Bees
An-Naḥl
النَّحل
LEARNING POINTS
Allah has created many things to serve us so we can serve Him alone.
The idol-worshippers are criticized for failing to give thanks for Allah's favours, making idols equal to Allah, denying life after death, and claiming that the Quran was made up by the Prophet (ﷺ).
Allah could have forced everyone to believe, but He wants people to choose freely. In the Next Life, everyone will be paid back for their choices.
The wicked challenge Allah in this life, but they will regret it on Judgment Day when it will be too late.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) is mentioned at the end of this surah as a role model who was always grateful to Allah.
The Prophet (ﷺ) is instructed to have patience and to invite everyone to the Way of Allah with wisdom and good advice.
SIDE STORY
As a young student at Al-Azhar, I completed the memorization of the Quran at the age of 12. Some surahs like Yusuf and Al-Kahf were easy to memorize because they are mainly made up of stories. Other surahs were a bit more challenging. Surah 16 was probably the most difficult one for me to memorize. First, it doesn't have stories. Second, it seemed to me that every few verses speak about a completely different topic. A few verses speak about animals, some about revelations, some about bees, and others about clothes, and so on. To be honest, I didn't know what these topics had in common. Later, when I grew older and studied tafsir, I had a light bulb moment and everything started to make sense to me. I realized that this surah has one main topic: Allah's favours upon humanity. Every few verses cover some of Allah's blessings. As a matter of fact, this surah mentions more favours than any other surah in the Quran. This is why it is called the 'Chapter of Blessings.'
WORDS OF WISDOM
As we mentioned in Surah 31, there are many ways to thank Allah for His favours upon us:
• Reminding ourselves of those blessings, perhaps by writing some of them down.
• Keeping in mind that all these blessings are from Allah (16:53).
• Imagining our lives without some of those blessings (What if I couldn't see or hear? What if I couldn't talk or walk?).
• Believing that Allah deserves our thanks and worship. This is why we say Surah Al-Fatihah at least 17 times every day in our salah, starting with "All praise is for Allah—Lord of the whole universe."
• Being grateful in good times and patient in difficult times. If you thank Allah, He will give you more to be thankful for. But if you keep whining, He will give you more to whine about (14:7).
• Using our strength to help others, not to abuse them. Using our tongues to say the truth, not to lie. Using our knowledge to benefit people, not to trick them.
• Knowing that the One Who gave us these blessings can easily take them away.
SIDE STORY
The Prophet (ﷺ) said that there were 3 poor men who lived a long time ago. One of them had a skin condition, the other lost his hair, and the third was blind. Allah sent an angel to test them with blessings. The angel came to the first one and asked if he had a wish. The man said that he wished to have healthy skin. So the angel wiped his hand over him and the man was cured. He also gave him a pregnant camel and prayed to Allah to bless it for him. Then the angel went to the second one and asked if he had a wish. The man said that he wished to have hair. So the angel wiped his hand over him and his hair grew back. He also gave him a pregnant cow and prayed to Allah to bless it for him. Then the angel came to the third one and asked if he had a wish. The man said that he wished to see again. So the angel wiped his hand over him and the man was able to see. He also gave him a pregnant sheep and prayed to Allah to bless it for him. Over the years, the camel, cow, and sheep grew into big flocks. Later, the angel came to the first one in the form of a poor man with a skin condition and begged, "I ask you by the One Who cured your skin condition and blessed you with many camels to give me just one camel!" The man was very rude to him. He bragged, "I've always been rich and never had a skin condition." The angel replied, "If you are lying, may Allah return you to the way you were." Then the angel came to the second one in the form of a poor man who lost his hair and begged, "I ask you by the One Who gave you hair and blessed you with many cows to give me just one cow." The man was very rude to him. He bragged, "I've always been rich with beautiful hair." The angel replied, "If you are lying, may Allah return you to the way you were." Then the angel came to the third one in the form of a poor, blind man and begged, "I ask you by the One Who gave you eyesight and blessed you with many sheep to give me just one sheep." The man was very nice to him. He said, "Yes, I was blind, and Allah blessed me with eyesight. So, take whatever you want." The angel replied, "Keep your sheep. This was all a test. Allah is pleased with you. And the other two men are doomed." {Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim}
WORDS OF WISDOM
Allah has blessed us with so many favours, but many people fail to give thanks to Him. Everything has been created to serve us so that we can serve our Creator. The sky provides rain, the earth provides plants, animals provide meat and milk, oceans provide fish and pearls, birds provide eggs, bees provide honey, trees provide fruits, and so on. Not only did the idol-worshippers fail to be grateful to Allah, they also used the things that He blessed them with to disobey Him.
If Allah gave them fruits (like grapes), they turned those fruits into alcohol. If He gave them children, some of them buried their daughters alive. If He gave them food, they offered it to their idols. They used their tongues to spread lies about Islam. They used their authority to abuse Muslims.
WORDS OF WISDOM
If someone is always generous to you and gives you everything you need, will you thank them and obey them if they ask you to do something good? Of course! Why do people treat Allah differently, even though He created them and blessed them with health, wealth, children, and resources? Is it because they don't want to follow rules? But they follow the rules set by others all the time.
They stop at red lights. They pay their taxes. They fasten their seatbelt when the plane takes off. They open their mouth wide when they go to the dentist. They fill out a certain application to get a passport. They stick to the speed limit when they drive. They wear a mask when required, like they did during the Covid-19 pandemic. They take off their shoes for airport security. They follow work guidelines. They don't smoke at certain places.
Most people follow these rules with no questions asked. But when their Creator asks them to do or avoid certain things for their own good, they protest and argue, "Why? We are not slaves! We are free to do whatever we want. Nobody can tell us what to do!"
WARNING OF JUDGMENT
1The command of Allah is set to come, so do not try to speed it up. He is praised and honoured high above whatever 'idols' they make equal to Him.
أَتَىٰٓ أَمۡرُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَسۡتَعۡجِلُوهُۚ سُبۡحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشۡرِكُونَ1
ALLAH'S FAVOURS: GUIDANCE
2He sends down the angels with reve-lation by His command to whoever He wants of His servants, 'ordering:' 'Warn 'humanity' that there is no god that de-serves worship' except Me, so keep Me in mind.'
يُنَزِّلُ ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ بِٱلرُّوحِ مِنۡ أَمۡرِهِۦ عَلَىٰ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦٓ أَنۡ أَنذِرُوٓاْ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱتَّقُونِ2
FAVOUR 2) THE HEAVENS & EARTH
3He created the heavens and the earth for a purpose. He is honoured high above whatever 'false gods' they make equal to Him.
خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ بِٱلۡحَقِّۚ تَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشۡرِكُونَ3
FAVOUR 3) CREATION OF HUMANS
4He created people from a human seed, and now-behold!-they clearly chal-lenge 'Him'.
خَلَقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِن نُّطۡفَةٖ فَإِذَا هُوَ خَصِيمٞ مُّبِينٞ4
FAVOUR 4) ANIMALS
5And He created the cattle for you as a source of warmth, food, and 'many oth-er' benefits. 6They are also pleasing to you when you bring them home and when you take them out to feed. 7And they carry your loads to distant' lands which you could not reach without great hardship. Surely your Lord is always Kind and Most Merciful. 8'He also cre-ated' horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and for style. And He creates what you do not know.
وَٱلۡأَنۡعَٰمَ خَلَقَهَاۖ لَكُمۡ فِيهَا دِفۡءٞ وَمَنَٰفِعُ وَمِنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ 5وَلَكُمۡ فِيهَا جَمَالٌ حِينَ تُرِيحُونَ وَحِينَ تَسۡرَحُونَ 6وَتَحۡمِلُ أَثۡقَالَكُمۡ إِلَىٰ بَلَدٖ لَّمۡ تَكُونُواْ بَٰلِغِيهِ إِلَّا بِشِقِّ ٱلۡأَنفُسِۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمۡ لَرَءُوفٞ رَّحِيمٞ 7وَٱلۡخَيۡلَ وَٱلۡبِغَالَ وَٱلۡحَمِيرَ لِتَرۡكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةٗۚ وَيَخۡلُقُ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ8
FAVOUR 5) THE WAY OF ISLAM
9It is the duty of Allah to show the Right Way. Other ways are misguided. If He wanted, He could have easily forced guidance upon all of you.
وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ قَصۡدُ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمِنۡهَا جَآئِرٞۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ9
FAVOUR 6) FOOD AND WATER
10He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky, from which you drink and by which plants grow for you to feed your cattle. 11With it He produces for you different' crops, olives, date trees, grapes, and every type of fruit. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءٗۖ لَّكُم مِّنۡهُ شَرَابٞ وَمِنۡهُ شَجَرٞ فِيهِ تُسِيمُونَ 10يُنۢبِتُ لَكُم بِهِ ٱلزَّرۡعَ وَٱلزَّيۡتُونَ وَٱلنَّخِيلَ وَٱلۡأَعۡنَٰبَ وَمِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ11
FAVOUR 7) THE HEAVENS
12And He has put the day and the night, the sun and the moon at your service, and the stars serve you by His command. Surely in this are signs for those who un-derstand.
وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ وَٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَۖ وَٱلنُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَٰتُۢ بِأَمۡرِهِۦٓۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَعۡقِلُونَ12
FAVOUR 8) OTHER CREATION
13And the same is true for all types of things He has created on earth to serve you. Surely in this is a sign for those who keep things in mind.
وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُخۡتَلِفًا أَلۡوَٰنُهُۥٓۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَذَّكَّرُونَ13
FAVOUR 9) SEAS
14And He is the One WVho has put the sea at your service, so from it you may eat tender seafood and extract pearls to wear. And you see the ships sailing through it, so you may seek His blessings and give thanks 'to Him'.
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي سَخَّرَ ٱلۡبَحۡرَ لِتَأۡكُلُواْ مِنۡهُ لَحۡمٗا طَرِيّٗا وَتَسۡتَخۡرِجُواْ مِنۡهُ حِلۡيَةٗ تَلۡبَسُونَهَاۖ وَتَرَى ٱلۡفُلۡكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ14
FAVOUR 10) NATURAL WONDERS
15He has put into the earth stable moun-tains so it does not shake under you, as well as rivers, and pathways so you may find your way. 16Also by landmarks and stars people find their way.
وَأَلۡقَىٰ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ رَوَٰسِيَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِكُمۡ وَأَنۡهَٰرٗا وَسُبُلٗا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَهۡتَدُونَ 15وَعَلَٰمَٰتٖۚ وَبِٱلنَّجۡمِ هُمۡ يَهۡتَدُونَ16
WORDS OF WISDOM
As we mentioned in Surah 95, even though idol-worship doesn't make any sense, many people have worshipped idols throughout history.
We need to understand that humans are religious by their very nature. This means that they need to believe in something, whether it makes sense or not.
However, many people don't like religious duties, such as praying, fasting, and paying zakah. This is why it's very convenient for those people to worship idols, knowing that those statues would never ask them to do anything.
Allah is the only One Who created us and so He alone has the right to be worshipped. He always criticizes the idol-worshippers, telling them that those useless idols:
• Are lifeless and can't create anything. They themselves are carved by people.
• Haven't asked anyone to worship them. They can't even speak.
• Can't hear their prayers or even answer them.
• Can't benefit those who worship them or harm those who don't.
• Can't help their worshippers on Judgment Day.
ALLAH OR POWERLESS IDOLS?
17Can the One Who creates be equal to those who do not? Will you not then come back to your senses? 18If you tried to coount Alah's blessings, you would never be able to number them. Surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 19And Allah knows what you hide and what you show. 20But those idols' they call besides Allah cannot create anything-they themselves are created. 21They are dead, not alivenot even knowing when their worshippers will be brought back to life, 22Your God is 'only' One God. As for those who do not believe in the Next Life, their hearts are in denial, and they are too proud. 23Without a doubt, Allah knows what they hide and what they show. He certainly does not like those who are too proud.
أَفَمَن يَخۡلُقُ كَمَن لَّا يَخۡلُقُۚ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ 17وَإِن تَعُدُّواْ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحۡصُوهَآۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَغَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ 18وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعۡلِنُونَ 19وَٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَخۡلُقُونَ شَيۡٔٗا وَهُمۡ يُخۡلَقُونَ 20أَمۡوَٰتٌ غَيۡرُ أَحۡيَآءٖۖ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ أَيَّانَ يُبۡعَثُونَ 21إِلَٰهُكُمۡ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞۚ فَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مُّنكِرَةٞ وَهُم مُّسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ 22جَرَمَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعۡلِنُونَۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُسۡتَكۡبِرِينَ23
PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED
24When they are asked, 'What has your Lord revealed?' They say, 'Fairy tales!' 25Let them carry their full burdens on Judgment Day as well as some of the burdens of those they mislead without knowledge. How horrible is what they will carry! 26Surely, those before them had set up evil plans, but Allah hit the foundation of their structure, so the roof collapsed on top of them, and the pun-ishment came upon them from where they never expected. 27Then on Judg-ment Day He will humiliate them and say, 'Where are My partners that you used to fight for?' Those gifted with knowledge will say, 'All shame and misery is on the disbelievers Today.' 28When the angels take the souls of those wronging them-selves, they will 'immediately' surrender 'and say, 'We did not do any evil.''They will be told,' 'Yes you did! Allah fully knows what you have done. 29So enter the gates of Hel, to stay there forever. What a horrible home for the arrogant!'
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُم مَّاذَآ أَنزَلَ رَبُّكُمۡ قَالُوٓاْ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ 24لِيَحۡمِلُوٓاْ أَوۡزَارَهُمۡ كَامِلَةٗ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ وَمِنۡ أَوۡزَارِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُضِلُّونَهُم بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٍۗ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ 25قَدۡ مَكَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَىٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ 26٢٦ ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَكَآءِيَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَٰٓقُّونَ فِيهِمۡۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡيَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ 27ٱلَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِيٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡۖ فَأَلۡقَوُاْ ٱلسَّلَمَ مَا كُنَّا نَعۡمَلُ مِن سُوٓءِۢۚ بَلَىٰٓۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ 28فَٱدۡخُلُوٓاْ أَبۡوَٰبَ جَهَنَّمَ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَاۖ فَلَبِئۡسَ مَثۡوَى ٱلۡمُتَكَبِّرِينَ29
REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL
30And 'when' it is said to those who keep Allah in mind, 'What has your Lord revealed?' They say, 'All the best!' For those who do good in this world, there is goodness. But the 'eternal' Home of the Next Life is far better. How excellent is the home of the faithful: 31the Gardens of Eternity which they will enter, under which rivers flow. There they will have whatever they wish for. This is how Allah rewards the faithful 32those who are in a state of goodness when their souls are taken by the angels, saying 'to them', 'Peace be upon you! Enter Jannah for what you have done!'
وَقِيلَ لِلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ مَاذَآ أَنزَلَ رَبُّكُمۡۚ قَالُواْ خَيۡرٗاۗ لِّلَّذِينَ أَحۡسَنُواْ فِي هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةٞۚ وَلَدَارُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ خَيۡرٞۚ وَلَنِعۡمَ دَارُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ 30جَنَّٰتُ عَدۡنٖ يَدۡخُلُونَهَا تَجۡرِي مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَٰرُۖ لَهُمۡ فِيهَا مَا يَشَآءُونَۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَجۡزِي ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ 31ٱلَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ طَيِّبِينَ يَقُولُونَ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ32
WARNING TO THE WICKED
33Are they just waiting for the angels or your Lord's judgment to come? Those before them did the same thing. Allah never wronged them, but it was they Who wronged themselves. 34So they were hit by the evil 'consequences' of their deeds, and they were shocked by what they used to mock.
هَلۡ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّآ أَن تَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ أَوۡ يَأۡتِيَ أَمۡرُ رَبِّكَۚ كَذَٰلِكَ فَعَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡۚ وَمَا ظَلَمَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓاْ أَنفُسَهُمۡ يَظۡلِمُونَ 33فَأَصَابَهُمۡ سَئَِّاتُ مَا عَمِلُواْ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَهۡزِءُونَ34
FALSE ARGUMENT
35The idol-worshippers argue, 'If Allah wanted, neither we or our fathers would have worshipped anything other than Him or prohibited anything without His permission.' Those before them said the same thing. But what else can the mes-sengers do other than delivering 'the 'message' clearly?
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشۡرَكُواْ لَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا عَبَدۡنَا مِن دُونِهِۦ مِن شَيۡءٖ نَّحۡنُ وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَلَا حَرَّمۡنَا مِن دُونِهِۦ مِن شَيۡءٖۚ كَذَٰلِكَ فَعَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡۚ فَهَلۡ عَلَى ٱلرُّسُلِ إِلَّا ٱلۡبَلَٰغُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ35
SAME FATE
36We surely sent a messenger to ev-ery community, saying, 'Worship Allah and avoid false gods.' But some of them were guided by Allah, while others were doomed to stray. So travel throughout the land and see the fate of the deniers! 37Even though you O Prophet' try hard to guide them, Allah does not guide those He leaves to stray, and they will have no helpers.
وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٖ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ حَقَّتۡ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُۚ فَسِيرُواْ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُكَذِّبِينَ 36إِن تَحۡرِصۡ عَلَىٰ هُدَىٰهُمۡ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِي مَن يُضِلُّۖ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ37
LIFE AFTER DEATH
38They swear by Allah their strongest oaths that Allah will never bring the dead back to life. He will indeed! It is a true promise that He will keep, but most people do not know. 39'He will do that' to make them realize the truth of what they disagreed about, and for the disbe-lievers to know that they were lying, 40If We ever want something to exist, all We say is: 'Be!' And it is!
وَأَقۡسَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ جَهۡدَ أَيۡمَٰنِهِمۡ لَا يَبۡعَثُ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَمُوتُۚ بَلَىٰ وَعۡدًا عَلَيۡهِ حَقّٗا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ 38لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلَّذِي يَخۡتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ وَلِيَعۡلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ كَٰذِبِينَ 39إِنَّمَا قَوۡلُنَا لِشَيۡءٍ إِذَآ أَرَدۡنَٰهُ أَن نَّقُولَ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ40
REWARD OF THE PATIENT
41As for those who emigrated in the cause of Allah after being abused, We will surely bless them with a good home in this world. But the reward of the Next Life is far better, if they only knew. 42They are the ones who have been pa-tient and put their trust in their Lord.
وَٱلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُواْ فِي ٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا ظُلِمُواْ لَنُبَوِّئَنَّهُمۡ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةٗۖ وَلَأَجۡرُ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ أَكۡبَرُۚ لَوۡ كَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ 41ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ42
MESSENGERS ARE NOT ANGELS
43Even before you 'O Prophet', We sent only men inspired by Us. If you 'idol-wor-shippers' do not know 'this already', then ask those who have knowledge. 44'We sent them' with clear proofs and holy books. And We have sent down to you 'O Prophet' the Reminder¹ so that you can explain to people what has been revealed for them, and perhaps they will reflect.
وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالٗا نُّوحِيٓ إِلَيۡهِمۡۖ فَسَۡٔلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلذِّكۡرِ إِن كُنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ 43بِٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِۗ وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلذِّكۡرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ44
Verse 44: The Quran.
WARNING TO THE WICKED
45Do those who make evil plans feel se-cure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them up? Or 'do they feel se-cure' that the punishment will not come upon them in ways they can never imag ine? 46Or 'do they feel secure' that He will not strike them while they are busy, and then they will have no escape? 47Or 'do they feel secure' that He will not de-stroy them little by little? But your Lord is truly Kind and Most Merciful.
أَفَأَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَكَرُواْ ٱلسَّئَِّاتِ أَن يَخۡسِفَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ أَوۡ يَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ 45أَوۡ يَأۡخُذَهُمۡ فِي تَقَلُّبِهِمۡ فَمَا هُم بِمُعۡجِزِينَ 46أَوۡ يَأۡخُذَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ تَخَوُّفٖ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمۡ لَرَءُوفٞ رَّحِيمٌ47
EVERYTHING SUBMITS TO ALLAH
48Do they not see the things that Allah has created-how their shadows turn to the right and the left 'as the sun moves, totally submitting to Allah in all humility? 49All living creatures in the heavens and the earth bow down to Allah,² as do the angels who are not too proud. 50Those angels' fear their Lord above them and do whatever they are commanded.
أَوَ لَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ مِن شَيۡءٖ يَتَفَيَّؤُاْ ظِلَٰلُهُۥ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَٱلشَّمَآئِلِ سُجَّدٗا لِّلَّهِ وَهُمۡ دَٰخِرُونَ 48وَلِلَّهِۤ يَسۡجُدُۤ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِن دَآبَّةٖ وَٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ 49٤٩ يَخَافُونَ رَبَّهُم مِّن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَيَفۡعَلُونَ مَا يُؤۡمَرُونَ ۩50
Verse 49: Meaning they submit to His Will.
WORSHIP ALLAH ALONE
51Allah has ordered, 'Do not take two gods; there is only One God. I am the One you should honour' 52Whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him, and sincere obedience should always be to Him. Will you then fear anyone other than Allah?
وَقَالَ ٱللَّهُ لَا تَتَّخِذُوٓاْ إِلَٰهَيۡنِ ٱثۡنَيۡنِۖ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞ فَإِيَّٰيَ فَٱرۡهَبُونِ 51وَلَهُۥ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَهُ ٱلدِّينُ وَاصِبًاۚ أَفَغَيۡرَ ٱللَّهِ تَتَّقُونَ52
UNGRATEFUL HUMANS
53Whatever blessings you have are from Allah. Then when something bad hap-pens to you, you cry to Him alone for help'. 54Then as soon as He removes that bad thing from you, a group of you makes others equal to their Lord, 55fail-ing to give thanks for Our favours. So en-joy yourselves-you will soon see.
وَمَا بِكُم مِّن نِّعۡمَةٖ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِۖ ثُمَّ إِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فَإِلَيۡهِ تَجَۡٔرُونَ 53ثُمَّ إِذَا كَشَفَ ٱلضُّرَّ عَنكُمۡ إِذَا فَرِيقٞ مِّنكُم بِرَبِّهِمۡ يُشۡرِكُونَ 54لِيَكۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُمۡۚ فَتَمَتَّعُواْ فَسَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ55
OFFERINGS TO THE IDOLS
56And they offer a share of the resourc-es We have given them to those 'idols', which know nothing. By Allah! You will definitely be questioned about these lies.
وَيَجۡعَلُونَ لِمَا لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ نَصِيبٗا مِّمَّا رَزَقۡنَٰهُمۡۗ تَٱللَّهِ لَتُسَۡٔلُنَّ عَمَّا كُنتُمۡ تَفۡتَرُونَ56
ALLAH'S DAUGHTERS?
57And they 'even' made up daughters for Allah-glory be to Him!-the opposite of what they want for themselves.³ 58When-ever one of them is given the 'good' news of a baby girl, his face becomes miserable as he chokes with rage. 59He hides him-self from the people because of the 'bad' news he has received. Should he keep her in disgrace, or bury her 'alive' in the dirt? How wrong is their judgment!⁴ 60All evil qualities apply to those who deny the Next Life, whereas the best qualities belong to Allah. And He is the Almighty and Wise.
وَيَجۡعَلُونَ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡبَنَٰتِ سُبۡحَٰنَهُۥ وَلَهُم مَّا يَشۡتَهُونَ 57وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِٱلۡأُنثَىٰ ظَلَّ وَجۡهُهُۥ مُسۡوَدّٗا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٞ 58يَتَوَٰرَىٰ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ مِن سُوٓءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِهِۦٓۚ أَيُمۡسِكُهُۥ عَلَىٰ هُونٍ أَمۡ يَدُسُّهُۥ فِي ٱلتُّرَابِۗ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ 59لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ مَثَلُ ٱلسَّوۡءِۖ وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡمَثَلُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ60
Verse 57: Some idol-worshippers believed that the angels were Allah's daughters, even though they themselves did not like to have daughters.
Verse 59: Before Islam, some Arabs used to bury their infant daughters alive for fear of shame or poverty, This practice was banned by Islam. See 6:151 and 81:8-9.
SIDE STORY
This is a true story that happened in Tunisia in the 1960s. A young scholar used to go to the market and invite people to the masjid for salah. Very few people would agree to go with him. One day, he spoke to about 100 people and only one man came with him to pray. As soon as the man entered the masjid, worshippers were annoyed because they could smell alcohol from his mouth. They asked the scholar why he brought such a person into the masjid, and the scholar said he didn't know that the man was drunk. The Imam gently asked the man to leave and come back the next day when he was fresh, but the man refused and said he really wanted to pray. Finally, they let him pray Maghrib with them, but they told him to stand by himself all the way at the back. After salah was over and some people started to leave, the man was still in sajdah. The people tried to tell him that salah was over, only to find out that the man had died in sajdah. Both the Imam and the others started to cry because of Allah's mercy to that man.
According to verse 61, Allah is very Kind and Merciful. He doesn't punish people immediately if they sin. Instead, He gives them many chances to repent and turn back to Him. However, if someone dies without repenting, no second chances will be given on Judgment Day.
FAVOUR 11) ALLOWING TIME FOR REPENTANCE
61If Allah wanted to punish people 'im-mediately' for the wrong they do, He would not have left a single creature on earth. But He delays them for a set time. Once their time is over, they cannot delay it for a moment or speed it up.
وَلَوۡ يُؤَاخِذُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّاسَ بِظُلۡمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيۡهَا مِن دَآبَّةٖ وَلَٰكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمۡ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٖ مُّسَمّٗىۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَٔۡخِرُونَ سَاعَةٗ وَلَا يَسۡتَقۡدِمُونَ61
EMPTY HOPES
62They say about Allah what they hate 'for themselves yet their tongues dare to say the lie that they will have the best reward. Without a doubt, all they will have is the Fire, where they will be abandoned.
وَيَجۡعَلُونَ لِلَّهِ مَا يَكۡرَهُونَۚ وَتَصِفُ أَلۡسِنَتُهُمُ ٱلۡكَذِبَ أَنَّ لَهُمُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰۚ لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّارَ وَأَنَّهُم مُّفۡرَطُونَ62
EVIL COMMUNITIES
63By Allah! We have already sent mes-sengers to communities before you 'O Prophet', but Satan made their misdeeds look good to them. Now, he is the guard-ian of these 'disbelievers' today, and they will suffer a painful punishment. 64We have revealed to you the Book only to clarify for them what they differed about, and as a guide and mnercy for those who believe.
تَٱللَّهِ لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَمٖ مِّن قَبۡلِكَ فَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ أَعۡمَٰلَهُمۡ فَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُمُ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيم 63وَمَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ إِلَّا لِتُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلَّذِي ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ وَهُدٗى وَرَحۡمَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يُؤۡمِنُونَ64
FAVOUR 12) RAIN
65And Allah sends down rain from the sky, giving life to the earth after its death. Surely in this is a sign for those who lis-ten.
وَٱللَّهُ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءٗ فَأَحۡيَا بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِهَآۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَسۡمَعُونَ65
FAVOUR 13) MILK AND FRUITS
66And there is certainly a lesson for you in cattle: through their bellies, from be-tween digested food and blood, We give you pure milk, delicious to drink. 67And from the fruits of date trees and grapes you make strong drinks as well as good food. Surely in this is a sign for those who understand.⁶
وَإِنَّ لَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَنۡعَٰمِ لَعِبۡرَةٗۖ نُّسۡقِيكُم مِّمَّا فِي بُطُونِهِۦ مِنۢ بَيۡنِ فَرۡثٖ وَدَمٖ لَّبَنًا خَالِصٗا سَآئِغٗا لِّلشَّٰرِبِينَ 66وَمِن ثَمَرَٰتِ ٱلنَّخِيلِ وَٱلۡأَعۡنَٰبِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِنۡهُ سَكَرٗا وَرِزۡقًا حَسَنًاۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَعۡقِلُونَ67
Verse 67: Strong drinks (like alcohol) were later forbidden in the Quran in three stages: 2:219, 4:43, and finally 5:90-91.
WORDS OF WISDOM
In verses 68-69, Allah mentions bees as one of His many favours upon us. Bees are very important to the planet and for our survival. The following are some fun facts about bees and honey.
• Bees have been around for 30 million years. Bees are the only insects in the world that make food that humans can eat.
• Most of the world's flowering plants rely on bees for pollination to be able to produce fruits and seeds. Without bees, we simply can't survive.
• Only female workers are responsible for collecting nectar and making honey. It's interesting that Allah instructs only female bees in verses 68-69.
• To collect enough nectar for one pound of honey, bees must visit at least 2 million flowers and fly a distance of more than once around the world. The average worker bee makes about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.
• The average life of a honeybee during the working season is about 3-6 weeks. Bees have two stomachs—one for eating and one for storing nectar.
• Only female bees have stingers. If a bee uses her stinger, she will die. Honey comes in different colours and flavours, depending on the flower where the nectar was collected.
• Honey is acidic enough to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in it, so it can be used to help heal cuts and burns. Honey was found in some ancient tombs in Egypt and it was still edible! A honeybee can fly 24 km in an hour. Its wings beat 200 times per second or 12,000 beats per minute.
FAVOUR 14) BEES & HONEY
68And your Lord inspired the bees: 'Make your' hives in the mountains, the trees, and in what people construct, 69and eat from the nectar of all kinds of fruits, and follow the ways made easy for you by your Lord' From their bellies comes out liquid of different colours, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this isa sign for those who reflect.
وَأَوۡحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلنَّحۡلِ أَنِ ٱتَّخِذِي مِنَ ٱلۡجِبَالِ بُيُوتٗا وَمِنَ ٱلشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعۡرِشُونَ 68ثُمَّ كُلِي مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ فَٱسۡلُكِي سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلٗاۚ يَخۡرُجُ مِنۢ بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٞ مُّخۡتَلِفٌ أَلۡوَٰنُهُۥ فِيهِ شِفَآءٞ لِّلنَّاسِۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ69
ALLAH'S POWER
70Allah has created you, and then causes you to die. Some of you are left to reach the weakest stage of old age so that they may know nothing after having known much. Surely Allah is full of knowledge and power:.
وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمۡ ثُمَّ يَتَوَفَّىٰكُمۡۚ وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرَدُّ إِلَىٰٓ أَرۡذَلِ ٱلۡعُمُرِ لِكَيۡ لَا يَعۡلَمَ بَعۡدَ عِلۡمٖ شَيًۡٔاۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٞ قَدِيرٞ70
FAVOUR 15) RESOURCES
71And Allah has favoured some of you over others in resources. But those who have been favoured would not share their wealth with their slaves, making them their equals.⁷ How can they then deny Allah's favours?
وَٱللَّهُ فَضَّلَ بَعۡضَكُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖ فِي ٱلرِّزۡقِۚ فَمَا ٱلَّذِينَ فُضِّلُواْ بِرَآدِّي رِزۡقِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُهُمۡ فَهُمۡ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌۚ أَفَبِنِعۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ يَجۡحَدُونَ71
Verse 71: In other words, if the Makkan slave-masters are not willing to be equal to their slaves, why would they make anything equal to Allah-the Supreme Master and Creator of all things?
FAVOUR 16) FAMILY
72And Allah has made for you spouses of your own kind, and through them He gave you children and grandchildren. And He has given you good, pure re-sources. How can those 'idol-worship-pers' then believe in falsehood and deny Allah's favours?
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٰجٗا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَزۡوَٰجِكُم بَنِينَ وَحَفَدَةٗ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِۚ أَفَبِٱلۡبَٰطِلِ يُؤۡمِنُونَ وَبِنِعۡمَتِ ٱللَّهِ هُمۡ يَكۡفُرُونَ72
ALLAH OR POWERLESS IDOLS?
73Still they worship besides Allah those 'idols' who are not able to provide them with anything from the heavens or the earth, and they cannot even do anything. 74So do not make up equals to Allah; surely Allah knows and you do not know. 75Allah gives an example: a slave who can do nothing on his own, compared to a free man that We blessed with good resources, from which he donates secret-ly and publicly. Are they equal? Praise be to Allah. In fact, most of them do not know. 76Allah also gives an example of two men: one of them is mute and un-able to do anything. He is a burden on his master. Wherever he is sent, nothing gets done. Can that person be equal to the one who commands justice and is on the Straight Path?⁸
وَيَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمۡلِكُ لَهُمۡ رِزۡقٗا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ شَيۡٔٗا وَلَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ 73فَلَا تَضۡرِبُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ 74ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا عَبۡدٗا مَّمۡلُوكٗا لَّا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَيۡءٖ وَمَن رَّزَقۡنَٰهُ مِنَّا رِزۡقًا حَسَنٗا فَهُوَ يُنفِقُ مِنۡهُ سِرّٗا وَجَهۡرًاۖ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوُۥنَۚ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِۚ بَلۡ أَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ 75وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلٗا رَّجُلَيۡنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبۡكَمُ لَا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَيۡءٖ وَهُوَ كَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوۡلَىٰهُ أَيۡنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرٍ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِي هُوَ وَمَن يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيم76
Verse 76: The two examples emphasize that Almighty Allah manages everything in the heavens and the earth, whereas false gods are unable to do anything. If this is the case, these gods are not His equal and He is the only One who deserves worship.
ALLAH'S KNOWLEDGE & POWER
77The knowledge of what is hidden in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. Bringing about the Hour 'of Judg-ment' would only take the blink of an eye, or even less. Surely Allah has power over all things.
وَلِلَّهِ غَيۡبُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَمَآ أَمۡرُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ إِلَّا كَلَمۡحِ ٱلۡبَصَرِ أَوۡ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ قَدِير77
FAVOUR 17) SENSES
78And Allah brought you out of the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and gave you hearing, sight, and minds so perhaps you would give thanks.
وَٱللَّهُ أَخۡرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَٰتِكُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ شَيۡٔٗا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرَ وَٱلۡأَفِۡٔدَةَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ78
ALLAH'S POWER
79Have they not seen the birds glide in the open sky? Nothing holds them up except Allah. Surely in this are signs for those who have faith.
أَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ إِلَى ٱلطَّيۡرِ مُسَخَّرَٰتٖ فِي جَوِّ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَا يُمۡسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّقَوۡمٖ يُؤۡمِنُونَ79
FAVOUR 18) HOMES
80And Allah has made your homes a place for rest, and has given you tents from the skin of animals, easy to carry when you travel and when you camp. And out of their wool, fur, and hair He has given you furnishings and other benefits for a while.
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۢ بُيُوتِكُمۡ سَكَنٗا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ ٱلۡأَنۡعَٰمِ بُيُوتٗا تَسۡتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوۡمَ ظَعۡنِكُمۡ وَيَوۡمَ إِقَامَتِكُمۡ وَمِنۡ أَصۡوَافِهَا وَأَوۡبَارِهَا وَأَشۡعَارِهَآ أَثَٰثٗا وَمَتَٰعًا إِلَىٰ حِين80
FAVOUR 19) SHELTERS
81And Allah has given you shade through the things that He created, and has giv-en you shelter in the mountains. He has also provided you with clothes that pro-tect you from the heat 'and cold', and armours that shield you in battle. This is how He perfects His favour upon you, so perhaps you will submit 'to Him'.⁹
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَٰلٗا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجِبَالِ أَكۡنَٰنٗا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمۡ سَرَٰبِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ ٱلۡحَرَّ وَسَرَٰبِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأۡسَكُمۡۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُتِمُّ نِعۡمَتَهُۥ عَلَيۡكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُسۡلِمُونَ81
Verse 81: Like trees, mountains, buildings, etc.
DENYING ALLAH'S FAVOURS
82But if those 'idol-worshippers' turn away, then your duty 'O Prophet' is only to deliver the message' clearly. 83They are aware of Allah's favours, but still deny them. And most of them are 'truly' ungrateful.
فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡبَلَٰغُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ 82يَعۡرِفُونَ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنكِرُونَهَا وَأَكۡثَرُهُمُ ٱلۡكَٰفِرُونَ83
FATE OF THE DISBELIEVERS
84'Watch for' the Day We will call a wit-ness from every faith-community. Then the disbelievers will not be allowed to speak or apologize 'to their Lord:. 85And when those doing wrong face the punishment, it will not be lightened for them, and it will not be delayed. 86And when the idol-worshippers see their false gods, they will say, 'Our Lord! These are our gods that we used to call besides You.' Their gods will fire back at them by saying, 'You are definitely lying.'¹⁰ 87They will 'immediately' surrender to Allah on that Day, and whatever 'gods' they made up will fail them. 88For those who disbelieve and prevent 'others' from the Way of Allah, We will add more punishment to their punishment for all the corruption they spread.
وَيَوۡمَ نَبۡعَثُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٖ شَهِيدٗا ثُمَّ لَا يُؤۡذَنُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَلَا هُمۡ يُسۡتَعۡتَبُونَ 84وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ ٱلۡعَذَابَ فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنۡهُمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يُنظَرُونَ 85وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ أَشۡرَكُواْ شُرَكَآءَهُمۡ قَالُواْ رَبَّنَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُرَكَآؤُنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كُنَّا نَدۡعُواْ مِن دُونِكَۖ فَأَلۡقَوۡاْ إِلَيۡهِمُ ٱلۡقَوۡلَ إِنَّكُمۡ لَكَٰذِبُونَ 86وَأَلۡقَوۡاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ يَوۡمَئِذٍ ٱلسَّلَمَۖ وَضَلَّ عَنۡهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يَفۡتَرُونَ 87ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ زِدۡنَٰهُمۡ عَذَابٗا فَوۡقَ ٱلۡعَذَابِ بِمَا كَانُواْ يُفۡسِدُونَ88
Verse 86: When Allah causes the idols to speak on Judgment Day, they will say that they never asked anyone to worship them and that the idol-worshippers just made up lies about them.
PROPHETS WITNESS AGAINST THE DISBELIEVERS
89'Watch for' the Day We will call against every faith-community a witness of their own. And We will call you 'O Prophet' to be a witness against these 'people of yours'. We have revealed to you the Book as an explanation of all things-a guide, a mercy, and good news for those who 'fully' submit 'to Allah'.
وَيَوۡمَ نَبۡعَثُ فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٖ شَهِيدًا عَلَيۡهِم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِهِمۡۖ وَجِئۡنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَىٰ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِۚ وَنَزَّلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ تِبۡيَٰنٗا لِّكُلِّ شَيۡءٖ وَهُدٗى وَرَحۡمَةٗ وَبُشۡرَىٰ لِلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ89
SIDE STORY
One of the Prophet's companions named 'Uthman ibn Maz'oon said that he first accepted Islam just because he was too shy to say no to the Prophet (ﷺ). But Islam became fully established in his heart as soon as he heard verse 90 from the Prophet (ﷺ). {Imam Al-Qurtubi} In Surah 31, we mentioned some other companions who accepted Islam because of one or a few verses. May Allah make us among those who listen to the Quran with an open heart and an open mind. Ameen.
ALLAH'S ORDERS
90Surely, Allah commands justice, kind-ness, as well as generosity to close rela-tives. He forbids shameful acts, wicked-ness, and being aggressive. He instructs you so perhaps you will keep this in mind.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَٰنِ وَإِيتَآيِٕ ذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَيَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَٱلۡبَغۡيِۚ يَعِظُكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ90
HONOURING PLEDGES
91Honour Allah's pledge when you give your word, and do not break your oaths after confirming them, having made AI-lah as your witness. Surely Allah knows whatever you do. 92Do not be like the Woman who 'foolishly' tears her yarn af-ter it is perfectly knitted, by taking your oaths as an excuse to deceive one group in favour of a bigger one.¹¹ Surely Allah tests you through this. And on Judgment Day He will definitely clear up all your disagreements for you.
وَأَوۡفُواْ بِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ إِذَا عَٰهَدتُّمۡ وَلَا تَنقُضُواْ ٱلۡأَيۡمَٰنَ بَعۡدَ تَوۡكِيدِهَا وَقَدۡ جَعَلۡتُمُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ كَفِيلًاۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تَفۡعَلُونَ 91وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّتِي نَقَضَتۡ غَزۡلَهَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِ قُوَّةٍ أَنكَٰثٗا تَتَّخِذُونَ أَيۡمَٰنَكُمۡ دَخَلَۢا بَيۡنَكُمۡ أَن تَكُونَ أُمَّةٌ هِيَ أَرۡبَىٰ مِنۡ أُمَّةٍۚ إِنَّمَا يَبۡلُوكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦۚ وَلَيُبَيِّنَنَّ لَكُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ مَا كُنتُمۡ فِيهِ تَخۡتَلِفُونَ92
Verse 92: In other words, do not waste all of your hard work by making a promise and then breaking it unfairly.
FAVOUR 20) FREE CHOICE
93If Allah wanted, He could have easily made you one community 'of believers', but He leaves whoever He wants to stray and guides whoever He wants.¹² And you will certainly be questioned about what you have done.
وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمۡ أُمَّةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗ وَلَٰكِن يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهۡدِي مَن يَشَآءُۚ وَلَتُسَۡٔلُنَّ عَمَّا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ93
Verse 93: He guides those who are sincere.
HONOURING AGREEMENTS
94And do not take your oaths as an ex-cuse to deceive each other or your feet will stumble after being stable. Then you will taste the evil 'consequences' of preventing 'others' from the Way of Al-lah, and you will suffer a horrible pun-ishment.¹³ 95And do not trade Allah's pledge for a little gain. What is with Allah is certainly far better for you, if you only knew. 96Whatever you have will end, but whatever Allah has is eternal. And We will certainly reward the patient accord-ing to the best of their deeds.
وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوٓاْ أَيۡمَٰنَكُمۡ دَخَلَۢا بَيۡنَكُمۡ فَتَزِلَّ قَدَمُۢ بَعۡدَ ثُبُوتِهَا وَتَذُوقُواْ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِمَا صَدَدتُّمۡ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَكُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٞ 94وَلَا تَشۡتَرُواْ بِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ ثَمَنٗا قَلِيلًاۚ إِنَّمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ 95مَا عِندَكُمۡ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ بَاقٖۗ وَلَنَجۡزِيَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوٓاْ أَجۡرَهُم بِأَحۡسَنِ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ96
Verse 94: In other words, , if Muslims go back on their word (which is not allowed in Islam), ,this will cause non-Muslims to doubt Islam because of the wrong actions of these Muslims.
SIDE STORY
This is a true story that happened with a scholar named Al-Asma'i. One day, he was in the market and noticed that a man was stealing fruits. When he followed the man, he was surprised to find out that he was giving the stolen fruits to the poor. Al-Asma'i asked him, "What do you think you are doing?" The man argued, "You don't understand. I'm doing business with Allah! I steal the fruits, I get one sin. Then I give them as a charity, I get 10 rewards. I lose one reward for stealing, then Allah keeps 9 rewards for me. Got it now?" Al-Asma'i responded, "You fool! Allah is good and He only accepts what is good. When you steal something you get one sin, but when you donate it you don't get any rewards. You are just like someone who tries to clean his dirty shirt with mud."
In verse 97, Allah reminds us of the importance of doing what is good. If someone does something bad with a good intention (such as stealing to donate), it will not be accepted from them. The same is also true if someone does something good with a bad intention (such as donating to show off). Both the intention and the act have to be good for a deed to be accepted and to be fully rewarded by Allah.
REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL
97Whoever does good, male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds.
مَنۡ عَمِلَ صَٰلِحٗا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوۡ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٞ فَلَنُحۡيِيَنَّهُۥ حَيَوٰةٗ طَيِّبَةٗۖ وَلَنَجۡزِيَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡرَهُم بِأَحۡسَنِ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ97
ADVICE TO THE BELIEVERS
98When you recite the Quran, seek pro-tection in Allah against the cursed Satan. 99He certainly has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. 100His authority is only over those who take him as a guardian and because of him they make others equal to Allah.
فَإِذَا قَرَأۡتَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ 98إِنَّهُۥ لَيۡسَ لَهُۥ سُلۡطَٰنٌ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ 99إِنَّمَا سُلۡطَٰنُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَوَلَّوۡنَهُۥ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِهِۦ مُشۡرِكُونَ100
BACKGROUND STORY
Someone may ask, "Why did some rulings in the Quran change over time?" As we mentioned in the introduction, the Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years. The surahs revealed in Makkah focused on building the believers' faith, including the belief in the One True God, Allah's ability to create and bring everyone back to life for judgment, the reward of the believers, the punishment of the wicked, and the horrors of Judgment Day. Once the foundations of the faith were strong and the Muslims moved to Madinah, they were ordered to fast in Ramadan and perform Hajj, and certain rulings were replaced with others when the Muslim community was ready for change. Think of the first period in Makkah as elementary school and the second period in Madinah as university.
For example, drinking wine was forbidden over 3 stages (see 2:219, 4:43, and 5:90). According to Aisha (the Prophet's wife), if this practice was banned from day one (when people were still taking baby steps in the faith), it would have been very difficult for many to become Muslim. {Imam Al-Bukhari}
The process of 'replacing one ruling with another' is called naskh, which was also common in previous revelations. There are some rulings in the Bible that changed over time. For example, it was allowed in the law of Ya'qub (A.S.) to marry 2 sisters at the same time, but this was later banned by Musa (A.S.). Divorce one's wife was allowed in the law of Musa (A.S.), but later 'Isa (A.S.) put restrictions on it. In the Bible, certain types of meat were allowed then forbidden and others were forbidden then allowed.
The idol-worshippers tried every possible way to prove that the Quran was not revealed by Allah. According to verses 101-105, they argued that since some rulings have changed over time, this was a proof that the Quran had been made up. They also claimed that the Quran was taught to the Prophet (ﷺ) by a non-Arab, who spoke poor Arabic! The first argument ignores the wisdom of naskh. The second argument ignores the perfect style of the Quran. Even though they themselves were the masters of Arabic, they failed to come up with even one surah to match the style of the Quran. {Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi}
WHO IS FAKING?
101When We replace a verse with anoth-er-and Allah knows best what He re-veals-they say, 'You 'Muhammad' are just making it all up.' In fact, most of them do not know. 102Say, 'The holy spirit 'Jibril' has brought it all down from your Lord with the truth to support the be-lievers, and as a guide and good news for those who submit 'to Allah'' 103And We certainly know their claim: 'It is just a man who is teaching him'¹⁴ But the man they refer to speaks a foreign language, whereas this Quran' is in perfect Arabic. 104Surely those who do not believe in Al-lah's revelations will never be guided by Allah, and they will suffer a painful pun-ishment. 105No one makes up lies except those who disbelieve in Allah's revela-tions. They are the true liars.
وَإِذَا بَدَّلۡنَآ ءَايَةٗ مَّكَانَ ءَايَةٖ وَٱللَّهُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يُنَزِّلُ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُفۡتَرِۢۚ بَلۡ أَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ 101قُلۡ نَزَّلَهُۥ رُوحُ ٱلۡقُدُسِ مِن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيُثَبِّتَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَهُدٗى وَبُشۡرَىٰ لِلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ 102وَلَقَدۡ نَعۡلَمُ أَنَّهُمۡ يَقُولُونَ إِنَّمَا يُعَلِّمُهُۥ بَشَرٞۗ لِّسَانُ ٱلَّذِي يُلۡحِدُونَ إِلَيۡهِ أَعۡجَمِيّٞ وَهَٰذَا لِسَانٌ عَرَبِيّٞ مُّبِينٌ 103إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بَِٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَهۡدِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ 104إِنَّمَا يَفۡتَرِي ٱلۡكَذِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بَِٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِۖ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَٰذِبُونَ105
Verse 103: Some Makkan idol-worshippers claimed that the Prophet received the Quran from a non-Arab slave owned by an Arab.
BACKGROUND STORY
Verses 106-110 refer to 'Ammar ibn Yasser (A.S.). He and his family accepted Islam early on. The idol-worshippers tortured and killed his parents. They threatened to kill Ammar as well if he didn't say good things about their idols and bad things about Islam. To save his life, he pretended to agree with what they said. After he was released, he came to the Prophet (ﷺ) with tears in his eyes. He said that he was forced to say things he didn't want to say. So the Prophet (ﷺ) asked him, "But how do you find your heart?" He replied, "My heart is true in faith." The Prophet (ﷺ) told him, "Don't worry. If they threaten you again, just tell them what they want to hear." {Imam Al-Hakim}
ABANDONING FAITH
106Whoever rejects AIlah after their belief-not those who are forced while their hearts are true in faith-but those who choose disbelief with all their heart, they will be doomed by Allah and will suffer a horrible punishment. 107This is because they prefer this life over the Next. Indeed, Allah never guides those who choose to' disbelieve. 108They are the ones whose hearts, ears, and eyes have been sealed by Allah, and they are 'truly' careless. 109Without a doubt, they will be the losers in the Next Life. 110As for those who emigrated after being forced 'to reject their faith', then made sacrifices in Allah's cause', and were patient, surely your Lord is Forgiv-ing and Merciful after all.
مَن كَفَرَ بِٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ إِيمَٰنِهِۦٓ إِلَّا مَنۡ أُكۡرِهَ وَقَلۡبُهُۥ مُطۡمَئِنُّۢ بِٱلۡإِيمَٰنِ وَلَٰكِن مَّن شَرَحَ بِٱلۡكُفۡرِ صَدۡرٗا فَعَلَيۡهِمۡ غَضَبٞ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيم 106ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمُ ٱسۡتَحَبُّواْ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا عَلَى ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِي ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ 107أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ طَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمۡ وَسَمۡعِهِمۡ وَأَبۡصَٰرِهِمۡۖ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡغَٰفِلُونَ 108لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ هُمُ ٱلۡخَٰسِرُونَ 109ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا فُتِنُواْ ثُمَّ جَٰهَدُواْ وَصَبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهَا لَغَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ110
PAY DAY
111'Watch for' the Day 'when' every soul will come arguing to defend itself, and each will be paid back fully for what it did. None will be treated unfairly.
۞ يَوۡمَ تَأۡتِي كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ تُجَٰدِلُ عَن نَّفۡسِهَا وَتُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ مَّا عَمِلَتۡ وَهُمۡ لَا يُظۡلَمُونَ111
THE UNGRATEFUL PEOPLE
112And Allah gives the example of a soci-ety which was safe and comfortable, re-ceiving its generous supplies from all di-rections. But its people were ungrateful for Allah's favours, so Allah made them taste the pain of hunger and fear for their misdeeds. 113A messenger of their own had already come to them, but they denied him. So the punishment hit them while they were busy doing wrong.
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلٗا قَرۡيَةٗ كَانَتۡ ءَامِنَةٗ مُّطۡمَئِنَّةٗ يَأۡتِيهَا رِزۡقُهَا رَغَدٗا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٖ فَكَفَرَتۡ بِأَنۡعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٰقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلۡجُوعِ وَٱلۡخَوۡفِ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصۡنَعُونَ 112وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَهُمۡ رَسُولٞ مِّنۡهُمۡ فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ وَهُمۡ ظَٰلِمُونَ113
ALLOWED & PROHIBITED FOODS
114So eat from the good, pure things which Allah has provided for you, and be grateful for Allah's favours, if you tru-ly' worship Him 'alone'. 115He has only forbidden you 'to eat' dead meat, blood, pork, and what is slaughtered in the name of anyone other than Allah. But if someone is forced 'to eat by necessity-not just for desiring it or eating more than what is needed-then surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ حَلَٰلٗا طَيِّبٗا وَٱشۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ 114إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡمَيۡتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحۡمَ ٱلۡخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيۡرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦۖ فَمَنِ ٱضۡطُرَّ غَيۡرَ بَاغٖ وَلَا عَادٖ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ115
WARNING TO THE IDOL-WORSHIPPERS
116Do not falsely declare with your tongues, 'This is allowed, and that is banned,' only making up lies against Allah. Indeed, those who make up lies against Allah will never succeed. 117'It is only' a brief enjoyment, then they will suffer a painful punishment.
وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلۡسِنَتُكُمُ ٱلۡكَذِبَ هَٰذَا حَلَٰلٞ وَهَٰذَا حَرَامٞ لِّتَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ لَا يُفۡلِحُونَ 116مَتَٰعٞ قَلِيلٞ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيم117
FOODS PROHIBITED TO JEWS
118To those who follow the Jewish faith. We have forbidden what We mentioned to you before.¹⁵ We did not wrong them, but it was they who wronged themselves.
وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ حَرَّمۡنَا مَا قَصَصۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ مِن قَبۡلُۖ وَمَا ظَلَمۡنَٰهُمۡ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓاْ أَنفُسَهُمۡ يَظۡلِمُونَ118
Verse 118: What is mentioned in 6:146.
ALLAH ACCEPTS REPENTANCE
119As for those who do evil recklessly then repent afterwards and change their ways, then surely your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful after all.
ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ عَمِلُواْ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِجَهَٰلَةٖ ثُمَّ تَابُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصۡلَحُوٓاْ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهَا لَغَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٌ119
PROPHET IBRAHIM
120Surely, Ibrahim was a role model: obedient to Allah, 'perfectly' upright-not an idol-worshipper- 121truly' grateful for Allah's favours. So He chose him and guided him to the Straight Path. 122We blessed him with all goodness in this world, and in the Next Life he will certainly be among the faithful. 123Then We revealed to you O Prophet, saying': 'Follow the faith of Ibrahim, the upright, who was not one of the the idol-worship-pers' 124The Sabbath¹⁷ was made holy only for those who ended up differing about it.¹⁸ And surely your Lord will judge between them on Judgment Day about their differences.
إِنَّ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةٗ قَانِتٗا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفٗا وَلَمۡ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ 120شَاكِرٗا لِّأَنۡعُمِهِۚ ٱجۡتَبَىٰهُ وَهَدَىٰهُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيمٖ 121وَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةٗۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ 122ثُمَّ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ أَنِ ٱتَّبِعۡ مِلَّةَ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفٗاۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ 123إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ ٱلسَّبۡتُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِۚ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ124
Verse 122: Meaning those who broke the Sabbath and those who hon-oured it.
Verse 124: The Sabbath means Saturday, the day of rest in which the Jews are not allowed to work.
INVITING OTHERS TO ISLAM
125Invite 'all' to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and only debate with them in the best manner. Surely your Lord 'alone' knows best who has strayed from His Way and who is rightly' guided.
ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِۖ وَجَٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِي هِيَ أَحۡسَنُۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ125
DO WHAT IS BEST
126If you pay someone back for harming you, then let it be equal to what you have suffered. But if you exercise patience, it is certainly best for those who are pa-tient. 127Be patient 'O Prophet'; your patience is only with Allah's help. Do not feel sorry for those who disbelieve' or be stressed by their schemes. 128Indeed, Allah is with those who avoid evil and 'who do good 'deeds'.
وَإِنۡ عَاقَبۡتُمۡ فَعَاقِبُواْ بِمِثۡلِ مَا عُوقِبۡتُم بِهِۦۖ وَلَئِن صَبَرۡتُمۡ لَهُوَ خَيۡرٞ لِّلصَّٰبِرِينَ 126وَٱصۡبِرۡ وَمَا صَبۡرُكَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِۚ وَلَا تَحۡزَنۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا تَكُ فِي ضَيۡقٖ مِّمَّا يَمۡكُرُونَ 127إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحۡسِنُونَ128