Topic: Intercessors, Gods, Besides Have No Power
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قُلِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَلَا يَمْلِكُونَ كَشْفَ ٱلضُّرِّ عَنكُمْ وَلَا تَحْوِيلًا
22:74; 25:4; 34:23.
22:74; 25:4; 34:23.
22:74; 25:4; 34:23.
Commentary
In this verse idolaters are told that they can judge the truth or falsity of their faith from the prophecies that foretell their destruction and the eventual triumph of Islam. Let them pray to their gods to save them if they can from the threatened Divine punishment. Far from saving their votaries from Divine punishment, these gods do not possess the power even to postpone or defer it for a single day. While idolaters are admonished that idolatry is at the root of all their misfortunes Muslims are warned that idolatry will bring about their downfall also. It is worthy of note that one of the major causes of the decline, downfall and destruction of the Abbasid Empire of Baghdad was that Muslim nobles freely married Turkish and Iranian idolatrous women. This led to the growth and spread of idolatrous beliefs among Muslims. Ibn Muqanna‘ and Hasan bin Sabbah were the product of the idolatrous ideas and practices that were rampant in those days among Muslims.
d
22:74; 25:4; 34:23.
a
22:74; 25:4; 34:23.
1986
Commentary
In this verse idolaters are told that they can judge the truth or falsity of their faith from the prophecies that foretell their destruction and the eventual triumph of Islam. Let them pray to their gods to save them if they can from the threatened Divine punishment. Far from saving their votaries from Divine punishment, these gods do not possess the power even to postpone or defer it for a single day. While idolaters are admonished that idolatry is at the root of all their misfortunes Muslims are warned that idolatry will bring about their downfall also. It is worthy of note that one of the major causes of the decline, downfall and destruction of the Abbasid Empire of Baghdad was that Muslim nobles freely married Turkish and Iranian idolatrous women. This led to the growth and spread of idolatrous beliefs among Muslims. Ibn Muqanna‘ and Hasan bin Sabbah were the product of the idolatrous ideas and practices that were rampant in those days among Muslims.
g
22:74; 25:4; 34:23.
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.
يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ٱرْتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنْ خَشْيَتِهِۦ مُشْفِقُونَ
2:256; 20:111.
2:256; 20:111.
The words may mean, 'what they did and what they did not or could not do;' or they may refer to the influences to which they were subject or the changes which they brought about.
2:256; 20:111.
Important Words:
مشفقون (they act cautiously) is the plural of مشفق which is active participle from شفق. They say شفق علیه i.e. he was solicitously affectionate towards him. أشفق منه means, he feared or was cautious of him. اشفاق which is inf. noun means, kindness or affection mixed with fear. Generally it signifies affection; kindness; and fear of the betiding of some evil event, together with sincere or honest advice (Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
The words, "what is before them and what is behind them," may mean; what they did and what they did not or could not do; or the influences to which they were subjected or the changes which they brought about.
The verse makes it plain that no one can intercede with God except with His permission. The Bible agrees with the Quran in this respect. It says:
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? (1 Sam 2: 25).
Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee (Jer. 7:16).
See also 2:49 & 2:256.
a
2:256; 20:111.
a
2:256; 20:111.
2369
Important Words:
مشفقون (they act cautiously) is the plural of مشفق which is active participle from شفق. They say شفق علیه i.e. he was solicitously affectionate towards him. أشفق منه means, he feared or was cautious of him. اشفاق which is inf. noun means, kindness or affection mixed with fear. Generally it signifies affection; kindness; and fear of the betiding of some evil event, together with sincere or honest advice (Lane & Mufradat).
Commentary:
The words, "what is before them and what is behind them," may mean; what they did and what they did not or could not do; or the influences to which they were subjected or the changes which they brought about.
The verse makes it plain that no one can intercede with God except with His permission. The Bible agrees with the Quran in this respect. It says:
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? (1 Sam 2: 25).
Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee (Jer. 7:16).
See also 2:49 & 2:256.
b
2:256; 20:111.
1882
The words may mean, 'what they did and what they did not or could not do;' or they may refer to the influences to which they were subject or the changes which they brought about.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ضُرِبَ مَثَلٌ فَٱسْتَمِعُوا۟ لَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَن يَخْلُقُوا۟ ذُبَابًا وَلَوِ ٱجْتَمَعُوا۟ لَهُۥ ۖ وَإِن يَسْلُبْهُمُ ٱلذُّبَابُ شَيْـًٔا لَّا يَسْتَنقِذُوهُ مِنْهُ ۚ ضَعُفَ ٱلطَّالِبُ وَٱلْمَطْلُوبُ
16:21.
16:21.
The verse brings home to disbelievers the utter powerlessness and helplessness of their gods and their own folly in worshipping them.
6:72; 16:21.
Commentary:
The verse brings home to disbelievers the utter powerlessness and helplessness of their gods and their own folly in worshipping them. Their gods, it says, have no control over creation. They cannot create anything, not even a fly. Let alone creating anything—a worm, a fly, they do not possess even the power to recover from a fly anything which it snatches away from them, so weak are these gods and such hopeless idiots are their votaries!
d
16:21.
a
6:72; 16:21.
2502
Commentary:
The verse brings home to disbelievers the utter powerlessness and helplessness of their gods and their own folly in worshipping them. Their gods, it says, have no control over creation. They cannot create anything, not even a fly. Let alone creating anything—a worm, a fly, they do not possess even the power to recover from a fly anything which it snatches away from them, so weak are these gods and such hopeless idiots are their votaries!
b
16:21.
1974
The verse brings home to disbelievers the utter powerlessness and helplessness of their gods and their own folly in worshipping them.
وَٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ ءَالِهَةً لَّا يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْـًٔا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ وَلَا يَمْلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا وَلَا يَمْلِكُونَ مَوْتًا وَلَا حَيَوٰةً وَلَا نُشُورًا
17:57; 18:16; 21:25.
7:192; 16:21.
Everything has to pass through three stages of development: (a) The stage of lifelessness; (b) of potential life, when a thing is endowed with the attributes and powers of growth; and (c) of actual life. God, the Creator of all life, possesses complete and undisputed control over all these stages.
17:57; 18:16; 21:25.
7:192; 16:21.
Commentary:
Everything has to pass through three stages of development. The verse under comment mentions all these stages. The first stage is characterized by the absence of life. It is described as موت or the stage of lifelessness. The second stage is described as حیاة or حیاة بالقوة i.e. potential life, when a thing is endowed with the attribute and power of growth; and the third stage is reached when its powers come into actual play. This stage is known as حیاة بالفعل or نشور i.e. actual life. God, the Creator of all life possesses complete and undisputed control over all these stages.
c
17:57; 18:16; 21:25.
d
7:192; 16:21.
a
17:57; 18:16; 21:25.
b
7:192; 16:21.
2643
Commentary:
Everything has to pass through three stages of development. The verse under comment mentions all these stages. The first stage is characterized by the absence of life. It is described as موت or the stage of lifelessness. The second stage is described as حیاة or حیاة بالقوة i.e. potential life, when a thing is endowed with the attribute and power of growth; and the third stage is reached when its powers come into actual play. This stage is known as حیاة بالفعل or نشور i.e. actual life. God, the Creator of all life possesses complete and undisputed control over all these stages.
a
17:57; 18:16; 21:25.
b
7:192; 16:21.
2065
Everything has to pass through three stages of development: (a) The stage of lifelessness; (b) of potential life, when a thing is endowed with the attributes and powers of growth; and (c) of actual life. God, the Creator of all life, possesses complete and undisputed control over all these stages.
قُلِ ٱدْعُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَلَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَهُمْ فِيهِمَا مِن شِرْكٍ وَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْهُم مِّن ظَهِيرٍ
不信的人受到挑战, 要他们呼求他们所有虚假的神灵来阻止或推迟伊斯兰教的进展; 并对他们说他们不能做到这一点: 实际上, 地球上没有任何力量能够阻止真理的传播。
Disbelievers are challenged to call upon all their false gods to arrest or retard the progress and advance of Islam and are told that they cannot do so; in fact, no power on earth can stop truth from spreading.
17:57; 25:4.
Commentary:
As stated above, the principal theme of this Surah is the triumph of Islam. Instances of David and Solomon on the one hand and of the Sabaeans on the other given in the preceding few verses embodied a prophecy that Muslims would also be blessed with power and wealth like the Israelites in the reigns of David and Solomon and the Sabaeans but if they did not behave and were ungrateful to God, they would be punished like them. In the present verse, however, disbelievers are challenged to call upon all their false gods to arrest or retard the progress and advance of Islam and are told that they cannot do so; in fact, no power on earth can stop the new Faith from spreading.
1047
不信的人受到挑战, 要他们呼求他们所有虚假的神灵来阻止或推迟伊斯兰教的进展; 并对他们说他们不能做到这一点: 实际上, 地球上没有任何力量能够阻止真理的传播。
a
17:57; 25:4.
3149
Commentary:
As stated above, the principal theme of this Surah is the triumph of Islam. Instances of David and Solomon on the one hand and of the Sabaeans on the other given in the preceding few verses embodied a prophecy that Muslims would also be blessed with power and wealth like the Israelites in the reigns of David and Solomon and the Sabaeans but if they did not behave and were ungrateful to God, they would be punished like them. In the present verse, however, disbelievers are challenged to call upon all their false gods to arrest or retard the progress and advance of Islam and are told that they cannot do so; in fact, no power on earth can stop the new Faith from spreading.
2389
Disbelievers are challenged to call upon all their false gods to arrest or retard the progress and advance of Islam and are told that they cannot do so; in fact, no power on earth can stop truth from spreading.
أَمِ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ شُفَعَآءَ ۚ قُلْ أَوَلَوْ كَانُوا۟ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَعْقِلُونَ
17:57.
Commentary:
As the human soul is immortal, man is warned against committing deeds which might vitiate it and which are displeasing to God. The most heinous of all evil deeds is the setting up of equals with Him and the adoring of false gods.
b
17:57.
1141
由于人类的灵魂是不死的, 他们受到警告说, 不要做使灵魂可能堕落的事情。在所有恶行中最可恶的事是给安拉配上 “同等的崇拜对象。”
b
17:57.
3467
Commentary:
As the human soul is immortal, man is warned against committing deeds which might vitiate it and which are displeasing to God. The most heinous of all evil deeds is the setting up of equals with Him and the adoring of false gods.
d
17:57.
2581
As the human soul is immortal, man is warned against committing deeds which might vitiate it. The most heinous of all evil deeds is the setting up of 'partners' with God.
وَلَا يَمْلِكُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ ٱلشَّفَٰعَةَ إِلَّا مَن شَهِدَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ
یعنی محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم۔ اس آیت نے حل کر دیا کہ شفاعت صرف محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی سنی جائے گی کیونکہ دشمنوں نے محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو ہی صادق اور امین کا نام دیا تھا اور بنی اسرائیل کے بعض نبیوں نے بھی آپ کو صادق کا خطاب دیا تھا (دیکھئے یسعیاہ باب۹)
b
19:88.
1233
穆圣。
1
یعنی محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم۔ اس آیت نے حل کر دیا کہ شفاعت صرف محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی سنی جائے گی کیونکہ دشمنوں نے محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو ہی صادق اور امین کا نام دیا تھا اور بنی اسرائیل کے بعض نبیوں نے بھی آپ کو صادق کا خطاب دیا تھا (دیکھئے یسعیاہ باب۹)
a
19:88.
3695
Commentary:
The reference in the words "who bears witness to the truth" seems to be to the Holy Prophet.
a
19:88.
2689
The Holy Prophet.
۞ وَكَم مِّن مَّلَكٍ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ لَا تُغْنِى شَفَٰعَتُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن يَأْذَنَ ٱللَّهُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَرْضَىٰٓ
Besides the meaning given in the text the expression means, 'except regarding one who conforms to Allah’s will and with whom He is pleased.'
2:256; 20:110; 34:24.
Important Words:
For a detailed note on شفاعة (intercession) see 2:49 and 19:88.
The words لمن یشاء و یرضی may also mean, regarding one who conforms to His will and with whom He is pleased.
a
2:256; 20:110; 34:24.
3986
Important Words:
For a detailed note on شفاعة (intercession) see 2:49 and 19:88.
The words لمن یشاء و یرضی may also mean, regarding one who conforms to His will and with whom He is pleased.
2884
Besides the meaning given in the text the expression means, 'except regarding one who conforms to Allah’s will and with whom He is pleased.'
فَمَا تَنفَعُهُمْ شَفَٰعَةُ ٱلشَّٰفِعِينَ
20:110; 34:24.
20:110; 34:24.
20:110; 34:24.
Commentary:
The verse means that nobody will dare intercede for disbelievers, their sins of omission and commission being many and of a heinous character. Elsewhere the Quran says that sinners will not be allowed to approach near the threshold of God, i.e. they will be completely denied God’s grace.
g
20:110; 34:24.
e
20:110; 34:24.
4452A
Commentary:
The verse means that nobody will dare intercede for disbelievers, their sins of omission and commission being many and of a heinous character. Elsewhere the Quran says that sinners will not be allowed to approach near the threshold of God, i.e. they will be completely denied God’s grace.
b
20:110; 34:24.