The Prophets
Al-Anbiyâ'
الانبیاء
LEARNING POINTS
The idol-worshippers are criticized for making fun of the Prophet (ﷺ), denying Judgment Day, and for rejecting the Quran as 'poetry.'
The idols are powerless and cannot help their followers in this life or the Next.
The wicked always make fun of the truth but quickly cry for mercy when it is too late.
Everyone will be treated fairly on Judgment Day.
Allah is the Creator of the universe and the only One who deserves our worship.
Allah does not have sons or daughters.
Allah always supports His prophets and responds to their prayers.
The Prophet (ﷺ) was sent as a mercy to the whole world.
WORDS OF WISDOM
The idol-worshippers were very impressed by the style of the Quran. However, they didn't want to practice Islam, so they had to come up with some excuses for rejecting the faith. According to 21:3-5, some of them compared the Quran to magic, while others called the Prophet (ﷺ) 'a poet.' But everyone knew that all those claims were false.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Many professional non-Muslim poets admitted that the Quran had nothing to do with poetry. The reason why some idol-worshippers called it 'poetry' was because they didn't know what else to call it.
Even though the Quran is made up of the same letters and words that Arabs use every day, the Quranic style is very unique. It's completely different from Arabic poetry which has certain features and structures, such as meters, rhymes, and so on. The Quran's choice of words couldn't have possibly been any better, and every word is used precisely in its perfect place. This was not the case with Arabic poems. Even the greatest poets in the history of Arabia have often been criticized for their imperfect style and word choices.
Arab poets usually described their camels, alcohol, women, the night and the stars, their amazing tribe, their horrible enemies, and so on. But the Quran talks about important topics, such as the purpose of our existence, where we came from and where we will go after death, our relationship with our Creator and the rest of His creation, and how to achieve success in this life and the Next. The Quran also talks about prayers, charity, and kindness as well as family laws, inheritance laws, women's rights, human rights, animal rights, diet, health, business, counselling, politics, war and peace, and more. These topics are suitable for every time and place.
Moreover, each poet was good at some topics, but not good at others. For example, some poets would make amazing poems about their horse, but their style would be very weak when they defended their tribe. Some would make strong poems to attack their enemies, but failed to express their emotions when their mom died. But the style of the Quran is equally powerful whether Allah tells a story, gives a ruling, answers a question, makes an argument, or teaches a lesson. Keep in mind that many of the stories in the Quran didn't actually happen in Arabic. For example, Pharaoh spoke ancient Egyptian, Musa (A.S.) mainly spoke Hebrew, 'Isa (A.S.) spoke Aramaic, and some other prophets spoke other languages. All these stories are told in perfect Arabic in the Quran, regardless of their original language.
The Quran challenged the Arabs to produce a book similar to the style of the Quran, but the masters of the Arabic language failed to do this. Even when the challenge was reduced to 10 surahs or even 1 surah, they still failed. They were also challenged to find mistakes in the Quran but couldn't find any. Instead, they said, "Let's go to war!"
Some people claimed to be prophets during and after the time of the Prophet (ﷺ). Some of them tried to match the style of the Quran, but the things they made up were ridiculous even to other non-Muslims. One of those fake prophets, named Musailimah, claimed that he received a surah that described a little desert animal with long hair and big ears. When he recited this nonsense to 'Amr ibn Al-Aş, 'Amr told him, "By Allah! You know that I know that you are a liar!" {Imam Ibn Kathir}
The miracle of the Quran becomes more impressive when we know that the Prophet (ﷺ) couldn't read or write. Any fair and logical person, who reads with an open heart and an open mind, will realize that it's impossible for this Quran to have been produced by anyone except Allah.
IGNORING THE TRUTH
1The time of people's judgment is get-ting very close, yet they are turning away carelessly. 2Every time a new reminder comes to them from their Lord, they nev-er listen without making fun of it, 3with their hearts totally distracted. Those doing wrong say secretly 'to each other', 'Is this prophet' not human like your-selves? How can you fall for this' witch-craft, even though you can 'clearly' see?' 4The Prophet responded, 'My Lord fully knows every word spoken in the heavens and the earth-He hears and knows 'ev-erything'' 5Yet they say, 'This Quran' is a bunch of confused dreams! No, he has made it up! No, he must be a poet! So let him bring us an actual sign like earlier messengers.' 6None of the societies We destroyed before them ever believed 'af-ter receiving the signs they demanded. Will these 'Makkans' then believe?
ٱقۡتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمۡ وَهُمۡ فِي غَفۡلَةٖ مُّعۡرِضُونَ 1مَا يَأۡتِيهِم مِّن ذِكۡرٖ مِّن رَّبِّهِم مُّحۡدَثٍ إِلَّا ٱسۡتَمَعُوهُ وَهُمۡ يَلۡعَبُونَ 2لَاهِيَةٗ قُلُوبُهُمۡۗ وَأَسَرُّواْ ٱلنَّجۡوَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ هَلۡ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٞ مِّثۡلُكُمۡۖ أَفَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلسِّحۡرَ وَأَنتُمۡ تُبۡصِرُونَ 3قَالَ رَبِّي يَعۡلَمُ ٱلۡقَوۡلَ فِي ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ 4بَلۡ قَالُوٓاْ أَضۡغَٰثُ أَحۡلَٰمِۢ بَلِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰهُ بَلۡ هُوَ شَاعِرٞ فَلۡيَأۡتِنَا بَِٔايَةٖ كَمَآ أُرۡسِلَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ 5مَآ ءَامَنَتۡ قَبۡلَهُم مِّن قَرۡيَةٍ أَهۡلَكۡنَٰهَآۖ أَفَهُمۡ يُؤۡمِنُونَ6
PROPHETS ARE HUMANS, NOT ANGELS
7Even before you 'O Prophet', We sent only men inspired by Us. If you 'idol-worshippers' do not know 'this already', then ask those who have knowledge. 8We did not give those messengers 'supernatural' bodies that did not need food, and they did not live forever. 9Then We kept Our promise to them, saving them along with whoever We wanted and destroying those who went too far in evil.
وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا قَبۡلَكَ إِلَّا رِجَالٗا نُّوحِيٓ إِلَيۡهِمۡۖ فَسَۡٔلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلذِّكۡرِ إِن كُنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ 7وَمَا جَعَلۡنَٰهُمۡ جَسَدٗا لَّا يَأۡكُلُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَمَا كَانُواْ خَٰلِدِينَ 8ثُمَّ صَدَقۡنَٰهُمُ ٱلۡوَعۡدَ فَأَنجَيۡنَٰهُمۡ وَمَن نَّشَآءُ وَأَهۡلَكۡنَا ٱلۡمُسۡرِفِينَ9
WARNING TO THE MAKKAN IDOL-VWORSHIPPERS
10We have surely revealed to you a Book that will bring you great honour' Will you not then understand? 11'Imagine' how many wicked societies We have destroyed, raising up other people after them! 12When those 'wicked people' felt 'the coming of Our punishment, they im-mediately started running away. 13They were told, 'Do not run away! Go back to your luxury and your homes, so you can be questioned 'about your fate'' 14They cried, 'Oh no! We are doomed! We have really done wrong.' 15They kept repeat-ing this cry until We mowed them down, leaving them lifeless.
لَقَدۡ أَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكُمۡ كِتَٰبٗا فِيهِ ذِكۡرُكُمۡۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ 10وَكَمۡ قَصَمۡنَا مِن قَرۡيَةٖ كَانَتۡ ظَالِمَةٗ وَأَنشَأۡنَا بَعۡدَهَا قَوۡمًا ءَاخَرِينَ 11فَلَمَّآ أَحَسُّواْ بَأۡسَنَآ إِذَا هُم مِّنۡهَا يَرۡكُضُونَ 12لَا تَرۡكُضُواْ وَٱرۡجِعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أُتۡرِفۡتُمۡ فِيهِ وَمَسَٰكِنِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُسَۡٔلُونَ 13قَالُواْ يَٰوَيۡلَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ 14فَمَا زَالَت تِّلۡكَ دَعۡوَىٰهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ جَعَلۡنَٰهُمۡ حَصِيدًا خَٰمِدِينَ15
Verse 10: Meaning the Quran will be a source of great honour for them if they follow it.
EVERYTHING CREATED FOR A REASON.
16We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything in between for fun. 17If We wanted some entertainment, We could have found it in Our presence. But We would never do such a thing. 18In fact, We knock down falsehood with the truth, leaving it crushed, and it quickly Vanishes. You are doomed for your false claims!? 19Everyone in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. And those 'angels' closest to Him are not too proud to worship Him, and they never get tired. 20They praise Him day and night, never taking a break.
وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَا لَٰعِبِينَ 16لَوۡ أَرَدۡنَآ أَن نَّتَّخِذَ لَهۡوٗا لَّٱتَّخَذۡنَٰهُ مِن لَّدُنَّآ إِن كُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ 17بَلۡ نَقۡذِفُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ عَلَى ٱلۡبَٰطِلِ فَيَدۡمَغُهُۥ فَإِذَا هُوَ زَاهِقٞۚ وَلَكُمُ ٱلۡوَيۡلُ مِمَّا تَصِفُونَ 18وَلَهُۥ مَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَمَنۡ عِندَهُۥ لَا يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ عَنۡ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَلَا يَسۡتَحۡسِرُونَ 19يُسَبِّحُونَ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لَا يَفۡتُرُونَ20
Verse 18: Their claims that Allah has a partner and children.
WORDS OF WISDOM
In verses 21-25, the Prophet (ﷺ) is ordered to challenge the idol-worshippers to provide logical and written proofs for the existence of other gods besides Allah. The verses argue that if there were other gods, they would have fought among themselves for control, causing the universe to collapse. The Quran as well as previous holy books agree that there is only One God.
IDOLS ARE POWERLESS
21Did they really take gods from the earth who can raise the dead? 22If there had been other gods besides Allah in the heavens or the earth, both would have really been corrupted. Allah, Lord of the Throne, is praised high above what they claim. 23He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will all be questioned. 24Did they really take other gods besides Him? Say, O Prophet,' 'Show 'me' your proof. Here is the holy Book for those with me as well as the Books for those before me' But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away. 25We never sent a messenger before you '0 Prophet' without revealing to him: 'There is no god 'that deserves worship' except Me, so worship Me alone.'
أَمِ ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ ءَالِهَةٗ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ هُمۡ يُنشِرُونَ 21لَوۡ كَانَ فِيهِمَآ ءَالِهَةٌ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَاۚ فَسُبۡحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَرۡشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ 22لَا يُسَۡٔلُ عَمَّا يَفۡعَلُ وَهُمۡ يُسَۡٔلُونَ 23أَمِ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ ءَالِهَةٗۖ قُلۡ هَاتُواْ بُرۡهَٰنَكُمۡۖ هَٰذَا ذِكۡرُ مَن مَّعِيَ وَذِكۡرُ مَن قَبۡلِيۚ بَلۡ أَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ٱلۡحَقَّۖ فَهُم مُّعۡرِضُونَ 24وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِيٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ25
Verse 24: Meaning that the Quran, the Tawrah, and the Injil prove that there is only One God.
ANGELS ARE NOT ALLAH'S DAUGHTERS
26And they say, 'The Most Kind has children!'4 Glory be to Him! In fact, those 'angels' are only 'His' honoured servants, 27who do not speak until He has spoken, only doing what He orders. 28He 'fully' knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them. They do not speak to defend anyone unless approved by Him. And they are in awe of Him. 29If any of them ever dared to say, 'I am a god besides Him' We will punish that one with Hell. This is how We pay back those who do wrong.
وَقَالُواْ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنُ وَلَدٗاۗ سُبۡحَٰنَهُۥۚ بَلۡ عِبَادٞ مُّكۡرَمُونَ 26لَا يَسۡبِقُونَهُۥ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ وَهُم بِأَمۡرِهِۦ يَعۡمَلُونَ 27يَعۡلَمُ مَا بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ وَمَا خَلۡفَهُمۡ وَلَا يَشۡفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنۡ خَشۡيَتِهِۦ مُشۡفِقُونَ 28وَمَن يَقُلۡ مِنۡهُمۡ إِنِّيٓ إِلَٰهٞ مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِيهِ جَهَنَّمَۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِي ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ29
Verse 26: Some idol-worshippers claimed that the angels were Allah's daughters.
MIRACLES IN THE UNIVERSE
30Do the disbelievers not realize that the heavens and earth were once one mass then We split them apart? And We created from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? 31And We have put stable mountains upon the earth so it does not shake under them, and made in it wide pathways so they can find their way. 32And We have made the sky as a protected ceiling, yet they still turn away from its signs. 33And He is the One Who created the day and the night, as well as the sun and the moon-each travelling in an orbit.
أَوَ لَمۡ يَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ كَانَتَا رَتۡقٗا فَفَتَقۡنَٰهُمَاۖ وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلۡمَآءِ كُلَّ شَيۡءٍ حَيٍّۚ أَفَلَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ 30وَجَعَلۡنَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ رَوَٰسِيَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِهِمۡ وَجَعَلۡنَا فِيهَا فِجَاجٗا سُبُلٗا لَّعَلَّهُمۡ يَهۡتَدُونَ 31وَجَعَلۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ سَقۡفٗا مَّحۡفُوظٗاۖ وَهُمۡ عَنۡ ءَايَٰتِهَا مُعۡرِضُونَ 32وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ وَٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَۖ كُلّٞ فِي فَلَكٖ يَسۡبَحُونَ33
Verse 30: This probably refers to the event commonly known as the Big Bang.
SHORT LIFE
34We have not given eternal life to any human before you O Prophet': so if you die, will those idol-worshippers' get to live forever? 35Every soul will taste death. And We put you all through good and bad as a test, then you will be re-turned to Us.
وَمَا جَعَلۡنَا لِبَشَرٖ مِّن قَبۡلِكَ ٱلۡخُلۡدَۖ أَفَإِيْن مِّتَّ فَهُمُ ٱلۡخَٰلِدُونَ 34كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةٗۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ35
WARNING TO THE IDOL-WORSHIPPERS
36When the disbelievers see you 'O Prophet', they only make fun of you, 'saying,' 'Is this the one who speaks against your gods?' Yet they reject the Most Kind whenever He is mentioned. 37Humankind was created impatient. I will soon show you My signs, so you better not ask Me to speed them up. 38They ask 'the believers', 'When will this threat happen if what you say is true?' 39If only the disbelievers could realize that a time will come when they will not be able to keep the Fire off their faces or backs, and they will not be belped. 40In fact, the Hour 'of judgment' wil take them by surprise, leaving them in total shock. So they will not be able to stop it, and they will never be allowed extra time. 41Other messengers had al-ready been mocked before you, but those who made fun of them were shocked by what they used to mock.
وَإِذَا رَءَاكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ إِن يَتَّخِذُونَكَ إِلَّا هُزُوًا أَهَٰذَا ٱلَّذِي يَذۡكُرُ ءَالِهَتَكُمۡ وَهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ هُمۡ كَٰفِرُونَ 36خُلِقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ مِنۡ عَجَلٖۚ سَأُوْرِيكُمۡ ءَايَٰتِي فَلَا تَسۡتَعۡجِلُونِ 37وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَٰذَا ٱلۡوَعۡدُ إِن كُنتُمۡ صَٰدِقِينَ 38لَوۡ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ حِينَ لَا يَكُفُّونَ عَن وُجُوهِهِمُ ٱلنَّارَ وَلَا عَن ظُهُورِهِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يُنصَرُونَ 39بَلۡ تَأۡتِيهِم بَغۡتَةٗ فَتَبۡهَتُهُمۡ فَلَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ رَدَّهَا وَلَا هُمۡ يُنظَرُونَ 40وَلَقَدِ ٱسۡتُهۡزِئَ بِرُسُلٖ مِّن قَبۡلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُواْ مِنۡهُم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَهۡزِءُونَ41
Verse 37: Meaning My punishments.
QUESTIONS TO THE IDOL-WORSHIPPERS
42Ask 'them, O Prophet,' 'Who can defend you by day or by night against the Most Kind?' Still they keep turning away from remembering their Lord. 43Do they really have gods, other than Us, that can protect them? But they cannot even protect themselves, and no one can help them against Us. 44In fact, We have let these 'deniers' and their fathers enjoy themselves for such a long time 'that they took it for granted'. Do they not re-alize that We keep causing them to lose ground? Is it they who will win in the end?
قُلۡ مَن يَكۡلَؤُكُم بِٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ مِنَ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِم مُّعۡرِضُونَ 42أَمۡ لَهُمۡ ءَالِهَةٞ تَمۡنَعُهُم مِّن دُونِنَاۚ لَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ نَصۡرَ أَنفُسِهِمۡ وَلَا هُم مِّنَّا يُصۡحَبُونَ 43بَلۡ مَتَّعۡنَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَءَابَآءَهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ طَالَ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلۡعُمُرُۗ أَفَلَا يَرَوۡنَ أَنَّا نَأۡتِي ٱلۡأَرۡضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنۡ أَطۡرَافِهَآۚ أَفَهُمُ ٱلۡغَٰلِبُونَ44
Verse 44: By shrinking their land, authority, etc.
WARNING OF JUDGMENT
45Say, 'O Prophet,' 'I warn you only by revelation.' But those deaf 'to the truth' cannot hear the call when they are warned! 46If they were touched by even a tiny bit of your Lord's punishment, they would certainly cry, 'Oh no! We are doomed! We have really done wrong' 47And We will set up the scales of jus-tice on Judgment Day, so no soul will be Wronged in any way. Even if a deed is the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it out. And We are enough to judge per-fectly.
قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أُنذِرُكُم بِٱلۡوَحۡيِۚ وَلَا يَسۡمَعُ ٱلصُّمُّ ٱلدُّعَآءَ إِذَا مَا يُنذَرُونَ 45وَلَئِن مَّسَّتۡهُمۡ نَفۡحَةٞ مِّنۡ عَذَابِ رَبِّكَ لَيَقُولُنَّ يَٰوَيۡلَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ 46وَنَضَعُ ٱلۡمَوَٰزِينَ ٱلۡقِسۡطَ لِيَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ فَلَا تُظۡلَمُ نَفۡسٞ شَيۡٔٗاۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِثۡقَالَ حَبَّةٖ مِّنۡ خَرۡدَلٍ أَتَيۡنَا بِهَاۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِنَا حَٰسِبِينَ47
ALLAH'S REVELATIONS
48Surely, We gave Musa and Harun the standard 'that tells right from wrong'-a light and a reminder for the faithful, 49Who honour their Lord without see-ing Him, and always worry about the Hour 'of Judgment'. 50And this Quran' is a blessed reminder which We have re-vealed. How can you 'Makkans' keep re-jecting it?
وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ ٱلۡفُرۡقَانَ وَضِيَآءٗ وَذِكۡرٗا لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ 48ٱلَّذِينَ يَخۡشَوۡنَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَهُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّاعَةِ مُشۡفِقُونَ 49وَهَٰذَا ذِكۡرٞ مُّبَارَكٌ أَنزَلۡنَٰهُۚ أَفَأَنتُمۡ لَهُۥ مُنكِرُونَ50
Verse 49: This can also mean that they honour their Lord in private as much as they do in public.
PROPHET IBRAHIM
51And surely, We had given Ibrahim the right guidance early on--We knew him very well. 52'Remember' when he asked his father and his people, 'What are these statues that you keep worshipping?' 53They replied, 'We found our fathers worshipping them.' 54He responded, 'Certainly you and your fathers have been clearly mistaken.' 55They asked, 'Have yOu comet to us with the truth or is this a joke?' 56He replied, 'In fact, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them both. And I am a witness to that.' 57Then he said to him-self, 'By Allah! I will take action against your idols after you turn your backs and go away.' 58So he smashed them into pieces, except the biggest of them, so they could turn to it 'for answers',
وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَآ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ رُشۡدَهُۥ مِن قَبۡلُ وَكُنَّا بِهِۦ عَٰلِمِينَ 51إِذۡ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦ مَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلتَّمَاثِيلُ ٱلَّتِيٓ أَنتُمۡ لَهَا عَٰكِفُونَ 52قَالُواْ وَجَدۡنَآ ءَابَآءَنَا لَهَا عَٰبِدِينَ 53قَالَ لَقَدۡ كُنتُمۡ أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُكُمۡ فِي ضَلَٰلٖ مُّبِينٖ 54قَالُوٓاْ أَجِئۡتَنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّ أَمۡ أَنتَ مِنَ ٱللَّٰعِبِينَ 55قَالَ بَل رَّبُّكُمۡ رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلَّذِي فَطَرَهُنَّ وَأَنَا۠ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكُم مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ 56وَتَٱللَّهِ لَأَكِيدَنَّ أَصۡنَٰمَكُم بَعۡدَ أَن تُوَلُّواْ مُدۡبِرِينَ 57فَجَعَلَهُمۡ جُذَٰذًا إِلَّا كَبِيرٗا لَّهُمۡ لَعَلَّهُمۡ إِلَيۡهِ يَرۡجِعُونَ58
HIS PEOPLE'S REACTION
59They protested, 'Who dared do this to our gods? This person is totally in the Wrong!' 60Some said, 'We heard a young man called Ibrahim speaking against them.' 61They demanded, 'Bring him in front of the eyes of the people, so they can witness 'his trial'' 62They asked, 'Was it you who did this to our gods, O Ibrahim?' 63He replied 'mockingly', 'No, this one-the biggest of them-did it! So ask them, if they can talk!' 64So they came back to their senses, saying 'to each other', 'You yourselves are in the wrong!' 65Then, unfortunately, they changed their mind, arguing, 'You already know that those 'idols' cannot talk.' 66He said, 'How can you then worship, instead of Allah, things that cannot benefit or harm you in any way?' 67Shame on you and whatever you worship instead of Allah! Do you not have any sense?' 68They shouted, 'Burn him up to take revenge for your gods, if you must act.'
قَالُواْ مَن فَعَلَ هَٰذَا بَِٔالِهَتِنَآ إِنَّهُۥ لَمِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ 59قَالُواْ سَمِعۡنَا فَتٗى يَذۡكُرُهُمۡ يُقَالُ لَهُۥٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمُ 60قَالُواْ فَأۡتُواْ بِهِۦ عَلَىٰٓ أَعۡيُنِ ٱلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَشۡهَدُونَ 61قَالُوٓاْ ءَأَنتَ فَعَلۡتَ هَٰذَا بَِٔالِهَتِنَا يَٰٓإِبۡرَٰهِيمُ 62قَالَ بَلۡ فَعَلَهُۥ كَبِيرُهُمۡ هَٰذَا فَسَۡٔلُوهُمۡ إِن كَانُواْ يَنطِقُونَ 63فَرَجَعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّكُمۡ أَنتُمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ 64ثُمَّ نُكِسُواْ عَلَىٰ رُءُوسِهِمۡ لَقَدۡ عَلِمۡتَ مَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ يَنطِقُونَ 65قَالَ أَفَتَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكُمۡ شَيۡٔٗا وَلَا يَضُرُّكُمۡ 66أُفّٖ لَّكُمۡ وَلِمَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ 67قَالُواْ حَرِّقُوهُ وَٱنصُرُوٓاْ ءَالِهَتَكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ فَٰعِلِينَ68
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone may ask, "Why didn't Allah save Ibrahim (A.S.) before he was thrown in the fire?" I believe that this is one of the ways Allah reveals His power. For example:
• If He saved Ibrahim (A.S.) before his enemies threw him in the fire, they would have argued, "If we got hold of him, no one could stop us from burning him up." But Allah let them throw him in the fire, then the fire didn't harm him, which is a bigger miracle.
• If He didn't let Pharaoh and his soldiers chase the people of Musa (A.S.) across the sea, Pharaoh would have argued, "If I had the chance, I'd have destroyed them." But Allah let him chase the people of Musa (A.S.) through the sea, then He saved Musa (A.S.) and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his soldiers.
• If the Prophet (ﷺ) was able to leave his house in Makkah before the idol-worshippers arrived, they would have argued, "If we caught him, we would have killed him." But Allah let them surround the house with their eyes wide open and swords in their hands, then the Prophet (ﷺ) came out, walked in front of them, then travelled to Madinah but they couldn't see him.
IBRAHIM WINS
69We ordered, 'O fire! Be cool and safe for Ibrahim!' 70They tried to harm him, but We made them the worst losers. 71Then We brought him and Lut safely to the land We blessed for all people. 72And We gave him 'a son named' Ishaq and 'a grandson named' Ya'qub, as an ex-tra favour, making all of them faithful. 73We also made them leaders, guiding by Our command, and inspired them to do good things, pray salah, and pay zakah. And they truly worshipped Us 'alone'.
قُلۡنَا يَٰنَارُ كُونِي بَرۡدٗا وَسَلَٰمًا عَلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ 69وَأَرَادُواْ بِهِۦ كَيۡدٗا فَجَعَلۡنَٰهُمُ ٱلۡأَخۡسَرِينَ 70وَنَجَّيۡنَٰهُ وَلُوطًا إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلَّتِي بَٰرَكۡنَا فِيهَا لِلۡعَٰلَمِينَ 71وَوَهَبۡنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسۡحَٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ نَافِلَةٗۖ وَكُلّٗا جَعَلۡنَا صَٰلِحِينَ 72وَجَعَلۡنَٰهُمۡ أَئِمَّةٗ يَهۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡهِمۡ فِعۡلَ ٱلۡخَيۡرَٰتِ وَإِقَامَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَإِيتَآءَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةِۖ وَكَانُواْ لَنَا عَٰبِدِينَ73
Verse 71: Ibrahim a and his nephew, Lut sa, migrated from Babel, Irag to Jerusalem.
PROPHET LUT
74We gave Lut wisdom and knowledge, and saved him from the society involved in shameful practices. They were really an evil and wicked people. 75And We en-tered him into Our mercy-he was truly one of the faithful.
وَلُوطًا ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ حُكۡمٗا وَعِلۡمٗا وَنَجَّيۡنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَةِ ٱلَّتِي كَانَت تَّعۡمَلُ ٱلۡخَبَٰٓئِثَۚ إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ قَوۡمَ سَوۡءٖ فَٰسِقِينَ 74وَأَدۡخَلۡنَٰهُ فِي رَحۡمَتِنَآۖ إِنَّهُۥ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ75
PROPHET NUH
76And 'remember' when Nuh had cried out to Us earlier, so We responded to him and Isaved him and his family' from the great suffering. 77And We supported him against those who rejected Our signs. They were truly an evil people, so We drowned them all.
وَنُوحًا إِذۡ نَادَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ فَٱسۡتَجَبۡنَا لَهُۥ فَنَجَّيۡنَٰهُ وَأَهۡلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلۡكَرۡبِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ 76وَنَصَرۡنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بَِٔايَٰتِنَآۚ إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ قَوۡمَ سَوۡءٖ فَأَغۡرَقۡنَٰهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ77
Verse 76: Those who believed in him.
BACKGROUND STORY
One night, a man's flock of sheep strayed into another man's farm, eating and destroying all his produce. When the two men came to Dawood (A.S.) for judgment, he ruled that the shepherd must make up for the damage by giving his animals to the farm owner.
On their way out, the two men met young Sulaiman (A.S.) and the shepherd complained to him. Sulaiman (A.S.) discussed the case with his father, and suggested a better solution. He said that the sheep should be kept with the man who lost his produce so he could benefit from their milk and wool, while the shepherd worked on the farm until it became as good as it used to be. Eventually, the farmer would take back his farm in perfect condition, and the sheep would be returned to the shepherd. Dawood (A.S.) was impressed by his son's wisdom and approved his fair judgment immediately. {Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi}
PROPHET DAWOOD & PROPHET SULAIMAN
78And remember' when Dawood and Sulaiman passed judgments about the case of the crops ruined 'at night' by someone's sheep, and We witnessed their judgments. 79We guided 'young' Sulaiman to a better solution, and gave each of them wisdom and knowledge. We made the mountains as well as the birds recite 'Our praises' along with Dawood. We did that all. 80And We taught him the art of making body armour to protect you in battle. Will you then be grateful? 81And We put the blowing winds at the service of Sulaiman, travelling by his command to the land We blessed. We had full knowledge of feverything. 82And We made' some jinn? dive for him,3 and do other duties. We kept them under control.
وَدَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيۡمَٰنَ إِذۡ يَحۡكُمَانِ فِي ٱلۡحَرۡثِ إِذۡ نَفَشَتۡ فِيهِ غَنَمُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ وَكُنَّا لِحُكۡمِهِمۡ شَٰهِدِينَ 78فَفَهَّمۡنَٰهَا سُلَيۡمَٰنَۚ وَكُلًّا ءَاتَيۡنَا حُكۡمٗا وَعِلۡمٗاۚ وَسَخَّرۡنَا مَعَ دَاوُۥدَ ٱلۡجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحۡنَ وَٱلطَّيۡرَۚ وَكُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ 79وَعَلَّمۡنَٰهُ صَنۡعَةَ لَبُوسٖ لَّكُمۡ لِتُحۡصِنَكُم مِّنۢ بَأۡسِكُمۡۖ فَهَلۡ أَنتُمۡ شَٰكِرُونَ 80وَلِسُلَيۡمَٰنَ ٱلرِّيحَ عَاصِفَةٗ تَجۡرِي بِأَمۡرِهِۦٓ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلَّتِي بَٰرَكۡنَا فِيهَاۚ وَكُنَّا بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَٰلِمِينَ 81وَمِنَ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِ مَن يَغُوصُونَ لَهُۥ وَيَعۡمَلُونَ عَمَلٗا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَۖ وَكُنَّا لَهُمۡ حَٰفِظِينَ82
Verse 82: Lit., devils.
PROPHET AIYUB
83And remember' when Aiyub cried out to his Lord, 'I have been suffering, 14 and You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. 84So We responded to him, removed his suffering, and gave him back his family-twice as many-as a mercy from Us and a lesson for the 'faithful' worshippers.
وَأَيُّوبَ إِذۡ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرۡحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ 83فَٱسۡتَجَبۡنَا لَهُۥ فَكَشَفۡنَا مَا بِهِۦ مِن ضُرّٖۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ أَهۡلَهُۥ وَمِثۡلَهُم مَّعَهُمۡ رَحۡمَةٗ مِّنۡ عِندِنَا وَذِكۡرَىٰ لِلۡعَٰبِدِينَ84
Verse 83: Refers to the physical suffering and illness he endured.
MORE PROPHETS
85And 'remember' Isma'il, Idris, and Zul-Kifl. They were all patient. 86We entered them into Our mercy-they were truly among the faithful.
وَإِسۡمَٰعِيلَ وَإِدۡرِيسَ وَذَا ٱلۡكِفۡلِۖ كُلّٞ مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ 85وَأَدۡخَلۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي رَحۡمَتِنَآۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ86
PROPHET YUNUS
87And 'remember' when the Man of the Whale left 'his people' angrily, thinking We would not restrain him. Then he cried out in the depths of darkness, 'There is no god 'that deserves worship' except You. Glory be to You! I have truly done wrong' 88So We responded to him and rescued him from stress. And in the same way We save the 'true' believers.
وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَٰضِبٗا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقۡدِرَ عَلَيۡهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِي ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبۡحَٰنَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ 87فَٱسۡتَجَبۡنَا لَهُۥ وَنَجَّيۡنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلۡغَمِّۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُۨجِي ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ88
Verse 87: The darkness of the night, the sea, and the belly of the whale.
PROPHET ZAKARIYA
89And 'remember' when Zakariya cried out to his Lord, 'My Lord! Do not leave me childless, even though You are the best to remain 'when everyone dies.' 90So We responded to him, gave him Yahya, and cured his wife.16 They truly used to race in doing good and call upon Us with hope and fear, totally humbling themselves to Us.
وَزَكَرِيَّآ إِذۡ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرۡنِي فَرۡدٗا وَأَنتَ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡوَٰرِثِينَ 89فَٱسۡتَجَبۡنَا لَهُۥ وَوَهَبۡنَا لَهُۥ يَحۡيَىٰ وَأَصۡلَحۡنَا لَهُۥ زَوۡجَهُۥٓۚ إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ يُسَٰرِعُونَ فِي ٱلۡخَيۡرَٰتِ وَيَدۡعُونَنَا رَغَبٗا وَرَهَبٗاۖ وَكَانُواْ لَنَا خَٰشِعِينَ90
Verse 90: By making her able to have children.
MARYAM & PROPHET 'ISA
91And 'remember' the one who guarded her dignity, so We breathed a soul of Our creation 'into her womb'' making her and her son a sign for all peoples.
وَٱلَّتِيٓ أَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِيهَا مِن رُّوحِنَا وَجَعَلۡنَٰهَا وَٱبۡنَهَآ ءَايَةٗ لِّلۡعَٰلَمِينَ91
Verse 91: So she became pregnant with Isa .
ONE WAY
92'O prophets!' Surely, this religion of yours is only one, and I am your Lord, So worship Me alone'. 93Yet the people have divided it into groups. But they will all return to Us. 94So whoever does good and is a believer will never be denied 'the reward 'for' their efforts-We are re-cording it all.
إِنَّ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمۡ أُمَّةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمۡ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ 92وَتَقَطَّعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَهُم بَيۡنَهُمۡۖ كُلٌّ إِلَيۡنَا رَٰجِعُونَ 93فَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٞ فَلَا كُفۡرَانَ لِسَعۡيِهِۦ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ كَٰتِبُونَ94
THE PEOPLE OF HELL
95It is impossible for a society that We have destroyed to ever rise again, 96until 'after' Ya'juj and Ma'juj have broken loose from the barrier swarming down from every hill. 97By now, the true promise 'ofjudgment' is almost a reality, 'then the disbelievers will immediately stare 'in horror, crying, 'Oh no! We are doomed! We have really been careless about this. In fact, we have done wrong.' 98Certainly you 'disbelievers' and whatever 'idols' you worship instead of Allah will be the fuel of Hel. You are all going to enter it. 99If those idols' were real gods, they would not have entered it. But they will all be stuck there forever. 100In it they will be wheezing, and will not be able to hear.
وَحَرَٰمٌ عَلَىٰ قَرۡيَةٍ أَهۡلَكۡنَٰهَآ أَنَّهُمۡ لَا يَرۡجِعُونَ 95حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتۡ يَأۡجُوجُ وَمَأۡجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٖ يَنسِلُونَ 96وَٱقۡتَرَبَ ٱلۡوَعۡدُ ٱلۡحَقُّ فَإِذَا هِيَ شَٰخِصَةٌ أَبۡصَٰرُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَٰوَيۡلَنَا قَدۡ كُنَّا فِي غَفۡلَةٖ مِّنۡ هَٰذَا بَلۡ كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ 97إِنَّكُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمۡ لَهَا وَٰرِدُونَ 98لَوۡ كَانَ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ءَالِهَةٗ مَّا وَرَدُوهَاۖ وَكُلّٞ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ 99لَهُمۡ فِيهَا زَفِيرٞ وَهُمۡ فِيهَا لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ100
Verse 96: Refers to the barrier built by Zul-Qarnain.
BACKGROUND STORY
When verse 21:98 was revealed (warning the idol-worshippers that their objects of worship will be in Hell), 'Abdullah ibn Az-Ziba'ra, a poet who was always attacking Islam, argued with the Prophet (ﷺ), "If this verse is true, then 'Isa (A.S.) and the angels would also be in Hell because they have been worshipped by some people!" Other idol-worshippers started to laugh and clap, as if he had won the debate.
The Prophet (ﷺ) corrected him by saying that the verse is clearly talking about objects like idols (not people). More importantly, 'Isa (A.S.) and the angels have never asked anyone to worship them. Then 21:101 was revealed to support what the Prophet (ﷺ) said.
Later, when the Muslim army took over Makkah, 'Abdullah (R.A.) escaped to Yemen. Then he came back, apologized to the Prophet (ﷺ), and accepted Islam. {Imam Al-Qurtubi & Imam Al-Baghawi}
THE PEOPLE OF PARADISE
101As for those who already deserve Our blessings, they will be kept far away from Hell, 102not even hearing its hissing. And they will enjoy whatever their souls de-sire forever. 103The supreme horror 'of that Day' will not disturb them. And the angels will welcome them, 'saying," "This is your Day, which you have been prom-ised." 104On that Day We will easily roll up the heavens just like a writer rolls up a scroll. Just as We created everyone the first time, We will bring them back to life. This is a true promise from Us-We al-ways keep Our word. 105And surely We have written in the holy books, as We did in the Master Book: 'My faithful servants shall inherít the land'
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقَتۡ لَهُم مِّنَّا ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰٓ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ عَنۡهَا مُبۡعَدُونَ 101لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ حَسِيسَهَاۖ وَهُمۡ فِي مَا ٱشۡتَهَتۡ أَنفُسُهُمۡ خَٰلِدُونَ 102لَا يَحۡزُنُهُمُ ٱلۡفَزَعُ ٱلۡأَكۡبَرُ وَتَتَلَقَّىٰهُمُ ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ هَٰذَا يَوۡمُكُمُ ٱلَّذِي كُنتُمۡ تُوعَدُونَ 103يَوۡمَ نَطۡوِي ٱلسَّمَآءَ كَطَيِّ ٱلسِّجِلِّ لِلۡكُتُبِۚ كَمَا بَدَأۡنَآ أَوَّلَ خَلۡقٖ نُّعِيدُهُۥۚ وَعۡدًا عَلَيۡنَآۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ 104وَلَقَدۡ كَتَبۡنَا فِي ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلذِّكۡرِ أَنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ ٱلصَّٰلِحُونَ105
Verse 105: This probably refers to Psalm 37:29: 'The faithful shall inherit the land.'
ADVICE TO THE PROPHET
106Surely this 'Quran' is enough 'as reminder' for the faithful worshippers. 107We have sent you 'O Prophet' only as a mercy to the whole world. 108Say, 'What has been revealed to me is this: Your God is only One God. Will you then submit?' 109If they turn away, then say, 'I have warned you all equally. I do not know if what you are threatened with is near or far.' 110He definitely knows what you say out loud and what you hide. 111I do not know if this 'delay' is a test for you or 'a chance' to enjoy life for just a little bit' 112'In the end, the Prophet said, 'My Lord! Judge 'between us' in truth. And our Lord is the Most Kind-We seek His help against your claims.'
إِنَّ فِي هَٰذَا لَبَلَٰغٗا لِّقَوۡمٍ عَٰبِدِينَ 106وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَٰكَ إِلَّا رَحۡمَةٗ لِّلۡعَٰلَمِينَ 107قُلۡ إِنَّمَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَٰهُكُمۡ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞۖ فَهَلۡ أَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ 108فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُلۡ ءَاذَنتُكُمۡ عَلَىٰ سَوَآءٖۖ وَإِنۡ أَدۡرِيٓ أَقَرِيبٌ أَم بَعِيدٞ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ 109إِنَّهُۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلۡجَهۡرَ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تَكۡتُمُونَ 110وَإِنۡ أَدۡرِي لَعَلَّهُۥ فِتۡنَةٞ لَّكُمۡ وَمَتَٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٖ 111قَٰلَ رَبِّ ٱحۡكُم بِٱلۡحَقِّۗ وَرَبُّنَا ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنُ ٱلۡمُسۡتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ112
Verse 112: Meaning their claims that there are other gods.