INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 22 verses, 473 sentences, 1,792 letters and 3 Ruku's.
This Surah is entitled Al Mujadalah as well as Mujadilah, the title being derived from the word tujadiluka of the very first verse. As at the outset mention has been made of the woman who pleaded with the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace) the case of zihar pronounced by her husband and urged him to suggest a way out of the difficult situation in order to save her and, her children's life from ruin, and Allah has described her pleading by the word "mujadalah", the Surah came to be known by this very title. If it is read as "mujadalah" it would mean "pleading and arguing", and if it is read as "mujadilah", it would mean "the woman who pleaded and argued."
There is no tradition to tell as to when this incident of pleading and arguing took place, but there is a hint in the subject matter of the Surah on the basis of which it can be said with certainty that it happened some time after the battle of the Trench (Shawwal, 5 A.H.). In Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah while negating that an adopted son could be one's real son, had just said this and no more; "And Allah has not made those of your wives whom you divorce by zihar your mothers." But in that Surah there was nothing to the effect that to divorce a wife by zihar was a sin or a crime, nor anything about the legal injunction concerning it. Contrary to it, in this Surah the whole law relating to zihar has been laid down, which shows that these detailed injunctions were sent down some time after the brief reference to it in Surah Al-Ahzab.
In this Surah instructions have been given to the Muslims about the different problems that confronted them at that time. From the beginning of the Surah to verse 6 legal injunctions about zihar have been given, along with which the Muslims have been strictly warned that it is contrary to their profession of the Faith that they should still persist in the practices of ignorance after they have accepted Islam, that they should break the bounds set by Allah, or refuse to abide by them, or that they should make their own rules and regulations contradictory to them. For this there is not only the punishment of disgrace and humiliation in the world but in the Hereafter too there will be strict accountability for it.
In vv. 7-10 the hypocrites have been taken to task for their secret whisperings and consultations by which they conspired and intrigued against the "Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings), and because of their hidden malice and grudge greeted him, like the Jews, in a manner as to wish him ill instead of well. In this connection, the Muslims have been consoled, as if to say: "These whisperings of the hypocrites can do no harm to you; therefore, you should go on doing your duty with full trust in Allah". Besides, they have also been taught this moral lesson: "The true believers, when they talk secretly together, do not talk of sin and transgression and disobedience to the Messenger if they have to talk secretly together they should talk of goodness and piety."
In vv. 11-13 the Muslims have been taught certain manners of social behaviour and given instructions to eradicate certain social evils which were prevalent among the people then as they are today. If some people are sitting in an assembly, and more people arrive, they do not show even the courtesy as to squeeze in so as to make room for others, with the result that the new-comers have to keep standing, or to sit in the door-way, or to go back, or seeing that there is enough room yet start jumping over the people's heads to find room for themselves. This often used to be experienced in the Holy Prophet's assemblies. Therefore, Allah gave the instruction, as if to say: "Do not behave selfishly and narrow mindedly in your assemblies but do accommodate the new-comers also with an open heart."
Likewise, another vice found among the people is that when they go on a visit to somebody (an important person, in particular), they prolong their sitting and do not at all mind that encroaching upon his time unduly would cause him hardship.
Then, if he tells them to leave, they mind it; if he himself rises up from their assembly, they complain of his lack of manners; if he tells them indirectly that he has some other business also to attend to, for which he needs time, they turn a deaf ear to his request. The Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace) himself also had to experience such misconduct of the people, who in their earnestness to benefit by his teaching did not at all see that they were wasting his precious time so badly needed for other important works. At last, Allah in order to eradicate this bad manner, enjoined that when the people are asked to rise up from an assembly, they should rise up and disperse.
Another vice prevalent among the people was that each person wished to have secret counsel individually with the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace) without any real need, or would like that he should approach him during an assembly and whisper something to him. This was not only embarrassing for the Holy Prophet but also annoying for the people who sat in the assembly. That is why Allah imposed the restriction that anyone who wanted to consult him in private, should first give away something in charity. The object was that the people should be warned of this bad manner and made to give it up. Thus, the restriction was kept in force for a short while, and when the people had corrected their behaviour, it was withdrawn.
From verse 14 to the end of the Surah members of the Muslim society, which was a mixture of the sincere Muslims and the hypocrites and the waverers, have been told plainly as to what is the criterion of sincerity in Islam. One kind of Muslims are those who are friends with the enemies of Islam: they do not hesitate for the sake of their interests to be treacherous to the religion which they profess to believe in; they spread all sorts of doubts and suspicions against Islam and prevent the people from adopting the Way of Allah. But since they are part of the Muslim community their false profession of Faith serves them as a cover and shield. The second kind of Muslims are those who, in the matter of Allah's Religion, do not care even for their own father, brother, children, and family, to say nothing of others. They do not cherish any feeling of love for the person who is an enemy of God and His Messenger and His Religion. Allah in these verses has explicitly stated that the people of the first kind, in fact, belong to Satan's party however hard they may try to convince others of their Islam by swearing oaths. And the honour of belonging to Allah's party is possessed only by the Muslims of the second kind. They alone are the true Muslims: they alone will attain to true success, and with them alone is Allah well pleased.
Maududi
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Section 1.
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when a woman complained to the Prophet that she had been separated from her husband for no other reason than that he said to her : 'Your back is same for me as my mother's back' which has caused her immense distress and the children were on the brink of starvation. But the Prophet could not do anything about it as, according to the pagan customs, such a declaration constituted divorce and he had received no ruling to the contrary. Disappointed but not despairing, she came to him again and again with her grievance and finally turned to Allah for His mercy. Her plea was thus answered :
58 : 1
1. Qad samiAAa Allahu qawla allatee tujadiluka fee zawjiha watashtakee ila Allahi waAllahu yasmaAAu tahawurakuma inna Allaha sameeAAun baseerun
And Allah has heard the plea of her who argues with you (O Mohammed) regarding her husband and has complained to Allah! And Allah has also heard the discussion between the two of you. Verily Allah hears everything and knows everything!
58 : 2
2. Allatheena yuthahiroona minkum min nisa-ihim ma hunna ommahatihim in ommahatuhum illa alla-ee waladnahum wa-innahum layaqooloona munkaran mina alqawli wazooran wa-inna Allaha laAAafuwwun ghafoorun
Those of you who say their wives are like mothers to them, they do not become their mothers! None except those who gave birth to them are their mothers, so they utter a wrong and a false word. And verily Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
58 : 3
3. Waallatheena yuthahiroona min nisa-ihim thumma yaAAoodoona lima qaloo fatahreeru raqabatin min qabli an yatamassa thalikum tooAAathoona bihi waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeerun
And those of you who have parted from their wives for saying so but wish to retract the words after having uttered them, their penance is the freeing of one slave before they touched one another. Towards this you are admonished, and Allah is aware of that which you do!
58 : 4
4. Faman lam yajid fasiyamu shahrayni mutatabiAAayni min qabli an yatamassa faman lam yastatiAA fa-itAAamu sitteena miskeenan thalika litu/minoo biAllahi warasoolihi watilka hudoodu Allahi walilkafireena AAathabun aleemun
And he who is without the means to afford it, let him fast for two successive months before touching one another; and for him who cannot fast, the penance is the feeding of sixty destitutes. That is so in order that you may have faith in Allah and in His messenger! These are limits imposed by Allah, and for those who deviate, there is a painful doom in store!
* * *
58 : 5
5. Inna allatheena yuhaddoona Allaha warasoolahu kubitoo kama kubita allatheena min qablihim waqad anzalna ayatin bayyinatin walilkafireena AAathabun muheenun
Those who defy Allah and the messenger will be humiliated in the same way as those before them were humiliated. And We have sent down vivid tokens, and for the disbelievers the doom is most appalling!
58 : 6
6. Yawma yabAAathuhumu Allahu jameeAAan fayunabbi-ohum bima AAamiloo ahsahu Allahu wanasoohu waAllahu AAala kulli shay-in shaheedun
On the Day when Allah will gather them together, He will bring them face to face with all their evil deeds! Allah has kept track of them even if they have forgotten. Allah is a witness over all things! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. Indeed Allâh has heard the statement of her (Khaulah bint Tha'labah) that disputes with you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning her husband (Aus bin AsSâmit), and complains to Allâh. And Allâh hears the argument between you both. Verily, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Seer.
2. Those among you who make their wives unlawful (Az-Zihâr ÇáÙåÇÑ)[] to them by saying to them "You are like my mother's back." They cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an ill word and a lie. And verily, Allâh is Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.
3. And those who make unlawful to them (their wives) (by Az-Zihâr ÇáÙåÇÑ) and wish to free themselves from what they uttered, (the penalty) in that case (is) the freeing of a slave before they touch each other. That is an admonition to you (so that you may not return to such an ill thing). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.
4. And he who finds not (the money for freeing a slave) must fast two successive months before they both touch each other. And for him who is unable to do so, he should feed sixty of Miskîn (poor). That is in order that you may have perfect Faith in Allâh and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allâh. And for disbelievers, there is a painful torment.
5. Verily, those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) [] will be disgraced, as those before them (among the past nation), were disgraced. And We have sent down clear Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). And for the disbelievers is a disgracing torment.
6. On the Day when Allâh will resurrect them all together (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) and inform them of what they did. Allâh has kept account of it, while they have forgotten it. And Allâh is Witness over all things.
058.001
YUSUFALI: Allah has
indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee
concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah: and Allah
(always) hears the arguments between both sides among you: for Allah hears and
sees (all things).
PICKTHAL: Allah hath
heard the saying of her that disputeth with thee (Muhammad) concerning her
husband, and complaineth unto Allah. And Allah heareth your colloquy. Lo! Allah
is Hearer, Knower.
SHAKIR: Allah indeed
knows the plea of her who pleads with you about her husband and complains to
Allah, and Allah knows the contentions of both of you; surely Allah is Hearing,
Seeing.
058.002
YUSUFALI: If any men
among you divorce their wives by Zihar (calling them mothers), they cannot be
their mothers: None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And
in fact they use words (both) iniquitous and false: but truly Allah is one that
blots out (sins), and forgives (again and again).
PICKTHAL: Such of you
as put away your wives (by saying they are as their mothers) - They are not
their mothers; none are their mothers except those who gave them birth - they
indeed utter an ill word and a lie. And lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: (As for) those
of you who put away their wives by likening their backs to the backs of their
mothers, they are not their mothers; their mothers are no others than those who
gave them birth; and most surely they utter a hateful word and a falsehood and
most surely Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving.
058.003
YUSUFALI: But those
who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they
uttered,- (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch
each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and Allah is well-acquainted with
(all) that ye do.
PICKTHAL: Those who
put away their wives (by saying they are as their mothers) and afterward would
go back on that which they have said, (the penalty) in that case (is) the
freeing of a slave before they touch one another. Unto this ye are exhorted; and
Allah is Informed of what ye do.
SHAKIR: And (as for)
those who put away their wives by likening their backs to the backs of their
mothers then would recall what they said, they should free a captive before they
touch each other; to that you are admonished (to conform); and Allah is Aware of
what you do.
058.004
YUSUFALI: And if any
has not (the wherewithal), he should fast for two months consecutively before
they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty
indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in Allah and His Messenger.
Those are limits (set by) Allah. For those who reject (Him), there is a grievous
Penalty.
PICKTHAL: And he who
findeth not (the wherewithal), let him fast for two successive months before
they touch one another; and for him who is unable to do so (the penance is) the
feeding of sixty needy ones. This, that ye may put trust in Allah and His
messenger. Such are the limits (imposed by Allah); and for disbelievers is a
painful doom.
SHAKIR: But whoever
has not the means, let him fast for two months successively before they touch
each other; then as for him who is not able, let him feed sixty needy ones; that
is in order that you may have faith in Allah and His Messenger, and these are
Allah's limits, and the unbelievers shall have a painful punishment.
058.005
YUSUFALI: Those who
resist Allah and His Messenger will be humbled to dust, as were those before
them: for We have already sent down Clear Signs. And the Unbelievers (will have)
a humiliating Penalty,-
PICKTHAL: Lo! those
who oppose Allah and His messenger will be abased even as those before them were
abased; and We have sent down clear tokens, and for disbelievers is a shameful
doom
SHAKIR: Surely those
who act in opposition to Allah and His Messenger shall be laid down prostrate as
those before them were laid down prostrate; and indeed We have revealed clear
communications, and the unbelievers shall have an abasing chastisement.
058.006
YUSUFALI: On the Day
that Allah will raise them all up (again) and show them the Truth (and meaning)
of their conduct. Allah has reckoned its (value), though they may have forgotten
it, for Allah is Witness to all things.
PICKTHAL: On the day
when Allah will raise them all together and inform them of what they did. Allah
hath kept account of it while they forgot it. And Allah is Witness over all
things.
SHAKIR: On the day
when Allah will raise them up all together, then inform them of what they did:
Allah has recorded it while they have forgotten it; and Allah is a witness of
all things.
58 : 7
7. Alam tara anna Allaha yaAAlamu ma fee alssamawati wama fee al-ardi ma yakoonu min najwa thalathatin illa huwa rabiAAuhum wala khamsatin illa huwa sadisuhum wala adna min thalika wala akthara illa huwa maAAahum ayna ma kanoo thumma yunabbi-ohum bima AAamiloo yawma alqiyamati inna Allaha bikulli shay-in AAaleemun
Do you not realize that Allah is aware of all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth? There is no covert assembly of three without He being the fourth; nor of five without He being the sixth; whether they are less than that or more than that, He is with them, wherever they be! Then on the Day of Judgement He will tell them what they used to do. Verily Allah is in the know of everything!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when Muslims complained to the Prophet that they were being intimidated by Jews and Hypocrites who formed in groups, whispered to each other and burst into laughter, looking at them askance and conveying the distinct impression that their laughter and heckles were aimed at them. But in spite of being rebuked by the Prophet and commanded to desist from it, they did not stop.
58 : 8
8. Alam tara ila allatheena nuhoo AAani alnnajwa thumma yaAAoodoona lima nuhoo AAanhu wayatanajawna bial-ithmi waalAAudwani wamaAAsiyati alrrasooli wa-itha jaooka hayyawka bima lam yuhayyika bihi Allahu wayaqooloona fee anfusihim lawla yuAAaththibuna Allahu bima naqoolu hasbuhum jahannamu yaslawnaha fabi/sa almaseeru
Have you
not observed them who were forbidden conspiracy and yet they resort to that
which they were forbidden and conspire together for committing crimes and acts
of transgression and of insubordination to the messenger? When they come to you,
they accost you with words with which not even Allah has ever accosted you, and
then say to themselves : 'Why has not Allah punished us this affront?' Hell
suffices them into which they will be thrust - and what a pitiful destination it
is to aim for!
(The
reference here is to the disbelievers and hypocrites who used to deliberately
accost the Prophet with the words : ‘As sama alayk' which meant ‘death
to you' knowing fully well that he would reply ‘alaikum’ which meant
‘death to you too!’
58 : 9
9. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha tanajaytum fala tatanajaw bial-ithmi waalAAudwani wamaAAsiyati alrrasooli watanajaw bialbirri waalttaqwa waittaqoo Allaha allathee ilayhi tuhsharoona
O those of you who believe! When you confer in private, never confer for planning to commit crimes or acts of transgression and insubordination to the messenger, but confer together only for seemly deeds and for probity! And discharge your duty to Allah, for it is to Him that you will be returned!
58 : 10
10. Innama alnnajwa mina alshshaytani liyahzuna allatheena amanoo walaysa bidarrihim shay-an illa bi-ithni Allahi waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almu/minoona
Secret plotting can only be an act of the devil aimed at causing distress to believers! But he cannot harm them without Allah's leave, so let those who believe put their trust in Allah alone!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when a group of believers from Badr came to attend the Prophet's congregation. Since he held them in high esteem because of the sacrifices they had made during the battle of Badr, he tried to make sure that they were properly accommodated in the assembly. But, upon arrival, when they greeted the men with customary courtesy, no one bothered to move to make room for them until the Prophet himself intervened and asked those surrounding him to do so. His request was complied with, but not without a degree of resentment on part of those who had to give up their places.
58 : 11
11. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha qeela lakum tafassahoo fee almajalisi faifsahoo yafsahi Allahu lakum wa-itha qeela onshuzoo faonshuzoo yarfaAAi Allahu allatheena amanoo minkum waallatheena ootoo alAAilma darajatin waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeerun
O those of you who believe! When your are told : 'Make room!' then make room, for Allah will make room for you in the Hereafter; and when it is said t 'Rise!' then rise, for Allah will raise the ranks of those among you who believe and of those among you who are erudite! Allah is aware of all that which you do!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the rich people of Madina began to dominate the Prophet's time with matters of importance to them, making him less and less available to the poorer people who also had their queries and an equal right to his attention as anyone else. This Revelation imposed a righteous toll upon the rich to pay for his time while absolving the poor of any such obligation.
58 : 12
12. Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha najaytumu alrrasoola faqaddimoo bayna yaday najwakum sadaqatan thalika khayrun lakum waatharu fa-in lam tajidoo fa-inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun
O those of you who believe! When you wish to confer with the messenger, give alms before you do, which is better and purer for you; but if you do not have the means to afford it, then Allah is Magnanimous and Merciful!
58 : 13
13. Aashfaqtum an tuqaddimoo bayna yaday najwakum sadaqatin fa-ith lam tafAAaloo wataba Allahu AAalaykum faaqeemoo alssalata waatoo alzzakata waateeAAoo Allaha warasoolahu waAllahu khabeerun bima taAAmaloona
Have you been put off from conferring with him because of the alms? If you do not do it and yet Allah has forgiven you, offer regular worship and give alms and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah is well aware of all your actions! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
7. Have you not seen that Allâh knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth? There is no Najwa[] (secret counsel) of three, but He is their fourth (with His Knowledge, while He Himself is over the Throne, over the seventh heaven), nor of five but He is their sixth (with His Knowledge), not of less than that or more, but He is with them (with His Knowledge) wheresoever they may be; and afterwards on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of what they did. Verily, Allâh is the All-Knower of everything.
8. Have you not seen those who were forbidden to hold secret counsels, and afterwards returned to that which they had been forbidden, and conspired together for sin and wrong doing and disobedience to the Messenger (Muhammad SAW ). And when they come to you, they greet you with a greeting wherewith Allâh greets you not, and say within themselves: "Why should Allâh punish us not for what we say?" Hell will be sufficient for them, they will burn therein, and worst indeed is that destination!
9. O you who believe! When you hold secret counsel, do it not for sin and wrong-doing, and disobedience towards the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) but do it for Al-Birr (righteousness) and Taqwa (virtues and piety); and fear Allâh unto Whom you shall be gathered.
10. Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Shaitân (Satan), in order that he may cause grief to the believers. But he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allâh permits, and in Allâh let the believers put their trust[] .
11. O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allâh will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up [for prayers, Jihâd (holy fighting in Allâh's Cause), or for any other good deed], rise up. Allâh will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.
12. O you who believe! When you (want to) consult the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be better and purer for you. But if you find not (the means for it), then verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
13. Are you afraid of spending in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If then you do it not, and Allâh has forgiven you, then (at least) perform As-Salât (IqâmatasSalât) and give Zakât and obey Allâh (i.e. do all what Allâh and His Prophet SAW order you to do). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.
058.007
YUSUFALI: Seest thou
not that Allah doth know (all) that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not
a secret consultation between three, but He makes the fourth among them, - Nor
between five but He makes the sixth,- nor between fewer nor more, but He is in
their midst, wheresoever they be: In the end will He tell them the truth of
their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For Allah has full knowledge of all
things.
PICKTHAL: Hast thou
not seen that Allah knoweth all that is in the heavens and all that is in the
earth? There is no secret conference of three but He is their fourth, nor of
five but He is their sixth, nor of less than that or more but He is with them
wheresoever they may be; and afterward, on the Day of Resurrection, He will
inform them of what they did. Lo! Allah is Knower of all things.
SHAKIR: Do you not see
that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth?
Nowhere is there a secret counsel between three persons but He is the fourth of
them, nor (between) five but He is the sixth of them, nor less than that nor
more but He is with them wheresoever they are; then He will inform them of what
they did on the day of resurrection: surely Allah is Cognizant of all things.
058.008
YUSUFALI: Turnest thou
not thy sight towards those who were forbidden secret counsels yet revert to
that which they were forbidden (to do)? And they hold secret counsels among
themselves for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Messenger. And
when they come to thee, they salute thee, not as Allah salutes thee, (but in
crooked ways): And they say to themselves, "Why does not Allah punish us for our
words?" Enough for them is Hell: In it will they burn, and evil is that
destination!
PICKTHAL: Hast thou
not observed those who were forbidden conspiracy and afterward returned to that
which they had been forbidden, and (now) conspire together for crime and
wrongdoing and disobedience toward the messenger? And when they come unto thee
they greet thee with a greeting wherewith Allah greeteth thee not, and say
within themselves: Why should Allah punish us for what we say? Hell will suffice
them; they will feel the heat thereof - a hapless journey's end!
SHAKIR: Have you not
seen those who are forbidden secret counsels, then they return to what they are
forbidden, and they hold secret counsels for sin and revolt and disobedience to
the Messenger, and when they come to you they greet you with a greeting with
which Allah does not greet you, and they say in themselves: Why does not Allah
punish us for what we say? Hell is enough for them; they shall enter it, and
evil is the resort.
058.009
YUSUFALI: O ye who
believe! When ye hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and hostility, and
disobedience to the Prophet; but do it for righteousness and self-restraint; and
fear Allah, to Whom ye shall be brought back.
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! When ye conspire together, conspire not together for crime and
wrongdoing and disobedience toward the messenger, but conspire together for
righteousness and piety, and keep your duty toward Allah, unto whom ye will be
gathered.
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! when you confer together in private, do not give to each other counsel
of sin and revolt and disobedience to the Messenger, and give to each other
counsel of goodness and guarding (against evil); and be careful of (your duty
to) Allah, to Whom you shall be gathered together.
058.010
YUSUFALI: Secret
counsels are only (inspired) by the Evil One, in order that he may cause grief
to the Believers; but he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allah permits;
and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.
PICKTHAL: Lo!
Conspiracy is only of the devil, that he may vex those who believe; but he can
harm them not at all unless by Allah's leave. In Allah let believers put their
trust.
SHAKIR: Secret
counsels are only (the work) of the Shaitan that he may cause to grieve those
who believe, and he cannot hurt them in the least except with Allah's
permission, and on Allah let the believers rely.
058.011
YUSUFALI: O ye who
believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make
room: (ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up,
rise up Allah will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who
believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allah is
well-acquainted with all ye do.
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! when it is said unto you, Make room! in assemblies, then make room;
Allah will make way for you (hereafter). And when it is said, Come up higher! go
up higher; Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have
knowledge, to high ranks. Allah is Informed of what ye do.
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! when it is said to you, Make room in (your) assemblies, then make ample
room, Allah will give you ample, and when it is said: Rise up, then rise up.
Allah will exalt those of you who believe, and those who are given knowledge, in
high degrees; and Allah is Aware of what you do.
058.012
YUSUFALI: O ye who
believe! When ye consult the Messenger in private, spend something in charity
before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive
to purity (of conduct). But if ye find not (the wherewithal), Allah is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: O ye who
believe! When ye hold conference with the messenger, offer an alms before your
conference. That is better and purer for you. But if ye cannot find (the
wherewithal) then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: O you who
believe! when you consult the Messenger, then offer something in charity before
your consultation; that is better for you and purer; but if you do not find,
then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
058.013
YUSUFALI: Is it that
ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private consultation (with
him)? If, then, ye do not so, and Allah forgives you, then (at least) establish
regular prayer; practise regular charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And
Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: Fear ye to
offer alms before your conference? Then, when ye do it not and Allah hath
forgiven you, establish worship and pay the poor-due and obey Allah and His
messenger. And Allah is Aware of what ye do.
SHAKIR: Do you fear
that you will not (be able to) give in charity before your consultation? So when
you do not do it and Allah has turned to you (mercifully), then keep up prayer
and pay the poor-rate and obey Allah and His Messenger; and Allah is Aware of
what you do.
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed with reference to Hypocrites who were at better terms with the Jews than with the Muslims and quite often betrayed the secrets of the latter to the former
58 : 14
14. Alam tara ila allatheena tawallaw qawman ghadiba Allahu AAalayhim ma hum minkum wala minhum wayahlifoona AAala alkathibi wahum yaAAlamoona
Seen you not those who have chosen to be the friends of a folk on whom lies the wrath of Allah? They are neither of you nor of them and deliberately make use of false oaths.
58 : 15
15. aAAadda Allahu lahum AAathaban shadeedan innahum saa ma kanoo yaAAmaloona
Allah has set aside for them a grievous castigation, for verily they perpetrate evil in the extreme!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were aimed at a well known Hypocrite who regularly participated in the congregations held by the Prophet, but only to undermine him in front of his Jewish friends; and when the Prophet asked him why he was being so mean, not only did he take a false oath in order to exonerate himself of all wrong-doing, but also persuaded many of his friends to do the same.
58 : 16
16. Ittakhathoo aymanahum junnatan fasaddoo AAan sabeeli Allahi falahum AAathabun muheenun
They shelter behind false oaths and hinder men from the path of Allah, so in their share is castigation most foul!
58 : 17
17. Lan tughniya AAanhum amwaluhum wala awladuhum mina Allahi shay-an ola-ika as-habu alnnari hum feeha khalidoona
Neither their wealth nor their children will avail them against Allah! Hell is their destination and in it shall they remain forever!
58 : 18
18. Yawma yabAAathuhumu Allahu jameeAAan fayahlifoona lahu kama yahlifoona lakum wayahsaboona annahum AAala shay-in ala innahum humu alkathiboona
On the Day when Allah will gather them, they will likewise make use of their false oaths before Him as they are using them now before you! And they think they have accomplished something, when in truth they are nothing but blatant liars!
58 : 19
19. Istahwatha AAalayhimu alshshaytanu faansahum thikra Allahi ola-ika hizbu alshshaytani ala inna hizba alshshaytani humu alkhasiroona
The devil has taken possession of their senses and has caused them to obliterate the recollection of Allah! They are the devil's sycophants! Is it not the devil's sycophants who are doomed to failure?
* * *
58 : 20
20. Inna allatheena yuhaddoona Allaha warasoolahu ola-ika fee al-athalleena
Verily those who defy Allah and His messenger are the lowest of the low!
58 : 21
21. Kataba Allahu laaghlibanna ana warusulee inna Allaha qawiyyun AAazeezun
Allah has decreed : 'Verily I will overthrow them - I and My messenger!' And Allah is the Omnipotent and the Almighty!
58 : 22
22. La tajidu qawman yu/minoona biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri yuwaddoona man hadda Allaha warasoolahu walaw kanoo abaahum aw abnaahum aw ikhwanahum aw AAasheeratahum ola-ika kataba fee quloobihimu al-eemana waayyadahum biroohin minhu wayudkhiluhum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideena feeha radiya Allahu AAanhum waradoo AAanhu ola-ika hizbu Allahi ala inna hizba Allahi humu almuflihoona
You will not find people who believe in Allah and in the Hereafter befriending those who oppose Allah and His messenger, whether they are their fathers or their sons or their brethren or their kinsmen. These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and has supported them with His Spirit! And He will bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow wherein they will abide forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him! They belong to Allah's group and verily it is Allah's group who will triumph! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
14. Have you (O Muhammad SAW) not seen those (hypocrites) who take for friends a people upon whom is the Wrath of Allâh (i.e. Jews)? They are neither of you (Muslims) nor of them (Jews), and they swear to a lie while they know.
15. Allâh has prepared for them a severe torment. Evil indeed is that which they used to do.
16. They have made their oaths a screen (for their evil actions). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh, so they shall have a humiliating torment.
17. Their children and their wealth will avail them nothing against Allâh. They will be (the) dwellers of the Fire, to dwell therein forever.
18. On the Day when Allâh will resurrect them all together (for their account), then they will swear to Him as they swear to you (O Muslims). And they think that they have something (to stand upon). Verily, they are liars!
19. Shaitân (Satan) has overtaken them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allâh. They are the party of Shaitân (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitân (Satan) that will be the losers!
20. Those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), they will be among the lowest (most humiliated).
21. Allâh has decreed: "Verily! It is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious." Verily, Allâh is All-Powerful, All-Mighty.
22. You (O Muhammad SAW) will not find any people who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rûh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allâh is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allâh. Verily, it is the Party of Allâh that will be the successful.
058.014
YUSUFALI: Turnest thou
not thy attention to those who turn (in friendship) to such as have the Wrath of
Allah upon them? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to
falsehood knowingly.
PICKTHAL: Hast thou
not seen those who take for friends a folk with whom Allah is wroth? They are
neither of you nor of them, and they swear a false oath knowingly.
SHAKIR: Have you not
seen those who befriend a people with whom Allah is wroth? They are neither of
you nor of them, and they swear falsely while they know.
058.015
YUSUFALI: Allah has
prepared for them a severe Penalty: evil indeed are their deeds.
PICKTHAL: Allah hath
prepared for them a dreadful doom. Evil indeed is that which they are wont to
do.
SHAKIR: Allah has
prepared for them a severe punishment; surely what they do is evil.
058.016
YUSUFALI: They have
made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): thus they obstruct (men) from
the Path of Allah: therefore shall they have a humiliating Penalty.
PICKTHAL: They make a
shelter of their oaths and turn (men) from the way of Allah; so theirs will be a
shameful doom.
SHAKIR: They make
their oaths to serve as a cover so they turn away from Allah's way; therefore
they shall have an abasing chastisement.
058.017
YUSUFALI: Of no profit
whatever to them, against Allah, will be their riches nor their sons: they will
be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (for aye)!
PICKTHAL: Their wealth
and their children will avail them naught against Allah. Such are rightful
owners of the Fire; they will abide therein.
SHAKIR: Neither their
wealth nor their children shall avail them aught against Allah; they are the
inmates of the fire, therein they shall abide.
058.018
YUSUFALI: One day will
Allah raise them all up (for Judgment): then will they swear to Him as they
swear to you: And they think that they have something (to stand upon). No,
indeed! they are but liars!
PICKTHAL: On the day
when Allah will raise them all together, then will they swear unto Him as they
(now) swear unto you, and they will fancy that they have some standing. Lo! is
it not they who are the liars?
SHAKIR: On the day
that Allah will raise them up all, then they will swear to Him as they swear to
you, and they think that they have something; now surely they are the liars.
058.019
YUSUFALI: The Evil One
has got the better of them: so he has made them lose the remembrance of Allah.
They are the Party of the Evil One. Truly, it is the Party of the Evil One that
will perish!
PICKTHAL: The devil
hath engrossed them and so hath caused them to forget remembrance of Allah. They
are the devil's party. Lo! is it not the devil's party who will be the losers?
SHAKIR: The Shaitan
has gained the mastery over them, so he has made them forget the remembrance of
Allah; they are the Shaitan's party; now surely the Shaitan's party are the
losers.
058.020
YUSUFALI: Those who
resist Allah and His Messenger will be among those most humiliated.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those
who oppose Allah and His messenger, they will be among the lowest.
SHAKIR: Surely (as
for) those who are in opposition to Allah and His Messenger; they shall be among
the most abased.
058.021
YUSUFALI: Allah has
decreed: "It is I and My messengers who must prevail": For Allah is One full of
strength, able to enforce His Will.
PICKTHAL: Allah hath
decreed: Lo! I verily shall conquer, I and My messengers. Lo! Allah is Strong,
Almighty.
SHAKIR: Allah has
written down: I will most certainly prevail, I and My messengers; surely Allah
is Strong, Mighty.
058.022
YUSUFALI: Thou wilt
not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, loving those who
resist Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers or their
sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such He has written Faith in
their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will
admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein (for ever).
Allah will be well pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of
Allah. Truly it is the Party of Allah that will achieve Felicity.
PICKTHAL: Thou wilt
not find folk who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose
Allah and His messenger, even though they be their fathers or their sons or
their brethren or their clan. As for such, He hath written faith upon their
hearts and hath strengthened them with a Spirit from Him, and He will bring them
into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide. Allah is
well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him. They are Allah's
party. Lo! is it not Allah's party who are the successful?
SHAKIR: You shall not
find a people who believe in Allah and the latter day befriending those who act
in opposition to Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their (own)
fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kinsfolk; these are they
into whose hearts He has impressed faith, and whom He has strengthened with an
inspiration from Him: and He will cause them to enter gardens beneath which
rivers flow, abiding therein; Allah is well-pleased with them and they are
well-pleased with Him these are Allah's party: now surely the party of Allah are
the successful ones.