Topic: People, Nation, Body Of Men
View Aspects
رَبَّنَا وَٱجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَآ أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
عربی میں مَنَاسِکَنَا کا لفظ ہے جس کے معنے ہیں ’’ہماری عبادات‘‘ لیکن ہماری سے مراد چونکہ یہ ہے کہ جو ہمارے لئے مناسب ہو‘ اس لئے ’’مناسب حال‘‘ کے الفاظ خطوط وحدانی میں رکھے گئے ہیں۔
Important Words:
مناسکنا (our ways of worship). The word مناسك is the plural of منسك which is derived from نسك which means, he devoted himself to religious worship; he performed acts of worship for God; he slaughtered animals of sacrifice to win God’s pleasure. مناسك الحج means, the religious rites or ceremonies of Pilgrimage; and also the places where these ceremonies are performed (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
Having built the House, Abraham and his son Ishmael turn towards God with the supplication that He may afford them the power to lead a life of devotion and submissiveness and show them the ways of such worship as may be performed in the Ka‘bah.
This prayer of Abraham and Ishmael also brings out the very important point that even such righteous persons who stand high in the estimation of God need constant prayer for the further purification of their souls and for the consecration of their good deeds by God, because, however noble and righteous the deeds of man may outwardly appear to be, they sometimes lack the true inner spirit and lead to evil consequences.
Abraham and Ishmael here use the words مسلم (Muslim) for themselves and also pray that from among their posterity too there may be bornمسلم (Muslim) people who may be submissive and resigned to the will of God. This helps to explain another verse of the Quran which says of Abraham that it was he who first gave the name "Muslim" to the believers in the Holy Prophet (22:79). It is not of course meant that Abraham used the word مسلم in the above quoted verse as a proper name, but his using that word in his prayer certainly suggests that from among his progeny would be born a people who would not only bear that name but would also possess the spirit of اسلام i.e. submission to the will of God.
1
عربی میں مَنَاسِکَنَا کا لفظ ہے جس کے معنے ہیں ’’ہماری عبادات‘‘ لیکن ہماری سے مراد چونکہ یہ ہے کہ جو ہمارے لئے مناسب ہو‘ اس لئے ’’مناسب حال‘‘ کے الفاظ خطوط وحدانی میں رکھے گئے ہیں۔
135
Important Words:
مناسکنا (our ways of worship). The word مناسك is the plural of منسك which is derived from نسك which means, he devoted himself to religious worship; he performed acts of worship for God; he slaughtered animals of sacrifice to win God’s pleasure. مناسك الحج means, the religious rites or ceremonies of Pilgrimage; and also the places where these ceremonies are performed (Aqrab & Lane).
Commentary:
Having built the House, Abraham and his son Ishmael turn towards God with the supplication that He may afford them the power to lead a life of devotion and submissiveness and show them the ways of such worship as may be performed in the Ka‘bah.
This prayer of Abraham and Ishmael also brings out the very important point that even such righteous persons who stand high in the estimation of God need constant prayer for the further purification of their souls and for the consecration of their good deeds by God, because, however noble and righteous the deeds of man may outwardly appear to be, they sometimes lack the true inner spirit and lead to evil consequences.
Abraham and Ishmael here use the words مسلم (Muslim) for themselves and also pray that from among their posterity too there may be bornمسلم (Muslim) people who may be submissive and resigned to the will of God. This helps to explain another verse of the Quran which says of Abraham that it was he who first gave the name "Muslim" to the believers in the Holy Prophet (22:79). It is not of course meant that Abraham used the word مسلم in the above quoted verse as a proper name, but his using that word in his prayer certainly suggests that from among his progeny would be born a people who would not only bear that name but would also possess the spirit of اسلام i.e. submission to the will of God.
تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ ۖ وَلَا تُسْـَٔلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
2:142.
2:142.
2:142.
Commentary:
The People of the Book are here warned that the fact that they are the descendants of God’s Prophets would not avail them in any way. Their forefathers reaped the rewards of their good deeds and won God’s favours; and if they also wish to become His favourites, they must perform similar deeds and show implicit obedience to God and complete submission to His will. The fact that they are descended from holy persons makes them all the more responsible.
a
2:142.
a
2:142.
141
Commentary:
The People of the Book are here warned that the fact that they are the descendants of God’s Prophets would not avail them in any way. Their forefathers reaped the rewards of their good deeds and won God’s favours; and if they also wish to become His favourites, they must perform similar deeds and show implicit obedience to God and complete submission to His will. The fact that they are descended from holy persons makes them all the more responsible.
a
2:142.
تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ ۖ وَلَا تُسْـَٔلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
2:135.
Jews and Christians are again warned that their being the descendants of God’s Prophets would do them no good. They will have to carry their own cross, because no one shall bear the burden of another (6:165).
See 2:135.
Commentary:
Jews and Christians are once more warned against relying upon those of their forefathers who won the pleasure of God by their good deeds. It is their own deeds and not those of others that will save them. Their own good actions alone can bring them salvation and not the fact that they are the descendants or followers of Abraham, Jacob, Moses or Jesus. No bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another, says the Quran (6:165).
b
2:135.
87
犹太教徒和基督教徒再次受到警告, 只做为安拉的先知的后裔, 对他们来说毫无益处。他们将必须担起自己的十字架, 因为没有人将担负别人的重荷 (6:165)。
c
See 2:135.
148
Commentary:
Jews and Christians are once more warned against relying upon those of their forefathers who won the pleasure of God by their good deeds. It is their own deeds and not those of others that will save them. Their own good actions alone can bring them salvation and not the fact that they are the descendants or followers of Abraham, Jacob, Moses or Jesus. No bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another, says the Quran (6:165).
d
2:135.
158
Jews and Christians are again warned that their being the descendants of God’s Prophets would do them no good. They will have to carry their own cross, because no one shall bear the burden of another (6:165).
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَٰكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا ٱلْقِبْلَةَ ٱلَّتِى كُنتَ عَلَيْهَآ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِن كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَٰنَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
3:111.
22:79.
اَلْوَسَط (Al-Wasat) 的意思是处于中间地位; 优越和高贵的地位 (اَقْرَبْ)。此词在这里作优越和高贵的意义解, 在3:111中穆斯林也被称为最优越的民族。
这里告诉穆斯林, 他们每一代都应保卫和注意下一代。作为最优越的民族, 他们就有责任始终防止降低他们所应有的很高的人生标准, 并留意每一代也都沿着享有穆圣的崇高同伴的荣誉的人们所追随的道路前进。因此穆圣应当是他的直接继承者的监护人, 而他们同时应依次成为自己的接班人的监护人, 如此等等。此话也可含意为, 根据天命, 穆斯林应成为人类的领袖, 并按他们的善行, 接受安拉特别恩惠, 因而其他人们势必得出结论, 穆斯林信奉一门真正的宗教。这样, 他们将为其他人证明伊斯兰教的真理, 就象穆圣对他们说来是这一宗教真理的见证人。
阿拉伯人非常热爱天房这麦加的古代礼拜寺。这是从伊布拉欣时代留传给他们的民族禁寺。因此要他们在伊斯兰教一开始就放弃天房而接受有经人朝向即耶路撒冷的圣寺时, 真是对他们的一个严峻的考验{布哈理和جَرِيْر (Jarir)}。之后在麦地那, 把耶路撒冷的圣寺的朝向改为天房, 这证明对犹太教徒和基督教徒都是一个极大的考验。因此, 这种更改证明对 “有经人” 和穆斯林以及对麦加的偶像崇拜者也都是一种考验。
从这些话中可以看出, 穆圣已按安拉的指令选定了耶路撒冷的圣寺作为他的朝向; 但由于安拉本来打算把它只作为临时的朝向而以后准备代之以供全人类永远朝向的天房, 因此关于临时性的朝向的命令在 «古兰经» 中是没有的。这表明所有临时性应用的指示不被包括在 «古兰经» 启示内; 只有那些属于永久性的指示才包括在内。«古兰经» 含有一些现在已经废弃的经文的这种见解是绝无事实根据的。
3:111.
22:79.
Al-Wasat means, occupying the middle position; good and exalted in rank (Aqrab). The word is used here in the sense of good and exalted. In 3:111 also Muslims have been called the best people.
Muslims are here told that each generation of theirs should guard and watch over the next generation. Being the best people, it is incumbent upon them to be always on their guard against falling away from the high standard of life expected of them, and to see that each succeeding generation also follows the path pursued by those who enjoyed the ennobling company of the Holy Prophet. Thus, the Holy Prophet was to be a guardian over his immediate followers, while they in turn were to be guardians over their successors, and so on. The words may also mean that, as decreed, Muslims are to become the leaders of men and by their good deeds are to become recipients of God’s special favours, and thus other people will be forced to the conclusion that they follow a true religion. In this way they (Muslims) will bear witness to the truth of Islam for other people, just as the Holy Prophet was a witness of its truth for them.
It appears from these words that the Holy Prophet had adopted the Temple at Jerusalem as his Qiblah by God’s command; but as it was meant by God to be only a temporary Qiblah and was to be subsequently replaced by the Ka‘bah which was to be the Qiblah for all mankind for all times, the command with regard to the temporary Qiblah was not included in the Qur’an. This shows that all such commandments as possessed temporary application were not included in the Quranic revelation; only those of a permanent nature were included in it. The theory that the Qur’an contains some verses that now stand abrogated is quite unfounded.
The Arabs were greatly attached to the Ka‘bah, the ancient house of worship at Mecca. It was their national Temple which had come down to them from the days of Abraham. It, therefore, proved a severe trial for them when they were asked at the very inception of Islam to abandon it in favour of the Temple at Jerusalem which was the Qiblah of the People of the Book (Bukhari & Jarir). And later on at Medina the change of the Qiblah from the Temple at Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah proved a great trial for both Jews and Christians. Thus the change proved a trial for both the "People of the Book" and the Muslims and also for the Meccan idolaters.
3:111.
22:79.
Important Words:
وسطا (exalted) is derived from وسط meaning, he stood in between two things. وسط فی حسبه (wasata) or وسط (wasuta) means, he was or became good and noble. الوسط means: (1) occupying the middle position or taking the middle course; (2) good and exalted in rank (Aqrab). That the word وسط is used here in the sense of good and exalted, is clear from 3:111 where Muslims are called the best people.
لنعلم (that We might know) signifies that We may make known or distinguish. In fact, God being Omniscient knows all things; so He does not stand in need of knowing a thing because everything is already known to Him. The word has been used elsewhere also in this sense (33:51). The expression ممن (from him who) occurring after it also shows that the word is used here in the sense of distinguishing or making known to the people.
Commentary:
The clause, and thus have We made you an exalted nation, refers to, and is connected with, the concluding clause of the preceding verse, i.e. He guides whom He pleases to the right path. God means to say that whatever guidance He sends down to the Muslims is for their own good and it is through His guidance that they have been made an exalted nation. So in the matter of the Qiblah, too, they should be prepared to accept His guidance which is meant for their own good. This will make them "guardians over men" and the Messenger of God a "guardian over the Muslims".
Muslims are told that, as decreed by God, they are to become the leaders of men and win the pleasure of God by their good deeds and that on that account they will naturally become recipients of God’s special favours, with the result that other people will be forced to the conclusion that the religion which they follow is the true religion. In this way will Muslims bear witness to the truth of Islam, just as the Holy Prophet was a witness of its truth for them.
Another meaning of the clause, that you may be guardians over men, is that each generation of Muslims should guard and watch over the next generation. Being the best of people, it is incumbent upon them to be always on their guard against falling away from the high standard of life expected of them, and to see that each succeeding generation also follows the path pursued by those who enjoyed the ennobling company of the Holy Prophet. Thus the Holy Prophet was to be a guardian over his immediate followers, while they in turn were to be guardians over their successors, and so on.
Taking the particle علی (over) in the clause under discussion to mean "against" and the word شھید (guardian) to mean "witness", which it often does, the clause would mean "that you may be witnesses against men and the Holy Prophet may be a witness against you"; i.e., the Holy Prophet would serve as a mirror for the Muslims by looking into which they would be able to see their own shortcomings, while the lives of true Muslims would serve as a model for other people who, by comparing their lives with those of true Muslims, would see and realize their own defects and correct them accordingly. This state of affairs could be brought about only if Muslims faithfully followed all the behests of God including the one regarding Qiblah, which was important as a rallying-point for the new community.
It may be noted here that, as hinted in the words, and We did not appoint the Qiblah which thou didst follow, the Holy Prophet had adopted the Temple at Jerusalem as his Qiblah by God’s command; but as it was meant by God to be only a temporary Qiblah, and was to be subsequently replaced by the Ka‘bah which was to be the Islamic Qiblah for all time, the command with regard to the temporary Qiblah was not included in the Quran. This shows that all such commandments as possessed temporary application were not included in the Quran; only those were included which were of a permanent nature. Hence the theory that the Quran contains some verses that now stand abrogated is quite unfounded.
The Arabs were greatly attached to the Ka‘bah, the ancient house of worship at Mecca. It was their national Temple which had come down to them from the days of Abraham. It, therefore, proved a severe trial for them when they were asked at the very inception of Islam at Mecca to abandon the Ka‘bah in favour of the Temple at Jerusalem which was the Qiblah of the People of the Book. And later on at Medina, the change of the Qiblah from the Temple at Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah proved a great trial for both Jews and Christians. It was very hard for them to abandon their Qiblah for a rival temple which had been held sacred by the pagan Arabs. Thus God provided a trial for both the People of the Book and the idolaters of Mecca.
The Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem was not adopted as Qiblah by the Holy Prophet to conciliate the Jewish population of Medina, as is wrongly supposed by Sale and other Christian critics, because it was not at Medina that this Temple was adopted as the Qiblah. It had already been the Qiblah of the Muslims at Mecca where there was no Jewish or Christian population to placate (Bukhari & Jarir). If, by appointing a Qiblah, the Holy Prophet had intended to win over a people, the natural course would have been to appoint the Ka‘bah as a Qiblah while at Mecca and turn round to the Temple of Jerusalem while at Medina. But what actually happened was quite the reverse. Moreover, the Quran expressly says that the adoption of neither of the Qiblahs was meant to win over any people to Islam, but was intended only as a trial to distinguish the true believers from those not true.
The words it does not behove Allah to let your faith go in vain have a twofold meaning: (1) that this change of Qiblah is in no way calculated adversely to affect the faith of Muslims but would actually strengthen it; (2) that if Muslims were not directed to turn to the Ka‘bah, they would not inherit the blessings resulting from the prayers of Abraham offered at the time of its building (2:130). It was impossible that the Companions of the Holy Prophet who had displayed such steadfast loyalty and devotion to their noble ideals, should not have been made heirs to the blessings contained in Abraham’s prayers with which the Promised Prophet was to be so closely associated. The faith of Muslims would, as it were, go in vain if they remained detached from the Ka‘bah and did not inherit its blessings.
d
3:111.
e
22:79.
88
اَلْوَسَط (Al-Wasat) 的意思是处于中间地位; 优越和高贵的地位 (اَقْرَبْ)。此词在这里作优越和高贵的意义解, 在3:111中穆斯林也被称为最优越的民族。
89
这里告诉穆斯林, 他们每一代都应保卫和注意下一代。作为最优越的民族, 他们就有责任始终防止降低他们所应有的很高的人生标准, 并留意每一代也都沿着享有穆圣的崇高同伴的荣誉的人们所追随的道路前进。因此穆圣应当是他的直接继承者的监护人, 而他们同时应依次成为自己的接班人的监护人, 如此等等。此话也可含意为, 根据天命, 穆斯林应成为人类的领袖, 并按他们的善行, 接受安拉特别恩惠, 因而其他人们势必得出结论, 穆斯林信奉一门真正的宗教。这样, 他们将为其他人证明伊斯兰教的真理, 就象穆圣对他们说来是这一宗教真理的见证人。
90
阿拉伯人非常热爱天房这麦加的古代礼拜寺。这是从伊布拉欣时代留传给他们的民族禁寺。因此要他们在伊斯兰教一开始就放弃天房而接受有经人朝向即耶路撒冷的圣寺时, 真是对他们的一个严峻的考验{布哈理和جَرِيْر (Jarir)}。之后在麦地那, 把耶路撒冷的圣寺的朝向改为天房, 这证明对犹太教徒和基督教徒都是一个极大的考验。因此, 这种更改证明对 “有经人” 和穆斯林以及对麦加的偶像崇拜者也都是一种考验。
91
从这些话中可以看出, 穆圣已按安拉的指令选定了耶路撒冷的圣寺作为他的朝向; 但由于安拉本来打算把它只作为临时的朝向而以后准备代之以供全人类永远朝向的天房, 因此关于临时性的朝向的命令在 «古兰经» 中是没有的。这表明所有临时性应用的指示不被包括在 «古兰经» 启示内; 只有那些属于永久性的指示才包括在内。«古兰经» 含有一些现在已经废弃的经文的这种见解是绝无事实根据的。
a
3:111.
b
22:79.
150
Important Words:
وسطا (exalted) is derived from وسط meaning, he stood in between two things. وسط فی حسبه (wasata) or وسط (wasuta) means, he was or became good and noble. الوسط means: (1) occupying the middle position or taking the middle course; (2) good and exalted in rank (Aqrab). That the word وسط is used here in the sense of good and exalted, is clear from 3:111 where Muslims are called the best people.
لنعلم (that We might know) signifies that We may make known or distinguish. In fact, God being Omniscient knows all things; so He does not stand in need of knowing a thing because everything is already known to Him. The word has been used elsewhere also in this sense (33:51). The expression ممن (from him who) occurring after it also shows that the word is used here in the sense of distinguishing or making known to the people.
Commentary:
The clause, and thus have We made you an exalted nation, refers to, and is connected with, the concluding clause of the preceding verse, i.e. He guides whom He pleases to the right path. God means to say that whatever guidance He sends down to the Muslims is for their own good and it is through His guidance that they have been made an exalted nation. So in the matter of the Qiblah, too, they should be prepared to accept His guidance which is meant for their own good. This will make them "guardians over men" and the Messenger of God a "guardian over the Muslims".
Muslims are told that, as decreed by God, they are to become the leaders of men and win the pleasure of God by their good deeds and that on that account they will naturally become recipients of God’s special favours, with the result that other people will be forced to the conclusion that the religion which they follow is the true religion. In this way will Muslims bear witness to the truth of Islam, just as the Holy Prophet was a witness of its truth for them.
Another meaning of the clause, that you may be guardians over men, is that each generation of Muslims should guard and watch over the next generation. Being the best of people, it is incumbent upon them to be always on their guard against falling away from the high standard of life expected of them, and to see that each succeeding generation also follows the path pursued by those who enjoyed the ennobling company of the Holy Prophet. Thus the Holy Prophet was to be a guardian over his immediate followers, while they in turn were to be guardians over their successors, and so on.
Taking the particle علی (over) in the clause under discussion to mean "against" and the word شھید (guardian) to mean "witness", which it often does, the clause would mean "that you may be witnesses against men and the Holy Prophet may be a witness against you"; i.e., the Holy Prophet would serve as a mirror for the Muslims by looking into which they would be able to see their own shortcomings, while the lives of true Muslims would serve as a model for other people who, by comparing their lives with those of true Muslims, would see and realize their own defects and correct them accordingly. This state of affairs could be brought about only if Muslims faithfully followed all the behests of God including the one regarding Qiblah, which was important as a rallying-point for the new community.
It may be noted here that, as hinted in the words, and We did not appoint the Qiblah which thou didst follow, the Holy Prophet had adopted the Temple at Jerusalem as his Qiblah by God’s command; but as it was meant by God to be only a temporary Qiblah, and was to be subsequently replaced by the Ka‘bah which was to be the Islamic Qiblah for all time, the command with regard to the temporary Qiblah was not included in the Quran. This shows that all such commandments as possessed temporary application were not included in the Quran; only those were included which were of a permanent nature. Hence the theory that the Quran contains some verses that now stand abrogated is quite unfounded.
The Arabs were greatly attached to the Ka‘bah, the ancient house of worship at Mecca. It was their national Temple which had come down to them from the days of Abraham. It, therefore, proved a severe trial for them when they were asked at the very inception of Islam at Mecca to abandon the Ka‘bah in favour of the Temple at Jerusalem which was the Qiblah of the People of the Book. And later on at Medina, the change of the Qiblah from the Temple at Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah proved a great trial for both Jews and Christians. It was very hard for them to abandon their Qiblah for a rival temple which had been held sacred by the pagan Arabs. Thus God provided a trial for both the People of the Book and the idolaters of Mecca.
The Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem was not adopted as Qiblah by the Holy Prophet to conciliate the Jewish population of Medina, as is wrongly supposed by Sale and other Christian critics, because it was not at Medina that this Temple was adopted as the Qiblah. It had already been the Qiblah of the Muslims at Mecca where there was no Jewish or Christian population to placate (Bukhari & Jarir). If, by appointing a Qiblah, the Holy Prophet had intended to win over a people, the natural course would have been to appoint the Ka‘bah as a Qiblah while at Mecca and turn round to the Temple of Jerusalem while at Medina. But what actually happened was quite the reverse. Moreover, the Quran expressly says that the adoption of neither of the Qiblahs was meant to win over any people to Islam, but was intended only as a trial to distinguish the true believers from those not true.
The words it does not behove Allah to let your faith go in vain have a twofold meaning: (1) that this change of Qiblah is in no way calculated adversely to affect the faith of Muslims but would actually strengthen it; (2) that if Muslims were not directed to turn to the Ka‘bah, they would not inherit the blessings resulting from the prayers of Abraham offered at the time of its building (2:130). It was impossible that the Companions of the Holy Prophet who had displayed such steadfast loyalty and devotion to their noble ideals, should not have been made heirs to the blessings contained in Abraham’s prayers with which the Promised Prophet was to be so closely associated. The faith of Muslims would, as it were, go in vain if they remained detached from the Ka‘bah and did not inherit its blessings.
b
3:111.
c
22:79.
160
Al-Wasat means, occupying the middle position; good and exalted in rank (Aqrab). The word is used here in the sense of good and exalted. In 3:111 also Muslims have been called the best people.
161
Muslims are here told that each generation of theirs should guard and watch over the next generation. Being the best people, it is incumbent upon them to be always on their guard against falling away from the high standard of life expected of them, and to see that each succeeding generation also follows the path pursued by those who enjoyed the ennobling company of the Holy Prophet. Thus, the Holy Prophet was to be a guardian over his immediate followers, while they in turn were to be guardians over their successors, and so on. The words may also mean that, as decreed, Muslims are to become the leaders of men and by their good deeds are to become recipients of God’s special favours, and thus other people will be forced to the conclusion that they follow a true religion. In this way they (Muslims) will bear witness to the truth of Islam for other people, just as the Holy Prophet was a witness of its truth for them.
162
It appears from these words that the Holy Prophet had adopted the Temple at Jerusalem as his Qiblah by God’s command; but as it was meant by God to be only a temporary Qiblah and was to be subsequently replaced by the Ka‘bah which was to be the Qiblah for all mankind for all times, the command with regard to the temporary Qiblah was not included in the Qur’an. This shows that all such commandments as possessed temporary application were not included in the Quranic revelation; only those of a permanent nature were included in it. The theory that the Qur’an contains some verses that now stand abrogated is quite unfounded.
163
The Arabs were greatly attached to the Ka‘bah, the ancient house of worship at Mecca. It was their national Temple which had come down to them from the days of Abraham. It, therefore, proved a severe trial for them when they were asked at the very inception of Islam to abandon it in favour of the Temple at Jerusalem which was the Qiblah of the People of the Book (Bukhari & Jarir). And later on at Medina the change of the Qiblah from the Temple at Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah proved a great trial for both Jews and Christians. Thus the change proved a trial for both the "People of the Book" and the Muslims and also for the Meccan idolaters.
كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ ۚ وَمَا ٱخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لِمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
4:166; 6:49; 18:57.
在先知降临之前, 所有的人都如同一辙, 意思是, 他们都是无信仰的人。但当先知降临时, 尽管他们相互间存在分歧, 却形成一个一致反对他 (先知) 的联合阵线。词组 “人类原是个集体” 或一些等同语除了用在本节中还曾用在 «古兰经» 中的七个地方。在10:20, 21:93和23:53中它们意味着 “民族团结”, 而在5:49; 16:94; 42:9; 43:34和在注释的本节经文中则表示 “思想的一致”。
在本节经文中两处不同的地方所指的 “不同” 表示两种不同的分歧。在先知降临之前, 人们对偶像崇拜, 彼此也有不同的看法。但是在他出现以后, 他们开始对他的主张表现出不同的看法。先知并没有制造分歧。这些 “分歧” 早已存在, 它们只是在他出现之后呈现出新的形式。在先知出现之前, 人们尽管有分歧, 但看上去象是一个民族; 在他出现以后, 他们分裂成为两个截然不同的阵营--------信仰者和不信仰者。综合起来看, 本节经文叙述了人类已经走过的五个不同阶段。开始时, 人们中间存在着统一团结, 所有的人形成一个集体。由于人口的增长, 他们的爱好的扩大和他们的问题的复杂性, 他们中间开始产生分歧。于是安拉提拔出先知并启示了他的旨意。每一新的启示都引起了倾轧和分歧, 特别是听到真主的启示的人。安拉最后确定穆圣带来最后的经典负起全世界的使命, 号召全人类聚集在他的旗帜周围。这样就完成了一个循环, 以统一为开端的这个世界, 最后还是有计划的归于团结统一。
اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً کا لفظ قرآن کریم میں نو جگہ پر استعمال ہوا ہے‘ جن میں سے تین جگہ یعنی یونس آیت ۲۰ اور انبیاء آیت ۹۳اور مومنون آیت ۵۲ میں تو اتحادِ جنس اور اتحادِ قومی مراد لیا گیا ہے اور چھ جگہ یعنی مائدہ آیت ۴۹۔ نحل آیت ۹۴۔ شوریٰ آیت۹۔ زخرف آیت ۳۴۔ ھود آیت ۱۱۹ اور بقرۃ آیت ۲۱۴ میں اتحاد خیال مراد لیا گیا ہے۔ اس آیت کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ آدمؑ کے وقت سے بنی نوع انسان ایک مذہب پر تھے۔ مگر جوں جوں نبی آئے ان کی مخالفت کی وجہ سے لوگ مختلف الخیال ہو گئے حالانکہ نبی اِ تّحادِ خیال پیدا کرنے آئے تھے۔
اس میں عجیب مضمون بیان کیا ہے۔ نبی آتا ہے اختلاف مٹانے کے لئے‘ مگر لوگ اپنے اختلاف چھوڑ کر اس کے پیچھے پڑ جاتے ہیں اور وہی قوم سب سے زیادہ مخالفت کرتی ہے جو الہام کی اول مخاطب ہوتی ہے اور جن کی طرف نبی آتا ہے۔ دوسری قومیں تو اس کی تعلیم کو ایک علمی مضمون سمجھ کر اس سے دلچسپی بھی ظاہر کرتی ہیں‘ اس پر غور بھی کرتی ہیں۔ بعض حصوں میں اس کی تعریف بھی کرتی ہیں لیکن جن کی طرف وہ کتاب نازل ہوتی ہے یا جو اول مخاطب ہوتے ہیں وہ مخالفت میں اس قدر بڑھ جاتے ہیں کہ انہیں اس میں کوئی خوبی نظر ہی نہیں آتی۔ اللہ تعالیٰ فرماتا ہے کہ کیسے افسوس کی بات ہے کہ جن کے فائدہ کے لئے وہ کتاب آئی ہ
4:166; 6:49; 18:57.
Before the advent of a Prophet all men are like one people in the sense that they are all unbelievers. But when a Prophet appears, they, in spite of their mutual differences, form one united front against him. The expression, "mankind were one community" or identical words have been used, besides the present verse, at seven places in the Qur’an. In 10:20; 21:93 and 23:53 they signify "national unity" and in 5:49; 16:94; 42:9; 43:34 and in the verse under comment "identity of ideas."
The "difference" referred to in the verse at two separate places signifies two different kinds of disagreement. Before the advent of a Prophet people differ among themselves about their idolatrous practices. But after his appearance, they begin to differ with regard to his claims. The Prophet does not create differences. The differences are already there; they merely assume a new form after his appearance. Before a Prophet appears, the people, in spite of their mutual differences, look like one people; they become divided into two distinct camps—believers and disbelievers,—after he appears. Viewed collectively, the verse describes five different stages through which mankind has passed. In the beginning there was unity among the people, all forming one community. With the increase in population and the extension of their interests and the complexity of their problems, they began to differ among themselves. Then God raised Prophets and revealed His Will. Every new revelation was made a cause of discord a
4:166; 6:49; 18:57.
Commentary:
In the preceding verses different classes of people––believers and disbelievers together with their sub-divisions––have been mentioned. The verse under comment not only traces the genesis of these classes but also hints to Muslims that, just as the world began with all people as one community, God now wishes them again to become one community through the Holy Prophet who, unlike previous Prophets, came with a universal mission.
The clause, Mankind were one community, may mean: (1) mankind, i.e. all men were originally one people; (2) all disbelievers are one people. In the first-mentioned case, the verse would mean that, in the beginning of the world, all mankind were one people. They had no social rules, no polity, no civic laws. Then in the course of time, differences arose among them with regard to these things. So God sent to them Prophets to guide them how to live good and useful lives.
In the second case, the meaning of the clause would be that before the advent of a Prophet all men are like one people in the sense that they are all disbelievers, and disbelief and wrongdoing reign supreme in the world. But when a Prophet appears, all people, in spite of their mutual differences, form one united front against him. This meaning is in harmony with the well-known saying of the Holy Prophet, الکفر ملة واحدة i.e. all disbelievers (to whatever creed or religion they may belong) are one people.
The clause, and sent down with them the Book, does not mean that God revealed a separate Book to every Prophet. In that case, "Books", instead of "the Book", would have been the appropriate word. In fact, the "sending down of a Book" to a Prophet does not always mean the actual revelation of it to him in person. The Quran uses similar words with regard to those Prophets who were not the direct recipients of any revealed Book (6:115, 157, 158; 3:73, 200; 29:47; 21:11). The clause, therefore, only means that every Prophet has received a Book from God, whether it was revealed to him direct or whether it was revealed to a previous Prophet whose mission he was called upon to serve.
The "difference" referred to in the verse at two separate places signifies two different kinds of disagreement. Before the advent of a Prophet people differ among themselves about false beliefs and idolatrous practices. But after the appearance of the truth, they begin to differ with regard to the truth itself. The advent of a Prophet, however, does not, as may be wrongly imagined, create differences. The differences are already there; they merely assume a new form. But whereas before a Prophet has made his appearance the people, in spite of their differences, look like one people, they become divided into two distinct camps, believers and disbelievers, after he has appeared.
The clause, out of envy towards one another, points to the important fact that invariably the root-cause of the rejection of a Prophet is jealousy. Disbelievers cannot reconcile themselves to the idea that an ordinary person from among them, generally inferior to many of them in wealth, power or social status, should be made their teacher and leader. Disbelievers also consider it below their dignity to ally themselves with a community a large majority of whose members are of humble origin, as is often the case with the early followers of Divine Messengers.
The clause, Now has Allah, by His command, guided believers to the truth in regard to which they (the unbelievers)differed, refers to the advent of the Holy Prophet who was raised by God with a universal mission to remove the differences of all the peoples of the earth. The expression باذنه translated as "by His command" may also mean "according to His eternal decree". In the beginning of the world God willed that the final Law-giving Prophet should come with a universal mission and should constitute, as it were, the zenith of the system of النبوة or prophecy. Says the Holy Prophet "I was a Prophet of God while Adam was yet in the making between the body and the soul" (Tirmidhi).
Viewed collectively, the verse describes five different stages through which mankind has passed: (1) When there was unity among the people, all forming one community. This was in the beginning of the human race. (2) When, with the increase in population and the extension of interests and the complexity of problems confronting man, people began to differ among themselves. (3) When God raised Prophets among different peoples and different countries to show them the right path and revealed His will to the various contending sections. (4) When the very revelation of God sent to remove differences was made a cause of difference by the mischievous people. (5) When God finally raised the Holy Prophet with His last Book and a universal mission, calling upon entire humanity to rally round his banner. Thus a beautiful circle was completed and the world which began with unity was designed to end with it.
d
4:166; 6:49; 18:57.
153
在先知降临之前, 所有的人都如同一辙, 意思是, 他们都是无信仰的人。但当先知降临时, 尽管他们相互间存在分歧, 却形成一个一致反对他 (先知) 的联合阵线。词组 “人类原是个集体” 或一些等同语除了用在本节中还曾用在 «古兰经» 中的七个地方。在10:20, 21:93和23:53中它们意味着 “民族团结”, 而在5:49; 16:94; 42:9; 43:34和在注释的本节经文中则表示 “思想的一致”。
154
在本节经文中两处不同的地方所指的 “不同” 表示两种不同的分歧。在先知降临之前, 人们对偶像崇拜, 彼此也有不同的看法。但是在他出现以后, 他们开始对他的主张表现出不同的看法。先知并没有制造分歧。这些 “分歧” 早已存在, 它们只是在他出现之后呈现出新的形式。在先知出现之前, 人们尽管有分歧, 但看上去象是一个民族; 在他出现以后, 他们分裂成为两个截然不同的阵营--------信仰者和不信仰者。综合起来看, 本节经文叙述了人类已经走过的五个不同阶段。开始时, 人们中间存在着统一团结, 所有的人形成一个集体。由于人口的增长, 他们的爱好的扩大和他们的问题的复杂性, 他们中间开始产生分歧。于是安拉提拔出先知并启示了他的旨意。每一新的启示都引起了倾轧和分歧, 特别是听到真主的启示的人。安拉最后确定穆圣带来最后的经典负起全世界的使命, 号召全人类聚集在他的旗帜周围。这样就完成了一个循环, 以统一为开端的这个世界, 最后还是有计划的归于团结统一。
1
اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً کا لفظ قرآن کریم میں نو جگہ پر استعمال ہوا ہے‘ جن میں سے تین جگہ یعنی یونس آیت ۲۰ اور انبیاء آیت ۹۳اور مومنون آیت ۵۲ میں تو اتحادِ جنس اور اتحادِ قومی مراد لیا گیا ہے اور چھ جگہ یعنی مائدہ آیت ۴۹۔ نحل آیت ۹۴۔ شوریٰ آیت۹۔ زخرف آیت ۳۴۔ ھود آیت ۱۱۹ اور بقرۃ آیت ۲۱۴ میں اتحاد خیال مراد لیا گیا ہے۔ اس آیت کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ آدمؑ کے وقت سے بنی نوع انسان ایک مذہب پر تھے۔ مگر جوں جوں نبی آئے ان کی مخالفت کی وجہ سے لوگ مختلف الخیال ہو گئے حالانکہ نبی اِ تّحادِ خیال پیدا کرنے آئے تھے۔
2
اس میں عجیب مضمون بیان کیا ہے۔ نبی آتا ہے اختلاف مٹانے کے لئے‘ مگر لوگ اپنے اختلاف چھوڑ کر اس کے پیچھے پڑ جاتے ہیں اور وہی قوم سب سے زیادہ مخالفت کرتی ہے جو الہام کی اول مخاطب ہوتی ہے اور جن کی طرف نبی آتا ہے۔ دوسری قومیں تو اس کی تعلیم کو ایک علمی مضمون سمجھ کر اس سے دلچسپی بھی ظاہر کرتی ہیں‘ اس پر غور بھی کرتی ہیں۔ بعض حصوں میں اس کی تعریف بھی کرتی ہیں لیکن جن کی طرف وہ کتاب نازل ہوتی ہے یا جو اول مخاطب ہوتے ہیں وہ مخالفت میں اس قدر بڑھ جاتے ہیں کہ انہیں اس میں کوئی خوبی نظر ہی نہیں آتی۔ اللہ تعالیٰ فرماتا ہے کہ کیسے افسوس کی بات ہے کہ جن کے فائدہ کے لئے وہ کتاب آئی ہ
a
4:166; 6:49; 18:57.
220
Commentary:
In the preceding verses different classes of people––believers and disbelievers together with their sub-divisions––have been mentioned. The verse under comment not only traces the genesis of these classes but also hints to Muslims that, just as the world began with all people as one community, God now wishes them again to become one community through the Holy Prophet who, unlike previous Prophets, came with a universal mission.
The clause, Mankind were one community, may mean: (1) mankind, i.e. all men were originally one people; (2) all disbelievers are one people. In the first-mentioned case, the verse would mean that, in the beginning of the world, all mankind were one people. They had no social rules, no polity, no civic laws. Then in the course of time, differences arose among them with regard to these things. So God sent to them Prophets to guide them how to live good and useful lives.
In the second case, the meaning of the clause would be that before the advent of a Prophet all men are like one people in the sense that they are all disbelievers, and disbelief and wrongdoing reign supreme in the world. But when a Prophet appears, all people, in spite of their mutual differences, form one united front against him. This meaning is in harmony with the well-known saying of the Holy Prophet, الکفر ملة واحدة i.e. all disbelievers (to whatever creed or religion they may belong) are one people.
The clause, and sent down with them the Book, does not mean that God revealed a separate Book to every Prophet. In that case, "Books", instead of "the Book", would have been the appropriate word. In fact, the "sending down of a Book" to a Prophet does not always mean the actual revelation of it to him in person. The Quran uses similar words with regard to those Prophets who were not the direct recipients of any revealed Book (6:115, 157, 158; 3:73, 200; 29:47; 21:11). The clause, therefore, only means that every Prophet has received a Book from God, whether it was revealed to him direct or whether it was revealed to a previous Prophet whose mission he was called upon to serve.
The "difference" referred to in the verse at two separate places signifies two different kinds of disagreement. Before the advent of a Prophet people differ among themselves about false beliefs and idolatrous practices. But after the appearance of the truth, they begin to differ with regard to the truth itself. The advent of a Prophet, however, does not, as may be wrongly imagined, create differences. The differences are already there; they merely assume a new form. But whereas before a Prophet has made his appearance the people, in spite of their differences, look like one people, they become divided into two distinct camps, believers and disbelievers, after he has appeared.
The clause, out of envy towards one another, points to the important fact that invariably the root-cause of the rejection of a Prophet is jealousy. Disbelievers cannot reconcile themselves to the idea that an ordinary person from among them, generally inferior to many of them in wealth, power or social status, should be made their teacher and leader. Disbelievers also consider it below their dignity to ally themselves with a community a large majority of whose members are of humble origin, as is often the case with the early followers of Divine Messengers.
The clause, Now has Allah, by His command, guided believers to the truth in regard to which they (the unbelievers)differed, refers to the advent of the Holy Prophet who was raised by God with a universal mission to remove the differences of all the peoples of the earth. The expression باذنه translated as "by His command" may also mean "according to His eternal decree". In the beginning of the world God willed that the final Law-giving Prophet should come with a universal mission and should constitute, as it were, the zenith of the system of النبوة or prophecy. Says the Holy Prophet "I was a Prophet of God while Adam was yet in the making between the body and the soul" (Tirmidhi).
Viewed collectively, the verse describes five different stages through which mankind has passed: (1) When there was unity among the people, all forming one community. This was in the beginning of the human race. (2) When, with the increase in population and the extension of interests and the complexity of problems confronting man, people began to differ among themselves. (3) When God raised Prophets among different peoples and different countries to show them the right path and revealed His will to the various contending sections. (4) When the very revelation of God sent to remove differences was made a cause of difference by the mischievous people. (5) When God finally raised the Holy Prophet with His last Book and a universal mission, calling upon entire humanity to rally round his banner. Thus a beautiful circle was completed and the world which began with unity was designed to end with it.
b
4:166; 6:49; 18:57.
254
Before the advent of a Prophet all men are like one people in the sense that they are all unbelievers. But when a Prophet appears, they, in spite of their mutual differences, form one united front against him. The expression, "mankind were one community" or identical words have been used, besides the present verse, at seven places in the Qur’an. In 10:20; 21:93 and 23:53 they signify "national unity" and in 5:49; 16:94; 42:9; 43:34 and in the verse under comment "identity of ideas."
255
The "difference" referred to in the verse at two separate places signifies two different kinds of disagreement. Before the advent of a Prophet people differ among themselves about their idolatrous practices. But after his appearance, they begin to differ with regard to his claims. The Prophet does not create differences. The differences are already there; they merely assume a new form after his appearance. Before a Prophet appears, the people, in spite of their mutual differences, look like one people; they become divided into two distinct camps—believers and disbelievers,—after he appears. Viewed collectively, the verse describes five different stages through which mankind has passed. In the beginning there was unity among the people, all forming one community. With the increase in population and the extension of their interests and the complexity of their problems, they began to differ among themselves. Then God raised Prophets and revealed His Will. Every new revelation was made a cause of discord a
وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ٱلْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
3:111, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
Al-Khair here signifies Islam, because goodness in general is included in the word Ma‘ruf occurring immediately after it.
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, 'If anyone of you sees anything evil, let him remove it with his hand. If he cannot do so with his hand, then let him forbid it with his tongue. If he cannot do even that, then let him at least hate it in his heart, and that is the weakest kind of faith' (Muslim).
3:111, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
Commentary:
The word خیر (goodness) here signifies Islam, because goodness in general is included in the word معروف (equity) used immediately after it. In fact, the true Faith (Islam) is the only goodness in the true sense of the word. The verse purports to say that as by making you enter the fold of Islam God has delivered you from a pit of fire, you should also try to deliver others from the fire of disbelief.
The words, And let there be among you a body of men who should invite to goodness, do not mean that the duty of preaching is only confined to a few. What is meant is that, whereas all should try to preach and propagate the truth of Islam, there should be a party of men among Muslims who should be wholly and solely devoted to this work.
As for the method of preaching, the Quran says elsewhere, Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation and argue with them (the disbelievers) in a way that is best (16:126). And the Holy Prophet is reported to have said, "If anyone of you sees anything evil, let him remove it with his hand. If he cannot do it with his hand, then let him forbid it with his tongue. If he cannot do even that, then let him at least detest it in his mind, and that is the weakest kind of faith" (Muslim).
The verse also suggests a way by following which Muslims can maintain their unity. So long as a Muslim people have their attention concentrated on the preaching of Islam and doing good, they will live in peace among themselves, for disunion is mostly born of idleness and a false sense of security.
Each and every individual Muslim is not enjoined here to devote himself wholly to the preaching of Islam; for if it were so, Muslims could not earn their livelihood nor take part in other healthy pursuits of life. So, though all must contribute their quota, only a section of the community is required to devote itself exclusively to the work of preaching.
b
3:111, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
269
اَلْخَيْر (Al-Khair) 这里意为伊斯兰教, 因为总的来说, 善已经包括在紧接在它后面出现的 مَعْرُوْف (Maruf) 这个词中。
a
3:111, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
391
Commentary:
The word خیر (goodness) here signifies Islam, because goodness in general is included in the word معروف (equity) used immediately after it. In fact, the true Faith (Islam) is the only goodness in the true sense of the word. The verse purports to say that as by making you enter the fold of Islam God has delivered you from a pit of fire, you should also try to deliver others from the fire of disbelief.
The words, And let there be among you a body of men who should invite to goodness, do not mean that the duty of preaching is only confined to a few. What is meant is that, whereas all should try to preach and propagate the truth of Islam, there should be a party of men among Muslims who should be wholly and solely devoted to this work.
As for the method of preaching, the Quran says elsewhere, Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation and argue with them (the disbelievers) in a way that is best (16:126). And the Holy Prophet is reported to have said, "If anyone of you sees anything evil, let him remove it with his hand. If he cannot do it with his hand, then let him forbid it with his tongue. If he cannot do even that, then let him at least detest it in his mind, and that is the weakest kind of faith" (Muslim).
The verse also suggests a way by following which Muslims can maintain their unity. So long as a Muslim people have their attention concentrated on the preaching of Islam and doing good, they will live in peace among themselves, for disunion is mostly born of idleness and a false sense of security.
Each and every individual Muslim is not enjoined here to devote himself wholly to the preaching of Islam; for if it were so, Muslims could not earn their livelihood nor take part in other healthy pursuits of life. So, though all must contribute their quota, only a section of the community is required to devote itself exclusively to the work of preaching.
a
3:111, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
452
Al-Khair here signifies Islam, because goodness in general is included in the word Ma‘ruf occurring immediately after it.
453
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, 'If anyone of you sees anything evil, let him remove it with his hand. If he cannot do so with his hand, then let him forbid it with his tongue. If he cannot do even that, then let him at least hate it in his heart, and that is the weakest kind of faith' (Muslim).
كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ ۗ وَلَوْ ءَامَنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُم ۚ مِّنْهُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ ٱلْفَٰسِقُونَ
یعنی مسلمانوں کے سب سے بہتر ہونے کی یہ وجہ ہے کہ انہیں اپنے فائدہ کی بجائے سب دنیا کے فائدہ کے لئے پیدا کیا گیا ہے۔ کاش! مسلمان اس حکمت کو سمجھیں اور اس طرح ذلیل نہ ہوں۔
2:144.
3:105, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
The verse not only claims that the Muslims are the best people—a big claim indeed—but also gives reasons for it: (1) They have been raised for the good of all mankind; and (2) it is their duty to enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in one God. The glory of the Muslims is subject to and governed by these two conditions.
2:144.
3:105, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
Commentary:
The verse not only claims that the Muslims are the best people—a great claim indeed—but also gives reasons for it. These reasons are: (1) Muslims have been raised for the good of others; (2) they have been raised not for the good of any one people or any one country but for the good of all mankind; (3) it has been made their duty to enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in one God. The history of Islam bears ample testimony to the fact that Muslims fulfilled all the hopes expressed in this verse. They were not only the torch-bearers of Islam to the four corners of the world but they also contributed to the betterment of other peoples in a most remarkable manner. The renaissance of the west was mostly, if not entirely, due to their influence (The Making of Humanity by Robert Briffault).
The greatness of a people is proportionate to the magnitude of their work. As Muslims were to bring about the good of all mankind, they have been declared the greatest of all peoples. In fact, the real purpose of a Muslim’s life is to do good for humanity. As Islam is the greatest good, so Muslims have been enjoined to convey its message to the whole world. They are also required to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. There are other people also who claim to enjoin good and forbid evil, but their aim in doing so is to contribute to the strength or betterment of their own respective communities. The Quran warns Muslims against having such restricted motives by adding the words, and you believe in Allah, i.e. your preaching should only be for God’s sake Who is the Lord of the worlds.
The assignment of this great task to Muslims also implies the appearance of Divine Messengers among them from time to time, for it is heavenly Messengers alone who can best perform this duty; and it is through them that we can properly realize the true significance of this task.
It may also be pointed out here that, according to this verse, the excellence of the Muslim people is governed by, and is subject to, the above conditions, i.e. preaching Islam to mankind and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil; mere lip-profession of Islam cannot entitle anyone to claim excellence.
b
2:144.
c
3:105, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
271
本节经文不仅声称穆斯林是最优秀的人--------确实是一个大的宣称--------而且也说出了理由: (1)他们是为了人类的利益而成长起来的; (2) 劝善止恶、信仰独一的安拉是他们的责任。穆斯林的光荣取决于这两个条件, 并受它们的支配。
1
یعنی مسلمانوں کے سب سے بہتر ہونے کی یہ وجہ ہے کہ انہیں اپنے فائدہ کی بجائے سب دنیا کے فائدہ کے لئے پیدا کیا گیا ہے۔ کاش! مسلمان اس حکمت کو سمجھیں اور اس طرح ذلیل نہ ہوں۔
b
2:144.
c
3:105, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
396
Commentary:
The verse not only claims that the Muslims are the best people—a great claim indeed—but also gives reasons for it. These reasons are: (1) Muslims have been raised for the good of others; (2) they have been raised not for the good of any one people or any one country but for the good of all mankind; (3) it has been made their duty to enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in one God. The history of Islam bears ample testimony to the fact that Muslims fulfilled all the hopes expressed in this verse. They were not only the torch-bearers of Islam to the four corners of the world but they also contributed to the betterment of other peoples in a most remarkable manner. The renaissance of the west was mostly, if not entirely, due to their influence (The Making of Humanity by Robert Briffault).
The greatness of a people is proportionate to the magnitude of their work. As Muslims were to bring about the good of all mankind, they have been declared the greatest of all peoples. In fact, the real purpose of a Muslim’s life is to do good for humanity. As Islam is the greatest good, so Muslims have been enjoined to convey its message to the whole world. They are also required to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. There are other people also who claim to enjoin good and forbid evil, but their aim in doing so is to contribute to the strength or betterment of their own respective communities. The Quran warns Muslims against having such restricted motives by adding the words, and you believe in Allah, i.e. your preaching should only be for God’s sake Who is the Lord of the worlds.
The assignment of this great task to Muslims also implies the appearance of Divine Messengers among them from time to time, for it is heavenly Messengers alone who can best perform this duty; and it is through them that we can properly realize the true significance of this task.
It may also be pointed out here that, according to this verse, the excellence of the Muslim people is governed by, and is subject to, the above conditions, i.e. preaching Islam to mankind and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil; mere lip-profession of Islam cannot entitle anyone to claim excellence.
c
2:144.
d
3:105, 115; 7:158; 9:71; 31:18.
457
The verse not only claims that the Muslims are the best people—a big claim indeed—but also gives reasons for it: (1) They have been raised for the good of all mankind; and (2) it is their duty to enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in one God. The glory of the Muslims is subject to and governed by these two conditions.
وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً فَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ ۚ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ
یعنی کفر و ضلالت پر متحد تھے۔ جیسے رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا اَلْـکُفْرُ مِلَّۃٌ وَّاحِدَۃٌ یعنی کافر شرارتوں میں دوسرے سب کافروں سے مل کر ایک ہی قوم بن جاتے ہیں۔ نیز دیکھو نوٹ سورۂ بقرہ آیت ۲۱۴۔
یہ رَحْمَتِیْ وَسِعَتْ کُلَّ شَیْ ءٍ کی طرف اشارہ ہے۔
11:111; 20:130; 41:46.
2:214.
They were united in wickedness and opposition to Divine Prophets. See also {254}.
The words may have one and all of the following meanings: (a) God endowed men with the capacity to find the right path and also directed them to it through revealed guidance, but they forsook that path and fell into error. (b) They are always shown the right path through Divine Messengers, but they continue to differ among themselves. (c) In their opposition to the Divine Messengers the disbelievers always take the same course and thus form one community. All through the ages they have opposed the Divine Prophets and differed with them. See {255}.
The reference is to 'My Mercy encompasses all things' (7:157).
2:214.
11:111; 20:130; 41:46.
Commentary:
The expression, And mankind were but one community, then they differed among themselves has three meanings: (1) That God caused men to follow the one true path in the beginning of creation but then they deviated from it. God not only endowed man with the capacity to find the right path but also directed him to it through revealed guidance; but man forsook that path and fell into error. (2) That they are being always and continuously shown the right path through Divine Messengers but then differences arise among them. God sends someone as His Messenger among them and, through him brings them to the path of truth but again they begin to differ. (3) That in their opposition to the Divine Messenger disbelievers always take the same course and thus form one community. All through the ages people have opposed the Prophets and have differed and disagreed with them.
The latter part of the verse points out that if God had not laid it down as a law that He always sends a Prophet before punishing the wicked, or that He has created mankind for guidance and spiritual progress, He would have quickly punished evildoers and destroyed all of them.
d
2:214.
e
11:111; 20:130; 41:46.
1
یعنی کفر و ضلالت پر متحد تھے۔ جیسے رسول کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا اَلْـکُفْرُ مِلَّۃٌ وَّاحِدَۃٌ یعنی کافر شرارتوں میں دوسرے سب کافروں سے مل کر ایک ہی قوم بن جاتے ہیں۔ نیز دیکھو نوٹ سورۂ بقرہ آیت ۲۱۴۔
2
یہ رَحْمَتِیْ وَسِعَتْ کُلَّ شَیْ ءٍ کی طرف اشارہ ہے۔
a
2:214.
b
11:111; 20:130; 41:46.
1295
Commentary:
The expression, And mankind were but one community, then they differed among themselves has three meanings: (1) That God caused men to follow the one true path in the beginning of creation but then they deviated from it. God not only endowed man with the capacity to find the right path but also directed him to it through revealed guidance; but man forsook that path and fell into error. (2) That they are being always and continuously shown the right path through Divine Messengers but then differences arise among them. God sends someone as His Messenger among them and, through him brings them to the path of truth but again they begin to differ. (3) That in their opposition to the Divine Messenger disbelievers always take the same course and thus form one community. All through the ages people have opposed the Prophets and have differed and disagreed with them.
The latter part of the verse points out that if God had not laid it down as a law that He always sends a Prophet before punishing the wicked, or that He has created mankind for guidance and spiritual progress, He would have quickly punished evildoers and destroyed all of them.
a
11:111; 20:130; 41:46.
c
2:214.
1247A
They were united in wickedness and opposition to Divine Prophets. See also {254}.
1248
The words may have one and all of the following meanings: (a) God endowed men with the capacity to find the right path and also directed them to it through revealed guidance, but they forsook that path and fell into error. (b) They are always shown the right path through Divine Messengers, but they continue to differ among themselves. (c) In their opposition to the Divine Messengers the disbelievers always take the same course and thus form one community. All through the ages they have opposed the Divine Prophets and differed with them. See {255}.
1248A
The reference is to 'My Mercy encompasses all things' (7:157).
قُل لَّآ أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِى ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۗ لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ ۚ إِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ فَلَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةً ۖ وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
اُمَّۃٌ کا لفظ چونکہ مجموعۂ افراد پر بولا جاتا ہے۔ اس لئے لفظ کے لحاظ سے اس کی طرف مفرد ضمیر بھی جا سکتی ہے اور معنوں کے لحاظ سے جمع بھی۔ ہم نے مفرد کی ضمیر ترجمہ میں پھیری ہے۔
7:189.
7:35; 16:62; 35:46.
This verse embodies a reply to the disbelievers’ demand for punishment (mentioned in the preceding verse). The Holy Prophet is bidden to ask them, how he could fulfil their demand for punishment when he possessed no power either to do good to, or avert evil from, himself.
7:189.
7:35; 16:62; 35:46.
Commentary:
This verse embodies a reply to the disbelievers’ demand for punishment (mentioned in the preceding verse). The Holy Prophet is bidden to ask them how he could fulfil their demand for punishment when personally he possessed no power either to do good to, or avert evil from, himself. How clearly this and similar other verses show that the real object of the Quran is to uphold the Unity of God! The Quran cannot bear any human being, even the greatest of all the Prophets, to be regarded as equal to God.
The word امة (people) in this verse means those who disbelieve and not people generally as referred to in v. 48. The verse means to say that there comes a time when disbelievers meet their inevitable end and their place is taken by another people who follow the Divine Messenger. In other words, the Holy Prophet is made to say to disbelievers that, though it is not in his power to bring punishment on them, yet, as it is the immutable law of God that when a people take to evil ways they decline and fall, they will not be allowed to go unpunished and on their ashes a new people shall arise and a new era of truth shall dawn.
c
7:189.
d
7:35; 16:62; 35:46.
1
اُمَّۃٌ کا لفظ چونکہ مجموعۂ افراد پر بولا جاتا ہے۔ اس لئے لفظ کے لحاظ سے اس کی طرف مفرد ضمیر بھی جا سکتی ہے اور معنوں کے لحاظ سے جمع بھی۔ ہم نے مفرد کی ضمیر ترجمہ میں پھیری ہے۔
a
7:189.
b
7:35; 16:62; 35:46.
1325
Commentary:
This verse embodies a reply to the disbelievers’ demand for punishment (mentioned in the preceding verse). The Holy Prophet is bidden to ask them how he could fulfil their demand for punishment when personally he possessed no power either to do good to, or avert evil from, himself. How clearly this and similar other verses show that the real object of the Quran is to uphold the Unity of God! The Quran cannot bear any human being, even the greatest of all the Prophets, to be regarded as equal to God.
The word امة (people) in this verse means those who disbelieve and not people generally as referred to in v. 48. The verse means to say that there comes a time when disbelievers meet their inevitable end and their place is taken by another people who follow the Divine Messenger. In other words, the Holy Prophet is made to say to disbelievers that, though it is not in his power to bring punishment on them, yet, as it is the immutable law of God that when a people take to evil ways they decline and fall, they will not be allowed to go unpunished and on their ashes a new people shall arise and a new era of truth shall dawn.
c
7:189.
d
7:35; 16:62; 35:46.
1267
This verse embodies a reply to the disbelievers’ demand for punishment (mentioned in the preceding verse). The Holy Prophet is bidden to ask them, how he could fulfil their demand for punishment when he possessed no power either to do good to, or avert evil from, himself.
وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ ۚ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
طَاغُوۡتَ کے معنے عربی زبان میں سرکش کے ہوتے ہیں (دیکھو مفرداتِ راغب) نیز جو شخص لوگوں کو نیکی کے راستہ سے ہٹائے۔
10:48; 13:8; 35:25.
7:31.
3:138; 6:12.
10:48; 13:8; 35:25.
7:31.
3:138; 6:12.
Commentary:
This verse supplies several answers to the objection of disbelievers mentioned in the previous verse. The first answer is that God had raised Prophets among different peoples at different times and every one of these Prophets had taught the Unity of God. If the contention of disbelievers that polytheism was permitted and countenanced by God had any basis in fact then one or other of these Prophets should have subscribed to this doctrine. But all the Prophets most vehemently denounced polytheism in every shape and form.
The second answer is implied in the words, We did raise among every people a Messenger, which mean that if God had chosen to employ force in the matter of faith, then there was no need for so many Prophets to come to convey to man the will of God. One Prophet would have sufficed through whom God would have guided to the right path those whom He desired. The long succession of Prophets who appeared among different peoples at different times to exhort them to live righteous lives constitutes a strong proof that man is created a free agent.
The third answer is contained in the injunction "shun the Evil One". If it were true that good and evil had been predetermined by God and man is only the victim of determinism, there is no sense in such an injunction, and in sending so many Prophets, for in that case every man’s course would have been predetermined. The fourth answer consists in the fact that at the appearance of every Prophet a certain number of people who before his advent are polytheists renounce their wrong doctrines and become believers in the Unity of God. In the event of man’s actions having been predetermined, he could not possibly effect a change in his beliefs or actions. The fact that on the occasion of the advent of every Prophet a certain number of disbelievers join the ranks of believers is positive proof of the fact that man has been endowed with freewill and that he is the master of his own destiny.
Divine visitations that have invariably overtaken disbelievers in all ages constitute yet another very cogent proof that man has been created free and is not the object or victim of a predetermined fate because there is no sense or justification in punishment overtaking a person who is not free to act as he likes.
a
7:31.
b
3:138; 6:12.
g
10:48; 13:8; 35:25.
1
طَاغُوۡتَ کے معنے عربی زبان میں سرکش کے ہوتے ہیں (دیکھو مفرداتِ راغب) نیز جو شخص لوگوں کو نیکی کے راستہ سے ہٹائے۔
a
10:48; 13:8; 35:25.
b
7:31.
c
3:138; 6:12.
1838
Commentary:
This verse supplies several answers to the objection of disbelievers mentioned in the previous verse. The first answer is that God had raised Prophets among different peoples at different times and every one of these Prophets had taught the Unity of God. If the contention of disbelievers that polytheism was permitted and countenanced by God had any basis in fact then one or other of these Prophets should have subscribed to this doctrine. But all the Prophets most vehemently denounced polytheism in every shape and form.
The second answer is implied in the words, We did raise among every people a Messenger, which mean that if God had chosen to employ force in the matter of faith, then there was no need for so many Prophets to come to convey to man the will of God. One Prophet would have sufficed through whom God would have guided to the right path those whom He desired. The long succession of Prophets who appeared among different peoples at different times to exhort them to live righteous lives constitutes a strong proof that man is created a free agent.
The third answer is contained in the injunction "shun the Evil One". If it were true that good and evil had been predetermined by God and man is only the victim of determinism, there is no sense in such an injunction, and in sending so many Prophets, for in that case every man’s course would have been predetermined. The fourth answer consists in the fact that at the appearance of every Prophet a certain number of people who before his advent are polytheists renounce their wrong doctrines and become believers in the Unity of God. In the event of man’s actions having been predetermined, he could not possibly effect a change in his beliefs or actions. The fact that on the occasion of the advent of every Prophet a certain number of disbelievers join the ranks of believers is positive proof of the fact that man has been endowed with freewill and that he is the master of his own destiny.
Divine visitations that have invariably overtaken disbelievers in all ages constitute yet another very cogent proof that man has been created free and is not the object or victim of a predetermined fate because there is no sense or justification in punishment overtaking a person who is not free to act as he likes.
e
10:48; 13:8; 35:25.
f
7:31.
g
3:138; 6:12.
إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
2:136; 3:68; 6:80.
2:136; 3:68; 6:80.
Ummah among other things means a nation; a race; a righteous man who is an object of imitation; a man possessing all good qualities, a paragon of virtue (Lane).
2:136; 3:68; 6:80.
Important Words:
امة (a paragon of virtue) is derived from ام which means, he betook himself to it, aimed at, sought after or pursued it. امةmeans, a way, course, mode or manner of acting; religion; a nation, a people, a race, a tribe; family; the followers of a Prophet; a generation of men or people of one time; a righteous man who is an object of imitation; one who is known for goodness; a man combining all kinds of good qualities; a learned man; one who has no equal; the learned man of his age or time who is singular in his learning, etc. See also 11:9 & 6:39.
Commentary:
In this verse the Quran exhorts Muslims not to follow the example of idolaters and Jews but to take Abraham as their model. The word امة (a paragon of virtue) is here used in two senses: (a) a righteous man who is an object of imitation; (b) a man combining in him all good qualities. The word, as shown under Important Words, also means "a people", and Abraham has been called "a people" because through him a great people came into being. He is called "a people" in the sense in which a small off-shoot is called the tree that is to spring from it.
The words, He was not of those who set up equals to God, signify that although Abraham combined in himself all the good qualities and excellences, yet the combination of these good qualities did not engender in him conceit or egotism. He did not consider the good qualities he possessed to be the result of his own effort or merit, but of God’s special favour. Thus he was a monotheist in the real sense of the word. He allowed no idol of conceit or pride, etc., to stand between him and his Creator.
e
2:136; 3:68; 6:80.
a
2:136; 3:68; 6:80.
1921
Important Words:
امة (a paragon of virtue) is derived from ام which means, he betook himself to it, aimed at, sought after or pursued it. امةmeans, a way, course, mode or manner of acting; religion; a nation, a people, a race, a tribe; family; the followers of a Prophet; a generation of men or people of one time; a righteous man who is an object of imitation; one who is known for goodness; a man combining all kinds of good qualities; a learned man; one who has no equal; the learned man of his age or time who is singular in his learning, etc. See also 11:9 & 6:39.
Commentary:
In this verse the Quran exhorts Muslims not to follow the example of idolaters and Jews but to take Abraham as their model. The word امة (a paragon of virtue) is here used in two senses: (a) a righteous man who is an object of imitation; (b) a man combining in him all good qualities. The word, as shown under Important Words, also means "a people", and Abraham has been called "a people" because through him a great people came into being. He is called "a people" in the sense in which a small off-shoot is called the tree that is to spring from it.
The words, He was not of those who set up equals to God, signify that although Abraham combined in himself all the good qualities and excellences, yet the combination of these good qualities did not engender in him conceit or egotism. He did not consider the good qualities he possessed to be the result of his own effort or merit, but of God’s special favour. Thus he was a monotheist in the real sense of the word. He allowed no idol of conceit or pride, etc., to stand between him and his Creator.
a
2:136; 3:68; 6:80.
1586
Ummah among other things means a nation; a race; a righteous man who is an object of imitation; a man possessing all good qualities, a paragon of virtue (Lane).
إِنَّ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُونِ
23:53.
23:53.
In the preceding few verses some Prophets of God and some other righteous persons have been mentioned together. This is no mere coincidence. The mentioning together of these Prophets serves a definite purpose. All of them had one thing in common. They all suffered great hardships and distress in one form or another and displayed the highest and noblest form of patience and endurance under severest trials. They also taught the one basic principle of all religions—Divine Unity.
23:53.
Commentary:
In the preceding few verses some Prophets of God and some other righteous persons have been mentioned together. This is no mere coincidence and it has not been done haphazardly. The mentioning together of these Prophets serves a definite purpose and is done deliberately. All of them had one thing in common. They all suffered great hardships and distress in one form or another and displayed the highest and noblest form of patience and endurance under severest trials. First of all, Job is mentioned. The tribulations through which he had to pass were perhaps the severest. Besides 21:84 above, the Quran describes the affliction of Job and the patience with which he bore it in the following verses:
And remember Our servant Job, when he cried to his Lord, Satan has smitten me with affliction and torment…Indeed We found him patient. An excellent servant was he. Surely he always turned to God (38:42-45).
After Job are mentioned Ishmael, Idris and Dhul-Kifl. Ishmael was yet a baby when along with his mother Hagar he was made to live in the arid and bleak valley of Mecca where at that time not a blade of grass grew and not a drop of water was to be found, and he was only a small boy when a most severe trial faced him. His father Abraham saw in a dream that he was slaughtering him. Ishmael evinced complete readiness to give his life in fulfilment of his father’s dream. The Prophet Idris had to face a virulent campaign of denunciation and calumny by his people and he suffered all that abuse with great patience. Dhul-Kifl or Ezekiel was carried away in captivity when Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, sacked Jerusalem in the 6th century B. C. He passed much of his time in prison. The case of Jonah is well known. He too had to pass through a great ordeal. He remained in the belly of the fish for three consecutive days and when the whale vomited him out it was on a naked tract of land. He put up with his ordeal with becoming fortitude. Zachariah had reached an extreme old age. His wife was barren and he had no son. The grief that there would be no one left after him to perpetuate his line and to lead his people to the way of righteousness, as all his heirs were godless men, consumed him and in the intensity of grief he prayed to God to bless him with a son. Mary gave birth to Jesus without the agency of a husband and on that account she was subjected to abuse and calumny of the most wicked and vicious type. She bore all this agony with a patience that befitted a really godly woman. So it appears that all the above-mentioned prophets and righteous servants of God bore a striking resemblance to one another in this one respect that they all had to face great trials and hardships and like the beloved ones of God all bore them with a brave and resigned heart and a smiling face.
b
23:53.
a
23:53.
2419
Commentary:
In the preceding few verses some Prophets of God and some other righteous persons have been mentioned together. This is no mere coincidence and it has not been done haphazardly. The mentioning together of these Prophets serves a definite purpose and is done deliberately. All of them had one thing in common. They all suffered great hardships and distress in one form or another and displayed the highest and noblest form of patience and endurance under severest trials. First of all, Job is mentioned. The tribulations through which he had to pass were perhaps the severest. Besides 21:84 above, the Quran describes the affliction of Job and the patience with which he bore it in the following verses:
And remember Our servant Job, when he cried to his Lord, Satan has smitten me with affliction and torment…Indeed We found him patient. An excellent servant was he. Surely he always turned to God (38:42-45).
After Job are mentioned Ishmael, Idris and Dhul-Kifl. Ishmael was yet a baby when along with his mother Hagar he was made to live in the arid and bleak valley of Mecca where at that time not a blade of grass grew and not a drop of water was to be found, and he was only a small boy when a most severe trial faced him. His father Abraham saw in a dream that he was slaughtering him. Ishmael evinced complete readiness to give his life in fulfilment of his father’s dream. The Prophet Idris had to face a virulent campaign of denunciation and calumny by his people and he suffered all that abuse with great patience. Dhul-Kifl or Ezekiel was carried away in captivity when Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, sacked Jerusalem in the 6th century B. C. He passed much of his time in prison. The case of Jonah is well known. He too had to pass through a great ordeal. He remained in the belly of the fish for three consecutive days and when the whale vomited him out it was on a naked tract of land. He put up with his ordeal with becoming fortitude. Zachariah had reached an extreme old age. His wife was barren and he had no son. The grief that there would be no one left after him to perpetuate his line and to lead his people to the way of righteousness, as all his heirs were godless men, consumed him and in the intensity of grief he prayed to God to bless him with a son. Mary gave birth to Jesus without the agency of a husband and on that account she was subjected to abuse and calumny of the most wicked and vicious type. She bore all this agony with a patience that befitted a really godly woman. So it appears that all the above-mentioned prophets and righteous servants of God bore a striking resemblance to one another in this one respect that they all had to face great trials and hardships and like the beloved ones of God all bore them with a brave and resigned heart and a smiling face.
c
23:53.
1915
In the preceding few verses some Prophets of God and some other righteous persons have been mentioned together. This is no mere coincidence. The mentioning together of these Prophets serves a definite purpose. All of them had one thing in common. They all suffered great hardships and distress in one form or another and displayed the highest and noblest form of patience and endurance under severest trials. They also taught the one basic principle of all religions—Divine Unity.
لِّكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا هُمْ نَاسِكُوهُ ۖ فَلَا يُنَٰزِعُنَّكَ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۚ وَٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ۖ إِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
在不同的国家和民族中崇拜安拉有不同的形式。这一事实证明了一个真理, 即在所有的宗教中伊斯兰教第一个宣告: 安拉的使者来到各民族中, 并教给他们不同的崇拜形式和方法。
اُمَّۃٌ کا لفظ مؤنث ہے لیکن اس کے بعد ھُمْ نَاسِکُوْہُ کے الفاظ ہیں جو مذکر اور جمع کے لئے ہیں اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ عربی زبان میں بعض دفعہ جماعت کے افراد کی طرف ضمیر پھیری جاتی ہے اور اس کے مجموعہ کو ضمیر میں ادا کر دیا جاتا ہے۔ پس ھُمْ جو یہاں آیا ہے اسی وجہ سے آیا ہے۔
Divine worship is found in one form or another among all nations and peoples. This fact leads to the great truth which Islam, among all religions, was the first to proclaim that Divine Messengers appeared among all peoples to teach them the different forms and ways of worship.
Important Words:
منسک (ways of worship) means, rites of sacrifice; religious rites and ceremonies of the Pilgrimage; animals of sacrifice; ways of worship; acts of devotion. See also 6:163 & 22:35.
Commentary:
Taking منسک in the sense of animals of sacrifice or the rites of sacrifice the verse signifies (a) that the ritual of sacrifice in one form or another is common to all religions; and (b) that it was the sacrifice of animals that was at first enjoined by God and not human sacrifice which was invented afterwards.
Taking the word منسک in the sense of 'ways of worship,' the verse means that Divine worship is found in one form or another among all nations and peoples. This fact leads to another great truth which Islam, among all religions, was the first to proclaim, viz. that Divine Messengers appeared at different times among all nations and peoples to teach them the different forms and ways of worship.
The words فی الامر (in the matter) mean, 'in the matter of Islam' or 'in the matter of the Quran.' In this sense of the words the verse purports to say that when it has been made clear that Prophets were raised among all peoples, the disbelievers have no right or justification to say that the Holy Prophet has brought a novel teaching. He has done no new thing and has introduced no innovation. See 46:10.
876
在不同的国家和民族中崇拜安拉有不同的形式。这一事实证明了一个真理, 即在所有的宗教中伊斯兰教第一个宣告: 安拉的使者来到各民族中, 并教给他们不同的崇拜形式和方法。
2
اُمَّۃٌ کا لفظ مؤنث ہے لیکن اس کے بعد ھُمْ نَاسِکُوْہُ کے الفاظ ہیں جو مذکر اور جمع کے لئے ہیں اس کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ عربی زبان میں بعض دفعہ جماعت کے افراد کی طرف ضمیر پھیری جاتی ہے اور اس کے مجموعہ کو ضمیر میں ادا کر دیا جاتا ہے۔ پس ھُمْ جو یہاں آیا ہے اسی وجہ سے آیا ہے۔
2497
Important Words:
منسک (ways of worship) means, rites of sacrifice; religious rites and ceremonies of the Pilgrimage; animals of sacrifice; ways of worship; acts of devotion. See also 6:163 & 22:35.
Commentary:
Taking منسک in the sense of animals of sacrifice or the rites of sacrifice the verse signifies (a) that the ritual of sacrifice in one form or another is common to all religions; and (b) that it was the sacrifice of animals that was at first enjoined by God and not human sacrifice which was invented afterwards.
Taking the word منسک in the sense of 'ways of worship,' the verse means that Divine worship is found in one form or another among all nations and peoples. This fact leads to another great truth which Islam, among all religions, was the first to proclaim, viz. that Divine Messengers appeared at different times among all nations and peoples to teach them the different forms and ways of worship.
The words فی الامر (in the matter) mean, 'in the matter of Islam' or 'in the matter of the Quran.' In this sense of the words the verse purports to say that when it has been made clear that Prophets were raised among all peoples, the disbelievers have no right or justification to say that the Holy Prophet has brought a novel teaching. He has done no new thing and has introduced no innovation. See 46:10.
1972
Divine worship is found in one form or another among all nations and peoples. This fact leads to the great truth which Islam, among all religions, was the first to proclaim that Divine Messengers appeared among all peoples to teach them the different forms and ways of worship.
وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ فَوْجًا مِّمَّن يُكَذِّبُ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ
25:18; 67:9.
25:18; 67:9.
25:18; 67:9.
Commentary:
The main subject dealt with in the Surah is life after death and by implication the great spiritual revolution that was to be brought about by the Holy Prophet. The appeal of the Holy Prophet to the Quraish naturally split his people into two camps—the Faithful and the disbelievers. The present and the next few verses deal with the rejecters of the Prophet’s message and the fate that was in store for them. Life after death is another subject dealt with in these verses.
a
25:18; 67:9.
a
25:18; 67:9.
2867
Commentary:
The main subject dealt with in the Surah is life after death and by implication the great spiritual revolution that was to be brought about by the Holy Prophet. The appeal of the Holy Prophet to the Quraish naturally split his people into two camps—the Faithful and the disbelievers. The present and the next few verses deal with the rejecters of the Prophet’s message and the fate that was in store for them. Life after death is another subject dealt with in these verses.
b
25:18; 67:9.
وَنَزَعْنَا مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا فَقُلْنَا هَاتُوا۟ بُرْهَٰنَكُمْ فَعَلِمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱلْحَقَّ لِلَّهِ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ
4:42; 16:85.
4:42; 16:85.
4:42; 16:85.
c
4:42; 16:85.
a
4:42; 16:85.
c
4:42; 16:85.
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًا
خَاتَم (Khatam) 源出于 خَتَمَ (Khatama), 意指他封闭了; 打戳于; 压印或盖印于这东西上。这是这一单词的原始的意义。它的非原始的意义是, 他到达这东西的边端; 或遮盖此物; 或在一项文件的内容上面作记号或印压一块火漆或任何一种印章来保护它。 خَاتَم (Khatam) 意指一种图章戒指; 印、图章; 或戳子和花押; 一样东西的末端或最后一部分或一部分和结果或东西的结局。这一单词还有修饰或增添光彩的内涵; 最好的和最完美无缺的意思。خَاتِم (Khatim) 和 خَاتَم (Khatam) 及 خَتْم (Khatm) 这几个单词几乎是同义词 (Lane مُفْرَدَات Mufradat, فَتْح Fath 和 زُرْقَانِی Zurqani,) 因此 خَاتَمُ النَّبِیّٖن )Khatamun-Nabiyyin( 这一用语就意为先知们的印信; 先知中最好的和最完美无缺者; 为先知们修饰和增添光彩者; 其次, 它意指先知中最后一位。
在麦加, 当穆圣所有的儿子都死于童年, 他的敌人嘲笑他是 اَبْتَر(Abtar, 没有男后嗣的人), 意即, 没有男性后嗣来继承他, 他的活动迟早要告终 (مُحِيْط, Muhit)。在回答不信者的这一讥讽, 在 «大量幸福» 章中着重宣告, 不是穆圣而是他的敌人终归无后。在 «大量幸福» 章的启示之后, 穆圣将有幸得到长大成人的儿子的这一观念自然受到早先穆斯林的支持。现在注释的这节经文中, 由于它宣告了穆
0圣现在不是、过去也绝不是、而将来也不会是任何青年人的父亲 رِجَال (Rijal) 意指已长大的青年人, 消除了那样的误解。虽然本节经文似乎与 «大量幸福» 章中所说, 不是穆圣而是他的敌人存在着无后的危险有所抵触, 但实际上是企图把这种表面上的矛盾所引起的疑惑和担扰加以解决。它 (本节经文) 说, 穆圣是安拉的使者, 意即, 他是全民族的精神父亲, 而他也是خَاتَمُ النَّبِیّٖن (Khātamun-Nabiyyīn 众先知的印信, 众圣之印), 意即他是所有先知 (圣人) 的精神父亲。因此, 当他是所有信仰者和所有先知的精神父亲时, 他怎能被说成是无后? 如果把这一用词取意为他是先知中的最后一位, 而在他之后不再有先知 (圣人), 那么, 本节经文似乎就显得不协调, 而上下文联系不上, 因而不是在驳斥不信者对穆圣是无后的嘲笑, 而倒是在支持和加强这种嘲笑。简言之, 按照以上所说明的 Khatam 这一单词的意义, Khatamun-Nabiyyin 这个用语可以有四个可能的意义: (1) 穆圣是众先知的印信, 即没有先知可以被认为是真实的, 除非他的先知品位盖有穆圣印章。以往先知的先知品位必须经穆圣的证实和证明, 而且, 在他之后, 除了作为他的跟从者外, 没有人可以达到先知品位。(2) 穆圣是所有先知中最优秀、最崇高和最完美无缺的, 而且他也是为他们 (其他先知们) 润色的源泉 (زُرْقَانِی، شَرَح مَوَاهِبُ اللَّدُنِّيَّة, Zurqani, Sharah Mawahibul-Ladunniyyah)。(3) 穆圣是有经先知中的最后一位。这一解释已经得到著名的穆斯林宗教学研究家、圣徒和博学多闻的学者诸如伊本•阿拉比 (اِبْنِ عَرَبِی, Ibn-e-‘Arabi), 沙•哇里乌拉 (شَاه وَلِیُّ الله, Shah Wali-ullah), 阿里•卡里教长 (اِمَام عَلِی قَارِی, Imam ‘Ali Qari) 和阿哈默德•萨尔恒迪 (穆杰迪德•阿尔夫•撒尼--------مُجَدِّد اَلْف ثَانِی, Mujaddid Alf Thani) 等辈的同意。根据这些伟大的学者和贤士之见, 在穆圣之后, 不可能出现能废除他的道统或会来自他的教生之外的先知 (فُتُوحَات Futuhat, تَفْهِيْمَات Tafhimat, مَكْتُوبَات Maktubat 和 اَلْيَوَاقِيْت وَالْجَوَاهِر, Al-Yawaqit wal Jawahir)。据传说, 穆圣的聪慧的配偶阿依莎曾经说过 “说他 (穆圣) 是 Khatamun-Nabiyyin (众先知之印信), 但不要说在他之后将没有先知” (مَنْثُوْر, Manthur)。(4) 穆圣是先知中的最后一位只是从先知品位的一切品质和特征已在他身上得到最完美的表现这一意义上说; Khatam 用作 “最后的” 之意解释时, 则是表明杰出和完美无缺这一意义。此外, «古兰经» 明确地讲到在穆圣之后先知的出现 (7:36)。穆圣本人心中也很清楚。在他之后的先知品位的接续问题, 据传说, 他曾说过: “假如伊布拉欣 (他的儿子) 依然活着, 他会是一位先知 (مَاجَة كِتَابُ الْجَنَائِز, Majah, Kitabul-Jana’iz), 而阿布•伯克尔, 除了将来出现某位先知外, 是在我以后的人中最好的 (كَنْز, Kanz)。
مَا کَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ اَبَا اَحَدٍ کے الفاظ قرآن مجید میں ہیں اور عربی کا قاعدہ ہے کہ کَانَ استمرار کے معنے بھی دیتا ہے (دیکھئے تاج العروس و مُغْنی اللّبِیب) پس ہم نے استمرار کے لحاظ سے آیت کا ترجمہ یہ کیا ہے کہ ’’محمد (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نہ کسی مرد کے باپ تھے‘ نہ ہیں‘ نہ ہونگے۔‘‘
یعنی آپ کی تصدیق کے بغیر اور آپ کی تعلیم کی شہادت کے بغیر کوئی شخص نبوت یا ولایت کے مقام تک نہیں پہنچ سکتا۔ لوگوں نے نبیوں کی مہر کی جگہ آخری نبی کے معنے لئے ہیں۔ مگر اس سے بھی ہماری پوزیشن میں فرق نہیں آتا۔ آنحضرت صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ ٖ وسلم کے معراج کو مدِّنظر رکھا جائے تو انبیاء کا شجرہ مطابق مسند احمد بن حنبلؒ یوں بنتا ہے۔
اس نقشہ کو دیکھو تو مخلوق کے مقام پر جو شخص کھڑا ہوگا‘ اس کی نظر سب سے پہلے حضرت آدم علیہ السلام پر پڑے گی اور سب سے آخراس کی نظر محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم پر پڑے گی۔
سدرۃ المنتہیٰ: محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
ساتواں آسمان
Khatam is derived from Khatama which means, he sealed, stamped, impressed or imprinted the thing. This is the primary signification of this word. The secondary meaning is he reached the end of the thing; or covered the thing; or protected what is in a writing by marking or stamping a piece of clay upon it, or by means of a seal of any kind. Khatam means, a signet ring; a seal or stamp and a mark; the end or last part or portion and result or issue of a thing. The word also signifies embellishment or ornament; the best and most perfect. The words Khatim and Khatm and Khatam are almost synonymous (Lane, Mufradat, Fath & Zurqani). So the expression Khatamun-Nabiyyin would mean, the Seal of the Prophets; the best and most perfect of the Prophets; the embellishment and ornament of the Prophets. Secondarily it means, the last of the Prophets.
At Mecca when all the Holy Prophet’s male children had died in their childhood, his enemies taunted him with be
Important Words:
خاتم النبیین (Seal of the Prophets). خاتم (Khatam) is derived from ختم. They say ختم الشیء او ختم علیه i.e. he sealed, stamped, impressed or imprinted the thing or he put the seal on it. This is the primary signification of this word. Or the primary signification of ختم (khatmun) is the act of covering over the thing. It also signifies the protecting of what is in a writing by marking or stamping a piece of clay upon it, or by means of a seal of any kind. ختم الشیء also means, he reached the end of the thing. ختم القرآن means, he recited the whole of the Quran. This is the secondary meaning of the word. Thus خاتم(khatam) means, a signet-ring; a seal or stamp and a mark; the end or last part or portion and result or issue of a thing; the hollow of the back of the neck. The words ختم (khatmun) and خاتم (khatim and khatam) are almost synonymous and mean a signet. خاتم (khatam) also signifies, embellishment or ornament, the best and most perfect (Lane, Aqrab, Mufradat, Fath & Zurqani). So the expression خاتم النبیین would mean, the Seal of the Prophets; the best and most perfect of the Prophets; the embellishment and ornament of the Prophets. Secondarily, the expression may also mean, the last of the Prophets.
Commentary:
Much confusion and misunderstanding seems to prevail as to what is the real spiritual status and position of the Holy Prophet as indicated by the expression خاتم النبیین i.e. the Seal of the Prophets. A careful study of the context, however, removes the prevalent misconception. At Mecca when all the Holy Prophet’s male children died in their childhood, his enemies taunted him with being أبتر (one who has no male issue), meaning that in the absence of male heirs to succeed him his movement would sooner or later come to an end (Muhit). In answer to this taunt of disbelievers it was emphatically declared in Surah Al-Kausar (الکوثر) that not the Holy Prophet but his enemies would remain issueless. After the revelation of Surah Al-Kausar the idea naturally found favour with the early Muslims that the Holy Prophet would be blessed with sons who would live to an adult age. The verse under comment removed that misconception inasmuch as it declared that the Prophet is not, never was, nor will ever be the father of any grownup young men (رجالmeaning grown-up young men). The verse under comment while appearing to be in conflict with Surah Al-Kausar in which not the Holy Prophet but his enemies have been threatened with being issueless, in reality seeks to set at rest doubts and misgivings to which this seeming contradiction gives rise. It says that the Holy Prophet is رسول الله i.e. the spiritual father of a whole Ummat and he is also خاتم النبیین signifying that he is the spiritual father of all the past and future Prophets. So when he is the spiritual father of all the believers and all Prophets, how can he be said to be أبتر i.e. issueless. But if the expression be taken to mean that the Holy Prophet is the last of the Prophets and that no Prophet will come after him, then the verse appears to be out of tune with the context and instead of refuting the objection of disbelievers that the Holy Prophet was issueless, supports and reinforces it.
Briefly, according to the meaning of the word خاتم the expression خاتم النبیین can have four possible meanings:
(1) That the Holy Prophet was the Seal of the Prophets, i.e. no Prophet, past or future, can be regarded as true unless his prophethood bears the seal of the Holy Prophet. The prophethood of every past Prophet must be confirmed and testified to by the Holy Prophet and nobody can attain to prophethood after him except by being his أمتی (follower). All claims to prophethood must be judged and tested by reference to the revelation received by the Holy Prophet and to his teachings.
(2) That the Holy Prophet was the best, the noblest and the most perfect of all the Prophets and that he was also a source of embellishment for them (Zurqani, Sharah Mawahibul-Ladunniyya).
(3) That the Holy Prophet was the last of the Law-bearing Prophets. This interpretation has been accepted by many eminent Muslim theologians, saints and savants such as Ibn ‘Arabi, Shah Wali-Allah, Imam ‘AliQari, Mujaddid Alif Thani, etc. According to these great scholars and saints، no Prophet can come after the Holy Prophet who should abrogate his Millah or should not be in his Ummah (Futuhat, Tafhimat, Mukatabat & Yawaqit wal Jawahir). ‘A’ishah, the talented spouse of the Holy Prophet, has removed all ambiguity about the meaning of the expression خاتم النبیین. She is reported to have said: قولوا انه خاتم النبیین ولا تقولوا لا نبی بعدہ i.e. Say that he (the Holy Prophet) is خاتم النبیین but do not say that there will be no Prophet after him (Manthur). This saying of ‘A’ishah makes it quite clear that the expression خاتم النبیین and لانبی بعدہ were considered by her to be contradictory to each other in meaning and significance.
(4) That the Holy Prophet was the last of the Prophets, but only in this sense that all the qualities and attributes of prophethood found their most perfect and complete consummation and expression in him; خاتم in the sense of being the last word in excellence and perfection is of common use.
Moreover, the Quran clearly speaks of the advent of Prophets after the Holy Prophet. The following two verses leave no ambiguity on this point:
And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs and the Righteous. And excellent companions are these (4:70).
O children of Adam! if Messengers come to you from among yourselves, rehearsing My Signs come unto you, then whoso shall fear God and do good deeds, on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve (7:36).
The Holy Prophet himself was clear in his mind as to the continuity of prophethood after him. He is reported to have said: "If Abraham (his son) had lived long, he would have been a Prophet" (Majah, Kitabul-Janai’z), and, "Abu Bakr is best of men after me, except that a Prophet should appear" (Kanzul-‘Ummal).
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خَاتَم (Khatam) 源出于 خَتَمَ (Khatama), 意指他封闭了; 打戳于; 压印或盖印于这东西上。这是这一单词的原始的意义。它的非原始的意义是, 他到达这东西的边端; 或遮盖此物; 或在一项文件的内容上面作记号或印压一块火漆或任何一种印章来保护它。 خَاتَم (Khatam) 意指一种图章戒指; 印、图章; 或戳子和花押; 一样东西的末端或最后一部分或一部分和结果或东西的结局。这一单词还有修饰或增添光彩的内涵; 最好的和最完美无缺的意思。خَاتِم (Khatim) 和 خَاتَم (Khatam) 及 خَتْم (Khatm) 这几个单词几乎是同义词 (Lane مُفْرَدَات Mufradat, فَتْح Fath 和 زُرْقَانِی Zurqani,) 因此 خَاتَمُ النَّبِیّٖن )Khatamun-Nabiyyin( 这一用语就意为先知们的印信; 先知中最好的和最完美无缺者; 为先知们修饰和增添光彩者; 其次, 它意指先知中最后一位。
在麦加, 当穆圣所有的儿子都死于童年, 他的敌人嘲笑他是 اَبْتَر(Abtar, 没有男后嗣的人), 意即, 没有男性后嗣来继承他, 他的活动迟早要告终 (مُحِيْط, Muhit)。在回答不信者的这一讥讽, 在 «大量幸福» 章中着重宣告, 不是穆圣而是他的敌人终归无后。在 «大量幸福» 章的启示之后, 穆圣将有幸得到长大成人的儿子的这一观念自然受到早先穆斯林的支持。现在注释的这节经文中, 由于它宣告了穆
0圣现在不是、过去也绝不是、而将来也不会是任何青年人的父亲 رِجَال (Rijal) 意指已长大的青年人, 消除了那样的误解。虽然本节经文似乎与 «大量幸福» 章中所说, 不是穆圣而是他的敌人存在着无后的危险有所抵触, 但实际上是企图把这种表面上的矛盾所引起的疑惑和担扰加以解决。它 (本节经文) 说, 穆圣是安拉的使者, 意即, 他是全民族的精神父亲, 而他也是خَاتَمُ النَّبِیّٖن (Khātamun-Nabiyyīn 众先知的印信, 众圣之印), 意即他是所有先知 (圣人) 的精神父亲。因此, 当他是所有信仰者和所有先知的精神父亲时, 他怎能被说成是无后? 如果把这一用词取意为他是先知中的最后一位, 而在他之后不再有先知 (圣人), 那么, 本节经文似乎就显得不协调, 而上下文联系不上, 因而不是在驳斥不信者对穆圣是无后的嘲笑, 而倒是在支持和加强这种嘲笑。简言之, 按照以上所说明的 Khatam 这一单词的意义, Khatamun-Nabiyyin 这个用语可以有四个可能的意义: (1) 穆圣是众先知的印信, 即没有先知可以被认为是真实的, 除非他的先知品位盖有穆圣印章。以往先知的先知品位必须经穆圣的证实和证明, 而且, 在他之后, 除了作为他的跟从者外, 没有人可以达到先知品位。(2) 穆圣是所有先知中最优秀、最崇高和最完美无缺的, 而且他也是为他们 (其他先知们) 润色的源泉 (زُرْقَانِی، شَرَح مَوَاهِبُ اللَّدُنِّيَّة, Zurqani, Sharah Mawahibul-Ladunniyyah)。(3) 穆圣是有经先知中的最后一位。这一解释已经得到著名的穆斯林宗教学研究家、圣徒和博学多闻的学者诸如伊本•阿拉比 (اِبْنِ عَرَبِی, Ibn-e-‘Arabi), 沙•哇里乌拉 (شَاه وَلِیُّ الله, Shah Wali-ullah), 阿里•卡里教长 (اِمَام عَلِی قَارِی, Imam ‘Ali Qari) 和阿哈默德•萨尔恒迪 (穆杰迪德•阿尔夫•撒尼--------مُجَدِّد اَلْف ثَانِی, Mujaddid Alf Thani) 等辈的同意。根据这些伟大的学者和贤士之见, 在穆圣之后, 不可能出现能废除他的道统或会来自他的教生之外的先知 (فُتُوحَات Futuhat, تَفْهِيْمَات Tafhimat, مَكْتُوبَات Maktubat 和 اَلْيَوَاقِيْت وَالْجَوَاهِر, Al-Yawaqit wal Jawahir)。据传说, 穆圣的聪慧的配偶阿依莎曾经说过 “说他 (穆圣) 是 Khatamun-Nabiyyin (众先知之印信), 但不要说在他之后将没有先知” (مَنْثُوْر, Manthur)。(4) 穆圣是先知中的最后一位只是从先知品位的一切品质和特征已在他身上得到最完美的表现这一意义上说; Khatam 用作 “最后的” 之意解释时, 则是表明杰出和完美无缺这一意义。此外, «古兰经» 明确地讲到在穆圣之后先知的出现 (7:36)。穆圣本人心中也很清楚。在他之后的先知品位的接续问题, 据传说, 他曾说过: “假如伊布拉欣 (他的儿子) 依然活着, 他会是一位先知 (مَاجَة كِتَابُ الْجَنَائِز, Majah, Kitabul-Jana’iz), 而阿布•伯克尔, 除了将来出现某位先知外, 是在我以后的人中最好的 (كَنْز, Kanz)。
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مَا کَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ اَبَا اَحَدٍ کے الفاظ قرآن مجید میں ہیں اور عربی کا قاعدہ ہے کہ کَانَ استمرار کے معنے بھی دیتا ہے (دیکھئے تاج العروس و مُغْنی اللّبِیب) پس ہم نے استمرار کے لحاظ سے آیت کا ترجمہ یہ کیا ہے کہ ’’محمد (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نہ کسی مرد کے باپ تھے‘ نہ ہیں‘ نہ ہونگے۔‘‘
2
یعنی آپ کی تصدیق کے بغیر اور آپ کی تعلیم کی شہادت کے بغیر کوئی شخص نبوت یا ولایت کے مقام تک نہیں پہنچ سکتا۔ لوگوں نے نبیوں کی مہر کی جگہ آخری نبی کے معنے لئے ہیں۔ مگر اس سے بھی ہماری پوزیشن میں فرق نہیں آتا۔ آنحضرت صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ ٖ وسلم کے معراج کو مدِّنظر رکھا جائے تو انبیاء کا شجرہ مطابق مسند احمد بن حنبلؒ یوں بنتا ہے۔
اس نقشہ کو دیکھو تو مخلوق کے مقام پر جو شخص کھڑا ہوگا‘ اس کی نظر سب سے پہلے حضرت آدم علیہ السلام پر پڑے گی اور سب سے آخراس کی نظر محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم پر پڑے گی۔
سدرۃ المنتہیٰ: محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
ساتواں آسمان
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Important Words:
خاتم النبیین (Seal of the Prophets). خاتم (Khatam) is derived from ختم. They say ختم الشیء او ختم علیه i.e. he sealed, stamped, impressed or imprinted the thing or he put the seal on it. This is the primary signification of this word. Or the primary signification of ختم (khatmun) is the act of covering over the thing. It also signifies the protecting of what is in a writing by marking or stamping a piece of clay upon it, or by means of a seal of any kind. ختم الشیء also means, he reached the end of the thing. ختم القرآن means, he recited the whole of the Quran. This is the secondary meaning of the word. Thus خاتم(khatam) means, a signet-ring; a seal or stamp and a mark; the end or last part or portion and result or issue of a thing; the hollow of the back of the neck. The words ختم (khatmun) and خاتم (khatim and khatam) are almost synonymous and mean a signet. خاتم (khatam) also signifies, embellishment or ornament, the best and most perfect (Lane, Aqrab, Mufradat, Fath & Zurqani). So the expression خاتم النبیین would mean, the Seal of the Prophets; the best and most perfect of the Prophets; the embellishment and ornament of the Prophets. Secondarily, the expression may also mean, the last of the Prophets.
Commentary:
Much confusion and misunderstanding seems to prevail as to what is the real spiritual status and position of the Holy Prophet as indicated by the expression خاتم النبیین i.e. the Seal of the Prophets. A careful study of the context, however, removes the prevalent misconception. At Mecca when all the Holy Prophet’s male children died in their childhood, his enemies taunted him with being أبتر (one who has no male issue), meaning that in the absence of male heirs to succeed him his movement would sooner or later come to an end (Muhit). In answer to this taunt of disbelievers it was emphatically declared in Surah Al-Kausar (الکوثر) that not the Holy Prophet but his enemies would remain issueless. After the revelation of Surah Al-Kausar the idea naturally found favour with the early Muslims that the Holy Prophet would be blessed with sons who would live to an adult age. The verse under comment removed that misconception inasmuch as it declared that the Prophet is not, never was, nor will ever be the father of any grownup young men (رجالmeaning grown-up young men). The verse under comment while appearing to be in conflict with Surah Al-Kausar in which not the Holy Prophet but his enemies have been threatened with being issueless, in reality seeks to set at rest doubts and misgivings to which this seeming contradiction gives rise. It says that the Holy Prophet is رسول الله i.e. the spiritual father of a whole Ummat and he is also خاتم النبیین signifying that he is the spiritual father of all the past and future Prophets. So when he is the spiritual father of all the believers and all Prophets, how can he be said to be أبتر i.e. issueless. But if the expression be taken to mean that the Holy Prophet is the last of the Prophets and that no Prophet will come after him, then the verse appears to be out of tune with the context and instead of refuting the objection of disbelievers that the Holy Prophet was issueless, supports and reinforces it.
Briefly, according to the meaning of the word خاتم the expression خاتم النبیین can have four possible meanings:
(1) That the Holy Prophet was the Seal of the Prophets, i.e. no Prophet, past or future, can be regarded as true unless his prophethood bears the seal of the Holy Prophet. The prophethood of every past Prophet must be confirmed and testified to by the Holy Prophet and nobody can attain to prophethood after him except by being his أمتی (follower). All claims to prophethood must be judged and tested by reference to the revelation received by the Holy Prophet and to his teachings.
(2) That the Holy Prophet was the best, the noblest and the most perfect of all the Prophets and that he was also a source of embellishment for them (Zurqani, Sharah Mawahibul-Ladunniyya).
(3) That the Holy Prophet was the last of the Law-bearing Prophets. This interpretation has been accepted by many eminent Muslim theologians, saints and savants such as Ibn ‘Arabi, Shah Wali-Allah, Imam ‘AliQari, Mujaddid Alif Thani, etc. According to these great scholars and saints، no Prophet can come after the Holy Prophet who should abrogate his Millah or should not be in his Ummah (Futuhat, Tafhimat, Mukatabat & Yawaqit wal Jawahir). ‘A’ishah, the talented spouse of the Holy Prophet, has removed all ambiguity about the meaning of the expression خاتم النبیین. She is reported to have said: قولوا انه خاتم النبیین ولا تقولوا لا نبی بعدہ i.e. Say that he (the Holy Prophet) is خاتم النبیین but do not say that there will be no Prophet after him (Manthur). This saying of ‘A’ishah makes it quite clear that the expression خاتم النبیین and لانبی بعدہ were considered by her to be contradictory to each other in meaning and significance.
(4) That the Holy Prophet was the last of the Prophets, but only in this sense that all the qualities and attributes of prophethood found their most perfect and complete consummation and expression in him; خاتم in the sense of being the last word in excellence and perfection is of common use.
Moreover, the Quran clearly speaks of the advent of Prophets after the Holy Prophet. The following two verses leave no ambiguity on this point:
And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs and the Righteous. And excellent companions are these (4:70).
O children of Adam! if Messengers come to you from among yourselves, rehearsing My Signs come unto you, then whoso shall fear God and do good deeds, on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve (7:36).
The Holy Prophet himself was clear in his mind as to the continuity of prophethood after him. He is reported to have said: "If Abraham (his son) had lived long, he would have been a Prophet" (Majah, Kitabul-Janai’z), and, "Abu Bakr is best of men after me, except that a Prophet should appear" (Kanzul-‘Ummal).
2359
Khatam is derived from Khatama which means, he sealed, stamped, impressed or imprinted the thing. This is the primary signification of this word. The secondary meaning is he reached the end of the thing; or covered the thing; or protected what is in a writing by marking or stamping a piece of clay upon it, or by means of a seal of any kind. Khatam means, a signet ring; a seal or stamp and a mark; the end or last part or portion and result or issue of a thing. The word also signifies embellishment or ornament; the best and most perfect. The words Khatim and Khatm and Khatam are almost synonymous (Lane, Mufradat, Fath & Zurqani). So the expression Khatamun-Nabiyyin would mean, the Seal of the Prophets; the best and most perfect of the Prophets; the embellishment and ornament of the Prophets. Secondarily it means, the last of the Prophets.
At Mecca when all the Holy Prophet’s male children had died in their childhood, his enemies taunted him with be
إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَٰكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا ۚ وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ
2:120; 5:20; 11:3; 25:57; 48:9.
10:48; 13:8; 16:37.
这节经文展示了一个伟大的真理。在 «古兰经» 尚未启示之前全世界是无人知晓这个真理的, 即过去安拉曾经派遣过使者到每一个民族中去向他们传播同一个真理和正义。这一伟大而崇高的原则使人们相信所有宗教都起源于安拉, 并且相信它们的创始人是安拉派遣的使者。相信并同等地尊重和崇敬所有的使者, 是穆斯林的一个信条。伊斯兰教藉着向世界展示这一崇高的真理, 而寻求不同宗教之间创造一种和睦和友好的气氛, 并且消除全世界这些不同宗教的信仰者之间的种种积怨和痛苦的关系。
2:120; 5:20; 11:3; 25:57; 48:9.
10:48; 13:8; 16:37.
The verse unfolds a great truth which had remained unknown to the world till the Qur’an revealed it, viz. that there had been sent to every people in the past a Heavenly Messenger who preached to them the same Message of truth and righteousness. This great and noble principle leads to the belief in the Divine origin of all religions, and in their Founders as Divine Messengers. It is an article of faith with a Muslim to believe in and equally respect and revere all of them. By giving to the world this sublime truth, Islam has sought to create an atmosphere of amity and goodwill among different creeds, and to remove and banish rancour and bitterness which has embittered relations between the followers of these creeds all over the world.
2:120; 5:20; 11:89; 11:3; 25:57; 48:9.
10:48; 13:8; 16:37.
Commentary
After mentioning that the Holy Prophet has been sent "as a Bearer of glad tidings and as a Warner" the verse proceeds to unfold a great truth which had remained unknown to the world till the Quran revealed it. It says that it is not the Holy Prophet Muhammad alone who has been sent as a Divine Messenger to call men to God but there had been sent to every people in the past a Divine Messenger who preached to them the same message of truth and righteousness. This great and noble principle leads to the belief in the Divine origin of all religions, and in their Founders as Divine Messengers, and thus it becomes an article of faith with a Muslim to believe in and equally respect and revere all of them. By giving to the world this sublime truth, Islam has sought to create an atmosphere of amity and goodwill among different creeds, and to remove and banish that rancour and bitterness which has embittered relations between the followers of these creeds all over the world. See also 10:48.
c
2:120; 5:20; 11:3; 25:57; 48:9.
d
10:48; 13:8; 16:37.
1055
这节经文展示了一个伟大的真理。在 «古兰经» 尚未启示之前全世界是无人知晓这个真理的, 即过去安拉曾经派遣过使者到每一个民族中去向他们传播同一个真理和正义。这一伟大而崇高的原则使人们相信所有宗教都起源于安拉, 并且相信它们的创始人是安拉派遣的使者。相信并同等地尊重和崇敬所有的使者, 是穆斯林的一个信条。伊斯兰教藉着向世界展示这一崇高的真理, 而寻求不同宗教之间创造一种和睦和友好的气氛, 并且消除全世界这些不同宗教的信仰者之间的种种积怨和痛苦的关系。
b
2:120; 5:20; 11:89; 11:3; 25:57; 48:9.
c
10:48; 13:8; 16:37.
3195
Commentary
After mentioning that the Holy Prophet has been sent "as a Bearer of glad tidings and as a Warner" the verse proceeds to unfold a great truth which had remained unknown to the world till the Quran revealed it. It says that it is not the Holy Prophet Muhammad alone who has been sent as a Divine Messenger to call men to God but there had been sent to every people in the past a Divine Messenger who preached to them the same message of truth and righteousness. This great and noble principle leads to the belief in the Divine origin of all religions, and in their Founders as Divine Messengers, and thus it becomes an article of faith with a Muslim to believe in and equally respect and revere all of them. By giving to the world this sublime truth, Islam has sought to create an atmosphere of amity and goodwill among different creeds, and to remove and banish that rancour and bitterness which has embittered relations between the followers of these creeds all over the world. See also 10:48.
b
2:120; 5:20; 11:3; 25:57; 48:9.
c
10:48; 13:8; 16:37.
2417
The verse unfolds a great truth which had remained unknown to the world till the Qur’an revealed it, viz. that there had been sent to every people in the past a Heavenly Messenger who preached to them the same Message of truth and righteousness. This great and noble principle leads to the belief in the Divine origin of all religions, and in their Founders as Divine Messengers. It is an article of faith with a Muslim to believe in and equally respect and revere all of them. By giving to the world this sublime truth, Islam has sought to create an atmosphere of amity and goodwill among different creeds, and to remove and banish rancour and bitterness which has embittered relations between the followers of these creeds all over the world.
وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَهُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَٰكِن يُدْخِلُ مَن يَشَآءُ فِى رَحْمَتِهِۦ ۚ وَٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ مَا لَهُم مِّن وَلِىٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
11:119.
11:119.
2:214; 10:20; 11:119.
Commentary:
The expression یدخل من یشاء فی رحمته besides the translation given in the text, may also mean, "He admits into His mercy him who himself seeks to be admitted into it."
d
11:119.
a
2:214; 10:20; 11:119.
3608
Commentary:
The expression یدخل من یشاء فی رحمته besides the translation given in the text, may also mean, "He admits into His mercy him who himself seeks to be admitted into it."
d
11:119.