manifest it at the appropriate time. Heavy it is in the heavens and the earth. It will come upon you suddenly". They ask you as if you could gain insight into this mystery with persistent inquiry. Say, “The knowledge thereof is with Allah only. But most people do not know that even Messengers were not given this knowledge.”
7:188 Say, "I do not even have the power to benefit myself or to avert harm to myself, contrary to the Laws of Allah. Had I the knowledge of what is beyond the reach of human perception, I would have amassed abundant fortune, and no adversity would ever touch me. I am but a Warner and a bearer of good news for those who believe in the Message".
7:189 (The Message encompasses life in its totality.) Recall that Allah created life from a single life cell, then made male and female cells, and then shaped you into human beings, males and females. He designed it such that man might incline with love towards the woman. When he gets intimate with her, she carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As she grows heavy with the child, they both implore Allah, their Lord, “If you indeed grant us a healthy baby, we shall certainly be among the grateful.”
7:190 But as soon as He grants them a sound baby, they begin to ascribe to other powers beside Him a share in bringing about what He has granted them. Exalted is He, High Above all that they associate with Him.
7:191 Do they ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing, but are themselves created?
7:192 And they cannot help them, nor can they help themselves.
7:193 When you invite them to the Guidance, they follow you not. It is the same for you whether you invite them or remain silent.
7:194 Those whom you call upon besides Allah, such as mystics and saints, are people like you. Go ahead and call upon them, let them respond by helping you if you are true in your belief.
7:195 Do the idols have feet to walk, hands to hold, eyes to see and ears to hear? (Likewise, these human demigods have no foundation of Truth to stand on, nor the power to avert Requital, nor the faculties of confronting Reason). Tell the opponents of the Message, "Call upon your idols and your so-called partners of Allah, contrive what you can, and give me no respite.
7:196 My Protecting Friend is Allah Who has revealed this Book, and He befriends the righteous.”
7:197 Whomever you call instead of Him, have no power to help you, nor can they help themselves.
7:198 Such people are lost in their reverence of false deities. When you invite them to Guidance, they hear without listening and you see them looking at you, but they see not.
7:199 (O Prophet) hold to pardon, and go ahead with your program of enjoining virtue and disregard the behavior of those who adamantly remain ignorant.
7:200 Seek refuge in Allah’s Laws by staying alert to any covert actions of the satanic opponents. He is Hearer, Knower.
7:201 Those who are mindful of Allah’s Laws, stay alert to the covert actions of the hinderers and see them with an observant mind.
7:202 The hinderers and their comrades plunge one another deeper into error, and cease not.
7:203 When you do not produce a miracle that they demand, they say, “Why not ask God for it?” Say, "I simply follow and convey what is revealed to me from my Lord". These verses are the enlightening miracle from your Lord, the Guidance and Grace for those who accept them.
7:204 When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with full attention, and listen to it silently, that you may receive Mercy.
7:205 Remember your Sustainer within yourself humbly and in reverence, and without raising your voice, morning and evening. Be not among the neglectful.
7:206 Those who are with your Lord (truly God conscious), are never too proud to serve Him. They strive to establish His Glory on earth by adoring Him and submitting to His Commands.

Surah 8 – Al-Anfal – The Spoils of War
[Author's note] This is the 8th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 75 verses. One of the great Revolutions that the Exalted Messenger brought about, along with the Qur’an, was to ban all raids and ambushes. The negative incentive of tribal battles used to be the achievement of spoils of war. The Divine Decree forbade it and allowed to pick up arms only for self-defense and to remove tyranny. The spoils of war can only be legitimate when believers have engaged in the defense of the Divine Order.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and the Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
8:1 They ask you (O Messenger), about the spoils of war. Say, “The spoils of war belong to Allah and the Messenger (The Central Authority). Be mindful of Allah’s Commands and maintain the bonds of brotherhood among you. Obey Allah and the Messenger if you are believers.
8:2 The true believers are those who feel a tremor in their hearts when Allah is mentioned. (They beat synchronously with the Commands of Allah). And when His Revelations are conveyed to them, they find their faith strengthened. They do their best and then put their trust in their Lord.
8:3 They help establish the Divine System and keep the provision that We have given them, open for the good of humanity.
8:4 Such are the true believers. They have high ranks with their Lord and for them is the security of forgiveness and honorable provision.
8:5 (When the time came to defend the Ideological State of Madinah), your Lord commanded you (O Prophet) to go forth from your home with the conviction that the Truth was on your side. And some of the believers were reluctant.
8:6 (They argued whether to meet the aggressor outside Madinah at Badr, or wait.) And they disputed with you about it after the decision had been made manifest in mutual consultations, as if they were being driven to obvious death.
8:7 Allah promised you engagement and victory against one of the two groups. You preferred to face the weaker group, but Allah willed the Truth to prevail according to His Words and soundly defeat the aggressive disbelievers.
8:8 (That was your first armed confrontation with the opponents in which you were greatly outnumbered and ill equipped.) For He has decreed that the Truth shall triumph, and the falsehood shall vanish, even as the guilty detest it.
8:9 You sought help from your Lord and He assured you, “I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank upon rank.”
8:10 Allah ordained this (allegory) as good news of success, to instill tranquility in your hearts. Victory is achieved only according to the Laws of Allah. He is Powerful, Wise. (These Divine Attributes should draw your attention to organized force and sound planning).
8:11 Remember how it was when He caused inner calm to enfold you, as an assurance from Him, and sent down upon you water from the sky. That He might refresh you and free you from the fear of the satanic act of the enemy (as they confiscated the water wells). Thus He strengthened your hearts and made firm your foothold.
8:12 This is how your Lord inspired the angels, “I am with you. So make the believers stand firm. I will cast terror in the hearts of the rejecters of the Truth. Launch a swift hard strike to disillusion their command and scatter the soldiers."
8:13 That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. Whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, for him, Allah is Strict in Retribution.
8:14 That is the punishment, so taste it. And there is the torment of Fire for the rejecters.
8:15 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Never turn your backs when you meet the rejecters in battle.
8:16 Anyone who turns back on that day, unless strategically or to join his own troops, incurs Allah’s disapproval. His abode shall be Hell, a miserable destination.
8:17 You subdued them not, Allah did. You threw not the arrows, Allah did. For, Allah had permitted you to repel the aggression. He gives the believers a chance to earn credit from Him. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
8:18 That is the case; and know that Allah makes weak the scheme of the rejecters.
8:19 (O Disbelievers), You sought victory, and the victory has come. (If you reflect, the triumph of the Truth is the victory for all, including yourselves). If you refrain from aggression, it will be better for you. But, if you return, so shall We. Your armies will not avail you, no matter how numerous. Allah is with the believers.
8:20 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Obey Allah and His Messenger. Listen to him when he speaks, without getting distracted.
8:21 Be not like those who say that they hear, while they hear not.
8:22 The worst of creations in the Sight of Allah are those deaf, those dumb who do not use their intellect (2:18, 16:76).
8:23 If Allah had seen any good in them, He would have made them hear. But, even if He made them hear, they would have turned away. (The perceptual and conceptual, both faculties must be used for understanding and attaining guidance 17:36).
8:24 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Obey Allah and respond to the Messenger. He calls you to what gives you real life. And know that Allah is closer to humans than their own hearts. And His Guidance intervenes between your determination and your desires (53:24). Unto Him you will be gathered.
8:25 Beware of a tribulation that may not be limited to the wrongdoers among you. Know that Allah is strict in retribution. (There is a strong link between individual and collective good).
8:26 Recall when you were few and oppressed in the land (Makkah) and fearful lest people do away with you. He gave you shelter (in Madinah), strengthened you with His help and gave you decent provision. Be grateful in word and action.
8:27 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Betray not Allah and His Messenger (the Central Authority), nor betray people who trust you, nor be lax in your duties knowingly.
8:28 Know that your wealth and your children are a test for you. (Spend your wealth in Allah’s Cause, provide good education and training to your children) and know that with Allah is immense reward.
8:29 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! If you remain mindful of Allah’s Laws, He will give you distinction among the community of nations and grant you clear discernment between Right and Wrong. He will absolve your imperfections and grant you the protection of forgiveness. Allah is of Infinite bounty.
8:30 Remember (O Messenger), when the rejecters were making schemes to arrest you, slay you, or expel you. That was their plan, but Allah’s Law of Requital is designed to work in a way unfailing. Allah is the Best of planners.
8:31 When Our Messages are conveyed to them, they say, “We have heard. If we wish, we can speak like it. This is nothing but fables of the ancient.”
8:32 They went ahead saying, “O Allah! If this is indeed the Truth from You, then shower upon us rocks from the sky or bring on us a painful suffering.”
8:33 But, Allah did not intend to punish them when you (O Messenger), were among their midst (in Makkah, still preaching). And He would not punish them while they might seek forgiveness.
8:34 Now is a new situation. Have they not deserved Allah’s Requital when they are hindering His servants from the Sacred Masjid of Makkah, even though they are not its guardians? Its guardians can only be those who are mindful of Allah’s Laws. Most of them don’t even know how awesome this responsibility is.
8:35 What is their worship at the House of Allah but whistling and clapping? Therefore it is said to them, “Taste of the Retribution for your rejection of the Truth.” (Any people who plunge in ritualistic worship, trail behind in action and incur suffering).
8:36 Those who are bent upon denying the Truth, spend their riches to hinder people from the Path of Allah. They will spend it, then it will become anguish for them, and they will be overcome. And the rejecters of the Truth will be gathered to Hell.
8:37 Allah will distinguish the bad from the good, then pile the bad on top of one another and cast them together in the Hellfire. They are truly the losers. (The clans of rejecters will join hands to fight the believers, but the battleground will become Hell for them).
8:38 (O Prophet) Tell the disbelievers that if they cease hostilities, all their past will be forgiven. But if they return, they will meet the example of the old nations.
8:39 Fight and subdue those who persist in aggression until persecution is no more, and absolute freedom of religion is established. People must be able to adopt a religion only for God’s Approval, and as free choice (2:193, 12:108). If they cease from aggression, Allah is the Seer of their actions, and therefore you shall leave them alone.
8:40 (Be magnanimous in treating them) knowing that if they returned to their previous ways, Allah is your Lord Supreme. And how excellent is this Lord Supreme, and how excellent is this Giver of help!
8:41 (You ask about the distribution of the spoils of war when you fight aggression and attain victory.) Whatever you take as spoils of war, a fifth of that is for Allah and for the Messenger (the Central Authority, to run the government). The rest will belong to the families of soldiers who laid their lives defending the State, the orphans, those left alone in the society, the widows, the ones whose income has stalled for any reason, the needy wayfarer, and whoever travels to the believers in a destitute condition. This is if you believe in Allah and in what We revealed to Our servant when the two armies met (at Badr) on the Day of Distinction. Allah is the Appointer of due measure for all things.
8:42 You were on the Northern, Madinah side of the Valley of Badr, and they were on the Southern, Makkah side of the Valley. And the caravan of the Makkans was proceeding south along the low Western coast, from Syria to Makkah. Had you attacked the caravan, it would not have accomplished Allah’s Will. He wanted you to have a decisive victory over the hostile army. Allah had decreed that the Truth shall survive and falsehood shall vanish. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
8:43 Allah made them few in your vision (O Messenger). Had He made them appear more numerous (if you got intimidated by their great numbers), you believers would have failed. And you would have disputed among yourselves whether to fight them at Badr was a good idea. But Allah saved you believers from faltering. He knew the resolve in your hearts.
8:44 When the two armies faced each other, He made them appear few in your eyes, and made you appear few in their eyes (3:12). Allah willed that to be the Day of Distinction. All matters go back to Allah’s Laws as their source.
8:45 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Whenever you meet an army, hold firm and remember Allah’s Laws of achieving victory so that you may be successful (8:10).
8:46 Obey Allah and His Messenger, the Central Authority, and do not fall into disputation. If you did that, you will falter and your strength will depart from you. Be proactively steadfast since Allah is with those who persevere both in times of affluence and in times of adversity.
8:47 Do not be like the disbelievers who come out of their homes boastfully and to show off, although they come forth to hinder people from the Path of Allah. Allah encompasses all actions that people do.
8:48 There was a group of Satanic conspirators, the hypocrites, who praised the disbelievers’ actions, “You cannot be overcome by any people today, and we will be fighting along with you as allies.” But as soon as the two armies came face to face, they turned back on their heels and fled, saying, “We disown you, We see what you don’t. We are afraid of Allah Who has instilled faith in the hearts of the believers. Allah is strict in punishment.”
8:49 The hypocrites, and those who harbor doubts in their hearts, taunted the believers, “Their religion has deluded them." (The believers were not deluded or arrogant. They had put their trust in Allah). Whoever puts his trust in Allah, will find that Allah is Mighty, Wise.
8:50 Only if you could perceive how the rejecters leave this world, as the angels put them to death. It is as if they are smiting their faces and backs, “Taste the doom of burning.”
8:51 “It is the result of your deeds that you sent forth with your own hands. Allah is never a tyrant to His servants.”
8:52 (They were made aware of history but) they ended up like Pharaoh's people, and nations before them. They rejected Allah's Messages, kept trailing behind in the Permanent Values, hence, the Law of Requital seized them. Allah is Strong, Strict in Retribution.
8:53 Allah never changes a Blessing He has bestowed upon a nation until they first change themselves (13:11). The Hearer, the Knower, announces this Law to you.
8:54 Pharaoh’s people and those before them are examples. They denied the Messages of their Lord. They trailed behind in humanity and Our Law of Requital annihilated them. Pharaoh’s people were drowned. All these nations had displaced justice with injustice and used to violate human rights.
8:55 The worst among creatures in Allah's Sight are those who are bent on denying the Truth. They show ingratitude by not using their God-given faculties and thus fail to believe.
8:56 Those with whom you have made a peace treaty, and then at every opportunity they break their treaty, certainly violate the Divine Laws.
8:57 When you encounter them in war, deal with them to set an example for those who come after them, that they may remember.
8:58 If you anticipate treachery and breach of treaty, then fairly return the treaty back to them. Allah does not love the treacherous.
8:59 Let not the rejecters suppose that they can get away with their violations. They cannot escape the Law of Requital.
8:60 Make ready for them all the power you can muster, and all the equipment you can mobilize so that you may deter the enemies of Allah, and your enemies. And others beside them whom you know not, Allah knows them. Whatever wealth and effort you spend on your defenses, will be your spending in the Cause of Allah, and it will be repaid to you generously. And you shall not be wronged.
8:61 When they incline to peace, you shall incline to it, and trust in Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
8:62 And if they would deceive you, Allah is Sufficient for you. He has strengthened you (O Messenger) with His support, and by the believers. (An offer of peace may not be rejected in suspicion 6:52, 18:28, 48:29).
8:63 Allah has brought together the hearts of the believers. If you (O Messenger) had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have produced that affection, but Allah has done it. (The Divine Ideology has attuned the believers). Surely, He is Almighty, Wise.
8:64 O Prophet! Allah is Sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.
8:65 O Prophet! Inspire the believers to conquer all fear of death when fighting in the Cause of Allah. So that if there be twenty of you who are patient in adversity, they might overcome two hundred; and if there be one hundred of you, they might overcome one thousand of those who are bent upon denying the Truth. This is because the rejecters cannot grasp the Eternal rewards that infuse enthusiasm in the believers.
8:66 For the time being, however, Allah has lightened your burden, for He knows that you are weak. And so, if there be one hundred of you who are steadfast in adversity, they should be able to overcome two hundred; and if there be one thousand of you, they should be able to overcome two thousand by Allah’s Leave. For, Allah is with those who are steadfast in adversity.
8:67 It is beyond the dignity of a prophet that he may hold any captives, except temporarily, during warfare. They must be freed at the conclusion of hostilities by way of kindness, for ransom, or by exchange of prisoners of war, and there is no other option to keep them (47:4). You may desire the fleeting gains of this world, but Allah desires for you the good of Eternal Achievement, the life to come. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
8:68 If Allah had not decreed for Himself Mercy, those of you who fell for temptation (of booty), would have faced a great retribution.
8:69 (You have seen that you developed your character and established the Divine Order in the society. Then you had to fight off aggression.) Now enjoy what you have won as Lawful and good. Be mindful of Allah's Laws. Verily, Allah is Absolver of imperfections, Merciful.
8:70 O Prophet! Tell the captives of war who are in your hand, “If Allah sees any good in your hearts He will give you better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you. Verily, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
8:71 If they have treacherous designs against you, well, they have already betrayed Allah before this, and that is why He has given you power over them. Allah is Knower, Wise.
8:72 Those who believed, emigrated, and strove with their possessions and lives in the Cause of Allah, as well as those who hosted them and supported them (in Madinah), are close protecting friends of one another. For those who believed but stayed back (in Makkah), you don't owe them support until they migrate. However, if they seek your help as sisters and brothers in DEEN (Divine Ideology), then it is your duty to help them except against a folk with whom you have a treaty. Allah is fully Aware of all your actions.
8:73 Those who reject the Divine Message are protectors of one another. If you do not help the immigrants, there will be chaos in the land and great corruption.
8:74 Those who believed and emigrated, and strove in the Cause of Allah, and those who hosted them and supported them, are True believers. For them is protection of forgiveness and honorable provision.
8:75 And those who followed them in belief, and left their homes, and strove along with you, they are of you. Remember that blood relatives have certain special rights and obligations over each other according to Allah's Ordinance. They should be the first ones to help each other. Verily, Allah is Knower of all things.

Surah 9 – At-Taubah – The Repentance
[Author's note] This is the 9th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 129 verses. Humanity must abstain from associating others with Allah -- the One True God. This injunction applies to matters of worship, obedience and Law-giving. Ascribing partners to Allah does not upset Him. He is too High and Glorious to feel offended. Idolatry in any form only harms us by dragging down the honor granted to humans by the Sublime Creator. And it divides mankind into castes and sects. The idolaters, and others who associate gods besides the One True God, are the believers’ brothers and sisters once they embrace the Truth. And eventually humankind will become one community.

It is customary to omit BISMILLAH before this Surah as it is considered to be a continuation of the last Surah, Al-Anfal. However, the matter is absolutely insignificant and proper references are an integral part of THE QUR’AN AS IT EXPLAINS ITSELF. Al-Anfal is the 8th and this is the 9th Chapter of the Qur’an.
(With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and the Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.)
9:1 (O You who have attained belief! The treaties that you had signed with the idolaters of the Arabian Peninsula, no longer remain valid, for they have repeatedly violated them 9:4). Freedom from obligation in this matter is proclaimed from Allah and His Messenger towards those Idolaters with whom you made a treaty.
9:2 (O Idolaters who have repeatedly violated the peace treaties), Travel freely in the land four months, and know that you cannot escape Allah, and that Allah will bring disgrace to the rejecters of the Truth. (If you persist in rebellion, you will be overpowered and the Central Authority will subdue you).
9:3 And a proclamation from Allah and His Messenger is herewith made to all mankind on this day of the Greatest Pilgrimage (9th day of the 12th lunar month, Zil-Hajjah). Allah disowns the idolaters, and so does His Messenger. So, if you repent, it will be better for you. But if you turn away from repentance, then know that you cannot escape Allah. (O Messenger) Give tiding of an awful retribution to those who are bent upon denying the Truth.
9:4 Except those idolaters with whom you have a treaty and they have not subsequently failed you, nor have they helped others against you. You shall fulfill your treaty with them till their term. Verily, Allah loves those who are mindful of His Laws.
9:5 When the four Sacred Months are over and if the idolaters are still aggressing, neither becoming law-abiding citizens of the State, nor emigrating, subdue them wherever you find them, take them captive, and besiege them, and ambush them. But if they repent from aggression, and help in the consolidation of the Divine System and in setting up the Just Economic Order of Zakat, then leave them free. Verily, Allah is Forgiving Merciful.
[The four Sacred Months forbidden for any warfare: From the 12th month, Zil-Hajjah up to Rabi'ul Awwal 2:194, 9:36]
9:6 (O Messenger) If anyone of the idolaters seeks your protection or a safe passage, grant him protection from the State. Convey to him the Word of God, and then send him to a place where he feels safe and secure. This kindness on your part is mandatory because they are people who have not yet seen the beauty of the Divine System.
9:7 How can there be a treaty with Allah and His Messenger for the idolaters (when they have repeatedly violated it)? Exempted are those with whom you make a treaty at the Sacred Masjid. If they honor and uphold such a treaty, so shall you. Allah loves those who walk aright.
9:8 How can there be a treaty seeing that if they get the upper hand of you, they would respect no ties and no pacts with you? They pleased you with their speech but their hearts opposed you. Most of them are those who slip away from their word.
9:9 They trade away Allah’s Revelations for petty gains and hinder people from His Path. Their deeds spread inequity and confusion in the society. (This trade mentioned in the Qur’an, generally indicates disregarding Divine Moral Values in favor of instant gratification achieved by following the selfish desire).
9:10 They respect no tie and no pact regarding a believer. They are the ones given to excesses.
9:11 If they mend their ways, and as law-abiding citizens, help consolidate the Divine System, and the Just Economic Order of Zakat, then they are your brothers in the System of life. We explain Our Revelations for those who wish to learn. (The usual translation of this verse conveys the meaning that if they start praying five times a day and give 2.5% poor-due per year, then they are your brothers in religion. This interpretation goes directly against the all-encompassing Ordinance of Allah that there is no compulsion or coercion in DEEN Islam 2:256).
9:12 If they keep breaking their pledges after their treaty, and assail your System, then fight the chiefs of the disbelievers. They have no respect for their binding oaths. This action will help restrain them from aggression.
9:13 Will you not fight a folk who keep breaking their solemn pledges and did everything to drive out the Messenger, and did attack you first? What! Do you fear them? Nay, it is Allah alone Whom you should more justly fear, if you are truly believers.
9:14 Fight them! Allah will punish them at your hands, and He will humiliate them, and give you victory over them, and He will soothe the bosoms of those who believe. (Soothe from the persecution they have undergone for more than a decade).
9:15 He will remove the anger and frustration the believers have suffered at their hands. The invitation is still open to the opponents. Allah, according to His Law, turns to those who turn to Him. He is All Knowing, All Wise.
9:16 Do you think that you will be left alone without Allah distinguishing those among you who strive in His cause, and take none for ally except Allah, His Messenger, and the believers? Allah is Informed of all your actions.
9:17 Those who associate others with Allah whether idols, religious leaders or temporal leaders, shall not administer Masjids, the Centers of the Divine System. Nor shall those who choose for themselves sects in religion (9:107, 30:31, 72:18). They are bearing witness against themselves in their disbelief (of the Qur’an). All their works are vain and they will abide eternally in the Fire.
9:18 Only those people are fit to administer the Masjids, the Centers of the Divine Order, who have unwavering belief in Allah and the Last Day. And, they strive to establish the Divine System, and to set up the Just Economic System of Zakat and fear none but Allah. They are the only ones who are rightly guided.
9:19 Do you think that providing water to Pilgrims and caring for the Sacred Masjid (in Makkah) is equal to the work of him who has Conviction in Allah and the Last Day and then strives in the Cause of Allah? They are not equal in the Sight of Allah. Allah does not intervene to guide those who displace action with ritual.
9:20 Those who attained belief, and left their homes, and strove in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives, have a much greater rank with Allah. They are the ones who are truly triumphant.
9:21 Their Lord gives them good news of His Grace, His Approval, and the Gardens with lasting delight and bliss.
9:22 They will live there forever. Verily, with Allah is immense Reward.
9:23 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Even if your parents and siblings take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith, take not them as allies. Whoever does that, does wrong to himself. (The Divine Ideology shall take precedence over all other bonds).
9:24 Say, “If your parents, your children, and your siblings, and your spouses, and your tribe, and the wealth you have acquired, and the business in which you fear a decline, and the houses you love, are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His Cause, then wait till Allah brings His Command to pass.” (Systems based on other than the Supreme Divine Ideology are destined to collapse). Allah does not intervene to guide those who drift away from Divine Laws.
9:25 Allah has given you victory on many fields. But in the Battle of Hunain, you took pride in your numbers but it did not avail you. And the vast earth was made narrow for you, then, you began turning away in flight.
9:26 Then Allah sent His peace of reassurance down upon His Messenger and upon the believers (48:4). And sent down armies you could not see, and punished the rejecters. (The Messenger led them from chaos back to discipline, and boosted their morale. That was the army unseen 3:125, 8:10, 9:40, 41:30). Such is the reward of the rejecters of the Truth.
9:27 Allah will turn in Mercy to the worthy according to His Laws. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
9:28 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! The idolaters have made their hearts unclean (and the Sacred Masjid of Makkah is the House of Pure Monotheism. Only those who believe in the Divine System can administer this Sacred House 9:18). So let not the Idolaters come close to it after this year. If you fear scarcity of trade, Allah will enrich you with His Bounty. This is the Promise of Allah who is Knower, Wise.
9:29 Fight against those who reject belief in Allah and the Last Day, and hold not Sacred what Allah and His Messenger have declared Sacred, nor acknowledge the Divine System, among those who received the Scripture, until they pay JIZYA, the tax, with willing submission, and feel themselves subjects of the State as law-abiding citizens. (As citizens of the State they must pay taxes, as the Muslims contribute toward the Just Economic Order of Zakat. In return, the State will guarantee them internal and external security, and equal rights of citizenship. JIZYA will always be less than Zakat, and will be payable only by the able-bodied Non-Muslim citizens of the State. In addition, these able-bodied citizens would be exempt from compulsory military service).
9:30 The Jews say, “Uzayr is God’s son,” while the Christians say, “The Messiah is God’s son.” They only utter baseless themes with their mouths, following in spirit assertions made in earlier times by people (like the Greeks and Zoroastrians) who denied the Truth! Allah condemns them. They are surely deluded. (Some Jews in the Arabian Peninsula used to believe that Osiris, the Egyptian idol, was God’s son while others thought of Ezra, who restored the Torah after it had been lost in the Babylonian Exile, as God’s son).
9:31 They take their rabbis, priests and monks to be their Lords* besides Allah. And they take as their Lord, the Messiah son of Mary. Yet they were commanded to worship but One God. There is no god but He. Praise and Glory to Him, He is far too Glorious for what they ascribe to Him. (*Talmud shows the Jewish superstition of ascribing divinity to Ezra, rabbis, saints, doctors of law and learned men. And the doctrine of Papal infallibility, divinity of saints and praying to them are common in the Roman Catholic Church).
9:32 They seek to extinguish Allah’s Light (the Qur’an) by their utterances (61:8). But Allah will not allow this to pass, for He has Willed to spread His Light in all its fullness even though the rejecters may detest it.
9:33 He it is Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the True Religion (DEEN = The System of Life), that He may cause it to prevail over all religions and systems of life, even though the idolaters may detest it. (9:31-33, 14:48, 18:48, 48:28, 61:9).
9:34 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! A great many religious leaders, rabbis, priests, monks, mullahs, yogis, and mystics devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and debar them from the Path of Allah. All those who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the Cause of Allah, to them give tidings (O Prophet) of a painful doom.
9:35 On the Day when it will all be heated in the fire of Hell and their foreheads, flanks and backs will be branded with it. “Here is what you hoarded for yourselves, now taste what you had hoarded.”
9:36 Allah has ordained twelve months in one year. This has been Allah’s Ordinance since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of these Months are Sacred, forbidden for all warfare. (Mankind, through international treaties, must agree to shun all kind of warfare during these four months. This will give them a cooling off period that sense may prevail over emotions). This is the Firm Religion, the right way. So, do not wrong yourselves by fighting during the Sacred Months. However, you may fight the idolaters in any or all these months if they fight against you in any or all of them (2:194). And know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves. (Four Sacred Months: 2:194, 9:1-5).
[100 Solar years = 103 Lunar years. The earth completing its orbit around the sun in one Solar year]
9:37 Altering the Sacred Months is only an addition to disbelief. It increases the straying of the disbelievers. They keep the total count of the Sacred Months as four, but keep shifting them within the same year or from year to year. Thus they allow what Allah has forbidden. Their evil actions seem pleasing to them. Allah does not intervene to guide those who have decided to live in darkness.
9:38 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! What is amiss with you that, when called upon, “Go forth in the Cause of Allah,” you cling heavily to the ground? Do you choose pleasure in the life of this world rather than in the life to come? The enjoyment of this life is but a paltry thing compared to the Hereafter.
9:39 If you did not go forth in Allah’s Cause, His Law will afflict you with a painful doom. He will replace you with another nation. You cannot harm Him in the least. All things transpire according to the Laws appointed by Allah. (Only the competent nations live honorably in the earth 21:105, 24:55).
9:40 If you do not help the Messenger, Allah will help him, as always. When the disbelievers drove him out of his home, they were just two men. They had to seek refuge in a cave. The Messenger said to his companion, “Grieve not. Surely, Allah is with us.” Then Allah sent His reassuring peace upon him, and supported him with invisible forces of faith and courage (9:26). He made the word of the disbelievers utterly low. Allah’s Word remains Supreme, for Allah is Mighty, Wise.
9:41 Go forth lightly armed, or heavily armed and strive with your wealth and person in the Cause of Allah. This is best for you if you but knew.
9:42 There are people among you that if it were a quick material gain and a short easy journey, they would follow you. But the strife and the distance seem heavy and long to them. They will swear by Allah, “If we could, we would have gone along with you.” They destroy their “Self”. Allah knows that they are liars.
9:43 Allah pardons you (O Messenger)! Why did you give them permission to stay behind, before you could distinguish the truthful from the liars? (The granting of permission gave the hypocrites an excuse).
9:44 Those who have conviction in Allah and the Last Day, do not ask you for exemption from striving with their wealth and persons. And Allah is Aware of those who walk aright.
9:45 Only those ask your leave (O Prophet) who do not truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. Their hearts feel doubt, and in their doubt they waver.
9:46 If they wanted to go forth, they would have made necessary preparation. Allah disliked their participation for their reluctance, and held them back. (The Prophet’s permission had) said to them, “Stay behind with those who are sitting back.”
9:47 Even if they had gone forth they would have only caused trouble and run to and fro seeking sedition among you. In your ranks are some apt to listen to them and in your ranks are spies of the enemy. Allah knows the wrongdoers.
9:48 They have sought to create dissension among you before, and raised difficulties for you (O Prophet). They did that till the Truth came and the Decree of Allah prevailed, though they detested it.
9:49 Of them is he who says, “Grant me leave, and draw me not into trial.” Have they not fallen into trial already? In fact, Hell is all around the disbelievers.
9:50 If some good comes to you (O Prophet) it afflicts them. And if calamity befalls you, they say, “We took our precautions beforehand.” And they turn away rejoicing.
9:51 Say, “No calamity befalls us humans except within the bounds of Allah’s Laws. Only He is our Lord Supreme (Maulana).” In Allah let the believers put their trust! [Calling religious men as ‘Maulana’ is a common but erroneous practice.]
9:52 Say, "Can you expect for us other than one of the two things" (victory or martyrdom in the Cause of Allah?) On the other hand, we expect for you retribution from Allah’s Law of Requital, and it may be at our hands when you fight against us. Wait then hopefully, and we shall hopefully wait with you.”
9:53 (Some hypocrites want to make financial contributions.) Tell them, "Your contribution is not accepted whether you pay willingly or unwillingly. You are a people who drift away from the System at the first opportune time."
9:54 What prevents their contributions from being accepted is this: They do not truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. They only claim to believe (2:8). They join you in congregations of prayer only half-heartedly and just to be seen of men (4:142, 107:5). And they contribute only with great reluctance in their hearts. (Islam involves only willing submission to Allah (2:256).
9:55 Let not their riches nor their children and party astonish you (O Prophet). It holds them back from the way of struggle. According to Allah’s Law there is no Paradise for those who fail to strive and build it with their own hands (3:135, 16:32, 46:14-16). They live the life of hell in this world and they depart this world in sorrow for their rejection (9:85).
9:56 And they swear by Allah that they are of you. In fact, they are not of you, but they are people ridden with fear.
9:57 If they could find a refuge or a cave or a hiding place, they would rush to it like runaway horses.
9:58 Some of them try to find fault with you (O Prophet) in the distribution of charity. If they are given plenty, they are pleased and if they receive little share, they get enraged.
9:59 It would have been enormously good for them if they were content with what Allah and His Messenger had given them (59:7). And if they said, "Allah suffices us. (What we have received in equity is good for us). Allah will give us of His Bounty, and the Messenger will distribute in kindness and equity. We turn to Allah with all our hopes.” (The Central Authority will be just to all).
9:60 Remember that the funds that the Central Authority receives as Alms and Charity belong to the following categories:
- The poor. Those who are not able to earn enough living to meet their basic needs, for any reason.
- Those whose running businesses have stalled or the ones who have lost their jobs, who have become needy with their active lives coming to a standstill.
- Officers who have been appointed by the government to collect alms and charity.
- Those who are hindered from joining the Divine System for financial reasons.
- To free men and women from bondage of any kind: physical slavery, unjust captivity, and oppression from any quarters.
- Those pressed under the load of ransom or heavy debt from an enemy.
- Defense of the Ideological State, in the Cause of Allah.
- The wayfarer who becomes needy, or travels to the believers in destitute condition, and the homeless son of the street.
This is a Duty from Allah. He is the Knower, the Wise and His Commands are based on Knowledge and Wisdom.
(It is important to bear in mind an almost universal misconception among Muslim scholars and the masses about the above mentioned eight categories. They understand them as pertaining to Zakat. But Zakat indicates a Just Economic Order where everyone in the society flourishes. The cornerstone of Zakat is spending whatever is more than we need, in the Cause of Allah (2:219). In more concrete terms that means turning our extra income voluntarily to the Central Authority who, in turn, will transform the State where everyone works according to his capacity and is paid according to his needs.
The Central Authority can set up a mandatory percentage of income as taxes on its citizens which would vary according to the needs of the time, be it 2.5%, 5% or more or less.
The above verse is talking about SADAQAT (alms and charity) and not ZAKAT. Sadaqat are meant to be an interim arrangement applicable any time, until the Divine System is established and the Just Economic Order is set up in the society).
9:61 And among those (enemies of the Truth) are some who hurt the Prophet and say, “ He is only a hearer.” Say, “A listener, that is good for you. He believes in Allah, has faith in the believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe.” Those who vex and hurt the Messenger of Allah, for them is an awful punishment. (The Messenger is not an emperor or a king who keep guards around them. He is accessible to all at all time and it is good for you that he pays attention to everyone).
9:62 (O You who believe) People swear by Allah to you in order to please you (and improve personal relations). But it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they really believe (and embrace the Divine Ideology).
9:63 Don't they know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, for him verily is Hellfire, to abide therein? That is the supreme disgrace.
9:64 The hypocrites fear that a Surah might be revealed concerning them, exposing what is in their heart. Say, “Go on mocking! Allah will bring to light exactly what you are dreading.”
9:65 And if you ask them (O Messenger), they will say, “We only talk and jest.” Say, “Do you realize that you are mocking Allah, His Revelations and His Messenger?”
9:66 “Make no excuse. You have disbelieved after your confession of belief.” If We forgive a group of you, there is another group whom We shall punish since they have violated human rights by stealing the fruit of others’ labor.” (Unless they restore their rights 4:17, 9:102, 25:70, 27:11).
9:67 The hypocrites, both men and women, are all of a kind. They enjoin the doing of what is wrong and forbid the doing of what is right, and withhold their hands from doing good. They are oblivious of Allah, and so He is oblivious of them. (Whoever forgets Allah, forgets himself and his honored stature of being a human 59:19). Verily, the hypocrites drift away from humanity.
9:68 Allah promises the hypocrites, both men and women, and the rejecters of the Truth, the fire of Hell for their abode. It suffices them. They deprive themselves of the Grace of Allah, and theirs is the lasting torment.
9:69 There have been people like you before who were mightier than you in strength, more affluent than you in wealth and children and party. They enjoyed their share of this worldly life. And you have been enjoying your share, just as they did, and you indulge in idle talk as they did. Such are the people whose works have perished in the world and in the life to come. And it is they, yes, they who are the losers.
9:70 Has not the history reached them of those before them? Of the People of Noah, Aad, Thamud, Abraham’s folk, the dwellers of Midyan, and the disasters that befell them. Their Messengers had come to them with clear evidence of the Truth. Allah never did injustice to them. But they used to wrong their own people and thus wronged their own “Self”.
9:71 And the believers, both men and women, are colleagues one of another. They enjoin the doing of Right and forbid the doing of Wrong (The distinction between right and wrong will never be arbitrary. The Qur’an is the eternal Criterion of what is right and what is wrong 2:185). Together, they help establish the Divine System, and set up the Just Economic Order of Zakat (9:60). This is how they obey Allah and His Messenger. These are the men and women on whom Allah will shower His Mercy. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
9:72 Allah promises to the believers, both men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will live forever, and magnificent dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And Allah’s Approval is the greatest of all Blessings. That is the Supreme Triumph.
9:73 O Prophet! (Establishment of the Divine System will build a paradise on earth. But you will meet staunch opposition). Strive hard against the rejecters of the Truth and the hypocrites! And be tough with them without the least inclination towards compromise in matters of Ideology. Their ultimate abode is Hell, a miserable destination indeed.
9:74 (The hypocrites) swear by Allah that they have said nothing wrong. Yet they most certainly have uttered a word of disbelief (9:61-62). And have denied the Truth after professing their surrender to Allah. They were aiming at something beyond their reach (attaining inner peace without sincerity to the Divine Guidance). And they could find no fault in the Divine System except that Allah has enriched them and caused His Messenger to enrich them out of His Bounty. Hence, it will be good for them if they repent and correct themselves. But if they still turn away, Allah will cause them to suffer grievous retribution in this world and in the life to come. And they will have no protector or helper in the earth.
9:75 And among them are those who promise Allah, “If He gives us of His Bounty we will certainly spend in charity and will certainly become of the righteous, the ones who help others.”
9:76 Yet, when He gave them His Bounty they hoarded it and turned away from their promise.
9:77 Allah’s Law instilled hypocrisy in their hearts till the Day they meet Him (until their demise). This is because they broke their word to Allah that they promised Him, and because they lied again and again.
9:78 Do they not know that Allah knows their thoughts and secret consultations and that Allah is the Great Knower of Things Hidden?
9:79 It is these hypocrites who find fault with such of the believers who give generously, and they find fault with such believers who have nothing to give but the fruit of their toil and labor. They ridicule them all. Allah’s Law of Requital will cause their ridicule to rebound on themselves, and grievous suffering awaits them.
9:80 (O Prophet! You very compassionately ask forgiveness for them.) It does not matter if you ask forgiveness for them, or not, Allah will not forgive them even if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness. They have rejected Allah and His Messenger. Allah does not intervene to guide people who intentionally drift away from the Right Path.
9:81 Those (hypocrites) who were left behind rejoiced at sitting still behind the Messenger of Allah, and disliked to strive with their wealth and persons in Allah’s Cause. They said, “Let us not go forth in heat.” Say, “The fire of Hell is more intense,” if they but understood. (And the aggressors could soon bring the heat of the conflict to their homes).
9:82 Then let them laugh a little, they will weep much, as the reward of what they have earned.
9:83 If Allah returns you to a situation where they ask your permission to go forth, say, “You shall never again go out with me for any foe. For you were well pleased with sitting still the first time. Stay at home then with those who are obliged to remain behind (women, children, elderly men, the sick and the disabled).
9:84 Nor shall you (O Prophet) ever follow the funeral of any of them that dies, nor stand at his grave. They rejected Allah and His Messenger and drifted away from the Divine Commands till death.
9:85 Let not their wealth nor their children or party astonish you! Allah’s Law will punish them with these things and their “Self” will depart while they are disbelievers (9:55). (Hoarding of wealth and taking pride in children, party and possession causes the humans to ignore the Divine Laws in their daily lives, thus these things become a tribulation for them 2:195, 8:28, 18:32, 63:9, 68:14, 57:20).
9:86 When a Surah is revealed saying, “Attain belief in Allah, and strive along with His Messenger,” the able-bodied men of wealth ask your leave and say, “Allow us to stay behind with those who remain at home.”
9:87 They are well pleased to be with the disabled, the elderly, the women and children, and the ill. This attitude puts a seal on their hearts. They seldom understand (that fear can only be overcome with action 2:277, 6:48, 6:81).
9:88 And the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive with their wealth and person. For them are all the good things and high ranks, and they are the ones who are truly prosperous.
9:89 Allah has made ready for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide. That is the Signal Victory.
9:90 And of the wandering Arabs also, there were some who made excuses and came to claim exemption. And those who were false to Allah and His Messenger, merely sat behind. Grievous suffering is bound to befall the unbelievers among them.
9:91 Not to be blamed are the physically weak, the elderly, the sick, and the ones who have no means to offer, so long as they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger (48:17). They should keep doing what they can to support the Cause. There is no way of blame against the doers of such good. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
9:92 Nor is there any blame on those who came to you (O Messenger), requesting that you provide them with mounts (horses and camels). You told them, “I cannot find a ride to mount you on.” They returned with eyes flowing with tears out of sorrow that they had no means to spend for equipment.
9:93 The way of blame is only against those who ask for your leave when they are rich and able-bodied. They are well pleased to be with those who are obliged to stay behind. They have caused Allah's Law of Requital to seal their hearts without knowing it.
9:94 They will make excuse to you when you believers return. Say, “Make no excuse, for we shall not believe you. Allah has informed us about you. Allah and His Messenger, the Central Authority, will keep you under probation. And then you will be brought back to Him, the Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, and He will make you truly understand what you were doing in life.”
9:95 They will swear by Allah, when you return to them, so that you may leave them alone. So leave them alone (9:125). They have blotted their humanity and earned the abode of Hell with their actions.
9:96 They swear that you believers may be pleased with them. Even if you accept them, Allah does not accept those who drift away from His Commands (9:23-24).
9:97 The desert Arabs are more hard in rejection and hypocrisy, and more likely to ignore the Limits that Allah has revealed to His Messenger. Allah is Knower, Wise.
9:98 Among these Bedouin Arabs is he who looks upon his spending as a penalty, and awaits a disaster to hit you. (They hope for the Divine Order to collapse). It is they who invite disaster upon themselves. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
9:99 And among the Bedouins are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and consider their spending as a means towards Allah and a means of supporting the Messenger. This will raise their ranks with Allah. Allah will embrace them with His Mercy. Verily, Allah is Forgiving, Gracious.
9:100 And the first to lead the way are the emigrants (from Makkah), their hosts who sheltered them (in Madinah), and those who followed them in goodness, Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him. He has made ready for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. This is the Supreme Triumph.
9:101 Some of the Bedouins who dwell around your town are hypocrites, and some of the people of Al-Madinah also persist in hypocrisy. You know them not, We know them. We will punish them twice (they will be humiliated in the battle and they will see their families and children embracing Belief). Then they will be relegated to a painful doom.
9:102 There are others who acknowledge their faults. Since they have a mixed record of good and bad deeds, they may hope that Allah will relent towards them, for Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
9:103 Accept their contribution for the community. Purify their thoughts with proper education and training so that their "Self" may grow. Help them! Your support is a great source of peace in their hearts. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (Let the believers adopt the Divine qualities in their human capacity).
9:104 Do they not know that Allah is He Who accepts the repentance of His servants, and accepts their charity? Verily, Allah is the Acceptor of repentance, Merciful.
9:105 Say, "Act! (Prove your word with action). Allah will behold your actions, and so will His Messenger, and the believers. Ultimately you will be returned to the Knower of the Invisible and the Visible. He will show you a replay of all you used to do."
9:106 There are some who await Allah's Decree whether He will punish them or relent to them. Allah is All Knowing, All Wise. (Their matter is under investigation by the State. Allah’s Laws are based on Knowledge and Wisdom 9:118).
9:107 (The hypocrites keep making schemes.) They built a Masjid out of mischief and to promote disbelief, and sectarianism among the believers, and as an outpost for those who warred against Allah and His Messenger before. They will surely swear, “We had but good intentions,” but Allah bears witness that they are liars.
9:108 You shall not stand in such a Masjid! (6:160). There is a Masjid whose foundation was laid from the first day on the Secure Way, it is more worthy that you stand therein. In it are men who love to be purified, and Allah loves those who keep clean of division and sectarianism.
9:109 Is he who founded his building on the Secure Way of Allah and His goodly Acceptance better, or he who founded his building on the crumbling cliff of "Shirk" that topples down with him into the fire of Hell? Allah does not intervene to guide a folk who displace right with wrong.
9:110 The building which they have built will never cease to be a misgiving in their hearts unless their hearts be torn to pieces. (A building that divides believers will remain a source of unrest in the hearts of the sectarians till their hearts stop beating). Allah is Knower, Wise.
9:111 Allah has bought from the believers their persons and their goods, for (in return) theirs is the Garden. They shall fight in the Cause of Allah, and shall slay and be slain. It is a Promise that is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel, and the Qur’an. Who can fulfill a promise better than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made, for that is the Supreme Triumph. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 6:32. Matthew 10:5, 10:39, 19:29, 21:19).
9:112 Triumphant are those who:
- Return to the Right Path and take corrective action as soon as they feel that they have erred.
- Obey the Commands of Allah.
- Praise Allah in word and action by serving His creation.
- Pick up lessons from travel and from history.
- Are always humble before the Divine System.
- Adore Allah alone.
- Promote the Qur’anic Values, and resist the non-Qur’anic customs.
- Guard against trespassing the Limits ordained by Allah.
These are the men and women who deserve a pleasant life in both worlds (33:35, 66:5). Give them the glad tiding (O Messenger).
9:113 It is of no avail for the Prophet and the believers to ask forgiveness when the idolaters face the Law, even if they are their relatives, once it has been made clear that they are destined for Hell.
9:114 Abraham asked forgiveness for his father because of a promise that he had made. The promise was based on the hope that his father would mend his ways. When Abraham was sure that his father was a persistent opponent of Allah's Commands, he desisted from asking forgiveness for him (14:41, 19:47). Abraham was kind-hearted, clement.
9:115 Allah never sends a folk astray after He has guided them, unless they violate the Laws that were made plain. Surely, Allah is the Knower of all things.
9:116 To Allah belongs the Dominion of the heavens and the earth. He has full control over the Laws of life and death, for individuals and nations. You have no protector and helper outside Allah’s Laws.
9:117 Allah is Kind to the Prophet, the emigrants and those who hosted them. The support came in difficult times. That is when the hearts of some of them slightly wavered. Allah turned to them in Mercy. He is Compassionate and Kind to them.
9:118 Allah showed compassion to the three men who had stayed behind. They felt hopeless and the vast earth seemed shrunk to them, and their lives became narrow for them. They realized that there is no refuge but within the Divine Laws. Then He turned to them in Mercy that they too might turn in hopeful repentance (9:106). Allah is Acceptor of repentance, Merciful.
9:119 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be mindful of Allah's Laws and be with the truthful. (That is way to Paradise 89:29).
9:120 People of Madinah, and the Bedouins around, should not stay behind the Messenger. Nor shall they prefer their lives to his life. For, any thirst, effort or hunger that afflicts them in the Cause of Allah, or a single step that they take that angers the rejecters, and whatever gain they gain from the enemy, becomes a credit, a good deed recorded for them. Allah never loses the wages of the doers of good.
9:121 And whatever they spend, small or large, and whenever they cross a valley, it is recorded in their credit, so that Allah repays them the best return for their actions.
9:122 The believers shall not all go to an expedition. Of every group of believers, let some of them come forth to gain sound knowledge of DEEN (the Qur’anic System of life). Then they can pass the knowledge on to their people when they return, so that they may remain aware.
9:123 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Fight those of the disbelievers who close up on you, and let them find strength among your ranks. And know that Allah is with those who are mindful of His Laws.
9:124 Whenever a Surah is revealed some of them (hypocrites) say, “Which one of you has increased in faith?” In fact, it has increased the believers in faith and they rejoice.
9:125 But those who have caused their hearts to ail by harboring doubts, it only adds another element of disbelief to disbelief, and they die refusing to accept the Truth.
9:126 Don’t they see that they are tested once or twice each year (at your hands 9:14)? Still they do not repent, nor pay heed.
9:127 When a Surah is revealed, the hypocrites look at each other mockingly as if saying, “Does anyone see you? Let us leave.” And then they turn away. Allah’s Law turns their hearts away because they are a people who do not use their faculties of understanding.
9:128 (All humanity must realize that) there has come to you a Messenger one of your own who feels your burden. He is full of concern for your betterment, and for those who attain belief, he is compassionate, merciful.
9:129 (O Messenger) if they turn away, say, “Allah suffices me. There is no god, but He. In Him I put my trust. He is the Lord of the Tremendous Throne.”

Chapter 10 – Yunus – Jonah
[Author's note] This is the 10th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 109 verses. Prophet Jonah was sent to Nineveh, the capital of Ancient Assyria around 700 BC. Nineveh was located by the East Bank of the Tigris River, and had a population of just over 100,000. Granting a period of Respite to nations, in which they can mend their ways, is one of the eternal Divine Laws.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
10:1 A.L.R. Alif. Laam. RA. Allah Aleem the Knower, Raheem the Merciful, announces that these are the Verses of a Book that is full of Wisdom.
10:2 Is it too much of a wonder for people that We reveal Our Message to a man among them? “You shall warn mankind, and give good news to those who attain belief that they have a sure footing with their Lord.” Those who are bent upon denying the Truth, say, “This man is an obvious wizard.” (He is gifted with spellbinding eloquence).
10:3 But, your Lord (Who sent this Book) is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six stages, and is established on the Throne of His Almightiness in Supreme Control. He, the Director of all directions, Issuer of all decrees, runs the Universe according to His Laws. No intercessor can stand in His Court but as a witness of Law (2:255, 16:111)). Such is Allah, your Sustainer. You shall serve Him. Won’t you use your intellect and reasoning?
10:4 To Him is your ultimate return, all of you. Allah’s Promise is the unwavering Truth. He creates the first creation, and He will create it again so that every action may have its Just Recompense. Those who attained belief and worked to augment the society will have their just reward. And those who rejected the Truth, for them will be a burning draught of despair and a painful doom because of their persistent refusal to acknowledge the Truth. (A consequence of their own doings 33:24, 34:3-4, 45:22, 53:31.)
10:5 He it is, who appointed the sun as a splendid glow, and the moon as a cool light. He appointed stages for the moon, in due measure. You make your calculations and calendars accordingly (6:97, 17:12). Allah has created the Universe as the Absolute Reality and for a Purpose. (It is neither a dream, nor a reflection of the world of ideas). Allah details His Verses for those who wish to learn.
10:6 In the difference of day and night, and all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth, there are signs for those who wish to walk aright.
10:7 Those who expect not to meet Us, and content themselves with the petty delights of the worldly life, do not look beyond it, and neglect Our Messages,
10:8 Their home will be the Fire that they have earned (ignited) with their own actions.
I0:9 Those who attain to faith, and help people, their Lord guides them by their conviction (that no action goes waste). He shows and walks them the way to the Gardens of delight, beneath which rivers flow.
10:10 Their prayer therein will be, “Glory be to You, O Allah!” Their greeting to one another will be, “Peace!” The conclusion of their prayer will be, “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!” (And so shall be the peaceful Ideal Society on earth. They will realize that the good of one is the good of another and see how Praiseworthy the Giver of such Blissful Guidance is).
10:11 If Allah hastened requital for people as they hasten for immediate delights, their respite would have already expired. (It is Allah’s Mercy that His Law of Requital does not grasp them instantly. He gives them time to mend their ways). Those who do not entertain the hope of meeting with Us, We leave them wandering in their rebellion.
10:12 When affliction befalls man, he cries unto Us, whether he be lying, or sitting or standing. But when We have relieved him of the affliction, he goes his way as if he had never cried unto Us for what afflicted him. Those who trespass the Divine Laws, lose discernment and even their ill deeds then seem fair to them.
10:13 We annihilated many nations before you for their violation of human rights. Their Messengers had come to them with clear evidence of the Truth, but they refused to believe them. Thus do We reward those who steal the fruit of others’ labor.
10:14 Now, We have made you their successors in the land, to behold how you behave.
10:15 When Our Messages are conveyed to them in all clarity, those who hope not that they are destined to meet with Us, (want to strike a deal with the Messenger). They say, “Bring us a Qur’an other than this or make some changes in it.” Say (O Prophet), "It is not conceivable that I would alter it myself. I only follow what is revealed to me. I cannot disobey my Lord, for I fear the retribution of a Mighty Day."
10:16 Say, "If Allah wanted otherwise, I would have not recited and conveyed this to you, nor would have made you aware of it. Indeed, a whole lifetime have I dwelt among you before this. (You have always called me Al-Amin, the trustworthy). Will you not, then, use your reason?”
10:17 Who does a greater wrong than the one who himself forges a lie, then ascribes it to Allah, or falsifies His Revelations, or denies them? Those who steal the fruit of others’ labor under any pretense, certainly do not prosper.
10:18 They worship and obey besides Allah, deities that can neither harm nor benefit them. They say, “These are our intercessors with Allah.” Say, "Are you informing Allah of what He knows not in the heavens and the earth? Glory to Him! (39:3). He is High, Exalted above all that they associate with Him.”
10:19 All mankind were but one community (and are meant to be so); then they differed (2:213). Had not your Lord decreed the Law of free will for humans, He would have judged their disputes immediately (2:30, 2:256, 11:118, 16:9, 76:2-3).
10:20 And they say, “Why was not a miracle sent down upon him from his Lord?” Then answer (O Prophet), “The Unseen is known to Allah alone. Wait for the results of my Program. Indeed, I shall be waiting with you.” (That will be the best sign for all of us to behold).
10:21 When We cause people to taste of Mercy after they have suffered a hardship, they start scheming to defy Our Commands. Say, “Allah is more Swift in planning. Our couriers write down what you plot.”
10:22 He it is Who enables you to travel in the land and the sea. When you board the ships, the ships sail with the voyagers with a favorable breeze. And they rejoice therein. If a stormy wind comes and the waves surround them, they think they are overwhelmed. Then they implore God, in all sincerity turning to His Universal Laws, saying, "If You only save us this time, we will truly show our gratitude.”
10:23 Yet as soon as He has saved them, they return to land in their behavior of rebellion against the Divine Laws. O Mankind! Remember that your rebellion is only against your own "Self" (91:9-10). Enjoyment of the worldly life with disregard of Eternity, is but a fleeting delight. Then unto Us is your return, and We shall make you understand what you truly accomplished.
10:24 Those who do not invest in the life to come must consider a similitude: The life of the world is a passing delight: We send down water from the height to produce with it all kinds of plants from the earth, provision for humans and animals. Then, just as the earth has taken its ornament and is perfectly adorned, and its people think that they are in control, Our Command arrives by night or by day, leaving it completely barren, as if nothing existed there yesterday. The only way to inherit the fruit of your labor in the Hereafter is to live by Our Laws. We expound Our Revelations and Signs in Nature for those who use their intellect.
10:25 Allah calls to the Lasting Abode of Peace, and leads men and women to the Straight Path. This Guidance can only be achieved according to His Laws (4:88).
10:26 Those who benefit humanity get rewarded manifold. No dust of sadness and no trace of humiliation will overshadow their faces. Such are the rightful dwellers of the Garden; they will abide therein.
10:27 And those who are unjust to others in their daily lives, will fail to balance their own personalities. They will spend their lives in sadness and humiliation, a linear result of their own actions. There will be no one to protect them from Allah’s Law. They will wander as if the darkness of night had covered their faces. They are the ones who have built their Hell and they will inherit it in the Eternity.
10:28 One Day We will gather all of them together. We will say to those who acknowledged false deities, “Stay back, you and your pretended partners of Allah!” We will have the leaders and their followers confront each other. Their leaders will say, “It was not us you worshiped.”
10:29 And such false deities (as Prophets, angels, saints, and the Universal forces) will say, “Allah suffices as a Witness between us and you, that we were not even aware of your worship.” (They worshiped the intrinsic and extrinsic projections of their own desires and fantasies).
10:30 Therein every person will experience exactly what he or she did before. Then they are returned to Allah, their MAULA, the True Lord Supreme, and all their false imagery leaves them in the lurch. (There is no MAULANA but Allah).
10:31 (Now is the time for them to think.) Say (O Messenger), “Who is it that provides for you from the heaven and the earth, or who is it that has full power over your hearing and sight? And who is it that brings forth the living from the dead, and the dead from the living? And who is it that directs the Order of the Universe?” They will say, "Allah.” Say, “Will you not then be mindful of His Laws?”
10:32 Such is Allah, your Rightful Lord. After the Truth what is there but error? How could you then turn away?
10:33 The Word of your Lord is justified that those who drift away from Reason will not accept the Truth.
10:34 Ask them, "Can any of your 'partner gods' originate Creation and carry them through evolution?” Say, “Allah originates Creation and carries them through evolution. How are you then so misled?”
10:35 Say, “Of your ‘partners’ is there any that can lead you to the Truth?” Say, “Allah leads to the Truth. So, who is more worthy of being followed? The One Who shows you the Way or he who finds no way unless he is guided? What is amiss with you? How do you judge?”
10:36 The majority of the people follow nothing but conjecture. Surely, conjecture can never at all be a substitute for the Truth. Allah is Knower of how they act (and forge).
10:37 Now this Qur’an could not possibly have been devised by anyone except Allah. Nay indeed, it is a confirmation of the Divine Origin of the earlier Revelations, and a clear exposition of the Eternal Law. Without any trace of doubt, this Book is from the Lord of the Worlds. (While it confirms the surviving Truth in the previous Revelations, it is a Watcher over them and ignores and, where necessary, corrects the human touch in them 5:48).
10:38 Or, do they say, “He has invented it?” Tell them, "Bring one Surah like this and call for help everyone you can besides Allah, if you are truthful.” (2:23, 11:13). (One chapter like this in beauty, eloquence and wisdom. And “besides Allah” would mean, without copying phrases and sentences from the Qur’an).
10:39 Nay, they deny it without grasping the profound knowledge therein. And they have yet to see the benevolent transformation it can bring about in the making of humanity. Generations before them rejected Divine Revelation. Then see what was the consequence for those who thus wronged themselves!
10:40 And of them is he who believes in this (Qur’an), and of them is he who does not believe in it. And your Lord is best Aware of those who are bent upon denial and want corruption and disorder to go on.
10:41 If they keep denying you (O Prophet), say, "I have my work, and you have your work. You are innocent of what I do and I am innocent of what you do.” (109:1-6).
10:42 Among them are those who apparently listen to you. (But their thoughts are wandering). Can you make those deaf to hear who do not use reason? (47:16).
10:43 And among them you will find those who look at you without seeing. (Their mind is roaming elsewhere). Can you show the way to those who are blind of the heart? (7:198).
10:44 Allah is never unjust to human beings; but people wrong themselves. (Failing to use the God-given faculties is the first wrong one can commit. It brings the humans down to subhuman levels 7:179).
10:45 On the Day when He will gather them, they will think as if they lived in this world for one hour of the day. Others will think it was a day or a few days (20:103-104). They will recognize one another as they did yesterday. Lost are those who used to deny that they were destined to meet Allah, face His Law of Requital, and thus remained unguided.
10:46 Whether We let you (O Messenger), behold something of what We promise them, or cause you to die, unto Us is their return (and the Law of Requital is ever vigilant). Allah is the Watcher over what they do.
10:47 For every nation there has been a Messenger. And he always explained to them the distinction between justice and injustice. The Law of Requital has never unjustly dealt with any nation.
10:48 They say, "When will the promise be fulfilled, if you believers are truthful?"
10:49 Say (O Messenger), "I have no power even to avert any harm to myself, or benefit myself contrary to the Laws of Allah. Every nation determines its own rise and fall. When the time comes, they can neither delay, nor hasten the Requital.”
10:50 Say, “Have you thought, when His retribution comes to you suddenly by night, or in the bustling day, what portion of it would the guilty wish to hasten?”
10:51 “Would you then profess belief in it at last, when it comes to pass! Ah! Now? And you wanted to hasten it on.” (But the period of Respite has been over).
10:52 It will be said to the oppressors and violators of human rights, “Taste the eternal torment, the exact reward of what you earned.”
10:53 They keep asking you (O Prophet), "Is it really true?” Say, “Yes indeed, by my Lord, it is really true. And you cannot defy His Laws.”
10:54 Whoever oppresses people, has wronged his own “Self”. Even if they possessed everything on earth, they would readily present it as ransom. But they will be ashamed within themselves, when they see the doom. They will be judged fairly and no wrong shall be done to them.
10:55 Oh, verily, To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. His Promise is unwaveringly True but most of them never learn.
10:56 He it is Who gives life and death. You and your actions will be returned to Him.
10:57 O Mankind! There has now come to you Enlightenment from your Sustainer, and a healing for everything that troubles your hearts, and Guidance, and Grace to all who embrace it.
10:58 Say, “In this Bounty of Allah and in His Grace – in this, then, let them rejoice. It is better than all the treasures that they may amass.”
10:59 Say, “Have you considered how Allah sends down to you all kinds of provisions for your minds and bodies? Then you render some of them unlawful and some lawful?” (You go after man-made dogmas thus tampering with the revealed Word of God and declare unlawful His Bounties of sustenance, food, clothing, ornament of life and things of aesthetic beauty such as art). Say, “Has Allah permitted you to do this? Or do you invent lies and attribute them to Allah?” (7:32).
10:60 Does it ever occur to the people who tamper with religion and invent lies concerning Allah, that they will have to face Him on the Resurrection Day? Allah is Infinitely Bountiful toward mankind, but the majority of them do not show gratitude in word and action.
10:61 In whatever condition you may find yourself (O Prophet), and whatever of the Qur’an you are reciting and preaching, and whatever work or business you believers are occupied with, remember that We are your Witness from the moment you enter upon it. Not an atom's weight in the Low nor in the Height escapes your Lord's knowledge. Nor, a thing smaller or bigger, everything in the Universe is recorded in His Clear Decree.
10:62 Remember that people who strive to establish the Divine System, become the friends of Allah. They will have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve.
10:63 They accepted His Message, followed His Commands, and walked aright.
10:64 There is good news for them in this world and in the life to come. (This is Allah’s Word). Allah’s Words never change. (And changeless are His Laws 33:62, 35:43, 48:23. And you will never find even a slight turn in His Laws 17:77). Success in the world and in the life to come is the Supreme Triumph.
10:65 Let not their utterances sadden you (O Prophet!) To Allah wholly belong all Authority, Might and Honor. He is the Hearer, the Knower. (No power, glory or honor is attainable contrary to His Laws).
10:66 Behold! Verily, all creatures in the heavens and all creatures in the earth belong to Allah. (All are His subjects). So, what do they follow who call upon “partners” of Allah? They follow nothing but the conjecture of others, and themselves do nothing but guess.
10:67 He it is Who made night for you to rest in, and made the day lighted to make things visible to you. These are Signs for those who are willing to listen and think.
10:68 And yet they assert, “God has taken unto Himself a son!” Glory to Him! Self-sufficient is He. Unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. No evidence whatever you have for this assertion! Would you ascribe to God something you really don't know?
10:69 Say, “Verily, They who attribute their lying inventions to Allah, will see the crops of their false imagery burning to ashes.”
10:70 They get their fleeting share in this world, but then unto Us is their return. Our Law of Requital will have them effectively taste a dreadful doom, for they chose to live in the darkness of falsehood.
10:71 (People have been fabricating falsehood since ancient times.) Relate to them the history of Noah. Behold! He said, "O My People! If my presence among you and my announcement of Allah’s Messages are hard on you, well, I have put my trust in Allah. Decide then upon what you are going to do against me, and call to your aid your “partners”. And once you have chosen your course of action, let no hesitation deflect you from it. Then have a go at me and give me no respite.”
10:72 But if you change your mind and turn away from hostility, do so for your own good. I have asked of you no wage. My wage is with Allah alone, and I am commanded to be of those who surrender to Him.”
10:73 But, they persisted in their denial, and We saved Noah and his companions who boarded the ship, and made them successors in the land. (The deniers thought of the flood warning as a laughing matter. The Tigris and the Euphrates rivers flooded with torrential rains) and We drowned those who had rejected Our Messages. See then what happened to those who had been given sufficient warning.
10:74 Then after him We sent many Messengers to their respective nations and they brought them clear evidence of the Truth. They preemptively refused to accept the Message. And they were not the kind of people who would rethink their decisions. Our Law puts a seal on the hearts of those who trespass the bounds of reason.
10:75 Then, after them, We sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs, with Our Messages. But they were a folk arrogant and they were used to thriving on the fruit of others’ toil.
10:76 When the Truth from Us came to them, they said, "This is clearly nothing but magic.”
10:77 Moses said, “This is what you say about the Truth when it has come to you! Is this magic? Those who deceive people with lies and claims of magic, never succeed.”
10:78 They said, "Have you come to turn us away from our ancestral ways, and so that you two become prominent in the country? However, we will not believe in you two."
10:79 Pharaoh said, "Bring all eloquent debaters to me."
10:80 And when they came, Moses said to them, “Begin with your presentation."
10:81 When they finished with their arguments, Moses said, “Your reasoning is totally flawed. Allah's Laws annihilate the political and social systems that promote corruption, disorder and bloody feuds.
10:82 Allah will always vindicate the Truth by His Laws. Societies will flourish only when they embrace the Permanent Value System. Even though, the guilty that are used to thriving on the toil of others, will hate equity.”
10:83 Only a few of the Egyptians, some youngsters, could proclaim belief in Moses because of the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs. Pharaoh was indeed a great tyrant on earth. He used to cross all bounds of human behavior.
10:84 Moses said, “O My people! If you have believed in Allah and surrendered to Him, then be steadfast in your resolve and action by putting your trust in Him.
10:85 They responded, "In Allah we trust. O Our Lord! Save us from the oppression of the oppressor.”
10:86 “Save us with Your Mercy from these ruthless disbelieving folk.”
10:87 We commanded Moses and his brother, “Maintain your homes in Egypt, and turn them into places of worship to remember God. Establish the Commandments in your lives and give good news to the believers.”
10:88 (Moses promised to proceed on these lines.) He prayed, “Our Lord! You have given Pharaoh and his chiefs a life of luxury and abundance. Our Lord! With their resources and might they continue with their oppression and lead people astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their riches and make their faculties incapable of contriving their oppressive designs. They will not see the Truth unless they face an awful suffering.”
10:89 Allah said, "Your prayer is heard. Both of you shall remain determined. And you both shall not follow the path of those who act without knowledge." (20:36, 20:42).
10:90 We brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his armies pursued them in rage and bitter enmity. When Pharaoh was drowning, he cried out, "I believe that there is no god but the One in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of those who surrender.”
10:91 What? Now! You rebelled ardently all your life. You committed bloody crimes on earth.
10:92 Nay, but this day We will only save you in your body so that you may remain a lesson for generations to come. A great many of mankind remain heedless of Our Signs.
10:93 Thereafter indeed, We assigned to the Children of Israel an honorable dwelling place, and gave them decent provision. But they began to hold divergent views and divided among themselves despite the knowledge (of Revelation). Your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding wherein they differed.
10:94 (O Prophet), If you ever think whether the Revelation We send to you could be an inspiration from your heart, ask the angels who bring it. They read it before you read it. Verily the Truth has come to you from your Lord. Be not of those who waver.
10:95 (Those who consider Our Revelations as intrinsic inspiration, in fact deny them.) Be not of those who deny Our Revelations and become losers.
10:96 Verily, they who violate your Lord’s Law of Guidance, will not believe (4:88).
10:97 Though every evidence may come to them, till they see the painful doom.
10:98 For, alas, there has never yet been any community that attained belief, and benefited by its belief, except the nation of Jonah. When they embraced belief, We removed from them the suffering of disgrace, and let them enjoy their term. (37:147-148). (They used to live in humiliation at Nineveh. When they accepted the Divine Message, they prospered for about two centuries between 800-612 B.C. Then the Midyans conquered them. After the demise of Jonah, his people had been fast ignoring the Divine Word revealed to Jonah, and leaning towards the resurging priest class. The invaders set on fire the wonderful town of Nineveh. The spacious 60 mile wide, and beautiful town was reduced to ashes. The king of Assyria got himself burnt alive in the palace, and that was the end of the Assyrian dynasty).
10:99 If your Lord willed, all men and women on earth would have believed. Would you compel people to believe? (2:256, 76:4-6).
10:100 None can attain conviction contrary to Allah’s Laws. And those who do not use their intellect are made to carry loads of confusion on their minds.
10:101 Say, “Behold what is in the heavens and the earth! No miracles and no warnings will help those who are bent upon denying the Truth. (2:6-7, 41:53)
10:102 Can they expect other than the days of calamity that befell those who passed away before them? Say, “Wait then! I shall wait with you.”
10:103 (At the time of Requital) We save Our Messengers and the community of believers as in the old times. It is incumbent upon Us to save the community of true believers.
10:104 Say, "O Mankind! If you have any doubt about the System that I am trying to establish, and if you believe that other parallel systems can be of avail to you, let us go ahead with our programs. I worship not and obey not those whom you worship and obey instead of Allah. But I obey Allah Who causes you do die (and Who controls the Laws of life and death of individuals and nations). I have been commanded to be of the believers.”
10:105 (O Prophet) Set your purpose resolutely for the Upright System of life and do not be of those who associate anyone with Allah in any form.
10:106 Do not ever call on deities besides Allah. They have no control over your harm or benefit. If you expected help outside the Laws of Allah, you will be among the wrongdoers.
10:107 If Allah’s Law afflicts you, there is none who can remove it contrary to His Laws. And when He blesses you, no power can hinder His Grace. He bestows His Grace upon His servants according to His Laws. And He is Forgiving, Merciful.
10:108 Say, "O Mankind! Now has come to you the Truth from your Lord. So whoever chooses to follow the right path, follows it for his own “Self”. And whoever chooses to go astray, goes astray to his own hurt. And I am not a guardian over you."
10:109 (O Messenger), Follow what is revealed to you and be steadfast in adversity until Allah issues His Judgment. And He is the Best of judges.

Surah 11 – Hud – Hud
[Author's Note] This is the 11th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 123 verses. As we have learnt earlier, Prophet Hud was sent to the powerful nation of Aad. He is considered to be the next in line to Prophet Noah only and that puts his times several millennia B.C. He is also supposed to be the first ever Messenger to be raised in the Arabian Peninsula. Let us bear in mind that the inhabitants of the Peninsula were not Arabs before Prophet Ishmael a.s. whose period of advent is about 1800 B.C. For a brief history of how the Arabs are the descendants of Ishmael, please see 2:125. All nations have received their Messengers from God. None of the Messengers asked for a return for their services to humanity. They met stiff resistance as well as enjoyed loyal following.
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Instant and the Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness.
11:1 A.L.R. Allah, Aleem the Knower, Raheem the Kind. A Divine Writ this is, the Verses wherein are perfected and then expounded. It comes from One Wise, Aware.
11:2 It teaches that you serve none but Allah. (Say O Prophet), “I am unto you from Him a Warner and a bearer of good news.
11:3 Seek your Sustainer’s forgiveness, then turn towards Him in repentance. He will then grant you a goodly enjoyment of life in this world until a term appointed. He will bestow His abounding Grace on all who abound in merit. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the chastisement of a Great Day.”
11:4 To Allah is your return and He has Power over all things.
11:5 Oh, verily, see how they enshroud their hearts hiding their innermost thoughts, as if to keep Him from knowing them! (Are they trying to live a dual personality? 71:7) Ah! When they cover themselves with garments of vanity, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. For, He is Knower of the innermost thoughts of the hearts.
11:6 There is not a creature in the earth but its sustenance depends on Allah. He is Aware of its habitation and of the needs of His creation at every stage (6:99). He carries them from one station to another until the final destination. His Laws are preserved in the Clear Book of Decree, the Divine Database (55:29).
11:7 He created the heavens and the earth in six stages and established Himself on the throne of His Almightiness. He has Supreme Control over the origination of life which began in water (21:30). Life is a test for yourselves to see which of you leads a balanced life and is best in conduct. Yet, if you (O Prophet), say, “You will be raised again after death,” the rejecters of the Truth will surely answer, “This is clearly nothing but a fabulous delusion!” (45:24).
11:8 And when We delay for them the retribution until after the Period of Respite, they will surely say, “What is keeping back the doom?” Ah! On the day it actually reaches them, nothing will turn it away from them. And their mockery will completely surround them.
11:9 (Those who only believe in the instant gains of this life, are quick to rejoice and quick to despair.) If Our Law causes man to taste Mercy from Us and afterward withdraws it from him, he behaves despairing, thankless.
11:10 And if Our Law causes him to taste Blessing after some hardship has visited him, he says, “Gone is all affliction from me!” Behold! He falls into exultation and pride.
11:11 But those who are steadfast in adversity and prosperity, and work to improve the quality of life for all, behave positively. For them is the protection of forgiveness and a great reward.
11:12 Is it then conceivable (O Prophet), that you omit any part of what is being revealed to you (because the rejecters dislike it)? Or because you feel uncomfortable on their saying, "Why has not a treasure been sent down for him, or an angel come with him?" You are but a Warner, and it is Allah Who is the Custodian of all things.
11:13 Or they assert, “He has invented it.” Say to them, "Then bring a portion of Surahs like this, invented, and call on everyone you can besides Allah, if you are truthful!" (Or produce one Surah like this 2:23, 10:38).
11:14 “And if they answer not your prayer, then know that it has been revealed only in the Knowledge of Allah; and that there is no god but He. Will you then surrender yourselves unto Him?”
11:15 Whoever cares for (no more than) the short term gains and glitter of the worldly life, We shall repay for them their deeds herein without the least reduction. (17:18).
11:16 But (since they did not invest in the life to come)