In the name of Allah, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
1 Closer and closer to
mankind comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away. 2662
2 Never comes (aught) to
them of a renewed Message from their Lord but they listen to it as in jest 2663
3 Their hearts toying as
with trifles. The wrongdoers conceal
their private counsels (saying) "Is this (one) more than a man like yourselves?
Will ye go to witchcraft with your eyes open?" 2664 2665
4 Say: "My Lord
knoweth (every) word (spoken) in the heavens and the earth: He is the One that
heareth and knoweth (all things)." 2666 2667
5 "Nay" they say
"(these are) medleys of dreams! nay he forged
it!--nay he is (but) a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that
were sent to (prophets) of old!" 2668
6 (As to those) before
them not one of the populations which We destroyed
believed: will these believe? 2669
7 Before thee also the
apostles we sent were but men to whom We granted
inspiration: if ye realize this not ask of those who possess the Message. 2670
8 Nor did We give them bodies that ate no food nor were they exempt
from death. 2671
9 In the end We fulfilled to them Our promise and We saved them and those
whom We pleased but We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds. 2672
10 We have revealed for you
(O men!) a book in which is a Message for you: will ye not then understand?
Transliteration
Ayah 1 
Yusuf Ali Closer and closer to mankind comes
their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away.
Transliteration Iqtaraba lin
na_si hisa_buhum wa hum fi gaflatim muridu_n
Ayah 2
Yusuf Ali Never comes (aught) to them of a renewed
Message from their Lord but they listen to it as in jest
Transliteration Ma_ yatihim min zikrim mir rab bihim
muhdasin il las tamau_hu wa hum yalabu_n
Ayah 3
Yusuf Ali Their hearts toying as with trifles. The wrongdoers conceal their private counsels
(saying) "Is this (one) more than a man like yourselves? Will ye go to
witchcraft with your eyes open?"
Transliteration La_hiyatan qulu_buhum wa asar run najwal lazina zalamu_ hal ha_za_ il la_ basarum
afatatu_nas sihra wa antum tubsiru_n
Ayah 4
Yusuf Ali Say: "My Lord knoweth (every)
word (spoken) in the heavens and the earth: He is the One that heareth and
knoweth (all things)."
Transliteration Qa_la rab bi yalamul qaula fis sama_i
wal ard wa huwas samiul alim
Ayah 5
Yusuf Ali "Nay" they say "(these
are) medleys of dreams! nay he forged it!--nay he is
(but) a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to
(prophets) of old!"
Transliteration Bal qa_lu_ adga_su ahla_ mim balit
tara_hu bal huwa sa_iru falya tina_ bi a_ya_tin kama_ ursilal aw walu_n
Ayah 6
Yusuf Ali (As to those) before them not one of
the populations which We destroyed believed: will
these believe?
Transliteration Ma_ a_mant qablahum min qaryatin
ahlakna_ha_ afahum yuminu_n
Ayah 7
Yusuf Ali Before thee also the apostles we sent
were but men to whom We granted inspiration: if ye
realize this not ask of those who possess the Message.
Transliteration Wa ma_ arsalna_ qablaka il la_ rija_lan
nu_hi ilaihim fas alu_ ahlaz zikri in kuntum la_ talamu_n
Ayah 8
Yusuf Ali Nor did We give them bodies that ate no
food nor were they exempt from death.
Transliteration Wa ma_ ja'alna_hum jasadal la_
yakulu_nat taa_ma wa ma_ ka_nu_ ha_lidin
Ayah 9
Yusuf Ali In the end We
fulfilled to them Our promise and We saved them and those whom We pleased but
We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds.
Transliteration Sum ma sadaqna_humul wada
faanjaina_hum wa man nasa_u wa ahlaknal musrifin
Ayah 10
Yusuf Ali We have revealed for you (O men!) a
book in which is a Message for you: will ye not then understand?
Transliteration Laqad anzalna_ ilaikum kita_ban fihi
zikrukum afala_ taqilu_n
Introduction
Name
The
name of this Surah has not been taken from any verse but it has been called
Al-Anbiyaa because it contains a continuous account of many Anbiyaa (Prophets).
Nevertheless, it is a symbolic name and not a title.
Period of Revelation
Both
the subject matter and the style of the Surah indicate that it was sent down in
the third stage of the life of the Holy Prophet at Makkah.(See
Introduction to Chapter 6).
Subject and Topics
This
Surah discusses the conflict between the Holy Prophet and the chiefs of Makkah,
which was rampant at the time of its Revelation and answers those objections
and doubts which were being put forward concerning his Prophethood and the
Doctrines of Tauhid and the Hereafter. The chiefs of Makkah have also
been rebuked for their machinations against the Holy Prophet and warned of the
evil consequences of their wicked activities. They have been admonished to give
up their indifference and heedlessness that they were showing about the
Message. At the end of the Surah, they have been told that the person whom they
considered to be a "distress and affliction" had in reality come to
them as a blessing.
Main Themes
In
vv. 1-47, the following themes have been discussed in particular:
1. The objection of the disbelievers
that a human being could not be a Messenger and therefore they could not accept
Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a Prophet, has been
refuted.
2. They have been taken to task for
raising multifarious and contradictory objections against the Holy Prophet and
the Qur'an.
3. Their wrong conception of life has
been proved to be false because it was responsible for their indifferent and
heedless attitude towards the Message of the Holy Prophet. They believed that
life was merely a sport and pastime and had no purpose behind or before it and
there was no accountability or reward or punishment.
4. The main cause of the conflict
between the disbelievers and the Holy Prophet was their insistence on the
doctrine of shirk and antagonism to the Doctrine of Tauhid So the
doctrine of skirk has been refuted and the Doctrine of Tauhid reinforced
by weighty and impressive though brief arguments.
5. Arguments and admonitions have been
used to remove another misunderstanding of theirs. They presumed that Muhammad
(peace be upon him) was a false prophet and his
warnings of a scourge from God were empty threats, just because no scourge was
visiting them in spite of their persistent rejection of the Prophet. In vv.
48-91, instances have been cited from the important events of the life stories
of the Prophets to show that all the Prophets, who were sent by God, were human
beings and had all the characteristics of a man except those which were
exclusive to Prophethood. They had no share in Godhead and they had to implore
Allah to fulfil each and every necessity of theirs.
Along
with these two other things have also been mentioned:
1. All the Prophets had to pass through
distress and affliction; their opponents did their worst to thwart their
mission, but in spite of it they came out successful by the extraordinary
succour from Allah.
2. All the Prophets had one and the same
"way of life', the same as was being presented by Muhammad (Allah's peace
be upon him), and that was the only Right Way of Life and all other ways
invented and introduced by mischievous people were utterly wrong.
In vv.
92-106, it has been declared that only those who follow the
Notes
2662 Every minute sees them nearer to their doom,
and yet they are sadly heedless, and even actively turn away from the Message
that would save them. (21.1)
2663 In each age, when the Message of Allah is
renewed, the very people who should have known better and welcomed the renewal
and the sweeping away of human cobwebs, either receive it with amused
self-superiority, which later tums to active hostility, or with careless
indifference. (21.2)
2664 Allah's Message is free and open, in the full
light of day. His enemies plot against it in secrecy, lest their own false
motives be exposed. Their jealousy prevents them from accepting a "man
like themselves" as a teacher or warner or guide. (21.3)
2665 Literally, "in a state in which you
(actually) see (that it is witchcraft)". When Allah's Messenger is proved
to be above them in moral worth, in true insight, in earnestness and power of
eloquence, they accuse him of witchcraft, a word which may mean nothing, or
perhaps some mysterious deceitful arts. (21.3)
2666 Notice that in the usual Arabic texts (that is,
according to the Qiraat of Hafs) the word qala is here and in xxi. 112 below,
as well as in xxiii. 112, spelt differently from the usual spelling of the word
in other places (e.g. in xx. 125-126). Qul is the reading of the Basra Qiraat,
meaning, "Say thou" in the imperative. If we construe "he
says", the pronoun refers to "this (one)" in the preceding
verse, viz.: the Prophet. But more than one Commentator understands the meaning
in the imperative, and I agree with them. The point is merely one of verbal
construction. The meaning is the same in either case. See n. 2948 to xxiii.
112. (21.4)
2667 Every word, whether whispered in secret (as in
xxi. 3 above) or spoken openly, is known to Allah. Let not the wrong-doers
imagine that their secret plots are secret to the Knower of all things. (21.4)
2668 The charges against Allah's inspired Messenger
are heaped up, "Magic!" says one: that means, "We don't
understand it!" Says another, "Oh! but we know! he is a mere dreamer
of confused dreams!" If the "dreams" fit in with real things and
vital experiences, another will suggest, "Oh yes! why drag in supernatural
agencies? he is clever enough to forge it himself!" Or another suggests,
"He is a poet! Poets can invent things and say them in beautiful
words!" Another interposes, "What we should like to see is miracles,
like those we read of in stories of the Prophets of old!" (21.5)
2669 'If such miracles as you read of failed to
convince Unbelievers of old, what chance is there that these Unbelievers will believe?
Miracles may come, but they are no cures for Unbelief. (21.6)
2670 See xvi. 43 and n. 2069. This answers the
Unbelievers' taunt, "he is just a man like ourselves!" True, but all
messengers sent by Allah were men, not angels or another kind of beings, who
could not understand men or whom men could not understand. (21.7)
2671 As men they were subject to all the laws
governing the physical bodies of men. They ate and drank, and their bodies
perished in death. (21.8)
2672 But, however difficult (or impossible) their
mission may have appeared to them, or to the world at first, they won through
eventually, even those who seemed to have been defeated. Examples are given in
the latter part of this Sura, especially in xxi. 51-93. They were delivered
from the Wrath which overtook the Unbelievers, as were those with them who
accepted Allah's Message and placed themselves in conformity with His Will and
Plan. That is the meaning of "whom We willed." (21.9)
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
11 How many were the
populations we utterly destroyed because of their iniquities setting up in
their places other peoples!
12 Yet when they felt Our
Punishment (coming) behold they (tried to) flee from it. 2673
13 Flee not but return to
the good things of this life which were given you and to your homes in order
that ye may be called to account. 2674
14 They said: "Ah! woe
to us! We were indeed wrongdoers!"
15 And that cry of theirs ceased
not till We made them as a field that is mown as ashes silent and quenched. 2675
16 Not for (idle) sport did
We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! 2676
17 If it had been Our wish to
take (just) a pastime We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to
Us if We would do (such a thing)! 2677
18 Nay We hurl the Truth
against falsehood and it knocks out its brain and behold falsehood doth perish!
Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us). 2678
19 To Him belong all
(creatures) in the heavens and on earth: even those who are in His (very)
Presence are not too proud to serve Him nor are they (ever) weary (of His
service): 2679
20 They celebrate His
praises night and day nor do they ever flag or intermit.
21 Or have they taken (for
worship) gods from the earth who can raise (the dead)? 2680 2681
22 If there were in the
heavens and the earth other gods besides Allah there would have been confusion
in both! But glory to Allah the Lord of the Throne: (high is He) above what
they attribute to Him! 2682
23 He cannot be questioned
for His acts but they will be questioned (for theirs). 2683
24 Or have they taken for
worship (other) gods besides Him? Say "Bring your convincing proof: this
is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But
most of them know not the Truth and so turn away. 2684 2685
25 Not an apostle did We
send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no
god but I; therefore worship and serve Me.
26 And they say:
"(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they
are (but) servants raised to honor. 2686
27 They speak not before He
speaks and they act (in all things) by His command. 2687
28 He knows what is before
them and what is behind them and they offer no intercession except for those
who are acceptable and they stand in awe and reverence of His (glory). 2688 2689
29 If any of them should
say "I am a god besides Him" such a god We should reward with Hell:
thus do We reward those who do wrong.
Transliteration
Ayah 11
Yusuf Ali How many were the populations we
utterly destroyed because of their iniquities setting up in their places other
peoples!
Transliteration Wa kam qasamna_ min qaryatin ka_nat
za_limataw wa ansana_ badaha_ qauman a_harin
Ayah 12
Yusuf Ali Yet when they felt Our Punishment
(coming) behold they (tried to) flee from it.
Transliteration Falam ma_ ahas su_ basana_ iza_ hum
minha_ yarkudu_n
Ayah 13
Yusuf Ali Flee not but return to the good
things of this life which were given you and to your homes in order that ye may
be called to account.
Transliteration La_ tarkudu_ war ji u_ ila_ ma_
utriftum fihi wa masa_kinikum la'al lakum tus alu_n
Ayah 14
Yusuf Ali They said: "Ah! woe
to us! We were indeed wrongdoers!"
Transliteration Qa_lu_ ya_ wailana_ in na_ kun na_ za_limin
Ayah 15
Yusuf Ali And that cry of theirs ceased not till
We made them as a field that is mown as ashes silent and quenched.
Transliteration Fama_ za_lat tilka dawa_hum hat ta_ ja'alna_hum hasidan ha_midin
Ayah 16
Yusuf Ali Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between!
Transliteration Wa ma_ halaqnas sama_a wal arda wa ma_ bainahuma_
la_ibin
Ayah 17
Yusuf Ali If it had been Our
wish to take (just) a pastime We should surely have taken it from the things
nearest to Us if We would do (such a thing)!
Transliteration Lau aradna_ an nat tahiza lahwal lat
tahazna_hu mil ladun na_ in kun na_ fa_ilin
Ayah 18
Yusuf Ali Nay We hurl the Truth against
falsehood and it knocks out its brain and behold falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us).
Transliteration Bal naqzifu bil haq qi alal ba_tili
fayadmauhu_ fa iza_ huwa za_hiq wa lakumul wailu mim ma_ tasifu_n
Ayah 19
Yusuf Ali To Him belong all (creatures) in the
heavens and on earth: even those who are in His (very) Presence are not too
proud to serve Him nor are they (ever) weary (of His service):
Transliteration Wa la_hu_ manfis sama_wa_ti wal ard
waman indahu_ la_ yastakbiru_na an iba_datihi wala_ yastahsiru_n
Ayah 20
Yusuf Ali They celebrate His praises night and
day nor do they ever flag or intermit.
Transliteration Yusab bihu_nal laila wan naha_ra la_
yafturu_n
Ayah 21
Yusuf Ali Or have they taken (for worship) gods
from the earth who can raise (the dead)?
Transliteration Amit tahazu_ a_lihatam minal ardi hum
yunsiru_n
Ayah 22
Yusuf Ali If there were in the heavens and the
earth other gods besides Allah there would have been confusion in both! But
glory to Allah the Lord of the Throne: (high is He) above what they attribute
to Him!
Transliteration Lau ka_na fihima_a_lihatun il lal la_hu lafasadata_ fasubha_nal la_hi rab bil arsi am
ma_ yasifu_n
Ayah 23
Yusuf Ali He cannot be questioned for His acts
but they will be questioned (for theirs).
Transliteration La_ yus alu am ma_ yafalu wa hum yus alu_n
Ayah 24
Yusuf Ali Or have they taken for worship (other) gods
besides Him? Say "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of
those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know
not the Truth and so turn away.
Transliteration Amit tahazu_ min du_nihi a_lihah qul
ha_tu_ burha_nakum ha_za_ zikru mam maiya wa zikru man
qahli bal aksaruhum la_ yalamu_nal haqa fahum muridu_n
Ayah 25
Yusuf Ali Not an apostle did We
send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no
god but I; therefore worship and serve Me.
Transliteration Wa ma_ arsalna_ min qablika mir
rasu_lin il la_ nu_hi ilaihi an nahu_ la_ ila_ha il la_ ana fabudu_n
Ayah 26
Yusuf Ali And they say: "(Allah) Most
Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they
are (but) servants raised to honor.
Transliteration Wa qa_lu tahazar rahma_nu waladan
subha_nah bal iba_dum mukramu_n
Ayah 27
Yusuf Ali They speak not before He speaks and they
act (in all things) by His command.
Transliteration La_ yasbiqu_nahu_ bil qauli wa hum bi amrihi yamalu_n
Ayah 28
Yusuf Ali He knows what is before them and what
is behind them and they offer no intercession except for those who are
acceptable and they stand in awe and reverence of His (glory).
Transliteration Yalamu ma_ baina aidihim wa ma_ halfahum wa la_ yasfau_na il la_ limanir tada_ wa hum
min hasyatihi musfiqu_n
Ayah 29
Yusuf Ali If any of them should say "I am a
god besides Him" such a god We should reward with Hell: thus do We reward
those who do wrong.
Transliteration Wa may yaqul minhum in ni ila_hum min du_nihi
faza_lika najzihi jahan nam kaza_lika najziz za_limin
Notes
2673 When they had every chance of repentance and
reform, they rejected Allah's Message, and perhaps even put up an open
defiance. When they actually began to feel the Wrath coming, they began to
flee, but it was too late! Besides, where could they flee to from the Wrath of
Allah? Hence the ironical appeal to them in the next verse: better go back to
your luxuries and what you thought were your permanent homes! Cf. Christ's
saying in the present Gospel of St. Matthew (iii. 7): "O generation of
vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the Wrath to come?" (21.12)
2674 See last note. 'You thought your homes so
comfortable: why don't you go back to them? You will be called to account.
Perhaps there may be rewards to be given you, who knows?' This irony is itself
the beginning of the Punishment. But the ungodly now see how wrong they had
been. But their signs and regrets now avail them nothing. It is too late. They
are lost, and nothing can save them. (21.13)
2675 The two similes present two different aspects
of the lamentation of the ungodly. When they really see the Wrath to come,
there is a stampede, but where can they go to? Their lamentation is now the
only mark of their life. But it dies away, as corn vanishes from a field that
is being mown, or as a dying fire is slowly extinguished! They do not die. They
wish they were dead! (lxxviii. 40). (21.15)
2676 The Hindu doctrine of Lila, that all things
were created for sport, is here negatived. But more: with Allah we must not
associate any ideas but those of Truth, Righteousness, Mercy, Justice, and the
other attributes implied in His Beautiful Names. He does not jest nor play with
His creatures. (21.16)
2677 If such an idea as that of play or pastime had
been possible with regard to Allah, and if He had wished really to indulge in
pastime, He would have done it with creatures of Light nearest to Him, not with
the lowly material creation that we see around us. (21.17)
2678 Such as that (1) Allah has partners (xxi.22),
or (2) that He has begotten a son (xxi. 26), or (3) has daughters (xvi. 57), or
any other superstitions derogatory to the dignity and glory of Allah. (21.18)
2679 The pure angelic hosts, whom we imagine to be
glorious creatures of light, high in Heavens, near the Throne of Allah Himself,
are yet His creatures, and serve Him without ceasing, and are proud to do so.
Such is the majesty of Allah Most High. (21.19)
2680 The different kinds of false gods whom people
raise from their imagination are now referred to. In verses 21-23, the
reference is to the gods of the earth, whether idols or local godlings, or
deified heroes, or animals or trees or forces of the nature around us, which
men have from time to time worshipped. These, as deities, have no life except
what their worshippers give to them. (21.21)
2681 The answer of course is "no". No one
but Allah can raise the dead to life. The miracle in the story of Jesus (iii.
49 and v. 113) was "by Allah's leave". It was a miracle of Allah, not
one of Jesus by his own power or will. (21.21)
2682 After the false gods of the earth (verse 21),
are mentioned the false gods in the heavens and the earth, like those in the
Greek Pantheon (verse 22), who quarrelled and fought and slandered each other
and made their
2683 Allah is Self-Subsisting. All His creatures are
responsible to Him and dependent on Him there is no other being to whom He can
be responsible or on whom He can be dependent. (21.23)
2684 See above. n. 2682, where two kinds of false
worship are noted. Now we are warned against a third danger, the worship of
false gods of any sort. Pagan man is prolific of creating abstract images for
worship, including Self or abstract Intelligence or Power. In verse 26 below is
mentioned a fourth kind of false worship, which imagines that Allah begets sons
or daughters. (21.24)
2685 This verse should be read with the next. All reason
revolts against the idea of conflicting gods, and points to Unity in Creation
and Unity in Godhead. This is not only the Message of Islam ("those with
me") but the message of all prophets who came before the holy Prophet
Muhammad ("those before me"), and the line of prophets was closed
with him. The Message given to every prophet in all ages was that of Unity as
the fundamental basis of Order and Design in the world, material, moral, and
spiritual. (21.24)
2686 This refers both to the Trinitarian superstition
that Allah has begotten a son, and to the Arab superstition that the angels
were daughters of Allah. All such superstitions are derogatory to the glory of
Allah. The prophets and the angels are no more than servants of Allah: they are
raised high in honour, and therefore they deserve our highest respect, but not
our worship. (21.26)
2687 They never say anything before they receive
Allah's command to say it, and their acts are similarly conditioned. This is
also the teaching of Jesus as reported in the Gospel of St. John (xii. 49-50):
"For I have not spoken of myself: but the Father which sent me, He gave me
a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His
commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the
Father said unto me, so I speak." If rightly understood,
"Father" has the same meaning as our "Rabb", Sustainer and
Cherisher, not Begetter or Progenitor. (21.27)
2688 Cf. xx. 109. Those who have conformed to the Will
of Allah and obeyed His Law, thus winning the stamp of His approval. (21.28)
2689 They: the usual interpretation refers the
pronoun to the servants of Allah who intercede: it may also refer to those on
whose behalf intercession is made: they do not take it as a matter of course,
but stand in due awe and reverence of Allah's great glory and mercy. (21.28)
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
30 Do not the Unbelievers
see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of
Creation) before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living
thing. Will they not then believe? 2690 2691
31 And We have set on the
earth mountains standing firm lest it should shake with them and We have made
therein broad highways (between mountains) for them to pass through: that they
may receive guidance. 2692 2693
32 And We have made the
heavens as a canopy well-guarded: Yet do they turn away from the Signs which
these things (point to)! 2694
33 It is He Who created the
Night and the Day and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim
along each in its rounded course. 2695
34 We granted not to any
man before thee permanent life (here): if then thou shouldst die would they
live permanently? 2696
35 Every soul shall have a
taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: to Us must
ye return. 2697
36 When the Unbelievers see
thee they treat thee not except with ridicule.
"Is this" (they say) "the one who talks of your
gods?" And they blaspheme at the mention of (Allah) Most Gracious! 2698
37 Man is a creature of
haste: soon (enough) will I show you My Signs: then ye will not ask Me to
hasten them! 2699
38 They say: "When
will this promise come to pass if ye are telling the truth?"
39 If only the Unbelievers
knew (the time) when they will not be able to ward off the Fire from their
faces nor yet from their backs and (when) no help can reach them! 2700
40 Nay it may come to them
all of a sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it nor
will they (then) get respite.
41 Mocked were (many)
apostles before thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they
mocked. 2701
Transliteration
Ayah 30
Yusuf Ali Do not the Unbelievers see that the
heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation) before We
clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?
Transliteration Awalam yaral lazina kafaru_ an nas sama_wa_ti
wal arda ka_nata_ ratqan fafataqna_huma_ wa ja'alna_
minal ma_i kul la sai in hay afala_ yuminu_n
Ayah 31
Yusuf Ali And We have set on the earth
mountains standing firm lest it should shake with them and We have made therein
broad highways (between mountains) for them to pass through: that they may
receive guidance.
Transliteration Wa ja'alna_ fil ardi rawa_siya an
tamida bihim wa ja'alna_ fiha_ fija_jan subulal la'al lahum yahtadu_n
Ayah 32
Yusuf Ali And We have made the heavens as a canopy
well-guarded: Yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things (point
to)!
Transliteration Wa ja'alnas sama_a saqfam mahfu_zaw wa
hum an a_ya_tiha_ muridu_n
Ayah 33
Yusuf Ali It is He Who created the Night and the
Day and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along each in its
rounded course.
Transliteration Wa huwal lazi halaqal laila wan naha_ra
was samsa wal qamar kul lun fi falakiy yasbahu_n
Ayah 34
Yusuf Ali We granted not to any man before thee
permanent life (here): if then thou shouldst die would they live permanently?
Transliteration Wa ma_ ja'alna_ libasarim min qablikal
huld afa im mit ta fahumul ha_lidu_n
Ayah 35
Yusuf Ali Every soul shall have a taste of death:
and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: to Us must ye return.
Transliteration Kul lu
nafsin za_ iqatul maut wa nablu_kum bis sar ri wal hairi fitnah wa ilaina_
turjau_n
Ayah 36
Yusuf Ali When the Unbelievers see thee they
treat thee not except with ridicule.
"Is this" (they say) "the one who talks of your
gods?" And they blaspheme at the mention of (Allah) Most Gracious!
Transliteration Wa iza_ ra a_kal lazina kafaru_ iy yat
tahizu_naka il la_ huzu wa_ aha_zal lazi yazkuru a_lihatakum wa hum bizikrir
rahma_ni hum ka_firu_n
Ayah 37
Yusuf Ali Man is a creature of haste: soon
(enough) will I show you My Signs: then ye will not ask Me
to hasten them!
Transliteration Huliqal insa_nu min ajal sa urikum a_ya_ti fala_ tastajilu_n
Ayah 38
Yusuf Ali They say: "When will this promise
come to pass if ye are telling the truth?"
Transliteration Wa yaqu_lu_na mata_ ha_zal wadu in
kuntum sa_diqin
Ayah 39
Yusuf Ali If only the Unbelievers knew (the
time) when they will not be able to ward off the Fire from their faces nor yet from
their backs and (when) no help can reach them!
Transliteration Lau yalamul lazina kafaru_ hina la_
yakuf fu_na aw wuju_hihimun na_ra wa la_ an zuhu_rihim
wa la_ hum yunsaru_n
Ayah 40
Yusuf Ali Nay it may come to them all of a
sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it nor will
they (then) get respite.
Transliteration Bal tatihim bagtatan fatabhatuhum fala_
yastatiu_na rad daha_ wa la_hum yunzaru_n
Ayah 41
Yusuf Ali Mocked were (many) apostles before
thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.
Transliteration Wa laqadis tuhzi a birusulim min
qablika faba_qa bil lazina sahiru_ minhum ma_ ka_nu_ bihi yastahzi u_n
Notes
2690 The evolution of the ordered worlds as we see
them is hinted at. As man's intellectual gaze over the physical world expands,
he sees more and more how Unity is the dominating note in Allah's wonderful
Universe. Taking the solar system alone, we know that the maximum intensity of
sun-spots corresponds with the maximum intensity of magnetic storms on this
earth. The universal law of gravitation seems to bind all mass together.
Physical facts point to the throwing off of planets from vast quantities of
diffused nebular matter, of which the central condensed core is a sun. (21.30)
2691 About 72 per cent, of the surface of our Globe
is still covered with water, and it has been estimated that if the inequalities
on the surface were all levelled, the whole surface would be under water, as
the mean elevation of land sphere-level would be 7,000- 10,000 feet below the
surface of the ocean. This shows the predominance of water on our Globe. That
all life began in the water is also a conclusion to which our latest knowledge
in biological science points. Apart from the fact that protoplasm, the original
basis of living matter, is liquid or semi-liquid and in a state of constant
flux and instability, there is the fact that land animals, like the higher
vertebrates, including man, show, in their embryological history, organs like
those of fishes, indicating the watery origin of their original habitat. The
constitution of protoplasm is about 80 to 85 per cent of water. (21.30)
2692 Cf. xvi. 15 and n. 2038. Lest it should shake
with them: here "them" refers back to "they" at the end of
the preceding verse, meaning "Unbelievers". It might be mankind in
general, but the pointed address to those who do not realise and understand
Allah's mercies is appropriate, to drive home to them the fact that it is
Allah's well-ordered providence that protects them normally from cataclysms
like earthquakes, but that they could for their iniquities be destroyed in an
instant, as the 'Ad and the Thamfid were destroyed before them. As pointed out
in n. 2691 above, if the surface of the earth were levelled up, it would all be
under water, and therefore the firm mountains are a further source of security
of life which has evolved in terrestrial forms. Though the mountains may seem
impassable barriers, yet Allah's providence has provided broad passes between
them to afford highways for human communications. (21.31)
2693 In both the literal and the figurative sense.
Literally these natural mountain highways direct men in the way they should go.
Figuratively, these wonderful instances of Allah's providence should turn men's
thoughts to the true guidance of Allah in life. (21.31)
2694 Canopy well guarded: the heavens form a canopy
that is secure from falling down: they also form a sublime spectacle and a
Mystery that man can only faintly reach. Cf. also xv. 17. (21.32)
2695 I have indicated, unlike most translators, the
metaphor of swimming implied in the original words: how beautiful it is to
contemplate the heavenly bodies swimming through space (or ether) in their
rounded courses before our gaze! (21.33)
2696 Life on this planet without death has not been
granted to any man. The taunt of the Unbelievers at the holy Prophet was
therefore futile. Could any of them live without death at some time or other?
Could they name any one who did? (21.34)
2697 Cf. iii. 185. and n. 491. The soul does not
die, but when it separates from the body at the death of the body, the soul
gets a taste of death. In our life of probation on this earth, our virtue and
faith are tested by many things: some are tested by calamities, and some by the
good things of this life. If we prove our true mettle, we pass our probation
with success. In any case all must return to Allah, and then will our life be
appraised at its true value. (21.35)
2698 To the godly man the issue between false worship
and true worship is a very serious matter. To the sceptics and unbelievers it
is only a joke. They take it lightly, and laugh at the godly man. They not only
laugh at him, but they blaspheme when the name of the One True God is
mentioned. The reply to this is in the next verse. (21.36)
2699 Haste is in the very bone and marrow of man. If
he is granted respite for his own sake, in order that he may have a further
chance of repentance and coming back to Allah, he says impatiently and
incredulously: "Bring on the Punishment quickly, that I may see if what
you say is true!" Alas, it is too true! When the Punishment actually comes
near and he sees it, he will not want it hastened. He will want more time and
further delay! Poor creature of haste! (21.37)
2700 They would not be so unreasonable if they only
realised the terrible future for them! The Fire will envelop them on all sides,
and no help will then be possible. Is it not best for them now to turn and
repent? The Punishment may come too suddenly, as is said in the next verse. (21.39)
2701 The same verse occurs at vi. 10, where see n.
843. 'What they are mocking at now will be in a position to mock them in due
time.' (21.41)
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
42 Say "Who can keep
you safe by night and by day from (the Wrath of) (Allah) Most Gracious?"
Yet they turn away from the mention of their Lord. 2702
43 Or have they gods that can
guard them from Us? They have no power to aid themselves nor can they be
defended from Us. 2703
44 Nay We gave the good
things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long
for them; see they not that we gradually reduce the land (in their control)
from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win? 2704 2705
45 Say "I do but warn
you according to revelation": but
the deaf will not hear the call (even) when they are warned! 2706
46 If but a breath of the
Wrath of thy Lord do touch them they will then say "Woe to us! we did
wrong indeed!"
47 We shall set up scales
of justice for the Day of Judgment so that not a soul will be dealt with
unjustly in the least. And if there be
(no more than) the weight of a mustard seed We will bring it (to account): and
enough are We to take account. 2707 2708
48 In the past We granted
to Moses and Aaron the Criterion (for judgment) and a Light and a Message for
those who would do right 2709
49 Those who fear their
Lord in their most secret thoughts and who hold the Hour (of Judgment) in awe. 2710
50 And this is a blessed
Message which We have sent down: will ye then reject it? 2711
Transliteration
Ayah 42
Yusuf Ali Say "Who can keep you safe by night
and by day from (the Wrath of) (Allah) Most Gracious?" Yet they turn away
from the mention of their Lord.
Transliteration Qul may yakla ukum bil laili wan
naha_ri minar rahma_n bal hum an zikri rab bihim
muridu_n
Ayah 43
Yusuf Ali Or have they gods that can guard them
from Us? They have no power to aid themselves nor can
they be defended from Us.
Transliteration Am lahum a_lihatun tamnauhum min
du_nina_ la_ yastatiu_na nasra anfusihim wa la_ hum
min na_ yushabu_n
Ayah 44
Yusuf Ali Nay We gave the good things of this
life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; see
they not that we gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying
borders? Is it then they who will win?
Transliteration Bal mat tana_ ha_ ula_i wa a_ba_ ahum
hat ta_ ta_la alaihimul umur afala_ yarauna an na_ natil arda nanqusuha_ min
atra_fiha_ afahumul ga_libu_n
Ayah 45
Yusuf Ali Say "I do but warn you according
to revelation": but the deaf will
not hear the call (even) when they are warned!
Transliteration Qul in nama_ unzirukum bil wahyi wa la_ yasmaus sum mud dua_ a iza_ ma_ yunzaru_n
Ayah 46
Yusuf Ali If but a breath of the Wrath of thy
Lord do touch them they will then say "Woe to us! we
did wrong indeed!"
Transliteration Wa la im mas sat hum nafhatum min
aza_bi rab bika layaqu_lun na ya_ wailana_ in na_ kun na_ za_limin
Ayah 47
Yusuf Ali We shall set up scales of justice for
the Day of Judgment so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the
least. And if there be (no more than)
the weight of a mustard seed We will bring it (to
account): and enough are We to take account.
Transliteration Wa nadaul mawa_zinal qista liyaumil
qiya_mati fala_ tuzlamu nafsun sai an wa in ka_na misqa_la hab batim min
hardalin ataina_ biha_ wa kafa_ bina_ ha_sibin
Ayah 48
Yusuf Ali In the past We
granted to Moses and Aaron the Criterion (for judgment) and a Light and a
Message for those who would do right
Transliteration Wa laqad a_taina_ mu_sa_ wa ha_ru_nal
furqa_na wa diya_ aw wa zikral lilmut taqin
Ayah 49
Yusuf Ali Those who fear their Lord in their most
secret thoughts and who hold the Hour (of Judgment) in awe.
Transliteration Al lazina yahsauna rab bahum bil
gaibi wa hum minas sa_ati musfiqu_n
Ayah 50
Yusuf Ali And this is a blessed Message which We
have sent down: will ye then reject it?
Transliteration Wa ha_za_ zikrum muba_rakun anzalna_h
afa antum lahu_ munkiru_n
Notes
2702 'Allah is most Gracious: if, in spite of His great
mercy, you are so rebellious and depraved as to incur His Wrath, who is there
who can save you? His Wrath can descend on you at any time, by night or by
day.' (21.42)
2703 Ashhaba: to join as companion: with 'an or min
it has also the meaning of to defend or remove from someone. The full
signification can only be got by a long paraphrase: 'they are not fit to be
mentioned in the same breath with Us, nor can they be defended from Us.' (21.43)
2704 'Umr or 'Umur: age, generation, period, time,
life. Here "period" is most appropriate, as it covers many
generations, "these men and their fathers." (21.44)
2705 The particular signification is that Islam
spread from the outer borders, social and geographical, gradually inwards. The
social fringe was the humbler people, such as slaves and poor men. The
geographical reference is to Madinah and tribes away from the Makkah centre.
The proud and unbelieving Quraish were the last to come in when the circle was
gradually drawn tighter and tighter around them. The general signification
applies to all times. Allah's Truth makes its way first among the poor and the
lowly, those whose minds are unsoiled by prejudices of false pride or false
knowledge, but it gradually hems in the obstinate, until it prevails in the
end. (21.44)
2706 According to the English saying: "none is
so deaf as those who will not hear". When they deliberately shut their
ears to warning from the Merciful Allah, meant for their own good, the
responsibility is their own. But their cowardice is shown in the next verse by
their behaviour when the first breath of the Wrath reaches them. (21.45)
2707 Not the smallest action, word, thought, motive,
or predilection but must come into the account of Allah. Cf. Browning (in Rabbi
Ben Ezra): "But all, the world's coarse thumb And finger failed to plumb,
So passed in making up the main account; All instincts immature. All purposes
unsure. That weighed not as his work, yet swelled the man's account; Thoughts
hardly to be packed Into a narrow act. Fancies that broke through language and
escaped; All I could never be, All, men ignored in me, This, I was worth to
God, Whose wheel the pitcher shaped." (21.47)
2708 The literalism of
2709 Cf- ii. 53 and n. 68, where the meaning of
Furqan is discussed. Here three things are mentioned as given to Moses and
Aaron: (1) The Criterion for judgment: this might well be the wonderful Proofs
they saw of Allah's goodness and glory from which they could have no doubt as
to Allah's will and command; (2) the Light; this was the inner enlightenment of
their soul, such as comes from inspiration: and (3) the Message, the Book, the
original Book of Moses, which Aaron as his lieutenant would also use as a guide
for his people. (21.48)
2710 Note the three kinds of fear mentioned in xxi.
48-49. Taqwa is the fear of running counter to the will of Allah; it is akin to
the love of Him; for we fear to offend those we love; it results in right conduct,
and those who entertain it are "those who would do right". Then there
is Khayat, the fear of Allah, lest the person who entertains it may be found,
in his inmost thoughts, to be short of the standard which Allah wishes for him;
this is also righteous but in a less high degree than Taqwa which is akin to
love. And thirdly, there is the fear of consequences on the Day of Judgment
(ishfaq); this also may lead to righteousness, but is on a still lower plane.
Perhaps the three correspond to the Criterion, the Light, and the Message (or
Warning) of the last verse. (21.49)
2711 Here is a Prophet and a Book, greater than
Moses and his Book. Are you going to reject him and it? (21.50)
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
51 We bestowed aforetime on
Abraham his rectitude of conduct and well were We acquainted with him. 2712 2713
52 Behold! he said to his
father and his people "What are these images to which ye are (so
assiduously) devoted?" 2714
53 They said "We found
our father worshipping them."
54 He said "Indeed ye
have been in manifest error-ye and your fathers."
55 They said "Have you
brought us the Truth or are you one of those who jest?" 2715
56 He said "Nay your Lord
is the Lord of the heavens and the earth He Who created them (from nothing):
and I am a witness to this (truth). 2716
57 And by Allah I have a
plan for your idols after ye go away and turn your backs"... 2717
58 So he broke them to
pieces (all) but the biggest of them that they might turn (and address
themselves) to it. 2718
59 They said "Who has
done this to our gods? He must indeed be some man of impiety!"
60 They said "We heard
a youth talk of them: he is called Abraham." 2719
61 They said "Then bring
him before the eyes of the people that they may bear witness:"
62 They said "Art thou
the one that did this with our gods O Abraham?" 2720
63 He said: "Nay this
was done by this is their is their biggest one! Ask them if they can speak
intelligently!"
64 So they turned to
themselves and said "Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!" 2721
65 Then were they
confounded with shame: (they said) "Thou knowest full well that these
(idols) do not speak!" 2722
66 (Abraham) said "Do
ye then worship besides Allah things that can neither be of any good to you nor
do you harm?
67 "Fie upon you and
upon the things that ye worship besides Allah! have ye no sense?"... 2723
68 They said "Burn him
and protect your gods if ye do (anything at all)!"
69 We said "O fire! be
thou cool and (a means of)) safety for Abraham!" 2724 2725
70 Then they sought a
stratagem against him: but We made them the ones that lost most! 2726
71 But We delivered him and
(his nephew) Lut (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the
nations. 2727
72 And We bestowed on him
Isaac and as an additional gift (a grandson) Jacob and We made righteous men of
every one (of them). 2728
73 And We made them leaders
guiding (men) by Our Command and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds to establish
regular prayers and to practice regular charity; and they constantly served Us
(and Us only). 2729
74 And to Lut too we gave
Judgment and Knowledge and We saved him from the town which practiced
abominations: truly they were a people given to Evil a rebellious people. 2730
75 And We admitted him to
Our Mercy: for he was one of the Righteous.
Transliteration
Ayah 51
Yusuf Ali We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his
rectitude of conduct and well were We acquainted with him.
Transliteration Wa laqad a_taina_ ibra_hima rusdahu_
min qablu wa kun na_ bihi a_limin
Ayah 52
Yusuf Ali Behold! he
said to his father and his people "What are these images to which ye are
(so assiduously) devoted?"
Transliteration Iz qa_la li abihi wa
qaumihi ma_ ha_zihit tama_silul lati antum laha_ a_kifu_n
Ayah 53
Yusuf Ali They said "We found our father
worshipping them."
Transliteration Qa_lu_ wajadna_ a_ba_ ana laha_
a_bidin
Ayah 54
Yusuf Ali He said "Indeed ye have been in
manifest error-ye and your fathers."
Transliteration Qa_la laqad kuntum antum wa a_ba_ ukum fi dala_lim mubin
Ayah 55
Yusuf Ali They said "Have you brought us the
Truth or are you one of those who jest?"
Transliteration Qa_lu_ ajitana_ bil haq qi am anta
minal la_ibin
Ayah 56
Yusuf Ali He said "Nay your Lord is the
Lord of the heavens and the earth He Who created them (from nothing): and I am
a witness to this (truth).
Transliteration Qa_la bar rab bukum rab bus
sama_wa_ti wal ardil lazi fatarahun na wa ama ala_
za_likum minas sa_hidin
Ayah 57
Yusuf Ali And by Allah I have a plan for your
idols after ye go away and turn your backs"...
Transliteration Wa tal la_hi la akidan na asna_makum
bada an tuwal lu_ mudbirin
Ayah 58
Yusuf Ali So he broke them to pieces (all) but
the biggest of them that they might turn (and address themselves) to it.
Transliteration Faja'alahum juza_zan il la_ kabiral lahum la'al lahum ilaihi yarjiu_n
Ayah 59
Yusuf Ali They said "Who has done this to our
gods? He must indeed be some man of impiety!"
Transliteration Qa_lu_ man fa'ala ha_za_a bi
a_lihatina_ in nahu_ laminaz za_limin
Ayah 60
Yusuf Ali They said "We heard a youth talk of
them: he is called Abraham."
Transliteration Qa_lu_ samina fatay yazkuru hum
yuqa_lu lahu_ ibra_him
Ayah 61
Yusuf Ali They said "Then bring him before the
eyes of the people that they may bear witness:"
Transliteration Qa_lu_ fatu_ bihi ala_ ayunin na_si
la'al lahum yashadu_n
Ayah 62
Yusuf Ali They said "Art thou the one that did
this with our gods O Abraham?"
Transliteration Qa_lu_ a
anta fa'alta ha_za_ bi a_lihatina_ ya_ ibra_him
Ayah 63
Yusuf Ali He said: "Nay this was done by
this is their is their biggest one! Ask them if they
can speak intelligently!"
Transliteration Qa_la bal
fa'alahu_ kabiruhum ha_za_ fas aluhum in ka_nu_ yantiqu_n
Ayah 64
Yusuf Ali So
they turned to themselves and said "Surely ye are the ones in the
wrong!"
Transliteration Farajau_ ila_ anfusihim faqa_lu_
inakum antumuz za_limu_n
Ayah 65
Yusuf Ali Then were they confounded with shame:
(they said) "Thou knowest full well that these (idols) do not speak!"
Transliteration Sum ma nukisu_ ala ru
u_sihim laqad alimta ma_ ha_ ula_i yantiqu_n
Ayah 66
Yusuf Ali (Abraham) said "Do ye then worship
besides Allah things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm?
Transliteration Qa_la afatabudu_na min du_nil la_hi
ma_ la_ yanfaukum sai aw wa la_ yadur rukum
Ayah 67
Yusuf Ali "Fie
upon you and upon the things that ye worship besides Allah! have ye no
sense?"...
Transliteration Uf fil lakum wa
lima_ tabudu_na min du_nil la_h afala_ taqilu_n
Ayah 68
Yusuf Ali They said "Burn him and protect your
gods if ye do (anything at all)!"
Transliteration Qa_lu_ har riqu_hu wan suru_ a_lihatakum
in kuntum fa_ilin
Ayah 69
Yusuf Ali We said "O fire! be thou cool and
(a means of)) safety for Abraham!"
Transliteration Qulna_ ya_ na_ru ku_ni bardaw wa sala_man ala_ ibra_him
Ayah 70
Yusuf Ali Then they sought a stratagem against him:
but We made them the ones that lost most!
Transliteration Wa ara_du bihi kaidan faja'alna_ humul
ahsarin
Ayah 71
Yusuf Ali But We delivered him and (his nephew)
Lut (and directed them) to the land which We have
blessed for the nations.
Transliteration Wa naj jaina_hu wa lu_tan ilal ardil
lati ba_rakna_ fiha_ lila_lamin
Ayah 72
Yusuf Ali And We bestowed on him Isaac and as
an additional gift (a grandson) Jacob and We made righteous men of every one
(of them).
Transliteration Wa wahabna_ lahu_ is ha_q wa yaqu_ba
na_filah wa kul lan ja'alna_ sa_lihin
Ayah 73
Yusuf Ali And We made them leaders guiding
(men) by Our Command and We sent them inspiration to
do good deeds to establish regular prayers and to practice regular charity; and
they constantly served Us (and Us only).
Transliteration Wa ja'alna_hum a im matay yahdu_na bi
amrina_ wa auhaina_ ilaihim filal haira_ti wa iqa_mas sala_ti wa ita_ az zaka_h
wa ka_nu_ lana_ a_bidin
Ayah 74
Yusuf Ali And to Lut too we gave Judgment and Knowledge
and We saved him from the town which practiced abominations: truly they were a
people given to Evil a rebellious people.
Transliteration Wa lu_tan a_taina_hu hukmaw wa ilmaw wa
naj jaina_hu minal qaryatil lati ka_nat tamalul haba_ is in nahum ka_nu_ qauma
sau in fa_siqin
Ayah 75
Yusuf Ali And We admitted him to Our Mercy: for
he was one of the Righteous.
Transliteration Wa adhalna_hu fi rahmatina_ in nahu_
minas sa_lihin
Notes
2712 Rushd: right conduct, corresponding in action to
the quality expressed in the epithet Hanif (sound or true in Faith) applied to
Abraham in ii. 135 and elsewhere. (21.51)
2713 Hence Abraham's title "Friend of
Allah" (Khalil-ullah): iv. 125. (21.51)
2714 Reference is made to Abraham in many places. In
xix. 42-49 it was with reference to his relations to his father: the problem
was how a righteous man should deal with his father, when his duty to his
father conflicts with his duty to Allah. Here the problem is: how a righteous
man should deal with evil and overcome it; how he should fight against evil,
and if he is subjected to the fire of persecution, how his firmness draws
Allah's Mercy, and the very troubles he is placed in become his comfort and
joy. (21.52)
2715 Abraham looked at life with a serious eye, and
his people took it light-heartedly. He was devoted to Truth, and they cared
more for ancestral custom. In the conflict he seemed to be in their power. But
he was fearless, and he triumphed by Allah's Grace. (21.55)
2716 For the various words for "creation"
see n. 120 to ii. 117, where fatara is explained and differentiated from other
words of similar meaning. (21.56)
2717 He wants to convince them of the powerlessness
of their idols. But he does not do it underhand. He tells them that he is going
to do something when once they are gone and their backs are turned to the
idols,-as much as to say that the idols are dependent on their care and
attention. Apparently the people are amused and want to see what he does. So
they leave him to his own devices. (21.57)
2718 He was enacting a scene, to make the people
ashamed of worshipping senseless stocks and stones. He left the biggest idol
untouched and broke the others to pieces, as if a fight had taken place between
the idols, and the biggest had smashed the others. Would they turn to the
surviving idol and ask him how it all happened? (21.58)
2719 Different groups of people are speaking. Those
who were not present at Abraham's speech in verse 57 ask, "who has done
this?" Those who were, at once name him, whereupon a formal council of the
people was held, and Abraham was arraigned. (21.60)
2720 They asked him the formal question. There was
no mystery about it. He had already openly threatened to do something to the
idols, and people who had heard his threats were there. He now continues his
ironic taunt to the idol-worshippers. 'You ask me! Why don't you ask the idols?
Doesn't it look as if this big fellow has smashed the smaller ones in a
quarrel?' If they do not ask the idols, they confess that the idols have not
intelligence enough to answer! This argument is developed in verses 64-67. Note
that while the false worshippers laughed at his earnestness, he pays them out
by a grim practical joke, which at the same time advances the cause of Truth. (21.62)
2721 Abraham's biting irony cut them to the quick.
What could they say? They turned to each other. Some among them thought he had
the best of the argument. They were not keen on idolatry, and they told their
fellows that it was useless arguing with Abraham. They all hung their heads in
shame. But presently they thought they would face out Abraham, and take his
words literally. They said, "You know quite well that idols do not
speak!" This was precisely what Abraham wanted them to say, and he
delivered his final blow! See n. 2723 below. (21.64)
2722 Literally, "they were turned down on their
heads" which may suggest a metaphorical somersault, i.e., they recovered
from their dawning shame for idolatry and were prepared to argue it out with
the youth Abraham. But I think there is better authority for the interpretation
I have adopted. (21.65)
2723 As soon as they admitted in so many words that
the idols could not speak, Abraham delivered his final attack: 'Then why do you
worship useless impotent creatures?' After that, there remains nothing but the
argument of violence, which they proceed to exercise, being the party in power.
'Burn him at the stake' is an easy cry! But it was not Abraham that suffered:
it was his persecutors (xxi. 70). (21.67)
2724 The nature of fire, by all the physical laws of
matter, is to be hot. The fire became cool, and a means of safety for Abraham.
(21.69)
2725 Can we form any idea of the place where he
passed through the furnace, and the stage in his career at which this happened?
He was born in
2726 As they could not get rid of him by open
punishment, they tried secret plans, but were foiled throughout. It was not he
that lost, but they. On the contrary he left them and prospered and became the
progenitor of great peoples. (21.70)
2727 The
2728 Nafilat has many meanings: (1) booty; (2) extra
work or prayer; (3) extra or additional gift; (4) grandson. The two last
significations are implied here. Not only was Abraham given a son in his old
age; he was given not only Isaac, but several sons, the chief being Isma'il and
Isaac, who both joined in burying him (Gen. xxv. 9); and he also saw grandsons.
Isma'il is specially mentioned later (xxi. 85) apart from Isaac's line, on
account of his special importance for Islam. (21.72)
2729 The spiritual lesson from this passage may be
recapitulated. The righteous man makes no compromise with evil. If the votaries
of evil laugh at him he pays them in their own coin, but he stands firmly by
his principles. His firmness causes some confusion among the followers of evil,
and he openly declares the faith that is in him. They try, openly and secretly,
to injure or kill him, but Allah protects him, while evil perishes from its own
excesses. (21.73)
2730
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
76 (Remember) Noah when he
cried (to Us) aforetime: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his
family from great distress. 2731
77 We helped him against
people who rejected Our Signs: truly they were a people given to Evil: so We
drowned them (in the Flood) all together.
78 And remember David and
Solomon when they gave judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep
of certain people had strayed by night: We did witness their judgment.
79 To Solomon We inspired
the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgment and
Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our
praises with David: it was We Who did (these things). 2732 2733
80 It was We Who taught him
the making of coats of mail for your benefit to guard you from each others
violence: will ye then be grateful? 2734 2735
81 (It was Our power that
made) the violent (unruly) wind flow (tamely) for Solomon to his order to the
land which We had blessed: for We do know all things. 2736 2737
82 And of the evil ones
were some who dived for him and did other work besides; and lit was We Who
guarded them. 2738
83 And (remember) Job when
he cried to his Lord "Truly distress has seized me but Thou art the Most
Merciful of those that are merciful." 2739
84 So We listened to him:
We removed the distress that was on him and We restored his people to him and
doubled their number as a Grace from Ourselves and a thing for commemoration
for all who serve Us. 2740
85 And (remember) Ismail
Idris and Zul-kifl all (men) of constancy and patience; 2741 2742 2743
86 We admitted them to Our
Mercy: for they were of the Righteous ones.
87 And remember Zun-nun
when he departed in wrath: he imagined that We had no power over him! But he
cried through the depths of darkness "There is no god but Thou: Glory to
Thee: I was indeed wrong!" 2744
88 So We listened to him:
and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those who have faith.
89 And (remember) Zakariya
when he cried to his Lord: "O my Lord! leave me not without offspring
though Thou art the best of inheritors. 2745 2746
90 So We listened to him:
and We granted him Yahya: We cured his wife's (barrenness) for him. These three were ever quick in emulation in
good works: they used to call on Us with love and reverence and humble
themselves before Us. 2747
91 And (remember) her who
guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our Spirit and We made her and
her son a Sign for all peoples. 2748
92 Verily this Brotherhood
of yours is a single Brotherhood and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore
serve Me (and no other). 2749
93 But (later generations)
cut off their affair (of unity) one from another: (yet) will they all return to
Us. 2750
Transliteration
Ayah 76
Yusuf Ali (Remember) Noah when he cried (to Us) aforetime: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him
and his family from great distress.
Transliteration Wa nu_han iz na_da_ min qablu fas
tajabna_ lahu_ fanaj jaina_hu wa ah lahu_ minal karbil azim
Ayah 77
Yusuf Ali We helped him against people who
rejected Our Signs: truly they were a people given to Evil: so We drowned them
(in the Flood) all together.
Transliteration Wa nasarna_hu minal qaumil lazina kaz
zabu_ bi a_ya_tina_ in nahum ka_nu_ qauma sau in fa agraqna_hum ajmain
Ayah 78
Yusuf Ali And remember David and Solomon when they
gave judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people
had strayed by night: We did witness their judgment.
Transliteration Wa da_wu_da wa sulaima_na iz yahkuma_ni
fil harsi iz nafasat fihi ganamul qaum wa kun na_ lihukmihim sa_hidin
Ayah 79
Yusuf Ali To Solomon We inspired the (right)
understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave
Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds
celebrate Our praises with David: it was We Who did (these things).
Transliteration Fatah hamna_ha_ sulaima_n wa kul lan a_taina_ hukmaw wa ilmaw wasah harna_ ma'a
da_wu_dal hiba_la yusab bihna wat tair wa kuna_ fa_ilin
Ayah 80
Yusuf Ali It was We Who taught him the making of
coats of mail for your benefit to guard you from each others violence: will ye
then be grateful?
Transliteration Wa al lamna_hu sanata labu_sil lakum
lituhsinakum min basikum fahal antum sa_kiru_n
Ayah 81
Yusuf Ali (It was Our
power that made) the violent (unruly) wind flow (tamely) for Solomon to his
order to the land which We had blessed: for We do know all things.
Transliteration Wa lisulaima_nar riha a_sifatan tajri
bi amrihi ilal ardhil lati ba_rakna_ fiha_ wa kun na_ bikul li sai in a_li min
Ayah 82
Yusuf Ali And of the evil ones were some who dived
for him and did other work besides; and lit was We Who guarded them.
Transliteration Wa minas saya_tini may yaghu_shu_na lahu_
wa ya'malu_na amalan du_na za_lik wa kun na_ lahum ha_fizin
Ayah 83
Yusuf Ali And (remember) Job when he cried to his
Lord "Truly distress has seized me but Thou art the Most Merciful of those
that are merciful."
Transliteration Wa ay yu_ba iz na_da_ rab bahu_ an ni
mas saniyad dur ru wa anta arhamur ra_himin
Ayah 84
Yusuf Ali So We listened to him: We removed the
distress that was on him and We restored his people to
him and doubled their number as a Grace from Ourselves and a thing for commemoration
for all who serve Us.
Transliteration Fas tajabna_ lahu_ fakasyafna_ ma_
bihi min dur riw wa a_taina_hu ah lahu_ wa mitslahum
ma'ahum rahmatam min 'indina_ wa zikra_ lil a_bidin
Ayah 85
Yusuf Ali And (remember) Ismail Idris and Zul-kifl
all (men) of constancy and patience;
Transliteration Wa isma_ila wa idrisa wa zal kifl kul
lum minas sa_birin
Ayah 86
Yusuf Ali We admitted them to Our Mercy: for they
were of the Righteous ones.
Transliteration Wa adkhalna_hum fi rahmatina_ in nahum minas
sa_lihin
Ayah 87
Yusuf Ali And remember Zun-nun when he departed in
wrath: he imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the
depths of darkness "There is no god but Thou: Glory to Thee: I was indeed
wrong!"
Transliteration Wa zan nu_ni iz zahaba mugha_dhiban
fazhan na al lan naqdira alaihi fana_da_ fiz zuluma_ti al la_ ila_ha il la_
anta subha_naka in ni kuntu minaz za_limin
Ayah 88
Yusuf Ali So We
listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those
who have faith.
Transliteration Fas tajabna_ lahu_ wa
naj jaina_hu minal gham wa kaza_lika nunjil mu'minin
Ayah 89
Yusuf Ali And (remember) Zakariya when he cried to
his Lord: "O my Lord! leave me not without offspring
though Thou art the best of inheritors.
Transliteration Wa zakariy ya_ iz na_da_ rab bahu_ rab
bi la_ tadzarni fardaw wa anta hairul wa_risin
Ayah 90
Yusuf Ali So We
listened to him: and We granted him Yahya: We cured his wife's (barrenness) for
him. These three were ever quick in
emulation in good works: they used to call on Us with
love and reverence and humble themselves before Us.
Transliteration Fas tajabna_ lah wa
wahabna_ lahu_ yahya_ wa aslahna_ lahu_ zaujah in nahum ka_nu_ yusa_riu_na fil
haira_ti wa yadu_nana_ raghabaw wa rahaba_ wa ka_nu_ lana_ ha_si'in
Ayah 91
Yusuf Ali And (remember) her who guarded her
chastity: We breathed into her of Our Spirit and We made her and her son a Sign
for all peoples.
Transliteration Wal lati ahsanat farjaha_ fanafakna_
fiha_ mir ru_hina_ wa ja'alna_ha_ wab naha_ a_yatal
lil'a_lamin
Ayah 92
Yusuf Ali Verily this Brotherhood of yours is a
single Brotherhood and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other).
Transliteration In na
ha_zihi um matukum um mataw wa_hidataw wa ana rab bukum fa'budu_n
Ayah 93
Yusuf Ali But (later generations) cut off their
affair (of unity) one from another: (yet) will they all return to Us.
Transliteration Wa taqat ta'u_ amrahum bainahum kul lun
ilaina_ ra_ji'u_n
Notes
2731 The contemporaries of Noah were given to
Unbelief, oppression of the poor, and vain disputations. He carried Allah's
Message to them, and standing fast in faith, built the
2732 The sheep, on account of the negligence of the
shepherd, got into a cultivated field (or vineyard) by night and ate up the
young plants or their tender shoots, causing damage, to the extent of perhaps a
whole year's crop. David was king, and in his seat of judgment he considered
the matter so serious that he awarded the owner of the field the sheep
themselves in compensation for his damage. The Roman law of the Twelve Tables
might have approved of this decision, and on the same principle was built up
the Deodand doctrine of English Law, now obsolete. His son Solomon, a mere boy
of eleven, thought of a better decision, where the penalty would better fit the
offence. The loss was the loss of the fruits or produce of the field of
vineyard: the corpus of the property was not lost. Solomon's suggestion was
that the owner of the field or vineyard should not take the sheep altogether
but only detain them long enough to recoup his actual damage, from the milk,
wool, and possibly young of the sheep, and then retum the sheep to the
shepherd. David's merit was that he accepted the suggestion, even though it
came from a little boy: Solomon's merit was that he distinguished between
corpus and income, and though a boy, was not ashamed to put his case before his
father. But in either case it was Allah Who inspired the true realisation of
justice. He was present and witnessed the affair, as He is present all the
time. (21.79)
2733 Whatever is in the heavens and the earth
celebrates the praises of Allah: xvii. 44; Ivii. 1; xvi. 48-50. Even the
"thunder repeateth His praises": xiii. 13. All nature ever sings the
praises of Allah. David sang in his Psalms, cxlviii. 7-10: "Praise the
Lord from the earth, ye ... mountains and all hills; ... creeping things and
flying fowl!" All nature sings to Allah's glory, in unison with David, and
angels, and men of God. Cf. xxxiv. 10 and xxxviii. 18-19. (21.79)
2734 The making of coats of mails is attributed to
David. It is defensive armour, and therefore its discovery and supply is
associated with deeds of righteousness in xxxiv. 10-11, in contrast with the
deadly weapons which man invents for offensive purposes. Indeed, all fighting,
unless in defence of righteousness, is mere "violence." (21.80)
2735 David's good work then was: (1) he was open to
learn wisdom wherever it came from; (2) he sang the praises of Allah, in unison
with all nature; (3) he made defensive armour. But all these things he did,
because of the faculties which Allah had given him, and we must be grateful for
this and for all things to Allah. (21.80)
2736 Cf. xxxiv. 12, and xxxviii. 36-38, This has
been interpreted to mean that Solomon had miraculous power over the winds, and
he could make them obey his order. In any case the power behind was, and is,
from Allah, Who has granted man intelligence and the faculties by which he can
tame the more unruly forces of nature. (21.81)
2737 Evidently
2738 It was Allah's power ultimately, Who granted
him wisdom. Solomon tamed the jinns with Wisdom. (21.82)
2739 Job (Ayub) was a prosperous man, with faith in
Allah, living somewhere in the north-east comer of
2740 Job is the pattern of humility, patience, and
faith in Allah. It was with these weapons that he fought and conquered evil. (21.84)
2741 Isma'il is mentioned specially, apart from the
line which descended through Isaac (xxi. 72), as he was the founder of a
separate and greater Ummat. His sufferings began in infancy (see n. 160 to ii.
158); but his steady constancy and submission to the will of Allah were
specially shown when he earned the title of "Sacrifice to Allah" (see
n. 2506 to xix. 54). That was the particular quality of his constancy and
patience. (21.85)
2742 For Idris see n. 2508 to xix. 56. He was in a
high station in life, but that did not spoil him. He was sincere and true, and
that was the particular quality of his constancy and patience. (21.85)
2743 Zul-kifl would literally mean "possessor
of, or giving, a double requital or portion"; or else, "one who used
a cloak of double thickness," that being one of the meanings of Kifl. The
Commentators differ in opinion as to who is meant, why the title is applied to
him, and the point of his being grouped with Isma'il and Idris for constancy
and patience. I think the best suggestion is that afforded by Karsten Niebuhr
in his Reisebeschreibung nach Arabian,
2744 Zun-nun. "the man of the Fish or the
Whale", is the title of Jonah (Yunus), because he was swallowed by a large
Fish or Whale. He was the prophet raised to warn the Assyrian capital
2745 See xix. 2-15, and iii. 38-41. Zakariya was a
priest; both he and his wife were devout and punctilious in their duties. They
were old, and they had no son. He was troubled in mind, not so much by the
vulgar desire to have a son to carry on his line, but because he felt that his
people were not unselfishly devout, and there would be no sincere work for
Allah unless he could train up someone himself. He was given a son Yahya (John
the Baptist), who added to the devout reputation of the family, for he is
called "noble, chaste, and a prophet," (iii. 39). All three, father,
mother, and son, were made worthy of each other, and they repelled evil by
their devout emulation in virtue. (21.89)
2746 'It is not that I crave a personal heir to
myself: all things go back to Thee, and Thou art the best of inheritors: but I
see no one around me sincere enough to carry on my work for Thee; wilt Thou
give me one whom I can train?' (21.89)
2747 Aslaha = to improve, to mend, to reform, to
make better. Here, with reference to Zakariya's wife, the signification is
twofold: (1) that her barrenness would be removed, so that she could become a
mother; and (2) her spiritual dignity should be raised in becoming the mother
of John the Baptist; and by implication his also, in becoming the father of
John. (21.90)
2748 Mary the mother of Jesus. Chastity was her
special virtue: with a son of virgin birth, she and Jesus became a miracle to
all nations. That was the virtue with which they (both Mary and Jesus) resisted
evil. (21.91)
2749 Ummat: this is best translated by Brotherhood
here. "Community", "race", and "nation," and
"people" are words which import other ideas and do not quite
correspond to "Ummat". "Religion" and "Way of
Life" are derived meanings, which could be used in other passages, but are
less appropriate here. Our attention has been drawn to people of very different
temperaments and virtues, widely different in time, race, language,
surroundings, history, and work to be performed, but forming the closest
brotherhood as being men and women united in the highest service of Allah. They
prefigure the final and perfected Brotherhood of Islam. (21.92)
2750 Allah's Message was and ever is one; and His
Messengers treated it as one. It is people of narrower views who come later and
trade on the earlier names, that break up the Message and the Brotherhood into
jarring camps and sects. (21.93)
Holy Quran Surah 21 Al Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble
Quran in English Language by A.Yusuf Ali
94 Whoever works any act of
righteousness and has Faith his endeavor will not be rejected: We shall record
it in his favor. 2751
95 But there is a ban on
any population which We have destroyed: that they shall not return. 2752
96 Until the Gog and Magog
(people) are let through (their barrier) and they swiftly swarm from every
hill. 2753
97 Then will the True
Promise draw nigh (of fulfillment): then behold! the eyes of the Unbelievers
will fixedly stare in horror: "Ah! woe to us! we were indeed heedless of
this; nay we truly did wrong!" 2754
98 Verily ye (Unbelievers) and
the (false) gods that ye worship besides Allah are (but) fuel for Hell! To it
will ye (surely) come!
99 If these had been gods
they would not have got there! But each one will abide therein. 2755
100 There sobbing will be their lot nor will
they there hear (aught else).
101 Those for whom the Good (Record) from Us
has gone before will be removed far therefrom. 2756
102 Not the slightest sound will they hear of
Hell: what their souls desired in that will they dwell.
103 The Great Terror will bring them no
grief: but the angels will meet them (with mutual greetings): "This is
your Day (the Day) that ye were promised." 2757
104 The Day that we roll up the heavens like
a scroll rolled up for books (completed) even as We produced the first Creation
so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We
fulfil it. 2758
105 Before this We wrote in the Psalms after
the Message (given to Moses): My servants the righteous shall inherit the
earth." 2759 2760
106 Verily in the (Qur'an) is a Message for
people who would (truly) worship Allah. 2761
107 We sent thee not but as a mercy for all
creatures. 2762
108 Say: "What has come to me by
inspiration is that your Allah is One Allah: will ye therefore bow to His Will
(in Islam)?" 2763
109 But if they turn back say: "I have
proclaimed the Message to you all alike and in truth; but I know not whether
that which ye are promised is near or far. 2764
110 "It is He Who knows what is open in
speech and what ye hide (in your hearts). 2765
111 "I know not but that it may be a
trial for you and a grant of (worldly) livelihood (to you) for a time. 2766
112 Say: "O my Lord! judge Thou in
truth!" "Our Lord Most Gracious is the One Whose assistance should be
sought against the blasphemies ye utter!" 2767 2768 2769
Transliteration
Ayah 94
Yusuf Ali Whoever works any act of righteousness and
has Faith his endeavor will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favor.
Transliteration Famay ya'mal minas sa_liha_ti wa huwa mu'minun fala_ kufra_na lisa'yih wa in na_ lahu_
ka_tibu_n
Ayah 95
Yusuf Ali But there is a ban on any population
which We have destroyed: that they shall not return.
Transliteration Wa hara_mun 'ala_ qaryatin ahlakna_ha_
an nahum la_ yarji'u_n
Ayah 96
Yusuf Ali Until the Gog and Magog (people) are
let through (their barrier) and they swiftly swarm from every hill.
Transliteration Hat ta_ iza_ futihat ya'ju_ju wa ma ju_ju wa hum min kul li badabiy yansilu_n
Ayah 97
Yusuf Ali Then will the True Promise draw nigh (of
fulfillment): then behold! the eyes of the Unbelievers
will fixedly stare in horror: "Ah! woe to us! we were indeed heedless of this; nay we truly did
wrong!"
Transliteration Waq tarabal wa'dul haq qu fa iza_ hiya
sa_khishatun absa_rul lazina kafaru_ ya_wailana_ qad kun
na_ fi ghaflatim min ha_za_ bal kun na_ za_limin
Ayah 98
Yusuf Ali Verily ye (Unbelievers) and the
(false) gods that ye worship besides Allah are (but) fuel for Hell! To it will
ye (surely) come!
Transliteration In nakum wa
ma_ ta'budu_na min du_nil la_hi hashabu jahan nam antum laha_ wa_ridu_n
Ayah 99
Yusuf Ali If these had been gods they would not
have got there! But each one will abide therein.
Transliteration Lau ka_na ha_ ula_i a_lihatam ma_
waradu_ha_ wa kul lun fiha_ kha_lidu_n
Ayah 100
Yusuf Ali There sobbing will
be their lot nor will they there hear (aught else).
Transliteration Lahum fiha_ zafiruw wa hum fiha_ la_ yasma'u_n
Ayah 101
Yusuf Ali Those for whom the Good (Record) from Us
has gone before will be removed far therefrom.
Transliteration In nal lazina sabaqat lahum min nal
husna_ ula_ ika 'anha_ mub'adu_n
Ayah 102
Yusuf Ali Not the slightest sound will they hear
of Hell: what their souls desired in that will they dwell.
Transliteration La_ yasma'u_na hasisaha_ wa hum fi mas tahat anfusuhum kha_lidu_n
Ayah 103
Yusuf Ali The Great Terror will bring them no
grief: but the angels will meet them (with mutual greetings): "This is
your Day (the Day) that ye were promised."
Transliteration La_ yahzunuhumul faza'ul akbaru wa tatalaq qa_humul mala_ ikah ha_za_ yaumukumul lazi kuntum
tu_'adu_n
Ayah 104
Yusuf Ali The Day that we roll up the heavens
like a scroll rolled up for books (completed) even as We produced the first
Creation so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly
shall We fulfil it.
Transliteration Yauma nathwis sama_ a kathay yis
sijil li lilkutub kama_ badana_ aw wala khalqin nu'iduh wa
dan 'alaina_ in na_ kun na_ fa_'ilin
Ayah 105
Yusuf Ali Before this We
wrote in the Psalms after the Message (given to Moses): My servants the
righteous shall inherit the earth."
Transliteration Wa laqad katabna_ fiz zabu_ri mim
ba'diz zikri an nal arda yaritsuha_ iba_diyas sa_lihu_n
Ayah 106
Yusuf Ali Verily in the (Qur'an) is a Message
for people who would (truly) worship Allah.
Transliteration In na fi
ha_za_ labala_ghal liqaumin 'a_bidin
Ayah 107
Yusuf Ali We sent thee not but as a mercy for all
creatures.
Transliteration Wa ma_ arsalna_ka il la_ rahmatal
lil'a_lamin
Ayah 108
Yusuf Ali Say: "What has come to me by
inspiration is that your Allah is One Allah: will ye therefore bow to His Will
(in Islam)?"
Transliteration Qul in nama_ yu_ha_ ilay ya an nama_
ila_hukum ila_huw wa_hid fahal antum muslimu_n
Ayah 109
Yusuf Ali But if they turn back say: "I have
proclaimed the Message to you all alike and in truth; but I know not whether
that which ye are promised is near or far.
Transliteration Fa in tawal lau faqul a_zantukum
'ala_ sawa_ in wa in adri aqaribun am ba'idum ma_ tu_'adu_n
Ayah 110
Yusuf Ali "It is He Who
knows what is open in speech and what ye hide (in your hearts).
Transliteration In nahu_ ya'lamul jahra minal qauli wa ya'lamu ma_ taktumu_n
Ayah 111
Yusuf Ali "I know not but that it may be a
trial for you and a grant of (worldly) livelihood (to you) for a time.
Transliteration Wa in adri la'al lahu_ fitnatul lakum
wa mata_'un ila_ hin
Ayah 112
Yusuf Ali Say: "O my Lord! judge Thou in truth!" "Our Lord Most Gracious is
the One Whose assistance should be sought against the
blasphemies ye utter!"
Transliteration Qa_la rab bih kum bil haq wa rab bunar rahma_nul musta'a_nu 'ala_ ma_ tashifu_n
Notes
2751 Allah gives credit for every act of
righteousness, however small: when combined with sincere Faith in Allah, it
becomes the stepping stone to higher and higher things. It is never lost. (21.94)
2752 But when wickedness comes to such a pass that
the Wrath of Allah descends, as it did on
2753 For Gog and Magog see n. 2439 to xviii. 92. The
name stands for wild and lawless tribes who will break their barriers and swarm
through the earth. This will be one of the prognostications of the approaching
Judgment. (21.96)
2754 Cf. xiv. 42. (21.97)
2755 The ultimate proof of Truth and Falsehood will
be that Truth will endure and come to its own, while Falsehood will be
destroyed. And so the men who worshipped Truth will come to their own, while those
who worshipped Falsehood will be in a Fire of Punishment they could scarcely
have imagined before. In that state there will be nothing but regrets and sighs
and groans, and these evil sounds will drown everything else. (21.99)
2756 In contrast to the misery of those who rejected
Truth and Right, will be the happiness of those who accepted it. The good will
not hear the least sound of the groans of evil. Their true soul's desires will
be fulfilled-not temporarily as in this world, but in a permanent form. (21.101)
2757 The Judgment and balancing of accounts will be
a mighty Terror to the evil-doers. But it will cause, to the righteous, not
grief or anxiety, but hope and happiness, for now they will be in a congenial atmosphere,
and will see the fulfilment of their ideals in the meeting and greeting of the
angels, preparatory to their enjoyment of the supreme Bliss-seeing the Face of
Allah. (21.103)
2758 The world-the universe-as we know it, will be
folded up like a scroll of parchment, for it will have done its work. If Allah
created all this world out of nothing, He can create an entirely new heaven and
a new earth, on a plane of which we can form no conception in our present life.
And He will do so, for that is His promise. (21.104)
2759 Zabur: the Book of the Psalms of David. The
name of David is expressly mentioned in connection with the Zabur in iv. 163
and xvii. 55, although there the indefinite article is applied to the word as
meaning a Book of Scripture. See Psalms xxv. 13, "his seed shall inherit
the earth"; xxxvii. 11, "the meek shall inherit the earth"
(quoted by Jesus in Matt. v.3); and xxxvii. 29, "the righteous shall
inherit the land." (21.105)
2760 The same promise occurs in the Pentateuch,
Exod. xxxii. 13. (21.105)
2761 The culmination of Allah's Revelation is in the
Qur-an, which confirms previous scriptures, corrects the errors which men
introduced into them, and explains many points in detail for all who seek for
right worship and service to Allah-whether they inherit the previous Books
("People of the Book") or not. It is a universal Message. (21.106)
2762 There is no question now of race or nation, of
a "chosen people" or the "seed of Abraham"; or the
"seed of David"; or of Hindu Arya-varta; of Jew or Gentile, Arab or
'Ajam (non-Arab), Turk or Tajik, European or Asiatic, White or Coloured; Aryan,
Semitic, Mongolian, or African; or American, Australian, or Polynesian. To all
men and creatures other than men who have any spiritual responsibility, the principles
universally apply. (21.107)
2763 'Not my God only, but also your God; for there
is but One God, the Universal Lord, Who made and loves and cherishes all.' (21.108)
2764 'If you do not realise the significance of the
Message, I at least have done my duty. I have given the Good News for the
Righteous and the Warning for the Unjust, without favour or partiality, and
without abating one jot of the truth, openly and squarely for all. Do not ask
me when the Good News and the Warning will be fulfilled. That is for Allah to
decide, not for me or for you to know.' (21.109)
2765 The Messenger of Allah freely and impartially
teaches all how to carry out Allah's Will and live a good life. If some of them
are hypocrites and come into the Ummat (Brotherhood) from baser motives and not
the pure motives of the love of Allah, their motives and conduct will be judged
by Allah and not by men. (21.110)
2766 In the same way if men who come into the
Brotherhood from pure motives and yet feel aggrieved that those outside are
better off from a worldly point of view, they are wrong. It may be that the
fleeting enjoyment of this world's goods is but a trial, and they should be
grateful for being saved from temptation. (21.111)
2767 See above, n. 2666 to xxi. 4. The better reading
is "Say" in the imperative, rather than "He (the Prophet) said
(or says)" in the indicative mood. Note that, on that construction, there
are three distinct things which the Prophet is asked to say: viz.: (1) the
statement in verses 109-11, addressed to those who turn away from the Message;
(2) the prayer addressed to Allah in the first part of verse 112; and (3) the
advice given indirectly to the Believers, in the second part of verse 112. I
have marked these divisions by means of inverted commas. (21.112)
2768 That is, Allah's judgment as between the
Teacher and those who refuse his Message, or between the righteous and those
who taunt them for their poverty, will be the true one, and both the Teacher
and the Ummat must leave the judgment to Allah. (21.112)
2769 Blasphemy is a dreadful sin. We must guard
ourselves from it. But as regards others, if we cannot prevent it, we must pray
to Allah for assistance and not rely upon carnal weapons. (21.112)
End of Surah Al-Anbiya’