MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN

Translation and Brief Elucidation

By

Dr. Israr Ahmad

Surah Al-A'raf 

 (The Heights)

(Recap of verses 163 – 181 of Surah,7, Al-A'raf, and exposition of

Verses 182 – 206 of the same Surah, inclusive)

Translator’s note:

For the sake of continuity and coherent explanation, most of the general discourse has been made by employing the ‘male’ as a prototype, which is in no way meant to be diminutive of the opposite gender or to disrespect the status of women.

Moreover, each verse (Verse) has been kept as a continuum in order to prevent the misrepresentation of meanings, which may occur when the verses are broken up and the translation of those verses becomes kaput when done in bits and pieces.

Cross-references taken from other parts of the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (SAAW) are provided in italics.

The Translation of the Holy Qur’an done by the Message International – USA (www.FreeQur’an.com) and edited by Saheeh International – UK, Dar Al Mountada – Saudi Arabia and Al Qummah – Egypt has been used in order to synchronize the use of modern English Language, which we believe will give a more accomplished sense of understanding to Today’s mind.

Recap of verses 163 – 181 (inclusive) of Surah 7, Al-A'raf

Verses 163 through 181 commence with a discourse delving into the historical chronicles of Bani Israel, post the era of Prophet Moses (AS). Allah (SWT) tasked the Israelites with observing the Sabbath, abstaining from all worldly engagements; refraining from cooking, demanding service from their slaves or cattle, and eschewing any form of labor or worldly pursuits. The whole day was sanctified for the remembrance of Allah (SWT), the study of Torah, and the worship of the Divine. However, the Israelites openly transgressed these mandates. It was a divine trial that on the weekdays, their coastal waters teemed with just enough fish to sustain them, yet on the Sabbath, fish would swarm in abundance. The people of that land got divided into three factions: the first, those who were overtly transgressing the sacred laws of Moses (AS); the second, who were silent spectators and although abstaining from transgression themselves yet failing to stop or deter others from such wrongdoing; and the third, steadfastly refraining from sin while actively admonishing and dissuading their brethren. When divine retribution befell the town, only those individuals belonging to the final category were spared, having demonstrated a profound reverence for Allah(SWT) and dutifully fulfilled their responsibilities.

So when they arrogantly persisted on what they were forbidden to do, Allah (SWT) sent his punishment and the transgressors became apes. It is then pronounced that the Jews will keep transgressing as a nation till the Day of Reckoning, except for those who are virtuous. Allah (SWT) subjects them to trials of both prosperity and adversity, perchance they may turn back, repenting to Allah (SWT). The truth is that the Jews, in their erroneous belief as Lord’s chosen people, knowingly transgress, assuming they will be pardoned and spared divine punishment. The Muslims are told that from their ranks, those who steadfastly adhere to the Qur’an, clutching it firmly, and after recognizing it as the divine word of Allah (SWT), uphold its teachings with steadfast dedication and they ensure the establishment of prayer; they are the ones whose reward has been guaranteed in this verse. Following this, the Prophet Moses (AS) was imparted with the Divine Law of Allah (SWT) at the base of Mount Sinai. It's crucial to clarify that the Israelites, by and large, though initially hesitant, willingly entered into the covenant with Allah (SWT). It must be noted that just as the Israelites were bound by the covenant of Moses (AS), the Muslim Ummah is bound by the covenant of the Qur’an and Holy Prophet (SAAW). If we hold firmly to our covenant with Allah (SWT) and have Taqwa, only then we would become eligible for success in the Hereafter.

Starting from verse 172, all men are told that a covenant with Allah(SWT) is not the exclusive privilege of Israelites. In fact all human beings are bound in a covenant with Allah (SWT) and a Day will come when they will be made to answer how well they were able to observe that covenant. This covenant that occurred at the beginning of creation is of prime importance. Allah (SWT) made witness the souls of all human beings, from Adam until the Last Day, on themselves. The souls were asked: "Am I not your Lord”. They all responded, "Indeed, we bear witness to it.” Thus, on the Day of Judgment, they may not plead ignorance regarding this covenant. For their souls retain remembrance, and when Allah (SWT) holds them to account based on this covenant, their souls will recall. Thus on the Day of Resurrection, the Creator will awaken in humanity the recollection of the initial assembly when individuals made their covenant with Allah(SWT) and acknowledged Him as their Sole Lord. Indeed the revelations of Allah (SWT) through his Messenger (SAAW) are for the purpose of guiding people back to the truth. In this context, "Signs" denote the impressions left by knowledge of the truth upon the human heart, facilitating the recognition of what is true. "To return" signifies relinquishing rebellion and embracing obedience to Allah(SWT). The parable of the transgression of Balam ibn Ba'ura, is then mentioned as a sign for human frailty. Allah (SWT) had endowed him with miraculous abilities, known as Karamat, granted to those who are close to Him. That is for non-Prophets, as the Messengers (AS) and Prophets (AS) are bestowed with miracles, or Mujizat. However, in his moral weakness, he brazenly transgressed the boundaries he knew he should observe. Satan led him from one act of depravity to another until he fell in with those wholly under Satan's sway, devoid of sober judgment. Subsequently, Allah (SWT) likens this individual to a dog, with its protruding tongue and ceaseless drooling symbolizing insatiable greed and avarice. It is then decreed that wretched indeed are those who reject Allah’s (SWT) revelations and Ayat (Signs), and the commandments of the Prophet (SAAW). Those who go astray from the Right Path are the ones destined for eternal doom. They will be the losers in the Hereafter.

All the noble and virtuous names belong to Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) has conveyed to us ninety-nine of these names, most of which are found in the Qur’an, while some are derived from Hadith. Therefore, when supplicating to Allah (SWT), one should invoke Him through His names. As for those who blaspheme against the names of Allah (SWT), they will be held accountable for their actions and words. Their recompense will be in accordance with their deeds. Individuals are warned against the grave error of denial coupled with mockery, a stance they have taken towards the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW). It is declared that within the Muslim Ummah there will always remain a community or a group, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) foretold, that would enjoin good and forbid evil. They will be guided by truth themselves and they will guide others by the truth. Thus, at no point in human history will there be ‘absolutely no one’ who upholds righteousness and guide others with integrity.

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Exposition of verses 163 – 181 of Surah Al-A'raf

Verse 182

  وَ الَّذِیْنَ  کَذَّبُوْا  بِاٰیٰتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُھُمْ مِّنْ حَیْثُ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ (۱۸۲)

But those who deny Our signs – We will progressively lead them [to destruction] from where they do not know.

Indeed, those who disbelieve and reject the revelation on Prophet Muhammad (SWT) by Allah (SWT), Allah (SWT) shall lead them step by step towards a destruction they cannot perceive. That destruction could manifest in this world too, and will definitively befall them in the Hereafter.

Verse 183

وَاُمْلِیْ لَھُمْ ڜ اِنَّ کَیْدِیْ مَتِیْنٌ (۱۸۳)

And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.

Allah (SWT) grants respite to the transgressors, yet His grasp is swift and severe. If someone chooses the wrong path, he is allowed to proceed. Thus, Allah (SWT) grants them respite so that all the evil within them may manifest, revealing their true selves. Then Allah (SWT) will recompense them with the punishment they deserve. Indeed, Allah(SWT) gives the unbelievers respite, but surely, His Plan is mighty and unassailable.

Verse 184

اَوَلَمْ یَتَفَکَّرُوْا ۫ مَا بِصَاحِبِہِمْ مِّنْ جِنَّۃٍ ۭ اِنْ ھُوَ اِلَّا نَذِیْرٌ مُّبِیْنٌ (۱۸۴)

Then do they not give thought? There is in their companion [i.e., Muhammad] no madness. He is not but a clear warner.

The unbelievers and transgressors are being challenged here who do not reflect and contemplate, that the Prophet Muhmmad (SAAW) is the most lofty person ever witnessed in all senses of the word. The polytheists used to accuse that Muhammad (SAAW) was mad and unwise (May Allah SWT protect us from such utterings). However, their accusations were made out of bigotry and prejudice. They wanted to discredit the Messengers of Allah (SWT) by throwing such accusations at him. The Qur’an tells them to reflect earnestly, so that the truth could become evident to them and they could save themselves from a painful torment by submitting to Allah (SWT) and believing in the Prophet (SAAW). The prophet (SAAW) lived in the city of Makkah, so he was their ‘companion’. They had known him all his life. He was a ‘brother’ to them, belonging to the same tribe. He was the son of Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, truly one of their own. Before the advent of his prophethood, Muhammad (SAAW) was known to all the Quraysh as a man of good morals and of sound mind. However, as he started calling people to accept the Message of God, they immediately dubbed him insane. So all their accusations were appalling as well as fabricated.

Verse 185

اَوَلَمْ یَنْظُرُوْا فِیْ مَلَکُوْتِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ وَمَا خَلَقَ اللہُ مِنْ شَیْءٍ ۙ وَّاَنْ عَسٰٓی اَنْ یَّکُوْنَ قَدِ اقْتَرَبَ اَجَلُھُمْ ۚ فَبِاَیِّ حَدِیْثٍۢ بَعْدَہٗ یُؤْمِنُوْنَ (۱۸۵)

Do they not look into the realm of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allah has created and [think] that perhaps their appointed time has come near? So in what statement [i.e., message] hereafter will they believe? 

The Qur'an, therefore, asks them to give serious thought to the teachings of the Prophet (SAAW) and to see if there is anything that is inconsistent with sanity, or is meaningless and irrational. Had people reflected on the order of the universe, or carefully considered even one single creation of Allah (SWT), they would have been convinced of the truth of the teachings of the Prophet (SAAW). They would have realized that whatever he said to refute polytheism, or to establish Allah’s (SWT) unity or the accountability of man in the Hereafter, or about the necessity of man's surrender to Allah (SWT), was corroborated by the entire order of the universe and every single atom of Allah’s (SWT) creation.

The unbelievers, ineffectual as they are, fail to understand that no one knows when he will die. For death overtakes man totally unawares. Moreover, The Hour (الساعۃ) may indeed be very near. At this juncture, two-thirds of the Quran had already been revealed, as these are the final chapters of the Makki Surahs, and two-thirds of the Quran is comprised of these Makki revelations. This being the case, what will be the end of those who waste the time at their disposal until death or The Hour overtakes them and fail to find the direction to their salvation?

Verse 186

مَنْ یُّضْلِلِ اللہُ فَلَا ھَادِیَ لَہٗ ۭ وَ یَذَرُھُمْ فِیْ طُغْیَانِہِمْ یَعْمَہُوْنَ (۱۸۶)

Whoever Allah sends astray – there is no guide for him. And He leaves them in their transgression, wandering blindly.

Whomsoever Allah (SWT) has declared to have gone astray, and a seal has been set upon the heart of that person, then no one can guide such a person or lead him to the right path. Allah (SWT) will leave such people in their insolence and rebellion, wandering blindly. There is no compulsion to choosing the path and once someone chooses the path of rebellion and transgression, and does not have even the willingness or desire to revert to the right path, then Allah (SWT) that person to keep following that path.

Verse 187

یَسْئَلُوْنَکَ عَنِ السَّاعَۃِ اَیَّانَ مُرْسٰىھَا ۭ قُلْ اِنَّمَا عِلْمُھَا عِنْدَ رَبِّیْ ۚ لَا یُجَلِّیْھَا لِوَقْتِھَآ اِلَّا ھُوَ ڪ ثَقُلَتْ فِی السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ ۭلَا تَاْتِیْکُمْ اِلَّا بَغْتَۃً ۭ یَسْئَلُوْنَکَ کَاَنَّکَ حَفِیٌّ عَنْھَا ۭ قُلْ اِنَّمَاعِلْمُھَا عِنْدَ اللہِ وَلٰکِنَّ اَکْثَرَالنَّاسِ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ (۱۸۷)

They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival?  Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord.  None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, "Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most of the people do not know."

The appointed time (اجل) for an individual is the moment of their death. The appointed time for a nation or community is when the period of respite granted by Allah (SWT) runs out and the final punishment in this world befalls them. The appointed time for the entire world is the Day of Judgment. The knowledge of all the aforementioned three types of appointed times is known to Allah (SWT) alone. The subject of this verse is the time of the advent of the Last Day, and that is known to Allah (SWT) alone which, in fact, is not known even to the Prophet (SAAW), but most people do not know this.

O Muhammad (SAW), they are asking you about the Day of Judgment, inquiring when it will come—that Hour, that appointed time.

Now they are asking about the appointed time for the entire world, the Day of Judgment. Tell them that the knowledge of the Hour is only with my Lord. No one will disclose its time except Him. It is embedded within the heavens and the earth. What does this mean? Just as my death is ubiquitous with me, with my own bodily processes predetermined, so too is the death of the creation built into it. The time is set, and it will not come from outside but from within. Similarly, the end of this creation is fixed within the heavens and the earth and will come upon you suddenly.

They ask you as if you are eagerly searching for it. Tell them, the knowledge of the Day of Judgment is only with Allah (SWT), but most people do not know this.

Verse 188

قُلْ لَّآ اَمْلِکُ لِنَفْسِیْ نَفْعًا وَّلَا ضَرًّا اِلَّا مَاشَاۗءَ اللہُ ۭ وَلَوْ کُنْتُ اَعْلَمُ الْغَیْبَ لَا سْتَکْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَیْرِ ٻوَمَا مَسَّنِیَ السُّوْۗءُ ڔ اِنْ اَنَا اِلَّا نَذِیْرٌ وَّبَشِیْرٌ لِّقَوْمٍ یُّؤْمِنُوْنَ (۱۸۸)

Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me.  I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe."

As mentioned in the previous verse, the time of the advent of the Last Day is known to Allah (SWT) alone, which, in fact, is not known even to the Prophet (SAAW). Had his knowledge encompassed everything – even things of the Unseen (غیب) and events that lie hidden in the future – he would have accumulated immense benefit and would have been able to avoid a great deal of loss owing to such foreknowledge. The line of argument used by the Quran here is a fact as well as a response to the demand of the unbelievers who were adamant that the Prophet (SAAW) should tell them about the actual time for the advent of the Last Day.

Verse 189

ھُوَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَکُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَۃٍ وَّجَعَلَ مِنْھَا زَوْجَھَا لِیَسْکُنَ اِلَیْھَا ۚ فَلَمَّا تَغَشّٰھَا حَمَلَتْ حَمْلًا خَفِیْفًا فَمَرَّتْ بِہٖ ۚ فَلَمَّآ اَثْقَلَتْ دَّعَوَا اللہَ رَبَّھُمَا لَئِنْ اٰتَیْتَنَا صَالِحًا لَّنَکُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الشّٰکِرِیْنَ (۱۸۹)

It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in security with her. And when he [i.e., man] covers her, she carries a light burden [i.e., a pregnancy] and continues therein.  And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allah, their Lord, "If You should give us a good [child], we will surely be among the grateful."

The crux and connotation of this Ayah also appeared at the beginning of this Surah. It is Allah (SWT) who created man as a single being from one soul, and from that soul, Allah (SWT) created his female mate so that he might find repose and satisfaction in her. When he covers her, she carries a light burden initially, which is not felt by the woman, nor is it apparent to others in the early stages of pregnancy. She goes about her daily life, unnoticed. However, as the pregnancy matures, the burden on the woman increases due to the growing foetus in her womb, and her physical and emotional states change, then both the husband and wife call upon Allah (SWT), saying, "If You grant us a safe, sound, and good child, we shall be among the thankful and grateful people."

In truth, this verse seeks to refute polytheism. It is devoted to highlighting the implications of the postulate which even the polytheists affirm – that it is Allah (SWT) Who originally created the human species. They also acknowledge that every human being owes his existence to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) also holds absolute power over the entire process leading to man's birth, right from the fertilization of the ovum in the uterus to its onward development in the form of a living being, then investing it with numerous faculties and ensuring its birth as a sound, healthy baby. No one has the power to prevent Allah(SWT), if He so willed, from causing a woman to give birth to a physically or mentally handicapped baby. This fact is also equally acknowledged by monotheists and polytheists. It is for this reason that in the final stage of pregnancy, people are inclined to turn to Allah(SWT) and pray for the safe birth of a sound and healthy baby.

Verse 190

فَلَمَّآ اٰتٰھُمَا صَالِحًا جَعَلَا لَہٗ شُرَکَاۗءَ فِیْمَآ اٰتٰھُمَا ۚ فَتَعٰلَی اللہُ عَمَّا یُشْرِکُوْنَ (۱۹۰)

But when He gives them a good [child], they ascribe partners to Him concerning that which He has given them. Exalted is Allah above what they associate with Him.

This verse continues with the theme of refuting polytheism. It is the very height of man's ignorance and folly that after a sound and healthy baby has been born as a result of Allah’s (SWT) will, man begins to attribute the child’s birth and well-being to other deities, and they make offerings at the altars of false gods and goddesses. Exalted is Allah (SWT) above all that they associate with Him.

Verse 191

اَیُشْرِکُوْنَ مَا لَا یَخْلُقُ شَیْئًا وَّھُمْ یُخْلَقُوْنَ (۱۹۱) 

Do they associate with Him those who create nothing and they are [themselves] created?

All deities except Allah (SWT) – the false gods and goddesses – have no claim to deification themselves. Do the polytheists want to associate with Allah (SWT) false deities, who don’t create anything, while they are themselves created.

Verse 192

وَلَا یَسْتَطِیْعُوْنَ لَھُمْ نَصْرًا وَّلَآ اَنْفُسَھُمْ یَنْصُرُوْنَ (۱۹۲) 

And they [i.e., the false deities] are unable to [give] them help, nor can they help themselves.

And these false gods have no power to help them, nor can they help themselves. They cannot assist others, nor can they aid their own selves. Not only do they not have the power to guide others, they do not even have the power to follow others or even to answer the call of their devotees. When the Prophet (SAAW) himself says, "I have no power even for my own benefit or harm; it is all in the hands of Allah (SWT)," what can be said of others? Indeed, all power, authority, knowledge and control belong to Allah (SWT) alone.

Verse 193

وَاِنْ تَدْعُوْھُمْ اِلَی الْھُدٰی لَا یَتَّبِعُوْکُمْ ۭسَوَاۗءٌ عَلَیْکُمْ اَدَعَوْتُمُوْھُمْ اَمْ اَنْتُمْ صَامِتُوْنَ (۱۹۳) 

And if you [believers] invite them to guidance, they will not follow you.  It is all the same for you whether you invite them or you are silent.

As mentioned earlier, this is one of the last Makki Surahs, and after twelve long years of Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) preaching to the polytheists of Makkah, conveying the message of Allah (SWT), and reciting the Ayat of Allah (SWT) most of them they did not pay heed. Despite their hearts testifying to the truth and their inability to meet the challenges put forth by the Qur’an, they remained arrogant and unbelievers. It was because of their arrogance and positions as chiefs that they refused to submit to Allah (SWT) and obey the Prophet (SAAW). Accepting Muhammad (SAAW) as a Prophet meant having to obey him, and their arrogance prevented them from doing so. Consequently, a seal was placed on their hearts. The Qur’an, thus, gives a damning verdict about those pagans that even if the believers keep calling them towards the right path and guidance, they will never follow the truth. They have already reached the point of no return. It is equal whether the Muslims continue calling them to the right path or remain silent.

Verse 194

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ تَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللہِ عِبَادٌ اَمْثَالُکُمْ فَادْعُوْھُمْ فَلْیَسْتَجِیْبُوْا لَکُمْ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ صٰدِقِیْنَ (۱۹۴)

Indeed, those you [polytheists] call upon besides Allah are servants [i.e., creations] like you.  So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful.

These are two shades of shirk. One is the manifest shirk, which is idol worshipping. The polytheists of Makkah practiced it. They claimed that these figures carved from stone were not the ‘real gods and goddesses’ but only symbols for meditation, representing the gods and goddesses in the heavens who are beloved of Allah (SWT). They believed that angels, whom they named Laat, Uzzah, and Manat, etc., were daughters of Allah (SWT). Thus, they carved figures and images of those false deities to meditate and reach them.

There are two aspects worth considering here: The direct presence of the idol before them and the deities they truly call upon through these idols. They know the idol itself, which they carved, can neither hear nor speak. For them it served as a medium to call upon the ‘angels’ or, in some cases, the departed souls of pious people, whom they held as the partners of Allah (SWT) in His Authority, Control and  Knowledge. The latter is the second kind of shirk by proxy. In essence, both the medium and the false deity called through the medium were symbols and tools of their shirk.

The polytheists are told that the false deities that they call upon are themselves the bondsmen and slaves of Allah (SWT). They too have been created by Allah (SWT) as His servants. So they cannot respond to their calls, proving that the polytheists are in grave error.

Verse 195

اَلَھُمْ اَرْجُلٌ یَّمْشُوْنَ بِھَآ ۡ اَمْ لَھُمْ اَیْدٍ یَّبْطِشُوْنَ بِھَآ ۡ اَمْ لَھُمْ اَعْیُنٌ یُّبْصِرُوْنَ بِھَآ ۡ اَمْ لَھُمْ اٰذَانٌ یَّسْمَعُوْنَ بِھَا ۭ قُلِ ادْعُوْا شُرَکَاۗءَکُمْ ثُمَّ کِیْدُوْنِ فَلَا تُنْظِرُوْنِ (۱۹۵)

Do they have feet by which they walk? Or do they have hands by which they strike?  Or do they have eyes by which they see?  Or do they have ears by which they hear?  Say, [O Muhammad], "Call your 'partners' and then conspire against me and give me no respite.

Polytheistic religions seem to have three common characteristics: (1)idols and images that are held as objects of worship; (2) some persons and spirits that are considered deities represented in the form of idols and images, etc.; and (3) certain beliefs which underlie their polytheistic rites. The Qur'an denounces all these. At this place, however, the attack is directed against the objects to which the polytheists directed their worship.

Verse 196

اِنَّ وَلِیِّۦ اللہُ الَّذِیْ نَزَّلَ الْکِتٰبَ ڮ وَھُوَ یَتَوَلَّی الصّٰلِحِیْنَ (۱۹۶)

Indeed, my protector is Allah, who has sent down the Book; and He is an ally to the righteous.

This is in response to the threats held out by the polytheists to the Prophet (SAAW). They used to say to the Prophet (SAAW) that if he did not give up opposing their deities and denouncing them, he would be overwhelmed by the wrath of those deities and court utter disaster. The verse commands the Prophet (SAAW) to tell the polytheists to do whatever they can do, and that he would keep on doing whatever has been ordained by Allah (SWT). Ultimately, the outcome will be determined by Allah (SWT) alone. Indeed, Allah (SWT) is the protector of the Prophet(SAAW), who has been sent with His Book and Allah (SWT) is the best protector. Allah (SWT) protects all the righteous people, and whoever comes under His protection cannot be harmed.

Verse 197

وَالَّذِیْنَ تَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِہٖ لَا یَسْتَطِیْعُوْنَ نَصْرَکُمْ وَلَآ اَنْفُسَہُمْ یَنْصُرُوْنَ (۱۹۷)

And those you call upon besides Him are unable to help you, nor can they help themselves." 

As for those whom the polytheists are calling upon, whether they are angels, jinn, the souls of departed humans, idols or anything other than Allah (SWT)—they have no authority or power to help them. They cannot assist them and, indeed, they cannot even help themselves. This message is directed to all people who engage in practices of polytheism.

Verse 198

وَاِنْ تَدْعُوْھُمْ اِلَی الْھُدٰی لَا یَسْمَعُوْا ۭ وَتَرٰىھُمْ یَنْظُرُوْنَ اِلَیْکَ وَھُمْ لَا یُبْصِرُوْنَ (۱۹۸)

And if you invite them to guidance, they do not hear; and you see them looking at you while they do not see.

The message in this verse is similar to verse 193 of the Surah. The Prophet (SAAW) and His companions are being told that that even if you keep calling the polytheists of Makkah towards guidance, they will never listen to you. After twelve long years of Prophet (SAAW) preaching to the polytheists of Makkah, conveying the message of Allah (SWT), and reciting the Ayat of Allah (SWT) most of them they did not pay heed. Despite their hearts testifying to the truth and their inability to meet the challenges put forth by the Qur’an, they remained arrogant and unbelievers. It was because of their arrogance and their positions as chiefs that they refused to submit to Allah (SWT) and obey the Prophet (SAAW). Accepting Muhammad (SAAW) as a Prophet meant having to obey him, and their arrogance prevented them from doing so. Consequently, a seal was placed on their hearts. The Qur’an, thus, gives a damning verdict about those pagans that even if the believers keep calling them towards the right path and guidance, they will never follow the truth. They have already reached the point of no return. The Prophet (SAAW) is told that while it appears as if the polytheists are looking at you, but in reality, they are not seeing. They have become spiritually blind. They are spiritually deaf and dumb. The seals have been placed on their seeing, hearing and listening, as well as their hearts.

Abu Jahl was not physically blind, nor was Abu Lahab. They had eyes, and Abu Lahab was even known for his handsome appearance. But spiritually, they were dead. They had no living soul within them; their spiritual essence was dead. They had eyes but could not see. They had ears but could not listen. Their condition was like animals, even worse as they were spiritually dead.

Verse 199

خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَاْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَاَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجٰھِلِیْنَ (۱۹۹)

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

The Prophet (SAAW) and his companions are told to continue adhering to forgiveness and continue enjoining them to do right, while ignore and turn away from those who are spiritually dead.

It must be noted that some important directives are addressed in verses 199 through 202 to the Prophet (SAAW) regarding how he should preach the Message of Islam and how he should guide and reform people. The object of these directives is not merely to instruct the Prophet (SAAW), but also to instruct all those who would shoulder the same responsibility after the Prophet (SAAW) till the Day of Judgement.

Verse 200

وَاِمَّا یَنْزَغَنَّکَ مِنَ الشَّیْطٰنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰہِ ۭ اِنَّہٗ سَمِیْعٌ عَلِیْمٌ (۲۰۰)

And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah.  Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

The moment the proponent of the Islamic Message feels that he is being provoked by the excesses, mischief, and uncalled-for objections and accusation, he should realize that he is being influenced by Satan. In such a situation he should immediately seek refuge with Allah (SWT), and restrain himself lest his impulsiveness damage his cause. The cause of Islam can be served only by those who act cool-headedly. Only those steps are appropriate which have been taken after due consideration rather than under the influence of impulse and emotion. Satan, however, is ever on the look-out for opportunities to sabotage the efforts made in the cause of Islam. He, therefore, ensures that those who are working for the Islamic cause are subjected to unjust and mischievous attacks from their opponents. The purpose underlying this is to provoke the missionaries for the cause of Islam to engage in the senseless and harmful task of mounting counter-attacks against their opponents.

Verse 201

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اتَّقَوْا اِذَا مَسَّھُمْ طٰۗئِفٌ مِّنَ الشَّیْطٰنِ تَذَکَّرُوْا فَاِذَا ھُمْ مُّبْصِرُوْنَ (۲۰۱)

Indeed, those who fear Allah – when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

The appeal that Satan makes to those well-meaning, religious people is often couched in religious phraseology and is backed up by religious argument. But the fact is that those counter-attacks are undertaken merely under the impulse of man's lower self. Those who are God-fearing are always very sensitive to provocations under the impulse of Satan, and as soon as they become aware of such a provocation, they promote the best interests of the cause of truth rather than satisfy their vengeful feelings. As for those who are driven by egotistical impulses, they succumb to the promptings of Satan and are eventually set on an erroneous path. They fall victim to Satan, act virtually as his puppet, and subsequently their degradation knows no limit. They wrongly pay their opponents back in the same coin, tit for tat.

Verse 202

وَاِخْوَانُھُمْ یَمُدُّوْنَھُمْ فِی الْغَیِّ ثُمَّ لَا یُقْصِرُوْنَ (۲۰۲)

But their brothers – they [i.e., the devils] increase them in error; then they do not stop short.

On the contrary, those who have no fear of Allah (SWT), who have no desire to stay away from evil and who are in harmony with the ways of Satan – the brothers of the devils from within the human beings – such people are always given to the devils and they increase in evil thoughts and wrong-doing. The devils push then into transgressions and finally lead them to the Hellfire.

Verse 203

وَاِذَا لَمْ تَاْتِہِمْ بِاٰیَۃٍ قَالُوْا لَوْ لَا اجْتَبَیْتَہَا ۭ قُلْ اِنَّمَآاَتَّبِعُ مَا یُوْحٰٓی اِلَیَّ مِنْ رَّبِّیْ ۚ ھٰذَا بَصَاۗئِرُ مِنْ رَّبِّکُمْ وَھُدًی وَّرَحْمَۃٌ لِّقَوْمٍ یُّؤْمِنُوْنَ (۲۰۳)

And when you, [O Muhammad], do not bring them a sign [i.e., miracle], they say, "Why have you not contrived it?" Say, "I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This [Quran] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy for a people who believe."

This question by the polytheists of Makkah was a taunt rather than a simple query. What the utterance implies is that if the claim to prophethood is genuine, it should have been supported by some miracle. This argument by the polytheists of Makkah is found in the very beginning of Surah al-Anam and we have mentioned earlier that Surah al-Anam and this Surah make a pair. The Prophet (SAAW) is commanded to tell his opponents in clear terms that he has no power to get whatever he wants. Being Allah’s (SWT) Messenger, he is required to follow the directives of Allah (SWT) – the One Who has sent him and has granted him the Qur'an which has the light of guidance. The major characteristic of this Book is that those who seek guidance from it do indeed find the right way. The moral excellence visible in the lives of those people who accept the Qur'an is testimony to the fact that they have been blessed with Allah’s (SWT) mercy.

Verse 204

وَاِذَا قُرِیَٔ الْقُرْاٰنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوْا لَہٗ وَاَنْصِتُوْا لَعَلَّکُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ (۲۰۴)

So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.

The unbelievers are told to shed their prejudice and to abandon their deliberate indifference to the Qur'an. Whenever the Qur'an is recited to them, they stuff their fingers into their ears and make a lot of noise lest they or any others hear the Qur'an. They should better behave more maturely and make an effort to grasp the teachings of the Qur'an. It is quite likely that their study of the Book would ultimately make them share with Muslims the blessings of the Qur'an. This is an excellent, subtle and heart-winning approach which simply cannot be over-praised. Those who are interested in learning the art of effective preaching can benefit immensely by pondering over this Qur'anic verse.

Verse 205

وَاذْکُرْ رَّبَّکَ فِیْ نَفْسِکَ تَضَرُّعًا وَّخِیْفَۃً وَّدُوْنَ الْجَھْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْاٰصَالِ وَلَا تَکُنْ مِّنَ الْغٰفِلِیْنَ (۲۰۵)

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech – in the mornings and the evenings.  And do not be among the heedless.

The command to remember the Lord signifies remembrance in Prayer as well as otherwise, be it verbally or in one's mind. Again the directive to remember Allah (SWT) in the morning and in the evening refers to Prayer at those times as well as remembering Allah (SWT) at all times. The purpose of this is to emphasize constant remembrance of Allah(SWT). The truth is that every error and corruption, every heedlessness, stems from the fact that man tends to forget that Allah(SWT) is his Lord and that in his own part he is merely a servant of Allah (SWT) who is being tested in the world; that he will be made to render, after his death, a full account to his Lord of all his deeds.

Verse 206

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ عِنْدَ رَبِّکَ لَا یَسْتَکْبِرُوْنَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِہٖ وَیُسَبِّحُوْنَہٗ وَلَہٗ یَسْجُدُوْنَ (۲۰۶)

Indeed, those who are near your Lord [i.e., the angels] are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.

Verily, those exalted angels who are near to their Lord are never prevented by arrogance to worship Him. They are devoted servants, constantly in worship and glorification of Allah (SWT). To celebrate Allah’s (SWT) praise signifies that the angels acknowledge and constantly affirm that Allah (SWT) is beyond any flaw, free from every defect, error and weakness; that He has no partner or peer; that none is like Him. They continuously prostrate before Him.

Whoever recites or hears this verse should fall in prostration as commanded by Allah (SWT), practiced by the Prophet (SWT) and his Companions, and followed by the Muslim Ummah till date.

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And Allah (SWT) Knows the Best!