INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 29 verses, 544 sentences, 2,476 letters and 4 Ruku's,
It takes its name from the sentence, Wa anzalna' l-hadida, of verse 25.
This is unanimously a Madani Surah, and a study of its subject matter shows that it was probably sent down some time during the interval between the Battle of Uhud and the Truce of Hudaibiyah. This was the time when the tiny Islamic State of Madinah had been hemmed in by the disbelievers and the handful of the ill equipped Muslims were entrenched against the combined power of entire Arabia. In this state Islam not only stood in need of the sacrifice of Life from its followers, but it also needed monetary help and assistance. In this Surah a forceful appeal has been made for the same. This view is further strengthened by verse 10 in which Allah has addressed the believers to the effect: "Those of you who would spend and fight after the victory can never be equal to those who have spent and fought before the victory." And the same is supported by traditions that Ibn Marduyah has related on the authority of Hadrat Anas. In respect of the verse Alam ya'n-i lilladhina aamanu an takhsha'a qulubu- hum li-dhikrillah-i, he says that 17 years after the commencement of the revelation of the Quran this verse was sent down to arouse the believers to action. Reckoned thus the period of the revelation of this Surah falls between the 4th and the 5th year after the hijra.
The theme of this Surah is to exhort the Muslims to spend in the cause of Allah. At the most critical juncture of the history of Islam when it was engaged in a life and death struggle against Arab paganism, this Surah was revealed to persuade the Muslim's to make monetary sacrifices in particular, and to make them realize that Islam did not merely consist in verbal affirmation and some outward practices but its essence and spirit is sincerity towards Allah and His Religion. The faith of the one who was devoid of this spirit and who regarded his own self and wealth as dearer to himself than Allah and His Religion, was hollow and therefore of little worth in the sight of Allah. For this object, first the attributes of Allah Almighty have been mentioned so that the listeners may fully realize as to Who is addressing them. Then, the following themes have been expressed in sequence:
1. The inevitable demand of the Faith is that one should not shirk spending one's wealth for the sake of Allah. This would not only be contrary to the Faith but also wrong realistically. For the wealth indeed belongs to Allah, on which man has been given proprietary rights only as His vicegerent. Yesterday this wealth was in other people's possession; today it is with one particular man, and tomorrow it will pass into some one else's hand. Ultimately, it will go back to Allah, Who is the inheritor of everything in the universe. Only that much of this wealth will be of any use to a man, which he spends in the cause of Allah during the period it is in his possession.
2. Although making sacrifices for the sake of Allah is commendable in any case, the true worth of these sacrifices is determined by the nature of the occasion. There is an occasion when the power of paganism is overwhelming and there is a danger that it might subdue and overcome Islam completely; there is another occasion when Islam is in a stronger position in its struggle gainst un-Islam and the believers are attaining victories. Both these states are not equal as regards their respective importance. Therefore, the sacrifices that are made in these different states would also not be equal. Those who sacrifice their lives and expend their wealth to further promote the cause of Islam when it is already strong cannot attain to the rank of those who struggled with their lives and their wealth to promote and uphold the cause of Islam when it was weak.
3. Whatever is spent for the cause of the Truth is a loan on Allah, and Allah will not only return it increasing it manifold but will also give from Himself the best reward for it.
4. In the Hereafter the Light shall be bestowed only on those believers who would have spent their wealth in the cause of Allah. As for the hypocrites who watched and served only their own interests in the world, and who least bothered whether the Truth or falsehood prevailed will be segregated from the believers in the Hereafter although they might have lived in close association with them in the world. They will be deprived of the Light, and they will be counted among the disbelievers.
5. The Muslims should not behave like those followers of the earlier Books, whose lives have been. spent in the worship of the world and whose hearts have become hardened due to negligence with the passage of time. He cannot be a believer whose heart does not melt at the remembrance of Allah and does not bow to the Truth sent down by Him.
6. The sincere upholders of the Truth and the true witnesses of the Faith in the sight of Allah are only those believers who spend their wealth in His way sincerely, without any desire of show.
7. The life of this world is only a short lived spring and a means of pride and show. Its sports and pastimes, its adornments and decorations, its pride of place, its wealth and possessions, for which the people try to vie with one another, are transient. Its likeness is of the crop which flourishes and blooms, then turns pale and then finally is reduced to chaff. The everlasting life is the life hereafter when results of great consequence will be announced. Therefore, if one has to vie with another for something, one should strive for Paradise.
8. Whatever good man meets with and whatever hardship he suffers in the world, are pre-ordained by Allah. A true believer is he who does not lose heart in affliction and is not puffed up with pride in good times. It is the character of a hypocrite and disbeliever that he is puffed up with pride when Allah favours him with His blessings, behaved boastfully and shows stinginess when called upon to spend in the cause of the same God Who blessed him, and also counsels others to be stingy like himself.
9. Allah sent His Messengers with clear signs and the Book and the Law of Justice so that the people may adhere to justice; besides, He sent down iron also so that power may be used to establish the Truth and vanquish falsehood. Thus, Allah likes to see as to who from among the people would rise to support and succour His true Religion even at the risk of their lives. These opportunities Allah has created for man's own advantage and development; otherwise Allah does not stand in need of others for His works.
10. Prophets came from Allah in the past, and by their preaching some people adopted the Right Path, but most of them persisted in wickedness. Then the Prophet Jesus came, whose teachings brought about many moral improvements in the lives of the people, but his community invented monasticism. Now Allah has sent the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be His peace and blessings). Those who affirm faith in him and pass their life fearing Allah's accountability, will be given by Allah a double share of His mercy and He will bless them with the Light by which they will see and walk the straight path among the crooked paths met with at every step in the life of this world. Although the followers of the earlier revelation regard themselves as the monopolists of Allah's bounties, the fact remains that Allah Himself controls His bounties He may bless with these whomever He pleases.
THE HOLY QUR'AAN
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Section 1
57 : 1
1. Sabbaha lillahi ma fee alssamawati waal-ardi wahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu
Whatever is in the heavens and on the earth glorifies Allah! He is the Meritorious, the Sagacious!
57 : 2
2. Lahu mulku alssamawati waal-ardi yuhyee wayumeetu wahuwa AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun
To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth. He bestows life and inflicts death and He has control over everything!
57 : 3
3. Huwa al-awwalu waal-akhiru waalththahiru waalbatinu wahuwa bikulli shay-in AAaleemun
He is the First, He is the Last, He is the Explicit, He is the Implicit; and He is aware of all things!
57 : 4
4. Huwa allathee khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda fee sittati ayyamin thumma istawa AAala alAAarshi yaAAlamu ma yaliju fee al-ardi wama yakhruju minha wama yanzilu mina alssama-i wama yaAAruju feeha wahuwa maAAakum ayna ma kuntum waAllahu bima taAAmaloona baseerun
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then He ascended His Throne! He knows what enters the earth and what emerges from it, and what comes down from the sky and what goes up into it, and He is with you wherever you are! And Allah is a witness to everything that you do!
57 : 5
5. Lahu mulku alssamawati waal-ardi wa-ila Allahi turjaAAu al-omooru
To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and to Allah are bought back all things in the end!
57 : 6
6. Yooliju allayla fee alnnahari wayooliju alnnahara fee allayi wahuwa AAaleemun bithati alssudoori
He adds a part of the night to the day and a part of the day to the night and He is aware of all that which is inside the human heart!
57 : 7
7. Aminoo biAllahi warasoolihi waanfiqoo mimma jaAAalakum mustakhlafeena feehi faallatheena amanoo minkum waanfaqoo lahum ajrun kabeerun
Believe in Allah and in His messenger and spend in His way some of that over which He has made you a trustee. So those of you who believe and spend in His way, for them awaits a great reward.
57 : 8
8. Wama lakum la tu/minoona biAllahi waalrrasoolu yadAAookum litu/minoo birabbikum waqad akhatha meethaqakum in kuntum mu/mineena
What is with you that you believe not in Allah even though the messenger is urging you to believe in your Lord, for He has already made a covenant with you, if you but believe.
57 : 9
9. Huwa allathee yunazzilu AAala AAabdihi ayatin bayyinatin liyukhrijakum mina alththulumati ila alnnoori wa-inna Allaha bikum laraoofun raheemun
He it is who sends down these clear revelations to His slave so that He may lead you out of darkness and bring you into light. Verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful to you!
57 : 10
10. Wama lakum alla tunfiqoo fee sabeeli Allahi walillahi meerathu alssamawati waal-ardi la yastawee minkum man anfaqa min qabli alfathi waqatala ola-ika aAAthamu darajatan mina allatheena anfaqoo min baAAdu waqataloo wakullan waAAada Allahu alhusna waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeerun
What is with you that you spend not in the way of Allah when to Him belongs the legacy of whatever is in the heavens and on the earth? Those who spent and fought prior to the Victory are not the same as the rest of you; their status is far above those that spent and fought after the Victory. Yet to each of you Allah has promised a decent reward and Allah is cognizant of all your deeds! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allâh, and He is the All-Mighty, All-Wise.
2. His is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, It is He Who gives life and causes death; and He is Able to do all things.
3. He is the First (nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High (nothing is above Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He is the All-Knower of every thing.
4. He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawâ (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, what descends from the heaven and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do.
5. His is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And to Allâh return all the matters (for decision).
6. He merges night into day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added into the hours of the day), and merges day into night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added into the hours of the night), and He has full knowledge of whatsoever is in the breasts.
7. Believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allâh's Way), theirs will be a great reward.
8. And what is the matter with you that you believe not in Allâh! While the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) invites you to believe in your Lord (Allâh), and He (Allâh) has indeed taken your covenant, if you are real believers.
9. It is He Who sends down manifest Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad SAW) that He may bring you out from darkness into light. And verily, Allâh is to you full of kindness, Most Merciful.
10. And what is the matter with you that you spend not in the Cause of Allâh? And to Allâh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Makkah) (with those among you who did so later). Such are higher in degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all, Allâh has promised the best (reward). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.
057.001
YUSUFALI: Whatever is
in the heavens and on earth,- let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for
He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
PICKTHAL: All that is
in the heavens and the earth glorifieth Allah; and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
SHAKIR: Whatever is in
the heavens and the earth declares the glory of Allah, and He is the Mighty, the
Wise.
057.002
YUSUFALI: To Him
belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: It is He Who gives Life and
Death; and He has Power over all things.
PICKTHAL: His is the
Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; He quickeneth and He giveth death; and
He is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: His is the
kingdom of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and causes death; and He has
power over all things.
057.003
YUSUFALI: He is the
First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of
all things.
PICKTHAL: He is the
First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all
things.
SHAKIR: He is the
First and the Last and the Ascendant (over all) and the Knower of hidden things,
and He is Cognizant of all things.
057.004
YUSUFALI: He it is Who
created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and is moreover firmly
established on the Throne (of Authority). He knows what enters within the earth
and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what mounts up
to it. And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah sees well all that ye
do.
PICKTHAL: He it is Who
created the heavens and the earth in six Days; then He mounted the Throne. He
knoweth all that entereth the earth and all that emergeth therefrom and all that
cometh down from the sky and all that ascendeth therein; and He is with you
wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye do.
SHAKIR: He it is who
created the heavens and the earth in six periods, and He is firm in power; He
knows that which goes deep down into the earth and that which comes forth out of
it, and that which comes down from the heaven and that which goes up into it,
and He is with you wherever you are; and Allah sees what you do.
057.005
YUSUFALI: To Him
belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: and all affairs are referred
back to Allah.
PICKTHAL: His is the
Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and unto Allah (all) things are
brought back.
SHAKIR: His is the
kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and to Allah are (all) affairs returned.
057.006
YUSUFALI: He merges
Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; and He has full knowledge of the
secrets of (all) hearts.
PICKTHAL: He causeth
the night to pass into the day, and He causeth the day to pass into the night,
and He is knower of all that is in the breasts.
SHAKIR: He causes the
night to enter in upon the day, and causes the day to enter in upon the night,
and He is Cognizant of what is in the hearts.
057.007
YUSUFALI: Believe in
Allah and His messenger, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof
He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity),-
for them is a great Reward.
PICKTHAL: Believe in
Allah and His messenger, and spend of that whereof He hath made you trustees;
and such of you as believe and spend (aright), theirs will be a great reward.
SHAKIR: Believe in
Allah and His Messenger, and spend out of what He has made you to be successors
of; for those of you who believe and spend shall have a great reward.
057.008
YUSUFALI: What cause
have ye why ye should not believe in Allah?- and the Messenger invites you to
believe in your Lord, and has indeed taken your Covenant, if ye are men of
Faith.
PICKTHAL: What aileth
you that ye believe not in Allah, when the messenger calleth you to believe in
your Lord, and He hath already made a covenant with you, if ye are believers?
SHAKIR: And what
reason have you that you should not believe in Allah? And the Messenger calls on
you that you may believe in your Lord, and indeed He has made a covenant with
you if you are believers.
057.009
YUSUFALI: He is the
One Who sends to His Servant Manifest Signs, that He may lead you from the
depths of Darkness into the Light and verily Allah is to you most kind and
Merciful.
PICKTHAL: He it is Who
sendeth down clear revelations unto His slave, that He may bring you forth from
darkness unto light; and lo! for you, Allah is Full of Pity, Merciful.
SHAKIR: He it is who
sends down clear communications upon His servant, that he may bring you forth
from utter darkness into light; and most surely Allah is Kind, Merciful to you.
057.010
YUSUFALI: And what
cause have ye why ye should not spend in the cause of Allah?- For to Allah
belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those
who spent (freely) and fought, before the Victory, (with those who did so
later). Those are higher in rank than those who spent (freely) and fought
afterwards. But to all has Allah promised a goodly (reward). And Allah is well
acquainted with all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: And what
aileth you that ye spend not in the way of Allah when unto Allah belongeth the
inheritance of the heavens and the earth? Those who spent and fought before the
victory are not upon a level (with the rest of you). Such are greater in rank
than those who spent and fought afterwards. Unto each hath Allah promised good.
And Allah is Informed of what ye do.
SHAKIR: And what
reason have you that you should not spend in Allah's way? And Allah's is the
inheritance of the heavens and the earth, not alike among you are those who
spent before the victory and fought (and those who did not): they are more
exalted in rank than those who spent and fought afterwards; and Allah has
promised good to all; and Allah is Aware of what you do.
57 : 11
11. Man tha allathee yuqridu Allaha qardan hasanan fayudaAAifahu lahu walahu ajrun kareemun
Who is there that will lend Allah a munificent loan so that He may return it to him two-fold and a generous reward, besides?
57 : 12
12. Yawma tara almu/mineena waalmu/minati yasAAa nooruhum bayna aydeehim wabi-aymanihim bushrakumu alyawma jannatun tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha thalika huwa alfawzu alAAatheemu
On the Day when you (O Mohammed) will see the believing men and women with an aura of effulgence projected to their front and to their right side, and will hear it said to them : 'The good tidings for you this Day are the Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein you shall abide forever! That indeed is the ultimate triumph!'
57 : 13
13. Yawma yaqoolu almunafiqoona waalmunafiqatu lillatheena amanoo onthuroona naqtabis min noorikum qeela irjiAAoo waraakum failtamisoo nooran faduriba baynahum bisoorin lahu babun batinuhu feehi alrrahmatu wathahiruhu min qibalihi alAAathabu
On the Day when the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women will say to those who believe : 'Spare us one look so that we may borrow some of your effulgence!' it will be said : 'Go back to where you could have sought effulgence!' Then there will emerge between them a wall with a gate, inside of which there is Mercy and outside of which Damnation!
57 : 14
14. Yunadoonahum alam nakun maAAakum qaloo bala walakinnakum fatantum anfusakum watarabbastum wairtabtum wagharratkumu al-amaniyyu hatta jaa amru Allahi wagharrakum biAllahi algharooru
They will cry to them from outside saying : 'Were we not with you?' They will say : 'Yes, indeed! But you tempted one another and wavered and questioned and succumbed to your delusions until the promise of Allah came to pass; and a deceiver deceived you about Allah!
58 : 15
15. Faalyawma la yu/khathu minkum fidyatun wala mina allatheena kafaroo ma/wakumu alnnaru hiya mawlakum wabi/sa almaseeru
So on this Day no ransom will be accepted from you or from the disbelievers. Your destination is the Fire; fire is your companion and fire is your pitiful goal!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the Prophet came out of his house one day and found a group of believers standing in the street, engrossed in gossip and wasting precious time which could have been better spent in remembrance of Allah.
57 : 16
16. Alam ya/ni lillatheena amanoo an takhshaAAa quloobuhum lithikri Allahi wama nazala mina alhaqqi wala yakoonoo kaallatheena ootoo alkitaba min qablu fatala AAalayhimu al-amadu faqasat quloobuhum wakatheerun minhum fasiqoona
Is it not time that the believers submitted their hearts to the remembrance of Allah and to the Truth which has been revealed to them, so that they become not like those who received the Scripture before but whose hearts obdurated because of prolonged hiatus, turning most of them into apostates?
* * *
57 : 17
17. IAAlamoo anna Allaha yuhyee al-arda baAAda mawtiha qad bayyanna lakumu al-ayati laAAallakum taAAqiloona
Let it be known that Allah brings back to life the earth after her demise! Verily We have shown you many a sign so that you may understand!
57 : 18
18. Inna almussaddiqeena waalmussaddiqati waaqradoo Allaha qardan hasanan yudaAAafu lahum walahum ajrun kareemun
Those who give alms, men and women, and lend Allah a munificent loan, for them is twice the return and a worthy reward, besides!
57 : 19
19. Waallatheena amanoo biAllahi warusulihi ola-ika humu alssiddeeqoona waalshshuhadao AAinda rabbihim lahum ajruhum wanooruhum waallatheena kafaroo wakaththaboo bi-ayatina ola-ika as-habu aljaheemi
And those who believe in Allah and His messengers, they are the devout; and the martyrs are with their Lord; they have their reward and their light! As for those who disbelieve and vituperate Our revelations, they belong in hell! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
11. Who is he that will lend to Allâh a goodly loan, then (Allâh) will increase it manifold to his credit (in repaying), and he will have (besides) a good reward (i.e. Paradise).
12. On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women their light running forward before them and by their right hands. Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever! Truly, this is the great success!
13. On the Day when the hypocrites men and women will say to the believers: "Wait for us! Let us get something from your light!" It will be said: "Go back to your rear! Then seek a light!" So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein. Inside it will be mercy, and outside it will be torment."
14. (The hypocrites) will call the believers: "Were we not with you?" The believers will reply: "Yes! But you led yourselves into temptations, you looked forward for our destruction; you doubted (in Faith); and you were deceived by false desires, till the Command of Allâh came to pass. And the chief deceiver (Satan) deceived you in respect of Allâh."
15. So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved, (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire, that is the proper place for you, and worst indeed is that destination.
16. Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) to be affected by Allâh's Reminder (this Qur'ân), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
17. Know that Allâh gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, if you but understand.
18. Verily, those who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât and alms, etc.), men and women, and lend to Allâh a goodly loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and theirs shall be an honourable good reward (i.e. Paradise).
19. And those who believe in (the Oneness of) Allâh and His Messengers, they are the Siddiqûn (i.e. those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them), and the martyrs with their Lord, they shall have their reward and their light. But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and deny Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they shall be the dwellers of the blazing Fire.
057.011
YUSUFALI: Who is he
that will Loan to Allah a beautiful loan? for (Allah) will increase it manifold
to his credit, and he will have (besides) a liberal Reward.
PICKTHAL: Who is he
that will lend unto Allah a goodly loan, that He may double it for him and his
may be a rich reward?
SHAKIR: Who is there
that will offer to Allah a good gift so He will double it for him, and he shall
have an excellent reward.
057.012
YUSUFALI: One Day
shalt thou see the believing men and the believing women- how their Light runs
forward before them and by their right hands: (their greeting will be): "Good
News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! to dwell therein for
aye! This is indeed the highest Achievement!"
PICKTHAL: On the day
when thou (Muhammad) wilt see the believers, men and women, their light shining
forth before them and on their right hands, (and wilt hear it said unto them):
Glad news for you this day: Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein ye are
immortal. That is the supreme triumph.
SHAKIR: On that day
you will see the faithful men and the faithful women-- their light running
before them and on their right hand-- good news for you today: gardens beneath
which rivers flow, to abide therein, that is the grand achievement.
057.013
YUSUFALI: One Day will
the Hypocrites- men and women - say to the Believers: "Wait for us! Let us
borrow (a Light) from your Light!" It will be said: "Turn ye back to your rear!
then seek a Light (where ye can)!" So a wall will be put up betwixt them, with a
gate therein. Within it will be Mercy throughout, and without it, all alongside,
will be (Wrath and) Punishment!
PICKTHAL: On the day
when the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women will say unto those who
believe: Look on us that we may borrow from your light! it will be said: Go back
and seek for light! Then there will separate them a wall wherein is a gate, the
inner side whereof containeth mercy, while the outer side thereof is toward the
doom.
SHAKIR: On the day
when the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women will say to those who
believe: Wait for us, that we may have light from your light; it shall be said:
Turn back and seek a light. Then separation would be brought about between them,
with a wall having a door in it; (as for) the inside of it, there shall be mercy
in it, and (as for) the outside of it, before it there shall be punishment.
057.014
YUSUFALI: (Those
without) will call out, "Were we not with you?" (The others) will reply, "True!
but ye led yourselves into temptation; ye looked forward (to our ruin); ye
doubted (Allah's Promise); and (your false) desires deceived you; until there
issued the Command of Allah. And the Deceiver deceived you in respect of Allah.
PICKTHAL: They will
cry unto them (saying): Were we not with you? They will say: Yea, verily; but ye
tempted one another, and hesitated, and doubted, and vain desires beguiled you
till the ordinance of Allah came to pass; and the deceiver deceived you
concerning Allah;
SHAKIR: They will cry
out to them: Were we not with you? They shall say: Yea! but you caused
yourselves to fall into temptation, and you waited and doubted, and vain desires
deceived you till the threatened punishment of Allah came, while the
archdeceiver deceived you about Allah.
057.015
YUSUFALI: "This Day
shall no ransom be accepted of you, nor of those who rejected Allah." Your abode
is the Fire: that is the proper place to claim you: and an evil refuge it is!"
PICKTHAL: So this day
no ransom can be taken from you nor from those who disbelieved. Your home is the
Fire; that is your patron, and a hapless journey's end.
SHAKIR: So today
ransom shall not be accepted from you nor from those who disbelieved; your abode
is the fire; it is your friend and evil is the resort.
057.016
YUSUFALI: Has not the
Time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage
in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed (to them),
and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation
aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many
among them are rebellious transgressors.
PICKTHAL: Is not the
time ripe for the hearts of those who believe to submit to Allah's reminder and
to the truth which is revealed, that they become not as those who received the
scripture of old but the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were
hardened, and many of them are evil-livers.
SHAKIR: Has not the
time yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humble for the
remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And that they should
not be like those who were given the Book before, but the time became prolonged
to them, so their hearts hardened, and most of them are transgressors.
057.017
YUSUFALI: Know ye
(all) that Allah giveth life to the earth after its death! already have We shown
the Signs plainly to you, that ye may learn wisdom.
PICKTHAL: Know that
Allah quickeneth the earth after its death. We have made clear Our revelations
for you, that haply ye may understand.
SHAKIR: Know that
Allah gives life to the earth after its death; indeed, We have made the
communications clear to you that you may understand.
057.018
YUSUFALI: For those
who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall
be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal
reward.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those
who give alms, both men and women, and lend unto Allah a goodly loan, it will be
doubled for them, and theirs will be a rich reward.
SHAKIR: Surely (as
for) the charitable men and the charitable women and (those who) set apart for
Allah a goodly portion, it shall be doubled for them and they shall have a noble
reward.
057.019
YUSUFALI: And those
who believe in Allah and His messengers- they are the Sincere (lovers of Truth),
and the witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord: They shall have
their Reward and their Light. But those who reject Allah and deny Our Signs,-
they are the Companions of Hell-Fire.
PICKTHAL: And those
who believe in Allah and His messengers, they are the loyal, and the martyrs are
with their Lord; they have their reward and their light; while as for those who
disbelieve and deny Our revelations, they are owners of hell-fire.
SHAKIR: And (as for)
those who believe in Allah and His messengers, these it is that are the truthful
and the faithful ones in the sight of their Lord: they shall have their reward
and their light, and (as for) those who disbelieve and reject Our
communications, these are the inmates of the hell.
57 : 20
20. IAAlamoo annama alhayatu alddunya laAAibun walahwun wazeenatun watafakhurun baynakum watakathurun fee al-amwali waal-awladi kamathali ghaythin aAAjaba alkuffara nabatuhu thumma yaheeju fatarahu musfarran thumma yakoonu hutaman wafee al-akhirati AAathabun shadeedun wamaghfiratun mina Allahi waridwanun wama alhayatu alddunya illa mataAAu alghuroori
Know that the life of this world is but play and prattle and ostentation; and your self conceit and mutual rivalry in matters of wealth and children are like greenery which appears after a soaking! Though pleasing to the eye of the beholder, it dries up fast, and then you see it turn sallow and become like straw! And in the Hereafter there is harsh punishment, but there also is redemption from Allah, and His accord, whereas in the life of this world, nothing else is there except fantasy!
57 : 21
21. Sabiqoo ila maghfiratin min rabbikum wajannatin AAarduha kaAAardi alssama-i waal-ardi oAAiddat lillatheena amanoo biAllahi warusulihi thalika fadlu Allahi yu/teehi man yashao waAllahu thoo alfadli alAAatheemi
Compete with one another to attain the forgiveness of your Lord and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, kept in readiness for those who believe in Allah and His messengers! Such is the magnitude of Allah's grace which He bestows upon whom He will, - and Allah is of Infinite in Grace!
57 : 22
22. Ma asaba min museebatin fee al-ardi wala fee anfusikum illa fee kitabin min qabli an nabraaha inna thalika AAala Allahi yaseerun
Disaster does not befall either on the earth or on you other than that which has been recorded in a Book before We make it happen! Verily that is easy for Allah to do -
57 : 23
23. Likayla ta/saw AAala ma fatakum wala tafrahoo bima atakum waAllahu la yuhibbu kulla mukhtalin fakhoorin
So that you grieve not over that which has slipped through your hand, or gloat over that which you are given! Allah cherishes not the vainglorious and the boastful -
57 : 24
24. Allatheena yabkhaloona waya/muroona alnnasa bialbukhli waman yatawalla fa-inna Allaha huwa alghaniyyu alhameedu
Who hoard their own wealth and inculcate parsimony in others! And whoever turns away, let him know that verily Allah is the Prosperous and the Praiseworthy!
57 : 25
25. Laqad arsalna rusulana bialbayyinati waanzalna maAAahumu alkitaba waalmeezana liyaqooma alnnasu bialqisti waanzalna alhadeeda feehi ba/sun shadeedun wamanafiAAu lilnnasi waliyaAAlama Allahu man yansuruhu warusulahu bialghaybi inna Allaha qawiyyun AAazeezun
We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed to them Scriptures and gave them the Scales so that people may adhere to accurate measures; and We sent down iron which contains great strength and is useful to mankind in many ways so that Allah may know those who support Him, without seeing, and His messengers! Verily Allah is Almighty and Omnipotent! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
20. Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allâh and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.
21. Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allâh), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allâh and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allâh which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.
22. No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allâh.
23. In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allâh likes not prideful boasters.
24. Those who are misers and enjoin upon people miserliness (Allâh is not in need of their charity). And whosoever turns away (from Faith Allâh's Monotheism), then Allâh is Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all praise.
25. Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war[]), as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allâh may test who it is that will help Him (His religion), and His Messengers in the unseen. Verily, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty.
057.020
YUSUFALI: Know ye
(all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual
boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children.
Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight
(the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then
it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for
the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for
the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but goods and
chattels of deception?
PICKTHAL: Know that
the life of the world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting
among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of
vegetation after rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husbandman, but
afterward it drieth up and thou seest it turning yellow, then it becometh straw.
And in the Hereafter there is grievous punishment, and (also) forgiveness from
Allah and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the world is but matter of
illusion.
SHAKIR: Know that this
world's life is only sport and play and gaiety and boasting among yourselves,
and a vying in the multiplication of wealth and children, like the rain, whose
causing the vegetation to grow, pleases the husbandmen, then it withers away so
that you will see it become yellow, then it becomes dried up and broken down;
and in the hereafter is a severe chastisement and (also) forgiveness from Allah
and (His) pleasure; and this world's life is naught but means of deception.
057.021
YUSUFALI: Be ye
foremost (in seeking) Forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden (of Bliss), the
width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who
believe in Allah and His messengers: that is the Grace of Allah, which He
bestows on whom he pleases: and Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.
PICKTHAL: Race one
with another for forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whereof the breadth is
as the breadth of the heavens and the earth, which is in store for those who
believe in Allah and His messengers. Such is the bounty of Allah, which He
bestoweth upon whom He will, and Allah is of Infinite Bounty.
SHAKIR: Hasten to
forgiveness from your Lord and to a garden the extensiveness of which is as the
extensiveness of the heaven and the earth; it is prepared for those who believe
in Allah and His messengers; that is the grace of Allah: He gives it to whom He
pleases, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.
057.022
YUSUFALI: No
misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree
before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for Allah:
PICKTHAL: Naught of
disaster befalleth in the earth or in yourselves but it is in a Book before we
bring it into being - Lo! that is easy for Allah -
SHAKIR: No evil
befalls on the earth nor in your own souls, but it is in a book before We bring
it into existence; surely that is easy to Allah:
057.023
YUSUFALI: In order
that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favours
bestowed upon you. For Allah loveth not any vainglorious boaster,-
PICKTHAL: That ye
grieve not for the sake of that which hath escaped you, nor yet exult because of
that which hath been given. Allah loveth not all prideful boasters,
SHAKIR: So that you
may not grieve for what has escaped you, nor be exultant at what He has given
you; and Allah does not love any arrogant boaster:
057.024
YUSUFALI: Such persons
as are covetous and commend covetousness to men. And if any turn back (from
Allah's Way), verily Allah is Free of all Needs, Worthy of all Praise.
PICKTHAL: Who hoard
and who enjoin upon the people avarice. And whosoever turneth away, still Allah
is the Absolute, the Owner of Praise.
SHAKIR: Those who are
niggardly and enjoin niggardliness on men; and whoever turns back, then surely
Allah is He Who is the Selfsufficient, the Praised.
057.025
YUSUFALI: We sent
aforetime our messengers with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and
the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; and We
sent down Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits
for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His
messengers: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might (and able to enforce
His Will).
PICKTHAL: We verily
sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and
the Balance, that mankind may observe right measure; and He revealed iron,
wherein is mighty power and (many) uses for mankind, and that Allah may know him
who helpeth Him and His messengers, though unseen. Lo! Allah is Strong,
Almighty.
SHAKIR: Certainly We
sent Our messengers with clear arguments, and sent down with them the Book and
the balance that men may conduct themselves with equity; and We have made the
iron, wherein is great violence and advantages to men, and that Allah may know
who helps Him and His messengers in the secret; surely Allah is Strong, Mighty.
57 : 26
26. Walaqad arsalna noohan wa-ibraheema wajaAAalna fee thurriyyatihima alnnubuwwata waalkitaba faminhum muhtadin wakatheerun minhum fasiqoona
And We sent Noah and Abraham and bestowed upon their seed Prophethood and the Scripture. But only some amongst them walked aright while most of them went astray!
57 : 27
27. Thumma qaffayna AAala atharihim birusulina waqaffayna biAAeesa ibni maryama waataynahu al-injeela wajaAAalna fee quloobi allatheena ittabaAAoohu ra/fatan warahmatan warahbaniyyatan ibtadaAAooha ma katabnaha AAalayhim illa ibtighaa ridwani Allahi fama raAAawha haqqa riAAayatiha faatayna allatheena amanoo minhum ajrahum wakatheerun minhum fasiqoona
Then We sent other messengers to follow in their footsteps; and We sent Jesus, son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel; and We filled the hearts of his adherents with kindness and compassion. But Monasticism they practised by their own choice, - We ordained it not for them - We ordained only seeking Allah's accord, though they did not foster it as they should have. So to those amongst them who believed We shall give them their just rewards, but most amongst them have indeed gone astray!
57 : 28
28. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha waaminoo birasoolihi yu/tikum kiflayni min rahmatihi wayajAAal lakum nooran tamshoona bihi wayaghfir lakum waAllahu ghafoorun raheemun
O those of you who believe! Revere Allah and believe in His messenger! He will reward you with twice His mercy and flood the path on which you walk with light and will bless you with His forgiveness, for Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
* * *
Context of Revelation : When the above verse was revealed, promising those who believed in Allah and His messengers twice the reward because they believed in the first Messenger (Moses) as well as the last Messenger (Mohammed), those among the Jews and the Christians who did not believe in the latter stated that they would be quite happy with half the reward, if it meant they did not have to accept his prophethood and yet be entitled to something, as though the reward in the Hereafter was some sort of a commodity which could be harangued over! The following verse was revealed in order to correct their thinking
57 : 29
29. Li-alla yaAAlama ahlu alkitabi alla yaqdiroona AAala shay-in min fadli Allahi waanna alfadla biyadi Allahi yu/teehi man yashao waAllahu thoo alfadli alAAatheemi
Let the peoples of the Scripture know that they have no prerogatives over the bounty of Allah, but that bounty is in Allah's hand to give to whom He will! And Allah is of infinite bounty! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
26. And indeed, We sent Nûh (Noah) and Ibrahîm (Abraham), and placed in their offspring Prophethood and Scripture, and among them there is he who is guided, but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
27. Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allâh therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
28. O you who believe [in Mûsa (Moses) (i.e. Jews) and 'Iesa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)]! Fear Allâh, and believe too in His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight), and He will forgive you. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[]
29. So that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may know that they have no power whatsoever over the Grace of Allâh, and that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.
057.026
YUSUFALI: And We sent
Noah and Abraham, and established in their line Prophethood and Revelation: and
some of them were on right guidance. But many of them became rebellious
transgressors.
PICKTHAL: And We
verily sent Noah and Abraham and placed the prophethood and the scripture among
their seed, and among them there is he who goeth right, but many of them are
evil-livers.
SHAKIR: And certainly
We sent Nuh and Ibrahim and We gave to their offspring the (gift of) prophecy
and the Book; so there are among them those who go aright, and most of them are
transgressors.
057.027
YUSUFALI: Then, in
their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our messengers: We sent after
them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in
the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism
which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We
commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah; but that they did
not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who
believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
PICKTHAL: Then We
caused Our messengers to follow in their footsteps; and We caused Jesus, son of
Mary, to follow, and gave him the Gospel, and placed compassion and mercy in the
hearts of those who followed him. But monasticism they invented - We ordained it
not for them - only seeking Allah's pleasure, and they observed it not with
right observance. So We give those of them who believe their reward, but many of
them are evil-livers.
SHAKIR: Then We made
Our messengers to follow in their footsteps, and We sent Isa son of Marium
afterwards, and We gave him the Injeel, and We put in the hearts of those who
followed him kindness and mercy; and (as for) monkery, they innovated it-- We
did not prescribe it to them-- only to seek Allah's pleasure, but they did not
observe it with its due observance; so We gave to those of them who believed
their reward, and most of them are transgressors.
057.028
YUSUFALI: O ye that
believe! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow on you a
double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by which ye shall
walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past): for Allah is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! Be mindful of your duty to Allah and put faith in His messenger. He
will give you twofold of His mercy and will appoint for you a light wherein ye
shall walk, and will forgive you. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful;
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah and believe in His Messenger: He
will give you two portions of His mercy, and make for you a light with which you
will walk, and forgive you, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful;
057.029
YUSUFALI: That the
People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the Grace of
Allah, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He
wills. For Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.
PICKTHAL: That the
People of the Scripture may know that they control naught of the bounty of
Allah, but that the bounty is in Allah's hand to give to whom He will. And Allah
is of Infinite Bounty.
SHAKIR: So that the
followers of the Book may know that they do not control aught of the grace of
Allah, and that grace is in Allah's hand, He gives it to whom He pleases; and
Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.