INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 78 verses, 1,291 sentences, 5,075 letters and 10 Ruku’s
It takes its name from v. 27.
As this Surah contains the characteristics of both the Makki and the Madani Surahs, the commentators have differed as to its period of revelation, but in the light of its style and themes we are of the opinion that a part of it (vv. 1-24) was sent down in the last stage of the Makki life of the Holy Prophet a little before migration and the rest (vv. 25-78) during the first stage of his Madani life. That is why this Surah combines the characteristics of both the Makki and the Madani Surahs.
The sudden change of the style from v. 25 shows that probably vv. 25-78 were sent down in the month of Zul-Hijjah in the very first year after Hijrah This is indicated by vv. 25-41 and confirmed by the occasion of the revelation of vv. 39-40. It appears that the month of Zul-Hijjah must have brought to the immigrants nostalgic memories of their homes in Makkah and naturally they must have thought of their Sacred City and of their Hajj congregation there, and grieved to think that the mushrik Quraish had debarred them from visiting the Sacred Mosque. Therefore, they might even have been praying for and expecting Divine permission to wage war against those tyrants who had expelled them from their homes and deprived them of visiting the House of Allah and made it difficult for them to follow the way of Islam. It was at this psychological occasion that these verses were sent down. That is why the purpose for which Masjid al Haram was built has been specifically mentioned. It has been made plain that Hajj (pilgrimage) had been enjoined for the worship of One Allah. But it is an irony that afterwards it had been dedicated to the rituals of shirk and the worshippers of One Allah had been debarred from visiting it. Therefore, permission for waging war against those tyrants has been given to oust them from there and to establish the righteous way of life for establishing virtue and eradicating evil. According to Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Urwah bin Zubair, Zaid bin Aslam, Muqatil bin Hayyan, Qatadah and other great commentators, v. 39 is the first verse that grants the Muslims permission to wage war. Collections of Hadith and books on the life of the Holy Prophet confirm that after this permission actual preparations for war were started and the first expedition was sent to the coast of the Red Sea in Safar A.H. 2, which is known as the Expedition of Waddan or Al-Abwa.
This Surah is addressed to:
1. the mushriks of Makkah
2. the wavering Muslims
3. the True Believers.
The mushriks have been warned in a forceful manner to this effect: "You have obdurately and impudently persisted in your ideas of ignorance and trusted in your deities instead of Allah, though they possess no power at all and you have repudiated the Divine Messenger. Now you will meet the same end as has been the doom of those like you before. You have only harmed yourselves by rejecting Our Prophet and by persecuting the best element of your own community; now your false deities shall not be able to save you from the wrath of God". At the same time, they have been admonished time and again for their creed of shirk and sound arguments have been given in favour of Tauhid and the Hereafter.
The wavering Muslims, who had embraced Islam but were not prepared to endure any hardship in its way, have been admonished to this effect: "What is this faith of yours? On the one hand, you are ready to believe in Allah and become His servants provided you are given peace and prosperity but, on the other, if you meet with afflictions and hardships in His Way, you discard your Allah and cease to remain His servant. You should bear in mind that this wavering attitude of yours cannot avert those misfortunes and losses which Allah has ordained for you."
As regards the true Believers, they have been addressed in two ways:
1. In a general way so as to include the common people of Arabia also.
The Believers have been told that the mushriks of Makkah had no right to debar them from visiting the Holy Mosque. They had no right to prevent anyone from performing Hajj because the Holy Mosque was not their private property. This objection was not only justified but it also acted as an effective political weapon against the Quraish. For it posed this question to the other clans of Arabia: Were the Quraish mere attendants of the Holy Mosque or its owners? It implied that if they succeeded in debarring the Muslims from Hajj without any protest from others, they would feel encouraged in future to debar from Hajj and Umrah the people of any other clan, who happened to have strained relations with the Quraish. In order to emphasize this point, the history of the construction of the Holy Mosque has been cited to show that Prophet Abraham by the Command of Allah built it and he had invited all the peoples to perform Hajj there. That is why those coming from outside had enjoyed equal rights by the local people from the very beginning. It has also been made clear that that House had not been built for the rituals of shirk but for the worship of One Allah. Thus it was sheer tyranny that the worship of Allah was being forbidden there while the worship of idols enjoyed full licence.
2. In an exclusive way.
In order to counteract the tyranny of the Quraish, the Muslims were allowed to fight with them. They were also given instructions to adopt the right and just attitude as and when they acquired power to rule in the land. Moreover, the Believers have been officially given the name of "Muslims", saying, "You are the real heirs to Abraham and you have been chosen to become witnesses of the Truth before mankind. Therefore you should establish salat and pay the zakat dues in order to become the best models of righteous life and perform Jihad for propagating the Word of Allah." (vv. 41,77, 78.) It will be worth while to keep in view the introductions to Chapters 2 (Al-Baqarah) and 8 (Al Anfal).
Maududi
IMPORTANT: Please note that the Digest is based upon these outstanding translations and they have been reproduced here for the benefit of serious readers of the Qur’aan; the copyrights of these works are held by their respective authors/publishers from whom they can be purchased by anyone interested in acquiring them and we ardently hope that no offence will be taken by their inclusion.
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Section 1.
22 : 1
1. Ya ayyuha alnnasu ittaqoo rabbakum inna zalzalata alssaAAati shay-on AAatheemun
O mankind! Be fearful of your Lord! Verily the cataclysm of the Day of Judgement is an awesome affair!
22 : 2
2. Yawma tarawnaha tathhalu kullu murdiAAatin AAamma ardaAAat watadaAAu kullu thati hamlin hamlaha watara alnnasa sukara wama hum bisukara walakinna AAathaba Allahi shadeedun
On the day when you confront it, every nursing mother will forget her suckling
and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy and to you mankind would seem
as though they are sunk in stupor, though they would not be in stupor, but will
only be stupefied by the wrath of Allah!
(Yet another graphic description of the Day of Judgement the enormity of which cannot be stressed enough. It is the Day when the sky would lose its dimensions, the sun would lose its blaze, the moon would lose its luminosity, the stars would lose their sparkle, the planets would lose their trajectories, the rainbow would lose its colours, the clouds would lose their buoyancy, the mountains would lose their stability, the oceans would lose their profundity, the birds would lose their wings, the beasts would lose their truculence, the earth would lose its treasures; - a Day, as written down in the above verse, when pregnant women would abort their burden, nursing mothers would turn away from suckling and mankind would emerge from their graves, sunk in stupor, struck by fear, staggering under the burden of their sins, their glassy eyes lost in the voids surrounding them, their mouths firmly sealed and their hearts beating away from frenzy, helplessly surrendered to the inevitability of that moment, ready to face their Maker, ready to face justice, ready to accept its outcome!)
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when a staunch opponent of the Prophet alleged that the Angels were Allah's daughters and that the Qur'aan is no more than fables from the past.
22 : 3
3. Wamina alnnasi man yujadilu fee Allahi bighayri AAilmin wayattabiAAu kulla shaytanin mareedin
And yet among mankind there is he who disputes over matters that concern Allah without possessing any knowledge about them and follows every rebellious devil -
22 : 4
4. Kutiba AAalayhi annahu man tawallahu faannahu yudilluhu wayahdeehi ila AAathabi alssaAAeeri
About whom it has already been decreed that whoever takes him for a friend, he will surely misguide him and lead him straight to the doom of Fire!
* * *
22 : 5
5. Ya ayyuha alnnasu in kuntum fee raybin mina albaAAthi fa-inna khalaqnakum min turabin thumma min nutfatin thumma min AAalaqatin thumma min mudghatin mukhallaqatin waghayri mukhallaqatin linubayyina lakum wanuqirru fee al-arhami ma nashao ila ajalin musamman thumma nukhrijukum tiflan thumma litablughoo ashuddakum waminkum man yutawaffa waminkum man yuraddu ila arthali alAAumuri likayla yaAAlama min baAAdi AAilmin shay-an watara al-arda hamidatan fa-itha anzalna AAalayha almaa ihtazzat warabat waanbatat min kulli zawjin baheejin
O mankind! If you are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then remember that We created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot of blood, then from a little lump of flesh, partly shaped and partly unshaped, so that We may make the symbols of Divinity manifest to you! We cause what We will to gestate inside the womb for a fixed term; then We bring you forth as an infant, then enable you to reach the prime of your life! And amongst you there is he who dies prematurely, and amongst you there is he who survives until the unavailing age of senility so that, after having known everything, retain nothing. And sometimes you see the earth as barren but when We sprinkle on it rain, it revives and regenerates and brings forth a myriad types of crops in lovely pairs.
(One of the most fascinating verses in the Qur'aan, it squeezes a phenomenal reality into the brevity of these words, tracing the origins of man to Adam, created out of a fistful of dust; covering his conception in the womb of his mother from a drop of semen, dwelling on the early stages of his gestation in the form of a foetus (referred to as a clot of blood), then his gradual evolution into a fully formed babe; the period of his confinement in the womb of his mother, totally at the mercy of Allah who alone has the power to determine whether or not he emerges into this world, even the precise moment when he is destined to emerge; the stages of his infancy, his progress into manhood and into senility when he becomes a different kind of infant, his knowledge and his faculties severely impaired, making him dependent on others just as he was in the beginning, subject to the inevitable proviso that he has not been called away by Allah during any of theses stages!
But the real purpose of the verse is to question the sanity of those who doubt the ability of Allah to reproduce creation after its extinction when He has already produced it out of nullity; out of a fistful of dust; out of a drop of seed; out of a clot of blood into a living, moving, pulsating and thriving human being, with a pair of eyes capable of surveying his surroundings; absorbing all images around him; transmitting them to his fully evolved brain; responding to and executing its commands with amazing alacrity; making silent demands; weeping in order to express dissatisfaction or smiling in order to express contentment! If He could achieve all that in such record time; if He could cause a new rose to bloom on the stem of the one that withered and dispersed on the day before; if He could transform brightness into darkness and darkness into brightness with clock-work precision; if He could change the seasons, keep time always on the move and adduce from it marvel after marvel so that we see the signs and admire His wondrous accomplishments, why should we even remotely doubt His ability to repeat what He has already done once before?
Towards the end, the verse also draws a parallel between the birth of a human being from a drop of seed and the sprouting of plants from earth after she has been impregnated with life bearing rain-water which He sends down from the sky so that we reflect over the full picture and acknowledge our gratitude to Him whose Will and Hand are behind them all).
22 : 6
6. Thalika bi-anna Allaha huwa alhaqqu waannahu yuhyee almawta waannahu AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun
This is because Allah is the Reality! Verily He imbues life into the lifeless and verily He is able to do all things -
22 : 7
7. Waanna alssaAAata atiyatun la rayba feeha waanna Allaha yabAAathu man fee alquboori
And the Hour will come; there is no question of doubt about it; and Allah will raise the dead from their graves to face it.
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to a vicious clique of disbelievers, headed by a sworn enemy of the Prophet, who were relentless in their criticism of him and unrestrained in their vituperation of Allah)
22 : 8
8. Wamina alnnasi man yujadilu fee Allahi bighayri AAilmin wala hudan wala kitabin muneerin
And among mankind is he who altercates over Allah without having any knowledge about the subject nor any proof nor a Scripture which could shed some light on it, -
22 : 9
9. Thaniya AAitfihi liyudilla AAan sabeeli Allahi lahu fee alddunya khizyun wanutheequhu yawma alqiyamati AAathaba alhareeqi
Turning away with conceit in order to deflect men from the path of Allah! For him in this life is humiliation and then on the Day of Resurrection We will give him a taste of the doom of fire!
22 : 10
10. Thalika bima qaddamat yadaka waanna Allaha laysa bithallamin lilAAabeedi
(And to him it will be said) : 'This is for that which your own hands have sent ahead of you because Allah Himself is never unjust towards His bondsmen (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing.
2. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allâh.
3. And among mankind is he who disputes concerning Allâh, without knowledge, and follows every rebellious (disobedient to Allâh) Shaitân (devil) (devoid of each and every kind of good).
4. For him (the devil) it is decreed that whosoever follows him, he will mislead him, and will drive him to the torment of the Fire. [Tafsir At-Tabarî]
5. O mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily! We have created you (i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (miscarriage), that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants,[] then (give you growth) that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth).
6. That is because Allâh, He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things.
7. And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it, and certainly, Allâh will resurrect those who are in the graves.
8. And among men is he who disputes about Allâh, without knowledge or guidance, or a Book giving light (from Allâh),
9. Bending his neck in pride[] (far astray from the Path of Allâh), and leading (others) too (far) astray from the Path of Allâh. For him there is disgrace in this worldly life, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall make him taste the torment of burning (Fire).
10. That is because of what your hands have sent forth, and verily, Allâh is not unjust to (His) slaves.
022.001
YUSUFALI: O mankind!
fear your Lord! for the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a thing
terrible!
PICKTHAL: O mankind!
Fear your Lord. Lo! the earthquake of the Hour (of Doom) is a tremendous thing.
SHAKIR: O people!
guard against (the punishment from) your Lord; surely the violence of the hour
is a grievous thing.
022.002
YUSUFALI: The Day ye
shall see it, every mother giving suck shall forget her suckling-babe, and every
pregnant female shall drop her load (unformed): thou shalt see mankind as in a
drunken riot, yet not drunk: but dreadful will be the Wrath of Allah.
PICKTHAL: On the day
when ye behold it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling and every
pregnant one will be delivered of her burden, and thou (Muhammad) wilt see
mankind as drunken, yet they will not be drunken, but the Doom of Allah will be
strong (upon them).
SHAKIR: On the day
when you shall see it, every woman giving suck shall quit in confusion what she
suckled, and every pregnant woman shall lay down her burden, and you shall see
men intoxicated, and they shall not be intoxicated but the chastisement of Allah
will be severe.
022.003
YUSUFALI: And yet
among men there are such as dispute about Allah, without knowledge, and follow
every evil one obstinate in rebellion!
PICKTHAL: Among
mankind is he who disputeth concerning Allah without knowledge, and followeth
each froward devil;
SHAKIR: And among men
there is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge and follows every
rebellious Shaitan;
022.004
YUSUFALI: About the
(Evil One) it is decreed that whoever turns to him for friendship, him will he
lead astray, and he will guide him to the Penalty of the Fire.
PICKTHAL: For him it
is decreed that whoso taketh him for friend, he verily will mislead him and will
guide him to the punishment of the Flame.
SHAKIR: Against him it
is written down that whoever takes him for a friend, he shall lead him astray
and conduct him to the chastisement of the burning fire.
022.005
YUSUFALI: O mankind!
if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of
dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of
flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (our
power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed
term, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that ye may reach
your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent
back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known
(much), and (further), thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We
pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth
every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).
PICKTHAL: O mankind!
if ye are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We have created you
from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a little lump
of flesh shapely and shapeless, that We may make (it) clear for you. And We
cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and afterward
We bring you forth as infants, then (give you growth) that ye attain your full
strength. And among you there is he who dieth (young), and among you there is he
who is brought back to the most abject time of life, so that, after knowledge,
he knoweth naught. And thou (Muhammad) seest the earth barren, but when We send
down water thereon, it doth thrill and swell and put forth every lovely kind (of
growth).
SHAKIR: O people! if
you are in doubt about the raising, then surely We created you from dust, then
from a small seed, then from a clot, then from a lump of flesh, complete in make
and incomplete, that We may make clear to you; and We cause what We please to
stay in the wombs till an appointed time, then We bring you forth as babies,
then that you may attain your maturity; and of you is he who is caused to die,
and of you is he who is brought back to the worst part of life, so that after
having knowledge he does not know anything; and you see the earth sterile land,
but when We send down on it the water, it stirs and swells and brings forth of
every kind a beautiful herbage.
022.006
YUSUFALI: This is so,
because Allah is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He
Who has power over all things.
PICKTHAL: That is
because Allah, He is the Truth and because He quickeneth the dead, and because
He is Able to do all things;
SHAKIR: This is
because Allah is the Truth and because He gives life to the dead and because He
has power over all things
022.007
YUSUFALI: And verily
the Hour will come: there can be no doubt about it, or about (the fact) that
Allah will raise up all who are in the graves.
PICKTHAL: And because
the Hour will come, there is no doubt thereof; and because Allah will raise
those who are in the graves.
SHAKIR: And because
the hour is coming, there is no doubt about it; and because Allah shall raise up
those who are in the graves.
022.008
YUSUFALI: Yet there is
among men such a one as disputes about Allah, without Knowledge, without
Guidance, and without a Book of Enlightenment,-
PICKTHAL: And among
mankind is he who disputeth concerning Allah without knowledge or guidance or a
scripture giving light,
SHAKIR: And among men
there is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge and without guidance and
without an illuminating book,
022.009
YUSUFALI:
(Disdainfully) bending his side, in order to lead (men) astray from the Path of
Allah: for him there is disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Judgment We
shall make him taste the Penalty of burning (Fire).
PICKTHAL: Turning away
in pride to beguile (men) from the way of Allah. For him in this world is
ignominy, and on the Day of Resurrection We make him taste the doom of burning.
SHAKIR: Turning away
haughtily that he may lead (others) astray from the way of Allah; for him is
disgrace in this world, and on the day of resurrection We will make him taste
the punishment of burning:
022.010
YUSUFALI: (It will be
said): "This is because of the deeds which thy hands sent forth, for verily
Allah is not unjust to His servants.
PICKTHAL: (And unto
him it will be said): This is for that which thy two hands have sent before, and
because Allah is no oppressor of His slaves.
SHAKIR: This is due to
what your two hands have sent before, and because Allah is not in the least
unjust to the servants.
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to a tribe who used to embrace Islam and adhere to it in times of prosperity but renounce it in times of asperity, blaming it upon their religion.
22 : 11
11. Wamina alnnasi man yaAAbudu Allaha AAala harfin fa-in asabahu khayrun itmaanna bihi wa-in asabat-hu fitnatun inqalaba AAala wajhihi khasira alddunya waal-akhirata thalika huwa alkhusranu almubeenu
Among mankind is he who worships Allah only marginally. If something good befalls him, he is content; but if he were to come up against an ordeal, he is quick to turn his face away! He loses both here as well as in the Hereafter, and his is the most irretrievable loss!
22 : 12
12. YadAAoo min dooni Allahi ma la yadurruhu wama la yanfaAAuhu thalika huwa alddalalu albaAAeedu
He invokes in the place of Allah those who neither hurt him nor help him! And his is the most incorrigible error!
22 : 13
13. YadAAoo laman darruhu aqrabu min nafAAihi labi/sa almawla walabi/sa alAAasheeru
He invokes those who are more likely to harm him than to benefit him! Verily how
unreliable are they as guardians and how pernicious are they as friends
(The
tribe to which reference is made in the verse was called Aarib, whose chief used
to pat himself on the back whenever good things happened to his folks for having
embraced Islam; if a son was born in his clan, he attributed it to himself and
to his perspicacity; if their trade brought them an unexpected windfall, or
their crops produced a bumper yield, or the cattle grew in more than expected
numbers, it was all down to him and the religion which he himself embraced and
recommended to his tribe; but if anything went wrong; if there was an unexpected
drought resulting in crop failure; if afflictions plagued his folks or if there
were too many raids resulting in loss of life, he blamed it on the new religion
and lost no time in denouncing and even renouncing it).
* * *
22 : 14
14. Inna Allaha yudkhilu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu inna Allaha yafAAalu ma yureedu
Verily Allah will enter those who believe and perform righteous deeds into Gardens underneath which rivers flow! And verily Allah does whatever it pleases Him to do!
22 : 15
15. Man kana yathunnu an lan yansurahu Allahu fee alddunya waal-akhirati falyamdud bisababin ila alssama-i thumma liyaqtaAA falyanthur hal yuthhibanna kayduhu ma yagheethu
If there is anyone who deludes himself that Allah will not give to his prophet victory in this world and in the Hereafter, let him tie a rope to the ceiling of his house and hang himself; and then let him see whether his self castigation alters that towards which he is so full of envy. - even to the slightest extent!
22 : 16
16. Wakathalika anzalnahu ayatin bayyinatin waanna Allaha yahdee man yureedu
Thus We have revealed these Our lucent revelations and verily Allah gives guidance to those whom He will!
22 : 17
17. Inna allatheena amanoo waallatheena hadoo waalssabi-eena waalnnasara waalmajoosa waallatheena ashrakoo inna Allaha yafsilu baynahum yawma alqiyamati inna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in shaheedun
Verily those who believe this Revelation and those who are Jews and the Sabaeans and the Christians and the Magians and the idolaters, Allah will adjudicate between them on the Day of Resurrection. Verily all things are within the purview of Allah!
22 : 18
18. Alam tara anna Allaha yasjudu lahu man fee alssamawati waman fee al-ardi waalshshamsu waalqamaru waalnnujoomu waaljibalu waalshshajaru waalddawabbu wakatheerun mina alnnasi wakatheerun haqqa AAalayhi alAAathabu waman yuhini Allahu fama lahu min mukrimin inna Allaha yafAAalu ma yasha/o
Seen you not how all those who dwell in the heavens and upon the earth prostrate
to Allah, including the sun and the moon and the stars and the hills and the
trees and the beasts and many among mankind; while there are also many amongst
them who deserve to be punished. He whom Allah vilifies, none will respect him.
Verily Allah does what He will!
(Everything in the physical universe, be it a tiny mole creeping in and out of
mud holes or the mighty sun dazzling in the sky and keeping the entire earth
bright with its infinite resplendence; be it the blossoms in our garden which we
can see and touch or the seven colours of the rainbow which we can see but
cannot touch; be it our wives in our arms whom we can cuddle and kiss or the
misty eyed Hurs in paradise about whom we read but cannot see; be it the stars
that twinkle in the vastness of the sky or be it the planets that exist beyond
our reach, beyond our vision and beyond the bounds of our knowledge and
comprehension; they all prostrate to Him because they are dependent upon Him and
their very existence testifies to His boundless hegemony).
22 : 19
19. Hathani khasmani ikhtasamoo fee rabbihim faallatheena kafaroo quttiAAat lahum thiyabun min narin yusabbu min fawqi ruoosihimu alhameemu
These two groups are opponents of one another who dispute concerning their Lord!
But as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire would be kept in readiness for
them and scalding water poured down their heads -
(The
two opponents mentioned in the verse are those who surrender to Allah and those
who defy Him; those who accept His messenger and those who repudiate him; those
who walk aright and those who stray away into the voids of darkness; those who
offer regular worship, enjoin virtue and share the wealth which is given to them
by Allah with others and those who worship idols, promote evil and hoard their
wealth).
22 : 20
20. Yusharu bihi ma fee butoonihim waaljuloodu
Which will cause everything inside their bellies to melt and their skins to singe;
22 : 21
21. Walahum maqamiAAu min hadeedin
And for them also await hooked rods cast in metal!
22 : 22
22. Kullama aradoo an yakhrujoo minha min ghammin oAAeedoo feeha wathooqoo AAathaba alhareeqi
Whenever anguish chokes them and they try to get away, they would be driven back into it (and it will be said to them) : 'Taste now the flavour of burning! (R)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
11. And among mankind is he who worships Allâh as it were, upon the very edge (i.e. in doubt); if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him, he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts back to disbelief after embracing Islâm). He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the evident loss.
12. He calls besides Allâh unto that which hurts him not, nor profits him. That is a straying far away.
13. He calls unto him whose harm is nearer than his profit; certainly, and evil Maula (patron) and certainly an evil friend!
14. Truly, Allâh will admit those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds (according to the Qur'ân and the Sunnah) to Gardens underneath which rivers flow (in Paradise). Verily, Allâh does what He wills.
15. Whoever thinks that Allâh will not help him (Muhammad SAW) in this world and in the Hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and let him strangle himself. Then let him see whether his plan will remove that whereat he rages!
16. Thus have We sent it (this Qur'ân) down (to Muhammad SAW) as clear signs, evidences and proofs, and surely, Allâh guides whom He wills.
17. Verily, those who believe (in Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammad SAW), and those who are Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians, and the Magians, and those who worship others besides Allâh, truly, Allâh will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Verily! Allâh is Witness over all things.[]
18. See you not that to Allâh prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind? But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allâh disgraces, none can honour him. Verily! Allâh does what He wills.
19. These two opponents (believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other about their Lord; then as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads.
20. With it will melt or vanish away what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins.
21. And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them).
22. Every time they seek to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be driven back therein, and (it will be) said to them: "Taste the torment of burning!"
022.011
YUSUFALI: There are
among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them,
they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on
their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all
to see!
PICKTHAL: And among
mankind is he who worshippeth Allah upon a narrow marge so that if good
befalleth him he is content therewith, but if a trial befalleth him, he falleth
away utterly. He loseth both the world and the Hereafter. That is the sheer
loss.
SHAKIR: And among men
is he who serves Allah (standing) on the verge, so that if good befalls him he
is satisfied therewith, but if a trial afflict him he turns back headlong; he
loses this world as well as the hereafter; that is a manifest loss.
022.012
YUSUFALI: They call on
such deities, besides Allah, as can neither hurt nor profit them: that is
straying far indeed (from the Way)!
PICKTHAL: He calleth,
beside Allah, unto that which hurteth him not nor benefiteth him. That is the
far error.
SHAKIR: He calls
besides Allah upon that which does not harm him and that which does not profit
him, that is the great straying.
022.013
YUSUFALI: (Perhaps)
they call on one whose hurt is nearer than his profit: evil, indeed, is the
patron, and evil the companion (or help)!
PICKTHAL: He calleth
unto him whose harm is nearer than his benefit; verily an evil patron and verily
an evil friend!
SHAKIR: He calls upon
him whose harm is nearer than his profit; evil certainly is the guardian and
evil certainly is the associate.
022.014
YUSUFALI: Verily Allah
will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens, beneath which
rivers flow: for Allah carries out all that He plans.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah
causeth those who believe and do good works to enter Gardens underneath which
rivers flow. Lo! Allah doth what He intendeth.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah
will cause those who believe and do good deeds to enter gardens beneath which
rivers flow, surely Allah does what He pleases.
022.015
YUSUFALI: If any think
that Allah will not help him (His Messenger) in this world and the Hereafter,
let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and cut (himself) off: then let him
see whether his plan will remove that which enrages (him)!
PICKTHAL: Whoso is
wont to think (through envy) that Allah will not give him (Muhammad) victory in
the world and the Hereafter (and is enraged at the thought of his victory), let
him stretch a rope up to the roof (of his dwelling), and let him hang himself.
Then let him see whether his strategy dispelleth that whereat he rageth!.
SHAKIR: Whoever thinks
that Allah will not assist him in this life and the hereafter, let him stretch a
rope to the ceiling, then let him cut (it) off, then let him see if his struggle
will take away that at which he is enraged.
022.016
YUSUFALI: Thus have We
sent down Clear Signs; and verily Allah doth guide whom He will!
PICKTHAL: Thus We
reveal it as plain revelations, and verily Allah guideth whom He will.
SHAKIR: And thus have
We revealed it, being clear arguments, and because Allah guides whom He intends.
022.017
YUSUFALI: Those who
believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the
Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- Allah will judge between them on
the Day of Judgment: for Allah is witness of all things.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those
who believe (this revelation), and those who are Jews, and the Sabaeans and the
Christians and the Magians and the idolaters - Lo! Allah will decide between
them on the Day of Resurrection. Lo! Allah is Witness over all things.
SHAKIR: Surely those
who believe and those who are Jews and the Sabeans and the Christians and the
Magians and those who associate (others with Allah)-- surely Allah will decide
between them on the day of resurrection; surely Allah is a witness over all
things.
022.018
YUSUFALI: Seest thou
not that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on
earth,- the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a
great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as are fit for
Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace,- None can raise to honour: for
Allah carries out all that He wills.
PICKTHAL: Hast thou
not seen that unto Allah payeth adoration whosoever is in the heavens and
whosoever is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the
hills, and the trees, and the beasts, and many of mankind, while there are many
unto whom the doom is justly due. He whom Allah scorneth, there is none to give
him honour. Lo! Allah doeth what He will.
SHAKIR: Do you not see
that Allah is He, Whom obeys whoever is in the heavens and whoever is in the
earth, and the sun and the moon and the stars, and the mountains and the trees,
and the animals and many of the people; and many there are against whom
chastisement has become necessary; and whomsoever Allah abases, there is none
who can make him honorable; surely Allah does what He pleases.
022.019
YUSUFALI: These two
antagonists dispute with each other about their Lord: But those who deny (their
Lord),- for them will be cut out a garment of Fire: over their heads will be
poured out boiling water.
PICKTHAL: These twain
(the believers and the disbelievers) are two opponents who contend concerning
their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out
for them; boiling fluid will be poured down on their heads,
SHAKIR: These are two
adversaries who dispute about their Lord; then (as to) those who disbelieve, for
them are cut out garments of fire, boiling water shall be poured over their
heads.
022.020
YUSUFALI: With it will
be scalded what is within their bodies, as well as (their) skins.
PICKTHAL: Whereby that
which is in their bellies, and their skins too, will be melted;
SHAKIR: With it shall
be melted what is in their bellies and (their) skins as well.
022.021
YUSUFALI: In addition
there will be maces of iron (to punish) them.
PICKTHAL: And for them
are hooked rods of iron.
SHAKIR: And for them
are whips of iron.
022.022
YUSUFALI: Every time
they wish to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be forced back therein,
and (it will be said), "Taste ye the Penalty of Burning!"
PICKTHAL: Whenever, in
their anguish, they would go forth from thence they are driven back therein and
(it is said unto them): Taste the doom of burning.
SHAKIR: Whenever they
will desire to go forth from it, from grief, they shall be turned back into it,
and taste the chastisement of burning.
22 : 23
23. Inna Allaha yudkhilu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu yuhallawna feeha min asawira min thahabin walu/lu-an walibasuhum feeha hareerun
Allah will cause those who believe and perform righteous deeds to enter in Gardens underneath which rivers flow, where they will be given bracelets of gold and pearls to wear and where their raiment will be made of silk!
22 : 24
24. Wahudoo ila alttayyibi mina alqawli wahudoo ila sirati alhameedi
For, they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speeches; and they have been guided to the path of Him who is the most Praiseworthy of all.
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the idolaters of Mecca were sparing no scruples to prevent the Prophet and his adherents from entering or even approaching the vicinity of the Ka'ba.
22 : 25
25. Inna allatheena kafaroo wayasuddoona AAan sabeeli Allahi waalmasjidi alharami allathee jaAAalnahu lilnnasi sawaan alAAakifu feehi waalbadi waman yurid feehi bi-ilhadin bithulmin nuthiqhu min AAathabin aleemin
Verily those who disbelieve and obstruct others from the path of Allah and from
the Sacred Mosque that We have intended for all mankind alike - the residents as
well as the visitors - and those who perpetrate evil and contemplate profanities
within its perimeters, We shall requite them with a grievous punishment! (R)
(It should be noted that as Allah has set aside the Sacred Mosque, or al-Masjid al-Haram, to be a pivotal place for all mankind to assemble for offering worship to their Lord at any time when they could afford to go and from whichever part of the world, the land around this Holy place is forbidden from being sold or mortgaged by anyone, its caretakers or its rulers. It is also forbidden that its residents are discriminated in preference to the visitors, both of whom have equal rights of access to it; it is forbidden that any sort of profanities are committed within its precincts or armed combats are allowed to take place resulting in bloodshed, regardless of the academics of right and wrong, or cruelty to animals is perpetrated, or those who have taken asylum under its roof are driven out of there by force)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
23. Truly, Allâh will admit those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens underneath which rivers flow (in Paradise), wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments therein will be of silk.
24. And they are guided (in this world) unto goodly speech (i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh, Alhamdu lillâh, recitation of the Qur'ân, etc.) and they are guided to the Path of Him (i.e. Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism), Who is Worthy of all praises.
25. Verily! Those who disbelieve and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh, and from Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) which We have made (open) to (all) men, the dweller in it and the visitor from the country are equal there [as regards its sanctity and pilgrimage (Hajj and 'Umrah)]. And whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islâmic Monotheism), him We shall cause to taste a painful torment.
022.023
YUSUFALI: Allah will
admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which
rivers flow: they shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls;
and their garments there will be of silk.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah
will cause those who believe and do good works to enter Gardens underneath which
rivers flow, wherein they will be allowed armlets of gold, and pearls, and their
raiment therein will be silk.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah
will make those who believe and do good deeds enter gardens beneath which rivers
flow; they shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and (with) pearls,
and their garments therein shall be of silk.
022.024
YUSUFALI: For they
have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speeches; they have been guided
to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all) Praise.
PICKTHAL: They are
guided unto gentle speech; they are guided unto the path of the Glorious One.
SHAKIR: And they are
guided to goodly words and they are guided into the path of the Praised One.
022.025
YUSUFALI: As to those
who have rejected (Allah), and would keep back (men) from the Way of Allah, and
from the Sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) men - equal is the
dweller there and the visitor from the country - and any whose purpose therein
is profanity or wrong-doing - them will We cause to taste of a most Grievous
Penalty.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those
who disbelieve and bar (men) from the way of Allah and from the Inviolable Place
of Worship, which We have appointed for mankind together, the dweller therein
and the nomad: whosoever seeketh wrongful partiality therein, him We shall cause
to taste a painful doom.
SHAKIR: Surely (as
for) those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from Allah's way and from the Sacred
Mosque which We have made equally for all men, (for) the dweller therein and
(for) the visitor, and whoever shall incline therein to wrong unjustly, We will
make him taste of a painful chastisement.
22 : 26
26. Wa-ith bawwa/na li-ibraheema makana albayti an la tushrik bee shay-an watahhir baytiya liltta-ifeena waalqa-imeena waalrrukkaAAi alssujoodi
And (remember) when We directed Abraham to the Sacred House saying : 'Ascribe not partners to Me and sanctify My House for those who go around it and for those who stand and for those who bow and prostrate;
22 : 27
27. Waaththin fee alnnasi bialhajji ya/tooka rijalan waAAala kulli damirin ya/teena min kulli fajjin AAameeqin
And invite all mankind to perform the pilgrimage. And they will surge towards you on foot and on the backs of many a weary camel and they will come from far and near!
22 : 28
28. Liyashhadoo manafiAAa lahum wayathkuroo isma Allahi fee ayyamin maAAloomatin AAala ma razaqahum min baheemati al-anAAami fakuloo minha waatAAimoo alba-isa alfaqeera
So that they may receive their guerdon and mention the name of Allah on
appointed days to consecrate the cattle which He has blessed them with, to eat
some of it and to feed the destitute and the impoverished!
(This guerdon is of two kinds : one material and the other spiritual. At no other time of worship are we permitted to engage in activities which relate to our material well-being such as trade, working in our shops, carrying out financial transactions, looking for jobs or attending interviews to get them. If anything, we are required to dissociate ourselves from these matters and concentrate our attention wholly upon our Lord and on what we are doing so that we are not distracted by our material concerns.
During pilgrimage, however, an exception is made. We are allowed to involve ourselves in any legitimate commercial activity that improves our lot and enhances our provision.
As for
the spiritual guerdon, needless to say what an enormous difference a momentous
event like that makes to the spiritual well being of the pilgrim : a new
dimension is added to our lives the intensity of which is better experienced
than expressed!)
22 : 29
29. Thumma lyaqdoo tafathahum walyoofoo nuthoorahum walyattawwafoo bialbayti alAAateeqi
Then let them conclude the rites prescribed for them and fulfil their vows and go around the Sacred House!
22 : 30
30. Thalika waman yuAAaththim hurumati Allahi fahuwa khayrun lahu AAinda rabbihi waohillat lakumu al-anAAamu illa ma yutla AAalaykum faijtaniboo alrrijsa mina al-awthani waijtaniboo qawla alzzoori
Such is the command! And whoever edifies the rituals of Allah, it will be for his own good in the eyes of his Lord! Lawful to you are all kinds of cattle save those about whom you have already been apprised. So keep away from the filth of idols and keep away from mendacity, -
22 : 31
31. Hunafaa lillahi ghayra mushrikeena bihi waman yushrik biAllahi fakaannama kharra mina alssama-i fatakhtafuhu alttayru aw tahwee bihi alrreehu fee makanin saheeqin
Turning to none but Allah and not ascribing partners to Him, for he who ascribes
partners to Allah is like him who has dropped from the sky, to be pounced upon
by the birds or to be blown away by the wind!
(There
are several thought provoking and soul stirring parallels drawn in this verse,
which describe the plight of the idolater. Faith,
a high and well elevated plain, is likened to the
Sky, the highest possible level visible to the naked eye;
he who renounces his faith to the falling man; his
earthly cravings which shatter his spiritualism are likened to the
birds of prey who tear apart his body into
shreds and then disperse it hither and thither, and
Satan is likened to the whirl blasts of ill
winds which carry him away and abandon him in the isolation of
ignominy).
22 : 32
32. Thalika waman yuAAaththim shaAAa-ira Allahi fa-innaha min taqwa alquloobi
Such is the command! And whoever venerates the oblations consecrated in the name of Allah, it would be for the purification of his own heart!
22 : 33
33. Lakum feeha manafiAAu ila ajalin musamman thumma mahilluha ila albayti alAAateeqi
There indeed are advantages for you in your cattle for a certain time, but after that they are to be brought to the sacred House as oblations. (R)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN
26. And (remember) when We showed Ibrâhim (Abraham) the site of the (Sacred) House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, [Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh Islâmic Monotheism], and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up for prayer, and those who bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allâh), and make prostration (in prayer, etc.);"
27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).[]
28. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the Name of Allâh on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjâh), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice) (at the time of their slaughtering by saying: Bismillah, Wallâhu-Akbar, Allâhumma Minka wa Ilaik). Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor who have a very hard time.
29. Then let them complete the prescribed duties (Manâsik of Hajj) for them, and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka'bah at Makkah)[].
30. That (Manâsik prescribed duties of Hajj is the obligation that mankind owes to Allâh), and whoever honours the sacred things of Allâh, then that is better for him with his Lord. The cattle are lawful to you, except those (that will be) mentioned to you (as exceptions). So shun the abomination (worshipping) of idol, and shun lying speech (false statements)[]
31. Hunafâ' Lillâh (i.e. to worship none but Allâh), not associating partners (in worship, etc.) unto Him and whoever assigns partners to Allâh, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place.
32. Thus it is [what has been mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an obligation that mankind owes to Allâh]. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allâh, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.
33. In them (cattle offered for sacrifice) are benefits for you for an appointed term, and afterwards they are brought for sacrifice unto the ancient House (the Haram - sacred territory of Makkah city).
022.026
YUSUFALI: Behold! We
gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): "Associate not
anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it
round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
PICKTHAL: And
(remember) when We prepared for Abraham the place of the (holy) House, saying:
Ascribe thou no thing as partner unto Me, and purify My House for those who make
the round (thereof) and those who stand and those who bow and make prostration.
SHAKIR: And when We
assigned to Ibrahim the place of the House, saying: Do not associate with Me
aught, and purify My House for those who make the circuit and stand to pray and
bow and prostrate themselves.
022.027
YUSUFALI: "And
proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted)
on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant
mountain highways;
PICKTHAL: And proclaim
unto mankind the pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean
camel; they will come from every deep ravine,
SHAKIR: And proclaim
among men the Pilgrimage: they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel,
coming from every remote path,
022.028
YUSUFALI: "That they
may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah,
through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for
sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.
PICKTHAL: That they
may witness things that are of benefit to them, and mention the name of Allah on
appointed days over the beast of cattle that He hath bestowed upon them. Then
eat thereof and feed therewith the poor unfortunate.
SHAKIR: That they may
witness advantages for them and mention the name of Allah during stated days
over what He has given them of the cattle quadrupeds, then eat of them and feed
the distressed one, the needy.
022.029
YUSUFALI: "Then let
them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again)
circumambulate the Ancient House."
PICKTHAL: Then let
them make an end of their unkemptness and pay their vows and go around the
ancient House.
SHAKIR: Then let them
accomplish their needful acts of shaving and cleansing, and let them fulfil
their vows and let them go round the Ancient House.
022.030
YUSUFALI: Such (is the
Pilgrimage): whoever honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in
the Sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in Pilgrimage) are cattle, except
those mentioned to you (as exception): but shun the abomination of idols, and
shun the word that is false,-
PICKTHAL: That (is the
command). And whoso magnifieth the sacred things of Allah, it will be well for
him in the sight of his Lord. The cattle are lawful unto you save that which
hath been told you. So shun the filth of idols, and shun lying speech,
SHAKIR: That (shall be
so); and whoever respects the sacred ordinances of Allah, it is better for him
with his Lord; and the cattle are made lawful for you, except that which is
recited to you, therefore avoid the uncleanness of the idols and avoid false
words,
022.031
YUSUFALI: Being true
in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns
partners to Allah, is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by
birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a
far-distant place.
PICKTHAL: Turning unto
Allah (only), not ascribing partners unto Him; for whoso ascribeth partners unto
Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky and the birds had snatched him or
the wind had blown him to a far-off place.
SHAKIR: Being upright
for Allah, not associating aught with Him and whoever associates (others) with
Allah, it is as though he had fallen from on high, then the birds snatch him
away or the wind carries him off to a far-distant place.
022.032
YUSUFALI: Such (is his
state): and whoever holds in honour the symbols of Allah, (in the sacrifice of
animals), such (honour) should come truly from piety of heart.
PICKTHAL: That (is the
command). And whoso magnifieth the offerings consecrated to Allah, it surely is
from devotion of the hearts,
SHAKIR: That (shall be
so); and whoever respects the signs of Allah, this surely is (the outcome) of
the piety of hearts.
022.033
YUSUFALI: In them ye
have benefits for a term appointed: in the end their place of sacrifice is near
the Ancient House.
PICKTHAL: Therein are
benefits for you for an appointed term; and afterward they are brought for
sacrifice unto the ancient House.
SHAKIR: You have
advantages in them till a fixed time, then their place of sacrifice is the
Ancient House.
22 : 34
34. Walikulli ommatin jaAAalna mansakan liyathkuroo isma Allahi AAala ma razaqahum min baheemati al-anAAami fa-ilahukum ilahun wahidun falahu aslimoo wabashshiri almukhbiteena
And to every nation We have ordained a ritual that they may mention the name of Allah to consecrate the slaughter of cattle which He has given them for food! Your God is One God so surrender to Him alone! And give good tidings (O Mohammed) to the humble -
22 : 35
35. Allatheena itha thukira Allahu wajilat quloobuhum waalssabireena AAala ma asabahum waalmuqeemee alssalati wamimma razaqnahum yunfiqoona
Whose hearts fill with awe whenever the name of Allah is mentioned and who are patient in the face of adversity and who perpetuate worship and who spend of that which We have given them!
22 : 36
36. Waalbudna jaAAalnaha lakum min shaAAa-iri Allahi lakum feeha khayrun faothkuroo isma Allahi AAalayha sawaffa fa-itha wajabat junoobuha fakuloo minha waatAAimoo alqaniAAa waalmuAAtarra kathalika sakhkharnaha lakum laAAallakum tashkuroona
And the most appropriate for oblation are the camels whom We have designated as Our symbols for you; and they are of good use to you, so mention the name of Allah over them when they are lined up for slaughter. When their flanks drop, eat some of it and feed those who wait and those who beg. Thus have We subjugated the animals to you so that you acknowledge gratitude!
22 : 37
37. Lan yanala Allaha luhoomuha wala dimaoha walakin yanaluhu alttaqwa minkum kathalika sakhkharaha lakum litukabbiroo Allaha AAala ma hadakum wabashshiri almuhsineena
Neither their flesh nor their blood reaches Allah but your dedication does reach
Him Thus have We subjugated them to you so that you may glorify Allah because He
has given you guidance! And deliver glad tidings (O Mohammed) to the
righteous!
(The
verse succinctly under-pins the fact that sacrificing an animal in the name of
Allah is a symbolic gesture, contrary to the
precepts of the Pagan Arabs who used to believe that they can appease their gods
by offering them blood of animals. We are told in clear terms that neither blood
nor flesh of the offering reaches Allah, but only
the dedication of those offering it. Allah has made man the master of the
physical earth and as promised to Adam made provision in it to sustain him over
an appointed term. Cattle made lawful for us to eat is one such provision,
provided they are consecrated with the name of Allah at the time of slaughter so
that we are able to make a clear distinction between
slaughter in the name of Allah and bloodshed for the sake of bloodshed, and so
that the solemn act of taking life is edified by pronouncing His name).
22 : 38
38. Inna Allaha yudafiAAu AAani allatheena amanoo inna Allaha la yuhibbu kulla khawwanin kafoorin
Allah does ward off evil from those who believe but assuredly Allah does not cherish those who are treacherous and ungrateful! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
34. And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allâh over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food. And your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God Allâh), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islâm). And (O Muhammad SAW) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitin [those who obey Allâh with humility and are humble from among the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism],
35. Whose hearts are filled with fear when Allâh is mentioned; who patiently bear whatever may befall them (of calamities); and who perform AsSalât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and who spend (in Allâh's Cause) out of what We have provided them.
36. And the Budn (cows, oxen, or camels driven to be offered as sacrifices by the pilgrims at the sanctuary of Makkah.) We have made for you as among the Symbols of Allâh, therein you have much good. So mention the Name of Allâh over them when they are drawn up in lines (for sacrifice). Then, when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat thereof, and feed the beggar who does not ask (men), and the beggar who asks (men). Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful.
37. It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allâh, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allâh for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad SAW) to the Muhsinûn[] (doers of good).
38. Truly, Allâh defends those who believe. Verily! Allâh likes not any treacherous ingrate to Allâh [those who disobey Allâh but obey Shaitân (Satan)].
022.034
YUSUFALI: To every
people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name
of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food). But your
god is One God: submit then your wills to Him (in Islam): and give thou the good
news to those who humble themselves,-
PICKTHAL: And for
every nation have We appointed a ritual, that they may mention the name of Allah
over the beast of cattle that He hath given them for food; and your god is One
God, therefor surrender unto Him. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the
humble,
SHAKIR: And to every
nation We appointed acts of devotion that they may mention the name of Allah on
what He has given them of the cattle quadrupeds; so your god is One God,
therefore to Him should you submit, and give good news to the humble,
022.035
YUSUFALI: To those
whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient
perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in
charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them.
PICKTHAL: Whose hearts
fear when Allah is mentioned, and the patient of whatever may befall them, and
those who establish worship and who spend of that We have bestowed on them.
SHAKIR: (To) those
whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and those who are patient under
that which afflicts them, and those who keep up prayer, and spend (benevolently)
out of what We have given them.
022.036
YUSUFALI: The
sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the symbols from Allah: in them
is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line
up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye
thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg
with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that ye may be
grateful.
PICKTHAL: And the
camels! We have appointed them among the ceremonies of Allah. Therein ye have
much good. So mention the name of Allah over them when they are drawn up in
lines. Then when their flanks fall (dead), eat thereof and feed the beggar and
the suppliant. Thus have We made them subject unto you, that haply ye may give
thanks.
SHAKIR: And (as for)
the camels, We have made them of the signs of the religion of Allah for you; for
you therein is much good; therefore mention the name of Allah on them as they
stand in a row, then when they fall down eat of them and feed the poor man who
is contented and the beggar; thus have We made them subservient to you, that you
may be grateful.
022.037
YUSUFALI: It is not
their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches
Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His
Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right.
PICKTHAL: Their flesh
and their food reach not Allah, but the devotion from you reacheth Him. Thus
have We made them subject unto you that ye may magnify Allah that He hath guided
you. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the good.
SHAKIR: There does not
reach Allah their flesh nor their blood, but to Him is acceptable the guarding
(against evil) on your part; thus has He made them subservient to you, that you
may magnify Allah because He has guided you aright; and give good news to those
who do good (to others).
022.038
YUSUFALI: Verily Allah
will defend (from ill) those who believe: verily, Allah loveth not any that is a
traitor to faith, or show ingratitude.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah
defendeth those who are true. Lo! Allah loveth not each treacherous ingrate.
SHAKIR: Surely Allah
will defend those who believe; surely Allah does not love any one who is
unfaithful, ungrateful.
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed after the emigration of the Prophet to Madina, for the first time making it lawful for the believers to strike back at those who had been sparing no scruples in persecuting him and all his adherents.
22 : 39
39. Othina lillatheena yuqataloona bi-annahum thulimoo wa-inna Allaha AAala nasrihim laqadeerun
Sanction to retaliate is hereby given to those who have been victimized. And verily Allah has the power to help those -
22 : 40
40. Allatheena okhrijoo min diyarihim bighayri haqqin illa an yaqooloo rabbuna Allahu walawla dafAAu Allahi alnnasa baAAdahum bibaAAdin lahuddimat sawamiAAu wabiyaAAun wasalawatun wamasajidu yuthkaru feeha ismu Allahi katheeran walayansuranna Allahu man yansuruhu inna Allaha laqawiyyun AAazeezun
Who have been unjustly expelled from their homes because they said : 'Our Lord is Allah!' - for, if Allah had not let certain men to be repelled by means of the others - then all the monasteries and churches and tabernacles and mosques wherein Allah's name is extensively mentioned would have surely been razed to the ground! Verily Allah does help him who helps uphold His word! Verily Allah is the Almighty and the Omnipotent!
22 : 41
41. Allatheena in makkannahum fee al-ardi aqamoo al