Chapter 7 - 86
Elevation (Surah Al-Araf)
(206 verses in total, late Makkan)
In the name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Alif Lam Mim Swad!
(This is) A Book that has been inspired to you. Let there be no doubt about it in your heart so that you may caution people with it, and it may serve as a conscious reminder for those who have attained faith. Follow what has been revealed to you from your Sustainer God and take no others besides God as Guardians; little it is that you reflect to develop consciousness. (v. 1-3)
How many communities (that were unmindful) have We (God) brought to their consequences (ruins) while they rested at night or slept at noon? When they suddenly faced their consequences due, their only response was: “Indeed, we have done wrong (to ourselves)!” We will question everyone who received the message, and We will question the message bearers as well so that We can confer to them realities (of life and their doings); We are never absent (from their lives). (v. 4-7)
On that Day judgment will be rendered with truth and fairness—for those whose good deeds weight heavy on the scale will be successful, whereas those whose good deeds come short on scale will have destroyed themselves because of their rejection of God’s messages. You should know that We have given you firm footings on this planet Earth and provided all means to sustain your lives; yet you hardly ever give thanks! (v. 8-10)
We created you and shaped you1 and said to the Angels: “Submit to Adam.” They all submitted except Iblis (the Devil), who did not follow through2. He (God) said (to the Devil): “What got in the way when I commanded you to submit (to Adam)?” He (the Devil) said: “I am better than him (Adam); You created me from fire, whereas you created him from dust.” God said: “You are removed from your current state; you cannot behave arrogantly (in this state); go forth, and you will be among those who are humiliated.” The Devil pleaded: “Respite me till the day people will be resurrected.” God replied: “Yes, you are those who have been given such respite.” The Devil asserted: “Since You caused my downfall (on their account), I will lie in wait for them along Your Straight Path; I will approach them from their front, from behind them, from their right and from their left. You will find most of them not thankful to You.” God replied: “Be gone as despised and disowned. Whoever among the people follow you, I will certainly bring its consequences (Hellfire) to you all.” (v. 11-18)
(God said): “O Adam, enjoy life in Heaven with your wife and partake of anything it has to offer, but do not approach this tree lest you commit an act of injustice (against yourselves).” But the Devil whispered to them otherwise to expose to them their sense of shame3 and evil that was hitherto unknown to them and said: “Your Cherisher God forbade this tree lest you become Angels and be of the immortals.” He then swore to them: “I am an honest adviser to you (both).” (v. 19-21)
This is how he (the Devil) caused them to fall from grace by his deceit. So once they had tasted from the tree, they became aware of their nakedness, and they began to cover themselves with leaves from the garden. (God) called out to them: “Did I not forbid you about this tree and also say to you that the Devil is an enemy always ready (to act against your interest)?” They both replied:4 “O, Our Sustainer God, we have wronged ourselves; unless you forgive us and show mercy on us, we both will be among those who have lost their way.” (v. 22-23)
God said: “Go forth, some of you adversaries of others. On the earth you will have your living quarters and your livelihood for a time. It is here that you will live, it is here that you will die, and from here you will be raised (on the Day of Resurrection).” (v. 24-25)
O Children of Adam (and Eve): We have enabled you to fabricate clothing with which to cover your shame (unlike other animals) and to beautify yourself, but the best of clothing is consciousness and a sense of duty (taqwa). Such is the message from Allah so that you become mindful. (v. 26)
O Children of Adam (and Eve): Do not let the Devil deceive you as he caused your parents (Adam and Eve) to be expelled from Heaven and removed their garments (physical and spiritual) to expose their shamefulness and shortcomings. The Devil and his hosts can see you, whereas you are unable to see them. We have made the Devil (and all your evil thoughts and acts) aligned with those who deny faith in God (and in goodness). (v. 27)
When such people commit an indecent (and unjust) act, they say: “We found our forefathers doing the same, and Allah has prescribed us to do it.” Say (to them): “Allah never prescribes indecency (and unjust acts)! Do you ascribe to Allah something that you have no basis for?” Say (to them): “My Cherisher God only commands what is just and what is right. Devote yourself wholeheartedly in every act of worship of God, and seek God’s blessing with sincerity, and be true to God’s guidance. (Remember that) God is the One Who brought you into existence, and to God you will return.” (v. 28-29)
A group God has guided but another group strayed from guidance as a consequence of what they did—they preferred the Devil, instead of Allah, as their guardian in life, and they think they are on the right track. O Children of Adam (and Eve): Conduct yourself most beautifully in every act of worship, partake freely in every nourishment (God had provided), and be measured in your consumptions. God does not like those who are wasteful. (v. 30-31)
Say (Prophet): “Who forbids what Allah provides—beautifications and protections for life and wholesome provisions for sustenance—given to those who believe (to share with others) in this life, exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection?” This is how We (God) make clear the messages for those who wish to know. Say (Prophet): “My Cherisher God only forbids shameful acts and conduct, be they done openly or in secret; vices and any rebellious act without justification; any association with Allah without sanctioned by God and saying anything concerning Allah that you have no knowledge of.” For every society, there is a period of performance already set; when that term expires, no one can delay it by an hour or advance it. (v. 32-34)
O Children of Adam (and Eve): Whenever a Messenger from among you comes to convey My (God’s) messages and guidance, whoever then becomes conscious (of their responsibilities) and acts in goodness, they will have no reason to fear nor any reason to regret, whereas those who deny Our messages and guidance out of arrogance, it is they who will face Hellfire and remain therein. (v. 35-36)
Who is more corrupt than the one who invents lies against Allah or denies His messages? They will face whatever their books (they follow) prescribe (for such corruption) until Our messengers (angels of death) come to them to take them back and ask: “Where are those that you used to call in devotion besides Allah?” They will reply: “These have departed us.” This is how they will refute themselves and bear witness that they were not believers. (v. 37)
God will say: “Enter and join those former nations from men and Jinn in the Hellfire.” Every time a new group comes in, it will blame its fellow group until all of them have followed one another, and the last group will say, regarding the first group: “O our Sustainer, these are the ones who led us astray; so double the torment of fire for them.” God will reply: “It is doubled for everyone, but you do not realize that.” The first group will then call out to the last group: “You have no preference over us. Suffer then the consequence of what you have earned (just like us).” (v. 38-39)
Those who deny God’s message and behave arrogantly regarding such messages, the door of the sky will not open for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel can pass through the eye of a needle. This is how the guilty will be rewarded for what they earned. The Hellfire will be a bed and a covering for them; this is how the corrupt will be rewarded for what they have earned. (v. 40-41)
Those who believe and who do good (it is all within your ability) as We do not put a burden on any soul beyond what it can bear—these are the companions of Paradise where they will reside. We will cleanse them of any ill feelings in their hearts, and water will flow beneath their feet. They will say: Thanks to Allah Who guided us to this (outcome)! We could not have found guidance if Allah had not guided us. (We knew that) the Messengers of God came with the truth from our Sustainer God. And it will be declared to them: “This is the Garden (Paradise) you have inherited by what you did (in your life on the earth).” (v. 42-43)
The residents of Paradise will call out to the residents of Hellfire: “We have found the promise of our Sustainer to be true. Have you found the same to be true?” They (from Hellfire) will say: “Yes.” At this point an announcer will pronounce: “The displeasure of Allah is on those who are evil, who take people away from Allah’s path and distort the truth; they were truly in denial of the life after death.” (God will place) a veil between them (separating Paradise and Hell). (v. 44-45)
There is a group of people, on an elevated plane, who are aware and recognize markers (of truth and reality), will call out to the residents in Paradise: “Greeting of peace to you all.” And as they glance at the residents of Hellfire, they cry out: “Our Sustainer God, may you not place us with these evil people.” Again, the people on the elevated plane, aware and cognizant, will call out: “Your arrogance and your accumulation of wealth (and power) were of no use. Is it about these people (who are now in Paradise) that you used to swear by God that they would have no mercy (from God)?” (God will now permit them to) enter Paradise, where you will have no fear and no reason to grieve! (v. 46-49)
The residents of Hellfire will call out to the residents of Paradise: “Could you pour us some water or give any provision Allah had given you?” They (the residents in Paradise) will reply: “Both are denied to those who have denied faith in Allah —who neglected the guidance and made fun of it and were deceived by their earthly life.” Therefore, this day We (God) will forsake them, as they were oblivious of this day of meeting (with their Creator), and they denied Our messages—a book that We brought to them to clarify things with knowledge, guidance, and mercy; for those who care to believe! (v. 50-52)
Are they really waiting for its finality—on the Day when it will come (all truth will become manifest), those we were unmindful of it will say: “(We do now realize) that the Messengers of God came with truth; is there anyone who can intercede on our behalf? Is there a way for us to go back so that we could do things differently than we did before?” These are the ones who have wasted their lives, and whatever errant beliefs they resorted to have failed them. (v. 53)
Your Sustainer God is Allah Who created the universe and this planet Earth in six stages (periods, days) 5and took control of their affairs; God lets the night overtake the day in constant pursuits; the sun, the moon, and the stars follow God’s commands. God’s is the creation, and God’s is the command and control (of it)—how Blessed and Sublime is Allah, the Cherisher of the Universe! (v. 54)
Resort to your Sustainer God in humility and in your private moments. God certainly disdains transgressions of any kind. Do not make mischief and corruption on earth after it is made to conform (to human and natural orders) and refer to God with consciousness and ardent aspirations. Allah’s mercy and blessings are ever present to those who do good. (v. 55-56)
God is the One Who sends the wind bearing news of God’s impending mercy—clouds laden (with moisture and water) and driven (by wind) to a land devoid of life and pouring down abundant water, which causes all kinds of fruits (and vegetation) to come forth. This is how We (God) extract the dead (and the living) so that you can be thoughtful and mindful. Good soil gives vegetation in abundance by the grace of its Cherisher, and the soil less fertile produces but in smaller quantity. This is how We repeat messages and change signs (in nature) that you may appreciate and become thankful. (v. 57-58)
We (God) sent Noah to his people, and he said to them: “O my people, serve Allah; you have no other deity besides God. I worry about the consequences for you on that Day of Difficulty.” The leaders of his community said: “We think he is clearly wrong.” To which Noah replied: “There is no error in me, as I am the messenger sent by the Cherisher of the Universe. I deliver to you the guidance from my Sustainer, and I offer good counsel; I know from Allah what you do not know. Are you somewhat bewildered that a message and a reminder from your Sustainer God is being delivered by someone from among you, that I may caution you and make you conscious of your responsibility and you can be among those who are shown God’s mercy?” But they rejected him; so We (God) gave him and his followers in the Ark safe passage while We drowned those who denied Our Guidance. These people were indeed blinded (by their ignorance and arrogance)! (v. 59-64)
We (God) sent Hud (as a prophet) to the people of ʿĀd (a descendant of Noah)—he was a member of their community, and he said: “O my people, serve Allah; besides God, you have no other deity. Will you not be conscious of your responsibility?” Their leaders, who were steeped in denial, said to him: “You have foolish ideas, and you are a liar.” He said: “O my people, I have no folly in me, and I am a messenger from the Cherisher of the Universe! I deliver guidance from my God, and I am here to provide counsel in good faith. Do you find it strange that your God has sent someone who is from among you so that he may caution you (in a way that you can relate to)? Reflect on the fact that God has established you on the land as a successor to Noah and multiplied your power and possessions. Therefore, be mindful of Allah’s favors so that you can attain success.” (v. 65-69)
His people said: “Have you come to us to tell us to worship Allah alone and reject others that our forefathers worshipped? You might as well bring us the consequence that you speak about, assuming you are truthful.” Hud replied: “Surely evil practices and God’s displeasure are already on you. Do you dispute with me about deities that you and your forefathers invented without any confirmation from Allah? Let’s then wait (for the consequences)! I too am waiting with those who wait (and have patience). We (God) saved him and those who stood by him and brought destruction6 to those who denied Our Guidance; they were not believers at all. (v. 70-72)
To the People of Thamud, We sent Salih, who was of them, and he said: “O my people, serve Allah; besides Him, you have no other deities. Your God has sent you guidance that can be easily understood. Here is a female camel, a sign7 from God; leave her alone to roam on God’s earth and do her no harm, lest the evil consequence of your action touches you. Reflect how God established you after ʿĀd and settled you in the land, where you built castles in its valley and carved out dwellings on the mountainside. Remember such graces of Allah, and do not spread corruption in the land and make mischief.” (v. 73-74)
Their proud leaders asked those who believed (in Salih’s message) and those whom they deemed to be weaker (and less fortunate): “Do you know if Salih has been sent by his God?” They said: “We do believe in what he has been sent with.” But those proud (leaders) replied: “We reject what you believe in.” They then went ahead, tortured the she-camel to death, revolted against guidance of God, and challenged Salih: “Bring on that punishment that you warned us with if you are a messenger.” The earthquake then overtook them, and they lay dead (motionless) in their own homes. So Salih moved on, saying: “O my people, I have delivered messages from my Sustainer and gave you good counsel, but you do not love such advisers.” (v. 75-79)
(Similarly) We sent Lot, and he said to his people: “Do you commit an act so shameful that none have done this before in this world—you come on to men in lust as opposed to women? You are a people who commit excess.” His people had no other answer than to say: “Get him out of this town—he and his people aspire to purity!” We saved and delivered Lot and his followers, except his wife, who remained behind with others on whom We let torrents of rain8 descend. See then how we bring an end to those who are sinful. (v. 80-84)
To the people of Midian, We sent one of them—Shuaib, who said: “O my people, worship Allah, besides Whom you have no other deities. Guidance has come to you from your Sustainer God; Give full measure, weigh (apportion) and give what is due to others without diminishing (by any means); do not spread corruption and mischief in the land after peace and order have been restored. This is better for you, if you care to believe. Do no put obstacles by threatening and deterring people who wish to believe in God and follow God’s guidance and do not attempt to distort the truth. You should remember when you were few in numbers and how God made you a larger community; you should also reflect on what happens to those who make mischief and spread corruption! Since there is a group of you who accept what I have been sent with and there is another party who does not; let’s wait with patience (and give each other space to differ) until Allah provides judgment between us since God is the Best of all Judges.” (v. 85-87)
The leaders of his community, being arrogant and proud, said: “Shuaib, we will force you and those who believe with you from our town unless you come back to our religion.” Shuaib replied: “(are you going to force us) even if we dislike it (your religion)? If we do go back to it after Allah has guided us, then we will be inventing a lie (against God). We will not go back unless God, our Cherisher, wills as such. Our Sustainer encompasses all knowledge, and on Him do we rely. “O our Sustainer, bring out the truth between us and our community; You truly are the Harbinger of Victory” (v. 88-89)
The leaders of his community who disbelieved said (to others): “If you follow Shuaib, you will suffer losses.” (Before they could carry out their threat), an earthquake overwhelmed them, and they were reduced to dead bodies, lying on the ground in their own homes. It was as if they had never lived there; they, who called Shuaib a liar, turned out to be the real losers. As he turned away (from witnessing the calamity), he said: “O my people, I have communicated the guidance of my Sustainer God to you, and I have given you good counsel. So how can I now empathize with people who persistently denied (the truth)?” (v. 90-93)
We (God) do not send a prophet to a land except that We make its inhabitants face misfortune and hardship9so they may become humble. Then We shift their condition from difficulties to ease until they become affluent, self-assured and begin to convince themselves that hardship and difficulties were for previous generations only. Then We take them by surprise while they are preoccupied.10 (v. 94-95)
If the people of these towns believed (in God) and acted with conscience and a sense of responsibility, We would have opened up blessings from all around them—from the sky and the earth, in abundance. But they rejected, and, as a result, We make them face the consequences. Do the people of these towns feel that such consequence will escape them while they sleep at night, or go on with their daily routines and frivolous pursuits? Are they secure against what Allah plans? No one should be so self-assured except those who wish to suffer losses. (v. 96-99)
Does it not occur to those who inherit the earth after its previous inhabitants that if We (God) please, We will take them to account for their sins and make their hearts incapable of comprehending (the truth)? Such were (the human conditions in those) towns whose narratives We bring to you (in the above stories). Surely such messengers came to each generation with comprehensible guidance, but they refused to accept and reconsider what was rejected before. This is how Allah incapacitates the hearts of those who deny the truth. We did not find in many of them a commitment to the natural order of creation11 and we found most of them to be corrupt and to transgress! (v. 100-102)
(After these generations) We sent Moses to the Pharaoh and his chiefs with Our Guidance, but they rejected too; see then the end results of those who spread corruption. Moses said: “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Sustainer of the Universe; I am prepared to say nothing but the truth about Allah. I have come with guidance from your Sustainer, and you should let the Children of Israel be free to go with me.” He (the Pharaoh) replied: “Produce your evidence that you have come with if you speak the truth.” Moses threw his walking stick, and it turned into a (fearsome) serpent clearly visible. He then spread his hand, and it was shining (white with light) to the onlookers.12 (v103-107)
The chiefs of Pharaoh said: “Indeed, Moses is a skilled magician, and he intends to drive us out of our land.” Pharaoh asked: “What is your advice?” They said: “Let him and his brother (Aaron) wait while we announce throughout the cities and towns and bring all skilled magicians to you.” Once they all came, they asked the Pharaoh: “We sure expect a reward if we prevail (over Moses).” The Pharaoh promised: “Yes, you will be among my favored associates.” They asked Moses: “Will you be the first to cast, or will we?” Moses said: “You go ahead.” So they cast (their spell) and overwhelmed those in attendance with a fearsome display of sorcery and magic. We (God) inspired Moses to cast his stuff, and it overtook all that was on display of deception—thereby verifying the truth and reducing all they did to nothing. This is how they were put in their place, and they were humiliated. All the magicians prostrated (before God) and declared: “We do believe in the Sustainer of the Universe, the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron.” The Pharaoh objected: “How did you offer such submission without my permission? I think it is a plot that you all have hatched in this city to cause commotion among people and drive them out. Be prepared then for the consequence (of such betrayal)—I will cut off your hands and your feet for your rebellion and will crucify you all together.” (v. 108-124)
They all replied: “It is to our Sustainer God that we turn (for protection). Is it because of our acceptance of the guidance of God that came to us that you (Pharaoh) now punish us? O our Sustainer God, enable us to have patience and make us approach (our impending) death with full submission.” (v. 125-126)
The chiefs counseled Pharaoh: “Will you leave Moses and his people alone to cause disruption in our lands and to deny you and your gods?” The Pharaoh said: “We will kill the sons of Israelites and leave their women alone; we have power over them.” Moses advised his people: “Turn to Allah for help and have patience. The Earth belongs to God, and God makes among the servants whom God wills to inherit the land. In the end those who are conscious (of God) and demonstrate a sense of responsibility (to fellow humans) will have the upper hand.” His people lamented: “We are being persecuted—before you came and since you have been here.” Moses comforted (and cautioned) them: “It may well be that God will destroy your tormentor and give you a hand in overseeing the affairs of the land. Then God will see how you conduct yourselves.” (v. 127-129)
We overpowered Pharaoh’s people with drought and reduction in food supply so that they might be reminded; but when good fortune came to them, they would say: “This is by us,” and when any affliction came to them, they would say: “This is due to Moses and his people.” (In reality) whatever befalls them, it is prescribed by God, but most of them are unaware. They refuted further: “Whatever means you (O Moses) may bring to charm us, we are not going to believe in you.” So We sent widespread destruction and diseases from locusts, lice, frogs, and blood13 — evident manifestations (of God’s displeasure). Yet they responded with further arrogance; they were a people drawn to evil ways. (v. 130-133)
When a plague would descend on them, they would appeal to Moses: “Pray on our behalf to your Sustainer with Whom you have a covenant—if you can remove this plague, we will certainly believe in you and will let the Children of Israel go with you.” But whenever we removed such plagues and gave them time14 (to make good on their promises), they failed. So We made them face the consequences, and drowned them in the sea since they denied Our messages and were intentionally negligent. (v. 134-136)
We (God) enabled people who were considered weak (and dispossessed) to inherit the land, from its eastern side to the western side, a land We had blessed15 abundantly. It was a commitment that God fulfilled for the Children of Israel due to their patience (and perseverance) while We brought down what Pharaoh and his people accomplished, and what they built. (v. 137)
We (God) brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and they came upon a people16 who worshipped idols. They (the Children of Israel) said to Moses: “Set up for us a god like theirs.” Moses rebuked them: “You are behaving like ignorant people. What these people are engaged in will lead them to destruction, and all they do is worthless. How shall I set up a god other than Allah Who has favored you above all others?” (He reminded them): “How God has delivered you from the people of the Pharaoh who imposed cruel sufferings on you—killing your sons and sparing only your women. This was an enormous trial from your Sustainer!” (v. 138-141)
Moses came up for Our appointment (with God), and his Cherisher God spoke to him. He said: “My Sustainer, show me Yourself so that I might behold You.” God said: “You cannot see Me, but pay attention to this mountain; if it remains firm in its place, only then you can see Me.” Then his Sustainer God shone His glory on the mountain and made it crumble to pieces; Moses fell down, losing his senses. When he recovered, he declared: “You are the most glorious; I turn to You, and I am the first to accept of the believers!” (v. 143-144)
God said: “Moses, I have elevated you among mankind by My messages and by My words. Implement what I convey to you and remain thankful. We articulated for you in the tablet guidance and exposition for all matters (of importance). So commit to these with firmness, and advise your people to follow the goodness therein. (v. 145)
I (God) will show you the results of corruption and mischief. I will deprive of My guidance those who act with pride on this earth without justification; they will see every sign but will not accept it; they will see the means to correct themselves but will ignore them, and they will see the means to corrupt themselves and will latch onto them. Such conditions exist because they actively deny Our guidance and remain ignorant of it. Those who reject Our guidance and Our meeting in the Afterlife, theirs is a pursuit not worth anything. How can they be rewarded except based on what they do?” (v. 145-147)
After Moses (went to the mountain), his people made the body of a calf using their ornaments that produced low-pitched sounds. They took it for worship though they could see that it did not speak to them, nor did it provide any guidance; they were indeed unjust (to themselves). When they (some of them) realized their mistake and sought forgiveness, they said: “If our Sustainer God does not show mercy on us and forgive us, we will be in a state of loss.”17 (v. 148-149)
When Moses returned, he was overcome with grief and anger and said to his people: “Evil and shameful is what you have done after me. Could you not wait until God’s commands were given to you?” He dropped the tablets and grabbed his brother (Aaron) by his head and pulled toward himself. His brother said: “O Moses (son of my mother), our community considered me weak and disobeyed me. So let’s not make our adversaries relish my predicament, and do not consider me as one of the unjust people.” Moses regained calm: “My Sustainer God, forgive me and my brother, and consider us among those who receive Your mercy. You’re the most merciful of those who show mercy.” (v. 150-151)
Those who took the calf (for worship), they will face God’s displeasure and humiliation in this life. This is how We (God) deal with those who invent such falsehood. But to those who repent after such evil and reaffirm their faith, God is Ever Forgiving and Merciful! (v. 152-153)
As Moses calmed down, he took up the Tablets in which the writings provided guidance and brought mercy for those who truly revered their Sustainer God. Moses chose seventy men for appointment with Us (God) and were overtaken by earthquake; Moses prayed: “If it was Your will, You could have removed them and me too already. Will you now destroy us for the acts of the fools among us? This was nothing but a serious trial from You! You allow people to go astray as You will, and You guide people as You will. You are our Preserver; therefore, forgive us and show us (again) Your mercy, as You are the best among the Forgivers! Bless us with what is good in this world and in the life to come as we turn to You.” God responded: “My displeasure touches whom I will (as deserved by them), but My mercy is spread to everyone and everything. I ordain (such mercy) for those who behave responsibly (have taqwa) support others from their wealth (zakat), and take Our Guidance seriously.” (v. 154-156)
Those who follow the unlettered (Ummi) Messenger-Prophet - whom they find written about in the Torah and the Bible; who invites them to what is right and good, and dissuades them from what is evil; who legislates for them what is pure and good and prohibits what is impure and bad; who removes from them undue burdens and fetters imposed on them—and those who accept him, honor him, help him, and adhere to the light (knowledge and guidance) that has been sent down to him, these are the successful ones! (v. 157)
Say (O Prophet): “O Mankind! I am a Messenger to all of you from Allah Who has the dominion over the Universe and the Earth; there is no god but God, giving life and dispensing death (to all).” Therefore, have faith in Allah and in His unlettered Messenger-Prophet who believes in Allah and in His words—follow him so that you can be guided. (v. 158)
From the followers of Moses, there is a community who guide themselves to truth and establish justice with such guidance. (v. 159)
We grouped them into twelve tribes, as communities. When his people asked Moses for water, We revealed to him: “Strike the rock with your stick”; so out came twelve springs, and each community knew its source of water. We made the cloud to comfort them with shade, sent for them manna and quails, and said: “Eat of the good provisions We have provided for you.” Yet, when they did make wrong choices, they did Us no harm. (Recollect) what was said to them: “Live in this town and benefit from its resources as you wish; but seek forgiveness and show humility as you enter it. We (God) will forgive your wrongs and give plenty to those who do good.” But those who were prone to do evil changed the instructions for a word different from what they were told. So We sent a calamity from above on account of their evilness.18 (v. 160-162)
Inquire of them about the town by the sea. There they violated the spirit of the Sabbath—on the Sabbath day, fish will come to the surface, but on other days, they will not surface. This is how We (God) tried them for their repeated failures. A group among them said: “Why should we attempt to guide a people whom God will destroy or bring severe punishment?” The group (offering such guidance) replied: “To avoid the blame of not doing so in the presence of our Sustainer God and in the hope that they might become aware and responsible.” So We protected those who reminded others to avoid evil and took to account those who failed to pay attention to such reminders and who were steeped in evil—an evil punishment befitting their transgression. When they persisted in doing what they were advised against, We (God) declared: “Be as apes, despised and outcast”.19 (v. 163-166)
And remember when your Sustainer announced that He will send against them, to the Day of Resurrection, people who will subject them to severe torment. Surely God is quick in taking account, but He is ever Forgiving, Merciful! We cause them to divide into groups—some of them drawn to good and some of them otherwise (to evil). We tried them with good fortune as well as misfortune to see if they would turn around. (v. 167-168)
After these people, came in their posterity another evil generation who inherited the divine revelation but opted for the vanities of life on this earth and boasted: “We will be forgiven.” They were ready to do the same at every turn of their good life. Yet a commitment was taken from them in their book that they would speak nothing about God but the truth, and they studied what was in the book. Certainly, the life after is better for those who are mindful and responsible. Do they not then understand? Those who remain true to the Guidance and persist in devotion to God—for them, We do not waste the effort - those who continue to reform themselves. (Remember also) when We (God) shook the mountain towering over them and casting its shadow, they thought it was going to crush them. (We said): “Commit firmly what you have been given and become fully aware of what it contains, so that you can become mindful and be responsible.” 20 (v. 169-171)
Relate to them the affair of those to whom We give Our Guidance, but they walk away from it so that the Devil pursues them and makes them stray in irreversible errors. If We had willed, We could have made them prosper in it but they opted for the material life and pursued their vain desires. Such people resemble a dog that, if you pursue it, it lolls out its tongue, and if you leave it undisturbed, it lolls his tongue the same way. Such is the condition of those denying Our messages. Therefore, continue to repeat the narratives, and perhaps they will reflect. Evil is the manifestation of those who deny Our messages, and they oppress thereby none but their own souls.22 (v. 175-177)
Those whom Allah guides are indeed guided, but whom God allows to stray, they are indeed in a state of loss. Certainly many Jinns and human beings are destined for Hell—they were gifted with a heart, but they try not to understand with it; they were given eyes, but they try not to see with them; and they have ears, but they do not listen with them—they behave like cattle, or perhaps stray further. They are making no attempt to comprehend. God has the best attributes, so aspire to imbibe those attributes and leave alone those who disregard such attributes. They will face the consequences of what they do. (v. 178-180)
(Let there be) from among Our [God’s] creations a group that guides (themselves and others) to truth and pursues justice thereby.23 (v. 181)
Those who deny Our (God’s) messages, We lead them (to their consequences) gradually, in a manner that they do not recognize that this is happening. I (God) allow them respite (to continue their denials and mischiefs), but My subtle scheme is ever effective. (v. 182-183)
Do they not reflect—this companion of theirs (the Prophet) is not under any influence; he is simply a warner, making things clear. Have they not seen the dominion (of God) over the Universe and the Earth and what Allah had created? Could it be that their own term for existence is coming to an end? What other announcement (from God) are they waiting to believe in, after this? Whoever Allah leaves in error, they can find no guidance. God leaves them alone to stumble around in their arrogance. (v. 184-186)
They ask you about the Hour (Day of Resurrection) when it will come about. Say: “The knowledge of it is only with my Sustainer God. None but God can me bring it about when the time is due; it will impact heavily on the heavens and the earth, and it will come but suddenly.” They continue to ask you, as if by persistence you will gain insight into it. Repeat for them: “Such knowledge belongs to Allah alone, and most people are ignorant.” (v. 187)
Say: “I control neither benefit nor harm to myself, except what God wills. Had I been privy to the unseen, I would have gained much good, and no harm would ever touch me. (Let me repeat), I am simply a warner and a giver of good news to those who believe.” (v. 188)
God is the One who created you from a single being, then established from itself its mate, so that he may incline to her. So when he has intimate contact with her, she conceives a weight light enough to move about with it. As it grows heavy, they both call upon God, their Sustainer: “If You bless us with a good child, we will be most grateful.” But once God has given them a good child, they begin to credit others regarding the gift that God had blessed them with, whereas God is exalted and pure from such associations. Do they assert them as partners (with God) when they create nothing and are themselves created? These cannot offer any help to others, nor can they help themselves. (v. 189-192)
If you invite them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is the same whether you call them to guidance or remain silent24. Those whom you invoke besides Allah are subservient to God just like you. If you feel you speak the truth, then go ahead and call them—see if they answer you. Do these idols have feet with which they walk, or hands with which they hold, or eyes with which they see, or ears with which they hear? Say (Prophet): “Invoke your gods, try to prevail over me, and give me no concession. My friend is Allah Who inspired this Book, and God befriends those who subscribe to goodness. Those whom you invoke besides God are not able to help you, let alone help themselves. If you invoke them for guidance, they hear you not. You might feel they are looking at you, but they see nothing.” (v. 193-198)
Resort to forgiveness, work and encourage goodness, and do not be influenced by those who are ignorant. If the Devil25 attempts to influence you with dissention or deviation (from truth), resort to God, who is Ever Hearing and Knowing. Those who are conscious and responsible, they immediately become mindful, when the Devil attempts to influence them, and they have situational awareness, whereas those who align with the Devil continue to increase in such deviation without resisting. (v. 199-202)
When you do not bring them a sign, they ask: “Why don’t you demand it (from God)?” Reply to them: “I only follow what comes from my Sustainer God.” This narrative is a sign, a proof, a guide and a source of mercy for those who believe. When this Qur’an is presented, pay attention to its message, and reflect on its meaning (in silent contemplation) so that you can receive its mercy. Be conscious of your Sustainer God within your inner core with awe and humility and in a voice pleasant during morning hours and evening hours (during worship), and do not allow yourself to be without such conscious mindfulness. (Be like those) who are in the presence of your Sustainer God—they are not proud to serve him, they glorify and honor God immensely, and to God they are wholeheartedly devoted. (v. 203-206)
1 physically, spiritually, and with human intellect and choices
2 see also 2:34, 3:59, 15:28, 20:116
3 “saut” typically is translated as private parts but the Arabic word has rather a broader meaning of shame which may pertain to acts, conditions or things that when exposed bring shame to someone
4 This prayer of Adam and Eve on their first and only failure while in the presence God in heaven is a standard bearer of supplication that every Muslims learns and repeats to make themselves humble, accept responsibility for their shortcoming and seek forgiveness
5 see also: 41:9–12
6 Through a violent storm; see 69:7
7 Trial to test their faith and goodness, see 54:27
8 The nature of this rain has been further elaborated in other verses – 11:82, 15:74, 54:34 – as rain of stones, mud, hail – reminiscent of an volcanic eruption combined with earthquake and violent storm
9 as a consequence of their conduct denying the prophet, God’s message, and social justice to people
10 Were thinking they were on the right path – see also 6:41-46
11 “ahd”—a bond with God, a commitment to truth and justice
12 Exodus, chapter 4 have similar details
13 see Exodus 7:10 in the Bible
14 see Exodus 8:11 in the Bible
15 see Genesis 17:8 in the Bible
16 Perhaps Amalekites as described in the Bible
17 This prayer is similar to the prayer that Adam and Eve supplicated with when the Devil tempted them
18 see in the Bible, Numbers 25:1–3, 8–9.
19 see in the Bible, Ezekiel 22:8–15.
20 This condition and prediction apply to all major religious groups of today – no one is exempted or can claim exclusion!
21 This is a fundamental truth about our reality that God exist and every generation of human being affirms this truth, though many or few may deny it from time to time.
22 These are cautionary tales for those who claim to have faith but act contrary to faith
23 This is the clarion call to every group of faithful – be they Muslims, Christians, Jews or any other religion who truly believe in God and aspire human goodness!
24 These verses address the idol worshippers at the time of the Prophet, but many of whom continue to exist today such as in Hinduism and Buddhism, two major religious groups
25 Also implies people of jinn of evil intent who influence through instigation, falsehood and corruption
