۞ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكَ إِنَّكَ لَن تَسْتَطِيعَ مَعِىَ صَبْرًا
قَالَ إِن سَأَلْتُكَ عَن شَىْءٍۭ بَعْدَهَا فَلَا تُصَٰحِبْنِى ۖ قَدْ بَلَغْتَ مِن لَّدُنِّى عُذْرًا
قرآن مجید میں مِنْ لَّدُنِّیْ ہے اور لَدُنْ کے معنے لغت میں عِنْدَ کے بھی ہیں۔ جس کے معنے نزدیک کے ہوتے ہیں یا یہ کہ ’’میرے خیال میں‘‘ یا ’’میرے فیصلہ کے مطابق‘‘ (اقرب اور مفردات) وہی معنے ہم نے کیے ہیں۔
Commentary:
This verse shows that the followers of Moses—the Jews—would repeatedly break their solemn agreements with the Holy Prophet till a complete rupture of mutual relations ensued.
2
قرآن مجید میں مِنْ لَّدُنِّیْ ہے اور لَدُنْ کے معنے لغت میں عِنْدَ کے بھی ہیں۔ جس کے معنے نزدیک کے ہوتے ہیں یا یہ کہ ’’میرے خیال میں‘‘ یا ’’میرے فیصلہ کے مطابق‘‘ (اقرب اور مفردات) وہی معنے ہم نے کیے ہیں۔
2115
Commentary:
This verse shows that the followers of Moses—the Jews—would repeatedly break their solemn agreements with the Holy Prophet till a complete rupture of mutual relations ensued.
فَٱنطَلَقَا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَيَآ أَهْلَ قَرْيَةٍ ٱسْتَطْعَمَآ أَهْلَهَا فَأَبَوْا۟ أَن يُضَيِّفُوهُمَا فَوَجَدَا فِيهَا جِدَارًا يُرِيدُ أَن يَنقَضَّ فَأَقَامَهُۥ ۖ قَالَ لَوْ شِئْتَ لَتَّخَذْتَ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا
اس میں اس واقعہ کی طرف اشارہ ہے کہ محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم یہودیوں اور عیسائیوں سے تعاون کی اپیل کریں گے لیکن وہ اس سے انکار کر دیں گے۔ سب تاریخ اسلام اس پر شاہد ہے۔
فَوَجَدَا فِیْھَا جِدَارًا یُّرِیْدُ اَنْ یَّنْقَضَّ اس حصّۂ آیت کا لفظی ترجمہ تو یہ ہے کہ ان دونوں نے اس بستی میں ایک ایسی دیوار پائی جو گرنے کا ارادہ کر رہی تھی۔ لیکن اس کی بجائے ہم نے یہ ترجمہ کیا ہے کہ ’’انہوں نے اس (بستی) میں ایک ایسی دیوار پائی جو گرنے کو تھی۔‘‘ یہ ترجمہ عربی زبان کے محاورہ کے بالکل مطابق ہے۔ کیونکہ عربی زبان میں بعض دفعہ اَرَادَ کا لفظ تو استعمال کیا جاتا ہے مگر اس سے مراد دماغی ارادہ نہیں ہوتابلکہ مراد یہ ہوتی ہے کہ حالات کے لحاظ سے اس چیز پر قریب وقت میں وہ حالت آنے والی ہے۔ چنانچہ امام ابو منصورر ثعالبی جو لغت ِعرب کے مشہور امام
The verse seems to signify that Moses and the Holy Prophet would seek the cooperation of Jews and Christians in the cause of God but it would be denied to both of them.
Commentary:
The words اھل قریة (people of a town) in a dream signify, one or more nations; and asking for their hospitality means, seeking their cooperation in a righteous cause. In this sense of the words, اھل قریة the verse would mean that Moses and the Holy Prophet would seek the cooperation of Jews and Christians in the cause of God but it would be denied to both of them. That the Jews flatly refused to give any cooperation or assistance to Moses when he asked them to go with him to conquer Canaan is clearly stated in the Quran (5:22-25). The Holy Prophet also failed to receive the cooperation of Christians in even such a noble cause as the establishment of the Unity of God on earth. Says the Quran, O People of the Book! come to a word equal between us and you—that we worship none, but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him and that some of us take not others for Lords besides Allah. But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to God (3:65).
According to Ta‘tirul-Anam, جدار (wall) in a vision with a breach in it denotes a leader of a people or a learned man who has lost his property and the repairing of it signifies the restoration of the property of that leader.
In view of these interpretations, the words, And they found therein a wall which was about to fall, signify that Jewish and Christian religious leaders would lose all influence over their followers; and the repairing of the wall denotes that that influence would be rehabilitated. These words may also refer to the progress made by the Israelites through Moses and by the Ishmaelites through the Holy Prophet. The words, if thou hadst desired, thou couldst have taken payment for it, may mean that the business instinct of the Jewish and Christian peoples would grow so strong that they would not do anything without demanding remuneration for it.
3
اس میں اس واقعہ کی طرف اشارہ ہے کہ محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم یہودیوں اور عیسائیوں سے تعاون کی اپیل کریں گے لیکن وہ اس سے انکار کر دیں گے۔ سب تاریخ اسلام اس پر شاہد ہے۔
4
فَوَجَدَا فِیْھَا جِدَارًا یُّرِیْدُ اَنْ یَّنْقَضَّ اس حصّۂ آیت کا لفظی ترجمہ تو یہ ہے کہ ان دونوں نے اس بستی میں ایک ایسی دیوار پائی جو گرنے کا ارادہ کر رہی تھی۔ لیکن اس کی بجائے ہم نے یہ ترجمہ کیا ہے کہ ’’انہوں نے اس (بستی) میں ایک ایسی دیوار پائی جو گرنے کو تھی۔‘‘ یہ ترجمہ عربی زبان کے محاورہ کے بالکل مطابق ہے۔ کیونکہ عربی زبان میں بعض دفعہ اَرَادَ کا لفظ تو استعمال کیا جاتا ہے مگر اس سے مراد دماغی ارادہ نہیں ہوتابلکہ مراد یہ ہوتی ہے کہ حالات کے لحاظ سے اس چیز پر قریب وقت میں وہ حالت آنے والی ہے۔ چنانچہ امام ابو منصورر ثعالبی جو لغت ِعرب کے مشہور امام
2116
Commentary:
The words اھل قریة (people of a town) in a dream signify, one or more nations; and asking for their hospitality means, seeking their cooperation in a righteous cause. In this sense of the words, اھل قریة the verse would mean that Moses and the Holy Prophet would seek the cooperation of Jews and Christians in the cause of God but it would be denied to both of them. That the Jews flatly refused to give any cooperation or assistance to Moses when he asked them to go with him to conquer Canaan is clearly stated in the Quran (5:22-25). The Holy Prophet also failed to receive the cooperation of Christians in even such a noble cause as the establishment of the Unity of God on earth. Says the Quran, O People of the Book! come to a word equal between us and you—that we worship none, but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him and that some of us take not others for Lords besides Allah. But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to God (3:65).
According to Ta‘tirul-Anam, جدار (wall) in a vision with a breach in it denotes a leader of a people or a learned man who has lost his property and the repairing of it signifies the restoration of the property of that leader.
In view of these interpretations, the words, And they found therein a wall which was about to fall, signify that Jewish and Christian religious leaders would lose all influence over their followers; and the repairing of the wall denotes that that influence would be rehabilitated. These words may also refer to the progress made by the Israelites through Moses and by the Ishmaelites through the Holy Prophet. The words, if thou hadst desired, thou couldst have taken payment for it, may mean that the business instinct of the Jewish and Christian peoples would grow so strong that they would not do anything without demanding remuneration for it.
1714
The verse seems to signify that Moses and the Holy Prophet would seek the cooperation of Jews and Christians in the cause of God but it would be denied to both of them.
قَالَ هَٰذَا فِرَاقُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنِكَ ۚ سَأُنَبِّئُكَ بِتَأْوِيلِ مَا لَمْ تَسْتَطِع عَّلَيْهِ صَبْرًا
3:8; 12:22.
3:8; 12:22.
3:8; 12:22.
Commentary:
When the righteous servant of God (the Holy Prophet) saw that Moses, i.e. his followers, in spite of his earnest appeal for their cooperation in the propagation of the ideals which were common between them, would not give up their attitude of sullen aloofness and hostility, he realized that he would have to sever all connection with them.
a
3:8; 12:22.
a
3:8; 12:22.
2117
Commentary:
When the righteous servant of God (the Holy Prophet) saw that Moses, i.e. his followers, in spite of his earnest appeal for their cooperation in the propagation of the ideals which were common between them, would not give up their attitude of sullen aloofness and hostility, he realized that he would have to sever all connection with them.
a
3:8; 12:22.
أَمَّا ٱلسَّفِينَةُ فَكَانَتْ لِمَسَٰكِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ فَأَرَدتُّ أَنْ أَعِيبَهَا وَكَانَ وَرَآءَهُم مَّلِكٌ يَأْخُذُ كُلَّ سَفِينَةٍ غَصْبًا
کشتی کے مالکوں سے مراد مسلمان ہیں جو مسکین دل تھے اور اس میں سوراخ کرنے سے مراد یہ تھی کہ وہ اپنے مال غرباء پر زکٰوۃ وغیرہ کے ذریعہ سے خرچ کریں گے۔
اس سے مراد قیصر و کسریٰ تھے جو عرب پر صرف اس لئے حملہ نہیں کرتے تھے کہ وہ ایک غریب اور بے آب و گیاہ ملک تھا۔ خداتعالیٰ نے اسے اس ترکیب سے محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے لئے محفوظ رکھا تھا۔ تفسیر کبیر جلد چہارم صفحہ ۴۸۶۔ ۴۸۷ میں ان معنوں کے سوا ایک اور معنے کیے گئے ہیں کیوں کہ قرآن مجید کے کئی بطن ہیں اور ہر بطن کے ماتحت ایک تفسیر ہو سکتی ہے۔
The words, "poor people," here may represent "the Muslims." Making a hole in the boat meant that Islam would exhort Muslims to spend their money in the cause of Allah, by way of Zakat and charity. This would appear to be a source of economic weakness rather than of strength and true prosperity, which in fact it would not be. The tyrant king of the Isra’ were the Byzantine and Iranian Empires which would have swallowed up Arabia had it not seemed to them a poor and barren land, not worth the trouble of conquering. It was thus preserved intact for the Holy Prophet.
Commentary:
With this verse begins an explanation of the foregoing incidents as given by the holy man of Moses’ vision.
The words, 'poor people' here represent the meek of heart whom material prosperity and abundance of wealth do not prevent from taking care of and sympathizing with the needy and the destitute and from associating with them. The expression 'a king' denotes love of the world and attachment for material things. The verse thus means to say that those proud and conceited sons of darkness who disdain to spend their money on philanthropic purposes are wholly lost in the love of this world and fall easy victims to Satan. This is why the Holy Prophet sought to make a hole in the boat of his people—he laid down such laws as should render their love of this world pierced with the love of the next world so that they should spend their money in the service of the oppressed and the down-trodden and instead of tyrannizing over them they should serve them and sympathize with them.
It is worthy of note that whereas in the Holy Prophet’s Vision the love of the world took the form of an old woman, in Moses’ vision it was represented by a cruel king. This signified that the love of the world and its pleasures would exercise much less influence over the followers of the Holy Prophet than over those of Moses.
1
کشتی کے مالکوں سے مراد مسلمان ہیں جو مسکین دل تھے اور اس میں سوراخ کرنے سے مراد یہ تھی کہ وہ اپنے مال غرباء پر زکٰوۃ وغیرہ کے ذریعہ سے خرچ کریں گے۔
2
اس سے مراد قیصر و کسریٰ تھے جو عرب پر صرف اس لئے حملہ نہیں کرتے تھے کہ وہ ایک غریب اور بے آب و گیاہ ملک تھا۔ خداتعالیٰ نے اسے اس ترکیب سے محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے لئے محفوظ رکھا تھا۔ تفسیر کبیر جلد چہارم صفحہ ۴۸۶۔ ۴۸۷ میں ان معنوں کے سوا ایک اور معنے کیے گئے ہیں کیوں کہ قرآن مجید کے کئی بطن ہیں اور ہر بطن کے ماتحت ایک تفسیر ہو سکتی ہے۔
2118
Commentary:
With this verse begins an explanation of the foregoing incidents as given by the holy man of Moses’ vision.
The words, 'poor people' here represent the meek of heart whom material prosperity and abundance of wealth do not prevent from taking care of and sympathizing with the needy and the destitute and from associating with them. The expression 'a king' denotes love of the world and attachment for material things. The verse thus means to say that those proud and conceited sons of darkness who disdain to spend their money on philanthropic purposes are wholly lost in the love of this world and fall easy victims to Satan. This is why the Holy Prophet sought to make a hole in the boat of his people—he laid down such laws as should render their love of this world pierced with the love of the next world so that they should spend their money in the service of the oppressed and the down-trodden and instead of tyrannizing over them they should serve them and sympathize with them.
It is worthy of note that whereas in the Holy Prophet’s Vision the love of the world took the form of an old woman, in Moses’ vision it was represented by a cruel king. This signified that the love of the world and its pleasures would exercise much less influence over the followers of the Holy Prophet than over those of Moses.
1715
The words, "poor people," here may represent "the Muslims." Making a hole in the boat meant that Islam would exhort Muslims to spend their money in the cause of Allah, by way of Zakat and charity. This would appear to be a source of economic weakness rather than of strength and true prosperity, which in fact it would not be. The tyrant king of the Isra’ were the Byzantine and Iranian Empires which would have swallowed up Arabia had it not seemed to them a poor and barren land, not worth the trouble of conquering. It was thus preserved intact for the Holy Prophet.
وَأَمَّا ٱلْغُلَٰمُ فَكَانَ أَبَوَاهُ مُؤْمِنَيْنِ فَخَشِينَآ أَن يُرْهِقَهُمَا طُغْيَٰنًا وَكُفْرًا
جیسا کہ اوپر بتایا جا چکا ہے غلام سے مراد حرکت‘ قوت اور جہالت کی طاقتیں ہیں جو ہر انسان میں پائی جاتی ہیں اور چونکہ یہ معنوی اشیاء ہیں مادی نہیں اس لئے ان کے ماں باپ بھی اسی قسم کے ہونے چاہئیں۔ اس نقطہ نگاہ سے جب ہم غور کرتے ہیں تو ہمیں معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ یہ قوتیں انسانی روح اور جسم سے پیدا ہوتی ہیں پس حرکت قوت اور جہالت کے ماں باپ کے مومن ہونے سے یہ مراد ہے کہ بے شک انسانی روح اور دماغ میں آگے بڑھنے کا شدید مادہ رکھا گیا ہے بڑے بڑے کام کرنے کی ان میں طاقت پیدا کی گئی ہے اور خطرات برداشت کرنے کی انہیں ہمت دی گئی ہے لیکن یہ طاقتیں اسے خداتعالیٰ کے قرب میں بڑھنے کے لئے دی گ
مارنے والا ایک ہے مگر وہ کہتا ’’ہم‘‘ ہے اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ وہ اعمال جو ہوں تو درست مگر ظاہر میں شریعت کے خلاف نظر آتے ہوں اولیاء اللہ ان کو کبھی خدائی حکم کے بغیر نہیں کرتے۔ پس چونکہ خداتعالیٰ نے حکم دیاوہ اس فعل میں حصہ دار ہو گیا اور فعل ایک کا نہ رہا د و(۲) کا ہو گیا جس کی وجہ سے ’’ہم‘‘کا لفظ استعمال کیا گیا ہے۔
Ghulam (a youth), as stated above, in a dream or vision signifies ignorance, strength and wild impulses. "His parents" in the verse are the human body and soul, because the source (or the parents) from which spring all moral qualities is the combination of the human body and soul which are represented here as "believers" because, as taught by Islam, man by nature is inclined to virtue. These "believers" may be dragged into vice by the impulses represented as "youth." Islam eradicates these impulses and leaves man—the human body and soul combined, to develop along beneficent lines and thus to achieve the high purpose of human life.
Commentary:
As explained under 18:75 above غلام (youth) in a vision signifies, activity or buoyancy, power and ignorance; and the word قتل as also shown under the same verse means, diminishing or lessening the effect or vehemence of a thing. In view of the significance of these words, the killing of the youth would signify the lessening or diminishing the evil effects of ignorance, too much power and uncontrolled buoyancy.
The expression ابواہ (his parents) here means the human body and soul, because the parents or the source from which spring all moral qualities is the combination of the human body and soul which is man himself. So the killing of the youth in the vision signifies bringing under proper control unbridled human passions and lessening their vehemence and intensity. Thus the killing of the young man by the holy man of God so that he should not lead his parents to rebellion and disbelief, as seen in his vision by Moses, signifies that man has been gifted with great natural powers to perform the highest deeds of virtue and that in order to bring these powers into play, the faculties of activity, power and ignorance have been implanted in him. Man can fulfil the great object of his life by making use of these powers which spring from a combination of the human body and soul. But if these powers are not kept under proper control, they lead man to disbelief and transgression. These powers have been brought under proper control and their undue vehemence curbed by the commandments and ordinances which God has revealed to the Holy Prophet as signified by the killing of the young boy by the holy man in Moses’ Vision.
1
جیسا کہ اوپر بتایا جا چکا ہے غلام سے مراد حرکت‘ قوت اور جہالت کی طاقتیں ہیں جو ہر انسان میں پائی جاتی ہیں اور چونکہ یہ معنوی اشیاء ہیں مادی نہیں اس لئے ان کے ماں باپ بھی اسی قسم کے ہونے چاہئیں۔ اس نقطہ نگاہ سے جب ہم غور کرتے ہیں تو ہمیں معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ یہ قوتیں انسانی روح اور جسم سے پیدا ہوتی ہیں پس حرکت قوت اور جہالت کے ماں باپ کے مومن ہونے سے یہ مراد ہے کہ بے شک انسانی روح اور دماغ میں آگے بڑھنے کا شدید مادہ رکھا گیا ہے بڑے بڑے کام کرنے کی ان میں طاقت پیدا کی گئی ہے اور خطرات برداشت کرنے کی انہیں ہمت دی گئی ہے لیکن یہ طاقتیں اسے خداتعالیٰ کے قرب میں بڑھنے کے لئے دی گ
2
مارنے والا ایک ہے مگر وہ کہتا ’’ہم‘‘ ہے اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ وہ اعمال جو ہوں تو درست مگر ظاہر میں شریعت کے خلاف نظر آتے ہوں اولیاء اللہ ان کو کبھی خدائی حکم کے بغیر نہیں کرتے۔ پس چونکہ خداتعالیٰ نے حکم دیاوہ اس فعل میں حصہ دار ہو گیا اور فعل ایک کا نہ رہا د و(۲) کا ہو گیا جس کی وجہ سے ’’ہم‘‘کا لفظ استعمال کیا گیا ہے۔
2119
Commentary:
As explained under 18:75 above غلام (youth) in a vision signifies, activity or buoyancy, power and ignorance; and the word قتل as also shown under the same verse means, diminishing or lessening the effect or vehemence of a thing. In view of the significance of these words, the killing of the youth would signify the lessening or diminishing the evil effects of ignorance, too much power and uncontrolled buoyancy.
The expression ابواہ (his parents) here means the human body and soul, because the parents or the source from which spring all moral qualities is the combination of the human body and soul which is man himself. So the killing of the youth in the vision signifies bringing under proper control unbridled human passions and lessening their vehemence and intensity. Thus the killing of the young man by the holy man of God so that he should not lead his parents to rebellion and disbelief, as seen in his vision by Moses, signifies that man has been gifted with great natural powers to perform the highest deeds of virtue and that in order to bring these powers into play, the faculties of activity, power and ignorance have been implanted in him. Man can fulfil the great object of his life by making use of these powers which spring from a combination of the human body and soul. But if these powers are not kept under proper control, they lead man to disbelief and transgression. These powers have been brought under proper control and their undue vehemence curbed by the commandments and ordinances which God has revealed to the Holy Prophet as signified by the killing of the young boy by the holy man in Moses’ Vision.
1716
Ghulam (a youth), as stated above, in a dream or vision signifies ignorance, strength and wild impulses. "His parents" in the verse are the human body and soul, because the source (or the parents) from which spring all moral qualities is the combination of the human body and soul which are represented here as "believers" because, as taught by Islam, man by nature is inclined to virtue. These "believers" may be dragged into vice by the impulses represented as "youth." Islam eradicates these impulses and leaves man—the human body and soul combined, to develop along beneficent lines and thus to achieve the high purpose of human life.
فَأَرَدْنَآ أَن يُبْدِلَهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُ زَكَوٰةً وَأَقْرَبَ رُحْمًا
Commentary:
The verse means to say that Islam has laid down these ordinances and commandments so that man may completely subdue his carnal desires and thus experience a new spiritual birth. But, as mentioned above the followers of Moses gave free play to their low passions and, abandoning themselves to a life of ease and pleasure, exceeded all bounds of moderation and sobriety.
2120
Commentary:
The verse means to say that Islam has laid down these ordinances and commandments so that man may completely subdue his carnal desires and thus experience a new spiritual birth. But, as mentioned above the followers of Moses gave free play to their low passions and, abandoning themselves to a life of ease and pleasure, exceeded all bounds of moderation and sobriety.
وَأَمَّا ٱلْجِدَارُ فَكَانَ لِغُلَٰمَيْنِ يَتِيمَيْنِ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ وَكَانَ تَحْتَهُۥ كَنزٌ لَّهُمَا وَكَانَ أَبُوهُمَا صَٰلِحًا فَأَرَادَ رَبُّكَ أَن يَبْلُغَآ أَشُدَّهُمَا وَيَسْتَخْرِجَا كَنزَهُمَا رَحْمَةً مِّن رَّبِّكَ ۚ وَمَا فَعَلْتُهُۥ عَنْ أَمْرِى ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَأْوِيلُ مَا لَمْ تَسْطِع عَّلَيْهِ صَبْرًا
穆撒的精神境界指明了这样一个事实: 由于伊斯兰教的教导是根据律令和原则的与穆撒经典的有些原则有根本不同之处, 因此犹太教徒和穆斯林的真正合作是不可能的。第61-83节经文的详细解释, 见 «大版本的注释本» 1517-1530页。
دیوار سے مراد یہود و نصاریٰ کے بزرگ ہیں۔ یعنی موسٰیؑ اور عیسیٰؑ اور ان کے باپ سے مراد حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام اور کَنْز سے مراد وہ علمی خزانہ ہے جسے موسٰیؑ اور عیسیٰ ؑ کی قوموں نے محفوظ کیا ہوا تھا مگر ان کی بے توجہی سے اس کے ضائع ہونے کا خطرہ پیدا ہو گیا تب اسے محمدرسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم نے محفوظ کر دیا یعنی صحیح کلام کو جو بائبل اور انجیل میں تھا محفوظ کر دیا تاکہ جب بھی یہود اور نصاریٰ کو ہوش آئے وہ اس سے فائدہ اٹھا کر محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم پر ایمان لے آئیں۔
یعنی خداتعالیٰ کی وحی سے کیا ہے۔
The orphan boys are Moses and Jesus, and their righteous father is Abraham. Their treasure was the true teaching bequeathed by them to their peoples which was in danger of being lost through the latter’s irreligiousness. This treasure was safeguarded in the Qur’an in order that when they may awaken to a realization of truth of the Quranic teaching they may accept it.
It was done under Divine command.
The Vision of Moses points to the fact that because Islamic teaching was based on laws and principles which differed fundamentally from some principles of the Mosaic Law, true and real cooperation between Jews and Muslims was impossible. For a detailed explanation of v. 61-83, see "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," (pp. 1517-1530).
Commentary:
As already pointed out جدار (the wall) represents the elders of the Jews i.e. Moses, Jesus (18:78) and Abraham of whom the Quran says, "and in the next he will surely be among the righteous" (2:131).
By کنز (treasure) is meant the treasure of divine knowledge which was vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus.
The verse purports to say that God preserved in the Quran the great treasure of spiritual knowledge which was vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus (98:4) and which was in danger of being lost because of the irreligiousness of the Jews and their engrossment in worldly affairs so that, when they awaken to a realization of truth, they may accept it.
The words, as a mercy from thy Lord, mean that the preservation by God of the imperishable part of the teachings of Moses and Jesus in the Quran was an act of mercy on His part because the Jews by their repeated rebellion and transgression had forfeited all title to Divine mercy. But despite their iniquities God had mercy on them and preserved their own treasures of spiritual knowledge in the Quran for their guidance.
The words, I did it not of my own accord, mean that the Holy Prophet had no hand in the preservation of this great treasure of divine knowledge. A reference to this fact has also been made in the words, "Nor does he speak of his own desire" (53:4).
After a perusal of the incidents mentioned in the preceding verses and their explanation it becomes abundantly clear that the Vision of Moses has been mentioned here to point to the following facts:
(a) That it was decreed and was in the fitness of things that the Holy Prophet should appear after Christians who constitute the second part of the Mosaic Dispensation had become corrupt.
(b) That because Islamic teaching was based on laws and principles which differed fundamentally from some principles of the Mosaic Law, true and real cooperation between Jews and Muslims was impossible, but salvation without subscribing to Islamic principles was also unthinkable.
(c) That Jews and Christians would refuse to accept the Holy Prophet and would follow their own separate course but they will have to give their allegiance to him in the long run.
(d) That, after a long and fatiguing journey and after having despaired of obtaining real peace and contentment of mind through their own unaided efforts, Jews and Christians would be compelled to take stock of their whole position with the result that they would realize that as their religion had long outlived its usefulness they should have given it up long before.
(e) That after the dawning of this realization upon them, the prophecies concerning them which have been preserved in the Quran will lead Jews and Christians to accept the Holy Prophet.
(f) That after having accepted Islam they will submit themselves to limitations and restrictions which it has imposed upon man to regulate his moral conduct, and that by subduing their unrestrained passions they will become resigned to Divine decree and thus will draw upon themselves God’s grace and will bathe in the sea of His Mercy.
In fact, the Isra’ of Moses constituted a beautiful prelude to the coming Islamic Dispensation which was to supplant the Mosaic Law.
773
穆撒的精神境界指明了这样一个事实: 由于伊斯兰教的教导是根据律令和原则的与穆撒经典的有些原则有根本不同之处, 因此犹太教徒和穆斯林的真正合作是不可能的。第61-83节经文的详细解释, 见 «大版本的注释本» 1517-1530页。
3
دیوار سے مراد یہود و نصاریٰ کے بزرگ ہیں۔ یعنی موسٰیؑ اور عیسیٰؑ اور ان کے باپ سے مراد حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام اور کَنْز سے مراد وہ علمی خزانہ ہے جسے موسٰیؑ اور عیسیٰ ؑ کی قوموں نے محفوظ کیا ہوا تھا مگر ان کی بے توجہی سے اس کے ضائع ہونے کا خطرہ پیدا ہو گیا تب اسے محمدرسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم نے محفوظ کر دیا یعنی صحیح کلام کو جو بائبل اور انجیل میں تھا محفوظ کر دیا تاکہ جب بھی یہود اور نصاریٰ کو ہوش آئے وہ اس سے فائدہ اٹھا کر محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم پر ایمان لے آئیں۔
4
یعنی خداتعالیٰ کی وحی سے کیا ہے۔
2121
Commentary:
As already pointed out جدار (the wall) represents the elders of the Jews i.e. Moses, Jesus (18:78) and Abraham of whom the Quran says, "and in the next he will surely be among the righteous" (2:131).
By کنز (treasure) is meant the treasure of divine knowledge which was vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus.
The verse purports to say that God preserved in the Quran the great treasure of spiritual knowledge which was vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus (98:4) and which was in danger of being lost because of the irreligiousness of the Jews and their engrossment in worldly affairs so that, when they awaken to a realization of truth, they may accept it.
The words, as a mercy from thy Lord, mean that the preservation by God of the imperishable part of the teachings of Moses and Jesus in the Quran was an act of mercy on His part because the Jews by their repeated rebellion and transgression had forfeited all title to Divine mercy. But despite their iniquities God had mercy on them and preserved their own treasures of spiritual knowledge in the Quran for their guidance.
The words, I did it not of my own accord, mean that the Holy Prophet had no hand in the preservation of this great treasure of divine knowledge. A reference to this fact has also been made in the words, "Nor does he speak of his own desire" (53:4).
After a perusal of the incidents mentioned in the preceding verses and their explanation it becomes abundantly clear that the Vision of Moses has been mentioned here to point to the following facts:
(a) That it was decreed and was in the fitness of things that the Holy Prophet should appear after Christians who constitute the second part of the Mosaic Dispensation had become corrupt.
(b) That because Islamic teaching was based on laws and principles which differed fundamentally from some principles of the Mosaic Law, true and real cooperation between Jews and Muslims was impossible, but salvation without subscribing to Islamic principles was also unthinkable.
(c) That Jews and Christians would refuse to accept the Holy Prophet and would follow their own separate course but they will have to give their allegiance to him in the long run.
(d) That, after a long and fatiguing journey and after having despaired of obtaining real peace and contentment of mind through their own unaided efforts, Jews and Christians would be compelled to take stock of their whole position with the result that they would realize that as their religion had long outlived its usefulness they should have given it up long before.
(e) That after the dawning of this realization upon them, the prophecies concerning them which have been preserved in the Quran will lead Jews and Christians to accept the Holy Prophet.
(f) That after having accepted Islam they will submit themselves to limitations and restrictions which it has imposed upon man to regulate his moral conduct, and that by subduing their unrestrained passions they will become resigned to Divine decree and thus will draw upon themselves God’s grace and will bathe in the sea of His Mercy.
In fact, the Isra’ of Moses constituted a beautiful prelude to the coming Islamic Dispensation which was to supplant the Mosaic Law.
1717
The orphan boys are Moses and Jesus, and their righteous father is Abraham. Their treasure was the true teaching bequeathed by them to their peoples which was in danger of being lost through the latter’s irreligiousness. This treasure was safeguarded in the Qur’an in order that when they may awaken to a realization of truth of the Quranic teaching they may accept it.
1717A
It was done under Divine command.
1718
The Vision of Moses points to the fact that because Islamic teaching was based on laws and principles which differed fundamentally from some principles of the Mosaic Law, true and real cooperation between Jews and Muslims was impossible. For a detailed explanation of v. 61-83, see "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," (pp. 1517-1530).
وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَن ذِى ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ ۖ قُلْ سَأَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْهُ ذِكْرًا
祖尔夸尔纳英 (ذُوالْقَرْنَيْن, Dhul-Qarnain) 开始了解和确定他是怎么一个人以前, 必须讲明为什么 «古兰经» 要叙述他的故事以及为什么他的故事在本章中要如此特别地加以提出的理由。本章已非常明确地叙述了西方基督教国家极大的物质进步的两个时期。它开始的几节经文详细地讲了某些山洞中的居住者的事情。在讲了山洞中的居住者早期受迫害以及他们的继承者--------西方基督教国家, 后来的物质进步和昌盛之后, 较详细地叙述了 اِسْرَاء (Isra’) 即穆撒的精神旅行, 这一旅行代表伊斯兰教穆圣的降临。为的是要表明, 随着穆圣的降临基督教民族物质进步和昌盛的第一个时期就结束了, 虽然在穆圣降临一个很长时期之后, 他们仍能第二次作出些进步而登上物质荣誉和伟大的最高峰。基督教民族物质兴旺的壮观在安拉的许多经典中由雅朱者和马朱者的非凡地取得政权来代表, 这形成本章的许多中心论题之一。因为政治上雅朱者 يَاجُوْج (Gog, 歌革) 和马朱者 مَاجُوْج (Magog, 玛各) 与祖尔夸尔纳英是彼此不可分割地连系在一起的, (这在下几段中可以看出, )因此祖尔夸尔纳英在本章中也有较多的叙述。祖尔夸尔纳英看来是开创米底亚 (Medo)--------波斯 (Persia) 帝国的君主, 这个帝国代表着但以理 (Daniel) 那个著名梦中的那只公羊的两只角。 “我看见那只公羊向西、北和向南冲撞, 没有野兽可以抵得住它, 也不能逃脱它的威力。它按照自己的意志干得伟大了” («但以理书» 8:4, 20, 21)。与 «但以理» 这部分梦十分协调, «古兰经» 谈了祖尔夸尔纳英的三次旅行 (18:87, 91, 94)。这一事实有力地证实了祖尔夸尔纳英是米底亚和波斯的一个王帝的描写性的名字的这一推断。在米底亚和波斯的所有君王中, «古兰经» 中描写的最适用於塞鲁士 (Cyrus)。«古兰经» 谈到了祖尔夸尔纳英四个显著的标志: (a) 他是一个强有力的君王, 而且是一个仁慈和公正的统治者 (18:85, 89)。(b) 他是安拉忠实的仆人, 有福受到安拉的启示 (18:92, 99)。(c) 他向西进军, 征服了许多地方, 直到他来到他见到太阳落到可以说是一潭黑水的地方, 然后折向东方并且征服了广大领土 (18:87, 88)。(d) 他往中部地区, 那里生活着一种野蛮民族并有雅朱者和马朱者的经常侵袭; 他造了城墙, 阻止了这些侵袭 (18:94-98)。在古代的伟大统治者和著名的军事首领中, 塞鲁士最具有上述四种素质。因此, 他确实应该被认为是 «古兰经» 中的祖尔夸尔纳英, («以塞亚书», 45章; «以斯拉记», 1和2章; «历代志下» 36:22, 23; «历史学家的世界历史» “塞鲁士” 项下)。
ذوالقرنین خورس بادشاہ کا نام ہے جو مَید اور فَارس کا بادشاہ تھا۔ اسے ذوالقرنین اس لئے کہا جاتا ہے کہ دانیال نبی نے اس کے بارہ میں خواب دیکھا تھا کہ دو(۲) سینگوں والا مینڈھا رستہ میں کھڑا ہے جس کی نسبت فرشتہ نے کہا کہ یہ مَید اور فَارس کا بادشاہ ہے۔ (پرانا عہدنامہ دانیال باب۸ آیت۲۰)
Before proceeding to know and establish the identity of Dhul- Qarnain, it is necessary to state the reasons why at all his story has been related in the Qur’an and why it has found such prominent mention in the present Surah. A pointed reference has already been made in this Surah to the two periods of the great material progress of Western Christian nations. Its opening verses give a somewhat detailed account of the Dwellers of the Cave. After an account of the early persecution of the Dwellers of the Cave and the later material progress and prosperity of their successors, the Western Christian nations, an account of the Isra’ or Spiritual Journey of Moses which represents the advent of the Holy Prophet of Islam has been given in some detail in order to show that with the Holy Prophet’s appearance the first period of the material prosperity and progress of the Christian peoples would come to an end, and though it would still be possible for them to make some progress they would
Important Words:
ذوالقرنین (Dhul-Qarnain). قرن is derived from قرن (qarana). They say قرن شیئا بشیء i.e. he connected a thing with a thing. قرنmeans, horn; edge; border of the rising sun; trumpet of the Last Judgement; nobleman; one’s equal in age; a generation of men; people of one time; people of a time among whom there appears a Prophet of God; century; age (Lane & Aqrab). See also 6:7.
Commentary:
Before proceeding to know and establish the identity of Dhul-Qarnain it is necessary to state the reasons why at all his story has been related in the Quran and why it has found such prominent mention in the present Surah. A pointed reference has already been made in this Surah to the two periods of the great material progress of Christian nations. Its opening verses give a somewhat detailed account of the Dwellers of the Cave. We are told that in the early days of Christianity, Christians were true and righteous followers of their Faith. Even in later years when they came to acquire great political power but lost much of their former spiritual vitality and religious fervour, they did not altogether become divorced from their religion because till that time they had retained some faith in Jesus and because also a new Dispensation which demanded their allegiance had not yet come into force.
After the story of the Dwellers of the Cave an account of the Isra’ (اسراء) or Spiritual Journey of Moses which represents the advent of the Holy Prophet of Islam has been given in some detail in order to show that with the Holy Prophet’s appearance the first period of the material prosperity and progress of the Christian people would come to an end and though it would still be possible for them to make some progress they would reach the zenith of their material glory and greatness for a second time long after his advent. Spiritually, however, they would be a dead people and without the Holy Prophet’s acceptance there would be no redemption for them. This second period of material pomp and grandeur and the spiritual death of the Christian people are represented in Divine Scriptures by the phenomenal rise to power of Gog and Magog which forms one of the central themes of the present Surah. Because politically Gog and Magog and Dhul-Qarnain are inseparably linked with each other, as will appear from the following paragraphs, Dhul-Qarnain’s account also has been given at some length in this Surah.
Now as to Gog and Magog. These names were given to certain tribes who lived in the extreme north-west of Asia and eastern Europe. The fertility of the Asiatic plains led these tribes to make inroads into the south and south-west of Asia. If these incursions had been uniformly successful the whole course of subsequent human history would have completely changed and, like the marauding Aryans before them, these people would also have settled in Asia and would have been converted to the various religions of the east. But, as is explained in the following verses, Dhul-Qarnain set up a formidable barrier which prevented their spreading into Asia and thus compelled them to move further west. Thus they became hedged in between the extreme north-west of Asia and eastern Europe and instead of penetrating into Asia they spread into other parts of Europe. There they came into contact with Christianity which they accepted and made their national Faith. But these people never ceased to cast longing eyes on the fertile lands of Asia and to cherish an intense desire to conquer them. The sense of frustration at their failure to fulfil their heartfelt desire deepened with every generation till it developed into a feeling of political hostility towards the Asiatic peoples which burst forth in its full fury in the last three centuries. Thus Dhul-Qarnain’s efforts to check these people from spreading into Asia, in a way, led to the great spiritual havoc caused among mankind by Dajjal which is the second name of Gog and Magog. As both Gog and Magog and Dhul-Qarnain are intimately connected with each other, Dhul-Qarnain has found a mention in the Quran along with the account of the second rise to power and prosperity of Christian nations who, in our age, represent Gog and Magog.
Who is this Dhul-Qarnain to whom the present and the following several verses refer and when and where did he live? Before an answer to this question is attempted it must be pointed out that the Quran is not a book of history. It does not merely record a historical event to establish its authenticity. The so-called stories mentioned in the Quran are, in fact, so many prophecies about future events. The story of Dhul-Qarnain also belongs to the same category. It is not merely an account of the military exploits of a great and noble conqueror who lived in the past but it contains also a prophetic reference to another great historical personage, a World Reformer, who was to appear in some future time—our own time. About the appearance of this Reformer who has been called "the Promised Messiah and Mahdi" repeated mention has been made in Muslim scriptures (Bukhari, Majah etc.). Thus the story of Dhu’1 Qarnain possesses both ahistorical and a spiritual significance and therefore deserves special study.
Dhul-Qarnain was the founder of the Medo-Persian Empire which represented the two horns of the ram of Daniel’s famous dream. Daniel says: "I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great" (Dan. 8:4). Quite in harmony with this part of Daniel’s dream, the Quran mentions three journeys of Dhul-Qarnain (vv. 87, 91, 94). This fact lends powerful support to the inference that Dhul-Qarnain is the descriptive name of a king of Media and Persia. And of all the kings of Media and Persia, the description given in the Quran most fitly applies to Cyrus. He ascended the throne of Persia after the death of his father and subsequently conquered Media which was a greater kingdom than Persia, and thus was fulfilled the second part of Daniel’s dream: "and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other and the higher came up last" (Dan. 8:3).
The Quran has mentioned four distinctive marks of Dhul-Qarnain: (1) He was a righteous servant of God, and he was blessed with Divine revelation (vv. 87, 92 & 99). (2) He was a great conqueror and a kind and just ruler; and he treated the nations he conquered most benevolently (vv. 85, 89). (3) He marched to the west and made great conquests till he came to a place where he found the sun setting in a pool of murky water and then he turned to the East and conquered and subdued vast territories (vv. 85, 87, 88, 89). (4) Last of all he went to a midway region where lived a savage people and where Gog and Magog made inroads, and he built a wall there to stop these inroads (vv. 94-98). Now of the great monarchs and famous military captains of ancient times Cyrus possesses in the greatest measure the four above-mentioned qualifications. He therefore more than anybody else deserves to be considered as the Dhul-Qarnain of the Quran.
The first distinguishing mark of Dhul-Qarnain mentioned above is that he was a righteous man of God and was blessed with Divine revelation. The Bible agrees with the Quran in this respect. The Bible says:
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus whose righthand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel…Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing saying: Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He hath charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah (Isaiah, 44:28; 45:1-3; Ezra. 1:1-2 & 2 Chron. 36:22-23).
Thus according to the Bible Cyrus was Jehovah’s "friend", His "anointed" and "shepherd" and "performed all His pleasure" (Jew. Enc., vol. 4, p. 404 & Enc. Bib., vol. 1, col. 980).
Dhul-Qarnain’s second characteristic according to the Quran is that he was a great conqueror and ruler of vast territories. About this the Bible says:
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he hath charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem…Whose hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates…I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron; and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places (Ezra 1:2; Isaiah 45:1-3).
In this respect history also supports the Quran and the Bible. It represents Cyrus as a great conqueror and a very humane ruler who treated the nations he conquered most generously and in return received their most willing allegiance:
I knew that there were some who willingly obeyed Cyrus, that were many days’ journey, and others that were even some months’ journey distant from him, some, too, who had never seen him and some who knew very well that they never should see him; and yet they readily submitted to his government; for he so far excelled all other kings, as well as those that had received their dominion from their fore-fathers, as those that had acquired it by their own efforts…More than this he was most humane. His shield is stained by no horrible deeds of blood, of frightful revenge and cruelty…He spared and made gifts to conquered enemies…because no wide stream of blood separated him from the vanquished, he found the only possible basis for his giant structure in the raising of the conquerors and the conquered to equal privileges…Who is there that approaches him? He is not only beloved by his own people as a father incomparable in every way…He was not the product and child of his age but its creator and father. (Historians’ History of the World, under Cyrus).
Dhul-Qarnain’s third outstanding mark mentioned in the Quran is that he conquered and established a vast empire in the East as well as in the West. Now it is a well-known fact of history that Cyrus ruled over vast territories which extended to the waters of the Black Sea in the west and to the confines of Afghanistan, Samarkand and Bukhara in the East. About his conquests in the West it may briefly be stated that he had hardly become the ruler of Media and Persia when Croesus, the King of Lydia (Asia Minor), from his capital, Sardis, instigated the rulers of Babylon, Egypt and Sparta, and rose against him but within a few days suffered a crushing defeat and opened the way for Cyrus’ conquests up to the banks of the Black Sea. Cyrus conquered Babylon, Nineveh and Greek colonies which had extended to the north of Asia Minor to the Sea of Marmora. Thus he reached that pool of murky water which was situated to the West of that country. About Cyrus’ conquests in the East the Historians’ History of the World (vol. 2, under Cyrus) says:
How far to the East Cyrus extended his dominion we do not know, but it is probable that all the countries to the East which are mentioned in the older inscriptions of Darius as in subjection or rebellion were already subject in the time of Cyrus. In this case Chorasmia (Kharezm, the modern Khiva) and Sogdiana (Samarkand and Bukhara) belonged to him. He doubtless ruled also over a large portion of modern Afghanistan.
The following extract also from the Historians’ History of the World (under Cyrus) throws further light on the vast range of the conquests of Cyrus in both the West and the East.
But Cyrus finding, in like manner, the nations of Asia independent and setting out with a little army of Persians, obtained the dominion over the Medes by their own choice, and over the Hyrcanians in a similar manner; he subdued the Syrians, Assyrians, Arabians, Cappadocians, both the Phrygians, the Lydians, Carians, Phoenicians and Babylonians; he had under his rule the Bactrians, Indians and Cilicians as well the Sacians, Paphlagonians and Magadidians and many other nations of whom we cannot enumerate even the names. He had dominion over the Greeks that were settled in Asia and going down to the sea over the Cyprians and Egyptians. These nations he ruled though they spoke neither the same language with himself nor with one another; yet he was able to extend the fear of himself over so great a part of the world, that he astonished all and no one attempted anything against him… without a struggle the greatest empires, the two conquerors of Nineveh, surrendered to him both themselves and their own kings in chains, as had been done to none other; even Tyre, that proud and mighty city, unconquered and unconquerable, with whose lion-courage his predecessor and his successor, Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander alike, wrestled so fiercely and so long, did homage to him of her own free will. Above all, the little people of the Jews hailed him at the waters of Babylon as they had done no mortal before or since, as the victor and rescuer, the liberator and saviour.
The fourth notable feature of Dhul-Qarnain referred to in the Quran is that after his conquests he turned his attention to a midway region. Here lived a half savage people who were the target of constant attacks by Gog and Magog and he built a wall to stop these inroads. Now in order fully to understand and appreciate this Quranic passage it is necessary to know who Gog and Magog were. About these people the Bible says:
Son of man, set thy face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophecy against him, and say, Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal: and I will turn thee about and put hooks into thy jaws…Persia, Cush and Put with them (Ezekiel 38:2-6).
This shows that according to the Bible, which is our first and main source of information about Gog and Magog, Russia, Moscow and Tobolsk which are all situated in northern regions were the homeland of these people.
History supports this Biblical account about Gog and Magog. Magog is mentioned in Genesis 10:2 as the second son of Japheth, between Gomer and Madai. Gomer representing the Cimmerian who lived to the east of Asia Minor and Madai the Medes, Magog must be a people located east of the Cimmerian and west of the Medes. But in the list of nations (Gen. 10) the term connotes rather the complex of Barbarian peoples dwelling at the extreme north and north-east of the geographical survey covered by the chapter…In Ezek. 39:6 Magog occurs as the name of a northern people, the leader of whom is Gog and in Revelation Gog and Magog are considered as a comprehensive term for the powers of evil. Josephus identified them with the Scythians, a name which among classical writers stands for a number of unknown ferocious tribes. According to Jerome Magog was situated beyond the Caucasus, near the Caspian Sea. This also is the same northern region where the Scythians lived. Herodotus indicates that these nomads (Scythians) came through the natural gate between the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea, the pass of Darband (Jew. Enc., under Gog and Magog & Historians’ History of the World, vol. 2, p. 582).
Now as quoted above from the Bible, Gog and Magog had conquered Persia and it is a well-known fact of history that "Persia fell into the hands of the Scythians or Median Emperor who ruled Ecbatana from whom it was delivered by Cyrus the Great" (Historians’ History of the World, vol. 2, p.589).
So it seems quite clear that the Scythians or Gog and Magog occupied territories to the north and north-east of the Black Sea and that they came from these territories through the pass of Darband and invaded and conquered and ruled over the Persians and that Cyrus had defeated them and delivered the Persians from their clutches.
As to the last point about Dhul-Qarnain—that he built a strong wall as a barrier against the inroads of Gog and Magog—we find that exactly at the place which according to Herodotus was the pass through which the Scythians made raids upon Persia stood a wall, the famous wall of Derbent. The Encyclopaedia Britannica (under Derbent) refers to this wall as follows:
Derbent or Darband, a town of Persia, Caucasia, in the province of Daghestan, on the western shore of the Caspian…And to the south lies the seaward extremity of the Caucasian wall, 50 miles long otherwise known as Alexander’s wall, blocking the narrow pass of the Iron Gate or the Caspian Gate. This, when entire, had a height of 29 feet and a thickness of about 10 feet, and with its iron gates and numerous watch-towers formed a veritable defence of the Persian Frontier.
This extract shows that there existed a wall which served as a barrier against, and protected Persia from, the attacks of the Scythians in the north. It is generally believed that this was built by Alexander the Great but this popular belief is against proven facts of history. Alexander defeated Darius in the summer of 330 B.C., but this defeat did not give him possession of the whole of Persia. Without pausing to take rest he proceeded to subdue the whole country, but had hurriedly to come back to quell a revolt in his rear. After this he marched on to Kabul, where he had to face another revolt in his army and it was only in the winter of 329 B.C., that he could come to India. He finished all this journey in such haste that some historians have doubted whether it could have been accomplished in such a short time. Anyhow, it is admitted that he fought his way to India and did not stop anywhere. From India he returned in 324 B.C. to Persia, where he had again to face a revolt in his army. After subduing it he started for home and died on the way in June, 323 B.C. (Enc. Brit., 14th edition, vol. 1, pp. 569, 570). These facts show that his military expeditions were like a whirlwind and he conquered a large part of the world in a very short time. Amidst these whirlwind expeditions he could not give attention to any vast project such as the building of a large wall of the nature of that under discussion. The popular notion that Alexander had built this wall seems to have arisen from the fact that Muslim commentators of the Quran mistook Dhul-Qarnain for Alexander.
But if Alexander did not build this wall it does not prove that Cyrus built it. We are not in possession of quite incontestable and conclusive historical evidence to show that Cyrus did build this wall. Our conclusion that he was its builder is based only on the following circumstantial evidence:
(a) Darius about whom Cyrus had seen a vision that his wings would overshadow Europe and Asia ascended the Persian throne after the death of the son of Cyrus. In order to break the power of the Scythians Darius passed through Greece and attacked them prom across Europe. It is inconceivable that Darius should have undertaken such a long, arduous and roundabout journey to attack these people from across south-east Europe when they lived very near him in the north. The inevitable conclusion is that the existence of a huge wall which only Cyrus before him could have built had made it impossible for him to cross over to the other side with a large force. Nor was it possible for him to demolish it or take his army safely through its gates. So in order to fulfil his mission the only possible and wise cause open to Darius was to attack the Scythians from the side of Europe.
(b) If there existed no impassable barrier of the nature of that under discussion it is inconceivable that, wise and far-seeing strategist as he was, Darius should have adopted a circuitous route of thousands of miles across Europe to attack the Scythians, his own country exposed to their attacks from across the border.
(c) The fact that before the time of Cyrus the Scythians made constant and uninterrupted raids on Persia but after his conquests these raids completely ceased, leads to the very probable conclusion that he must have set up a barrier which effectively checked these attacks, and that the barrier must be the famous wall at Derbent, mistakenly known as Alexander’s wall.
774
祖尔夸尔纳英 (ذُوالْقَرْنَيْن, Dhul-Qarnain) 开始了解和确定他是怎么一个人以前, 必须讲明为什么 «古兰经» 要叙述他的故事以及为什么他的故事在本章中要如此特别地加以提出的理由。本章已非常明确地叙述了西方基督教国家极大的物质进步的两个时期。它开始的几节经文详细地讲了某些山洞中的居住者的事情。在讲了山洞中的居住者早期受迫害以及他们的继承者--------西方基督教国家, 后来的物质进步和昌盛之后, 较详细地叙述了 اِسْرَاء (Isra’) 即穆撒的精神旅行, 这一旅行代表伊斯兰教穆圣的降临。为的是要表明, 随着穆圣的降临基督教民族物质进步和昌盛的第一个时期就结束了, 虽然在穆圣降临一个很长时期之后, 他们仍能第二次作出些进步而登上物质荣誉和伟大的最高峰。基督教民族物质兴旺的壮观在安拉的许多经典中由雅朱者和马朱者的非凡地取得政权来代表, 这形成本章的许多中心论题之一。因为政治上雅朱者 يَاجُوْج (Gog, 歌革) 和马朱者 مَاجُوْج (Magog, 玛各) 与祖尔夸尔纳英是彼此不可分割地连系在一起的, (这在下几段中可以看出, )因此祖尔夸尔纳英在本章中也有较多的叙述。祖尔夸尔纳英看来是开创米底亚 (Medo)--------波斯 (Persia) 帝国的君主, 这个帝国代表着但以理 (Daniel) 那个著名梦中的那只公羊的两只角。 “我看见那只公羊向西、北和向南冲撞, 没有野兽可以抵得住它, 也不能逃脱它的威力。它按照自己的意志干得伟大了” («但以理书» 8:4, 20, 21)。与 «但以理» 这部分梦十分协调, «古兰经» 谈了祖尔夸尔纳英的三次旅行 (18:87, 91, 94)。这一事实有力地证实了祖尔夸尔纳英是米底亚和波斯的一个王帝的描写性的名字的这一推断。在米底亚和波斯的所有君王中, «古兰经» 中描写的最适用於塞鲁士 (Cyrus)。«古兰经» 谈到了祖尔夸尔纳英四个显著的标志: (a) 他是一个强有力的君王, 而且是一个仁慈和公正的统治者 (18:85, 89)。(b) 他是安拉忠实的仆人, 有福受到安拉的启示 (18:92, 99)。(c) 他向西进军, 征服了许多地方, 直到他来到他见到太阳落到可以说是一潭黑水的地方, 然后折向东方并且征服了广大领土 (18:87, 88)。(d) 他往中部地区, 那里生活着一种野蛮民族并有雅朱者和马朱者的经常侵袭; 他造了城墙, 阻止了这些侵袭 (18:94-98)。在古代的伟大统治者和著名的军事首领中, 塞鲁士最具有上述四种素质。因此, 他确实应该被认为是 «古兰经» 中的祖尔夸尔纳英, («以塞亚书», 45章; «以斯拉记», 1和2章; «历代志下» 36:22, 23; «历史学家的世界历史» “塞鲁士” 项下)。
1
ذوالقرنین خورس بادشاہ کا نام ہے جو مَید اور فَارس کا بادشاہ تھا۔ اسے ذوالقرنین اس لئے کہا جاتا ہے کہ دانیال نبی نے اس کے بارہ میں خواب دیکھا تھا کہ دو(۲) سینگوں والا مینڈھا رستہ میں کھڑا ہے جس کی نسبت فرشتہ نے کہا کہ یہ مَید اور فَارس کا بادشاہ ہے۔ (پرانا عہدنامہ دانیال باب۸ آیت۲۰)
2122
Important Words:
ذوالقرنین (Dhul-Qarnain). قرن is derived from قرن (qarana). They say قرن شیئا بشیء i.e. he connected a thing with a thing. قرنmeans, horn; edge; border of the rising sun; trumpet of the Last Judgement; nobleman; one’s equal in age; a generation of men; people of one time; people of a time among whom there appears a Prophet of God; century; age (Lane & Aqrab). See also 6:7.
Commentary:
Before proceeding to know and establish the identity of Dhul-Qarnain it is necessary to state the reasons why at all his story has been related in the Quran and why it has found such prominent mention in the present Surah. A pointed reference has already been made in this Surah to the two periods of the great material progress of Christian nations. Its opening verses give a somewhat detailed account of the Dwellers of the Cave. We are told that in the early days of Christianity, Christians were true and righteous followers of their Faith. Even in later years when they came to acquire great political power but lost much of their former spiritual vitality and religious fervour, they did not altogether become divorced from their religion because till that time they had retained some faith in Jesus and because also a new Dispensation which demanded their allegiance had not yet come into force.
After the story of the Dwellers of the Cave an account of the Isra’ (اسراء) or Spiritual Journey of Moses which represents the advent of the Holy Prophet of Islam has been given in some detail in order to show that with the Holy Prophet’s appearance the first period of the material prosperity and progress of the Christian people would come to an end and though it would still be possible for them to make some progress they would reach the zenith of their material glory and greatness for a second time long after his advent. Spiritually, however, they would be a dead people and without the Holy Prophet’s acceptance there would be no redemption for them. This second period of material pomp and grandeur and the spiritual death of the Christian people are represented in Divine Scriptures by the phenomenal rise to power of Gog and Magog which forms one of the central themes of the present Surah. Because politically Gog and Magog and Dhul-Qarnain are inseparably linked with each other, as will appear from the following paragraphs, Dhul-Qarnain’s account also has been given at some length in this Surah.
Now as to Gog and Magog. These names were given to certain tribes who lived in the extreme north-west of Asia and eastern Europe. The fertility of the Asiatic plains led these tribes to make inroads into the south and south-west of Asia. If these incursions had been uniformly successful the whole course of subsequent human history would have completely changed and, like the marauding Aryans before them, these people would also have settled in Asia and would have been converted to the various religions of the east. But, as is explained in the following verses, Dhul-Qarnain set up a formidable barrier which prevented their spreading into Asia and thus compelled them to move further west. Thus they became hedged in between the extreme north-west of Asia and eastern Europe and instead of penetrating into Asia they spread into other parts of Europe. There they came into contact with Christianity which they accepted and made their national Faith. But these people never ceased to cast longing eyes on the fertile lands of Asia and to cherish an intense desire to conquer them. The sense of frustration at their failure to fulfil their heartfelt desire deepened with every generation till it developed into a feeling of political hostility towards the Asiatic peoples which burst forth in its full fury in the last three centuries. Thus Dhul-Qarnain’s efforts to check these people from spreading into Asia, in a way, led to the great spiritual havoc caused among mankind by Dajjal which is the second name of Gog and Magog. As both Gog and Magog and Dhul-Qarnain are intimately connected with each other, Dhul-Qarnain has found a mention in the Quran along with the account of the second rise to power and prosperity of Christian nations who, in our age, represent Gog and Magog.
Who is this Dhul-Qarnain to whom the present and the following several verses refer and when and where did he live? Before an answer to this question is attempted it must be pointed out that the Quran is not a book of history. It does not merely record a historical event to establish its authenticity. The so-called stories mentioned in the Quran are, in fact, so many prophecies about future events. The story of Dhul-Qarnain also belongs to the same category. It is not merely an account of the military exploits of a great and noble conqueror who lived in the past but it contains also a prophetic reference to another great historical personage, a World Reformer, who was to appear in some future time—our own time. About the appearance of this Reformer who has been called "the Promised Messiah and Mahdi" repeated mention has been made in Muslim scriptures (Bukhari, Majah etc.). Thus the story of Dhu’1 Qarnain possesses both ahistorical and a spiritual significance and therefore deserves special study.
Dhul-Qarnain was the founder of the Medo-Persian Empire which represented the two horns of the ram of Daniel’s famous dream. Daniel says: "I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great" (Dan. 8:4). Quite in harmony with this part of Daniel’s dream, the Quran mentions three journeys of Dhul-Qarnain (vv. 87, 91, 94). This fact lends powerful support to the inference that Dhul-Qarnain is the descriptive name of a king of Media and Persia. And of all the kings of Media and Persia, the description given in the Quran most fitly applies to Cyrus. He ascended the throne of Persia after the death of his father and subsequently conquered Media which was a greater kingdom than Persia, and thus was fulfilled the second part of Daniel’s dream: "and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other and the higher came up last" (Dan. 8:3).
The Quran has mentioned four distinctive marks of Dhul-Qarnain: (1) He was a righteous servant of God, and he was blessed with Divine revelation (vv. 87, 92 & 99). (2) He was a great conqueror and a kind and just ruler; and he treated the nations he conquered most benevolently (vv. 85, 89). (3) He marched to the west and made great conquests till he came to a place where he found the sun setting in a pool of murky water and then he turned to the East and conquered and subdued vast territories (vv. 85, 87, 88, 89). (4) Last of all he went to a midway region where lived a savage people and where Gog and Magog made inroads, and he built a wall there to stop these inroads (vv. 94-98). Now of the great monarchs and famous military captains of ancient times Cyrus possesses in the greatest measure the four above-mentioned qualifications. He therefore more than anybody else deserves to be considered as the Dhul-Qarnain of the Quran.
The first distinguishing mark of Dhul-Qarnain mentioned above is that he was a righteous man of God and was blessed with Divine revelation. The Bible agrees with the Quran in this respect. The Bible says:
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus whose righthand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel…Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing saying: Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He hath charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah (Isaiah, 44:28; 45:1-3; Ezra. 1:1-2 & 2 Chron. 36:22-23).
Thus according to the Bible Cyrus was Jehovah’s "friend", His "anointed" and "shepherd" and "performed all His pleasure" (Jew. Enc., vol. 4, p. 404 & Enc. Bib., vol. 1, col. 980).
Dhul-Qarnain’s second characteristic according to the Quran is that he was a great conqueror and ruler of vast territories. About this the Bible says:
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he hath charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem…Whose hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates…I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron; and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places (Ezra 1:2; Isaiah 45:1-3).
In this respect history also supports the Quran and the Bible. It represents Cyrus as a great conqueror and a very humane ruler who treated the nations he conquered most generously and in return received their most willing allegiance:
I knew that there were some who willingly obeyed Cyrus, that were many days’ journey, and others that were even some months’ journey distant from him, some, too, who had never seen him and some who knew very well that they never should see him; and yet they readily submitted to his government; for he so far excelled all other kings, as well as those that had received their dominion from their fore-fathers, as those that had acquired it by their own efforts…More than this he was most humane. His shield is stained by no horrible deeds of blood, of frightful revenge and cruelty…He spared and made gifts to conquered enemies…because no wide stream of blood separated him from the vanquished, he found the only possible basis for his giant structure in the raising of the conquerors and the conquered to equal privileges…Who is there that approaches him? He is not only beloved by his own people as a father incomparable in every way…He was not the product and child of his age but its creator and father. (Historians’ History of the World, under Cyrus).
Dhul-Qarnain’s third outstanding mark mentioned in the Quran is that he conquered and established a vast empire in the East as well as in the West. Now it is a well-known fact of history that Cyrus ruled over vast territories which extended to the waters of the Black Sea in the west and to the confines of Afghanistan, Samarkand and Bukhara in the East. About his conquests in the West it may briefly be stated that he had hardly become the ruler of Media and Persia when Croesus, the King of Lydia (Asia Minor), from his capital, Sardis, instigated the rulers of Babylon, Egypt and Sparta, and rose against him but within a few days suffered a crushing defeat and opened the way for Cyrus’ conquests up to the banks of the Black Sea. Cyrus conquered Babylon, Nineveh and Greek colonies which had extended to the north of Asia Minor to the Sea of Marmora. Thus he reached that pool of murky water which was situated to the West of that country. About Cyrus’ conquests in the East the Historians’ History of the World (vol. 2, under Cyrus) says:
How far to the East Cyrus extended his dominion we do not know, but it is probable that all the countries to the East which are mentioned in the older inscriptions of Darius as in subjection or rebellion were already subject in the time of Cyrus. In this case Chorasmia (Kharezm, the modern Khiva) and Sogdiana (Samarkand and Bukhara) belonged to him. He doubtless ruled also over a large portion of modern Afghanistan.
The following extract also from the Historians’ History of the World (under Cyrus) throws further light on the vast range of the conquests of Cyrus in both the West and the East.
But Cyrus finding, in like manner, the nations of Asia independent and setting out with a little army of Persians, obtained the dominion over the Medes by their own choice, and over the Hyrcanians in a similar manner; he subdued the Syrians, Assyrians, Arabians, Cappadocians, both the Phrygians, the Lydians, Carians, Phoenicians and Babylonians; he had under his rule the Bactrians, Indians and Cilicians as well the Sacians, Paphlagonians and Magadidians and many other nations of whom we cannot enumerate even the names. He had dominion over the Greeks that were settled in Asia and going down to the sea over the Cyprians and Egyptians. These nations he ruled though they spoke neither the same language with himself nor with one another; yet he was able to extend the fear of himself over so great a part of the world, that he astonished all and no one attempted anything against him… without a struggle the greatest empires, the two conquerors of Nineveh, surrendered to him both themselves and their own kings in chains, as had been done to none other; even Tyre, that proud and mighty city, unconquered and unconquerable, with whose lion-courage his predecessor and his successor, Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander alike, wrestled so fiercely and so long, did homage to him of her own free will. Above all, the little people of the Jews hailed him at the waters of Babylon as they had done no mortal before or since, as the victor and rescuer, the liberator and saviour.
The fourth notable feature of Dhul-Qarnain referred to in the Quran is that after his conquests he turned his attention to a midway region. Here lived a half savage people who were the target of constant attacks by Gog and Magog and he built a wall to stop these inroads. Now in order fully to understand and appreciate this Quranic passage it is necessary to know who Gog and Magog were. About these people the Bible says:
Son of man, set thy face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophecy against him, and say, Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal: and I will turn thee about and put hooks into thy jaws…Persia, Cush and Put with them (Ezekiel 38:2-6).
This shows that according to the Bible, which is our first and main source of information about Gog and Magog, Russia, Moscow and Tobolsk which are all situated in northern regions were the homeland of these people.
History supports this Biblical account about Gog and Magog. Magog is mentioned in Genesis 10:2 as the second son of Japheth, between Gomer and Madai. Gomer representing the Cimmerian who lived to the east of Asia Minor and Madai the Medes, Magog must be a people located east of the Cimmerian and west of the Medes. But in the list of nations (Gen. 10) the term connotes rather the complex of Barbarian peoples dwelling at the extreme north and north-east of the geographical survey covered by the chapter…In Ezek. 39:6 Magog occurs as the name of a northern people, the leader of whom is Gog and in Revelation Gog and Magog are considered as a comprehensive term for the powers of evil. Josephus identified them with the Scythians, a name which among classical writers stands for a number of unknown ferocious tribes. According to Jerome Magog was situated beyond the Caucasus, near the Caspian Sea. This also is the same northern region where the Scythians lived. Herodotus indicates that these nomads (Scythians) came through the natural gate between the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea, the pass of Darband (Jew. Enc., under Gog and Magog & Historians’ History of the World, vol. 2, p. 582).
Now as quoted above from the Bible, Gog and Magog had conquered Persia and it is a well-known fact of history that "Persia fell into the hands of the Scythians or Median Emperor who ruled Ecbatana from whom it was delivered by Cyrus the Great" (Historians’ History of the World, vol. 2, p.589).
So it seems quite clear that the Scythians or Gog and Magog occupied territories to the north and north-east of the Black Sea and that they came from these territories through the pass of Darband and invaded and conquered and ruled over the Persians and that Cyrus had defeated them and delivered the Persians from their clutches.
As to the last point about Dhul-Qarnain—that he built a strong wall as a barrier against the inroads of Gog and Magog—we find that exactly at the place which according to Herodotus was the pass through which the Scythians made raids upon Persia stood a wall, the famous wall of Derbent. The Encyclopaedia Britannica (under Derbent) refers to this wall as follows:
Derbent or Darband, a town of Persia, Caucasia, in the province of Daghestan, on the western shore of the Caspian…And to the south lies the seaward extremity of the Caucasian wall, 50 miles long otherwise known as Alexander’s wall, blocking the narrow pass of the Iron Gate or the Caspian Gate. This, when entire, had a height of 29 feet and a thickness of about 10 feet, and with its iron gates and numerous watch-towers formed a veritable defence of the Persian Frontier.
This extract shows that there existed a wall which served as a barrier against, and protected Persia from, the attacks of the Scythians in the north. It is generally believed that this was built by Alexander the Great but this popular belief is against proven facts of history. Alexander defeated Darius in the summer of 330 B.C., but this defeat did not give him possession of the whole of Persia. Without pausing to take rest he proceeded to subdue the whole country, but had hurriedly to come back to quell a revolt in his rear. After this he marched on to Kabul, where he had to face another revolt in his army and it was only in the winter of 329 B.C., that he could come to India. He finished all this journey in such haste that some historians have doubted whether it could have been accomplished in such a short time. Anyhow, it is admitted that he fought his way to India and did not stop anywhere. From India he returned in 324 B.C. to Persia, where he had again to face a revolt in his army. After subduing it he started for home and died on the way in June, 323 B.C. (Enc. Brit., 14th edition, vol. 1, pp. 569, 570). These facts show that his military expeditions were like a whirlwind and he conquered a large part of the world in a very short time. Amidst these whirlwind expeditions he could not give attention to any vast project such as the building of a large wall of the nature of that under discussion. The popular notion that Alexander had built this wall seems to have arisen from the fact that Muslim commentators of the Quran mistook Dhul-Qarnain for Alexander.
But if Alexander did not build this wall it does not prove that Cyrus built it. We are not in possession of quite incontestable and conclusive historical evidence to show that Cyrus did build this wall. Our conclusion that he was its builder is based only on the following circumstantial evidence:
(a) Darius about whom Cyrus had seen a vision that his wings would overshadow Europe and Asia ascended the Persian throne after the death of the son of Cyrus. In order to break the power of the Scythians Darius passed through Greece and attacked them prom across Europe. It is inconceivable that Darius should have undertaken such a long, arduous and roundabout journey to attack these people from across south-east Europe when they lived very near him in the north. The inevitable conclusion is that the existence of a huge wall which only Cyrus before him could have built had made it impossible for him to cross over to the other side with a large force. Nor was it possible for him to demolish it or take his army safely through its gates. So in order to fulfil his mission the only possible and wise cause open to Darius was to attack the Scythians from the side of Europe.
(b) If there existed no impassable barrier of the nature of that under discussion it is inconceivable that, wise and far-seeing strategist as he was, Darius should have adopted a circuitous route of thousands of miles across Europe to attack the Scythians, his own country exposed to their attacks from across the border.
(c) The fact that before the time of Cyrus the Scythians made constant and uninterrupted raids on Persia but after his conquests these raids completely ceased, leads to the very probable conclusion that he must have set up a barrier which effectively checked these attacks, and that the barrier must be the famous wall at Derbent, mistakenly known as Alexander’s wall.
1719
Before proceeding to know and establish the identity of Dhul- Qarnain, it is necessary to state the reasons why at all his story has been related in the Qur’an and why it has found such prominent mention in the present Surah. A pointed reference has already been made in this Surah to the two periods of the great material progress of Western Christian nations. Its opening verses give a somewhat detailed account of the Dwellers of the Cave. After an account of the early persecution of the Dwellers of the Cave and the later material progress and prosperity of their successors, the Western Christian nations, an account of the Isra’ or Spiritual Journey of Moses which represents the advent of the Holy Prophet of Islam has been given in some detail in order to show that with the Holy Prophet’s appearance the first period of the material prosperity and progress of the Christian peoples would come to an end, and though it would still be possible for them to make some progress they would
إِنَّا مَكَّنَّا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَءَاتَيْنَٰهُ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ سَبَبًا
12:22, 57.
Commentary:
It has been made clear in the note on Dhul-Qarnain that Cyrus was blessed with every kind of means for his great conquests and that God Himself directed all his ways and had given him all the kingdoms of the earth (Isaiah 45:13 & Ezra 1:2).
The words انامکنا له فی الارض signify that the rise of Cyrus to power took place under exceptional circumstances.
The words کل شیء (everything) mean everything necessary for the accomplishment of his task.
a
12:22, 57.
775
见 «以斯拉记», 1:1-2; Isa., 45:1-3和 «历史学家的世界历史»。
a
12:22, 57.
2123
Commentary:
It has been made clear in the note on Dhul-Qarnain that Cyrus was blessed with every kind of means for his great conquests and that God Himself directed all his ways and had given him all the kingdoms of the earth (Isaiah 45:13 & Ezra 1:2).
The words انامکنا له فی الارض signify that the rise of Cyrus to power took place under exceptional circumstances.
The words کل شیء (everything) mean everything necessary for the accomplishment of his task.
a
12:22, 57.
1720
See Ezra, 1: 1, 2; Isa., 45: 1-3 & Historians’ History of the World.
فَأَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَغْرِبَ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَغْرُبُ فِى عَيْنٍ حَمِئَةٍ وَوَجَدَ عِندَهَا قَوْمًا ۗ قُلْنَا يَٰذَا ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ إِمَّآ أَن تُعَذِّبَ وَإِمَّآ أَن تَتَّخِذَ فِيهِمْ حُسْنًا
“日落之处” 这些字意指塞鲁士的帝国最西端的那些部分, 或者小亚细亚的西北边界, 指的是黑海, 因为黑海形成他帝国的西北边界。这节经文述及塞鲁士征服他西方敌人的远征 (《大英百科全書》和 «历史学家的世界历史» “Cyrus” 项下)。
اس سے مراد بحیرہ اسود کا علاقہ ہے جہاں ذوالقرنین گیا تھا۔ اور جہاں پانی سیاہ ہونے کی وجہ سے گدلا نظر آتا ہے اس کو بحیرہ اسود کہتے ہیں۔
اس جگہ جو قومیں آباد تھیں۔ انہوں نے مید اور فارس کی کامیابی کے بعد دوسری قوموں سے مل کر خورس یعنی ذوالقرنین پر حملہ کر دیا جس کے نتیجہ میں خورس نے بھی ان پر چڑھائی کی اور ان کو محکوم بنا لیا۔
The words, the setting-place of the sun, signify the westernmost parts of Cyrus’s Empire or the north-western boundary of Asia Minor and refer to the Black Sea, because it formed the north-western boundary of his Empire. The verse refers to the expedition which Cyrus undertook against his enemies in the West (Enc. Brit. & Historians’ History of the World, under "Cyrus").
Important Words:
عین حمئة (pool of murky water) حمئة is derived from حما. They say حما البئر i.e. he cleansed the well of its black, fetid mud. حمئت البئر means, the well had in it black mud in abundance. حمئی العین means, a man of evil eye who injures with his eye him whom he sees and admires. The words عین حمئة mean, a well or a spring or pool foul with black, fetid mud (Lane). See also 15:29.
Commentary:
The words مغرب الشمس i.e. the place where the sun set; signify the westernmost parts of Cyrus’ Empire or the north-western boundary of Asia Minor and refer to the Black Sea because it formed the north-western boundary of the Empire of Cyrus. The verse refers to the expedition which Cyrus undertook against his enemies in the west. "Soon after the conquest of the Median empire Cyrus was attacked by a coalition of the other powers of the East-Babylon, Egypt and Lydia, joined by Sparta, the greatest military power of Greece. In the spring of 546 Croesus of Lydia began the attack and advanced into Cappadocia, while the other powers were still gathering their troops. But Cyrus anticipated them; he defeated Croesus and followed him to his capital. In the autumn of 546 Sardis was taken and the Lydian kingdom became a province of the Persians… During the next few years the Persian army suppressed a rebellion of the Lydian. The King of Cilicia voluntarily acknowledged the Persian supremacy "(Enc. Brit., & Historians’ History of the World, under Cyrus).
The words, "he found it (the sun) setting in a spring of murky water," signify that it is not a small pool to which they refer. The waters referred to are so extensive that if one were to take his stand on the shore at the time of sunset, the sun would appear to be setting in the sea.
776
“日落之处” 这些字意指塞鲁士的帝国最西端的那些部分, 或者小亚细亚的西北边界, 指的是黑海, 因为黑海形成他帝国的西北边界。这节经文述及塞鲁士征服他西方敌人的远征 (《大英百科全書》和 «历史学家的世界历史» “Cyrus” 项下)。
2
اس سے مراد بحیرہ اسود کا علاقہ ہے جہاں ذوالقرنین گیا تھا۔ اور جہاں پانی سیاہ ہونے کی وجہ سے گدلا نظر آتا ہے اس کو بحیرہ اسود کہتے ہیں۔
3
اس جگہ جو قومیں آباد تھیں۔ انہوں نے مید اور فارس کی کامیابی کے بعد دوسری قوموں سے مل کر خورس یعنی ذوالقرنین پر حملہ کر دیا جس کے نتیجہ میں خورس نے بھی ان پر چڑھائی کی اور ان کو محکوم بنا لیا۔
2124
Important Words:
عین حمئة (pool of murky water) حمئة is derived from حما. They say حما البئر i.e. he cleansed the well of its black, fetid mud. حمئت البئر means, the well had in it black mud in abundance. حمئی العین means, a man of evil eye who injures with his eye him whom he sees and admires. The words عین حمئة mean, a well or a spring or pool foul with black, fetid mud (Lane). See also 15:29.
Commentary:
The words مغرب الشمس i.e. the place where the sun set; signify the westernmost parts of Cyrus’ Empire or the north-western boundary of Asia Minor and refer to the Black Sea because it formed the north-western boundary of the Empire of Cyrus. The verse refers to the expedition which Cyrus undertook against his enemies in the west. "Soon after the conquest of the Median empire Cyrus was attacked by a coalition of the other powers of the East-Babylon, Egypt and Lydia, joined by Sparta, the greatest military power of Greece. In the spring of 546 Croesus of Lydia began the attack and advanced into Cappadocia, while the other powers were still gathering their troops. But Cyrus anticipated them; he defeated Croesus and followed him to his capital. In the autumn of 546 Sardis was taken and the Lydian kingdom became a province of the Persians… During the next few years the Persian army suppressed a rebellion of the Lydian. The King of Cilicia voluntarily acknowledged the Persian supremacy "(Enc. Brit., & Historians’ History of the World, under Cyrus).
The words, "he found it (the sun) setting in a spring of murky water," signify that it is not a small pool to which they refer. The waters referred to are so extensive that if one were to take his stand on the shore at the time of sunset, the sun would appear to be setting in the sea.
1721
The words, the setting-place of the sun, signify the westernmost parts of Cyrus’s Empire or the north-western boundary of Asia Minor and refer to the Black Sea, because it formed the north-western boundary of his Empire. The verse refers to the expedition which Cyrus undertook against his enemies in the West (Enc. Brit. & Historians’ History of the World, under "Cyrus").
قَالَ أَمَّا مَن ظَلَمَ فَسَوْفَ نُعَذِّبُهُۥ ثُمَّ يُرَدُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِۦ فَيُعَذِّبُهُۥ عَذَابًا نُّكْرًا
7:166.
Cyrus believed in Life after death. He was a follower of Zoroaster and of all religions, second only to Islam, Zoroastrianism has laid the greatest stress on Life after death. 'There can be no doubt that Cyrus and his Persian followers were faithful believers in the pure doctrine of Zoroaster, and disdainfully regarded foreign cults' (Jew. Enc., vol. 4, p. 404).
7:166.
Commentary:
The words, then shall he be brought back to his Lord, indicate that Cyrus believed in life after death. He was a follower of Zoroaster and of all religions, second only to Islam, Zoroastrianism has laid the greatest stress on life after death. "There can be no doubt that Cyrus and his Persians, like Darius at a later period, were faithful believers in the pure doctrine of Zoroaster, and disdainfully regarded foreign cults" (Jew. Enc., vol. 4, p. 404).
b
7:166.
777
塞鲁士相信死后的生命。他是瑣羅亞斯德的信徒, 而且除伊斯兰教以外, 在所有其他宗教当中祆教是最强调死后生命的。“毫无疑问, 塞鲁士和他的波斯信奉者都是瑣羅亞斯德纯教义的忠实信徒,并且蔑视外来的邪教” (《犹太百科全书》卷4, 404页)。
a
7:166.
2125
Commentary:
The words, then shall he be brought back to his Lord, indicate that Cyrus believed in life after death. He was a follower of Zoroaster and of all religions, second only to Islam, Zoroastrianism has laid the greatest stress on life after death. "There can be no doubt that Cyrus and his Persians, like Darius at a later period, were faithful believers in the pure doctrine of Zoroaster, and disdainfully regarded foreign cults" (Jew. Enc., vol. 4, p. 404).
b
7:166.
1722
Cyrus believed in Life after death. He was a follower of Zoroaster and of all religions, second only to Islam, Zoroastrianism has laid the greatest stress on Life after death. 'There can be no doubt that Cyrus and his Persian followers were faithful believers in the pure doctrine of Zoroaster, and disdainfully regarded foreign cults' (Jew. Enc., vol. 4, p. 404).
وَأَمَّا مَنْ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَٰلِحًا فَلَهُۥ جَزَآءً ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۖ وَسَنَقُولُ لَهُۥ مِنْ أَمْرِنَا يُسْرًا
2:26; 3:58; 6:49; 19:61; 25:71; 34:38.
2:26; 3:58; 6:49; 19:61; 25:71; 34:38.
Commentary:
This verse sheds some light on the humanity of Cyrus and on his kind and benevolent treatment of the races he conquered. See also 18:84.
c
2:26; 3:58; 6:49; 19:61; 25:71; 34:38.
b
2:26; 3:58; 6:49; 19:61; 25:71; 34:38.
2126
Commentary:
This verse sheds some light on the humanity of Cyrus and on his kind and benevolent treatment of the races he conquered. See also 18:84.
a
2:26; 3:58; 6:49; 19:61; 25:71; 34:38.
1723
See Isa., 45: 1-3 & 2 Chron. 36: 22, 23.
ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَطْلِعَ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَطْلُعُ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ لَّمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُم مِّن دُونِهَا سِتْرًا
这节经文叙述塞鲁士的东征--------到阿富汗和俾路支, 那里是无树、荒芜之地, 太阳酷热地晒射在这些土地上。这也适用于住在东至赛斯顿 (سِيستان, Seistan) 和赫拉特 (هرات, Herat)、北至杜士大勃 (دُزْداب, Duzdab) 直到麦什德 (Mashhad) 延绵几百英里的那些平原上生活的民众。
This verse refers to Cyrus’s expedition to the East—to Afghanistan and Baluchistan which were treeless barren tracts on which the sun beat down fiercely. It may also apply to the people who lived in the plains which extended for hundreds of miles to the east of Seistan and Herat and to the north of Duzdab up to Mashhad.
Commentary:
This verse refers to Cyrus’ expedition to the East—to Afghanistan and even Baluchistan. The words, on a people for whom We had made no shelter against it, signify that at that time the Afghans were an uncivilized people. They did not live in houses made of brick and stone but in huts and tents. The words may also apply to Baluchistan. But very sketchy references about Cyrus’ expeditions to Afghanistan and Baluchistan are found in books of history. Contemporary historians, most of them being Greek, have given detailed accounts of the conquests of Cyrus in the West but have very little to say about his conquests in the East. They do not go beyond remarking that in the East Cyrus attacked regions in the neighbourhood of Afghanistan. But as Sistan then formed a part of the Persian Empire we are inclined to the view that the verse can apply to Baluchistan also because the words, for whom We had made no shelter against it, give an apt description of this barren and arid country, full of deserts and rocks. The verse may also apply to the people who lived in the plains which have extended for hundreds of miles to the east of Sistan and Herat and to the north of Duzdab up to Meshed.
778
这节经文叙述塞鲁士的东征--------到阿富汗和俾路支, 那里是无树、荒芜之地, 太阳酷热地晒射在这些土地上。这也适用于住在东至赛斯顿 (سِيستان, Seistan) 和赫拉特 (هرات, Herat)、北至杜士大勃 (دُزْداب, Duzdab) 直到麦什德 (Mashhad) 延绵几百英里的那些平原上生活的民众。
4
اس سے مراد بلوچستان اور افغانستان کا علاقہ ہے جو خورس نے فتح کیا تھا اور بحیرہ اسود سے مشرق کی طرف ہے۔
5
یعنی چٹیل میدانوں کے لوگ تھے۔
2127
Commentary:
This verse refers to Cyrus’ expedition to the East—to Afghanistan and even Baluchistan. The words, on a people for whom We had made no shelter against it, signify that at that time the Afghans were an uncivilized people. They did not live in houses made of brick and stone but in huts and tents. The words may also apply to Baluchistan. But very sketchy references about Cyrus’ expeditions to Afghanistan and Baluchistan are found in books of history. Contemporary historians, most of them being Greek, have given detailed accounts of the conquests of Cyrus in the West but have very little to say about his conquests in the East. They do not go beyond remarking that in the East Cyrus attacked regions in the neighbourhood of Afghanistan. But as Sistan then formed a part of the Persian Empire we are inclined to the view that the verse can apply to Baluchistan also because the words, for whom We had made no shelter against it, give an apt description of this barren and arid country, full of deserts and rocks. The verse may also apply to the people who lived in the plains which have extended for hundreds of miles to the east of Sistan and Herat and to the north of Duzdab up to Meshed.
1724
This verse refers to Cyrus’s expedition to the East—to Afghanistan and Baluchistan which were treeless barren tracts on which the sun beat down fiercely. It may also apply to the people who lived in the plains which extended for hundreds of miles to the east of Seistan and Herat and to the north of Duzdab up to Mashhad.
كَذَٰلِكَ وَقَدْ أَحَطْنَا بِمَا لَدَيْهِ خُبْرًا
Commentary:
The words, We encompassed with Our knowledge all that was with him, mean that Cyrus in his expeditions was under Divine protection. These words agree with the Biblical statement viz. "I will go before thee and make the crooked places straight" (Isaiah 45:2).
2128
Commentary:
The words, We encompassed with Our knowledge all that was with him, mean that Cyrus in his expeditions was under Divine protection. These words agree with the Biblical statement viz. "I will go before thee and make the crooked places straight" (Isaiah 45:2).
ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا
这节经文述及塞鲁士的第三次远征到波斯北部--------到里海和高加索山之间的那块土地上。
The verse refers to Cyrus’s third expedition to the north of Persia—to the territory between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasian mountains.
Commentary:
The verse refers to Cyrus’ third expedition to the north of Persia—to the territory between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasian mountains.
779
这节经文述及塞鲁士的第三次远征到波斯北部--------到里海和高加索山之间的那块土地上。
2129
Commentary:
The verse refers to Cyrus’ third expedition to the north of Persia—to the territory between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasian mountains.
1725
The verse refers to Cyrus’s third expedition to the north of Persia—to the territory between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasian mountains.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ بَيْنَ ٱلسَّدَّيْنِ وَجَدَ مِن دُونِهِمَا قَوْمًا لَّا يَكَادُونَ يَفْقَهُونَ قَوْلًا
"The two mountains" signify two barriers. The pass of Derbent in which the Wall was built was bounded on one side by the Caspian Sea and on the other by the Caucasian mountains. These two served as two barriers for it.
The people of these regions spoke a language different from that of Cyrus but living in the immediate neighbourhood of Persia and, having constant contact with the Persians and the Medians, they had learnt to understand and speak their language, though very imperfectly and with very great difficulty. The region in which the Wall was built was adjacent to Persia and later formed a part of it. Now, however, it is included in the Russian territories. For a fuller note on Dhul-Qarnain see "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," pp. 1531-1540.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the people of these regions spoke a different language from that of Cyrus but living in the immediate neighbourhood of Persia and, having constant contact with the Persians and the Medians, they had learnt to understand and speak their language, though very imperfectly and with very great difficulty. The region in which the wall was built was adjacent to Persia and later formed a part of it. Now, however, it is included in the Russian territories.
The word سدین (mountains) signifies two barriers. The pass of Derbent in which the wall was built was bounded on one side by the Caspian Sea and on the other by the Caucasian mountains. These two served as two barriers for it.
780
“两山” 意指两道屏障。窦本 (دَرْبَند, Derbent) 关口的城墙所在地, 它的一侧靠着里海而另一侧依着高加索山。这两个地形作为它的屏障。
781
这些地区的民众和塞鲁士讲的话是不同的, 但就生活在波斯的最邻近的土地上。他们经常同波斯人和米底亚人接触, 学着理解和说他们的语言, 虽然很不好而且有极大的困难。建筑城墙的那一地区连接着波斯, 后来成为波斯的一部分。不过现在它包括在俄罗斯领土之内。关于祖尔夸尔纳英更完全的注释见 «大版本的注释本» 1531-1540页。
2130
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the people of these regions spoke a different language from that of Cyrus but living in the immediate neighbourhood of Persia and, having constant contact with the Persians and the Medians, they had learnt to understand and speak their language, though very imperfectly and with very great difficulty. The region in which the wall was built was adjacent to Persia and later formed a part of it. Now, however, it is included in the Russian territories.
The word سدین (mountains) signifies two barriers. The pass of Derbent in which the wall was built was bounded on one side by the Caspian Sea and on the other by the Caucasian mountains. These two served as two barriers for it.
1726
"The two mountains" signify two barriers. The pass of Derbent in which the Wall was built was bounded on one side by the Caspian Sea and on the other by the Caucasian mountains. These two served as two barriers for it.
1727
The people of these regions spoke a language different from that of Cyrus but living in the immediate neighbourhood of Persia and, having constant contact with the Persians and the Medians, they had learnt to understand and speak their language, though very imperfectly and with very great difficulty. The region in which the Wall was built was adjacent to Persia and later formed a part of it. Now, however, it is included in the Russian territories. For a fuller note on Dhul-Qarnain see "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," pp. 1531-1540.
قَالُوا۟ يَٰذَا ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ إِنَّ يَأْجُوجَ وَمَأْجُوجَ مُفْسِدُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَهَلْ نَجْعَلُ لَكَ خَرْجًا عَلَىٰٓ أَن تَجْعَلَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَهُمْ سَدًّا
يَاجُوْج (Ya’juj, 雅朱者) 和 مَاجُوْج (马朱者, Ma’juj) 这两个单词都源出字根 اَجَّ (Ajja), 意思是:他走得很快;他或它变成火焰 (Lane), 以及指最远的东方的塞西亚人。或者, 像有些人说的那样, 住在亚洲和欧洲北部的所有民族 (《大英百科全書》和《犹太百科全書》“Gog” “Magog” 项下, 以及 «历史学家的世界历史» 卷2, 582页, 《以西结书》38:2-6和39:6)。
这些词也可用于西方的基督教国家因为他们一直利用燃烧着的火和沸腾着的水, 而且因为他们的物质进步和许多伟大的发现和发明都是由于正确并非常广泛地使用这些东西的结果。或者, 这些单词可以意示这些民族好动的性格, 因为他们总是不停地注意并且急不待缓地作出新的征服。
圣经中对雅朱者和马朱者的描写, 毫无疑问指的是西方的某些基督教强国:第一, 因为说他们是非常多的、强有力的以及强大的:—‘你必将升起, 像暴风雨般地到来, 你必将像一片遮蔽大地的云层, 你和你的所有伙伴以及和你在一起的许多人’ («以西结书» 38:9)。‘雅朱者和马朱者……他们的数目像大海的沙一样’ («启示录» 20:8)。‘对每一只长满羽毛的禽鸟, 对每一只田野中的走兽是这样说的, 你们可以吃那些强有力者的肉, 并且喝这个世界上的王子王孙的血’ («以西结书» 39:18, 19)。第三, 他们将遍布全世界:—‘他们走向世界各地’ («启示录» 20:9)。第四, 他们从北面的家里将移居到其他国家并定居世界各地, 而在战时将从他们遥远的殖民地聚集到一起:他要去迷惑地上四方的国家, 就是歌革和马各。撒旦要把他们集合起来, 出去打仗; («启示录» 20:8)。«以西结书» 提到马朱者时称他为 ‘Rosh, Meshech 和 Tubal 王子, 很明显, Rosh 代表俄罗斯, Meshech 代表莫斯科, 以及 Tubal 代表托波斯克。雅朱者 (Gog歌格) 也可指马朱者 (Magog玛各) 的国土而言(«以西结书» 38:2), 马朱者 (玛各Magog), 按照圣经注释者的看法, 代表古时称为塞西亚的地区 (包括俄罗斯和达靼地方), 那时过去出生许多野蛮人部落。由于俄罗斯包括在马朱者的土地以内; Rosh, Meshech 和 Tubal 就可以理解为代表俄罗斯、莫斯科和托波尔斯克。马朱者也可以说成是一个民族的名字, («以西结书» 39:6和 «启示录» 20:8)。在前者, 马朱者被说成和 ‘无忧无虑地居住在岛上的那些人一起’。按照这些节注释, 雅朱者和马朱者代表欧洲的一些强国, 包括俄罗斯在内。«古兰经» 中(18:95), 谈到他们袭击并侵入伊朗北部的边界领土, 这意指他们是一些通常叫做塞西亚人的部落。这是大家都知道的历史事实; 在古时候塞西亚人不断地从亚洲大批移入欧洲, 他们的道路是在高加索北面 (《大英百科全書》第14版，卷12，263页)。
当一个部落定居欧洲时, 新的部落又从东方前来, 把他们的前辈越推越向西前进。这样, 在 «圣经» 预言中这些欧洲民族就合理地叫做雅朱者和马朱者。奇怪的是, 今天在伦敦市政厅内还保存着名叫歌革和玛各两个英雄的纪念像。在 «以西结书» 和 «启示录» 中又可见到雅朱者和马朱者在后期还会出现, 即正好在迈喜合第二次来临以前的那一时间: ‘许多年以后, 在后世你一定会被惩罚, 你将来到那从刀剑下带回的国土’ («以西结书» 38:8也见启示录20:7-10)。这些经文表明, 这一预言指的是在遥远的将来会出现的一个民族。雅朱者和马朱者出现的时代特征是战争、地震、瘟疫和可怕的大灾难。也见 «大版本的注释本» 1718-1720页。
塞西亚 (Scythians) 人, 即雅朱者和马朱者, 占据着黑海北面和东北面的许多领土。他们从这些地区经过窦本要隘侵犯、征服和统治波斯人。塞鲁士打败了他们, 从他们的控制下解救了波斯人 («历史学家的世界历史»)。按照希罗多德 (Herodotus) 的说法, 就在塞西亚人通过那要隘来侵犯波斯的地方建筑着那著名的窦本城墙。
窦本 (دَرْبَند, Derbent) 即 Darband, 是高加索地区波斯的一个城镇, 在里海西海岸上的德格黑斯顿省境内……。在南方是朝海的那一端的高加索城墙, 有50英里长, 又名亚历山大城墙, 堵住了 “铁大门” 即 “里海大门” 的狭隘通道。这一城墙全高29英尺, 厚约十英尺, 门是铁做成的, 还有无数瞭望塔, 形成波斯边境一个可靠的屏障 (《大英百科全書》 “Derbent” 项下)。
与被证实了的历史资料相反, 很多人相信这一城墙是亚历山大大帝建造的。但是亚历山大的军事远征像旋风那样一卷而过, 其时他不可能注意到像建造这样一座巨大城墙的任何伟大工程; 他很年轻就死去, 也没有时间来完成这样雄伟的事业。这种普通的看法看来由以下情况产生: «古兰经» 的穆斯林注释者误将祖尔夸尔纳英作亚历山大。以下的情况证实城是塞鲁士建造的;
(a) 为了击夸塞西亚人的武力, 大流士 (Darius) 在塞鲁的儿子死后接王位, 他经由希腊横越欧洲攻击他们。他必须走如此遥远、艰难和迂迥的路程夸越欧洲东南部来攻击这些人, 而他们却生活在北方离开他很近的地方, 这是不可思议的事情。必然的结论是, 只有塞鲁士能够在他之前造的那座巨大的城墙的存在, 使他不可能带着庞大的军队夸越去另一侧; 而且如果没有城墙堵住塞西亚人, 他会把自己的国家暴露给他们从北面来的进攻。
(b) 在塞鲁士以前, 塞西亚人一直不断袭击波斯, 但在他征服了他们以后, 这些袭击就停止了, 这一情况引出一个非常可能的结论, 他一定已经筑起了一条屏障有效地阻止了这些攻击, 而这一屏障必然是那著名的窦本城墙, 即那一被错误地称为亚历山大的城墙。
The words, Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), are both derived from the root-word Ajja which means, he was quick in his pace; he or it became the flaming fire (Lane), and refer to the Scythians of the farthest East. Or, as some say, all nations inhabiting the north of Asia and Europe (Enc. Brit. & Jewish Enc. under "Gog" and "Magog," and Historians’ History of the World, vol. 2, p. 582 & Ezekiel, 38: 2-6 & 39: 6). The words may also apply to Christian nations of the West as they have made much use of burning fire and boiling water and because all their material progress and great discoveries and inventions are due to the right and very extensive use of these things. Or, the words may imply the restless behaviour of these nations as they are always on the lookout restlessly and impatiently to make new conquests.
The description of Gog and Magog as given in the Bible leaves no doubt that it applies to some Christian Powers of the West: First, because they are repr
The Scythians or Gog and Magog occupied territories to the north and northeast of the Black Sea and they came from these regions through the pass of Darband and invaded and conquered and ruled over the Persians. Cyrus defeated them and delivered the Persians from their clutches (Historians’ History of the World). Exactly, at the place which, according to Herodotus, was the pass through which the Scythians made raids upon Persia stood a wall, the famous Wall of Derbent.
Derbent or Darband, a town of Persia, Caucasia, in the province of Daghestan, on the western shore of the Caspian... And to the south lies the seaward extremity of the Caucasian wall, 50 miles long otherwise known as Alexander’s Wall, blocking the narrow pass of the Iron Gate or the Caspian Gate. This, when entire, had a height of 29 feet and a thickness of about 10 feet, and with its iron gates and numerous watch- towers formed a veritable defence of the Persian Frontier (Enc. Brit. under "Derbent").
Against established hist
Commentary:
The people who lived on the route of the depredatory incursions of Gog and Magog into Persia asked Cyrus to build a wall across the pass through which they made their raids.
782
يَاجُوْج (Ya’juj, 雅朱者) 和 مَاجُوْج (马朱者, Ma’juj) 这两个单词都源出字根 اَجَّ (Ajja), 意思是:他走得很快;他或它变成火焰 (Lane), 以及指最远的东方的塞西亚人。或者, 像有些人说的那样, 住在亚洲和欧洲北部的所有民族 (《大英百科全書》和《犹太百科全書》“Gog” “Magog” 项下, 以及 «历史学家的世界历史» 卷2, 582页, 《以西结书》38:2-6和39:6)。
这些词也可用于西方的基督教国家因为他们一直利用燃烧着的火和沸腾着的水, 而且因为他们的物质进步和许多伟大的发现和发明都是由于正确并非常广泛地使用这些东西的结果。或者, 这些单词可以意示这些民族好动的性格, 因为他们总是不停地注意并且急不待缓地作出新的征服。
782A
圣经中对雅朱者和马朱者的描写, 毫无疑问指的是西方的某些基督教强国:第一, 因为说他们是非常多的、强有力的以及强大的:—‘你必将升起, 像暴风雨般地到来, 你必将像一片遮蔽大地的云层, 你和你的所有伙伴以及和你在一起的许多人’ («以西结书» 38:9)。‘雅朱者和马朱者……他们的数目像大海的沙一样’ («启示录» 20:8)。‘对每一只长满羽毛的禽鸟, 对每一只田野中的走兽是这样说的, 你们可以吃那些强有力者的肉, 并且喝这个世界上的王子王孙的血’ («以西结书» 39:18, 19)。第三, 他们将遍布全世界:—‘他们走向世界各地’ («启示录» 20:9)。第四, 他们从北面的家里将移居到其他国家并定居世界各地, 而在战时将从他们遥远的殖民地聚集到一起:他要去迷惑地上四方的国家, 就是歌革和马各。撒旦要把他们集合起来, 出去打仗; («启示录» 20:8)。«以西结书» 提到马朱者时称他为 ‘Rosh, Meshech 和 Tubal 王子, 很明显, Rosh 代表俄罗斯, Meshech 代表莫斯科, 以及 Tubal 代表托波斯克。雅朱者 (Gog歌格) 也可指马朱者 (Magog玛各) 的国土而言(«以西结书» 38:2), 马朱者 (玛各Magog), 按照圣经注释者的看法, 代表古时称为塞西亚的地区 (包括俄罗斯和达靼地方), 那时过去出生许多野蛮人部落。由于俄罗斯包括在马朱者的土地以内; Rosh, Meshech 和 Tubal 就可以理解为代表俄罗斯、莫斯科和托波尔斯克。马朱者也可以说成是一个民族的名字, («以西结书» 39:6和 «启示录» 20:8)。在前者, 马朱者被说成和 ‘无忧无虑地居住在岛上的那些人一起’。按照这些节注释, 雅朱者和马朱者代表欧洲的一些强国, 包括俄罗斯在内。«古兰经» 中(18:95), 谈到他们袭击并侵入伊朗北部的边界领土, 这意指他们是一些通常叫做塞西亚人的部落。这是大家都知道的历史事实; 在古时候塞西亚人不断地从亚洲大批移入欧洲, 他们的道路是在高加索北面 (《大英百科全書》第14版，卷12，263页)。
当一个部落定居欧洲时, 新的部落又从东方前来, 把他们的前辈越推越向西前进。这样, 在 «圣经» 预言中这些欧洲民族就合理地叫做雅朱者和马朱者。奇怪的是, 今天在伦敦市政厅内还保存着名叫歌革和玛各两个英雄的纪念像。在 «以西结书» 和 «启示录» 中又可见到雅朱者和马朱者在后期还会出现, 即正好在迈喜合第二次来临以前的那一时间: ‘许多年以后, 在后世你一定会被惩罚, 你将来到那从刀剑下带回的国土’ («以西结书» 38:8也见启示录20:7-10)。这些经文表明, 这一预言指的是在遥远的将来会出现的一个民族。雅朱者和马朱者出现的时代特征是战争、地震、瘟疫和可怕的大灾难。也见 «大版本的注释本» 1718-1720页。
783
塞西亚 (Scythians) 人, 即雅朱者和马朱者, 占据着黑海北面和东北面的许多领土。他们从这些地区经过窦本要隘侵犯、征服和统治波斯人。塞鲁士打败了他们, 从他们的控制下解救了波斯人 («历史学家的世界历史»)。按照希罗多德 (Herodotus) 的说法, 就在塞西亚人通过那要隘来侵犯波斯的地方建筑着那著名的窦本城墙。
窦本 (دَرْبَند, Derbent) 即 Darband, 是高加索地区波斯的一个城镇, 在里海西海岸上的德格黑斯顿省境内……。在南方是朝海的那一端的高加索城墙, 有50英里长, 又名亚历山大城墙, 堵住了 “铁大门” 即 “里海大门” 的狭隘通道。这一城墙全高29英尺, 厚约十英尺, 门是铁做成的, 还有无数瞭望塔, 形成波斯边境一个可靠的屏障 (《大英百科全書》 “Derbent” 项下)。
与被证实了的历史资料相反, 很多人相信这一城墙是亚历山大大帝建造的。但是亚历山大的军事远征像旋风那样一卷而过, 其时他不可能注意到像建造这样一座巨大城墙的任何伟大工程; 他很年轻就死去, 也没有时间来完成这样雄伟的事业。这种普通的看法看来由以下情况产生: «古兰经» 的穆斯林注释者误将祖尔夸尔纳英作亚历山大。以下的情况证实城是塞鲁士建造的;
(a) 为了击夸塞西亚人的武力, 大流士 (Darius) 在塞鲁的儿子死后接王位, 他经由希腊横越欧洲攻击他们。他必须走如此遥远、艰难和迂迥的路程夸越欧洲东南部来攻击这些人, 而他们却生活在北方离开他很近的地方, 这是不可思议的事情。必然的结论是, 只有塞鲁士能够在他之前造的那座巨大的城墙的存在, 使他不可能带着庞大的军队夸越去另一侧; 而且如果没有城墙堵住塞西亚人, 他会把自己的国家暴露给他们从北面来的进攻。
(b) 在塞鲁士以前, 塞西亚人一直不断袭击波斯, 但在他征服了他们以后, 这些袭击就停止了, 这一情况引出一个非常可能的结论, 他一定已经筑起了一条屏障有效地阻止了这些攻击, 而这一屏障必然是那著名的窦本城墙, 即那一被错误地称为亚历山大的城墙。
2131
Commentary:
The people who lived on the route of the depredatory incursions of Gog and Magog into Persia asked Cyrus to build a wall across the pass through which they made their raids.
1728
The words, Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), are both derived from the root-word Ajja which means, he was quick in his pace; he or it became the flaming fire (Lane), and refer to the Scythians of the farthest East. Or, as some say, all nations inhabiting the north of Asia and Europe (Enc. Brit. & Jewish Enc. under "Gog" and "Magog," and Historians’ History of the World, vol. 2, p. 582 & Ezekiel, 38: 2-6 & 39: 6). The words may also apply to Christian nations of the West as they have made much use of burning fire and boiling water and because all their material progress and great discoveries and inventions are due to the right and very extensive use of these things. Or, the words may imply the restless behaviour of these nations as they are always on the lookout restlessly and impatiently to make new conquests.
The description of Gog and Magog as given in the Bible leaves no doubt that it applies to some Christian Powers of the West: First, because they are repr
1729
The Scythians or Gog and Magog occupied territories to the north and northeast of the Black Sea and they came from these regions through the pass of Darband and invaded and conquered and ruled over the Persians. Cyrus defeated them and delivered the Persians from their clutches (Historians’ History of the World). Exactly, at the place which, according to Herodotus, was the pass through which the Scythians made raids upon Persia stood a wall, the famous Wall of Derbent.
Derbent or Darband, a town of Persia, Caucasia, in the province of Daghestan, on the western shore of the Caspian... And to the south lies the seaward extremity of the Caucasian wall, 50 miles long otherwise known as Alexander’s Wall, blocking the narrow pass of the Iron Gate or the Caspian Gate. This, when entire, had a height of 29 feet and a thickness of about 10 feet, and with its iron gates and numerous watch- towers formed a veritable defence of the Persian Frontier (Enc. Brit. under "Derbent").
Against established hist
قَالَ مَا مَكَّنِّى فِيهِ رَبِّى خَيْرٌ فَأَعِينُونِى بِقُوَّةٍ أَجْعَلْ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُمْ رَدْمًا
塞鲁士要该地的居民给他提供劳动力 (قُوَّة, Quwwah) 的意思是体力, 即人力。
Cyrus told the inhabitants of the place to provide him with human labour, Quwwah meaning physical strength, i.e. human labour.
Commentary:
Cyrus said to the inhabitants of the place that he had the plan of the wall and other necessary material ready with him but they must provide human labour. The word قوة means physical strength i.e. human labour.
784
塞鲁士要该地的居民给他提供劳动力 (قُوَّة, Quwwah) 的意思是体力, 即人力。
2132
Commentary:
Cyrus said to the inhabitants of the place that he had the plan of the wall and other necessary material ready with him but they must provide human labour. The word قوة means physical strength i.e. human labour.
1730
Cyrus told the inhabitants of the place to provide him with human labour, Quwwah meaning physical strength, i.e. human labour.
ءَاتُونِى زُبَرَ ٱلْحَدِيدِ ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا سَاوَىٰ بَيْنَ ٱلصَّدَفَيْنِ قَالَ ٱنفُخُوا۟ ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَعَلَهُۥ نَارًا قَالَ ءَاتُونِىٓ أُفْرِغْ عَلَيْهِ قِطْرًا
یعنی دیوار دھات کی بننی ہے‘ تم علاقہ کے لوگ ہو‘ دھات مہیا کرو۔ باقی انجینئرنگ کا کام میرے آدمی کریں گے۔
جہاں ذوالقرنین نے دیوار بنائی وہاں ایک طرف بحیرہ اخضر ہے اور دوسری طرف کوہ قاف۔ اور یہ دونوں چیزیں دونوں طرف سے سَدّ یعنی روک کا کام دے رہی تھیں۔ صرف درمیانی درّہ غیر محفوظ تھا۔
ایک طرف سمندر تھا اور ایک طرف پہاڑ۔ ان دونوں میں برابری کے کیا معنے؟ سو یاد رکھنا چاہیے کہ یہاں برابری سے مراد یہ ہے کہ درمیانی کھلے میدان کو دیوار سے بند کر دیا تو دشمن نہ پہاڑ سے آسکا اور نہ سمندر سے۔ اس طرح روک کے لحاظ سے برابری ہوگئی۔
In addition to human labour Cyrus demanded iron and molten copper from the local people. Copper, unlike iron, does not rust and when it is mixed with iron the mixture becomes harder still and defies rusting and corrosion. The engineering and technical skill were supplied by the technicians of Cyrus.
The rampart was built between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus range.
Commentary:
In addition to human labour Cyrus demanded iron and molten copper from the inhabitants of the place. Copper, unlike iron, does not rust and when it is mixed with iron the mixture becomes all the more hard and defies rusting and corrosion. In order to keep the pass open for traders and commercial travellers Cyrus wanted to construct gates in the wall and for that purpose he required iron and molten copper.
785
除了人力以外, 塞鲁士还要求当地人供给铁和熔铜。铜不像铁那样会生锈, 当熔铜和铁混合之后, 合金就变得更硬而且不会生锈和腐蚀。这一工程和技巧由塞鲁士的技工担任。
786
这一壁垒建筑在里海和高加索山脉之间。
2
یعنی دیوار دھات کی بننی ہے‘ تم علاقہ کے لوگ ہو‘ دھات مہیا کرو۔ باقی انجینئرنگ کا کام میرے آدمی کریں گے۔
3
جہاں ذوالقرنین نے دیوار بنائی وہاں ایک طرف بحیرہ اخضر ہے اور دوسری طرف کوہ قاف۔ اور یہ دونوں چیزیں دونوں طرف سے سَدّ یعنی روک کا کام دے رہی تھیں۔ صرف درمیانی درّہ غیر محفوظ تھا۔
4
ایک طرف سمندر تھا اور ایک طرف پہاڑ۔ ان دونوں میں برابری کے کیا معنے؟ سو یاد رکھنا چاہیے کہ یہاں برابری سے مراد یہ ہے کہ درمیانی کھلے میدان کو دیوار سے بند کر دیا تو دشمن نہ پہاڑ سے آسکا اور نہ سمندر سے۔ اس طرح روک کے لحاظ سے برابری ہوگئی۔
2133
Commentary:
In addition to human labour Cyrus demanded iron and molten copper from the inhabitants of the place. Copper, unlike iron, does not rust and when it is mixed with iron the mixture becomes all the more hard and defies rusting and corrosion. In order to keep the pass open for traders and commercial travellers Cyrus wanted to construct gates in the wall and for that purpose he required iron and molten copper.
1731
In addition to human labour Cyrus demanded iron and molten copper from the local people. Copper, unlike iron, does not rust and when it is mixed with iron the mixture becomes harder still and defies rusting and corrosion. The engineering and technical skill were supplied by the technicians of Cyrus.
1731A
The rampart was built between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus range.
فَمَا ٱسْطَٰعُوٓا۟ أَن يَظْهَرُوهُ وَمَا ٱسْتَطَٰعُوا۟ لَهُۥ نَقْبًا
When the building of the wall was completed, the raids of Gog and Magog from the north ceased. The wall was too thick to be broken through and too high to be scaled. It was 29 feet high and 10 feet thick (Enc. Brit.) and had iron gates and watch-towers. It most effectively defended the Persian frontier.
Commentary:
When the building of the wall was completed the raids of Gog and Magog from the north ceased. The wall was too thick to be broken through and too high to be scaled. It was, as already stated, 29 feet high and 10 feet thick and had iron gates and watch-towers. It effectively defended the Persian frontier.
2134
Commentary:
When the building of the wall was completed the raids of Gog and Magog from the north ceased. The wall was too thick to be broken through and too high to be scaled. It was, as already stated, 29 feet high and 10 feet thick and had iron gates and watch-towers. It effectively defended the Persian frontier.
1732
When the building of the wall was completed, the raids of Gog and Magog from the north ceased. The wall was too thick to be broken through and too high to be scaled. It was 29 feet high and 10 feet thick (Enc. Brit.) and had iron gates and watch-towers. It most effectively defended the Persian frontier.
قَالَ هَٰذَا رَحْمَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّى ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى جَعَلَهُۥ دَكَّآءَ ۖ وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّى حَقًّا
19:62; 46:17; 73:19.
塞鲁士肯定已从启示中得悉, 将来某个时候雅朱者和马朱者会重新向东南进展, 那时这道城墙将不能阻挡他们的前进。这可能就是 “他要把这壁垒夷为平地” 这句话的意思。在21:97节经文中, 我们看到雅朱者和马朱者的触须会伸向全世界。作为隐喻, “壁垒夷为平地” 可能意指伊斯兰教政治势力的衰落, 尤其是欧洲的土耳其人。随着土耳其人势力的衰落, 欧洲国家征服东方的道路畅通。
19:62; 46:17; 73:19.
Cyrus must have been informed by revelation that sometime in future Gog and Magog would again spread to the south-east and this wall would then fail to retard or check their progress. This may be the significance of the words, 'He will break it.' In 21:97 we are told that Gog and Magog would spread their tentacles all over the world. Metaphorically, the 'breaking of the wall' may mean the decline of the political power of Islam, particularly of the Turks in Europe. With the weakening of the Turkish power the way for Christian nations of Europe to conquer the East was made clear.
19:62; 46:17; 73:19.
Commentary:
The words, This is a mercy from my Lord, throw much light on the humility and piety of Cyrus. Like a righteous servant of God he claimed for himself no credit for his vast conquests but ascribed all that he was able to achieve to the grace and mercy of God. Cyrus thus behaved like the true believer that he was.
The words, But when the promise of my Lord shall come to pass, show that Cyrus had been informed by revelation that sometime in future Gog and Magog would again spread to the South-East and this wall would then fail to retard or check their progress. This is the significance of the words, "He will break it". In 21:97 we are told that Gog and Magog would spread their tentacles all over the world. Metaphorically the "breaking of the wall" may also mean the decline of the political power of Islam, particularly of the Turks in Europe. With the weakening of the Turkish power the path for Christian nations of Europe to conquer the East became quite clear.
a
19:62; 46:17; 73:19.
787
塞鲁士肯定已从启示中得悉, 将来某个时候雅朱者和马朱者会重新向东南进展, 那时这道城墙将不能阻挡他们的前进。这可能就是 “他要把这壁垒夷为平地” 这句话的意思。在21:97节经文中, 我们看到雅朱者和马朱者的触须会伸向全世界。作为隐喻, “壁垒夷为平地” 可能意指伊斯兰教政治势力的衰落, 尤其是欧洲的土耳其人。随着土耳其人势力的衰落, 欧洲国家征服东方的道路畅通。
a
19:62; 46:17; 73:19.
2135
Commentary:
The words, This is a mercy from my Lord, throw much light on the humility and piety of Cyrus. Like a righteous servant of God he claimed for himself no credit for his vast conquests but ascribed all that he was able to achieve to the grace and mercy of God. Cyrus thus behaved like the true believer that he was.
The words, But when the promise of my Lord shall come to pass, show that Cyrus had been informed by revelation that sometime in future Gog and Magog would again spread to the South-East and this wall would then fail to retard or check their progress. This is the significance of the words, "He will break it". In 21:97 we are told that Gog and Magog would spread their tentacles all over the world. Metaphorically the "breaking of the wall" may also mean the decline of the political power of Islam, particularly of the Turks in Europe. With the weakening of the Turkish power the path for Christian nations of Europe to conquer the East became quite clear.
a
19:62; 46:17; 73:19.
1733
Cyrus must have been informed by revelation that sometime in future Gog and Magog would again spread to the south-east and this wall would then fail to retard or check their progress. This may be the significance of the words, 'He will break it.' In 21:97 we are told that Gog and Magog would spread their tentacles all over the world. Metaphorically, the 'breaking of the wall' may mean the decline of the political power of Islam, particularly of the Turks in Europe. With the weakening of the Turkish power the way for Christian nations of Europe to conquer the East was made clear.
۞ وَتَرَكْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَمُوجُ فِى بَعْضٍ ۖ وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَجَمَعْنَٰهُمْ جَمْعًا
یعنی آخری زمانہ میں یاجوج اور ماجوج آپس میں لڑ پڑیں گے۔ جیسا کہ آج کل ہو رہا ہے کہ روس جس کو بائبل میں یاجوج قرار دیا گیا ہے اور انگلستان جسے بائبل میں ماجوج قرار دیا گیا ہے (دیکھئے حزقیل باب۳۹) یہ دونوں آج کل قرآنی آیت کے مطابق باہم جنگ کی تیاریاں کر رہے ہیں۔
23:102; 36:42; 39:69; 50:21; 69:14.
At the time of the rise to power of Gog and Magog all the peoples of the world will come together and the whole world will become united like one country. And according to the Bible, nation shall fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom and malice, hatred and iniquity will abound. The reference seems to be to the present age. A veritable hell was let loose upon the world in the last two World Wars and human imagination shudders at the destruction that the Third World War will cause. According to Ezekiel (chaps. 38 & 39) the U.S.S.R. is Gog and the Western nations are Magog. Even now they are preparing for Armageddon.
23:102; 36:52; 39:69; 50:21; 69:14.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that at the time of the rise to power of Gog and Magog all peoples of the world will come together and the whole world will become like one country. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom and malice, hatred and iniquity will abound. The reference evidently is to the present age.
The rise of Gog and Magog or the Christian nations of the West to great power is also mentioned in 21:97 where it is stated that, breaking through all barriers and impediments, these nations will occupy every position of power and eminence. They will quickly spread all over the world by means of their sea-power (حدب in 21:97 means a high wave). When they have attained great power and have spread all over the world and the nations of the world have paid homage to them, then will the Divine promise about their destruction be fulfilled. The coming of divine visitation will be so sudden and swift that they will be taken completely by surprise and in utter dismay and bewilderment they will say to themselves that they never expected punishment to come upon them so soon. The present verse and vv. 21:97, 98 point to the fact that Gog and Magog will come not through a breach in any wall but over the waves of the seas, in steamships, and will hold sway over all the oceans of the world. They will scour the seas and their sea-journeys will be very quick, easy and comfortable. This prophecy of the Quran has met with remarkable fulfilment in our own time. The western Christian nations have scaled all the heights of material power. Great has been their rise and greater will be their fall!
b
23:102; 36:42; 39:69; 50:21; 69:14.
788
雅朱者和马朱者的势力上升时, 世界上各民族来到一起, 整个世界团结得像一个国家。照 «圣经» 说, 民族与民族王国与王国之间互相作战, 充满着恶意、仇恨和罪恶。这好像指的就是现在。过去的两次世界大战, 真可说是人间火狱, 而人们一想起第三次世界大战会造成的毁灭性的破坏就不寒而栗。根据 «以西结书» (38和39章) 所说, 苏联是雅朱者而西方国家是马朱者。即使是现在, 他们也在准备着 (国际间的) 大决战。
1
یعنی آخری زمانہ میں یاجوج اور ماجوج آپس میں لڑ پڑیں گے۔ جیسا کہ آج کل ہو رہا ہے کہ روس جس کو بائبل میں یاجوج قرار دیا گیا ہے اور انگلستان جسے بائبل میں ماجوج قرار دیا گیا ہے (دیکھئے حزقیل باب۳۹) یہ دونوں آج کل قرآنی آیت کے مطابق باہم جنگ کی تیاریاں کر رہے ہیں۔
a
23:102; 36:52; 39:69; 50:21; 69:14.
2136
Commentary:
The verse means to say that at the time of the rise to power of Gog and Magog all peoples of the world will come together and the whole world will become like one country. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom and malice, hatred and iniquity will abound. The reference evidently is to the present age.
The rise of Gog and Magog or the Christian nations of the West to great power is also mentioned in 21:97 where it is stated that, breaking through all barriers and impediments, these nations will occupy every position of power and eminence. They will quickly spread all over the world by means of their sea-power (حدب in 21:97 means a high wave). When they have attained great power and have spread all over the world and the nations of the world have paid homage to them, then will the Divine promise about their destruction be fulfilled. The coming of divine visitation will be so sudden and swift that they will be taken completely by surprise and in utter dismay and bewilderment they will say to themselves that they never expected punishment to come upon them so soon. The present verse and vv. 21:97, 98 point to the fact that Gog and Magog will come not through a breach in any wall but over the waves of the seas, in steamships, and will hold sway over all the oceans of the world. They will scour the seas and their sea-journeys will be very quick, easy and comfortable. This prophecy of the Quran has met with remarkable fulfilment in our own time. The western Christian nations have scaled all the heights of material power. Great has been their rise and greater will be their fall!
a
23:102; 36:42; 39:69; 50:21; 69:14.
1734
At the time of the rise to power of Gog and Magog all the peoples of the world will come together and the whole world will become united like one country. And according to the Bible, nation shall fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom and malice, hatred and iniquity will abound. The reference seems to be to the present age. A veritable hell was let loose upon the world in the last two World Wars and human imagination shudders at the destruction that the Third World War will cause. According to Ezekiel (chaps. 38 & 39) the U.S.S.R. is Gog and the Western nations are Magog. Even now they are preparing for Armageddon.
وَعَرَضْنَا جَهَنَّمَ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْكَٰفِرِينَ عَرْضًا
降临在雅朱者和马朱者身上的那个可畏和毁灭性的安拉的惩罚, 见第55章 «永久仁慈的主»。
For the dreadful and devastating Divine punishment that shall descend upon Gog and Magog see Surah Ar-Rahman.
Commentary:
Those will be terrible days. The fire of Hell will be kindled for the sinful. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and man will consign God to oblivion and, sinking in sin and iniquity, he will render himself deserving of Divine punishment.
789
降临在雅朱者和马朱者身上的那个可畏和毁灭性的安拉的惩罚, 见第55章 «永久仁慈的主»。
2137
Commentary:
Those will be terrible days. The fire of Hell will be kindled for the sinful. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and man will consign God to oblivion and, sinking in sin and iniquity, he will render himself deserving of Divine punishment.
1734A
For the dreadful and devastating Divine punishment that shall descend upon Gog and Magog see Surah Ar-Rahman.
ٱلَّذِينَ كَانَتْ أَعْيُنُهُمْ فِى غِطَآءٍ عَن ذِكْرِى وَكَانُوا۟ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ سَمْعًا
21:43; 39:46.
21:43; 39:46.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that at that time worship of God will totally disappear from among the Christian peoples and love of Mammon will take the place of love of God in their hearts. They will completely forget their Creator and will attribute all their great achievements to their own skill and effort.
The words, and they could not even hear, mean that their hearts will become so much rusted and corroded that they will lose all attachment for the word of God and will refuse to listen to it.
The foregoing verses refer to the great material progress and widespread conquests of Gog and Magog—western Christian nations—and their utter disregard for God and religion. We have also been told that, elated with their political power and military glory, they will give themselves up to a life of pleasure and sin and as a result will bring the wrath of God upon themselves and their prosperity will give place to decline and degradation. Then in despair and despondency, as hinted at in Moses’ vision, they will turn to God and, having realized the error of their ways, will come back to the "junction of the two Seas" i.e. they will accept the Holy Prophet. The following prophecy of the Bible forms a befitting sequel to the account of Gog and Magog and indicates the time of their rise to power and greatness:
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea (Revelation 20:7-8).
By "the thousand years" are meant the thousand years of the Hijrah—Migration of the Holy Prophet to Medina in 622 A.D. The above passage along with chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel makes it quite clear that the rise of Gog and Magog was to have begun in the 17th century A.D. and to have reached its zenith in our own time.
The account of Dhul-Qarnain will remain incomplete unless the reason is given as to why it has been assigned such a prominent place in the Quran, when as a fact of history does not appear directly to concern us nor does its narration benefit us materially or spiritually. In fact, it is more for its spiritual than for its historical importance that the story of Dhul-Qarnain has been given so large a space in the Holy Book. The Quran is not a book of history. The stories of past Prophets and other historical incidents have not been mentioned in it to acquaint us with events which took place in the remote past. They are so many prophecies about future events. Some of these prophecies have already been fulfilled in the person of the Holy Prophet while others await fulfilment in some future time. The account of Dhul-Qarnain, like other similar Quranic accounts, embodies a great prophecy which has been fulfilled in the person of Ahmad, the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Ahmed was the Dhul-Qarnain of our age. Whereas the Quranic account of Dhul-Qarnain historically applies to the great Persian monarch Cyrus, spiritually it applies to Ahmad. Thus besides its historical value the story is pregnant with great spiritual import. It implies a great prophecy to the effect that, just as in the 6th century B.C. Cyrus saved Persia from the depredatory raids of Gog and Magog, by erecting a barrier of brick and stone in their way, another Dhul-Qarnain will save the soul and spirit of mankind, from the devastating moral assaults of Christian nations of the West who are the descendants of Gog and Magog. He will accomplish his great and noble task by the help of divine knowledge and the signs that God will show at his hands. The nature of the work entrusted to both these Dhul-Qarnains bears a striking likeness to each other, only the one was in the mundane sphere, the other in the spiritual. The Prophet Ahmad possessed many physical and spiritual resemblances with the great Cyrus. Like Cyrus, he was called the Messiah and like he, was of Persian origin. Cyrus was Dhul-Qarnain in the sense that he was the ruler of the double Medo-Persian Empire and Ahmad (1835--1908) was Dhul-Qarnain in the sense that he saw the beginning of two centuries of several eras (Qarn meaning a century).
For a further study of this most interesting subject the reader is referred to Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyah, Part v, pp. 91-93; also the Review of Religions, Qadian, vol. 17, No. 6.
a
21:43; 39:46.
a
21:43; 39:46.
2138
Commentary:
The verse means to say that at that time worship of God will totally disappear from among the Christian peoples and love of Mammon will take the place of love of God in their hearts. They will completely forget their Creator and will attribute all their great achievements to their own skill and effort.
The words, and they could not even hear, mean that their hearts will become so much rusted and corroded that they will lose all attachment for the word of God and will refuse to listen to it.
The foregoing verses refer to the great material progress and widespread conquests of Gog and Magog—western Christian nations—and their utter disregard for God and religion. We have also been told that, elated with their political power and military glory, they will give themselves up to a life of pleasure and sin and as a result will bring the wrath of God upon themselves and their prosperity will give place to decline and degradation. Then in despair and despondency, as hinted at in Moses’ vision, they will turn to God and, having realized the error of their ways, will come back to the "junction of the two Seas" i.e. they will accept the Holy Prophet. The following prophecy of the Bible forms a befitting sequel to the account of Gog and Magog and indicates the time of their rise to power and greatness:
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea (Revelation 20:7-8).
By "the thousand years" are meant the thousand years of the Hijrah—Migration of the Holy Prophet to Medina in 622 A.D. The above passage along with chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel makes it quite clear that the rise of Gog and Magog was to have begun in the 17th century A.D. and to have reached its zenith in our own time.
The account of Dhul-Qarnain will remain incomplete unless the reason is given as to why it has been assigned such a prominent place in the Quran, when as a fact of history does not appear directly to concern us nor does its narration benefit us materially or spiritually. In fact, it is more for its spiritual than for its historical importance that the story of Dhul-Qarnain has been given so large a space in the Holy Book. The Quran is not a book of history. The stories of past Prophets and other historical incidents have not been mentioned in it to acquaint us with events which took place in the remote past. They are so many prophecies about future events. Some of these prophecies have already been fulfilled in the person of the Holy Prophet while others await fulfilment in some future time. The account of Dhul-Qarnain, like other similar Quranic accounts, embodies a great prophecy which has been fulfilled in the person of Ahmad, the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Ahmed was the Dhul-Qarnain of our age. Whereas the Quranic account of Dhul-Qarnain historically applies to the great Persian monarch Cyrus, spiritually it applies to Ahmad. Thus besides its historical value the story is pregnant with great spiritual import. It implies a great prophecy to the effect that, just as in the 6th century B.C. Cyrus saved Persia from the depredatory raids of Gog and Magog, by erecting a barrier of brick and stone in their way, another Dhul-Qarnain will save the soul and spirit of mankind, from the devastating moral assaults of Christian nations of the West who are the descendants of Gog and Magog. He will accomplish his great and noble task by the help of divine knowledge and the signs that God will show at his hands. The nature of the work entrusted to both these Dhul-Qarnains bears a striking likeness to each other, only the one was in the mundane sphere, the other in the spiritual. The Prophet Ahmad possessed many physical and spiritual resemblances with the great Cyrus. Like Cyrus, he was called the Messiah and like he, was of Persian origin. Cyrus was Dhul-Qarnain in the sense that he was the ruler of the double Medo-Persian Empire and Ahmad (1835--1908) was Dhul-Qarnain in the sense that he saw the beginning of two centuries of several eras (Qarn meaning a century).
For a further study of this most interesting subject the reader is referred to Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyah, Part v, pp. 91-93; also the Review of Religions, Qadian, vol. 17, No. 6.
b
21:43; 39:46.
1734B
The Qur’an.
أَفَحَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن يَتَّخِذُوا۟ عِبَادِى مِن دُونِىٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ نُزُلًا
29:69; 33:9; 48:14; 76:5.
نُزُلًا کے معنے ضیافت کے بھی ہوتے ہیں اور عطیہ کے بھی۔ (اقرب)
29:69; 33:9; 48:14; 76:5.
29:69; 33:9; 48:14; 76:5.
Commentary:
The verse speaks of those people who look upon Jesus as their saviour and as the Son of God and to whom reference has already been made in the beginning of this chapter. This shows that the foregoing verses also deal with the same people—Christian nations of the west.
b
29:69; 33:9; 48:14; 76:5.
2
نُزُلًا کے معنے ضیافت کے بھی ہوتے ہیں اور عطیہ کے بھی۔ (اقرب)
a
29:69; 33:9; 48:14; 76:5.
2139
Commentary:
The verse speaks of those people who look upon Jesus as their saviour and as the Son of God and to whom reference has already been made in the beginning of this chapter. This shows that the foregoing verses also deal with the same people—Christian nations of the west.
a
29:69; 33:9; 48:14; 76:5.
قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُم بِٱلْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَٰلًا
ٱلَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا
These people look upon the acquisition of physical comforts and worldly gains as the sole aim and object of their life. They have no place for God in their hearts.
11:22.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that these people look upon the acquisition of material comforts and worldly benefits and upon making new inventions and discoveries to add to those comforts as the sole aim and object of their life. They have no place for God in their hearts.
a
11:22.
2140
Commentary:
The verse means to say that these people look upon the acquisition of material comforts and worldly benefits and upon making new inventions and discoveries to add to those comforts as the sole aim and object of their life. They have no place for God in their hearts.
1735
These people look upon the acquisition of physical comforts and worldly gains as the sole aim and object of their life. They have no place for God in their hearts.
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ وَلِقَآئِهِۦ فَحَبِطَتْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ فَلَا نُقِيمُ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَزْنًا
2:218; 3: 23; 7:148; 9:69.
2:218; 3: 23; 7:148; 9:69.
2:218; 3:23; 7:148; 9:69.
Commentary:
As all their labour is for this life and they have completely disregarded the life to come, so no sign or trace of their works will be left in this world and on the Last Day also their deeds will prove quite futile.
c
2:218; 3: 23; 7:148; 9:69.
b
2:218; 3:23; 7:148; 9:69.
2141
Commentary:
As all their labour is for this life and they have completely disregarded the life to come, so no sign or trace of their works will be left in this world and on the Last Day also their deeds will prove quite futile.
b
2:218; 3: 23; 7:148; 9:69.
ذَٰلِكَ جَزَآؤُهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ بِمَا كَفَرُوا۟ وَٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ ءَايَٰتِى وَرُسُلِى هُزُوًا
Commentary:
As these people turned their backs upon God and did nothing to win His pleasure, they can expect no reward in the Hereafter. On the contrary, they will burn in the fire of Hell which will be the natural consequence of their disbelief and evil deeds and of their mocking at the signs of God and defying His Messengers.
2142
Commentary:
As these people turned their backs upon God and did nothing to win His pleasure, they can expect no reward in the Hereafter. On the contrary, they will burn in the fire of Hell which will be the natural consequence of their disbelief and evil deeds and of their mocking at the signs of God and defying His Messengers.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَنَّٰتُ ٱلْفِرْدَوْسِ نُزُلًا
خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يَبْغُونَ عَنْهَا حِوَلًا
11:109; 15:49.
11:109; 15:49.
11:109; 15:49.
Commentary:
With the decline of Christian nations will begin the progress and advancement of Muslims and on the ashes of their departed glory will be laid the foundations of a new and better world order. At last the believers will get the reward of their sacrifices and sufferings but their sacrifices in the way of their Lord will know no end. The Faithful will feel such peace of mind and happiness in their sacrifices that they will not like to change this blessed state of spiritual bliss.
d
11:109; 15:49.
a
11:109; 15:49.
2143
Commentary:
With the decline of Christian nations will begin the progress and advancement of Muslims and on the ashes of their departed glory will be laid the foundations of a new and better world order. At last the believers will get the reward of their sacrifices and sufferings but their sacrifices in the way of their Lord will know no end. The Faithful will feel such peace of mind and happiness in their sacrifices that they will not like to change this blessed state of spiritual bliss.
c
11:109; 15:49.
قُل لَّوْ كَانَ ٱلْبَحْرُ مِدَادًا لِّكَلِمَٰتِ رَبِّى لَنَفِدَ ٱلْبَحْرُ قَبْلَ أَن تَنفَدَ كَلِمَٰتُ رَبِّى وَلَوْ جِئْنَا بِمِثْلِهِۦ مَدَدًا
31:28.
Christian nations of the West boast of their great inventions and scientific discoveries and seem to labour under the misconception that they have succeeded in fathoming the secrets of creation itself. This is but a vain boast. God’s secrets are so inexhaustible and unfathomable that what these people have discovered and what they will discover hereafter by all their strivings will not be even like a drop in the ocean.
31:28.
Commentary:
Christian nations of the west boast of their great inventions and scientific discoveries and seem to labour under the misconception that they have succeeded in fathoming the secret of creation itself. But, says the verse, this is nothing but a vain boast. God’s secrets are so inexhaustible and He has endowed His creatures with such wonderful powers and attributes that far from fathoming the secret of creation, what these people will be able to discover after all their striving will not be even as much as a drop in the ocean.
The verse also hints that those will be the days of publicity and innumerable books on all sorts of subjects will be published but even then the vast ocean of knowledge will remain unfathomed.
a
31:28.
790
西方基督教国家吹嘘他们的伟大发明和科学发现。他们看来在那种错误的想法下工作, 认为他们已经成功地探索出创造物本身的奥秘。这只是一种空口说大话而已。安拉的奥秘是如此地无穷无尽和深不可测, 以致那些人们竭尽全力所已经发现的以及今后将要发现的事物还不到沧海一粟。
b
31:28.
2144
Commentary:
Christian nations of the west boast of their great inventions and scientific discoveries and seem to labour under the misconception that they have succeeded in fathoming the secret of creation itself. But, says the verse, this is nothing but a vain boast. God’s secrets are so inexhaustible and He has endowed His creatures with such wonderful powers and attributes that far from fathoming the secret of creation, what these people will be able to discover after all their striving will not be even as much as a drop in the ocean.
The verse also hints that those will be the days of publicity and innumerable books on all sorts of subjects will be published but even then the vast ocean of knowledge will remain unfathomed.
a
31:28.
1736
Christian nations of the West boast of their great inventions and scientific discoveries and seem to labour under the misconception that they have succeeded in fathoming the secrets of creation itself. This is but a vain boast. God’s secrets are so inexhaustible and unfathomable that what these people have discovered and what they will discover hereafter by all their strivings will not be even like a drop in the ocean.
قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ ۖ فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَٰلِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦٓ أَحَدًۢا
14:12; 41:7.
2:47, 224; 11:30; 29:6; 84:7.
据说穆圣曾经说过, 诵念本章开始和结束的十节经文可以抵御骗子 (دَجَّال, Dajjal) 精神上的袭击。这表明骗子和雅朱者和马朱者是同一种人--------西方的基督教国家--------骗子代表他们有害的反对伊斯兰教的宗教宣传, 而雅朱者和马朱者代表他们物质和政治上的权力和优势。
14:12; 41:7.
2:47, 224; 11:30; 29:6; 84:7.
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said that the recitation of the first and last ten verses of this Surah makes one secure against the spiritual onslaughts of the Dajjal. This shows that the Dajjal and Gog and Magog are one and the same people—Christian nations of the West—the Dajjal representing their pernicious religious propaganda against Islam, and Gog and Magog their material and political power and predominance.
14:12; 41:7.
2:47,224; 11:30; 29:6; 84:7.
Commentary:
The Holy Prophet is here commanded to say to the disbelieving Christian people that, even after having disclosed so many secrets of the unknown and having made great prophecies about the ultimate triumph of his cause and the downfall of Christian nations, he cannot claim to be a son of God or to have been endowed with Divine powers. He is but a human being and his greatest merit lies in his being the bearer of the Divine Message. If disbelievers too desire to be blessed with revelation, they should also give up associating false gods with Allah. Then will God bestow His favours upon them and lay open to them the treasures of heavenly secrets.
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said that the recitation of the last ten verses of this chapter makes one secure against the spiritual onslaughts of the Dajjal. This shows that the Dajjal and Gog and Magog are one and the same people—Christian nations of the West; the Dajjal representing the evil aspect of their religious propaganda and Gog and Magog their material and political predominance.
b
14:12; 41:7.
c
2:47, 224; 11:30; 29:6; 84:7.
791
据说穆圣曾经说过, 诵念本章开始和结束的十节经文可以抵御骗子 (دَجَّال, Dajjal) 精神上的袭击。这表明骗子和雅朱者和马朱者是同一种人--------西方的基督教国家--------骗子代表他们有害的反对伊斯兰教的宗教宣传, 而雅朱者和马朱者代表他们物质和政治上的权力和优势。
a
14:12; 41:7.
b
2:47,224; 11:30; 29:6; 84:7.
2145
Commentary:
The Holy Prophet is here commanded to say to the disbelieving Christian people that, even after having disclosed so many secrets of the unknown and having made great prophecies about the ultimate triumph of his cause and the downfall of Christian nations, he cannot claim to be a son of God or to have been endowed with Divine powers. He is but a human being and his greatest merit lies in his being the bearer of the Divine Message. If disbelievers too desire to be blessed with revelation, they should also give up associating false gods with Allah. Then will God bestow His favours upon them and lay open to them the treasures of heavenly secrets.
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said that the recitation of the last ten verses of this chapter makes one secure against the spiritual onslaughts of the Dajjal. This shows that the Dajjal and Gog and Magog are one and the same people—Christian nations of the West; the Dajjal representing the evil aspect of their religious propaganda and Gog and Magog their material and political predominance.
b
14:12; 41:7.
c
2:47, 224; 11:30; 29:6; 84:7.
1737
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said that the recitation of the first and last ten verses of this Surah makes one secure against the spiritual onslaughts of the Dajjal. This shows that the Dajjal and Gog and Magog are one and the same people—Christian nations of the West—the Dajjal representing their pernicious religious propaganda against Islam, and Gog and Magog their material and political power and predominance.
مريم
Maryam
Mary • makkah • 98 Verses
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1:1.
1:1.
a
1:1.
a
See 1:1.
2146
Commentary:
See 1:1.
a
1:1.
كٓهيعٓصٓ
乌姆•哈尼 (اُمِّ هَانِی, Umm-e-Hani) 的说法, 穆圣说 كهٰيٰعٓصٓ (Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Sad), 这一字母组合中, ك (Kaf) 代表 كَافٍ (Kafin) (全部足够的), ھ (Ha) 代表 هَادِی (Hadi) (真实的引导者), ع (‘Ain) 代表 عَالِمْ (‘Alim, 全知的) 而 ص (Sad) 代表 صَادِقْ (Sadiq, 真实的), 因此, 这一缩写字母组合读起来就有些像这样: اَنْتَ كَافٍ اَنْتَ هَادٍ يَاعَالِمْ يَاصَادِقْ (Anta Kafin Anta Hadin Ya ‘Alim Ya Sadiq), 即你是无所不足的, 你是真正的引导者, 全知的、真实的安拉啊。由这一字母组合所代表的安拉的四种常德揭露并驳斥了替世人赎罪这一基督教基本教义; 如果这一教义证明是虚假的, 那么, 三位一体以及伊撒是主宰的这些教义的全部结构就自然落空了。这四种常德中, عَالِمْ صَادِقْ (‘Alim Sadiq, 全知的、真实的) 是主要和基本常德, 而 كافٍ (Kafin, 全部充足的) 和 هَادٍ (Hadin, 真正的引导者) 是从属的常德, 是在前两种常德中涌流出来的必然表现和结果。如果安拉是 عَالِمْ (‘Alim, 全知的), 那么, 就不存在什么替世人赎罪这一教条, 因为这一教条的前提是, 安拉按照某一个计划来设法进行这个世界的事情, 可是他的知识有缺陷, 因此计划失误而被迫提供他自己的儿子作为牺牲以挽救这个世界。安拉计划的失败同他的 “全知” 这一常德是矛盾的, 而且安拉的知识如果看来是有缺陷的话, 他就不可能声称是 كَافٍ (Kafin, 全都充足的)。因为 عَالِمْ (‘Alim, 全知的) 安拉必然是 كَافٍ (Kafin, 全部充足的)。同样地, صَادِقْ (Sadiq, 真实的) 这个常德以及它的从属常德 هَادٍ (Hadin, 真正的引导者) 也推翻了这一教条。如果安拉不是真正的引导者而且如果不相信伊撒替别人牺牲就不可能得救的话, 那么, 所有安拉派遣的使者必须被视作如此众多的说谎者和骗子, 因为与基督教信仰相反, 他们宣扬和教导了, 只须通过正确的教义和正直的行为才可能得救;而且安拉派遣的使者所反映出来的真实性也就是安拉自己所反映出来的真实性以及随之反映出他是真正的引导者。这样, 这一缩写字母组合暗示, 在对待基督教徒的信念和教义时, 要他们清楚地知道这些教义是站不住脚的最好方法, 是详细而着重地讲述安拉的常德, 尤其是以上四种常德。关于 مُقَطَّعَاتْ (Muqatta‘at) 的详细论述见注解16。
کٓھٰـیٰٰـعٓـصٓ حروف مقطعات میں سے ہے۔ ک سے مراد کَافٍ اور ھـ سے مراد ھَادٍ ہے۔ یا حرف ندا ہے اور ع سے مراد عَالِمٌ اور ص سے مراد صَادِقٌ ہے۔ گویا کٓھٰـیٰٰـعٓـصٓ میں یہ مفہوم ادا کیا گیا ہے کہ اَنْتَ کَافٍ‘ اَنْتَ ھَادٍ (یَا عَلِیْمُ) یَا عَالِمُ یَا صَادِقُ۔ یعنی ’’اے عالم اور صادق خدا تو کافی اور ہادی ہے‘‘ ان حروف کے ذریعہ درحقیقت عیسائی عقائد کی تردید کی گئی ہے۔ فتح البیان میں یہ معنی حضرت اُ مّ ہانی ؓ سے جو رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم کی چچا زاد بہن تھیں روایت کیے گئے ہیں۔ تفصیل کے لئے دیکھئے تفسیر کبیر جلد پنجم صف
According to Umm-e-Hani’, the Holy Prophet said that in the combined letters Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Sad, Kaf stands for Kafin (All-Sufficient), Ha for Hadi (True Guide), ‘Ain for ‘Alim (All-Knowing) and Sad for Sadiq (Truthful), and thus the combined abbreviated letters would read something like this: Anta Kafin Anta Hadin Ya ‘Alimu Ya Sadiqu, i.e. Thou art Sufficient for all and Thou art the True Guide, O All-Knowing, Truthful God. The four Divine attributes as represented by these combined letters expose and repudiate the basic Christian doctrine of atonement; and if this doctrine is proved to be false, the whole structure of the doctrines of the trinity and godhead of Jesus would automatically fall to the ground. Of these four attributes ‘Alim and Sadiq are the principal and basic attributes and Kafin and Hadin are subordinate ones and flow from the former two attributes and are their inevitable
Commentary:
A brief note here on abbreviated letters which have been placed at the beginning of some Surahs of the Quran and which are known as المقطعات (al-Muqatta‘at) i.e. letters used and pronounced separately, is called for. The Muqatta‘at are abbreviations for specific attributes of God and the subject matter of a Surah before which they are placed has a deep connection with the Divine attributes for which they stand. The various Muqatta‘at have not been haphazardly placed at the beginning of different Surahs, nor are their letters combined arbitrarily. There runs a deep and far-reaching connection between the various sets of Muqatta‘at and the letters of which they are made also serve a definite purpose. Surahs 2 & 3 are prefaced with the abbreviated letters الم (Alif Lam Mim), indicating a kinship between their contents. chapters 4, 5 & 6 have no Muqatta‘at placed at their beginning which means that the subject matter of these three chapters is subordinate to and follows the pattern of that of the preceding two Surahs. Chapter 7 begins with the abbreviated letters المص (Alif Lam Mim Sad) which has the additional letter ص. The next two chapters (8 & 9) have no Muqatta‘at and the following three chapters (10, 11 & 12) have the abbreviated letters الر (Alif Lam Ra) placed at their beginning and the 13th chapter begins with المر (Alif Lam Mim Ra) i.e. with the addition ofم to الر. Chapters 14 and 15 have again the combination الر in their beginning which shows that there exists a certain similarity of subject matter among all these Surahs. Chapters 16, 17 and 18 have no Muqatta‘at before them which again shows that the subject matter of these three Surahs is subordinate and similar to that of the preceding Surahs. Chapter 19 is headed with کھیعص(Kaf Ha Ya‘Ain Sad) and deals with a particular subject, i.e. the Christian dogmas of Salvation and Atonement. The next six Surahs have no abbreviated letters at their beginning, طه at the head of 20th chapter, not being treated as Muqatta‘at. The following three Surahs are known as the Surahs of طس (Ta Sin) group. With the 29th chapter the Quranreverts to the same subject which has already been dealt with in Surahs2 & 3 but in a new form and to fulfil a new need and serve a new purpose, and, therefore, this chapter again has the Muqatta‘at الم (Alif Lam Mim) in its beginning. The next three chapters (30, 31 & 32) follow suit and the five chapters following these Surahs have no Muqatta‘at. Chapter ص (Sad) begins with the abbreviated letter ص (Sad) and the next chapter (39) has no Muqatta‘at.
The following seven Surahs open with the abbreviated letters حم (Ha Mim), only chapter 42 having the letters عسق(‘Ain Sin Qaf) added to حم (Ha Mim). They are known as Surahs of حم group. The next three Surahs, viz. 47, 48 & 49 again have no Muqatta‘at in their beginning. The 50th chapter is the last chapter which has an abbreviated letter i.e. ق(Qaf).
This somewhat detailed examination shows that three main categories of Muqatta‘at have been used in the Quran and that the Surahs having the same category of Muqatta‘at have been placed together which is a further indication of the fact that the subjects dealt with in such Surahs bear a close resemblance to each other and that the Muqatta‘at placed in their beginning serve as a key to their subject matter.
It is also pertinent to note that there is one thing which is common to all those Surahs that have Muqatta‘at. They open with the subject of the revelation of the Quran and this is no mere chance.
The system of using abbreviations (Muqatta‘at) was in vogue among the Arabs and at present is very popular in western countries and in its imitation in all eastern countries.
According to Ummi Hani, a cousin of the Holy Prophet, he (the Holy Prophet) is reported to have said that in the combined letters کھیعص the letter ک stands for کاف (the All-Sufficient), ھ for ھاد (the Guide), ع for علیم (the All-Knowing), and ص for صادق (the Truthful). According to Ibn ‘Abbas, however, the letters ک stands for کبیر (the Great), ھ for ھاد (the Guide), ی for امین (Who gives peace and protection), ع forعزیز (the Mighty) and ص for صادق (the Truthful). Ibn Mas‘ud and some other Companions interpreted these combined letters as الملک (theKing), الاله(God), العزیز (the Mighty) and المصور (the Fashioner). ‘Ali sometimes would preface his prayer with the words یا کھیعص(Fath).
Different combinations of abbreviated letters signify different subjects and the subject matter of a particular Surah at the beginning of which a particular combination is placed is governed by it. It has been explained above that the abbreviated letters stand for Divine attributes, but which particular letter stands for which particular Divine attribute becomes clear only by a deep study of the subject matter of the Surah at the beginning of which those letters are placed. The explanation of کھیعص as given by the Holy Prophet in the hadith narrated by Ummi Hani must necessarily be accepted as the best and should be preferred to all other explanations. But in this explanation the letter ی has been left out which shows that it does not signify any Divine attribute but has been used only as a letter of interjection, joining the first two Divine attributes with the last two. Thus the explanation of the combined abbreviated letters would read like this: انت کاف انت ھاد یا علیم یا صادق i.e. "Thou art Sufficient for all and Thou art the true Guide, O, All-Knowing, Truthful God." Or expanding its sense a little further the expression would mean, "Thou O God, Who knowest all my secrets and art true to Thy promises and art a true Friend, Thou alone canst satisfy all my needs and Thou alone canst guide me."
The four Divine attributes as represented by the combined letters کھیعص expose the falsity of the basic Christian doctrine of Atonement, i.e. salvation through the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus which forms one of the principal subjects of the Surah under comment. And if the doctrine of Atonement is proved to be false, the whole structure of the doctrines of the Trinity and godhead of Jesus would automatically fall to the ground.
Of these four attributes عالم or علیم and صادق are the principal and basic attributes and کاف and ھادare subordinate ones and flow from the former two and are their inevitable manifestation and result. If God is عالم (All-Knowing), then there is no place for the dogma of Atonement because this dogma presupposes that God had designed to carry on the business of the world according to a certain plan but His knowledge being defective that plan failed to function and, therefore, God was compelled to offer His own son for sacrifice to save the world. The failure of God’s plan contradicts His attribute "All-Knowing" and when God’s knowledge is shown to be defective, He cannot claim to be کاف (All-Sufficient) because the Being Who is عالم (All-Knowing) must necessarily be کاف (All-Sufficient).
In the same way the attribute صادق (Truthful) and its subordinate attribute ھاد (Guide) demolish this dogma. If God is not the true Guide and salvation without a belief in the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus is impossible, then all Divine Messengers will have to be accepted as so many liars and cheats because, contrary to Christian belief, they preached and taught that salvation was possible only through right beliefs and righteous actions; and a reflection on the truthfulness of God’s Messengers constitutes a reflection on the truthfulness of God Himself and consequently on His being ھاد i.e. the True Guide. Thus in this combination of abbreviated letters a hint is given that in dealing with the beliefs and doctrines of Christians, the best way to drive home to them the untenability of their doctrines is to dwell and lay emphasis upon Divine attributes, particularly on the attributes which are represented by the four letters ک, ھ , ع , ص .
In fact the best and most effective argument to show that the doctrine of Atonement is entirely unfounded, is to prove that Jesus did not die on the cross and if this thesis is proved, then the question that by his crucifixion he carried away the sins of humanity does not arise. For a detailed and full discussion, however, of the subject that Jesus did not die on the cross but after having remained on it only for a few hours was taken down alive, was kept in a sepulchre and then in fulfilment of his own prophecy, viz. "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (John 10:16), he travelled to Afghanistan and Kashmir to reclaim and retrieve the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel who had been dispersed to these countries by the Babylonian kings. See 23:51.
792
乌姆•哈尼 (اُمِّ هَانِی, Umm-e-Hani) 的说法, 穆圣说 كهٰيٰعٓصٓ (Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Sad), 这一字母组合中, ك (Kaf) 代表 كَافٍ (Kafin) (全部足够的), ھ (Ha) 代表 هَادِی (Hadi) (真实的引导者), ع (‘Ain) 代表 عَالِمْ (‘Alim, 全知的) 而 ص (Sad) 代表 صَادِقْ (Sadiq, 真实的), 因此, 这一缩写字母组合读起来就有些像这样: اَنْتَ كَافٍ اَنْتَ هَادٍ يَاعَالِمْ يَاصَادِقْ (Anta Kafin Anta Hadin Ya ‘Alim Ya Sadiq), 即你是无所不足的, 你是真正的引导者, 全知的、真实的安拉啊。由这一字母组合所代表的安拉的四种常德揭露并驳斥了替世人赎罪这一基督教基本教义; 如果这一教义证明是虚假的, 那么, 三位一体以及伊撒是主宰的这些教义的全部结构就自然落空了。这四种常德中, عَالِمْ صَادِقْ (‘Alim Sadiq, 全知的、真实的) 是主要和基本常德, 而 كافٍ (Kafin, 全部充足的) 和 هَادٍ (Hadin, 真正的引导者) 是从属的常德, 是在前两种常德中涌流出来的必然表现和结果。如果安拉是 عَالِمْ (‘Alim, 全知的), 那么, 就不存在什么替世人赎罪这一教条, 因为这一教条的前提是, 安拉按照某一个计划来设法进行这个世界的事情, 可是他的知识有缺陷, 因此计划失误而被迫提供他自己的儿子作为牺牲以挽救这个世界。安拉计划的失败同他的 “全知” 这一常德是矛盾的, 而且安拉的知识如果看来是有缺陷的话, 他就不可能声称是 كَافٍ (Kafin, 全都充足的)。因为 عَالِمْ (‘Alim, 全知的) 安拉必然是 كَافٍ (Kafin, 全部充足的)。同样地, صَادِقْ (Sadiq, 真实的) 这个常德以及它的从属常德 هَادٍ (Hadin, 真正的引导者) 也推翻了这一教条。如果安拉不是真正的引导者而且如果不相信伊撒替别人牺牲就不可能得救的话, 那么, 所有安拉派遣的使者必须被视作如此众多的说谎者和骗子, 因为与基督教信仰相反, 他们宣扬和教导了, 只须通过正确的教义和正直的行为才可能得救;而且安拉派遣的使者所反映出来的真实性也就是安拉自己所反映出来的真实性以及随之反映出他是真正的引导者。这样, 这一缩写字母组合暗示, 在对待基督教徒的信念和教义时, 要他们清楚地知道这些教义是站不住脚的最好方法, 是详细而着重地讲述安拉的常德, 尤其是以上四种常德。关于 مُقَطَّعَاتْ (Muqatta‘at) 的详细论述见注解16。
1
کٓھٰـیٰٰـعٓـصٓ حروف مقطعات میں سے ہے۔ ک سے مراد کَافٍ اور ھـ سے مراد ھَادٍ ہے۔ یا حرف ندا ہے اور ع سے مراد عَالِمٌ اور ص سے مراد صَادِقٌ ہے۔ گویا کٓھٰـیٰٰـعٓـصٓ میں یہ مفہوم ادا کیا گیا ہے کہ اَنْتَ کَافٍ‘ اَنْتَ ھَادٍ (یَا عَلِیْمُ) یَا عَالِمُ یَا صَادِقُ۔ یعنی ’’اے عالم اور صادق خدا تو کافی اور ہادی ہے‘‘ ان حروف کے ذریعہ درحقیقت عیسائی عقائد کی تردید کی گئی ہے۔ فتح البیان میں یہ معنی حضرت اُ مّ ہانی ؓ سے جو رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ و سلم کی چچا زاد بہن تھیں روایت کیے گئے ہیں۔ تفصیل کے لئے دیکھئے تفسیر کبیر جلد پنجم صف
2147
Commentary:
A brief note here on abbreviated letters which have been placed at the beginning of some Surahs of the Quran and which are known as المقطعات (al-Muqatta‘at) i.e. letters used and pronounced separately, is called for. The Muqatta‘at are abbreviations for specific attributes of God and the subject matter of a Surah before which they are placed has a deep connection with the Divine attributes for which they stand. The various Muqatta‘at have not been haphazardly placed at the beginning of different Surahs, nor are their letters combined arbitrarily. There runs a deep and far-reaching connection between the various sets of Muqatta‘at and the letters of which they are made also serve a definite purpose. Surahs 2 & 3 are prefaced with the abbreviated letters الم (Alif Lam Mim), indicating a kinship between their contents. chapters 4, 5 & 6 have no Muqatta‘at placed at their beginning which means that the subject matter of these three chapters is subordinate to and follows the pattern of that of the preceding two Surahs. Chapter 7 begins with the abbreviated letters المص (Alif Lam Mim Sad) which has the additional letter ص. The next two chapters (8 & 9) have no Muqatta‘at and the following three chapters (10, 11 & 12) have the abbreviated letters الر (Alif Lam Ra) placed at their beginning and the 13th chapter begins with المر (Alif Lam Mim Ra) i.e. with the addition ofم to الر. Chapters 14 and 15 have again the combination الر in their beginning which shows that there exists a certain similarity of subject matter among all these Surahs. Chapters 16, 17 and 18 have no Muqatta‘at before them which again shows that the subject matter of these three Surahs is subordinate and similar to that of the preceding Surahs. Chapter 19 is headed with کھیعص(Kaf Ha Ya‘Ain Sad) and deals with a particular subject, i.e. the Christian dogmas of Salvation and Atonement. The next six Surahs have no abbreviated letters at their beginning, طه at the head of 20th chapter, not being treated as Muqatta‘at. The following three Surahs are known as the Surahs of طس (Ta Sin) group. With the 29th chapter the Quranreverts to the same subject which has already been dealt with in Surahs2 & 3 but in a new form and to fulfil a new need and serve a new purpose, and, therefore, this chapter again has the Muqatta‘at الم (Alif Lam Mim) in its beginning. The next three chapters (30, 31 & 32) follow suit and the five chapters following these Surahs have no Muqatta‘at. Chapter ص (Sad) begins with the abbreviated letter ص (Sad) and the next chapter (39) has no Muqatta‘at.
The following seven Surahs open with the abbreviated letters حم (Ha Mim), only chapter 42 having the letters عسق(‘Ain Sin Qaf) added to حم (Ha Mim). They are known as Surahs of حم group. The next three Surahs, viz. 47, 48 & 49 again have no Muqatta‘at in their beginning. The 50th chapter is the last chapter which has an abbreviated letter i.e. ق(Qaf).
This somewhat detailed examination shows that three main categories of Muqatta‘at have been used in the Quran and that the Surahs having the same category of Muqatta‘at have been placed together which is a further indication of the fact that the subjects dealt with in such Surahs bear a close resemblance to each other and that the Muqatta‘at placed in their beginning serve as a key to their subject matter.
It is also pertinent to note that there is one thing which is common to all those Surahs that have Muqatta‘at. They open with the subject of the revelation of the Quran and this is no mere chance.
The system of using abbreviations (Muqatta‘at) was in vogue among the Arabs and at present is very popular in western countries and in its imitation in all eastern countries.
According to Ummi Hani, a cousin of the Holy Prophet, he (the Holy Prophet) is reported to have said that in the combined letters کھیعص the letter ک stands for کاف (the All-Sufficient), ھ for ھاد (the Guide), ع for علیم (the All-Knowing), and ص for صادق (the Truthful). According to Ibn ‘Abbas, however, the letters ک stands for کبیر (the Great), ھ for ھاد (the Guide), ی for امین (Who gives peace and protection), ع forعزیز (the Mighty) and ص for صادق (the Truthful). Ibn Mas‘ud and some other Companions interpreted these combined letters as الملک (theKing), الاله(God), العزیز (the Mighty) and المصور (the Fashioner). ‘Ali sometimes would preface his prayer with the words یا کھیعص(Fath).
Different combinations of abbreviated letters signify different subjects and the subject matter of a particular Surah at the beginning of which a particular combination is placed is governed by it. It has been explained above that the abbreviated letters stand for Divine attributes, but which particular letter stands for which particular Divine attribute becomes clear only by a deep study of the subject matter of the Surah at the beginning of which those letters are placed. The explanation of کھیعص as given by the Holy Prophet in the hadith narrated by Ummi Hani must necessarily be accepted as the best and should be preferred to all other explanations. But in this explanation the letter ی has been left out which shows that it does not signify any Divine attribute but has been used only as a letter of interjection, joining the first two Divine attributes with the last two. Thus the explanation of the combined abbreviated letters would read like this: انت کاف انت ھاد یا علیم یا صادق i.e. "Thou art Sufficient for all and Thou art the true Guide, O, All-Knowing, Truthful God." Or expanding its sense a little further the expression would mean, "Thou O God, Who knowest all my secrets and art true to Thy promises and art a true Friend, Thou alone canst satisfy all my needs and Thou alone canst guide me."
The four Divine attributes as represented by the combined letters کھیعص expose the falsity of the basic Christian doctrine of Atonement, i.e. salvation through the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus which forms one of the principal subjects of the Surah under comment. And if the doctrine of Atonement is proved to be false, the whole structure of the doctrines of the Trinity and godhead of Jesus would automatically fall to the ground.
Of these four attributes عالم or علیم and صادق are the principal and basic attributes and کاف and ھادare subordinate ones and flow from the former two and are their inevitable manifestation and result. If God is عالم (All-Knowing), then there is no place for the dogma of Atonement because this dogma presupposes that God had designed to carry on the business of the world according to a certain plan but His knowledge being defective that plan failed to function and, therefore, God was compelled to offer His own son for sacrifice to save the world. The failure of God’s plan contradicts His attribute "All-Knowing" and when God’s knowledge is shown to be defective, He cannot claim to be کاف (All-Sufficient) because the Being Who is عالم (All-Knowing) must necessarily be کاف (All-Sufficient).
In the same way the attribute صادق (Truthful) and its subordinate attribute ھاد (Guide) demolish this dogma. If God is not the true Guide and salvation without a belief in the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus is impossible, then all Divine Messengers will have to be accepted as so many liars and cheats because, contrary to Christian belief, they preached and taught that salvation was possible only through right beliefs and righteous actions; and a reflection on the truthfulness of God’s Messengers constitutes a reflection on the truthfulness of God Himself and consequently on His being ھاد i.e. the True Guide. Thus in this combination of abbreviated letters a hint is given that in dealing with the beliefs and doctrines of Christians, the best way to drive home to them the untenability of their doctrines is to dwell and lay emphasis upon Divine attributes, particularly on the attributes which are represented by the four letters ک, ھ , ع , ص .
In fact the best and most effective argument to show that the doctrine of Atonement is entirely unfounded, is to prove that Jesus did not die on the cross and if this thesis is proved, then the question that by his crucifixion he carried away the sins of humanity does not arise. For a detailed and full discussion, however, of the subject that Jesus did not die on the cross but after having remained on it only for a few hours was taken down alive, was kept in a sepulchre and then in fulfilment of his own prophecy, viz. "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (John 10:16), he travelled to Afghanistan and Kashmir to reclaim and retrieve the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel who had been dispersed to these countries by the Babylonian kings. See 23:51.
1738
According to Umm-e-Hani’, the Holy Prophet said that in the combined letters Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Sad, Kaf stands for Kafin (All-Sufficient), Ha for Hadi (True Guide), ‘Ain for ‘Alim (All-Knowing) and Sad for Sadiq (Truthful), and thus the combined abbreviated letters would read something like this: Anta Kafin Anta Hadin Ya ‘Alimu Ya Sadiqu, i.e. Thou art Sufficient for all and Thou art the True Guide, O All-Knowing, Truthful God. The four Divine attributes as represented by these combined letters expose and repudiate the basic Christian doctrine of atonement; and if this doctrine is proved to be false, the whole structure of the doctrines of the trinity and godhead of Jesus would automatically fall to the ground. Of these four attributes ‘Alim and Sadiq are the principal and basic attributes and Kafin and Hadin are subordinate ones and flow from the former two attributes and are their inevitable
ذِكْرُ رَحْمَتِ رَبِّكَ عَبْدَهُۥ زَكَرِيَّآ
扎格里亚 (زَكَرِيَّا, Zachariah) 的叙述是在对伊撒的叙述之前, 因为亚合亚 (يَحْیٰ, Yahya, 施洗者约翰) 是扎格里亚的儿子, 也是伊撒的先驱。他预示伊撒的降临。给犹太人以喜讯, 说解救他们的人就要来临 («马太» 4:5) 依照玛拉基书中的预言, 伊尔亚司 (اِلْيَاسْ, Elias, Elijah, 以利亚) 应比伊撒先来, 因此在叙述伊撒时, «古兰经» 必先谈到代表以利亚 (Elijah) 精神和力量的施洗者约翰 (يَحْیٰ, Yahya)。
The account of Zachariah precedes that of Jesus, because Yahya, (John the Baptist), the son of Zachariah, was the harbinger of Jesus. He heralded Jesus’s advent to give to the Jews the glad tidings that their deliverer was about to make his appearance (Mal. 4: 5). As according to Malachi’s prophecy Elias should have come before the coming of Jesus, it was in the fitness of things that while giving an account of Jesus, the Qur’an should have made a mention of Yahya (John) who came in the spirit and power of Elijah.
Commentary:
The account of Zachariah precedes the account of Jesus. This is due to two very valid reasons. Yahya, the son of Zachariah, and John of the New Testament, was a harbinger of Jesus. He heralded Jesus’ advent and acted as his precursor to give to the Jews the glad tidings that their deliverer was about to make his appearance.
That Yahya or John was Jesus’ harbinger is apparent from the following prophecy of Prophet Malachi: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5). The words "the great and dreadful day" here signify the advent of Jesus. This is why when Jesus was asked where Elias was who was to come before him, he replied: "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come" (Matt. 11:14). As according to Malachi’s prophecy Elias must have appeared before the coming of Jesus, it was in the fitness of things that while giving an account of Jesus, the Quran should have made a mention of Yahya. Secondly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, had unknowingly become the cause of Yahya’s birth. We are told (3:38, 39) how Zachariah was deeply moved by a pious reply of Mary and prayed to God to be blessed with a good child like her. Thus whereas Yahya became a harbinger of Jesus, Mary, Jesus’ mother having indirectly become the cause of the birth of Yahya may as well be said to have become a precursor of Yahya (John) himself. See also 3:38-42.
The words, "Thy Lord" in the sentence, "This is an account of the mercy of thy Lord," appear to be misplaced because whereas the account given in the following verses is that of the mercy of God shown to Zachariah the words "Thy Lord" seem to indicate as if some account is about to be given of God’s mercy to the Holy Prophet. In fact these words signify that the account of Divine mercy to Zachariah does imply a mercy to the Holy Prophet also. Prophet Yahya, as stated above, was a harbinger of Jesus and Jesus was a harbinger of the Holy Prophet. A description of the birth of Yahyafollowed by a somewhat detailed description of Jesus’ birth pointed to the fact that by the introduction of the life accounts of these two Prophets who, in a way, acted as his precursors, the minds of men were being prepared for the acceptance of the Holy Prophet of Islam by an implied reference to the following Biblical prophecies:
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee. Behold I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation (Gen. 17:20);
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth (Deut. 18:18).
The pronoun "thy" may also possess an oblique but beautiful reference to Mecca, the birth-place of the Holy Prophet. Mecca like Zachariah’s wife was barren. For thousands of years it had not heard the voice of God. Now God’s mercy was about to dawn upon it. The barren valley of Mecca was about to give birth to the greatest of Adam’s sons. To this barrenness of Mecca reference is found in Isaiah 54:1.
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.
793
扎格里亚 (زَكَرِيَّا, Zachariah) 的叙述是在对伊撒的叙述之前, 因为亚合亚 (يَحْیٰ, Yahya, 施洗者约翰) 是扎格里亚的儿子, 也是伊撒的先驱。他预示伊撒的降临。给犹太人以喜讯, 说解救他们的人就要来临 («马太» 4:5) 依照玛拉基书中的预言, 伊尔亚司 (اِلْيَاسْ, Elias, Elijah, 以利亚) 应比伊撒先来, 因此在叙述伊撒时, «古兰经» 必先谈到代表以利亚 (Elijah) 精神和力量的施洗者约翰 (يَحْیٰ, Yahya)。
2148
Commentary:
The account of Zachariah precedes the account of Jesus. This is due to two very valid reasons. Yahya, the son of Zachariah, and John of the New Testament, was a harbinger of Jesus. He heralded Jesus’ advent and acted as his precursor to give to the Jews the glad tidings that their deliverer was about to make his appearance.
That Yahya or John was Jesus’ harbinger is apparent from the following prophecy of Prophet Malachi: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5). The words "the great and dreadful day" here signify the advent of Jesus. This is why when Jesus was asked where Elias was who was to come before him, he replied: "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come" (Matt. 11:14). As according to Malachi’s prophecy Elias must have appeared before the coming of Jesus, it was in the fitness of things that while giving an account of Jesus, the Quran should have made a mention of Yahya. Secondly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, had unknowingly become the cause of Yahya’s birth. We are told (3:38, 39) how Zachariah was deeply moved by a pious reply of Mary and prayed to God to be blessed with a good child like her. Thus whereas Yahya became a harbinger of Jesus, Mary, Jesus’ mother having indirectly become the cause of the birth of Yahya may as well be said to have become a precursor of Yahya (John) himself. See also 3:38-42.
The words, "Thy Lord" in the sentence, "This is an account of the mercy of thy Lord," appear to be misplaced because whereas the account given in the following verses is that of the mercy of God shown to Zachariah the words "Thy Lord" seem to indicate as if some account is about to be given of God’s mercy to the Holy Prophet. In fact these words signify that the account of Divine mercy to Zachariah does imply a mercy to the Holy Prophet also. Prophet Yahya, as stated above, was a harbinger of Jesus and Jesus was a harbinger of the Holy Prophet. A description of the birth of Yahyafollowed by a somewhat detailed description of Jesus’ birth pointed to the fact that by the introduction of the life accounts of these two Prophets who, in a way, acted as his precursors, the minds of men were being prepared for the acceptance of the Holy Prophet of Islam by an implied reference to the following Biblical prophecies:
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee. Behold I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation (Gen. 17:20);
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth (Deut. 18:18).
The pronoun "thy" may also possess an oblique but beautiful reference to Mecca, the birth-place of the Holy Prophet. Mecca like Zachariah’s wife was barren. For thousands of years it had not heard the voice of God. Now God’s mercy was about to dawn upon it. The barren valley of Mecca was about to give birth to the greatest of Adam’s sons. To this barrenness of Mecca reference is found in Isaiah 54:1.
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.
1739
The account of Zachariah precedes that of Jesus, because Yahya, (John the Baptist), the son of Zachariah, was the harbinger of Jesus. He heralded Jesus’s advent to give to the Jews the glad tidings that their deliverer was about to make his appearance (Mal. 4: 5). As according to Malachi’s prophecy Elias should have come before the coming of Jesus, it was in the fitness of things that while giving an account of Jesus, the Qur’an should have made a mention of Yahya (John) who came in the spirit and power of Elijah.
إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥ نِدَآءً خَفِيًّا
3:39; 21:90.
Zachariah had understood from biblical prophecies and heavenly warnings that were administered to the Jews because of their repeated rejection of God’s Prophets that Prophethood was soon to be transferred from the House of Isaac to that of Ishmael. So he gave vent to his feelings in the form of a prayer for the birth of a righteous son.
3:39; 21:90.
Important Words:
نادی (called upon): نادی الرجلmeans, he called the man aloud. نادی بسرہ means, he disclosed his secret. نادی فلاناً means, he consulted him (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, when he called upon his Lord, crying in secret, signify that Zachariah had kept concealed in the inmost recesses of his heart a long cherished desire. When he heard Mary’s innocent reply to his query (3:38), he was deeply touched and he laid bare his heart before his Lord and Creator and his long-suppressed desire assumed the form of prayer that a good and righteous son like Mary might be born unto him to continue prophethood in the Israelite line. Zachariah had understood from Biblical prophecies and heavenly warnings that were administered to the Jews for their repeated rejection of God’s Prophets that prophethood was soon to be transferred from the House of Isaac to that of Ishmael. So he gave vent to his feelings in the form of prayer for the birth of a righteous son.
a
3:39; 21:90.
794
扎格里亚 (زَكَرِيَّا, Zachariah) 从 «圣经» 的预言以及安拉给予犹太人的许多警告已经了解到, 由于犹太人不断拒绝安拉所派遣的先知, 告知品位马上就要从伊司哈卡家族转移给伊司马仪家族。因此他祈求能生一个正直的儿子来表达他的感情。
a
3:39; 21:90.
2149
Important Words:
نادی (called upon): نادی الرجلmeans, he called the man aloud. نادی بسرہ means, he disclosed his secret. نادی فلاناً means, he consulted him (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, when he called upon his Lord, crying in secret, signify that Zachariah had kept concealed in the inmost recesses of his heart a long cherished desire. When he heard Mary’s innocent reply to his query (3:38), he was deeply touched and he laid bare his heart before his Lord and Creator and his long-suppressed desire assumed the form of prayer that a good and righteous son like Mary might be born unto him to continue prophethood in the Israelite line. Zachariah had understood from Biblical prophecies and heavenly warnings that were administered to the Jews for their repeated rejection of God’s Prophets that prophethood was soon to be transferred from the House of Isaac to that of Ishmael. So he gave vent to his feelings in the form of prayer for the birth of a righteous son.
a
3:39; 21:90.
1740
Zachariah had understood from biblical prophecies and heavenly warnings that were administered to the Jews because of their repeated rejection of God’s Prophets that Prophethood was soon to be transferred from the House of Isaac to that of Ishmael. So he gave vent to his feelings in the form of a prayer for the birth of a righteous son.
قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى وَهَنَ ٱلْعَظْمُ مِنِّى وَٱشْتَعَلَ ٱلرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُنۢ بِدُعَآئِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا
3:41.
3:41.
3:41.
Commentary:
Besides the rendering given in the text the words ولم اکن بدعائک رب شقیا may mean, "since Thou hast called me and hast made me a Prophet and Thy blessings and favours have covered me, I have never been unsuccessful in achieving my object."
a
3:41.
b
3:41.
2149A
Commentary:
Besides the rendering given in the text the words ولم اکن بدعائک رب شقیا may mean, "since Thou hast called me and hast made me a Prophet and Thy blessings and favours have covered me, I have never been unsuccessful in achieving my object."
b
3:41.
وَإِنِّى خِفْتُ ٱلْمَوَٰلِىَ مِن وَرَآءِى وَكَانَتِ ٱمْرَأَتِى عَاقِرًا فَهَبْ لِى مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا
3:41; 21:91.
3:39; 21:90.
The prayer of Zachariah possesses all the ingredients of a complete and successful prayer. A successful prayer should be offered with fervour and in humility. The supplicant should confess his own weakness and helplessness. He should have firm faith in the power of God to accept his prayers. Zachariah’s prayer fulfils all these conditions.
3:41; 21:91.
3:39; 21:90.
Important Words:
عاقراً (barren) is derived from عقر. They say عقرہ i.e. he wounded him; he wounded him much. عقر الابل means, he cut the feet of the camel. عقر النخلة means, he cut the upper part of the palm-tree so that it dried up and ceased to yield fruit. عقرت المرأةmeans, the woman became barren. عاقر is used both for man and woman and applied to a woman means, barren; that does not conceive or has ceased to conceive; and applied to a man it means, barren; that has no offspring born to him. (Lane & Aqrab).
ولیا (successor) is derived from ولی. They say ولی الرجل i.e. he helped the man; he made friends with him; he loved him. ولی فلاناًmeans, he followed such a one immediately without anyone intervening between them ولی means, a friend; beloved one, helper, master; successor or inheritor etc. (Aqrab). See also 2:108.
Commentary:
In view of the different meanings of the word ولی (successor) given under "Important Words" above, Zachariah’s prayer was for such a son as should prove his true successor and should propagate his mission and inherit the spiritual blessings that God had bestowed on the House of Israel.
b
3:41; 21:91.
c
3:39; 21:90.
795
扎格里亚的祈祷具有一个完美而成功的祈祷的一切因素。一个成功的祈祷者必须以热诚的心情来祷告, 而且要非常谦恭。祈祷者必须承认他自己的弱点和无能。他必须坚信安拉有力量来接受他的祈祷。扎格里亚的祈祷具备了所有这些条件。
a
3:41; 21:91.
b
3:39; 21:90.
2150
Important Words:
عاقراً (barren) is derived from عقر. They say عقرہ i.e. he wounded him; he wounded him much. عقر الابل means, he cut the feet of the camel. عقر النخلة means, he cut the upper part of the palm-tree so that it dried up and ceased to yield fruit. عقرت المرأةmeans, the woman became barren. عاقر is used both for man and woman and applied to a woman means, barren; that does not conceive or has ceased to conceive; and applied to a man it means, barren; that has no offspring born to him. (Lane & Aqrab).
ولیا (successor) is derived from ولی. They say ولی الرجل i.e. he helped the man; he made friends with him; he loved him. ولی فلاناًmeans, he followed such a one immediately without anyone intervening between them ولی means, a friend; beloved one, helper, master; successor or inheritor etc. (Aqrab). See also 2:108.
Commentary:
In view of the different meanings of the word ولی (successor) given under "Important Words" above, Zachariah’s prayer was for such a son as should prove his true successor and should propagate his mission and inherit the spiritual blessings that God had bestowed on the House of Israel.
c
3:41; 21:91.
d
3:39; 21:90.
1741
The prayer of Zachariah possesses all the ingredients of a complete and successful prayer. A successful prayer should be offered with fervour and in humility. The supplicant should confess his own weakness and helplessness. He should have firm faith in the power of God to accept his prayers. Zachariah’s prayer fulfils all these conditions.
يَرِثُنِى وَيَرِثُ مِنْ ءَالِ يَعْقُوبَ ۖ وَٱجْعَلْهُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّا
3:39.
3:39.
3:39.
Commentary:
The prayer of Zachariah is complete in every respect and possesses all the ingredients of a successful prayer. A successful prayer should be offered with fervour and in humility. The supplicant should confess his own weakness and helplessness. He should have firm faith in the power of God to accept his prayers. Zachariah’s prayer fulfils all these conditions. He prays to God in words full of extreme pathos. He invokes Divine mercy by referring to his extreme old age and to the barrenness of his wife. He prays fervently and in all humility. He asks for no worldly gains. He prays only for a righteous heir. He felt that righteousness had altogether disappeared from his family and his relations had consigned God to oblivion. He knew that the House of Israel was about to be deprived forever of the boon of prophethood but still he had not despaired of God’s mercy. He hoped that something yet might happen which should save his people and the House of Israel from utter spiritual ruin. He was extremely anxious that the Israelites might not reject the last Israelite Prophet and might still avert the impending wrath of God. This was Zachariah’s wish which he expressed in words full of pathos. He prayed that an heir be born to him who might warn the Israelites to take heed and not to deprive themselves of the light of prophethood by rejecting their own last Prophet. It appears from the Bible that the whole mission of Yahya for whose birth Zachariah had so fervently prayed consisted in preparing the way for Jesus. He says:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matt. 3:11).
Yahya tried his utmost to make the task of Jesus easy and to prepare the Jews to accept him. But his efforts proved vain. He himself was imprisoned and murdered. His people rejected him as well as his great successor, Jesus. They even sought to kill the latter on the cross. Zachariah’s prayer was only partly fulfilled as Divine decree had also to be implemented. So Yahya was born to Zachariah in fulfilment of his prayer but he (Yahya) failed to soften the hearts of his people. They did not believe in Jesus and thus could not avert the wrath of God and became deprived forever of the light of prophethood which was the real object of Zachariah’s prayer. The Divine will prevailed and prophethood became transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael.
d
3:39.
c
3:39.
2151
Commentary:
The prayer of Zachariah is complete in every respect and possesses all the ingredients of a successful prayer. A successful prayer should be offered with fervour and in humility. The supplicant should confess his own weakness and helplessness. He should have firm faith in the power of God to accept his prayers. Zachariah’s prayer fulfils all these conditions. He prays to God in words full of extreme pathos. He invokes Divine mercy by referring to his extreme old age and to the barrenness of his wife. He prays fervently and in all humility. He asks for no worldly gains. He prays only for a righteous heir. He felt that righteousness had altogether disappeared from his family and his relations had consigned God to oblivion. He knew that the House of Israel was about to be deprived forever of the boon of prophethood but still he had not despaired of God’s mercy. He hoped that something yet might happen which should save his people and the House of Israel from utter spiritual ruin. He was extremely anxious that the Israelites might not reject the last Israelite Prophet and might still avert the impending wrath of God. This was Zachariah’s wish which he expressed in words full of pathos. He prayed that an heir be born to him who might warn the Israelites to take heed and not to deprive themselves of the light of prophethood by rejecting their own last Prophet. It appears from the Bible that the whole mission of Yahya for whose birth Zachariah had so fervently prayed consisted in preparing the way for Jesus. He says:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matt. 3:11).
Yahya tried his utmost to make the task of Jesus easy and to prepare the Jews to accept him. But his efforts proved vain. He himself was imprisoned and murdered. His people rejected him as well as his great successor, Jesus. They even sought to kill the latter on the cross. Zachariah’s prayer was only partly fulfilled as Divine decree had also to be implemented. So Yahya was born to Zachariah in fulfilment of his prayer but he (Yahya) failed to soften the hearts of his people. They did not believe in Jesus and thus could not avert the wrath of God and became deprived forever of the light of prophethood which was the real object of Zachariah’s prayer. The Divine will prevailed and prophethood became transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael.
e
3:39.
يَٰزَكَرِيَّآ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَٰمٍ ٱسْمُهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا
3:40; 21:91.
19:66.
سَمِیّ (Samiyy) 的意思是, 在卓越地位、荣誉或优秀方面争取优势的竞争者;一种相似或相同的东西; 与其他一个人同姓名的人 (Lane)。这节经文并不是说, 在亚合亚 (Yahya, 施洗者, 约翰) 之前没有和他同姓名的人。«圣经» 中在他以前就有好几个人的名字叫约翰 («列王纪下» 25:23; «历代志下» 3:15; «伊斯拉记» 8:12)。它也不是说, 约翰在一切方面都是无可匹敌的。他自己也承认, “在我以后会有一个比我更强有力的人来到。他的鞋带我是配不上蹲下去解开的” («马可» 1:7)。这节经文只意示施洗者, 约翰在以下这一方面是无可匹敌的, 即他是作为另一先知伊撒的预告人而来到的第一个先知。而且他在以下这一方面也是无可伦比的, 即他是代表另一位先知以利亚 (Elijah) 的精神和力量而来到的第一位先知。
3:40; 21:91.
19:66.
Samiyy means, competitor or contender for superiority in eminence or glory or excellence; a like or an equal; a namesake of another (Lane). The verse does not mean that there had lived before Yahya (John) no man who was his namesake. From the Bible itself it appears that there had been several persons before him who were called John (II Kings, 25: 23; I Chronicles, 3: 15; Ezra, 8: 12). Nor does it mean that John was peerless and unequalled in every respect. He himself confesses that 'there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose' (Mark, 1: 7). The verse only signifies that Yahya or John was peerless in this respect that he was the first Prophet to come as a precursor to another Prophet—Jesus. And he was peerless in this respect also that he was the first Prophet who came with the power and spirit of another Prophet—Elijah.
3:40; 21:91.
19:66.
Important Words:
سمیا (of that name) is derived from سمی. They say سما و سمی الرجل زیداً i.e. he named the man Zaid. سما means, it became high. سموت الیه ببصری means, I raised my eye towards him. سمی means, competitor or contender for superiority, in eminence or glory or excellence; a like or an equal; a namesake of another. ھو سمیک means, he is thy namesake or he is thy equal or like (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
The two words غلام and یحیٰی used in this verse are very significant. The word غلام signifies three periods of one’s life i.e. childhood, youth and middle age. Applied to Yahya or John it embodied a prophecy that he shall not die in childhood but shall grow up to be a young man before the eyes of his father and shall live up to middle age and so it actually came to pass. Yahya lived up to middle age and then was killed by the order of Herod to satisfy the wish of a dancing girl. The word یحییٰ literally meaning, "he lives" or "he shall live," also implied a great prophecy, viz. that he will die the death of a martyr and thus will become immortalized. Of the martyrs the Quran says: Say not of those who are killed in the cause of Allah that they are dead; nay they are living; only you perceive not (2:155). Again it says: Think not of those who have been slain in the cause of Allah as dead. Nay, they are living in the presence of their Lord and are granted gifts from Him(3:170). Thus those who are killed in the way of God get everlasting life and so did Yahya or John. His ministry terminated in his imprisonment in the fortress of Machaerus, where he was executed by the order of Herod Antipas (Matt. 14:10 & 11). See also 3:40.
The words, We have not made anyone before him of that name, do not mean that there had lived before him no man whose name was John. From the Bible it appears that there had been several persons before him who were called John. (II Kings 25:23; I Chronicles 3:15; Ezra 8:12). Nor does the verse mean that John was peerless and was unequalled in every respect. He himself confesses that "there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose" (Mark 1:7). The verse only signifies that in some respects Yahya had no equal, i.e. he enjoyed a partial superiority in some respects over other Israelite Prophets. Abraham, Moses and Jesus were Prophets of much higher spiritual status than John, the Baptist, who had come only to prepare the way for Jesus (Mark 1:3). Yahya was peerless only in this respect that he was the first Prophet to come as a precursor and harbinger to another Prophet—Jesus. And he was peerless in this respect also that he was the first Prophet who came with the power and spirit of another Prophet—Elias.
e
3:40; 21:91.
f
19:66.
796
سَمِیّ (Samiyy) 的意思是, 在卓越地位、荣誉或优秀方面争取优势的竞争者;一种相似或相同的东西; 与其他一个人同姓名的人 (Lane)。这节经文并不是说, 在亚合亚 (Yahya, 施洗者, 约翰) 之前没有和他同姓名的人。«圣经» 中在他以前就有好几个人的名字叫约翰 («列王纪下» 25:23; «历代志下» 3:15; «伊斯拉记» 8:12)。它也不是说, 约翰在一切方面都是无可匹敌的。他自己也承认, “在我以后会有一个比我更强有力的人来到。他的鞋带我是配不上蹲下去解开的” («马可» 1:7)。这节经文只意示施洗者, 约翰在以下这一方面是无可匹敌的, 即他是作为另一先知伊撒的预告人而来到的第一个先知。而且他在以下这一方面也是无可伦比的, 即他是代表另一位先知以利亚 (Elijah) 的精神和力量而来到的第一位先知。
a
3:40; 21:91.
b
19:66.
2152
Important Words:
سمیا (of that name) is derived from سمی. They say سما و سمی الرجل زیداً i.e. he named the man Zaid. سما means, it became high. سموت الیه ببصری means, I raised my eye towards him. سمی means, competitor or contender for superiority, in eminence or glory or excellence; a like or an equal; a namesake of another. ھو سمیک means, he is thy namesake or he is thy equal or like (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
The two words غلام and یحیٰی used in this verse are very significant. The word غلام signifies three periods of one’s life i.e. childhood, youth and middle age. Applied to Yahya or John it embodied a prophecy that he shall not die in childhood but shall grow up to be a young man before the eyes of his father and shall live up to middle age and so it actually came to pass. Yahya lived up to middle age and then was killed by the order of Herod to satisfy the wish of a dancing girl. The word یحییٰ literally meaning, "he lives" or "he shall live," also implied a great prophecy, viz. that he will die the death of a martyr and thus will become immortalized. Of the martyrs the Quran says: Say not of those who are killed in the cause of Allah that they are dead; nay they are living; only you perceive not (2:155). Again it says: Think not of those who have been slain in the cause of Allah as dead. Nay, they are living in the presence of their Lord and are granted gifts from Him(3:170). Thus those who are killed in the way of God get everlasting life and so did Yahya or John. His ministry terminated in his imprisonment in the fortress of Machaerus, where he was executed by the order of Herod Antipas (Matt. 14:10 & 11). See also 3:40.
The words, We have not made anyone before him of that name, do not mean that there had lived before him no man whose name was John. From the Bible it appears that there had been several persons before him who were called John. (II Kings 25:23; I Chronicles 3:15; Ezra 8:12). Nor does the verse mean that John was peerless and was unequalled in every respect. He himself confesses that "there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose" (Mark 1:7). The verse only signifies that in some respects Yahya had no equal, i.e. he enjoyed a partial superiority in some respects over other Israelite Prophets. Abraham, Moses and Jesus were Prophets of much higher spiritual status than John, the Baptist, who had come only to prepare the way for Jesus (Mark 1:3). Yahya was peerless only in this respect that he was the first Prophet to come as a precursor and harbinger to another Prophet—Jesus. And he was peerless in this respect also that he was the first Prophet who came with the power and spirit of another Prophet—Elias.
a
3:40; 21:91.
b
19:66.
1742
Samiyy means, competitor or contender for superiority in eminence or glory or excellence; a like or an equal; a namesake of another (Lane). The verse does not mean that there had lived before Yahya (John) no man who was his namesake. From the Bible itself it appears that there had been several persons before him who were called John (II Kings, 25: 23; I Chronicles, 3: 15; Ezra, 8: 12). Nor does it mean that John was peerless and unequalled in every respect. He himself confesses that 'there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose' (Mark, 1: 7). The verse only signifies that Yahya or John was peerless in this respect that he was the first Prophet to come as a precursor to another Prophet—Jesus. And he was peerless in this respect also that he was the first Prophet who came with the power and spirit of another Prophet—Elijah.
قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى غُلَٰمٌ وَكَانَتِ ٱمْرَأَتِى عَاقِرًا وَقَدْ بَلَغْتُ مِنَ ٱلْكِبَرِ عِتِيًّا
3:41; 21:91.
The verse expresses Zachariah’s innocent and spontaneous surprise at the greatness of the favour which God was about to bestow upon him. Every person, situated as Zachariah was, would be naturally surprised at the unusual glad tidings that he had received.
3:41; 21:91.
Important Words:
عتیا (extreme limit) is derived from عتا which means, he behaved proudly and was immoderate and inordinate; he was excessively proud or corrupt; he became advanced in age. عتت الریح means, the wind blew fiercely. The Quranic expression وقد بلغت من الکبر عتیا means, And I have reached the extreme degree of old age, or hardness and dryness in the joints and the bones like dry wood. The word also signifies that state of extreme old age which is incurable (Mufradat, Lane & Aqrab).
The word غلام as stated above (v.8) implied that Zachariah would see his son grow before his eyes and that he would also be able to train and educate him. The glad tidings was indeed a source of great comfort but at the same time it was a surprise for a man who had reached such an advanced old age as Zachariah.
The words, How shall I have a son, do not express despair. V.5 above shows that Zachariah had not despaired of God’s mercy. On the contrary he had perfect faith in the power of God to grant him a son. Moreover, a true believer never despairs of God’s mercy. "None despairs of Allah’s mercy save the unbelieving people", says the Quran (12:88). The verse only expresses Zachariah’s innocent and spontaneous surprise at the greatness of the favour which God was about to bestow upon him. Every person situated as Zachariah was would be naturally surprised at the unusual glad tidings that he had received.
a
3:41; 21:91.
797
这节经文表达了扎格里亚天真而自然的惊奇心情, 安拉将赐给他的恩惠是多么地巨大。每一个人处在扎格里亚的地位, 自然对他得到的特殊喜讯都会感到惊奇。
a
3:41; 21:91.
2153
Important Words:
عتیا (extreme limit) is derived from عتا which means, he behaved proudly and was immoderate and inordinate; he was excessively proud or corrupt; he became advanced in age. عتت الریح means, the wind blew fiercely. The Quranic expression وقد بلغت من الکبر عتیا means, And I have reached the extreme degree of old age, or hardness and dryness in the joints and the bones like dry wood. The word also signifies that state of extreme old age which is incurable (Mufradat, Lane & Aqrab).
The word غلام as stated above (v.8) implied that Zachariah would see his son grow before his eyes and that he would also be able to train and educate him. The glad tidings was indeed a source of great comfort but at the same time it was a surprise for a man who had reached such an advanced old age as Zachariah.
The words, How shall I have a son, do not express despair. V.5 above shows that Zachariah had not despaired of God’s mercy. On the contrary he had perfect faith in the power of God to grant him a son. Moreover, a true believer never despairs of God’s mercy. "None despairs of Allah’s mercy save the unbelieving people", says the Quran (12:88). The verse only expresses Zachariah’s innocent and spontaneous surprise at the greatness of the favour which God was about to bestow upon him. Every person situated as Zachariah was would be naturally surprised at the unusual glad tidings that he had received.
c
3:41; 21:91.
1743
The verse expresses Zachariah’s innocent and spontaneous surprise at the greatness of the favour which God was about to bestow upon him. Every person, situated as Zachariah was, would be naturally surprised at the unusual glad tidings that he had received.
قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ رَبُّكَ هُوَ عَلَىَّ هَيِّنٌ وَقَدْ خَلَقْتُكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَمْ تَكُ شَيْـًٔا
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
Commentary:
The words, and indeed I created thee before, when thou wast nothing, primarily refer to the spiritual creation of Zachariah rather than to his physical creation. There seems to be no point in referring to an ordinary everyday physical phenomenon of the creation of one individual. If God had intended to refer to the phenomenon of physical creation, He would have referred to the creation of the whole universe and not to the creation of Zachariah alone. In fact, the present verse is an answer to the surprise of Zachariah expressed in the previous verses. Zachariah was promised the birth of a son in his extreme old age. The son was not to be an ordinary one but was to be possessed of great spiritual powers and to be peerless in respect of certain spiritual qualities. So the reference here is to the spiritual birth of Zachariah and to his great moral qualities.
The word "he" in the expression "he said", refers to the angel who brought the glad tidings to Zachariah. In verse 8 Zachariah is mentioned as having been addressed by God; in the present verse, however, he is described as having been addressed by one angel while in 3:40 it is stated that several angels called to him. These three statements seem to be mutually contradictory and the critics of Islam like Wherry have not failed to represent this fact as such. But in reality there is no such contradiction. According to the Quran when a Divine revelation of exceptional importance descends upon a Prophet of God, a number of angels, in accordance with the nature of its importance, are made to accompany it for its safeguarding (35:2) but only one angel representing all of them and on their behalf is entrusted with the duty to convey the Divine revelation to the Prophet. Thus the speaking of one angel means the speaking of all of them and therefore to say that one or many angels spoke to a Prophet makes no difference. Similarly, there is no contradiction in the words "God said" or "the angels said", because angels only speak to a Prophet as God’s representatives and as His servants convey to him the Divine Message.
b
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
a
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
2154
Commentary:
The words, and indeed I created thee before, when thou wast nothing, primarily refer to the spiritual creation of Zachariah rather than to his physical creation. There seems to be no point in referring to an ordinary everyday physical phenomenon of the creation of one individual. If God had intended to refer to the phenomenon of physical creation, He would have referred to the creation of the whole universe and not to the creation of Zachariah alone. In fact, the present verse is an answer to the surprise of Zachariah expressed in the previous verses. Zachariah was promised the birth of a son in his extreme old age. The son was not to be an ordinary one but was to be possessed of great spiritual powers and to be peerless in respect of certain spiritual qualities. So the reference here is to the spiritual birth of Zachariah and to his great moral qualities.
The word "he" in the expression "he said", refers to the angel who brought the glad tidings to Zachariah. In verse 8 Zachariah is mentioned as having been addressed by God; in the present verse, however, he is described as having been addressed by one angel while in 3:40 it is stated that several angels called to him. These three statements seem to be mutually contradictory and the critics of Islam like Wherry have not failed to represent this fact as such. But in reality there is no such contradiction. According to the Quran when a Divine revelation of exceptional importance descends upon a Prophet of God, a number of angels, in accordance with the nature of its importance, are made to accompany it for its safeguarding (35:2) but only one angel representing all of them and on their behalf is entrusted with the duty to convey the Divine revelation to the Prophet. Thus the speaking of one angel means the speaking of all of them and therefore to say that one or many angels spoke to a Prophet makes no difference. Similarly, there is no contradiction in the words "God said" or "the angels said", because angels only speak to a Prophet as God’s representatives and as His servants convey to him the Divine Message.
d
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱجْعَل لِّىٓ ءَايَةً ۚ قَالَ ءَايَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ ٱلنَّاسَ ثَلَٰثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا
3:42.
The commandment enjoining upon Zachariah to abstain from talking and to devote himself fully to the remembrance and glorification of God was a spiritual measure calculated to recuperate his exhausted physical powers. He had not become deprived of his power of speech, as the Gospels seem to suggest, as a punishment for his not believing in the words of God (Luke 1: 20-22).
3:42.
Important Words:
آیة (token). They say أیاآیة i.e. he put or set up a sign, token or mark by which a person or thing might be known. آیةmeans, a sign, token or mark by which a person or thing is known, a message or communication sent from one person to another; a person or individual; a whole company of people; a verse or a chapter of the Quran; a miracle, an evidence or a proof; an example or a warning; a Divine commandment (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat), See also 2:130.
سویا is derived from سوی (sawwa) which again is derived from سوی (sawiya) which means, it became straight and even and rightly set. سواہ (sawwa) means, he made it equal, uniform, even. سوی (sawiyyun) means, equal, symmetrical, smooth and even; straight; whole; in good condition. غلام سوی means, a young man uniform in make or symmetrical, without disease and without fault or defect (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Zachariah beseeches God to appoint for him a token or to give him a commandment (the word آیة also meaning 'a commandment' as given under "Important Words" above) by acting upon which he might give palpable expression to his feeling of extreme gratefulness for the most unusual favour God has bestowed upon him.
The commandment enjoining upon Zachariah to abstain from talking and to devote himself fully to the remembrance and glorification of God was a spiritual measure calculated to recuperate his exhausted physical powers. He had not become deprived of his power of speech, as the Gospels seem to suggest, as a punishment for his not believing in the words of God (Luke 1:20-22). See also 3:42.
In view of the meaning of the word سویا given under "Important Words" above, the verse, besides the meaning given in the text, also signifies that Zachariah was commanded by God not to speak to his people for three days and nights while he was without any defect or disease and was in perfect state of health. The very word used in this verse about Zachariah contradicts the Biblical statement of his having been struck dumb.
c
3:42.
797A
给予扎格里亚的律令, 要他不与人们说话, 一心一意记念和赞颂安拉, 为的是能使他恢复他已枯竭了的体力而想出来的一种精神方面的措施。并不是像新约所说的那样, 他是为了不信安拉的话而剥夺他的发言能力, 以此作为对他的惩罚 («路加» 1:20-22)。
a
3:42.
2155
Important Words:
آیة (token). They say أیاآیة i.e. he put or set up a sign, token or mark by which a person or thing might be known. آیةmeans, a sign, token or mark by which a person or thing is known, a message or communication sent from one person to another; a person or individual; a whole company of people; a verse or a chapter of the Quran; a miracle, an evidence or a proof; an example or a warning; a Divine commandment (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat), See also 2:130.
سویا is derived from سوی (sawwa) which again is derived from سوی (sawiya) which means, it became straight and even and rightly set. سواہ (sawwa) means, he made it equal, uniform, even. سوی (sawiyyun) means, equal, symmetrical, smooth and even; straight; whole; in good condition. غلام سوی means, a young man uniform in make or symmetrical, without disease and without fault or defect (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Zachariah beseeches God to appoint for him a token or to give him a commandment (the word آیة also meaning 'a commandment' as given under "Important Words" above) by acting upon which he might give palpable expression to his feeling of extreme gratefulness for the most unusual favour God has bestowed upon him.
The commandment enjoining upon Zachariah to abstain from talking and to devote himself fully to the remembrance and glorification of God was a spiritual measure calculated to recuperate his exhausted physical powers. He had not become deprived of his power of speech, as the Gospels seem to suggest, as a punishment for his not believing in the words of God (Luke 1:20-22). See also 3:42.
In view of the meaning of the word سویا given under "Important Words" above, the verse, besides the meaning given in the text, also signifies that Zachariah was commanded by God not to speak to his people for three days and nights while he was without any defect or disease and was in perfect state of health. The very word used in this verse about Zachariah contradicts the Biblical statement of his having been struck dumb.
a
3:42.
1744
The commandment enjoining upon Zachariah to abstain from talking and to devote himself fully to the remembrance and glorification of God was a spiritual measure calculated to recuperate his exhausted physical powers. He had not become deprived of his power of speech, as the Gospels seem to suggest, as a punishment for his not believing in the words of God (Luke 1: 20-22).
فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلْمِحْرَابِ فَأَوْحَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِمْ أَن سَبِّحُوا۟ بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا
3:42; 33:43.
3:42; 33:43.
Auha ila fulanin means, he communicated to such a one or gave order or made a request by gesture or sign, or he talked to him in such a way that others could not hear him (Aqrab). In 3:42 the word Ramz, which means to communicate by means of movements of the lips and not by using one’s throat, has been used to express the same sense.
3:42; 33:43.
Important Words:
اوحی (asked in a low voice) is derived from وحی. They say وحی الی فلان or اوحی i.e. he communicated to him or gave order or made a request by gesture or sign; he talked to him in secret or he talked to him in such a way that others may not hear him; اوحی اللّٰه الیه means, God sent revelation to him. The real sense of وحی (wahy) which is inf. noun from وحی (waha) is to convey one’s intention or wish by means of quick signs which may be done by gesture, writing, etc. They say اوحی العمل i.e. he did the thing quickly. اوحی الدواء الموت means, medicine precipitated his death (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:112.
For محراب (chamber) see 3:38.
Commentary:
When Zachariah was commanded by God not to speak to his people for three consecutive nights, he made up his mind to devote himself fully and completely to the remembrance of God. During this time when he had to speak to anyone he spoke so low as to be heard only by those very near him. In 3:42 the word رمزا has been used to express the same sense, for رمز means to communicate by means of movements of the lips and not to use one’s throat. So the Quran repudiates the Biblical suggestion that Zachariah was struck dumb. What actually happened was that he told his people in very low tones that he had been commanded by God to remember and glorify Him and that they should also do the same and not disturb him.
d
3:42; 33:43.
a
3:42; 33:43.
2156
Important Words:
اوحی (asked in a low voice) is derived from وحی. They say وحی الی فلان or اوحی i.e. he communicated to him or gave order or made a request by gesture or sign; he talked to him in secret or he talked to him in such a way that others may not hear him; اوحی اللّٰه الیه means, God sent revelation to him. The real sense of وحی (wahy) which is inf. noun from وحی (waha) is to convey one’s intention or wish by means of quick signs which may be done by gesture, writing, etc. They say اوحی العمل i.e. he did the thing quickly. اوحی الدواء الموت means, medicine precipitated his death (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:112.
For محراب (chamber) see 3:38.
Commentary:
When Zachariah was commanded by God not to speak to his people for three consecutive nights, he made up his mind to devote himself fully and completely to the remembrance of God. During this time when he had to speak to anyone he spoke so low as to be heard only by those very near him. In 3:42 the word رمزا has been used to express the same sense, for رمز means to communicate by means of movements of the lips and not to use one’s throat. So the Quran repudiates the Biblical suggestion that Zachariah was struck dumb. What actually happened was that he told his people in very low tones that he had been commanded by God to remember and glorify Him and that they should also do the same and not disturb him.
b
3:42; 33:43.
1745
Auha ila fulanin means, he communicated to such a one or gave order or made a request by gesture or sign, or he talked to him in such a way that others could not hear him (Aqrab). In 3:42 the word Ramz, which means to communicate by means of movements of the lips and not by using one’s throat, has been used to express the same sense.
يَٰيَحْيَىٰ خُذِ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ٱلْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا
Commentary:
The words, hold fast the Book, show that till the time of Yahya the Torah had not been abrogated nor was it about to be abrogated in the very near future. By the word "Book" is here meant the Torah because neither Muslims nor Jews nor Christians believe that Yahya was given a Book containing a new Law. Jesus had received baptism from Yahya (John) and it is inconceivable that the two Prophets—John and Jesus—who lived at the same time, one (John) should have acted upon the Law of Torah and the other (Jesus) who was John’s disciple and had been baptised by him should have been given a new Book and a new Law. Indeed both John and Jesus followed the Law of Moses and none of them brought any new Book.
2157
Commentary:
The words, hold fast the Book, show that till the time of Yahya the Torah had not been abrogated nor was it about to be abrogated in the very near future. By the word "Book" is here meant the Torah because neither Muslims nor Jews nor Christians believe that Yahya was given a Book containing a new Law. Jesus had received baptism from Yahya (John) and it is inconceivable that the two Prophets—John and Jesus—who lived at the same time, one (John) should have acted upon the Law of Torah and the other (Jesus) who was John’s disciple and had been baptised by him should have been given a new Book and a new Law. Indeed both John and Jesus followed the Law of Moses and none of them brought any new Book.
وَحَنَانًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَزَكَوٰةً ۖ وَكَانَ تَقِيًّا
Important Words:
حناناً (tenderness of heart) is derived from حنwhich means, he was or became affected with a yearning or an intense emotion of grief or of joy. حن الیه قلبی means, my heart yearned towards him. حناناً means, mercy, compassion or pity; tenderness of heart. A Muslim would pray حنانک یارب i.e. I beg Thy mercy, o Lord (Aqrab & Lane).
زکاة (purity) is infinitive-noun from زکی which means, it increased or augmented; it throve by the blessing of God. زکی الغلام means, the boy grew and throve; he was or became good or righteous and pure from sin; he enjoyed or led a pleasant, plentiful or an easy life. The difference between زکاة (purity) and تقوی (piety) is that whereas the former word means internal purity, the latter generally signifies protection against external evils (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat).
2158
Important Words:
حناناً (tenderness of heart) is derived from حنwhich means, he was or became affected with a yearning or an intense emotion of grief or of joy. حن الیه قلبی means, my heart yearned towards him. حناناً means, mercy, compassion or pity; tenderness of heart. A Muslim would pray حنانک یارب i.e. I beg Thy mercy, o Lord (Aqrab & Lane).
زکاة (purity) is infinitive-noun from زکی which means, it increased or augmented; it throve by the blessing of God. زکی الغلام means, the boy grew and throve; he was or became good or righteous and pure from sin; he enjoyed or led a pleasant, plentiful or an easy life. The difference between زکاة (purity) and تقوی (piety) is that whereas the former word means internal purity, the latter generally signifies protection against external evils (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat).
وَبَرًّۢا بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ وَلَمْ يَكُن جَبَّارًا عَصِيًّا
6:152; 19:33; 29:9; 31:15; 46:16.
6:152; 19:33; 29:9; 31:15; 46:16.
6:152; 19:33; 29:9; 31:15; 46:16.
Important Words:
براً (dutiful) is derived from بر (barra). والدہ means, he treated or behaved towards his father with filial piety, duty or obedience. برخالقهmeans, he obeyed his Creator. برفی یمینه means, he was true in his oath. برعمله means, his work was good or well-performed. بر اللّٰه حجته means, God accepted his pilgrimage. بر (barrun) of which the plural is ابرار and بررة therefore means, pious, obedient, dutiful, kind, good or affectionate. البر (burr) and البار both signify abounding in بر (birr), البر having greater intensification than البار and is one of the attributes of God meaning, the Merciful; the Compassionate God (Aqrab & Lane).
a
6:152; 19:33; 29:9; 31:15; 46:16.
a
6:152; 19:33; 29:9; 31:15; 46:16.
2159
Important Words:
براً (dutiful) is derived from بر (barra). والدہ means, he treated or behaved towards his father with filial piety, duty or obedience. برخالقهmeans, he obeyed his Creator. برفی یمینه means, he was true in his oath. برعمله means, his work was good or well-performed. بر اللّٰه حجته means, God accepted his pilgrimage. بر (barrun) of which the plural is ابرار and بررة therefore means, pious, obedient, dutiful, kind, good or affectionate. البر (burr) and البار both signify abounding in بر (birr), البر having greater intensification than البار and is one of the attributes of God meaning, the Merciful; the Compassionate God (Aqrab & Lane).
c
6:152; 19:33; 29:9; 31:15; 46:16.
وَسَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْهِ يَوْمَ وُلِدَ وَيَوْمَ يَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ يُبْعَثُ حَيًّا
19:34.
伊斯兰教在开始的几个世纪中发展得很快。大批的人从各种其他宗教--------特别是从基督教--------加入到它的行列中来。这些人带来了有关伊撒的种种错误信念。由于他们过去没有充分吸收伊斯兰教义的真正精神, 他们的错误想法和信念随之而逐渐进入穆斯林的宗教文献, 其结果是这些想法和信念最后成为穆斯林所信仰的一部分。所有这些虚构的信念都给予伊撒一种超人的性格--------大大地高于人类水平的性格。«古兰经» 在本章中力图去掉的就是有关伊撒的这些愚蠢的信念。用亚合亚 (施洗者约翰) 与伊撒之间形成对比的方法, 这一章和 «伊姆兰的家属章» 意欲讲清, 伊撒并没有比安拉派遣的其他先知具有什么卓著之处。见《古兰经》的 «大版本的注释本» 1565页。
اسی سورۃ کی آیت۳۴ میں مسیح علیہ السلام کی نسبت آتا ہے کہ جب میں پیدا ہوا‘ تب بھی مجھ پر سلامتی تھی اور جب میں مروں گا تب بھی مجھ پر سلامتی ہوگی۔ مسیحی اس سے مسیحؑ کی فضیلت نکالتے ہیں اور یہ نہیں دیکھتے کہ حضرت یحیٰیؑؑ کے متعلق یہی بات خداتعالیٰ نے حضرت زکریاؑ سے کہی تھی۔ پس اگر یہ فضیلت ہے تو اس سے یحیٰیؑ کی فضیلت مسیحؑ پر ثابت ہوتی ہے۔
19:34.
During the first few centuries of its life Islam made very rapid progress. Large numbers of people from every religion—especially from Christianity—entered its fold. They brought with them their erroneous beliefs about Jesus. As they had not imbibed fully the true spirit of Islamic teachings, their false ideas and beliefs subsequently found their way into Muslim religious literature with the result that subsequently they came to form part of Muslim beliefs. All these beliefs had been invented to invest Jesus with an extraordinary personality—a personality much above human level. It is these foolish beliefs about Jesus that the Qur’an seeks to demolish in the present Surah. By instituting a comparison between Yahya and Jesus, this Surah and the Surah Al-e-‘Imran mean to suggest that there was nothing in Jesus which distinguished him from other Divine Messengers. See "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," pp. 1565.
19:34.
Commentary:
During the first few centuries of its life Islam made very rapid progress. Large numbers of people from every religion—especially from Christianity, entered its fold. They brought with them some very erroneous beliefs about Jesus Christ. As they had not imbibed fully the true spirit of Islamic teachings, their false ideas and beliefs subsequently found their way into Muslim religious literature with the result that they came to form part of the beliefs of Muslims. All these beliefs had been invented to invest Jesus with an extraordinary personality—a personality much above human level. It is these foolish beliefs about Jesus that the Quran seeks to demolish in the present Surah. By instituting a comparison between Yahya, who was a Prophet of an ordinary spiritual stature, and Jesus, it means to suggest that there was nothing in Jesus which distinguished him from other Divine Messengers. We give below some of the spiritual qualities and characteristics of both these Prophets as given in the Quran to establish the above fact.
About Jesus it is said that:
1. He was a Prophet of God (3:50).
2. He was of the righteous (3:47).
3. God taught him the Book and the wisdom (3:49).
4. He talked to people as a child i.e. in rather early age (3:47).
5. He was granted nearness to God (3:46).
6. He was kind and dutiful to his mother (19:33).
7. He was kind of heart and compassionate (5:119).
8. He was not haughty and unblessed (19:33).
9. He was blessed by God and was strengthened with the Spirit of Holiness (2:254; 19:32).
10. Divine peace enveloped him (19:34).
11. His name Messiah was given to him by God (3:46).
About Yahya it is said that:
1. He was a Prophet (3:40).
2. He was noble, chaste and a Prophet from among the righteous (3:40).
3. God gave him the Book and granted him wisdom (19:13).
4. God gave him wisdom while yet a child (19:13).
5. God was well pleased with him (19:7).
6. He was kind and dutiful to his parents (19:15).
7. He was kind-hearted, pure and pious (19:14).
8. He was not haughty and rebellious (19:15).
9. God was pleased with him and he was unequalled in some respects (19:7-8).
10. Divine peace enveloped him (19:16).
11. His name Yahya was given to him by God (19:8).
By instituting this comparison we should not be understood to mean that Jesus and John were of absolutely equal spiritual standing and there was nothing to distinguish one from the other. Jesus did indeed possess a higher spiritual status than John. What the Quran wants to make clear is the fact that there was nothing in Jesus which should raise him to the pedestal of Divinity. He was no doubt a great Prophet of God and was immune from sin but so were all other Divine Messengers, John being one of them. About him Jesus says: "For I say unto you, among those that are born of woman there is not a greater prophet than John, the Baptist" (Luke 7:28).
The verse should not be understood to signify that Prophet Yahya was not murdered but died a natural death, a view mistakenly held in certain quarters, because it runs counter to an established fact of history. The words "peace was on him" used in the verse seem to have given rise to this manifestly wrong view but they lend no support to it. The word "peace" has not been used in a physical but a spiritual sense. In fact the verse refers to three periods or states of man’s life. The first state begins with his birth and ends with his death. The second state which is called برزخ (Barzakh), literally meaning 'the period of earning merit or demerit is over', commences with death and continues till doom. The third state has been called "The Day of Resurrection" in the Quran. It is the day of the complete manifestation of God’s glory. It is these three states or periods of man’s existence to which the present verse refers and in all of which, it says, Yahya will enjoy spiritual peace.
b
19:34.
798
伊斯兰教在开始的几个世纪中发展得很快。大批的人从各种其他宗教--------特别是从基督教--------加入到它的行列中来。这些人带来了有关伊撒的种种错误信念。由于他们过去没有充分吸收伊斯兰教义的真正精神, 他们的错误想法和信念随之而逐渐进入穆斯林的宗教文献, 其结果是这些想法和信念最后成为穆斯林所信仰的一部分。所有这些虚构的信念都给予伊撒一种超人的性格--------大大地高于人类水平的性格。«古兰经» 在本章中力图去掉的就是有关伊撒的这些愚蠢的信念。用亚合亚 (施洗者约翰) 与伊撒之间形成对比的方法, 这一章和 «伊姆兰的家属章» 意欲讲清, 伊撒并没有比安拉派遣的其他先知具有什么卓著之处。见《古兰经》的 «大版本的注释本» 1565页。
1
اسی سورۃ کی آیت۳۴ میں مسیح علیہ السلام کی نسبت آتا ہے کہ جب میں پیدا ہوا‘ تب بھی مجھ پر سلامتی تھی اور جب میں مروں گا تب بھی مجھ پر سلامتی ہوگی۔ مسیحی اس سے مسیحؑ کی فضیلت نکالتے ہیں اور یہ نہیں دیکھتے کہ حضرت یحیٰیؑؑ کے متعلق یہی بات خداتعالیٰ نے حضرت زکریاؑ سے کہی تھی۔ پس اگر یہ فضیلت ہے تو اس سے یحیٰیؑ کی فضیلت مسیحؑ پر ثابت ہوتی ہے۔
a
19:34.
2160
Commentary:
During the first few centuries of its life Islam made very rapid progress. Large numbers of people from every religion—especially from Christianity, entered its fold. They brought with them some very erroneous beliefs about Jesus Christ. As they had not imbibed fully the true spirit of Islamic teachings, their false ideas and beliefs subsequently found their way into Muslim religious literature with the result that they came to form part of the beliefs of Muslims. All these beliefs had been invented to invest Jesus with an extraordinary personality—a personality much above human level. It is these foolish beliefs about Jesus that the Quran seeks to demolish in the present Surah. By instituting a comparison between Yahya, who was a Prophet of an ordinary spiritual stature, and Jesus, it means to suggest that there was nothing in Jesus which distinguished him from other Divine Messengers. We give below some of the spiritual qualities and characteristics of both these Prophets as given in the Quran to establish the above fact.
About Jesus it is said that:
1. He was a Prophet of God (3:50).
2. He was of the righteous (3:47).
3. God taught him the Book and the wisdom (3:49).
4. He talked to people as a child i.e. in rather early age (3:47).
5. He was granted nearness to God (3:46).
6. He was kind and dutiful to his mother (19:33).
7. He was kind of heart and compassionate (5:119).
8. He was not haughty and unblessed (19:33).
9. He was blessed by God and was strengthened with the Spirit of Holiness (2:254; 19:32).
10. Divine peace enveloped him (19:34).
11. His name Messiah was given to him by God (3:46).
About Yahya it is said that:
1. He was a Prophet (3:40).
2. He was noble, chaste and a Prophet from among the righteous (3:40).
3. God gave him the Book and granted him wisdom (19:13).
4. God gave him wisdom while yet a child (19:13).
5. God was well pleased with him (19:7).
6. He was kind and dutiful to his parents (19:15).
7. He was kind-hearted, pure and pious (19:14).
8. He was not haughty and rebellious (19:15).
9. God was pleased with him and he was unequalled in some respects (19:7-8).
10. Divine peace enveloped him (19:16).
11. His name Yahya was given to him by God (19:8).
By instituting this comparison we should not be understood to mean that Jesus and John were of absolutely equal spiritual standing and there was nothing to distinguish one from the other. Jesus did indeed possess a higher spiritual status than John. What the Quran wants to make clear is the fact that there was nothing in Jesus which should raise him to the pedestal of Divinity. He was no doubt a great Prophet of God and was immune from sin but so were all other Divine Messengers, John being one of them. About him Jesus says: "For I say unto you, among those that are born of woman there is not a greater prophet than John, the Baptist" (Luke 7:28).
The verse should not be understood to signify that Prophet Yahya was not murdered but died a natural death, a view mistakenly held in certain quarters, because it runs counter to an established fact of history. The words "peace was on him" used in the verse seem to have given rise to this manifestly wrong view but they lend no support to it. The word "peace" has not been used in a physical but a spiritual sense. In fact the verse refers to three periods or states of man’s life. The first state begins with his birth and ends with his death. The second state which is called برزخ (Barzakh), literally meaning 'the period of earning merit or demerit is over', commences with death and continues till doom. The third state has been called "The Day of Resurrection" in the Quran. It is the day of the complete manifestation of God’s glory. It is these three states or periods of man’s existence to which the present verse refers and in all of which, it says, Yahya will enjoy spiritual peace.
d
19:34.
1746
During the first few centuries of its life Islam made very rapid progress. Large numbers of people from every religion—especially from Christianity—entered its fold. They brought with them their erroneous beliefs about Jesus. As they had not imbibed fully the true spirit of Islamic teachings, their false ideas and beliefs subsequently found their way into Muslim religious literature with the result that subsequently they came to form part of Muslim beliefs. All these beliefs had been invented to invest Jesus with an extraordinary personality—a personality much above human level. It is these foolish beliefs about Jesus that the Qur’an seeks to demolish in the present Surah. By instituting a comparison between Yahya and Jesus, this Surah and the Surah Al-e-‘Imran mean to suggest that there was nothing in Jesus which distinguished him from other Divine Messengers. See "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," pp. 1565.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ ٱنتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِيًّا
作为以下几节所叙述的有关伊撒在没有父亲的媒介下诞生的一些详细情况的序言, 看来谈谈 «古兰经» 和 «新约全书» 中与玛尔彦有关的一些事情, 是恰当而必要的。«新约全书» 对玛尔彦怀孕之前的生活实际上没有什么叙述。«马太» 和 «路加» 所著的引几勒 (福音书), 对以上那个重要事件发生以前的情况谈得极为简短而离题;而 «马可» 和 «约翰» 对此完全不谈。据 «马太福音» 所载, 玛尔彦刚嫁给了约瑟, 就发现已有了身孕。约瑟想秘密解除婚约, 但被一个天使在梦中阻止了他采取这种极端的做法, “约瑟, 大卫的儿子, 不要害怕娶玛利亚 (玛尔彦) 为妻” («马太»1:19, 20)。然而 «古兰经» 对玛尔彦的家庭、她的诞生情况、她母亲的许愿、把她献身给教堂的事业以及她开始怀有伊撒等情况作了详细得多的叙述 (3:36, 37, 48) 而本章对玛尔彦身怀伊撒后她发生了什么情况以及伊撒出生后和受托安拉的使命后发生了什么情况作了更为详细的叙述。这样就对即将从以色列家族转移给伊司马仪家族的先知品位这一重要论题有关的以及本章 主要论题的玛尔彦提供了一切必要的细节。经文中特别谈到了 “东方”, 也许是为了指出犹太人保持东方神圣的这一由来已久的习惯。犹太人和基督教徒都特别敬重东方。他们建筑的教堂和礼拜堂都是面向东方的。
It seems relevant and necessary to mention, as a prelude to the somewhat detailed account of Jesus’s fatherless birth as given in the next several verses, some facts related about Mary in the Qur’an and the New Testament. The New Testament sheds practically no light on the life of Mary before she became pregnant. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give an extremely brief and discursive description of her circumstances before the above important event took place while Mark and John are completely silent over it. According to Matthew, Mary, on being married to Joseph, was found to be with child. Joseph intended secretly to put her away but was refrained from taking this extreme step by an angel saying to him in a dream, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife' (Matt. 1: 19, 20). The Qur’an, however, gives a much more detailed account of Mary’s family, the circumstances that attended her birth, the vow of her mother, of her being dedicated to the service of the Church and las
Important Words:
مریم (Mary) is probably a compound word consisting of مر and یم and possesses, in Hebrew, a variety of meanings. Some of these meanings are: 'bitter sea'; 'drop of the sea'; 'star of the sea'; 'bitterness'; 'mistress or lady'. The word also means 'exalted'. It may also mean 'pious worshipper'. From two alternative roots the word might also mean, 'the rebellious', or 'the corpulent'. It seems that among the Jews and the Arabs corpulence was considered as a mark of beauty and girls who were corpulent were considered beautiful and therefore named Maryam. Maryam also seems to be a popular name among the Jews in the time of Jesus. See also 3:37.
شرقیاً (to the east) means, (1) facing the east; (2) to the east. مکاناً شرقیاً means, a place to the east; a place facing the east; a place in which the sun shines; an open dwelling place (Lane).
الکتاب (the Book) may refer both to the Bible and the Quran.
Commentary:
It seems relevant and necessary to mention, as a prelude to the somewhat detailed account of Jesus’ fatherless birth as given in the next several verses, some facts related about Mary in the Quran and the Bible.
The New Testament sheds practically no light on the life of Mary before she became pregnant. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give an extremely brief and discursive description of her circumstances before the above important event took place while Mark and John are completely silent over it. According to Matthew, Mary, on being married to Joseph, was found to be with a child. Joseph intended secretly to put her away but was refrained from taking this extreme step by an angel saying to him in a dream: "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matt. 1:19, 20). According to Luke, Mary was a relation of Zachariah’s wife and used to go to their house. Apart from this unimportant additional fact Luke leaves us quite in the dark about Mary’s account prior to her marriage with Joseph. But the Quran gives us a much more detailed account of Mary’s family, the circumstances that attended her birth, the vow of her mother, her childhood being dedicated to the service of the Church and lastly of her having conceived Jesus (3:36-38).
The present Surah, however, gives a still more detailed account of Mary having conceived Jesus and of what happened to her and to Jesus after his birth and after he was commissioned with his divine mission. The Quran has provided us with all necessary details about Mary that have any bearing on the important subject of prophethood which was about to be transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael and which forms the principal thesis of the present Surah. If anything the Bible has given a very sorry picture of Jesus and his relations with his mother. Whereas the Quran depicts him to be kind, dutiful and very compassionate towards his mother, the Gospels show that he did not like his mother because she did not believe in him (Matt. 12:46-50). Mark 3:31-35 and Luke 8:19-21 show that besides Mary, Jesus’ other relations did not believe in him while the Gospel of John keeps discreetly silent over this painful subject. We also know that the Jews used to taunt Jesus by saying that if his mission was true why his own relations did not believe in him (Matt. 13:55-56). Some of his relations and friends went so far as to lay hold on him for they said that he was beside himself (Mark 3:21). This attitude of disbelief on the part of his relatives towards Jesus had made him so bitter that when he was being taken to Calvary to be put on the cross and his mother appeared on the scene, he addressed her saying 'Woman, behold thy son!' (John 19:26). And when on another occasion a woman being very much impressed by his discourse said: 'Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked' (Luke 11:27), he retorted: 'Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it' (Luke 11:28), which signified that he could not even bear his mother being praised.
Such is the picture which the Gospels have drawn of the unenviable relations between Jesus and his mother. But the description is not only self-contradictory, it also offends against human nature and intelligence. The Quran, however, presents both these blessed and holy persons in quite a different light. Regarding Jesus it says that he was kind and loving, obedient and dutiful to his mother and that he was not haughty and rude (19:33) while about Mary it states that she was a pious, chaste and truthful woman and was a great worshipper of God and that God purified her, accepted her and chose her above the women of the world (3:43, 44; 5:76; 66:13). How great is the difference between the unenviable picture of Mary drawn by the Gospels and the beautiful description given of her in the Quran. Whereas the Biblical description is highly derogatory and self-contradictory, the Quranic description is not only consistent with the dignity of a highly righteous woman but is also more akin to truth and facts of history.
As the verse shows Mary withdrew herself to a place to the east. Special mention has been made of "a place to the east" in the verse, in order, perhaps, to point to the time-honoured custom of the Jews that they attached special significance to مشرق (east) and considered it sacred. They believed that the birth of the first man took place in the east where God planted a garden (Gen. 2:8). The Babylonians by whose traditions the Jews became much impressed as they had lived under them as captives also looked upon the east as "the gate of light" (Ezekiel 11:1). Matthew 2:2 and Revelation 7:2 also shed some light on the importance of the east. Both the Jews and Christians hold the east in special respect. They build their places of worship facing the east. This is why special mention has been made in the present verse "of a place to the East" and Mary has been described as having gone to "a place which was facing the east."
For a somewhat detailed note on the early life of Mary see vv. 3:36, 37, 38.
799
作为以下几节所叙述的有关伊撒在没有父亲的媒介下诞生的一些详细情况的序言, 看来谈谈 «古兰经» 和 «新约全书» 中与玛尔彦有关的一些事情, 是恰当而必要的。«新约全书» 对玛尔彦怀孕之前的生活实际上没有什么叙述。«马太» 和 «路加» 所著的引几勒 (福音书), 对以上那个重要事件发生以前的情况谈得极为简短而离题;而 «马可» 和 «约翰» 对此完全不谈。据 «马太福音» 所载, 玛尔彦刚嫁给了约瑟, 就发现已有了身孕。约瑟想秘密解除婚约, 但被一个天使在梦中阻止了他采取这种极端的做法, “约瑟, 大卫的儿子, 不要害怕娶玛利亚 (玛尔彦) 为妻” («马太»1:19, 20)。然而 «古兰经» 对玛尔彦的家庭、她的诞生情况、她母亲的许愿、把她献身给教堂的事业以及她开始怀有伊撒等情况作了详细得多的叙述 (3:36, 37, 48) 而本章对玛尔彦身怀伊撒后她发生了什么情况以及伊撒出生后和受托安拉的使命后发生了什么情况作了更为详细的叙述。这样就对即将从以色列家族转移给伊司马仪家族的先知品位这一重要论题有关的以及本章 主要论题的玛尔彦提供了一切必要的细节。经文中特别谈到了 “东方”, 也许是为了指出犹太人保持东方神圣的这一由来已久的习惯。犹太人和基督教徒都特别敬重东方。他们建筑的教堂和礼拜堂都是面向东方的。
2161
Important Words:
مریم (Mary) is probably a compound word consisting of مر and یم and possesses, in Hebrew, a variety of meanings. Some of these meanings are: 'bitter sea'; 'drop of the sea'; 'star of the sea'; 'bitterness'; 'mistress or lady'. The word also means 'exalted'. It may also mean 'pious worshipper'. From two alternative roots the word might also mean, 'the rebellious', or 'the corpulent'. It seems that among the Jews and the Arabs corpulence was considered as a mark of beauty and girls who were corpulent were considered beautiful and therefore named Maryam. Maryam also seems to be a popular name among the Jews in the time of Jesus. See also 3:37.
شرقیاً (to the east) means, (1) facing the east; (2) to the east. مکاناً شرقیاً means, a place to the east; a place facing the east; a place in which the sun shines; an open dwelling place (Lane).
الکتاب (the Book) may refer both to the Bible and the Quran.
Commentary:
It seems relevant and necessary to mention, as a prelude to the somewhat detailed account of Jesus’ fatherless birth as given in the next several verses, some facts related about Mary in the Quran and the Bible.
The New Testament sheds practically no light on the life of Mary before she became pregnant. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give an extremely brief and discursive description of her circumstances before the above important event took place while Mark and John are completely silent over it. According to Matthew, Mary, on being married to Joseph, was found to be with a child. Joseph intended secretly to put her away but was refrained from taking this extreme step by an angel saying to him in a dream: "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matt. 1:19, 20). According to Luke, Mary was a relation of Zachariah’s wife and used to go to their house. Apart from this unimportant additional fact Luke leaves us quite in the dark about Mary’s account prior to her marriage with Joseph. But the Quran gives us a much more detailed account of Mary’s family, the circumstances that attended her birth, the vow of her mother, her childhood being dedicated to the service of the Church and lastly of her having conceived Jesus (3:36-38).
The present Surah, however, gives a still more detailed account of Mary having conceived Jesus and of what happened to her and to Jesus after his birth and after he was commissioned with his divine mission. The Quran has provided us with all necessary details about Mary that have any bearing on the important subject of prophethood which was about to be transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael and which forms the principal thesis of the present Surah. If anything the Bible has given a very sorry picture of Jesus and his relations with his mother. Whereas the Quran depicts him to be kind, dutiful and very compassionate towards his mother, the Gospels show that he did not like his mother because she did not believe in him (Matt. 12:46-50). Mark 3:31-35 and Luke 8:19-21 show that besides Mary, Jesus’ other relations did not believe in him while the Gospel of John keeps discreetly silent over this painful subject. We also know that the Jews used to taunt Jesus by saying that if his mission was true why his own relations did not believe in him (Matt. 13:55-56). Some of his relations and friends went so far as to lay hold on him for they said that he was beside himself (Mark 3:21). This attitude of disbelief on the part of his relatives towards Jesus had made him so bitter that when he was being taken to Calvary to be put on the cross and his mother appeared on the scene, he addressed her saying 'Woman, behold thy son!' (John 19:26). And when on another occasion a woman being very much impressed by his discourse said: 'Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked' (Luke 11:27), he retorted: 'Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it' (Luke 11:28), which signified that he could not even bear his mother being praised.
Such is the picture which the Gospels have drawn of the unenviable relations between Jesus and his mother. But the description is not only self-contradictory, it also offends against human nature and intelligence. The Quran, however, presents both these blessed and holy persons in quite a different light. Regarding Jesus it says that he was kind and loving, obedient and dutiful to his mother and that he was not haughty and rude (19:33) while about Mary it states that she was a pious, chaste and truthful woman and was a great worshipper of God and that God purified her, accepted her and chose her above the women of the world (3:43, 44; 5:76; 66:13). How great is the difference between the unenviable picture of Mary drawn by the Gospels and the beautiful description given of her in the Quran. Whereas the Biblical description is highly derogatory and self-contradictory, the Quranic description is not only consistent with the dignity of a highly righteous woman but is also more akin to truth and facts of history.
As the verse shows Mary withdrew herself to a place to the east. Special mention has been made of "a place to the east" in the verse, in order, perhaps, to point to the time-honoured custom of the Jews that they attached special significance to مشرق (east) and considered it sacred. They believed that the birth of the first man took place in the east where God planted a garden (Gen. 2:8). The Babylonians by whose traditions the Jews became much impressed as they had lived under them as captives also looked upon the east as "the gate of light" (Ezekiel 11:1). Matthew 2:2 and Revelation 7:2 also shed some light on the importance of the east. Both the Jews and Christians hold the east in special respect. They build their places of worship facing the east. This is why special mention has been made in the present verse "of a place to the East" and Mary has been described as having gone to "a place which was facing the east."
For a somewhat detailed note on the early life of Mary see vv. 3:36, 37, 38.
1747
It seems relevant and necessary to mention, as a prelude to the somewhat detailed account of Jesus’s fatherless birth as given in the next several verses, some facts related about Mary in the Qur’an and the New Testament. The New Testament sheds practically no light on the life of Mary before she became pregnant. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give an extremely brief and discursive description of her circumstances before the above important event took place while Mark and John are completely silent over it. According to Matthew, Mary, on being married to Joseph, was found to be with child. Joseph intended secretly to put her away but was refrained from taking this extreme step by an angel saying to him in a dream, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife' (Matt. 1: 19, 20). The Qur’an, however, gives a much more detailed account of Mary’s family, the circumstances that attended her birth, the vow of her mother, of her being dedicated to the service of the Church and las
فَٱتَّخَذَتْ مِن دُونِهِمْ حِجَابًا فَأَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَيْهَا رُوحَنَا فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا سَوِيًّا
3:43.
For the different meanings of Ruh see {712}.
The expression signifies that the Divine glad tidings about the birth of a great son was not conveyed to Mary in the form of spoken words which she could hear; it took the form of a dream or vision. In a vision an angel came to her in the form of a healthy man and conveyed to her the Divine Message about the birth of a son. So it was no spirit that had entered Mary’s body, but only an angel appeared to her in a vision in the form of a man.
3:43.
Important Words:
روحنا (Our angel). For the different meanings of the word روح see 2:88; 4:172 & 16:3.
Commentary:
The expression فتمثل لھا بشرا سویا signifies that the Divine glad tidings about the birth of a great son was conveyed to Mary not in the form of spoken words which she could hear or which flowed from her mouth. The revelation to her took the form of a dream or vision. She saw in a vision that an angel came to her in the form of a healthy man and conveyed to her the Divine Message about the birth of a son. In fact, it is the Word of God which at the time of revelation takes different forms and which when it came to Mary took the form of a man appearing in a dream. So it was no spirit that had entered Mary’s body. The vision was but a manifestation of God’s great power.
Christians try to derive a false satisfaction from the words روحنا alleging that according to the Quran, the Divine Spirit or God Himself had entered Mary’s body and that as a result thereof she became pregnant and therefore Jesus who was born as the result of that conception was the son of God. The Quran lends no support whatsoever to this blasphemous and preposterous dogma but condemns and denounces it in the strongest possible terms (5:73-74; 19:89-91). What the verse says is only this that an angel of God (روح means an angel) appeared to Mary in a vision in the form of a man and gave to her the glad tidings of the birth of a son.
Even the Gospels repudiate this fantastic dogma. According to them Mary had conceived only of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 1:18-20; Luke, l:35). Thus according to Christians’ own admission Jesus, at best, was the son of the Holy Ghost. But if they believe that he was the son of God then they shall also have to admit that the Holy Ghost is God. But they accept neither of these propositions. So whereas the Quran strongly condemns and denounces the Christian dogma of sonship of Jesus, the Gospels too do not support it. What the Quran says is simply this that an angel appeared before Mary in the form of a man and gave her from God the glad tidings of the birth of a great son.
a
3:43.
800
这一节经的文词句表示, 安拉把一个诞生伟大的儿子的喜讯不是以她能够听到的言语的方式传送给玛尔彦, 而是以梦或精神景象的方式来传送的。在梦中, 一个天使以一个健全人的外形显现在她面前, 而且把安拉的信息传送给她说, 生的将是个儿子。因此, 不是什么精灵进入玛尔彦的身体, 而是一个天使以一个人的形式在精神景象中出现在她面前。
a
3:43.
2162
Important Words:
روحنا (Our angel). For the different meanings of the word روح see 2:88; 4:172 & 16:3.
Commentary:
The expression فتمثل لھا بشرا سویا signifies that the Divine glad tidings about the birth of a great son was conveyed to Mary not in the form of spoken words which she could hear or which flowed from her mouth. The revelation to her took the form of a dream or vision. She saw in a vision that an angel came to her in the form of a healthy man and conveyed to her the Divine Message about the birth of a son. In fact, it is the Word of God which at the time of revelation takes different forms and which when it came to Mary took the form of a man appearing in a dream. So it was no spirit that had entered Mary’s body. The vision was but a manifestation of God’s great power.
Christians try to derive a false satisfaction from the words روحنا alleging that according to the Quran, the Divine Spirit or God Himself had entered Mary’s body and that as a result thereof she became pregnant and therefore Jesus who was born as the result of that conception was the son of God. The Quran lends no support whatsoever to this blasphemous and preposterous dogma but condemns and denounces it in the strongest possible terms (5:73-74; 19:89-91). What the verse says is only this that an angel of God (روح means an angel) appeared to Mary in a vision in the form of a man and gave to her the glad tidings of the birth of a son.
Even the Gospels repudiate this fantastic dogma. According to them Mary had conceived only of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 1:18-20; Luke, l:35). Thus according to Christians’ own admission Jesus, at best, was the son of the Holy Ghost. But if they believe that he was the son of God then they shall also have to admit that the Holy Ghost is God. But they accept neither of these propositions. So whereas the Quran strongly condemns and denounces the Christian dogma of sonship of Jesus, the Gospels too do not support it. What the Quran says is simply this that an angel appeared before Mary in the form of a man and gave her from God the glad tidings of the birth of a great son.
a
3:43.
1748
For the different meanings of Ruh see {712}.
1749
The expression signifies that the Divine glad tidings about the birth of a great son was not conveyed to Mary in the form of spoken words which she could hear; it took the form of a dream or vision. In a vision an angel came to her in the form of a healthy man and conveyed to her the Divine Message about the birth of a son. So it was no spirit that had entered Mary’s body, but only an angel appeared to her in a vision in the form of a man.
قَالَتْ إِنِّىٓ أَعُوذُ بِٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ مِنكَ إِن كُنتَ تَقِيًّا
As is apparent from the previous verse it was a mere vision which Mary had seen; and it generally happens that when a person sees a thing in a vision which he does not like in his waking state, he does not like it either when he sees it in a vision. When Mary saw the angel standing before her in the form of a man she, being a virtuous young woman, was naturally frightened and perplexed as she would have been frightened and perplexed if she had seen him near her in her state of wakefulness, and it is, therefore, quite natural that she sought Divine protection from him.
Commentary:
It is worthy of note here that the Divine attribute الرحمن (Gracious), has been repeatedly used in this Surah. This Surah deals with all the basic dogmas of Christianity and it is this attribute of God which cuts at the root of these false doctrines and demolishes them. If God is Gracious, then He can forgive the sins of His servants and if He can forgive their sins, then there is no need for anybody to give his blood in order to save mankind. As is apparent from the previous verse it was a mere vision that Mary had seen, and it generally happens that when a person sees a thing in a vision which he does not like in his waking state, he does not like it when he sees it in a vision. When Mary saw the angel standing before her in the form of a man she, being a virtuous young woman, was naturally frightened and perplexed as she would have been frightened and perplexed if she had seen him in her state of wakefulness and it is therefore quite natural that she sought Divine protection from him.
2163
Commentary:
It is worthy of note here that the Divine attribute الرحمن (Gracious), has been repeatedly used in this Surah. This Surah deals with all the basic dogmas of Christianity and it is this attribute of God which cuts at the root of these false doctrines and demolishes them. If God is Gracious, then He can forgive the sins of His servants and if He can forgive their sins, then there is no need for anybody to give his blood in order to save mankind. As is apparent from the previous verse it was a mere vision that Mary had seen, and it generally happens that when a person sees a thing in a vision which he does not like in his waking state, he does not like it when he sees it in a vision. When Mary saw the angel standing before her in the form of a man she, being a virtuous young woman, was naturally frightened and perplexed as she would have been frightened and perplexed if she had seen him in her state of wakefulness and it is therefore quite natural that she sought Divine protection from him.
1750
As is apparent from the previous verse it was a mere vision which Mary had seen; and it generally happens that when a person sees a thing in a vision which he does not like in his waking state, he does not like it either when he sees it in a vision. When Mary saw the angel standing before her in the form of a man she, being a virtuous young woman, was naturally frightened and perplexed as she would have been frightened and perplexed if she had seen him near her in her state of wakefulness, and it is, therefore, quite natural that she sought Divine protection from him.
قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ رَسُولُ رَبِّكِ لِأَهَبَ لَكِ غُلَٰمًا زَكِيًّا
3:46.
یعنی اس کی بشارت دوں۔
3:46.
The word 'messenger' shows that the angel was only the bearer of a Divine message and that he had not come to give Mary a son but only the glad tidings about the birth of a son. Who does not know that it is God Who can bestow a son and not an angel? An angel’s mission is confined only to conveying the wish and decree of God.
3:46.
Commentary:
The word 'Messenger' shows that the angel was only the bearer of a Divine Message and the message or glad tidings which he brought was about the birth of a great son to Mary. So he had come not to give Mary a son but only the glad tidings about the birth of a son.
The expression لاھب لک only signifies that the angel had appeared to Mary to give her the certain and sure tidings about the birth of a son. The glad tidings was so certain of being fulfilled that it seemed as if the son had already been given to her. This is what the angel had conveyed to Mary because who does not know that it is God Who bestows a son and not an angel. An angel’s mission is confined only to conveying the wish and decree of God.
b
3:46.
2
یعنی اس کی بشارت دوں۔
a
3:46.
2164
Commentary:
The word 'Messenger' shows that the angel was only the bearer of a Divine Message and the message or glad tidings which he brought was about the birth of a great son to Mary. So he had come not to give Mary a son but only the glad tidings about the birth of a son.
The expression لاھب لک only signifies that the angel had appeared to Mary to give her the certain and sure tidings about the birth of a son. The glad tidings was so certain of being fulfilled that it seemed as if the son had already been given to her. This is what the angel had conveyed to Mary because who does not know that it is God Who bestows a son and not an angel. An angel’s mission is confined only to conveying the wish and decree of God.
b
3:46.
1751
The word 'messenger' shows that the angel was only the bearer of a Divine message and that he had not come to give Mary a son but only the glad tidings about the birth of a son. Who does not know that it is God Who can bestow a son and not an angel? An angel’s mission is confined only to conveying the wish and decree of God.
قَالَتْ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى غُلَٰمٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِى بَشَرٌ وَلَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّا
3:48; 19:9.
3:48; 19:9.
The incident referred to in this and the preceding verses took place in a vision, and in a vision or dream a person experiences different kinds of sensations on different occasions. Sometimes his feelings and talk in the dream are subject to and under the effect of the dream while at another time they are not and he feels and talks as he would feel and talk if he were awake. For example, if in a dream a person is glad over the death of his son, his feelings will be regarded as under the effect of the dream because in his state of wakefulness no normal person would be glad over the death of his son. So if the words spoken by Mary when she saw the angel in her vision were under the effect of the vision, then they would signify that when the glad tidings was given to her she had a pleasant surprise whether God would work such a miracle as to give her—a virgin—a son. But if the words be regarded as a natural expression on her part when the tidings of the birth of a son was given to her, then they would sig
3:48; 19:9.
Commentary:
The incident referred to in this and the preceding verses took place in a vision, and in a vision or dream a person experiences different kinds of sensations at different occasions. Sometimes his feelings and talk in the dream are subject to and under the effect of the dream that he sees while at another time they are not, and he feels and talks as he would feel and talk if he were awake. For example, if in a dream a person is glad over the death of his son, his feelings will be regarded as under the effect of the dream because in his state of wakefulness no sane person would be glad over the death of his son. So if the words spoken by Mary when she saw the angel in her vision were under the effect of the vision, then they would signify that when the glad tidings were given to her about the birth of a son she had a pleasant surprise whether God would work such a miracle as to give her—a virgin—a son. But if the words be regarded as a natural expression on her part when the tidings of the birth of a son were given to her then they would signify that she was completely perplexed and horror-struck at the thought that a son should be born to her—a virgin. In the former case hers would be a very pleasant surprise at the great favour that God was going to do her and in the latter case it would be an expression of bewilderment indicating the horrified state of her mind.
The words 'no man has touched me' show that Mary thought that the glad tidings about the birth of a son to her meant that the child would be born to her without contracting a regular marriage, otherwise there was no sense in her denying having known any man. The words, 'neither have I been unchaste' show that whereas in the previous clause she had denied having known any man lawfully i.e. in a married state, these words refer to her denial of having known any person unlawfully i.e. outside legal wedlock. In her reply to the angel she seemed to be thinking of the circumstances of her life in the Temple and of her vow of celibacy which obviated the possibility of her having any offspring. If she thought that the promise made in the preceding verse referred to the birth of a son as a result of her conjugal relations in some future time, as some commentators of the Quran think, then there was no occasion for her to express any surprise.
c
3:48; 19:9.
b
3:48; 19:9.
2165
Commentary:
The incident referred to in this and the preceding verses took place in a vision, and in a vision or dream a person experiences different kinds of sensations at different occasions. Sometimes his feelings and talk in the dream are subject to and under the effect of the dream that he sees while at another time they are not, and he feels and talks as he would feel and talk if he were awake. For example, if in a dream a person is glad over the death of his son, his feelings will be regarded as under the effect of the dream because in his state of wakefulness no sane person would be glad over the death of his son. So if the words spoken by Mary when she saw the angel in her vision were under the effect of the vision, then they would signify that when the glad tidings were given to her about the birth of a son she had a pleasant surprise whether God would work such a miracle as to give her—a virgin—a son. But if the words be regarded as a natural expression on her part when the tidings of the birth of a son were given to her then they would signify that she was completely perplexed and horror-struck at the thought that a son should be born to her—a virgin. In the former case hers would be a very pleasant surprise at the great favour that God was going to do her and in the latter case it would be an expression of bewilderment indicating the horrified state of her mind.
The words 'no man has touched me' show that Mary thought that the glad tidings about the birth of a son to her meant that the child would be born to her without contracting a regular marriage, otherwise there was no sense in her denying having known any man. The words, 'neither have I been unchaste' show that whereas in the previous clause she had denied having known any man lawfully i.e. in a married state, these words refer to her denial of having known any person unlawfully i.e. outside legal wedlock. In her reply to the angel she seemed to be thinking of the circumstances of her life in the Temple and of her vow of celibacy which obviated the possibility of her having any offspring. If she thought that the promise made in the preceding verse referred to the birth of a son as a result of her conjugal relations in some future time, as some commentators of the Quran think, then there was no occasion for her to express any surprise.
c
3:48; 19:9.
1752
The incident referred to in this and the preceding verses took place in a vision, and in a vision or dream a person experiences different kinds of sensations on different occasions. Sometimes his feelings and talk in the dream are subject to and under the effect of the dream while at another time they are not and he feels and talks as he would feel and talk if he were awake. For example, if in a dream a person is glad over the death of his son, his feelings will be regarded as under the effect of the dream because in his state of wakefulness no normal person would be glad over the death of his son. So if the words spoken by Mary when she saw the angel in her vision were under the effect of the vision, then they would signify that when the glad tidings was given to her she had a pleasant surprise whether God would work such a miracle as to give her—a virgin—a son. But if the words be regarded as a natural expression on her part when the tidings of the birth of a son was given to her, then they would sig
قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ قَالَ رَبُّكِ هُوَ عَلَىَّ هَيِّنٌ ۖ وَلِنَجْعَلَهُۥٓ ءَايَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَةً مِّنَّا ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرًا مَّقْضِيًّا
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
یورپ کے متعدد ڈاکٹروں نے اب اس بات کا اعلان کیا ہے کہ کنواری کے بطن سے لڑکا پیدا ہونا ممکن ہی نہیں بلکہ اس کی کئی مثالیں یقینی طور پر طب سے ثابت ہو چکی ہیں۔ (تفصیل کے لئے دیکھئے تفسیر کبیر جلد پنجم صفحہ ۱۷۱ تا ۱۷۵ تفسیر سورۂ مریم)
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
The expression, that We may make him a Sign unto men, implies the fatherless birth of Jesus which was indeed a great Sign for the Israelites. It pointed to the impending transition of Prophethood from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael and constituted a warning to the Israelites that they had become spiritually so corrupt and morally so degenerate that no male among them was fit enough to become the father of a Prophet of God. It is in this sense that Jesus has also been spoken of as 'a Sign of the Hour' in the Qur’an (43:62), i.e. a Sign of the time when Prophethood was to have passed from the Israelites to the Ishmaelites.
The expression, and it is a thing decreed, means that God had decreed that a fatherless son would be born to Mary and that this Divine decree was irrevocable. The Qur’an has used two words Qadar and Qada’ to express the sense of Divine decree. The former word means designing or determining, while the latter means decreeing. When a scheme or plan is only designed to be put into execution, it is called Qadar, and when it is decreed by God that it should be carried into effect, it is named Qada’. The fatherless birth of Jesus was a Qada’ (decree) of God.
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
Important Words:
مقضیا (decreed) is derived from قضی. They say قضی امراً i.e. he decreed or ordained or commanded the thing (Lane). See also 15:67.
Commentary:
The words, It is easy for Me, signify that a most unusual and apparently impossible thing such as to cause a child to be born without the instrumentality of a father is quite easy for God to bring about. The expression, that We may make him a Sign unto men, implies the fatherless birth of Jesus. That birth was indeed a great Sign for the Israelites. It pointed to the impending transition of prophethood from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael. It also constituted a warning to the Israelites in the sense that they had become spiritually so corrupt and morally so degenerate that no male among them was fit enough to become the father of a Prophet of God. So God decreed to bring about Jesus’ birth independently of a father. Jesus had an Israelite mother only and had no father. As the final step in the process of transition, however, the Great and Noble Messenger who was to follow him was to have neither an Israelite father nor an Israelite mother. He was to appear from another people, from among the Ishmaelites, the brethren of the Israelites, in accordance with the Divine promise made to Moses (Deut. 18:18). It is in this sense that Jesus has been spoken of as 'a Sign of the Hour' in the Quran (43:62), i.e. a Sign of the time when prophethood was to have passed from the Israelites to the Ishmaelites. See also Introduction to this Surah.
Jesus has also been spoken of 'as a mercy from Us.' He was a mercy from God in the sense that he taught meekness and humility to the Jews who had become hard-hearted and conceited to the core. He was also a mercy in the sense that he came as a forerunner of the Holy Prophet who himself 'was sent as a mercy for all the worlds' (21:108). Again Jesus was a divine mercy inasmuch as he paved the way for the revelation of the Quran which has also been referred to as 'a mercy from the Lord' (29:52; 43:33). But this use of the words, 'That We may make him a Sign unto men and a mercy from Us' should not be understood to entitle Jesus to any special spiritual status. Other persons and prophets of God have also been styled 'as a mercy and a Sign from God' in the Quran (2:260; 7:74; 10:93; 21:108).
The expression, and it is a thing decreed, means that God had decreed that a fatherless son would be born to Mary and that this Divine decree was irrevocable. The Quran has used two words قدر and قضا to express the sense of Divine decree. They are sometimes erroneously taken one for the other. But while قدر means designing or determining, قضی means decreeing. When a scheme or plan is only designed to be put into execution, it is called قدر but when it is decreed by God that it should be carried into actual effect, it is named قضاء. The fatherless birth of Jesus was a قضاء (Divine decree) of God and not a قدر.
d
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
3
یورپ کے متعدد ڈاکٹروں نے اب اس بات کا اعلان کیا ہے کہ کنواری کے بطن سے لڑکا پیدا ہونا ممکن ہی نہیں بلکہ اس کی کئی مثالیں یقینی طور پر طب سے ثابت ہو چکی ہیں۔ (تفصیل کے لئے دیکھئے تفسیر کبیر جلد پنجم صفحہ ۱۷۱ تا ۱۷۵ تفسیر سورۂ مریم)
a
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
2166
Important Words:
مقضیا (decreed) is derived from قضی. They say قضی امراً i.e. he decreed or ordained or commanded the thing (Lane). See also 15:67.
Commentary:
The words, It is easy for Me, signify that a most unusual and apparently impossible thing such as to cause a child to be born without the instrumentality of a father is quite easy for God to bring about. The expression, that We may make him a Sign unto men, implies the fatherless birth of Jesus. That birth was indeed a great Sign for the Israelites. It pointed to the impending transition of prophethood from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael. It also constituted a warning to the Israelites in the sense that they had become spiritually so corrupt and morally so degenerate that no male among them was fit enough to become the father of a Prophet of God. So God decreed to bring about Jesus’ birth independently of a father. Jesus had an Israelite mother only and had no father. As the final step in the process of transition, however, the Great and Noble Messenger who was to follow him was to have neither an Israelite father nor an Israelite mother. He was to appear from another people, from among the Ishmaelites, the brethren of the Israelites, in accordance with the Divine promise made to Moses (Deut. 18:18). It is in this sense that Jesus has been spoken of as 'a Sign of the Hour' in the Quran (43:62), i.e. a Sign of the time when prophethood was to have passed from the Israelites to the Ishmaelites. See also Introduction to this Surah.
Jesus has also been spoken of 'as a mercy from Us.' He was a mercy from God in the sense that he taught meekness and humility to the Jews who had become hard-hearted and conceited to the core. He was also a mercy in the sense that he came as a forerunner of the Holy Prophet who himself 'was sent as a mercy for all the worlds' (21:108). Again Jesus was a divine mercy inasmuch as he paved the way for the revelation of the Quran which has also been referred to as 'a mercy from the Lord' (29:52; 43:33). But this use of the words, 'That We may make him a Sign unto men and a mercy from Us' should not be understood to entitle Jesus to any special spiritual status. Other persons and prophets of God have also been styled 'as a mercy and a Sign from God' in the Quran (2:260; 7:74; 10:93; 21:108).
The expression, and it is a thing decreed, means that God had decreed that a fatherless son would be born to Mary and that this Divine decree was irrevocable. The Quran has used two words قدر and قضا to express the sense of Divine decree. They are sometimes erroneously taken one for the other. But while قدر means designing or determining, قضی means decreeing. When a scheme or plan is only designed to be put into execution, it is called قدر but when it is decreed by God that it should be carried into actual effect, it is named قضاء. The fatherless birth of Jesus was a قضاء (Divine decree) of God and not a قدر.
a
3:41, 48; 19:22; 51:31.
1753
The expression, that We may make him a Sign unto men, implies the fatherless birth of Jesus which was indeed a great Sign for the Israelites. It pointed to the impending transition of Prophethood from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael and constituted a warning to the Israelites that they had become spiritually so corrupt and morally so degenerate that no male among them was fit enough to become the father of a Prophet of God. It is in this sense that Jesus has also been spoken of as 'a Sign of the Hour' in the Qur’an (43:62), i.e. a Sign of the time when Prophethood was to have passed from the Israelites to the Ishmaelites.
1754
The expression, and it is a thing decreed, means that God had decreed that a fatherless son would be born to Mary and that this Divine decree was irrevocable. The Qur’an has used two words Qadar and Qada’ to express the sense of Divine decree. The former word means designing or determining, while the latter means decreeing. When a scheme or plan is only designed to be put into execution, it is called Qadar, and when it is decreed by God that it should be carried into effect, it is named Qada’. The fatherless birth of Jesus was a Qada’ (decree) of God.
۞ فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَٱنتَبَذَتْ بِهِۦ مَكَانًا قَصِيًّا
How Mary came to conceive Jesus without the agency of a husband is one of those Divine secrets which at present may be considered beyond human intellect to fathom. It may be regarded as above the ordinary natural law as we now know it. But the knowledge of man, at best, is limited. He has not been able to comprehend all Divine secrets. There are mysteries in nature which man has not been able to solve as yet; perhaps he may never be able to solve them. Among them may be included the fatherless birth of Jesus. God’s ways are inscrutable and His powers limitless. He Who could create the whole universe by the word, Kun (be), surely can bring about such changes in matter as should make this apparently insoluble mystery yield to a solution. Moreover, medical science has not altogether ruled out the possibility, from a purely biological standpoint, under certain conditions of natural parthenogenesis or the production of a child by a female without any relation to a male. Medical men call attentio
'A remote place,' refers to Bethlehem which is about seventy miles from Nazareth to the south. There Joseph took Mary sometime before Jesus’s birth which took place in that town.
Important Words:
انتبذت (she withdrew) is derived fromنبذ. They say نبذہ i.e. he cast, threw or flung it away. انتبذ means, he withdrew or retired aside or apart from others; separated himself from others. انتبذ عن القوم means, he withdrew or retired from his people. انتبذ مکاناً قصیا means, he retired to a place from his family; he retired to a distant place from his people (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
How Mary came to conceive Jesus without the agency of a husband is one of those divine secrets which at present may be considered beyond human intellect to fathom. It may be regarded as above the ordinary natural law as we now know it. But the knowledge of man, at best, is limited. He has not been able to comprehend all divine secrets. There are mysteries in nature which man has not been able to solve as yet; perhaps he may never be able to solve them. Among them may be included the fatherless birth of Jesus. God’s ways are inscrutable and His powers limitless. He Who could create the whole universe by uttering the word, کن (be), surely can bring about such changes in matter as should make this apparently insoluble mystery yield to a solution.
Medical science, however, has not altogether ruled out the possibility, from a purely biological standpoint, under certain conditions, of natural parthenogenesis or the production of a child by a female without any relation to a male. Medical practitioners call attention to this possibility as a result of a certain type of tumour, which is occasionally found in the female pelvis or lower body. Such tumours which are known as arrhenoblastoma are capable of generating male sperm cells. If living male sperm-cells are produced in a female body by arrhenoblastoma the possibility of self-fertilization of a woman, even though virgin, cannot be denied. That is to say, her own body would produce the same result as though sperm-cells from a man’s body had been transferred to hers in the usual way, or by a physician’s aid. Recently a group of gynaecologists in Europe have published data to prove instances of childbirth where the mother had had no contact with a male (Lancet). For a detailed note on parthenogenesis see 3:48.
Jesus’ birth is perhaps not altogether unique in this respect that he was born without the agency of a human father. Cases are on record of children having been born without fathers for which see Enc. Brit. under "Virgin Birth" and "Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine" published by W. B. Saunders & Co., London.
If we dismiss all these possibilities, then Jesus’ birth will have to be regarded, God forbid, as illegitimate. Christians and Jews are both agreed that the birth of Jesus was something out of the ordinary—the Christians holding it as supernatural and the Jews as illegitimate (Jew. Enc.). Even in the family birth register, the birth of Jesus was recorded as such (Talmud). This fact alone should constitute a valid proof of Jesus’ birth being out of the ordinary. Joseph, Mary’s husband, according to the Gospels, had not established conjugal relations with her till after the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:25). So the words, 'she conceived him', refer to this extraordinary conception of Mary without the agency of any man.
The words, 'a remote place', refer to Bethlehem which is about seventy miles south of Nazareth. There Joseph took Mary sometime before Jesus’ birth which took place in that town.
2167
Important Words:
انتبذت (she withdrew) is derived fromنبذ. They say نبذہ i.e. he cast, threw or flung it away. انتبذ means, he withdrew or retired aside or apart from others; separated himself from others. انتبذ عن القوم means, he withdrew or retired from his people. انتبذ مکاناً قصیا means, he retired to a place from his family; he retired to a distant place from his people (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
How Mary came to conceive Jesus without the agency of a husband is one of those divine secrets which at present may be considered beyond human intellect to fathom. It may be regarded as above the ordinary natural law as we now know it. But the knowledge of man, at best, is limited. He has not been able to comprehend all divine secrets. There are mysteries in nature which man has not been able to solve as yet; perhaps he may never be able to solve them. Among them may be included the fatherless birth of Jesus. God’s ways are inscrutable and His powers limitless. He Who could create the whole universe by uttering the word, کن (be), surely can bring about such changes in matter as should make this apparently insoluble mystery yield to a solution.
Medical science, however, has not altogether ruled out the possibility, from a purely biological standpoint, under certain conditions, of natural parthenogenesis or the production of a child by a female without any relation to a male. Medical practitioners call attention to this possibility as a result of a certain type of tumour, which is occasionally found in the female pelvis or lower body. Such tumours which are known as arrhenoblastoma are capable of generating male sperm cells. If living male sperm-cells are produced in a female body by arrhenoblastoma the possibility of self-fertilization of a woman, even though virgin, cannot be denied. That is to say, her own body would produce the same result as though sperm-cells from a man’s body had been transferred to hers in the usual way, or by a physician’s aid. Recently a group of gynaecologists in Europe have published data to prove instances of childbirth where the mother had had no contact with a male (Lancet). For a detailed note on parthenogenesis see 3:48.
Jesus’ birth is perhaps not altogether unique in this respect that he was born without the agency of a human father. Cases are on record of children having been born without fathers for which see Enc. Brit. under "Virgin Birth" and "Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine" published by W. B. Saunders & Co., London.
If we dismiss all these possibilities, then Jesus’ birth will have to be regarded, God forbid, as illegitimate. Christians and Jews are both agreed that the birth of Jesus was something out of the ordinary—the Christians holding it as supernatural and the Jews as illegitimate (Jew. Enc.). Even in the family birth register, the birth of Jesus was recorded as such (Talmud). This fact alone should constitute a valid proof of Jesus’ birth being out of the ordinary. Joseph, Mary’s husband, according to the Gospels, had not established conjugal relations with her till after the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:25). So the words, 'she conceived him', refer to this extraordinary conception of Mary without the agency of any man.
The words, 'a remote place', refer to Bethlehem which is about seventy miles south of Nazareth. There Joseph took Mary sometime before Jesus’ birth which took place in that town.
1755
How Mary came to conceive Jesus without the agency of a husband is one of those Divine secrets which at present may be considered beyond human intellect to fathom. It may be regarded as above the ordinary natural law as we now know it. But the knowledge of man, at best, is limited. He has not been able to comprehend all Divine secrets. There are mysteries in nature which man has not been able to solve as yet; perhaps he may never be able to solve them. Among them may be included the fatherless birth of Jesus. God’s ways are inscrutable and His powers limitless. He Who could create the whole universe by the word, Kun (be), surely can bring about such changes in matter as should make this apparently insoluble mystery yield to a solution. Moreover, medical science has not altogether ruled out the possibility, from a purely biological standpoint, under certain conditions of natural parthenogenesis or the production of a child by a female without any relation to a male. Medical men call attentio
1756
'A remote place,' refers to Bethlehem which is about seventy miles from Nazareth to the south. There Joseph took Mary sometime before Jesus’s birth which took place in that town.
فَأَجَآءَهَا ٱلْمَخَاضُ إِلَىٰ جِذْعِ ٱلنَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَٰلَيْتَنِى مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَٰذَا وَكُنتُ نَسْيًا مَّنسِيًّا
As it appears from the Gospels, there was no room in the inn in which Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary must have stayed in the open field and Mary might have betaken herself to the trunk of a palm tree in order to take rest under its shade and possibly also to find some support in her throes of childbirth.
Important Words:
مخاض (pains of childbirth) is derived from مخض. They say مخض اللبن i.e. he churned the milk and took the butter out of it. مخض الشیء means, he violently agitated the thing.مخضت المرأة means, the woman suffered the pains of childbirth. مخاض means, the pains of childbirth (Lane & Aqrab).
منسیاً(a thing forgotten) is derived from نسی (nasiya). نسیا لشیء means, he forgot the thing. نسیاًmeans, anything forgotten or worthy of being forgotten or anything that must be forgotten. It also means, one who is counted for nothing, who is despised; a thing which the members of a caravan leave behind as worthless or of little use or importance. منسیاً also means, a thing that is forgotten or neglected. The use of these two words together in this verse denoting the same sense is intended to intensify the sense of forgetting or neglect (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
As it appears from the Gospels there was no room in the inn in which Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary must have stayed in the open field and Mary might have betaken herself to the trunk of a palm-tree in order to take rest under its shade and possibly also to find some support in her throes of childbirth.
The words, 'had become a thing quite forgotten' indicate the extreme severity of the pains of childbirth. In the case of first delivery the throes of childbirth ordinarily are extremely severe and in the intensity of pain women generally give utterance to some such words as those spoken by Mary.
2168
Important Words:
مخاض (pains of childbirth) is derived from مخض. They say مخض اللبن i.e. he churned the milk and took the butter out of it. مخض الشیء means, he violently agitated the thing.مخضت المرأة means, the woman suffered the pains of childbirth. مخاض means, the pains of childbirth (Lane & Aqrab).
منسیاً(a thing forgotten) is derived from نسی (nasiya). نسیا لشیء means, he forgot the thing. نسیاًmeans, anything forgotten or worthy of being forgotten or anything that must be forgotten. It also means, one who is counted for nothing, who is despised; a thing which the members of a caravan leave behind as worthless or of little use or importance. منسیاً also means, a thing that is forgotten or neglected. The use of these two words together in this verse denoting the same sense is intended to intensify the sense of forgetting or neglect (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
As it appears from the Gospels there was no room in the inn in which Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary must have stayed in the open field and Mary might have betaken herself to the trunk of a palm-tree in order to take rest under its shade and possibly also to find some support in her throes of childbirth.
The words, 'had become a thing quite forgotten' indicate the extreme severity of the pains of childbirth. In the case of first delivery the throes of childbirth ordinarily are extremely severe and in the intensity of pain women generally give utterance to some such words as those spoken by Mary.
1757
As it appears from the Gospels, there was no room in the inn in which Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary must have stayed in the open field and Mary might have betaken herself to the trunk of a palm tree in order to take rest under its shade and possibly also to find some support in her throes of childbirth.
فَنَادَىٰهَا مِن تَحْتِهَآ أَلَّا تَحْزَنِى قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا
بائبل اور فلسطین کے جغرافیہ سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ مریم کے ہاں جب بچہ ہوا انہیں ان کے ہونے والے شوہر بیت اللحم لے گئے تھے جو اس وقت ایک پہاڑی پر واقع تھا جس کے نچلی طرف ایک چشمہ تھا۔ اسی طرف سے مریم کو آواز آئی جو ایک فرشتہ نے دی۔
The word taht also meaning the slope and declivity of a mountain (Lane), the verse signifies that the voice came to Mary from the side of the slope of the mountain. As a matter of fact Bethlehem is situated on a rock 2350 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by very fertile valleys. There are fountains in this rock, one of which is known as the "Fountain of Solomon." Another fountain is situated at a distance of about 800 yards to the south-east of the town. From these fountains water is supplied to the town of Bethlehem.
Important Words:
تحتھا (beneath her). تحت means, beneath, below or under; the lower part. The word also signifies the low, base, vile or ignoble or depressed persons. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, لا تقوم الساعة حتی تظھر التحوت و تھلک الوعول i.e. the hour of resurrection will not come until the low or depressed people prevail and the rich and high-placed persons perish; or as some say, until the treasures that are beneath the earth appear (Lane &Taj).
The word تحت meaning beneath, below and also the slope and declivity of a mountain (Lane), the verse signifies that the voice came to Mary from the side of the slope of the mountain where the fountain was and not from beneath her own body as is popularly believed. As a matter of fact Bethlehem is situated on a rock 2350 ft. above sea-level and is surrounded by very fertile valleys. There are fountains in this rock, one of which is known as the 'fountain of Solomon'. Another fountain is situated at a distance of about 800 yards to the southeast of the town. From these fountains water is supplied to the town of Bethlehem. The words of the verse only mean that the angel called to Mary from the side of the fountain which was situated in the slope (تحت) of the mountain.
Mary stood in need of water for drinking and for washing herself and the swaddling-clothes. So the voice of the angel indicated to her the direction where the fountain lay. One of the fountains was flowing at a distance of about 800 yards to the south-east of Bethlehem and Joseph and Mary, we are told, finding no accommodation in the town had to lie in the open field at some distance from the town.
The verse seems to point to a beautiful likeness which Jesus had with another Prophet of God—Ishmael. We are told that when Ishmael suffered from extreme pangs of thirst in the wilderness of Mecca and his mother Hagar in vain searched for water, the voice of the angel came to her saying that God had caused a fountain of water to flow from under the feet of Ishmael (Bukhari). The verse thus entitles Jesus to no particular distinction. Apart from the fatherless birth of Jesus the significance of which has been fully explained in the Introduction to the present Surah, Jesus possesses no distinction. He was only one of so many Divine Messengers.
1
بائبل اور فلسطین کے جغرافیہ سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ مریم کے ہاں جب بچہ ہوا انہیں ان کے ہونے والے شوہر بیت اللحم لے گئے تھے جو اس وقت ایک پہاڑی پر واقع تھا جس کے نچلی طرف ایک چشمہ تھا۔ اسی طرف سے مریم کو آواز آئی جو ایک فرشتہ نے دی۔
2169
Important Words:
تحتھا (beneath her). تحت means, beneath, below or under; the lower part. The word also signifies the low, base, vile or ignoble or depressed persons. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, لا تقوم الساعة حتی تظھر التحوت و تھلک الوعول i.e. the hour of resurrection will not come until the low or depressed people prevail and the rich and high-placed persons perish; or as some say, until the treasures that are beneath the earth appear (Lane &Taj).
The word تحت meaning beneath, below and also the slope and declivity of a mountain (Lane), the verse signifies that the voice came to Mary from the side of the slope of the mountain where the fountain was and not from beneath her own body as is popularly believed. As a matter of fact Bethlehem is situated on a rock 2350 ft. above sea-level and is surrounded by very fertile valleys. There are fountains in this rock, one of which is known as the 'fountain of Solomon'. Another fountain is situated at a distance of about 800 yards to the southeast of the town. From these fountains water is supplied to the town of Bethlehem. The words of the verse only mean that the angel called to Mary from the side of the fountain which was situated in the slope (تحت) of the mountain.
Mary stood in need of water for drinking and for washing herself and the swaddling-clothes. So the voice of the angel indicated to her the direction where the fountain lay. One of the fountains was flowing at a distance of about 800 yards to the south-east of Bethlehem and Joseph and Mary, we are told, finding no accommodation in the town had to lie in the open field at some distance from the town.
The verse seems to point to a beautiful likeness which Jesus had with another Prophet of God—Ishmael. We are told that when Ishmael suffered from extreme pangs of thirst in the wilderness of Mecca and his mother Hagar in vain searched for water, the voice of the angel came to her saying that God had caused a fountain of water to flow from under the feet of Ishmael (Bukhari). The verse thus entitles Jesus to no particular distinction. Apart from the fatherless birth of Jesus the significance of which has been fully explained in the Introduction to the present Surah, Jesus possesses no distinction. He was only one of so many Divine Messengers.
1758
The word taht also meaning the slope and declivity of a mountain (Lane), the verse signifies that the voice came to Mary from the side of the slope of the mountain. As a matter of fact Bethlehem is situated on a rock 2350 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by very fertile valleys. There are fountains in this rock, one of which is known as the "Fountain of Solomon." Another fountain is situated at a distance of about 800 yards to the south-east of the town. From these fountains water is supplied to the town of Bethlehem.
وَهُزِّىٓ إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ ٱلنَّخْلَةِ تُسَٰقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا
According to this verse the birth of Jesus took place at a time when fresh dates are found on palm trees in Judaea. That season evidently is in the months of August-September, but, according to the view generally held by Christians, Jesus was born on 25th December which day is celebrated all over the Christian world every year with great fervour. Now this Christian view is contradicted not only by the Qur’an but also by history and even by the New Testament itself. Writing about the time of Jesus’s birth Luke says: 'And there were shepherds in the same country (Judaea) abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flocks' (Luke 2:7, 8). Commenting on this statement of Luke, Bishop Barns in his famous book, "The Rise of Christianity," on page 79 says: "There is, moreover, no authority for the belief that December 25 was the actual birthday of Jesus. If we can give any credence to the birth-story of Luke, with the shepherds keeping watch by night in the fields near Bethlehem, the birth of J
Commentary:
According to this verse the birth of Jesus took place at a time when fresh dates are found on palm-trees in Judaea. That season evidently is in the months of August and September but according to the view generally accepted by Christians, Jesus was born on 25th December which day is celebrated all over the Christian world every year with great fervour. Now this Christian view is contradicted not only by the Quran but also by history and even by writers of the New Testament itself. Writing about the time of Jesus’ birth Luke says: "And there were shepherds in the same country (Judaea) abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flocks (Luke 2:7, 8). Commenting on this statement of Luke Bishop Barns in his book, Rise of Christianity, on page 79 says: "There is, moreover, no authority for the belief that December 25 was the actual birthday of Jesus. If we can give any credence to the birth-story of Luke, with the shepherds keeping watch by night in the fields near Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus did not take place in winter, when the night temperature is so low in the hill country of Judaea that snow is not uncommon. After much argument our Christmas day seems to have been accepted about A.D. 300". This view of Bishop Barns is supported by writers of the articles on "Christmas" in Encyclopaedia Britannica and Chambers Encyclopaedia. In Encyclopaedia Britannica we have:
The exact day and year of Christ’s birth have never been satisfactorily settled; but then the fathers of the Church in A.D. 340 decided upon a date to celebrate the event, they wisely chose the day of the winter solstice which was firmly fixed in the minds of the people and which was their most important festival. Owing to changes in man-made calendars, the time of the solstice and the date of Christmas day vary by a few days (15th edition, vol. 5, pp. 642 & 642A).
Chambers Encyclopaedia says: In the second place the winter solstice was regarded as the birthday of the sun, and at Rome 25th December was observed as a pagan festival of the nativity of Sol-invictus. The Church, unable to stamp out this popular festival, spiritualized it as the feast of the Nativity of the Sun of Righteousness.
These statements of the two Encyclopaedias are further supported by Peake’s "Commentary on the Bible". In this book on page 727 Peake says: "The season (of Jesus’ birth) would not be December; our Christmas day is a comparatively late tradition found first in the West." Thus recent historical research into the origins of Christianity has established the fact beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus was not born in December.
How in the light of historical research into the origins of Christianity and Luke’s statement that Jesus was born at a time when "there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Luke 2:7-8) the belief ever came to be entertained by Christians that Jesus was born in December, seems very surprising indeed. According to this statement of Luke, Jesus certainly was born in summer when shepherds abide in the field in Judaea, keeping watch over their flocks at night which is only possible in summer. The incident referred to in Luke very probably took place in the month of August or September when fresh dates are found on palm-trees in Judaea. This is the time when according to the Quranic verse under comment Jesus was born and when his mother Mary was directed by God to "shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree; it will cause fresh dates to fall upon thee". Thus the Gospel of Luke inadvertently has lent wonderful support to the Quranic view about the birth of Jesus having taken place in the month of August or September which is the season of fresh ripe dates in Judaea. Moreover, there is ample and very reliable historical evidence also to show that Jesus was born in the month of August or September. In his "Dictionary of the Bible" Dr. John D. Davis, under the word "year" writes that dates become ripe in the Jewish month of Elul; and in Peake’s "Commentary on the Bible" (page 117) we have that the month of Elul corresponds to the months of August-September. Furthermore Dr. Peake says, "J. Stewart (When did our Lord actually live?) arguing from an Angora temple inscription and a quotation in an old Chinese classic which speaks of the Gospel story reaching China A.D. 25-28 puts the birth of Jesus in 8 B.C. (Sept. or Oct.) and the crucifixion on Wednesday in A.D. 24."
From the above statements of the two Encyclopaedias supported by quotations from the "Commentary on the Bible" by Dr. Arthur S. Peake, M.A., D.D., the fact becomes quite clear that Jesus was born in the Jewish month of Elul which corresponds to the months of August-September when dates ripen in Judaea, and not on 25th December as the Christian Church would have us believe. And that is the view expressed by the Quran.
One more fact in this connection demands careful examination. Sometime before Jesus’ birth Joseph had taken Mary to Bethlehem, a town about seventy miles to the south of Nazareth, the native place of Joseph and Mary. Luke states that Joseph did so because with Quirinius as governor of Syria, Augustus Caesar had ordered that all should go to Bethlehem to be enrolled in the city of David (Luke 2:1-4). But history does not support this statement of Luke. No census was ever taken in the year of Jesus’ birth nor was there any governor of Syria of this name at that time. According to Josephus, one of the greatest of all Jewish historians, the first census ever to be taken was held seven years after Jesus’ birth and the governors of Syria ten years before his birth till Herod’s death were Stiplus Wardus, Sentiris and Titnis (Enc. Brit. under "Chronicle").
It seems incredible that in the face of such reliable historical evidence Luke should have invented this story of the census. There must have been some very compelling reasons for him to do so. It appears that in a desperate search for an excuse to explain why Joseph and Mary undertook such a long and arduous journey to Bethlehem in the latter’s extremely weak state of health and her pregnancy, Luke seems to have stumbled over the fact of a census having taken place in that town which, in fact, had been held seven years after the date that he has assigned to it. He deliberately predated the census by seven years in order to show that both the events—the census and Jesus’ birth, took place at the same time. Writing history about seventy or eighty years after the actual event he perhaps thought that this historical anachronism would not be detected after such a long time. Thus by placing the census, which had occurred seven years later, in the year of Jesus’ birth Luke persuaded himself to believe that he had succeeded in explaining away the fact as to why Joseph had exposed his ailing wife to the rigours of a long and hard journey to Bethlehem in the advanced state of her pregnancy.
But the difficulty still remains that if, as history shows, there had been no census at the time of Jesus’ birth, then why Luke was so anxious to invent the whole story of the journey to Bethlehem and why it was undertaken. In fact the difficulty was of Luke’s own creation. It was this, that while narrating the account of the immaculate conception of Mary he had stated that great and wonderful miracles had begun and had continued to appear till Jesus’ birth. He feared that if no valid reason were given of this journey of Joseph and Mary, then they would be legitimately accused of being weak of faith and people would naturally say that after having witnessed so many miracles at the time of the conception they were still afraid of public criticism and scandal-mongering and that in order to hide the fact of conception and later birth they had left Nazareth. But the hard reality was there that they had undertaken the journey to Bethlehem, a far-off place. Luke probably thought that people would rightly ask that if immediately after the conception miracles and Divine signs had really begun to appear, then where was the necessity for Joseph to conceal Mary’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth of Jesus, and if there existed no such necessity why did Joseph and Mary undertake that hard and fatiguing journey in the state of her extremely delicate health? Thus the invention of great miracles having taken place at the time of the conception forced Luke to forge the event of the census and also the story that he had undertaken the journey to Bethlehem in order to attend it. But he need not have invented or predated the fact of the census. The whole thing was quite simple and could have been easily explained. Luke could easily have written that Mary had miraculously conceived a child while in the temple and was afterwards married to Joseph who himself was quite convinced of her chastity as he had seen a vision to that effect (see 3:47). But because he feared that he would not be able to convince others of this fact, and because he was afraid of scandal-mongering on the part of the people, therefore, he had to take Mary to a far off place before her pregnancy had become too patent to be concealed any longer. But this he would not do because in that case the whole story of great miracles having attended Mary’s conception would have gone to pieces. This is how the whole difficulty arose and one invention led to another.
It may be added here that the whole-trouble of fixing the date of Jesus’ birth seems to have arisen from a confusion of the date of Mary’s conception. The pregnancy of Mary seemed to have taken place sometime in November or December and not in March or April as the Church historians would have us believe. When after four or five months’ conception, pregnancy became too obvious to be concealed any longer, Joseph was prevailed upon to take Mary to his house in the month of March or April of the next year. Thus Christian historians mistake the date when Joseph took Mary to his house for the date of her actual conception which had taken place four or five months earlier. As recent research into the origins of Christianity has proved that Jesus was not born in December but in August-September, therefore the conception could not have taken place in March or April. So the Quranic view that Jesus was born in August or September is based not only on historical facts but is also quite in accordance with Luke’s own narrative and therefore is the only safe and sensible conclusion.
It also appears from the present verse that Mary was lying in a sheltered place in the upper part of the hill and the date-palm was standing on the slope and therefore she could easily reach to its trunk and shake it. That the territory of Bethlehem abounded in date-palms is clear from the Bible (Judges 1:16) and from "A Dictionary of the Bible" by Dr. John D. Davis, D. D.
Moreover, the fact of Mary having been guided to a fountain, as mentioned in the preceding verse, in order to drink of its water and wash herself, points to Jesus’ birth having taken place in the month of August or September because in the icy cold weather of Judaea in December Mary could not have washed herself in the open.
2170
Commentary:
According to this verse the birth of Jesus took place at a time when fresh dates are found on palm-trees in Judaea. That season evidently is in the months of August and September but according to the view generally accepted by Christians, Jesus was born on 25th December which day is celebrated all over the Christian world every year with great fervour. Now this Christian view is contradicted not only by the Quran but also by history and even by writers of the New Testament itself. Writing about the time of Jesus’ birth Luke says: "And there were shepherds in the same country (Judaea) abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flocks (Luke 2:7, 8). Commenting on this statement of Luke Bishop Barns in his book, Rise of Christianity, on page 79 says: "There is, moreover, no authority for the belief that December 25 was the actual birthday of Jesus. If we can give any credence to the birth-story of Luke, with the shepherds keeping watch by night in the fields near Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus did not take place in winter, when the night temperature is so low in the hill country of Judaea that snow is not uncommon. After much argument our Christmas day seems to have been accepted about A.D. 300". This view of Bishop Barns is supported by writers of the articles on "Christmas" in Encyclopaedia Britannica and Chambers Encyclopaedia. In Encyclopaedia Britannica we have:
The exact day and year of Christ’s birth have never been satisfactorily settled; but then the fathers of the Church in A.D. 340 decided upon a date to celebrate the event, they wisely chose the day of the winter solstice which was firmly fixed in the minds of the people and which was their most important festival. Owing to changes in man-made calendars, the time of the solstice and the date of Christmas day vary by a few days (15th edition, vol. 5, pp. 642 & 642A).
Chambers Encyclopaedia says: In the second place the winter solstice was regarded as the birthday of the sun, and at Rome 25th December was observed as a pagan festival of the nativity of Sol-invictus. The Church, unable to stamp out this popular festival, spiritualized it as the feast of the Nativity of the Sun of Righteousness.
These statements of the two Encyclopaedias are further supported by Peake’s "Commentary on the Bible". In this book on page 727 Peake says: "The season (of Jesus’ birth) would not be December; our Christmas day is a comparatively late tradition found first in the West." Thus recent historical research into the origins of Christianity has established the fact beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus was not born in December.
How in the light of historical research into the origins of Christianity and Luke’s statement that Jesus was born at a time when "there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Luke 2:7-8) the belief ever came to be entertained by Christians that Jesus was born in December, seems very surprising indeed. According to this statement of Luke, Jesus certainly was born in summer when shepherds abide in the field in Judaea, keeping watch over their flocks at night which is only possible in summer. The incident referred to in Luke very probably took place in the month of August or September when fresh dates are found on palm-trees in Judaea. This is the time when according to the Quranic verse under comment Jesus was born and when his mother Mary was directed by God to "shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree; it will cause fresh dates to fall upon thee". Thus the Gospel of Luke inadvertently has lent wonderful support to the Quranic view about the birth of Jesus having taken place in the month of August or September which is the season of fresh ripe dates in Judaea. Moreover, there is ample and very reliable historical evidence also to show that Jesus was born in the month of August or September. In his "Dictionary of the Bible" Dr. John D. Davis, under the word "year" writes that dates become ripe in the Jewish month of Elul; and in Peake’s "Commentary on the Bible" (page 117) we have that the month of Elul corresponds to the months of August-September. Furthermore Dr. Peake says, "J. Stewart (When did our Lord actually live?) arguing from an Angora temple inscription and a quotation in an old Chinese classic which speaks of the Gospel story reaching China A.D. 25-28 puts the birth of Jesus in 8 B.C. (Sept. or Oct.) and the crucifixion on Wednesday in A.D. 24."
From the above statements of the two Encyclopaedias supported by quotations from the "Commentary on the Bible" by Dr. Arthur S. Peake, M.A., D.D., the fact becomes quite clear that Jesus was born in the Jewish month of Elul which corresponds to the months of August-September when dates ripen in Judaea, and not on 25th December as the Christian Church would have us believe. And that is the view expressed by the Quran.
One more fact in this connection demands careful examination. Sometime before Jesus’ birth Joseph had taken Mary to Bethlehem, a town about seventy miles to the south of Nazareth, the native place of Joseph and Mary. Luke states that Joseph did so because with Quirinius as governor of Syria, Augustus Caesar had ordered that all should go to Bethlehem to be enrolled in the city of David (Luke 2:1-4). But history does not support this statement of Luke. No census was ever taken in the year of Jesus’ birth nor was there any governor of Syria of this name at that time. According to Josephus, one of the greatest of all Jewish historians, the first census ever to be taken was held seven years after Jesus’ birth and the governors of Syria ten years before his birth till Herod’s death were Stiplus Wardus, Sentiris and Titnis (Enc. Brit. under "Chronicle").
It seems incredible that in the face of such reliable historical evidence Luke should have invented this story of the census. There must have been some very compelling reasons for him to do so. It appears that in a desperate search for an excuse to explain why Joseph and Mary undertook such a long and arduous journey to Bethlehem in the latter’s extremely weak state of health and her pregnancy, Luke seems to have stumbled over the fact of a census having taken place in that town which, in fact, had been held seven years after the date that he has assigned to it. He deliberately predated the census by seven years in order to show that both the events—the census and Jesus’ birth, took place at the same time. Writing history about seventy or eighty years after the actual event he perhaps thought that this historical anachronism would not be detected after such a long time. Thus by placing the census, which had occurred seven years later, in the year of Jesus’ birth Luke persuaded himself to believe that he had succeeded in explaining away the fact as to why Joseph had exposed his ailing wife to the rigours of a long and hard journey to Bethlehem in the advanced state of her pregnancy.
But the difficulty still remains that if, as history shows, there had been no census at the time of Jesus’ birth, then why Luke was so anxious to invent the whole story of the journey to Bethlehem and why it was undertaken. In fact the difficulty was of Luke’s own creation. It was this, that while narrating the account of the immaculate conception of Mary he had stated that great and wonderful miracles had begun and had continued to appear till Jesus’ birth. He feared that if no valid reason were given of this journey of Joseph and Mary, then they would be legitimately accused of being weak of faith and people would naturally say that after having witnessed so many miracles at the time of the conception they were still afraid of public criticism and scandal-mongering and that in order to hide the fact of conception and later birth they had left Nazareth. But the hard reality was there that they had undertaken the journey to Bethlehem, a far-off place. Luke probably thought that people would rightly ask that if immediately after the conception miracles and Divine signs had really begun to appear, then where was the necessity for Joseph to conceal Mary’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth of Jesus, and if there existed no such necessity why did Joseph and Mary undertake that hard and fatiguing journey in the state of her extremely delicate health? Thus the invention of great miracles having taken place at the time of the conception forced Luke to forge the event of the census and also the story that he had undertaken the journey to Bethlehem in order to attend it. But he need not have invented or predated the fact of the census. The whole thing was quite simple and could have been easily explained. Luke could easily have written that Mary had miraculously conceived a child while in the temple and was afterwards married to Joseph who himself was quite convinced of her chastity as he had seen a vision to that effect (see 3:47). But because he feared that he would not be able to convince others of this fact, and because he was afraid of scandal-mongering on the part of the people, therefore, he had to take Mary to a far off place before her pregnancy had become too patent to be concealed any longer. But this he would not do because in that case the whole story of great miracles having attended Mary’s conception would have gone to pieces. This is how the whole difficulty arose and one invention led to another.
It may be added here that the whole-trouble of fixing the date of Jesus’ birth seems to have arisen from a confusion of the date of Mary’s conception. The pregnancy of Mary seemed to have taken place sometime in November or December and not in March or April as the Church historians would have us believe. When after four or five months’ conception, pregnancy became too obvious to be concealed any longer, Joseph was prevailed upon to take Mary to his house in the month of March or April of the next year. Thus Christian historians mistake the date when Joseph took Mary to his house for the date of her actual conception which had taken place four or five months earlier. As recent research into the origins of Christianity has proved that Jesus was not born in December but in August-September, therefore the conception could not have taken place in March or April. So the Quranic view that Jesus was born in August or September is based not only on historical facts but is also quite in accordance with Luke’s own narrative and therefore is the only safe and sensible conclusion.
It also appears from the present verse that Mary was lying in a sheltered place in the upper part of the hill and the date-palm was standing on the slope and therefore she could easily reach to its trunk and shake it. That the territory of Bethlehem abounded in date-palms is clear from the Bible (Judges 1:16) and from "A Dictionary of the Bible" by Dr. John D. Davis, D. D.
Moreover, the fact of Mary having been guided to a fountain, as mentioned in the preceding verse, in order to drink of its water and wash herself, points to Jesus’ birth having taken place in the month of August or September because in the icy cold weather of Judaea in December Mary could not have washed herself in the open.
1759
According to this verse the birth of Jesus took place at a time when fresh dates are found on palm trees in Judaea. That season evidently is in the months of August-September, but, according to the view generally held by Christians, Jesus was born on 25th December which day is celebrated all over the Christian world every year with great fervour. Now this Christian view is contradicted not only by the Qur’an but also by history and even by the New Testament itself. Writing about the time of Jesus’s birth Luke says: 'And there were shepherds in the same country (Judaea) abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flocks' (Luke 2:7, 8). Commenting on this statement of Luke, Bishop Barns in his famous book, "The Rise of Christianity," on page 79 says: "There is, moreover, no authority for the belief that December 25 was the actual birthday of Jesus. If we can give any credence to the birth-story of Luke, with the shepherds keeping watch by night in the fields near Bethlehem, the birth of J
فَكُلِى وَٱشْرَبِى وَقَرِّى عَيْنًا ۖ فَإِمَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ ٱلْبَشَرِ أَحَدًا فَقُولِىٓ إِنِّى نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ ٱلْيَوْمَ إِنسِيًّا
یعنی اس طرح روزہ رکھ کر لوگوں کے سوالات سے اپنی جان چھڑاؤ۔
The command to abstain from useless talk was meant, on the one hand, to conserve her physical strength and, on the other, to give her more time to devote to remembrance of God.
Commentary:
Some commentators of the Quran are of the view that Mary was commanded completely to abstain from talking. But that is not the case. Like Zachariah she was directed to abstain from talk as far as possible, but not completely, and to devote all her time in the remembrance of God. The expression فقولی (and say) itself shows that the command about abstaining from talk was not unqualified. A new baby had been born and as the birth of a new child was likely to attract the casual visitor or the passer-by and induce him to ask the mother unnecessary and vexatious questions about its parentage etc.; so in order to cut
short the possible embarrassing conversation Mary was commanded to say that she had vowed a fast to the Gracious God that she would indulge in no useless talk. Thus while on the one hand her silence conserved her physical strength, on the other she could have more time to devote to the remembrance of God.
2
یعنی اس طرح روزہ رکھ کر لوگوں کے سوالات سے اپنی جان چھڑاؤ۔
2171
Commentary:
Some commentators of the Quran are of the view that Mary was commanded completely to abstain from talking. But that is not the case. Like Zachariah she was directed to abstain from talk as far as possible, but not completely, and to devote all her time in the remembrance of God. The expression فقولی (and say) itself shows that the command about abstaining from talk was not unqualified. A new baby had been born and as the birth of a new child was likely to attract the casual visitor or the passer-by and induce him to ask the mother unnecessary and vexatious questions about its parentage etc.; so in order to cut
short the possible embarrassing conversation Mary was commanded to say that she had vowed a fast to the Gracious God that she would indulge in no useless talk. Thus while on the one hand her silence conserved her physical strength, on the other she could have more time to devote to the remembrance of God.
1760
The command to abstain from useless talk was meant, on the one hand, to conserve her physical strength and, on the other, to give her more time to devote to remembrance of God.
فَأَتَتْ بِهِۦ قَوْمَهَا تَحْمِلُهُۥ ۖ قَالُوا۟ يَٰمَرْيَمُ لَقَدْ جِئْتِ شَيْـًٔا فَرِيًّا
قرآن مجید میں تَحْمِلُہٗ کا لفظ ہے جس کے عام معنے اٹھانے کے ہوتے ہیں۔ مگر قرآن کریم اور لغت سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ اس کے معنے سوار کروا کر لے جانے کے بھی ہیں۔ اور یہی معنے اس جگہ ہم نے کیے ہیں۔ (تَحْمِلُہٗ کے ان معنوں کے لئے دیکھئے سورہ ٔ توبہ آیت۹۲۔ نیز دیکھئے تفسیر علامہ ابوحیان ہسپانوی جلد۵ صفحہ۸۴۔ ۸۵ و لسان العرب)
For this meaning of the word see 9:92. It appears from the Gospels that after Jesus’s birth at Bethlehem, in pursuance of a Divine command Joseph had taken him and Mary to Egypt where they lived for some years and it was after the death of Herod that the family came back to Nazareth and dwelt there (Matt. 2: 13-23). There was also a biblical prophecy to the effect that Jesus would come to his people along with his mother riding on an ass (Matt. 21: 4-7). Jesus and Mary were actually riding on asses when they entered Jerusalem. The expression, Tahmilu-hu, may possibly refer to that prophecy of the Bible. The verse refers to the time when Jesus had already attained Prophethood as is clear from vv. 31-34.
Fariyy also means, a forger of lies (Lane). By using this word the elders of the Jews insinuated that Mary was a bad woman and Jesus a forger of lies and a false prophet.
Important Words:
جئت (thou hast done). جاء زید means, Zaid came. جئت زیداًmeans, I came to Zaid. جئت بهmeans, I brought him. جاءت بولد means, she gave birth to a child. جاء بشیءmeans, he did, executed or performed a thing; he said or uttered a thing. جئت شیئا حسناmeans, I did a good thing. The Quranic expression, لقد جئت شیئا فریا means, thou hast done a strange thing or a thing hitherto unknown (Lane & Aqrab).
فریا (strange) is derived from فری (fariya) which means, he was or became confounded or perplexed, and was unable to see the right course. أفری فلانا means, he blamed or censured such a one; افری الشیء means, he cut or slit the thing. They say ھو یفری الفری i.e. he effects what is wonderful in his deed. فری means, a thing forged or fabricated or unknown or unheard of. The words لقد جئت شیئا فریا mean, thou hast done a thing hitherto unknown; or a thing deemed strange; or a thing great of magnitude or gravity. فری applied to a man means, a forger or fabricator of lies. افتری کذبا means, he forged or fabricated a lie or falsehood (Lane & Aqrab).
تحمله (carrying him) is derived from حمل. They say حمل الشیء i.e. he carried the thing. حمله علی ظھرہ means, he bore him on his or its back. حملت المرأة means, the woman became pregnant. حمل القران means, he memorized the Quran. حمله الحمل means, he helped him or assisted him to lift the load; or he assisted him in his work; he gave him a beast to ride; لتحملھم (9:92) means, that thou shouldst mount them (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 7:177.
Commentary:
By the words 'carrying him' some people are led to think that the verse refers to the time of the childhood of Jesus when Mary carried him in her arms. But this is an obvious misconception. The verse, in fact, refers to the time when Jesus had attained to prophethood as is clear from vv. 31-34 wherein he says, I am a servant of Allah, He has given me the Book, and made me a Prophet;…and has enjoined upon me Prayer and alms-giving so long as I live. Surely Jesus was not made a Prophet in his childhood, nor did he say his Prayers and give Zakah at that time. It appears from the Gospels that after Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, in pursuance of a Divine command Joseph had taken him and Mary to Egypt where they lived for some years and it was after the death of Herod that the family came back to Nazareth and dwelt there (Matt. 2:13-23). There was also a Biblical prophecy to the effect that Jesus would come to his people along with his mother riding an ass (Matt. 21:4-7). Jesus and Mary were actually riding asses when they entered Jerusalem. Thus the expression تحمله (carrying him or mounting him) may possibly refer to that prophecy of the Bible.
Moreover the expression حمله as shown under "Important Words" above, also means, he helped him and assisted him in his work.
According to this signification of the word حملthe verse under comment would mean that Mary came to her people with Jesus while she believed in him and helped him in his mission. The expression serves a twofold purpose. On the one hand it refers to the fulfilment of the Biblical prophecy (Matt. 21:4-7) and on the other disposes of the accusation (also contained in the Bible) that Jesus’ brothers and his mother did not believe in him. In any case this verse does not refer to the childhood of Jesus but to the time when prophethood had already been bestowed upon him and he had begun addressing his Message to his people.
The manner of expression adopted in regard to the birth and prophethood of Jesus is quite like that adopted about John (Yahya) in verses 12 and 13of the present Surah. Verse 12 relates to Zachariah having received the happy news of the birth of a son and v. 13 to the period when his son Yahya had become a Prophet, the remaining incidents in Yahya’s life having been omitted because the Quran is not a book of history that it should give the complete picture of the life of a man. In the same way the preceding three verses give a brief description of Jesus’ birth and the present verse comes straight to the time when he had become a Prophet of God. The fact that v. 23 speaks of Mary having withdrawn to a remote place also belies the inference that she had come from that remote place carrying Jesus in her arms.
The words, 'thou hast done a strange thing' contain a double taunt. They refer to the calumny of Mary having given birth to an illegitimate son and to Jesus having falsely laid claim to prophethood. As shown under "Important Words" above the word فری also means a forger of lies. Thus by using this word the elders of the Jewish people called Mary a bad woman and Jesus a forger of lies and a false Prophet.
3
قرآن مجید میں تَحْمِلُہٗ کا لفظ ہے جس کے عام معنے اٹھانے کے ہوتے ہیں۔ مگر قرآن کریم اور لغت سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ اس کے معنے سوار کروا کر لے جانے کے بھی ہیں۔ اور یہی معنے اس جگہ ہم نے کیے ہیں۔ (تَحْمِلُہٗ کے ان معنوں کے لئے دیکھئے سورہ ٔ توبہ آیت۹۲۔ نیز دیکھئے تفسیر علامہ ابوحیان ہسپانوی جلد۵ صفحہ۸۴۔ ۸۵ و لسان العرب)
2172
Important Words:
جئت (thou hast done). جاء زید means, Zaid came. جئت زیداًmeans, I came to Zaid. جئت بهmeans, I brought him. جاءت بولد means, she gave birth to a child. جاء بشیءmeans, he did, executed or performed a thing; he said or uttered a thing. جئت شیئا حسناmeans, I did a good thing. The Quranic expression, لقد جئت شیئا فریا means, thou hast done a strange thing or a thing hitherto unknown (Lane & Aqrab).
فریا (strange) is derived from فری (fariya) which means, he was or became confounded or perplexed, and was unable to see the right course. أفری فلانا means, he blamed or censured such a one; افری الشیء means, he cut or slit the thing. They say ھو یفری الفری i.e. he effects what is wonderful in his deed. فری means, a thing forged or fabricated or unknown or unheard of. The words لقد جئت شیئا فریا mean, thou hast done a thing hitherto unknown; or a thing deemed strange; or a thing great of magnitude or gravity. فری applied to a man means, a forger or fabricator of lies. افتری کذبا means, he forged or fabricated a lie or falsehood (Lane & Aqrab).
تحمله (carrying him) is derived from حمل. They say حمل الشیء i.e. he carried the thing. حمله علی ظھرہ means, he bore him on his or its back. حملت المرأة means, the woman became pregnant. حمل القران means, he memorized the Quran. حمله الحمل means, he helped him or assisted him to lift the load; or he assisted him in his work; he gave him a beast to ride; لتحملھم (9:92) means, that thou shouldst mount them (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 7:177.
Commentary:
By the words 'carrying him' some people are led to think that the verse refers to the time of the childhood of Jesus when Mary carried him in her arms. But this is an obvious misconception. The verse, in fact, refers to the time when Jesus had attained to prophethood as is clear from vv. 31-34 wherein he says, I am a servant of Allah, He has given me the Book, and made me a Prophet;…and has enjoined upon me Prayer and alms-giving so long as I live. Surely Jesus was not made a Prophet in his childhood, nor did he say his Prayers and give Zakah at that time. It appears from the Gospels that after Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, in pursuance of a Divine command Joseph had taken him and Mary to Egypt where they lived for some years and it was after the death of Herod that the family came back to Nazareth and dwelt there (Matt. 2:13-23). There was also a Biblical prophecy to the effect that Jesus would come to his people along with his mother riding an ass (Matt. 21:4-7). Jesus and Mary were actually riding asses when they entered Jerusalem. Thus the expression تحمله (carrying him or mounting him) may possibly refer to that prophecy of the Bible.
Moreover the expression حمله as shown under "Important Words" above, also means, he helped him and assisted him in his work.
According to this signification of the word حملthe verse under comment would mean that Mary came to her people with Jesus while she believed in him and helped him in his mission. The expression serves a twofold purpose. On the one hand it refers to the fulfilment of the Biblical prophecy (Matt. 21:4-7) and on the other disposes of the accusation (also contained in the Bible) that Jesus’ brothers and his mother did not believe in him. In any case this verse does not refer to the childhood of Jesus but to the time when prophethood had already been bestowed upon him and he had begun addressing his Message to his people.
The manner of expression adopted in regard to the birth and prophethood of Jesus is quite like that adopted about John (Yahya) in verses 12 and 13of the present Surah. Verse 12 relates to Zachariah having received the happy news of the birth of a son and v. 13 to the period when his son Yahya had become a Prophet, the remaining incidents in Yahya’s life having been omitted because the Quran is not a book of history that it should give the complete picture of the life of a man. In the same way the preceding three verses give a brief description of Jesus’ birth and the present verse comes straight to the time when he had become a Prophet of God. The fact that v. 23 speaks of Mary having withdrawn to a remote place also belies the inference that she had come from that remote place carrying Jesus in her arms.
The words, 'thou hast done a strange thing' contain a double taunt. They refer to the calumny of Mary having given birth to an illegitimate son and to Jesus having falsely laid claim to prophethood. As shown under "Important Words" above the word فری also means a forger of lies. Thus by using this word the elders of the Jewish people called Mary a bad woman and Jesus a forger of lies and a false Prophet.
1761
For this meaning of the word see 9:92. It appears from the Gospels that after Jesus’s birth at Bethlehem, in pursuance of a Divine command Joseph had taken him and Mary to Egypt where they lived for some years and it was after the death of Herod that the family came back to Nazareth and dwelt there (Matt. 2: 13-23). There was also a biblical prophecy to the effect that Jesus would come to his people along with his mother riding on an ass (Matt. 21: 4-7). Jesus and Mary were actually riding on asses when they entered Jerusalem. The expression, Tahmilu-hu, may possibly refer to that prophecy of the Bible. The verse refers to the time when Jesus had already attained Prophethood as is clear from vv. 31-34.
1762
Fariyy also means, a forger of lies (Lane). By using this word the elders of the Jews insinuated that Mary was a bad woman and Jesus a forger of lies and a false prophet.
يَٰٓأُخْتَ هَٰرُونَ مَا كَانَ أَبُوكِ ٱمْرَأَ سَوْءٍ وَمَا كَانَتْ أُمُّكِ بَغِيًّا
حضرت مریمؑ کو ہارون کی بہن کہا گیا ہے اس پر مسیحی اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ قرآن مجیدنے جہالت سے مریمؑ اُ مِّ عیسیٰؑ کو وہ مریم سمجھ لیا ہے جو ہارونؑ اور موسٰیؑ کی بہن تھی مگر ان کا اعتراض خود ان کی جہالت پر دلالت کرتا ہے۔ تمام اقوام میں رواج ہے کہ بچوں کے نام بزرگوں کے نام پر رکھتے ہیں۔ مریمؑ کے کسی بھائی کا نام بھی اگر ہارون ہو تو کیا تعجب ہے۔ اسے موسیٰ کا بھائی قرار دینا خود مسیحیوں کی ایجاد ہے۔ قرآن مجیدنے ایسا نہیں کہا۔ یہ سوال خود رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے بھی کیا گیا تھا۔ اور آپ نے وہی جواب دیا تھا جو میں نے دیا ہے (دیکھیئے فتح البیان جلد۶ صفحہ۱۶)
The question of Mary having been called the sister of Aaron in the Qur’an was put before the Holy Prophet himself and he asked the questioner if he did not know that the Israelites used to name their children after their Prophets and saints (Bayan, vol. 6, p. 16; Jarir, vol. 16, p. 52). Mary has been here called the sister of Aaron and not that of Moses though both were brothers, for, whereas Moses was the founder of the Jewish Law, Aaron was the head of the Jewish priestly class (Enc. Bib. & Enc. Brit. under "Aaron"), and Mary also belonged to the priestly order. Tabari has related an incident from the life of the Holy Prophet which gives an insight into the meanings of such Arabic words as ab, ‘am, ukht, etc. When Safiyyah, the Holy Prophet’s wife, and incidentally a Jewess by descent, once complained to the Holy Prophet that some of his other wives had called her a Jewess in contempt, the Holy Prophet told her to return the taunt by saying that Aaron was her father, Moses
Commentary:
Some Christian writers in their ignorance of the Arabic language have accused the Quran of an historical anachronism inasmuch as it has spoken of Mary as sister of Aaron. Instead of regretting their own ignorance they have blamed theQuran of ignorance. The question of Mary having been called the sister of Aaron in the Quran was put before the Holy Prophet himself and he told the questioner whether he did not know that the Israelites used to name their children after their Prophets and saints (Bayan, vol. 6, p. 16; Jarir vol. 16, p. 52).
Mary has been here called the sister of Aaron and not that of Moses though both were brothers, for whereas Moses was the founder of the Jewish Law, Aaron was the head of the Jewish priestly class (Enc. Bib. & Enc. Brit. under "Aaron") and Mary also belonged to the priestly order. Tabari has related an incident from the life of the Holy Prophet which gives us an insight into the meanings of the Arabic words اب(ab), عم (‘amm),اخت (ukht) etc. When once Safiyyah, the Holy Prophet’s wife, and incidentally a Jewess by descent, complained to the Holy Prophet that some of his other wives had called her a Jewess in contempt, the Prophet told her to return the taunt by saying that Aaron was her father, Moses her uncle and Muhammad her husband. Surely, the Holy Prophet knew that Aaron was not Safiyyah’s father nor Moses her uncle. This tradition shows that the application of these Arabic words is by no means confined to the above-mentioned blood relations.
Mary might have been called a sister of Aaron by way of reproach or taunt inasmuch as another Mary, the real sister of Aaron and Moses’ stepsister or his sister-in-law, had charged him (Moses) with having unlawfully married a woman (Numbers 12:1). A reference to this accusation is also to be found in the Quran in 33:70. Thus the elders of the Jews, by calling Jesus’ mother sister of Aaron, meant that as Mary, the sister of Aaron had, by accusing Moses of unlawfully marrying a woman, committed a heinous crime, so did she, like her namesake, commit a heinous act of giving birth to an illegitimate child. See also 3:36.
1
حضرت مریمؑ کو ہارون کی بہن کہا گیا ہے اس پر مسیحی اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ قرآن مجیدنے جہالت سے مریمؑ اُ مِّ عیسیٰؑ کو وہ مریم سمجھ لیا ہے جو ہارونؑ اور موسٰیؑ کی بہن تھی مگر ان کا اعتراض خود ان کی جہالت پر دلالت کرتا ہے۔ تمام اقوام میں رواج ہے کہ بچوں کے نام بزرگوں کے نام پر رکھتے ہیں۔ مریمؑ کے کسی بھائی کا نام بھی اگر ہارون ہو تو کیا تعجب ہے۔ اسے موسیٰ کا بھائی قرار دینا خود مسیحیوں کی ایجاد ہے۔ قرآن مجیدنے ایسا نہیں کہا۔ یہ سوال خود رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے بھی کیا گیا تھا۔ اور آپ نے وہی جواب دیا تھا جو میں نے دیا ہے (دیکھیئے فتح البیان جلد۶ صفحہ۱۶)
2173
Commentary:
Some Christian writers in their ignorance of the Arabic language have accused the Quran of an historical anachronism inasmuch as it has spoken of Mary as sister of Aaron. Instead of regretting their own ignorance they have blamed theQuran of ignorance. The question of Mary having been called the sister of Aaron in the Quran was put before the Holy Prophet himself and he told the questioner whether he did not know that the Israelites used to name their children after their Prophets and saints (Bayan, vol. 6, p. 16; Jarir vol. 16, p. 52).
Mary has been here called the sister of Aaron and not that of Moses though both were brothers, for whereas Moses was the founder of the Jewish Law, Aaron was the head of the Jewish priestly class (Enc. Bib. & Enc. Brit. under "Aaron") and Mary also belonged to the priestly order. Tabari has related an incident from the life of the Holy Prophet which gives us an insight into the meanings of the Arabic words اب(ab), عم (‘amm),اخت (ukht) etc. When once Safiyyah, the Holy Prophet’s wife, and incidentally a Jewess by descent, complained to the Holy Prophet that some of his other wives had called her a Jewess in contempt, the Prophet told her to return the taunt by saying that Aaron was her father, Moses her uncle and Muhammad her husband. Surely, the Holy Prophet knew that Aaron was not Safiyyah’s father nor Moses her uncle. This tradition shows that the application of these Arabic words is by no means confined to the above-mentioned blood relations.
Mary might have been called a sister of Aaron by way of reproach or taunt inasmuch as another Mary, the real sister of Aaron and Moses’ stepsister or his sister-in-law, had charged him (Moses) with having unlawfully married a woman (Numbers 12:1). A reference to this accusation is also to be found in the Quran in 33:70. Thus the elders of the Jews, by calling Jesus’ mother sister of Aaron, meant that as Mary, the sister of Aaron had, by accusing Moses of unlawfully marrying a woman, committed a heinous crime, so did she, like her namesake, commit a heinous act of giving birth to an illegitimate child. See also 3:36.
1763
The question of Mary having been called the sister of Aaron in the Qur’an was put before the Holy Prophet himself and he asked the questioner if he did not know that the Israelites used to name their children after their Prophets and saints (Bayan, vol. 6, p. 16; Jarir, vol. 16, p. 52). Mary has been here called the sister of Aaron and not that of Moses though both were brothers, for, whereas Moses was the founder of the Jewish Law, Aaron was the head of the Jewish priestly class (Enc. Bib. & Enc. Brit. under "Aaron"), and Mary also belonged to the priestly order. Tabari has related an incident from the life of the Holy Prophet which gives an insight into the meanings of such Arabic words as ab, ‘am, ukht, etc. When Safiyyah, the Holy Prophet’s wife, and incidentally a Jewess by descent, once complained to the Holy Prophet that some of his other wives had called her a Jewess in contempt, the Holy Prophet told her to return the taunt by saying that Aaron was her father, Moses
فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ ۖ قَالُوا۟ كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَن كَانَ فِى ٱلْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا
理解这节经文并不困难。当玛尔彦被犹太人的长者奚落时, 她把他们的注意力引向伊撒。他们不屑同他交谈并且鄙视地说, 他们怎么能与一个 “摇篮中的孩子” 谈论呢? “摇篮中的孩子” 的意思是, 只是一个他们眼看他出生和长大的男孩。年长的人, 要他们向年龄比他们轻得多的人请教时, 就惯于讲这种话。这句话只是表达对伊撒的蔑视而已。也可见3:47。
The words 'she pointed to him' indicate that Mary knew what answer Jesus would give if the elders of the Jews addressed their question to him. These words may also indicate that Mary knew that if she declared herself innocent nobody would believe her. The only evidence of her innocence was her son. She meant that such a holy and righteous son whom God had endowed with such noble qualities could not be the result of an immoral union and that his virtues and good qualities by themselves constituted a sufficient vindication of her innocence. So she pointed to him.
The verse presents no difficulty. When Mary, on being taunted by the elders of the Jews, directed their attention to Jesus, they disdained to talk to him and contemptuously said, how could they talk to 'a child in the cradle' meaning a mere boy, who was born and brought up before their very eyes? Elderly people are wont to talk like that when invited to learn wisdom from one who is much younger to them in age. The words merely constitute an expression of contempt and disdain for Jesus. See also 3:47.
Important Words:
For المھد see 3:47.
Commentary:
The words 'she pointed to him' indicate that Mary knew what answer Jesus would give if the elders of the Jews addressed their question to him. These words may also indicate that Mary knew that if she declared herself innocent nobody would believe her. The only evidence of her innocence was her son. She meant that such a holy and righteous son whom God had endowed with such noble qualities could not be the result of an immoral union and that his virtues and good qualities by themselves constituted a sufficient vindication of her innocence. So she pointed to him. The words may also signify that when the Jews accused Mary of adultery she felt embarrassed and pointed to Jesus who had by that time become a Prophet. Some Muslim commentators of the Quran seem to feel a peculiar delight in attributing all sorts of miracles to Jesus. By their misguided reverence for him they have virtually raised him to the pedestal of Divinity. In the words, How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle, they seem to have discovered one such miracle of Jesus. Among all men, even among all the great Prophets of God he alone, they say, could talk while yet a child in the cradle. But the talk which he gave to the elders of the Jews and which is contained in the next four verses (vv.31-34) could not possibly be the talk of a child and if it was, then the facts described therein were a tissue of lies. Jesus says:(a) "God has made me a Prophet"; (b) "He has given me the Book"; (c) "He has enjoined me to say Prayers and give the Zakah"; (d) "He has made me dutiful to my mother and has not made me haughty", and (e) "Peace was on me the day I was born, and peace there will be on me the day I shall die, and the day I shall be raised up to life again." All these affirmations from the lips of a baby sound like so many lies and who would call these lies a miracle? Jesus was neither a Prophet at that time, nor did he say Prayer or give Zakah or was given a Book. Moreover, these commentators appear to ignore the quite obvious fact that at another place in the Quran (3:47) this miracle is stated as having consisted in Jesus’ speaking to the people in the cradle and when of middle age (فی المھد وکھلاً). But talk by a man when he is کھل i.e. of middle age, is no miracle; and by joining the word مھد (cradle) with the word کھل (of middle age), the Quran implies that the talk of Jesus in مھدand when he was کھل (of middle age) was no miracle in the sense in which it is understood by the commentators, but it was a miracle in the sense that he spoke words of exceptional wisdom and intelligence in childhood as well as in middle age. The joining of these two words also implied a prophecy that Jesus would not die young but would live up to a good ripe age. This prophecy did constitute a real miracle. But if the word مھدwere to be taken in the sense of "period of preparation" which is also one of the meanings of this word, the verse یکلم الناس فی المھد و کھلاً (3:47) would mean that he would speak to people words full of extraordinary wisdom and spiritual knowledge much beyond his years and experience, both in the period of preparation which is youth and in his middle age. Thus the words, How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle, present no difficulty. When Mary, on being taunted by the elders of the Jews, directed their attention to Jesus, they disdained to talk to him and contemptuously said, how could they talk to "a child in the cradle" i.e. a mere boy, who was born and brought up before their very eyes. Old and learned people are wont to talk like that when invited to learn wisdom from one who is much younger to them in age. The words merely constitute an expression of contempt and disdain for Jesus. See also 3:47.
801
理解这节经文并不困难。当玛尔彦被犹太人的长者奚落时, 她把他们的注意力引向伊撒。他们不屑同他交谈并且鄙视地说, 他们怎么能与一个 “摇篮中的孩子” 谈论呢? “摇篮中的孩子” 的意思是, 只是一个他们眼看他出生和长大的男孩。年长的人, 要他们向年龄比他们轻得多的人请教时, 就惯于讲这种话。这句话只是表达对伊撒的蔑视而已。也可见3:47。
2174
Important Words:
For المھد see 3:47.
Commentary:
The words 'she pointed to him' indicate that Mary knew what answer Jesus would give if the elders of the Jews addressed their question to him. These words may also indicate that Mary knew that if she declared herself innocent nobody would believe her. The only evidence of her innocence was her son. She meant that such a holy and righteous son whom God had endowed with such noble qualities could not be the result of an immoral union and that his virtues and good qualities by themselves constituted a sufficient vindication of her innocence. So she pointed to him. The words may also signify that when the Jews accused Mary of adultery she felt embarrassed and pointed to Jesus who had by that time become a Prophet. Some Muslim commentators of the Quran seem to feel a peculiar delight in attributing all sorts of miracles to Jesus. By their misguided reverence for him they have virtually raised him to the pedestal of Divinity. In the words, How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle, they seem to have discovered one such miracle of Jesus. Among all men, even among all the great Prophets of God he alone, they say, could talk while yet a child in the cradle. But the talk which he gave to the elders of the Jews and which is contained in the next four verses (vv.31-34) could not possibly be the talk of a child and if it was, then the facts described therein were a tissue of lies. Jesus says:(a) "God has made me a Prophet"; (b) "He has given me the Book"; (c) "He has enjoined me to say Prayers and give the Zakah"; (d) "He has made me dutiful to my mother and has not made me haughty", and (e) "Peace was on me the day I was born, and peace there will be on me the day I shall die, and the day I shall be raised up to life again." All these affirmations from the lips of a baby sound like so many lies and who would call these lies a miracle? Jesus was neither a Prophet at that time, nor did he say Prayer or give Zakah or was given a Book. Moreover, these commentators appear to ignore the quite obvious fact that at another place in the Quran (3:47) this miracle is stated as having consisted in Jesus’ speaking to the people in the cradle and when of middle age (فی المھد وکھلاً). But talk by a man when he is کھل i.e. of middle age, is no miracle; and by joining the word مھد (cradle) with the word کھل (of middle age), the Quran implies that the talk of Jesus in مھدand when he was کھل (of middle age) was no miracle in the sense in which it is understood by the commentators, but it was a miracle in the sense that he spoke words of exceptional wisdom and intelligence in childhood as well as in middle age. The joining of these two words also implied a prophecy that Jesus would not die young but would live up to a good ripe age. This prophecy did constitute a real miracle. But if the word مھدwere to be taken in the sense of "period of preparation" which is also one of the meanings of this word, the verse یکلم الناس فی المھد و کھلاً (3:47) would mean that he would speak to people words full of extraordinary wisdom and spiritual knowledge much beyond his years and experience, both in the period of preparation which is youth and in his middle age. Thus the words, How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle, present no difficulty. When Mary, on being taunted by the elders of the Jews, directed their attention to Jesus, they disdained to talk to him and contemptuously said, how could they talk to "a child in the cradle" i.e. a mere boy, who was born and brought up before their very eyes. Old and learned people are wont to talk like that when invited to learn wisdom from one who is much younger to them in age. The words merely constitute an expression of contempt and disdain for Jesus. See also 3:47.
1764
The words 'she pointed to him' indicate that Mary knew what answer Jesus would give if the elders of the Jews addressed their question to him. These words may also indicate that Mary knew that if she declared herself innocent nobody would believe her. The only evidence of her innocence was her son. She meant that such a holy and righteous son whom God had endowed with such noble qualities could not be the result of an immoral union and that his virtues and good qualities by themselves constituted a sufficient vindication of her innocence. So she pointed to him.
1765
The verse presents no difficulty. When Mary, on being taunted by the elders of the Jews, directed their attention to Jesus, they disdained to talk to him and contemptuously said, how could they talk to 'a child in the cradle' meaning a mere boy, who was born and brought up before their very eyes? Elderly people are wont to talk like that when invited to learn wisdom from one who is much younger to them in age. The words merely constitute an expression of contempt and disdain for Jesus. See also 3:47.
قَالَ إِنِّى عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ ءَاتَىٰنِىَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَجَعَلَنِى نَبِيًّا
Commentary:
"The Book" refers to the Torah and the verse signifies that God had given Jesus a special knowledge of the Torah which was denied to the elders and learned men of the Jews.
2175
Commentary:
"The Book" refers to the Torah and the verse signifies that God had given Jesus a special knowledge of the Torah which was denied to the elders and learned men of the Jews.
وَجَعَلَنِى مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ وَأَوْصَٰنِى بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱلزَّكَوٰةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا
Commentary:
This verse implied a mighty prophecy. The prophecy was that Jesus’ people would put him on the cross and would compel him to flee his country and seek refuge in a foreign land. But the grace and blessings of God would attend him wherever he would go. After the crucifixion Jesus’ mission appeared to have been a complete failure but he travelled to the east—to Afghanistan and Kashmir, where his cause progressed and triumphed. See also 4:158 & 23:51.
2176
Commentary:
This verse implied a mighty prophecy. The prophecy was that Jesus’ people would put him on the cross and would compel him to flee his country and seek refuge in a foreign land. But the grace and blessings of God would attend him wherever he would go. After the crucifixion Jesus’ mission appeared to have been a complete failure but he travelled to the east—to Afghanistan and Kashmir, where his cause progressed and triumphed. See also 4:158 & 23:51.
وَبَرًّۢا بِوَٰلِدَتِى وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِى جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا
19:15.
19:15.
The talk which Jesus gave to the elders of the Jews and which is contained in these verses (31-34) could not possibly be the talk of a child. All these affirmations from the lips of a child sound like so many lies; and who would call these lies a miracle? Jesus was neither a Prophet at that time, nor did he say Prayer or give Zakat or was given a Book. Moreover, in 3:47 this miracle is mentioned as Jesus having spoken to the people in the cradle and when of middle age. But talk by a man in middle age is no miracle; and by joining the word 'cradle' with the words 'of middle age,' the Qur’an implies that the talk of Jesus in 'the cradle' and when he was 'of middle age' was no miracle in the sense in which it is popularly understood, but that it was a miracle in the sense that he spoke words of exceptional wisdom and intelligence in childhood as well as in middle age. The joining of these two sets of words also implied a prophecy that Jesus would not die young but would live up to a ripe old age. The
19:15, 33.
Commentary:
The present and the preceding two verses refer to a period when Jesus had already become invested with prophethood. It is an insult to human intelligence and common sense and to belie facts of history and also to betray one’s utter lack of knowledge of the Quranic style and Arabic idiom to say that the words of vv. 31-33 were spoken by Jesus while he was yet a child and therefore constituted a great miracle. A mere babe who sucked the breast of his mother could not say that he was a most obedient and faithful servant of God or that God had given him a Book or that he said Prayers and gave alms or that he was dutiful to his mother and was not haughty. All this talk seems to be a tissue of lies. Jesus could not and did not do any of these things while yet a baby but rather when he had attained to prophethood. It may be argued that the miracle consisted in the fact that Jesus could talk while yet a baby in the cradle but this purpose could equally have been served by his speaking only a few words. If only he had rebuked the elders of the Jews for calumniating his mother in a single sentence they would surely have been taken aback and completely confounded and the purpose of the miracle would have been fully served. But where was the necessity of putting a long discourse in Jesus’ mouth which was not true? The truth is that the miracle did not lie in the supposed infantile talk of Jesus but in the imagination of the commentators themselves.
In this and the preceding two verses Jesus has been described as saying that (1) he is a servant of God; (2) God has given him the Book; (3) He has made him a Prophet; (4) He has made him blessed; (5) He has enjoined upon him Prayer and alms-giving; (6) He has made him dutiful to his mother and that (7) He has not made him haughty and unblessed. All these words put in Jesus’ mouth by the Quran have been amply supported and corroborated by the Bible:
(1) As regards Jesus’ being a humble servant of God, subject to human weaknesses and frailties and to the demands and calls of nature and not being God or Son of God, the Bible says:
And when he had fasted forty days and nights, he afterwards hungered (Matt. 4:2).
But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, –but the father (Mark 13: 32).
And Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? None is good save one, that is God (Mark 10: 18).
(2) About the fact that Jesus was given a Book which he followed and taught, the Bible says:
Think not that I come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Matt. 5:17, 18).
(3) The Bible also supports the Quranic statement that Jesus was only a Prophet of God and not God or the Son of God. It says:
And He that sent me is with me (John 8: 29).
Neither came I of myself, but He sent me (John 8: 42).
He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, (Isaiah 61: 1-3; Luke 4: 15-22).
And the multitudes said, This is the Prophet, Jesus, of Nazareth of Galilee (Matt. 21:11).
(4) About Jesus’ being blessed the Bible depicts Elizabeth, the mother of John, as saying to Mary, the mother of Jesus:
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb (Luke 1: 42).
And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice and said unto him, blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked (Luke 11: 27).
(5) The fifth thing that the Quran tells us about Jesus is that God had enjoined upon him Prayer and alms-giving. About this the Bible says as follows:
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed (Luke 5: 16).
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22: 44).
Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s (Matt. 22: 21).
(6) Last of all, Jesus has been described as being humble and blessed with success. In regard to this the Bible says:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matt. 11: 29).
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass (Matt. 21: 5).
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16: 33).
a
19:15.
a
19:15, 33.
2177
Commentary:
The present and the preceding two verses refer to a period when Jesus had already become invested with prophethood. It is an insult to human intelligence and common sense and to belie facts of history and also to betray one’s utter lack of knowledge of the Quranic style and Arabic idiom to say that the words of vv. 31-33 were spoken by Jesus while he was yet a child and therefore constituted a great miracle. A mere babe who sucked the breast of his mother could not say that he was a most obedient and faithful servant of God or that God had given him a Book or that he said Prayers and gave alms or that he was dutiful to his mother and was not haughty. All this talk seems to be a tissue of lies. Jesus could not and did not do any of these things while yet a baby but rather when he had attained to prophethood. It may be argued that the miracle consisted in the fact that Jesus could talk while yet a baby in the cradle but this purpose could equally have been served by his speaking only a few words. If only he had rebuked the elders of the Jews for calumniating his mother in a single sentence they would surely have been taken aback and completely confounded and the purpose of the miracle would have been fully served. But where was the necessity of putting a long discourse in Jesus’ mouth which was not true? The truth is that the miracle did not lie in the supposed infantile talk of Jesus but in the imagination of the commentators themselves.
In this and the preceding two verses Jesus has been described as saying that (1) he is a servant of God; (2) God has given him the Book; (3) He has made him a Prophet; (4) He has made him blessed; (5) He has enjoined upon him Prayer and alms-giving; (6) He has made him dutiful to his mother and that (7) He has not made him haughty and unblessed. All these words put in Jesus’ mouth by the Quran have been amply supported and corroborated by the Bible:
(1) As regards Jesus’ being a humble servant of God, subject to human weaknesses and frailties and to the demands and calls of nature and not being God or Son of God, the Bible says:
And when he had fasted forty days and nights, he afterwards hungered (Matt. 4:2).
But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, –but the father (Mark 13: 32).
And Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? None is good save one, that is God (Mark 10: 18).
(2) About the fact that Jesus was given a Book which he followed and taught, the Bible says:
Think not that I come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Matt. 5:17, 18).
(3) The Bible also supports the Quranic statement that Jesus was only a Prophet of God and not God or the Son of God. It says:
And He that sent me is with me (John 8: 29).
Neither came I of myself, but He sent me (John 8: 42).
He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, (Isaiah 61: 1-3; Luke 4: 15-22).
And the multitudes said, This is the Prophet, Jesus, of Nazareth of Galilee (Matt. 21:11).
(4) About Jesus’ being blessed the Bible depicts Elizabeth, the mother of John, as saying to Mary, the mother of Jesus:
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb (Luke 1: 42).
And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice and said unto him, blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked (Luke 11: 27).
(5) The fifth thing that the Quran tells us about Jesus is that God had enjoined upon him Prayer and alms-giving. About this the Bible says as follows:
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed (Luke 5: 16).
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22: 44).
Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s (Matt. 22: 21).
(6) Last of all, Jesus has been described as being humble and blessed with success. In regard to this the Bible says:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matt. 11: 29).
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass (Matt. 21: 5).
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16: 33).
a
19:15.
1766
The talk which Jesus gave to the elders of the Jews and which is contained in these verses (31-34) could not possibly be the talk of a child. All these affirmations from the lips of a child sound like so many lies; and who would call these lies a miracle? Jesus was neither a Prophet at that time, nor did he say Prayer or give Zakat or was given a Book. Moreover, in 3:47 this miracle is mentioned as Jesus having spoken to the people in the cradle and when of middle age. But talk by a man in middle age is no miracle; and by joining the word 'cradle' with the words 'of middle age,' the Qur’an implies that the talk of Jesus in 'the cradle' and when he was 'of middle age' was no miracle in the sense in which it is popularly understood, but that it was a miracle in the sense that he spoke words of exceptional wisdom and intelligence in childhood as well as in middle age. The joining of these two sets of words also implied a prophecy that Jesus would not die young but would live up to a ripe old age. The
وَٱلسَّلَٰمُ عَلَىَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا
19:16.
19:16.
19:16.
Commentary:
The words, and peace there will be on me the day I shall die, show that Jesus did not die on the cross, for death on the cross, according to the Bible, is an accursed death (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13). It cannot be said about a person who died an accursed death that he died a blessed and peaceful death. But the mere fact of a person being put on the cross or meeting a violent end does not conflict with the idea of peace and blessedness to which this verse refers. It is an accepted fact of history that the Prophet Yahya was murdered while in jail but the words "peace was on him the day he died" have also been used about him in v. 16 above. So these words have been used about Jesus and Yahya to show that both these Prophets succeeded in their missions, and a person who succeeds in his mission and whose work is carried on after his death and who is remembered with love and respect cannot be said to have suffered death or to have been deprived of "peace". Jesus has left behind him a large community of followers and Yahya’s name is remembered with love and respect. Thus both Jesus and Yahya died a blessed death and enjoy everlasting peace.
The words, peace was on me the day I was born may also be understood as containing a hint that the birth of Jesus was out of the ordinary. These words have also been used about Yahya in verse 16 above because his birth, too, took place in extraordinary circumstances. He was born when his father had reached an extremely old age and his mother was barren.
The expression, the day I shall be raised up to life again, may also imply: "The day when I shall be raised again in the form of another Prophet who will testify to my truth." The implied reference may be to the Holy Prophet who bore witness to the truth of Jesus.
b
19:16.
a
19:16.
2178
Commentary:
The words, and peace there will be on me the day I shall die, show that Jesus did not die on the cross, for death on the cross, according to the Bible, is an accursed death (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13). It cannot be said about a person who died an accursed death that he died a blessed and peaceful death. But the mere fact of a person being put on the cross or meeting a violent end does not conflict with the idea of peace and blessedness to which this verse refers. It is an accepted fact of history that the Prophet Yahya was murdered while in jail but the words "peace was on him the day he died" have also been used about him in v. 16 above. So these words have been used about Jesus and Yahya to show that both these Prophets succeeded in their missions, and a person who succeeds in his mission and whose work is carried on after his death and who is remembered with love and respect cannot be said to have suffered death or to have been deprived of "peace". Jesus has left behind him a large community of followers and Yahya’s name is remembered with love and respect. Thus both Jesus and Yahya died a blessed death and enjoy everlasting peace.
The words, peace was on me the day I was born may also be understood as containing a hint that the birth of Jesus was out of the ordinary. These words have also been used about Yahya in verse 16 above because his birth, too, took place in extraordinary circumstances. He was born when his father had reached an extremely old age and his mother was barren.
The expression, the day I shall be raised up to life again, may also imply: "The day when I shall be raised again in the form of another Prophet who will testify to my truth." The implied reference may be to the Holy Prophet who bore witness to the truth of Jesus.
b
19:16.
ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۚ قَوْلَ ٱلْحَقِّ ٱلَّذِى فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ
The expression "Ibn-e-Maryam" is Jesus’s distinctive name. Whereas, on the one hand, it seems to imply his fatherless birth, on the other it confers on him a name which is incapable of being confused with that of anybody else. The Gospels have used for Jesus the epithet "Ibn-e-Adam" (son of man) also but this latter epithet has been used in the Bible for other persons as well. "Son of Mary" is at once a distinctive and descriptive name of Jesus.
Perhaps there is no other individual in religious history concerning whom so many and so far-reaching differences exist as about Jesus, son of Mary. The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims all hold widely different views about Jesus’s birth, the manner of his death and about some prominent incidents in his life.
Commentary:
Perhaps there is no individual of any prominence in religious history about whom so many and so far-reaching differences exist as about Jesus, the son of Mary. The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims all hold widely different views about Jesus’ birth, the manner of his death, and about the account of his life. The Jews believe that he was born out of legal wedlock and therefore his birth was illegitimate. He was a false Prophet and therefore deservedly met an accursed death on the cross. The Christians hold that Jesus’ mother became conceived of the Holy Ghost, therefore he was the son of God. He persuaded himself to be put on the cross and by his death he atoned for the sins of all humanity. He remained dead for three days and then rose up to heaven. He is a part of the Holy Trinity and yet is God Himself. Orthodox Muslims believe that he was miraculously born without the instrumentality of a father as the result of a special Divine decree. He was an Israelite Prophet. The Jews tried to crucify him but instead succeeded only in crucifying another person who by God’s special decree was made to look like Jesus and Jesus bodily went up to heaven where he is sitting by the right hand of God and will someday descend from heaven to win for Muslims the kingdom of the whole world. The so-called modernists among Muslims think that he was the son of Joseph the carpenter, and died a natural death, and so there was nothing miraculous or unusual about his birth, death or his life. He was only an Israelite Prophet. The orthodox Ahmadis, however, believe that his birth took place without the agency of a father as the result of a special Divine decree, and that this unusual form of birth constituted a rebuke and a warning to the Israelites that on account of their persistent rejection of truth and God’s Messengers, and their immoral practices the whole Israelite nation had been rendered quite unfit to give birth to a Prophet of God and therefore prophethood, in accordance with God’s covenant with Abraham, was transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael (see Introduction to this Surah). They further believe that Jesus was hung on the cross by the Jews but did not die there and was taken down from it alive and for three days remained in a tomb hewn out of a rock and then travelled to Kashmir to preach his Message to the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. He lived up to the ripe old age of 120 years, died a natural death and lies buried in Khanyar street in Srinagar, Kashmir. In fact, the existence of so many and so serious differences about Jesus implies a rebuke to Christians that there is nothing certain about their god.
The expression "son of Mary" (ابن مریم) is Jesus’ distinctive name. Whereas on the one hand it seems to point to his fatherless birth, on the other it confers on him a name which is incapable of being confused with that of anybody else. The Gospels have also used for Jesus the epithet ابن آدم (son of man) but this epithet has been used in the Bible for other persons also. So ابن مریم (son of Mary) is at once a distinctive and descriptive name of Jesus.
2179
Commentary:
Perhaps there is no individual of any prominence in religious history about whom so many and so far-reaching differences exist as about Jesus, the son of Mary. The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims all hold widely different views about Jesus’ birth, the manner of his death, and about the account of his life. The Jews believe that he was born out of legal wedlock and therefore his birth was illegitimate. He was a false Prophet and therefore deservedly met an accursed death on the cross. The Christians hold that Jesus’ mother became conceived of the Holy Ghost, therefore he was the son of God. He persuaded himself to be put on the cross and by his death he atoned for the sins of all humanity. He remained dead for three days and then rose up to heaven. He is a part of the Holy Trinity and yet is God Himself. Orthodox Muslims believe that he was miraculously born without the instrumentality of a father as the result of a special Divine decree. He was an Israelite Prophet. The Jews tried to crucify him but instead succeeded only in crucifying another person who by God’s special decree was made to look like Jesus and Jesus bodily went up to heaven where he is sitting by the right hand of God and will someday descend from heaven to win for Muslims the kingdom of the whole world. The so-called modernists among Muslims think that he was the son of Joseph the carpenter, and died a natural death, and so there was nothing miraculous or unusual about his birth, death or his life. He was only an Israelite Prophet. The orthodox Ahmadis, however, believe that his birth took place without the agency of a father as the result of a special Divine decree, and that this unusual form of birth constituted a rebuke and a warning to the Israelites that on account of their persistent rejection of truth and God’s Messengers, and their immoral practices the whole Israelite nation had been rendered quite unfit to give birth to a Prophet of God and therefore prophethood, in accordance with God’s covenant with Abraham, was transferred from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael (see Introduction to this Surah). They further believe that Jesus was hung on the cross by the Jews but did not die there and was taken down from it alive and for three days remained in a tomb hewn out of a rock and then travelled to Kashmir to preach his Message to the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. He lived up to the ripe old age of 120 years, died a natural death and lies buried in Khanyar street in Srinagar, Kashmir. In fact, the existence of so many and so serious differences about Jesus implies a rebuke to Christians that there is nothing certain about their god.
The expression "son of Mary" (ابن مریم) is Jesus’ distinctive name. Whereas on the one hand it seems to point to his fatherless birth, on the other it confers on him a name which is incapable of being confused with that of anybody else. The Gospels have also used for Jesus the epithet ابن آدم (son of man) but this epithet has been used in the Bible for other persons also. So ابن مریم (son of Mary) is at once a distinctive and descriptive name of Jesus.
1767
The expression "Ibn-e-Maryam" is Jesus’s distinctive name. Whereas, on the one hand, it seems to imply his fatherless birth, on the other it confers on him a name which is incapable of being confused with that of anybody else. The Gospels have used for Jesus the epithet "Ibn-e-Adam" (son of man) also but this latter epithet has been used in the Bible for other persons as well. "Son of Mary" is at once a distinctive and descriptive name of Jesus.
1768
Perhaps there is no other individual in religious history concerning whom so many and so far-reaching differences exist as about Jesus, son of Mary. The Jews, the Christians and the Muslims all hold widely different views about Jesus’s birth, the manner of his death and about some prominent incidents in his life.
مَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ ۖ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥٓ ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ
10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:89; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5.
基督教徒相信, 伊撒是安拉的儿子。他们是根据 «圣经» 称他为 “安拉的儿子” 这一设想而产生这一信念的。可是 «圣经» 中也有称呼其他人为 “安拉的儿子” 的。伊撒在这方面并没有什么特殊之处, 因此他不过是像称呼那些其他人那样的一个安拉的儿子 («路加» 20:36; «耶利米亚书» 31:9; «马太» 6:9; «约翰» 8:41和 «以弗所书» 4:6)。
在阿拉伯语中, كُنْ (Kun) 这个单词, 除了可以向一样东西说以外, 还可以用 来表达一个深切感到的愿望。有一次远征中, 穆圣的一个非常勇敢而忠实的伙伴阿布•卡撒马 (اَبُوْخَيْثَمَة, Abu Khaithamah) 恰巧不在。穆圣深切地感觉到他没在身旁。在战斗中, 他看见一个人从远处骑着马飞驰而来, 他就喊道: كُنْ اَبَا خَيْثَمَة (Kun Aba Khaithamah), 也就是说, 但愿那是阿布•卡撒马; 瞧! 真的是阿布•卡撒马 (حَلْبِيَّة, Halbiyyah)。因此, كُنْ (Kun) 这一单词可以意示, 当安拉想要一件事或东西成为现实时, 它就成为现实; 或者, 当安拉表达这样一个愿望时, 它就具体地出现在面前。这一单词并不支持这样的看法, 说灵魂和物质是和安拉永远并存的或自古就有的。
10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:89; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5.
Christians believe that Jesus was God’s son. They base this belief on the assumption that the Bible calls him "son of God." But in the Bible other persons have also been called or addressed as "sons of God." Jesus enjoys no special distinction in this respect and he is, therefore, no more a son of God than those persons who have also been addressed as such (Luke, 20: 36; Jer., 31: 9; Matt., 6: 9; John, 8: 41 & Ephes., 4: 6).
In the Arabic language the word Kun, besides being addressed to a thing, is also used to express a greatly felt desire. In an expedition the Holy Prophet’s very brave and loyal Companion, Abu Khaithamah happened to be absent. The Holy Prophet keenly felt his absence. When in the midst of the battle he saw from a great distance a rider coming to him at full speed, he exclaimed Kun Aba Khaithamah, i.e. would that it were Abu Khaithamah; and lo! it was really Abu Khaithamah (Halbiyyah). So the word Kun would signify that when God desires or intends a thing to come into being, it comes into being; or when God expresses such a desire it takes a concrete form. The word lends no support to the view that soul and matter are primeval or coeternal with God.
10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:89; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5.
Important Words:
ماکان للّٰه (It does not befit the Majesty of Allah). They say ماکان له i.e. (1) it does not befit him; behove him; it is inconsistent with his dignity; it is not proper for him; (2) it is beyond his power to do so. In the present verse ماکان للّٰه means, it is inconsistent with the Majesty of Allah or it does not befit His Holiness (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat). See also 2:35.
Commentary:
The words ان یتخذ من ولد express two senses (a) that He should have a son; and (b) that He should adopt someone as His son. When it is inconsistent with God’s Majesty to adopt someone as His son, it is all the more repugnant to His Holiness and Glory to have a real son. These words repudiate the Christian belief, namely (i) that God has adopted Jesus as His son or (ii) that Jesus is God’s son.
Christians believe that Jesus was God’s son. The onus for proving such a manifestly absurd belief lies on them. They base this belief on the assumption that the Bible calls him the son of God. But in the Bible other persons have also been called or addressed as sons of God. Jesus enjoys no special prerogative in this respect and is therefore no more a son of God than those persons who have also been addressed as such.
The Bible says:
(a) "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God" (Luke 20: 36);
(b) "For I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn" (Jer. 31:9);
(c) "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9);
(d) "For if you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matt. 6:14);
(e) "That your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11: 25);
(f) "Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" (Luke 12: 30);
(g) "We have one Father, even God" (John 8: 41);
(h) "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephes. 4:6);
(i) "Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn" (Exod. 4:22).
The Bible rather supports the Quranic statement, viz.it does not befit the Majesty of Allah to take unto Himself a son.He is the One Lord, God, Who has, or needs, no son.
It says:
(a) "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4);
(b) "I am the Lord, that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images" (Isa. 42:8);
(c) "Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mark 12: 29);
(d) "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty" (Jude 1: 25);
(e) "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever" (I Timothy 1: 17).
The verse under comment gives three reasons why God does not stand in need of a son:(1) if God were supposed to have a son, He must be subject to carnal desires and must have a wife to satisfy them; (2) He must be subject to decay and death because the procreation of species which the attribution of a son to God implies, is the characteristic of mortals; and (3) He must require a helper to assist Him in His work or to continue his work after His death. But God as represented by Islam is completely free from all these defects and therefore needs no son. In fact, the Christian dogma of sonship of Jesus is an insoluble riddle and beyond human comprehension. If Jesus is God’s son, then God will have to be admitted as incapable of carrying on the affairs of the universe alone and unaided, and therefore will have to be accepted as imperfect and defective. But because God is Perfect and All-Powerful, therefore He needs no son and no helper. Again, according to the Christian dogma each of the three deities, God, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, being perfect can and should carry on the work of the universe unaided and yet these three combine to do the thing which each one is able to accomplish by himself. This is absurd.
Those who are ignorant of Arabic language pretend to find in the word کن (be) a ground for their belief in the eternity and indestructibility of matter and soul. They argue in this way. This word shows that there had already existed something to which the order کن (be) was given. But in the Arabic language this word, besides being addressed to a thing, is also used to express a greatly felt desire. In an expedition the Holy Prophet’s very brave and loyal companion, Abu Khaithamah happened to be absent. The Prophet keenly felt his absence. When in the midst of the battle he saw from a great distance a rider coming to him at full speed he exclaimed کن ابا خیثمة i.e. would that it were Abu Khaithamah; and lo! it was really Abu Khaithamah (Halbiyyah). So an Arab would use the word کن when he would passionately desire a thing to happen.
According to this sense of کن the expression کن فیکون would mean that when God desires or intends that a thing should be, it comes into being or that when God expresses a desire it takes a concrete form. The words lend no support to the view that soul and matter are primeval or eternal. See also 2:117-118.
c
10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:89; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5.
802
基督教徒相信, 伊撒是安拉的儿子。他们是根据 «圣经» 称他为 “安拉的儿子” 这一设想而产生这一信念的。可是 «圣经» 中也有称呼其他人为 “安拉的儿子” 的。伊撒在这方面并没有什么特殊之处, 因此他不过是像称呼那些其他人那样的一个安拉的儿子 («路加» 20:36; «耶利米亚书» 31:9; «马太» 6:9; «约翰» 8:41和 «以弗所书» 4:6)。
803
在阿拉伯语中, كُنْ (Kun) 这个单词, 除了可以向一样东西说以外, 还可以用 来表达一个深切感到的愿望。有一次远征中, 穆圣的一个非常勇敢而忠实的伙伴阿布•卡撒马 (اَبُوْخَيْثَمَة, Abu Khaithamah) 恰巧不在。穆圣深切地感觉到他没在身旁。在战斗中, 他看见一个人从远处骑着马飞驰而来, 他就喊道: كُنْ اَبَا خَيْثَمَة (Kun Aba Khaithamah), 也就是说, 但愿那是阿布•卡撒马; 瞧! 真的是阿布•卡撒马 (حَلْبِيَّة, Halbiyyah)。因此, كُنْ (Kun) 这一单词可以意示, 当安拉想要一件事或东西成为现实时, 它就成为现实; 或者, 当安拉表达这样一个愿望时, 它就具体地出现在面前。这一单词并不支持这样的看法, 说灵魂和物质是和安拉永远并存的或自古就有的。
a
10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:89; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5.
2180
Important Words:
ماکان للّٰه (It does not befit the Majesty of Allah). They say ماکان له i.e. (1) it does not befit him; behove him; it is inconsistent with his dignity; it is not proper for him; (2) it is beyond his power to do so. In the present verse ماکان للّٰه means, it is inconsistent with the Majesty of Allah or it does not befit His Holiness (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat). See also 2:35.
Commentary:
The words ان یتخذ من ولد express two senses (a) that He should have a son; and (b) that He should adopt someone as His son. When it is inconsistent with God’s Majesty to adopt someone as His son, it is all the more repugnant to His Holiness and Glory to have a real son. These words repudiate the Christian belief, namely (i) that God has adopted Jesus as His son or (ii) that Jesus is God’s son.
Christians believe that Jesus was God’s son. The onus for proving such a manifestly absurd belief lies on them. They base this belief on the assumption that the Bible calls him the son of God. But in the Bible other persons have also been called or addressed as sons of God. Jesus enjoys no special prerogative in this respect and is therefore no more a son of God than those persons who have also been addressed as such.
The Bible says:
(a) "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God" (Luke 20: 36);
(b) "For I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn" (Jer. 31:9);
(c) "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9);
(d) "For if you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matt. 6:14);
(e) "That your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11: 25);
(f) "Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" (Luke 12: 30);
(g) "We have one Father, even God" (John 8: 41);
(h) "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephes. 4:6);
(i) "Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn" (Exod. 4:22).
The Bible rather supports the Quranic statement, viz.it does not befit the Majesty of Allah to take unto Himself a son.He is the One Lord, God, Who has, or needs, no son.
It says:
(a) "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4);
(b) "I am the Lord, that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images" (Isa. 42:8);
(c) "Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mark 12: 29);
(d) "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty" (Jude 1: 25);
(e) "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever" (I Timothy 1: 17).
The verse under comment gives three reasons why God does not stand in need of a son:(1) if God were supposed to have a son, He must be subject to carnal desires and must have a wife to satisfy them; (2) He must be subject to decay and death because the procreation of species which the attribution of a son to God implies, is the characteristic of mortals; and (3) He must require a helper to assist Him in His work or to continue his work after His death. But God as represented by Islam is completely free from all these defects and therefore needs no son. In fact, the Christian dogma of sonship of Jesus is an insoluble riddle and beyond human comprehension. If Jesus is God’s son, then God will have to be admitted as incapable of carrying on the affairs of the universe alone and unaided, and therefore will have to be accepted as imperfect and defective. But because God is Perfect and All-Powerful, therefore He needs no son and no helper. Again, according to the Christian dogma each of the three deities, God, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, being perfect can and should carry on the work of the universe unaided and yet these three combine to do the thing which each one is able to accomplish by himself. This is absurd.
Those who are ignorant of Arabic language pretend to find in the word کن (be) a ground for their belief in the eternity and indestructibility of matter and soul. They argue in this way. This word shows that there had already existed something to which the order کن (be) was given. But in the Arabic language this word, besides being addressed to a thing, is also used to express a greatly felt desire. In an expedition the Holy Prophet’s very brave and loyal companion, Abu Khaithamah happened to be absent. The Prophet keenly felt his absence. When in the midst of the battle he saw from a great distance a rider coming to him at full speed he exclaimed کن ابا خیثمة i.e. would that it were Abu Khaithamah; and lo! it was really Abu Khaithamah (Halbiyyah). So an Arab would use the word کن when he would passionately desire a thing to happen.
According to this sense of کن the expression کن فیکون would mean that when God desires or intends that a thing should be, it comes into being or that when God expresses a desire it takes a concrete form. The words lend no support to the view that soul and matter are primeval or eternal. See also 2:117-118.
a
10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:89; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5.
1769
Christians believe that Jesus was God’s son. They base this belief on the assumption that the Bible calls him "son of God." But in the Bible other persons have also been called or addressed as "sons of God." Jesus enjoys no special distinction in this respect and he is, therefore, no more a son of God than those persons who have also been addressed as such (Luke, 20: 36; Jer., 31: 9; Matt., 6: 9; John, 8: 41 & Ephes., 4: 6).
1770
In the Arabic language the word Kun, besides being addressed to a thing, is also used to express a greatly felt desire. In an expedition the Holy Prophet’s very brave and loyal Companion, Abu Khaithamah happened to be absent. The Holy Prophet keenly felt his absence. When in the midst of the battle he saw from a great distance a rider coming to him at full speed, he exclaimed Kun Aba Khaithamah, i.e. would that it were Abu Khaithamah; and lo! it was really Abu Khaithamah (Halbiyyah). So the word Kun would signify that when God desires or intends a thing to come into being, it comes into being; or when God expresses such a desire it takes a concrete form. The word lends no support to the view that soul and matter are primeval or coeternal with God.
وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ ۚ هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
3:52; 5:73; 43:65.
3:52; 5:73; 43:65.
3:52; 5:73; 43:65.
a
3:52; 5:73; 43:65.
a
3:52; 5:73; 43:65.
b
3:52; 5:73; 43:65.
فَٱخْتَلَفَ ٱلْأَحْزَابُ مِنۢ بَيْنِهِمْ ۖ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن مَّشْهَدِ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ
14:3; 38:28; 51:61.
14:3; 38:28; 51:61.
14:3; 38:28; 51:61.
Important Words:
الاحزاب (parties) is the plural of حزب which means, a party or group of men; a party of men who agree in their ideas and actions (Lane).
Commentary:
The verse means to say that in spite of the fact that the followers of Jesus followed one Book, held the same basic beliefs and their religious practices were almost the same, they differed among themselves. Some of them said that Mary was an ordinary woman who gave birth to the son of God, others believed that she was God’s wife and was therefore "Divine". Yet some others among them believed that Jesus was only a man and a Prophet of God. He had, like other Prophets, manifested in himself some Divine attributes, and there were others who said that he was God Incarnate. Some others believed in three separate Divine persons i.e. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, each of them being perfect God; others said that they are only three manifestations of the One God i.e. in one capacity God is Father, in another capacity He is Son and in the third capacity He is the Holy Ghost.
So the followers of Jesus, in spite of believing in the same Book and possessing the same basic doctrines and principles of religion, became split up into many sects.
b
14:3; 38:28; 51:61.
b
14:3; 38:28; 51:61.
2181
Important Words:
الاحزاب (parties) is the plural of حزب which means, a party or group of men; a party of men who agree in their ideas and actions (Lane).
Commentary:
The verse means to say that in spite of the fact that the followers of Jesus followed one Book, held the same basic beliefs and their religious practices were almost the same, they differed among themselves. Some of them said that Mary was an ordinary woman who gave birth to the son of God, others believed that she was God’s wife and was therefore "Divine". Yet some others among them believed that Jesus was only a man and a Prophet of God. He had, like other Prophets, manifested in himself some Divine attributes, and there were others who said that he was God Incarnate. Some others believed in three separate Divine persons i.e. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, each of them being perfect God; others said that they are only three manifestations of the One God i.e. in one capacity God is Father, in another capacity He is Son and in the third capacity He is the Holy Ghost.
So the followers of Jesus, in spite of believing in the same Book and possessing the same basic doctrines and principles of religion, became split up into many sects.
a
14:3; 38:28; 51:61.
أَسْمِعْ بِهِمْ وَأَبْصِرْ يَوْمَ يَأْتُونَنَا ۖ لَٰكِنِ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ ٱلْيَوْمَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ
The verse means to say that the disbelievers’ faculties of seeing and hearing will become much keener and sharper on the Day of Judgment, because the veil will then be lifted from their eyes and ears and they will realize that they were in the wrong; but that realization being too late will prove to be of no avail to them.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the faculties of seeing and hearing of disbelievers will become much more keener and sharper on the Day of Judgement, because the veil will be lifted from their eyes and ears and they will realize that they were in the wrong; but that realization being too late will prove to be of no use to them.
2182
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the faculties of seeing and hearing of disbelievers will become much more keener and sharper on the Day of Judgement, because the veil will be lifted from their eyes and ears and they will realize that they were in the wrong; but that realization being too late will prove to be of no use to them.
1771
The verse means to say that the disbelievers’ faculties of seeing and hearing will become much keener and sharper on the Day of Judgment, because the veil will then be lifted from their eyes and ears and they will realize that they were in the wrong; but that realization being too late will prove to be of no avail to them.
وَأَنذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْحَسْرَةِ إِذْ قُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ وَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
2:168; 6:32; 39:57.
2:168; 6:32; 39:57.
2:168; 6:32; 39:57.
Commentary:
The words اذ قضی الامر means, (1) when the decree of God will be announced; (2) when decision will be made according to truth and justice.
The expression وھم لا یؤمنون in addition to the meaning given in the text may also signify that though on the Day of Decision the realization will dawn on disbelievers that they were in the wrong, yet having become accustomed to untruth and disbelief, they will not become reconciled to it and their hearts will continue to suffer from the rust, and they will continue to wander in the wilderness, of disbelief and consequently will suffer Divine punishment.
c
2:168; 6:32; 39:57.
a
2:168; 6:32; 39:57.
2183
Commentary:
The words اذ قضی الامر means, (1) when the decree of God will be announced; (2) when decision will be made according to truth and justice.
The expression وھم لا یؤمنون in addition to the meaning given in the text may also signify that though on the Day of Decision the realization will dawn on disbelievers that they were in the wrong, yet having become accustomed to untruth and disbelief, they will not become reconciled to it and their hearts will continue to suffer from the rust, and they will continue to wander in the wilderness, of disbelief and consequently will suffer Divine punishment.
b
2:168; 6:32; 39:57.
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَرِثُ ٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَنْ عَلَيْهَا وَإِلَيْنَا يُرْجَعُونَ
15:24; 28:59.
The verse embodies two prophecies: (a) The Christian people will first come to rule over almost the whole of the earth, and will be dominating it by their large numbers; and (b) as a result of their disbelief they will then be deprived of their dominion which will ultimately be given to the followers of Islam.
15:24; 28:59.
Commentary:
As the Surah deals with the false Christian beliefs and the rise, progress and prosperity of Christian nations, and with the ultimate destruction of their material might and power the word الارض (the earth) here signifies the vast parts of the world over which they will hold sway; and the expression من علیھا (who are thereon) points to the large numbers of Christian people who at that time will be inhabiting the earth and dominating it.
The verse embodies two prophecies: (a) the Christians will first come to rule over almost the whole earth, and will be dominating it by their large numbers, and (b) then as a result of their disbelief they will be deprived of their world dominion which will ultimately be given to the followers of Islam. It points to the present great material power and grandeur of Christian nations and their subsequent destruction and to the ultimate spread and triumph of Islam. The words, And to Us will they all be returned, signify that Western Christian nations will ultimately accept Islam.
d
15:24; 28:59.
804
这节经文体现两个预言: (a) 基督教人将先统治几乎整个地球, 并将以他们的众多人数支配全世界; (b) 然后由于他们的不信, 他们将被剥夺掉这种支配权, 而这种支配权最终必将给予伊斯兰教的信仰者。
a
15:24; 28:59.
2184
Commentary:
As the Surah deals with the false Christian beliefs and the rise, progress and prosperity of Christian nations, and with the ultimate destruction of their material might and power the word الارض (the earth) here signifies the vast parts of the world over which they will hold sway; and the expression من علیھا (who are thereon) points to the large numbers of Christian people who at that time will be inhabiting the earth and dominating it.
The verse embodies two prophecies: (a) the Christians will first come to rule over almost the whole earth, and will be dominating it by their large numbers, and (b) then as a result of their disbelief they will be deprived of their world dominion which will ultimately be given to the followers of Islam. It points to the present great material power and grandeur of Christian nations and their subsequent destruction and to the ultimate spread and triumph of Islam. The words, And to Us will they all be returned, signify that Western Christian nations will ultimately accept Islam.
c
15:24; 28:59.
1772
The verse embodies two prophecies: (a) The Christian people will first come to rule over almost the whole of the earth, and will be dominating it by their large numbers; and (b) as a result of their disbelief they will then be deprived of their dominion which will ultimately be given to the followers of Islam.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا
38:46; 53:38.
38:46; 53:38.
"The Book" means the Qur’an. The Holy Prophet is here directed to relate the story of Abraham as it is given in the Qur’an and not as it is related in the Bible. Whereas the Qur’an depicts Abraham as a truthful man, the Bible accuses him of telling lies (Gen. 20: 13). The Qur’an has laid great stress on the truthfulness of Abraham, perhaps because sometime in future, lies were to be attributed to him by some Commentators of the Qur’an.
38:46; 53:38.
Commentary:
ابراھیم (Abraham) means the father of nations. Originally Abraham’s name was ابرام (Abram) which may have been derived from ابرم. They say ابرمه i.e. he twisted it (the rope) well. He made it firm, strong, solid (Lane). Abraham might have been so called because he was endowed to an unusual degree with conversational ability of a high mark. He was an irresistible debater. His talk was very effective and his arguments strong. A reference to this quality of Abraham is to be found in 2:259 and 6:76-81. Or Abram may have come to be called Abraham after God had made His covenant with him and had promised to multiply him exceedingly. God said: "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for father of many nations have I made thee" (Gen. 17:4-5). In the Quran also Abraham has been called امة which means, "a nation", "a people", "a race" (16:121).
Abraham was a native of Ur of the Chaldees in Iraq. His people worshipped the sun and the stars. Their chief god was Merodach or (Madruk). It was also called Bel, i.e. Lord (Enc. Bib.).
Abraham was a great iconoclast. He preached the Unity and Oneness of God and strongly denounced and condemned idol-worship. By his iconoclastic activities he incurred the enmity of his father and so with his wife and his nephew Lot, he had to leave his native place for Canaan the land which God had promised to give to his seed (Gen 12:7). When Canaan suffered from a severe famine Abraham left it for Egypt where he married Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. For a detailed account of Abraham see 6:75.
الکتاب (the Book) in this verse means the Quran. The Holy Prophet is here directed to relate the story of Abraham as it is given in the Quran and not as it is related in the Bible. While the Quran depicts Abraham as a truthful man the Bible accuses him of telling lies (Gen. 20:13).
صدیق (a truthful man) is the intensified form of صادق which is active participle from صدقwhich means, he spoke the truth (Lane). صادق means one who speaks the truth. صدیق being the intensive form of صادق has four meanings; (a) one who very generally and often speaks the truth; (b) one who never tells a lie; (c) one who is so habituated to speaking truth that it becomes impossible for him to tell a lie; and (d) one who is truthful in his talk and substantiates the truth of his talk and beliefs by his actions and deeds. The speaking of truth becomes, as it were, a part of his being, a second nature with him (Lane). This is the highest stage of صدیقیت (the quality or condition of being truthful).
The word صدیق possesses a double connotation. While on the one hand it means one who is highly truthful, on the other it denotes a spiritual rank next only to the rank of prophethood. In fact, every quality possesses two connotations and two uses. It is used as an attribute and it also expresses a rank. In the present verse صدیق has been used to express only the attribute and quality of truthfulness and not the rank of صدیق which is included in the rank of نبی (a Prophet) which has also been mentioned in regard to Abraham in this verse. The verse means that Abraham was a Prophet of God and one of his most prominent and distinctive qualities was that he was truthful par excellence.
The Quran has laid great stress on the truthfulness of Abraham perhaps because in some future time lies were to be attributed to him by some commentators of the Quran.
It seems appropriate and pertinent to write here a few words about the order and arrangement of the verses of the present Surah because some Christian writers have found fault with the chronological order of the incidents mentioned in it. In fact the central theme of this Surah is to disprove and demolish the Christian dogma of godhead of Jesus Christ. The Surah opens with a brief mention of Zachariah, the father of Yahya who was a forerunner of Jesus. Zachariah’s mention is followed by a concise description of the birth of Yahya. Then a somewhat detailed description is given of the birth of Jesus who was the harbinger of the Holy Prophet and light is shed on the falsity of Christian beliefs and doctrines about him and his mother. This description of Jesus is followed by a narration of some important incidents in the life of Abraham. This seems to be a historical anachronism but in reality it is not. The Quran is not a book of history. It sometimes deliberately departs from the chronological order of events. The account of Abraham given in the present and the following verses is a case in point. The account of Jesus is followed by that of Abraham in order to drive home the point that when Abraham, the great progenitor of Moses who was the Founder of the Mosaic Dispensation of which Christianity is only an offshoot, was a firm believer in the Unity of God, how could Jesus depart from the Faith of his forefather, and claim to be God or son of God? Secondly, God had made a promise with Abraham that He would multiply him exceedingly through his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. God’s promise with Abraham was fulfilled first through Isaac, and then when Isaac’s progeny disobeyed and defied Divine commandments and consistently rejected Divine Prophets and went so far as to kill John and crucify Jesus, God’s covenant with Abraham became transferred to Ishmael and was finally and fully fulfilled through the latter’s progeny. This is the real reason why the account of Jesus is followed by that of Abraham. After this a brief mention is made of Moses who was a descendant of Jacob and in whom God’s covenant with Abraham through Isaac found its highest fulfilment. After dealing with God’s covenant with Abraham through Isaac, the Surah proceeds to make a mention of the Divine promise with Abraham through Ishmael. This is why after Moses, mention has been made of Ishmael and this is the significance of the order which the Quran has kept in view while giving an account of the life of some Prophets and making only a brief mention of others and this is the right and natural order which should have been observed while dealing with the subject under discussion. The taunt of some Christian critics of Islam that the seeming historical anachronism was due to the Holy Prophet’s lack of the knowledge of history is absurd because elsewhere (chapter Hud) the Quran has given the accounts of some Prophets of very remote past in their proper chronological order which fact has been admitted by fair-minded Christian writers themselves.
e
38:46; 53:38.
b
38:46; 53:38.
2185
Commentary:
ابراھیم (Abraham) means the father of nations. Originally Abraham’s name was ابرام (Abram) which may have been derived from ابرم. They say ابرمه i.e. he twisted it (the rope) well. He made it firm, strong, solid (Lane). Abraham might have been so called because he was endowed to an unusual degree with conversational ability of a high mark. He was an irresistible debater. His talk was very effective and his arguments strong. A reference to this quality of Abraham is to be found in 2:259 and 6:76-81. Or Abram may have come to be called Abraham after God had made His covenant with him and had promised to multiply him exceedingly. God said: "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for father of many nations have I made thee" (Gen. 17:4-5). In the Quran also Abraham has been called امة which means, "a nation", "a people", "a race" (16:121).
Abraham was a native of Ur of the Chaldees in Iraq. His people worshipped the sun and the stars. Their chief god was Merodach or (Madruk). It was also called Bel, i.e. Lord (Enc. Bib.).
Abraham was a great iconoclast. He preached the Unity and Oneness of God and strongly denounced and condemned idol-worship. By his iconoclastic activities he incurred the enmity of his father and so with his wife and his nephew Lot, he had to leave his native place for Canaan the land which God had promised to give to his seed (Gen 12:7). When Canaan suffered from a severe famine Abraham left it for Egypt where he married Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. For a detailed account of Abraham see 6:75.
الکتاب (the Book) in this verse means the Quran. The Holy Prophet is here directed to relate the story of Abraham as it is given in the Quran and not as it is related in the Bible. While the Quran depicts Abraham as a truthful man the Bible accuses him of telling lies (Gen. 20:13).
صدیق (a truthful man) is the intensified form of صادق which is active participle from صدقwhich means, he spoke the truth (Lane). صادق means one who speaks the truth. صدیق being the intensive form of صادق has four meanings; (a) one who very generally and often speaks the truth; (b) one who never tells a lie; (c) one who is so habituated to speaking truth that it becomes impossible for him to tell a lie; and (d) one who is truthful in his talk and substantiates the truth of his talk and beliefs by his actions and deeds. The speaking of truth becomes, as it were, a part of his being, a second nature with him (Lane). This is the highest stage of صدیقیت (the quality or condition of being truthful).
The word صدیق possesses a double connotation. While on the one hand it means one who is highly truthful, on the other it denotes a spiritual rank next only to the rank of prophethood. In fact, every quality possesses two connotations and two uses. It is used as an attribute and it also expresses a rank. In the present verse صدیق has been used to express only the attribute and quality of truthfulness and not the rank of صدیق which is included in the rank of نبی (a Prophet) which has also been mentioned in regard to Abraham in this verse. The verse means that Abraham was a Prophet of God and one of his most prominent and distinctive qualities was that he was truthful par excellence.
The Quran has laid great stress on the truthfulness of Abraham perhaps because in some future time lies were to be attributed to him by some commentators of the Quran.
It seems appropriate and pertinent to write here a few words about the order and arrangement of the verses of the present Surah because some Christian writers have found fault with the chronological order of the incidents mentioned in it. In fact the central theme of this Surah is to disprove and demolish the Christian dogma of godhead of Jesus Christ. The Surah opens with a brief mention of Zachariah, the father of Yahya who was a forerunner of Jesus. Zachariah’s mention is followed by a concise description of the birth of Yahya. Then a somewhat detailed description is given of the birth of Jesus who was the harbinger of the Holy Prophet and light is shed on the falsity of Christian beliefs and doctrines about him and his mother. This description of Jesus is followed by a narration of some important incidents in the life of Abraham. This seems to be a historical anachronism but in reality it is not. The Quran is not a book of history. It sometimes deliberately departs from the chronological order of events. The account of Abraham given in the present and the following verses is a case in point. The account of Jesus is followed by that of Abraham in order to drive home the point that when Abraham, the great progenitor of Moses who was the Founder of the Mosaic Dispensation of which Christianity is only an offshoot, was a firm believer in the Unity of God, how could Jesus depart from the Faith of his forefather, and claim to be God or son of God? Secondly, God had made a promise with Abraham that He would multiply him exceedingly through his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. God’s promise with Abraham was fulfilled first through Isaac, and then when Isaac’s progeny disobeyed and defied Divine commandments and consistently rejected Divine Prophets and went so far as to kill John and crucify Jesus, God’s covenant with Abraham became transferred to Ishmael and was finally and fully fulfilled through the latter’s progeny. This is the real reason why the account of Jesus is followed by that of Abraham. After this a brief mention is made of Moses who was a descendant of Jacob and in whom God’s covenant with Abraham through Isaac found its highest fulfilment. After dealing with God’s covenant with Abraham through Isaac, the Surah proceeds to make a mention of the Divine promise with Abraham through Ishmael. This is why after Moses, mention has been made of Ishmael and this is the significance of the order which the Quran has kept in view while giving an account of the life of some Prophets and making only a brief mention of others and this is the right and natural order which should have been observed while dealing with the subject under discussion. The taunt of some Christian critics of Islam that the seeming historical anachronism was due to the Holy Prophet’s lack of the knowledge of history is absurd because elsewhere (chapter Hud) the Quran has given the accounts of some Prophets of very remote past in their proper chronological order which fact has been admitted by fair-minded Christian writers themselves.
d
38:46; 53:38.
1773
"The Book" means the Qur’an. The Holy Prophet is here directed to relate the story of Abraham as it is given in the Qur’an and not as it is related in the Bible. Whereas the Qur’an depicts Abraham as a truthful man, the Bible accuses him of telling lies (Gen. 20: 13). The Qur’an has laid great stress on the truthfulness of Abraham, perhaps because sometime in future, lies were to be attributed to him by some Commentators of the Qur’an.
إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ يَٰٓأَبَتِ لِمَ تَعْبُدُ مَا لَا يَسْمَعُ وَلَا يُبْصِرُ وَلَا يُغْنِى عَنكَ شَيْـًٔا
6:75; 21:53; 26:71; 37:86, 87.
6:75; 21:53; 26:71; 37:86, 87.
6:76; 21:53; 26:71; 37:86-87.
Important Words:
اب (father) which originally was ابوmeans, a father; a grandfather; an ancestor; a paternal uncle. ابوالمرأة means, the woman’s husband. ابت in reality is ابی (my father). According to Arabic usage ی has been converted into ت (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The point whether Abraham’s اب (ab) whose name at another place in the Quran (6:75) has been given as Azar was his father, uncle or grandfather, is much in dispute. In 2:134 Ishmael who was Jacob’s uncle has been spoken of as his اب (ab). Whether Azar was Abraham’s father or uncle does not possess much significance. From a study of all relevant historical facts, however, we are inclined to the view that Azar was Abraham’s father, though according to some Talmudic traditions Abraham’s father had died while he was young and he was left an orphan.
In Genesis (11: 26) Abraham’s father’s name has been given as Terah while Luke (3: 34) gives it as Thara. The Talmud agrees with Luke and says that his name was Thara. It also gives his name as Zarah. Eusebius, the father of ecclesiastical history, however, gives Athar as the name of the great Patriarch’s father (Sale). This shows that even among the Jews there existed no unanimity of views as to the name of Abraham’s father. The fact that Eusebius followed neither Genesis (11: 26) nor (Luke 3: 34) indicates that he had very strong reasons to differ from these two well-known sources. The two names, Athar of Eusebius and Azar of the Quran closely resemble each other. The Quranic version is therefore much more reliable and akin to reality than that of the Bible. See also 6:75.
The attributes "All-Hearing" and "All-Seeing" are among the most important Divine attributes. It is our conviction that God sees us when we are in trouble and hears our prayers when we pray to Him which is really at the root of our belief in God. If once we cease to believe in these two attributes, we cease to believe in God. But these two attributes are here further complemented by a third—the attribute غنیwhich means, One Who has no need of others and is Self-Sufficient but Whose help others need and upon Whom they are dependent. If God is not غنی and cannot come to our help when we need it, then His attributes "All-Seeing" and "All-Hearing" are of no use. Abraham has indeed adduced a most convincing and unassailable argument against idol-worship, viz. if the idols do neither see when their votaries are in trouble, nor hear their prayers when they call on them, nor do they come to their help when they need it, then what sense or purpose there is in worshipping such useless things?
a
6:75; 21:53; 26:71; 37:86, 87.
a
6:76; 21:53; 26:71; 37:86-87.
2186
Important Words:
اب (father) which originally was ابوmeans, a father; a grandfather; an ancestor; a paternal uncle. ابوالمرأة means, the woman’s husband. ابت in reality is ابی (my father). According to Arabic usage ی has been converted into ت (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The point whether Abraham’s اب (ab) whose name at another place in the Quran (6:75) has been given as Azar was his father, uncle or grandfather, is much in dispute. In 2:134 Ishmael who was Jacob’s uncle has been spoken of as his اب (ab). Whether Azar was Abraham’s father or uncle does not possess much significance. From a study of all relevant historical facts, however, we are inclined to the view that Azar was Abraham’s father, though according to some Talmudic traditions Abraham’s father had died while he was young and he was left an orphan.
In Genesis (11: 26) Abraham’s father’s name has been given as Terah while Luke (3: 34) gives it as Thara. The Talmud agrees with Luke and says that his name was Thara. It also gives his name as Zarah. Eusebius, the father of ecclesiastical history, however, gives Athar as the name of the great Patriarch’s father (Sale). This shows that even among the Jews there existed no unanimity of views as to the name of Abraham’s father. The fact that Eusebius followed neither Genesis (11: 26) nor (Luke 3: 34) indicates that he had very strong reasons to differ from these two well-known sources. The two names, Athar of Eusebius and Azar of the Quran closely resemble each other. The Quranic version is therefore much more reliable and akin to reality than that of the Bible. See also 6:75.
The attributes "All-Hearing" and "All-Seeing" are among the most important Divine attributes. It is our conviction that God sees us when we are in trouble and hears our prayers when we pray to Him which is really at the root of our belief in God. If once we cease to believe in these two attributes, we cease to believe in God. But these two attributes are here further complemented by a third—the attribute غنیwhich means, One Who has no need of others and is Self-Sufficient but Whose help others need and upon Whom they are dependent. If God is not غنی and cannot come to our help when we need it, then His attributes "All-Seeing" and "All-Hearing" are of no use. Abraham has indeed adduced a most convincing and unassailable argument against idol-worship, viz. if the idols do neither see when their votaries are in trouble, nor hear their prayers when they call on them, nor do they come to their help when they need it, then what sense or purpose there is in worshipping such useless things?
a
6:75; 21:53; 26:71; 37:86, 87.
يَٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى قَدْ جَآءَنِى مِنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ مَا لَمْ يَأْتِكَ فَٱتَّبِعْنِىٓ أَهْدِكَ صِرَٰطًا سَوِيًّا
يَٰٓأَبَتِ لَا تَعْبُدِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ كَانَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَصِيًّا
6:143; 24:22; 36:61.
6:143; 24:22; 36:61.
‘Ibadah which is noun-infinitive from the verb ‘Abada does not consist only in prostrating before God or an idol, but also signifies blindly or unthinkingly following a person or accepting an idea or belief without subjecting it to sane and searching criticism. This latter significance of the word is clear from the verse itself because nobody has ever been seen to worship Satan in the sense that he prostrates before him and prays to him.
In this verse, in fact, in the whole Surah, Shirk (idolatry) has been repeatedly denounced and condemned in the strongest and most scathing terms and the Divine attribute Ar-Rahman (The Gracious) has also been mentioned again and again, because Shirk (idolatry) in every shape and form is the direct result of the denial of Rahmaniyyah (Divine Grace).
6:143; 24:22; 36:61.
Commentary:
عبادة which is noun-infinitive from the verb عبد does not consist only in prostrating before God or an idol, but also signifies blindly or unthinkingly following a person or accepting an idea or belief without subjecting it to sane and searching criticism. This significance of the word is clear from the verse itself, because nobody has ever been seen to worship Satan in the sense that he prostrates before him and prays to him. It also appears from this verse that the word شیطان (Satan) here does not mean the 'Devil' or even the idols. Here it only signifies evil inclinations, wrong ideas and beliefs and bad associates and evil spirits. According to these meanings of the words عبادة and شیطان the verse would signify that one should not follow blindly or unthinkingly evil inclinations, wrong beliefs or bad friends or associates. Such an attitude on one’s part is tantamount to giving them Divine status and to worshipping them.
The word عصیا (rebel) also indicates that شیطان in this verse does not signify idols made of wood or stone because idols of stone do not disobey God. From the previous verse one may have been led to think that Abraham had advised his father against idol-worship only. This verse belies that idea and indicates that he advised him also against blindly following evil inclinations, wrong beliefs and association with evil persons. The words الشیطان (Satan) includes all these things.
b
6:143; 24:22; 36:61.
a
6:143; 24:22; 36:61.
2187
Commentary:
عبادة which is noun-infinitive from the verb عبد does not consist only in prostrating before God or an idol, but also signifies blindly or unthinkingly following a person or accepting an idea or belief without subjecting it to sane and searching criticism. This significance of the word is clear from the verse itself, because nobody has ever been seen to worship Satan in the sense that he prostrates before him and prays to him. It also appears from this verse that the word شیطان (Satan) here does not mean the 'Devil' or even the idols. Here it only signifies evil inclinations, wrong ideas and beliefs and bad associates and evil spirits. According to these meanings of the words عبادة and شیطان the verse would signify that one should not follow blindly or unthinkingly evil inclinations, wrong beliefs or bad friends or associates. Such an attitude on one’s part is tantamount to giving them Divine status and to worshipping them.
The word عصیا (rebel) also indicates that شیطان in this verse does not signify idols made of wood or stone because idols of stone do not disobey God. From the previous verse one may have been led to think that Abraham had advised his father against idol-worship only. This verse belies that idea and indicates that he advised him also against blindly following evil inclinations, wrong beliefs and association with evil persons. The words الشیطان (Satan) includes all these things.
b
6:143; 24:22; 36:61.
1774
‘Ibadah which is noun-infinitive from the verb ‘Abada does not consist only in prostrating before God or an idol, but also signifies blindly or unthinkingly following a person or accepting an idea or belief without subjecting it to sane and searching criticism. This latter significance of the word is clear from the verse itself because nobody has ever been seen to worship Satan in the sense that he prostrates before him and prays to him.
1775
In this verse, in fact, in the whole Surah, Shirk (idolatry) has been repeatedly denounced and condemned in the strongest and most scathing terms and the Divine attribute Ar-Rahman (The Gracious) has also been mentioned again and again, because Shirk (idolatry) in every shape and form is the direct result of the denial of Rahmaniyyah (Divine Grace).
يَٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ أَن يَمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ مِّنَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ فَتَكُونَ لِلشَّيْطَٰنِ وَلِيًّا
Commentary:
The linking of عذاب (punishment) with the Divine attribute الرحمن (the Gracious) in this and other verses of this Surahappears to be somewhat incongruent and inconsistent. Punishment seems more appropriately related to God’s other attributes such as الجبار (the Subduer), القھار (the Most Supreme), ذو انتقام (the Avenger) etc. In fact, every punishment is the result of the defiance or disobedience of a particular Divine attribute. Sometimes a person is punished because he defies the Divine attribute الغفار (the Great Forgiver), at another time punishment comes upon him because he disobeys the Divine attribute الکریم (Most Generous) and so on. In this verse, in fact in the whole Surah, شرک i.e. idolatry, has been repeatedly denounced and condemned in the strongest and most scathing terms and the Divine attribute الرحمن i.e. the Gracious, has also been mentioned again and again because شرک (idolatry) in every shape and form is the direct result of denial of رحمانیةi.e. Divine grace. The two great idolatrous peoples—the Hindus and the Christians, have hopelessly fallen victim to the most degraded form of idolatry because they both deny رحمانیة i.e. Divine grace—the former by believing in the indestructibility and eternity of matter and soul and the latter by subscribing to the foolish doctrine that salvation is impossible without Atonement. So the mentioning together of the Divine attribute الرحمن (the Gracious) and Divine punishment shows that it is not رحمانیة i.e. Divine grace, which is the cause of Divine punishment, rather it is its denial and rejection.
شیطان (Satan), as stated above, may signify man’s evil inclinations and propensities, his bad friends and associates and evil spirits that cast their shadows upon him and lead him deeper and deeper into sin and transgression.
2188
Commentary:
The linking of عذاب (punishment) with the Divine attribute الرحمن (the Gracious) in this and other verses of this Surahappears to be somewhat incongruent and inconsistent. Punishment seems more appropriately related to God’s other attributes such as الجبار (the Subduer), القھار (the Most Supreme), ذو انتقام (the Avenger) etc. In fact, every punishment is the result of the defiance or disobedience of a particular Divine attribute. Sometimes a person is punished because he defies the Divine attribute الغفار (the Great Forgiver), at another time punishment comes upon him because he disobeys the Divine attribute الکریم (Most Generous) and so on. In this verse, in fact in the whole Surah, شرک i.e. idolatry, has been repeatedly denounced and condemned in the strongest and most scathing terms and the Divine attribute الرحمن i.e. the Gracious, has also been mentioned again and again because شرک (idolatry) in every shape and form is the direct result of denial of رحمانیةi.e. Divine grace. The two great idolatrous peoples—the Hindus and the Christians, have hopelessly fallen victim to the most degraded form of idolatry because they both deny رحمانیة i.e. Divine grace—the former by believing in the indestructibility and eternity of matter and soul and the latter by subscribing to the foolish doctrine that salvation is impossible without Atonement. So the mentioning together of the Divine attribute الرحمن (the Gracious) and Divine punishment shows that it is not رحمانیة i.e. Divine grace, which is the cause of Divine punishment, rather it is its denial and rejection.
شیطان (Satan), as stated above, may signify man’s evil inclinations and propensities, his bad friends and associates and evil spirits that cast their shadows upon him and lead him deeper and deeper into sin and transgression.
قَالَ أَرَاغِبٌ أَنتَ عَنْ ءَالِهَتِى يَٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ ۖ لَئِن لَّمْ تَنتَهِ لَأَرْجُمَنَّكَ ۖ وَٱهْجُرْنِى مَلِيًّا
21:69; 29:25; 37:98.
21:69; 29:25; 37:98.
Rajama-hu means, he stoned him to death; he accused or slandered him; cursed him or abused him; he drove him away; he cut off all relations with him (Lane).
21:69; 29:25; 37:98.
Important Words:
لارجمنک (I shall surely cut off all relations with thee) is derived from رجم. They say رجمه i.e. he stoned him to death; he murdered him; he accused or slandered him; he cursed him; he abused him; he drove him away; he cut off all relations with him (Lane & Aqrab). See also 3:37.
ملیاً(a long while). They say ملیت فلاناً i.e. I was made to live long with such a one. تملی العیش means, he lived long. تملی بشیءmeans, he enjoyed a thing. ملیا means, a while or a long time. مرملی من اللیل means, a large part of the night passed away. انتظرہ ملیا means, he waited for him for a long time (Aqrab).
Commentary:
All the different meanings of the word رجم mentioned above, are applicable here. In spite of Abraham’s talking to his father with affection and considerateness, the latter lost his temper and told him to go away from him and leave him alone. This is often the case with those who have no arguments but only force to prove their claim.
c
21:69; 29:25; 37:98.
a
21:69; 29:25; 37:98.
2189
Important Words:
لارجمنک (I shall surely cut off all relations with thee) is derived from رجم. They say رجمه i.e. he stoned him to death; he murdered him; he accused or slandered him; he cursed him; he abused him; he drove him away; he cut off all relations with him (Lane & Aqrab). See also 3:37.
ملیاً(a long while). They say ملیت فلاناً i.e. I was made to live long with such a one. تملی العیش means, he lived long. تملی بشیءmeans, he enjoyed a thing. ملیا means, a while or a long time. مرملی من اللیل means, a large part of the night passed away. انتظرہ ملیا means, he waited for him for a long time (Aqrab).
Commentary:
All the different meanings of the word رجم mentioned above, are applicable here. In spite of Abraham’s talking to his father with affection and considerateness, the latter lost his temper and told him to go away from him and leave him alone. This is often the case with those who have no arguments but only force to prove their claim.
c
21:69; 29:25; 37:98.
1776
Rajama-hu means, he stoned him to death; he accused or slandered him; cursed him or abused him; he drove him away; he cut off all relations with him (Lane).
قَالَ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكَ ۖ سَأَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّىٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِى حَفِيًّا
9:114; 26:87; 60:5.
9:114; 26:87; 60:5.
9:114; 26:87; 60:5.
Important Words:
حفیا (gracious) is derived from حفی (hafiya).They say حفا فلاناً i.e. he gave such a one. حفاہ من الشیء means, he refused to give him the thing. حفی به means, he honoured him; he showed him much honour and kindness and affection and regard for his circumstances; he behaved towards him with benevolence and solicitude and manifested joy. حفی عنه means, he asked or inquired much respecting him or it. حفی means, kind; gracious; affectionate; having much regard for another person’s circumstances; going to the utmost in asking or inquiring etc. (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:188.
d
9:114; 26:87; 60:5.
a
9:114; 26:87; 60:5.
2190
Important Words:
حفیا (gracious) is derived from حفی (hafiya).They say حفا فلاناً i.e. he gave such a one. حفاہ من الشیء means, he refused to give him the thing. حفی به means, he honoured him; he showed him much honour and kindness and affection and regard for his circumstances; he behaved towards him with benevolence and solicitude and manifested joy. حفی عنه means, he asked or inquired much respecting him or it. حفی means, kind; gracious; affectionate; having much regard for another person’s circumstances; going to the utmost in asking or inquiring etc. (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:188.
a
9:114; 26:87; 60:5.
وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَدْعُوا۟ رَبِّى عَسَىٰٓ أَلَّآ أَكُونَ بِدُعَآءِ رَبِّى شَقِيًّا
29:27.
29:27.
In this verse Abraham seems to be referring to his emigration to Canaan. He went from Iraq to Canaan and from there to Egypt. He left his father and people behind him in Iraq.
29:27.
Commentary:
In this verse Abraham seems to be referring to his migration to Canaan. It is on record that Abraham went from Iraq to Canaan and from there to Egypt. He left his father and people behind him in Iraq.
e
29:27.
b
29:27.
2191
Commentary:
In this verse Abraham seems to be referring to his migration to Canaan. It is on record that Abraham went from Iraq to Canaan and from there to Egypt. He left his father and people behind him in Iraq.
b
29:27.
1777
In this verse Abraham seems to be referring to his emigration to Canaan. He went from Iraq to Canaan and from there to Egypt. He left his father and people behind him in Iraq.
فَلَمَّا ٱعْتَزَلَهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ ۖ وَكُلًّا جَعَلْنَا نَبِيًّا
14:40; 21:73.
14:40; 21:73.
Ishmael has not been mentioned here, though he was the eldest son of Abraham. Isaac and Jacob have been mentioned by the way only as subordinate prophets while Ishmael has found a separate and independent mention in v. 55. This shows that Ishmael possessed a higher spiritual status than both Isaac and Jacob.
14:40; 21:73.
Commentary:
Ishmael has not been mentioned here, though he was the eldest son of Abraham. This is done for two reasons:(1) Isaac and Jacob have been mentioned by the way only as subordinate Prophets while Ishmael has found a separate and independent mention in v. 55 below. This shows that Ishmael possessed a higher spiritual status than both Isaac and Jacob. (2) Ishmael has been mentioned after Moses because the latter was the greatest representative of the House of Isaac. As the result of repeated defiance of the commandments of God and rejection of His Messengers by the Jews prophethood became transferred from the House of Isaac or Israel (or from the Mosaic Dispensation) to that of Ishmael, so mention has been made of him after Moses in v. 55 and that is the right place where he should have been mentioned.
a
14:40; 21:73.
c
14:40; 21:73.
2192
Commentary:
Ishmael has not been mentioned here, though he was the eldest son of Abraham. This is done for two reasons:(1) Isaac and Jacob have been mentioned by the way only as subordinate Prophets while Ishmael has found a separate and independent mention in v. 55 below. This shows that Ishmael possessed a higher spiritual status than both Isaac and Jacob. (2) Ishmael has been mentioned after Moses because the latter was the greatest representative of the House of Isaac. As the result of repeated defiance of the commandments of God and rejection of His Messengers by the Jews prophethood became transferred from the House of Isaac or Israel (or from the Mosaic Dispensation) to that of Ishmael, so mention has been made of him after Moses in v. 55 and that is the right place where he should have been mentioned.
c
14:40; 21:73.
1778
Ishmael has not been mentioned here, though he was the eldest son of Abraham. Isaac and Jacob have been mentioned by the way only as subordinate prophets while Ishmael has found a separate and independent mention in v. 55. This shows that Ishmael possessed a higher spiritual status than both Isaac and Jacob.
وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِنَا وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُمْ لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ عَلِيًّا
26:85.
26:85.
The words, Ja‘alna Lahum Lisana Sidqin ‘Aliyya (We bestowed upon them true and lasting renown), mean: (1) They acquired good reputation and were remembered with respect, affection and love by their contemporaries and future generations. (2) Their talk was full of wisdom and intelligence and was free from all sorts of bitterness, obscenity, falsehood and hatred. (3) They were fearless in expressing their beliefs and were hard upon disbelievers and untruthful persons. (4) Their good works constituted and continued as so many monuments and memorials to their good name.
26:85.
Important Words:
لسان (renown) is derived from لسن (lasina) which means, he was or became extremely eloquent or perspicuous in speech.لسن فلانا (lasana) means, he was more eloquent than such a one; he got the better of him in speech. لسنه العقرب means, the scorpion bit him. لسان means speech, tongue, style; language; information; news, tidings; renown or reputation. لسان العرب means, the classical language of the Arabs. لسان القوم means, the spokesman of the people. لسان الصدق means, good or lasting reputation, renown or remembrance. When a noun is prefixed to the word صدق governing it in the genitive case, it gives the idea of everlastingness. عنب صدق means, a perfectly delicious and liked grape, complete in all the qualities of the best kind (Lane & Aqrab).
علیاً (high) is derived from علا. They say علا الشیء i.e. the thing became high. علا الرجل means, he overcame the man and overpowered him. علا الدابة means, he rode the beast. علا فی الارض means, he behaved proudly and insolently in the earth. علا فی المکارم means, he acquired noble qualities. علی means, high; noble; hard and firm (Aqrab & Lane). See also 4:35.
Commentary:
Divine mercy has two manifestations:(a) mercy shown to a person irrespective of the fact as to who he is and what his beliefs and actions are; (b) mercy shown by God to His beloved ones and His Elect on special occasions. The latter class of mercy may be called God’s special mercy. The verse under comment speaks of this latter kind of mercy, meaning that God did not bestow upon Isaac and Jacob any particular favour out of His limitless and immeasurable mercy but made them, as it were, the very possessors of Divine mercy itself.
According to the different significations of the words علی and لسان and صدق the words, We bestowed on them a true and lasting renown, would mean, (1) that they acquired good reputation and were to be remembered with respect, affection and love by their contemporaries and future generations; (2) that their talk was full of wisdom and intelligence and was free from all sort of bitterness, obscenity, falsehood and hatred (3) that they were fearless in the expression of their beliefs and were hard upon disbelievers and untruthful persons; and (4) that their good works constituted and continued as so many monuments and memorials to their good name.
b
26:85.
a
26:85.
2193
Important Words:
لسان (renown) is derived from لسن (lasina) which means, he was or became extremely eloquent or perspicuous in speech.لسن فلانا (lasana) means, he was more eloquent than such a one; he got the better of him in speech. لسنه العقرب means, the scorpion bit him. لسان means speech, tongue, style; language; information; news, tidings; renown or reputation. لسان العرب means, the classical language of the Arabs. لسان القوم means, the spokesman of the people. لسان الصدق means, good or lasting reputation, renown or remembrance. When a noun is prefixed to the word صدق governing it in the genitive case, it gives the idea of everlastingness. عنب صدق means, a perfectly delicious and liked grape, complete in all the qualities of the best kind (Lane & Aqrab).
علیاً (high) is derived from علا. They say علا الشیء i.e. the thing became high. علا الرجل means, he overcame the man and overpowered him. علا الدابة means, he rode the beast. علا فی الارض means, he behaved proudly and insolently in the earth. علا فی المکارم means, he acquired noble qualities. علی means, high; noble; hard and firm (Aqrab & Lane). See also 4:35.
Commentary:
Divine mercy has two manifestations:(a) mercy shown to a person irrespective of the fact as to who he is and what his beliefs and actions are; (b) mercy shown by God to His beloved ones and His Elect on special occasions. The latter class of mercy may be called God’s special mercy. The verse under comment speaks of this latter kind of mercy, meaning that God did not bestow upon Isaac and Jacob any particular favour out of His limitless and immeasurable mercy but made them, as it were, the very possessors of Divine mercy itself.
According to the different significations of the words علی and لسان and صدق the words, We bestowed on them a true and lasting renown, would mean, (1) that they acquired good reputation and were to be remembered with respect, affection and love by their contemporaries and future generations; (2) that their talk was full of wisdom and intelligence and was free from all sort of bitterness, obscenity, falsehood and hatred (3) that they were fearless in the expression of their beliefs and were hard upon disbelievers and untruthful persons; and (4) that their good works constituted and continued as so many monuments and memorials to their good name.
d
26:85.
1779
The words, Ja‘alna Lahum Lisana Sidqin ‘Aliyya (We bestowed upon them true and lasting renown), mean: (1) They acquired good reputation and were remembered with respect, affection and love by their contemporaries and future generations. (2) Their talk was full of wisdom and intelligence and was free from all sorts of bitterness, obscenity, falsehood and hatred. (3) They were fearless in expressing their beliefs and were hard upon disbelievers and untruthful persons. (4) Their good works constituted and continued as so many monuments and memorials to their good name.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مُوسَىٰٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مُخْلَصًا وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا
33:70.
قرآن میں ذکر کرنے کے یہ معنے ہیں کہ قرآن مجید ان کے صحیح واقعات بیان کرتا ہے لیکن بائبل غلطی اور مبالغہ سے کام لیتی ہے اس لئے قرآن کریم کو اصلاح کی ضرورت پیش آئی۔ پس اصل صحیح تاریخ بیان ہونی چاہئے ورنہ بائبل کے بیان سے دنیا گمراہ ہوگی۔
33:70.
The words, he was a Messenger, a Prophet, explain and remove a popular misconception, viz. that a Rasul (Messenger) is one who brings a new Law and a new Book and a Nabi (Prophet) is one who is commissioned by God only for the reformation of his people, and though, like a Rasul, a Nabi receives Divine revelations, yet he brings no Law or Book containing new commandments and ordinances. According to this popular notion every Rasul (Messenger) is necessarily a Nabi (Prophet) but not every Nabi a Rasul. The verse under comment demolishes this wrong notion because if a Rasul (Messenger) is one who brings a new Book and a new Law and as such is necessarily a Nabi (Prophet), then the addition of the word Nabi to the word Rasul in this and other verses is superfluous and redundant. The fact is that every Rasul is a Nabi and every Nabi a Rasul. These two words are interchangeable and represent two
33:70.
Commentary:
The account of Abraham is followed by that of Moses—Isaac and Jacob having been mentioned only casually and by the way in v. 50 above. In Moses, God’s covenant with Abraham about the progeny of Isaac, found its fullest and completest manifestation. The visible mark of this divine covenant was the bestowal of Canaan on Abraham’s progeny (Gen. 17:8) which took place in the time of Moses’ Successor. The Israelite Prophets who came after Moses were only Reformer-Prophets who carried on and fulfilled his work and mission. This is why after Moses God adverts to His promise to Abraham about Ishmael which saw its sublimest and most complete and perfect manifestation and consummation in the Holy Prophet of Islam who was a descendant of Ishmael.
The words, he was a Messenger and a Prophet, explain and remove a popular misconception. According to popular notion a رسول (Messenger) is one who brings a new Law and a new Book and a نبی (Prophet) is one who is commissioned by God only for the reformation of his people. He also receives Divine revelation but brings no Law or Book containing new commandments and ordinances. According to this popular notion every رسول (Messenger) is necessarily a نبی (Prophet) but not every نبی a رسول. The verse under comment, however, demolishes this wrong notion because if a رسول (Messenger) is one who brings a new Book and a new Law and as such is necessarily a نبی (Prophet), then the addition of the word نبی to the word رسول in this and other verses is superfluous and redundant. In fact, every رسولis a نبی and every نبی a رسول. These two words represent two aspects of the same office and two functions of the same person. A Divine Reformer is a رسول inasmuch as he receives messages from God (رسالت meaning a message) and he is a نبی in the sense that he conveys those Messages to the people to whom he is sent (نبوت meaning the conveying of a message). Thus every رسول(Messenger) is a نبی (Prophet) because after receiving Divine Messages he conveys them to his people and every نبی is a رسول because he conveys to his people those Messages which he receives from God. Only the functions of نبی follow those of رسول. In his capacity as رسولhe first receives messages from God and then in his capacity as نبیhe conveys them to his people. This is why here and everywhere in the Quran when these two words—رسول and نبی occur together, invariably the word نبی follows the word رسول because that is the natural order.
See also 7:158, 159; 19:31, 55. The bringing of a new Book or a new Law, therefore, is not the necessary concomitant of a نبی or a رسول. A رسول or a نبیmay or may not bring a new Law. All Messengers (رسول) and Prophets (نبی) are of two categories—(a) those that bring a new Book and a new Law and (b) those that do not. This classification of رسول and نبی into two categories is supported by the Quranitself. See 5:45.
c
33:70.
1
قرآن میں ذکر کرنے کے یہ معنے ہیں کہ قرآن مجید ان کے صحیح واقعات بیان کرتا ہے لیکن بائبل غلطی اور مبالغہ سے کام لیتی ہے اس لئے قرآن کریم کو اصلاح کی ضرورت پیش آئی۔ پس اصل صحیح تاریخ بیان ہونی چاہئے ورنہ بائبل کے بیان سے دنیا گمراہ ہوگی۔
a
33:70.
2194
Commentary:
The account of Abraham is followed by that of Moses—Isaac and Jacob having been mentioned only casually and by the way in v. 50 above. In Moses, God’s covenant with Abraham about the progeny of Isaac, found its fullest and completest manifestation. The visible mark of this divine covenant was the bestowal of Canaan on Abraham’s progeny (Gen. 17:8) which took place in the time of Moses’ Successor. The Israelite Prophets who came after Moses were only Reformer-Prophets who carried on and fulfilled his work and mission. This is why after Moses God adverts to His promise to Abraham about Ishmael which saw its sublimest and most complete and perfect manifestation and consummation in the Holy Prophet of Islam who was a descendant of Ishmael.
The words, he was a Messenger and a Prophet, explain and remove a popular misconception. According to popular notion a رسول (Messenger) is one who brings a new Law and a new Book and a نبی (Prophet) is one who is commissioned by God only for the reformation of his people. He also receives Divine revelation but brings no Law or Book containing new commandments and ordinances. According to this popular notion every رسول (Messenger) is necessarily a نبی (Prophet) but not every نبی a رسول. The verse under comment, however, demolishes this wrong notion because if a رسول (Messenger) is one who brings a new Book and a new Law and as such is necessarily a نبی (Prophet), then the addition of the word نبی to the word رسول in this and other verses is superfluous and redundant. In fact, every رسولis a نبی and every نبی a رسول. These two words represent two aspects of the same office and two functions of the same person. A Divine Reformer is a رسول inasmuch as he receives messages from God (رسالت meaning a message) and he is a نبی in the sense that he conveys those Messages to the people to whom he is sent (نبوت meaning the conveying of a message). Thus every رسول(Messenger) is a نبی (Prophet) because after receiving Divine Messages he conveys them to his people and every نبی is a رسول because he conveys to his people those Messages which he receives from God. Only the functions of نبی follow those of رسول. In his capacity as رسولhe first receives messages from God and then in his capacity as نبیhe conveys them to his people. This is why here and everywhere in the Quran when these two words—رسول and نبی occur together, invariably the word نبی follows the word رسول because that is the natural order.
See also 7:158, 159; 19:31, 55. The bringing of a new Book or a new Law, therefore, is not the necessary concomitant of a نبی or a رسول. A رسول or a نبیmay or may not bring a new Law. All Messengers (رسول) and Prophets (نبی) are of two categories—(a) those that bring a new Book and a new Law and (b) those that do not. This classification of رسول and نبی into two categories is supported by the Quranitself. See 5:45.
a
33:70.
1780
The words, he was a Messenger, a Prophet, explain and remove a popular misconception, viz. that a Rasul (Messenger) is one who brings a new Law and a new Book and a Nabi (Prophet) is one who is commissioned by God only for the reformation of his people, and though, like a Rasul, a Nabi receives Divine revelations, yet he brings no Law or Book containing new commandments and ordinances. According to this popular notion every Rasul (Messenger) is necessarily a Nabi (Prophet) but not every Nabi a Rasul. The verse under comment demolishes this wrong notion because if a Rasul (Messenger) is one who brings a new Book and a new Law and as such is necessarily a Nabi (Prophet), then the addition of the word Nabi to the word Rasul in this and other verses is superfluous and redundant. The fact is that every Rasul is a Nabi and every Nabi a Rasul. These two words are interchangeable and represent two
وَنَٰدَيْنَٰهُ مِن جَانِبِ ٱلطُّورِ ٱلْأَيْمَنِ وَقَرَّبْنَٰهُ نَجِيًّا
20:81; 28:31.
20:81; 28:31.
Important Words:
أیمن (right) is derived from یمن. They say یمن اللّٰه فلاناً i.e. God blessed such a one. أیمن means, (1) blessed; (2) right as opposed to left (Aqrab). The word أیمنmay qualify both جانبor الطور. For طور (Mount) see 2:64.
نجیاً (for special communion) is derived from نجا. They say نجا الرجل i.e. he discoursed secrets with the man, or simply he discoursed with him. ناجا الرجل means, he talked with the man in private, or he discoursed secretly with him. See also 4:115 & 12:81. نجیاً means, one with whom secrets are discoursed or simply one who is discoursed or talked with. It also means, one who walks quickly. الناقة النجیة means, a quick-footed she-camel (Aqrab).
Commentary:
According to the two meanings of الایمن given under "Important Words" above, the first part of the verse would mean:(a) We called him from the right side of the Mount; (b) We called him from the blessed side of the Mount; or (c) We called him from the side of the blessed Mount.
Taking into consideration all the three meanings of the word نجیا the expression قربناہ نجیاً would mean:(a) We drew him near to Us in order to hold a discourse with him, i.e. We selected him for Our special communion and for opening to him the avenues of divine knowledge and secrets of the unknown; (b) when We drew him near to Us, he came to Us hastening; (c) when We drew him near to Us, We Ourselves hastened to him. In the verse under comment the word الایمن has been used with regard to Moses while with regard to the Holy Prophet the word مبارک (blessed) is used. This word has a deeper and more comprehensive meaning than ایمن. The Quran has been called مبارک i.e. a blessed Book (6:93,156; 21:51). The place where the Holy Prophet was born was مبارک i.e. blessed (3:97), and so was his landing in Medina (23:30). The divinelight which he received has also been described as مبارک (blessed) (24:36) and the word of God came to him inلیلة مبارکة i.e. blessed night (44:4).
d
20:81; 28:31.
a
20:81; 28:31.
2195
Important Words:
أیمن (right) is derived from یمن. They say یمن اللّٰه فلاناً i.e. God blessed such a one. أیمن means, (1) blessed; (2) right as opposed to left (Aqrab). The word أیمنmay qualify both جانبor الطور. For طور (Mount) see 2:64.
نجیاً (for special communion) is derived from نجا. They say نجا الرجل i.e. he discoursed secrets with the man, or simply he discoursed with him. ناجا الرجل means, he talked with the man in private, or he discoursed secretly with him. See also 4:115 & 12:81. نجیاً means, one with whom secrets are discoursed or simply one who is discoursed or talked with. It also means, one who walks quickly. الناقة النجیة means, a quick-footed she-camel (Aqrab).
Commentary:
According to the two meanings of الایمن given under "Important Words" above, the first part of the verse would mean:(a) We called him from the right side of the Mount; (b) We called him from the blessed side of the Mount; or (c) We called him from the side of the blessed Mount.
Taking into consideration all the three meanings of the word نجیا the expression قربناہ نجیاً would mean:(a) We drew him near to Us in order to hold a discourse with him, i.e. We selected him for Our special communion and for opening to him the avenues of divine knowledge and secrets of the unknown; (b) when We drew him near to Us, he came to Us hastening; (c) when We drew him near to Us, We Ourselves hastened to him. In the verse under comment the word الایمن has been used with regard to Moses while with regard to the Holy Prophet the word مبارک (blessed) is used. This word has a deeper and more comprehensive meaning than ایمن. The Quran has been called مبارک i.e. a blessed Book (6:93,156; 21:51). The place where the Holy Prophet was born was مبارک i.e. blessed (3:97), and so was his landing in Medina (23:30). The divinelight which he received has also been described as مبارک (blessed) (24:36) and the word of God came to him inلیلة مبارکة i.e. blessed night (44:4).
b
20:81; 28:31.
1781
The words in the text mean: (a) from the right side of the Mount; (b) from the blessed side of the Mount; (c) from the side of the blessed Mount.
وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ مِن رَّحْمَتِنَآ أَخَاهُ هَٰرُونَ نَبِيًّا
20:30, 31; 25:36; 28:36.
20:30, 31; 25:36; 28:36.
20:30, 31; 25:36; 28:36.
Commentary:
In 20:30 Aaron has been described as helper (وزیر) of Moses and in the present verse it is said that God bestowed Aaron upon Moses. This shows that Aaron was a follower of the Law revealed to Moses and held a subordinate position to him. It can safely be inferred from this that one Prophet can be subordinate to another Prophet.
e
20:30, 31; 25:36; 28:36.
a
20:30, 31; 25:36; 28:36.
2196
Commentary:
In 20:30 Aaron has been described as helper (وزیر) of Moses and in the present verse it is said that God bestowed Aaron upon Moses. This shows that Aaron was a follower of the Law revealed to Moses and held a subordinate position to him. It can safely be inferred from this that one Prophet can be subordinate to another Prophet.
a
20:30, 31; 25:36; 28:36.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ إِسْمَٰعِيلَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صَادِقَ ٱلْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا
After Moses, mention has been made of Ishmael. His account is introduced with the words 'and relate' which shows that one chapter of religious history—that of the House of Israel, is closed and a new one, that of the House of Ishmael, has begun.
Commentary:
God was well pleased with Abraham. He chose him and his seed for the bestowal of His special favours and blessings and for that purpose He established a covenant with him. The covenant is given in the Bible as follows:
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation (Gen. 17:19, 20).
The covenant began with Isaac and in fulfilment of it God raised a long line of Prophets among his descendants, and also gave them worldly dominion, power and wealth. The covenant found its highest fulfilment in Moses. When, however, the long line of Prophets who came after Moses as his successors terminated with Jesus, the second part of the covenant which was to be fulfilled through Ishmael came into operation and prophethood passed from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael and this was quite in harmony with the covenant which God had established with Abraham regarding the conferring of His favour upon him and his progeny. This is why after Moses’ mention has been made of Ishmael. The account of Ishmael is introduced with the words واذکر (and relate) which shows that one chapter of religious history—that of the House of Israel, is closed and a new one has begun. The Christians have been further told in this verse that the divine covenant has not terminated with Jesus but in keeping with the promise of God with Abraham has only been transferred to the progeny of Ishmael.
2197
Commentary:
God was well pleased with Abraham. He chose him and his seed for the bestowal of His special favours and blessings and for that purpose He established a covenant with him. The covenant is given in the Bible as follows:
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation (Gen. 17:19, 20).
The covenant began with Isaac and in fulfilment of it God raised a long line of Prophets among his descendants, and also gave them worldly dominion, power and wealth. The covenant found its highest fulfilment in Moses. When, however, the long line of Prophets who came after Moses as his successors terminated with Jesus, the second part of the covenant which was to be fulfilled through Ishmael came into operation and prophethood passed from the House of Israel to that of Ishmael and this was quite in harmony with the covenant which God had established with Abraham regarding the conferring of His favour upon him and his progeny. This is why after Moses’ mention has been made of Ishmael. The account of Ishmael is introduced with the words واذکر (and relate) which shows that one chapter of religious history—that of the House of Israel, is closed and a new one has begun. The Christians have been further told in this verse that the divine covenant has not terminated with Jesus but in keeping with the promise of God with Abraham has only been transferred to the progeny of Ishmael.
1782
After Moses, mention has been made of Ishmael. His account is introduced with the words 'and relate' which shows that one chapter of religious history—that of the House of Israel, is closed and a new one, that of the House of Ishmael, has begun.
وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ أَهْلَهُۥ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱلزَّكَوٰةِ وَكَانَ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦ مَرْضِيًّا
20:133; 33:34.
20:133; 33:34.
f
20:133; 33:34.
a
20:133; 33:34.
2198
Commentary:
Ishmael was the progenitor of the Holy Prophet of Islam, and in Islam very great stress has been laid on the observance of the five daily Prayers and on alms-giving.
b
20:133; 33:34.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ إِدْرِيسَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا
Most Commentators of the Qur’an are of the opinion that Idris is Enoch of the Bible, The words Hanuk (Enoch) and Idris closely resemble each other in their meanings and significations. Whereas Idris means one who reads much or instructs much, Hanuk means instruction or dedication (Enc. Bib.). Moreover, the account of Enoch as given in the Bible and in Jewish religious literature closely resembles that of Idris as given in the Qur’an. See also "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," pp. 1597, 1598.
Important Words:
إدریس (Idris) is derived from أدرس which is the transitive form of درس. They say أدرس الکتاب i.e. he read the book or he read it repeatedly so as to remember it; or he made it easy to remember by much reading; or he learned or studied it. درسه الکتاب(darrasahul-kitab) or ادرسه means, he taught him the book (Lane). إدریس which means, one who reads much or teaches much is derived from ادرس as یعقوب is from عقب and اضحاک is from ضحک and یسوع is from ساع and as اسماعیل is the combination of سمع and ایل (meaning God heard) and اسرائیل is the, combination of یسر and ایل (meaning the warrior of God).
Much difference of opinion exists among lexicologists about the origin of the word إدریس. According to Lisan it is a non-Arabic proper noun. According to Asma‘i, Qurtubi and Ibn Hayyan, it is not Arabic. Ibn Sikkit, however, is of the opinion that إدریس (Idris) is an Arabic name. He says that it is derived from أدرس as ابلیس is derived from أبلس. But whatever the difference of opinion the Arabs were familiar with this name even before Islam.
Commentary:
Now who is this Idris? Most of the commentators of the Quran are of the opinion that he is Enoch of the Bible.حنوکand إدریس closely resemble each other in their meanings and significations. Whereas إدریس means one who reads much or instructs much, حنوک means instruction or dedication (Enc. Bib.). Moreover, the account of Enoch given in the Bible and in Jewish religious literature closely resembles that of Idris as given in the Quran. In the Bible we have: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Gen. 5:24). In Targum, a famous book of Jewish traditions he has been called a holy man of God whom He gave the titles of "Safra Rabba" and "Metatron"(both words meaning a learned man or religious savant) and took up to heaven (Jew. Enc.). In the Jewish book named "Sefer Hanok" (the book of Hanuk) it is written that inhabitants of the earth became wicked, therefore God took up Hanuk to heaven and made him a guardian of the heavenly treasures and the chief of angels. In another book named "Hayye Hanok" it is written that he was a holy and righteous priest whom God sent to the world for its reformation, but when it became full of sins, God raised him up to heaven (Jew. Enc.). This account of Enoch resembles very much the picture of Idris as given in the Quran in the words: He was a truthful man and a Prophet and We exalted him to a lofty station. These commendatory expressions about Idris serve to demolish the false notions held about Jesus. The godhead of Jesus, more than anything else, rests on the belief that he was taken up to heaven alive. Now if, as Christians believe, God took up Jesus to heaven according to the present verse, Idris too was exalted to a very high station in heaven, and according to the Bible Enoch (Idris) also walked with God and was taken up to heaven (Gen. 5:24). If Jesus could be regarded as Divine and is entitled to a special spiritual status on the assumption of his having been taken up to heaven, then Idris of the Quran or Enoch of the Bible, on that very score is entitled to even a higher spiritual station. If Jesus has been called son of God in the Bible, Enoch has been called the father of the sons of God in Jewish literature. The Book of Enoch which was originally written in Hebrew and later on was translated into Greek and then into Latin contains a full account of Enoch’s life. Its translation in Russian makes very useful and interesting reading.
Ishmael and Idris have been mentioned together in the verse under comment and in 21:86, the only two places where mention has been made of Idris in the Quran. It is so because Ishmael bears a very close resemblance to him. According to the Quran Ishmael was a truthful man and so was Idris. God had raised Idris to a lofty spiritual station and so had He raised Ishmael. About Enoch we read in the Bible that God walked with him (Gen. 5:24) and about Ishmael the Bible says: "Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!" (Gen. 17:18).
2199
Important Words:
إدریس (Idris) is derived from أدرس which is the transitive form of درس. They say أدرس الکتاب i.e. he read the book or he read it repeatedly so as to remember it; or he made it easy to remember by much reading; or he learned or studied it. درسه الکتاب(darrasahul-kitab) or ادرسه means, he taught him the book (Lane). إدریس which means, one who reads much or teaches much is derived from ادرس as یعقوب is from عقب and اضحاک is from ضحک and یسوع is from ساع and as اسماعیل is the combination of سمع and ایل (meaning God heard) and اسرائیل is the, combination of یسر and ایل (meaning the warrior of God).
Much difference of opinion exists among lexicologists about the origin of the word إدریس. According to Lisan it is a non-Arabic proper noun. According to Asma‘i, Qurtubi and Ibn Hayyan, it is not Arabic. Ibn Sikkit, however, is of the opinion that إدریس (Idris) is an Arabic name. He says that it is derived from أدرس as ابلیس is derived from أبلس. But whatever the difference of opinion the Arabs were familiar with this name even before Islam.
Commentary:
Now who is this Idris? Most of the commentators of the Quran are of the opinion that he is Enoch of the Bible.حنوکand إدریس closely resemble each other in their meanings and significations. Whereas إدریس means one who reads much or instructs much, حنوک means instruction or dedication (Enc. Bib.). Moreover, the account of Enoch given in the Bible and in Jewish religious literature closely resembles that of Idris as given in the Quran. In the Bible we have: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Gen. 5:24). In Targum, a famous book of Jewish traditions he has been called a holy man of God whom He gave the titles of "Safra Rabba" and "Metatron"(both words meaning a learned man or religious savant) and took up to heaven (Jew. Enc.). In the Jewish book named "Sefer Hanok" (the book of Hanuk) it is written that inhabitants of the earth became wicked, therefore God took up Hanuk to heaven and made him a guardian of the heavenly treasures and the chief of angels. In another book named "Hayye Hanok" it is written that he was a holy and righteous priest whom God sent to the world for its reformation, but when it became full of sins, God raised him up to heaven (Jew. Enc.). This account of Enoch resembles very much the picture of Idris as given in the Quran in the words: He was a truthful man and a Prophet and We exalted him to a lofty station. These commendatory expressions about Idris serve to demolish the false notions held about Jesus. The godhead of Jesus, more than anything else, rests on the belief that he was taken up to heaven alive. Now if, as Christians believe, God took up Jesus to heaven according to the present verse, Idris too was exalted to a very high station in heaven, and according to the Bible Enoch (Idris) also walked with God and was taken up to heaven (Gen. 5:24). If Jesus could be regarded as Divine and is entitled to a special spiritual status on the assumption of his having been taken up to heaven, then Idris of the Quran or Enoch of the Bible, on that very score is entitled to even a higher spiritual station. If Jesus has been called son of God in the Bible, Enoch has been called the father of the sons of God in Jewish literature. The Book of Enoch which was originally written in Hebrew and later on was translated into Greek and then into Latin contains a full account of Enoch’s life. Its translation in Russian makes very useful and interesting reading.
Ishmael and Idris have been mentioned together in the verse under comment and in 21:86, the only two places where mention has been made of Idris in the Quran. It is so because Ishmael bears a very close resemblance to him. According to the Quran Ishmael was a truthful man and so was Idris. God had raised Idris to a lofty spiritual station and so had He raised Ishmael. About Enoch we read in the Bible that God walked with him (Gen. 5:24) and about Ishmael the Bible says: "Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!" (Gen. 17:18).
1783
Most Commentators of the Qur’an are of the opinion that Idris is Enoch of the Bible, The words Hanuk (Enoch) and Idris closely resemble each other in their meanings and significations. Whereas Idris means one who reads much or instructs much, Hanuk means instruction or dedication (Enc. Bib.). Moreover, the account of Enoch as given in the Bible and in Jewish religious literature closely resembles that of Idris as given in the Qur’an. See also "The Larger Edition of the Commentary," pp. 1597, 1598.
وَرَفَعْنَٰهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا
2:254; 4:159.
2:254; 4:159.
2:254; 4:159.
g
2:254; 4:159.
a
2:254; 4:159.
c
2:254; 4:159.
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ مِن ذُرِّيَّةِ ءَادَمَ وَمِمَّنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّةِ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ وَمِمَّنْ هَدَيْنَا وَٱجْتَبَيْنَآ ۚ إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ خَرُّوا۟ سُجَّدًا وَبُكِيًّا ۩
17:108, 110; 32:16.
1:7; 4:70; 5:21; 57:20.
Some Commentators of the Qur’an think that the words, of the posterity of Adam, refer to Idris, and, whom We carried in the Ark with Noah, refer to Abraham, and the words, of the posterity of Abraham, refer to Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob; and the words, of the posterity of, are understood before the word Israel and refer to Moses, Aaron, Zachariah, Yahya and Jesus, all of whom have been mentioned in the preceding verses of the present Surah.
1:7; 4:70; 5:21; 57:20.
17:108,110; 32:16.
Commentary:
This verse explains two things:(1) The Prophets whose names have been mentioned in it were righteous and holy men. But in spite of the very exalted position they held they were ordinary mortals. Jesus, like them, too, was a Prophet of God and like them a mere mortal. There was nothing in him that could entitle him to some special position. (2) These righteous and holy men were Divine Prophets and as such sinless. The Jews in the Old Testament (Gen. 9:21-23; 19:31-38; 20:2; Exod. 32:1-4); and Christians in the New Testament (John 10:8) hurled at these paragons of piety and righteousness very filthy charges, the former in order to screen their own crimes and the latter in order to establish the exclusive sinlessness of Jesus. Special stress has been laid on their holiness in the verse under comment and it is in order to clear them completely of the charges attributed to them and also to demolish the wrong notion of the exclusive sinlessness of Jesus that the words "whom We guided and chose" have been used about them.
Some commentators of the Quran think that the words 'of the posterity of Adam' refer to Idris, and whom we carried in the Ark with Noah to Abraham, and the words, of the posterity of Abraham, refer to Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the words, of the posterity of, understood before the word Israel, to Moses, Aaron, Zachariah, Yahya and Jesus, all of whom have been mentioned in the preceding verses of the present Surah.
a
1:7; 4:70; 5:21; 57:20.
b
17:108, 110; 32:16.
b
1:7; 4:70; 5:21; 57:20.
c
17:108,110; 32:16.
2200
Commentary:
This verse explains two things:(1) The Prophets whose names have been mentioned in it were righteous and holy men. But in spite of the very exalted position they held they were ordinary mortals. Jesus, like them, too, was a Prophet of God and like them a mere mortal. There was nothing in him that could entitle him to some special position. (2) These righteous and holy men were Divine Prophets and as such sinless. The Jews in the Old Testament (Gen. 9:21-23; 19:31-38; 20:2; Exod. 32:1-4); and Christians in the New Testament (John 10:8) hurled at these paragons of piety and righteousness very filthy charges, the former in order to screen their own crimes and the latter in order to establish the exclusive sinlessness of Jesus. Special stress has been laid on their holiness in the verse under comment and it is in order to clear them completely of the charges attributed to them and also to demolish the wrong notion of the exclusive sinlessness of Jesus that the words "whom We guided and chose" have been used about them.
Some commentators of the Quran think that the words 'of the posterity of Adam' refer to Idris, and whom we carried in the Ark with Noah to Abraham, and the words, of the posterity of Abraham, refer to Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the words, of the posterity of, understood before the word Israel, to Moses, Aaron, Zachariah, Yahya and Jesus, all of whom have been mentioned in the preceding verses of the present Surah.
a
17:108, 110; 32:16.
d
1:7; 4:70; 5:21; 57:20.
1784
Some Commentators of the Qur’an think that the words, of the posterity of Adam, refer to Idris, and, whom We carried in the Ark with Noah, refer to Abraham, and the words, of the posterity of Abraham, refer to Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob; and the words, of the posterity of, are understood before the word Israel and refer to Moses, Aaron, Zachariah, Yahya and Jesus, all of whom have been mentioned in the preceding verses of the present Surah.
۞ فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ أَضَاعُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلشَّهَوَٰتِ ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَلْقَوْنَ غَيًّا
7:170.
7:170.
In fact, negligence and remissness in observing Prayers make a person ignorant of Divine attributes and kill in him the desire to establish his connection with his Creator which in turn throws him into the clutches of the Devil. And whereas negligence in invoking Divine mercy and in praying to God leads to failure, the pursuit of evil desires results in apathy towards true knowledge and indulgence in obscenities and idle pursuits; and all these things combined together bring about complete moral and spiritual ruin of a person.
7:170.
Important Words:
غیاً (destruction) is derived from غوی which means, he erred; he deviated from the right way or course; he persisted in ignorance, he failed in attaining his desire; he acted ignorantly from misbelief; he perished (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:17.
Commentary:
In fact negligence and remissness in observing prayers makes a person ignorant of Divine attributes and kills in him the desire to establish his connection with the Creator which in turn throws him into the clutches of the Devil. And whereas negligence in invoking Divine mercy and praying to God leads to failure, the pursuit of evil desires results in apathy towards true knowledge and indulgence in obscenities and idle pursuits; and all these things combined together bring about complete moral and spiritual ruin.
c
7:170.
a
7:170.
2201
Important Words:
غیاً (destruction) is derived from غوی which means, he erred; he deviated from the right way or course; he persisted in ignorance, he failed in attaining his desire; he acted ignorantly from misbelief; he perished (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:17.
Commentary:
In fact negligence and remissness in observing prayers makes a person ignorant of Divine attributes and kills in him the desire to establish his connection with the Creator which in turn throws him into the clutches of the Devil. And whereas negligence in invoking Divine mercy and praying to God leads to failure, the pursuit of evil desires results in apathy towards true knowledge and indulgence in obscenities and idle pursuits; and all these things combined together bring about complete moral and spiritual ruin.
b
7:170.
1785
In fact, negligence and remissness in observing Prayers make a person ignorant of Divine attributes and kill in him the desire to establish his connection with his Creator which in turn throws him into the clutches of the Devil. And whereas negligence in invoking Divine mercy and in praying to God leads to failure, the pursuit of evil desires results in apathy towards true knowledge and indulgence in obscenities and idle pursuits; and all these things combined together bring about complete moral and spiritual ruin of a person.
إِلَّا مَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَٰلِحًا فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ شَيْـًٔا
6:49; 18:89; 25:71; 34:38.
6:49; 18:89; 25:71; 34:38.
The epithet "good deeds" is more applicable to such acts as are done at the proper occasion and suit the exigencies of time than to mere devotional acts, as is generally understood.
6:49; 18:89; 25:71; 34:38.
Commentary:
The epithet عمل صالح is more applicable to such acts as are done at the proper occasion and suit the exigencies of time than mere devotional acts, as is generally understood.
d
6:49; 18:89; 25:71; 34:38.
b
6:49; 18:89; 25:71; 34:38.
2202
Commentary:
The epithet عمل صالح is more applicable to such acts as are done at the proper occasion and suit the exigencies of time than mere devotional acts, as is generally understood.
c
6:49; 18:89; 25:71; 34:38.
1786
The epithet "good deeds" is more applicable to such acts as are done at the proper occasion and suit the exigencies of time than to mere devotional acts, as is generally understood.
جَنَّٰتِ عَدْنٍ ٱلَّتِى وَعَدَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ عِبَادَهُۥ بِٱلْغَيْبِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ وَعْدُهُۥ مَأْتِيًّا
9:72; 13:24; 61:13.
یہ آیت بھی بتاتی ہے کہ یہ مسلمانوں کی ترقی کے متعلق ہے ورنہ اگلے جہان کی جنتوں کا مسلمانوں کو زندگی میں کسی وقت بھی علم نہیں ہو سکتا تھا۔
9:72; 13:24; 61:13.
The expression, Bil Ghaib, may also signify that the Faithful will get "Gardens of Eternity" because they believed in things which they did not see—God, angels, Hereafter, etc.
9:72; 13:24; 61:13.
Commentary:
The words جنات عدن signify divine favours and blessings which know no end or diminution.
The expression بالغیب signifies that the faithful will get gardens of eternity because they believed in things which they did not see—God, angels, Hereafter etc. Or it may signify that they will get gardens when there will be no apparent signs of their ever getting them.
The word مأتیاً (must come to pass) signifies that the fulfilment of the Divine promise is as sure as if it has already come to pass. It may also signify that the Faithful will be given gardens of eternity without any wish or desire on their part.
e
9:72; 13:24; 61:13.
1
یہ آیت بھی بتاتی ہے کہ یہ مسلمانوں کی ترقی کے متعلق ہے ورنہ اگلے جہان کی جنتوں کا مسلمانوں کو زندگی میں کسی وقت بھی علم نہیں ہو سکتا تھا۔
c
9:72; 13:24; 61:13.
2203
Commentary:
The words جنات عدن signify divine favours and blessings which know no end or diminution.
The expression بالغیب signifies that the faithful will get gardens of eternity because they believed in things which they did not see—God, angels, Hereafter etc. Or it may signify that they will get gardens when there will be no apparent signs of their ever getting them.
The word مأتیاً (must come to pass) signifies that the fulfilment of the Divine promise is as sure as if it has already come to pass. It may also signify that the Faithful will be given gardens of eternity without any wish or desire on their part.
a
9:72; 13:24; 61:13.
1787
The expression, Bil Ghaib, may also signify that the Faithful will get "Gardens of Eternity" because they believed in things which they did not see—God, angels, Hereafter, etc.
لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا إِلَّا سَلَٰمًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ رِزْقُهُمْ فِيهَا بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا
52:24; 56:26; 78:36.
52:24; 56:26; 78:36.
52:24; 56:26; 78:36.
Commentary:
الا (but) is used here either as استثناء متصل or استثناء منقطع. In the former case the verse would mean that the apparently superfluous talk would also be productive of peace and will result in something useful and beneficial. In the latter case it would mean that the believers will hear nothing vain and useless but will live in perfect peace because there will be peace all round them. They will live in the presence of God Who is peace (59:24) and reside in the abode of peace (6:128) and angels will enter upon them with greetings of peace (13:25). For a full discussion about استثناء منقطع see 2:35.
The verse may also signify that the believers will attain such a high stage of righteousness in the gardens of eternity that they will hear no disparaging talk about one another i.e. there will be found absolutely no suspicion of any kind.
The sentence, They will have their sustenance therein, morning and evening, means that the believers will constantly hear the sweet voice of God, enjoy His sight and will receive the message of eternal peace. The word "sustenance" covers and applies to all these things.
f
52:24; 56:26; 78:36.
a
52:24; 56:26; 78:36.
2204
Commentary:
الا (but) is used here either as استثناء متصل or استثناء منقطع. In the former case the verse would mean that the apparently superfluous talk would also be productive of peace and will result in something useful and beneficial. In the latter case it would mean that the believers will hear nothing vain and useless but will live in perfect peace because there will be peace all round them. They will live in the presence of God Who is peace (59:24) and reside in the abode of peace (6:128) and angels will enter upon them with greetings of peace (13:25). For a full discussion about استثناء منقطع see 2:35.
The verse may also signify that the believers will attain such a high stage of righteousness in the gardens of eternity that they will hear no disparaging talk about one another i.e. there will be found absolutely no suspicion of any kind.
The sentence, They will have their sustenance therein, morning and evening, means that the believers will constantly hear the sweet voice of God, enjoy His sight and will receive the message of eternal peace. The word "sustenance" covers and applies to all these things.
b
52:24; 56:26; 78:36.
تِلْكَ ٱلْجَنَّةُ ٱلَّتِى نُورِثُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا مَن كَانَ تَقِيًّا
7:44; 43:73; 52:18.
7:44; 43:73; 52:18.
7:44; 43:73; 52:18.
Commentary:
The word نورث signifies that the believers being God’s own beloved children will get Paradise as of right. The word incidentally implies permanence of the gifts of Paradise and constitutes a refutation of any exclusive title of Jesus to be the son of God.
g
7:44; 43:73; 52:18.
b
7:44; 43:73; 52:18.
2205
Commentary:
The word نورث signifies that the believers being God’s own beloved children will get Paradise as of right. The word incidentally implies permanence of the gifts of Paradise and constitutes a refutation of any exclusive title of Jesus to be the son of God.
c
7:44; 43:73; 52:18.
وَمَا نَتَنَزَّلُ إِلَّا بِأَمْرِ رَبِّكَ ۖ لَهُۥ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِينَا وَمَا خَلْفَنَا وَمَا بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ ۚ وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ نَسِيًّا
Commentary:
This verse explains vv. 13:24-25 wherein it is said: And angels shall enter unto them from every gate, saying 'Peace be unto you, because you were steadfast' and signifies that the angels would say to the Faithful that they did not bring them greetings of peace of their own accord but with the express command of God, their heavenly Father, and on His behalf.
The words "And thy Lord is not forgetful" mean that God has not forgotten His promise that "He will raise from among the brethren of the Israelites (i.e. the Ishmaelites) a Prophet like unto Moses and will put His words into his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that He shall command him" (Deut. 18:18).
2206
Commentary:
This verse explains vv. 13:24-25 wherein it is said: And angels shall enter unto them from every gate, saying 'Peace be unto you, because you were steadfast' and signifies that the angels would say to the Faithful that they did not bring them greetings of peace of their own accord but with the express command of God, their heavenly Father, and on His behalf.
The words "And thy Lord is not forgetful" mean that God has not forgotten His promise that "He will raise from among the brethren of the Israelites (i.e. the Ishmaelites) a Prophet like unto Moses and will put His words into his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that He shall command him" (Deut. 18:18).
رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فَٱعْبُدْهُ وَٱصْطَبِرْ لِعِبَٰدَتِهِۦ ۚ هَلْ تَعْلَمُ لَهُۥ سَمِيًّا
37:6; 38:67; 44:8; 78:38.
37:6; 38:67; 44:8; 78:38.
37:6; 38:67; 44:8; 78:38.
a
37:6; 38:67; 44:8; 78:38.
a
37:6; 38:67; 44:8; 78:38.
d
37:6; 38:67; 44:8; 78:38.
وَيَقُولُ ٱلْإِنسَٰنُ أَءِذَا مَا مِتُّ لَسَوْفَ أُخْرَجُ حَيًّا
23:38; 36:79.
23:38; 36:79.
Al-Insan (man) does not here mean man in general but a particular class of men, viz. those unfortunate disbelievers who doubt the existence of the Life after death. In fact, there are very few people in the world who totally deny the existence of the Hereafter. It is not by words of mouth but by their actual actions and deeds—their entire engrossment in material pursuits—that they express their doubt or denial of the Life beyond the grave.
23:38; 36:79.
Commentary:
الانسان (man) does not here mean man in general but a particular class of men, viz. those who doubt the existence of the life after death. In fact, there are very few people in the world who totally deny the existence of the Hereafter. It is not by their words of mouth but by their actual actions and deeds—their entire engrossment in material pursuits, that they express their doubt or denial of the life beyond the grave. The interrogative form of the words used in the verse shows that such people suffer merely from a lack of certainty with regard to life after death and not that they totally deny it. As the Surah deals with Christian dogmas and doctrines, so the present and the following several verses deal also with the doubts of Christians about life after death.
b
23:38; 36:79.
b
23:38; 36:79.
2207
Commentary:
الانسان (man) does not here mean man in general but a particular class of men, viz. those who doubt the existence of the life after death. In fact, there are very few people in the world who totally deny the existence of the Hereafter. It is not by their words of mouth but by their actual actions and deeds—their entire engrossment in material pursuits, that they express their doubt or denial of the life beyond the grave. The interrogative form of the words used in the verse shows that such people suffer merely from a lack of certainty with regard to life after death and not that they totally deny it. As the Surah deals with Christian dogmas and doctrines, so the present and the following several verses deal also with the doubts of Christians about life after death.
a
23:38; 36:79.
1788
Al-Insan (man) does not here mean man in general but a particular class of men, viz. those unfortunate disbelievers who doubt the existence of the Life after death. In fact, there are very few people in the world who totally deny the existence of the Hereafter. It is not by words of mouth but by their actual actions and deeds—their entire engrossment in material pursuits—that they express their doubt or denial of the Life beyond the grave.
أَوَلَا يَذْكُرُ ٱلْإِنسَٰنُ أَنَّا خَلَقْنَٰهُ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَمْ يَكُ شَيْـًٔا
19:10; 76:2.
c
19:10; 76:2.
a
19:10; 76:2.
2208
Commentary:
The word شیئاً here signifies شیئاً مذکوراً i.e. anything worth mentioning or having any significance or importance. This meaning is supported by 76:2.
b
19:10; 76:2.
1789
Anything worth mentioning or having any significance or importance. This meaning is supported by 76:2.
فَوَرَبِّكَ لَنَحْشُرَنَّهُمْ وَٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ ثُمَّ لَنُحْضِرَنَّهُمْ حَوْلَ جَهَنَّمَ جِثِيًّا
10:29; 17:98; 34:41.
یعنی عاجزانہ دعائیں کر رہے ہوں گے۔
10:29; 17:98; 34:41.
In Hebrew, Jahannam is used as Gehenna which in Aramaic originally was 'Hinnom,' but later on came to be changed into "Ge-Hinnom" (Enc. Bib.) which means, 'The valley of death or destruction.' The word may also have been a combination of Jahana which means, he went near, and Jahuma which means, his face became contracted. So Jahannam may also mean a thing or place which a person at first likes but when he goes near it, he comes to dislike it and contracts his face to show his dislike for it. Thus the very construction of the word explains the nature and character of Hell.
10:29; 17:98; 34:41.
Important Words:
جھنم (Hell). Commentators of the Quran generally agree that in Arabic this word has no root and is used as a proper name for the place of punishment reserved for the evildoers in the next world. Non-Arabic lexicographers, however, are of the opinion that it is an Aramaic word and is used for the place of punishment after death. In Hebrew it is used as Gehenna which in Aramaic originally was 'Hinnom' but later on came to be changed into "Ge-Hinnom" (Enc. Bib.) which means, "the valley of death or destruction." The word "Ge-Hinnom" also seems to have been a distorted form of the Arabic words ذو and ھنم, the latter word meaning 'a leopard'; and so ذو ھنم means a place where leopards live. Thus "Ge-Hinnom" which in Aramaic means the valley of death and destruction was originally ذو ھنم. The non-Arabs generally change the letter ذinto ج; so ذو ھنم became converted into the Aramaic 'Ge-Hinnom' and the Arabs borrowed it from the non-Arabs and turned it into جھنم. The word may also have been a combination of جھن which means, he went near, and جھمwhich means, he became contracted in the face. So جھنم may mean a thing or place which a person at first likes but when he goes near it he comes to dislike it and contracts his face to show his dislike for it. Thus the very construction of the word جھنم explains its nature and character, i.e. at first a person commits hellish deeds, thinking them to be good but when as a result of those deeds he approaches near Hell, he dislikes it and contracts his face to show his dislike. See also 2:207.
The word الشیاطین (Satans) applies to those philosophers and exponents of a materialistic concept of life who engender in the minds of disbelievers doubts regarding life after death.
d
10:29; 17:98; 34:41.
1
یعنی عاجزانہ دعائیں کر رہے ہوں گے۔
b
10:29; 17:98; 34:41.
2209
Important Words:
جھنم (Hell). Commentators of the Quran generally agree that in Arabic this word has no root and is used as a proper name for the place of punishment reserved for the evildoers in the next world. Non-Arabic lexicographers, however, are of the opinion that it is an Aramaic word and is used for the place of punishment after death. In Hebrew it is used as Gehenna which in Aramaic originally was 'Hinnom' but later on came to be changed into "Ge-Hinnom" (Enc. Bib.) which means, "the valley of death or destruction." The word "Ge-Hinnom" also seems to have been a distorted form of the Arabic words ذو and ھنم, the latter word meaning 'a leopard'; and so ذو ھنم means a place where leopards live. Thus "Ge-Hinnom" which in Aramaic means the valley of death and destruction was originally ذو ھنم. The non-Arabs generally change the letter ذinto ج; so ذو ھنم became converted into the Aramaic 'Ge-Hinnom' and the Arabs borrowed it from the non-Arabs and turned it into جھنم. The word may also have been a combination of جھن which means, he went near, and جھمwhich means, he became contracted in the face. So جھنم may mean a thing or place which a person at first likes but when he goes near it he comes to dislike it and contracts his face to show his dislike for it. Thus the very construction of the word جھنم explains its nature and character, i.e. at first a person commits hellish deeds, thinking them to be good but when as a result of those deeds he approaches near Hell, he dislikes it and contracts his face to show his dislike. See also 2:207.
The word الشیاطین (Satans) applies to those philosophers and exponents of a materialistic concept of life who engender in the minds of disbelievers doubts regarding life after death.
c
10:29; 17:98; 34:41.
1790
In Hebrew, Jahannam is used as Gehenna which in Aramaic originally was 'Hinnom,' but later on came to be changed into "Ge-Hinnom" (Enc. Bib.) which means, 'The valley of death or destruction.' The word may also have been a combination of Jahana which means, he went near, and Jahuma which means, his face became contracted. So Jahannam may also mean a thing or place which a person at first likes but when he goes near it, he comes to dislike it and contracts his face to show his dislike for it. Thus the very construction of the word explains the nature and character of Hell.
ثُمَّ لَنَنزِعَنَّ مِن كُلِّ شِيعَةٍ أَيُّهُمْ أَشَدُّ عَلَى ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ عِتِيًّا
Thumma meaning, then, i.e. afterwards, is a particle or conjunction denoting order and delay. Sometimes it is used to denote the order of enunciation, not the virtual order. It also has the meaning of 'and' and 'so' (Lane).
Important Words:
ثم meaning then, i.e. afterward or afterwards, is a particle or conjunction denoting order and delay. Sometimes it is used to denote the order of enunciation, not the virtual order. It also has the meaning of و (and) and ف (so) (Lane).
In the present verse ثم shows order i.e. this thing will happen after the thing that has been mentioned before. Some commentators of the Quran think that this verse can be explained by reading it as: ثم لننزعن من کل شیعة الذین یقال فیھم ایھم اشد علی الرحمان عتیاً i.e. then shall We certainly pick out from every group those about whom it will be said that they were most stubborn in rebellion against the Gracious God. Others are of the view that the expression ایھم اشد علی الرحمان عتیا is an independent and separate sentence and forms an answer to the words من ھم (who are they) which are understood before this sentence, and means, "they are those who were most stubborn in rebellion against the Gracious God. The words علی الرحمان mean against or in opposition to the Gracious God.
2210
Important Words:
ثم meaning then, i.e. afterward or afterwards, is a particle or conjunction denoting order and delay. Sometimes it is used to denote the order of enunciation, not the virtual order. It also has the meaning of و (and) and ف (so) (Lane).
In the present verse ثم shows order i.e. this thing will happen after the thing that has been mentioned before. Some commentators of the Quran think that this verse can be explained by reading it as: ثم لننزعن من کل شیعة الذین یقال فیھم ایھم اشد علی الرحمان عتیاً i.e. then shall We certainly pick out from every group those about whom it will be said that they were most stubborn in rebellion against the Gracious God. Others are of the view that the expression ایھم اشد علی الرحمان عتیا is an independent and separate sentence and forms an answer to the words من ھم (who are they) which are understood before this sentence, and means, "they are those who were most stubborn in rebellion against the Gracious God. The words علی الرحمان mean against or in opposition to the Gracious God.
1791
Thumma meaning, then, i.e. afterwards, is a particle or conjunction denoting order and delay. Sometimes it is used to denote the order of enunciation, not the virtual order. It also has the meaning of 'and' and 'so' (Lane).
ثُمَّ لَنَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ أَوْلَىٰ بِهَا صِلِيًّا
In this verse, thumma is a conjunction denoting order of enunciation and not proper order, meaning 'and.' The word would signify, 'and We tell you another thing that……'
The words may mean; (a) Those who are more fitted to burn in the fire than to be left out of it; (b) those who are more deserving than others to burn in the fire; (c) those who deserve to be punished more by being thrown into the fire than by any other means.
Commentary:
In this verse ثم is a conjunction denoting order of enunciation and not proper order, meaning 'and'. The meaning of the word would be, and (We tell you another thing that…)
The words الذین ھم اولی بھا صلیا may mean:
(a) those who are more fitted to burn in the fire than to be left out of it;
(b) those who are more deserving than other people to burn in the fire;
(c) those who deserve to be punished more by being thrown into the fire than by any other means.
The reference in the verse is to the Christian nations who at other places in the Quran (18:95; 21:97) have been called یاجوج و ماجوج. They have been so called because they have made free use of firearms such as guns, tanks, atom-bombs etc., اج (fire) being the root from which both these names have been derived. As these nations have made free use of firearms, so shall they be punished with fire.
2211
Commentary:
In this verse ثم is a conjunction denoting order of enunciation and not proper order, meaning 'and'. The meaning of the word would be, and (We tell you another thing that…)
The words الذین ھم اولی بھا صلیا may mean:
(a) those who are more fitted to burn in the fire than to be left out of it;
(b) those who are more deserving than other people to burn in the fire;
(c) those who deserve to be punished more by being thrown into the fire than by any other means.
The reference in the verse is to the Christian nations who at other places in the Quran (18:95; 21:97) have been called یاجوج و ماجوج. They have been so called because they have made free use of firearms such as guns, tanks, atom-bombs etc., اج (fire) being the root from which both these names have been derived. As these nations have made free use of firearms, so shall they be punished with fire.
1792
In this verse, thumma is a conjunction denoting order of enunciation and not proper order, meaning 'and.' The word would signify, 'and We tell you another thing that……'
1793
The words may mean; (a) Those who are more fitted to burn in the fire than to be left out of it; (b) those who are more deserving than others to burn in the fire; (c) those who deserve to be punished more by being thrown into the fire than by any other means.
وَإِن مِّنكُمْ إِلَّا وَارِدُهَا ۚ كَانَ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ حَتْمًا مَّقْضِيًّا
21:99.
在 مِنْكُمْ (Minkum) 中的代词 كُمْ (Kum, 你们) 不是作一般的你们解。按上下文意思, 它指的只是不信的人, 即那些怀疑死后有生命的人。所有这些各种各样的 人, 在以前的各节经文中都已谈过。依照伊本•阿巴斯和伊克里马 (عِكْرِمَة, ‘Ikrimah) 的看法, مِنْكُمْ (Minkum, 你们的) 的另一种读法是 مِنْهُمْ (Minhum, 他们的), 而伊本•阿巴斯过去经常说, Minkum这一用语是对不信的人说的 (قُرْطُبِی, Qurtubi)。因此, 代词 كُمْ (Kum, 你们) 清楚地指的是67-71节经文所谈到的不信的人。另一方面, «古兰经» 十分清楚而着重地支持正直的信者是绝不会进入火狱的这一看法;他们将在安拉的爱护和永久仁慈的阳光下永享快乐 (27:90; 39:62; 43:69; 等) 而且他们将远离火狱之火, 听不到他的即使是非常非常细微的声音 (21:102-103)。但是, 代词 كُمْ (Kum, 你们) 如果理解为既包括信者又包括不信者的话, 那么, 对于不信的人来说, 这节经文的意思是, 他们都将进入火狱; 而对於信者来说, 这节经文中指出的火狱之火可以意指他们今生必须经历的苦难和考验, 对此他们要耐心而坚韧地忍受, 而通过了这些苦难和考验之后, 最终他们将如下一节经文所表明的那样被引入安拉赐福和宁静的天上。穆圣亲自解释了这节经文的意思。据说他的妻子哈夫萨 (حَفْصَة, Hafsah) 曾经说过: “有一次穆圣说, 参加过白德尔 (بَدْر, Badr) 或吴候德 (اُحُدْ, Uhud) 战役的他的伙伴中没有一个人会进入火狱。我请他看这节经文他稍稍责备了我误解了这节经文的意思, 而且指点我去看下一节经文” («穆斯林» 引自 جَامِعُ الْبَيَانْ Jami‘ul-Bayan)。穆圣向哈夫萨指出的下一节经文 (第73节) 表明, 他也曾了解这节经文中的那个虚词 ثُمَّ (Thumma) 的意思: “以及”, 而把下一节经文当作一个独立而分离的句子; 不然的话, 他就不会责怪哈夫萨误解了现在注释中的这节经文中的意思。
قرآن مجید سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ دوزخیں دو(۲) ہیں‘ ایک اس دنیا کی‘ ایک اگلے جہان کی۔ یہ جو فرمایا ہے کہ ہر ایک شخص دوزخ میں جائے گا اس سے یہ مرادنہیں کہ مومن بھی دوزخ میں جائیں گے۔ بلکہ یہ مراد ہے کہ مومن دوزخ کا حصہ اسی دنیا میں پا لیتے ہیں۔ یعنی کفار انہیں قسم قسم کی تکالیف دیتے ہیں۔ ورنہ مومن قرآن مجید کی رو سے اگلے جہان میں دوزخ میں کبھی نہیں جائیں گے۔ کیونکہ قرآن مجید مومنوں کے متعلق فرماتا ہے کہ لَا یَسْمَعُوْنَ حَسِیْسَھَا یعنی مومن دوزخ سے اتنے دور رہیں گے کہ وہ اسکی آواز بھی نہیں سن سکیں گے۔ پس مومنوں کے دوزخ میں جانے سے مراد ان کا دنیا میں تکلیف اٹھانا ہے
21:99.
The pronoun kum (you) in Minkum is not of general application. It applies, as the context shows, only to the disbelievers and to those who doubt the existence of the Life after death. All these categories of men have been mentioned in the preceding verses. According to Ibn-e-‘Abbas and ‘Ikrimah, another reading of Minkum (of you) is Minhum (of them) and Ibn-e-‘Abbas used to say that the expression Minkum is addressed to disbelievers (Qurtubi). So it is to disbelievers mentioned in vv. 67-71 that the pronoun kum (you) clearly refers. On the other hand the Qur’an quite clearly and emphatically supports the view that the righteous believers will never go to Hell; they will ever bask in the sunshine of God’s love and mercy (27:90; 39:62; 43:69; etc.) and will remain far removed from the fire of Hell and will not hear even its faintest sound (21:102, 103). But if the pronoun kum (you) be taken to include both the believers and the disbelievers, then in
21:99.
Commentary:
The word کم (you) in منکم is not of general application. It applies, as the context shows, only to the disbelievers and to those who doubt the existence of the life after death. All these categories of men have been mentioned in the preceding verses. According to Ibn ‘Abbas and ‘Ikrimah, another reading of منکم (of you) is منھم (of them) and the former used to say that the expression منکم is addressed to disbelievers (Qurtubi). So it is to these people i.e. disbelievers mentioned in vv. 67-69 above that the pronoun کم (you) clearly refers. On the other hand the Quran quite clearly and emphatically supports the view that the righteous believers will not go to Hell; they will bask in the sunshine of God’s love and mercy (27:90; 39:62; 43:69; etc.) and will be far removed from the fire of Hell and will not hear even its faintest sound (21:102-103). But if the pronoun (you) be taken to include both the believers and the disbelievers, then in the case of disbelievers the verse would mean that all of them will go to Hell and in the case of believers the fire of Hell referred to in the verse would mean the fire of trials and tribulations through which they have to pass in the present life and which they endure with patience and fortitude and out of which eventually they are taken to be brought into the haven of divine bliss and peace as the next verse shows. This reference is supported by several sayings of the Holy Prophet in which he has likened fever to the fire of Hell. He is reported to have said: The fever is a believer’s share of the Hellfire (Qurtubi as quoted by Tabari).
The Holy Prophet himself has explained the meaning of this verse. His wife Hafsah is reported to have said: "On one occasion when the Prophet said that none of those of his Companions who had taken part in the battle of Badr or Uhud will go to Hell, I drew his attention to the present verse, upon which he slightly reprimanded me for having misunderstood its meaning and directed me to read the next verse" (Muslim as quoted by Jami‘ul-Bayan). The fact that the Holy Prophet referred Hafsah to the next verse (v. 73) shows that he also understood the word ثم occurring in that verse to mean "and", and had taken the next verse as an independent and separate clause, otherwise he could not have reprimanded Hafsah for having misunderstood the meaning of the verse under comment.
e
21:99.
805
在 مِنْكُمْ (Minkum) 中的代词 كُمْ (Kum, 你们) 不是作一般的你们解。按上下文意思, 它指的只是不信的人, 即那些怀疑死后有生命的人。所有这些各种各样的 人, 在以前的各节经文中都已谈过。依照伊本•阿巴斯和伊克里马 (عِكْرِمَة, ‘Ikrimah) 的看法, مِنْكُمْ (Minkum, 你们的) 的另一种读法是 مِنْهُمْ (Minhum, 他们的), 而伊本•阿巴斯过去经常说, Minkum这一用语是对不信的人说的 (قُرْطُبِی, Qurtubi)。因此, 代词 كُمْ (Kum, 你们) 清楚地指的是67-71节经文所谈到的不信的人。另一方面, «古兰经» 十分清楚而着重地支持正直的信者是绝不会进入火狱的这一看法;他们将在安拉的爱护和永久仁慈的阳光下永享快乐 (27:90; 39:62; 43:69; 等) 而且他们将远离火狱之火, 听不到他的即使是非常非常细微的声音 (21:102-103)。但是, 代词 كُمْ (Kum, 你们) 如果理解为既包括信者又包括不信者的话, 那么, 对于不信的人来说, 这节经文的意思是, 他们都将进入火狱; 而对於信者来说, 这节经文中指出的火狱之火可以意指他们今生必须经历的苦难和考验, 对此他们要耐心而坚韧地忍受, 而通过了这些苦难和考验之后, 最终他们将如下一节经文所表明的那样被引入安拉赐福和宁静的天上。穆圣亲自解释了这节经文的意思。据说他的妻子哈夫萨 (حَفْصَة, Hafsah) 曾经说过: “有一次穆圣说, 参加过白德尔 (بَدْر, Badr) 或吴候德 (اُحُدْ, Uhud) 战役的他的伙伴中没有一个人会进入火狱。我请他看这节经文他稍稍责备了我误解了这节经文的意思, 而且指点我去看下一节经文” («穆斯林» 引自 جَامِعُ الْبَيَانْ Jami‘ul-Bayan)。穆圣向哈夫萨指出的下一节经文 (第73节) 表明, 他也曾了解这节经文中的那个虚词 ثُمَّ (Thumma) 的意思: “以及”, 而把下一节经文当作一个独立而分离的句子; 不然的话, 他就不会责怪哈夫萨误解了现在注释中的这节经文中的意思。
2
قرآن مجید سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ دوزخیں دو(۲) ہیں‘ ایک اس دنیا کی‘ ایک اگلے جہان کی۔ یہ جو فرمایا ہے کہ ہر ایک شخص دوزخ میں جائے گا اس سے یہ مرادنہیں کہ مومن بھی دوزخ میں جائیں گے۔ بلکہ یہ مراد ہے کہ مومن دوزخ کا حصہ اسی دنیا میں پا لیتے ہیں۔ یعنی کفار انہیں قسم قسم کی تکالیف دیتے ہیں۔ ورنہ مومن قرآن مجید کی رو سے اگلے جہان میں دوزخ میں کبھی نہیں جائیں گے۔ کیونکہ قرآن مجید مومنوں کے متعلق فرماتا ہے کہ لَا یَسْمَعُوْنَ حَسِیْسَھَا یعنی مومن دوزخ سے اتنے دور رہیں گے کہ وہ اسکی آواز بھی نہیں سن سکیں گے۔ پس مومنوں کے دوزخ میں جانے سے مراد ان کا دنیا میں تکلیف اٹھانا ہے
a
21:99.
2212
Commentary:
The word کم (you) in منکم is not of general application. It applies, as the context shows, only to the disbelievers and to those who doubt the existence of the life after death. All these categories of men have been mentioned in the preceding verses. According to Ibn ‘Abbas and ‘Ikrimah, another reading of منکم (of you) is منھم (of them) and the former used to say that the expression منکم is addressed to disbelievers (Qurtubi). So it is to these people i.e. disbelievers mentioned in vv. 67-69 above that the pronoun کم (you) clearly refers. On the other hand the Quran quite clearly and emphatically supports the view that the righteous believers will not go to Hell; they will bask in the sunshine of God’s love and mercy (27:90; 39:62; 43:69; etc.) and will be far removed from the fire of Hell and will not hear even its faintest sound (21:102-103). But if the pronoun (you) be taken to include both the believers and the disbelievers, then in the case of disbelievers the verse would mean that all of them will go to Hell and in the case of believers the fire of Hell referred to in the verse would mean the fire of trials and tribulations through which they have to pass in the present life and which they endure with patience and fortitude and out of which eventually they are taken to be brought into the haven of divine bliss and peace as the next verse shows. This reference is supported by several sayings of the Holy Prophet in which he has likened fever to the fire of Hell. He is reported to have said: The fever is a believer’s share of the Hellfire (Qurtubi as quoted by Tabari).
The Holy Prophet himself has explained the meaning of this verse. His wife Hafsah is reported to have said: "On one occasion when the Prophet said that none of those of his Companions who had taken part in the battle of Badr or Uhud will go to Hell, I drew his attention to the present verse, upon which he slightly reprimanded me for having misunderstood its meaning and directed me to read the next verse" (Muslim as quoted by Jami‘ul-Bayan). The fact that the Holy Prophet referred Hafsah to the next verse (v. 73) shows that he also understood the word ثم occurring in that verse to mean "and", and had taken the next verse as an independent and separate clause, otherwise he could not have reprimanded Hafsah for having misunderstood the meaning of the verse under comment.
a
21:99.
1793A
The pronoun kum (you) in Minkum is not of general application. It applies, as the context shows, only to the disbelievers and to those who doubt the existence of the Life after death. All these categories of men have been mentioned in the preceding verses. According to Ibn-e-‘Abbas and ‘Ikrimah, another reading of Minkum (of you) is Minhum (of them) and Ibn-e-‘Abbas used to say that the expression Minkum is addressed to disbelievers (Qurtubi). So it is to disbelievers mentioned in vv. 67-71 that the pronoun kum (you) clearly refers. On the other hand the Qur’an quite clearly and emphatically supports the view that the righteous believers will never go to Hell; they will ever bask in the sunshine of God’s love and mercy (27:90; 39:62; 43:69; etc.) and will remain far removed from the fire of Hell and will not hear even its faintest sound (21:102, 103). But if the pronoun kum (you) be taken to include both the believers and the disbelievers, then in
ثُمَّ نُنَجِّى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوا۟ وَّنَذَرُ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ فِيهَا جِثِيًّا
21:102; 39:62.
21:102; 39:62.
21:102; 39:62.
a
21:102; 39:62.
b
21:102; 39:62.
a
21:102; 39:62.
وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُنَا بَيِّنَٰتٍ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ خَيْرٌ مَّقَامًا وَأَحْسَنُ نَدِيًّا
单纯的标志、征象或迹象是把其证据的基础建立在理性、智力和经验之上。而这些证据指出一个事物的存在和目的并使其得到承认。但是明显的征象是那些征象和证据或理性, 它们不仅指出并证明那件事物的存在, 而且适用于需要指证的时与事, 同时也有其要完成的高尚目的。
Mere 'Signs' are those proofs and arguments based on reason, intellect and experience which point to the existence of a thing, its aim and purpose, and establish it. But 'manifest Signs' are those Signs and arguments or reasons which not only point to the existence of a thing and prove it, but are quite suited to the occasion and to the problem they are intended to prove and which also have a very noble and sublime purpose to serve, that they eminently do.
Important Words:
ندیاً (assembly) is derived from ندا. They say ندا القوم i.e. the people gathered and came to a meeting. ندی means, النادی i.e. an assembly (Aqrab).
Commentary:
آیات (Signs) are those proofs and arguments based on reason, intellect and experience, which point to the existence of a thing, its aim and purpose, and establish it. آیات بینات (manifest Signs) are those Signs and arguments or reasons which not only point to the existence of a thing and prove it but are quite suited to the occasion and to the problem which they are intended to prove, and they have a very noble and sublime purpose to serve which they eminently do.
This verse shows that Western nations are very proud of their material pomp and wealth and are proud also of their civilization and culture, the order of their society and their way of life and their military organizations and vast numbers.
806
单纯的标志、征象或迹象是把其证据的基础建立在理性、智力和经验之上。而这些证据指出一个事物的存在和目的并使其得到承认。但是明显的征象是那些征象和证据或理性, 它们不仅指出并证明那件事物的存在, 而且适用于需要指证的时与事, 同时也有其要完成的高尚目的。
2213
Important Words:
ندیاً (assembly) is derived from ندا. They say ندا القوم i.e. the people gathered and came to a meeting. ندی means, النادی i.e. an assembly (Aqrab).
Commentary:
آیات (Signs) are those proofs and arguments based on reason, intellect and experience, which point to the existence of a thing, its aim and purpose, and establish it. آیات بینات (manifest Signs) are those Signs and arguments or reasons which not only point to the existence of a thing and prove it but are quite suited to the occasion and to the problem which they are intended to prove, and they have a very noble and sublime purpose to serve which they eminently do.
This verse shows that Western nations are very proud of their material pomp and wealth and are proud also of their civilization and culture, the order of their society and their way of life and their military organizations and vast numbers.
1794
Mere 'Signs' are those proofs and arguments based on reason, intellect and experience which point to the existence of a thing, its aim and purpose, and establish it. But 'manifest Signs' are those Signs and arguments or reasons which not only point to the existence of a thing and prove it, but are quite suited to the occasion and to the problem they are intended to prove and which also have a very noble and sublime purpose to serve, that they eminently do.
وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَحْسَنُ أَثَٰثًا وَرِءْيًا
6:7; 17:18; 19:99; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
6:7; 17:18; 19:99; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
6:7; 17:18; 19:99; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
Important Words:
رء یاً (outward show) is derived from رأی which means, he saw or he thought. رؤیا means, a sight; a beautiful sight; anything to which people raise their eyes to see. رئیاً means, aspect, look or outward appearance; beautiful aspect or outward appearance or what the eyes see of goodly condition and clean apparel (Lane & Aqrab). For أثاثاً (wealth) see 16:81.
Commentary:
The verse while, on the one hand, shows how proud the western Christian nations are of their material might, pomp and wealth and of the high order of their society, on the other, it leaves no doubt that in spite of all these things they will eventually come to grief. It may be said that the statement made in the verse under comment that there lived in the past more powerful and wealthier peoples than the present Christian nations of the West is contrary to the facts of history. Speaking absolutely it is correct that Western Christian nations of today were never equalled in the past by any nation in material power and wealth but speaking comparatively there certainly have been rulers and nations in the past who were more powerful than these nations, inasmuch as the opponents of the former were much weaker to them in material resources and in numbers than the adversaries of Western Christian nations of today are to them. It is in this sense that some of the nations of antiquity have been described as more powerful than the Western Christian nations of today in the present verse.
b
6:7; 17:18; 19:99; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
a
6:7; 17:18; 19:99; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
2214
Important Words:
رء یاً (outward show) is derived from رأی which means, he saw or he thought. رؤیا means, a sight; a beautiful sight; anything to which people raise their eyes to see. رئیاً means, aspect, look or outward appearance; beautiful aspect or outward appearance or what the eyes see of goodly condition and clean apparel (Lane & Aqrab). For أثاثاً (wealth) see 16:81.
Commentary:
The verse while, on the one hand, shows how proud the western Christian nations are of their material might, pomp and wealth and of the high order of their society, on the other, it leaves no doubt that in spite of all these things they will eventually come to grief. It may be said that the statement made in the verse under comment that there lived in the past more powerful and wealthier peoples than the present Christian nations of the West is contrary to the facts of history. Speaking absolutely it is correct that Western Christian nations of today were never equalled in the past by any nation in material power and wealth but speaking comparatively there certainly have been rulers and nations in the past who were more powerful than these nations, inasmuch as the opponents of the former were much weaker to them in material resources and in numbers than the adversaries of Western Christian nations of today are to them. It is in this sense that some of the nations of antiquity have been described as more powerful than the Western Christian nations of today in the present verse.
b
6:7; 17:18; 19:99; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
قُلْ مَن كَانَ فِى ٱلضَّلَٰلَةِ فَلْيَمْدُدْ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ مَدًّا ۚ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوْا۟ مَا يُوعَدُونَ إِمَّا ٱلْعَذَابَ وَإِمَّا ٱلسَّاعَةَ فَسَيَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ هُوَ شَرٌّ مَّكَانًا وَأَضْعَفُ جُندًا
72:25.
'Punishment' here may signify the intervening punishment which will overtake disbelievers in stages before their final destruction, and "final Hour" may signify their complete and final destruction.
72:25.
Commentary:
The verb فلیمدد while being in the imperative mood has been used in the indicative mood in order to impart more emphasis to the meaning. The verse means to say that God will give more and more respite to the wrongdoing people and will grant them increase in power and wealth and resources, so that when Divine punishment descends upon them, their destruction will look all the more impressive and awe-inspiring. العذاب (the punishment) here may signify the intervening punishment which will overtake Western nations in stages before their final destruction, and الساعة may mean their complete and final destruction. Thus the verse means to say that Divine punishment will descend upon the nations of the West in different forms and stages. At first their power will gradually weaken and decline by wars that will take place at short intervals and then a global war in which most deadly weapons will be used will destroy them fully and completely.
The words العذاب and الساعة having been used simultaneously in the verse show that the punishment which will overtake Western nations, if they did not accept truth and mend their ways, will at first be in the form of العذاب (intervening punishment) for some of them and الساعة (final destruction) for others till ultimately it will take the form of الساعة for all of them.
The verse points to an absolute certainty that the path of sin and iniquity leads to sure destruction. It also shows that when destruction will overtake Western nations, they will realize that the germs of their destruction had lain hidden in their very material power of which they were so proud and that the apparently weak condition of the Eastern nations possessed seeds of their growing strength and power.
a
72:25.
807
“惩罚” 在这里可以指不信道的人在他们最后毁灭以前各个阶段之间遭受到的惩罚, 而 “最后时刻” 可以指他们最后彻底的毁灭。
a
72:25.
2215
Commentary:
The verb فلیمدد while being in the imperative mood has been used in the indicative mood in order to impart more emphasis to the meaning. The verse means to say that God will give more and more respite to the wrongdoing people and will grant them increase in power and wealth and resources, so that when Divine punishment descends upon them, their destruction will look all the more impressive and awe-inspiring. العذاب (the punishment) here may signify the intervening punishment which will overtake Western nations in stages before their final destruction, and الساعة may mean their complete and final destruction. Thus the verse means to say that Divine punishment will descend upon the nations of the West in different forms and stages. At first their power will gradually weaken and decline by wars that will take place at short intervals and then a global war in which most deadly weapons will be used will destroy them fully and completely.
The words العذاب and الساعة having been used simultaneously in the verse show that the punishment which will overtake Western nations, if they did not accept truth and mend their ways, will at first be in the form of العذاب (intervening punishment) for some of them and الساعة (final destruction) for others till ultimately it will take the form of الساعة for all of them.
The verse points to an absolute certainty that the path of sin and iniquity leads to sure destruction. It also shows that when destruction will overtake Western nations, they will realize that the germs of their destruction had lain hidden in their very material power of which they were so proud and that the apparently weak condition of the Eastern nations possessed seeds of their growing strength and power.
c
72:25.
1795
'Punishment' here may signify the intervening punishment which will overtake disbelievers in stages before their final destruction, and "final Hour" may signify their complete and final destruction.
وَيَزِيدُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟ هُدًى ۗ وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ مَّرَدًّا
9:124; 47:18; 48:5.
18:47; 87:18.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that every new change that takes place in the world makes the position of believers stronger and firmer. They grow in influence, prestige and numbers. The Quranic words, And the good works…resort, remind Christian Western peoples of the beautiful and oft-quoted words of Jesus, viz. lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:19,20). These words imply a warning to his so-called followers that it is futile on their part to bank upon their material riches and resources because they are sure to perish while it is only good works that will endure and last.
b
9:124; 47; 47:18; 48:5.
c
87:18.
a
9:124; 47:18; 48:5.
b
18:47; 87:18.
2216
Commentary:
The verse means to say that every new change that takes place in the world makes the position of believers stronger and firmer. They grow in influence, prestige and numbers. The Quranic words, And the good works…resort, remind Christian Western peoples of the beautiful and oft-quoted words of Jesus, viz. lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:19,20). These words imply a warning to his so-called followers that it is futile on their part to bank upon their material riches and resources because they are sure to perish while it is only good works that will endure and last.
a
9:124; 47; 47:18; 48:5.
b
87:18.
أَفَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى كَفَرَ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَقَالَ لَأُوتَيَنَّ مَالًا وَوَلَدًا
18:35; 74:13, 14.
اس میں عیسائیوں کا ذکر ہے جن کا یہ عقیدہ ہے کہ مسیح علیہ السلام کی آمد کے بعد موت کا سلسلہ اٹھ جائے گا اور اسی دنیا میں مسیحی دائمی زندگی پائیں گے۔ گویا جو ترقی ان کو اب حاصل ہے قیامت تک رہے گی۔
18:35; 74:13, 14.
The disbeliever sets great store by his wealth and children and takes great pride in them and so do the disbelieving proud nations of the West, with whom the Surah particularly deals.
18:35; 74:13-14.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the disbeliever sets great store by his wealth and children and takes great pride in them. "The disbeliever" in the verse represents the disbelieving proud nations of the west.
d
18:35; 74:13, 14.
1
اس میں عیسائیوں کا ذکر ہے جن کا یہ عقیدہ ہے کہ مسیح علیہ السلام کی آمد کے بعد موت کا سلسلہ اٹھ جائے گا اور اسی دنیا میں مسیحی دائمی زندگی پائیں گے۔ گویا جو ترقی ان کو اب حاصل ہے قیامت تک رہے گی۔
c
18:35; 74:13-14.
2217
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the disbeliever sets great store by his wealth and children and takes great pride in them. "The disbeliever" in the verse represents the disbelieving proud nations of the west.
c
18:35; 74:13, 14.
1796
The disbeliever sets great store by his wealth and children and takes great pride in them and so do the disbelieving proud nations of the West, with whom the Surah particularly deals.
أَطَّلَعَ ٱلْغَيْبَ أَمِ ٱتَّخَذَ عِندَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَهْدًا
Commentary:
The words "the unseen" may signify the conjectures and guesses of political philosophers and soothsayers and the words, a promise from the Gracious God, may signify the promise given through a Divine Messenger about the eventual triumph of the cause of truth.
2218
Commentary:
The words "the unseen" may signify the conjectures and guesses of political philosophers and soothsayers and the words, a promise from the Gracious God, may signify the promise given through a Divine Messenger about the eventual triumph of the cause of truth.
كَلَّا ۚ سَنَكْتُبُ مَا يَقُولُ وَنَمُدُّ لَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ مَدًّا
فرماتا ہے ان کا یہ عقیدہ غلط ہے اگر مریں گے تو بھی سزا پائیں گے اور اگر اس دنیا میں زندہ رہیں گے تب بھی ان کے عذاب پانے کی خداتعالیٰ کوئی صورت نکال دے گا۔
The particle kalla (indeed not) signifies rejection, rebuke; and reprimanding a person for what he has said being untrue. It also signifies that what has been said before is wrong and what follows is right (Lane). The words, 'what he says,' refer to the proud talk in which the disbelievers indulge because of their great wealth, power, influence and children.
Important Words:
کلا (nay) is a particle and signifies, rejection; rebuke; and reprimanding a person for what he has said being untrue. It also signifies that what has been said before is wrong and what follows after is right (Lane).
Commentary:
The verse means to say that disbelievers take pride in their wealth and children but they should know that they will be deprived of all these things and their punishment will be prolonged as was their prosperity prolonged because it was the prolongation of their prosperity that made them proud and arrogant.
2
فرماتا ہے ان کا یہ عقیدہ غلط ہے اگر مریں گے تو بھی سزا پائیں گے اور اگر اس دنیا میں زندہ رہیں گے تب بھی ان کے عذاب پانے کی خداتعالیٰ کوئی صورت نکال دے گا۔
2219
Important Words:
کلا (nay) is a particle and signifies, rejection; rebuke; and reprimanding a person for what he has said being untrue. It also signifies that what has been said before is wrong and what follows after is right (Lane).
Commentary:
The verse means to say that disbelievers take pride in their wealth and children but they should know that they will be deprived of all these things and their punishment will be prolonged as was their prosperity prolonged because it was the prolongation of their prosperity that made them proud and arrogant.
1797
The particle kalla (indeed not) signifies rejection, rebuke; and reprimanding a person for what he has said being untrue. It also signifies that what has been said before is wrong and what follows is right (Lane). The words, 'what he says,' refer to the proud talk in which the disbelievers indulge because of their great wealth, power, influence and children.
وَنَرِثُهُۥ مَا يَقُولُ وَيَأْتِينَا فَرْدًا
6:95; 18:49.
یعنی اسے دنیا پر فخر ہے خدا اس کا وارث ہو جائے گا۔ یعنی ان سے چھین کر اپنے مخلص بندوں کو دے دے گا۔ اس میں اسلام کی ترقی کی پیشگوئی ہے۔
6:95; 18:49.
The words, We shall inherit from him all that he talks of and he shall come to Us all alone, may mean: he shall have to leave all his wealth and children behind; (a) We shall preserve his insolent talk and will remind him of it when he comes to Us and will punish him for it; and (b) his inheritors will enter the fold of Islam and all his wealth and resources will be used in Our cause.
6:95; 18:49.
Commentary:
The sentence, And We shall inherit of him all that he talks of, may mean:(a) We shall inherit his wealth and children, i.e. he shall be obliged to leave all his wealth and children behind; (b) We shall preserve his insolent talk and will remind him of it when he comes to Us and will punish him for it; and (c) his inheritors will enter the fold of Islam and all his wealth and resources will be used in the cause of Islam.
The words, He shall come to Us all alone, signify that he shall be deprived of all his wealth so that all his sycophants and hangers-on who had gathered round him on account of his great wealth and children will leave him and he will be left all alone.
The expression مایقول refers to the proud talk in which the disbelievers indulge because of their great wealth, power, influence and children.
e
6:95; 18:49.
3
یعنی اسے دنیا پر فخر ہے خدا اس کا وارث ہو جائے گا۔ یعنی ان سے چھین کر اپنے مخلص بندوں کو دے دے گا۔ اس میں اسلام کی ترقی کی پیشگوئی ہے۔
a
6:95; 18:49.
2220
Commentary:
The sentence, And We shall inherit of him all that he talks of, may mean:(a) We shall inherit his wealth and children, i.e. he shall be obliged to leave all his wealth and children behind; (b) We shall preserve his insolent talk and will remind him of it when he comes to Us and will punish him for it; and (c) his inheritors will enter the fold of Islam and all his wealth and resources will be used in the cause of Islam.
The words, He shall come to Us all alone, signify that he shall be deprived of all his wealth so that all his sycophants and hangers-on who had gathered round him on account of his great wealth and children will leave him and he will be left all alone.
The expression مایقول refers to the proud talk in which the disbelievers indulge because of their great wealth, power, influence and children.
d
6:95; 18:49.
1798
The words, We shall inherit from him all that he talks of and he shall come to Us all alone, may mean: he shall have to leave all his wealth and children behind; (a) We shall preserve his insolent talk and will remind him of it when he comes to Us and will punish him for it; and (b) his inheritors will enter the fold of Islam and all his wealth and resources will be used in Our cause.
وَٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً لِّيَكُونُوا۟ لَهُمْ عِزًّا
21:25; 36:75.
21:25; 36:75.
21:25; 36:75.
Commentary:
The verse may signify that disbelievers erect big houses of worship in the name of their idols so that it may redound to their honour and good name, or that they worship false deities seeking thereby nearness to God. To the latter meaning of the verse reference has also been made in 39:4 where it is stated: And those who take for protectors others beside Him say, we serve them only that they may bring us near to Allah in station
f
21:25; 36:75.
b
21:25; 36:75.
2221
Commentary:
The verse may signify that disbelievers erect big houses of worship in the name of their idols so that it may redound to their honour and good name, or that they worship false deities seeking thereby nearness to God. To the latter meaning of the verse reference has also been made in 39:4 where it is stated: And those who take for protectors others beside Him say, we serve them only that they may bring us near to Allah in station
a
21:25; 36:75.
كَلَّا ۚ سَيَكْفُرُونَ بِعِبَادَتِهِمْ وَيَكُونُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ ضِدًّا
6:24; 10:29.
6:24; 10:29.
The words may mean: (a) The false deities will deny that the idolaters ever worshipped them; (b) the idolaters will deny that they ever worshipped false deities. For (a) see 2:167; 10:29; 16:87;28:64; and for (b) see 6:24; 30:14.
6:24; 10:29.
Commentary:
The words, they will deny their worship, may mean (a) the false deities will deny that the idolaters ever worshipped them; (b) the idolaters will deny that they ever worshipped false deities: For (a) see 2:167; 10:29; 16:87; 28:64; and for (b) see 6:24; 30:14.
It is interesting to note that though the idol-worshippers and their false deities will be many, the word ضداً used for them in the verse is in the singular number. This is to show that the idol-worshippers and their objects of worship, while standing before God’s Judgement Seat, will become one in this respect that they will deny each other.
To the objection that when some of the deities are inanimate things, how they will speak, three answers may be given:(a) some of the idols are living beings such as Jesus etc. (b) in the spiritual realm, such as in visions and dreams inanimate things are known to speak; and (c) the idols of stone are in reality physical representations of holy men and angels. These holy men and angels whose representations in the physical forms the idolaters worshipped will speak against them.
a
6:24; 10:29.
a
6:24; 10:29.
2222
Commentary:
The words, they will deny their worship, may mean (a) the false deities will deny that the idolaters ever worshipped them; (b) the idolaters will deny that they ever worshipped false deities: For (a) see 2:167; 10:29; 16:87; 28:64; and for (b) see 6:24; 30:14.
It is interesting to note that though the idol-worshippers and their false deities will be many, the word ضداً used for them in the verse is in the singular number. This is to show that the idol-worshippers and their objects of worship, while standing before God’s Judgement Seat, will become one in this respect that they will deny each other.
To the objection that when some of the deities are inanimate things, how they will speak, three answers may be given:(a) some of the idols are living beings such as Jesus etc. (b) in the spiritual realm, such as in visions and dreams inanimate things are known to speak; and (c) the idols of stone are in reality physical representations of holy men and angels. These holy men and angels whose representations in the physical forms the idolaters worshipped will speak against them.
b
6:24; 10:29.
1799
The words may mean: (a) The false deities will deny that the idolaters ever worshipped them; (b) the idolaters will deny that they ever worshipped false deities. For (a) see 2:167; 10:29; 16:87;28:64; and for (b) see 6:24; 30:14.
أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَا ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ تَؤُزُّهُمْ أَزًّا
8:49; 47:26; 59:17.
8:49; 47:26; 59:17.
8:49; 47:26; 59:17.
Important Words:
ارسلنا (We sent). ارسلت البعیر means, I let the camel go wherever it liked. ارسل فلاناً علیه means, he left such a one to do with him whatever he liked; he set such a one on him or gave him mastery or power over him (Aqrab & Lane).
تؤزھم (goading them on) is derived from از. They say أزت القدر i.e. the cooking pot boiled or boiled vehemently or made a sound in cooking. ازہ means, he stirred him, roused or provoked him; and insisted, urged or instigated him, علی کذا to do such a thing. أزہ is more intensive than ھزہ which means, he shook him; induced him to do the thing (Lane).
Commentary:
The words تؤزھم أزا mean:(a) satans incite disbelievers to acts of disobedience; (b) they continue to incite disbelievers to acts of disobedience till they enter Hell; and (c) they incite disbelievers against Muslims that they should attack the latter, and persecute them.
الکافرین (disbelievers) here signifies a particular class of disbelievers i.e. those disbelievers who by their persistent transgression and evil deeds deprive themselves completely of Divine protection.
b
8:49; 47:26; 59:17.
b
8:49; 47:26; 59:17.
2223
Important Words:
ارسلنا (We sent). ارسلت البعیر means, I let the camel go wherever it liked. ارسل فلاناً علیه means, he left such a one to do with him whatever he liked; he set such a one on him or gave him mastery or power over him (Aqrab & Lane).
تؤزھم (goading them on) is derived from از. They say أزت القدر i.e. the cooking pot boiled or boiled vehemently or made a sound in cooking. ازہ means, he stirred him, roused or provoked him; and insisted, urged or instigated him, علی کذا to do such a thing. أزہ is more intensive than ھزہ which means, he shook him; induced him to do the thing (Lane).
Commentary:
The words تؤزھم أزا mean:(a) satans incite disbelievers to acts of disobedience; (b) they continue to incite disbelievers to acts of disobedience till they enter Hell; and (c) they incite disbelievers against Muslims that they should attack the latter, and persecute them.
الکافرین (disbelievers) here signifies a particular class of disbelievers i.e. those disbelievers who by their persistent transgression and evil deeds deprive themselves completely of Divine protection.
c
8:49; 47:26; 59:17.
فَلَا تَعْجَلْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّمَا نَعُدُّ لَهُمْ عَدًّا
The verse means; (a) We are keeping full account of their wicked deeds; and (b) We are keeping account of the time when their punishment will be due.
Commentary:
In the words فلا تعجل علیھم Muslims are enjoined not to lose patience if Divine punishment is slow in overtaking Western Christian nations. The words also seem to enjoin Muslims not to be so impatient as to indulge in such foolish dreams as waging jihad against disbelievers because they (Muslims) do not possess the necessary means to fight them successfully, but should adopt only spiritual means for this purpose such as praying and preaching and disseminating the teachings of Islam. The warning contained in the Holy Prophet’s words لا یدان لاحد لقتالھم (no one will have the power to fight them) may perhaps have been derived from this Divine command.
The words انما نعد لھم عداً mean:(a) We are keeping full account of their wicked deeds; and (b) We are keeping account of the time when their punishment will be due. The verse means to say that their doom is already decreed and it will overtake them when the appointed time arrives.
2224
Commentary:
In the words فلا تعجل علیھم Muslims are enjoined not to lose patience if Divine punishment is slow in overtaking Western Christian nations. The words also seem to enjoin Muslims not to be so impatient as to indulge in such foolish dreams as waging jihad against disbelievers because they (Muslims) do not possess the necessary means to fight them successfully, but should adopt only spiritual means for this purpose such as praying and preaching and disseminating the teachings of Islam. The warning contained in the Holy Prophet’s words لا یدان لاحد لقتالھم (no one will have the power to fight them) may perhaps have been derived from this Divine command.
The words انما نعد لھم عداً mean:(a) We are keeping full account of their wicked deeds; and (b) We are keeping account of the time when their punishment will be due. The verse means to say that their doom is already decreed and it will overtake them when the appointed time arrives.
1800
The verse means; (a) We are keeping full account of their wicked deeds; and (b) We are keeping account of the time when their punishment will be due.
يَوْمَ نَحْشُرُ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ إِلَى ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ وَفْدًا
39:74.
39:74.
39:74.
Important Words:
وفداً (honoured guests) is the plural of وافد which is active participle from وفد. They say وفد الی او علی السلطان i.e. he came to the king as an ambassador, envoy or messenger; or to convey gifts and ask aid; he went forth to the king (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
This verse has provoked discussion as to whether the righteous will be assembled before God or will merely be admitted to Paradise. There seems to be no real difference between the two alternative senses, because Paradise is the House of God and going to Paradise is as good as going before God. The verse may also apply to two resurrections; the one in this world and the other in the next. Resurrection in the next world will both be individual and collective. Immediately after its departure from the physical body the human soul begins to taste of the fruits of the works, good or bad, a man might have done in this world. This state of the soul is known by its individual resurrection in which its experience of the reward or punishment, as the case may be, of the next life is partial and incomplete. The Resurrection on the Last Day, however, will be collective when the whole of mankind will be brought before God’s Judgement Seat. Then the realization by the soul of its state of bliss or punishment will be complete. That will be the final Resurrection. The significance of the verse as is clear from many sayings of the Holy Prophet, is that there will be great confusion and bewilderment on the Day of Resurrection. But immediately after the initial shock the righteous will regain their composure and peace of mind and will be honoured with the gift of God’s favours and blessings.
c
39:74.
a
39:74.
2225
Important Words:
وفداً (honoured guests) is the plural of وافد which is active participle from وفد. They say وفد الی او علی السلطان i.e. he came to the king as an ambassador, envoy or messenger; or to convey gifts and ask aid; he went forth to the king (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
This verse has provoked discussion as to whether the righteous will be assembled before God or will merely be admitted to Paradise. There seems to be no real difference between the two alternative senses, because Paradise is the House of God and going to Paradise is as good as going before God. The verse may also apply to two resurrections; the one in this world and the other in the next. Resurrection in the next world will both be individual and collective. Immediately after its departure from the physical body the human soul begins to taste of the fruits of the works, good or bad, a man might have done in this world. This state of the soul is known by its individual resurrection in which its experience of the reward or punishment, as the case may be, of the next life is partial and incomplete. The Resurrection on the Last Day, however, will be collective when the whole of mankind will be brought before God’s Judgement Seat. Then the realization by the soul of its state of bliss or punishment will be complete. That will be the final Resurrection. The significance of the verse as is clear from many sayings of the Holy Prophet, is that there will be great confusion and bewilderment on the Day of Resurrection. But immediately after the initial shock the righteous will regain their composure and peace of mind and will be honoured with the gift of God’s favours and blessings.
d
39:74.
وَنَسُوقُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ وِرْدًا
39:72.
39:72.
Important Words:
ورداً (a herd of thirsty camels) means, coming to or arriving at water; water to which one comes to drink; turn of coming to water; a number of camels or a herd of thirsty camels; birds arriving at water. See also 11:99.
نسوق (We shall drive) is derived from ساق. They say ساق الابل i.e. he drove the camels. ساق الحدیث means, he continued the talk endlessly; he went on relating the narrative. سائق means, a driver; or one who drives from behind while قائد is one who guides—a general or a leader. The expression نسوق المجرمین الی جھنم ورداً means, We will drive the sinners like beasts who come to water to slake their thirst (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Here the word نسوق (We shall drive) has been used about the sinners and means that they will be driven to Hell against their wish. But this word has also been used in the Quran about the righteous believers (39:74). But in that verse the word has been used in the sense of being conducted or carried. If, however, in 39:74 the word were taken to have been used in the sense of driving, then it would apply to the beasts which the righteous will be riding to go to Paradise and thus the meaning would be that the beasts which the righteous will be riding will be driven to Paradise.
d
39:72.
a
39:72.
2226
Important Words:
ورداً (a herd of thirsty camels) means, coming to or arriving at water; water to which one comes to drink; turn of coming to water; a number of camels or a herd of thirsty camels; birds arriving at water. See also 11:99.
نسوق (We shall drive) is derived from ساق. They say ساق الابل i.e. he drove the camels. ساق الحدیث means, he continued the talk endlessly; he went on relating the narrative. سائق means, a driver; or one who drives from behind while قائد is one who guides—a general or a leader. The expression نسوق المجرمین الی جھنم ورداً means, We will drive the sinners like beasts who come to water to slake their thirst (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Here the word نسوق (We shall drive) has been used about the sinners and means that they will be driven to Hell against their wish. But this word has also been used in the Quran about the righteous believers (39:74). But in that verse the word has been used in the sense of being conducted or carried. If, however, in 39:74 the word were taken to have been used in the sense of driving, then it would apply to the beasts which the righteous will be riding to go to Paradise and thus the meaning would be that the beasts which the righteous will be riding will be driven to Paradise.
e
39:72.
1801
Al-Wird means, (a) coming to or arriving at water; (b) water to which one comes to drink; (c) the turn of coming to water; (d) the number of camels or the herd of thirsty camels (Aqrab). See also 11:99.
لَّا يَمْلِكُونَ ٱلشَّفَٰعَةَ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ عِندَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَهْدًا
2:49; 20:100; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
2:49; 20:100; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
2:49; 20:110; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
Important Words:
الشفاعة (intercession) is derived fromشفع which means, he provided a thing, which was alone with another, or he joined up a single thing with another, so as to make it one of a pair or couple. According to Imam Raghib الشفع signifies the adjoining of a thing to its like; thus the word has the significance of likeness or similarity also. Thus الشفاعة has come to mean interceding or praying for a person on the ground that he is connected with the intercessor or is like or similar to him (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
الشفاعة (intercession) is governed by the following four conditions:
1. He who intercedes has a special connection with the person (or Being) with whom he wishes to intercede and enjoys his special favour, for without such connection he dare not intercede nor can intercession be fruitful.
2. The person for whom intercession is to be made must have a true and real connection with the intercessor, for none would think of interceding for a person unless the latter is specially connected with him.
3. The person in whose favour intercession is sought must generally deserve the description of a good person and must be one who has made an honest effort to win the pleasure of God (21:29). If he ever happens to fall into sin, it is in a moment of weakness. A wicked man cannot enjoy true and real connection with a holy person.
4. Intercession can only be made with God’s express permission (2:256; 10:4).
For a detailed note on الشفاعة see 2:49.
It may be noted that of all prophets and messengers of God the Holy Prophet alone will be granted permission to intercede on the Last Day.
e
2:49; 20:100; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
b
2:49; 20:110; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
2227
Important Words:
الشفاعة (intercession) is derived fromشفع which means, he provided a thing, which was alone with another, or he joined up a single thing with another, so as to make it one of a pair or couple. According to Imam Raghib الشفع signifies the adjoining of a thing to its like; thus the word has the significance of likeness or similarity also. Thus الشفاعة has come to mean interceding or praying for a person on the ground that he is connected with the intercessor or is like or similar to him (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
الشفاعة (intercession) is governed by the following four conditions:
1. He who intercedes has a special connection with the person (or Being) with whom he wishes to intercede and enjoys his special favour, for without such connection he dare not intercede nor can intercession be fruitful.
2. The person for whom intercession is to be made must have a true and real connection with the intercessor, for none would think of interceding for a person unless the latter is specially connected with him.
3. The person in whose favour intercession is sought must generally deserve the description of a good person and must be one who has made an honest effort to win the pleasure of God (21:29). If he ever happens to fall into sin, it is in a moment of weakness. A wicked man cannot enjoy true and real connection with a holy person.
4. Intercession can only be made with God’s express permission (2:256; 10:4).
For a detailed note on الشفاعة see 2:49.
It may be noted that of all prophets and messengers of God the Holy Prophet alone will be granted permission to intercede on the Last Day.
f
2:49; 20:100; 21:29; 34:24; 39:45; 43:87; 53:27; 74:49.
وَقَالُوا۟ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ وَلَدًا
2:117; 4:172; 6:101, 102; 10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:36; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5; 43:82.
2:117; 4:172; 6:101, 102; 10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:36; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5; 43:82.
2:117; 4:172; 6:101-102; 10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:36; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5; 43:82.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the so-called followers of Jesus think that he will intercede for them. How could this be possible when he was a strict believer in the Oneness of God and they ascribe partners to the Almighty which is a heinous sin. They possess no likeness with him while one of the most important conditions of intercession is that the person for whom intercession is sought must be like him who is to make the intercession.
f
2:117; 4:172; 6:101, 102; 10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:36; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5; 43:82.
a
2:117; 4:172; 6:101-102; 10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:36; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5; 43:82.
2228
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the so-called followers of Jesus think that he will intercede for them. How could this be possible when he was a strict believer in the Oneness of God and they ascribe partners to the Almighty which is a heinous sin. They possess no likeness with him while one of the most important conditions of intercession is that the person for whom intercession is sought must be like him who is to make the intercession.
a
2:117; 4:172; 6:101, 102; 10:69; 17:112; 18:5; 19:36; 21:27; 25:3; 39:5; 43:82.
لَّقَدْ جِئْتُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِدًّا
Important Words:
اداً (most hideous) is derived from أد. They say أدہ الویل i.e. a terrible calamity befell him. أدہ الامر means, the event or affair oppressed him, distressed him or afflicted him. امرإد means, a very evil, abominable, severe, thing or affair; an evil thing against which human nature revolts or which causes an uproar on account of its extreme abomination (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse purports to say that شرک (idolatry) is a most abominable thing. Human nature revolts against it and reason and intellect recoil in disgust from it and no sane person can help protesting against such a blasphemous practice or belief. No doctrine has been condemned so strongly and repeatedly in the Quran as the Christian dogma that Jesus, son of Mary, a mortal, subject to all human weaknesses and frailties, was the son of God.
2229
Important Words:
اداً (most hideous) is derived from أد. They say أدہ الویل i.e. a terrible calamity befell him. أدہ الامر means, the event or affair oppressed him, distressed him or afflicted him. امرإد means, a very evil, abominable, severe, thing or affair; an evil thing against which human nature revolts or which causes an uproar on account of its extreme abomination (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse purports to say that شرک (idolatry) is a most abominable thing. Human nature revolts against it and reason and intellect recoil in disgust from it and no sane person can help protesting against such a blasphemous practice or belief. No doctrine has been condemned so strongly and repeatedly in the Quran as the Christian dogma that Jesus, son of Mary, a mortal, subject to all human weaknesses and frailties, was the son of God.
تَكَادُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِنْهُ وَتَنشَقُّ ٱلْأَرْضُ وَتَخِرُّ ٱلْجِبَالُ هَدًّا
The dogma that Jesus is the son of God is so hideous that the heavens, the earth and the mountains might well break into pieces and fall asunder at its enormity. The belief is repugnant to heavenly beings (As-Samawat) because it is against Divine attributes and against all that they stand for. It is revolting for human beings living on the earth (al-Ard), because it offends against the dictates of human nature and man’s intellect and reason recoil in sheer disgust from it. Men of high and noble ideals such as Divine Prophets and God’s Elect (al-Jibal) also deny and denounce it because the idea that man should stand in need of the vicarious sacrifice of anybody for the attainment of salvation and a high moral status runs counter to their own spiritual experience.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the dogma that Jesus is the son of God is so hideous that the heavens, the earth and the mountains might well break into pieces and fall asunder at the enormity of this idea. The belief is repugnant to heavenly beings because it is against Divine attributes and against all that they stand for. It is revolting for human beings living on the earth because it offends against the dictates of human nature and man’s intellect and reason recoil in sheer disgust from it. Men of high and noble ideals such as Divine Prophets and God’s Elect also deny and denounce it because the idea that man should stand in need of the vicarious sacrifice of anybody for the attainment of salvation and a high moral status runs counter to their own spiritual experience. The doctrine of Atonement is dependent on and is inseparably connected with belief in the sonship of Jesus and bars the door to all moral and spiritual advancement and attainment of high and noble ideals and condemns man to undeserved moral degradation. In short, the doctrine that Jesus is son of God is against all that is sane, sound and sensible.
2230
Commentary:
The verse means to say that the dogma that Jesus is the son of God is so hideous that the heavens, the earth and the mountains might well break into pieces and fall asunder at the enormity of this idea. The belief is repugnant to heavenly beings because it is against Divine attributes and against all that they stand for. It is revolting for human beings living on the earth because it offends against the dictates of human nature and man’s intellect and reason recoil in sheer disgust from it. Men of high and noble ideals such as Divine Prophets and God’s Elect also deny and denounce it because the idea that man should stand in need of the vicarious sacrifice of anybody for the attainment of salvation and a high moral status runs counter to their own spiritual experience. The doctrine of Atonement is dependent on and is inseparably connected with belief in the sonship of Jesus and bars the door to all moral and spiritual advancement and attainment of high and noble ideals and condemns man to undeserved moral degradation. In short, the doctrine that Jesus is son of God is against all that is sane, sound and sensible.
1802
The dogma that Jesus is the son of God is so hideous that the heavens, the earth and the mountains might well break into pieces and fall asunder at its enormity. The belief is repugnant to heavenly beings (As-Samawat) because it is against Divine attributes and against all that they stand for. It is revolting for human beings living on the earth (al-Ard), because it offends against the dictates of human nature and man’s intellect and reason recoil in sheer disgust from it. Men of high and noble ideals such as Divine Prophets and God’s Elect (al-Jibal) also deny and denounce it because the idea that man should stand in need of the vicarious sacrifice of anybody for the attainment of salvation and a high moral status runs counter to their own spiritual experience.
أَن دَعَوْا۟ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ وَلَدًا
وَمَا يَنۢبَغِى لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا
2:117; 4:172; 10:69; 37:152-155.
这一章非常强调而清楚地驳斥了基督教各个教条, 尤其是他们的伊撒是安拉的儿子这一基本教条, 因为所有他们其他的教条都源出于此。本节经文和前四节经文中特别着重地驳斥并谴责了这一教义。值得特别注意的是, 无限博爱这一安拉的常德在本章中反复地提到达十六次之多。由于伊撒是安拉的儿子这一基本教义及其必然的结果--------替世人赎罪的教条--------都是否定安拉的无限博爱这一常德的, 而且由于本章的中心论题是驳斥这一教义, 因此这一常德必然要反复谈及。替世人赎罪这一教条暗指安拉不可能宽恕人们的罪恶;而安拉无限博爱这一常德意示安拉能够并且实际上经常在宽恕他们, 因此, 在本章中反复提及这一常德。
2:117; 4:172; 10:69; 37:152-155.
The Surah contains most emphatic and clear denunciation of Christian dogmas, particularly their basic doctrine that Jesus is son of God, from which all other dogmas flow. In the present and preceding four verses special stress has been laid on the refutation and condemnation of this doctrine. It is worthy of special note that the Divine attribute Ar-Rahman has been repeatedly referred to in this Surah—it has been mentioned as many as sixteen times. As the fundamental dogma of the sonship of Jesus and its corollary, the dogma of atonement involve a denial of the Divine attribute Ar-Rahman and as the central theme of this Surah is the refutation of this dogma, this attribute inevitably has been repeatedly referred to. The dogma of atonement implies that God cannot forgive the sins of men whereas the Divine attribute 'Ar-Rahman' implies that He can and actually does often forgive them, hence its repetition in this Surah.
2:117; 4:172; 10:69; 37:152-155.
Commentary:
The Surah contains a most emphatic and clear denunciation of Christian dogmas, particularly the basic doctrine that Jesus is son of God, from which all other dogmas flow. In the present and preceding four verses special stress has been laid on the refutation and condemnation of this dogma. It is worthy of special note that the Divine attribute "Rahman" has been repeatedly referred to in this Surah—it has been mentioned as many as sixteen times. As the fundamental dogma of the sonship of Jesus and its corollary, the dogma of Atonement, involve a denial of the Divine attribute "Rahman" and as the central theme of this Surah is the refutation of this dogma, this attribute inevitably has been repeatedly referred to. The dogma of Atonement implies that God cannot forgive the sins of men whereas the Divine attribute "Rahman" implies that He can and actually often does forgive them, hence its repetition in this Surah.
g
2:117; 4:172; 10:69; 37:152-155.
808
这一章非常强调而清楚地驳斥了基督教各个教条, 尤其是他们的伊撒是安拉的儿子这一基本教条, 因为所有他们其他的教条都源出于此。本节经文和前四节经文中特别着重地驳斥并谴责了这一教义。值得特别注意的是, 无限博爱这一安拉的常德在本章中反复地提到达十六次之多。由于伊撒是安拉的儿子这一基本教义及其必然的结果--------替世人赎罪的教条--------都是否定安拉的无限博爱这一常德的, 而且由于本章的中心论题是驳斥这一教义, 因此这一常德必然要反复谈及。替世人赎罪这一教条暗指安拉不可能宽恕人们的罪恶;而安拉无限博爱这一常德意示安拉能够并且实际上经常在宽恕他们, 因此, 在本章中反复提及这一常德。
a
2:117; 4:172; 10:69; 37:152-155.
2231
Commentary:
The Surah contains a most emphatic and clear denunciation of Christian dogmas, particularly the basic doctrine that Jesus is son of God, from which all other dogmas flow. In the present and preceding four verses special stress has been laid on the refutation and condemnation of this dogma. It is worthy of special note that the Divine attribute "Rahman" has been repeatedly referred to in this Surah—it has been mentioned as many as sixteen times. As the fundamental dogma of the sonship of Jesus and its corollary, the dogma of Atonement, involve a denial of the Divine attribute "Rahman" and as the central theme of this Surah is the refutation of this dogma, this attribute inevitably has been repeatedly referred to. The dogma of Atonement implies that God cannot forgive the sins of men whereas the Divine attribute "Rahman" implies that He can and actually often does forgive them, hence its repetition in this Surah.
b
2:117; 4:172; 10:69; 37:152-155.
1803
The Surah contains most emphatic and clear denunciation of Christian dogmas, particularly their basic doctrine that Jesus is son of God, from which all other dogmas flow. In the present and preceding four verses special stress has been laid on the refutation and condemnation of this doctrine. It is worthy of special note that the Divine attribute Ar-Rahman has been repeatedly referred to in this Surah—it has been mentioned as many as sixteen times. As the fundamental dogma of the sonship of Jesus and its corollary, the dogma of atonement involve a denial of the Divine attribute Ar-Rahman and as the central theme of this Surah is the refutation of this dogma, this attribute inevitably has been repeatedly referred to. The dogma of atonement implies that God cannot forgive the sins of men whereas the Divine attribute 'Ar-Rahman' implies that He can and actually does often forgive them, hence its repetition in this Surah.
إِن كُلُّ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّآ ءَاتِى ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَبْدًا
20:109.
The Gracious God needs no son to help Him or succeed Him, because He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and His Kingdom extends over the whole universe, and because all men are His servants and Jesus is one of them.
20:109.
Commentary:
The verse purports to say that the Gracious God needs no son to help Him or succeed Him, because He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and His kingdom extends over the whole universe and because all men are His servants and Jesus is one of them.
a
20:109.
809
无限博爱的安拉不需要儿子来帮助或继承他, 因为他是天地的养主而且他的王国遍及众世界, 而且因为所有的人都是他的仆人, 伊撒也是其中之一。
a
20:109.
2232
Commentary:
The verse purports to say that the Gracious God needs no son to help Him or succeed Him, because He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and His kingdom extends over the whole universe and because all men are His servants and Jesus is one of them.
a
20:109.
1804
The Gracious God needs no son to help Him or succeed Him, because He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and His Kingdom extends over the whole universe, and because all men are His servants and Jesus is one of them.
لَّقَدْ أَحْصَىٰهُمْ وَعَدَّهُمْ عَدًّا
وَكُلُّهُمْ ءَاتِيهِ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فَرْدًا
اس آیت سے ثابت ہے کہ اس میں دنیوی عذاب کے علاوہ اُخروی عذاب کا بھی ذکر ہے۔ جسے ہر شخص اپنے اعمال کے مطابق بھگتے گا۔ ہاں اگر فردًافردًا سے مراد قوم قوم ہو تو پھر یہ آیت اس دنیا کے عذابوں پر بھی لگ سکتی ہے۔
Commentary:
This verse contains a further refutation of Atonement. It purports to say that every believer in Atonement will appear before God alone on the Day of Resurrection when he will have to render an account of his beliefs and deeds, and will have to carry his own cross and no one else will bear his burden and atone for his sins. Jesus himself says: "And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple…whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me" (Luke 14:27; Mark 8:34).
1
اس آیت سے ثابت ہے کہ اس میں دنیوی عذاب کے علاوہ اُخروی عذاب کا بھی ذکر ہے۔ جسے ہر شخص اپنے اعمال کے مطابق بھگتے گا۔ ہاں اگر فردًافردًا سے مراد قوم قوم ہو تو پھر یہ آیت اس دنیا کے عذابوں پر بھی لگ سکتی ہے۔
2233
Commentary:
This verse contains a further refutation of Atonement. It purports to say that every believer in Atonement will appear before God alone on the Day of Resurrection when he will have to render an account of his beliefs and deeds, and will have to carry his own cross and no one else will bear his burden and atone for his sins. Jesus himself says: "And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple…whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me" (Luke 14:27; Mark 8:34).
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ وُدًّا
وُدّ اس محبت کو کہتے ہیں جو ِکیلیکی طرح دل میں گڑی ہوئی ہو۔ پس اس آیت کے معنے عربی زبان کے لحاظ سے یوں بنتے ہیں کہ مومنوں کے دلوں میں اللہ تعالیٰ اپنی محبت کِیلے کی طرح گاڑ دے گا یا یہ کہ اپنے دل میں مومنوں کی محبت کِیلے کی طرح گاڑ دے گا‘ یا یہ کہ مومنوں کے دل میں بنی نوع انسان کی محبت کیلے کی طرح گاڑ دے گا۔ اور اس کے نتیجہ میں بنی نوع انسان کے دل میں مسلمانوں کی محبت ِکیلے کی طرح َگڑ جائے گی۔ چنانچہ اس کی مثال رومی فتوحات سے ملتی ہے۔ ایک موقعہ پر جب عیسائی لشکر بڑی تعداد میں آگے بڑھا اور مسلمانوں نے سمجھا کہ اب ہم ان کا مقابلہ نہیں کر سکتے تو جو روپیہ مسلمانوں نے م
The verse may have one of the following meanings: (a) God will put His own love in the hearts of the righteous; (b) He will have deep love for the righteous; (c) He will put deep love for mankind in the hearts of the righteous; and (d) He will create deep love for the righteous in the hearts of men.
Important Words:
وداً (love) is infinitive-noun from ود (wadda). They say ودہ i.e. he loved him or it. ود (wad), ود (wid) and ود (wud) mean the same thing, viz. (a) deep love and affection; (b) a person loved, an object of love. ودود means, a person who loves much; very loving and affectionate. الودود is one of the Divine attributes meaning, Most Loving towards His servants; also One Who is loved in the hearts of His servants (Aqrab & Taj).
Commentary:
The words سیجعل لھم الرحمان ودا may haveone of the following meanings: (a) God will put His own love in the hearts of the righteous; or (b) God will have deep love for the righteous; (c) God will put deep love for mankind in the hearts of the righteous, or (d) God will create love for the righteous in the hearts of men.
2
وُدّ اس محبت کو کہتے ہیں جو ِکیلیکی طرح دل میں گڑی ہوئی ہو۔ پس اس آیت کے معنے عربی زبان کے لحاظ سے یوں بنتے ہیں کہ مومنوں کے دلوں میں اللہ تعالیٰ اپنی محبت کِیلے کی طرح گاڑ دے گا یا یہ کہ اپنے دل میں مومنوں کی محبت کِیلے کی طرح گاڑ دے گا‘ یا یہ کہ مومنوں کے دل میں بنی نوع انسان کی محبت کیلے کی طرح گاڑ دے گا۔ اور اس کے نتیجہ میں بنی نوع انسان کے دل میں مسلمانوں کی محبت ِکیلے کی طرح َگڑ جائے گی۔ چنانچہ اس کی مثال رومی فتوحات سے ملتی ہے۔ ایک موقعہ پر جب عیسائی لشکر بڑی تعداد میں آگے بڑھا اور مسلمانوں نے سمجھا کہ اب ہم ان کا مقابلہ نہیں کر سکتے تو جو روپیہ مسلمانوں نے م
2234
Important Words:
وداً (love) is infinitive-noun from ود (wadda). They say ودہ i.e. he loved him or it. ود (wad), ود (wid) and ود (wud) mean the same thing, viz. (a) deep love and affection; (b) a person loved, an object of love. ودود means, a person who loves much; very loving and affectionate. الودود is one of the Divine attributes meaning, Most Loving towards His servants; also One Who is loved in the hearts of His servants (Aqrab & Taj).
Commentary:
The words سیجعل لھم الرحمان ودا may haveone of the following meanings: (a) God will put His own love in the hearts of the righteous; or (b) God will have deep love for the righteous; (c) God will put deep love for mankind in the hearts of the righteous, or (d) God will create love for the righteous in the hearts of men.
1805
The verse may have one of the following meanings: (a) God will put His own love in the hearts of the righteous; (b) He will have deep love for the righteous; (c) He will put deep love for mankind in the hearts of the righteous; and (d) He will create deep love for the righteous in the hearts of men.
فَإِنَّمَا يَسَّرْنَٰهُ بِلِسَانِكَ لِتُبَشِّرَ بِهِ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ وَتُنذِرَ بِهِۦ قَوْمًا لُّدًّا
44:59; 54:18.
44:59; 54:18.
44:59; 54:18.
Important Words:
لداً (contentious) is derived from لد (ladda) which means, he was violent or vehement in contention; in dispute; in litigation. لدہ means, he overcame him or opposed him violently in contention or altercation; in dispute; in litigation. لداً is the plural of ألد which means, a man violent or vehement in contention; in dispute; in litigation; or difficult therein, and vehement in war: or a contentious or litigious and tenacious adversary who will not incline to the truth (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat).
b
44:59; 54:18.
a
44:59; 54:18.
2235
Important Words:
لداً (contentious) is derived from لد (ladda) which means, he was violent or vehement in contention; in dispute; in litigation. لدہ means, he overcame him or opposed him violently in contention or altercation; in dispute; in litigation. لداً is the plural of ألد which means, a man violent or vehement in contention; in dispute; in litigation; or difficult therein, and vehement in war: or a contentious or litigious and tenacious adversary who will not incline to the truth (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat).
b
44:59; 54:18.
وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هَلْ تُحِسُّ مِنْهُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَوْ تَسْمَعُ لَهُمْ رِكْزًۢا
17:18; 19:75; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
17:18; 19:75; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
The verse embodies for the Western Christian nations a grim warning about the dreadful fate that is in store for them if they did not accept the Truth and give up their evil ways. They are proud of their material power and resources and their worldly prosperity and progress, but have ignored the patent fact that wrong beliefs and a life of sin lead only to destruction.
17:18; 19:75; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
Important Words:
تحس (thou seest) is derived from حس. They say حس الشیء i.e. he perceived or became sensible of the حس (hiss) of the thing; he ascertained the thing as one ascertains a thing that is perceived by the senses; he knew the thing; or he perceived it by means of any of the senses, by seeing, feeling, touching etc.
Commentary:
The verse embodies for the western Christian nations a most grim warning about the dreadful fate that is in store for them if they did not accept the truth and give up their evil ways. It purports to say that they are proud of their material power and resources and their worldly prosperity and progress. But they have ignored the patent fact that wrong beliefs and a life of sin leads only to destruction. They are warned that there had lived before them people who were at least as powerful and prosperous as they are and yet on account of their evil deeds and transgressions they were so completely destroyed that no trace was left of them.
c
17:18; 19:75; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
b
17:18; 19:75; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
2236
Important Words:
تحس (thou seest) is derived from حس. They say حس الشیء i.e. he perceived or became sensible of the حس (hiss) of the thing; he ascertained the thing as one ascertains a thing that is perceived by the senses; he knew the thing; or he perceived it by means of any of the senses, by seeing, feeling, touching etc.
Commentary:
The verse embodies for the western Christian nations a most grim warning about the dreadful fate that is in store for them if they did not accept the truth and give up their evil ways. It purports to say that they are proud of their material power and resources and their worldly prosperity and progress. But they have ignored the patent fact that wrong beliefs and a life of sin leads only to destruction. They are warned that there had lived before them people who were at least as powerful and prosperous as they are and yet on account of their evil deeds and transgressions they were so completely destroyed that no trace was left of them.
c
17:18; 19:75; 21:12; 36:32; 50:37.
1806
The verse embodies for the Western Christian nations a grim warning about the dreadful fate that is in store for them if they did not accept the Truth and give up their evil ways. They are proud of their material power and resources and their worldly prosperity and progress, but have ignored the patent fact that wrong beliefs and a life of sin lead only to destruction.
طه
Taha
Ta-Ha • makkah • 135 Verses
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1:1.
1:1.
a
1:1.
a
See 1:1.
2237
Commentary:
See 1:1.
a
1:1.
طه
طٰ (Ta) 和 ھٰ (Ha) 结合成 طٰهٰ (Ta Ha)。在阿拉伯阿克 (Akk) 族土语中, 它的意思是, “我所敬爱的人啊,” 或 “一个完美的人啊。” 作者卡施夏夫 (كَشَّافْ, Kashshaf) 把它解释为 “你啊!” 有些人把它译为, “你休息吧” (بَيَانْ, Bayan和لِسَانْ, Lisan)。这一用语指出, 穆圣充份赋有一切天然的才能、品质和常德, 使他成为人类一个完美道德形象。穆圣确实是个十全十美的人, 人类的完美榜样, 充份体现了这一用语的含义。
طٰہٰ حروف مقطّعات میں سے نہیں ہے۔ بلکہ عرب کے مختلف قبائل میں اس کے معنے یَا رَجُلُ کے ہیں یعنی اے مرد کامل القویٰ ! (فتح البیان) کامل قوتوں والے مرد سے اس طرف اشارہ ہے کہ مردانگی کی صفات شجاعت‘ سخاوت اور بدی کا مقابلہ کامل طور پر محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم میں پائی جاتی ہیں۔ آپ کی بیوی حضرت خدیجہؓ نے جب آپ پر پہلا الہام نازل ہوا اور آپ کچھ گھبرا سے گئے تو الہام سن کر اور آپ کی یہ حالت دیکھ کر یہ شہادت دی کہ کَلَّا وَاللّٰہِ لَا یُخْزِیْکَ اللّٰہُ اَبَدًا یعنی آپ کے اندیشے غلط ہیں اللہ تعالیٰ آپ کو کبھی رسوا نہیں کرے گا۔ اِنَّکَ لَتَصِلُ الرَّحِ
Ta Ha is a combination of ta and ha. In the dialect of ‘Akk, an Arab tribe, it means, 'O my beloved,' or 'O perfect man.' The author of Kashshaf interprets it as 'O you.' By some, the expression is interpreted as, 'Be thou at rest' (Bayan & Lisan). The expression points to the fact that the Holy Prophet was gifted, in the fullest measure, with all those natural faculties, qualities and attributes which contribute to the building up of a man’s full moral stature. The Holy Prophet was indeed a complete and perfect man, a perfect human specimen, in the fullest sense of the word. See also {2343} and {3091}.
Important Words:
طه (Ta Ha) is a combination of Ta and Ha. In the dialect of ‘Akk, an Arab tribe, it means یا حبیبی i.e. o my beloved or یا رجلwhich means, "o great man", or "o perfect man". The expression طه was so much in vogue among the ‘Akk tribe, that one of them would not answer if he were called by the words یا رجل but would only answer if he were addressed as طه (Ta Ha). The author of Kashshaf interprets it as یا ھذا i.e. "O you". By some the expression is interpreted as, "be thou at rest" (Qadir). This last interpretation seems to be quite in harmony with the significance of the next verse, which contains a message of comfort, solace and good cheer for the Holy Prophet (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The combined letters طه point to the fact that the Holy Prophet was gifted, in full measure, with all those natural faculties, qualities and attributes which contribute to the building up of a man’s full moral stature. The Holy Prophet was indeed a complete and perfect man in the fullest sense of the word. He possessed in full measure moral qualities such as boldness and bravery; generosity, beneficence, fidelity, forbearance and fortitude; pity and compassion; self-abnegation, honesty, brotherliness, humility, honour, gratitude, hospitality, magnanimity, firmness and steadfastness; dignity and decorum; love and sympathy for relatives and mankind at large; high resolve, patience and power to resist evil; an infinite capacity for hard work; simplicity and truthfulness; love for the poor and the down-trodden, respect for the old and kindness towards the young; an unbounded love for his Creator and complete devotion to Him and trust in Him, etc. A reference to the possession by the Holy Prophet of all the highest moral excellences that a human being is capable of possessing is also to be found in vv. 33:22 & 68:5.
Moreover, it is of interest to note that whereas the angel who brought the tidings of the birth of a son to Mary has been called بشر (man) in the Quran (19:18), implying that Jesus was at best possessed of qualities which a بشر (man) could possess, the use in the present verse of the expression طه (O perfect man) for the Holy Prophet indicates that he possessed in the fullest measure all the moral excellences that a human being is capable of possessing.
810
طٰ (Ta) 和 ھٰ (Ha) 结合成 طٰهٰ (Ta Ha)。在阿拉伯阿克 (Akk) 族土语中, 它的意思是, “我所敬爱的人啊,” 或 “一个完美的人啊。” 作者卡施夏夫 (كَشَّافْ, Kashshaf) 把它解释为 “你啊!” 有些人把它译为, “你休息吧” (بَيَانْ, Bayan和لِسَانْ, Lisan)。这一用语指出, 穆圣充份赋有一切天然的才能、品质和常德, 使他成为人类一个完美道德形象。穆圣确实是个十全十美的人, 人类的完美榜样, 充份体现了这一用语的含义。
1
طٰہٰ حروف مقطّعات میں سے نہیں ہے۔ بلکہ عرب کے مختلف قبائل میں اس کے معنے یَا رَجُلُ کے ہیں یعنی اے مرد کامل القویٰ ! (فتح البیان) کامل قوتوں والے مرد سے اس طرف اشارہ ہے کہ مردانگی کی صفات شجاعت‘ سخاوت اور بدی کا مقابلہ کامل طور پر محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم میں پائی جاتی ہیں۔ آپ کی بیوی حضرت خدیجہؓ نے جب آپ پر پہلا الہام نازل ہوا اور آپ کچھ گھبرا سے گئے تو الہام سن کر اور آپ کی یہ حالت دیکھ کر یہ شہادت دی کہ کَلَّا وَاللّٰہِ لَا یُخْزِیْکَ اللّٰہُ اَبَدًا یعنی آپ کے اندیشے غلط ہیں اللہ تعالیٰ آپ کو کبھی رسوا نہیں کرے گا۔ اِنَّکَ لَتَصِلُ الرَّحِ
2238
Important Words:
طه (Ta Ha) is a combination of Ta and Ha. In the dialect of ‘Akk, an Arab tribe, it means یا حبیبی i.e. o my beloved or یا رجلwhich means, "o great man", or "o perfect man". The expression طه was so much in vogue among the ‘Akk tribe, that one of them would not answer if he were called by the words یا رجل but would only answer if he were addressed as طه (Ta Ha). The author of Kashshaf interprets it as یا ھذا i.e. "O you". By some the expression is interpreted as, "be thou at rest" (Qadir). This last interpretation seems to be quite in harmony with the significance of the next verse, which contains a message of comfort, solace and good cheer for the Holy Prophet (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The combined letters طه point to the fact that the Holy Prophet was gifted, in full measure, with all those natural faculties, qualities and attributes which contribute to the building up of a man’s full moral stature. The Holy Prophet was indeed a complete and perfect man in the fullest sense of the word. He possessed in full measure moral qualities such as boldness and bravery; generosity, beneficence, fidelity, forbearance and fortitude; pity and compassion; self-abnegation, honesty, brotherliness, humility, honour, gratitude, hospitality, magnanimity, firmness and steadfastness; dignity and decorum; love and sympathy for relatives and mankind at large; high resolve, patience and power to resist evil; an infinite capacity for hard work; simplicity and truthfulness; love for the poor and the down-trodden, respect for the old and kindness towards the young; an unbounded love for his Creator and complete devotion to Him and trust in Him, etc. A reference to the possession by the Holy Prophet of all the highest moral excellences that a human being is capable of possessing is also to be found in vv. 33:22 & 68:5.
Moreover, it is of interest to note that whereas the angel who brought the tidings of the birth of a son to Mary has been called بشر (man) in the Quran (19:18), implying that Jesus was at best possessed of qualities which a بشر (man) could possess, the use in the present verse of the expression طه (O perfect man) for the Holy Prophet indicates that he possessed in the fullest measure all the moral excellences that a human being is capable of possessing.
1807
Ta Ha is a combination of ta and ha. In the dialect of ‘Akk, an Arab tribe, it means, 'O my beloved,' or 'O perfect man.' The author of Kashshaf interprets it as 'O you.' By some, the expression is interpreted as, 'Be thou at rest' (Bayan & Lisan). The expression points to the fact that the Holy Prophet was gifted, in the fullest measure, with all those natural faculties, qualities and attributes which contribute to the building up of a man’s full moral stature. The Holy Prophet was indeed a complete and perfect man, a perfect human specimen, in the fullest sense of the word. See also {2343} and {3091}.
مَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ لِتَشْقَىٰٓ
这节经文内含有一个消息, 给穆圣和穆斯林以安慰和希望。这个消息的大意是说, «古兰经» 是安拉启示的一本完美而正确的经典, 因此持有这本天经的使者的使命是绝对不会失败的。因此, 穆圣的事业必定胜利。这些经文也驳斥了所谓这本经典即شَرِيْعَة (Shari‘ah) 是一种可诅咒的事物的这一基督教教条。«古兰经» 中没有与人类本性不一致的地方, 假如按照它去行动, 不会使人遭到麻烦。
The verse contains a message of comfort and hope for the Holy Prophet and Muslims. It purports to say that it is incompatible with the perfect and unerring Quranic revelation that its bearer should fail in his mission. The cause of the Holy Prophet, therefore, must triumph. The verse also refutes the Christian dogma that the Law or the Shari‘ah is a curse. There is nothing in the Qur’an which is repugnant to human nature and which, if acted upon, should put man into trouble.
Commentary:
As hinted above, the present verse contains a message of comfort and hope for the Holy Prophet and Muslims. It means to suggest that it is incompatible with the perfect and unerring Quranic revelation that its bearer should fail in his mission. The cause of the Holy Prophet, therefore, will triumph and his followers after passing through severe trials and tribulations will achieve success, prosperity and glory. This Surah was revealed at Mecca in the very early period of the Call when the Muslims were being mercilessly harassed and harried and the persecution to which they were subjected was very severe and organized and seemed to know no end. Hence the need for these comforting words.
The verse also refutes and rebuts the Christian dogma that the Law or the Shari‘ah is a curse. It purports to say that the Law has been revealed as a source of Divine mercy and blessing. There is nothing in it which is repugnant to human nature and which if acted upon should put man into trouble and distress.
811
这节经文内含有一个消息, 给穆圣和穆斯林以安慰和希望。这个消息的大意是说, «古兰经» 是安拉启示的一本完美而正确的经典, 因此持有这本天经的使者的使命是绝对不会失败的。因此, 穆圣的事业必定胜利。这些经文也驳斥了所谓这本经典即شَرِيْعَة (Shari‘ah) 是一种可诅咒的事物的这一基督教教条。«古兰经» 中没有与人类本性不一致的地方, 假如按照它去行动, 不会使人遭到麻烦。
2239
Commentary:
As hinted above, the present verse contains a message of comfort and hope for the Holy Prophet and Muslims. It means to suggest that it is incompatible with the perfect and unerring Quranic revelation that its bearer should fail in his mission. The cause of the Holy Prophet, therefore, will triumph and his followers after passing through severe trials and tribulations will achieve success, prosperity and glory. This Surah was revealed at Mecca in the very early period of the Call when the Muslims were being mercilessly harassed and harried and the persecution to which they were subjected was very severe and organized and seemed to know no end. Hence the need for these comforting words.
The verse also refutes and rebuts the Christian dogma that the Law or the Shari‘ah is a curse. It purports to say that the Law has been revealed as a source of Divine mercy and blessing. There is nothing in it which is repugnant to human nature and which if acted upon should put man into trouble and distress.
1808
The verse contains a message of comfort and hope for the Holy Prophet and Muslims. It purports to say that it is incompatible with the perfect and unerring Quranic revelation that its bearer should fail in his mission. The cause of the Holy Prophet, therefore, must triumph. The verse also refutes the Christian dogma that the Law or the Shari‘ah is a curse. There is nothing in the Qur’an which is repugnant to human nature and which, if acted upon, should put man into trouble.
إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِّمَن يَخْشَىٰ
73:20; 74:55: 76:30; 80:12.
73:20; 74:55: 76:30; 80:12.
73:20; 74:55; 76:30; 80:12.
Commentary:
The word تذکرة (exhortation) being derived from ذکر and meaning eminence and honour (Lane), the verse purports to say that Muslims will achieve honour and eminence by following the teachings of the Quran and that their enemies will come to grief by rejecting it. The expression یخشی (who fears) implies that for achievement of the great and noble object of the establishment of Divine Unity on earth, which the Muslims have in view, the perfect teaching of the Quran alone is not sufficient unless it is accompanied by the purification of their hearts. The verse further says that the Quran not only guides to the right path those who grope in the darkness of doubt and disbelief but also leads the believers to the highest pinnacles of spiritual eminence and glory.
b
73:20; 74:55: 76:30; 80:12.
a
73:20; 74:55; 76:30; 80:12.
2240
Commentary:
The word تذکرة (exhortation) being derived from ذکر and meaning eminence and honour (Lane), the verse purports to say that Muslims will achieve honour and eminence by following the teachings of the Quran and that their enemies will come to grief by rejecting it. The expression یخشی (who fears) implies that for achievement of the great and noble object of the establishment of Divine Unity on earth, which the Muslims have in view, the perfect teaching of the Quran alone is not sufficient unless it is accompanied by the purification of their hearts. The verse further says that the Quran not only guides to the right path those who grope in the darkness of doubt and disbelief but also leads the believers to the highest pinnacles of spiritual eminence and glory.
b
73:20; 74:55: 76:30; 80:12.
تَنزِيلًا مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ ٱلْأَرْضَ وَٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ ٱلْعُلَى
Commentary:
The verse gives the reason why revelation of the Quran will bring success to the Holy Prophet and his followers. It is that the Quran has been revealed by the Creator of heavens and earth i.e. the Source of all power, and that its teachings possess all those qualities and characteristics that go to make a people strong and powerful.
2241
Commentary:
The verse gives the reason why revelation of the Quran will bring success to the Holy Prophet and his followers. It is that the Quran has been revealed by the Creator of heavens and earth i.e. the Source of all power, and that its teachings possess all those qualities and characteristics that go to make a people strong and powerful.
ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ٱسْتَوَىٰ
7:55; 10:4.
Briefly, "The Throne" represents the transcendent attributes of God, i.e. the attributes which are technically known as Siffat-e-Tanzihiyyah. These attributes, which are eternal and unchangeable and are God’s exclusive prerogatives are manifested through His other attributes which are known as Siffat-e-Tashbihiyyah, i.e. such attributes as are found more or less in human beings also. The former attributes, i.e. transcendent attributes, are said to constitute God’s Throne and the latter attributes are the bearers of His Throne. See also {986}& {1233}.
7:55; 10:4.
Important Words:
For a detailed explanation of عرش (Throne) see 7:55 and 10:4. Briefly, the word represents the transcendent attributes of God, i.e. the attributes which are technically known as صفات تنزیھیة. These attributes which are eternal and unchangeable and are God’s exclusive possession are manifested through God’s other attributes which are known as صفات تشبیھیة i.e. such attributes as are found more or less in other beings also. The former attributes i.e. transcendent attributes, are said to constitute God’s Throne and the latter attributes i.e. صفات تشبیھیةare the bearers of His Throne.
Commentary:
The verse continues the theme of the previous and the succeeding verses—the theme of the Almightiness and Majesty of God.
As this chapter, like its predecessor, Surah Maryam, primarily contains a repudiation of Christian dogmas and doctrines, the Divine attribute الرحمن (the Gracious) has been repeatedly mentioned in both of them because this attribute demolishes the basic Christian doctrine of Atonement. It further points to the fact that the revelation of the Quran, in fact of all Divine Scriptures, is subject to this attribute. This subject has also been dealt with in some detail in vv. 55:2-3.
c
7:55; 10:4.
812
简单地说, “帝位” 代表安拉超越宇宙的常德, 即术语上称为 صِفَاتِ تَنْزِيْهِيَّة (Sifat-e-Tanzihiyyah)。这些常德是永恒不变的, 是安拉独有的特性, 这些常德通过安拉的另一些常德才显现的。那一些常德称为 صِفَاتِ تَشْبِيْهِيَّة (Sifat-e-Tashbihiyyah), 在人类中或多或少也能见到安拉的另一些常德。前种常德, 即超越宇宙的常德, 说是构成安拉帝位的, 而后种常德是安拉帝位的支柱。请参阅注释498和580。
a
7:55; 10:4.
2242
Important Words:
For a detailed explanation of عرش (Throne) see 7:55 and 10:4. Briefly, the word represents the transcendent attributes of God, i.e. the attributes which are technically known as صفات تنزیھیة. These attributes which are eternal and unchangeable and are God’s exclusive possession are manifested through God’s other attributes which are known as صفات تشبیھیة i.e. such attributes as are found more or less in other beings also. The former attributes i.e. transcendent attributes, are said to constitute God’s Throne and the latter attributes i.e. صفات تشبیھیةare the bearers of His Throne.
Commentary:
The verse continues the theme of the previous and the succeeding verses—the theme of the Almightiness and Majesty of God.
As this chapter, like its predecessor, Surah Maryam, primarily contains a repudiation of Christian dogmas and doctrines, the Divine attribute الرحمن (the Gracious) has been repeatedly mentioned in both of them because this attribute demolishes the basic Christian doctrine of Atonement. It further points to the fact that the revelation of the Quran, in fact of all Divine Scriptures, is subject to this attribute. This subject has also been dealt with in some detail in vv. 55:2-3.
c
7:55; 10:4.
1809
Briefly, "The Throne" represents the transcendent attributes of God, i.e. the attributes which are technically known as Siffat-e-Tanzihiyyah. These attributes, which are eternal and unchangeable and are God’s exclusive prerogatives are manifested through His other attributes which are known as Siffat-e-Tashbihiyyah, i.e. such attributes as are found more or less in human beings also. The former attributes, i.e. transcendent attributes, are said to constitute God’s Throne and the latter attributes are the bearers of His Throne. See also {986}& {1233}.
لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَمَا تَحْتَ ٱلثَّرَىٰ
2:285; 3:130; 5:19.
2:285; 3:130; 5:19.
2:285; 3:130; 5:19.
Important Words:
الثری (moist sub-soil) is derived from ثری (thariya). They say ثریت الارض i.e. the earth or land became moist and soft after drought or dryness. ثری means moisture; humidity of the earth; moist earth. The Arabs say یبس الثری بینھم i.e. the fresh, vigorous friendship between them withered—they became enemies after they were friends. The word also means, good or anything good. They say فلان قریب الثری i.e. such a one is a person from whom good is easy of attainment. تحت الثری means, what is beneath the earth (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse means to say that as the Quran has been revealed by God Whose dominion and control extend to all that is in the heavens and the earth, so all the celestial and terrestrial forces will be pressed into service to further the cause of Islam.
a
2:285; 3:130; 5:19.
b
2:285; 3:130; 5:19.
2243
Important Words:
الثری (moist sub-soil) is derived from ثری (thariya). They say ثریت الارض i.e. the earth or land became moist and soft after drought or dryness. ثری means moisture; humidity of the earth; moist earth. The Arabs say یبس الثری بینھم i.e. the fresh, vigorous friendship between them withered—they became enemies after they were friends. The word also means, good or anything good. They say فلان قریب الثری i.e. such a one is a person from whom good is easy of attainment. تحت الثری means, what is beneath the earth (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse means to say that as the Quran has been revealed by God Whose dominion and control extend to all that is in the heavens and the earth, so all the celestial and terrestrial forces will be pressed into service to further the cause of Islam.
a
2:285; 3:130; 5:19.
وَإِن تَجْهَرْ بِٱلْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُۥ يَعْلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى
2:78; 6:4; 11:6; 67:14.
2:78; 6:4; 11:6; 67:14.
The word Sirr (secret thoughts) signifies the thoughts that lie hidden in man’s breast which he alone knows, and Akhfa (more hidden) comprises all those ideals, ideas and ambitions of a person which lie hidden in the womb of futurity and have never crossed his mind.
2:78; 6:4; 11:6; 67:14.
Commentary:
Whereas the word السر (secret thought) signifies the thoughts that lie hidden in a man’s breast which he alone knows, the word أخفی (more hidden) comprises all those ideals, thoughts and ambitions of a person which lie hidden in the womb of futurity and have never crossed his mind.
b
2:78; 6:4; 11:6; 67:14.
a
2:78; 6:4; 11:6; 67:14.
2244
Commentary:
Whereas the word السر (secret thought) signifies the thoughts that lie hidden in a man’s breast which he alone knows, the word أخفی (more hidden) comprises all those ideals, thoughts and ambitions of a person which lie hidden in the womb of futurity and have never crossed his mind.
b
2:78; 6:4; 11:6; 67:14.
1810
The word Sirr (secret thoughts) signifies the thoughts that lie hidden in man’s breast which he alone knows, and Akhfa (more hidden) comprises all those ideals, ideas and ambitions of a person which lie hidden in the womb of futurity and have never crossed his mind.
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ لَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ
19:52.
The verse contains the quintessence and kernel of the Quranic revelation referred to in v. 3, above. It is that God exists. He is One. He possesses all perfect attributes and is completely free from all conceivable defects and imperfections and, therefore, He alone is entitled to our worship and adoration.
7:181; 59:25.
Commentary:
The verse contains the quintessence and kernel of the Quranic revelation referred to in v. iii, above. It is that God exists. He is One. He possesses all perfect attributes and is completely free from all conceivable defects and imperfections and therefore He alone is entitled to our worship and adoration.
c
7:181; 59:25.
813
这节经文包含以上第三节经文中所述及的 «古兰经» 启示的基本要素及其核心: 安拉是存在的, 他只一个。他具有全部完美的常德。他完全没有一切可想像的缺点和不完美的地方。因此他独有资格受到我们的敬仰和崇拜。
b
7:181; 59:25.
2245
Commentary:
The verse contains the quintessence and kernel of the Quranic revelation referred to in v. iii, above. It is that God exists. He is One. He possesses all perfect attributes and is completely free from all conceivable defects and imperfections and therefore He alone is entitled to our worship and adoration.
c
19:52.
1811
The verse contains the quintessence and kernel of the Quranic revelation referred to in v. 3, above. It is that God exists. He is One. He possesses all perfect attributes and is completely free from all conceivable defects and imperfections and, therefore, He alone is entitled to our worship and adoration.
وَهَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ
19:52; 79:16.
19:52; 79:16.
Against all accepted canons of history Freud in his "Moses and Monotheism" has adumbrated quite a novel theory that Moses was not an Israelite and that he did not belong to the Hebrew stock and also that the Israelites never settled in Egypt. He has advanced the following arguments in support of this strange claim: (1) That Moses is an Egyptian name. (2) That the idea of the Oneness of God was originally Egyptian, having been first conceived and adopted by an ancient Egyptian king, named Ikhnaten (or Akhenaten). (3) That Moses, himself being an Egyptian, borrowed it from the Egyptians and preached it among the Israelites. (4) That because Moses was an Egyptian he could not properly express himself in Hebrew.
All these arguments possess no basis in fact. Moses is certainly a Hebrew word, having derivation both in Hebrew and Arabic. But even if the name Moses was of Egyptian origin, it does not follow that the man Moses also was an Egyptian. As the Israelites were a subject race in Egypt, living under
19:52; 79:16.
Commentary:
موسی (Moses), the founder of Judaism, lived about 1400 years before Jesus. He was a Law-giving Prophet and the founder of a great religious system. As for the name Moses, it may be briefly stated that موسی (Moses) is really a Hebrew name having definite derivation in both Hebrew and Arabic. In Hebrew it is pronounced and written as موشی (Moshe) and means, "a thing drawn out of water" or "saved from water" (Enc. Bib.). See also 2:54.
Against all accepted canons of history Freud in his "Moses and Monotheism" has adumbrated quite a novel theory that Moses was not an Israelite and did not belong to the Hebrew stock and also that the Israelites never settled in Egypt. He has advanced the following arguments in support of this strange and baseless claim:
1. That Moses is an Egyptian name.
2. That the idea of the Oneness of God is originally Egyptian, having been first conceived and adopted by an ancient Egyptian king, named Ikhnaten (or Akhenaten). Moses himself being an Egyptian borrowed it from the Egyptians and preached it among the Israelites.
3. That, being an Egyptian, Moses popularized the Egyptian custom of circumcision as a religious rite among the Israelites.
4. That like the teaching of the Egyptian king, Akhenaten, there is no mention of the life after death in the teachings of Moses which also shows that he was an Egyptian.
5. That the Egyptians had a very strong dislike for swine and its flesh and that the Israelites developed this dislike as a result of the teaching of Moses.
6. That because Moses was an Egyptian he could not properly express himself in Hebrew.
1. Firstly, all these arguments in fact possess no basis. As stated above and also in 2:54, Moses is certainly a Hebrew word, having derivation both in Hebrew and Arabic. But even if we admit that the name Moses was of Egyptian origin, it does not follow that the man Moses also was an Egyptian. As the Israelites were a subject race in Egypt, living under the rule of the Pharaohs, it seems quite plausible that they should have adopted Egyptian names. The members of a subject race generally feel a particular delight in adopting the names and imitating the customs, modes of living and dress etc., of their rulers. But the actual fact is that موسی (Moses) is a Hebrew name and Pharaoh’s daughter, who very probably gave him that name, must have certainly been influenced to give the child a Hebrew name, as having taken him out of water she thought that he belonged to the Israelite people. It is also possible that the name might have been suggested by Moses’ mother or sister.
2. The second argument that the idea of the Oneness of God was originally Egyptian, having been first conceived and adopted by Akhenaten, an ancient Egyptian king, and preached by him among the Israelites, is equally wrong. In the first place it is manifestly unreasonable to suppose that a certain concept is the monopoly of one people. Different peoples may independently form similar ideas without having borrowed them from one another. Secondly, even supposing that the idea of God’s Unity is of Egyptian origin, the inference cannot be justified that Moses was an Egyptian. If an American or a German can borrow an idea from an Englishman and vice versa why cannot an Israelite borrow an idea from an Egyptian? The truth is that the idea of God’s Oneness was neither conceived by Egyptians nor by Syrians or any other people. It has its origin in Divine revelation.
3. The contention that circumcision was an old Egyptian practice and Moses being an Egyptian borrowed it from his people and popularized it among the Israelites also possesses no substance. Supposing that the practice of circumcision was Egyptian, how does this fact show that Moses was an Egyptian? Do not one people adopt the customs of another people? Could not the Israelites, during their stay in Egypt, have borrowed this practice from the Egyptians, particularly in view of the fact that the Israelites were a subject race and the subject race have a special liking for the ideas and practices of their rulers. In any case it is not a fact that the practice of circumcision was in vogue among the Egyptians alone. According to the Bible, in pursuance of God’s command, Abraham had himself and his two sons Ishmael and Isaac circumcised and had made the observance of the rite of circumcision incumbent upon his posterity long before Moses was born (Gen. 17:11). This practice was also in vogue among the Arabs who never had good social relations with the Israelites and never had gone to Egypt. Even among the wild tribes of Africa and the aborigines of Australia circumcision is not unknown (Jew. Enc. vol. 4, p. 97 and "Tribes of Central Australia" by Spencer and Gillen, p.323). The earliest traces of this practice among Egyptians are to be found in the 16th century B.C. (Jew. Enc. vol.4, p.97), when the Israelites had already been living there. It can, therefore, be safely inferred that, if at all, the practice was borrowed by the Egyptians from the Israelites and not by the Israelites from the Egyptians. The practice seems to have been introduced into Egypt by the Prophet Joseph who commanded great respect and prestige with Egyptian monarchs. Under his influence it must have become popular among the upper strata of Egyptian society as research scholars are of the view that this practice was much more in vogue among the upper sections of the Egyptian people to which Joseph himself belonged than among the poor classes.
4. Another argument that has been advanced in favour of Moses being an Egyptian is that like the teaching of Akhenaten no reference is to be found in the teachings of Moses about life after death. That this argument is quite weak and flimsy is clear from the fact that Akhenaten has left no book, no teaching and no community of followers from whom his views about life after death might be ascertained. Moreover, there are references to life after death in the teaching of Moses. The Bible says: "And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people" (Deut. 32:50) and "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Psalms 17: 15). The misconception may have arisen from the absence of any marked emphasis on life after death in the Old Testament. This lack of stress might have been due to the fact that in the course of time the Old Testament had become subject to much interpolation and had been tampered with and many parts of it had been lost during the miseries and misfortunes that overtook the Israelites in the period of their dispersion and captivity. When, however, the Jewish scholars and savants re-edited the Bible, they left out from it those passages which did not quite suit the Jewish temper and genius. The passages dealing with the subject of life after death seem to have been among the parts left out as the Jews, being a particularly worldly-minded people, did not relish its repeated mention.
5. The fifth argument given in support of this thesis is that the Israelites, like the Egyptians, had an extreme dislike for pork. This argument, too, seems to stand on a flimsy ground. Though Egyptians did not like pork, pigs were kept and reared in Egypt and were even offered as sacrifice at the altars of the Egyptian gods (Enc. Bib. cols. 4825, 4826). Thus the reason for the Egyptians to refrain from slaughtering pigs seems to have been that they considered it a sacred animal unlike the Israelites to whom its eating was forbidden on account of its being filthy and abominable.
6. The sixth argument given in favour of Moses being an Egyptian is that he could not properly speak Hebrew, the language of the Israelites. This argument is based on Exod. 4:10 where it is stated that Moses was not eloquent and was slow of speech and of a slow tongue. It is true that Moses suffered from an impediment in his speech and could not freely express himself. But how could the fact that Moses was not fluent and was slow of speech prove that he was slow of speech in Hebrew and therefore was not an Israelite. On the contrary, as it appears from the Bible and the Quran, when commanded by God to go to Pharaoh to preach his mission to him, Moses requested to be excused on the plea of his inability to express himself adequately. This fact, if anything, shows that Moses could not freely talk in the tongue which Pharaoh spoke and understood i.e. the Egyptian tongue, and therefore he was not an Egyptian.
In short, there is no reason or justification for supposing that the name Moses is of Egyptian origin or that the man Moses was not an Israelite. The linguistic evidence of Hebrew and Arabic, combined with reason and the evidence of Jewish history and tradition, added to the account of Moses as given in the Bible and the Quran, all go to substantiate and support the fact that Moses was not an Egyptian nor was his name of Egyptian origin.
d
19:52; 79:16.
c
19:52; 79:16.
2246
Commentary:
موسی (Moses), the founder of Judaism, lived about 1400 years before Jesus. He was a Law-giving Prophet and the founder of a great religious system. As for the name Moses, it may be briefly stated that موسی (Moses) is really a Hebrew name having definite derivation in both Hebrew and Arabic. In Hebrew it is pronounced and written as موشی (Moshe) and means, "a thing drawn out of water" or "saved from water" (Enc. Bib.). See also 2:54.
Against all accepted canons of history Freud in his "Moses and Monotheism" has adumbrated quite a novel theory that Moses was not an Israelite and did not belong to the Hebrew stock and also that the Israelites never settled in Egypt. He has advanced the following arguments in support of this strange and baseless claim:
1. That Moses is an Egyptian name.
2. That the idea of the Oneness of God is originally Egyptian, having been first conceived and adopted by an ancient Egyptian king, named Ikhnaten (or Akhenaten). Moses himself being an Egyptian borrowed it from the Egyptians and preached it among the Israelites.
3. That, being an Egyptian, Moses popularized the Egyptian custom of circumcision as a religious rite among the Israelites.
4. That like the teaching of the Egyptian king, Akhenaten, there is no mention of the life after death in the teachings of Moses which also shows that he was an Egyptian.
5. That the Egyptians had a very strong dislike for swine and its flesh and that the Israelites developed this dislike as a result of the teaching of Moses.
6. That because Moses was an Egyptian he could not properly express himself in Hebrew.
1. Firstly, all these arguments in fact possess no basis. As stated above and also in 2:54, Moses is certainly a Hebrew word, having derivation both in Hebrew and Arabic. But even if we admit that the name Moses was of Egyptian origin, it does not follow that the man Moses also was an Egyptian. As the Israelites were a subject race in Egypt, living under the rule of the Pharaohs, it seems quite plausible that they should have adopted Egyptian names. The members of a subject race generally feel a particular delight in adopting the names and imitating the customs, modes of living and dress etc., of their rulers. But the actual fact is that موسی (Moses) is a Hebrew name and Pharaoh’s daughter, who very probably gave him that name, must have certainly been influenced to give the child a Hebrew name, as having taken him out of water she thought that he belonged to the Israelite people. It is also possible that the name might have been suggested by Moses’ mother or sister.
2. The second argument that the idea of the Oneness of God was originally Egyptian, having been first conceived and adopted by Akhenaten, an ancient Egyptian king, and preached by him among the Israelites, is equally wrong. In the first place it is manifestly unreasonable to suppose that a certain concept is the monopoly of one people. Different peoples may independently form similar ideas without having borrowed them from one another. Secondly, even supposing that the idea of God’s Unity is of Egyptian origin, the inference cannot be justified that Moses was an Egyptian. If an American or a German can borrow an idea from an Englishman and vice versa why cannot an Israelite borrow an idea from an Egyptian? The truth is that the idea of God’s Oneness was neither conceived by Egyptians nor by Syrians or any other people. It has its origin in Divine revelation.
3. The contention that circumcision was an old Egyptian practice and Moses being an Egyptian borrowed it from his people and popularized it among the Israelites also possesses no substance. Supposing that the practice of circumcision was Egyptian, how does this fact show that Moses was an Egyptian? Do not one people adopt the customs of another people? Could not the Israelites, during their stay in Egypt, have borrowed this practice from the Egyptians, particularly in view of the fact that the Israelites were a subject race and the subject race have a special liking for the ideas and practices of their rulers. In any case it is not a fact that the practice of circumcision was in vogue among the Egyptians alone. According to the Bible, in pursuance of God’s command, Abraham had himself and his two sons Ishmael and Isaac circumcised and had made the observance of the rite of circumcision incumbent upon his posterity long before Moses was born (Gen. 17:11). This practice was also in vogue among the Arabs who never had good social relations with the Israelites and never had gone to Egypt. Even among the wild tribes of Africa and the aborigines of Australia circumcision is not unknown (Jew. Enc. vol. 4, p. 97 and "Tribes of Central Australia" by Spencer and Gillen, p.323). The earliest traces of this practice among Egyptians are to be found in the 16th century B.C. (Jew. Enc. vol.4, p.97), when the Israelites had already been living there. It can, therefore, be safely inferred that, if at all, the practice was borrowed by the Egyptians from the Israelites and not by the Israelites from the Egyptians. The practice seems to have been introduced into Egypt by the Prophet Joseph who commanded great respect and prestige with Egyptian monarchs. Under his influence it must have become popular among the upper strata of Egyptian society as research scholars are of the view that this practice was much more in vogue among the upper sections of the Egyptian people to which Joseph himself belonged than among the poor classes.
4. Another argument that has been advanced in favour of Moses being an Egyptian is that like the teaching of Akhenaten no reference is to be found in the teachings of Moses about life after death. That this argument is quite weak and flimsy is clear from the fact that Akhenaten has left no book, no teaching and no community of followers from whom his views about life after death might be ascertained. Moreover, there are references to life after death in the teaching of Moses. The Bible says: "And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people" (Deut. 32:50) and "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Psalms 17: 15). The misconception may have arisen from the absence of any marked emphasis on life after death in the Old Testament. This lack of stress might have been due to the fact that in the course of time the Old Testament had become subject to much interpolation and had been tampered with and many parts of it had been lost during the miseries and misfortunes that overtook the Israelites in the period of their dispersion and captivity. When, however, the Jewish scholars and savants re-edited the Bible, they left out from it those passages which did not quite suit the Jewish temper and genius. The passages dealing with the subject of life after death seem to have been among the parts left out as the Jews, being a particularly worldly-minded people, did not relish its repeated mention.
5. The fifth argument given in support of this thesis is that the Israelites, like the Egyptians, had an extreme dislike for pork. This argument, too, seems to stand on a flimsy ground. Though Egyptians did not like pork, pigs were kept and reared in Egypt and were even offered as sacrifice at the altars of the Egyptian gods (Enc. Bib. cols. 4825, 4826). Thus the reason for the Egyptians to refrain from slaughtering pigs seems to have been that they considered it a sacred animal unlike the Israelites to whom its eating was forbidden on account of its being filthy and abominable.
6. The sixth argument given in favour of Moses being an Egyptian is that he could not properly speak Hebrew, the language of the Israelites. This argument is based on Exod. 4:10 where it is stated that Moses was not eloquent and was slow of speech and of a slow tongue. It is true that Moses suffered from an impediment in his speech and could not freely express himself. But how could the fact that Moses was not fluent and was slow of speech prove that he was slow of speech in Hebrew and therefore was not an Israelite. On the contrary, as it appears from the Bible and the Quran, when commanded by God to go to Pharaoh to preach his mission to him, Moses requested to be excused on the plea of his inability to express himself adequately. This fact, if anything, shows that Moses could not freely talk in the tongue which Pharaoh spoke and understood i.e. the Egyptian tongue, and therefore he was not an Egyptian.
In short, there is no reason or justification for supposing that the name Moses is of Egyptian origin or that the man Moses was not an Israelite. The linguistic evidence of Hebrew and Arabic, combined with reason and the evidence of Jewish history and tradition, added to the account of Moses as given in the Bible and the Quran, all go to substantiate and support the fact that Moses was not an Egyptian nor was his name of Egyptian origin.
d
19:52; 79:16.
1812
Against all accepted canons of history Freud in his "Moses and Monotheism" has adumbrated quite a novel theory that Moses was not an Israelite and that he did not belong to the Hebrew stock and also that the Israelites never settled in Egypt. He has advanced the following arguments in support of this strange claim: (1) That Moses is an Egyptian name. (2) That the idea of the Oneness of God was originally Egyptian, having been first conceived and adopted by an ancient Egyptian king, named Ikhnaten (or Akhenaten). (3) That Moses, himself being an Egyptian, borrowed it from the Egyptians and preached it among the Israelites. (4) That because Moses was an Egyptian he could not properly express himself in Hebrew.
All these arguments possess no basis in fact. Moses is certainly a Hebrew word, having derivation both in Hebrew and Arabic. But even if the name Moses was of Egyptian origin, it does not follow that the man Moses also was an Egyptian. As the Israelites were a subject race in Egypt, living under
إِذْ رَءَا نَارًا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ ٱمْكُثُوٓا۟ إِنِّىٓ ءَانَسْتُ نَارًا لَّعَلِّىٓ ءَاتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ هُدًى
27:8; 28:30.
لفظ ’’ایک آگ‘‘ سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ حضرت موسیٰ ؑ خود بھی اسے کشف سمجھتے تھے۔ کیونکہ اگر وہ عام آگ ہوتی تو وہ ’’ایک آگ‘‘ نہ کہتے‘ بلکہ آگ کہتے۔ اور حقیقت یہ ہے کہ ان کو ایک جلوہ نظر آیا تھا جو آگ کی شکل میں تھا۔ حضرت موسٰیؑ محسوس کرتے تھے کہ جو کچھ نظر آیا ہے وہ خداتعالیٰ کی ایک تجلی ہے۔ تبھی انہوں نے رشتہ داروں سے کہا کہ میں نے ایک آگ دیکھی ہے۔
چونکہ نظارہ آگ کی صورت میں تھا اس لئے اس کی نسبت سے سب لفظ استعارۃ ً بولے گئے ہیں یعنی اگر تو یہ تجلی شخصی ہے تو میں اپنے لئے ہدایت حاصل کروں گا اور اگر تجلی قومی ہے تو تمہارے لئے وہاں سے روشنی اور ہدایت اور تعلیم کا سامان لاؤں گا جس سے تم فائدہ اٹھاؤ گے۔
27:8; 28:30.
The verse refers to a vision of Moses, and visions are of two kinds: (a) The visions that concern only the Prophet who sees such a one. In such visions the Divine manifestation remains confined to the Prophet concerned. (b) The visions in which Divine manifestation extends also to the Prophet’s people. Moses meant to say that if the vision that he had seen was the manifestation of the latter class, then he would be given a new Shari‘ah for his people, but if it were of the former kind, he would receive some guidance for his own spiritual advancement.
27:8; 28:30.
Important Words:
آنست (I perceived) is derived from انس (anisa). They say انس به i.e. he became familiar with him. آنسه (anasa-hu) means, he perceived it; he saw him or it and looked at him or it; he heard it, namely a sound; he felt it; he was sensible of it; he knew it; he had certain knowledge of it; he was acquainted with آنست منه الرشد means, I knew him to be characterised by maturity of intelligence and rectitude of actions and good management of affairs (Lane & Aqrab).
قبس (brand). They say قبس منه ناراً he took fire from him. قبس النار means, he lighted or kindled the fire. قبس means fire, or live coal; a brand or a firebrand; a piece of fire which one takes upon the end of a stick (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Opinions differ as to what it was that Moses actually saw. In fact it was a vision that he had seen. The language of metaphor which has been used in this account of Moses also lends support to the view that he had only seen a vision and that he himself was conscious of the fact that he had seen no fire of wood or coal. If he had actually seen a material fire of wood, Moses would have used the words "I perceive the fire" and not the words "I perceive a fire", as he did.
Visions, however, are of two kinds: (a) those that concern only an individual. In such visions the Divine manifestation which is called ولایت (manifestation shown to God’s beloved other than the Prophets) in the spiritual terminology remains confined to the concerned individual. (b) Visions in which جلوهٔ نبوت (manifestation shown to the Prophets) is shown, the Divine manifestation extends also to the Prophet’s people.
By the words, "perhaps I may bring you a brand therefrom or find guidance at the fire", Moses meant to say that if it were جلوۂ نبوت that he had seen, then he would be given a new Shari‘ah for his people but if it were only جلوۂ ولایت he would receive some guidance for his own spiritual advancement.
It may be of interest to note that fire is of three kinds; (a) that which has light and also burns; (b) that which has no light but it burns; and (c) that which has light but does not burn. The fire which Moses had seen seemed to belong to the last category.
The word "tarry" implies that Moses wanted privacy for communion with God, therefore he asked his family to remain behind.
According to the Quran the incident to which reference has been made in this verse took place after Moses had completed his ten years of service with Shu‘aib in Midian and was actually on his way to Egypt with his wife and not as the Bible says that it occurred before he left for Egypt and was staying with Shu‘aib and that when one day he led the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, to the back side of the desert and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb, "the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Exod. 3:1-3). Consideration of all the relevant facts of geography contradicts this Biblical account as the Lord appeared to Moses on mount Horeb which is in the desert of Sinai hundreds of miles away from Midian; and Moses after having had this experience could not possibly have gone back to Jethro, with the flock to apprise him of it the same evening as the Biblical account implies. Thus the Quranic account, is more in accordance with reason and facts of geography than the Biblical account. According to it the incident occurred after Moses had left Midian for good.
e
27:8; 28:30.
1
لفظ ’’ایک آگ‘‘ سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ حضرت موسیٰ ؑ خود بھی اسے کشف سمجھتے تھے۔ کیونکہ اگر وہ عام آگ ہوتی تو وہ ’’ایک آگ‘‘ نہ کہتے‘ بلکہ آگ کہتے۔ اور حقیقت یہ ہے کہ ان کو ایک جلوہ نظر آیا تھا جو آگ کی شکل میں تھا۔ حضرت موسٰیؑ محسوس کرتے تھے کہ جو کچھ نظر آیا ہے وہ خداتعالیٰ کی ایک تجلی ہے۔ تبھی انہوں نے رشتہ داروں سے کہا کہ میں نے ایک آگ دیکھی ہے۔
2
چونکہ نظارہ آگ کی صورت میں تھا اس لئے اس کی نسبت سے سب لفظ استعارۃ ً بولے گئے ہیں یعنی اگر تو یہ تجلی شخصی ہے تو میں اپنے لئے ہدایت حاصل کروں گا اور اگر تجلی قومی ہے تو تمہارے لئے وہاں سے روشنی اور ہدایت اور تعلیم کا سامان لاؤں گا جس سے تم فائدہ اٹھاؤ گے۔
a
27:8; 28:30.
2246A
Important Words:
آنست (I perceived) is derived from انس (anisa). They say انس به i.e. he became familiar with him. آنسه (anasa-hu) means, he perceived it; he saw him or it and looked at him or it; he heard it, namely a sound; he felt it; he was sensible of it; he knew it; he had certain knowledge of it; he was acquainted with آنست منه الرشد means, I knew him to be characterised by maturity of intelligence and rectitude of actions and good management of affairs (Lane & Aqrab).
قبس (brand). They say قبس منه ناراً he took fire from him. قبس النار means, he lighted or kindled the fire. قبس means fire, or live coal; a brand or a firebrand; a piece of fire which one takes upon the end of a stick (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Opinions differ as to what it was that Moses actually saw. In fact it was a vision that he had seen. The language of metaphor which has been used in this account of Moses also lends support to the view that he had only seen a vision and that he himself was conscious of the fact that he had seen no fire of wood or coal. If he had actually seen a material fire of wood, Moses would have used the words "I perceive the fire" and not the words "I perceive a fire", as he did.
Visions, however, are of two kinds: (a) those that concern only an individual. In such visions the Divine manifestation which is called ولایت (manifestation shown to God’s beloved other than the Prophets) in the spiritual terminology remains confined to the concerned individual. (b) Visions in which جلوهٔ نبوت (manifestation shown to the Prophets) is shown, the Divine manifestation extends also to the Prophet’s people.
By the words, "perhaps I may bring you a brand therefrom or find guidance at the fire", Moses meant to say that if it were جلوۂ نبوت that he had seen, then he would be given a new Shari‘ah for his people but if it were only جلوۂ ولایت he would receive some guidance for his own spiritual advancement.
It may be of interest to note that fire is of three kinds; (a) that which has light and also burns; (b) that which has no light but it burns; and (c) that which has light but does not burn. The fire which Moses had seen seemed to belong to the last category.
The word "tarry" implies that Moses wanted privacy for communion with God, therefore he asked his family to remain behind.
According to the Quran the incident to which reference has been made in this verse took place after Moses had completed his ten years of service with Shu‘aib in Midian and was actually on his way to Egypt with his wife and not as the Bible says that it occurred before he left for Egypt and was staying with Shu‘aib and that when one day he led the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, to the back side of the desert and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb, "the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Exod. 3:1-3). Consideration of all the relevant facts of geography contradicts this Biblical account as the Lord appeared to Moses on mount Horeb which is in the desert of Sinai hundreds of miles away from Midian; and Moses after having had this experience could not possibly have gone back to Jethro, with the flock to apprise him of it the same evening as the Biblical account implies. Thus the Quranic account, is more in accordance with reason and facts of geography than the Biblical account. According to it the incident occurred after Moses had left Midian for good.
a
27:8; 28:30.
1813
The verse refers to a vision of Moses, and visions are of two kinds: (a) The visions that concern only the Prophet who sees such a one. In such visions the Divine manifestation remains confined to the Prophet concerned. (b) The visions in which Divine manifestation extends also to the Prophet’s people. Moses meant to say that if the vision that he had seen was the manifestation of the latter class, then he would be given a new Shari‘ah for his people, but if it were of the former kind, he would receive some guidance for his own spiritual advancement.
فَلَمَّآ أَتَىٰهَا نُودِىَ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ
27:9; 28:31; 79:17.
یہ مرادنہیں کہ آگ کے اندر خداتعالیٰ تھا‘ بلکہ یہ مراد ہے کہ یہ آگ کا نظارہ دکھانے والا خداتعالیٰ تھا۔
27:9; 28:31; 79:17.
27:9; 28:31; 79:17.
f
27:9; 28:31; 79:17.
3
یہ مرادنہیں کہ آگ کے اندر خداتعالیٰ تھا‘ بلکہ یہ مراد ہے کہ یہ آگ کا نظارہ دکھانے والا خداتعالیٰ تھا۔
a
27:9; 28:31; 79:17.
a
27:9; 28:31; 79:17.
إِنِّىٓ أَنَا۠ رَبُّكَ فَٱخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَ ۖ إِنَّكَ بِٱلْوَادِ ٱلْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى
27:9: 28:31: 79:17.
جوتیوں سے مراد دنیوی تعلقات ہیں۔ نَعْلَیْن کا لفظ اس لئے کہا کہ دنیوی تعلقات رشتہ داری کی وجہ سے بھی ہوتے ہیں اور قوم کی وجہ سے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ پس تعلقات دو قسم کے ہیں جن کو نَعْلَیْن کی تثنیہ سے ادا کیا۔
27:9: 28:31: 79:17.
As stated above it was a vision that Moses had seen, and "shoes" in the language of visions signify worldly relations such as wife, children, friends, etc. The words 'Thy two shoes' signify 'thy relations with thy family and those with thy community.' Thus at the time of close communion with God Moses was commanded to banish from his mind all thoughts of wife and children and of other worldly connections. Taken literally, the verse would mean that because Moses was in a sacred place he was bidden to take off his shoes.
20:81; 28:31; 79:17.
Commentary:
As stated above it was a vision that Moses had seen and "shoes", in the language of visions signifies worldly relations such as wife, children, friends etc. نعلیک (thy two shoes) signifies, thy relations with thy family and those with thy people and community. Thus the verse purports to say that at the time of close communion with God Moses was commanded to banish from his mind all thoughts of wife and children and of other worldly connections. Taken literally the verse would mean that as Moses was in a sacred place he was bidden to take off his shoes.
The word Tuwa meaning twice blessed (Lane), the significance of the verse may be that Moses in that state of communion with God stood in a valley doubly blessed, one end of which, as it were, reached to God and the other end to mankind.
g
27:9: 28:31: 79:17.
4
جوتیوں سے مراد دنیوی تعلقات ہیں۔ نَعْلَیْن کا لفظ اس لئے کہا کہ دنیوی تعلقات رشتہ داری کی وجہ سے بھی ہوتے ہیں اور قوم کی وجہ سے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ پس تعلقات دو قسم کے ہیں جن کو نَعْلَیْن کی تثنیہ سے ادا کیا۔
b
20:81; 28:31; 79:17.
2247
Commentary:
As stated above it was a vision that Moses had seen and "shoes", in the language of visions signifies worldly relations such as wife, children, friends etc. نعلیک (thy two shoes) signifies, thy relations with thy family and those with thy people and community. Thus the verse purports to say that at the time of close communion with God Moses was commanded to banish from his mind all thoughts of wife and children and of other worldly connections. Taken literally the verse would mean that as Moses was in a sacred place he was bidden to take off his shoes.
The word Tuwa meaning twice blessed (Lane), the significance of the verse may be that Moses in that state of communion with God stood in a valley doubly blessed, one end of which, as it were, reached to God and the other end to mankind.
b
27:9: 28:31: 79:17.
1814
As stated above it was a vision that Moses had seen, and "shoes" in the language of visions signify worldly relations such as wife, children, friends, etc. The words 'Thy two shoes' signify 'thy relations with thy family and those with thy community.' Thus at the time of close communion with God Moses was commanded to banish from his mind all thoughts of wife and children and of other worldly connections. Taken literally, the verse would mean that because Moses was in a sacred place he was bidden to take off his shoes.
وَأَنَا ٱخْتَرْتُكَ فَٱسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ
20:42.
20:42.
20:42.
h
20:42.
c
20:42.
c
20:42.
إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدْنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكْرِىٓ
27:10; 28:31.
27:10; 28:31.
27:10; 28:31.
Commentary:
The verse contains the first commandment that was given to Moses. It appears that the observance of Prayer is the most important commandment in religion.
The words for My remembrance may mean:
(a) for My remembering you i.e. as I have remembered you, therefore, you should also remember Me by way of thanks-giving;
(b) your Prayer should be for the sake of remembering Me;
(c) you should set up the institution of Prayer so that My remembrance may become established in the world.
i
27:10; 28:31.
d
27:10; 28:31.
2248
Commentary:
The verse contains the first commandment that was given to Moses. It appears that the observance of Prayer is the most important commandment in religion.
The words for My remembrance may mean:
(a) for My remembering you i.e. as I have remembered you, therefore, you should also remember Me by way of thanks-giving;
(b) your Prayer should be for the sake of remembering Me;
(c) you should set up the institution of Prayer so that My remembrance may become established in the world.
d
27:10; 28:31.
إِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ ءَاتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ
15:86; 40:60.
Important Words:
أخفیھا (I am going to manifest it) is derived from خفی which has two contrary significations: خفیالشیء (khafiya) means, the thing was or became hidden, concealed or covered. خفیالشیء (khafa) means, he made the thing apparent, manifest, plain or evident. They say خفی المطر الفأر i.e. the rain made the rats come forth from the holes. أخفیالشیء means, he removed خفاء (covering) of the thing. The Quranic expression أکاد أخفیھا means, I am almost making it to appear; I am almost removing that which covers it i.e. I am going to manifest it (Lane & Aqrab). The expression may also mean, I am going to keep it concealed.
الساعة (the Hour) may mean the Day of Resurrection; or the time of triumph of the cause of Moses and that of the discomfiture and destruction of his enemies.
Commentary:
Moses is here told that when he preached his divine mission, he will be opposed and persecuted but no opposition or persecution will be allowed to impede or arrest the progress of his cause, and that the signs foretelling the death and destruction of those who stood in his way will become increasingly manifest.
The verse may also mean that the time of the destruction of the enemies of Moses will remain hidden so that when the Divine punishment overtook them all of a sudden, they will become completely nonplussed and will not know what to do.
a
15:86; 40:60.
814
اَخْفَی الشَّیْء (Akhfash-Shai’) 的意思是, 他隐藏了这个东西;他拿掉了遮掩它的东西或把它显露出来 (Lane)。
a
15:86; 40:60.
2249
Important Words:
أخفیھا (I am going to manifest it) is derived from خفی which has two contrary significations: خفیالشیء (khafiya) means, the thing was or became hidden, concealed or covered. خفیالشیء (khafa) means, he made the thing apparent, manifest, plain or evident. They say خفی المطر الفأر i.e. the rain made the rats come forth from the holes. أخفیالشیء means, he removed خفاء (covering) of the thing. The Quranic expression أکاد أخفیھا means, I am almost making it to appear; I am almost removing that which covers it i.e. I am going to manifest it (Lane & Aqrab). The expression may also mean, I am going to keep it concealed.
الساعة (the Hour) may mean the Day of Resurrection; or the time of triumph of the cause of Moses and that of the discomfiture and destruction of his enemies.
Commentary:
Moses is here told that when he preached his divine mission, he will be opposed and persecuted but no opposition or persecution will be allowed to impede or arrest the progress of his cause, and that the signs foretelling the death and destruction of those who stood in his way will become increasingly manifest.
The verse may also mean that the time of the destruction of the enemies of Moses will remain hidden so that when the Divine punishment overtook them all of a sudden, they will become completely nonplussed and will not know what to do.
e
15:86; 40:60.
1815
Akhfash-Shai’a means, he concealed the thing; he removed its covering or manifested it (Lane).
فَلَا يَصُدَّنَّكَ عَنْهَا مَن لَّا يُؤْمِنُ بِهَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ فَتَرْدَىٰ
Important Words:
The pronoun ھا in عنھا (therefrom) and بھا (therein) may refer to (a) "the Hour" and (b) the Prayer and worship of God; or in عنھا it may refer to Prayer and worship of God, and in بھا to "the Hour".
1
اس جگہ ضمیر کی بجائے ظاہر اسم استعمال کیا گیا ہے۔
2
اس جگہ ضمیر کی بجائے ظاہر اسم استعمال کیا گیا ہے۔
2250
Important Words:
The pronoun ھا in عنھا (therefrom) and بھا (therein) may refer to (a) "the Hour" and (b) the Prayer and worship of God; or in عنھا it may refer to Prayer and worship of God, and in بھا to "the Hour".
وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَٰمُوسَىٰ
قَالَ هِىَ عَصَاىَ أَتَوَكَّؤُا۟ عَلَيْهَا وَأَهُشُّ بِهَا عَلَىٰ غَنَمِى وَلِىَ فِيهَا مَـَٔارِبُ أُخْرَىٰ
Ma’arib (uses) is the plural of Ma’ribah, which is derived from ariba. They say Ariba Ilaihi, i.e. he wanted it and sought it; and Ma’arib means, wants, uses, needs, requirements, purposes (Lane).
Important Words:
عصا (rod). عصا الرجل means, he beat the man with a rod. عصا القوم means, he brought together the people, or he made them agree on some matters of common concern. عصا means, a rod strong enough to support the weight of a man; communal and family life; a community; the shin-bone. شق العصا means, he separated himself from the community. شقوا عصا المسلمین means, they caused a split in the ranks of the Muslim community (Aqrab & Lane).
مآرب (uses) is the plural of مأربة which is derived from أرب (ariba). They say أرب بالشیء i.e. he became devoted to the thing. أرب الیه او به means, he wanted it and sought it. أربة means, want; intellect. غیر اولی الاربة means, idiots; persons deficient in intellect; persons such as have no need of women. مآرب means, wants, uses, needs, requirements, purposes (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
God had only asked Moses what was in his hand. Moses did not confine himself to giving a direct reply, viz. that it was only a rod that he had held in his hand but also went on to enumerate some of its uses. It may be that taking advantage of his communion with the Divine Being, Moses desired to prolong the blessed talk.
As stated above it was a vision that Moses had seen and "rod" in the language of visions signifies a Prophet’s own community or people and "sheep" signifies those who do not actually belong to his community but only are under his care and protection. Moses’s reply meant that he not only invited and welcomed the help of his own people and relied upon their support in the furtherance of his own cause but also looked after the interests of other people who were under his protection but did not actually belong to his community.
2251
Important Words:
عصا (rod). عصا الرجل means, he beat the man with a rod. عصا القوم means, he brought together the people, or he made them agree on some matters of common concern. عصا means, a rod strong enough to support the weight of a man; communal and family life; a community; the shin-bone. شق العصا means, he separated himself from the community. شقوا عصا المسلمین means, they caused a split in the ranks of the Muslim community (Aqrab & Lane).
مآرب (uses) is the plural of مأربة which is derived from أرب (ariba). They say أرب بالشیء i.e. he became devoted to the thing. أرب الیه او به means, he wanted it and sought it. أربة means, want; intellect. غیر اولی الاربة means, idiots; persons deficient in intellect; persons such as have no need of women. مآرب means, wants, uses, needs, requirements, purposes (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
God had only asked Moses what was in his hand. Moses did not confine himself to giving a direct reply, viz. that it was only a rod that he had held in his hand but also went on to enumerate some of its uses. It may be that taking advantage of his communion with the Divine Being, Moses desired to prolong the blessed talk.
As stated above it was a vision that Moses had seen and "rod" in the language of visions signifies a Prophet’s own community or people and "sheep" signifies those who do not actually belong to his community but only are under his care and protection. Moses’s reply meant that he not only invited and welcomed the help of his own people and relied upon their support in the furtherance of his own cause but also looked after the interests of other people who were under his protection but did not actually belong to his community.
1816
Ma’arib (uses) is the plural of Ma’ribah, which is derived from ariba. They say Ariba Ilaihi, i.e. he wanted it and sought it; and Ma’arib means, wants, uses, needs, requirements, purposes (Lane).
قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَٰمُوسَىٰ
7:118; 26:33; 27:11; 28:32.
7:118; 26:33; 27:11; 28:32.
b
7:118; 26:33; 27:11; 28:32.
a
7:118; 26:33; 27:11; 28:32.
2251A
Commentary:
The verse means to say that if Moses cast his people away i.e. if he gave up looking after their spiritual welfare, the dreadful consequences that are mentioned in the next verse would inevitably follow.
a
7:118; 26:33; 27:11; 28:32.
فَأَلْقَىٰهَا فَإِذَا هِىَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَىٰ
تفصیل کے لئے دیکھئے تفسیر کبیر جلد پنجم صفحہ ۴۱۴۔ سورۂ طہ و سورہ اعراف آیت۱۱۸ اور سورہ نمل آیت۱۱۔
The rod did not actually turn into a serpent but was merely made to appear like one. It, therefore, contradicted or contravened no law of nature. The miracle was intended, besides providing a very powerful proof in support of Moses, to comfort him that his people would not remain permanently wedded to idolatry and other evil practices but, the instant they came under his fostering care, they would again become his good and God-fearing companion, ‘Asa signifying a community (Lane). See also {1023}.
Commentary:
حیة (serpent). The Quran has used three different words for describing the turning of the rod of Moses into a serpent, viz.حیة as in the verse under comment; جان as in 27:11 and 28:32; and ثعبانas in 7:108 and 26:33. The word حیة is of general application and is used for all categories of serpents; جان means a small serpent; and ثعبان generally means a bulky and long serpent. These words apparently seem to have been used haphazardly at various places in the Quran, but in reality there is no haphazardness, or arbitrariness since the word جان has been used from the point of view of the serpent’s quick movements and ثعبان from the point of view of its large size. Moreover, when the mere fact of the turning of the rod into a serpent is mentioned the word حیة is used, but when the rod turns into a serpent in the presence of Moses alone the word جان (a small serpent) is used. When, however, the miracle of the rod turning into a serpent is shown in public before Pharaoh, the magicians and the people, the word ثعبان (a large and bulky serpent) is used. The significance of these different words on different occasions would be different. The word حیة (root-word حیی) signifies that a dead people (عصا) as, to all intents and purposes, the Israelites were, would receive a new and vigorous life through Moses and the word جان(a small, fast moving serpent) signifies that from a small and decadent community, they would make rapid progress and would become ثعبان (a large and bulky serpent) for Pharaoh and his people i.e. they would become the means and instrument of their destruction.
The verse purports to say, and the history of the Israelites bears testimony to the fact, that whenever Moses happened to become separated from his people they became, as it were, serpents i.e. they relapsed into idol-worship and other abominable practices.
For an exhaustive explanation of the miracle of the rod turning into a serpent and its spiritual significance see 7:108. Suffice it to say here that it was a vision which Moses had seen and in which Pharaoh, his courtiers and the magicians were also made to share. The rod did not actually turn into a serpent but was merely made to appear like one. It, therefore, contradicted or contravened no law of nature.
3
تفصیل کے لئے دیکھئے تفسیر کبیر جلد پنجم صفحہ ۴۱۴۔ سورۂ طہ و سورہ اعراف آیت۱۱۸ اور سورہ نمل آیت۱۱۔
2252
Commentary:
حیة (serpent). The Quran has used three different words for describing the turning of the rod of Moses into a serpent, viz.حیة as in the verse under comment; جان as in 27:11 and 28:32; and ثعبانas in 7:108 and 26:33. The word حیة is of general application and is used for all categories of serpents; جان means a small serpent; and ثعبان generally means a bulky and long serpent. These words apparently seem to have been used haphazardly at various places in the Quran, but in reality there is no haphazardness, or arbitrariness since the word جان has been used from the point of view of the serpent’s quick movements and ثعبان from the point of view of its large size. Moreover, when the mere fact of the turning of the rod into a serpent is mentioned the word حیة is used, but when the rod turns into a serpent in the presence of Moses alone the word جان (a small serpent) is used. When, however, the miracle of the rod turning into a serpent is shown in public before Pharaoh, the magicians and the people, the word ثعبان (a large and bulky serpent) is used. The significance of these different words on different occasions would be different. The word حیة (root-word حیی) signifies that a dead people (عصا) as, to all intents and purposes, the Israelites were, would receive a new and vigorous life through Moses and the word جان(a small, fast moving serpent) signifies that from a small and decadent community, they would make rapid progress and would become ثعبان (a large and bulky serpent) for Pharaoh and his people i.e. they would become the means and instrument of their destruction.
The verse purports to say, and the history of the Israelites bears testimony to the fact, that whenever Moses happened to become separated from his people they became, as it were, serpents i.e. they relapsed into idol-worship and other abominable practices.
For an exhaustive explanation of the miracle of the rod turning into a serpent and its spiritual significance see 7:108. Suffice it to say here that it was a vision which Moses had seen and in which Pharaoh, his courtiers and the magicians were also made to share. The rod did not actually turn into a serpent but was merely made to appear like one. It, therefore, contradicted or contravened no law of nature.
1816A
The rod did not actually turn into a serpent but was merely made to appear like one. It, therefore, contradicted or contravened no law of nature. The miracle was intended, besides providing a very powerful proof in support of Moses, to comfort him that his people would not remain permanently wedded to idolatry and other evil practices but, the instant they came under his fostering care, they would again become his good and God-fearing companion, ‘Asa signifying a community (Lane). See also {1023}.
قَالَ خُذْهَا وَلَا تَخَفْ ۖ سَنُعِيدُهَا سِيرَتَهَا ٱلْأُولَىٰ
Commentary:
Moses is here comforted that his people would not remain permanently wedded to idolatry and other evil practices but the instant they came under his fostering care, they would again become his good and God-fearing companions. See also 7:108.
2253
Commentary:
Moses is here comforted that his people would not remain permanently wedded to idolatry and other evil practices but the instant they came under his fostering care, they would again become his good and God-fearing companions. See also 7:108.
وَٱضْمُمْ يَدَكَ إِلَىٰ جَنَاحِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَآءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُوٓءٍ ءَايَةً أُخْرَىٰ
7:109; 27:13; 28:33.
موسٰیؑ کی کتاب تورات ہے‘ مگر اس نے یہ ظلم کیا ہے کہ ہاتھ کی سفیدی کو کوڑھ کی طرف منسوب کیا ہے (دیکھئے خروج باب۴ آیت۶) لیکن قرآن مجید جو تورات کی مدِّمقابل کتاب ہے اور بنو اسماعیل کے ایک فرد پر نازل ہوئی ہے وہ موسٰیؑ پر سے یہ الزام دور کرتی ہے اور کہتی ہے کہ ہاتھ سفید تو نکلا مگر اس کی سفیدی بیماری کی وجہ سے نہ تھی۔ یہود اور نصاریٰ کو یہ فرق دیکھ کر اور اپنی گندہ د ہنی کو دیکھ کر شرمانا چاہئے۔
7:109; 27:13; 28:33.
Yad means, hand or arm and figuratively signifies favour, beneficence; power, authority; help, protection; community, party (Aqrab).
One of the meanings of Yad (hand) being a community or people, the expression in the text contains an injunction for Moses that he should always keep his people close to him and under his fostering care. If he did so they would become highly righteous men, radiating spiritual light and would be free from all moral evils. Yade Baida’ may also signify clear and strong arguments. Moses was endowed with strong and solid arguments to prove his case. See also 7:109; and 26:34.
7:109; 27:13; 28:33.
Important Words:
یدک (thy hand). ید is derived from یدی (yada). یدی الرجل means, he hit or hurt the hand of the man; he did a good to him. یدی فلان من فلان (yadiya) means, such a one received a favour or bounty from such a one. ید means, hand or arm; and figuratively means, favour, benefit, bounty or beneficence; power, dominion, control, authority or assistance; help, protection; troop, host, army; shame, disgrace; duration, length; community, party; etc. سقط فی یدیه means, he felt ashamed; he was smitten with remorse; أعطی بیدہ means, he obeyed and submitted; ھذا فی یدی means, this is under my possession or authority. ید الطائرmeans, the wing of the bird; ید الزمان means, the length or duration of the time. یداللّٰه مع الجماعة means, the help or protection of God is with the community (Aqrab).
جناح (arm-pit) means, wing; hand; upper arm or arm from the shoulder to the elbow, edge; side; wing of an army; protection; a part or position of a thing; a community or people (Lane & Aqrab). See also 17:25.
Commentary:
One of the meanings of ید (hand) as stated above under "Important Words" is, a community or people. According to this meaning the expression واضمم یدک الی جناحک contains an injunction for Moses that he should always keep his people close to him and under his fostering care. If he did so they would become highly righteous men, radiating spiritual light and would be free from all evil.
ید بیضاء (white hand) may also signify clear and strong arguments. Moses was endowed with strong and solid arguments to prove his case. See also 7:109 & 26:33-34.
c
7:109; 27:13; 28:33.
4
موسٰیؑ کی کتاب تورات ہے‘ مگر اس نے یہ ظلم کیا ہے کہ ہاتھ کی سفیدی کو کوڑھ کی طرف منسوب کیا ہے (دیکھئے خروج باب۴ آیت۶) لیکن قرآن مجید جو تورات کی مدِّمقابل کتاب ہے اور بنو اسماعیل کے ایک فرد پر نازل ہوئی ہے وہ موسٰیؑ پر سے یہ الزام دور کرتی ہے اور کہتی ہے کہ ہاتھ سفید تو نکلا مگر اس کی سفیدی بیماری کی وجہ سے نہ تھی۔ یہود اور نصاریٰ کو یہ فرق دیکھ کر اور اپنی گندہ د ہنی کو دیکھ کر شرمانا چاہئے۔
a
7:109; 27:13; 28:33.
2254
Important Words:
یدک (thy hand). ید is derived from یدی (yada). یدی الرجل means, he hit or hurt the hand of the man; he did a good to him. یدی فلان من فلان (yadiya) means, such a one received a favour or bounty from such a one. ید means, hand or arm; and figuratively means, favour, benefit, bounty or beneficence; power, dominion, control, authority or assistance; help, protection; troop, host, army; shame, disgrace; duration, length; community, party; etc. سقط فی یدیه means, he felt ashamed; he was smitten with remorse; أعطی بیدہ means, he obeyed and submitted; ھذا فی یدی means, this is under my possession or authority. ید الطائرmeans, the wing of the bird; ید الزمان means, the length or duration of the time. یداللّٰه مع الجماعة means, the help or protection of God is with the community (Aqrab).
جناح (arm-pit) means, wing; hand; upper arm or arm from the shoulder to the elbow, edge; side; wing of an army; protection; a part or position of a thing; a community or people (Lane & Aqrab). See also 17:25.
Commentary:
One of the meanings of ید (hand) as stated above under "Important Words" is, a community or people. According to this meaning the expression واضمم یدک الی جناحک contains an injunction for Moses that he should always keep his people close to him and under his fostering care. If he did so they would become highly righteous men, radiating spiritual light and would be free from all evil.
ید بیضاء (white hand) may also signify clear and strong arguments. Moses was endowed with strong and solid arguments to prove his case. See also 7:109 & 26:33-34.
b
7:109; 27:13; 28:33.
1817
Yad means, hand or arm and figuratively signifies favour, beneficence; power, authority; help, protection; community, party (Aqrab).
1818
One of the meanings of Yad (hand) being a community or people, the expression in the text contains an injunction for Moses that he should always keep his people close to him and under his fostering care. If he did so they would become highly righteous men, radiating spiritual light and would be free from all moral evils. Yade Baida’ may also signify clear and strong arguments. Moses was endowed with strong and solid arguments to prove his case. See also 7:109; and 26:34.
لِنُرِيَكَ مِنْ ءَايَٰتِنَا ٱلْكُبْرَى
Sign of the rod was one of the greatest heavenly Signs given to Moses. When Moses was entrusted with Prophethood, the Sign of the rod appeared (20:19). When he went to preach his Message to Pharaoh it was again the miracle of the rod that was shown to him and the sorcerers (20:70- 74). When the Israelites wanted water, he was ordered to strike the rock with his rod (2:61), and when he had to cross the sea, God commanded him to strike it with his rod (26:64).
Commentary:
The sign of the rod was one of the greatest heavenly signs given to Moses. When Moses was entrusted with prophethood, the sign of the rod appeared (20:20). When he went to preach his message to Pharaoh, it was again the miracle of the rod that was shown to him and the sorcerers (20:70-74). When the Israelites wanted water, Moses was ordered to strike the rock with his rod (2:61), and when he had to cross the sea, God commanded him to strike it with his rod (26:64).
The verse may signify that after the signs of the "rod" and the "white hand", God promises to show to Moses yet greater Signs. One of these latter signs was that Pharaoh and his mighty hosts were drowned in the sea before the very eyes of the Israelites. According to the Quran, altogether 9 Signs were shown for Moses (7:131-134) whereas the Bible gives their number as 13. For a detailed discussion about the disparity in the account of the Bible and that of the Quran see 7:134 & 17:102. Suffice it to say here that the signs were really 9 in number; the Bible has only unnecessarily enlarged their number.
2255
Commentary:
The sign of the rod was one of the greatest heavenly signs given to Moses. When Moses was entrusted with prophethood, the sign of the rod appeared (20:20). When he went to preach his message to Pharaoh, it was again the miracle of the rod that was shown to him and the sorcerers (20:70-74). When the Israelites wanted water, Moses was ordered to strike the rock with his rod (2:61), and when he had to cross the sea, God commanded him to strike it with his rod (26:64).
The verse may signify that after the signs of the "rod" and the "white hand", God promises to show to Moses yet greater Signs. One of these latter signs was that Pharaoh and his mighty hosts were drowned in the sea before the very eyes of the Israelites. According to the Quran, altogether 9 Signs were shown for Moses (7:131-134) whereas the Bible gives their number as 13. For a detailed discussion about the disparity in the account of the Bible and that of the Quran see 7:134 & 17:102. Suffice it to say here that the signs were really 9 in number; the Bible has only unnecessarily enlarged their number.
1819
Sign of the rod was one of the greatest heavenly Signs given to Moses. When Moses was entrusted with Prophethood, the Sign of the rod appeared (20:19). When he went to preach his Message to Pharaoh it was again the miracle of the rod that was shown to him and the sorcerers (20:70- 74). When the Israelites wanted water, he was ordered to strike the rock with his rod (2:61), and when he had to cross the sea, God commanded him to strike it with his rod (26:64).
ٱذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُۥ طَغَىٰ
Commentary:
Moses now receives his commission to go to Pharaoh as a Messenger of God. The words, he has indeed exceeded all bounds, show that by his misdeeds Pharaoh had already incurred God’s wrath and had made himself deserving of Divine punishment. But, God, out of His mercy, sent Moses to him in order to warn him of the impending punishment if he did not give up his evil ways and to give him a last opportunity to repent and reform.
2256
Commentary:
Moses now receives his commission to go to Pharaoh as a Messenger of God. The words, he has indeed exceeded all bounds, show that by his misdeeds Pharaoh had already incurred God’s wrath and had made himself deserving of Divine punishment. But, God, out of His mercy, sent Moses to him in order to warn him of the impending punishment if he did not give up his evil ways and to give him a last opportunity to repent and reform.
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى
Commentary:
The present and the following few verses show that at first Moses did not feel himself equal to the great task which was entrusted to him. They also shed some light on the necessary qualifications that a preacher should possess in order to succeed in his mission. The following are some of them:
(a) He must be inspired with zeal and enthusiasm for his mission and must possess strong arguments to support his cause (v:26); (b) his teachings must be easy of comprehension (v:27); (c) he should be a good speaker (v:28); (d) he should always be on the lookout for favourable opportunities for his discourse to be listened to with attention and respect (v:29); and (e) if possible he may have a good companion to share his responsibility and burden (v:30).
2257
Commentary:
The present and the following few verses show that at first Moses did not feel himself equal to the great task which was entrusted to him. They also shed some light on the necessary qualifications that a preacher should possess in order to succeed in his mission. The following are some of them:
(a) He must be inspired with zeal and enthusiasm for his mission and must possess strong arguments to support his cause (v:26); (b) his teachings must be easy of comprehension (v:27); (c) he should be a good speaker (v:28); (d) he should always be on the lookout for favourable opportunities for his discourse to be listened to with attention and respect (v:29); and (e) if possible he may have a good companion to share his responsibility and burden (v:30).
وَيَسِّرْ لِىٓ أَمْرِى
وَٱحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِى
26:14.
26:14.
26:14.
Commentary:
Moses seems to have suffered from an impediment in his tongue. He does not appear to be an eloquent speaker. But it is not eloquence alone that makes a man a successful preacher. More than that it is conviction in the truth of one’s mission and one’s zeal for that mission and readiness to suffer for it that greatly make up for the deficiency of fluency. Moses possessed these things in full measure. This is why, in spite of the weakness of which he himself was conscious, he made a very effective and convincing speech before Pharaoh and his court.
a
26:14.
a
26:14.
2258
Commentary:
Moses seems to have suffered from an impediment in his tongue. He does not appear to be an eloquent speaker. But it is not eloquence alone that makes a man a successful preacher. More than that it is conviction in the truth of one’s mission and one’s zeal for that mission and readiness to suffer for it that greatly make up for the deficiency of fluency. Moses possessed these things in full measure. This is why, in spite of the weakness of which he himself was conscious, he made a very effective and convincing speech before Pharaoh and his court.
a
26:14.
يَفْقَهُوا۟ قَوْلِى
وَٱجْعَل لِّى وَزِيرًا مِّنْ أَهْلِى
Moses did not feel himself equal to the great task entrusted to him. He asked for a helper to assist him. The Holy Prophet to whom an infinitely heavier and more onerous task was entrusted never prayed to be given an assistant. He alone, unassisted and unhelped, discharged fully and completely the responsibility of raising a people, sunk deep into the depths of moral turpitude, to the highest pinnacle of spiritual glory.
Important Words:
وزیر (helper) is derived from وزر (wazara). وزر الشیء means, he bore the thing. وزر الرجل means, the man carried a weight which burdened his back. وزر الرجل means, he overcame or overwhelmed the man. وزر also means, he sinned. وزیر means, helper; one who helps a person in carrying his burden; a minister who helps the king by his counsel in conducting the affairs of the State (Aqrab).
Commentary:
What a contrast between Moses and the Holy Prophet Muhammad! Whereas Moses here asks for a helper for the discharge of a lighter responsibility, the Holy Prophet who was entrusted with an infinitely heavier and more onerous task never prayed to be given an assistant. He, alone, unhelped and unassisted, discharged fully and completely the responsibility of raising a people, sunk deep into the depths of moral turpitude, to the highest pinnacles of spiritual glory. Even in moments of mortal danger he was never discouraged or dismayed. The brave words which he uttered on the battle-field of Hunain when he was left alone surrounded by bloodthirsty enemies and sure death stared him in the face, viz. انا النبی لا کذب انا ابن عبدالمطلب "I am the Prophet of God, there is no untruth about it, I am the son of ‘Abdil-Muttalib," (Bukhari, Kitabul-Jihad was-Siyar) have resounded through the centuries.
2259
Important Words:
وزیر (helper) is derived from وزر (wazara). وزر الشیء means, he bore the thing. وزر الرجل means, the man carried a weight which burdened his back. وزر الرجل means, he overcame or overwhelmed the man. وزر also means, he sinned. وزیر means, helper; one who helps a person in carrying his burden; a minister who helps the king by his counsel in conducting the affairs of the State (Aqrab).
Commentary:
What a contrast between Moses and the Holy Prophet Muhammad! Whereas Moses here asks for a helper for the discharge of a lighter responsibility, the Holy Prophet who was entrusted with an infinitely heavier and more onerous task never prayed to be given an assistant. He, alone, unhelped and unassisted, discharged fully and completely the responsibility of raising a people, sunk deep into the depths of moral turpitude, to the highest pinnacles of spiritual glory. Even in moments of mortal danger he was never discouraged or dismayed. The brave words which he uttered on the battle-field of Hunain when he was left alone surrounded by bloodthirsty enemies and sure death stared him in the face, viz. انا النبی لا کذب انا ابن عبدالمطلب "I am the Prophet of God, there is no untruth about it, I am the son of ‘Abdil-Muttalib," (Bukhari, Kitabul-Jihad was-Siyar) have resounded through the centuries.
1820
Moses did not feel himself equal to the great task entrusted to him. He asked for a helper to assist him. The Holy Prophet to whom an infinitely heavier and more onerous task was entrusted never prayed to be given an assistant. He alone, unassisted and unhelped, discharged fully and completely the responsibility of raising a people, sunk deep into the depths of moral turpitude, to the highest pinnacle of spiritual glory.
هَٰرُونَ أَخِى
28:35.
28:35.
28:35.
b
28:35.
a
28:35.
b
28:35.
ٱشْدُدْ بِهِۦٓ أَزْرِى
Important Words:
أزری (my strength); أزر (azrun) is derived from أزر (azara). They say أزرہ i.e. it surrounded or encompassed it. أزرہ and أزرہ (azzara) means, he strengthened him or it. آزرہ (azara) means, he aided, assisted or helped him and strengthened him. آزر الزرع بعضه بعضا means, the seed-produce became tangled or luxuriant, one part reaching to another, and one part strengthening another. أزر and أزر (azara) and آزر (azara) are also used synonymously. أزر (azrun) means, strength; weakness; back; aid, assistance or help. They say شدد أزرہ i.e. he strengthened his back. اشدد به أزری means, (a) strengthen Thou by him my back; (b) strengthen Thou by him my weakness, and (c) through him add Thou to my strength (Lane & Aqrab).
2260
Important Words:
أزری (my strength); أزر (azrun) is derived from أزر (azara). They say أزرہ i.e. it surrounded or encompassed it. أزرہ and أزرہ (azzara) means, he strengthened him or it. آزرہ (azara) means, he aided, assisted or helped him and strengthened him. آزر الزرع بعضه بعضا means, the seed-produce became tangled or luxuriant, one part reaching to another, and one part strengthening another. أزر and أزر (azara) and آزر (azara) are also used synonymously. أزر (azrun) means, strength; weakness; back; aid, assistance or help. They say شدد أزرہ i.e. he strengthened his back. اشدد به أزری means, (a) strengthen Thou by him my back; (b) strengthen Thou by him my weakness, and (c) through him add Thou to my strength (Lane & Aqrab).
وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِىٓ أَمْرِى
كَىْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرًا
وَنَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا
إِنَّكَ كُنتَ بِنَا بَصِيرًا
قَالَ قَدْ أُوتِيتَ سُؤْلَكَ يَٰمُوسَىٰ
26:16
26:16
c
26:16
a
26:16.
2261
Important Words:
سؤل (prayer) is derived from سأل which means, he asked for; he begged, he prayed or petitioned. سؤل means, a thing asked for; a prayer; a petition (Aqrab & Lane).
a
26:16
وَلَقَدْ مَنَنَّا عَلَيْكَ مَرَّةً أُخْرَىٰٓ
إِذْ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّكَ مَا يُوحَىٰٓ
28:8, 9.
یورپین مستشرق اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ بائیبل کے تفصیلی حالات محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے مدینہ میں جاکر یہودیوں سے سن کر قرآن میں لکھے ہیں۔ حالانکہ حضرت عیسیٰ علیہ السلام کے تفصیلی واقعات سورۃ مریم میں آتے ہیں اور حضرت موسٰی علیہ السلام کے تفصیلی واقعات سورۃ طٰہٰ میں آتے ہیں اور یہ دونوں سورتیں ابتدائی زمانہ کی ہیں (بخاری کتاب التفسیر) پس یہ اعتراض غلط ہے کہ مدینہ کے یہودیوں سے سن کر آپ نے یہ حالات بیان کئے۔ بلکہ یہودیوں کے ساتھ ملنے سے بہت پہلے اللہ تعالیٰ نے آپ کو ان تمام حالات سے باخبر کر دیا تھا۔
28:8-9.
Important Words:
In ما یوحی (an important revelation), ما being مصدریة turns the verb following it into an infinitive and imparts to it an intensiveness of meaning. Thus the expression ما یوحی means, an important revelation or what it was necessary to be revealed at that time.
d
28:8, 9.
1
یورپین مستشرق اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ بائیبل کے تفصیلی حالات محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے مدینہ میں جاکر یہودیوں سے سن کر قرآن میں لکھے ہیں۔ حالانکہ حضرت عیسیٰ علیہ السلام کے تفصیلی واقعات سورۃ مریم میں آتے ہیں اور حضرت موسٰی علیہ السلام کے تفصیلی واقعات سورۃ طٰہٰ میں آتے ہیں اور یہ دونوں سورتیں ابتدائی زمانہ کی ہیں (بخاری کتاب التفسیر) پس یہ اعتراض غلط ہے کہ مدینہ کے یہودیوں سے سن کر آپ نے یہ حالات بیان کئے۔ بلکہ یہودیوں کے ساتھ ملنے سے بہت پہلے اللہ تعالیٰ نے آپ کو ان تمام حالات سے باخبر کر دیا تھا۔
b
28:8-9.
2262
Important Words:
In ما یوحی (an important revelation), ما being مصدریة turns the verb following it into an infinitive and imparts to it an intensiveness of meaning. Thus the expression ما یوحی means, an important revelation or what it was necessary to be revealed at that time.
b
28:8, 9.
1821
Ma being Masdariyyah, the verb following it imparts to it an intensiveness of meaning. The expression Ma yuha thus means, an important revelation; or what was necessary to be revealed at that time.
أَنِ ٱقْذِفِيهِ فِى ٱلتَّابُوتِ فَٱقْذِفِيهِ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ ٱلْيَمُّ بِٱلسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّى وَعَدُوٌّ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِّنِّى وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِىٓ
28:9.
قرآن کریم میں عَدُوٌّ کا لفظ دو جگہ آیا ہے۔ اردو میں ایک کافی ہوتا ہے اس لئے ہم نے پہلی جگہ اس کا ترجمہ نہیں کیا‘ دوسری جگہ کر دیا ہے۔
یعنی ہماری نگہداشت میں (دیکھئے اقرب زیر لفظ عَین)
‘Ain means (1) the eye; (2) inmates of a house; (3) protection (Lane). As Moses was to have been entrusted with the great and difficult task of delivering a people, held in bondage for long by a cruel and powerful monarch, it was necessary that he should have received the requisite training for the great mission under royal tutors and teachers. So it was in fulfilment of this Divine plan that Moses found his way into Pharaoh’s own house.
28:9.
Important Words:
For التابوت see 2:249.
عینی (My eye). عین means, (1) the eye; (2) look or view; (3) the people or inmates of a house or dwelling; (4) brothers from the same father and mother; (5) protection or honour (Lane). The expression علی عینی means, before my eyes, or, under my protection. See also 11:38.
تصنع (be reared) is derived from صنع. They say صنع الشیء i.e. he made the thing. صنع الفرس means, he looked after the horse. صنع ابنته means, he properly brought up his daughter. صنع (sun‘un) means, to do a thing properly and well. اصطنع الشیء means, he ordered the thing to be prepared for him. اصطنعه means, he taught him and trained and brought him up. اصطنع عندہ صنیعة means, he did him a favour. اصطنعه لنفسه means, he chose him for himself. اصطناع means, to mend or reform a thing thoroughly and well (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
As Moses was to have been entrusted with the great and difficult task of delivering a people held in bondage for long by a cruel and powerful monarch, it was necessary that he should have received the requisite training for the great mission under royal tutors and teachers. So it was in fulfilment of this divine plan that he found his way into Pharaoh’s own house.
The reference in the verse is to the Biblical narrative. See Exod. 2:1-10.
The expression فلیلقه is in the imperative mood and signifies command, meaning, We commanded that the river should cast it on to the bank.
a
28:9.
1
قرآن کریم میں عَدُوٌّ کا لفظ دو جگہ آیا ہے۔ اردو میں ایک کافی ہوتا ہے اس لئے ہم نے پہلی جگہ اس کا ترجمہ نہیں کیا‘ دوسری جگہ کر دیا ہے۔
2
یعنی ہماری نگہداشت میں (دیکھئے اقرب زیر لفظ عَین)
c
28:9.
2263
Important Words:
For التابوت see 2:249.
عینی (My eye). عین means, (1) the eye; (2) look or view; (3) the people or inmates of a house or dwelling; (4) brothers from the same father and mother; (5) protection or honour (Lane). The expression علی عینی means, before my eyes, or, under my protection. See also 11:38.
تصنع (be reared) is derived from صنع. They say صنع الشیء i.e. he made the thing. صنع الفرس means, he looked after the horse. صنع ابنته means, he properly brought up his daughter. صنع (sun‘un) means, to do a thing properly and well. اصطنع الشیء means, he ordered the thing to be prepared for him. اصطنعه means, he taught him and trained and brought him up. اصطنع عندہ صنیعة means, he did him a favour. اصطنعه لنفسه means, he chose him for himself. اصطناع means, to mend or reform a thing thoroughly and well (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
As Moses was to have been entrusted with the great and difficult task of delivering a people held in bondage for long by a cruel and powerful monarch, it was necessary that he should have received the requisite training for the great mission under royal tutors and teachers. So it was in fulfilment of this divine plan that he found his way into Pharaoh’s own house.
The reference in the verse is to the Biblical narrative. See Exod. 2:1-10.
The expression فلیلقه is in the imperative mood and signifies command, meaning, We commanded that the river should cast it on to the bank.
c
28:9.1822
‘Ain means (1) the eye; (2) inmates of a house; (3) protection (Lane). As Moses was to have been entrusted with the great and difficult task of delivering a people, held in bondage for long by a cruel and powerful monarch, it was necessary that he should have received the requisite training for the great mission under royal tutors and teachers. So it was in fulfilment of this Divine plan that Moses found his way into Pharaoh’s own house.
إِذْ تَمْشِىٓ أُخْتُكَ فَتَقُولُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ مَن يَكْفُلُهُۥ ۖ فَرَجَعْنَٰكَ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّكَ كَىْ تَقَرَّ عَيْنُهَا وَلَا تَحْزَنَ ۚ وَقَتَلْتَ نَفْسًا فَنَجَّيْنَٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْغَمِّ وَفَتَنَّٰكَ فُتُونًا ۚ فَلَبِثْتَ سِنِينَ فِىٓ أَهْلِ مَدْيَنَ ثُمَّ جِئْتَ عَلَىٰ قَدَرٍ يَٰمُوسَىٰ
28:14.
28:16, 34.
28:12, 13.
The sojourn of Moses among the people of Midian fulfilled yet another Divine plan. As he was destined to live with the Israelites in the deserts and forests of the Valley of Sinai, he was made to become used to a hard life by living for several years in Midian.
28:12-13.
28:14.
26:15; 28:16, 34.
Important Words:
قدر (standard) is inf. noun from قدر (qadara). قدرت الشیء means, I measured the thing; computed or determined its quantity, measure, size, value, worth, bulk, proportion, extent, amount, limit or number. قدر (qadrun) or قدر (qadarun) is the quantity, quantum measure, magnitude, size, bulk, proportion and extent, of a thing. They say جاء علی قدر i.e. it came according to measure or as it may be said, he came up to the standard (Aqrab, Mufradat & Lane). See also 15:61.
Commentary:
In what a wonderful way did God fulfil the promise He made to Moses’ mother (when He commanded her to cast him into the river) that he would be restored to her (28:8)! God so managed the whole affair that the baby was soon again in the loving arms of his mother. It is in this way that God demonstrates not only His existence, but also His knowledge and shows His supreme control over all things and it is events like these that inspire a living faith in the hearts of God’s loving and sincere votaries. And it was that living faith which made Moses’ mother cast her baby into the river which was amply rewarded by Moses being restored to her very soon.
The words فتناک فتوناً (We tried thee with various trials) mean that Moses was made to pass through the crucible of trials and tribulations so that his mettle might be tested, and after passing out of these ordeals with flying colours he might be declared fit to be endowed with God’s great gifts and favours.
Midian or Madyan is the name of a town on the east side of the Gulf of ‘Akabah. The name is connected with that of the tribe of Midianites. In the 6th century Ya‘qubi speaks of its position in a district rich in springs, gardens and date-groves. Istakhri describes from his own observation the spring in the town from which Moses watered the flocks of Shu‘aib. It was then covered by a house which had been built over it. The town had then shown signs of gradual decay and decline. In the 12th century Idrisi says, "It is an unimportant little trading centre with scanty resources." In the 14th century Abul-Fida saw that it was in ruins. In recent times it has been visited by Ruppell, Burton and Musil. The extensive ruins which the Arabs call Maghair Shu‘aib after the cave-tombs lie about 16 miles east of the port of Makna, in the southern part of the valley of Al-Bad’ which is rich in streams and palms and other trees. According to Burton the whole district between 29° 28΄ and 27° 40΄ is called Ard Madyan (Enc. of Islam under "Madyan").
The town lay on the trade route from Medina to Syria and caravans going to Syria or Egypt passed through it.
The sojourn of Moses among the people of Midian fulfilled yet another divine plan. As he was destined to live with the Israelites in the deserts and forests of the valley of Sinai, he was made to become used to a hard life by living for several years in Midian.
b
28:12, 13.
c
28:14.
d
28:16, 34.
a
28:12-13.
b
28:14.
c
26:15; 28:16, 34.
2264
Important Words:
قدر (standard) is inf. noun from قدر (qadara). قدرت الشیء means, I measured the thing; computed or determined its quantity, measure, size, value, worth, bulk, proportion, extent, amount, limit or number. قدر (qadrun) or قدر (qadarun) is the quantity, quantum measure, magnitude, size, bulk, proportion and extent, of a thing. They say جاء علی قدر i.e. it came according to measure or as it may be said, he came up to the standard (Aqrab, Mufradat & Lane). See also 15:61.
Commentary:
In what a wonderful way did God fulfil the promise He made to Moses’ mother (when He commanded her to cast him into the river) that he would be restored to her (28:8)! God so managed the whole affair that the baby was soon again in the loving arms of his mother. It is in this way that God demonstrates not only His existence, but also His knowledge and shows His supreme control over all things and it is events like these that inspire a living faith in the hearts of God’s loving and sincere votaries. And it was that living faith which made Moses’ mother cast her baby into the river which was amply rewarded by Moses being restored to her very soon.
The words فتناک فتوناً (We tried thee with various trials) mean that Moses was made to pass through the crucible of trials and tribulations so that his mettle might be tested, and after passing out of these ordeals with flying colours he might be declared fit to be endowed with God’s great gifts and favours.
Midian or Madyan is the name of a town on the east side of the Gulf of ‘Akabah. The name is connected with that of the tribe of Midianites. In the 6th century Ya‘qubi speaks of its position in a district rich in springs, gardens and date-groves. Istakhri describes from his own observation the spring in the town from which Moses watered the flocks of Shu‘aib. It was then covered by a house which had been built over it. The town had then shown signs of gradual decay and decline. In the 12th century Idrisi says, "It is an unimportant little trading centre with scanty resources." In the 14th century Abul-Fida saw that it was in ruins. In recent times it has been visited by Ruppell, Burton and Musil. The extensive ruins which the Arabs call Maghair Shu‘aib after the cave-tombs lie about 16 miles east of the port of Makna, in the southern part of the valley of Al-Bad’ which is rich in streams and palms and other trees. According to Burton the whole district between 29° 28΄ and 27° 40΄ is called Ard Madyan (Enc. of Islam under "Madyan").
The town lay on the trade route from Medina to Syria and caravans going to Syria or Egypt passed through it.
The sojourn of Moses among the people of Midian fulfilled yet another divine plan. As he was destined to live with the Israelites in the deserts and forests of the valley of Sinai, he was made to become used to a hard life by living for several years in Midian.
a
28:14.
b
28:16, 34.
d
28:12, 13.
1823
The sojourn of Moses among the people of Midian fulfilled yet another Divine plan. As he was destined to live with the Israelites in the deserts and forests of the Valley of Sinai, he was made to become used to a hard life by living for several years in Midian.
وَٱصْطَنَعْتُكَ لِنَفْسِى
12:55.
12:55.
e
12:55.
a
20:14.
2265
Important Words:
اصطنعتک (I have chosen thee). For اصطنع see 20:40.
The verse signifies that God chose Moses for the great and difficult task of delivering a broken and crushed people from a heartless tyranny.
c
12:55.
ٱذْهَبْ أَنتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِـَٔايَٰتِى وَلَا تَنِيَا فِى ذِكْرِى
28:36.
28:36.
28:36.
Important Words:
لا تنیا (slacken not) is derived from ونی which means, he was or became languid, remiss, weak, feeble or faint. ونی فیه means, he entered upon a thing languidly or weakly; توانی فی الامر he flagged or was remiss in the affair; ونی عنه, he passed from it and left it (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, and slacken not in remembering Me, show that prayer and constant remembrance of God are greatly helpful in attaining success. They constitute the spiritual means which one must employ along with physical and material means for the furtherance and success of one’s cause. They are as essential as the physical means.
God’s command to Moses and Aaron to adopt these means, although He had promised them His help, makes it abundantly clear that the promise of Divine help does not absolve one of the obligation to use those means which God has created for the attainment of a certain object. God wants us to use all legitimate means that lie in our power for the accomplishment of our object and leave the rest to Him.
f
28:36.
b
28:36.
2266
Important Words:
لا تنیا (slacken not) is derived from ونی which means, he was or became languid, remiss, weak, feeble or faint. ونی فیه means, he entered upon a thing languidly or weakly; توانی فی الامر he flagged or was remiss in the affair; ونی عنه, he passed from it and left it (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, and slacken not in remembering Me, show that prayer and constant remembrance of God are greatly helpful in attaining success. They constitute the spiritual means which one must employ along with physical and material means for the furtherance and success of one’s cause. They are as essential as the physical means.
God’s command to Moses and Aaron to adopt these means, although He had promised them His help, makes it abundantly clear that the promise of Divine help does not absolve one of the obligation to use those means which God has created for the attainment of a certain object. God wants us to use all legitimate means that lie in our power for the accomplishment of our object and leave the rest to Him.
d
28:36.
ٱذْهَبَآ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُۥ طَغَىٰ
79:18.
79:18.
79:18.
g
79:18.
c
79:18.
e
79:18.
فَقُولَا لَهُۥ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا لَّعَلَّهُۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ
ہم کئی جگہ لکھ آئے ہیں کہ فَاء عربی زبان میں خالی عطف کے لئے بھی آتا ہے۔
The verse teaches a two-fold lesson to a religious teacher or preacher. He should use gentle language when preaching. He should also show due respect to those whom God has endowed with worldly honour or has placed in the seat of authority.
Important Words:
لعله (that haply he might). لعل when expressing hope or fear is not used with regard to God. Hope or fear combined with expectation expressed by لعل pertains sometimes to the speaker and sometimes to the person spoken of and sometimes to the addressee. In the verse under comment it expresses hope on the part of Moses and Aaron meaning that they should preach the Divine Message to Pharaoh hoping that he might accept it. When used about God it signifies certainty. See also 2:22 & 11:13.
Commentary:
The verse teaches a two-fold lesson to religious teachers and preachers. A religious teacher must use gentle language when preaching his Message. He should also show due respect to those whom God has endowed with worldly honour or whom He has placed in the seat of authority.
1
ہم کئی جگہ لکھ آئے ہیں کہ فَاء عربی زبان میں خالی عطف کے لئے بھی آتا ہے۔
2266A
Important Words:
لعله (that haply he might). لعل when expressing hope or fear is not used with regard to God. Hope or fear combined with expectation expressed by لعل pertains sometimes to the speaker and sometimes to the person spoken of and sometimes to the addressee. In the verse under comment it expresses hope on the part of Moses and Aaron meaning that they should preach the Divine Message to Pharaoh hoping that he might accept it. When used about God it signifies certainty. See also 2:22 & 11:13.
Commentary:
The verse teaches a two-fold lesson to religious teachers and preachers. A religious teacher must use gentle language when preaching his Message. He should also show due respect to those whom God has endowed with worldly honour or whom He has placed in the seat of authority.
1824
The verse teaches a two-fold lesson to a religious teacher or preacher. He should use gentle language when preaching. He should also show due respect to those whom God has endowed with worldly honour or has placed in the seat of authority.
قَالَا رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَن يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَآ أَوْ أَن يَطْغَىٰ
26:13.
26:13.
26:13.
Important Words:
یفرط (commit excess) is derived from فرط which means, he preceded; went before; was or became first or foremost; had priority or precedence. فرط علیه means, he hastened to do him an evil action; he acted hastily and unjustly towards him; he did to him what was hateful or evil; he annoyed him. فرط علیه فی القول means, he exceeded the due bounds or just limits towards him in speech. The expression اننا نخاف ان یفرط علینا means, we fear that he may act hastily and unjustly towards us, or that he may hastily do to us an evil action or that he may hasten to punish us. أفرط علیه means, he acted insolently towards him. أفرط علی الرجل means, he burdened the man with what he could not bear (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Moses and Aaron are represented here as saying that Pharaoh might do them some harm or that he might exceed proper bounds in his talk about God i.e. might use derogatory language about God.
h
26:13.
a
26:13.
2267
Important Words:
یفرط (commit excess) is derived from فرط which means, he preceded; went before; was or became first or foremost; had priority or precedence. فرط علیه means, he hastened to do him an evil action; he acted hastily and unjustly towards him; he did to him what was hateful or evil; he annoyed him. فرط علیه فی القول means, he exceeded the due bounds or just limits towards him in speech. The expression اننا نخاف ان یفرط علینا means, we fear that he may act hastily and unjustly towards us, or that he may hastily do to us an evil action or that he may hasten to punish us. أفرط علیه means, he acted insolently towards him. أفرط علی الرجل means, he burdened the man with what he could not bear (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Moses and Aaron are represented here as saying that Pharaoh might do them some harm or that he might exceed proper bounds in his talk about God i.e. might use derogatory language about God.
f
26:13.
قَالَ لَا تَخَافَآ ۖ إِنَّنِى مَعَكُمَآ أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ
Commentary:
The verse means: When in distress you will call Me, I will hear your prayer and help you and when there will be a possibility of your being overtaken unawares I will look after you and protect you.
2268
Commentary:
The verse means: When in distress you will call Me, I will hear your prayer and help you and when there will be a possibility of your being overtaken unawares I will look after you and protect you.
فَأْتِيَاهُ فَقُولَآ إِنَّا رَسُولَا رَبِّكَ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ وَلَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْ ۖ قَدْ جِئْنَٰكَ بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ ۖ وَٱلسَّلَٰمُ عَلَىٰ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ
Commentary:
"A Great Sign" in this verse may be taken as referring to the whole teaching or message of Moses because he had already shown two Signs to Pharaoh—the Sign of the rod and of the white hand, and not one. The word الھدی i.e. "guidance" also seems to support the above significance of "a Sign." Thus آیة signifies the whole teaching of Moses and not a particular part of it or one or two of his miracles. Or the word may refer to the promise of peace and security which God had given to Moses and of Divine punishment with which Pharaoh had been threatened.
2269
Commentary:
"A Great Sign" in this verse may be taken as referring to the whole teaching or message of Moses because he had already shown two Signs to Pharaoh—the Sign of the rod and of the white hand, and not one. The word الھدی i.e. "guidance" also seems to support the above significance of "a Sign." Thus آیة signifies the whole teaching of Moses and not a particular part of it or one or two of his miracles. Or the word may refer to the promise of peace and security which God had given to Moses and of Divine punishment with which Pharaoh had been threatened.
إِنَّا قَدْ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْنَآ أَنَّ ٱلْعَذَابَ عَلَىٰ مَن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ
قَالَ فَمَن رَّبُّكُمَا يَٰمُوسَىٰ
26:24.
26:24.
26:24.
a
26:24.
a
26:24.
a
26:24.
قَالَ رَبُّنَا ٱلَّذِىٓ أَعْطَىٰ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلْقَهُۥ ثُمَّ هَدَىٰ
81:3, 4.
81:3, 4.
The verse means that there exists perfect order in the world and that God has endowed everything with properties which are best suited to its particular requirements and needs, and by making proper use of which it can attain its fullest development.
87:3-4.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that there exists a perfect order in the world and that God has endowed everything with the qualities and attributes which are best suited to its particular requirements and needs and by making proper use of which it can attain to its fullest development.
Pharaoh seems to be a polytheistic philosopher. Here Moses has drawn his attention to the Oneness and Unity of God.
b
81:3, 4.
b
87:3-4.
2270
Commentary:
The verse means to say that there exists a perfect order in the world and that God has endowed everything with the qualities and attributes which are best suited to its particular requirements and needs and by making proper use of which it can attain to its fullest development.
Pharaoh seems to be a polytheistic philosopher. Here Moses has drawn his attention to the Oneness and Unity of God.
b
81:3, 4.
1825
The verse means that there exists perfect order in the world and that God has endowed everything with properties which are best suited to its particular requirements and needs, and by making proper use of which it can attain its fullest development.
قَالَ فَمَا بَالُ ٱلْقُرُونِ ٱلْأُولَىٰ
Moses’s reply to Pharaoh’s query contained in the previous verse seemed to have entirely confounded the latter, so he adroitly turned away from the subject which he himself had started and put Moses a new question, asking him whether his God knew anything about the former generations who were dead and gone, meaning how they would fare when they had not had the benefit of receiving guidance from him (Moses). Thus in a subtle manner Pharaoh sought to incite his people against Moses by making an oblique hint that he (Moses) had insinuated that their forefathers were bereft of heavenly guidance and, therefore, were deserving of Divine punishment.
Commentary:
Moses’s reply to Pharaoh’s query contained in the previous verse seemed to have entirely confounded him (Pharaoh), so he adroitly turned away from the subject which he himself started and presented Moses with a new question. He asked Moses whether his God knew anything about the former generations who were dead and gone, meaning how they would fare when they had not had the benefit of receiving guidance from him (Moses). Thus, in a subtle manner Pharaoh sought to incite his people against Moses by making an oblique hint that he (Moses) regarded their forefathers as bereft of heavenly guidance and therefore deserving of Divine punishment.
2271
Commentary:
Moses’s reply to Pharaoh’s query contained in the previous verse seemed to have entirely confounded him (Pharaoh), so he adroitly turned away from the subject which he himself started and presented Moses with a new question. He asked Moses whether his God knew anything about the former generations who were dead and gone, meaning how they would fare when they had not had the benefit of receiving guidance from him (Moses). Thus, in a subtle manner Pharaoh sought to incite his people against Moses by making an oblique hint that he (Moses) regarded their forefathers as bereft of heavenly guidance and therefore deserving of Divine punishment.
1826
Moses’s reply to Pharaoh’s query contained in the previous verse seemed to have entirely confounded the latter, so he adroitly turned away from the subject which he himself had started and put Moses a new question, asking him whether his God knew anything about the former generations who were dead and gone, meaning how they would fare when they had not had the benefit of receiving guidance from him (Moses). Thus in a subtle manner Pharaoh sought to incite his people against Moses by making an oblique hint that he (Moses) had insinuated that their forefathers were bereft of heavenly guidance and, therefore, were deserving of Divine punishment.
قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّى فِى كِتَٰبٍ ۖ لَّا يَضِلُّ رَبِّى وَلَا يَنسَى
19:65.
19:65.
Moses gives a crushing reply to Pharaoh’s evasive tactics. He tells Pharaoh that he should not bother about the former generations. God knew all about them and every detail concerning them was well-preserved in His knowledge and on the Day of Resurrection He would requite them all according to their deeds and actions, taking into consideration their particular conditions and circumstances.
19:65.
Commentary:
Moses gives a crushing reply to Pharaoh’s evasive tactics. He tells Pharaoh that he should not bother about the former generations. His God knew all about them and every detail concerning them was well preserved in His knowledge and on the Day of Resurrection He would requite them all according to their deeds and actions, taking into consideration their particular conditions and circumstances.
c
19:65.
a
19:65.
2272
Commentary:
Moses gives a crushing reply to Pharaoh’s evasive tactics. He tells Pharaoh that he should not bother about the former generations. His God knew all about them and every detail concerning them was well preserved in His knowledge and on the Day of Resurrection He would requite them all according to their deeds and actions, taking into consideration their particular conditions and circumstances.
a
19:65.
1827
Moses gives a crushing reply to Pharaoh’s evasive tactics. He tells Pharaoh that he should not bother about the former generations. God knew all about them and every detail concerning them was well-preserved in His knowledge and on the Day of Resurrection He would requite them all according to their deeds and actions, taking into consideration their particular conditions and circumstances.
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ مَهْدًا وَسَلَكَ لَكُمْ فِيهَا سُبُلًا وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦٓ أَزْوَٰجًا مِّن نَّبَاتٍ شَتَّىٰ
43:11.
43:11.
43:11.
Commentary:
The word ازواجاً (in pairs) points to a profound scientific truth which has only recently been discovered, viz. that there are pairs in the vegetable world as there are pairs in the animal world. Long before this scientific truth was discovered the Quran had stated it. It has further stated that all objects have been created in pairs (51:50). Science seems to be moving in the direction pointed by the Quran. Its discoveries in organic and inorganic matter have been increasingly supporting and substantiating the truth enunciated by the Quran centuries ago.
The verse under comment continues the argument begun in the previous verse, viz. that just as physical rain gives life to plants and vegetation, similarly water of Divine revelation is indispensable for the spiritual life of man.
d
43:11.
b
43:11.
2273
Commentary:
The word ازواجاً (in pairs) points to a profound scientific truth which has only recently been discovered, viz. that there are pairs in the vegetable world as there are pairs in the animal world. Long before this scientific truth was discovered the Quran had stated it. It has further stated that all objects have been created in pairs (51:50). Science seems to be moving in the direction pointed by the Quran. Its discoveries in organic and inorganic matter have been increasingly supporting and substantiating the truth enunciated by the Quran centuries ago.
The verse under comment continues the argument begun in the previous verse, viz. that just as physical rain gives life to plants and vegetation, similarly water of Divine revelation is indispensable for the spiritual life of man.
b
43:11.
كُلُوا۟ وَٱرْعَوْا۟ أَنْعَٰمَكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلنُّهَىٰ
10:25; 25:50; 32:28.
10:25; 25:50; 32:28.
10:25; 25:50; 32:28.
Important Words:
النھی (reason) is derived from نھی (naha). They say نھاہ عن کذا i.e. he forbade him to do such a thing. نھی (nuha) is the plural of نھیة (nuhyatun) which means, reason. It is so called because reason restrains a man from doing what is bad and from all that which is contrary to reason and common sense (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The truths narrated in the previous verse constitute "Signs" or proofs of the existence of God. They also prove the need of Divine revelation, because they show that if God has made so much provision for the physical needs of man, He must have made similar provision for his spiritual needs also.
e
10:25; 25:50; 32:28.
a
10:25; 25:50; 32:28.
2274
Important Words:
النھی (reason) is derived from نھی (naha). They say نھاہ عن کذا i.e. he forbade him to do such a thing. نھی (nuha) is the plural of نھیة (nuhyatun) which means, reason. It is so called because reason restrains a man from doing what is bad and from all that which is contrary to reason and common sense (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The truths narrated in the previous verse constitute "Signs" or proofs of the existence of God. They also prove the need of Divine revelation, because they show that if God has made so much provision for the physical needs of man, He must have made similar provision for his spiritual needs also.
c
10:25; 25:50; 32:28.
۞ مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ
7:26; 71:18, 19.
7:26; 71:18, 19.
7:26; 71:18-19.
Commentary:
The words, into it shall We cause you to return, give rise to a natural question, viz. where does human soul go after man dies and his body decays and is completely dissolved? The answer to this question as given by the Quran is that the human soul acquires a new body after its departure from its physical habitat and also an abode according to the nature of the deeds which man may have done during his life on earth. Man’s real sepulchre is the place to which God consigns his soul after death according to his works in this life. It is not the pit in which his dead body is placed. It is an abode of happiness or misery according to his spiritual condition.
The sentence, And from this earth shall We bring you forth once more, points to the supreme truth that man’s life does not end with the extinction and dissolution of his physical body, as it is pregnant with too big an import to end with the latter’s decay and death. If life had no great purpose God would not have created it, and after having created it He would not have made it subject to death unless there had been an afterlife. So if death were the end of all life, then the creation of man would have been "a mere sport and pastime" and this would have constituted a great reflection on the wisdom of God. The fact that God, the Source of all wisdom and intelligence, has done all this shows that He has not created man to return to dust after a life of merely 60 or 70 years but, on the contrary, He has created him for a better, fuller and everlasting life which he must live after he has shed the encumbrances of his physical tabernacle.
The verse also embodies a refutation of the religious beliefs of Pharaoh’s people who worshipped the stars.
a
7:26; 71:18, 19.
b
7:26; 71:18-19.
2275
Commentary:
The words, into it shall We cause you to return, give rise to a natural question, viz. where does human soul go after man dies and his body decays and is completely dissolved? The answer to this question as given by the Quran is that the human soul acquires a new body after its departure from its physical habitat and also an abode according to the nature of the deeds which man may have done during his life on earth. Man’s real sepulchre is the place to which God consigns his soul after death according to his works in this life. It is not the pit in which his dead body is placed. It is an abode of happiness or misery according to his spiritual condition.
The sentence, And from this earth shall We bring you forth once more, points to the supreme truth that man’s life does not end with the extinction and dissolution of his physical body, as it is pregnant with too big an import to end with the latter’s decay and death. If life had no great purpose God would not have created it, and after having created it He would not have made it subject to death unless there had been an afterlife. So if death were the end of all life, then the creation of man would have been "a mere sport and pastime" and this would have constituted a great reflection on the wisdom of God. The fact that God, the Source of all wisdom and intelligence, has done all this shows that He has not created man to return to dust after a life of merely 60 or 70 years but, on the contrary, He has created him for a better, fuller and everlasting life which he must live after he has shed the encumbrances of his physical tabernacle.
The verse also embodies a refutation of the religious beliefs of Pharaoh’s people who worshipped the stars.
d
7:26; 71:18, 19.
وَلَقَدْ أَرَيْنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا كُلَّهَا فَكَذَّبَ وَأَبَىٰ
27:13-15; 43:48, 49; 79:21, 22.
27:13-15; 43:48, 49; 79:21, 22.
27:13-15; 43:48-49; 79:21-22.
Commentary:
The word أبی besides the meaning given in the text also means, he hated or disliked. According to this meaning the verse shows that Pharaoh not only rejected the Divine signs but also held them up to scorn and looked down upon them with contempt and disdain.
b
27:13-15; 43:48, 49; 79:21, 22.
a
27:13-15; 43:48-49; 79:21-22.
2276
Commentary:
The word أبی besides the meaning given in the text also means, he hated or disliked. According to this meaning the verse shows that Pharaoh not only rejected the Divine signs but also held them up to scorn and looked down upon them with contempt and disdain.
a
27:13-15; 43:48, 49; 79:21, 22.
قَالَ أَجِئْتَنَا لِتُخْرِجَنَا مِنْ أَرْضِنَا بِسِحْرِكَ يَٰمُوسَىٰ
26:36.
26:36.
Commentary:
This verse seems to refer to an insidious device of Pharaoh. He told his people that Moses who was a foreigner in Egypt was seeking to turn the ruling dynasty out of Egypt by his clever manoeuvres. He accused Moses of rebellion and revolt against the constituted authority and of aspiring to the leadership of the Egyptians. Thus apprehending in the rise of Moses a threat to his own power and prestige he sought to incite his people against him and thus turn his personal enmity against him into national hatred.
In this verse Pharaoh leaves out Aaron and addresses only Moses. He seems to have regarded Aaron as too insignificant to be considered worthy of notice.
c
26:36.
b
26:36.
2277
Commentary:
This verse seems to refer to an insidious device of Pharaoh. He told his people that Moses who was a foreigner in Egypt was seeking to turn the ruling dynasty out of Egypt by his clever manoeuvres. He accused Moses of rebellion and revolt against the constituted authority and of aspiring to the leadership of the Egyptians. Thus apprehending in the rise of Moses a threat to his own power and prestige he sought to incite his people against him and thus turn his personal enmity against him into national hatred.
In this verse Pharaoh leaves out Aaron and addresses only Moses. He seems to have regarded Aaron as too insignificant to be considered worthy of notice.
b
26:36.
1828
This verse seems to refer to an insidious device of Pharaoh. He told his people that Moses who was a foreigner in Egypt was seeking to turn the ruling dynasty out of Egypt by his clever manoeuvres.
فَلَنَأْتِيَنَّكَ بِسِحْرٍ مِّثْلِهِۦ فَٱجْعَلْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَّا نُخْلِفُهُۥ نَحْنُ وَلَآ أَنتَ مَكَانًا سُوًى
7:112, 113; 26:37.
7:112, 113; 26:37.
7:112, 113; 26:37-40.
Important Words:
سوی (equal) is derived from سوی (saviya). They say سوی الرجل i.e. the affair of the man became established. ساواہ means, it was or became equal to it and like it in measure, extent, size, quantity or amount and in value, etc. سوی (siwan) or سوی(suwan) means, equal; or equal in respect of its two extremities; uniform or even; equidistant or midway between two parties or two places; مکاناً سوی also means, a marked place (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:109 and 19:11.
The verse shows that Pharaoh possessed some sense of fairness. He seems to act with justice and impartiality in regard to the controversy that was to take place between Moses and the magicians.
d
7:112, 113; 26:37.
c
7:112, 113; 26:37-40.
2278
Important Words:
سوی (equal) is derived from سوی (saviya). They say سوی الرجل i.e. the affair of the man became established. ساواہ means, it was or became equal to it and like it in measure, extent, size, quantity or amount and in value, etc. سوی (siwan) or سوی(suwan) means, equal; or equal in respect of its two extremities; uniform or even; equidistant or midway between two parties or two places; مکاناً سوی also means, a marked place (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:109 and 19:11.
The verse shows that Pharaoh possessed some sense of fairness. He seems to act with justice and impartiality in regard to the controversy that was to take place between Moses and the magicians.
c
7:112, 113; 26:37.
قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ ٱلزِّينَةِ وَأَن يُحْشَرَ ٱلنَّاسُ ضُحًى
26:39.
26:39.
There seems a curious analogy here between Moses and the Holy Prophet, viz. that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of Duha, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as conqueror at the time of Duha which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
26:39.
Commentary:
It seems a curious analogy that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of ضحی, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as a conqueror at the time of ضحی which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
The day of festival seemed to be the holy day of the people of Pharaoh when they were expected to assemble in large numbers and to behave with unusual dignity and decorum.
e
26:39.
a
26:39.
2279
Commentary:
It seems a curious analogy that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of ضحی, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as a conqueror at the time of ضحی which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
The day of festival seemed to be the holy day of the people of Pharaoh when they were expected to assemble in large numbers and to behave with unusual dignity and decorum.
d
26:39.
1829
There seems a curious analogy here between Moses and the Holy Prophet, viz. that whereas the contest between Moses and the magicians in which they were fully and finally routed took place at the time of Duha, the Holy Prophet also entered Mecca as conqueror at the time of Duha which marked the final defeat of disbelief and idolatry in Arabia.
فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ فَجَمَعَ كَيْدَهُۥ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ
The expression. Jama‘a Kaida-hu, besides the meaning given in the text may also mean: He mustered all his designs; he contrived all sorts of plans; he did all that he could do.
Commentary:
The expression جمع کیدہ besides the meaning given in the text may also mean: He mustered all his designs; he contrived all sorts of plans; he did all that he could do.
2280
Commentary:
The expression جمع کیدہ besides the meaning given in the text may also mean: He mustered all his designs; he contrived all sorts of plans; he did all that he could do.
1830
The expression. Jama‘a Kaida-hu, besides the meaning given in the text may also mean: He mustered all his designs; he contrived all sorts of plans; he did all that he could do.
قَالَ لَهُم مُّوسَىٰ وَيْلَكُمْ لَا تَفْتَرُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا فَيُسْحِتَكُم بِعَذَابٍ ۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ
The verse lays down an infallible criterion to test the truth of a claimant to Divine revelation, viz. that a forger of lies against God, though he may appear to progress and prosper for a short while, ultimately perishes and comes to a miserable and ignoble end. This is a truth writ large on the pages of all religious history.
Important Words:
فیسحتکم (destroy you utterly) is derived from سحت which means, he earned unlawful money.سحته او أسحته means, he destroyed him or it; exterminated him or it; he corrupted it. سحت رأسه means, he shaved his head so as to remove the hair utterly. ماله سحت means, his property may be taken and destroyed with impunity; دمه سحت means, his blood may be shed with impunity (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:43.
Commentary:
The verse lays down an infallible criterion to test the truth of a claimant to Divine revelation, viz. that a forger of lies against God, though he may appear to progress and prosper for a while, ultimately perishes and comes to a miserable and ignoble end. This is a truth writ large on the pages of all religious history.
2281
Important Words:
فیسحتکم (destroy you utterly) is derived from سحت which means, he earned unlawful money.سحته او أسحته means, he destroyed him or it; exterminated him or it; he corrupted it. سحت رأسه means, he shaved his head so as to remove the hair utterly. ماله سحت means, his property may be taken and destroyed with impunity; دمه سحت means, his blood may be shed with impunity (Lane & Aqrab). See also 5:43.
Commentary:
The verse lays down an infallible criterion to test the truth of a claimant to Divine revelation, viz. that a forger of lies against God, though he may appear to progress and prosper for a while, ultimately perishes and comes to a miserable and ignoble end. This is a truth writ large on the pages of all religious history.
1831
The verse lays down an infallible criterion to test the truth of a claimant to Divine revelation, viz. that a forger of lies against God, though he may appear to progress and prosper for a short while, ultimately perishes and comes to a miserable and ignoble end. This is a truth writ large on the pages of all religious history.
فَتَنَٰزَعُوٓا۟ أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ وَأَسَرُّوا۟ ٱلنَّجْوَىٰ
Commentary:
This verse shows that the warning which Moses held out to the magicians in the words, forge not a lie against Allah, had had its effect on them with the result that some of them seemed to have wavered and vacillated. The words, they argued their affair among themselves, indicate that disagreement arose between them whether or not they should oppose Moses. Therefore in order to come to a final decision whether they should enter the lists against him or should withdraw, they held a secret consultation.
2282
Commentary:
This verse shows that the warning which Moses held out to the magicians in the words, forge not a lie against Allah, had had its effect on them with the result that some of them seemed to have wavered and vacillated. The words, they argued their affair among themselves, indicate that disagreement arose between them whether or not they should oppose Moses. Therefore in order to come to a final decision whether they should enter the lists against him or should withdraw, they held a secret consultation.
قَالُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَٰنِ لَسَٰحِرَٰنِ يُرِيدَانِ أَن يُخْرِجَاكُم مِّنْ أَرْضِكُم بِسِحْرِهِمَا وَيَذْهَبَا بِطَرِيقَتِكُمُ ٱلْمُثْلَىٰ
7:110-111; 26:35, 36.
7:110-111; 26:35-36.
Important Words:
طریقتکم (your traditions) is derived from طرق. They say طرق الطریق i.e. he travelled or beat the road. طرق الباب means, he knocked at the door. طریقة means, a way, course, rule, habit, custom or tradition, manner or mode; path, road. طریقة القوم means, the best, the most excellent, the eminent or noble person among the community (Lane & Aqrab).
المثلی (best) is the feminine of أمثل which is derived from مثل. They say مثل فلان فلاناً i.e. he became like such a one. أمثل(amthalo) or مثلی means, coming nearest to the model, i.e. the best. امثال القوم means, the best and the noblest persons in the community. They say المریض الیوم أمثل i.e. the patient today is in the best of health (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 13:7.
Commentary:
The reference in the words, "they said," is to the members of Pharaoh’s party. It is they who spoke these words to incite the reluctant magicians to take the field against Moses. They brought two charges against Moses and Aaron. First, that Moses and Aaron sought to turn them out of their country by deceitful means; secondly that they intended to destroy their religion and the sacred traditions which they (people of Pharaoh) had inherited from their forefathers.
a
7:110-111; 26:35, 36.
a
7:110-111; 26:35-36.
2283
Important Words:
طریقتکم (your traditions) is derived from طرق. They say طرق الطریق i.e. he travelled or beat the road. طرق الباب means, he knocked at the door. طریقة means, a way, course, rule, habit, custom or tradition, manner or mode; path, road. طریقة القوم means, the best, the most excellent, the eminent or noble person among the community (Lane & Aqrab).
المثلی (best) is the feminine of أمثل which is derived from مثل. They say مثل فلان فلاناً i.e. he became like such a one. أمثل(amthalo) or مثلی means, coming nearest to the model, i.e. the best. امثال القوم means, the best and the noblest persons in the community. They say المریض الیوم أمثل i.e. the patient today is in the best of health (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 13:7.
Commentary:
The reference in the words, "they said," is to the members of Pharaoh’s party. It is they who spoke these words to incite the reluctant magicians to take the field against Moses. They brought two charges against Moses and Aaron. First, that Moses and Aaron sought to turn them out of their country by deceitful means; secondly that they intended to destroy their religion and the sacred traditions which they (people of Pharaoh) had inherited from their forefathers.
a
7:110-111; 26:35, 36.
1831A
Tariqah means, way of life; ideal; institution, tradition (Lane).
فَأَجْمِعُوا۟ كَيْدَكُمْ ثُمَّ ٱئْتُوا۟ صَفًّا ۚ وَقَدْ أَفْلَحَ ٱلْيَوْمَ مَنِ ٱسْتَعْلَىٰ
Important Words:
کید (plan) means, a plan, a wile, an artifice, artful contrivance; device; a plot; a stratagem, art; cunning, ingenuity or skill (Lane).
Commentary:
The magicians were told that they could use any device, artifice or wile to defeat Moses. This implied a confession that with Pharaoh and his people the end justified the means.
In the verse an appeal has also been made to the magicians’ self-interest. They are told that if they were successful against Moses, it would be all to their good.
2284
Important Words:
کید (plan) means, a plan, a wile, an artifice, artful contrivance; device; a plot; a stratagem, art; cunning, ingenuity or skill (Lane).
Commentary:
The magicians were told that they could use any device, artifice or wile to defeat Moses. This implied a confession that with Pharaoh and his people the end justified the means.
In the verse an appeal has also been made to the magicians’ self-interest. They are told that if they were successful against Moses, it would be all to their good.
قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِمَّآ أَن تُلْقِىَ وَإِمَّآ أَن نَّكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَلْقَىٰ
7:116.
7:116.
7:116.
Commentary:
The words of the verse show that the magicians had behaved respectfully towards Moses and it is this respectful attitude of theirs which, perhaps, was mainly instrumental in enabling them to see the truth and accept it.
b
7:116.
a
7:116.
2285
Commentary:
The words of the verse show that the magicians had behaved respectfully towards Moses and it is this respectful attitude of theirs which, perhaps, was mainly instrumental in enabling them to see the truth and accept it.
b
7:116.
قَالَ بَلْ أَلْقُوا۟ ۖ فَإِذَا حِبَالُهُمْ وَعِصِيُّهُمْ يُخَيَّلُ إِلَيْهِ مِن سِحْرِهِمْ أَنَّهَا تَسْعَىٰ
7:117; 26:44.
7:117.
God’s Prophets never take the offensive. They wait till they are attacked and then they defend themselves.
The cords and staves of the magicians appeared to Moses only as though they ran about. Actually they did nothing of the kind. The forces of evil at first appear to carry the day for a short while, but they soon come to grief.
7:117; 26:44.
7:117.
Important Words:
عصیھم (their staves). عصی is the plural of عصا which means: (1) a piece of wood on which one reclines, a stick, a stave; a party; the tongue (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words "Nay, cast ye", show that the Prophets of God never take the offensive. They wait till they are attacked and then they defend themselves.
The expression یخیل الیه (appeared to him) clearly indicates that the cords and staves of the magicians only appeared to Moses as though they ran about. Actually they did nothing of the kind. The forces of evil at first appear to carry the day for a short while but they soon come to grief and suffer defeat and destruction.
c
7:117; 26:44.
d
7:117.
b
7:117; 26:44.
c
7:117.
2286
Important Words:
عصیھم (their staves). عصی is the plural of عصا which means: (1) a piece of wood on which one reclines, a stick, a stave; a party; the tongue (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words "Nay, cast ye", show that the Prophets of God never take the offensive. They wait till they are attacked and then they defend themselves.
The expression یخیل الیه (appeared to him) clearly indicates that the cords and staves of the magicians only appeared to Moses as though they ran about. Actually they did nothing of the kind. The forces of evil at first appear to carry the day for a short while but they soon come to grief and suffer defeat and destruction.
c
7:117; 26:44.
d
7:117.
1832
God’s Prophets never take the offensive. They wait till they are attacked and then they defend themselves.
1833
The cords and staves of the magicians appeared to Moses only as though they ran about. Actually they did nothing of the kind. The forces of evil at first appear to carry the day for a short while, but they soon come to grief.
فَأَوْجَسَ فِى نَفْسِهِۦ خِيفَةً مُّوسَىٰ
Moses was not afraid of the cords and staves of the magicians. The Prophets of God stand on a rock of certainty and are never afraid of anything. Moses only feared lest the people should be led astray by the antics of the magicians.
Important Words:
أوجس (conceived) is derived from وجس which means, he was frightened at some sound or other thing that fell into his mind or ear. وجس الشیء means, the thing was unperceived or hardly perceived by the eye or ear; was hidden or concealed. أوجس means, he conceived a thing in his mind. The Quranic expression أوجس فی نفسه خیفة means, and he conceived in his mind a fear or he perceived or felt and conceived in his mind a fear (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
When Moses saw the trick of the magicians he feared lest the people might be deceived thereby and be led astray. He was not afraid of the cords and staves of the magicians. The Prophets of God stand on a rock of certainty. Their belief and their trust in God is invincible. Nothing can shake their belief nor are they afraid of anything. Moses only feared that the people might not be led astray by the antics of the magicians.
2287
Important Words:
أوجس (conceived) is derived from وجس which means, he was frightened at some sound or other thing that fell into his mind or ear. وجس الشیء means, the thing was unperceived or hardly perceived by the eye or ear; was hidden or concealed. أوجس means, he conceived a thing in his mind. The Quranic expression أوجس فی نفسه خیفة means, and he conceived in his mind a fear or he perceived or felt and conceived in his mind a fear (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
When Moses saw the trick of the magicians he feared lest the people might be deceived thereby and be led astray. He was not afraid of the cords and staves of the magicians. The Prophets of God stand on a rock of certainty. Their belief and their trust in God is invincible. Nothing can shake their belief nor are they afraid of anything. Moses only feared that the people might not be led astray by the antics of the magicians.
1834
Moses was not afraid of the cords and staves of the magicians. The Prophets of God stand on a rock of certainty and are never afraid of anything. Moses only feared lest the people should be led astray by the antics of the magicians.
قُلْنَا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ
Commentary:
In this verse God comforts Moses that the magicians would not succeed in leading people astray and that he will have the upper hand.
2288
Commentary:
In this verse God comforts Moses that the magicians would not succeed in leading people astray and that he will have the upper hand.
وَأَلْقِ مَا فِى يَمِينِكَ تَلْقَفْ مَا صَنَعُوٓا۟ ۖ إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا۟ كَيْدُ سَٰحِرٍ ۖ وَلَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلسَّاحِرُ حَيْثُ أَتَىٰ
7:118; 26:46.
7:118; 26:46.
The verse makes it clear that it was the rod of Moses and not anything else which "swallowed" that which the sorcerers had wrought, and which undid their sorcery. The rod of Moses wielded with the spiritual force of a great Divine Prophet and thrown at the command of Almighty God exposed the deception that the sorcerers had wrought on the spectators by their tricks. Elsewhere in the Qur’an, the staves and cords of the sorcerers have been described as their lies (7:118).
Atash-Shai’a means, he did the thing (Lane).
7:118; 26:46.
Important Words:
تلقف (swallow) is derived from لقف (laqifa). They say لقف الشیء: he hastily took the thing. لقف الطعام (laqqafa) means, he swallowed up the food (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse makes it clear that it was the rod of Moses and not anything else which "swallowed" that which the magicians had wrought, and which undid their magic. The rod of Moses wielded with the spiritual force of a great Prophet and thrown at the command of Almighty God exposed the deception that the magicians had wrought on the spectators by their magic. Elsewhere in the Quran the staves and cords of the magicians have been described as their lies (7:118).
e
7:118; 26:46.
a
7:118; 26:46.
2289
Important Words:
تلقف (swallow) is derived from لقف (laqifa). They say لقف الشیء: he hastily took the thing. لقف الطعام (laqqafa) means, he swallowed up the food (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse makes it clear that it was the rod of Moses and not anything else which "swallowed" that which the magicians had wrought, and which undid their magic. The rod of Moses wielded with the spiritual force of a great Prophet and thrown at the command of Almighty God exposed the deception that the magicians had wrought on the spectators by their magic. Elsewhere in the Quran the staves and cords of the magicians have been described as their lies (7:118).
a
7:118; 26:46.
1835
The verse makes it clear that it was the rod of Moses and not anything else which "swallowed" that which the sorcerers had wrought, and which undid their sorcery. The rod of Moses wielded with the spiritual force of a great Divine Prophet and thrown at the command of Almighty God exposed the deception that the sorcerers had wrought on the spectators by their tricks. Elsewhere in the Qur’an, the staves and cords of the sorcerers have been described as their lies (7:118).
1835A
Atash-Shai’a means, he did the thing (Lane).
فَأُلْقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدًا قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَٰرُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ
f
7:121; 26:47.
g
7:122, 123; 26:48, 49.
a
7:121; 26:47.
b
7:122-123; 26:48-49.
2290
Commentary:
The magicians admitted their defeat and became fully convinced of the rightness and righteousness of Moses’ cause.
b
7:121; 26:47.
c
7:122, 123; 26:48, 49.
قَالَ ءَامَنتُمْ لَهُۥ قَبْلَ أَنْ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحْرَ ۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَٰفٍ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ فِى جُذُوعِ ٱلنَّخْلِ وَلَتَعْلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَآ أَشَدُّ عَذَابًا وَأَبْقَىٰ
7:125; 26:50.
7:12; 26:50.
The particle min also means, on account of, or because of and Khilaf means, opposition (Lane).
7:124; 26:50.
7:125; 26:50.
Important Words:
من (on account of) among other things means, because of, on account of, by reason of; as in مما خطیئآ تھم أغرقوا i.e. because of their sins they were drowned (71:26). It also means on, by, etc. (Aqrab).
خلاف (disobedience) and مخالفة are infinitive nouns from خالف. They say خالفه i.e. he disagreed with him, he disobeyed or defied him. خالف بین الشیئین means, he put the things on contrary sides or in contrary directions. خلاف means, disobedience, defiance; the contrary or opposite of a thing; contrary or alternate sides (Aqrab & Lane). من خلاف would therefore mean, on account of disobedience or on alternate sides. من here is used in the sense of عن, which also signifies cause or reason (تعلیل). The Quranic expression إلا عن موعدة وعدھا إیاہ means, on account of a promise he had made (9:144).
Commentary:
The crucifixion was in itself a terrible form of death yet the punishment of cutting off the hands and the feet was added to make it all the more dreadful. Elsewhere in the Quran the expression آمنتم به has been used in this connection. The difference between the two expressions is that whereas آمنتم به simply means, you have believed in him, the expression آمنتم له means, you have believed in him and have accepted his lead and have followed him.
a
7:124; 26:50.
b
7:125; 26:50.
c
7:124; 26:50.
d
7:125; 26:50.
2291
Important Words:
من (on account of) among other things means, because of, on account of, by reason of; as in مما خطیئآ تھم أغرقوا i.e. because of their sins they were drowned (71:26). It also means on, by, etc. (Aqrab).
خلاف (disobedience) and مخالفة are infinitive nouns from خالف. They say خالفه i.e. he disagreed with him, he disobeyed or defied him. خالف بین الشیئین means, he put the things on contrary sides or in contrary directions. خلاف means, disobedience, defiance; the contrary or opposite of a thing; contrary or alternate sides (Aqrab & Lane). من خلاف would therefore mean, on account of disobedience or on alternate sides. من here is used in the sense of عن, which also signifies cause or reason (تعلیل). The Quranic expression إلا عن موعدة وعدھا إیاہ means, on account of a promise he had made (9:144).
Commentary:
The crucifixion was in itself a terrible form of death yet the punishment of cutting off the hands and the feet was added to make it all the more dreadful. Elsewhere in the Quran the expression آمنتم به has been used in this connection. The difference between the two expressions is that whereas آمنتم به simply means, you have believed in him, the expression آمنتم له means, you have believed in him and have accepted his lead and have followed him.
a
7:125; 26:50.
d
7:12; 26:50.
1835B
The particle min also means, on account of, or because of and Khilaf means, opposition (Lane).
قَالُوا۟ لَن نُّؤْثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ وَٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنَا ۖ فَٱقْضِ مَآ أَنتَ قَاضٍ ۖ إِنَّمَا تَقْضِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَآ
26:51.
26:51.
Mark the wonderful change that true faith works in man. The greedy and materialistic sorcerers who only a short while ago were asking for reward from Pharaoh, in the form of money, position or honour (7:114), became quite indifferent even to the most horrible form of death with which he threatened them when they had found and accepted the truth.
26:51.
Commentary:
Mark the wonderful change that true faith works in man. The greedy and materialistic magicians who only a short while ago were asking for reward from Pharaoh, in the form of money, position or honour (7:114), became quite indifferent even to the most horrible form of death with which he threatened them when they found and accepted the truth.
c
26:51.
a
26:51.
2292
Commentary:
Mark the wonderful change that true faith works in man. The greedy and materialistic magicians who only a short while ago were asking for reward from Pharaoh, in the form of money, position or honour (7:114), became quite indifferent even to the most horrible form of death with which he threatened them when they found and accepted the truth.
b
26:51.
1836
Mark the wonderful change that true faith works in man. The greedy and materialistic sorcerers who only a short while ago were asking for reward from Pharaoh, in the form of money, position or honour (7:114), became quite indifferent even to the most horrible form of death with which he threatened them when they had found and accepted the truth.
إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغْفِرَ لَنَا خَطَٰيَٰنَا وَمَآ أَكْرَهْتَنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحْرِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ
7:127; 26:52.
7:127; 26:52.
7:127; 26:52.
d
7:127; 26:52.
b
7:127; 26:52.
c
7:127; 26:52.
إِنَّهُۥ مَن يَأْتِ رَبَّهُۥ مُجْرِمًا فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ جَهَنَّمَ لَا يَمُوتُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَحْيَىٰ
Death delivers man from pain. So the sinners will not die in Hell and will continue to suffer its torment. Neither will they live therein, because real life consists in the enjoyment of Divine love, and they will be deprived of it. Or, the verse may mean that the sinners will be completely deprived of all comfort and happiness and this condition is described here as worse than death.
Commentary:
Death delivers man from pain. So the sinners will not die in Hell and will continue to suffer its torment. Neither will they live therein, because real life consists in the enjoyment of Divine love and they will be deprived of it. Or the verse may mean that the sinners will be completely deprived of all comfort and happiness and this condition is described here as worse than death.
2293
Commentary:
Death delivers man from pain. So the sinners will not die in Hell and will continue to suffer its torment. Neither will they live therein, because real life consists in the enjoyment of Divine love and they will be deprived of it. Or the verse may mean that the sinners will be completely deprived of all comfort and happiness and this condition is described here as worse than death.
1837
Death delivers man from pain. So the sinners will not die in Hell and will continue to suffer its torment. Neither will they live therein, because real life consists in the enjoyment of Divine love, and they will be deprived of it. Or, the verse may mean that the sinners will be completely deprived of all comfort and happiness and this condition is described here as worse than death.
وَمَن يَأْتِهِۦ مُؤْمِنًا قَدْ عَمِلَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلدَّرَجَٰتُ ٱلْعُلَىٰ
4:96, 97; 8:5.
4:96, 97; 8:5.
4:96-97; 8:4-5.
e
4:96, 97; 8:5.
a
4:96-97; 8:4-5.
a
4:96, 97; 8:5.
جَنَّٰتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَآءُ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ
9:72; 18:32; 19:62; 61:13.
9:72; 18:32; 19:62; 61:13.
9:72; 18:32; 19:62; 61:13.
f
9:72; 18:32; 19:62; 61:13.
b
9:72; 18:32; 19:62; 61:13.
b
9:72; 18:32; 19:62; 61:13.
وَلَقَدْ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَسْرِ بِعِبَادِى فَٱضْرِبْ لَهُمْ طَرِيقًا فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ يَبَسًا لَّا تَخَٰفُ دَرَكًا وَلَا تَخْشَىٰ
26:53.
26:64.
Against all unimpeachable historical data, most extraordinary theories have been propounded about the Israelites, viz. (a) they never lived in Egypt; because no reference to them is to be found in the old Egyptian historical records. (b) In the fifth year of the reign of Pharaoh Meneptah (or Merenptah) when Moses is said to have taken the Israelites out of Egypt, some Israelite tribes were actually living in Canaan, therefore the theory that Moses had taken the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan during his reign and that they settled there some fifty years later is all wrong.
The propounders of these strange theories seem to forget that the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt and were a subject race and had lived the miserable life of serfs and slaves under their cruel rulers. How could such people be considered worthy of any notice being taken of them by historians? When even in this 20th century historians cannot find it easy to prepare a well- connected and harmonious narrative about a people from
26:53.
26:64.
Important Words:
لا تخشی (nor wilt thou have fear) is formed from خشیwhich means, he feared or dreaded or feared with reverence, veneration, respect, or awe. We have in the Quran وھم من خشیته مشفقون i.e. they fear their Lord, holding Him in reverence (21:29). خشی منه means, he feared or dreaded what might happen to him from him or it. خشیة is the dread, fear or awe resulting from the knowledge which one possesses about a thing or person. The Quranic expression انما یخشی اللّٰه من عبادہ العلماء(35:29) means, only those of His servants who possess knowledge fear Allah (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat). The reference to the fear mentioned in the words لا تخشی is to the dangers of the sea and other hardships that lay ahead of the Israelites.
Commentary:
The incident mentioned in this verse relates to the time when, under God’s command, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt into Canaan. The Israelites left secretly by night, and when Pharaoh learnt of their flight, he pursued them with his hosts and was drowned in the Red Sea.
In order to appreciate fully the nature and significance of this incident which indeed constituted a great divine sign, it is necessary to read the verse under comment along with other relevant verses such as vv. 2:51, 26:62-64 & 44:25. The Quran says:
And remember the time when We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people while you looked on (2:51).
And when the two hosts came in sight of each other the companions of Moses said, 'We are surely overtaken.'…Then We revealed to Moses, saying, 'Strike the sea with thy rod.' Whereupon it parted and every part was like a huge sandhill (26:62-64). When the Israelites were passing they had the sea on one side and the small lake son the other, which conformably to the natural laws of perspective appeared raised above the level of the land.
And leave the sea at a time when it is motionless. Surely, they are a host which is doomed to be drowned (44:25). i.e. pass through the sea quickly at a time when the tide has receded.
The Bible also refers to this incident in the following verses:
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea…And the Lord said unto Moses, 'Stretch out thine hand over the sea'…And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea and the sea returned to its strength…And the waters returned and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them (Exod. 14:21-28).
The following facts emerge from the above account of this incident as given in the Quran and the Bible;
(a) that Moses was commanded by God to take away the Israelites out of Egypt by night;
(b) that Pharaoh pursued the Israelites with his mighty hosts;
(c) that when the Israelites reached the arm of the Red Sea which lay across their route, they were greatly dismayed because Pharaoh was close behind with his hosts;
(d) that when on seeing Pharaoh’s hosts the Israelites exclaimed in fright that they were overtaken, God commanded Moses to strike the water of the sea with his rod;
(e) that when Moses struck the sea with his rod as the Quran says or stretched out his hand over the sea as the Bible says, it was the time of the ebb-tide and the sea was receding, leaving a dry bed;
(f) that Moses was commanded by God to cross quickly the dry bed to the opposite bank, which he did;
(g) that when the hosts of Pharaoh reached the sea, it was the time of high tide and that in their zeal to overtake the Israelites they took no notice of it and at once jumped into the sea behind them; and
(h) that, as it appears, being heavily equipped with big chariots and other heavy armaments the progress of the army of Pharaoh was greatly retarded so that while they were yet in the midst of the sea, the high tide returned and they were all drowned.
Historians differ as to the exact place from where Moses crossed the Red Sea from Egypt into Canaan. Some are of the view that on his way from the territory of Goshen, which is also called the valley of Al-Tamthilat or Wadi Tumilat and where the capital of the Pharaohs was situated (Enc. Bib. vol. 4, col. 4012, under "Rameses"), Moses passed by the Gulf of Timsah (Enc. Bib., cols. 1438 & 1439). Others think that he went much further to the north and going round Zoan crossed over to Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea (Enc. Bib., col. 1438). But what is most probable is the fact that from Tal Abi Sulaiman which was the capital of the Pharaohs in Moses’ time, the Israelites at first went to north-east to the Gulf of Timsah but finding that a net of gulfs barred their way, they turned south and crossed the Red Sea near the town of Suez where it is hardly more than 2/3 mile wide, and started for Qadas (Enc. Bib., col. 1437).
The following passage from Peake’s "Commentary on the Bible" (p. 64) may also be read with interest:
The Israelites fled with him (Moses) across the Goshen marshes into the Sinaitic Peninsula. The crossing of the "Red Sea" (yam suph, "sea" or "lake of reeds") was probably the crossing of the southern end of a lake a few miles N.W. of what is now called the Red Sea. A wind laid bare a wide stretch of shore, and when an Egyptian force pursued the fugitives, their chariot wheels stuck fast in the wet soil, and the water returned upon them when the wind shifted. Writers differ as to the route taken by the Israelites. Some think that they moved southward to the mountainous range of (the modern) Sinai, and then along the eastern arm of the Red Sea, now known as the Gulf of ‘Akabah, to its northernmost point at Ezion Geber. Others think that the evidence points to the route still taken by Mecca pilgrims, nearly due E. to Ezion Geber, and that thence they moved N.W. to the region of Kadesh (Barnea), to Mt. Sinai or southward along the E. side of the Gulf of ‘Akabah to Mt. Horeb. The traditions differ and certainty is impossible.
There are people who against all canons of history take particular delight in propounding most extraordinary theories that the Israelites never lived in Egypt. Some such theories are:
(a) No reference to the Israelites is to be found in the old Egyptian historical records.
(b) In the fifth year of the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah (or Mereneptah) when Moses is said to have taken the Israelites out of Egypt, some Israelite tribes were actually living in Canaan, therefore the theory of Moses having taken the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan during his reign and their having settled in that country some fifty years later is all wrong.
(c) Though some trace is found of a few tribes having crossed over from Asia into Egypt but there is no proof that these were the Israelite tribes.
The propounders of these strange theories seem to ignore the patent fact that the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt and were a subject race and lived the miserable life of slaves under their cruel rulers. How could such people be considered worthy of any notice being taken of them by historians? Apart from this the fact may also be taken into consideration that when it is not quite possible for historians even in this 20th century to prepare a well-connected and harmonious narrative about a people from the remnants of its ruined civilization, it was much more difficult for historians in the past to reconstruct a consistent record from the fragmentary accounts of a people who lived in the hoary past and who were treated like beasts of burden by their rulers. This is why no reference to the Israelites is to be found in the old historical records of Egypt.
Secondly, the doubtful theory that certain Israelite tribes were found to be living in Canaan in the 5th year of the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah cannot disprove the fact that other Israelite tribes had remained behind in Egypt. Is it not possible that some of these tribes might have left Egypt for Canaan sometime before all of them were taken out of it by Moses. It is very strange that on the one hand these very writers say that Moses is an Egyptian name and that some of the companions of Moses also had Egyptian names, and on the other that the Israelites never went to Egypt. Moreover, the Bible gives a detailed and well-connected story of the Israelites having lived in Egypt. There was no compelling reason for the writers of the Bible to have done so, especially when the Israelites had lived there only as slaves and worse than beasts of burden. No people would feel any urge or pride in forging and falsely inventing such a miserable record of shame and sorrow of themselves. Last but not least, the Biblical details with regard to the customs, culture and mode of life of the Pharaohs of that time is another proof of the fact that the Israelites had lived under them. The Bible had no interest in the Pharaoh dynasty of Egypt apart from their being rulers of the Israelites. Besides, as stated by old Greek historians, the Egyptians themselves admitted that the Israelites had lived in Egypt for a long time and later on had left this country. The present Egypt, however, should not be confused with a territory which in ancient times was also known as Egypt but which formed a part of northern Syria or northern Arabia.
The date of the Exodus has also been much contested and there seems to be considerable difficulty in determining its exact date from the Biblical records alone. Neither the name of the reigning Pharaoh nor the place where he held his court is mentioned; the account given is not contemporary, but has been condensed and annotated by later editors, and fused by them into a general narrative; and the Biblical chronology of the period, though containing trustworthy material, is known to be largely artificial. Apart from the Biblical records any historical information on the subject is meagre. Various theories, however, are held about the Exodus. Some of these are as follows:
1. The view that the Israelites left Egypt with the Hyksos (1580 B.C.) at the beginning of the XVIIIth Dynasty, or shortly afterwards, and lived a nomadic life of about 200 years in the desert previous to entering Canaan. But evidently this view seems to do violence to genuine Hebrew tradition.
2. The theory which dates the Exodus in the XVIIIth Dynasty, but about 1445 B.C. just after the long despotic reign of Thutmose III and during that of his son Amenhotep II (1447-1420 B.C.). This theory too lacks the support of trustworthy historical material and Hebrew tradition.
3. The hypothesis which connects the Exodus with the religion’s revolution attempted by Amenhotep IV, otherwise known as Akhenaten (1383-1366 B.C.) This view would place the Exodus about 1350 or 1345 B.C. This seems to be more plausible than the first two views.
4. But the theory, largely prevalent which receives much support from historical data, archaeological research and Hebrew tradition is that the Exodus occurred in the Nineteenth Dynasty (1328-1202 B.C.), in the reign of Merneptah II or Mereneptah II (1234-1214) and still seems the most probable. It appears to have taken place about 1230 B.C. According to this view the Pharaoh of the oppression would be Rameses II and his successor Merneptah II, the Pharaoh of the Exodus (Peake’s Commentary on the Bible, pp. 119, 955 & 956).
Incidentally, it may be stated here that the striking of the water of the sea with his rod by Moses had no cause and effect connection with the actual parting of the sea. It was merely a sign or a Divine intimation that it was the time of the ebb tide and that the Israelites should hasten to cross. God had so arranged that when Moses reached the sea the tide was about to go back, so that as soon as he struck the sea with his rod in obedience to Divine command, it began to recede and a dry path was made for the Israelites. The striking of the water with his rod by Moses and the recession of the sea coincided. This constituted a miracle because God alone knew when the sea would recede and He had commanded Moses to strike its waters at the time of its recession.
a
26:53.
b
26:64.
c
26:53.
d
26:64.
2293A
Important Words:
لا تخشی (nor wilt thou have fear) is formed from خشیwhich means, he feared or dreaded or feared with reverence, veneration, respect, or awe. We have in the Quran وھم من خشیته مشفقون i.e. they fear their Lord, holding Him in reverence (21:29). خشی منه means, he feared or dreaded what might happen to him from him or it. خشیة is the dread, fear or awe resulting from the knowledge which one possesses about a thing or person. The Quranic expression انما یخشی اللّٰه من عبادہ العلماء(35:29) means, only those of His servants who possess knowledge fear Allah (Lane, Aqrab & Mufradat). The reference to the fear mentioned in the words لا تخشی is to the dangers of the sea and other hardships that lay ahead of the Israelites.
Commentary:
The incident mentioned in this verse relates to the time when, under God’s command, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt into Canaan. The Israelites left secretly by night, and when Pharaoh learnt of their flight, he pursued them with his hosts and was drowned in the Red Sea.
In order to appreciate fully the nature and significance of this incident which indeed constituted a great divine sign, it is necessary to read the verse under comment along with other relevant verses such as vv. 2:51, 26:62-64 & 44:25. The Quran says:
And remember the time when We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people while you looked on (2:51).
And when the two hosts came in sight of each other the companions of Moses said, 'We are surely overtaken.'…Then We revealed to Moses, saying, 'Strike the sea with thy rod.' Whereupon it parted and every part was like a huge sandhill (26:62-64). When the Israelites were passing they had the sea on one side and the small lake son the other, which conformably to the natural laws of perspective appeared raised above the level of the land.
And leave the sea at a time when it is motionless. Surely, they are a host which is doomed to be drowned (44:25). i.e. pass through the sea quickly at a time when the tide has receded.
The Bible also refers to this incident in the following verses:
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea…And the Lord said unto Moses, 'Stretch out thine hand over the sea'…And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea and the sea returned to its strength…And the waters returned and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them (Exod. 14:21-28).
The following facts emerge from the above account of this incident as given in the Quran and the Bible;
(a) that Moses was commanded by God to take away the Israelites out of Egypt by night;
(b) that Pharaoh pursued the Israelites with his mighty hosts;
(c) that when the Israelites reached the arm of the Red Sea which lay across their route, they were greatly dismayed because Pharaoh was close behind with his hosts;
(d) that when on seeing Pharaoh’s hosts the Israelites exclaimed in fright that they were overtaken, God commanded Moses to strike the water of the sea with his rod;
(e) that when Moses struck the sea with his rod as the Quran says or stretched out his hand over the sea as the Bible says, it was the time of the ebb-tide and the sea was receding, leaving a dry bed;
(f) that Moses was commanded by God to cross quickly the dry bed to the opposite bank, which he did;
(g) that when the hosts of Pharaoh reached the sea, it was the time of high tide and that in their zeal to overtake the Israelites they took no notice of it and at once jumped into the sea behind them; and
(h) that, as it appears, being heavily equipped with big chariots and other heavy armaments the progress of the army of Pharaoh was greatly retarded so that while they were yet in the midst of the sea, the high tide returned and they were all drowned.
Historians differ as to the exact place from where Moses crossed the Red Sea from Egypt into Canaan. Some are of the view that on his way from the territory of Goshen, which is also called the valley of Al-Tamthilat or Wadi Tumilat and where the capital of the Pharaohs was situated (Enc. Bib. vol. 4, col. 4012, under "Rameses"), Moses passed by the Gulf of Timsah (Enc. Bib., cols. 1438 & 1439). Others think that he went much further to the north and going round Zoan crossed over to Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea (Enc. Bib., col. 1438). But what is most probable is the fact that from Tal Abi Sulaiman which was the capital of the Pharaohs in Moses’ time, the Israelites at first went to north-east to the Gulf of Timsah but finding that a net of gulfs barred their way, they turned south and crossed the Red Sea near the town of Suez where it is hardly more than 2/3 mile wide, and started for Qadas (Enc. Bib., col. 1437).
The following passage from Peake’s "Commentary on the Bible" (p. 64) may also be read with interest:
The Israelites fled with him (Moses) across the Goshen marshes into the Sinaitic Peninsula. The crossing of the "Red Sea" (yam suph, "sea" or "lake of reeds") was probably the crossing of the southern end of a lake a few miles N.W. of what is now called the Red Sea. A wind laid bare a wide stretch of shore, and when an Egyptian force pursued the fugitives, their chariot wheels stuck fast in the wet soil, and the water returned upon them when the wind shifted. Writers differ as to the route taken by the Israelites. Some think that they moved southward to the mountainous range of (the modern) Sinai, and then along the eastern arm of the Red Sea, now known as the Gulf of ‘Akabah, to its northernmost point at Ezion Geber. Others think that the evidence points to the route still taken by Mecca pilgrims, nearly due E. to Ezion Geber, and that thence they moved N.W. to the region of Kadesh (Barnea), to Mt. Sinai or southward along the E. side of the Gulf of ‘Akabah to Mt. Horeb. The traditions differ and certainty is impossible.
There are people who against all canons of history take particular delight in propounding most extraordinary theories that the Israelites never lived in Egypt. Some such theories are:
(a) No reference to the Israelites is to be found in the old Egyptian historical records.
(b) In the fifth year of the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah (or Mereneptah) when Moses is said to have taken the Israelites out of Egypt, some Israelite tribes were actually living in Canaan, therefore the theory of Moses having taken the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan during his reign and their having settled in that country some fifty years later is all wrong.
(c) Though some trace is found of a few tribes having crossed over from Asia into Egypt but there is no proof that these were the Israelite tribes.
The propounders of these strange theories seem to ignore the patent fact that the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt and were a subject race and lived the miserable life of slaves under their cruel rulers. How could such people be considered worthy of any notice being taken of them by historians? Apart from this the fact may also be taken into consideration that when it is not quite possible for historians even in this 20th century to prepare a well-connected and harmonious narrative about a people from the remnants of its ruined civilization, it was much more difficult for historians in the past to reconstruct a consistent record from the fragmentary accounts of a people who lived in the hoary past and who were treated like beasts of burden by their rulers. This is why no reference to the Israelites is to be found in the old historical records of Egypt.
Secondly, the doubtful theory that certain Israelite tribes were found to be living in Canaan in the 5th year of the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah cannot disprove the fact that other Israelite tribes had remained behind in Egypt. Is it not possible that some of these tribes might have left Egypt for Canaan sometime before all of them were taken out of it by Moses. It is very strange that on the one hand these very writers say that Moses is an Egyptian name and that some of the companions of Moses also had Egyptian names, and on the other that the Israelites never went to Egypt. Moreover, the Bible gives a detailed and well-connected story of the Israelites having lived in Egypt. There was no compelling reason for the writers of the Bible to have done so, especially when the Israelites had lived there only as slaves and worse than beasts of burden. No people would feel any urge or pride in forging and falsely inventing such a miserable record of shame and sorrow of themselves. Last but not least, the Biblical details with regard to the customs, culture and mode of life of the Pharaohs of that time is another proof of the fact that the Israelites had lived under them. The Bible had no interest in the Pharaoh dynasty of Egypt apart from their being rulers of the Israelites. Besides, as stated by old Greek historians, the Egyptians themselves admitted that the Israelites had lived in Egypt for a long time and later on had left this country. The present Egypt, however, should not be confused with a territory which in ancient times was also known as Egypt but which formed a part of northern Syria or northern Arabia.
The date of the Exodus has also been much contested and there seems to be considerable difficulty in determining its exact date from the Biblical records alone. Neither the name of the reigning Pharaoh nor the place where he held his court is mentioned; the account given is not contemporary, but has been condensed and annotated by later editors, and fused by them into a general narrative; and the Biblical chronology of the period, though containing trustworthy material, is known to be largely artificial. Apart from the Biblical records any historical information on the subject is meagre. Various theories, however, are held about the Exodus. Some of these are as follows:
1. The view that the Israelites left Egypt with the Hyksos (1580 B.C.) at the beginning of the XVIIIth Dynasty, or shortly afterwards, and lived a nomadic life of about 200 years in the desert previous to entering Canaan. But evidently this view seems to do violence to genuine Hebrew tradition.
2. The theory which dates the Exodus in the XVIIIth Dynasty, but about 1445 B.C. just after the long despotic reign of Thutmose III and during that of his son Amenhotep II (1447-1420 B.C.). This theory too lacks the support of trustworthy historical material and Hebrew tradition.
3. The hypothesis which connects the Exodus with the religion’s revolution attempted by Amenhotep IV, otherwise known as Akhenaten (1383-1366 B.C.) This view would place the Exodus about 1350 or 1345 B.C. This seems to be more plausible than the first two views.
4. But the theory, largely prevalent which receives much support from historical data, archaeological research and Hebrew tradition is that the Exodus occurred in the Nineteenth Dynasty (1328-1202 B.C.), in the reign of Merneptah II or Mereneptah II (1234-1214) and still seems the most probable. It appears to have taken place about 1230 B.C. According to this view the Pharaoh of the oppression would be Rameses II and his successor Merneptah II, the Pharaoh of the Exodus (Peake’s Commentary on the Bible, pp. 119, 955 & 956).
Incidentally, it may be stated here that the striking of the water of the sea with his rod by Moses had no cause and effect connection with the actual parting of the sea. It was merely a sign or a Divine intimation that it was the time of the ebb tide and that the Israelites should hasten to cross. God had so arranged that when Moses reached the sea the tide was about to go back, so that as soon as he struck the sea with his rod in obedience to Divine command, it began to recede and a dry path was made for the Israelites. The striking of the water with his rod by Moses and the recession of the sea coincided. This constituted a miracle because God alone knew when the sea would recede and He had commanded Moses to strike its waters at the time of its recession.
c
26:53.
d
26:64.
1838
Against all unimpeachable historical data, most extraordinary theories have been propounded about the Israelites, viz. (a) they never lived in Egypt; because no reference to them is to be found in the old Egyptian historical records. (b) In the fifth year of the reign of Pharaoh Meneptah (or Merenptah) when Moses is said to have taken the Israelites out of Egypt, some Israelite tribes were actually living in Canaan, therefore the theory that Moses had taken the Israelites out of Egypt to Canaan during his reign and that they settled there some fifty years later is all wrong.
The propounders of these strange theories seem to forget that the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt and were a subject race and had lived the miserable life of serfs and slaves under their cruel rulers. How could such people be considered worthy of any notice being taken of them by historians? When even in this 20th century historians cannot find it easy to prepare a well- connected and harmonious narrative about a people from
فَأَتْبَعَهُمْ فِرْعَوْنُ بِجُنُودِهِۦ فَغَشِيَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْيَمِّ مَا غَشِيَهُمْ
10:91; 26:61.
10:91; 26:61.
10:91; 26:61.
Important Words:
أتبعھم (pursued them) is derived from تبع. They say تبعه i.e. he followed him. أتبعه means, he followed him and overtook him. أتبعه بھم means, he made him to be followed by them i.e. he made them to follow him. فأتبعھم فرعون بجنودہ means, Pharaoh made his troops to follow them (Lane & Aqrab). See also 10:91.
یم (sea) is substantive-noun from یم (yamma).
The Arabs say یٍم الرجل i.e. the man was thrown into the sea. یم الساحل means, the water of the river overflowed its banks. یم means, the sea; or the sea of unknown or unreached depth; a great body of water. See also 7:137.
c
10:91; 26:61.
a
10:91; 26:61.
2294
Important Words:
أتبعھم (pursued them) is derived from تبع. They say تبعه i.e. he followed him. أتبعه means, he followed him and overtook him. أتبعه بھم means, he made him to be followed by them i.e. he made them to follow him. فأتبعھم فرعون بجنودہ means, Pharaoh made his troops to follow them (Lane & Aqrab). See also 10:91.
یم (sea) is substantive-noun from یم (yamma).
The Arabs say یٍم الرجل i.e. the man was thrown into the sea. یم الساحل means, the water of the river overflowed its banks. یم means, the sea; or the sea of unknown or unreached depth; a great body of water. See also 7:137.
a
10:91; 26:61.
وَأَضَلَّ فِرْعَوْنُ قَوْمَهُۥ وَمَا هَدَىٰ
يَٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ قَدْ أَنجَيْنَٰكُم مِّنْ عَدُوِّكُمْ وَوَٰعَدْنَٰكُمْ جَانِبَ ٱلطُّورِ ٱلْأَيْمَنَ وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَنَّ وَٱلسَّلْوَىٰ
بالمقابل وعدہ یہ تھا کہ بنی اسرائیل اگر تورات کے احکام پر قائم رہیں گے تو خداتعالیٰ ان کو برکت دے گا۔ مگر بنی اسرائیل کے دوسرے حصہ یعنی مسیحیوں نے ان احکام میں سے سبت کو چھوڑ دیا۔ جیسا کہ خود مسیحی علماء کا اقرار ہے یعنی ایک رومی بادشاہ کے کہنے کے مطابق ہفتہ کو جو سبت کا دن تھا۔ بدل کر اتوار کو سبت قرار دے دیا۔ اور یہودنے ان کے بالمقال وعدوں کو اس طرح توڑا کہ اوّل عزرا نبی کو خدا قرار دیا۔ دوم عام آدمی تو الگ رہے۔ باربار محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو جو موعودنبی تھے قتل کرنے کی کوشش کی اور آپ سے پہلے حضرت عیسیٰ علیہ السلام کو قتل کرنے کی کوشش کی۔
19:53; 20:13; 28:31; 79:17.
2:51; 14:7; 44:31, 32.
The Israelites had lived long in bondage under the heartless tyranny of the Pharaohs and consequently had come to lose all those manly qualities that go to make a people hardy, brave and courageous. According to the Divine scheme of things, they were destined to conquer and rule over Canaan. Therefore, after Moses had taken them out of Egypt, they were made to live in the arid and barren region of Sinai in order that they might become used to an open and hard life and thus acquire and develop those qualities which were so essential for a great future that lay in store for them. But having lived in bondage for a long time, they had lost all initiative and had become used to a life of lethargy and lassitude. So when they saw that they would have to live in the wilderness where no amenities of life were to be found and even food was lacking, they were utterly dismayed and fretted and fumed and quarrelled with Moses saying, 'Would to God, we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt when we sat by
2:51; 14:7; 44:31-32.
19:53; 20:13; 28:31; 79:17.
Important Words:
المن (manna). They say من علیه i.e. he bestowed a favour on him. من which is infinitive noun signifies bestowing favour upon a man or doing good to him. المن means, (1) anything which comes to a man without much effort on his part; (2) a favour; (3) honeydew (Aqrab). Dr. Jesenius in his dictionary has also referred to المن as having been fromمن (manna) and means, a favour or bounty. See also 2:58.
السلوی is derived from سلا. They say سلا عن الشیء i.e. he was satiated with the thing. سلوی is (1) a whitish bird resembling a quail; (2) anything which gives a man satisfaction or contentment, (3) honey (Aqrab). See also 2:58.
Commentary:
The Israelites had lived long in bondage under the heartless tyranny of the Pharaohs and consequently had come to lose all those manly qualities that go to make a people hardy, brave and courageous. According to the divine scheme of things they were destined to conquer and rule over Canaan. Therefore after Moses had taken them out of Egypt they were made to live in the arid and barren region of Sinai in order that they might become used to a free and hard life and thus acquire and develop those qualities which were so essential for a great future that lay in store for them. But having lived in bondage for a long time they had lost all initiative and had become used to a life of lethargy and lassitude. So when they saw that they would have to live in the wilderness where no amenities of life were to be found and even food was lacking, they were utterly dismayed and fretted and fumed and quarrelled with Moses saying: "Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger" (Exod. 16:3). God heard the murmurings of the Israelites and commanded Moses to tell those ungrateful people: "At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God" (Exod. 16:12). And how this Divine promise was fulfilled has been described in the Bible as follows:
And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, it is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. (Exod. 16:13-15).
This was the food which in answer to the murmurings of the Israelites God, out of His infinite grace and mercy, bestowed upon them in the wilderness of Sinai and which they were given without much effort or labour on their part, and which was found when stark hunger seemed to stare them in the face, and the fact of its having been found in that place and condition did, indeed, constitute a great miracle. It is to this incident that reference has been made in the verse under comment.
The manna has also been referred to in a saying of the Holy Prophet, viz. الکمأة من المن i.e. the truffle is one of the things included in the manna (Bukhari). In Lane’s Lexicon we have the following explanation for manna under the word ترنجبین (turanjabin): A kind of manna: the manna of the thorny plants called by the Arabs the haj, and hence by European botanists Alhagi; according to Dr. Boyle it is a sweetish juice which exudes from the Alhagi maurorum, crystallizes into small granular masses, and is usually distinguished by the name of Persian manna; a kind of dew that falls mostly in Khurasan and Mawara an-Nahr and in our country, mostly upon the haj; the best thereof is that which is fresh or moist and white (Ibn Sina), the من or manna mentioned in the Quran (p.306).
d
2:51; 14:7; 44:31, 32.
e
19:53; 20:13; 28:31; 79:17.
1
بالمقابل وعدہ یہ تھا کہ بنی اسرائیل اگر تورات کے احکام پر قائم رہیں گے تو خداتعالیٰ ان کو برکت دے گا۔ مگر بنی اسرائیل کے دوسرے حصہ یعنی مسیحیوں نے ان احکام میں سے سبت کو چھوڑ دیا۔ جیسا کہ خود مسیحی علماء کا اقرار ہے یعنی ایک رومی بادشاہ کے کہنے کے مطابق ہفتہ کو جو سبت کا دن تھا۔ بدل کر اتوار کو سبت قرار دے دیا۔ اور یہودنے ان کے بالمقال وعدوں کو اس طرح توڑا کہ اوّل عزرا نبی کو خدا قرار دیا۔ دوم عام آدمی تو الگ رہے۔ باربار محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو جو موعودنبی تھے قتل کرنے کی کوشش کی اور آپ سے پہلے حضرت عیسیٰ علیہ السلام کو قتل کرنے کی کوشش کی۔
a
2:51; 14:7; 44:31-32.
b
19:53; 20:13; 28:31; 79:17.
2295
Important Words:
المن (manna). They say من علیه i.e. he bestowed a favour on him. من which is infinitive noun signifies bestowing favour upon a man or doing good to him. المن means, (1) anything which comes to a man without much effort on his part; (2) a favour; (3) honeydew (Aqrab). Dr. Jesenius in his dictionary has also referred to المن as having been fromمن (manna) and means, a favour or bounty. See also 2:58.
السلوی is derived from سلا. They say سلا عن الشیء i.e. he was satiated with the thing. سلوی is (1) a whitish bird resembling a quail; (2) anything which gives a man satisfaction or contentment, (3) honey (Aqrab). See also 2:58.
Commentary:
The Israelites had lived long in bondage under the heartless tyranny of the Pharaohs and consequently had come to lose all those manly qualities that go to make a people hardy, brave and courageous. According to the divine scheme of things they were destined to conquer and rule over Canaan. Therefore after Moses had taken them out of Egypt they were made to live in the arid and barren region of Sinai in order that they might become used to a free and hard life and thus acquire and develop those qualities which were so essential for a great future that lay in store for them. But having lived in bondage for a long time they had lost all initiative and had become used to a life of lethargy and lassitude. So when they saw that they would have to live in the wilderness where no amenities of life were to be found and even food was lacking, they were utterly dismayed and fretted and fumed and quarrelled with Moses saying: "Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger" (Exod. 16:3). God heard the murmurings of the Israelites and commanded Moses to tell those ungrateful people: "At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God" (Exod. 16:12). And how this Divine promise was fulfilled has been described in the Bible as follows:
And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, it is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. (Exod. 16:13-15).
This was the food which in answer to the murmurings of the Israelites God, out of His infinite grace and mercy, bestowed upon them in the wilderness of Sinai and which they were given without much effort or labour on their part, and which was found when stark hunger seemed to stare them in the face, and the fact of its having been found in that place and condition did, indeed, constitute a great miracle. It is to this incident that reference has been made in the verse under comment.
The manna has also been referred to in a saying of the Holy Prophet, viz. الکمأة من المن i.e. the truffle is one of the things included in the manna (Bukhari). In Lane’s Lexicon we have the following explanation for manna under the word ترنجبین (turanjabin): A kind of manna: the manna of the thorny plants called by the Arabs the haj, and hence by European botanists Alhagi; according to Dr. Boyle it is a sweetish juice which exudes from the Alhagi maurorum, crystallizes into small granular masses, and is usually distinguished by the name of Persian manna; a kind of dew that falls mostly in Khurasan and Mawara an-Nahr and in our country, mostly upon the haj; the best thereof is that which is fresh or moist and white (Ibn Sina), the من or manna mentioned in the Quran (p.306).
a
19:53; 20:13; 28:31; 79:17.
b
2:51; 14:7; 44:31, 32.
1839
The Israelites had lived long in bondage under the heartless tyranny of the Pharaohs and consequently had come to lose all those manly qualities that go to make a people hardy, brave and courageous. According to the Divine scheme of things, they were destined to conquer and rule over Canaan. Therefore, after Moses had taken them out of Egypt, they were made to live in the arid and barren region of Sinai in order that they might become used to an open and hard life and thus acquire and develop those qualities which were so essential for a great future that lay in store for them. But having lived in bondage for a long time, they had lost all initiative and had become used to a life of lethargy and lassitude. So when they saw that they would have to live in the wilderness where no amenities of life were to be found and even food was lacking, they were utterly dismayed and fretted and fumed and quarrelled with Moses saying, 'Would to God, we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt when we sat by
كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَٰكُمْ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا۟ فِيهِ فَيَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبِى ۖ وَمَن يَحْلِلْ عَلَيْهِ غَضَبِى فَقَدْ هَوَىٰ
2:58; 7:161.
2:58; 7:161.
Important Words:
فیحل (lest it descend) is formed from حل. They say حل بالقوم i.e. he alighted or descended and stopped at or in the abode of the people.
حل الدین means, the time of the payment of the debt has ended i.e. its payment has become due.
یحل علیکم غضبی means, lest My wrath befall you; lest it become due to you i.e. lest it overtake you at once (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:169.
ھوی (shall perish). ھویالشیء means, the thing fell from a high to a low place; it rose and descended. According to some الھوی (alhawiyyu) is used for going up and الھوی (alhuwiyyu) for going down. ھوت الام means, the mother died; or may his mother die (Aqrab).
Commentary:
At three places in the Quran the sending down of manna and salwa has been mentioned; viz. in the present verse and in vv. 2:58 and 7:161 and at all these three places the fact has been followed by the injunction, 'Eat of the good things that We have provided for you'. This shows that whereas the food which was provided to the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai was wholesome, palatable and good in taste; it consisted not of one but of several things, من (truffle) and سلوی (quails) forming the major part of them.
The injunction in the words "And transgress not therein" contained a warning to the Israelites that as they had been provided with food in abundance in the wilderness without much labour on their part and purely as an act of God’s grace, they should not misuse this divine gift, the powerful and the influential among them hoarding it for themselves and depriving the poor and the weak of their due share.
f
2:58; 7:161.
a
2:58; 7:161.
2296
Important Words:
فیحل (lest it descend) is formed from حل. They say حل بالقوم i.e. he alighted or descended and stopped at or in the abode of the people.
حل الدین means, the time of the payment of the debt has ended i.e. its payment has become due.
یحل علیکم غضبی means, lest My wrath befall you; lest it become due to you i.e. lest it overtake you at once (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:169.
ھوی (shall perish). ھویالشیء means, the thing fell from a high to a low place; it rose and descended. According to some الھوی (alhawiyyu) is used for going up and الھوی (alhuwiyyu) for going down. ھوت الام means, the mother died; or may his mother die (Aqrab).
Commentary:
At three places in the Quran the sending down of manna and salwa has been mentioned; viz. in the present verse and in vv. 2:58 and 7:161 and at all these three places the fact has been followed by the injunction, 'Eat of the good things that We have provided for you'. This shows that whereas the food which was provided to the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai was wholesome, palatable and good in taste; it consisted not of one but of several things, من (truffle) and سلوی (quails) forming the major part of them.
The injunction in the words "And transgress not therein" contained a warning to the Israelites that as they had been provided with food in abundance in the wilderness without much labour on their part and purely as an act of God’s grace, they should not misuse this divine gift, the powerful and the influential among them hoarding it for themselves and depriving the poor and the weak of their due share.
b
2:58; 7:161.
1840
See {1839}.
وَإِنِّى لَغَفَّارٌ لِّمَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَٰلِحًا ثُمَّ ٱهْتَدَىٰ
3:136; 39:54.
3:136; 39:54.
3:136; 39:54.
Important Words:
اھتدی (stick to guidance) is derived from ھدی. They say ھداہ i.e. he guided him. الھدی which is the infinitive form, is generally used in three different senses: to show the right path; to lead to the right path; and to make one follow the right path. اھتدی means, he sought guidance; he followed guidance and he stuck to guidance (Aqrab, Baqa& Mufradat).
g
3:136; 39:54.
a
3:136; 39:54.
2297
Important Words:
اھتدی (stick to guidance) is derived from ھدی. They say ھداہ i.e. he guided him. الھدی which is the infinitive form, is generally used in three different senses: to show the right path; to lead to the right path; and to make one follow the right path. اھتدی means, he sought guidance; he followed guidance and he stuck to guidance (Aqrab, Baqa& Mufradat).
c
3:136; 39:54.
۞ وَمَآ أَعْجَلَكَ عَن قَوْمِكَ يَٰمُوسَىٰ
قَالَ هُمْ أُو۟لَآءِ عَلَىٰٓ أَثَرِى وَعَجِلْتُ إِلَيْكَ رَبِّ لِتَرْضَىٰ
Important Words:
اثر (footsteps). أثرت الحدیث means, I recited or narrated the story or tradition. آثرہ means, he honoured him. اثر means, a remain or relic of a thing; a trace; sign or mark; a footstep, vestige or track; a footprint, impression or mark made by the foot of a man upon the ground. They say علیه اثر کذا i.e. he or it bears the mark, stamp, character or trace of such a thing (Lane & Aqrab).
2298
Important Words:
اثر (footsteps). أثرت الحدیث means, I recited or narrated the story or tradition. آثرہ means, he honoured him. اثر means, a remain or relic of a thing; a trace; sign or mark; a footstep, vestige or track; a footprint, impression or mark made by the foot of a man upon the ground. They say علیه اثر کذا i.e. he or it bears the mark, stamp, character or trace of such a thing (Lane & Aqrab).
قَالَ فَإِنَّا قَدْ فَتَنَّا قَوْمَكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِكَ وَأَضَلَّهُمُ ٱلسَّامِرِىُّ
7:149.
7:149.
Samiri may be a relative noun from Samirah (the Samaritans), a people said to be one of the tribes of the Children of Israel; or a sect of the Jews, differing from them in many of their institutions. Properly speaking, they were inhabitants of Samaria. The name is now restricted to a small tribe of people living in Nablus and calling themselves "Bene Yisrael." Their history as a distinct community began with the taking of Samaria by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. (Lane & Jew. Enc.).
7:149.
Important Words:
السامری (Samiri) is derived from سمر. They say سمرہ i.e. he nailed it, i.e. he made it fast, firm or strong with a nail or nails, a nail being called سمار. Hence سامر is one who makes things fast with nails, i.e. one belonging to the profession of blacksmiths, carpenters, etc. Thus سامرة means, a people who carry on the profession of blacksmiths, carpenters etc. i.e. artisans. Samiri, the mischief-maker, seems to belong to this class. So سامری may be a descriptive or attributive name. Or it may be a relative noun from سامرة (the Samaritans), a people said to be one of the tribes of the Children of Israel; or a sect of the Jews, differing from them in many of their institutions. Properly speaking they were inhabitants of Samaria. The name is now restricted to a small tribe of people living in Nablus and calling themselves "Bene Yisrael". Their history as a distinct community began with the taking of Samaria by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. (Lane & Jew. Enc.).
a
7:149.
a
7:149.
2299
Important Words:
السامری (Samiri) is derived from سمر. They say سمرہ i.e. he nailed it, i.e. he made it fast, firm or strong with a nail or nails, a nail being called سمار. Hence سامر is one who makes things fast with nails, i.e. one belonging to the profession of blacksmiths, carpenters, etc. Thus سامرة means, a people who carry on the profession of blacksmiths, carpenters etc. i.e. artisans. Samiri, the mischief-maker, seems to belong to this class. So سامری may be a descriptive or attributive name. Or it may be a relative noun from سامرة (the Samaritans), a people said to be one of the tribes of the Children of Israel; or a sect of the Jews, differing from them in many of their institutions. Properly speaking they were inhabitants of Samaria. The name is now restricted to a small tribe of people living in Nablus and calling themselves "Bene Yisrael". Their history as a distinct community began with the taking of Samaria by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. (Lane & Jew. Enc.).
a
7:149.
1841
Samiri may be a relative noun from Samirah (the Samaritans), a people said to be one of the tribes of the Children of Israel; or a sect of the Jews, differing from them in many of their institutions. Properly speaking, they were inhabitants of Samaria. The name is now restricted to a small tribe of people living in Nablus and calling themselves "Bene Yisrael." Their history as a distinct community began with the taking of Samaria by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. (Lane & Jew. Enc.).
فَرَجَعَ مُوسَىٰٓ إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ غَضْبَٰنَ أَسِفًا ۚ قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ أَلَمْ يَعِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ وَعْدًا حَسَنًا ۚ أَفَطَالَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْعَهْدُ أَمْ أَرَدتُّمْ أَن يَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُم مَّوْعِدِى
7:151.
7:151.
7:151.
Commentary:
موعدی (my promise) means, the promise which you made to me, or the promise which God made to you through me.
b
7:151.
b
7:151.
2300
Commentary:
موعدی (my promise) means, the promise which you made to me, or the promise which God made to you through me.
b
7:151.
قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَخْلَفْنَا مَوْعِدَكَ بِمَلْكِنَا وَلَٰكِنَّا حُمِّلْنَآ أَوْزَارًا مِّن زِينَةِ ٱلْقَوْمِ فَقَذَفْنَٰهَا فَكَذَٰلِكَ أَلْقَى ٱلسَّامِرِىُّ
Whereas the Qur’an in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12: 36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also, the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12: 33) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic statement.
Important Words:
موعدک (thy promise) means, the promise which we made to thee.
Commentary:
Whereas the Quran in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12:36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12:35) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic and the latter statement of the Bible.
2301
Important Words:
موعدک (thy promise) means, the promise which we made to thee.
Commentary:
Whereas the Quran in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12:36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12:35) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic and the latter statement of the Bible.
1842
Whereas the Qur’an in this verse says that the Egyptians gave the Israelites jewels of gold and silver of their own accord, the Bible accuses them of having despoiled the Egyptians of their ornaments (Exod. 12: 36). But, as generally is the case, in this respect also, the Bible has contradicted itself. At another place (Exod. 12: 33) it says that the Egyptians themselves gave the ornaments to the Israelites and insisted that they should leave Egypt forthwith. Reason and common sense support the Quranic statement.
فَأَخْرَجَ لَهُمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَّهُۥ خُوَارٌ فَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذَآ إِلَٰهُكُمْ وَإِلَٰهُ مُوسَىٰ فَنَسِىَ
2:52, 93; 4:154; 7:149.
یہ تضاد ڈائریکٹ اور ان ڈائریکٹ میتھڈ (Direct and indirect Method)کی وجہ سے ہے کہ عربی میں انگریزی کی طرح اِن ڈائریکٹ میتھڈ زیادہ استعمال ہوتا ہے۔ لیکن اردو میں نہیں‘ اس لئے قرآن مجید میں جو ’’لَھُمْ‘‘ کا لفظ تھا ہم نے اس کا ترجمہ ’’ہمارے لئے‘‘ کیا ہے۔
خُوَار کے متعلق دیکھئے سورہ اعراف آیت۱۴۹ نوٹ نمبر۲۔
2:52, 93; 4:154; 7:149.
The Israelites had lived in Egypt under bondage for a long time and during their bondage they had adopted many of the customs, ways of life and religious rites of their rulers, the Egyptians, who worshipped the cow (Enc. Rel. & Ethics, vol. I, p. 507). In this way they had developed a great liking for the cow, and taking advantage of Moses’s absence the Samiri led them into cow-worship.
2:52, 93; 4:154; 7:149.
Important Words:
خوار (lowing sound) is infinitive-noun from خار.They sayخار البقر i.e. the cow made a lowing sound, it bellowed. خور(khawira) means, it became weak and enfeebled; it broke. خوار signifies the loud crying (i.e. the lowing or bellowing) of a cow and of a calf; and the crying (i.e. bleating) of sheep, or that of goats and gazelles, and of any beast and the whizzing of arrow. They say له صوت کخوار الثور i.e. he has a voice like the bellowing of the bull (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
فنسی (so he gave up) means, he forgot or he abandoned or gave up or ceased acting (Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 5:14 & 9:67.
Commentary:
The Israelites had lived in Egypt under bondage for a long time and during their bondage they had acquired many of the customs, ways of life and religious rites of their rulers, the Egyptians, who worshipped the cow (Enc. Rel.& Ethics, vol. 1, p. 507). In this way they had also developed a great liking for the cow, and taking advantage of Moses’ absence Samiri led them into cow-worship.
c
2:52, 93; 4:154; 7:149.
1
یہ تضاد ڈائریکٹ اور ان ڈائریکٹ میتھڈ (Direct and indirect Method)کی وجہ سے ہے کہ عربی میں انگریزی کی طرح اِن ڈائریکٹ میتھڈ زیادہ استعمال ہوتا ہے۔ لیکن اردو میں نہیں‘ اس لئے قرآن مجید میں جو ’’لَھُمْ‘‘ کا لفظ تھا ہم نے اس کا ترجمہ ’’ہمارے لئے‘‘ کیا ہے۔
2
خُوَار کے متعلق دیکھئے سورہ اعراف آیت۱۴۹ نوٹ نمبر۲۔
a
2:52, 93; 4:154; 7:149.
2302
Important Words:
خوار (lowing sound) is infinitive-noun from خار.They sayخار البقر i.e. the cow made a lowing sound, it bellowed. خور(khawira) means, it became weak and enfeebled; it broke. خوار signifies the loud crying (i.e. the lowing or bellowing) of a cow and of a calf; and the crying (i.e. bleating) of sheep, or that of goats and gazelles, and of any beast and the whizzing of arrow. They say له صوت کخوار الثور i.e. he has a voice like the bellowing of the bull (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
فنسی (so he gave up) means, he forgot or he abandoned or gave up or ceased acting (Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 5:14 & 9:67.
Commentary:
The Israelites had lived in Egypt under bondage for a long time and during their bondage they had acquired many of the customs, ways of life and religious rites of their rulers, the Egyptians, who worshipped the cow (Enc. Rel.& Ethics, vol. 1, p. 507). In this way they had also developed a great liking for the cow, and taking advantage of Moses’ absence Samiri led them into cow-worship.
a
2:52, 93; 4:154; 7:149.
1843
The Israelites had lived in Egypt under bondage for a long time and during their bondage they had adopted many of the customs, ways of life and religious rites of their rulers, the Egyptians, who worshipped the cow (Enc. Rel. & Ethics, vol. I, p. 507). In this way they had developed a great liking for the cow, and taking advantage of Moses’s absence the Samiri led them into cow-worship.
أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَلَّا يَرْجِعُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَوْلًا وَلَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا
The calf is denounced and condemned as a deity because it does not speak to its votaries. Of what use is that god who does not answer the prayer of his worshippers (21:66, 67)? He is as dead as a log of wood. The difference between a living and a lifeless god is that the One speaks to His votaries and hears their supplications, while the other does not. The God of Islam has not ceased to speak to His true worshippers. He still speaks to them as He spoke to Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all) and will continue to do so till the end of time.
Commentary:
The calf is denounced and condemned as a deity because it does not speak to its votaries. Of what use is that god who does not answer the prayer of his worshippers (21:66-67)? He is as dead as a log of wood. The difference between a living and a lifeless god is that the One speaks to His votaries and hears their supplications while the other does not. The God of Islam has not ceased to speak to His true worshippers. He still speaks to them as He spoke to Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all) and will continue to do so till the end of time.
2303
Commentary:
The calf is denounced and condemned as a deity because it does not speak to its votaries. Of what use is that god who does not answer the prayer of his worshippers (21:66-67)? He is as dead as a log of wood. The difference between a living and a lifeless god is that the One speaks to His votaries and hears their supplications while the other does not. The God of Islam has not ceased to speak to His true worshippers. He still speaks to them as He spoke to Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all) and will continue to do so till the end of time.
1844
The calf is denounced and condemned as a deity because it does not speak to its votaries. Of what use is that god who does not answer the prayer of his worshippers (21:66, 67)? He is as dead as a log of wood. The difference between a living and a lifeless god is that the One speaks to His votaries and hears their supplications, while the other does not. The God of Islam has not ceased to speak to His true worshippers. He still speaks to them as He spoke to Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all) and will continue to do so till the end of time.
وَلَقَدْ قَالَ لَهُمْ هَٰرُونُ مِن قَبْلُ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنَّمَا فُتِنتُم بِهِۦ ۖ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى وَأَطِيعُوٓا۟ أَمْرِى
The Qur’an here contradicts the Bible and clears Aaron of the charge of having made a molten calf for the Israelites to worship (Exod. 32: 4). It says that not only did Aaron not fashion the calf for them, on the other hand he prohibited them from worshipping the one which the Samiri had made for them. The charge has been dismissed as unfounded by Christian writers themselves (Enc. Brit. under "The Golden Calf").
Commentary:
The Quran here contradicts the Bible and clears Aaron of the charge of having made a molten calf for the Israelites to worship (Exod. 32:4). It says that not only did Aaron not fashion the calf for them but on the other hand prohibited them from worshipping the one which the Samiri had made for them. It offends against reason and common sense even to think that a Prophet of God who had heard His voice and had had communion with Him should have stooped so low as to worship a calf. The charge is patently so foolish that it has been dismissed as unfounded by Christian writers themselves (Enc. Brit. under "the Golden Calf" and under "Moses.")
As usual, in this case also the Bible has contradicted itself. Far from deserving condemnation on account of being involved in cow-worship, Aaron at God’s command was to be dressed with holy garments, be anointed and sanctified by Moses (Exod. 40:13).
The words "you have been tried by means of it" show that in the offer of calf-worship by the Samiri lay the greatest trial of the Israelites because this worship was calculated to destroy their national unity. The trials and tribulations which the Israelites had suffered at the hands of Pharaoh were nothing compared with the spiritual trial to which they had become exposed through the wicked designs of the Samiri. While the former had helped to cement their national unity, the latter had almost destroyed it. It had caused dissensions among the Israelites; and internecine discord and dissensions are more destructive of national unity than external dangers.
2304
Commentary:
The Quran here contradicts the Bible and clears Aaron of the charge of having made a molten calf for the Israelites to worship (Exod. 32:4). It says that not only did Aaron not fashion the calf for them but on the other hand prohibited them from worshipping the one which the Samiri had made for them. It offends against reason and common sense even to think that a Prophet of God who had heard His voice and had had communion with Him should have stooped so low as to worship a calf. The charge is patently so foolish that it has been dismissed as unfounded by Christian writers themselves (Enc. Brit. under "the Golden Calf" and under "Moses.")
As usual, in this case also the Bible has contradicted itself. Far from deserving condemnation on account of being involved in cow-worship, Aaron at God’s command was to be dressed with holy garments, be anointed and sanctified by Moses (Exod. 40:13).
The words "you have been tried by means of it" show that in the offer of calf-worship by the Samiri lay the greatest trial of the Israelites because this worship was calculated to destroy their national unity. The trials and tribulations which the Israelites had suffered at the hands of Pharaoh were nothing compared with the spiritual trial to which they had become exposed through the wicked designs of the Samiri. While the former had helped to cement their national unity, the latter had almost destroyed it. It had caused dissensions among the Israelites; and internecine discord and dissensions are more destructive of national unity than external dangers.
1845
The Qur’an here contradicts the Bible and clears Aaron of the charge of having made a molten calf for the Israelites to worship (Exod. 32: 4). It says that not only did Aaron not fashion the calf for them, on the other hand he prohibited them from worshipping the one which the Samiri had made for them. The charge has been dismissed as unfounded by Christian writers themselves (Enc. Brit. under "The Golden Calf").
قَالُوا۟ لَن نَّبْرَحَ عَلَيْهِ عَٰكِفِينَ حَتَّىٰ يَرْجِعَ إِلَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ
Commentary:
The verse shows that while Moses was held in awe by the Israelites they had no great respect for Aaron.
2305
Commentary:
The verse shows that while Moses was held in awe by the Israelites they had no great respect for Aaron.
قَالَ يَٰهَٰرُونُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِذْ رَأَيْتَهُمْ ضَلُّوٓا۟
أَلَّا تَتَّبِعَنِ ۖ أَفَعَصَيْتَ أَمْرِى
Commentary:
Moses here severely calls Aaron to account for not having properly looked after the spiritual welfare of the Israelites in his absence. The verse thus clearly shows Aaron to be a subordinate Prophet to Moses.
2306
Commentary:
Moses here severely calls Aaron to account for not having properly looked after the spiritual welfare of the Israelites in his absence. The verse thus clearly shows Aaron to be a subordinate Prophet to Moses.
قَالَ يَبْنَؤُمَّ لَا تَأْخُذْ بِلِحْيَتِى وَلَا بِرَأْسِىٓ ۖ إِنِّى خَشِيتُ أَن تَقُولَ فَرَّقْتَ بَيْنَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ وَلَمْ تَرْقُبْ قَوْلِى
7:151.
7:151.
7:151.
Important Words:
لم ترقب (didst not wait for) is formed from رقب. رقبه means, (a) he looked, watched or waited for him or it; (b) he guarded, kept, preserved or took care of it; (c) he was mindful or regardful of it; (d) he feared him (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Taking the word رقب in its different senses the expression لم ترقب قولی would mean, thou didst not wait for my word; thou didst not preserve and guard my word (the instructions which I left for your guidance); thou wast not regardful of my word i.e. thou didst not pay any regard to my directions which I left for your guidance.
a
7:151.
a
7:151.
2307
Important Words:
لم ترقب (didst not wait for) is formed from رقب. رقبه means, (a) he looked, watched or waited for him or it; (b) he guarded, kept, preserved or took care of it; (c) he was mindful or regardful of it; (d) he feared him (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
Taking the word رقب in its different senses the expression لم ترقب قولی would mean, thou didst not wait for my word; thou didst not preserve and guard my word (the instructions which I left for your guidance); thou wast not regardful of my word i.e. thou didst not pay any regard to my directions which I left for your guidance.
a
7:151.
قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكَ يَٰسَٰمِرِىُّ
Khatb means, object; design; case or plea; business; affair; etc. (Lane). The whole sentence also means, what thou hast to say (Lane).
Important Words:
ماخطبک (what hast thou to say). خطب (khatbun) among other things may also mean, object, purpose, plea, defence etc. See also 12:52.
2308
Important Words:
ماخطبک (what hast thou to say). خطب (khatbun) among other things may also mean, object, purpose, plea, defence etc. See also 12:52.
1846
Khatb means, object; design; case or plea; business; affair; etc. (Lane). The whole sentence also means, what thou hast to say (Lane).
قَالَ بَصُرْتُ بِمَا لَمْ يَبْصُرُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَقَبَضْتُ قَبْضَةً مِّنْ أَثَرِ ٱلرَّسُولِ فَنَبَذْتُهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ سَوَّلَتْ لِى نَفْسِى
مفسرین کہتے ہیں کہ سامری نے یہ کہا تھا کہ میں نے جبرائیل کو دیکھ لیا تھا اور اس کے گھوڑے کے پاؤں کی مٹی اٹھالی تھی اس سے یہ بچھڑا تیار کیا تھا۔ مگر قرآن مجید میں رسول کا لفظ ہے جس سے موسیٰ علیہ السلام مراد ہیں اور اَثر سے مراد بات یا سنت ہے جیسا کہ لغت سے ثابت ہے (اقرب) سامری نے فقط یہ کہا تھا کہ پہلے میں نے اس رسول یعنی موسٰیؑ کی تعلیم کو اختیار کر لیا تھا۔ پھر جب موقع مناسب دیکھا کہ موسٰیؑ تردید کرنے کے لئے موجودنہیں تو اس تعلیم کو پھینک دیا۔
The words may also mean, 'My mental perception was clearer than that of the Israelites.' The Samiri means to say that he had followed Moses and had accepted his teachings intelligently and not blindly like them. But when Moses went to the Mount, he threw away the cloak of expediency and discarded what little of his teachings (athar, meaning remains or relics of knowledge transmitted or handed down from the former generations, i.e. teachings) he had accepted and that was what his mind suggested to him.
Important Words:
بصرت (I perceived) is from بصر (basura). They say بصرہ او به i.e. he perceived it; he knew it; he saw it. أبصرہ means, he saw it or him, by the sight of the eye; or he looked at him or towards him or it trying whether he could see him or not. أبصر also means, he relinquished infidelity and adopted the true belief. أبصر الطریق means, the way became manifest (Lane & Aqrab). See also 6:104 & 7:204.
Commentary:
The words I perceived that which they did not perceive mean, "My mental perception was clearer than that of the Israelites". The Samiri means to say that he had followed Moses and had accepted his teachings intelligently and not blindly like them and that his object in doing so was that he should become the leader of his people. So when the proper occasion arrived and Moses went to the Mount, he threw away the cloak of expediency and discarded what little of his teachings he had accepted and that was what his mind suggested to him.
1
مفسرین کہتے ہیں کہ سامری نے یہ کہا تھا کہ میں نے جبرائیل کو دیکھ لیا تھا اور اس کے گھوڑے کے پاؤں کی مٹی اٹھالی تھی اس سے یہ بچھڑا تیار کیا تھا۔ مگر قرآن مجید میں رسول کا لفظ ہے جس سے موسیٰ علیہ السلام مراد ہیں اور اَثر سے مراد بات یا سنت ہے جیسا کہ لغت سے ثابت ہے (اقرب) سامری نے فقط یہ کہا تھا کہ پہلے میں نے اس رسول یعنی موسٰیؑ کی تعلیم کو اختیار کر لیا تھا۔ پھر جب موقع مناسب دیکھا کہ موسٰیؑ تردید کرنے کے لئے موجودنہیں تو اس تعلیم کو پھینک دیا۔
2309
Important Words:
بصرت (I perceived) is from بصر (basura). They say بصرہ او به i.e. he perceived it; he knew it; he saw it. أبصرہ means, he saw it or him, by the sight of the eye; or he looked at him or towards him or it trying whether he could see him or not. أبصر also means, he relinquished infidelity and adopted the true belief. أبصر الطریق means, the way became manifest (Lane & Aqrab). See also 6:104 & 7:204.
Commentary:
The words I perceived that which they did not perceive mean, "My mental perception was clearer than that of the Israelites". The Samiri means to say that he had followed Moses and had accepted his teachings intelligently and not blindly like them and that his object in doing so was that he should become the leader of his people. So when the proper occasion arrived and Moses went to the Mount, he threw away the cloak of expediency and discarded what little of his teachings he had accepted and that was what his mind suggested to him.
1847
The words may also mean, 'My mental perception was clearer than that of the Israelites.' The Samiri means to say that he had followed Moses and had accepted his teachings intelligently and not blindly like them. But when Moses went to the Mount, he threw away the cloak of expediency and discarded what little of his teachings (athar, meaning remains or relics of knowledge transmitted or handed down from the former generations, i.e. teachings) he had accepted and that was what his mind suggested to him.
قَالَ فَٱذْهَبْ فَإِنَّ لَكَ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ أَن تَقُولَ لَا مِسَاسَ ۖ وَإِنَّ لَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَّن تُخْلَفَهُۥ ۖ وَٱنظُرْ إِلَىٰٓ إِلَٰهِكَ ٱلَّذِى ظَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفًا ۖ لَّنُحَرِّقَنَّهُۥ ثُمَّ لَنَنسِفَنَّهُۥ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ نَسْفًا
“不要接触我” 这句话可以表示: (a) سَامِرِی (Samiri) 由于把以色列人错误地引上崇拜牛的歧途而受到社会严厉抵制的惩罚。(b) 他受到某种皮肤传染病的折磨, 因而人们避免与他接触。(c) 他怀疑自己已患病而最后避开了同伴。
عیسائی مصنّف اکثر اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ بچھڑا سونے کا تھا اور سونا جل کر راکھ نہیں ہو سکتا۔ اس کا جواب یہ ہے کہ سامری کی غرض فریب تھی اور اس کے لئے بچھڑے کے منہ اور دُم میں لکڑی کے خول لگانے ضروری تھے تا ہوا آنے پر آواز نکلے۔ پس جب بچھڑا جلایا گیا تو ساتھ وہ خول بھی جلے اور ان کی راکھ بن گئی۔ جس کو موسٰیؑ نے سونے کی ریت کے ساتھ دریا میں پھینکوا دیا۔ (نَسَفَ کے معنے لغت میں پھینک دینے کے لکھے ہیں دیکھئے مفردات)
The words 'Touch me not' may signify: (a) That the Samiri was punished with a rigorous social boycott for having misled the Israelites into calf-worship. (b) That he was afflicted with some contagious skin disease so that people avoided contact with him. (c) That he suffered from hypochondriasis and consequently shunned the company of men.
Important Words:
ننسفنه (We will scatter it) is derived from نسف. They say نسف البناء i.e. he destroyed or uprooted the building from its foundation. نسف الجبال means, He broke the mountains into pieces. نسف الریحالشیء means, the wind uprooted or eradicated the thing and scattered it away (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words "touch me not" may signify one of the following: (a) that Samiri was punished with a rigorous social boycott for having misled the Israelites into calf-worship; (b) that he was afflicted with some contagious skin disease so that people avoided contact with him; or (c) that he suffered from hypochondriasis and consequently shunned the company of men.
The mentioning together of the cow and the river is significant because generally the nations that worship the cow are found to worship rivers also.
815
“不要接触我” 这句话可以表示: (a) سَامِرِی (Samiri) 由于把以色列人错误地引上崇拜牛的歧途而受到社会严厉抵制的惩罚。(b) 他受到某种皮肤传染病的折磨, 因而人们避免与他接触。(c) 他怀疑自己已患病而最后避开了同伴。
2
عیسائی مصنّف اکثر اعتراض کرتے ہیں کہ بچھڑا سونے کا تھا اور سونا جل کر راکھ نہیں ہو سکتا۔ اس کا جواب یہ ہے کہ سامری کی غرض فریب تھی اور اس کے لئے بچھڑے کے منہ اور دُم میں لکڑی کے خول لگانے ضروری تھے تا ہوا آنے پر آواز نکلے۔ پس جب بچھڑا جلایا گیا تو ساتھ وہ خول بھی جلے اور ان کی راکھ بن گئی۔ جس کو موسٰیؑ نے سونے کی ریت کے ساتھ دریا میں پھینکوا دیا۔ (نَسَفَ کے معنے لغت میں پھینک دینے کے لکھے ہیں دیکھئے مفردات)
2310
Important Words:
ننسفنه (We will scatter it) is derived from نسف. They say نسف البناء i.e. he destroyed or uprooted the building from its foundation. نسف الجبال means, He broke the mountains into pieces. نسف الریحالشیء means, the wind uprooted or eradicated the thing and scattered it away (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words "touch me not" may signify one of the following: (a) that Samiri was punished with a rigorous social boycott for having misled the Israelites into calf-worship; (b) that he was afflicted with some contagious skin disease so that people avoided contact with him; or (c) that he suffered from hypochondriasis and consequently shunned the company of men.
The mentioning together of the cow and the river is significant because generally the nations that worship the cow are found to worship rivers also.
1848
The words 'Touch me not' may signify: (a) That the Samiri was punished with a rigorous social boycott for having misled the Israelites into calf-worship. (b) That he was afflicted with some contagious skin disease so that people avoided contact with him. (c) That he suffered from hypochondriasis and consequently shunned the company of men.
إِنَّمَآ إِلَٰهُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا
كَذَٰلِكَ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ مَا قَدْ سَبَقَ ۚ وَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَٰكَ مِن لَّدُنَّا ذِكْرًا
Commentary:
The verse embodies a prophecy that the Holy Prophet will have to face conditions and circumstances similar to those which Moses had confronted. No other Israelite Prophet shared as many points of resemblance with the Holy Prophet as Moses did. Moses had Aaron, his brother, as his assistant in the discharge of his duties. The Holy Prophet had his cousin ‘Ali whom he likened to Aaron when he left him behind on the occasion of the expedition to Tabuk. Aaron was accused of having made for the Israelites a calf for worship and ‘Ali was accused of being an accomplice in the murder of ‘Uthman. The Holy Prophet also had a Samiri in the person of the Jew, ‘Abdullah bin Saba, who outwardly became a Muslim and stirred up revolt against the third Caliph, ‘Uthman, which culminated in the latter’s assassination and in an internecine split in Islam which unfortunately has since then shown no sign of abating or healing.
2311
Commentary:
The verse embodies a prophecy that the Holy Prophet will have to face conditions and circumstances similar to those which Moses had confronted. No other Israelite Prophet shared as many points of resemblance with the Holy Prophet as Moses did. Moses had Aaron, his brother, as his assistant in the discharge of his duties. The Holy Prophet had his cousin ‘Ali whom he likened to Aaron when he left him behind on the occasion of the expedition to Tabuk. Aaron was accused of having made for the Israelites a calf for worship and ‘Ali was accused of being an accomplice in the murder of ‘Uthman. The Holy Prophet also had a Samiri in the person of the Jew, ‘Abdullah bin Saba, who outwardly became a Muslim and stirred up revolt against the third Caliph, ‘Uthman, which culminated in the latter’s assassination and in an internecine split in Islam which unfortunately has since then shown no sign of abating or healing.
مَّنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ فَإِنَّهُۥ يَحْمِلُ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وِزْرًا
18:102; 43:37; 72:18.
18:102; 43:37; 72:18.
18:102; 43:37-39; 72:18.
Commentary:
The words یوم القیامة (Day of Resurrection) have been used in the Quran and the Hadith in three senses:(a) the day of the death of a person as in the saying of the Holy Prophet viz. من مات فقد قامت قیامته i.e. he who dies, the day of his resurrection indeed has come (Bihar, vol. 3, p. 183); (b) the time of the decline, downfall and death of a nation; (c) the day when all mankind will be raised from their graves and made to stand before God’s great Judgement Seat to render an account of their deeds. In the present verse the words "the Day of Resurrection" seem to have been used in the first sense.
a
18:102; 43:37; 72:18.
a
18:102; 43:37-39; 72:18.
2311A
Commentary:
The words یوم القیامة (Day of Resurrection) have been used in the Quran and the Hadith in three senses:(a) the day of the death of a person as in the saying of the Holy Prophet viz. من مات فقد قامت قیامته i.e. he who dies, the day of his resurrection indeed has come (Bihar, vol. 3, p. 183); (b) the time of the decline, downfall and death of a nation; (c) the day when all mankind will be raised from their graves and made to stand before God’s great Judgement Seat to render an account of their deeds. In the present verse the words "the Day of Resurrection" seem to have been used in the first sense.
a
18:102; 43:37; 72:18.
خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهِ ۖ وَسَآءَ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ حِمْلًا
Commentary:
In this verse the words یوم القیامة have been metaphorically used in the second sense i.e. in this very life a day of resurrection comes to a people or group of peoples.
2311B
Commentary:
In this verse the words یوم القیامة have been metaphorically used in the second sense i.e. in this very life a day of resurrection comes to a people or group of peoples.
يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ ۚ وَنَحْشُرُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ يَوْمَئِذٍ زُرْقًا
اس جگہ یہ واضح کر دیا گیا ہے کہ یہ یورپین قوموں کا ذکر ہے جن کی آنکھیں نیلی ہوتی ہیں۔ اور اگلی آیت میں بتایا ہے کہ وہ اپنی ترقی کے بعد تنزل کے زمانہ میں کہیں گے کہ ہم تو صرف د س رہے ہیں یعنی دس صدیاں اور یورپین قوموں کی ترقی کا زمانہ اتنا ہی بنتا ہے۔
18:100; 27:88; 36:52; 78:19.
The allusion in this verse primarily seems to be to the Western Christian nations who have blue eyes and are spiritually blind and possess an undying hatred for Islam.
18:100; 27:88; 36:52; 78:19.
Important Words:
زرقاً (blue-eyed) is the plural of ازرق and is derived from زرق which means, (1) he was blue-eyed or grey-eyed or of a greenish hue in the eye; (2) he was or became blind.زرقت او أزرقت عینه نحوی means, his eye turned towards me so that the white thereof appeared i.e. he looked askance at me on account of hatred or fear. أزرق is an epithet applied to a man having what is termed زرقة (blue colour) of the eye; blue-eyed; grey-eyed; blind from what is commonly termed as a cataract in the eye (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The allusion in this verse primarily seems to be to the Western Christian nations who have blue eyes and are spiritually blind and possess an undying hatred for Islam.
b
18:100; 27:88; 36:52; 78:19.
816
这节经文的意思似乎暗指的是西方基督教民族。他们是蓝眼睛, 精神上是盲人, 对伊斯兰教始终心怀憎恨。
1
اس جگہ یہ واضح کر دیا گیا ہے کہ یہ یورپین قوموں کا ذکر ہے جن کی آنکھیں نیلی ہوتی ہیں۔ اور اگلی آیت میں بتایا ہے کہ وہ اپنی ترقی کے بعد تنزل کے زمانہ میں کہیں گے کہ ہم تو صرف د س رہے ہیں یعنی دس صدیاں اور یورپین قوموں کی ترقی کا زمانہ اتنا ہی بنتا ہے۔
b
18:100; 27:88; 36:52; 78:19.
2312
Important Words:
زرقاً (blue-eyed) is the plural of ازرق and is derived from زرق which means, (1) he was blue-eyed or grey-eyed or of a greenish hue in the eye; (2) he was or became blind.زرقت او أزرقت عینه نحوی means, his eye turned towards me so that the white thereof appeared i.e. he looked askance at me on account of hatred or fear. أزرق is an epithet applied to a man having what is termed زرقة (blue colour) of the eye; blue-eyed; grey-eyed; blind from what is commonly termed as a cataract in the eye (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The allusion in this verse primarily seems to be to the Western Christian nations who have blue eyes and are spiritually blind and possess an undying hatred for Islam.
b
18:100; 27:88; 36:52; 78:19.
1849
The allusion in this verse primarily seems to be to the Western Christian nations who have blue eyes and are spiritually blind and possess an undying hatred for Islam.
يَتَخَٰفَتُونَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا عَشْرًا
“十天”在这里表示十个世纪。这是在伊历纪元之后的十个世纪。在这段时期中, 欧洲民族几乎处于一种休眠状态。在十七世纪初期, 即穆圣在公元七世纪初期开始传教后大约一千年, 欧洲民族才从休眠中醒过来开始向全世界扩展并征服它。
"Ten days" here signifies ten centuries. The reference is to the ten centuries after the Hijrah during which the European nations remained almost in a state of dormancy. It was in the beginning of the 17th century, about one thousand years after the Holy Prophet began to preach his mission in the beginning of the 7th century AD., that the nations of Europe came out of their hibernation and began to spread over the world and conquer it.
Commentary:
عشرا (ten days) here signifies ten centuries. The reference is to the ten centuries after the Hijrah during which the European nations remained in a state of inactivity and dormancy. It was in the beginning of the 17th century, exactly one thousand years after the Holy Prophet began to preach his mission in the beginning of the 7th century A.D., that the nations of Europe came out of their hibernation and began to spread over the world and conquer it. See also 18:20.
817
“十天”在这里表示十个世纪。这是在伊历纪元之后的十个世纪。在这段时期中, 欧洲民族几乎处于一种休眠状态。在十七世纪初期, 即穆圣在公元七世纪初期开始传教后大约一千年, 欧洲民族才从休眠中醒过来开始向全世界扩展并征服它。
2313
Commentary:
عشرا (ten days) here signifies ten centuries. The reference is to the ten centuries after the Hijrah during which the European nations remained in a state of inactivity and dormancy. It was in the beginning of the 17th century, exactly one thousand years after the Holy Prophet began to preach his mission in the beginning of the 7th century A.D., that the nations of Europe came out of their hibernation and began to spread over the world and conquer it. See also 18:20.
1850
"Ten days" here signifies ten centuries. The reference is to the ten centuries after the Hijrah during which the European nations remained almost in a state of dormancy. It was in the beginning of the 17th century, about one thousand years after the Holy Prophet began to preach his mission in the beginning of the 7th century AD., that the nations of Europe came out of their hibernation and began to spread over the world and conquer it.
نَّحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذْ يَقُولُ أَمْثَلُهُمْ طَرِيقَةً إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا يَوْمًا
طَرِيْقَةُ الْقَوْم (Tariqatul-Qaum) 的意思是, 人们中间最好或最正直的人 (اَقْرَبْ, Aqrab)。 يَوْم (Yaum) 这里意示22:48中谈到的一千年以及上节经文中相应的 “十天”, 即十个世纪或一千年。يَوْم (Yaum) 还可纯粹指时间。如果依这一单词的这个意义讲, 那就是描写不信者在遭受安拉惩罚时, 他们繁荣和进步的时间只有一天, 那就是说, 时间非常短。
یعنی پوپ یا ایسا ہی کوئی بڑا مسیحی چنانچہ لغت میں طَرِیْـقَۃ ٌ کے معنے شَرِیْفُ الْقَوْمِ کے بھی لکھے ہیں یعنی سردارِ قوم (اقرب)
جب عذاب آتا ہے تو آرام اور ترقی کا وقت بہت تھوڑا معلوم ہوتا ہے۔ اسی کی طرف اس آیت میں اشارہ ہے۔
Tariqatul-Qaum means, best or most upright of the people (Aqrab). Yaum here signifies one thousand years referred to in 22:48 and corresponds to 'ten days' of the preceding verse, i.e. ten centuries or a thousand years. Yaum also means time absolutely. In this sense of the word the disbelievers, when they are seized with Divine punishment, are depicted as saying that the time of their prosperity and progress was but a day. i.e. very short.
Commentary:
یوما (a day) here signifies one thousand years referred to in 22:48 where it is said: verily, a day with thy Lord is as a thousand years of what you reckon. This یوم (a day) corresponds to عشراً (ten days) of the preceding verse, i.e. ten centuries or a thousand years.
یوم also means time absolutely. In this sense of the word the disbelievers, when they are seized with Divine punishment, are depicted as saying that the time of their prosperity and progress was but a day i.e. very short. In fact the period of ease and comfort, however long, looks very short when misfortunes and miseries overtake a person. So this word may have been used here in the sense of "a short time."
818
طَرِيْقَةُ الْقَوْم (Tariqatul-Qaum) 的意思是, 人们中间最好或最正直的人 (اَقْرَبْ, Aqrab)。 يَوْم (Yaum) 这里意示22:48中谈到的一千年以及上节经文中相应的 “十天”, 即十个世纪或一千年。يَوْم (Yaum) 还可纯粹指时间。如果依这一单词的这个意义讲, 那就是描写不信者在遭受安拉惩罚时, 他们繁荣和进步的时间只有一天, 那就是说, 时间非常短。
2
یعنی پوپ یا ایسا ہی کوئی بڑا مسیحی چنانچہ لغت میں طَرِیْـقَۃ ٌ کے معنے شَرِیْفُ الْقَوْمِ کے بھی لکھے ہیں یعنی سردارِ قوم (اقرب)
3
جب عذاب آتا ہے تو آرام اور ترقی کا وقت بہت تھوڑا معلوم ہوتا ہے۔ اسی کی طرف اس آیت میں اشارہ ہے۔
2314
Commentary:
یوما (a day) here signifies one thousand years referred to in 22:48 where it is said: verily, a day with thy Lord is as a thousand years of what you reckon. This یوم (a day) corresponds to عشراً (ten days) of the preceding verse, i.e. ten centuries or a thousand years.
یوم also means time absolutely. In this sense of the word the disbelievers, when they are seized with Divine punishment, are depicted as saying that the time of their prosperity and progress was but a day i.e. very short. In fact the period of ease and comfort, however long, looks very short when misfortunes and miseries overtake a person. So this word may have been used here in the sense of "a short time."
1850A
Tariqatul-Qaum means, best or most upright of the people (Aqrab). Yaum here signifies one thousand years referred to in 22:48 and corresponds to 'ten days' of the preceding verse, i.e. ten centuries or a thousand years. Yaum also means time absolutely. In this sense of the word the disbelievers, when they are seized with Divine punishment, are depicted as saying that the time of their prosperity and progress was but a day. i.e. very short.
وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْجِبَالِ فَقُلْ يَنسِفُهَا رَبِّى نَسْفًا
پہاڑ کے معنے ہم پہلے لکھ چکے ہیں۔ لغت میں بڑے آدمی کے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ (اقرب)
56:6; 70:10; 101:6.
The reference in the word al-Jibal (mountains) here is to the powerful Christian nations of the West. The prophecy in this verse is in regard to their complete destruction. The decline of the West has already begun. The last two World Wars have greatly weakened it (Spengler’s "Decline of the West" & Toynbee’s "A Study of History"). See also {1666}.
56:6; 70:10; 101:6.
Important Words:
الجبال (mountains) is the plural of جبل (a mountain). Figuratively, the word جبل means, (1) chief of a tribe or community; (2) a learned man who towers above those around him (ھو جبل) i.e. he is like a mountain and does not move from his place); (3) a niggard; (4) a great hardship or calamity (Lane & Aqrab). See also 13:32.
The reference in the word الجبال (mountains) here is to the powerful Christian nations of the west. The prophecy contained in this verse is that these great powerful nations will be scattered as dust. The decline of the west has already begun. The last two World Wars have considerably weakened the hold of the West over the East and eastern nations are gradually coming into their own.
This decline of the West is too patent to be overlooked and western political thinkers themselves realize and admit it. The reader is referred to Spengler’s "Decline of the West", and Toynbee’s "A Study of History". See also 18:8, 9.
a
56:6; 70:10; 101:6.
819
اَلْجِبَال (Al-Jibal, 山岳) 这一单词这里指的是强大的西方基督教国家。这节中的预言是关于他们的彻底灭亡。西方的衰落已经开始。前两次世界大战已经大大削弱了西方。{斯彭德 (Spengler) 著作的 “Decline of the West” 和汤因比 (Toynbee) 著作的 “A Study of History”}。
4
پہاڑ کے معنے ہم پہلے لکھ چکے ہیں۔ لغت میں بڑے آدمی کے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ (اقرب)
a
56:6; 70:10; 101:6.
2315
Important Words:
الجبال (mountains) is the plural of جبل (a mountain). Figuratively, the word جبل means, (1) chief of a tribe or community; (2) a learned man who towers above those around him (ھو جبل) i.e. he is like a mountain and does not move from his place); (3) a niggard; (4) a great hardship or calamity (Lane & Aqrab). See also 13:32.
The reference in the word الجبال (mountains) here is to the powerful Christian nations of the west. The prophecy contained in this verse is that these great powerful nations will be scattered as dust. The decline of the west has already begun. The last two World Wars have considerably weakened the hold of the West over the East and eastern nations are gradually coming into their own.
This decline of the West is too patent to be overlooked and western political thinkers themselves realize and admit it. The reader is referred to Spengler’s "Decline of the West", and Toynbee’s "A Study of History". See also 18:8, 9.
a
56:6; 70:10; 101:6.
1851
The reference in the word al-Jibal (mountains) here is to the powerful Christian nations of the West. The prophecy in this verse is in regard to their complete destruction. The decline of the West has already begun. The last two World Wars have greatly weakened it (Spengler’s "Decline of the West" & Toynbee’s "A Study of History"). See also {1666}.
فَيَذَرُهَا قَاعًا صَفْصَفًا
Important Words:
قاعاً (barren and level) is derived from قاع which means, he desisted, recoiled or drew back; he inclined to one side while walking. القاع means, an even place; plain or level land that produces nothing; plain or soft land, low and free from mountain and herbage (Aqrab & Lane).
صفصفا (level plain) is derived from صف which means, he placed or stationed in a row.
صفصف means, a level or an even tract of land or ground. ارض صفصف signifies, a smooth and level or even land or a waterless desert (Lane).
Commentary:
The reference in the verse seems to be to the complete destruction of the material power and resources of the western nations. See also 18:8, 9.
2316
Important Words:
قاعاً (barren and level) is derived from قاع which means, he desisted, recoiled or drew back; he inclined to one side while walking. القاع means, an even place; plain or level land that produces nothing; plain or soft land, low and free from mountain and herbage (Aqrab & Lane).
صفصفا (level plain) is derived from صف which means, he placed or stationed in a row.
صفصف means, a level or an even tract of land or ground. ارض صفصف signifies, a smooth and level or even land or a waterless desert (Lane).
Commentary:
The reference in the verse seems to be to the complete destruction of the material power and resources of the western nations. See also 18:8, 9.
لَّا تَرَىٰ فِيهَا عِوَجًا وَلَآ أَمْتًا
这一暗示似乎是指社会主义和民主主义的兴起。那时, 强大的帝国将被消灭, 人类社会各个部份的社会和经济条件将普遍上升。
The allusion seems to be to the rise of Socialism and Democracy when great and powerful empires will be swept away and there will be a general levelling up of the social and economic conditions of different sections of human society.
Important Words:
امتاً (elevation) is infinitive noun fromأمت (amata). أمت means, he measured it; he betook himself to it. أمت (amtun) means, a measure of distance; doubt; curvity or crookedness or unevenness; ruggedness in one place and smoothness in another; one part being high or more prominent than another; an elevated place; a hillock, etc. (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The allusion seems to be to the rise of socialism and democracy in our own time when great and powerful empires were to be swept away and there was to be a general levelling up of the social and economic conditions of different sections of human society. This process has already begun.
820
这一暗示似乎是指社会主义和民主主义的兴起。那时, 强大的帝国将被消灭, 人类社会各个部份的社会和经济条件将普遍上升。
2317
Important Words:
امتاً (elevation) is infinitive noun fromأمت (amata). أمت means, he measured it; he betook himself to it. أمت (amtun) means, a measure of distance; doubt; curvity or crookedness or unevenness; ruggedness in one place and smoothness in another; one part being high or more prominent than another; an elevated place; a hillock, etc. (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The allusion seems to be to the rise of socialism and democracy in our own time when great and powerful empires were to be swept away and there was to be a general levelling up of the social and economic conditions of different sections of human society. This process has already begun.
1852
The allusion seems to be to the rise of Socialism and Democracy when great and powerful empires will be swept away and there will be a general levelling up of the social and economic conditions of different sections of human society.
يَوْمَئِذٍ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلدَّاعِىَ لَا عِوَجَ لَهُۥ ۖ وَخَشَعَتِ ٱلْأَصْوَاتُ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ فَلَا تَسْمَعُ إِلَّا هَمْسًا
یعنی جب دوسری قوموں پر تباہی آنی شروع ہوگی اور پہاڑ جیسی مضبوط قومیں تباہ ہو کر زمین سے لگ جائیں گی۔ تب لوگ اس نبی کو ماننے لگ جائیں گے جس کی تعلیم میں کوئی کجی نہ ہوگی۔ یعنی محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‘ جیسا کہ قرآن کریم میں قرآنی تعلیم کی باربار یہی تعریف آتی ہے۔
یعنی ڈر کے مارے آوازیں دب جائیں گی۔
The Holy Prophet.
Important Words:
ھمساً (subdued sound) is derived from ھمس (hamasa). They say ھمس الصوت i.e. he whispered in a subdued tone. ھمس الطعامmeans, he chewed the food while his mouth was shut. ھمس الی بحدیثه means, he narrated to me his story in a low voice. ھمس بالقدم means, he walked stealthily. الھمس means, low or subdued voice; or subdued sound of footsteps. أخذا ھمساً means, I seized him with a terrible seizure (Aqrab).
Commentary:
الداعی (the Caller) may refer to the Holy Prophet or his representative or Khalifah. The verse also alludes to the decline and ultimate destruction of the material power of the West and to the rise and ascendancy of Islam through a great Muslim Caller i.e. the Promised Messiah.
1
یعنی جب دوسری قوموں پر تباہی آنی شروع ہوگی اور پہاڑ جیسی مضبوط قومیں تباہ ہو کر زمین سے لگ جائیں گی۔ تب لوگ اس نبی کو ماننے لگ جائیں گے جس کی تعلیم میں کوئی کجی نہ ہوگی۔ یعنی محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‘ جیسا کہ قرآن کریم میں قرآنی تعلیم کی باربار یہی تعریف آتی ہے۔
2
یعنی ڈر کے مارے آوازیں دب جائیں گی۔
2318
Important Words:
ھمساً (subdued sound) is derived from ھمس (hamasa). They say ھمس الصوت i.e. he whispered in a subdued tone. ھمس الطعامmeans, he chewed the food while his mouth was shut. ھمس الی بحدیثه means, he narrated to me his story in a low voice. ھمس بالقدم means, he walked stealthily. الھمس means, low or subdued voice; or subdued sound of footsteps. أخذا ھمساً means, I seized him with a terrible seizure (Aqrab).
Commentary:
الداعی (the Caller) may refer to the Holy Prophet or his representative or Khalifah. The verse also alludes to the decline and ultimate destruction of the material power of the West and to the rise and ascendancy of Islam through a great Muslim Caller i.e. the Promised Messiah.
1853
The Holy Prophet.
يَوْمَئِذٍ لَّا تَنفَعُ ٱلشَّفَٰعَةُ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ وَرَضِىَ لَهُۥ قَوْلًا
21:29; 78:39.
اس آیت میں عیسائیوں کا ردّ کیا گیا ہے۔ جو مسیحؑ کو شفیع کہتے ہیں اور محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے شفیع ہونے کا اعلان کیا گیا ہے۔ کیونکہ صرف وہی ہیں جو رحمان پر ایمان لانے پر زور دیتے ہیں اور جن کی شفاعت کو قرآنی کلام نے جائز رکھا ہے لیکن مسیحیت اس کے برخلاف رحمانیت کی منکر ہے اس لئے اس آیت میں شفاعت کی اجازت صرف رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے حق میں ہے۔
21:29; 78:39.
21:29; 78:39.
Commentary:
The words "in whose case the Gracious God grants permission" may apply to both the intercessor and the person for whom intercession is made.
The expression "and with whose word of faith He is pleased" refers to Muslims. Elsewhere the Quran says about the true followers of Islam: "Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him" (58:23). The verse under comment means to say that at that time Islam will be in the ascendance and all progress and prosperity will fall to the lot of its followers. Allah will be well pleased with them and they will be well pleased with Him.
b
21:29; 78:39.
3
اس آیت میں عیسائیوں کا ردّ کیا گیا ہے۔ جو مسیحؑ کو شفیع کہتے ہیں اور محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے شفیع ہونے کا اعلان کیا گیا ہے۔ کیونکہ صرف وہی ہیں جو رحمان پر ایمان لانے پر زور دیتے ہیں اور جن کی شفاعت کو قرآنی کلام نے جائز رکھا ہے لیکن مسیحیت اس کے برخلاف رحمانیت کی منکر ہے اس لئے اس آیت میں شفاعت کی اجازت صرف رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے حق میں ہے۔
a
21:29; 78:39.
2319
Commentary:
The words "in whose case the Gracious God grants permission" may apply to both the intercessor and the person for whom intercession is made.
The expression "and with whose word of faith He is pleased" refers to Muslims. Elsewhere the Quran says about the true followers of Islam: "Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him" (58:23). The verse under comment means to say that at that time Islam will be in the ascendance and all progress and prosperity will fall to the lot of its followers. Allah will be well pleased with them and they will be well pleased with Him.
b
21:29; 78:39.
يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِهِۦ عِلْمًا
2:256; 21:29.
2:256; 21:29.
The words 'all that is behind them' refer to great accomplishments they will have already made, and the words 'that is before them' refer to the great achievements they will aspire to make in the future.
2:256; 21:29.
Commentary:
The allusion in the verse seems to be to the great material achievements of the western nations. The words "all that is behind them" refer to the great accomplishments that they will already have made in the past and the words "that is before them" refer to the great achievements they will aspire to make in the future.
c
2:256; 21:29.
a
2:256; 21:29.
2320
Commentary:
The allusion in the verse seems to be to the great material achievements of the western nations. The words "all that is behind them" refer to the great accomplishments that they will already have made in the past and the words "that is before them" refer to the great achievements they will aspire to make in the future.
a
2:256; 21:29.
1854
The words 'all that is behind them' refer to great accomplishments they will have already made, and the words 'that is before them' refer to the great achievements they will aspire to make in the future.
۞ وَعَنَتِ ٱلْوُجُوهُ لِلْحَىِّ ٱلْقَيُّومِ ۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنْ حَمَلَ ظُلْمًا
Wujuh means, great leaders (Aqrab).
Commentary:
The theme of the preceding verses regarding destruction of the power of the great and powerful western nations and their abasement continues in this verse. The verse may also signify that these great nations will humble themselves before God—they will humbly accept God’s true religion—Islam.
2321
Commentary:
The theme of the preceding verses regarding destruction of the power of the great and powerful western nations and their abasement continues in this verse. The verse may also signify that these great nations will humble themselves before God—they will humbly accept God’s true religion—Islam.
1854A
Wujuh means, great leaders (Aqrab).
وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَا يَخَافُ ظُلْمًا وَلَا هَضْمًا
10:10; 16:98; 21:95.
10:10; 16:98; 21:95.
10:10; 16:98; 21:95.
Important Words:
ھضما (loss) is infinitive noun from ھضم (hadama). ھضم الشیء means, he broke the thing.
ھضم فلاناً means, he wronged him and was unjust to him. ھضم means, wrong; loss of one’s right (Aqrab).
a
10:10; 16:98; 21:95.
b
10:10; 16:98; 21:95.
2322
Important Words:
ھضما (loss) is infinitive noun from ھضم (hadama). ھضم الشیء means, he broke the thing.
ھضم فلاناً means, he wronged him and was unjust to him. ھضم means, wrong; loss of one’s right (Aqrab).
b
10:10; 16:98; 21:95.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ قُرْءَانًا عَرَبِيًّا وَصَرَّفْنَا فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلْوَعِيدِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ أَوْ يُحْدِثُ لَهُمْ ذِكْرًا
42:8; 43:4; 46:13.
42:8; 43:4; 46:13.
42:8; 43:4; 46:13.
Commentary:
The verse purports to say that if the western nations wish to escape the Divine punishment which they have incurred by their evil deeds, and which is in store for them; they can do so by accepting the message of Islam and by following the Holy Prophet.
b
42:8; 43:4; 46:13.
c
42:8; 43:4; 46:13.
2322A
Commentary:
The verse purports to say that if the western nations wish to escape the Divine punishment which they have incurred by their evil deeds, and which is in store for them; they can do so by accepting the message of Islam and by following the Holy Prophet.
c
42:8; 43:4; 46:13.
فَتَعَٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۥ ۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا
23:117.
23:117.
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, 'Seek knowledge though it may be found in a country as far away as China' (Saghir, vol. 1). Elsewhere in the Qur’an, knowledge has been styled as 'God’s great grace' (2:270 & 4:114). Knowledge is of two kinds: (a) That which is vouchsafed to man through revelation and which has found its perfect manifestation in the Qur’an. (b) That which man acquires by his own effort and labour.
23:117.
Commentary:
The words O my Lord, increase me in knowledge show the great importance that the Quran attaches to the acquirement of knowledge. Even the Holy Prophet to whom was vouchsafed knowledge about the generations that have passed away and about those that are yet to be born أوتیت علم الاولین و الآخرین)), is taught to pray that his knowledge may be increased. He is further reported to have said, "Seek knowledge though it may be found in a country as far away as China" (Saghir vol. 1). Elsewhere in the Quran knowledge has been styled as "God’s great grace" (2:270 & 4:114).
The verse also implies that all knowledge is of two kinds: (a) that which is vouchsafed to man through revelation and which has found its perfect manifestation in the Quran which is the last and most perfect Divine teaching; (b) that which man acquires by his own effort and labour. It is this second kind of knowledge for the acquisition of which man is enjoined in the present verse to make ceaseless effort.
The verse also implies that the Quran will come to be increasingly read and followed.
c
23:117.
a
23:117.
2323
Commentary:
The words O my Lord, increase me in knowledge show the great importance that the Quran attaches to the acquirement of knowledge. Even the Holy Prophet to whom was vouchsafed knowledge about the generations that have passed away and about those that are yet to be born أوتیت علم الاولین و الآخرین)), is taught to pray that his knowledge may be increased. He is further reported to have said, "Seek knowledge though it may be found in a country as far away as China" (Saghir vol. 1). Elsewhere in the Quran knowledge has been styled as "God’s great grace" (2:270 & 4:114).
The verse also implies that all knowledge is of two kinds: (a) that which is vouchsafed to man through revelation and which has found its perfect manifestation in the Quran which is the last and most perfect Divine teaching; (b) that which man acquires by his own effort and labour. It is this second kind of knowledge for the acquisition of which man is enjoined in the present verse to make ceaseless effort.
The verse also implies that the Quran will come to be increasingly read and followed.
d
23:117.
1855
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, 'Seek knowledge though it may be found in a country as far away as China' (Saghir, vol. 1). Elsewhere in the Qur’an, knowledge has been styled as 'God’s great grace' (2:270 & 4:114). Knowledge is of two kinds: (a) That which is vouchsafed to man through revelation and which has found its perfect manifestation in the Qur’an. (b) That which man acquires by his own effort and labour.
وَلَقَدْ عَهِدْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ ءَادَمَ مِن قَبْلُ فَنَسِىَ وَلَمْ نَجِدْ لَهُۥ عَزْمًا
这节经文说明阿丹的失足仅仅是判断上的失误。这全是无意的, 偶然的, 绝对不是有意的或存心的。犯错是人之常情。
The verse shows that Adam’s lapse was only an error of judgment. It was inadvertent and involuntary and not at all intentional or deliberate. To err is human.
Important Words:
عھدنا (We had made a covenant). عھد means, he promised. عھد الامر means, he knew the affair. عھد فلان وعدہ means, he guarded and fulfilled his promise. عھد الی فلان means, he enjoined upon him or commanded him and made it a condition for him (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse shows that Adam’s lapse was only an error of judgement on his part. It was quite inadvertent and involuntary and not at all intentional or deliberate. To err is human and man, however spiritually exalted he might be, is prone to forgetfulness and consequently is sometimes liable to falter.
821
这节经文说明阿丹的失足仅仅是判断上的失误。这全是无意的, 偶然的, 绝对不是有意的或存心的。犯错是人之常情。
2324
Important Words:
عھدنا (We had made a covenant). عھد means, he promised. عھد الامر means, he knew the affair. عھد فلان وعدہ means, he guarded and fulfilled his promise. عھد الی فلان means, he enjoined upon him or commanded him and made it a condition for him (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The verse shows that Adam’s lapse was only an error of judgement on his part. It was quite inadvertent and involuntary and not at all intentional or deliberate. To err is human and man, however spiritually exalted he might be, is prone to forgetfulness and consequently is sometimes liable to falter.
1856
The verse shows that Adam’s lapse was only an error of judgment. It was inadvertent and involuntary and not at all intentional or deliberate. To err is human.
وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِءَادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ
2:35; 7:12, 13; 15:27-34; 17:62; 18:51; 38:72-75.
2:35; 7:12, 13; 15:27-34; 17:62; 18:51; 38:72-75.
2:35; 7:12-13; 15:27-34; 17:62; 18:51; 38:72-75.
Commentary:
Who was this Adam who is mentioned in this verse and when and where he lived, is apertinent question. Adam, who lived about 6000 years ago is popularly believed to be the first man created by God upon this earth. This view is neither substantiated and proved by facts of history nor supported by the Quran. The truth is that the world has passed through different cycles of creation and civilization, and Adam, the progenitor of the present human race, was only the first link in the present cycle and not the very first man in God’s creation. There must have lived many Adams before him. Modern science has computed one million years as the age of human race. (Enc. Brit. 14th Edit., p.767). It is not claimed that the race which lived before Adam was entirely swept away before he was born. Most probably there had remained a small remnant of the old race and Adam was one of them. But he himself became the progenitor of a new race and the precursor of a new civilization. It is difficult to say whether the original inhabitants of America, Australia, etc. are the progeny of this last Adam, or some other Adam who had gone before him. Iraq is considered by archaeologists to be the place where Adam lived. See also 2:31 and 7:12.
The expression اسجدوا لآدم (submit to Adam)does not mean, "prostrate before Adam", because prostration before anything or being except God is, according to the Quran, a heinous sin and therefore completely forbidden (41:38). So prostration before Adam by way of worship being opposed to the express teaching of the Quran, a command to that effect could never have proceeded from God. The expression therefore has evidently been used here in the sense of "obey Adam" or "submit to Adam" i.e. "assist him in the discharge of his great duties." This is a Divine command which is given to the angels and through them to all men whenever a messenger of God appears in the world. A reference to this fact is to be found in a famous saying of the Holy Prophet. He is reported to have said: "When God loves a person He communicates this fact to the Arch-angel Gabriel who also begins to love him and proclaims in heaven that God loves a certain person. Upon this all the angels in heaven also begin to love him. The process continues till the person comes to be loved by all good and righteous men on earth" (Bukhari, Kitab bad’ul-Khalq). Thus the command to the angels to submit to Adam applied to Iblis also. Elsewhere it is expressly stated in the Quran (7:13) that Iblis was also commanded to submit to Adam. So there is no point in the objection that as only the angels were commanded to submit, Iblis could not have been justifiably called to account for not carrying out this command.
أبی (he refused). Iblis refused to obey Adam because (1) he considered the teaching of Adam to be against his interests; (2) he looked upon Adam as of lower status to himself; (3) he regarded the ideals of Adam as incapable of being achieved and because also (4) he led a life of deceit and falsehood. See also 2:35, 36, 37.
d
2:35; 7:12, 13; 15:27-34; 17:62; 18:51; 38:72-75.
a
2:35; 7:12-13; 15:27-34; 17:62; 18:51; 38:72-75.
2325
Commentary:
Who was this Adam who is mentioned in this verse and when and where he lived, is apertinent question. Adam, who lived about 6000 years ago is popularly believed to be the first man created by God upon this earth. This view is neither substantiated and proved by facts of history nor supported by the Quran. The truth is that the world has passed through different cycles of creation and civilization, and Adam, the progenitor of the present human race, was only the first link in the present cycle and not the very first man in God’s creation. There must have lived many Adams before him. Modern science has computed one million years as the age of human race. (Enc. Brit. 14th Edit., p.767). It is not claimed that the race which lived before Adam was entirely swept away before he was born. Most probably there had remained a small remnant of the old race and Adam was one of them. But he himself became the progenitor of a new race and the precursor of a new civilization. It is difficult to say whether the original inhabitants of America, Australia, etc. are the progeny of this last Adam, or some other Adam who had gone before him. Iraq is considered by archaeologists to be the place where Adam lived. See also 2:31 and 7:12.
The expression اسجدوا لآدم (submit to Adam)does not mean, "prostrate before Adam", because prostration before anything or being except God is, according to the Quran, a heinous sin and therefore completely forbidden (41:38). So prostration before Adam by way of worship being opposed to the express teaching of the Quran, a command to that effect could never have proceeded from God. The expression therefore has evidently been used here in the sense of "obey Adam" or "submit to Adam" i.e. "assist him in the discharge of his great duties." This is a Divine command which is given to the angels and through them to all men whenever a messenger of God appears in the world. A reference to this fact is to be found in a famous saying of the Holy Prophet. He is reported to have said: "When God loves a person He communicates this fact to the Arch-angel Gabriel who also begins to love him and proclaims in heaven that God loves a certain person. Upon this all the angels in heaven also begin to love him. The process continues till the person comes to be loved by all good and righteous men on earth" (Bukhari, Kitab bad’ul-Khalq). Thus the command to the angels to submit to Adam applied to Iblis also. Elsewhere it is expressly stated in the Quran (7:13) that Iblis was also commanded to submit to Adam. So there is no point in the objection that as only the angels were commanded to submit, Iblis could not have been justifiably called to account for not carrying out this command.
أبی (he refused). Iblis refused to obey Adam because (1) he considered the teaching of Adam to be against his interests; (2) he looked upon Adam as of lower status to himself; (3) he regarded the ideals of Adam as incapable of being achieved and because also (4) he led a life of deceit and falsehood. See also 2:35, 36, 37.
a
2:35; 7:12, 13; 15:27-34; 17:62; 18:51; 38:72-75.
فَقُلْنَا يَٰٓـَٔادَمُ إِنَّ هَٰذَا عَدُوٌّ لَّكَ وَلِزَوْجِكَ فَلَا يُخْرِجَنَّكُمَا مِنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ فَتَشْقَىٰٓ
7:23; 18:51.
Adam is warned that if he succumbed to the blandishments held out to him by Iblis and accepted his advice, he would become deprived of Jannah, i.e. life of bliss and spiritual contentment which he formerly enjoyed.
7:23; 18:51.
Commentary:
الجنة (the garden) does not refer to Heaven or Paradise but only to the garden-like place where Adam was first made to live. The word cannot refer to heaven; first, because it was on the earth that Adam was made to live, as the words: "I am about to place a vicegerent in the earth" (2:31) indicate; and secondly, because heaven is a place from where no one having once entered it can ever be expelled (15:49), whereas Adam was compelled to leave the جنة referred to in this verse. Recent archaeological researches show that the place where Adam was made to dwell was the garden of Eden which lay near Babylon in Iraq, and which was given this name on account of the great fertility of its soil (Enc. Brit. under "Ur"). See also 2:35, 36.
The Bible also lends support to this view. It says: "And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom He had formed" (Gen. 2:8).
The verse means to warn Adam that if he succumbed to the blandishments held out to him by Iblis and accepted his advice, he would become deprived of جنة i.e. the life of bliss, comfort and spiritual contentment which he had formerly enjoyed.
e
7:23; 18:51.
822
阿丹得到警告, 如果他听从伊布利司 (اِبْلِيْس, Iblis) 的甜言劝诱, 而接受其意见, 那他势必失去 جَنَّة (Jannah) 即 (失去) 天堂的极乐生活, 即他原来享有的精神满足。
a
7:23; 18:51.
2326
Commentary:
الجنة (the garden) does not refer to Heaven or Paradise but only to the garden-like place where Adam was first made to live. The word cannot refer to heaven; first, because it was on the earth that Adam was made to live, as the words: "I am about to place a vicegerent in the earth" (2:31) indicate; and secondly, because heaven is a place from where no one having once entered it can ever be expelled (15:49), whereas Adam was compelled to leave the جنة referred to in this verse. Recent archaeological researches show that the place where Adam was made to dwell was the garden of Eden which lay near Babylon in Iraq, and which was given this name on account of the great fertility of its soil (Enc. Brit. under "Ur"). See also 2:35, 36.
The Bible also lends support to this view. It says: "And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom He had formed" (Gen. 2:8).
The verse means to warn Adam that if he succumbed to the blandishments held out to him by Iblis and accepted his advice, he would become deprived of جنة i.e. the life of bliss, comfort and spiritual contentment which he had formerly enjoyed.
b
7:23; 18:51.
1857
Adam is warned that if he succumbed to the blandishments held out to him by Iblis and accepted his advice, he would become deprived of Jannah, i.e. life of bliss and spiritual contentment which he formerly enjoyed.
إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيهَا وَلَا تَعْرَىٰ
معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ یہ سب سے پہلی تعلیم ہے جو آدم ؑ کو ملی تھی۔ یعنی تیری حکومت کا قانون ایسا ہو کہ اُس کا اِس اِس طرح نتیجہ نکلے۔
Commentary:
See next verse.
1
معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ یہ سب سے پہلی تعلیم ہے جو آدم ؑ کو ملی تھی۔ یعنی تیری حکومت کا قانون ایسا ہو کہ اُس کا اِس اِس طرح نتیجہ نکلے۔
2327
Commentary:
See next verse.
وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظْمَؤُا۟ فِيهَا وَلَا تَضْحَىٰ
这节与上节经文似乎是谈及欢乐与舒适--------文明生活的相伴物。这里指出为本国人民提供食物、衣服与住所等这些人类生活的起码必需品, 是文明政府的首要职责; 也只有在全体成员都能充分地获得这类必需品时, 才称得上是文明社会。某些社会阶层的财富滚滚而来; 而另一些人则由于饥饿而死去。这种严重的、经济上的不平等不根除的话, 人类社会就会动乱不止, 人类社会的道德意识也不可能真正改善。这里阿丹被告知, 他将在一个地方生活, 那里所有居民都能充分得到许多愉快的事情与生活必需品。上述情况在 «古兰经» 中的另一处也曾提到过, 是这样说的: 不论你在何地都有充足的食品 (2:36)。现在注释中的这节经文, 也说明从阿丹起开始出现新的社会秩序, 而且他为创建人类社会进步的新纪元奠定了基础。
Reference in this and the preceding verse seems to be to the amenities and comforts which are the concomitants of civilized life. These two verses point to the fact that to provide food, clothing and shelter to its people—their primary necessities of life—is the first duty of a civilized government and that a society can only be called civilized when all its members are adequately provided with these necessities. Mankind will continue to suffer from social upheavals, and the moral tone of human society will never really improve unless economic inequalities of such a serious nature, that some sections of society roll in wealth and others die of starvation, are done away with. Adam is told here that he will live in a place where amenities and necessities of life will be adequately available to all its inhabitants. This state of affairs has been described elsewhere in the Qur’an in the words, and eat therefrom plentifully wherever you will (2:36). The verse under comment also shows that with Adam
Commentary:
The reference in this and the preceding verse seems to be to the amenities and comforts which are the concomitants of civilized life. These two verses point to the fact that to provide food, clothing and housing to its people which are their primary necessities of life is the first duty of a civilized government and that a society can only be called civilized when all its members are provided with these necessities. Mankind will continue to suffer from social upheavals and the moral tone of human society will never really improve unless economic inequalities of such a serious nature that some sections of society roll in wealth and others die of starvation, are done away with. Adam is told in these verses that he will live in a place where amenities and necessities of life will be adequately available to all its inhabitants. This state of affairs has been described elsewhere in the Quran in the words, And eat therefrom plentifully wherever you will (2:36). The verse under comment also shows that with Adam began a new social order and that he laid the foundations of a kingdom which ushered in the era of social progress of man.
823
这节与上节经文似乎是谈及欢乐与舒适--------文明生活的相伴物。这里指出为本国人民提供食物、衣服与住所等这些人类生活的起码必需品, 是文明政府的首要职责; 也只有在全体成员都能充分地获得这类必需品时, 才称得上是文明社会。某些社会阶层的财富滚滚而来; 而另一些人则由于饥饿而死去。这种严重的、经济上的不平等不根除的话, 人类社会就会动乱不止, 人类社会的道德意识也不可能真正改善。这里阿丹被告知, 他将在一个地方生活, 那里所有居民都能充分得到许多愉快的事情与生活必需品。上述情况在 «古兰经» 中的另一处也曾提到过, 是这样说的: 不论你在何地都有充足的食品 (2:36)。现在注释中的这节经文, 也说明从阿丹起开始出现新的社会秩序, 而且他为创建人类社会进步的新纪元奠定了基础。
2328
Commentary:
The reference in this and the preceding verse seems to be to the amenities and comforts which are the concomitants of civilized life. These two verses point to the fact that to provide food, clothing and housing to its people which are their primary necessities of life is the first duty of a civilized government and that a society can only be called civilized when all its members are provided with these necessities. Mankind will continue to suffer from social upheavals and the moral tone of human society will never really improve unless economic inequalities of such a serious nature that some sections of society roll in wealth and others die of starvation, are done away with. Adam is told in these verses that he will live in a place where amenities and necessities of life will be adequately available to all its inhabitants. This state of affairs has been described elsewhere in the Quran in the words, And eat therefrom plentifully wherever you will (2:36). The verse under comment also shows that with Adam began a new social order and that he laid the foundations of a kingdom which ushered in the era of social progress of man.
1858
Reference in this and the preceding verse seems to be to the amenities and comforts which are the concomitants of civilized life. These two verses point to the fact that to provide food, clothing and shelter to its people—their primary necessities of life—is the first duty of a civilized government and that a society can only be called civilized when all its members are adequately provided with these necessities. Mankind will continue to suffer from social upheavals, and the moral tone of human society will never really improve unless economic inequalities of such a serious nature, that some sections of society roll in wealth and others die of starvation, are done away with. Adam is told here that he will live in a place where amenities and necessities of life will be adequately available to all its inhabitants. This state of affairs has been described elsewhere in the Qur’an in the words, and eat therefrom plentifully wherever you will (2:36). The verse under comment also shows that with Adam
فَوَسْوَسَ إِلَيْهِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ قَالَ يَٰٓـَٔادَمُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلْخُلْدِ وَمُلْكٍ لَّا يَبْلَىٰ
دیکھئے سورۃ اعراف آیت۲۱ نوٹ نمبر۵
2:37; 7:21.
There exists in the world no such tree as 'the tree of eternity.' The 'tree,' as mentioned here and elsewhere in the Qur’an, was a certain family or tribe from which Adam was bidden to keep aloof because its members were his enemies.
2:37; 7:21.
Important Words:
شیطان (Satan) is either derived from شطن or شاط and means, (1) the being who is not only himself far from truth but also turns others away from it; and (2) the being who burns with hate and anger and is lost (Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 2:15.
Commentary:
In common usage شیطان signifies (1) the Evil Spirit i.e. Satan; (2) anybody who greatly transgresses proper limits and is excessively proud and rebellious; (3) any evil propensity or inclination. شیطان (Satan) is a very general term and is of much wider significance than ابلیس (Iblis), for whereas Iblis is the name given to the Evil Spirit who belonged to the jinn and refused to serve Adam, thereafter becoming the leader of the forces of evil, شیطان is any evil or harmful being or thing, whether a spirit or a human being or an animal or a disease, etc. The Quran mentions ابلیس and شیطان side by side wherever the story of Adam is given, but everywhere a distinction is observed between the two. Wherever the Quran speaks of the being who, unlike the angels, refused to serve Adam, it invariably mentions the name Iblis and wherever it speaks of the being who beguiled Adam and became the means of his being turned out of جنة (garden) it mentions the name "Satan". This distinction, which is most significant and which has been maintained throughout the Quran, shows that Iblis and Satan are two aspects of the same being or person. When he refuses to believe in Adam and to submit to him, he is called Iblis but when he translates his refusal into action and opposes him and puts all sorts of obstacles in his way and creates difficulties for him, he is called Satan. It may further be added that الشیطان mentioned in connection with Adam was one of his own people.
As for شجرة الخلد (the tree of eternity), the Quran elsewhere makes mention of two شجرة (trees) i.e. شجرة طیبة (good tree) and شجرة خبیثة (evil tree). See 14:25 & 27. In the Quran pure things are likened to the former and impure things to the latter. In view of this explanation it appears that Adam was enjoined to avoid quarrels and useless wranglings which are calculated to create discord and disharmony in a family, otherwise there exists in the world no such tree as "tree of eternity" the eating of whose fruit makes a man naked or provides him with the knowledge of good and evil. The "tree" as mentioned in the present verse and elsewhere in the Quran was a certain family or tribe from which Adam was bidden to keep aloof because its members were his enemies.
a
2:37; 7:21.
824
世界上并不存在这样的 “一棵长生的树”。这节经文以及 «古兰经» 中另一处所提到的那棵 “树” 是指某一家庭或宗族, 阿丹受命远离它, 因为它的成员都是阿丹的敌人。
1
دیکھئے سورۃ اعراف آیت۲۱ نوٹ نمبر۵
a
2:37; 7:21.
2329
Important Words:
شیطان (Satan) is either derived from شطن or شاط and means, (1) the being who is not only himself far from truth but also turns others away from it; and (2) the being who burns with hate and anger and is lost (Aqrab & Mufradat). See also 2:15.
Commentary:
In common usage شیطان signifies (1) the Evil Spirit i.e. Satan; (2) anybody who greatly transgresses proper limits and is excessively proud and rebellious; (3) any evil propensity or inclination. شیطان (Satan) is a very general term and is of much wider significance than ابلیس (Iblis), for whereas Iblis is the name given to the Evil Spirit who belonged to the jinn and refused to serve Adam, thereafter becoming the leader of the forces of evil, شیطان is any evil or harmful being or thing, whether a spirit or a human being or an animal or a disease, etc. The Quran mentions ابلیس and شیطان side by side wherever the story of Adam is given, but everywhere a distinction is observed between the two. Wherever the Quran speaks of the being who, unlike the angels, refused to serve Adam, it invariably mentions the name Iblis and wherever it speaks of the being who beguiled Adam and became the means of his being turned out of جنة (garden) it mentions the name "Satan". This distinction, which is most significant and which has been maintained throughout the Quran, shows that Iblis and Satan are two aspects of the same being or person. When he refuses to believe in Adam and to submit to him, he is called Iblis but when he translates his refusal into action and opposes him and puts all sorts of obstacles in his way and creates difficulties for him, he is called Satan. It may further be added that الشیطان mentioned in connection with Adam was one of his own people.
As for شجرة الخلد (the tree of eternity), the Quran elsewhere makes mention of two شجرة (trees) i.e. شجرة طیبة (good tree) and شجرة خبیثة (evil tree). See 14:25 & 27. In the Quran pure things are likened to the former and impure things to the latter. In view of this explanation it appears that Adam was enjoined to avoid quarrels and useless wranglings which are calculated to create discord and disharmony in a family, otherwise there exists in the world no such tree as "tree of eternity" the eating of whose fruit makes a man naked or provides him with the knowledge of good and evil. The "tree" as mentioned in the present verse and elsewhere in the Quran was a certain family or tribe from which Adam was bidden to keep aloof because its members were his enemies.
a
2:37; 7:21.
1859
There exists in the world no such tree as 'the tree of eternity.' The 'tree,' as mentioned here and elsewhere in the Qur’an, was a certain family or tribe from which Adam was bidden to keep aloof because its members were his enemies.
فَأَكَلَا مِنْهَا فَبَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۚ وَعَصَىٰٓ ءَادَمُ رَبَّهُۥ فَغَوَىٰ
دیکھئے سورۃ اعراف آیت۲۳ نوٹ نمبر۱
7.23; 20:122.
As a result of acceptance by Adam of Satan’s suggestions a split occurred among his people which caused him much distress and mental anguish. Adam and Eve discovered that by acting upon the evil suggestions of Satan, they had made a grievous mistake and had involved themselves in great trouble. The verse does not mean that their weakness became known to other people but that only Adam and Eve themselves became conscious of it.
Waraq also meaning young lads of a community (Lane), the verse purports to say that as Satan had succeeded in causing a split in Adam’s community and some of the morally weak members had gone out of its fold, Adam gathered together the youth and other righteous and good members of the community and with their help began to reorganize his people. According to the Bible, Adam used fig leaves (Gen. 3: 6, 7), which in the language of visions signify young righteous and pious people.
7:23; 20:122.
Important Words:
سوآت (shame) is the plural of سوءة which is derived from ساء which means, it was or became evil, foul or abominable. سوءة means, any evil, foul or abominable saying or action or habit or practice; any saying or action of which one is ashamed when it appears and which one would like to hide; any disgracing action or thing; the external portion of organs of generation of a man or of a woman; corpse or dead body; nakedness (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:21.
ورق (leaves) is both singular and plural and is substantive noun from the verb ورق (waraqa). They say ورق الشجر i.e. the tree put forth leaves. أورق الرجل means, the man became rich. انت طیب الورق means, thou hast a good and righteous progeny. ورق means, leaves, foliage; sheet of paper; the prime and freshness of a thing; the young lads of a community. It also signifies the beauty of the things of this world and their resplendence (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:23.
غوی (his life became miserable) means, he erred; he deviated from the right way; he acted ignorantly; he failed in his object and was disappointed; he was lost; his life became unpleasant (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
As a result of acceptance by Adam of Satan’s suggestion a split occurred among his people which caused him much distress and mental anguish.
The words, their shame became manifest, mean that the evil consequences of their lapse began to appear and they realized their weaknesses. They discovered that by acting upon the evil suggestions of Satan, they had made a grievous mistake and had involved themselves in great trouble. The verse does not mean that their weakness became known to other people but that only Adam and Eve became conscious of it.
As ورق also means young lads of a community(see under "Important Words" above) the verse purports to say that as Satan had succeeded in causing a split in Adam’s community and some of the spiritually weaker members had gone out of its fold, Adam gathered together the youth and other righteous and good members of the community and with their help began to reorganize his people. It is generally the youth of a community who first accept the teachings of a Divine Messenger because they have no preconceived ideas, prejudices and inhibitions to shed. Their minds are like a clean slate and they find no difficulty in accepting a teaching which appeals to their reason and conscience. See also 7:23.
The Bible describes Adam’s lapse in the words: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Gen. 3:6-7). Thus whereas, according to the Quran, Adam hid his nakedness with 'the leaves of the garden', which means the young lads or pious and righteous members of the community, according to the Bible he used the fig leaves which in the language of visions also signify righteous and pious people. So there is no contradiction or incongruity between the Quranic and the Biblical statements in this respect.
That Adam’s disobedience was not deliberate but casual and accidental is evident from v. 116 above.
b
7.23; 20:122.
825
وَرَقْ (Waraq) 也是指一个社团中的年青小伙子 (Lane)。这节经文的大致意思是说, 恶魔已成功地使阿丹的社团出现裂缝, 一些意志薄弱的成员背离了他们的信仰。阿丹把年青的以及其他正直而善良的成员聚集在一起, 并在他们的帮助下重新组织起自己的社团。据圣经所载, 阿丹用过无花果树树叶 («创世纪» 3:6-7), 这在精神境界的语言中是指年青、正直而虔诚的人们。
2
دیکھئے سورۃ اعراف آیت۲۳ نوٹ نمبر۱
a
7:23; 20:122.
2330
Important Words:
سوآت (shame) is the plural of سوءة which is derived from ساء which means, it was or became evil, foul or abominable. سوءة means, any evil, foul or abominable saying or action or habit or practice; any saying or action of which one is ashamed when it appears and which one would like to hide; any disgracing action or thing; the external portion of organs of generation of a man or of a woman; corpse or dead body; nakedness (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:21.
ورق (leaves) is both singular and plural and is substantive noun from the verb ورق (waraqa). They say ورق الشجر i.e. the tree put forth leaves. أورق الرجل means, the man became rich. انت طیب الورق means, thou hast a good and righteous progeny. ورق means, leaves, foliage; sheet of paper; the prime and freshness of a thing; the young lads of a community. It also signifies the beauty of the things of this world and their resplendence (Lane & Aqrab). See also 7:23.
غوی (his life became miserable) means, he erred; he deviated from the right way; he acted ignorantly; he failed in his object and was disappointed; he was lost; his life became unpleasant (Aqrab, Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
As a result of acceptance by Adam of Satan’s suggestion a split occurred among his people which caused him much distress and mental anguish.
The words, their shame became manifest, mean that the evil consequences of their lapse began to appear and they realized their weaknesses. They discovered that by acting upon the evil suggestions of Satan, they had made a grievous mistake and had involved themselves in great trouble. The verse does not mean that their weakness became known to other people but that only Adam and Eve became conscious of it.
As ورق also means young lads of a community(see under "Important Words" above) the verse purports to say that as Satan had succeeded in causing a split in Adam’s community and some of the spiritually weaker members had gone out of its fold, Adam gathered together the youth and other righteous and good members of the community and with their help began to reorganize his people. It is generally the youth of a community who first accept the teachings of a Divine Messenger because they have no preconceived ideas, prejudices and inhibitions to shed. Their minds are like a clean slate and they find no difficulty in accepting a teaching which appeals to their reason and conscience. See also 7:23.
The Bible describes Adam’s lapse in the words: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Gen. 3:6-7). Thus whereas, according to the Quran, Adam hid his nakedness with 'the leaves of the garden', which means the young lads or pious and righteous members of the community, according to the Bible he used the fig leaves which in the language of visions also signify righteous and pious people. So there is no contradiction or incongruity between the Quranic and the Biblical statements in this respect.
That Adam’s disobedience was not deliberate but casual and accidental is evident from v. 116 above.
b
7.23; 20:122.
1860
As a result of acceptance by Adam of Satan’s suggestions a split occurred among his people which caused him much distress and mental anguish. Adam and Eve discovered that by acting upon the evil suggestions of Satan, they had made a grievous mistake and had involved themselves in great trouble. The verse does not mean that their weakness became known to other people but that only Adam and Eve themselves became conscious of it.
1861
Waraq also meaning young lads of a community (Lane), the verse purports to say that as Satan had succeeded in causing a split in Adam’s community and some of the morally weak members had gone out of its fold, Adam gathered together the youth and other righteous and good members of the community and with their help began to reorganize his people. According to the Bible, Adam used fig leaves (Gen. 3: 6, 7), which in the language of visions signify young righteous and pious people.
ثُمَّ ٱجْتَبَٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ وَهَدَىٰ
2:38.
The verse shows that Adam’s act of disobedience was inadvertent and accidental, for an act of deliberate disobedience could not have been followed by the great honour of his being selected by God for His special favour.
2:38.
Commentary:
The words, Then his Lord chose him, also indicate that Adam’s act of disobedience was inadvertent and unconscious, for an act of deliberate disobedience could not have been followed by the great honour of his being selected by God for His favour. The verse means to say that when Adam realized his mistake and repented of it and sought God’s forgiveness, God took pity on him, chose him for His grace, and revealed to him the right plan by employing which he could successfully foil and defeat Satan’s machinations.
a
2:38.
826
这节经文说明阿丹的不服从行为是出于无意的; 如果他故意不服从, 以后就不可能获得安拉给予的巨大荣誉, 成为安拉的特殊恩宠者。
a
2:38.
2331
Commentary:
The words, Then his Lord chose him, also indicate that Adam’s act of disobedience was inadvertent and unconscious, for an act of deliberate disobedience could not have been followed by the great honour of his being selected by God for His favour. The verse means to say that when Adam realized his mistake and repented of it and sought God’s forgiveness, God took pity on him, chose him for His grace, and revealed to him the right plan by employing which he could successfully foil and defeat Satan’s machinations.
a
2:38.
1862
The verse shows that Adam’s act of disobedience was inadvertent and accidental, for an act of deliberate disobedience could not have been followed by the great honour of his being selected by God for His special favour.
قَالَ ٱهْبِطَا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًۢا ۖ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّى هُدًى فَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ
2:37-39; 7:25.
2:37-39; 7:25.
The words, 'both of you,' signify two groups of people, i.e. the followers of Adam and the followers of Satan. The words, kum (you) and Jami‘ (all of you), also show that the verse refers not to two persons but to two groups of persons or to two parties. This is also clear from 7:25 where the plural number Ihbitu (go forth all of you) has been used instead of Ihbita (go forth both of you). It appears that Adam emigrated from Iraq, the land of his birth, to a neighbouring country. The emigration was perhaps a temporary one, and he must have returned to his native land not long after. The words, a provision for a time (7:25), contain a hint about the emigration being a temporary one.
2:37-39; 7:25.
Commentary:
The words "both of you", signify two groups of people i.e. the followers of Adam and the followers of Satan. The word کم (you) and جمیعا (all of you) also show that the verse refers not to two persons but to two groups of persons or parties. This is also clear from 7:25 where the plural number اھبطوا (go forth all of you) has been used instead of اھبطا (go forth both of you).
It appears that Adam migrated from Iraq, the land of his birth, to a neighbouring country. The migration was perhaps a temporary one, and he must have returned to his native land not long after. The words, a provision for a time, contain a hint about the migration being a temporary one.
b
2:37-39; 7:25.
b
2:37-39; 7:25.
2332
Commentary:
The words "both of you", signify two groups of people i.e. the followers of Adam and the followers of Satan. The word کم (you) and جمیعا (all of you) also show that the verse refers not to two persons but to two groups of persons or parties. This is also clear from 7:25 where the plural number اھبطوا (go forth all of you) has been used instead of اھبطا (go forth both of you).
It appears that Adam migrated from Iraq, the land of his birth, to a neighbouring country. The migration was perhaps a temporary one, and he must have returned to his native land not long after. The words, a provision for a time, contain a hint about the migration being a temporary one.
b
2:37-39; 7:25.
1863
The words, 'both of you,' signify two groups of people, i.e. the followers of Adam and the followers of Satan. The words, kum (you) and Jami‘ (all of you), also show that the verse refers not to two persons but to two groups of persons or to two parties. This is also clear from 7:25 where the plural number Ihbitu (go forth all of you) has been used instead of Ihbita (go forth both of you). It appears that Adam emigrated from Iraq, the land of his birth, to a neighbouring country. The emigration was perhaps a temporary one, and he must have returned to his native land not long after. The words, a provision for a time (7:25), contain a hint about the emigration being a temporary one.
وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ
18:102.
18:102.
A person, who consigns God to oblivion in this life and leads a life which obstructs or impedes his spiritual development and thus deprives himself of heavenly light, will be born blind at the time of his second birth in the life after. This will be because his soul in this life which will serve as a body for the more spiritually developed soul in the next world had become blind, because he had led a life of sin in this world.
18:102.
Commentary:
The verse means to say that a person who consigns God to oblivion in this life and leads a life which obstructs or impedes his spiritual development and growth and thus deprives himself of heavenly light will be born blind at the time of his second birth in the afterlife. This will be because his soul in this life which serves as a body for the much more spiritually developed soul in the next world had become blind on account of his having led a sinful and depraved life in this world. This is one meaning of the verse.
It may have another interpretation. معیشة (life) signifies the basis of human life and it is not only physical amenities and comforts on which human life depends but other innumerable things also contribute to its sustenance and to man’s social, moral and spiritual development. Of these things those people who reject Divine teaching remain deprived and thus they lead a difficult life, full of strains and stresses. Moreover, the sphere of action of the rejecters of Divine teaching is very narrow and limited because they have no grand and great goal before them, as it is belief in Divine attributes and the development by man of these attributes in his person that help to broaden his vision. This is why the Prophets of God and His Elect stand on a much higher moral plane than the votaries of philosophy.
c
18:102.
c
18:102.
2333
Commentary:
The verse means to say that a person who consigns God to oblivion in this life and leads a life which obstructs or impedes his spiritual development and growth and thus deprives himself of heavenly light will be born blind at the time of his second birth in the afterlife. This will be because his soul in this life which serves as a body for the much more spiritually developed soul in the next world had become blind on account of his having led a sinful and depraved life in this world. This is one meaning of the verse.
It may have another interpretation. معیشة (life) signifies the basis of human life and it is not only physical amenities and comforts on which human life depends but other innumerable things also contribute to its sustenance and to man’s social, moral and spiritual development. Of these things those people who reject Divine teaching remain deprived and thus they lead a difficult life, full of strains and stresses. Moreover, the sphere of action of the rejecters of Divine teaching is very narrow and limited because they have no grand and great goal before them, as it is belief in Divine attributes and the development by man of these attributes in his person that help to broaden his vision. This is why the Prophets of God and His Elect stand on a much higher moral plane than the votaries of philosophy.
c
18:102.
1864
A person, who consigns God to oblivion in this life and leads a life which obstructs or impedes his spiritual development and thus deprives himself of heavenly light, will be born blind at the time of his second birth in the life after. This will be because his soul in this life which will serve as a body for the more spiritually developed soul in the next world had become blind, because he had led a life of sin in this world.
قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِىٓ أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًا
قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ ءَايَٰتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا ۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰ
In answer to the disbeliever’s protestation as to why he was raised up blind while he was possessed of sight in the former life, God would say that he had become spiritually blind in his worldly life on account of his having led a life of sin; and as his soul was to serve as a body for another much more spiritually developed soul in the life after, therefore he was born blind in the Hereafter. The verse may also mean that as a disbeliever does not develop in him Divine attributes and remains a stranger to them, so when on the Day of Resurrection those attributes will be manifested in all their splendour and glory, he, being a stranger to them, will not be able to recognize them, and thus will stand like a blind man, having no recollection or remembrance of them.
Commentary:
In answer to the disbeliever’s protestation as to why he was raised up blind while he was possessed of sight in the former life, God would say that he had become spiritually blind in that world on account of his having led a life of disbelief and sin, and as his soul was to serve as a body for another much more spiritually developed soul in the afterlife, therefore he was born blind in the Hereafter.
The verse possesses another interpretation: As a disbeliever does not develop within himself divine attributes and remains a stranger to them, on the Day of Resurrection when those attributes will be manifested in their full splendour and glory, he—being stranger to them—will not be able to recognize them and will thus stand like a blind man, having had no recollection or remembrance of them.
2334
Commentary:
In answer to the disbeliever’s protestation as to why he was raised up blind while he was possessed of sight in the former life, God would say that he had become spiritually blind in that world on account of his having led a life of disbelief and sin, and as his soul was to serve as a body for another much more spiritually developed soul in the afterlife, therefore he was born blind in the Hereafter.
The verse possesses another interpretation: As a disbeliever does not develop within himself divine attributes and remains a stranger to them, on the Day of Resurrection when those attributes will be manifested in their full splendour and glory, he—being stranger to them—will not be able to recognize them and will thus stand like a blind man, having had no recollection or remembrance of them.
1865
In answer to the disbeliever’s protestation as to why he was raised up blind while he was possessed of sight in the former life, God would say that he had become spiritually blind in his worldly life on account of his having led a life of sin; and as his soul was to serve as a body for another much more spiritually developed soul in the life after, therefore he was born blind in the Hereafter. The verse may also mean that as a disbeliever does not develop in him Divine attributes and remains a stranger to them, so when on the Day of Resurrection those attributes will be manifested in all their splendour and glory, he, being a stranger to them, will not be able to recognize them, and thus will stand like a blind man, having no recollection or remembrance of them.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى مَنْ أَسْرَفَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنۢ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِۦ ۚ وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ أَشَدُّ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ
Commentary:
The verse presents some difficulty. In the preceding three verses we are told that a disbeliever will be raised up blind in the hereafter as a punishment for having turned a blind eye to God’s attributes and in this verse it is stated that the punishment of the Hereafter is surely severer and more lasting, which means that there will be another punishment severer and more lasting than the former punishment. What are these two punishments of the Hereafter? This difficulty is solved by vv. 2:167 and 6:95 wherein it is stated that when disbelievers will be disowned by their false gods and will be left alone, the falsity of their beliefs will dawn on them and consequently their remorse and frustration will be bitter in the extreme. That bitter realization will constitute the first punishment and the torment of Hell will form the second and more severe punishment.
2334A
Commentary:
The verse presents some difficulty. In the preceding three verses we are told that a disbeliever will be raised up blind in the hereafter as a punishment for having turned a blind eye to God’s attributes and in this verse it is stated that the punishment of the Hereafter is surely severer and more lasting, which means that there will be another punishment severer and more lasting than the former punishment. What are these two punishments of the Hereafter? This difficulty is solved by vv. 2:167 and 6:95 wherein it is stated that when disbelievers will be disowned by their false gods and will be left alone, the falsity of their beliefs will dawn on them and consequently their remorse and frustration will be bitter in the extreme. That bitter realization will constitute the first punishment and the torment of Hell will form the second and more severe punishment.
أَفَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِى مَسَٰكِنِهِمْ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلنُّهَىٰ
17:18; 36:32.
17:18; 36:32.
17:18; 36:32.
Commentary:
The verse embodies a perpetual warning for the deniers of Divine Messengers that they will ultimately come to grief. It is an invariable and immutable divine law that rejection of Divine teaching lands the rejecters in utter ruin and destruction.
d
17:18; 36:32.
a
17:18; 36:32.
2335
Commentary:
The verse embodies a perpetual warning for the deniers of Divine Messengers that they will ultimately come to grief. It is an invariable and immutable divine law that rejection of Divine teaching lands the rejecters in utter ruin and destruction.
a
17:18; 36:32.
وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَكَانَ لِزَامًا وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى
8:69; 10:20.
8:69; 10:20.
The reference is to the Divine declaration contained in the verse, 'My mercy encompasses all things' (7:157). God in His infallible wisdom has decreed that His mercy will continue to transcend all His other attributes.
8:69; 10:20.
Important Words:
لزاماً (inevitable) is derived from لزم. They say لزمه i.e. it necessarily or inseparably belonged to it, clove or adhered to him or it. لزام الامر means, the affair became incumbent upon him. ألزمه شیئا means, he obliged him to do or endure a thing or He (God) decreed or ordained to him a thing; he made a thing cleave to him or he made him to cleave to a thing. لزاماً means, death; reckoning; such as cleaves fast; a thing inseparable; decision in a case (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The reference in the words, a word already gone forth, is to the Divine declaration contained in the verse "My mercy encompasses all things" (7:157) i.e. God in His infallible wisdom has decreed that His attribute of mercy will continue to transcend all His other attributes. Or the reference may be to the verse "And Allah would not punish them while thou wast amongst them" (8:34). In this case the words "a term already fixed" refer to the battle of Badr.
a
8:69; 10:20.
b
8:69; 10:20.
2336
Important Words:
لزاماً (inevitable) is derived from لزم. They say لزمه i.e. it necessarily or inseparably belonged to it, clove or adhered to him or it. لزام الامر means, the affair became incumbent upon him. ألزمه شیئا means, he obliged him to do or endure a thing or He (God) decreed or ordained to him a thing; he made a thing cleave to him or he made him to cleave to a thing. لزاماً means, death; reckoning; such as cleaves fast; a thing inseparable; decision in a case (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The reference in the words, a word already gone forth, is to the Divine declaration contained in the verse "My mercy encompasses all things" (7:157) i.e. God in His infallible wisdom has decreed that His attribute of mercy will continue to transcend all His other attributes. Or the reference may be to the verse "And Allah would not punish them while thou wast amongst them" (8:34). In this case the words "a term already fixed" refer to the battle of Badr.
a
8:69; 10:20.
1866
The reference is to the Divine declaration contained in the verse, 'My mercy encompasses all things' (7:157). God in His infallible wisdom has decreed that His mercy will continue to transcend all His other attributes.
فَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا ۖ وَمِنْ ءَانَآئِ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْ وَأَطْرَافَ ٱلنَّهَارِ لَعَلَّكَ تَرْضَىٰ
17:79, 80; 30:18, 19; 50:40, 41.
17:79, 80; 30:18, 19; 50:40, 41.
The glorification of God at the hours mentioned in the verse may signify the hours of the five daily Prayers; the words, before the rising of the sun, signifying the Morning (Fajr) Prayer; and the words, before its setting, the Late-afternoon (‘Asr) Prayer; and the expression, and glorify Him in the hours of the night, signifying the Evening Prayer (Maghrib) and Night Prayer (‘Isha’), while the words, parts of the day, signifying the Afternoon (Zuhr) Prayer.
17:79-80; 30:18-19; 50:40-41.
Important Words:
آناء (hours) is the plural of إنی (inyun) and إنی (inan) and أنی (anyun). All these are derived from أنی (ana) which means, its time came; it was or became or drew near; it attained to its full state. إنی (inyun) means, an hour or a short portion of time, or an indefinite time; a time of the night; any hour of the night. مضی إنو من اللیل means, a time of the night passed (Lane & Aqrab).
اطراف is the plural of طرف and means, sides of the day; parts of the day (Aqrab).
Commentary:
Some commentators of the Quran are of the view that by the glorification of God at the hours mentioned in the verse are meant the hours of the five daily Prayers; the words "before the rising of the sun" signifying the morning Prayer; and the words "before its setting" the late afternoon (‘Asr) Prayer; and the expression "and glorify Him in the hours of the night" signifying the evening (Maghrib) and night Prayer (‘Isha), while the words "at the sides of the day" signifying afternoon (Zuhr) Prayer. But whatever the words of the verse may mean it is quite clear that in order to obtain success in life and satisfaction of the mind it is very essential to remember God and glorify Him. God’s constant remembrance is specifically suited to illumine the soul and to bring about peace of mind.
b
17:79, 80; 30:18, 19; 50:40, 41.
a
17:79-80; 30:18-19; 50:40-41.
2337
Important Words:
آناء (hours) is the plural of إنی (inyun) and إنی (inan) and أنی (anyun). All these are derived from أنی (ana) which means, its time came; it was or became or drew near; it attained to its full state. إنی (inyun) means, an hour or a short portion of time, or an indefinite time; a time of the night; any hour of the night. مضی إنو من اللیل means, a time of the night passed (Lane & Aqrab).
اطراف is the plural of طرف and means, sides of the day; parts of the day (Aqrab).
Commentary:
Some commentators of the Quran are of the view that by the glorification of God at the hours mentioned in the verse are meant the hours of the five daily Prayers; the words "before the rising of the sun" signifying the morning Prayer; and the words "before its setting" the late afternoon (‘Asr) Prayer; and the expression "and glorify Him in the hours of the night" signifying the evening (Maghrib) and night Prayer (‘Isha), while the words "at the sides of the day" signifying afternoon (Zuhr) Prayer. But whatever the words of the verse may mean it is quite clear that in order to obtain success in life and satisfaction of the mind it is very essential to remember God and glorify Him. God’s constant remembrance is specifically suited to illumine the soul and to bring about peace of mind.
b
17:79, 80; 30:18, 19; 50:40, 41.
1867
The glorification of God at the hours mentioned in the verse may signify the hours of the five daily Prayers; the words, before the rising of the sun, signifying the Morning (Fajr) Prayer; and the words, before its setting, the Late-afternoon (‘Asr) Prayer; and the expression, and glorify Him in the hours of the night, signifying the Evening Prayer (Maghrib) and Night Prayer (‘Isha’), while the words, parts of the day, signifying the Afternoon (Zuhr) Prayer.
وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِۦٓ أَزْوَٰجًا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ
15:89; 26:206-208; 28:61, 62.
All international jealousies and rivalries which result in wars and consequently in much human misery and bloodshed are the result, direct or indirect, of mad hunger for material wealth and physical comforts. Muslims are warned not to cast covetous looks on the wealth of other people.
15:89; 26:206-208; 28:61-62.
Important Words:
زھرة (splendour) is noun-infinitive from زھر which means, it shone or glistened; it gave light or shone brightly; it was clear in colour; he was or became beautiful. زھرة الدنیا means, the beauty and splendour of the present world or life; the abundance of its goods or comforts; its goods, finery or beauty and splendour (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
All international jealousies and rivalries which result in wars and consequently in much human misery and bloodshed are the result, direct or indirect, of a mad hunger for material wealth and physical comforts. Muslims are warned not to cast covetous looks on the wealth and riches of other people and not to think that the acceptance of Islam by the wealthy people only will add to its glory and power and will accelerate its progress. On the contrary, material wealth will prove a source of great affliction and distress for nations hankering after it. In fact mad competition for the acquisition of wealth has brought all the misery to the world. Rivalries among western nations know no end and they have already caused two highly destructive wars and there is no knowing when humanity is to be thrown into the vortex of a third war, far more destructive than its two predecessors.
c
15:89; 26:206-208; 28:61, 62.
827
国际间种种的猜忌与敌对导致的战争给人类带来无边的苦难与血腥的杀戮。所有这些都是由于对物质财富与生活享受的疯狂追求所造成的直接与间接结果。穆斯林得到警告, 不得对他人的财富投以贪婪的目光。
a
15:89; 26:206-208; 28:61-62.
2338
Important Words:
زھرة (splendour) is noun-infinitive from زھر which means, it shone or glistened; it gave light or shone brightly; it was clear in colour; he was or became beautiful. زھرة الدنیا means, the beauty and splendour of the present world or life; the abundance of its goods or comforts; its goods, finery or beauty and splendour (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
All international jealousies and rivalries which result in wars and consequently in much human misery and bloodshed are the result, direct or indirect, of a mad hunger for material wealth and physical comforts. Muslims are warned not to cast covetous looks on the wealth and riches of other people and not to think that the acceptance of Islam by the wealthy people only will add to its glory and power and will accelerate its progress. On the contrary, material wealth will prove a source of great affliction and distress for nations hankering after it. In fact mad competition for the acquisition of wealth has brought all the misery to the world. Rivalries among western nations know no end and they have already caused two highly destructive wars and there is no knowing when humanity is to be thrown into the vortex of a third war, far more destructive than its two predecessors.
c
15:89; 26:206-208; 28:61, 62.
1868
All international jealousies and rivalries which result in wars and consequently in much human misery and bloodshed are the result, direct or indirect, of mad hunger for material wealth and physical comforts. Muslims are warned not to cast covetous looks on the wealth of other people.
وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا ۖ لَا نَسْـَٔلُكَ رِزْقًا ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ ۗ وَٱلْعَٰقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
19:56; 33:34.
19:56; 33:34.
19:56; 33:34.
Commentary:
The verse draws attention to the fact that observance of prayers is the key to all success in life and to moral and spiritual food. Prayer, in fact, is the true and real spiritual favour that God has bestowed upon man, if only he knew it.
d
19:56; 33:34.
b
19:56; 33:34.
2339
Commentary:
The verse draws attention to the fact that observance of prayers is the key to all success in life and to moral and spiritual food. Prayer, in fact, is the true and real spiritual favour that God has bestowed upon man, if only he knew it.
a
19:56; 33:34.
وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا يَأْتِينَا بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦٓ ۚ أَوَلَمْ تَأْتِهِم بَيِّنَةُ مَا فِى ٱلصُّحُفِ ٱلْأُولَىٰ
Important Words:
آیة here means a great sign or the Sign of punishment. See also 2:130 & 19:11.
Commentary:
The words, Has there not come to them clear evidence of what is contained in the former Books, may mean: (1) is not the argument sufficient to convince them that in the times of former Prophets also disbelievers continued to demand Signs in spite of many Signs having been shown to them and that this fact is recorded in the former Scriptures; (2) does not the fact constitute a sufficient guide to them that the prophecies made in the former Scriptures about the advent of a great Prophet are being fulfilled in the person of the Holy Prophet; and (3) is not the fact sufficient to convince them that similar signs have been shown to them as were shown in the times of the former Prophets?
2340
Important Words:
آیة here means a great sign or the Sign of punishment. See also 2:130 & 19:11.
Commentary:
The words, Has there not come to them clear evidence of what is contained in the former Books, may mean: (1) is not the argument sufficient to convince them that in the times of former Prophets also disbelievers continued to demand Signs in spite of many Signs having been shown to them and that this fact is recorded in the former Scriptures; (2) does not the fact constitute a sufficient guide to them that the prophecies made in the former Scriptures about the advent of a great Prophet are being fulfilled in the person of the Holy Prophet; and (3) is not the fact sufficient to convince them that similar signs have been shown to them as were shown in the times of the former Prophets?
وَلَوْ أَنَّآ أَهْلَكْنَٰهُم بِعَذَابٍ مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لَوْلَآ أَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْنَا رَسُولًا فَنَتَّبِعَ ءَايَٰتِكَ مِن قَبْلِ أَن نَّذِلَّ وَنَخْزَىٰ
28:48.
a
28:48.
قُلْ كُلٌّ مُّتَرَبِّصٌ فَتَرَبَّصُوا۟ ۖ فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ ٱلسَّوِىِّ وَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ
Commentary:
The verse means to say that believers are waiting, and disbelievers should also wait, and time itself will show as to who achieves success and who meets with failure and comes to grief.
2341
Commentary:
The verse means to say that believers are waiting, and disbelievers should also wait, and time itself will show as to who achieves success and who meets with failure and comes to grief.