Women
An-Nisâ'
النِّسَاء
LEARNING POINTS
This surah focuses on the rights of women in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Muslims are asked to stand up for justice and to care for orphans.
They are also asked to protect their community and defend powerless men, women, and children.
The door of Allah's mercy is always open, as long as the person repents before he or she dies.
Allah makes things easy for people.
We can shorten salah while travelling.
The Jews and Christians are criticized for their false beliefs about 'Isa.
'Isa was not killed. Rather, Allah raised him up to the heavens.
The hypocrites are criticized for their evil practices and attitudes.
Everyone is invited to believe in Muhammad as the final messenger.
HONOURING ALLAH
1O humanity! Keep your Lord in mind, the One Who created you from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, and through both He spread many men and women. And keep Allah in mind—the One by Whose Name you ask each other—and 'honour' family ties. Surely Allah is watching over you.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٖ وَٰحِدَةٖ وَخَلَقَ مِنۡهَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡهُمَا رِجَالٗا كَثِيرٗا وَنِسَآءٗۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِي تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلۡأَرۡحَامَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ رَقِيبٗا1
Verse 1: For example, Adam and Hawwa (Eve).
BACKGROUND STORY
Before Islam, orphans (especially females) were exploited. Women were typically denied their share of inheritance by male relatives and had no control over their marriage gifts. Islam granted rights to women and other vulnerable community members, including the right to inheritance, religious education, property ownership, and a say in marriage.
Several verses in this surah emphasize caring for orphaned boys and girls to ensure their rights are protected after losing their fathers. Their guardians are instructed to treat them as their own children, increase their wealth, and return it to them once they reach maturity and responsibility.
Verses 3-4 instruct Muslim men: if you marry female orphans, give them their marriage gifts. If you fear you cannot be fair to them, there are many other women available. The marriage gift (mahr) varies by culture; it can be money, gold, Hajj or Umrah trips, or anything affordable to the husband and acceptable to the wife. Technically, the gift should be paid when the wife moves in, but it can be paid later, and the wife can waive part of it if both parties agree.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone might ask, "If Islam is fair to women, why are some of them abused in Muslim countries?" The Quran clearly states that men and women are equal before Allah and Islamic law (16:97 and 33:35). Abuses against some Muslim women are strict cultural practices in some Muslim countries that have nothing to do with Islamic teachings. This includes forcing a woman to marry a man she doesn't like, preventing her from getting a share of inheritance, or stopping her from gaining knowledge.
That being said, there are many successful Muslim women in different fields, such as education, science, business, and so on. Even though scholars have debated whether or not a female can become a leader of a country, several women have been elected heads of state in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Türkiye—something that has not yet happened in U.S. history until today (1776-2023). The high status of women in Islam explains why around 75% of all new Muslims are female.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone may ask, "Why does the Quran order men to marry 4 wives?" The Quran doesn't order each man to marry 4 women. It only allows it if there's a need. In fact, the Quran is the only holy book that tells a man to marry only one wife (verse 3). Many religious figures in the Bible had more than one wife. For example, Solomon had 700 wives (1 Kings 11:3) and his father, David, had many wives (2 Samuel 5:13).
So, Islam puts a limit on the number of wives a man can have. A Muslim man may only marry up to 4 wives, as long as he's able to provide for them and treat them equally. Otherwise, it's forbidden. This ruling is practical in societies with many single mothers or where women greatly outnumber men, especially after wars, where mostly men die in battle.
MANAGING ORPHANS' WEALTH
2Give orphans their wealth 'when they mature', and do not replace 'their' valuable things with worthless things, or cheat them by mixing their wealth with your own. This would surely be a huge sin. 3If you fear you might fail to give orphan women their rights 'if you marry them', then marry other women of your choice—two, three, or four. But if you are afraid you will fail to treat them equally, then 'you should be satisfied with' only one or those you have legally. This way you are less likely to be unfair. 4Give your wives their marriage gift kindly. But if they are willing to waive some of it, then you may enjoy it freely as you please. 5Do not trust those who are immature with the wealth which Allah has put in your care for 'their' support. But feed and clothe them from it, and speak to them kindly. 6Test the orphans until they reach the age of marriage. Then if you feel they are responsible, return their wealth to them. And do not be quick to waste it before they grow up to demand it'. If the guardian is rich, they should not take any fees. But if the guardian is poor, let them take reasonable charges. When you give orphans back their property, call in witnesses. And Allah is enough as a perfect Judge.
وَءَاتُواْ ٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰٓ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡۖ وَلَا تَتَبَدَّلُواْ ٱلۡخَبِيثَ بِٱلطَّيِّبِۖ وَلَا تَأۡكُلُوٓاْ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ إِلَىٰٓ أَمۡوَٰلِكُمۡۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حُوبٗا كَبِيرٗا 2وَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تُقۡسِطُواْ فِي ٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُواْ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثۡنَىٰ وَثُلَٰثَ وَرُبَٰعَۖ فَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ فَوَٰحِدَةً أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدۡنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُواْ 3وَءَاتُواْ ٱلنِّسَآءَ صَدُقَٰتِهِنَّ نِحۡلَةٗۚ فَإِن طِبۡنَ لَكُمۡ عَن شَيۡءٖ مِّنۡهُ نَفۡسٗا فَكُلُوهُ هَنِيٓٔٗا مَّرِيٓٔٗا 4وَلَا تُؤۡتُواْ ٱلسُّفَهَآءَ أَمۡوَٰلَكُمُ ٱلَّتِي جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ قِيَٰمٗا وَٱرۡزُقُوهُمۡ فِيهَا وَٱكۡسُوهُمۡ وَقُولُواْ لَهُمۡ قَوۡلٗا مَّعۡرُوفٗا 5وَٱبۡتَلُواْ ٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُواْ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنۡ ءَانَسۡتُم مِّنۡهُمۡ رُشۡدٗا فَٱدۡفَعُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِمۡ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡۖ وَلَا تَأۡكُلُوهَآ إِسۡرَافٗا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكۡبَرُواْۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيّٗا فَلۡيَسۡتَعۡفِفۡۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرٗا فَلۡيَأۡكُلۡ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡهِمۡ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ فَأَشۡهِدُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبٗا6
Verse 5: Meaning one's own female slaves.
Verse 6: For managing the orphans' property.
INHERITANCE LAW: MALES & FEMALES
7Men will have a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and women will have a share in what their parents and close relatives leave—whether it is little or much. These are 'mandatory' shares. 8If other relatives, orphans, the needy are present at the time of distribution, give them something too and speak to them kindly.
لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٞ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ ٱلۡوَٰلِدَانِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبُونَ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِيبٞ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ ٱلۡوَٰلِدَانِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبُونَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنۡهُ أَوۡ كَثُرَۚ نَصِيبٗا مَّفۡرُوضٗا 7وَإِذَا حَضَرَ ٱلۡقِسۡمَةَ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينُ فَٱرۡزُقُوهُم مِّنۡهُ وَقُولُواْ لَهُمۡ قَوۡلٗا مَّعۡرُوفٗا8
Verse 8: Orphans who are related to the deceased but do not have a share in their inheritance.
CARING FOR ORPHANS
9Let the guardians be as concerned 'for the orphans' as they would if they 'died and' left 'their own' helpless children behind. So let them keep Allah in mind and speak fairly. 10Those who unjustly take over orphans' wealth in fact take nothing but fire into their bellies. And they will be burned in a blazing Hell!
وَلۡيَخۡشَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَوۡ تَرَكُواْ مِنۡ خَلۡفِهِمۡ ذُرِّيَّةٗ ضِعَٰفًا خَافُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ فَلۡيَتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَلۡيَقُولُواْ قَوۡلٗا سَدِيدًا 9إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَأۡكُلُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَ ٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ ظُلۡمًا إِنَّمَا يَأۡكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمۡ نَارٗاۖ وَسَيَصۡلَوۡنَ سَعِيرٗا10
SIDE STORY
John and Michael are brothers, who have a younger sister named Lisa. When their rich father died at the age of 87 in 1995, he left a will, giving: The family's house (worth $1,000,000) to his wife. $50,000 to his best friend, an old bulldog. The rest of his property (around $4,950,000) to John. Nothing to Michael and Lisa.
Now, John's children are living a very comfortable life, enjoying the money and land their dad got from his father. However, Michael and Lisa don't have much to offer their children, because they were not as lucky as John. Michael's son had to take a big student loan to pay for his college education. Even though he graduated a long time ago, he's still struggling to pay off his loan, which has doubled over the years because of interest. He just can't understand why in the world his dad couldn't get a share of his grandfather's property.
Ali and Yasin are brothers, who have a younger sister named Maryam. When their rich father died in 1995, his property (worth $6,000,000) was distributed according to Shariah (Islamic law): His wife got 1/8 = $750,000. Ali and Yasin each got $2,100,000. Maryam got $1,050,000.
They have all started their own businesses and their kids went to some good schools. Everyone is grateful for being able to get a share of the family's wealth.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone may ask, "If Islam is fair, how come the male gets twice the share of the female?" This is a very good question. Consider the following points: A female can be the dead person's mother, sister, daughter, or wife. A male can be the father, brother, son, or husband.
A person's share is decided mainly based on how close they are to the person who has died, as well as their age. Generally, those who are younger and closer to the dead person get more than those who are distant and older. For example, if a man died and left $60,000, this is how the money would be distributed among his close relatives: For females, their share can either be:
1. Less than a male's share. For example, if she is a daughter, she will get half of the share of her brother, because he is required to provide for the family and pay a marriage gift when he gets married, whereas his sister keeps all her money.
2. More than a male's share. For example, if a man leaves $24,000 and 2 daughters, a brother, a wife, a mother, and 2 uncles. The wife will get 1/8 = $3,000, the mother 1/6 = $4,000, the 2 daughters will share $16,000 ($8,000 each), his brother will take the rest ($1,000), while his uncles will get $0.
3. Or an equal share. For example, the father and the mother will each get 1/6 of the property of their dead son who left children, according to verse 11 of this surah. Also, if a man's wealth is inherited only by his brothers and sisters from the mother's side, his brothers and sisters will share his property equally, according to verse 12.
BACKGROUND STORY
Sa'd ibn al-Rabi' was a wealthy companion from Madinah. After he died as a martyr in the Battle of Uhud, his brother took over his wealth, leaving nothing for Sa'd's wife and 2 daughters. When his wife complained to the Prophet, verse 11 was revealed. So, he ordered the brother to give 2/3 of the wealth to Sa'd's daughters, 1/8 to his wife, and then he could take the rest. (Imam Ahmad)
WORDS OF WISDOM
Verses 7, 11-13, 32-33, and 176 talk about the shares of close relatives, including children, parents, full- and half-brothers and sisters, husbands, and wives.
Before distributing these shares, other financial duties should be taken care of first, such as funeral expenses, debts, and wills (gifts or donations).
If a man decides to distribute some of his wealth among his children during his life (as long he's not very ill), this is not considered inheritance (ميراث), but a gift (هبه), which means that his daughter will receive a gift similar to that of her own brother.
A person can write a will to donate or gift up to 1/3 of his or her own property for charities or individuals who do not have a share in inheritance.
Let's say a Muslim man is married to a Christian woman. Even though she doesn't inherit her 1/4 (if they don't have kids together) or 1/8 (if they have kids), she can get up to 1/3 of his property through a will. The same is true for one's non-Muslim parents.
INHERITANCE LAW 2) CHILDREN & PARENTS
11Allah commands you regarding your children: the share of the male will be twice the share of the female. If you leave only two 'or more' females, their share is two-thirds of the property. But if there is only one female, her share will be one-half. Each parent will take one-sixth if you leave any children. But if you are childless and your parents are the only inheritors, then your mother will receive one-third. But if you leave brothers or sisters, then your mother will receive one-sixth—after paying any wills and debts. 'Be fair to' your parents and children, as you do not 'fully' know who is more beneficial to you. 'This is' a duty from Allah. Surely Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom.
يُوصِيكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِيٓ أَوۡلَٰدِكُمۡۖ لِلذَّكَرِ مِثۡلُ حَظِّ ٱلۡأُنثَيَيۡنِۚ فَإِن كُنَّ نِسَآءٗ فَوۡقَ ٱثۡنَتَيۡنِ فَلَهُنَّ ثُلُثَا مَا تَرَكَۖ وَإِن كَانَتۡ وَٰحِدَةٗ فَلَهَا ٱلنِّصۡفُۚ وَلِأَبَوَيۡهِ لِكُلِّ وَٰحِدٖ مِّنۡهُمَا ٱلسُّدُسُ مِمَّا تَرَكَ إِن كَانَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٞۚ فَإِن لَّمۡ يَكُن لَّهُۥ وَلَدٞ وَوَرِثَهُۥٓ أَبَوَاهُ فَلِأُمِّهِ ٱلثُّلُثُۚ فَإِن كَانَ لَهُۥٓ إِخۡوَةٞ فَلِأُمِّهِ ٱلسُّدُسُۚ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ وَصِيَّةٖ يُوصِي بِهَآ أَوۡ دَيۡنٍۗ ءَابَآؤُكُمۡ وَأَبۡنَآؤُكُمۡ لَا تَدۡرُونَ أَيُّهُمۡ أَقۡرَبُ لَكُمۡ نَفۡعٗاۚ فَرِيضَةٗ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا11
Verse 11: And the father will take the rest of the property.
INHERITANCE LAW: SPOUSES & SIBLINGS FROM MOTHER'S SIDE
12You will inherit half of what your wives leave if they are childless. But if they have children, then 'your share is' one-fourth of the property—after paying any wills and debts. And your wives will inherit one-fourth of what you leave if you are childless. But if you have children, then your wives will receive one-eighth of your property—after paying any wills and debts. And if a man or a woman leaves no parents or children but only a brother or a sister 'from their mother's side', they will each inherit one-sixth, but if they are more than one, they 'all' will share one-third of the property—after paying any wills and debts without harm to the inheritors. 'This is' a command from Allah. And Allah is full of knowledge and patience.
وَلَكُمۡ نِصۡفُ مَا تَرَكَ أَزۡوَٰجُكُمۡ إِن لَّمۡ يَكُن لَّهُنَّ وَلَدٞۚ فَإِن كَانَ لَهُنَّ وَلَدٞ فَلَكُمُ ٱلرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَكۡنَۚ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ وَصِيَّةٖ يُوصِينَ بِهَآ أَوۡ دَيۡنٖۚ وَلَهُنَّ ٱلرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَكۡتُمۡ إِن لَّمۡ يَكُن لَّكُمۡ وَلَدٞۚ فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمۡ وَلَدٞ فَلَهُنَّ ٱلثُّمُنُ مِمَّا تَرَكۡتُمۚ مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ وَصِيَّةٖ تُوصُونَ بِهَآ أَوۡ دَيۡنٖۗ وَإِن كَانَ رَجُلٞ يُورَثُ كَلَٰلَةً أَوِ ٱمۡرَأَةٞ وَلَهُۥٓ أَخٌ أَوۡ أُخۡتٞ فَلِكُلِّ وَٰحِدٖ مِّنۡهُمَا ٱلسُّدُسُۚ فَإِن كَانُوٓاْ أَكۡثَرَ مِن ذَٰلِكَ فَهُمۡ شُرَكَآءُ فِي ٱلثُّلُثِۚ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ وَصِيَّةٖ يُوصَىٰ بِهَآ أَوۡ دَيۡنٍ غَيۡرَ مُضَآرّٖۚ وَصِيَّةٗ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَلِيمٞ12
OBEYING ALLAH'S LAWS
13These 'shares' are the rules set by Allah. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be entered by Him into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever: That is the biggest success! 14But whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and breaks those rules will be thrown by Him into the Fire, to stay there forever. And they will suffer a humiliating punishment.
تِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِۚ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ يُدۡخِلۡهُ جَنَّٰتٖ تَجۡرِي مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَاۚ وَذَٰلِكَ ٱلۡفَوۡزُ ٱلۡعَظِيمُ 13وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَيَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَهُۥ يُدۡخِلۡهُ نَارًا خَٰلِدٗا فِيهَا وَلَهُۥ عَذَابٞ مُّهِينٞ14
FORBIDDEN ROMANTIC RELATIONS
15As for those of your women who are guilty of illegal relationships, call four witnesses from among you. If the witnesses confirm what they saw, keep the guilty ones at their homes for life or until Allah decides something else for them. 16And as for the two among you who are guilty of the same sin, discipline them. If they repent and change their ways, leave them alone. Surely Allah is willing to accept repentance and is full of mercy.
وَٱلَّٰتِي يَأۡتِينَ ٱلۡفَٰحِشَةَ مِن نِّسَآئِكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَشۡهِدُواْ عَلَيۡهِنَّ أَرۡبَعَةٗ مِّنكُمۡۖ فَإِن شَهِدُواْ فَأَمۡسِكُوهُنَّ فِي ٱلۡبُيُوتِ حَتَّىٰ يَتَوَفَّىٰهُنَّ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ أَوۡ يَجۡعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لَهُنَّ سَبِيلٗ 15وَٱلَّذَانِ يَأۡتِيَٰنِهَا مِنكُمۡ فََٔاذُوهُمَاۖ فَإِن تَابَا وَأَصۡلَحَا فَأَعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡهُمَآۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ تَوَّابٗا رَّحِيمًا16
Verse 16: 12. This was later replaced by the ruling mentioned in 24:2.
ACCEPTED & REJECTED REPENTANCE
17Allah only accepts the repentance of those who do evil recklessly then repent soon after: Such people will be shown Allah's mercy. And Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom. 18However, repentance is not accepted from those who intentionally keep sinning until they start dying and then cry, "Now I repent!" or those who die as disbelievers. We have prepared a painful punishment for such people.
إِنَّمَا ٱلتَّوۡبَةُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ لِلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِجَهَٰلَةٖ ثُمَّ يَتُوبُونَ مِن قَرِيبٖ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يَتُوبُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِمۡۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا 17وَلَيۡسَتِ ٱلتَّوۡبَةُ لِلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسَّئَِّاتِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَهُمُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ قَالَ إِنِّي تُبۡتُ ٱلۡـَٰٔنَ وَلَا ٱلَّذِينَ يَمُوتُونَ وَهُمۡ كُفَّارٌۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ أَعۡتَدۡنَا لَهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا18
Verse 17: 13. A person will be forgiven as long as he or she repents any time before their death. Keeping in mind that sudden death is very common, people shouldn't delay their repentance.
DON'T ABUSE WOMEN
19O believers! You are not allowed to inherit women against their will or mistreat them just to make them return some of their marriage gift 'to get divorce'—unless they are found guilty of illegal relations. Treat them kindly. If you dislike them, you may hate something which Allah turns into a great blessing. 20If you want to replace a wife with another, and you have given the first one even a ton of gold 'as a marriage gift', do not take any of it back. Would you still take it unjustly and very sinfully? 21And how could you take it back after having been together and she has taken from you a serious commitment?
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمۡ أَن تَرِثُواْ ٱلنِّسَآءَ كَرۡهٗاۖ وَلَا تَعۡضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذۡهَبُواْ بِبَعۡضِ مَآ ءَاتَيۡتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِينَ بِفَٰحِشَةٖ مُّبَيِّنَةٖۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۚ فَإِن كَرِهۡتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡٔٗا وَيَجۡعَلَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيۡرٗا كَثِيرٗا 19وَإِنۡ أَرَدتُّمُ ٱسۡتِبۡدَالَ زَوۡجٖ مَّكَانَ زَوۡجٖ وَءَاتَيۡتُمۡ إِحۡدَىٰهُنَّ قِنطَارٗا فَلَا تَأۡخُذُواْ مِنۡهُ شَيًۡٔاۚ أَتَأۡخُذُونَهُۥ بُهۡتَٰنٗا وَإِثۡمٗا مُّبِينٗا 20وَكَيۡفَ تَأۡخُذُونَهُۥ وَقَدۡ أَفۡضَىٰ بَعۡضُكُمۡ إِلَىٰ بَعۡضٖ وَأَخَذۡنَ مِنكُم مِّيثَٰقًا غَلِيظٗا21
Verse 19: Before Islam, a man would prevent a female relative (such ds his sister or mother) from getting married so he could secure her property for himself.
Verse 21: Meaning the promise to live together with kindness or separate with dignity.
WOMEN THAT MEN CAN'T MARRY
22Do not marry former wives of your fathers—except what already happened in the past. It was truly a shameful, horrible, and evil practice. 23You are also forbidden to marry your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your aunts on your fathers' and mothers' side, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your foster-mothers who breastfed you, your foster-sisters, your mothers-in-law, your stepdaughters in your care if you have had a legal romantic relation with their mothers—but if you have not, then you can marry them—or the wives of your own sons, or two sisters together at the same time—except what already happened in the past. Surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 24Married women are also forbidden to you, except captives that you now have legally. This is Allah's command to you. But all other women are allowed for you—as long as you seek them with your wealth in a legal marriage, not in illegal relationships. When you are together in a legal marriage, you must give them their marriage gifts. It is not wrong to be flexible with each other about the gift you have agreed on. Surely Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom.
وَلَا تَنكِحُواْ مَا نَكَحَ ءَابَآؤُكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ إِلَّا مَا قَدۡ سَلَفَۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةٗ وَمَقۡتٗا وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًا 22حُرِّمَتۡ عَلَيۡكُمۡ أُمَّهَٰتُكُمۡ وَبَنَاتُكُمۡ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُمۡ وَعَمَّٰتُكُمۡ وَخَٰلَٰتُكُمۡ وَبَنَاتُ ٱلۡأَخِ وَبَنَاتُ ٱلۡأُخۡتِ وَأُمَّهَٰتُكُمُ ٱلَّٰتِيٓ أَرۡضَعۡنَكُمۡ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُم مِّنَ ٱلرَّضَٰعَةِ وَأُمَّهَٰتُ نِسَآئِكُمۡ وَرَبَٰٓئِبُكُمُ ٱلَّٰتِي فِي حُجُورِكُم مِّن نِّسَآئِكُمُ ٱلَّٰتِي دَخَلۡتُم بِهِنَّ فَإِن لَّمۡ تَكُونُواْ دَخَلۡتُم بِهِنَّ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَحَلَٰٓئِلُ أَبۡنَآئِكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ مِنۡ أَصۡلَٰبِكُمۡ وَأَن تَجۡمَعُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلۡأُخۡتَيۡنِ إِلَّا مَا قَدۡ سَلَفَۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمٗا 23وَٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ إِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡۖ كِتَٰبَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡۚ وَأُحِلَّ لَكُم مَّا وَرَآءَ ذَٰلِكُمۡ أَن تَبۡتَغُواْ بِأَمۡوَٰلِكُم مُّحۡصِنِينَ غَيۡرَ مُسَٰفِحِينَۚ فَمَا ٱسۡتَمۡتَعۡتُم بِهِۦ مِنۡهُنَّ فََٔاتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةٗۚ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فِيمَا تَرَٰضَيۡتُم بِهِۦ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلۡفَرِيضَةِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا24
Verse 22: . Before Islam, if a man died, his son might choose to marry his own step-mother, or marry her to someone else and take her marriage gift, or stop her from re-marrying so he could inherit her property after she died.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone may ask, "If the Prophet cared about human rights, why didn't he ban slavery from day one?" Before we talk about the Prophet, let's talk a bit about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the U.S. During his time, northern and southern states disagreed on freeing slaves, leading to the American Civil War (1861-1865), which left over 620,000 soldiers dead and millions more injured. President Lincoln himself was killed in 1865 by a man who supported the southern states, which favored slavery.
Even though the South lost the war and the slaves were officially freed, it took at least another 100 years for former enslaved African-Americans to enjoy some equality with whites. Under Jim Crow laws (which ended in 1968), Blacks had to use 'separate but not equal' facilities. According to Britannica Kids, "Lawmakers passed laws that required whites and Blacks to attend separate schools and to sit in different areas on public transportation. The laws extended to parks, cemeteries, theaters, and restaurants. Blacks and whites had to use different drinking fountains, waiting rooms, housing, and shops. The laws kept Black and white people from relating to one another as equals. The laws limited freedom and opportunity for African American people. Each state had its own set of Jim Crow laws... Signs were used to show where 'people of color' were not allowed to go."
Some 13 centuries earlier, the Prophet declared that all people were equal, because they came from the same father and mother. He said that whites were not better than Blacks, and Blacks were not better than whites. Keeping in mind that slavery had existed for thousands of years, the Prophet knew that it would be impossible to free slaves overnight (as Lincoln later tried to do). However, the Prophet introduced many rules to help solve this issue. For example, Islam opened the door for ending slavery by making it an act of charity to free slaves. The Prophet and his companions supported slaves financially so they could buy their own freedom, as they did with a famous companion named Salman. Before Islam, free people were kidnapped and sold as slaves. According to Islamic teachings, no free person can be turned into a slave. Children born to slaves automatically became slaves. Under Islam, children born to slave-masters were considered to be free, and their mothers would gain their freedom upon the death of their masters. It was forbidden to separate a mother from her children.
Many sins were atoned for by freeing a slave, including unintentional killing, breaking one's oath, and husband-wife romantic relations during the days of fasting in Ramadan.
Former slaves were given important roles in Muslim society. For example, Bilal, of African background, was the first official caller to prayer in Islam. Usama ibn Zayd (a Black man, the son of a freed slave) was appointed by the Prophet as the leader of the Muslim army at the age of 18. Another companion, Ibn Abza, became the mayor of Makkah during the time of 'Umar. It's interesting to note that the Mamluks (slave soldiers) ruled Egypt and Syria for almost 3 centuries (1250-1517).
The Prophet said, "Feed your slaves from what you eat, clothe them from what you wear, and do not burden them with work, unless you help them." (Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim)
Although slavery has officially been banned worldwide, many forms of slavery still exist today. This includes work slaves, sex slaves, debt slaves, and so on. Many children in poor countries work like slaves for companies that supply products to businesses in some rich Western countries.
PERMISSION TO MARRY SLAVE-WOMEN
25But if any of you cannot afford to marry a free believing woman, then 'let him marry' a believing slave owned by one of you. Allah knows best 'the quality of everyone's faith. You are all fellow human beings. So marry them with the permission of their owners, giving them their marriage gift in fairness, if they are decent—not involved in multiple or secret relations. If they are found guilty of an illegal relationship after marriage, they will receive half the punishment of free women. 'This permission' is for those of you who fear falling into sin. But if you are patient, it is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
وَمَن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَطِعۡ مِنكُمۡ طَوۡلًا أَن يَنكِحَ ٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ فَمِن مَّا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُم مِّن فَتَيَٰتِكُمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِۚ وَٱللَّهُ أَعۡلَمُ بِإِيمَٰنِكُمۚ بَعۡضُكُم مِّنۢ بَعۡضٖۚ فَٱنكِحُوهُنَّ بِإِذۡنِ أَهۡلِهِنَّ وَءَاتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ مُحۡصَنَٰتٍ غَيۡرَ مُسَٰفِحَٰتٖ وَلَا مُتَّخِذَٰتِ أَخۡدَانٖۚ فَإِذَآ أُحۡصِنَّ فَإِنۡ أَتَيۡنَ بِفَٰحِشَةٖ فَعَلَيۡهِنَّ نِصۡفُ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتِ مِنَ ٱلۡعَذَابِۚ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَنۡ خَشِيَ ٱلۡعَنَتَ مِنكُمۡۚ وَأَن تَصۡبِرُواْ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ25
WORDS OF WISDOM
According to verse 28, humans are created weak, impatient, and unable to control their desires. Our physical weakness becomes clear when we compare our development and strength to those of other creatures. To start with, human babies need at least 3 months to raise their heads, about a year to be able to walk, and some may take several years just to leave their parents' beds! However, a baby horse can run within hours after birth. A baby turtle is able to swim only a day or two after hatching, while a bluebird can fly out of the nest in two weeks.
Moreover, some creatures have superpowers that we simply can't match. Here are a few fun facts from National Geographic: One blue whale weighing 200 tons is equal to 40 elephants (each weighing 5 tons) or 2,667 humans (each weighing 70 kg). A single ant can carry 50 times its own body weight. To match this, a human being (weighing 80 kg) would have to carry 4,000 kg. A tiny flea can jump 150 times its own body length. A 2-meter human being would need to jump 300 meters to match a flea. A seahorse can give birth to an average of 1,500 babies at a time. A little creature known as a water bear (or tardigrade) can survive extreme cold and heat and can even survive in space. It can go without food or water for years. In comparison, some people may think that they will die if they fast for hours in Ramadan!
Even though we are not the biggest, strongest, or fastest compared to many other creatures, Allah has blessed us with superior intelligence and free will. He put us in charge of the earth and ordered us to do what is right and avoid what is wrong.
SIDE STORY
This surah talks a lot about Allah's mercy. With the exception of Surah 9, all surahs begin with the basmalah to remind us that He is indeed Ar-Rahman (the One full of mercy) and Ar-Rahim (the One giving mercy). In verses 26-28, Allah says that He always shows mercy to people and eases their burdens, knowing that they have been created weak.
This reminds me of a very emotional story that happened with a Muslim brother in Canada. His little daughter got very sick, and eventually the hospital had to put her on life-support. At some point, the doctors told him and his wife that their daughter would never recover and that she should be taken off life-support—which meant she would die shortly after. The father refused to sign the papers. A week went by, but again he couldn't do it. That was a very stressful time for him and his family. Finally, after realizing that his daughter's condition was only getting worse, he prayed for Allah's mercy and took the pen to sign the papers. His hand started shaking when the doctor showed him where to sign. Suddenly, a nurse rushed into the room to tell him that there was no need to sign as his daughter had just died on her own. The father dropped the pen and went into sajdah to thank Allah for His mercy during that intense moment.
THE PURPOSE OF ALL THESE RULES
26Allah wants to make things clear to you, guide you to the 'good' ways of those before you, and show you mercy. Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom. 27And Allah wants to turn to you with mercy, but those who follow their desires wish to see you stray completely. 28And Allah wants to ease your burdens, because humankind was created weak.
يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمۡ وَيَهۡدِيَكُمۡ سُنَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيۡكُمۡۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٞ 26وَٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَيُرِيدُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلشَّهَوَٰتِ أَن تَمِيلُواْ مَيۡلًا عَظِيمٗا 27يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُخَفِّفَ عَنكُمۡۚ وَخُلِقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ ضَعِيفٗا28
ADVICE TO THE BELIEVERS
29O believers! Do not take each other's wealth illegally. Instead, you can agree to do business with each other. And do not kill yourselves 'or each other'. Surely Allah is always Merciful to you. 30And whoever does this sinfully and unjustly, We will burn them in the Fire. And that is easy for Allah. 31If you avoid the major sins forbidden to you, We will clear you of your 'smaller' misdeeds and enter you into a place of honour.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَأۡكُلُوٓاْ أَمۡوَٰلَكُم بَيۡنَكُم بِٱلۡبَٰطِلِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَ تِجَٰرَةً عَن تَرَاضٖ مِّنكُمۡۚ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمۡ رَحِيمٗا 29وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٰلِكَ عُدۡوَٰنٗا وَظُلۡمٗا فَسَوۡفَ نُصۡلِيهِ نَارٗاۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرًا 30إِن تَجۡتَنِبُواْ كَبَآئِرَ مَا تُنۡهَوۡنَ عَنۡهُ نُكَفِّرۡ عَنكُمۡ سَئَِّاتِكُمۡ وَنُدۡخِلۡكُم مُّدۡخَلٗا كَرِيمٗا31
Verse 31: Jannah
INHERITANCE LAW: DON'T BE JEALOUS
32And do not envy what Allah has given some of you over others. In the end, men will be rewarded 'fairly' for their efforts, and women will be rewarded 'fairly' for their efforts. Instead, ask Allah for His blessings. Surely Allah has 'perfect' knowledge of all things. 33And We have assigned inheritors to what has been left by parents and other relatives. As for those 'friends' you have made a pledge to, give them their share. Surely Allah is a Witness over all things.
وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوۡاْ مَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦ بَعۡضَكُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖۚ لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٞ مِّمَّا ٱكۡتَسَبُواْۖ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِيبٞ مِّمَّا ٱكۡتَسَبۡنَۚ وَسَۡٔلُواْ ٱللَّهَ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦٓۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٗا 32وَلِكُلّٖ جَعَلۡنَا مَوَٰلِيَ مِمَّا تَرَكَ ٱلۡوَٰلِدَانِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبُونَۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ عَقَدَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡ فََٔاتُوهُمۡ نَصِيبَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ شَهِيدًا33
Verse 33: Taking a pledge to inherit each other was a common practice between friends before Islam. This practice came to an end with the revelation of 8:75. Although friends do not have a share in inheritance anymore, their friends can still give them up to % of their property as a gift.
WORDS OF WISDOM
The following passage talks about a situation where the wife severely misbehaves, disrespects her husband, fails to give him his rights, or has an illegal relationship with another man. As the guardian and protector of the family, the husband has the right to take the following steps:
1. To advise and caution his wife.
2. If this doesn't work, then he can refuse to share the bed with her.
3. But if this doesn't work, then he can discipline her. The aim is to show that he's not happy with her bad behavior, not to be violent with her. In his final speech, the Prophet advised people to be kind to their women. He himself never hit a woman or a servant. If the husband is unfair or abusive to his wife, she can get help from her guardian or seek divorce. (Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi)
HUSBANDS AS PROVIDERS & PROTECTORS
34Husbands are responsible for taking care of their wives, because of the way they have been blessed by Allah and for the fact that they support them financially. And faithful wives obey 'their Lord', and honour the trust given to them by Allah when their husbands are not around. If you feel your wives are misbehaving, advise them first, 'if they continue, do not share their beds, and 'if they still continue,' discipline them. But if they change their ways, do not be unfair to them. Surely Allah is Most High and Great. 35If you feel things will get worse between the couple, send someone from his family and another from her family to decide. If they want to make peace, Allah will bring them back together. Surely Allah knows 'everything' and is fully Aware.
ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖ وَبِمَآ أَنفَقُواْ مِنۡ أَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡۚ فَٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ قَٰنِتَٰتٌ حَٰفِظَٰتٞ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ ٱللَّهُۚ وَٱلَّٰتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهۡجُرُوهُنَّ فِي ٱلۡمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضۡرِبُوهُنَّۖ فَإِنۡ أَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُواْ عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيلًاۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيّٗا كَبِيرٗا 34وَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ شِقَاقَ بَيۡنِهِمَا فَٱبۡعَثُواْ حَكَمٗا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَحَكَمٗا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهَآ إِن يُرِيدَآ إِصۡلَٰحٗا يُوَفِّقِ ٱللَّهُ بَيۡنَهُمَآۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا خَبِيرٗا35
Verse 34: 23. Meaning protecting their husbands' honour and wealth in their absence.
SIDE STORY
One day, the Prophet asked 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud to recite some verses of the Quran to him. Ibn Mas'ud said, 'How can I do that, when it was revealed to you?' The Prophet replied, 'I'd love to hear it from someone else.' So, Ibn Mas'ud started reciting from the beginning of this surah. When he reached verse 41, the Prophet told him, 'That is enough.' Ibn Mas'ud said he looked at the Prophet and saw his eyes flowing with tears. (Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim)
WORDS OF WISDOM
Verses 36-40 criticize those who hate to share with others and fail to donate in the cause of Allah, even though all of their wealth came only from Him. Such people ignore the fact that one day they will die and leave everything behind. Those who are wise should be grateful that Allah has blessed them with wealth, guided them to donate, and promised to reward them for their donations. Helping others and easing their hardship is one of the best things that you can do as a Muslim.
The Prophet said, "Whoever removes one of the hardships of this life from a believer, Allah will remove one of the hardships of Judgment Day from that person. Whoever makes things easy for someone who is going through a difficulty, Allah will make things easy for that person in this life and the Next. And whoever covers the faults of a Muslim, Allah will cover the faults of that person in this life and the Next. Allah will always help a person as long as that person helps others. Those who seek a path to gain knowledge, Allah will make the path to Jannah easy for them. If a group gets together at a mosque to recite and study the Book of Allah with each other, a sense of peace will come down upon them, mercy will cover them, the angels will be all around them, and Allah will mention them to those in His presence. As for those who lag behind with their good deeds, their elite family line will not move them forward." (Imam Muslim)
SIDE STORY
Joha was a rich man, but he didn't like to share. One day, he was standing on the roof of his 4-story house when a poor man started banging on his door. Joha looked from the top and asked the man, 'What do you want?' The man replied, 'Come down please, I need to talk to you urgently.' When Joha walked down the stairs and came out, the man said, 'I need some food.' Joha paused for a moment then said, 'Follow me.' The man got very excited, and he walked up the stairs with Joha. Once on the roof, Joha pointed up and told the man, 'Allah will give you.' The poor man was shocked. He asked Joha, 'Why didn't you say that when I was down there in the street?' Joha replied, 'And why didn't you ask for food when I was up here on the roof?' The man said, 'I didn't want everyone in the neighborhood to know that I was hungry.' Still, Joha told the man to leave or he would push him off the roof! Before he left, the poor man told him, 'If you can't afford some food, at least you can afford some manners!'
SIDE STORY
Like Joha, Hamzah always kept things for himself. Even though Allah blessed him with a lot of wealth, he didn't donate to the masjid or any good cause. He loved money so much that he didn't even use it to live a comfortable life. One day, his friend Zaki asked him, "Hamzah! What do you do in the winter when it gets cold in your house?" He replied, "Of course, I put the electric heater in my room." His friend then asked, "What if it gets much colder?" Hamzah replied, "I sit closer to the heater." Again, his friend asked, "What if it gets so cold to the point you would freeze to death?" Hamzah said, "Then I'd turn the heater on!"
WARNING TO THE UNFAITHFUL
36Worship Allah 'alone' and make none equal to Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, needy travellers, and those you have legally. Surely Allah does not like whoever is an arrogant show-off 37those who are not willing to give, stop others from giving, and hold back Allah's blessings. We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment. 38'They are' those who spend their wealth to show off and do not believe in Allah or the Last Day. And whoever takes Satan as a partner—what an evil partner they have! 39What made it so challenging for them to believe in Allah and the Last Day and donate from what Allah has provided for them? And Allah has 'perfect' knowledge of them all. 40Surely, Allah never wrongs 'anyone—even by an atom's weight. And if it is a good deed, He will multiply it many times over and will give a great reward as a favour from Him. 41So how will it be when We bring a witness from every faith-community and bring you 'O Prophet' as a witness against yours? 42On that Day, those who denied Allah' and disobeyed the Messenger will wish to be swallowed up by the earth. And they will never be able to hide anything from Allah.
وَٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشۡرِكُواْ بِهِۦ شَيۡٔٗاۖ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنٗا وَبِذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱلۡجَارِ ذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡجَارِ ٱلۡجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلۡجَنۢبِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُكُمۡۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخۡتَالٗا فَخُورًا 36ٱلَّذِينَ يَبۡخَلُونَ وَيَأۡمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلۡبُخۡلِ وَيَكۡتُمُونَ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۗ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ عَذَابٗا مُّهِينٗا 37وَٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَلَا بِٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِۗ وَمَن يَكُنِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ لَهُۥ قَرِينٗا فَسَآءَ قَرِينٗا 38وَمَاذَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ لَوۡ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ وَأَنفَقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَهُمُ ٱللَّهُۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِمۡ عَلِيمًا 39إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَظۡلِمُ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٖۖ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةٗ يُضَٰعِفۡهَا وَيُؤۡتِ مِن لَّدُنۡهُ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا 40فَكَيۡفَ إِذَا جِئۡنَا مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةِۢ بِشَهِيدٖ وَجِئۡنَا بِكَ عَلَىٰ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ شَهِيدٗا 41يَوۡمَئِذٖ يَوَدُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَعَصَوُاْ ٱلرَّسُولَ لَوۡ تُسَوَّىٰ بِهِمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَلَا يَكۡتُمُونَ ٱللَّهَ حَدِيثٗا42
Verse 40: lit the smallest particle of dust
WORDS OF WISDOM
Muslims must purify themselves before salah. If someone cannot find water or is unable to use it because of illness or cold weather, then they are allowed to touch clean earth or sand with the palms of their hands once, then blow in their hands and wipe over their faces and hands. This ruling is called **tayammum**. (Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim)
PURIFICATION BEFORE SALAH
43O believers! Do not pray while drunk until you are aware of what you are saying, or when you are 'physically' impure—unless you are just passing through 'the mosque'—until you have taken a full bath. But if you are ill, on a journey, or have used the washroom, or touched your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth by wiping your faces and hands. Allah is always willing to excuse and forgive.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنتُمۡ سُكَٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَعۡلَمُواْ مَا تَقُولُونَ وَلَا جُنُبًا إِلَّا عَابِرِي سَبِيلٍ حَتَّىٰ تَغۡتَسِلُواْۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرۡضَىٰٓ أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوۡ جَآءَ أَحَدٞ مِّنكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡغَآئِطِ أَوۡ لَٰمَسۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَلَمۡ تَجِدُواْ مَآءٗ فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدٗا طَيِّبٗا فَٱمۡسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمۡ وَأَيۡدِيكُمۡۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا43
Verse 43: 25. Drinking wine was later forbidden when verses 5:90-91 were revealed. 26. For example, after a husband and his wife have a romantic relation.27. Meaning if you have hada romantic relation with them.
BACKGROUND STORY
As mentioned previously, some Jews in Madinah would mock the Prophet by twisting words. Instead of saying 'ra'ina' (give us extra attention), they would make it sound like 'our fool'. They would loudly proclaim, 'We listen,' then whisper, 'But we disobey!' and say, 'Hear us,' then quietly add, 'May you never hear!' They privately told each other, 'If this man were truly a prophet, he would know we are mocking him.' Consequently, verse 46 was revealed, offering alternative phrases that couldn't be twisted. (Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi)
WARNING AGAINST UNFAITHFUL JEWS
44Have you 'O Prophet' not seen those who were given a portion of the Book yet trade it for misguidance and wish to see you stray from the 'Right' Path? 45Allah knows best who your enemies are! And Allah is enough as a Guardian, and He is enough as a Helper. 46Some Jews twist the meaning of words and say, "We listen and we disobey, 'Hear! May you never hear' and 'Ra'ina!'—playing with words and disrespecting the faith. If they said 'kindly', "We hear and obey" "Listen to us" and "Unzurna" it would have been better for them and more proper. But Allah has doomed them for their disbelief, so they hardly have any faith. 47O you who were given the Book! Believe in what We have revealed—confirming your own Books—before We wipe out 'your' faces, turning them backwards, or We doom such people as We did to the Sabbath-breakers. And Allah's order must be done. 48Indeed, Allah does not forgive making others equal to Him in worship but forgives anything else to whoever He wants. And whoever makes others equal to Allah has definitely come up with a tremendous offence.
أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ نَصِيبٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ يَشۡتَرُونَ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةَ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن تَضِلُّواْ ٱلسَّبِيلَ 44٤٤ وَٱللَّهُ أَعۡلَمُ بِأَعۡدَآئِكُمۡۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَلِيّٗا وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ نَصِيرٗا 45مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ يُحَرِّفُونَ ٱلۡكَلِمَ عَن مَّوَاضِعِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ سَمِعۡنَا وَعَصَيۡنَا وَٱسۡمَعۡ غَيۡرَ مُسۡمَعٖ وَرَٰعِنَا لَيَّۢا بِأَلۡسِنَتِهِمۡ وَطَعۡنٗا فِي ٱلدِّينِۚ وَلَوۡ أَنَّهُمۡ قَالُواْ سَمِعۡنَا وَأَطَعۡنَا وَٱسۡمَعۡ وَٱنظُرۡنَا لَكَانَ خَيۡرٗا لَّهُمۡ وَأَقۡوَمَ وَلَٰكِن لَّعَنَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُفۡرِهِمۡ فَلَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا 46يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ ءَامِنُواْ بِمَا نَزَّلۡنَا مُصَدِّقٗا لِّمَا مَعَكُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن نَّطۡمِسَ وُجُوهٗا فَنَرُدَّهَا عَلَىٰٓ أَدۡبَارِهَآ أَوۡ نَلۡعَنَهُمۡ كَمَا لَعَنَّآ أَصۡحَٰبَ ٱلسَّبۡتِۚ وَكَانَ أَمۡرُ ٱللَّهِ مَفۡعُولًا 47إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰٓ إِثۡمًا عَظِيمًا48
Verse 47: The story of the Sabbath-breakers is mentioned in 7:163-165.
Verse 48: 29 T Someone heard of the beautiful message of Islam, under- stood it properly, but chose to die as a disbeliever, he or sheWould never be forgiven by Allah.
WARNING TO UNFAITHFUL JEWS
49Have you 'O Prophet' not seen those who falsely' claim honour for themselves? No! It is Allah Who honours whoever He wants. But none will be treated unfairly even one tiny bit. 50See how they make up lies against Allah—this alone is a horrible sin. 51Have you 'O Prophet' not seen those who were given a portion of the Book yet believe in idols and false gods and say about the unfaithful 'idol-worshippers' that they are better guided than the believers? 52They have been doomed by Allah. And whoever is doomed by Allah will have no helper. 53Do they control a portion of 'Allah's' kingdom? If they did, they would not have given anyone anything, no matter how tiny. 54Or do they envy the people for Allah's blessings? We have already given the children of Ibrahim the Book and wisdom, along with a mighty kingdom. 55Yet some believed in him while others turned away from him. Jahannam is enough as a punishment! 56Indeed, those who reject Our signs, We will throw them into the Fire. Whenever their skin is burnt completely, We will replace it with a new skin so they always feel the pain. Allah is truly Almighty and Wise. 57As for those who believe and do good, We will enter them into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever and ever. There they will have pure wives, and We will place them under a refreshing shade.
أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُزَكُّونَ أَنفُسَهُمۚ بَلِ ٱللَّهُ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَآءُ وَلَا يُظۡلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا 49ٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَۖ وَكَفَىٰ بِهِۦٓ إِثۡمٗا مُّبِينًا 50أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ نَصِيبٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡجِبۡتِ وَٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ سَبِيلًا 51أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَعَنَهُمُ ٱللَّهُۖ وَمَن يَلۡعَنِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُۥ نَصِيرًا 52أَمۡ لَهُمۡ نَصِيبٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡمُلۡكِ فَإِذٗا لَّا يُؤۡتُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ نَقِيرًا 53أَمۡ يَحۡسُدُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَىٰ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۖ فَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَآ ءَالَ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُم مُّلۡكًا عَظِيمٗا 54فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَمِنۡهُم مَّن صَدَّ عَنۡهُۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِجَهَنَّمَ سَعِيرًا 55إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بَِٔايَٰتِنَا سَوۡفَ نُصۡلِيهِمۡ نَارٗا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتۡ جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلۡنَٰهُمۡ جُلُودًا غَيۡرَهَا لِيَذُوقُواْ ٱلۡعَذَابَۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمٗا 56وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ سَنُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّٰتٖ تَجۡرِي مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدٗاۖ لَّهُمۡ فِيهَآ أَزۡوَٰجٞ مُّطَهَّرَةٞۖ وَنُدۡخِلُهُمۡ ظِلّٗا ظَلِيلًا57
Verse 54: . Meaning are they jealous because Allah has chosen Muham- mad to be His Prophet?Like the kingdom ruled by Dawood and Sulaiman .
Verse 55: Ibrahim
BACKGROUND STORY
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once dispatched a group of his companions outside Madinah, appointing 'Abdullah ibn Huzafah as their leader. During their journey, Abdullah, known for his playful nature, instructed them to build a large campfire. He then challenged them, asking, 'Didn't the Messenger of Allah command you to obey me?' When they affirmed this, he ordered them to jump into the fire! Conflicted, the companions hesitated. Some reasoned, 'We embraced Islam to be safe from the Fire (of Hell).' Upon their return, they recounted the incident to the Prophet. He responded, 'If you had entered it, you would not have come out. Obey your leaders only if they tell you to do what is right.' This event led to the revelation of verse 59. (Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim)
SIDE STORY
Verse 58 teaches believers to return things to their rightful owners. A prime example is the story of 'Othman ibn Talhah, whose family had held the Ka'bah's key for generations. Early in Islam in Makkah, the Prophet wanted to enter the Ka'bah, but 'Othman (still an idol-worshipper) rudely refused. The Prophet told 'Othman, 'One day, this key will fall into my hands and I'll give it to whoever I want.' Many years later, when the Muslim army took over Makkah, 'Othman had to hand the key to the Prophet for prayers inside the Ka'bah. Although Al-Abbas (the Prophet's uncle) asked to become the new key-keeper, the Prophet returned the key to 'Othman, saying, 'Your family will be in charge of this key till Judgment Day.' 'Othman was deeply moved by the Prophet's forgiveness and kindness. The Prophet then asked him, 'Do you remember what I told you about this key many years ago?' He replied, 'Absolutely! You are indeed the Messenger of Allah.' (Imam Ibn Sa'd). 'Othman's family remains in charge of the Ka'bah's key to this day.
ALLAH'S JUSTICE
58Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their owners and to be fair when you judge between people. What an excellent instruction from Allah to you! Surely Allah hears and sees 'everything. 59O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger as well as those in authority among you. If you disagree on something, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you 'truly' believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is fairer and better in the end.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُكُمۡ أَن تُؤَدُّواْ ٱلۡأَمَٰنَٰتِ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمۡتُم بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ أَن تَحۡكُمُواْ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُم بِهِۦٓۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ سَمِيعَۢا بَصِيرٗا 58يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡۖ فَإِن تَنَٰزَعۡتُمۡ فِي شَيۡءٖ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيۡرٞ وَأَحۡسَنُ تَأۡوِيلًا59
Verse 58: A trust is something (like money or keys) that you give someone to keep for a certain period of time.
ALLAH'S JUDGMENT
60Have you 'O Prophet' not seen those 'hypocrites' who claim they believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you? They seek the judgment of false judges, which they were commanded to reject. And Satan 'only' desires to lead them farther away. 61When it is said to them, 'Come to Allah's revelations and to the Messenger,' you see the hypocrites turn away from you completely. 62How 'horrible' will it be if a disaster hits them because of what they have done, then they come to you swearing by Allah, 'All we wanted was to do good and bring everyone together' 63'Only' Allah knows what is in their hearts. So turn away from them, caution them, and give them advice that will shake their souls.
أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَزۡعُمُونَ أَنَّهُمۡ ءَامَنُواْ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبۡلِكَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَحَاكَمُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَقَدۡ أُمِرُوٓاْ أَن يَكۡفُرُواْ بِهِۦۖ وَيُرِيدُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ أَن يُضِلَّهُمۡ ضَلَٰلَۢا بَعِيدٗا 60وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ رَأَيۡتَ ٱلۡمُنَٰفِقِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنكَ صُدُودٗا 61فَكَيۡفَ إِذَآ أَصَٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةُۢ بِمَا قَدَّمَتۡ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ ثُمَّ جَآءُوكَ يَحۡلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ إِنۡ أَرَدۡنَآ إِلَّآ إِحۡسَٰنٗا وَتَوۡفِيقًا 62أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُ ٱللَّهُ مَا فِي قُلُوبِهِمۡ فَأَعۡرِضۡ عَنۡهُمۡ وَعِظۡهُمۡ وَقُل لَّهُمۡ فِيٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ قَوۡلَۢا بَلِيغٗا63
OBEYING ALLAH & HIS MESSENGER
64We only sent messengers to be obeyed by Allah's permission. If only those 'hypocrites' had come to you 'O Prophet' after wronging themselves—hoping to be forgiven by Allah, and the Messenger prayed for their forgiveness, they would have certainly found Allah willing to accept repentance and full of mercy. 65But no! By your Lord 'O Prophet', they will never be 'true' believers until they accept you as the judge in their disagreements, and find nothing in their hearts against your decision and submit completely. 66If We had ordered them to sacrifice themselves or abandon their homes, none would have obeyed, except for a few. If they had done what they were told to do, it would have been far better for them and for their faith 67Also, We would have given them a great reward 'as a favour' from Us 68and guided them to the Straight Path. 69And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be in the company of those blessed by Allah: the prophets, the people of truth, the martyrs, and the faithful—what excellent company! 70This is Allah's favour, and Allah fully knows 'who deserves it'.
وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِۚ وَلَوۡ أَنَّهُمۡ إِذ ظَّلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَهُمۡ جَآءُوكَ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱسۡتَغۡفَرَ لَهُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُواْ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٗا رَّحِيمٗا 64فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُواْ فِيٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ حَرَجٗا مِّمَّا قَضَيۡتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسۡلِيمٗا 65وَلَوۡ أَنَّا كَتَبۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَنِ ٱقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ أَوِ ٱخۡرُجُواْ مِن دِيَٰرِكُم مَّا فَعَلُوهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلٞ مِّنۡهُمۡۖ وَلَوۡ أَنَّهُمۡ فَعَلُواْ مَا يُوعَظُونَ بِهِۦ لَكَانَ خَيۡرٗا لَّهُمۡ وَأَشَدَّ تَثۡبِيتٗا 66وَإِذٗا لَّأٓتَيۡنَٰهُم مِّن لَّدُنَّآ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا 67وَلَهَدَيۡنَٰهُمۡ صِرَٰطٗا مُّسۡتَقِيمٗا 68وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنۡعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِم مِّنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۧنَ وَٱلصِّدِّيقِينَ وَٱلشُّهَدَآءِ وَٱلصَّٰلِحِينَۚ وَحَسُنَ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ رَفِيقٗا 69ذَٰلِكَ ٱلۡفَضۡلُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ عَلِيمٗا70
Verse 66: Meaning obeying Allah and His Messenger.
Verse 69: Those who lost their lives defending their faith.
ADVICE TO THE MUSLIM ARMY
71O believers! Be cautious, marching either in groups or all together. 72There will be some 'hypocrites' among you who will hang back so that if you suffer a loss, they will brag, "Allah has blessed us for not being out there with them." 73But if you return with Allah's favours, they will whine—as if they had nothing to do with you—"Oh no! We wish we had been there with those people just to share the great gains!"
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ خُذُواْ حِذۡرَكُمۡ فَٱنفِرُواْ ثُبَاتٍ أَوِ ٱنفِرُواْ جَمِيعٗا 71وَإِنَّ مِنكُمۡ لَمَن لَّيُبَطِّئَنَّ فَإِنۡ أَصَٰبَتۡكُم مُّصِيبَةٞ قَالَ قَدۡ أَنۡعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيَّ إِذۡ لَمۡ أَكُن مَّعَهُمۡ شَهِيدٗا 72وَلَئِنۡ أَصَٰبَكُمۡ فَضۡلٞ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لَيَقُولَنَّ كَأَن لَّمۡ تَكُنۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُۥ مَوَدَّةٞ يَٰلَيۡتَنِي كُنتُ مَعَهُمۡ فَأَفُوزَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيمٗا73
Verse 73: Meaning victory and war gains
FIGHTING AGAINST ABUSE
74Let those who are willing to trade this life for the Next fight in the cause of Allah. And whoever fights in Allah's cause—whether they lose their life or achieve victory—We will honour them with a great reward. 75And why could you not fight in the cause of Allah and for oppressed men, women, and children who cry out, "Our Lord! Save us from this land of abusers! Send someone to protect us, send someone to help us—all by Your mercy.'? 76Believers fight for the cause of Allah, whereas disbelievers fight for the cause of the Devil. So fight against Satan's evil forces. Indeed, Satan's planning is always weak.
فَلۡيُقَٰتِلۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَشۡرُونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۚ وَمَن يُقَٰتِلۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَيُقۡتَلۡ أَوۡ يَغۡلِبۡ فَسَوۡفَ نُؤۡتِيهِ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا 74وَمَا لَكُمۡ لَا تُقَٰتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡمُسۡتَضۡعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ وَٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلۡوِلۡدَٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَخۡرِجۡنَا مِنۡ هَٰذِهِ ٱلۡقَرۡيَةِ ٱلظَّالِمِ أَهۡلُهَا وَٱجۡعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيّٗا وَٱجۡعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ نَصِيرًا 75ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ يُقَٰتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُقَٰتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱلطَّٰغُوتِ فَقَٰتِلُوٓاْ أَوۡلِيَآءَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِۖ إِنَّ كَيۡدَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ كَانَ ضَعِيفًا76
BACKGROUND STORY
Before moving to Madinah, many early Muslims kept asking the Prophet to allow them to fight against their Makkan enemies. But he told them that he had not yet received an order to fight back. Instead, he advised them to focus on building a stronger relationship with Allah. Finally, when the order came to fight after moving to Madinah, some were not interested in fighting for self-defence. (Imam An-Nasa'i)
THOSE WHO LOST COURAGE
77Have you 'O Prophet' not seen those who had been told, "Do not fight! Instead, pray ṣalah and pay zakah for now"? Then when the order came to fight, a group of them feared their enemy as Allah should be feared, or even more. They started whining, "Our Lord! Why have You ordered us to fight? If only You had delayed 'this order' for a little while!" Say, 'O Prophet,' "The enjoyment of this world is so little, whereas the Next Life is far better for those who keep Allah in mind. And none of you will be wronged even one tiny bit."
أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ قِيلَ لَهُمۡ كُفُّوٓاْ أَيۡدِيَكُمۡ وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلۡقِتَالُ إِذَا فَرِيقٞ مِّنۡهُمۡ يَخۡشَوۡنَ ٱلنَّاسَ كَخَشۡيَةِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡ أَشَدَّ خَشۡيَةٗۚ وَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَا لِمَ كَتَبۡتَ عَلَيۡنَا ٱلۡقِتَالَ لَوۡلَآ أَخَّرۡتَنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٖ قَرِيبٖۗ قُلۡ مَتَٰعُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا قَلِيلٞ وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةُ خَيۡرٞ لِّمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَلَا تُظۡلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا77
IT IS ALL WRITTEN
78Wherever you may be, death will reach you—even if you were in massive towers. When something good happens to them, those 'hypocrites' say, "This is from Allah," but when something bad happens to them, they say, "This is because of you 'O Prophet'!" Say, "Both have been written by Allah." So what is the matter with these people? They can hardly understand anything! 79Whatever good happens to you 'people' is from Allah, and whatever bad happens to you is from yourselves. We have sent you 'O Prophet' as a messenger to all people. And Allah is enough as a Witness.
أَيۡنَمَا تَكُونُواْ يُدۡرِككُّمُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ وَلَوۡ كُنتُمۡ فِي بُرُوجٖ مُّشَيَّدَةٖۗ وَإِن تُصِبۡهُمۡ حَسَنَةٞ يَقُولُواْ هَٰذِهِۦ مِنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِۖ وَإِن تُصِبۡهُمۡ سَيِّئَةٞ يَقُولُواْ هَٰذِهِۦ مِنۡ عِندِكَۚ قُلۡ كُلّٞ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِۖ فَمَالِ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ لَا يَكَادُونَ يَفۡقَهُونَ حَدِيثٗا 78مَّآ أَصَابَكَ مِنۡ حَسَنَةٖ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِۖ وَمَآ أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٖ فَمِن نَّفۡسِكَۚ وَأَرۡسَلۡنَٰكَ لِلنَّاسِ رَسُولٗاۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ شَهِيدٗا79
Verse 79: Meaning the Prophet came as a blessing to humanity, not a cause of trouble, as the hypocrites claim.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Even though the Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years to a prophet who couldn't read or write, its repeated stories and topics are perfectly consistent. The Quran itself challenged the Makkans (who were masters of Arabic) to produce something similar to the style of the Quran or find mistakes in the Book, but they failed to do so. What makes the Quran unique among other holy books is that it was memorized and written down during the time of the Prophet. Today, there are millions of Muslims throughout the world who know the Quran by heart, including many non-Arabs. If all the books in the world were destroyed, only the Quran would survive because it could be easily rewritten, word for word, from memory. Verse 82 confirms that the Quran is consistent because it's from Allah. Other prophets like Musa (Moses), Dawood (David), and 'Isa (Jesus) also received revelations from God. However, those revelations were written and edited over many centuries by different people, resulting in countless changes and mistakes. This explains why there are different versions of the Bible that are not identical.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone may ask, 'If the Quran is consistent, how do you explain the concept of Qira'at?' This is a technical question that can be answered in different ways. To keep it simple, consider the following points: Unlike the Bible, there is only ONE version of the Quran, which is in the Arabic language. Arab tribes spoke the same language, with slightly different dialects (styles of speaking). When a tribe came to learn from the Prophet, he recited the Quran to them according to their style of speaking. For example, if a tribe couldn't say, áalls wad-duha 'by the morning light' or ügoaJl al-mu'minun 'the believers' he recited these 2 words the way they said them in their own style: lg 'wad-duhe' and gio gáll 'al-muminun.' Those styles of recitation (known as qira'at) later spread to different parts of the Muslim world. For example, the first style (known as Hafs) is used in many places like Egypt and Pakistan, while the second one (known as Warsh) is used in some countries like Moroc-CO and Tunisia. There are some other styles as well. The meaning of those gira'at is usually the same. Let's assume for a second that the Qu ran was revealed in English. Even though the word water' would be recited as/woota/ by British Muslims and /wadarr/ by American Muslims, it still means the same thing. The original script-that was written at the time of the Prophet and after him-didn't have tashkil marks (-/---) or dots. Sometimes, a qira'ah may give another shade of meaning, mostly because of the difference in tashkil or dots. For example, a thamar fruit' and ś thumur 'fruits' as well as b kabira 'big' and ys kathira 'much. As you can see, each pair is identical without the tashkil and dots ( and s), so it was easy for everyone to look at the same script and read it in their own style of recitation.
HYPOCRITES' ATTITUDE
80Whoever obeys the Messenger has in fact obeyed Allah. But whoever turns away, then 'know that' We have not sent you 'O Prophet' as a keeper over them. 81And those 'hypocrites' say, "We obey you," but when they leave you, a bunch of them spend the night planning the opposite of what they said. Allah records all their evil plans. So turn away from them, and put your trust in Allah. And Allah is enough to take care of everything. 82Do they not then think deeply about the Quran? If it was from anyone other than Allah, they would have certainly found many conflicting things in it. 83And when they hear rumours about a victory or a threat, they publicize it. If they referred it to the Messenger or their authorities, those with good judgment among them would have verified it. If it was not for Allah's kindness and mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few 'of you'. 84So fight in the cause of Allah 'O Prophet'. You are responsible only for yourself. And motivate the believers to fight so perhaps Allah will stop the violence of the unfaithful 'idol-worshippers'. And Allah is far greater in power and in punishment.
مَّن يُطِعِ ٱلرَّسُولَ فَقَدۡ أَطَاعَ ٱللَّهَۖ وَمَن تَوَلَّىٰ فَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَٰكَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ حَفِيظٗا 80وَيَقُولُونَ طَاعَةٞ فَإِذَا بَرَزُواْ مِنۡ عِندِكَ بَيَّتَ طَآئِفَةٞ مِّنۡهُمۡ غَيۡرَ ٱلَّذِي تَقُولُۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَكۡتُبُ مَا يُبَيِّتُونَۖ فَأَعۡرِضۡ عَنۡهُمۡ وَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًا 81أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَۚ وَلَوۡ كَانَ مِنۡ عِندِ غَيۡرِ ٱللَّهِ لَوَجَدُواْ فِيهِ ٱخۡتِلَٰفٗا كَثِيرٗا 82وَإِذَا جَآءَهُمۡ أَمۡرٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡنِ أَوِ ٱلۡخَوۡفِ أَذَاعُواْ بِهِۦۖ وَلَوۡ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰٓ أُوْلِي ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنۡهُمۡ لَعَلِمَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَنۢبِطُونَهُۥ مِنۡهُمۡۗ وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ لَٱتَّبَعۡتُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗ 83فَقَٰتِلۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُكَلَّفُ إِلَّا نَفۡسَكَۚ وَحَرِّضِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَۖ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَكُفَّ بَأۡسَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْۚ وَٱللَّهُ أَشَدُّ بَأۡسٗا وَأَشَدُّ تَنكِيلٗا84
WORDS OF WISDOM
Verse 85 talks about doing **shafa'ah** for others, which means speaking in support of someone to benefit them or remove harm from them. For example, if Hamzah is looking for a job, you can talk to someone to hire him if he's qualified for the job. Also, if Zainab has been fired from her job for a small mistake, you can talk to her manager to give her a second chance. When people ask for your help, you should be grateful that Allah has put you in a position to help others.
Imagine that Allah has given you 2 options: 1. To be blessed with the power to help others. 2. Or to be needy and desperate for help from others. Which option would you choose?
The Prophet said, 'The people that Allah loves the most are those who are most beneficial to others. And the best deed to Allah is when you make a Muslim happy, remove a difficulty from them, pay their debt, or feed the hungry. I'd rather help someone with their needs than doing i'tikaf (the act of staying at a mosque for worship) at my masjid here (in Madinah) for a month.' (Imam At-Tabarani)
SIDE STORY
One day, 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas (the Prophet's cousin) was staying at the Prophet's masjid for i'tikaf. He noticed a man nearby with a sad face and asked him what was wrong. The man said he couldn't pay a debt and needed more time. Ibn 'Abbas offered to go with him to talk to the lender. The man was surprised that the Prophet's cousin was willing to leave the masjid to do shafa'ah (intercede) for him. Ibn 'Abbas then told the man, 'I heard the Prophet say, 'Helping others is better than doing i'tikaf at my masjid.''
ADVICE TO THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
85Whoever speaks in support of a good cause will have a share in the reward, and whoever speaks in support of an evil cause will have a share in the burden. Allah is watching over all things. 86And when you are greeted, respond with a better greeting or at least the same. Indeed, Allah is a perfect Judge of all things. 87Allah—there is no god that deserves worship' except Him. He will certainly gather 'all of you together on Judgment Day—about which there is no doubt. And who could possibly be more truthful than Allah?
مَّن يَشۡفَعۡ شَفَٰعَةً حَسَنَةٗ يَكُن لَّهُۥ نَصِيبٞ مِّنۡهَاۖ وَمَن يَشۡفَعۡ شَفَٰعَةٗ سَيِّئَةٗ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كِفۡلٞ مِّنۡهَاۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ مُّقِيتٗا 85وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٖ فَحَيُّواْ بِأَحۡسَنَ مِنۡهَآ أَوۡ رُدُّوهَآۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٍ حَسِيبًا 86ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۚ لَيَجۡمَعَنَّكُمۡ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ لَا رَيۡبَ فِيهِۗ وَمَنۡ أَصۡدَقُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ حَدِيثٗا87
ATTITUDE TOWARDS HYPOCRITES
88Why are you 'believers' divided into two groups about the hypocrites, when Allah Himself has allowed them to slip back 'into disbelief' because of what they did? Do you wish to guide those left by Allah to stray? And whoever Allah leaves to stray, you will never find for them a way. 89They wish you would lose faith as they did, so you may all be the same. So do not take them as trusted partners unless they emigrate in the cause of Allah. But if they keep turning on you, then take them and kill them wherever you find them, and do not take any of them as partners or helpers. 90But do not do this with those who reach out to a people you have a peace agreement with, or those who come to you with their hearts totally against fighting you and their own people. If Allah had wanted, He could have easily enabled them to fight you. So if they leave you alone, stop fighting you, and offer you peace, then Allah does not allow you to harm them 'at all'. 91However, you will find others who just want to be safe from you and their own people. But every time they get the chance to cause trouble, they take it. If they do not leave you alone, offer you peace, or stop attacking you, then take them and kill them wherever you find them. We have given you full permission over such People.
فَمَا لَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡمُنَٰفِقِينَ فِئَتَيۡنِ وَٱللَّهُ أَرۡكَسَهُم بِمَا كَسَبُوٓاْۚ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَهۡدُواْ مَنۡ أَضَلَّ ٱللَّهُۖ وَمَن يُضۡلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُۥ سَبِيلٗا 88وَدُّواْ لَوۡ تَكۡفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُواْ فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَآءٗۖ فَلَا تَتَّخِذُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءَ حَتَّىٰ يُهَاجِرُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَخُذُوهُمۡ وَٱقۡتُلُوهُمۡ حَيۡثُ وَجَدتُّمُوهُمۡۖ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ وَلِيّٗا وَلَا نَصِيرًا 89إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ إِلَىٰ قَوۡمِۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُم مِّيثَٰقٌ أَوۡ جَآءُوكُمۡ حَصِرَتۡ صُدُورُهُمۡ أَن يُقَٰتِلُوكُمۡ أَوۡ يُقَٰتِلُواْ قَوۡمَهُمۡۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَسَلَّطَهُمۡ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَلَقَٰتَلُوكُمۡۚ فَإِنِ ٱعۡتَزَلُوكُمۡ فَلَمۡ يُقَٰتِلُوكُمۡ وَأَلۡقَوۡاْ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلسَّلَمَ فَمَا جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ سَبِيلٗا 90سَتَجِدُونَ ءَاخَرِينَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَأۡمَنُوكُمۡ وَيَأۡمَنُواْ قَوۡمَهُمۡ كُلَّ مَا رُدُّوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلۡفِتۡنَةِ أُرۡكِسُواْ فِيهَاۚ فَإِن لَّمۡ يَعۡتَزِلُوكُمۡ وَيُلۡقُوٓاْ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلسَّلَمَ وَيَكُفُّوٓاْ أَيۡدِيَهُمۡ فَخُذُوهُمۡ وَٱقۡتُلُوهُمۡ حَيۡثُ ثَقِفۡتُمُوهُمۡۚ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكُمۡ جَعَلۡنَا لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ سُلۡطَٰنٗا مُّبِينٗا91
Verse 88: 41 Meaning you shouldn't disagree that the hypocrites are not true believers..
Verse 89: 442. This verse talks about a group of hypocrites who secretly supported the enemies of the Muslims. To prove their faith,those hypocrites were asked to emigrate and join the believ- ers. Otherwise, they would be counted with the enemies.
WORDS OF WISDOM
If a Muslim does a big sin (such as killing someone intentionally or having illegal romantic relations) and dies without repenting, they will be punished in the Next Life according to their sin. Eventually, they will be sent to Jannah. No Muslim will stay in Hell forever. Even though verse 93 says that the person who kills a believer intentionally will be in Hell forever, it actually means 'a very long time.'
We use a similar style in our daily lives. For example, if someone is minutes late for an important appointment, some of us may say, 'We waited for him forever' or 'It took him forever to come.'
THE CRIME OF KILLING A BELIEVER
92It is not allowed for a believer to kill another except by accident. And whoever kills a believer by mistake must free a believing slave and pay blood-money to the victim's family, unless they waive it as an act of charity. But if the victim is a believer who is from a people at war with you, then a believing slave must be freed. And if the victim is from a people you have a peace agreement with, then blood-money must be paid to the family, along with freeing a believing slave. Those who are unable, let them fast two months straight to gain Allah's forgiveness. And Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom. 93And whoever kills a believer intentionally, their punishment will be Hell—where they will stay for a very long time. Allah will be angry with them, doom them, and prepare for them a horrible punishment.
وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤۡمِنٍ أَن يَقۡتُلَ مُؤۡمِنًا إِلَّا خَطَٔٗاۚ وَمَن قَتَلَ مُؤۡمِنًا خَطَٔٗا فَتَحۡرِيرُ رَقَبَةٖ مُّؤۡمِنَةٖ وَدِيَةٞ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَصَّدَّقُواْۚ فَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوۡمٍ عَدُوّٖ لَّكُمۡ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٞ فَتَحۡرِيرُ رَقَبَةٖ مُّؤۡمِنَةٖۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوۡمِۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُم مِّيثَٰقٞ فَدِيَةٞ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَتَحۡرِيرُ رَقَبَةٖ مُّؤۡمِنَةٖۖ فَمَن لَّمۡ يَجِدۡ فَصِيَامُ شَهۡرَيۡنِ مُتَتَابِعَيۡنِ تَوۡبَةٗ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا 92وَمَن يَقۡتُلۡ مُؤۡمِنٗا مُّتَعَمِّدٗا فَجَزَآؤُهُۥ جَهَنَّمُ خَٰلِدٗا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِ وَلَعَنَهُۥ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُۥ عَذَابًا عَظِيمٗا93
BACKGROUND STORY
Verse 94 was revealed when one of the companions named **Al-Miqdad** killed another man, even though the victim said that he was a Muslim and greeted Al-Miqdad with peace. However, Al-Miqdad rushed to kill him just to take his belongings as a war gain, thinking that the man was lying. (Imam Al-Bazzar & Imam At-Tabarani)
NO RANDOM FIGHTING
94O believers! When you march in the cause of Allah, be careful who you fight. And do not say to those who greet you with peace, "You are no believer!"—seeking a little gain in this life, Allah has many other gains. You used to be like them, then Allah blessed you with Islam. Again, be careful! Indeed, Allah is fully Aware of what you do.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا ضَرَبۡتُمۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَتَبَيَّنُواْ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَنۡ أَلۡقَىٰٓ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلسَّلَٰمَ لَسۡتَ مُؤۡمِنٗا تَبۡتَغُونَ عَرَضَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فَعِندَ ٱللَّهِ مَغَانِمُ كَثِيرَةٞۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كُنتُم مِّن قَبۡلُ فَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَتَبَيَّنُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٗا94
Verse 94: . Meaning war gains.
SIDE STORY
The following passage talks about the great rewards and honors that Allah gives to those who make sacrifices in His cause. There are many amazing stories of the Prophet's companions who did everything they could to protect and promote Islam, including **Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (Khalid ibn Zaid)**. When the Prophet moved to Madinah, everyone wanted to host him. However, he told them that his camel had been ordered to take him where he was going to stay. Eventually, the camel sat right in front of Abu Ayyub's house, so he got the honor of hosting the Prophet. Abu Ayyub dedicated his life to the service of Islam and never missed a battle during or after the time of the Prophet.
Even at the age of 80, Abu Ayyub joined the Muslim army to conquer Constantinople (Istanbul) during the time of Mu'awiyah. However, Abu Ayyub got very sick and started dying. His last request was for the Muslim soldiers to carry his body and bury him as close to Constantinople as they possibly could. Finally, around 800 years later, the Ottoman Sultan **Muhammad Al-Fatih (Fatih Sultan Mehmed)** was able to conquer Constantinople. To honor the legacy of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, the **Eyüp Sultan Mosque** (pictured here) was soon built inside Istanbul, where his remains had been relocated. The Ottomans loved him so much that every new sultan was sworn in at Abu Ayyub's mosque.
SACRIFICING IN ALLAH'S CAUSE
95With the exception of those with valid excuses, the believers who stay at home are not equal to those who make sacrifices in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has raised the rank of those who make sacrifices with their wealth and their lives above those who stay behind 'with valid excuses'. Allah has promised each a great reward, but those who make sacrifices will receive a far better reward than others 96much higher ranks, forgiveness, and mercy from Him. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
لَّا يَسۡتَوِي ٱلۡقَٰعِدُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ غَيۡرُ أُوْلِي ٱلضَّرَرِ وَٱلۡمُجَٰهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِأَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِهِمۡۚ فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُجَٰهِدِينَ بِأَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِهِمۡ عَلَى ٱلۡقَٰعِدِينَ دَرَجَةٗۚ وَكُلّٗا وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰۚ وَفَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُجَٰهِدِينَ عَلَى ٱلۡقَٰعِدِينَ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا 95دَرَجَٰتٖ مِّنۡهُ وَمَغۡفِرَةٗ وَرَحۡمَةٗۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمًا96
Verse 95: Such as women, old people, the sick, etc..
BACKGROUND STORY
Verse 97 discusses certain individuals in Makkah who secretly accepted Islam but refused to emigrate to Madinah with other believers. Their faith was so weak that practicing Islam wasn't a priority. Some were even killed at the Battle of Badr after the Makkans forced them to fight against the Muslims. (Imam Ibn Kathir & Imam Al-Qurtubi)
The same ruling applies to Muslims who endure abuse and refuse to relocate to places where they can live with dignity and freely practice their faith.
THOSE WHO ACCEPT ABUSE
97When the angels take the souls of those who have wronged themselves, scolding them, "What was wrong with you?" they will cry, "We were oppressed in the land." The angels will respond, "Was Allah's earth not big enough for you to go somewhere else?" Such people will end up in Hell. What an evil destination! 98As for helpless men, women, and children who cannot find or afford a way out, 99it is right to hope that Allah will excuse them. Allah is always willing to excuse and forgive. 100Whoever emigrates in the cause of Allah will find many safe places and generous resources throughout the earth. Those who leave their homes and die while emigrating to Allah and His Messenger, their reward has already been secured with Allah. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِيٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ قَالُواْ فِيمَ كُنتُمۡۖ قَالُواْ كُنَّا مُسۡتَضۡعَفِينَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ قَالُوٓاْ أَلَمۡ تَكُنۡ أَرۡضُ ٱللَّهِ وَٰسِعَةٗ فَتُهَاجِرُواْ فِيهَاۚ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ مَأۡوَىٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُۖ وَسَآءَتۡ مَصِيرًا 97إِلَّا ٱلۡمُسۡتَضۡعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ وَٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلۡوِلۡدَٰنِ لَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ حِيلَةٗ وَلَا يَهۡتَدُونَ سَبِيل 98فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَعۡفُوَ عَنۡهُمۡۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورٗا 99وَمَن يُهَاجِرۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ يَجِدۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُرَٰغَمٗا كَثِيرٗا وَسَعَةٗۚ وَمَن يَخۡرُجۡ مِنۢ بَيۡتِهِۦ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ثُمَّ يُدۡرِكۡهُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ فَقَدۡ وَقَعَ أَجۡرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمٗا100
WORDS OF WISDOM
Generally, Muslims traveling a distance of **85 km (approximately 53 miles) or more** are permitted to **shorten their salah (prayer)**. This means a 4-rak'ah prayer (like Zuhr, Asr, or 'Isha) is reduced to just 2 rak'ahs. To further ease matters for travelers, Zuhr can be combined with Asr (each performed as 2 rak'ahs), and Maghrib can be combined with 'Isha (3 and 2 rak'ahs respectively). Only Fajr prayer cannot be combined with any of the other four prayers.
In one battle, the leader of the idol-worshippers planned to attack the Muslims while they were praying. Thus, **verse 102** was revealed to warn the Prophet of the enemy's scheme. (Imam Ahmad). Based on this verse, believers should divide into two groups. While the first group prays with the imam, the second group stands guard behind them. Then, the first group moves to the back to stand guard once their salah is complete, as the second group moves forward to pray, with the imam still leading the prayer.
SALAH WHILE TRAVELLING OR FIGHTING
101When you 'believers' travel through the land, it is allowed for you to shorten Salah—'especially' if you fear an attack from the disbelievers. Surely, the disbelievers are your clear enemies. 102When you 'O Prophet' are 'on a mission' with the faithful and you lead them in salah, let one group of them pray with you, while carrying their weapons. When they bow down, let the other group stand guard behind them. Then the group that has not yet prayed will join you in salah—and let them be cautious and armed. The disbelievers would wish to see you neglect your weapons and belongings, so they could launch a surprise attack on you. But there is no blame if you put down your weapons when hit by heavy rain or illness, but be cautious. Indeed, Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment for the disbelievers. 103When the prayers are over, remember Allah—whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are safe, establish regular Salah. Surely, praying Salah is a duty on the believers at the set times. 104Do not take it easy when chasing the enemy—if you are suffering, they too are suffering. But you can hope to receive from Allah what they can never hope for. And Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom.
وَإِذَا ضَرَبۡتُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَلَيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقۡصُرُواْ مِنَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ إِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَن يَفۡتِنَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ كَانُواْ لَكُمۡ عَدُوّٗا مُّبِينٗا 101وَإِذَا كُنتَ فِيهِمۡ فَأَقَمۡتَ لَهُمُ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَلۡتَقُمۡ طَآئِفَةٞ مِّنۡهُم مَّعَكَ وَلۡيَأۡخُذُوٓاْ أَسۡلِحَتَهُمۡۖ فَإِذَا سَجَدُواْ فَلۡيَكُونُواْ مِن وَرَآئِكُمۡ وَلۡتَأۡتِ طَآئِفَةٌ أُخۡرَىٰ لَمۡ يُصَلُّواْ فَلۡيُصَلُّواْ مَعَكَ وَلۡيَأۡخُذُواْ حِذۡرَهُمۡ وَأَسۡلِحَتَهُمۡۗ وَدَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوۡ تَغۡفُلُونَ عَنۡ أَسۡلِحَتِكُمۡ وَأَمۡتِعَتِكُمۡ فَيَمِيلُونَ عَلَيۡكُم مَّيۡلَةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗۚ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِن كَانَ بِكُمۡ أَذٗى مِّن مَّطَرٍ أَوۡ كُنتُم مَّرۡضَىٰٓ أَن تَضَعُوٓاْ أَسۡلِحَتَكُمۡۖ وَخُذُواْ حِذۡرَكُمۡۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ عَذَابٗا مُّهِينٗا 102فَإِذَا قَضَيۡتُمُ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمٗا وَقُعُودٗا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمۡۚ فَإِذَا ٱطۡمَأۡنَنتُمۡ فَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَۚ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتۡ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ كِتَٰبٗا مَّوۡقُوتٗا 103وَلَا تَهِنُواْ فِي ٱبۡتِغَآءِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِۖ إِن تَكُونُواْ تَأۡلَمُونَ فَإِنَّهُمۡ يَأۡلَمُونَ كَمَا تَأۡلَمُونَۖ وَتَرۡجُونَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَرۡجُونَۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا104
BACKGROUND STORY
Verses 105-113 were revealed in Madinah to defend **Zaid**, a Jewish man falsely accused of theft. A hypocrite named **Tu'mah** stole a shield from **Qatadah** (a Muslim), placed it in a sack of flour, and gave it to Zaid without disclosing it was stolen. The sack had a hole, and Qatadah, discovering his shield missing, followed the flour trail from his house to Zaid's. Zaid explained that Tu'mah had entrusted the shield to him. A crowd gathered, with some defending Zaid and others Tu'mah.
Eventually, the case reached the Prophet. Tu'mah's people held a secret meeting at night and decided to pressure the Prophet to accuse the Jew, arguing that it wouldn't look good if a Muslim was punished for stealing. Before the Prophet could make a decision, these verses were revealed, declaring Zaid's innocence. Tu'mah managed to escape to Makkah. Later, he attempted to tunnel under a wall to rob a house, but the wall collapsed, killing him instantly. (Imam Al-Qurtubi & Imam Az-Zamakhshari)
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone might ask, 'If verse 108 in Arabic states that Allah was present with those evil people when they were making plans, why is it translated differently?' This is a good question. We need to remember that Allah is above His Throne and is not limited by time or space, as He created both. Allah knows everything about His creation, including their thoughts. This is the essence of what Imam Ibn Al-Qayim conveyed in his poem: *** The Lord is above His Throne and Seat. No thought is hidden from Him in the least. So, ayah 108 doesn't mean Allah was literally sitting with them. Rather, it signifies He was watching them closely and was fully aware of all their plans and actions.
JUSTICE FOR A JEW
105Indeed, We have sent down the Book to you 'O Prophet' in truth to judge between people, based on what Allah has shown you. So do not argue in favour of the dishonest. 106And pray for Allah's forgiveness. Surely, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 107Do not argue for those who wrong themselves. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are dishonest and sinful. 108They try to hide 'their crime' from people, but they can never hide it from Allah, Who watches them closely as they spend the night planning things that displease Him. And Allah is completely Aware of what they do. 109Here you are 'O believers', arguing for them in this life, but who will dare to argue for them in front of Allah on Judgment Day? Or who will come to defend them? 110Those who do evil or wrong themselves and then pray for Allah's forgiveness will certainly find Allah Forgiving and Merciful. 111And whoever does a sin, it is only their own loss. Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom. 112And whoever does an evil or a sin then blames it on an innocent person, the accuser will definitely be guilty of false accusation and horrible sin. 113If it was not for Allah's kindness and mercy, some of them would have tried to deceive you 'O Prophet'. Yet they would deceive none except themselves, and they cannot harm you in any way. Allah has revealed to you the Book and wisdom and taught you what you never knew. Allah's favour upon you is 'really' great!
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِتَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِمَآ أَرَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُۚ وَلَا تَكُن لِّلۡخَآئِنِينَ خَصِيمٗا 105وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرِ ٱللَّهَۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمٗا 106وَلَا تُجَٰدِلۡ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخۡتَانُونَ أَنفُسَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ خَوَّانًا أَثِيمٗا 107يَسۡتَخۡفُونَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يَسۡتَخۡفُونَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَهُوَ مَعَهُمۡ إِذۡ يُبَيِّتُونَ مَا لَا يَرۡضَىٰ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعۡمَلُونَ مُحِيطًا 108هَٰٓأَنتُمۡ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ جَٰدَلۡتُمۡ عَنۡهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فَمَن يُجَٰدِلُ ٱللَّهَ عَنۡهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ أَم مَّن يَكُونُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَكِيلٗ 109وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ سُوٓءًا أَوۡ يَظۡلِمۡ نَفۡسَهُۥ ثُمَّ يَسۡتَغۡفِرِ ٱللَّهَ يَجِدِ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمٗا 110وَمَن يَكۡسِبۡ إِثۡمٗا فَإِنَّمَا يَكۡسِبُهُۥ عَلَىٰ نَفۡسِهِۦۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا 111وَمَن يَكۡسِبۡ خَطِيَٓٔةً أَوۡ إِثۡمٗا ثُمَّ يَرۡمِ بِهِۦ بَرِيٓٔٗا فَقَدِ ٱحۡتَمَلَ بُهۡتَٰنٗا وَإِثۡمٗا مُّبِينٗا 112وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكَ وَرَحۡمَتُهُۥ لَهَمَّت طَّآئِفَةٞ مِّنۡهُمۡ أَن يُضِلُّوكَ وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡۖ وَمَا يَضُرُّونَكَ مِن شَيۡءٖۚ وَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمۡ تَكُن تَعۡلَمُۚ وَكَانَ فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكَ عَظِيمٗا113
SECRET TALKS
114There is no good in most of their secret talks—except those encouraging charity, kindness, or making peace between people. And whoever does this hoping to please Allah, We will give them a great reward. 115As for those who challenge the Messenger after guidance has become clear to them and follow a path other than that of the believers, We will let them follow whatever 'wrong path' they want, then burn them in Hell—what an evil end!
لَّا خَيۡرَ فِي كَثِيرٖ مِّن نَّجۡوَىٰهُمۡ إِلَّا مَنۡ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوۡ مَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ إِصۡلَٰحِۢ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٰلِكَ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ فَسَوۡفَ نُؤۡتِيهِ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا 114وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعۡ غَيۡرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِۦ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصۡلِهِۦ جَهَنَّمَۖ وَسَآءَتۡ مَصِيرًا115
UNFORGIVABLE SIN
116Surely Allah does not forgive making others equal to Him, but He forgives anything else for whoever He wants. Indeed, whoever makes others equal to Allah has completely lost the way. 117Instead of Allah, they just worship 'false' goddesses, but in fact they worship nothing but the wicked Satan— 118Cursed by Allah—who challenged, "I am going to take hold of a certain number of Your servants. 119I will definitely mislead them, deceive them with empty hopes, and give them orders so they will slit the ears of camels and corrupt the natural Way created by Allah." And whoever takes Satan as a guardian instead of Allah has truly suffered a horrible loss. 120Satan only makes them 'false' promises and deceives them with 'empty' hopes. What Satan promises them is just an illusion. 121They will have Jahannam as their home, and they will find no escape from it! 122As for those who believe and do good, We will enter them into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there for ever and ever. Allah's promise is 'always' true. And who could possibly be more truthful than Allah?
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ ضَلَٰلَۢا بَعِيدًا 116إِن يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ إِنَٰثٗا وَإِن يَدۡعُونَ إِلَّا شَيۡطَٰنٗا مَّرِيدٗا 117لَّعَنَهُ ٱللَّهُۘ وَقَالَ لَأَتَّخِذَنَّ مِنۡ عِبَادِكَ نَصِيبٗا مَّفۡرُوضٗا 118وَلَأُضِلَّنَّهُمۡ وَلَأُمَنِّيَنَّهُمۡ وَلَأٓمُرَنَّهُمۡ فَلَيُبَتِّكُنَّ ءَاذَانَ ٱلۡأَنۡعَٰمِ وَلَأٓمُرَنَّهُمۡ فَلَيُغَيِّرُنَّ خَلۡقَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَ وَلِيّٗا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ خَسِرَ خُسۡرَانٗا مُّبِينٗا 119يَعِدُهُمۡ وَيُمَنِّيهِمۡۖ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا 120أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ مَأۡوَىٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ عَنۡهَا مَحِيصٗا 121وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ سَنُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّٰتٖ تَجۡرِي مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدٗاۖ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقّٗاۚ وَمَنۡ أَصۡدَقُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ قِيلٗا122
Verse 116: 45. This applies to those who die as disbelievers.
Verse 117: 4. The idol-worshippers of Arabia used to shape their idols as Women and give them female names such as Al-Lat, AI-Uz-za, and Manat.
Verse 119: betore Islam, the idol-worshippers used to slash the ears of the camels dedicated to idols, according to Imam Ibn Kathir.48. The belief in One God-the natural Way that Allah has put in His creation.
SIDE STORY
This is a true story recounted by an imam in Palestine: 'There's a youth with Down syndrome who consistently prays tarawih in the first row behind me every night in Ramadan. His voice can sometimes be loud during salah, which is why I can hear him. When I rise from ruku' (bowing) and say, 'Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah' (Allah hears whoever praises Him), that person innocently asks, 'Do You hear me, Allah?' And when we perform sujud (prostration), he innocently says, 'I love you Allah! Do you love me?' I cannot hide my tears after salah. Once someone asked me what was wrong, and I told him that this person with Down syndrome probably worships Allah better than all of us. He deals with Allah as if he sees Him! This is called **ihsan**. He doesn't just worship Allah; he loves Allah!'
WORDS OF WISDOM
The following passage praises those who follow the Way of **Ibrahim (Abraham)**. According to verse 1, such people submit themselves entirely to Allah and do good with **ihsan** (to the best of their ability). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him. Even though you can't see Him, He definitely sees you.' (Imam Al-Bukhari & Imam Muslim)
IBRAHIM'S WAY
123Allah's mercy is not by your wishes or those of the People of the Book! Whoever does evil will be paid back for it, and they will find no protector or helper besides Allah. 124But those who do good—whether male or female—and have faith will enter Jannah and will never be wronged even one tiny bit. 125And who has better faith than those who 'fully' submit to Allah, do good, and follow the Way of Ibrahim, the upright? Allah chose Ibrahim as a close friend. 126Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth belongs to Allah. And Allah is completely Aware of everything.
لَّيۡسَ بِأَمَانِيِّكُمۡ وَلَآ أَمَانِيِّ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِۗ مَن يَعۡمَلۡ سُوٓءٗا يُجۡزَ بِهِۦ وَلَا يَجِدۡ لَهُۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيّٗا وَلَا نَصِيرٗا 123وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ مِن ذَكَرٍ أَوۡ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٞ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يَدۡخُلُونَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُظۡلَمُونَ نَقِيرٗا 124وَمَنۡ أَحۡسَنُ دِينٗا مِّمَّنۡ أَسۡلَمَ وَجۡهَهُۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحۡسِنٞ وَٱتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفٗاۗ وَٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ خَلِيلٗ 125وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٖ مُّحِيطٗا126
CARING FOR FEMALE ORPHANS
127They ask you 'O Prophet' for rulings about women. Say, "It is Allah Who gives you rulings about them. Instructions have 'already' been revealed to you in the Book about the orphan women who you prevent from their rights but still wish to marry and about standing up for the rights of helpless children and orphans. And whatever good you do is definitely known to Allah."
وَيَسۡتَفۡتُونَكَ فِي ٱلنِّسَآءِۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُفۡتِيكُمۡ فِيهِنَّ وَمَا يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ فِي يَتَٰمَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّٰتِي لَا تُؤۡتُونَهُنَّ مَا كُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرۡغَبُونَ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ وَٱلۡمُسۡتَضۡعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلۡوِلۡدَٰنِ وَأَن تَقُومُواْ لِلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِۚ وَمَا تَفۡعَلُواْ مِنۡ خَيۡرٖ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٗا127
Verse 127: 50. This refers to the rules mentioned in verses 2-11 of this surah. 51. Meaning their inheritance and marriage gifts.
SIDE STORY
A school principal wanted to teach his students an important lesson. One day during lunch break, he gathered all 500 students in the gym and gave each a yellow balloon. Each student had to inflate their balloon, write their name on it, and throw it into the gym. With the teachers' help, the principal mixed all the balloons. Students then had 3 minutes to find their own balloon. Despite searching diligently, none could find theirs. At this point, the principal instructed the students to pick up the first balloon they found and hand it to the person whose name was written on it. In less than 5 minutes, everyone had their own balloon. The principal told the students, 'These balloons are like happiness. We will never find it if everyone is looking only for their own. But if we care about other people's happiness, we'll find ours too.'
Verse 128 highlights the sad reality that humans tend to be selfish. Many people prioritize only themselves, their rights, and their happiness, disregarding others. This applies to marriages, business partnerships, and various other relationships. If we desire peace and satisfaction in this life, we need to be kind, keep Allah in mind, and wish for others what we wish for ourselves.
MARRIAGE ISSUES
128If a woman fears that her husband will lose interest in her or leave her, then there is no blame on them if they make a peaceful agreement, which is best. Humans tend to be selfish. But if you are kind and keep Allah in mind, surely Allah is fully Aware of what you do. 129You 'husbands' will never be able to maintain 'emotional' justice between your wives—no matter how hard you try. So do not completely favour one, leaving the other uncertain. And if you do what is right and keep Allah in mind, surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 130But if they choose to separate, Allah will provide for each of them from His infinite blessings. And Allah is full of blessings and wisdom.
وَإِنِ ٱمۡرَأَةٌ خَافَتۡ مِنۢ بَعۡلِهَا نُشُوزًا أَوۡ إِعۡرَاضٗا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡهِمَآ أَن يُصۡلِحَا بَيۡنَهُمَا صُلۡحٗاۚ وَٱلصُّلۡحُ خَيۡرٞۗ وَأُحۡضِرَتِ ٱلۡأَنفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّۚ وَإِن تُحۡسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٗا 128وَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعُوٓاْ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتُمۡۖ فَلَا تَمِيلُواْ كُلَّ ٱلۡمَيۡلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَٱلۡمُعَلَّقَةِۚ وَإِن تُصۡلِحُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمٗا 129وَإِن يَتَفَرَّقَا يُغۡنِ ٱللَّهُ كُلّٗا مِّن سَعَتِهِۦۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعًا حَكِيمٗا130
Verse 128: 52. For example, instead of divorcing her, he may offer to spend less time with her, and she may waive some of her financial rights on him. 53. Many husbands and wives wouldn't want to give the othertheir rights.
Verse 129: 54. Don't leave one uncertain of the marriage relationship, not fully enjoying the rights of a married woman and not fully divorced.
ALLAH'S POWER & KINDNESS
131Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth belongs to Allah. Indeed, We have commanded those given the Book before you, as well as you, to keep Allah in mind. But if you disobey, then know that whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. And Allah is not in need and He deserves all praise. 132Again, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth belongs to Allah. And Allah is enough to take care of everything. 133If He wants, He can remove you altogether, O humanity, and replace you with others. And Allah has the power to do that. 134Whoever desires the reward of this world, then 'let them know that' the rewards of this life and the Next are with Allah. And Allah hears and sees 'everything'.
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَلَقَدۡ وَصَّيۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ وَإِيَّاكُمۡ أَنِ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَۚ وَإِن تَكۡفُرُواْ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَنِيًّا حَمِيدٗا 131وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًا 132إِن يَشَأۡ يُذۡهِبۡكُمۡ أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَيَأۡتِ بَِٔاخَرِينَۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ قَدِيرٗا 133مَّن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ثَوَابَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فَعِندَ ٱللَّهِ ثَوَابُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ سَمِيعَۢا بَصِيرٗا134
STANDING UP FOR JUSTICE
135O believers! Stand up for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Whether a person is rich or poor; Allah is best to take care of both. So do not let your desires cause you to take sides. If you twist or hide the truth, then know that 'Allah is indeed fully Aware of what you do.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرٗا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِهِمَاۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُۥٓاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٗا135
WARNING AGAINST HYPOCRITES
136O believers! Have faith in Allah, His Messenger, the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and the Books He revealed before. Whoever denies Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day has completely lost the way. 137Indeed, those who believed then disbelieved, then believed and again disbelieved, only increasing in disbelief—Allah will never forgive them or guide them to the 'Right' Way. 138Give good news of a painful punishment to hypocrites, 139who choose disbelievers as trusted partners instead of the believers. Are they looking for honour and power through that company? Surely all honour and power belongs to Allah. 140He has already revealed to you in the Book that when you hear Allah's revelations being denied or mocked, then do not sit with such people unless they change the topic, or else you will be like them. Allah will definitely gather the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Jahannam. 141The hypocrites are' those who wait to see what happens to you. So if Allah gives you victory, they say 'to you', "Were we not on your side?" But if the disbelievers have some success, they say 'to them', "Did we not look after you and protect you from the believers?" Allah will judge between 'all of you on Judgment Day. And Allah will never give the disbelievers full control over the believers.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ ءَامِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَٱلۡكِتَٰبِ ٱلَّذِي نَزَّلَ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ وَٱلۡكِتَٰبِ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَنزَلَ مِن قَبۡلُۚ وَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ ضَلَٰلَۢا بَعِيدًا 136إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ثُمَّ كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ ءَامَنُواْ ثُمَّ كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ ٱزۡدَادُواْ كُفۡرٗا لَّمۡ يَكُنِ ٱللَّهُ لِيَغۡفِرَ لَهُمۡ وَلَا لِيَهۡدِيَهُمۡ سَبِيلَۢا 137بَشِّرِ ٱلۡمُنَٰفِقِينَ بِأَنَّ لَهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا 138ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّخِذُونَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ أَوۡلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَۚ أَيَبۡتَغُونَ عِندَهُمُ ٱلۡعِزَّةَ فَإِنَّ ٱلۡعِزَّةَ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعٗا 139وَقَدۡ نَزَّلَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ أَنۡ إِذَا سَمِعۡتُمۡ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يُكۡفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسۡتَهۡزَأُ بِهَا فَلَا تَقۡعُدُواْ مَعَهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُواْ فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيۡرِهِۦٓ إِنَّكُمۡ إِذٗا مِّثۡلُهُمۡۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ جَامِعُ ٱلۡمُنَٰفِقِينَ وَٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا 140ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَرَبَّصُونَ بِكُمۡ فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمۡ فَتۡحٞ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ قَالُوٓاْ أَلَمۡ نَكُن مَّعَكُمۡ وَإِن كَانَ لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ نَصِيبٞ قَالُوٓاْ أَلَمۡ نَسۡتَحۡوِذۡ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَنَمۡنَعۡكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَكُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِۗ وَلَن يَجۡعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ سَبِيلًا141
Verse 140: 55. This refers to 6:68.
WORDS OF WISDOM
As discussed in Surah 2, Madani surahs often address the negative attitudes and practices of **hypocrites**. According to verses 4:142-145, hypocrites are physically present with Muslims, but their hearts oppose them. They devise schemes against Islam, but these plans ultimately backfire on them. They are plagued by doubts and perform good deeds merely for **show-off (riya')**. Even when they donate, they secretly consider it a waste of money. They are also lazy in prayer, viewing it as a mere waste of time.
SIDE STORY
Three lazy hypocrites arrived at the masjid to pray Zuhr just before Asr, not out of devotion but to show off. They began praying quickly since no one was around. Halfway through their salah, a person entered the masjid. Sensing his presence, they started to pray properly. That person turned out to be the mu'azzin, who came to call the azan for Asr. Naturally, they didn't want to stay for the next prayer. So, the first hypocrite cut his salah short and asked the mu'azzin, 'Are you sure it's time for Asr?' The second hypocrite looked at the first and said, 'You fool! You broke your salah by talking while praying.' The third looked at the other two hypocrites before finishing his prayer and boasted, 'Al-hamdu-lillah (Praise be to Allah), I didn't break my salah like both of you guys!'
WARNING TO HYPOCRITES
142Indeed, the hypocrites try to deceive Allah, but He causes them to be deceived. When they stand up for salah, they do it lazily, just to show off, hardly remembering Allah at all. 143Torn between belief and disbelief, not belonging to these 'believers' or those 'disbelievers'. And whoever Allah leaves to stray, you will never find for them a way. 144O believers! Do not take disbelievers as trusted partners instead of the believers. Would you like to give Allah solid proof against yourselves? 145The hypocrites will definitely be in the lowest depths of the Fire, and you will never find for them any helper. 146As for those who repent, change their ways, hold on to Allah, and become sincere in their faith in Allah, such people will be with the faithful. And Allah will give the believers a great reward. 147Why would Allah punish you if you are grateful and faithful? Allah is full of appreciation and knowledge.
إِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَٰفِقِينَ يُخَٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَهُوَ خَٰدِعُهُمۡ وَإِذَا قَامُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ قَامُواْ كُسَالَىٰ يُرَآءُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ وَلَا يَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗا 142مُّذَبۡذَبِينَ بَيۡنَ ذَٰلِكَ لَآ إِلَىٰ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَلَآ إِلَىٰ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِۚ وَمَن يُضۡلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُۥ سَبِيلًا 143يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ أَوۡلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَۚ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَجۡعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ سُلۡطَٰنٗا مُّبِينًا 144إِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَٰفِقِينَ فِي ٱلدَّرۡكِ ٱلۡأَسۡفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمۡ نَصِيرًا 145إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ وَٱعۡتَصَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَأَخۡلَصُواْ دِينَهُمۡ لِلَّهِ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَۖ وَسَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا 146مَّا يَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمۡ إِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ وَءَامَنتُمۡۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمٗا147
SAYING NEGATIVE THINGS IN PUBLIC
148Allah does not like negative thoughts to be said in public—except by those who have been wronged. Allah hears and knows 'everything'. 149Whether you reveal or hide a good deed or excuse a misdeed, surely Allah is willing to excuse and is full of power.
لَّا يُحِبُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡجَهۡرَ بِٱلسُّوٓءِ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ إِلَّا مَن ظُلِمَۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ سَمِيعًا عَلِيمًا 148إِن تُبۡدُواْ خَيۡرًا أَوۡ تُخۡفُوهُ أَوۡ تَعۡفُواْ عَن سُوٓءٖ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوّٗا قَدِيرًا149
Verse 148: Allah does not like it when people talk about others behind their backs, except for a person who is hurt and seeks coun-selling or help from authorities.
FAITH IN ALL PROPHETS
150Indeed, those who deny Allah and His messengers and want to separate between Allah and His messengers, saying, "We believe in some 'messengers' but disbelieve in others," wanting to pick and choose, 151they are definitely the true disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment. 152As for those who believe in Allah and His messengers—without treating any of them differently—He will surely give them their rewards. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ نُؤۡمِنُ بِبَعۡضٖ وَنَكۡفُرُ بِبَعۡضٖ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيۡنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا 150أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَٰفِرُونَ حَقّٗاۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ عَذَابٗا مُّهِينٗا 151وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَلَمۡ يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ أَحَدٖ مِّنۡهُمۡ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ سَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِيهِمۡ أُجُورَهُمۡۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورٗا رَّحِيمٗا152
WORDS OF WISDOM
Many Muslim scholars believe that one of the companions of **'Isa (Jesus)** betrayed him by revealing his location to the Romans. To punish this traitor, Allah made him look exactly like 'Isa, leading the Roman soldiers to arrest and crucify him, believing he was 'Isa. According to the Quran (4:158), Prophet 'Isa was safely raised to the heavens. His second coming before the end of time is considered one of the signs of Judgment Day (43:61). (Imam Al-Alusi & Imam Ibn 'Ashur)
According to Christian beliefs, Jesus ('Isa) had to die on the cross so God could forgive people's 'original sin'—the sin they inherited from their father, **Adam**, for eating from the forbidden tree. In Islam, we believe in '**original goodness**' because every human being is born without sin. Moreover, Adam repented and was already forgiven by Allah. The Christian belief of original sin causes much confusion: Why would Jesus (who many Christians also consider God) have to die for people to be forgiven for a sin they didn't commit, which He had already forgiven? We believe Allah is Fair, Powerful, and and Forgiving.
THE UNFAITHFUL AMONG THE JEWS
153The People of the Book challenge you 'O Prophet' to bring down for them a revelation in writing from heaven. They demanded what is even bigger than this from Musa, saying, "Make Allah visible to us!" So a thunderbolt hit them for their wrongdoing. Then they worshipped the 'golden calf' after receiving clear signs. Still, We forgave them for that 'after their repentance' and gave Musa clear proof. 154We raised the mountain over them 'as a warning' for 'breaking' their pledges and ordered, "Enter the gate 'of this city' with humility." We also warned them, "Do not break the Sabbath" and took from them a serious pledge. 155But 'they were doomed for' breaking their pledge, rejecting Allah's signs, killing the prophets unjustly, and for bragging, "Our hearts are closed!" In fact, it is Allah Who has sealed their hearts for their disbelief, so they hardly have any faith. 156Also, 'they were doomed' for their disbelief and horrible accusation against Maryam. 157and for bragging, "We killed the Messiah, 'Isa, son of Maryam, the messenger of Allah!" But they did not kill him or nail him to a cross—they just confused him for someone else. Even those who argue for his death are in doubt. They have no knowledge about this at all, only making assumptions. They definitely did not kill him. 158Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty and Wise. 159Every single one of the People of the Book will recognize 'the truth about' 'Isa before they die. And on Judgment Day he will be a witness against them. 160We banned the Jews from certain pure foods for doing wrong, preventing many from the Way of Allah, 161taking interest-money even though it was illegal for them, and taking people's wealth illegally. We have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. 162But those with solid knowledge among them and those with true faith believe in what has been revealed to you 'O Prophet' and what was revealed before you. This is also true for those who pray salah, pay zakah, and believe in Allah and the Last Day. We will give such people a great reward.
يَسَۡٔلُكَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ أَن تُنَزِّلَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ كِتَٰبٗا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِۚ فَقَدۡ سَأَلُواْ مُوسَىٰٓ أَكۡبَرَ مِن ذَٰلِكَ فَقَالُوٓاْ أَرِنَا ٱللَّهَ جَهۡرَةٗ فَأَخَذَتۡهُمُ ٱلصَّٰعِقَةُ بِظُلۡمِهِمۡۚ ثُمَّ ٱتَّخَذُواْ ٱلۡعِجۡلَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتُ فَعَفَوۡنَا عَن ذَٰلِكَۚ وَءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَىٰ سُلۡطَٰنٗا مُّبِينٗا 153وَرَفَعۡنَا فَوۡقَهُمُ ٱلطُّورَ بِمِيثَٰقِهِمۡ وَقُلۡنَا لَهُمُ ٱدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡبَابَ سُجَّدٗا وَقُلۡنَا لَهُمۡ لَا تَعۡدُواْ فِي ٱلسَّبۡتِ وَأَخَذۡنَا مِنۡهُم مِّيثَٰقًا غَلِيظٗا 154فَبِمَا نَقۡضِهِم مِّيثَٰقَهُمۡ وَكُفۡرِهِم بَِٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَقَتۡلِهِمُ ٱلۡأَنۢبِيَآءَ بِغَيۡرِ حَقّٖ وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ قُلُوبُنَا غُلۡفُۢۚ بَلۡ طَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهَا بِكُفۡرِهِمۡ فَلَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ إِلَّا قَلِيل 155وَبِكُفۡرِهِمۡ وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُهۡتَٰنًا عَظِيمٗا 156وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ إِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا ٱلۡمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِي شَكّٖ مِّنۡهُۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينَۢا 157بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡهِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمٗا 158وَإِن مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ إِلَّا لَيُؤۡمِنَنَّ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ مَوۡتِهِۦۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ شَهِيدٗا 159فَبِظُلۡمٖ مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ حَرَّمۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ طَيِّبَٰتٍ أُحِلَّتۡ لَهُمۡ وَبِصَدِّهِمۡ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَثِيرٗا 160وَأَخۡذِهِمُ ٱلرِّبَوٰاْ وَقَدۡ نُهُواْ عَنۡهُ وَأَكۡلِهِمۡ أَمۡوَٰلَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡبَٰطِلِۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَٰفِرِينَ مِنۡهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا 161لَّٰكِنِ ٱلرَّٰسِخُونَ فِي ٱلۡعِلۡمِ مِنۡهُمۡ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبۡلِكَۚ وَٱلۡمُقِيمِينَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَۚ وَٱلۡمُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ سَنُؤۡتِيهِمۡ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمًا162
Verse 153: 58. They demanded the Quran to be revealed all at once. Verse 25:32 responds to this demand.
Verse 154: 59. As a warning against ignoring Allah's commands. 60. Mostlikely Jerusalem, according to Imam lbn Kathir.
Verse 155: 61. They claimed that their hearts were already full of knowl-edge, so they didn't need the Prophet's guidance.
Verse 156: 62. They accused Maryam of getting pregnant with 'Isa ga through an illegal relationship.
THE LAST MESSENGER
163Indeed, We have given you revelation 'O Prophet' as We gave revelation to Nuh and the prophets after him. We also gave revelation to Ibrahim, Isma'il, Ishaq, Ya'qub and his grandsons, as well as 'Isa, Aiyub, Yunus, Harun, and Sulaiman. And We gave the Zabur to Dawood. 164We have already told you the stories of some messengers, while others We have not. And to Musa Allah spoke directly. 165'Those were all' messengers giving good news and warnings so humanity should have no excuse in front of Allah after 'the coming of the messengers'. And Allah is Almighty and Wise. 166Yet 'if you are rejected, O Prophet,' Allah is a witness to what He has sent down to you—He has sent it with His knowledge. The angels too are witnesses. And Allah 'alone' is enough as a Witness. 167Those who disbelieve and prevent others 'from the Way of Allah have certainly strayed far away. 168Those who disbelieve and wrong themselves, Allah will never forgive them or guide them to any path, 169except the path of Jahannam, to stay there for ever and ever. And that is easy for Allah. 170O humanity! The Messenger has certainly come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe for your own good. But if you disbelieve, then know that' whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. And Allah has perfect knowledge and wisdom.
إِنَّآ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ كَمَآ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ نُوحٖ وَٱلنَّبِيِّۧنَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦۚ وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسۡمَٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ وَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِ وَعِيسَىٰ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُونُسَ وَهَٰرُونَ وَسُلَيۡمَٰنَۚ وَءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُۥدَ زَبُورٗا 163وَرُسُلٗا قَدۡ قَصَصۡنَٰهُمۡ عَلَيۡكَ مِن قَبۡلُ وَرُسُلٗا لَّمۡ نَقۡصُصۡهُمۡ عَلَيۡكَۚ وَكَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُ مُوسَىٰ تَكۡلِيمٗا 164رُّسُلٗا مُّبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ حُجَّةُۢ بَعۡدَ ٱلرُّسُلِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمٗا 165لَّٰكِنِ ٱللَّهُ يَشۡهَدُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ إِلَيۡكَۖ أَنزَلَهُۥ بِعِلۡمِهِۦۖ وَٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَشۡهَدُونَۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ شَهِيدًا 166إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ قَدۡ ضَلُّواْ ضَلَٰلَۢا بَعِيدًا 167إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَظَلَمُواْ لَمۡ يَكُنِ ٱللَّهُ لِيَغۡفِرَ لَهُمۡ وَلَا لِيَهۡدِيَهُمۡ طَرِيقًا 168إِلَّا طَرِيقَ جَهَنَّمَ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدٗاۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٗا 169يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدۡ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ مِن رَّبِّكُمۡ فََٔامِنُواْ خَيۡرٗا لَّكُمۡۚ وَإِن تَكۡفُرُواْ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمٗا170
WAKE-UP CALL TO JEWS & CHRISTIANS
171O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes about your faith, and do not say anything about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, 'Isa, son of Maryam, was no more than a messenger of Allah and His Words that came to life through Maryam and a spirit 'created by a command' from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and do not say, "Three 'gods'". Stop saying this for your own good! Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth belongs to Him. And Allah is enough to take care of everything. 172The Messiah would never be too proud to be a servant of Allah, just like the angels closest to Allah. Those who are too proud and arrogant to worship Him will be brought in front of Him all together. 173As for those who believe and do good, He will fully reward them and give them more as a favour from Him. But those who are too proud and arrogant, He will hit them with a painful punishment. And they will never find any protector or helper other than Allah.
يَٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ لَا تَغۡلُواْ فِي دِينِكُمۡ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡحَقَّۚ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُۥٓ أَلۡقَىٰهَآ إِلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ وَرُوحٞ مِّنۡهُۖ فََٔامِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦۖ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ ثَلَٰثَةٌۚ ٱنتَهُواْ خَيۡرٗا لَّكُمۡۚ إِنَّمَا ٱللَّهُ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞۖ سُبۡحَٰنَهُۥٓ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٞۘ لَّهُۥ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلٗا 171لَّن يَسۡتَنكِفَ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ أَن يَكُونَ عَبۡدٗا لِّلَّهِ وَلَا ٱلۡمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ ٱلۡمُقَرَّبُونَۚ وَمَن يَسۡتَنكِفۡ عَنۡ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَيَسۡتَكۡبِرۡ فَسَيَحۡشُرُهُمۡ إِلَيۡهِ جَمِيعٗا 172فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمۡ أُجُورَهُمۡ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضۡلِهِۦۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَنكَفُواْ وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ فَيُعَذِّبُهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمٗا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيّٗا وَلَا نَصِيرٗا173
Verse 171: 63. The Jews are warned against calling Isa a liar, while the Christians are warned against calling him God.64. Allah created'Isa s with the wordBe!
INVITATION TO ISLAM
174O humanity! A clear proof has already come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a brilliant light. 175As for those who believe in Allah and hold on to Him, He will enter them into His mercy and blessings and guide them to Himself through the Straight Path.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدۡ جَآءَكُم بُرۡهَٰنٞ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكُمۡ نُورٗا مُّبِينٗا 174فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱعۡتَصَمُواْ بِهِۦ فَسَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ فِي رَحۡمَةٖ مِّنۡهُ وَفَضۡلٖ وَيَهۡدِيهِمۡ إِلَيۡهِ صِرَٰطٗا مُّسۡتَقِيمٗا175
Verse 174: quran
WORDS OF WISDOM
Someone might ask, 'Shouldn't verse 176 have been placed at the beginning of the surah with similar verses related to inheritance?' In Arabic, this literary device is called 'tying the end with the beginning' (رد العجز على الصدر). According to **Imam Ar-Razi**, Allah concluded the surah with this verse to remind readers of the surah's initial topic—inheritance. This style is particularly employed in longer surahs where readers might forget the important opening theme by the time they reach the end. You can find this stylistic approach in many other surahs, for example:
The beginning of Surah 56 (verses 7-11) informs us that people will be divided into 3 groups on Judgment Day, and the end of the surah (verses 88-94) reiterates the fate of those 3 groups.
The last verse of Surah 25 provides a warning to the deniers who are mentioned at the beginning of the surah.
The beginning of Surah 23 (verse 1) states that believers will be successful, and the end of the surah (verse 117) declares that disbelievers will never succeed.
The beginning of Surah 20 (verse 2) clarifies that the Quran was not revealed to cause distress to the Prophet, and the end of the surah (verse 124) warns that those who turn away from this revelation will live a stressful life.
INHERITANCE LAW: FULL SIBLINGS
176They ask you 'for a ruling, O Prophet'. Say, 'Allah gives you a ruling about those who die without children or parents.' If a man dies childless and leaves behind a sister, she will take one-half of his property, whereas her brother will take all of her property if she dies childless. If this person leaves behind two 'or more' sisters, they will share two-thirds of the property. But if the person leaves brothers and sisters, the share of the male will be twice the share of the female. Allah makes this' clear to you so you do not lose your way. And Allah has 'perfect' knowledge of all things.
يَسۡتَفۡتُونَكَ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُفۡتِيكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡكَلَٰلَةِۚ إِنِ ٱمۡرُؤٌاْ هَلَكَ لَيۡسَ لَهُۥ وَلَدٞ وَلَهُۥٓ أُخۡتٞ فَلَهَا نِصۡفُ مَا تَرَكَۚ وَهُوَ يَرِثُهَآ إِن لَّمۡ يَكُن لَّهَا وَلَدٞۚ فَإِن كَانَتَا ٱثۡنَتَيۡنِ فَلَهُمَا ٱلثُّلُثَانِ مِمَّا تَرَكَۚ وَإِن كَانُوٓاْ إِخۡوَةٗ رِّجَالٗا وَنِسَآءٗ فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثۡلُ حَظِّ ٱلۡأُنثَيَيۡنِۗ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ أَن تَضِلُّواْۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمُۢ176