SURAH 6 : Al-An'âm | |
(1) Absolute Hamd is for Allah alone (1/1) who created the universe and devised darkness and light. Those who reject the Divine laws set up peers to Allah. (2) It is He who initiated your
creation from inanimate matter and prescribed laws to determine the term
of your physical life, and the life hereafter which He alone knows of. Yet
you doubt His existence. (3) Allah’s sovereignty
is not confined to the physical universe, it also encompasses the world of
human beings. Allah knows what
is apparent as well as hidden. He is aware of all your
activities. (4) Allah gives such
clear guidance; despite it, those who reject His laws turn away from
it. (5) Similarly, O Rasool, the people to whom you
deliver this guidance are rejecting and ridiculing it but soon they will
face the consequences of their mockery. (6) Have they not seen how many generations before them were
destroyed? These people were established more firmly in the land than
they, and Allah sent down
copious rains upon them causing rivers to flow. Notwithstanding all this,
they were destroyed for their offences and then other people were raised
in their place. (7) Time and again they demand miracles from you and we tell them
that Ei’man comes from reflection upon Allah’s teachings and not from
witnessing miracles. Hypothetically speaking, if he had sent down a
ready-made book which they could touch with their hands, they - who had
decided not to believe - would still not have believed, and would have
said: “This is nothing but obvious fraud.” (8) These people also ask: “Why was an angel (malak ) whom we could see not sent down to this Rasool?” If Allah had sent such a malak their doom would have been
sealed and they would have had no respite. (9) If a Malik had been sent down as a Rasool, he would have obviously come in human form. This would have aroused doubts similar to those which they now have. (10) O Rasool! the fact is that they are
not taking the matter seriously. Rusul before you, were, similarly
laughed at but what had been laughed at backfired against
them. (11) O Rasool! say to
them: “Travel through the earth and see what has been the end of those who
said that Allah’s Rusul were telling a
lie.” (12) O Rasool! ask them: “Who wields power in the universe?” and tell them “It is Allah.”
They ask “If Allah is so
powerful why does He not seize us immediately for our offences.” Tell
them: “He had provided respite in the law of Mukaf’at and this is His Rahmat towards mankind which He
has made incumbent upon Himself (6/54). The results of the actions of
wrongdoers will become manifest on the Day of Reckoning which will
certainly come. Only those people will not profess Ei’man, who are out to ruin
themselves.” (13) Whether it is day or night, it is all the same to Allah who hears and knows
all. (14-15) Ask them: “Do you want that I should take as protector and helper anyone other than Allah - Allah who has brought the entire universe into being from nothingness; who provides nourishment to all but Himself needs none.” Say: “I have been commanded to be the first of those who surrender before Allah’s laws and not to be one of the Mushrikeen. Tell them: “If I revolted against Allah’s laws, I too would be fearful of chastisement on the Day of Reckoning” (10/15, 39/13). (16-18) On that day whosoever is
saved from chastisement has invited Allah’s Rahmat upon himself, and this is a
manifest achievement. This is so because if any affliction or any good
comes to anyone according to Allah’s law of Mukaf’at, it can not be averted. For all
this, Allah has appointed
measures. He has supreme authority over human beings and He exercises it
with wisdom and full knowledge of their condition. (19) Ask them: “Whose testimony is the strongest to validate what I say?” Tell them: “Allah’s testimony is the best to decide between you and me. This testimony has been revealed to me and is now included in the Quran so that through it I should forewarn you as well as those whom it may reach after you.” Ask them: “Do you still affirm that there are deities other than Allah? If you affirm this I certainly cannot endorse this. I affirm that Allah alone is the sovereign and I abhor what you associate with Him.” (20) Those to whom We had given the
Book before you recognize the truth as they recognise their own children.
But they still do not believe and thereby bring about their own
ruin. (21) Just reflect: Who can be more Z’alim than one who foists a lie on
Allah and one who considers as
a lie the truth which has been revealed by Him. Certainly they both are Z’alim and will not
prosper. (22) They will be assembled together on the Day of Reckoning and
the Mushrikeen will be asked
“Where are those whom you assumed to be the associates of Allah”? (23-24) At that time, they will be
able to employ no subterfuge and perforce will have to say “We swear by Allah that He is our Rabb and we never associated any
authority with Him.” Behold! how these people will lie against themselves,
and those whom they have associated with Allah will desert
them. (25) Some amongst them come into your assembly and pretend to
listen to you but they have closed their hearts completely and made them
hard of hearing lest they should understand what you say. They have become
so hardened in their obstinacy that despite so many proofs, they do not
believe the truth. They come to simply quarrel and have an argument with
you. They say that what you say is nothing but ancient tales which have
been repeated numerous times before. (26) These people turn away from your teachings themselves and also keep others away from them. They harm none except themselves but they do not realize how much loss they thus sustain. (27) If you were to see them set before Jahannam, you will hear them say “Only if we could go back! then we would not treat Allah’s laws as false and be amongst the Momineen.” (28) Their regret would not be
genuine because they do not want, in earnest, to change their ways. They
express regret only because what they used to hide from others would be
laid bare. The fact is that if they were to be sent back they would revert
to what was forbidden to them. They are certainly liars. (29) They say: “There is no life other than this and for us there
is no life hereafter.” (30) If you were to see them being set before their Rabb, and asked by Him: “Is not
this life a reality?” You could hear them say: “Yes! By our Rabb it is such.” Thereupon Allah will say: “Taste then the
consequences of your wrong-doings which you used to deny.” (31) Those who say that the idea of confrontation with Allah’s law of Mukaf’at is baseless, are indeed losers.
When the event will come upon them suddenly they will say regretfully:
“How neglectful were we in this matter,” while they bear the burden of
their wrong-doings on their backs. How unbearable and torturous is their
burden! (32) This is because they thought that life was confined only to this world. This fact is that as compared to the life hereafter physical life is nothing but play and a pastime. For those mindful of Allah’s laws, the life hereafter is far better and full of bounties. Can they not understand even this much? (33) We are well aware that what
they say grieves you. But you should know that it is not you whom they
charge with falsehood; it is Allah’s laws which they treat as
false. (34) This is also nothing new. Rusul before you were similarly
charged with falsehood. They bore the accusation as well as the harms done
to them with patience. The Rusul were, however, victorious at
the end. This is the law ordained by Allah which no one can
alter. We narrate the accounts of the past Rusul to you, O Rasool, so that you should do likewise. (35) If their rejection grieves you so deeply, remember that their
condition for accepting you is that you should show them some miracles.
If, Hypothetically speaking, you seek out an opening into the earth or a
ladder to the sky and bring them concrete evidence, they will still not
believe. If Allah had wished
that all human beings should compulsorily follow the right path, it would
not have been difficult for Him to create them without freedom of the
will. So, you should not be amongst those who do not understand the plans
of Allah. (36) We have made the right and wrong paths distinct (18/29). Only
those who listen to the message of Allah attentively and reflect on
it, will be able to adopt the right path. Those who have lost the capacity
to understand and are like dead will have to confront Allah’s law of Mukaf’at. (37) Again, those who reject the truth ask: “Why Allah has not sent down a miracle to the Rasool?”. Tell them: “Allah has assuredly the power to do this but, as already state, it is not His plan to do so. The difficulty is that most of them do not take the trouble to reflect upon these matters.” (38) The law that all creatures
should compulsorily follow the path determined for them operates in the
outer universe. Allah’s law of
Creation applies to all living beings who live on earth, including human
beings, as well as birds flying in the atmosphere. The difference between
human beings and other creatures is that while the latter are compelled to
follow Allah’s law
instinctively, the former choose their path themselves exercising freedom
of choice. A natural corollary of their freedom is that they are held
accountable for their actions. Nothing has been missed in Our
Scheme. (39) And they who consider Our laws false are like those who are deaf and dumb and thus grope in the darkness (2/8 and 2/171). They go astray. On the other hand those who adhere to Our laws follow the straight path. (40-41) O Rasool, ask those who set up peers to Allah: “If any natural calamity befalls you or any other sudden change occurs, why do you not ask those whom you associate with Allah to help you if you believe that you are truthful. Even if you call upon them for help, they will not be able to help you. Calamities can only be averted by following Allah’s laws. However when the calamities are over, you again forget Divine law and start following un-Godly forces.” (42) O Rasool, We sent Rusul to other communities before
you. As a result of their wrong doings, these communities were subjected
to poverty and distress. They were shaken so that they might realise what
could be the consequences of being neglectful of Allah’s laws. (43) If only, when our suffering came to them, they had been humble! (But they were not.) Their hearts are hardened, however, and they did not surrender to Allah’s laws. Shait’an made their course of conduct seem attractive to them. (44) When they had thus forgotten that of which they were warned, they should have been subjected to chastisement at once. This was not done due to Our law of Respite. On the contrary, the gates of abundance were opened to them. While they were rejoicing at what they had received, Our law of Mukaf’at suddenly took hold of them. They became utterly despondent about their future. (45) Thus the communities which
committed Zulm were uprooted.
This was Rahmat for those whom
they had oppressed and cause for Hamd of Allah who is the Sustainer of all
humanity. (46) Say to them: “If your faculties of sight, hearing and
understanding are paralysed as a result of going against Allah’s laws, is there anyone
besides Allah who can restore
them?” Reflect upon how We repeat Our basic teaching to impress its truth
upon them but they turn away from it. (47) Say to the Jama’at-ul-Momineen: “Do not be
apprehensive of Allah’s
chastisement which comes about as a result of wrong doings. This
chastisement whether it comes suddenly or after due warning, destroys none
but the Z’alimeen.” (48) Our way is that We send Our Rusul as bearers of glad tidings
and warnings. So whoever believes in them and acts according to their
teachings will face no fear nor grief. (49) And those who treat Our laws as false will receive
chastisement for their transgression. (50) O Rasool, say to
them: “I do not assert before you that I possess the treasures of Allah or have knowledge of the
unseen. Neither do I assert that I am a malak. I only say that I receive
Allah’s revelation which I
follow myself.” Ask them “Is one who is blind at par with one who is
seeing? Do you not reflect upon this?” (51) Leaving aside those who are incorrigible, O Rasool warn those who believe in
the law of Mukaf’at. Tell them that there will be
no protectors or intercessors to shield them from Allah’s law. They should,
therefore, be mindful of His laws. (52) At the time of the advent of Islam, Arabian society was
divided amongst various tribes, some of whom considered themselves to be
superiors to the others and treated them with contempt. The central theme
of the teachings of the Quran
was the equality of all human beings and the Rasool was building a community
comprising persons belonging to various tribes and even slaves in which
equal respect was given to everyone regardless of origin or status. The
tribes which considered themselves to be superiors to the others could not
tolerate this. One of their conditions for making compromise with the Rasool was that persons whom they
considered to be inferior should be expelled from the community. The Quran, however, rejected this
condition since it violated its fundamental teachings (10/15, 11/113,
17/74, 68/9).
Allah said to the Rasool: “Do not drive away those
who are poor or of low origin but who strive continuously for the cause of
Allah. Their origin or previous
status or poverty should have no bearing on their present position. If you
still drive them away you will be from amongst the Z’alimeen.” (11/27-30, 26/111-114,
18/28, 80/1-11). (53) Those who make such a demand betray a sense of their own
inferiority. They say tauntingly “Look! these are the people from amongst
us whom Allah has chosen for
His blessings.” Tell them O Rasool “Allah knows better than you who is
worthy of respect and dignity.” (54) When members of the Jama’at-ul-Momineen come to you O Rasool, greet them by saying “May
peace be upon you and also Allah’s Rahmat which He has made incumbent
on Himself. If any one of you commits any wrong unknowingly and later
repents and makes amends for it, you will surely find that Allah is the Protector and
Sustainer.” (55) We set forth Our laws so clearly so that the path of the
wrongdoers becomes distinguishable from that of the righteous ones
(18/29). (56) Say to those who deny the truth “I am forbidden to obey those
whom you call upon besides Allah. I shall not yield to your
base desires for if I do, I shall have gone astray and will not be counted
amongst those who are rightly guided.” Say: “I take my stand upon the
clear evidence furnished by my Allah which you treat as
false.” (57) Say O Rasool! “I
take my stand upon the clear evidence furnished by my Rabb which you treat as false.”
Time and again they ask you to bring about urgently the chastisement about
which you warned them. Tell them: “It is not in my power to hasten what
you ask for. These matters are decided by Allah’s law of Mukaf’at. He declares the truth and is
the best judge.” (58) Tell them O Rasool: “Had it been in my power to hasten what you ask for, the matter would have been decided a long time ago. As already stated this is decided by Allah’s law of Mukaf’at which knows who the wrong-doers are.” (59) With Allah are the keys of the unseen
and none knows the unseen but He. He knows whatever is in land and in the
sea. Not a leaf falls but He knows it. There is not a grain below the
soil, nor anything fresh or dry, which has not been taken note of in the
lucid Book containing the laws of nature. (60) He knows whatever you do during the day time. Then He lays you
to rest at night; and wakes you again in the day. The cycle of the day and
night gradually completes the term of your life. Thereafter there will be
the Day of Reckoning when, whatever you have done will be made manifest to
you. (61-62) Allah’s law of Mukaf’at prevails over all human beings.
He has appointed guardians over them to see that none of their actions
goes undetected. When death approaches anyone, Malaika - Our messengers - cause
him to die. They have no power to make any change in the term of life.
Thereafter everyone will confront the Allah’s law of Mukaf’at who has complete control over
them, whose word is final, and Who is swift in reckoning. (63-64) When any calamity befalls
those who reject Allah’s laws,
they invoke Allah in their
hearts and say that if they are saved from the calamity they will be
ever-grateful to Him. Say to them: “One is protected or rescued from
calamities in accordance with Allah’s laws. But you associate
other authorities with Him.” (65) Calamities occur in societies which are not based upon Allah’s laws. Sometimes they take
the form of higher classes oppressing the lower classes; sometimes of the
lower classes rising against the higher classes leading to anarchy; and
sometimes of the two uniting and then splitting into different parties
which fight each other.
Reflect on how in different ways and in diverse forms We explain
Our teachings so that they may understand. (66-67) Despite this, your people O
Rasool, treat the revelation as
false even though it is certain truth. Tell them: “I have not been
appointed as a guardian over you. Manifestation of the consequences of
your wrongdoing takes place at a time prescribed by Allah’s laws and by and by, you
will know it” (7/182-83). (68) When you see those who are making a jest of Our revelation,
stay away from them until they change the topic of conversation. If you
are so absorbed that you forget that you should leave such company, do so
the moment you become aware of it. You should not stay thereafter with
these people who are Z’alimeen (4/140, 5/57). (69) Those who adhere to Allah’s laws are not responsible
for the way in which these people treat the revelation. They need only
admonish them so that they may abstain from what they do. (70) Stay away not only from those who make a jest of your Deen but also from those who treat
their own religion as play and pastime (7/51). Such people are deluded by
worldly attractions. Leave them alone but continue to convey to them the
teachings of the Quran so that
none is destroyed through not receiving Allah’s guidance. They cannot be
protected from ruin by any friend or intercessor even if every ransom is
offered because it comes through their own wrong-doings. They shall have a
draught of burning despair and a painful chastisement because of their
persistent refusal to acknowledge the truth. (71-72) Ask these people O Rasool: “Do you wish that we
should deify aught besides Allah - which can neither help nor
hurt us - and turn on our heels after Allah has shown us the right path?
If we do this, we will be like the one who is lost in the wilderness and
cannot hear his companions calling out to him.” Tell them: “The way
prescribed by Allah is the only
right way and We have been commanded to submit to the laws of Allah who is the Sustainer of all
the worlds. He has also asked us to establish the system of Sal’at and adhere to all His laws. We
will be accountable for all our actions.” (73-74) It is Allah who has created the universe
most appropriately. He initiates creation according to His Amr (as explained in 2/117) every
word of His is the truth. He has complete control over His creation. He
infuses life into inanimate forms. He has knowledge of both the seen and
the unseen and He is the Wise, the Cognisant. (75) The struggle between right and wrong is not a new phenomenon.
All Anbia have been confronted
with it for instance, in the case of Abraham it originated within his own
family. Abraham said to his father Azar “You carve an idol out of stone
and then make it into a god. I see that you and your people are in
manifest error.” (76-80) Abraham’s people used to worship heavenly bodies and invited him to associate with them. This induced him to reflect upon the working of these bodies to become certain of his own beliefs which differed from those of his people. When night spread its darkness over him, he beheld a star. He asked his people “Is this the one you want me to accept as my Rabb.” When the star set, he said to them: “I cannot accept as god anything which changes.” When he beheld the moon shining, he asked the same question, and when it set he said “I cannot accept the one which changes, as my Rabb. If my Rabb had not guided me I would have been one of those who had gone astray.” Then when he beheld the sun shining he asked his people “Do you ask me to worship the sun because it is the greatest?”. But when the sun also set, he said: “O my people I dissociate myself from you in taking such objects as my god. With single-mindedness, I turn my face towards Allah who brought the universe into existence out of nothingness, and I am not from amongst the Mushrikeen.” (81-83) His people still disputed
with him. Abraham asked them “Do you dispute with me in respect of Allah who has guided me to the
right path? “His people asked him to be fearful of their gods whom he
repudiated lest they harm him. He answered: “I am not afraid of your gods
whose power to hurt me has not been warranted by Allah. Allah’s knowledge encompasses all
things. Will you then not reflect? You are the ones who should be fearful
because without any authority you set up peers to Allah. Which of our ways, then,
leads to peace? If you only knew! those who believe in Allah do not mix their Ei’man with Zulm. For them is peace and they
are on the right path.” (84) These were the arguments which We had given to Abraham to use
against his people. This is how We raised the ranks of people according to
Our measures. Surely your Rabb
is both Wise and Knowing. (85-87) We gave to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Each of them We had guided as We had guided Noah and his descendants. Similarly, We had guided David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron. Nabuwwat was bestowed upon them by Allah and they were compensated for the good lives they led. Also Nabuwwat was bestowed upon Zacharias, John, Jesus, Elias. They were all S’aliheen. Ishm’ael, Elisha, Jonah and Lot We favoured above the rest of mankind. (88) And We also guided a right some of their fathers, offspring and brethren. We favoured them and guided them to the straight path. (89) This is the right path prescribed by Allah which any human being may
follow. But if they join other paths with this one, then all their actions
will be rendered waste. (90) The Anbia mentioned
earlier are those to whom Allah
had given the code of laws, the authority to enforce these laws and Nabuwwat (3/78). The Quran contains all the original
teachings of the previous scriptures. If the Ahl-ul-Kit’ab reject the Quran, it will not harm the Quran in any way. We have
entrusted it to a people who do not reject it (35/32). (91) The Anbia mentioned
earlier are those whom Allah
had guided. The same guidance has now been bestowed on you O Rasool which you should follow
yourself and also invite others to do so. Tell those whom you invite to
follow this path that you ask no recompense for it. This guidance is open
to all mankind and is not anyone’s preserve. (92) Those who reject revelation on the ground that it has been
sent down to a human being like themselves do not form an accurate or fair
estimation of Allah - as is His
due (39/67). Ask them: “Who revealed the Book which Moses presented to
them and Moses was also a human being. That Book contained Light and
Guidance for humanity. You transferred it upon various parchments
revealing some parts of it but concealing the rest although the entire
Book contained those truths which neither you nor your fathers
knew.”
O Rasool tell them that
this Book has been revealed by Allah as the Book given to Moses
was revealed by Him. Tell them this and then leave them to their vain
quibbling or word-play. (93) This is the most blessed Book which We have now sent to you
which validates those truths that were contained in previous scriptures.
To start with, through this Book, you may warn those who dwell in or
around Makkah. Those who
believe in the life hereafter will believe in it truly. They will
safe-guard the Niz’am-us-Sal’at. (94) Who can be more Z’alim than the one who invents a
lie against Allah, or one who
claims that he has received revelation from Allah whereas he has received
none; or one who says that he can produce the like of what Allah has revealed?
Just imagine what the situation would be when the Z’alimeen are in the throes of death
and the Malaika stretch forth
their hands saying: “Yield up your life (“Nafs”). This day you will be
recompensed with a humiliating chastisement for imputing to Allah what was false and for
rejecting Allah’s laws
arrogantly.” (95) And Allah will say:
“You have left behind all that was yours e.g. all that you possessed and
your intercessors whom you assumed would help you in your affairs. Indeed,
all your ties have been severed and you have come to us all alone with
your individuality with which you were created and all your fancies would
have forsaken you.” (96) As regards life after death, it may be explained through an
example. A seed - grain or a date-stone appears to be lifeless but it
contains a life-germ which, given appropriate conditions, bursts forth
into a living plant. The plant, in turn, bears ears of corn. Each grain of
corn is again a source of life. This is how Allah brings forth the living from
the dead and the dead from the living.
This is your Allah.
Whither do you then render seeking other deities? (97) He causes the dawn to burst forth to enter in the day and has
devised the night for rest and the sun and moon for computing time. These
are the measures ordained by Allah who is Mighty and
Knowing. (98) It is He who has designed the stars in such a way that you may be guided by them in the darkness of the land and the sea. Thus We have made Our laws clear to those who understand. (99) It is He who has created you
out of a single life-cell (4/1). In the process of evolution, life pauses
for a while until it acquires the capacity to reach a higher plane to
which it is entrusted for further development. Thus We have made Our plans
clear to those who are thoughtful. (100) It is He who sends down rain
through which He brings forth buds of all plants, green foliage, packed
ears of corn, palm-trees with branches overhanging with dates and gardens
of grapes, olives, pomegranates - alike and unlike. Reflect on how these
fruits grow and ripen. In this plan of Ours are signs for those who
believe in Divine laws. (101) Yet these people believe that
Allah alone is incapable of
administering the order of the universe and associate other unseen forces
which He has created, with Him. Out of ignorance they also falsely ascribe
sons and daughters to Him. He is far above all that they attribute to
Him. (102) There are those who believe
that Allah has a son. Reflect
deeply over this. Allah brought
all universe into existence from nothingness. This was obviously not
subject to the law of causation. Once the universe had been created,
however, this law came into operation. The law relating to procreation
requires the cohabitation of male and female. How could Allah have a son when He has no
wife? This is being said by Allah who has created everything
and knows everything. (103) This is Allah - your Rabb - other than whom there is no
authority, Creator of all things. Therefore, you should obey His - and
only His - laws and remember that He is the Protector of all. (104) He cannot be comprehended by
vision but He comprehends everything. He is the All-Subtle and the
All-Aware. (105) Your Rabb has revealed the truth
clearly. Whoever reflects on it, will do so to his own advantage. On the
other hand, those who choose to remain blind to it, will do so to their
own disadvantage. Remember I am not your keeper to force you to
reflect. (106) We have made the truth so
clear in diverse ways that those who reflect on it, exclaim: “You have (O
Rasool) indeed separated the
grain from the chaff.” In this way we have made it manifest to a people
who are disposed to understand. (107) O Rasool you should follow that
which has been revealed to you from Allah, other than whom there is no
authority, and remain aloof from the Mushrikeen. (108) If it had been a part of Allah’s plan that none should be a Mushrik, He would not have endowed human beings with free will. This is why we have not appointed you a guardian over them or responsible for their conduct. (109) The deities whom these people
associate with Allah are no
doubt false ones. This does not mean, however, that you may revile Allah in retaliation. They adhere
to their beliefs because they seem fair to them. The nature of their deeds
will become clear to them on the Day of Reckoning. (110) The Mushrikeen swear by Allah as solemnly as they can that
if a miracle is shown to them they would certainly believe in its import.
Tell them “It is not beyond Allah’s power to show miracles but
it is not His plan to do so.” The fact is that they will not believe even
if a miracle is shown to them. (111) When this truth was revealed to them earlier, instead of reflecting upon it, they had rejected it outright due to their prejudice, so this time too, they will not believe it and Our law is that We keep their hearts and their eyes turned (away from the truth) and let them loose in their overweening arrogance, blindly stumbling to-and-fro (2/15). (112) (Hypothetically speaking)
even it We were to send down angels to them or if the dead were to speak
to them or if We were to bring together everything face to face with them,
they would not believe. Reflection upon Allah’s laws is a prerequisite to
belief and these people will not do this as most of them are
uncouth. (113) O Rasool this is nothing new.
Whenever a Rasool came to them,
enemies from amongst the Jinn
and the Ins stood up against
them and conferred with each other to frame gilded lies so as to delude
people from the right path. As already stated (6/108) it was not a part of
Allah’s plan to compel people
to follow the right path. So you should leave them to their own
devices. (114) Their purpose in fabricating
lies is not to reform the people but to incline the hearts of those who do
not believe in the hereafter, towards them so that the latter would agree
with what the former say and do. They also let them earn in whatever
manner they like, so that they do not question or check the ways of the
former. (115) O Rasool ask them: “Do you want that
I should seek an authority other than Allah when He has sent down for
you the Book which states everything clearly. Those who have accepted this
Book have understood clearly that it has been revealed by Allah and is based upon the truth.
There is no need to dispute with them.” (116) Allah’s laws based on truth and
justice have been set forth in this Book in a complete form. None has the
authority to make any change in these laws (18/27). This is because this
Book has been sent down by Allah who hears and knows
everything. (117) O Rasool, if you were to follow the
majority in the land, they would lead you astray from the path of Allah. They simply follow their
own surmises and indulge in conjectures. (118) Your Rabb certainly knows best who has
strayed from the right path and those who are rightly -
guided. (119-120) Reverting to the subject
of Har’am and Hal’al, you should eat only that meat
on which Allah’s name has been
pronounced at the time of the animal’s slaughter, if you are true
believers in His laws. When Allah has made the Hal’al and Har’am clear to you (5/3) except when
you are driven by starvation (5/3, 6/146), who can declare to be Har’am that which Allah has made Hal’al and over which His name has
been pronounced? Many a people who follow their own baser desires will try
to mislead you through lack of knowledge. Allah knows well who wilfully
transgresses His laws. (121) Allah’s laws which relate to
concrete matters must be obeyed in accordance with the formal requirements
prescribed by the Quran. But
that is not all. The purpose underlying those laws must not be overlooked.
Thus the outward and the inward aspects of obedience to Allah’s laws must be harmonised.
Those who do not do so will reap the consequences of their
doings. (122) Do not eat the meat of those
animals who have been slaughtered without the name of Allah being pronounced over them.
This is against Allah’s laws.
The leaders of the opposition are ever - instigating their companions to
wrangle with you. If you yield to them you will be reckoned amongst the Mushrikeen. (123) O Jama’at-ul-Momineen, compare your
position with that of your opponents by means of an example. On the one
have there is a dead person whom Allah has brought back to life and
given a light so that he can follow the right path himself and also to
show this light to others to enable them to follow the right path. On the
other hand, there is a person steeped in darkness who does not care to
come out of it. Can the two persons be alike? But thus it is! The deeds of
those who deny the truth seem attractive to them. (124) Thus, amongst every people
there are ring - leaders who scheme against those who ask them to follow
the right path but their schemes invariably recoil upon them. They are,
however, not aware of this. (125) Whenever, revelation is
presented to them, they say “We will not believe until the revelation is
sent to us directly as it is sent to the Rasool.” Allah knows best to whom the
revelation is to be sent. At first they will be confronted with calamities
of lesser magnitude as a result of their wrong doings. If they do not
change their course of action, they will then face greater chastisement
for the schemes they were planning. (126) (Such type of parties exist
since olden times, i.e. those who accept the truth and those who oppose it
- and all this happens according to the Divine Law.) The law is that
who-ever, leaving aside bias and prejudice, becomes broad-minded, his
heart opens to understand the truth of Islam and the straight path becomes
clear to him. And he, who keeps his mind closed, his bosom becomes tight
and constricted. To him accepting the truth becomes as difficult as if he
was climbing up the skies gasping.
Those who do not reflect upon the truth remain confused and thus
cannot believe. (127-128) O Rasool this is the straight path
ordained by your Rabb. Surely,
We have made Our revelation clear for people who are heedful. For them
there shall be an abode of peace with their Rabb, who shall be near to them as
a result of what they had been doing. (129) On the Day of Reckoning Allah shall gather Jinn and Ins together. He will say to the
Jinn: “You have exploited the
Ins a good deal.” And those
among the Ins who were their
votaries will say “O our Rabb
we had indeed used each other in our opposition to the truth until We
reached the end of our term which you had devised according to your laws.”
Allah will reply, “Your abode
is Jahannam in which you will
have to dwell, unless Allah
wills it otherwise. And He does not change His laws* All this is
accordance within Allah’s law
of Mukaf’at who is the Wise the
Knowing.” (130) This is how different parties
of Z’alimeen co-operate with each other
in their opposition to the truth and eventually face the same dire
consequences. (131) (On that day Allah will also ask them) “O group
of Jinn and Ins did the Rusul not arise from amongst you
announcing My laws and warning you of the consequences of violating them?”
They will answer: “We bear witness against our own - selves.” Indeed, the
false attraction of worldly gains deluded them. So they will bear witness
against themselves that they had been denying the truth. (132) O Rasool, We have narrated all this
to you to show you that it is not Allah’s way to destroy people
arbitrarily before they are duly warned. (133) Allah’s law is that everyone is
assigned a position according to his deeds of which Allah is not unaware. (134-135) Allah is not dependent upon any
particular people for the establishment of His Niz’am. It is His Rahmat to provide opportunities of
development to all people. In this way He has given you an opportunity for
development. If you do not avail of it, He will put you away and cause
another people to take your place as He raised you from the progeny of
others.
This is Allah’s law of
succession and substitution of nations (9/38-39, 5/54, 21/11-15, 47/38 and
70/40-41). What We say is not an idle threat. It will certainly come to
pass and you cannot thwart Him. (136) O Rasool tell your people “You may
do whatever you choose; I will not interfere. On the other hand, do not
interfere in My programme. The results will soon show to whom success will
eventually belong. Allah’s law
is that Z’alimeen can never
prosper.” (137) How can those people
succeed against you who are grossly superstitious? They assign to Allah from the tilth and cattle
that He has produce a portion and say: “This is for Allah - so deem they - and the
other portion is for those whom we associate with Him.” That which they
assign to Allah’s associates is
taken away by them so it does not reach Him. And that which is assigned to
Allah is also taken away by
them on the assurance that they will have it sent to Allah. In this way the portion
assigned to Allah as well as
the other, are both taken away by the priest (and nothing reaches the
deserving people). Look! how clever is their settlement. (138) Their settlement is not
confined to tilth and cattle. They believe that if they sacrifice their
children it will please those whom they associate with Allah. Obviously this is a most
barbarous act. Still it seems fair to them.
As already stated, if it had been Allah’s plan not to bestow upon
mankind the freedom of will and choice, these people would not have
indulged in such superstitions. Allah will not compel them to
adopt the right course. Therefore leave them alone to their own devices.
They will not listen to your advice. (139) The matter does not end here.
They set aside a part from amongst their cattle and tilth and say “None
shall partake of it except those to whom we may offer it according to our
belief.” They also say “Such and such are the cattle which are not to be
used for load - bearing and such and such are the cattle on which the name
of Allah is not to be
pronounced at the time of their slaughter.”
These are mere fabrications against Allah. Soon, they will be
confronted with the consequences of such fabrications. (140) And they further say
“Whatever is in the womb of our cattle, if born alive will be reserved for
our men and forbidden to our women. But if it is stillborn then all may
partake of it.”
Allah will recompense
them for their fabrications. Certainly, He is Wise and Knowing. (141) Those who kill their children
foolishly in ignorance and declare to be Har’am what Allah has made Hal’al and thus invent a lie against
Him, will be the losers. Certainly, they have gone astray and are not
following the right path. (142) Allah has produced means of
subsistence for His creation. He has produced gardens with and without
trellises, palm - trees, corn of different kinds, olives and pomegranates
- fruits which are similar yet different. O mankind partake of them when
they ripen. On the day that the harvest is gathered meet your requirements
and give the rest to the Niz’am-e-Rabubiyyat for meeting the
needs of others (2/129). Do not keep more than that for yourselves. Allah does not like those who do
so. (143) Allah has created cattle for your
use. Some of them are meant for carrying a burden while some are for food.
Eat of what Allah has provided
for you for food and do not follow in the footsteps of Shait’an as he is your declared
enemy. (144) (For food you usually have
eight animals; two pairs of sheep and two pairs of goats.) Ask the Mushrikeen “Has Allah forbidden to you the two
males or the two females of the two pairs? Or has He forbidden to you that
which the two females carry in their wombs?”. Ask them as to what is the
authority for their belief if they speak the truth. (145) Then there are two pairs of
camels and oxen. Ask these Mushrikeen: “Has Allah forbidden to you the two
males or the two females of the two pairs? Or has He forbidden to you that
which the two females carry in their wombs. Were you present when Allah gave this commandment?” Who
is a greater Z’alim than one who invents such a
lie about Allah to lead people
astray without knowledge. Remember Allah’s law is that Z’alimeen cannot follow the right
path. (146) Tell them: “I do not find in
that what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one
who wants to eat it - except (1) carrion, (2) flowing blood, (3) the flesh
of swine and (4) that which has been dedicated to someone other than Allah. Eating of such things stops
the growth of Self and leads one to wrongful ways.” “However, if one is faced with a situation when he can find
nothing else to eat except the above and his life is threatened then he
can partake of what has been declared to be Har’am provided he is driven to it by
starvation and not out of greed or the desire to violate Divine laws (5/3,
2/173).” One who adheres to Allah’s laws will find Him to be
both Protector and Nourisher. (147) We had forbidden to the Jews
every beast with claws and the fat of the ox and the sheep except the fat
which is on their backs or their entrails or that which sticks to their
bones. This was a punishment for their rebellion against the Divine Laws
(although these things in themselves were not unlawful as a food). What Allah says is certainly the truth
(4/160). (148) Allah’s Book (Quran) has declared these
forbidden things to be lawful. If the Jews do not accept this it means
that they do not want that their punishment should cease and deny
themselves Allah’s Rahmat. Who can help those who
wish to remain guilt - ridden? (149) The Mushrikeen say: “If Allah had so desired, neither we
nor our ancestors would have committed Shirk or regarded anything as Har’am of our own accord.” This is
nothing new. The people before them also declared Allah’s revelation to be false
until they tasted the fruits of their deeds. O Rasool, say: “Have you any
authority against us? If you have, produce it. You follow your own
conjectures and do nothing but only indulge in speculations.” (150) Say: “To Allah belongs the argument which
is self-evident and, therefore, conclusive. Had it been Allah’s plan that all mankind
should follow the right path, He would have created them without freedom
of the will and choice.” (151) Say to them: “Bring those
witnesses from amongst you who can testify to your assertion that Allah had forbidden these things
to you.” If the witnesses come-forth ask them to produce Allah’s authority for what they
say. If they do not produce such authority you should not accept their
evidence. You should not follow the base desire of those people who
declare Our laws to be false, and do not believe in the hereafter. They,
in fact, set up peers to Allah. (152-153) Say: Come, I will tell
you what your Rabb has made
binding on you: 1. You should not adulterate Him with anyone; 2. You should not deny your children the opportunity for development out of fear of want. Our Niz’am-e-Rabubiyyat is responsible for providing for you as well as for your children; 3. You should not get anywhere close to indecency - either in thought or in action, be it open or secret; 4. Do not take any human being’s life - the life which Allah has sanctified - otherwise than in pursuit of justice. Allah has enjoined this upon you so that you may learn to use your reason. Allah further says: 5. You should not touch the property of those left unprotected e.g. the orphans, except when you are required to expend something for their betterment, until they are of age; 6. You should, when required to say something in a disputed manner, speak justly even if your own relatives are involved in the matter; 7.
You should fulfil your commitments and promises, since they are not
made with one another but are in fact, made with Allah.
Allah has enjoined all
these upon you so that you may always keep them in mind.
You should not regard these laws as undue restrictions imposed on
you. In fact by obeying these laws the human personality is broadened
(2/286 with footnote). (154) This is the straight path
devised by Allah. You should
follow it and never think of following other paths. If you do the latter
it will divert you from Allah’s
path. These laws He has enjoined upon you so that you may become Muttaqi. (155) Before this We had also given
Moses a Book in fulfilment of Our promise to those who wanted to lead a
righteous life; it contained clear instructions. This Book was a Guidance
and Rahmat so that they may
become certain of the law of Mukaf’at. (156) And now We have sent down
this blessed Book. So follow it and be heedful of Allah’s laws so that you may
become worthy of Allah’s Rahmat. (157-158) O People of Arabia, this
Book has been sent down to you so that you may not say “Earlier Book had
been sent down to the Jews and Christians which we were unable to
understand.” Or say “Had a Book been sent down to us we would have
followed its guidance better than them.” Now, a clear exposition (which is guidance and Rahmat) has come down to you from your Rabb. Who can be more Z’alim than he who treats such a Book as a lie and turns away from it? Remember, those who turn away from Allah’s laws will soon face severe chastisement for their turning away. (159) Ask them as to what they are
waiting for. They are perhaps waiting for Malaika to come down to them or
for Allah Himself or for
miracles. Professing Ei’man after witnessing the above
will be of no avail to those who have not believed in Allah before that, nor have done
any good deeds in pursuance of their beliefs.
O Rasool, tell them:
“You wait and along with you we will also wait to see what happens to
you.” (160) Deen is one way to be followed by
a united Ummah. Those who
create differences in the Deen
and divide themselves into sects, O Rasool, you should have nothing to
do with them. Their affairs will be decided according to the laws of Allah Who will make them realise
what they had been doing. (161) Whoever does any good deed
will be recompensed for it ten-fold; on the other hand, whoever does
anything wrong will be requited exactly according to the nature of the
wrong committed by him and thus no Zulm is done to him (16/126,
42/40). (162) Say: “Allah has guided me to the
straight and balanced path through an ever true Deen which was lso followed by
Abraham who turned away from all that was false and was certainly not of
the Mushrikeen.” (163-164) Say: “My Sal’at and the means which I adopt to
establish its system; in short - my living and dying - are all for the
cause of Allah, the Rabb of the entire Universe, who
has no partner. Thus have I been commanded and I am the first to submit to
the commandment.” (165) Say: “Do you wish that I
should seek a Rabb other than
Allah who is the Rabb of all and everything? His
law of Mukaf’at is that no one else shall be
responsible for what he does except his own self and no one shall be made
to bear another’s burden. Everyone will have to fulfil his own
responsibility and all affairs will be judged according to the law of Allah who will make clear to them
wherein they differed.” (166) You have attained power in
the land according to the law of succession of nations. Now it will be
seen as to how you exercise this power (10/14). This will determine your
place in the history of nations. Allah is swift in reckoning but is
also Protector and Nourisher.
***********************************************
* The Quranic style is that wherever ‘Insha-Allah’ comes after ‘Illa’ it means that nothing contrary would happen to whatever has been said before. See Lugh’at-al-Quran Vol. IV page 1618 under Noon-Seen-Ye. |