INTRODUCTION:
This Surah Consists of 43 verses, 855 sentences, 3,506 letters and 6 Ruku's.
Name
It takes its name from the word (ar-Ra'ad) (thunder) that occurs in v. 13. It is merely the symbolic name of the Surah and does not in any way mean that the Surah deals with the scientific problems connected with thunder.
The internal evidence (vv 27-31 and vv. 34-48) shows that this Surah was revealed in the last stage of the Mission of the Holy Prophet at Makkah and during the same period in which Surahs Yunus, Hud and Al-A'araf were sent down. The manner of speech indicates that a long time had passed since the Holy Prophet had been conveying the Message. On the one hand, his opponents had been contriving different devices to defeat him and his Mission, and, on the other, his followers had been expressing a desire that by showing a miracle the disbelievers might be brought to the Right Way. In answer, Allah impressed on the Believers that it is not His way to convert people by this method and that they should not lose heart, if He is giving the enemies of the Truth a rope long enough to hang themselves. Otherwise, He is able to show such signs as may bring the dead out of their graves and make them speak (v. 31), but even then these obdurate people will invent an excuse to explain this away. All this decisive evidence clearly proves that this Surah was revealed during the last stage of the Prophet's Mission at Makkah.
The first verse enunciates the main theme of this Surah, that is, "The Message of Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him) is the very Truth, but it is the fault of the people that they are rejecting it." This is the pivot on which the whole Surah turns. This is why it has been shown over and over again in different ways that the basic components of the Message Tauhid, Resurrection and Prophethood are a reality: therefore they should believe sincerely in these for their own moral and spiritual good. They have been warned that they shall incur their own ruin if they reject them, for kufr by itself is sheer folly and ignorance. Moreover, the aim of the Surah is not merely to satisfy the minds but also to appeal to the hearts to accept the Faith. Therefore it does not merely put forward logical arguments in support of the truth of the Message and against the people's wrong notions, but at appropriate intervals it makes frequent use of sympathetic and earnest appeals to win over their hearts by warning them of the consequences of kufr and by holding out the happy rewards of Faith so that the foolish people should give up their obduracy.
Besides this, the objections of the opponents have been answered without any mention of them, and those doubts which are proving a hindrance in the way of the Message or were being created by the opponents have been removed. At the same time, the Believers; who had been passing through long and hard ordeal and were feeling tired, and waiting anxiously for Allah's succour, have been comforted and filled with hope and courage.
Moududi
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
Section 1.
13 : 1
1. Alif-lam-meem-ra tilka ayatu alkitabi waallathee onzila ilayka min rabbika alhaqqu walakinna akthara alnnasi la yu/minoona
Alif-Lâm-Mîm-Râ. These are the revelations of the Scripture. Only that which has been revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth, although most of mankind do not believe it!
13 : 2
2. Allahu allathee rafaAAa alssamawati bighayri AAamadin tarawnaha thumma istawa AAala alAAarshi wasakhkhara alshshamsa waalqamara kullun yajree li-ajalin musamman yudabbiru al-amra yufassilu al-ayati laAAallakum biliqa-i rabbikum tooqinoona
Allah is He who has raised the heavens without any columns visible to the naked eye and then ascended He the Throne. He has created the sun and the moon to be of use, each respectively in orbit for a fixed term; He arranges the course of events and then expounds the revelations so that you may be certain of a tryst with your Lord!
13 : 3
3. Wahuwa allathee madda al-arda wajaAAala feeha rawasiya waanharan wamin kulli alththamarati jaAAala feeha zawjayni ithnayni yughshee allayla alnnahara inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yatafakkaroona
And He it is who has given vastness to the earth and has placed upon it firm hills and running streams and a myriad variety of fruit in pairs of (male and female)! And He draws the veil of night over the day! Verily there are signs in all these for those who introspect!
('In pairs' also denotes black and white, sweet and sour, small and large, hot and cold, fibrous and succulent etc., - besides male and female).
13 : 4
4. Wafee al-ardi qitaAAun mutajawiratun wajannatun min aAAnabin wazarAAun wanakheelun sinwanun waghayru sinwanin yusqa bima-in wahidin wanufaddilu baAAdaha AAala baAAdin fee alokuli inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yaAAqiloona
And on the earth are diverse regions in close proximity to one another containing vineyards and ploughed farms and date palms, some grown in groves and others in segregation, irrigated by the same water yet in yield some fruits are superior over others! Verily there are clear signs in this for those who introspect!
(Many commentators elaborate upon this theme by relating it to mankind that, in the same way as fertile and infertile regions of land lie side by side, one benefiting from rainfall and yielding a myriad variety of produce while the other remaining impervious to it, a similar divide exists among the Children of Adam for whom guidance comes from Allah just like rain does, some benefiting from it whilst the others remaining impervious to it; some hearts softening and some hardening; some souls ameliorating and some indifferent; some lives producing rich harvests and some lying barren; some eyes filled with vision and others remaining forever blind!)
13 : 5
5. Wa-in taAAjab faAAajabun qawluhum a-itha kunna turaban a-inna lafee khalqin jadeedin ola-ika allatheena kafaroo birabbihim waola-ika al-aghlalu fee aAAnaqihim waola-ika as-habu alnnari hum feeha khalidoona
And if you are amazed by this, then more amazing than that is when the people say : 'What! After we have mingled in dust, are we to be resurrected again as a new creation?' These are the ones who repudiate their Lord and shall wear fetters around their necks and shall inherit the Fire in which to abide forever!
13 : 6
6. WayastaAAjiloonaka bialssayyi-ati qabla alhasanati waqad khalat min qablihimu almathulatu wa-inna rabbaka lathoo maghfiratin lilnnasi AAala thulmihim wa-inna rabbaka lashadeedu alAAiqabi
They urge you to hasten on evil rather than good, despite the evil that did smite the others before them! Yet your Lord is inclined to forgive mankind in spite of their solecism, though harsh is the castigation of your Lord!
13 : 7
7. Wayaqoolu allatheena kafaroo lawla onzila AAalayhi ayatun min rabbihi innama anta munthirun walikulli qawmin hadin
The disbelievers say : 'If only some portent was sent down upon him by his Lord!' though you are only a warner and a guide for every community! (R)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. Alif-Lâm-Mîm-Râ.
[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings].
These are the Verses of the Book (the Qur'ân), and that which has been revealed unto you (Muhammad SAW) from your Lord is the truth, but most men believe not.
2. Allâh is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then, He Istawâ (rose above) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He has subjected the sun and the moon (to continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs, explaining the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.
3. And it is He Who spread out the earth, and placed therein firm mountains and rivers and of every kind of fruits He made Zawjain Ithnaîn (two in pairs - may mean two kinds or it may mean: of two sorts, e.g. black and white, sweet and sour, small and big, etc.) He brings the night as a cover over the day. Verily, in these things, there are Ayât (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.) for people who reflect.
4. And in the earth are neighbouring tracts, and gardens of vines, and green crops (fields etc.), and date-palms, growing out two or three from a single stem root, or otherwise (one stem root for every palm ), watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Verily, in these things, there are Ayât (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs) for the people who understand.
5. And if you (O Muhammad SAW) wonder (at these polytheists who deny your message of Islâmic Monotheism and have taken besides Allâh others for worship who can neither harm nor benefit), then wondrous is their saying: "When we are dust, shall we indeed then be (raised) in a new creation?" They are those who disbelieve in their Lord! They are those who will have iron chains tying their hands to their necks. They will be dwellers of the Fire to abide therein.
6. They ask you to hasten the evil before the good, yet (many) exemplary punishments have indeed occurred before them. But verily, your Lord is full of Forgiveness for mankind inspite of their wrong-doing. And verily, your Lord is (also) Severe in punishment.
7. And the disbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" You are only a warner, and to every people there is a guide.
013.001
YUSUFALI: A.L.M.R.
These are the signs (or verses) of the Book: that which hath been revealed unto
thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not.
PICKTHAL: Alif. Lam.
Mim. Ra. These are verses of the Scripture. That which is revealed unto thee
from thy Lord is the Truth, but most of mankind believe not.
SHAKIR: Alif Lam Mim
Ra. These are the verses of the Book; and that which is revealed to you from
your Lord is the truth, but most people do not believe.
013.002
YUSUFALI: Allah is He
Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; is firmly
established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon
(to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate
all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty
in the meeting with your Lord.
PICKTHAL: Allah it is
Who raised up the heavens without visible supports, then mounted the Throne, and
compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each runneth unto an appointed
term; He ordereth the course; He detaileth the revelations, that haply ye may be
certain of the meeting with your Lord.
SHAKIR: Allah is He
Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you see, and He is firm in power
and He made the sun and the moon subservient (to you); each one pursues its
course to an appointed time; He regulates the affair, making clear the signs
that you may be certain of meeting your Lord.
013.003
YUSUFALI: And it is He
who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing)
rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the
night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for
those who consider!
PICKTHAL: And He it is
Who spread out the earth and placed therein firm hills and flowing streams, and
of all fruits He placed therein two spouses (male and female). He covereth the
night with the day. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who take thought.
SHAKIR: And He it is
Who spread the earth and made in it firm mountains and rivers, and of all fruits
He has made in it two kinds; He makes the night cover the day; most surely there
are signs in this for a people who reflect.
013.004
YUSUFALI: And in the
earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields
sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise:
watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others
to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand!
PICKTHAL: And in the
Earth are neighbouring tracts, vineyards and ploughed lands, and date-palms,
like and unlike, which are watered with one water. And we have made some of them
to excel others in fruit. Lo! herein verily are portents for people who have
sense.
SHAKIR: And in the
earth there are tracts side by side and gardens of grapes and corn and palm
trees having one root and (others) having distinct roots-- they are watered with
one water, and We make some of them excel others in fruit; most surely there are
signs in this for a people who understand.
013.005
YUSUFALI: If thou dost
marvel (at their want of faith), strange is their saying: "When we are
(actually) dust, shall we indeed then be in a creation renewed?" They are those
who deny their Lord! They are those round whose necks will be yokes (of
servitude): they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (for aye)!
PICKTHAL: And if thou
wonderest, then wondrous is their saying: When we are dust, are we then forsooth
(to be raised) in a new creation? Such are they who disbelieve in their Lord;
such have carcans on their necks; such are rightful owners of the Fire, they
will abide therein.
SHAKIR: And if you
would wonder, then wondrous is their saying: What! when we are dust, shall we
then certainly be in a new creation? These are they who disbelieve in their
Lord, and these have chains on their necks, and they are the inmates of the
fire; in it they shall abide.
013.006
YUSUFALI: They ask
thee to hasten on the evil in preference to the good: Yet have come to pass,
before them, (many) exemplary punishments! But verily thy Lord is full of
forgiveness for mankind for their wrong-doing, and verily thy Lord is (also)
strict in punishment.
PICKTHAL: And they bid
thee hasten on the evil rather than the good, when exemplary punishments have
indeed occurred before them. But lo! thy Lord is rich in pardon for mankind
despite their wrong, and lo! thy Lord is strong in punishment.
SHAKIR: And they ask
you to hasten on the evil before the good, and indeed there have been exemplary
punishments before them; and most surely your Lord is the Lord of forgiveness to
people, notwithstanding their injustice; and most surely your Lord is severe in
requiting (evil).
013.007
YUSUFALI: And the
Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" But thou
art truly a warner, and to every people a guide.
PICKTHAL: Those who
disbelieve say: If only some portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Thou
art a warner only, and for every folk a guide.
SHAKIR: And those who
disbelieve say: Why has not a sign been sent down upon him from his Lord? You
are only a warner and (there is) a guide for every people.
13 : 8
8. Allahu yaAAlamu ma tahmilu kullu ontha wama tagheedu al-arhamu wama tazdadu wakullu shay-in AAindahu bimiqdarin
Allah is well aware of what gestates inside the womb; and of the curtailment and the development of the womb; and everything with Him is stipulated beforehand.
13 : 9
9. AAalimu alghaybi waalshshahadati alkabeeru almutaAAali
He is aware of the concealed and of the exposed! He is the Mightiest and the most Exalted!
13 : 10
10. Sawaon minkum man asarra alqawla waman jahara bihi waman huwa mustakhfin biallayli wasaribun bialnnahari
Alike in His presence is he who speaks in murmurs and he who speaks aloud and he who slinks by the night and he who strides by the day!
(The above verses contain multiple reflections of the Omnipotence and Omnipresence of Allah from whom nothing that goes on in this world is a secret. He is aware, without labs and clinics, without blood samples and scanners; without glass slides and microscopes, what is gestating inside the womb of every woman; how it was conceived and for how long would it survive; what happens to it before it emerges into the world and after it emerges; the state of its health, the details of its physiognomy, the colour of its skin, the hue of its eyes; its present, its past and its future, - everything!
Whereas man's knowledge is parochial, Allah's knowledge is absolute; whereas man's reach is limited, Allah's reach is infinite; whereas man's capabilities are predictable, Allah's capabilities are indomitable!
He is aware of what is hidden and what is exposed; He knows what is going on in the secret chambers of our minds; He knows the hopes we nurture in the private zones of our heart; He knows the expectations we harbour, the fears we experience, the loves we nourish, the hate we conceal! He knows our dreams, our ambitions, our plots, our schemes and our cabals; He knows what our hands perpetrate; where our legs take us and why we do what we do!
He who speaks in whispers cannot hide from Him what He whispers; he who clamours aloud cannot carry his message beyond His hearing; he who prowls around in the dark layers of night cannot escape his attention and he who strides in broad daylight cannot prevaricate His observation! Such is the profusion and fecundity of the One who rules the Universe, Who pervades the heavens and Who absorbs the earth!)
13 : 11
11. Lahu muAAaqqibatun min bayni yadayhi wamin khalfihi yahfathoonahu min amri Allahi inna Allaha la yughayyiru ma biqawmin hatta yughayyiroo ma bi-anfusihim wa-itha arada Allahu biqawmin soo-an fala maradda lahu wama lahum min doonihi min walin
For every person there are guardian angels in constant attention, to his front and to his back, who guard him by the command of Allah! He never changes the fortunes of a nation unless they change what is in their hearts; but if Allah wishes misfortune to a nation, there is none who can avert it, nor have they any stalwart of their own besides Him!
(There is a Hadith according to which these angels work in shifts', one pair taking over from the other pair at dawn and at dusk. When Allah questions them upon their return : 'In what state did you find my bondsman?', blessed is he about whom they say : 'We found him engrossed in worship when we took over and we found him engrossed in worship when we left him!'
According to most commentators, two guardian angels are assigned to every man called Mu'aqqibaat, one of whom is given the task of protecting his ward from the unforeseen, except if it was destined to happen, and the other of recording everything he does.
Another important issue highlighted in this verse worth drawing attention to is that, Allah Himself never withdraws His benefactions from any nation, unless they have by their own acts demonstrated that they are no longer worthy of them. But once a nation is earmarked for castigation because of its evil deeds, there is no force upon earth powerful enough to avert the consequences or to reverse these decisions).
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the Prophet entrusted a group of his close associates with the unpalatable task of extending the invitation to embrace Islam to a particularly nasty Arab who reacted with such rancour that they had to be sent thrice to him in the hope that he might pay attention. On the third occasion, when he became too abusive towards the Prophet as well as towards Allah in whose name it was extended, there was an unexpected gathering of the clouds, followed by a storm from which a bolt of lightning emerged and struck him dead.
13 : 12
12. Huwa allathee yureekumu albarqa khawfan watamaAAan wayunshi-o alssahaba alththiqala
He it is who makes the lightning manifest to you both as a symbol of fear and of hope and rolls around the dense clouds!
(Symbol of fear because its roar is frightening, its demeanour threatful and its outcome detrimental; it could generate thunderbolts strong enough to inflict devastation; it could set fire to houses; it could crash on trees and reduce them to ashes; it could strike human beings and beasts who have no defences against its ferocity; it could set ablaze mighty forests; destroy huge ships in mid ocean and trigger off destructive storms; it is a force of nature which no one and nothing can defy! At the same time, it is also a symbol of hope as it heralds the arrival of rainfall; it means crops and harvests; it means augmentation of rivers and streams; it means fruits and flowers; it means fragrance and colour; it means the revival of dead land and of resources for wildlife; it means washing away humidity from the air and replacing it with freshness and salubruity; it means all that and much more!)
13 : 13
13. Wayusabbihu alrraAAdu bihamdihi waalmala-ikatu min kheefatihi wayursilu alssawaAAiqa fayuseebu biha man yashao wahum yujadiloona fee Allahi wahuwa shadeedu almihali
The thunder hymns His glory, as do the angels out of awe towards Him; He propels the thunderbolts and crashes them on whom He will while they are engrossed in futile arguments over Allah! He is unyielding in His wrath!
(Scientifically a loud rumble resulting from a sudden expansion of atmospheric gasses is here symbolized as Mother Nature paying her own tribute to the Mighty Lord of the Worlds, accompanied by the hymning of Angels and of human beings who also join to glorify their Creator, reminding all of us of His undeniable presence beyond those dark puffs of advancing clouds; beyond the infinite vastness of spaces and beyond the reach of human eye and human imagination.
On those occasions when the weather threatens to turn inclement and demonstrates distinct signs of a storm resulting from an unexpected surge of activity on the horizon leading to the gathering of dark clouds, loud rumbles of thunder and sharp flashes of lightning, it helps to strengthen our timid hearts by repeating these verses below our breath as often as we can until the danger passes away and the skies clear.
Some commentators contend that Raa'd is the name of the Angel who is in charge of our weather and manoeuvres the climatic changes from which mankind benefits).
13 : 14
14. Lahu daAAwatu alhaqqi waallatheena yadAAoona min doonihi la yastajeeboona lahum bishay-in illa kabasiti kaffayhi ila alma-i liyablugha fahu wama huwa bibalighihi wama duAAao alkafireena illa fee dalalin
The real invocation is that which is made to Him alone, for they who invoke others in His place, they are never heard; their plight is like the plight of those who sit by a river with their arms outstretched, hoping the water to reach their mouth somehow, which it never will! The prayers of the disbelievers always go adrift!
(Those who strike a flame in the midst of wind and expect it to remain alight; those who lead their vessel into the heart of the doldrums and hope for it to sail past them without steering it; those who sow their seeds in barren land and expect them to grow without irrigating them; those who sit by the table where food is served for them and expect their hunger to die without taking the trouble of serving themselves; those who are in agony from the pain of a tumour and yet expect it to go away without treating it are all similar to those who 'sit by a stream with their arms outstretched, hoping the water to reach their mouths somehow', or those who sit in front of stone idols begging them to come alive and put them out of their misery! For them, there is nothing except disappointment; their expectations can never be fulfilled; their invocations fall on deaf ears; their plight can never be seen by blind eyes and they get no sympathy from their sealed mouths! Just like the water in the stream which cannot hear their pleas, cannot feel their thirst, cannot reach their throat and therefore cannot slake their thirst, those whom they invoke besides Allah cannot do anything for them!
So come to Allah who sees everything without Himself being seen; who acknowledges every invocation and responds to them without Himself being heard; who assuages our wounds without moving a finger; who protects us from falling a prey to the pitfalls and tripwires of life without making a show of it; who requites our errors and rewards our good deeds without any shortfalls! So, come to Allah if you are in pain; come to Allah if you are in need; come to Allah if you are at risk; extricate yourself and come to Him if the ordeals of life have turned punitive towards you; cleanse your souls and come to Him if the mire of sin has clung to you and is not washing off; come to Him with your hands outstretched if the blows of adversity have robbed you of what is yours; come to Him if you are in desperate need of a munificent friend who can lend you a shoulder to lean on and lessen your grief; come to Him whether you are poor or rich; whether you are a sinner or a saint; whether you are afflicted or in health; whether you are buoyant with joy or plunged in grief , - for, no one is ever denied access to Him!)
* * *
13 : 15
15. Walillahi yasjudu man fee alssamawati waal-ardi tawAAan wakarhan wathilaluhum bialghuduwwi waal-asali
To Allah do they prostrate, all those who are in the heavens and upon the earth, willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows they cast at dawn and at dusk!
13 : 16
16. Qul man rabbu alssamawati waal-ardi quli Allahu qul afaittakhathtum min doonihi awliyaa la yamlikoona li-anfusihim nafAAan wala darran qul hal yastawee al-aAAma waalbaseeru am hal tastawee alththulumatu waalnnooru am jaAAaloo lillahi shurakaa khalaqoo kakhalqihi fatashabaha alkhalqu AAalayhim quli Allahu khaliqu kulli shay-in wahuwa alwahidu alqahharu
Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?' Say : 'Allah!' Say : 'Have you then chosen as His equals other protectors who can neither help themselves nor hurt themselves?' Say : 'Can he who is blind be equal to he who can see? Or, can darkness be equal to light?' Or, have those whom they have chosen as partners to Allah created anything identical to that which He has created, so that their creation and His creation has seemed alike to them? Say : 'Allah is the Creator of everything and He is the One and He is the Omnipotent over all things!'
(There are several definitions contained in this one verse. It defines the believer as one who can see; who can assess and evaluate; who can make the right choices and avoid the options which result in error; who can himself walk aright and at the same time point in the correct direction for those who are following behind; in sharp contrast to him is the disbeliever who is devoid of vision on account of which he is plunged in confusion; fumbling his way around through layers of darkness which surround him, bumping into obstacles, tripping over stumps, groping in blind alleys, missing the right exits, taking the wrong turns; misleading himself and those who are following behind; misinterpreting the signals and chasing unattainable goals.
The verse also defines the true Creator as the One who has created all things; whose marvels are beyond emulation; whose status beyond reach; whose throne of authority stands at the zenith of His Creation; whose Command is obeyed by kings; whose Kingdom is without frontiers; whose pervasion is without limits; whose ascendancy is without rivals and whose glory is acknowledged by all! In sharp contrast to Him are the false deities whom the ignorant worship, who can neither help nor hurt; who can neither acknowledge nor respond; who can neither create nor destroy; who can neither move nor see; who can neither frighten nor inspire; who have nothing to offer, who have no hands to accept with, who have no power to impose, who have no will to survive, who have no faculties to manoeuvre, who have no reigns to hold, who have no kingdom to rule and are therefore impotent, unacceptable and unproductive!)
13 : 17
17. Anzala mina alssama-i maan fasalat awdiyatun biqadariha faihtamala alssaylu zabadan rabiyan wamimma yooqidoona AAalayhi fee alnnari ibtighaa hilyatin aw mataAAin zabadun mithluhu kathalika yadribu Allahu alhaqqa waalbatila faamma alzzabadu fayathhabu jufaan waamma ma yanfaAAu alnnasa fayamkuthu fee al-ardi kathalika yadribu Allahu al-amthala
He sends down rain from the sky and the rivers draw as much water from it as they need; the tide does bring with it (pollutants like a) swelling foam, as does metal smelted for making ornaments and tools carries the scum - (see how Allah depicts the difference between what is truth and what is falsehood?) - but while the froth (which is of no use to mankind) is cleared away from the shore by the tide, that which is of use to mankind remains upon the earth! Thus does Allah draw analogies for you!
(Allah sends down water from the sky so that earth may replenish its resources and put them to use for the good of mankind. Sometimes the tide may bring in thick layers of foam with it and scatter it on the shore, but it lasts only until yet another tide comes along and carries it back to the sea. Even the metals smelted for making ornaments or tools gather scum on the surface, but underneath that surface the molten liquid remains unaffected by the scum because Allah rids the substantive from the superfluous in the same way as He sieves the truth from the pebbles of falsehood and vindicates it! Such are the very many ways in which He expounds His revelations so that we may get to grips with them and ameliorate ourselves).
13 : 18
18. Lillatheena istajaboo lirabbihimu alhusna waallatheena lam yastajeeboo lahu law anna lahum ma fee al-ardi jameeAAan wamithlahu maAAahu laiftadaw bihi ola-ika lahum soo-o alhisabi wama/wahum jahannamu wabi/sa almihadu
And for those who follow the command of their Lord awaits a generous reward. But for those who do not follow His command, - if they owned whatever is on the earth and twice as much - and they offered it as ransom for redeeming their souls, - they will still be the people for whom there awaits a severe reckoning, and hell is their abode, and what a pitiful abode it makes! (R)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
8. Allâh knows what every female bears, and by how much the wombs fall short (of their time or number) or exceed. Everything with Him is in (due) proportion.
9. All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Most Great, the Most High.
10. It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day.
11. For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him.[] They guard him by the Command of Allâh. Verily! Allâh will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allâh). But when Allâh wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.
12. It is He who shows you the lightning, as a fear (for travellers) and as a hope (for those who wait for rain). And it is He Who brings up (or originates) the clouds, heavy (with water).
13. And Ar-Ra'd[] (thunder) glorifies and praises Him, and so do the angels because of His Awe, He sends the thunderbolts, and therewith He strikes whom He wills, yet they (disbelievers) dispute about Allâh. And He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment.
14. For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke, answer them no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use).
15. And unto Allâh (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons.
16. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It is) Allâh." Say: "Have you then taken (for worship) Auliyâ' (protectors, etc.) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves?" Say: "Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign to Allâh partners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them." Say: "Allâh is the Creator of all things, He is the One, the Irresistible."
17. He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allâh (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood[]. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allâh sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief).
18. For those who answered their Lord's Call [believed in the Oneness of Allâh and followed His Messenger Muhammad SAW i.e. Islâmic Monotheism] is Al-Husna (i.e. Paradise). But those who answered not His Call (disbelieved in the Oneness of Allâh and followed not His Messenger Muhammad SAW), if they had all that is in the earth together with its like, they would offer it in order to save themselves (from the torment, it will be in vain). For them there will be the terrible reckoning. Their dwelling place will be Hell; - and worst indeed is that place for rest.[]
013.008
YUSUFALI: Allah doth
know what every female (womb) doth bear, by how much the wombs fall short (of
their time or number) or do exceed. Every single thing is before His sight, in
(due) proportion.
PICKTHAL: Allah
knoweth that which every female beareth and that which the wombs absorb and that
which they grow. And everything with Him is measured.
SHAKIR: Allah knows
what every female bears, and that of which the wombs fall short of completion
and that in which they increase; and there is a measure with Him of everything.
013.009
YUSUFALI: He knoweth
the unseen and that which is open: He is the Great, the Most High.
PICKTHAL: He is the
Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, the Great, the High Exalted.
SHAKIR: The knower of
the unseen and the seen, the Great, the Most High.
013.010
YUSUFALI: It is the
same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly;
whether he lie hid by night or walk forth freely by day.
PICKTHAL: Alike of you
is he who hideth the saying and he who noiseth it abroad, he who lurketh in the
night and he who goeth freely in the daytime.
SHAKIR: Alike (to Him)
among you is he who conceals (his) words and he who speaks them openly, and he
who hides himself by night and (who) goes forth by day.
013.011
YUSUFALI: For each
(such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They
guard him by command of Allah. Allah does not change a people's lot unless they
change what is in their hearts. But when (once) Allah willeth a people's
punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him,
any to protect.
PICKTHAL: For him are
angels ranged before him and behind him, who guard him by Allah's command. Lo!
Allah changeth not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which
is in their hearts; and if Allah willeth misfortune for a folk there is none
that can repel it, nor have they a defender beside Him.
SHAKIR: For his sake
there are angels following one another, before him and behind him, who guard him
by Allah's commandment; surely Allah does not change the condition of a people
until they change their own condition; and when Allah intends evil to a people,
there is no averting it, and besides Him they have no protector.
013.012
YUSUFALI: It is He Who
doth show you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope: It is He Who doth
raise up the clouds, heavy with (fertilising) rain!
PICKTHAL: He it is Who
showeth you the lightning, a fear and a hope, and raiseth the heavy clouds.
SHAKIR: He it is Who
shows you the lightning causing fear and hope and (Who) brings up the heavy
cloud.
013.013
YUSUFALI: Nay, thunder
repeateth His praises, and so do the angels, with awe: He flingeth the
loud-voiced thunder-bolts, and therewith He striketh whomsoever He will..yet
these (are the men) who (dare to) dispute about Allah, with the strength of His
power (supreme)!
PICKTHAL: The thunder
hymneth His praise and (so do) the angels for awe of Him. He launcheth the
thunderbolts and smiteth with them whom He will while they dispute (in doubt)
concerning Allah, and He is mighty in wrath.
SHAKIR: And the
thunder declares His glory with His praise, and the angels too for awe of Him;
and He sends the thunderbolts and smites with them whom He pleases, yet they
dispute concerning Allah, and He is mighty in prowess.
013.014
YUSUFALI: For Him
(alone) is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon besides Him hear them
no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their
mouths but it reaches them not: for the prayer of those without Faith is nothing
but (futile) wandering (in the mind).
PICKTHAL: Unto Him is
the real prayer. Those unto whom they pray beside Allah respond to them not at
all, save as (is the response to) one who stretcheth forth his hands toward
water (asking) that it may come unto his mouth, and it will never reach it. The
prayer of disbelievers goeth (far) astray.
SHAKIR: To Him is due
the true prayer; and those whom they pray to besides Allah give them no answer,
but (they are) like one who stretches forth his two hands towards water that it
may reach his mouth, but it will not reach it; and the prayer of the unbelievers
is only in error.
013.015
YUSUFALI: Whatever
beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate themselves to Allah
(Acknowledging subjection),- with good-will or in spite of themselves: so do
their shadows in the morning and evenings.
PICKTHAL: And unto
Allah falleth prostrate whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or
unwillingly, as do their shadows in the morning and the evening hours.
SHAKIR: And whoever is
in the heavens and the earth makes obeisance to Allah only, willingly and
unwillingly, and their shadows too at morn and eve.
013.016
YUSUFALI: Say: "Who is
the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It is) Allah." Say:
"Do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power
either for good or for harm to themselves?" Say: "Are the blind equal with those
who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with light?" Or do they assign to Allah
partners who have created (anything) as He has created, so that the creation
seemed to them similar? Say: "Allah is the Creator of all things: He is the One,
the Supreme and Irresistible."
PICKTHAL: Say (O
Muhammad): Who is Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah. Say: Take ye
then (others) beside Him for protectors, which, even for themselves, have
neither benefit nor hurt? Say: Is the blind man equal to the seer, or is
darkness equal to light? Or assign they unto Allah partners who created the like
of His creation so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed
alike to them? Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the
Almighty.
SHAKIR: Say: Who is
the Lord of the heavens and the earth?-- Say: Allah. Say: Do you take then
besides Him guardians who do not control any profit or harm for themselves? Say:
Are the blind and the seeing alike? Or can the darkness and the light be equal?
Or have they set up with Allah associates who have created creation like His, so
that what is created became confused to them? Say: Allah is the Creator of all
things, and He is the One, the Supreme.
013.017
YUSUFALI: He sends
down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure:
But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from
that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith,
there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and
Vanity. For the scum disappears like forth cast out; while that which is for the
good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables.
PICKTHAL: He sendeth
down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and
the flood beareth (on its surface) swelling foam - from that which they smelt in
the fire in order to make ornaments and tools riseth a foam like unto it - thus
Allah coineth (the similitude of) the true and the false. Then, as for the foam,
it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as for that which is of use to
mankind, it remaineth in the earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes.
SHAKIR: He sends down
water from the cloud, then watercourses flow (with water) according to their
measure, and the torrent bears along the swelling foam, and from what they melt
in the fire for the sake of making ornaments or apparatus arises a scum like it;
thus does Allah compare truth and falsehood; then as for the scum, it passes
away as a worthless thing; and as for that which profits the people, it tarries
in the earth; thus does Allah set forth parables.
013.018
YUSUFALI: For those
who respond to their Lord, are (all) good things. But those who respond not to
Him,- Even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth, and as much
more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom. For them will the reckoning be
terrible: their abode will be Hell,- what a bed of misery!
PICKTHAL: For those
who answered Allah's call is bliss; and for those who answered not His call, if
they had all that is in the earth, and therewith the like thereof, they would
proffer it as ransom. Such will have a woeful reckoning, and their habitation
will be hell, a dire abode.
SHAKIR: For those who
respond to their Lord is good; and (as for) those who do not respond to Him, had
they all that is in the earth and the like thereof with it they would certainly
offer it for a ransom. (As for) those, an evil reckoning shall be theirs and
their abode is hell, and evil is the resting-place.
13 : 19
19. Afaman yaAAlamu annama onzila ilayka min rabbika alhaqqu kaman huwa aAAma innama yatathakkaru oloo al-albabi
Is he who knows that whatever has been revealed to you by your Lord is the solemn truth similar to him who is blind to it? Only those who have wisdom heed advice -
13 : 20
20. Allatheena yoofoona biAAahdi Allahi wala yanqudoona almeethaqa
Such as those who fulfil the covenant they made with Allah and never retract from the pact after having made it;
13 : 21
21. Waallatheena yasiloona ma amara Allahu bihi an yoosala wayakhshawna rabbahum wayakhafoona soo-a alhisabi
And those who unite that which Allah has intended to be united and fear the Lord and dread the outcome of the Reckoning;
(The connotation of uniting that which Allah has intended to unite is wide-ranging and includes in its fold taking care of our blood bonds, maintaining regular contact with our relatives in order to discharge our responsibilities to them, and with the relatives of our Prophet and members of our community with whom we share a spiritual bond by extending to them our love, our compassion and our concern, helping them when they need help, supporting them in their moments of stress, elevating their spirits when the blows of adversity knock them down, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, providing for the destitute, visiting the sick, writing to the lonely and many other ways in which we can remain untied in bonds of love and loyalty).
13 : 22
22. Waallatheena sabaroo ibtighaa wajhi rabbihim waaqamoo alssalata waanfaqoo mimma razaqnahum sirran waAAalaniyatan wayadraoona bialhasanati alssayyi-ata ola-ika lahum AAuqba alddari
And those who persevere in seeking their Lord's accord, and establish worship, and spend in Our way some of what We have bestowed on them, whether openly or discreetly, and overcome evil with good! To them belongs the blissful Abode in the Hereafter -
(Evil can be overcome by good in many ways : by extending a gentle response to a harsh address; being generous to those who deprive us of what is ours; forgiving those who harass us; reviving links with those who deliberately sever them; repenting at once when we perpetrate an evil act; intervening and putting it right whenever we witness an evil act being perpetrated by others; and exchanging wisdom with ignorance, truth with falsehood and peace with tumult are some of these).
13 : 23
23. Jannatu AAadnin yadkhuloonaha waman salaha min aba-ihim waazwajihim wathurriyyatihim waalmala-ikatu yadkhuloona AAalayhim min kulli babin
Gardens of Eden into which they shall enter along with the righteous amongst their fathers and their wives and children! And angels will rush to them from every gate -
13 : 24
24. Salamun AAalaykum bima sabartum faniAAma AAuqba alddari
Saying : 'Peace be on you! Well earned is the reward for your patience, - a grand abode in the Hereafter!'
13 : 25
25. Waallatheena yanqudoona AAahda Allahi min baAAdi meethaqihi wayaqtaAAoona ma amara Allahu bihi an yoosala wayufsidoona fee al-ardi ola-ika lahumu allaAAnatu walahum soo-o alddari
But those who breach the covenant of Allah after ratifying it, and sever that which Allah has intended to be united, and cause unrest in the land, in their share there is nothing but curses and in their fate there is only an evil abode in the Hereafter!
13 : 26
26. Allahu yabsutu alrrizqa liman yashao wayaqdiru wafarihoo bialhayati alddunya wama alhayatu alddunya fee al-akhirati illa mataAAun
Allah enlarges the provision for whom He will as well as straitens it; there are those who gloat over their good fortunes in the life of this world though comforts in the life of this world are transient when compared to the Hereafter! (R)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
19. Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you (O Muhammad SAW) from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed.
20. Those who fulfill the Covenant of Allâh and break not the Mîthâq (bond, treaty, covenant);
21. Those who join that which Allâh has commanded to be joined (i.e. they are good to their relatives and do not sever the bond of kinship), fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning (i.e. abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden and perform all kinds of good deeds which Allâh has ordained).
22. And those who remain patient, seeking their Lord's Countenance, perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and defend evil with good, for such there is a good end;
23. 'Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying):
24. "Salâmun 'Alaikum (peace be upon you) for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!"
25. And those who break the Covenant of Allâh, after its ratification, and sever that which Allâh has commanded to be joined (i.e. they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives), and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse (i.e. they will be far away from Allâh's Mercy); And for them is the unhappy (evil) home (i.e. Hell)[].
26. Allâh increases the provision for whom He wills, and straitens (it for whom He wills), and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment.
013.019
YUSUFALI: Is then one
who doth know that that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the
Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that
receive admonition;-
PICKTHAL: Is he who
knoweth that what is revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the truth like him who
is blind? But only men of understanding heed;
SHAKIR: Is he then who
knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth like him
who is blind? Only those possessed of understanding will mind,
013.020
YUSUFALI: Those who
fulfil the covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted word;
PICKTHAL: Such as keep
the pact of Allah, and break not the covenant;
SHAKIR: Those who
fulfil the promise of Allah and do not break the covenant,
013.021
YUSUFALI: Those who
join together those things which Allah hath commanded to be joined, hold their
Lord in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning;
PICKTHAL: Such as
unite that which Allah hath commandeth should be joined, and fear their Lord,
and dread a woeful reckoning;
SHAKIR: And those who
join that which Allah has bidden to be joined and have awe of their Lord and
fear the evil reckoning.
013.022
YUSUFALI: Those who
patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; Establish regular
prayers; spend, out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance,
secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final
attainment of the (eternal) home,-
PICKTHAL: Such as
persevere in seeking their Lord's Countenance and are regular in prayer and
spend of that which We bestow upon them secretly and openly, and overcome evil
with good. Theirs will be the sequel of the (heavenly) Home,
SHAKIR: And those who
are constant, seeking the pleasure of their Lord, and keep up prayer and spend
(benevolently) out of what We have given them secretly and openly and repel evil
with good; as for those, they shall have the (happy) issue of the abode
013.023
YUSUFALI: Gardens of
perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their
fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them
from every gate (with the salutation):
PICKTHAL: Gardens of
Eden which they enter, along with all who do right of their fathers and their
helpmeets and their seed. The angels enter unto them from every gate,
SHAKIR: The gardens of
perpetual abode which they will enter along with those who do good from among
their parents and their spouses and their offspring; and the angels will enter
in upon them from every gate:
013.024
YUSUFALI: "Peace unto
you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!"
PICKTHAL: (Saying):
Peace be unto you because ye persevered. Ah, passing sweet will be the sequel of
the (heavenly) Home.
SHAKIR: Peace be on
you because you were constant, how excellent, is then, the issue of the abode.
013.025
YUSUFALI: But those
who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted their word thereto, and
cut asunder those things which Allah has commanded to be joined, and work
mischief in the land;- on them is the curse; for them is the terrible home!
PICKTHAL: And those
who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it, and sever that which Allah
hath commanded should be joined, and make mischief in the earth: theirs is the
curse and theirs the ill abode.
SHAKIR: And those who
break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder that which
Allah has ordered to be joined and make mischief in the land; (as for) those,
upon them shall be curse and they shall have the evil (issue) of the abode.
013.026
YUSUFALI: Allah doth
enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He giveth) to
whomso He pleaseth. (The wordly) rejoice in the life of this world: But the life
of this world is but little comfort in the Hereafter.
PICKTHAL: Allah
enlargeth livelihood for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will);
and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of the world is but
brief comfort as compared with the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: Allah
amplifies and straitens the means of subsistence for whom He pleases; and they
rejoice in this world's life, and this world's life is nothing compared with the
hereafter but a temporary enjoyment.
13 : 27
27. Wayaqoolu allatheena kafaroo lawla onzila AAalayhi ayatun min rabbihi qul inna Allaha yudillu man yashao wayahdee ilayhi man anaba
Those who disbelieve say : 'If only a portent has been sent down upon him from his Lord!' Say to them : 'Verily Allah sends astray whom He will and guides on to His path only those who turn to Him -
13 : 28
28. Allatheena amanoo watatma-innu quloobuhum bithikri Allahi ala bithikri Allahi tatma-innu alquloobu
'And those who believe and those whose hearts find tranquillity in remembrance of Allah's name! Verily the tranquillity of a believing heart lies in the remembrance of Allah's name!'
13 : 29
29. Allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati tooba lahum wahusnu maabin
Those who believe and perform righteous deeds, for them is bliss and an auspicious outcome!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the famous Treaty of Hudaybiyah was being drafted and the Prophet proposed that the words 'In the name of Allah' should feature at the top, but the disbelievers objected to the use of those words and demanded them to be replaced by the names of their own deities.
13 : 30
30. Kathalika arsalnaka fee ommatin qad khalat min qabliha omamun litatluwa AAalayhimu allathee awhayna ilayka wahum yakfuroona bialrrahmani qul huwa rabbee la ilaha illa huwa AAalayhi tawakkaltu wa-ilayhi matabi
Thus We have sent you to a nation which was preceded by many others before it so that you may recite to them that which We have revealed to you! But now that they discard the Beneficent, say to them : 'He is my Lord! There is no God except Him! In Him do I put my trust and to Him do I turn for guidance!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed when the idolaters demanded of the Prophet that, if he expected them to follow his religion, he should move the two hills outside Mecca by the power of the Qur'aan and replace them with fields, or cause fountains to come gushing out for irrigation, or for their forefathers to return from the dead to vouch for his Prophethood!
13 : 31
31. Walaw anna qur-anan suyyirat bihi aljibalu aw quttiAAat bihi al-ardu aw kullima bihi almawta bal lillahi al-amru jameeAAan afalam yay-asi allatheena amanoo an law yashao Allahu lahada alnnasa jameeAAan wala yazalu allatheena kafaroo tuseebuhum bima sanaAAoo qariAAatun aw tahullu qareeban min darihim hatta ya/tiya waAAdu Allahi inna Allaha la yukhlifu almeeAAada
Had there come to them a Qur'aan that could move the mountains or could tear up
the earth or could cause the dead to speak - (they would still not have
accepted it!) - nay, but every deed is within Allah's means! Did it not
disappoint the believers that if Allah willed, He could have guided all mankind?
The heretics will remain forever under the threat of (impending)
disaster, or their dwellings surrounded by it until the promise of Allah came to
pass! And verily Allah's promise never fails! (R)
(The verse addresses the believers of Mecca who were trapped in the grip of intolerable atrocities by their adversaries and used to say that, if it took a few miracles to convince them and put out the flames of reprisals raging in their land, why not give them that?
Even if the Qur'aan satisfied all their demands, the disbelievers of Mecca would never have been blessed with faith because faith does not grow on trees; it is not sold in market precincts; it is not delivered by postmen nor advertised in TV commercials; it is a spark ignited by Allah to set alight the torch of belief; a desire born inside our hearts without our having any control over it; an inclination that comes from within and not from without; a state of self surrender induced by Allah which lasts forever; a flame that burns on the fuel of dedication and resolve! If Allah performed miracles to satisfy every doubter, there would be no end to them. He might just as well have made mankind belong to one single creed and take away from them the discretion to choose between good and evil, between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood, between heaven and hell. There would have been no need for guidance, no such thing as a Day of Judgement, no Scales of Justice, no rewards and requitals and no Reckoning! But that was not how Allah has envisaged mankind to be. He gave them this discretion to choose and then take responsibility for their decisions in the same way He had given to our first parents Adam and Eve and then forced upon them the consequences of their choice which resulted in Advent, in our coming into being and in treading the path which they had once walked!
Having answered their question and cleared their doubts, their concerns are put to ease by unequivocally asserting that the threat of disaster imposed upon the disbelievers would never be relaxed; the afflictions meted out to them in retaliation for their misdeeds will never end; the droughts will carry on coming and taking their toll; battles will go on raging and spilling their blood; ordeal upon ordeal will come their way and plunge them into turmoil until the promise of Allah comes to pass, - a promise that can nether be broken nor changed.
Many commentators contend that this irretractable and irreversible promise did come to pass with the fall of Mecca to the Muslims and subsequent spread of Islam through the length and breadth of Arabia, not to mention the rest of the world).
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
27. And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him (Muhammad SAW) from his Lord?" Say: "Verily, Allâh sends astray whom He wills and guides unto Himself those who turn to Him in repentance."
28. Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allâh, Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest[].
29. Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and work righteousness, Tûbâ (it means all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return.
30. Thus have We sent you (O Muhammad SAW) to a community before whom other communities have passed away, in order that you might recite unto them what We have inspired to you, while they disbelieve in the Most Beneficient (Allâh) Say: "He is my Lord! Lâ ilâha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! In Him is my trust, and to Him will be my return with repentance."
31. And if there had been a Qur'ân with which mountains could be moved (from their places), or the earth could be cloven asunder, or the dead could be made to speak (it would not have been other than this Qur'ân). But the decision of all things is certainly with Allâh. Have not then those who believe yet known that had Allâh willed, He could have guided all mankind? And a disaster will not cease to strike those who disbelieve because of their (evil) deeds or it (i.e. the disaster) settle close to their homes, until the Promise of Allâh comes to pass. Certainly, Allâh does not fail in His Promise.
013.027
YUSUFALI: The
Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "Truly
Allah leaveth, to stray, whom He will; But He guideth to Himself those who turn
to Him in penitence,-
PICKTHAL: Those who
disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Say:
Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn
(unto Him),
SHAKIR: And those who
disbelieve say: Why is not a sign sent down upon him by his Lord? Say: Surely
Allah makes him who will go astray, and guides to Himself those who turn (to
Him).
013.028
YUSUFALI: "Those who
believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for
without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.
PICKTHAL: Who have
believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the
remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!
SHAKIR: Those who
believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely
by Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest.
013.029
YUSUFALI: "For those
who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful
place of (final) return."
PICKTHAL: Those who
believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end.
SHAKIR: (As for) those
who believe and do good, a good final state shall be theirs and a goodly return.
013.030
YUSUFALI: Thus have we
sent thee amongst a People before whom (long since) have (other) Peoples (gone
and) passed away; in order that thou mightest rehearse unto them what We send
down unto thee by inspiration; yet do they reject (Him), the Most Gracious! Say:
"He is my Lord! There is no god but He! On Him is my trust, and to Him do I
turn!"
PICKTHAL: Thus We send
thee (O Muhammad) unto a nation, before whom other nations have passed away,
that thou mayst recite unto them that which We have inspired in thee, while they
are disbelievers in the Beneficent. Say: He is my Lord; there is no Allah save
Him. In Him do I put my trust and unto Him is my recourse.
SHAKIR: And thus We
have sent you among a nation before which other nations have passed away, that
you might recite to them what We have revealed to you and (still) they deny the
Beneficent Allah. Say: He is my Lord, there is no god but He; on Him do I rely
and to Him is my return.
013.031
YUSUFALI: If there
were a Qur'an with which mountains were moved, or the earth were cloven asunder,
or the dead were made to speak, (this would be the one!) But, truly, the command
is with Allah in all things! Do not the Believers know, that, had Allah (so)
willed, He could have guided all mankind (to the right)? But the Unbelievers,-
never will disaster cease to seize them for their (ill) deeds, or to settle
close to their homes, until the promise of Allah come to pass, for, verily,
Allah will not fail in His promise.
PICKTHAL: Had it been
possible for a Lecture to cause the mountains to move, or the earth to be torn
asunder, or the dead to speak, (this Qur'an would have done so). Nay, but
Allah's is the whole command. Do not those who believe know that, had Allah
willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for those who disbelieve, disaster
ceaseth not to strike them because of what they do, or it dwelleth near their
home until the threat of Allah come to pass. Lo! Allah faileth not to keep the
tryst.
SHAKIR: And even if
there were a Quran with which the mountains were made to pass away, or the earth
were travelled over with it, or the dead were made to speak thereby; nay! the
commandment is wholly Allah's, Have not yet those who believe known that if
Allah please He would certainly guide all the people? And (as for) those who
disbelieve, there will not cease to afflict them because of what they do a
repelling calamity, or it will alight close by their abodes, until the promise
of Allah comes about; surely Allah will not fail in (His) promise.
13 : 32
32. Walaqadi istuhzi-a birusulin min qablika faamlaytu lillatheena kafaroo thumma akhathtuhum fakayfa kana AAiqabi
And verily many a messenger were scorned before you! Even though I tolerated the disbelievers for a short while, I did seize them. And how relentless was My seizure!
13 : 33
33. Afaman huwa qa-imun AAala kulli nafsin bima kasabat wajaAAaloo lillahi shurakaa qul sammoohum am tunabbi-oonahu bima la yaAAlamu fee al-ardi am bithahirin mina alqawli bal zuyyina lillatheena kafaroo makruhum wasuddoo AAani alssabeeli waman yudlili Allahu fama lahu min hadin
Is He who watches every deed performed by every soul (the same as any other?) Yet they elevate them as Allah's partners! Say : 'Name them!' Or, are you purporting to inform Him of something on earth of which He is not aware? Or, is it only prattle? Nay, but their foul deeds seem fair to the disbelievers and they are prevented from gaining access to the righteous path! And those whom Allah sends adrift, there is no guide who can show them the way!
13 : 34
34. Lahum AAathabun fee alhayati alddunya walaAAathabu al-akhirati ashaqqu wama lahum mina Allahi min waqin
For them is torment in the life of this world, and their torment in the Hereafter shall be even harsher, - and there is none who can protect them against Allah!
13 : 35
35. Mathalu aljannati allatee wuAAida almuttaqoona tajree min tahtiha al-anharu okuluha da-imun wathilluha tilka AAuqba allatheena ittaqaw waAAuqba alkafireena alnnaru
Such is the description of the Garden promised to those who ward off evil : Rivers flow underneath it; its fruit are everlasting as are its shades! Such is the outcome for those who are mindful of their duty, whereas the outcome for the disbelievers is the ferocity of Fire!
13 : 36
36. Waallatheena ataynahumu alkitaba yafrahoona bima onzila ilayka wamina al-ahzabi man yunkiru baAAdahu qul innama omirtu an aAAbuda Allaha wala oshrika bihi ilayhi adAAoo wa-ilayhi maabi
Some of those whom We have given the Scripture rejoice in what has been revealed to you, while there are others among them who repudiate parts of it. Say to them : 'I am commanded to obey Allah and never to ascribe partners to Him. I invite you to Him, for it is to Him that I must return!'
13 : 37
37. Wakathalika anzalnahu hukman AAarabiyyan wala-ini ittabaAAta ahwaahum baAAda ma jaaka mina alAAilmi ma laka mina Allahi min waliyyin wala waqin
Thus We have revealed this to be a Judgement of Authority in the Arabic language; but if you succumb to their whims even after knowledge has come to you, there will neither be a stalwart for you nor well-wisher to protect you from Allah! (R)
(According to most commentators, the Qur'aan being the Last Word of Allah, it is an eclectic Tractate intended for all mankind to accept and follow until the Day of Resurrection and is therefore described in this verse as Judgement of Authority from which no one can turn away. As for its being in Arabic language, it has always been the case that every Scripture revealed was invariably revealed in the language spoken by the messenger to whom it was revealed and the people to whom it was preached so that the preacher and the preached had no difficulty in grasping the message which was being conveyed to them)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
32. And indeed (many) Messengers were mocked at before you (O Muhammad SAW), but I granted respite to those who disbelieved, and finally I punished them. Then how (terrible) was My Punishment!
33. Is then He (Allâh) Who takes charge (guards, maintains, provides, etc.) of every person and knows all that he has earned (like any other deities who know nothing)? Yet they ascribe partners to Allâh. Say: "Name them! Is it that you will inform Him of something He knows not in the earth or is it (just) a show of false words." Nay! To those who disbelieve, their plotting is made fairseeming, and they have been hindered from the Right Path, and whom Allâh sends astray, for him, there is no guide.
34. For them is a torment in the life of this world, and certainly, harder is the torment of the Hereafter. And they have no protector against Allâh.
35. The description of the Paradise which the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2): have been promised! -Underneath it rivers flow, its provision is eternal and so is its shade, this is the end (final destination) of the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2), and the end (final destination) of the disbelievers is Fire. (See Verse 47:15)
36. Those to whom We have given the Book (such as 'Abdullâh bin Salâm and other Jews who embraced Islâm), rejoice at what has been revealed unto you (i.e. the Qur'ân)[], but there are among the Confederates (from the Jews and pagans) those who reject a part thereof. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "I am commanded only to worship Allâh (Alone) and not to join partners with Him. To Him (Alone) I call and to Him is my return."
37. And thus have We sent it (the Qur'ân) down to be a judgement of authority in Arabic. Were you (O Muhammad SAW) to follow their (vain) desires after the knowledge which has come to you, then you will not have any Walî (protector) or defender against Allâh.
013.032
YUSUFALI: Mocked were
(many) messengers before thee: but I granted respite to the unbelievers, and
finally I punished them: Then how (terrible) was my requital!
PICKTHAL: And verily
messengers (of Allah) were mocked before thee, but long I bore with those who
disbelieved. At length I seized them, and how (awful) was My punishment!
SHAKIR: And messengers
before you were certainly mocked at, but I gave respite to those who
disbelieved, then I destroyed them; how then was My requital (of evil)?
013.033
YUSUFALI: Is then He
who standeth over every soul (and knoweth) all that it doth, (like any others)?
And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: "But name them! is it that ye will
inform Him of something he knoweth not on earth, or is it (just) a show of
words?" Nay! to those who believe not, their pretence seems pleasing, but they
are kept back (thereby) from the path. And those whom Allah leaves to stray, no
one can guide.
PICKTHAL: Is He Who is
aware of the deserts of every soul (as he who is aware of nothing)? Yet they
ascribe unto Allah partners. Say: Name them. Is it that ye would inform Him of
something which He knoweth not in the earth? Or is it but a way of speaking? Nay
but their contrivance is made seeming fair for those who disbelieve and they are
kept from the right road. He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no
guide.
SHAKIR: Is He then Who
watches every soul as to what it earns? And yet they give associates to Allah!
Say: Give them a name; nay, do you mean to inform Him of what He does not know
in the earth, or (do you affirm this) by an outward saying? Rather, their plans
are made to appear fair-seeming to those who disbelieve, and they are kept back
from the path; and whom Allah makes err, he shall have no guide.
013.034
YUSUFALI: For them is
a penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the penalty of the
Hereafter: and defender have they none against Allah.
PICKTHAL: For them is
torment in the life of the world, and verily the doom of the Hereafter is more
painful, and they have no defender from Allah.
SHAKIR: They shall
have chastisement in this world's life, and the chastisement of the hereafter is
certainly more grievous, and they shall have no protector against Allah.
013.035
YUSUFALI: The parable
of the Garden which the righteous are promised!- beneath it flow rivers:
perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the end of the
Righteous; and the end of Unbelievers in the Fire.
PICKTHAL: A similitude
of the Garden which is promised unto those who keep their duty (to Allah):
Underneath it rivers flow; its food is everlasting, and its shade; this is the
reward of those who keep their duty, while the reward of disbelievers is the
Fire.
SHAKIR: A likeness of
the garden which the righteous are promised; there now beneath it rivers, its
food and shades are perpetual; this is the requital of those who guarded
(against evil), and the requital of the unbelievers is the fire.
013.036
YUSUFALI: Those to
whom We have given the Book rejoice at what hath been revealed unto thee: but
there are among the clans those who reject a part thereof. Say: "I am commanded
to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him do I call, and
unto Him is my return."
PICKTHAL: Those unto
whom We gave the Scripture rejoice in that which is revealed unto thee. And of
the clans there are who deny some of it. Say: I am commanded only that I serve
Allah and ascribe unto Him no partner. Unto Him I cry, and unto Him is my
return.
SHAKIR: And those to
whom We have given the Book rejoice in that which has been revealed to you, and
of the confederates are some who deny a part of it. Say: I am only commanded
that I should serve Allah and not associate anything with Him, to Him do I
invite (you) and to Him is my return.
013.037
YUSUFALI: Thus have We
revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. Wert thou to follow their
(vain) desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou
find neither protector nor defender against Allah.
PICKTHAL: Thus have We
revealed it, a decisive utterance in Arabic; and if thou shouldst follow their
desires after that which hath come unto thee of knowledge, then truly wouldst
thou have from Allah no protecting friend nor defender.
SHAKIR: And thus have
We revealed it, a true judgment in Arabic, and if you follow their low desires
after what has come to you of knowledge, you shall not have against Allah any
guardian or a protector.
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in response to the criticisms levelled against the Prophet by his opponents that, if he was a true Prophet, he should renounce all earthly ties and take to celibacy.
13 : 38
38. Walaqad arsalna rusulan min qablika wajaAAalna lahum azwajan wathurriyyatan wama kana lirasoolin an ya/tiya bi-ayatin illa bi-ithni Allahi likulli ajalin kitabun
We did send many a messenger before you and We allowed them to have wives and bring forth offspring; yet it was never up to a messenger to perform miracles except by Allah's leave. For everything there is a time appointed!
* * *
13 : 39
39. Yamhoo Allahu ma yashao wayuthbitu waAAindahu ommu alkitabi
Allah obliterates and asseverates what He will, and with Him is kept the Mother of all Books!
(Some commentators opine that the reference here is to the revelations of Allah which He is at liberty to repeal, or to override or to replace as it pleases Him, while others say that the reference is to the evil deeds which men commit, some of which He condones and replaces with seemly deeds and some He would not condone; or to sins which He forgives and erases and to sins He does not agree to erase).
13 : 40
40. Wa-in ma nuriyannaka baAAda allathee naAAiduhum aw natawaffayannaka fa-innama AAalayka albalaghu waAAalayna alhisabu
Whether We let you witness the fruition of a promise We have made to them or cause you to die before it, your task is only to convey the message, whereas it is Our prerogative to evaluate their performance!
13 : 41
41. Awa lam yaraw anna na/tee al-arda nanqusuha min atrafiha waAllahu yahkumu la muAAaqqiba lihukmihi wahuwa sareeAAu alhisabi
See they not how We are reducing the perimeters of their land from all sides? When Allah ordains the end, none can postpone it! And Allah is swift at reckoning.
13 : 42
42. Waqad makara allatheena min qablihim falillahi almakru jameeAAan yaAAlamu ma taksibu kullu nafsin wasayaAAlamu alkuffaru liman AAuqba alddari
Those who were here before them plotted likewise, but in Allah's hands lies the skill of all plotting! He knows that which every soul has earned and soon the disbelievers will also come to know who is destined for the threshold of Eternity!
13 : 43
43. Wayaqoolu allatheena kafaroo lasta mursalan qul kafa biAllahi shaheedan baynee wabaynakum waman AAindahu AAilmu alkitabi
The disbelievers say : 'You are not a messenger of Allah!' Say : 'Allah suffices as a witness between me and you, as do the rest of those who have sound knowledge of the Scripture!' (R)
(The above verses were intended to comfort the Prophet who was witnessing the peak of atrocities being inflicted on the believers by the disbelievers, not to mention the torture and humiliation to which he was himself being subjected, by pointing it out to him as well as to his tormentors that, whether or not Divine retaliation landed on them during his lifetime and he was allowed to witness them succumb, succumb they would to the Might of Allah sooner or later; that if they were not responding to his admonitions, there was no need for him to distress himself as their ultimate outcome lies in His hand and not in anyone else's; that his duty was to convey the message which, ones discharged, takes away the onus from him; that He was perusing their deeds and keeping them on the receiving end of His castigation day and night; that they were sustaining defeats, suffering reversals, falling a prey to sicknesses and adversities; that right was gaining ground and wrong was constantly loosing out at every step and stage; and that the perimeters of their affiliations were being slashed all the time and from all around them.
In the last verse of the Surah it is asserted beyond a shadow of a doubt that, despite the denials of the disbelievers, despite their recriminations and prevarications, despite their affronts and altercations, the learned men among the People of the previous Scriptures were well aware that he was the Last Prophet prophesied in them, which was sufficient to establish his irrefutable credentials)
OTHER
TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
38. And indeed We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad SAW), and made for them wives and offspring. And it was not for a Messenger to bring a sign except by Allâh's Leave. (For) each and every matter there is a Decree (from Allâh).
39. Allâh blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills). And with Him is the Mother of the Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz)
40. Whether We show you (O Muhammad SAW) part of what We have promised them or cause you to die, your duty is only to convey (the Message) and on Us is the reckoning.
41. See they not that We gradually reduce the land (of disbelievers, by giving it to the believers, in war victories) from its outlying borders. And Allâh judges, there is none to put back His Judgement and He is Swift at reckoning.
42. And verily, those before them did devise plots, but all planning is Allâh's. He knows what every person earns, and the disbelievers will know who gets the good end (final destination).
43. And those who disbelieve, say: "You (O Muhammad SAW) are not a Messenger." Say: "Sufficient for a witness between me and you is Allâh and those too who have knowledge of the Scripture (such as 'Abdullâh bin Salâm and other Jews and Christians who embraced Islâm)."
013.038
YUSUFALI: We did send
messengers before thee, and appointed for them wives and children: and it was
never the part of a messenger to bring a sign except as Allah permitted (or
commanded). For each period is a Book (revealed).
PICKTHAL: And verily
We sent messengers (to mankind) before thee, and We appointed for them wives and
offspring, and it was not (given) to any messenger that he should bring a
portent save by Allah's leave. For everything there is a time prescribed.
SHAKIR: And certainly
We sent messengers before you and gave them wives and children, and it is not in
(the power of) an messenger to bring a sign except by Allah's permission; for
every term there is an appointment.
013.039
YUSUFALI: Allah doth
blot out or confirm what He pleaseth: with Him is the Mother of the Book.
PICKTHAL: Allah
effaceth what He will, and establisheth (what He will), and with Him is the
source of ordinance.
SHAKIR: Allah makes to
pass away and establishes what He pleases, and with Him is the basis of the
Book.
013.040
YUSUFALI: Whether We
shall show thee (within thy life-time) part of what we promised them or take to
ourselves thy soul (before it is all accomplished),- thy duty is to make (the
Message) reach them: it is our part to call them to account.
PICKTHAL: Whether We
let thee see something of that which We have promised them, or make thee die
(before its happening), thine is but conveyance (of the message). Ours the
reckoning.
SHAKIR: And We will
either let you see part of what We threaten them with or cause you to die, for
only the delivery of the message is (incumbent) on you, while calling (them) to
account is Our (business).
013.041
YUSUFALI: See they not
that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders?
(Where) Allah commands, there is none to put back His Command: and He is swift
in calling to account.
PICKTHAL: See they not
how we aim to the land, reducing it of its outlying parts? (When) Allah doometh
there is none that can postpone His doom, and He is swift at reckoning.
SHAKIR: Do they not
see that We are bringing destruction upon the land by curtailing it of its
sides? And Allah pronounces a doom-- there is no repeller of His decree, and He
is swift to take account.
013.042
YUSUFALI: Those before
them did (also) devise plots; but in all things the master-planning is Allah's
He knoweth the doings of every soul: and soon will the Unbelievers know who gets
home in the end.
PICKTHAL: Those who
were before them plotted; but all plotting is Allah's. He knoweth that which
each soul earneth. The disbelievers will come to know for whom will be the
sequel of the (heavenly) Home.
SHAKIR: And those
before them did indeed make plans, but all planning is Allah's; He knows what
every soul earns, and the unbelievers shall come to know for whom is the
(better) issue of the abode.
013.043
YUSUFALI: The
Unbelievers say: "No messenger art thou." Say: "Enough for a witness between me
and you is Allah, and such as have knowledge of the Book."
PICKTHAL: They who
disbelieve say: Thou art no messenger (of Allah). Say: Allah, and whosoever hath
knowledge of the Scripture, is sufficient witness between me and you.
SHAKIR: And those who
disbelieve say: You are not a messenger. Say: Allah is sufficient as a witness
between me and you and whoever has knowledge of the Book.