Tag: islam

21-42   Say: Who guards you by night and by day from the Beneficent? Nay, they turn away at the mention of their Lord.^a

قُلْ مَن يَكْلَؤُكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ مِنَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ۗ بَلْ هُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ رَبِّهِم مُّعْرِضُونَ (۴۲)

21-42a: يَكْلَؤُ – کِلَاءۃ means to guard and preserve (R).

مِنَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ – means from the punishment of the Beneficent indicating that had it not been for the Beneficence of Allah, the disbelievers would have been punished immediately for their evil actions. Even so, not all of them turn towards Allah.

21-43   Or, have they gods who can defend them against Us? They cannot help themselves, nor can they be defended from Us.^a

أَمْ لَهُمْ ءَالِهَةٌۭ تَمْنَعُهُم مِّن دُونِنَا ۚ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ نَصْرَ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَا هُم مِّنَّا يُصْحَبُونَ (۴۳)

21-43a: يُصْحَبُونَ – صَحِبَهٗ  means عاشرہٗ associated with him. اَصۡحَبَ الرجل means defended him and this is the meaning here: یَصۡحبونَ بالِاجارۃ. According to Qatadah لا یصحبون من اللّٰہ بخیر and اَصۡحَبَ الرجل means صنعتهٗ defended him, and صَحِبَك اللّٰہ also means حفظك اللّٰہ may Allah protect you (LA). It can also mean: they will not receive support through contentment, gentleness and blessings, which are given to the friends of Allah.

Those who are worshipped besides Allah cannot even save themselves when confronted by others, as is shown in account of Prophet Abraham given in the next section. When the time of punishment comes, the protection of the Beneficent will be withdrawn, hence they will have no means to save themselves.

 21-44  Nay, We gave provision to these and their fathers, until life was prolonged to them. See they not then that We are visiting the land, curtailing it of its sides? Can they then prevail?^a

بَلْ مَتَّعْنَا هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَءَابَآءَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ طَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْعُمُرُ ۗ أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَنَّا نَأْتِى ٱلْأَرْضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنْ أَطْرَافِهَآ ۚ أَفَهُمُ ٱلْغَـٰلِبُونَ (۴۴)

21-44a: When Allah does not punish a nation for a long time, they begin to think that they will live forever and can do whatever they like. They cease to reflect and contemplate. By عُمُرُ here is meant the age of the nation, and by curtailing it of its sides is meant the effect Islam was having on the hearts of the disbelievers. For details, refer to 13-41a. This verse states that the signs of the dominance of Islam are clear.

21-45   Say: I warn you only by revelation; and the deaf hear not the call when they are warned.

قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أُنذِرُكُم بِٱلْوَحْىِ ۚ وَلَا يَسْمَعُ ٱلصُّمُّ ٱلدُّعَآءَ إِذَا مَا يُنذَرُونَ (۴۵)

21-45a: I warn you only by revelation means, I say this not as a conjecture, rather the source of this news is fully reliable and what I say is certain.

21-46   And if a blast of the chastisement of thy Lord were to touch them, they would say: O woe to us! Surely we were unjust.^a

وَلَئِن مَّسَّتْهُمْ نَفْحَةٌۭ مِّنْ عَذَابِ رَبِّكَ لَيَقُولُنَّ يَـٰوَيْلَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَـٰلِمِينَ (۴۶)

21-46a: نَفْحَةٌۭ – نفح الریح means the wind blew or the breeze started and نفح الطِیۡبُ means the musk released fragrance. نفحة is a blast of wind whether good or bad (LA).

21-47   And We will set up a just balance on the day of Resurrection, so no soul will be wronged in the least. And if there be the weight of a grain of mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account.^a

وَنَضَعُ ٱلْمَوَٰزِينَ ٱلْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فَلَا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌۭ شَيْـًۭٔا ۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍۢ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ أَتَيْنَا بِهَا ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِنَا حَـٰسِبِينَ (۴۷)

21-47a: خَرْدَلٍ – The singular is خردلة and it means mustard. For میزان , refer to 7-8a. قِسْطَ justice is an attribute of مَوَٰزِينَ balance and because it is a verbal noun, it is brought in as a singular or it means ذوات القسط . This shows that Allah’s just balance is such that even an action as small as a grain of mustard seed, will not be left out of the accounting.

21-48   And certainly We gave Moses and Aaron the criterion and a light and a reminder for those who keep from evil,^a

وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ وَهَـٰرُونَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ وَضِيَآءًۭ وَذِكْرًۭا لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ (۴۸)

21-48a: فُرْقَانَ – ضیاء – ذکر can all be attributive names of the Torah. فُرْقَانَ is distinguishing between truth and falsehood, ضیاء  by removing all kinds of ignorance and replacing it with the light of knowledge and ذکر because it spiritually elevated its followers to amazing heights. Another interpretation is that فُرْقَانَ  are the miracles that differentiated between truth and falsehood, ضیاء are the logical arguments that supported the teachings and ذکر is the teachings themselves. These three things were given both to Prophet Moses and Prophet Aaron.

21-49   Who fear their Lord in secret and they are fearful of the Hour.^a

ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَهُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّاعَةِ مُشْفِقُونَ (۴۹)

21-49a: بِٱلْغَيْبِ – in secret either refers to the direct object, meaning they fear Allah although He is hidden, or it refers to the doer, indicating they fear Allah when they are alone or hidden from others.

21-50   And this is a blessed Reminder, which We have revealed. Will you then deny it?^a

وَهَـٰذَا ذِكْرٌۭ مُّبَارَكٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ ۚ أَفَأَنتُمْ لَهُۥ مُنكِرُونَ (۵۰)

21-50a: The Quran is called blessed in comparison with the Torah. Refer to 6-92a for further details.

21-30   Do not those who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were closed up, so We rent them. And We made from water everything living. Will they not then believe?^a

أَوَلَمْ يَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقًۭا فَفَتَقْنَـٰهُمَا ۖ وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ حَىٍّ ۖ أَفَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ (۳۰)

21-30a: رَتْقًۭا and فَفَتَقْنَـا –  رتق is the opposite of فتق and the meaning of فتق is rip, rent, tear, crack, fissure. فَتۡق  also means a little rain and the break of dawn. رَتۡق means mending, patching, sewing-up, closing. Some commentators have said that the رَتۡق of the heavens is that it does not rain and the رَتۡق of the earth is that no vegetation grows. فتق in contrast, is for the rain to fall from the sky and for the earth to grow vegetation. This is also the interpretation of Zajjaj. رتق here means ذوی رتق were closed. The meaning of رَتۡق is also ignorance (LA).

Scholarly truths in the Quran that were unknown to the world at the time of its revelation:

The heavens and the earth being closed and then rent open can also mean that all the elements were in an indistinguishable mixed state, then Allah separated them into heavenly bodies and made them distinct from each other. This is indicated further on in the statement that they now   كُلٌّۭ فِى فَلَكٍۢ يَسْبَحُونَ : All float in orbits (21:33). Other commentators have similar interpretations. This is consistent with what scientific research has discovered: the celestial system in its present form has developed from a nebula of indistinguishable material. Another meaning narrated by Ibn Abbas is the one mentioned above: the falling of rain and the growth of vegetation. This can be understood generally in terms of the observed physical phenomenon that when there is no rain, vegetation does not grow from the ground. It also refers to the beginning of creation, when Allah formed water and thus made it possible for the vegetation to grow. Scientific research corroborates these verses. The statement جَعَلْنَا وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ حَىٍّ  : And We made from water every living thing refers to the second meaning.

Everything living made from water: The statement that everything living has been made from water is a fact that is accepted by modern scientific research, whereas Allah provided this knowledge to the world through the words of an unlettered person in fourteenth century Arabia. Thus, in this verse three great scholarly truths have been revealed, that became known to the world relatively recently. These facts are presented as testimony for the truth of the faith. Just as in the physical world, life appears when water descends from the heavens, similarly a person’s heart is like the ground and when the rain of Divine revelation falls on it, the dead faculties of the heart come alive. If the prophets are not sent, the spiritual senses of the heart would remain barren. Accordingly, in the latter part of this section the destruction of the rejecters is mentioned because they deprive themselves of this rain, so they will inevitably suffer losses.

21-31   And We made firm mountains in the earth lest it be convulsed with them, and We made in it wide ways that they might follow a right direction.^a

وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ رَوَٰسِىَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِهِمْ وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا فِجَاجًۭا سُبُلًۭا لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ (۳۱)

21-31a: فِجَاج – It is the plural of فج which is a mountain pass, or an opening between two mountains (R) or an open space between two mountains, and the word has been used for any wide path (R), as in مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍۢ : …from every remote path (22:27).

The subject of this verse is fully explained in 16-15a, and although يَهْتَدُونَ literally means finding the right way, it contains a subtle reference to how physical systems also guide us towards the underlying spiritual systems.

21-32   And We have made the heaven a guarded canopy; yet they turn away from its signs.^a

  وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ سَقْفًۭا مَّحْفُوظًۭا ۖ وَهُمْ عَنْ ءَايَـٰتِهَا مُعْرِضُونَ (۳۲)

21-32a: سَقۡف –  means ceiling, roof, rooftop, and its plural is سُقۡف , as in لِبُيُوتِهِمْ سُقُفًۭا مِّن فِضَّةٍۢ roofs of silver for their houses (43:33) and every house that has a roof is called سَقِیف (R). Derived from it is سقیفة بنی ساعدہ where the Emigrants Muhajireen and the Helpers Ansar congregated after the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to select his successor.

محفوظ – The word حِفۡظ is used for every kind of تعھد protection, guardianship, preservation and custody (R). Examples include: إِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ :…We are its guardian (15:9) meaning that the Quran will be protected against tampering and mischief; وَٱلْحَـٰفِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَٱلْحَـٰفِظَـٰتِ …the men who guide their chastity and the women who guard… (33:35) where the protection is of chastity; حَـٰفِظُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٰتِ : Guard the prayers … (2:238); وَمَا جَعَلْنَـٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًۭا : And We have not appointed thee as a keeper over them… (6:107).

The heaven is called a سَقۡف ceiling and محفوظ guarded, and in another place سماء heaven is called بناء a structure. What is conveyed in the choice of these words is that the entire system of the universe is like a house that has an Owner. It is called محفوظ since it is protected from disorder, despite its remarkable vastness. Unless its Creator is a sagacious, ingenious and purposeful Being, this awe-inspiring system in which millions of celestial bodies are orbiting day and night, could not sustain itself. Verses like these are disregarded by the disbelievers, and they fail to reflect on the obvious truths in the universe.

21-33   And He it is Who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon. All float in orbits.^a

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ ۖ كُلٌّۭ فِى فَلَكٍۢ يَسْبَحُونَ (۳۳)

21-33a: فَلَك –  is مَجۡریَ الکواکِب the walking place of the planets (R) or مدارالنجوم where stars revolve (LA). The wave in the sea is also called فَلَك   because it comes and goes. Zajjaj has stated about کل فی فَلَك یسجون that there is a فَلَك orbit for each one (LA). For سَبۡح refer to 2-30b. It means to pass through air or water at high speed.

The high speeds of celestial bodies in their orbit: The word يَسْبَحُون conveys that the planets themselves are travelling in their orbits at high speeds, rather than the orbit revolving with the planets. So فَلَك is the orbital path in which the various celestial bodies move, and that orbit is different for every celestial body, as stated by Zajjaj. The use of the singular in فی فَلَك is for a genus by which is meant all, as in کسا ھم حُلّة he dressed them in a robe does not mean one robe, but rather, a robe for every one of them (RM). Some have taken كُلٌّ to refer to the sun and the moon but it includes all celestial bodies, with the sun and the moon being distinguished because they are the brightest ones. According to some, the reference is to stars even if there is no mention of them, because the topic proves that the stars that are included in the discussion (RM). The revolution of celestial bodies in their orbits is another scholarly truth that is manifested in the Quran.

21-34   And We granted abiding forever to no mortal before thee. If thou diest, will they abide?^a

وَمَا جَعَلْنَا لِبَشَرٍۢ مِّن قَبْلِكَ ٱلْخُلْدَ ۖ أَفَإِي۟ن مِّتَّ فَهُمُ ٱلْخَـٰلِدُونَ (۳۴)

21-34a: خُلد abiding forever provides evidence that Prophet Jesus and Al-Khidr are not alive: By خُلد is meant خلود (RM) for which refer to 2-25b. By taking the meaning of خُلد as مکث طویل to live for a long time, evidence is provided that Al-Khidr is not alive (RM). How can Prophet Jesus (upon him be peace) be excluded from this logical deduction?

21-35   Every soul must taste of death. And We test you by evil and good by way of trial. And to Us you are returned.^a

كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةًۭ ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ (۳۵)

21-35a: In this verse فِتْنَةً is used in its literal sense which, according to Ibn Abbas is: ادخالُ الذَّ ھَبِ النار لِتَظۡھَرَ جَوۡ دتُهٗ من رِداءَتِهٖ Putting gold in the fire to separate pure gold from the dross. By شر and خیر are meant شِدِّۃ and خاء or hardship and ease, or pain and pleasure (RM).

21-36   And when those who disbelieve see thee, they treat thee not but with mockery: Is this he who speaks of your gods? And they deny when the Beneficent God is mentioned.

وَإِذَا رَءَاكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِن يَتَّخِذُونَكَ إِلَّا هُزُوًا أَهَـٰذَا ٱلَّذِى يَذْكُرُ ءَالِهَتَكُمْ وَهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ هُمْ كَـٰفِرُونَ (۳۶)

21-37   Man is created of haste. Soon will I show you My signs, so ask Me not to hasten them.^a

خُلِقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ مِنْ عَجَلٍۢ ۚ سَأُو۟رِيكُمْ ءَايَـٰتِى فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونِ (۳۷)

21-37a: What is meant by humans are created of haste: The meaning of خُلِقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ مِنْ عَجَلٍۢ cannot mean that Allah created humans hastily, or that humans were created in the latter part of the day when a little time was left. The phrase means that hastiness is so prevalent in the nature of humans that it is as if they were created of haste. Another statement in the same vein is: ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن ضَعْفٍۢ : Allah is He Who created you from a state of weakness… (30:54). Lisan al-Arab states that when a certain quality is found in abundance in a person, the Arabs say: خُلِقَت منهُ you are created of this. For example, to describe a person who plays a lot, they will say: خُلِقَت من لَعِبٍ you are created of play. The context confirms this understanding because it is immediately followed by advice not to be hasty.

21-38   And they say: When will this threat come to pass, if you are truthful?

وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَـٰذَا ٱلْوَعْدُ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ (۳۸)

21-39   If those who disbelieve but knew the time when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor from their backs, and they will not be helped!

لَوْ يَعْلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ حِينَ لَا يَكُفُّونَ عَن وُجُوهِهِمُ ٱلنَّارَ وَلَا عَن ظُهُورِهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ (۳۹)

21-40   Nay, it will come to them all of a sudden and confound them, so they will not have the power to avert it, nor will they be respited.

بَلْ تَأْتِيهِم بَغْتَةًۭ فَتَبْهَتُهُمْ فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ رَدَّهَا وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ (۴۰)

21-41   And messengers before thee were indeed mocked, so there befell those of them who scoffed, that whereat they scoffed.^a

وَلَقَدِ ٱسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍۢ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا۟ مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ (۴۱)

21-41a: This verse shows clearly that the chastisement that the disbelievers demanded was a worldly calamity, because it was their destruction that overtook them, which was what they scoffed at. In fact, this is manifest from سَأُو۟رِيكُمْ ءَايَـٰتِى  : …Soon will I show you My signs… (21:37) and فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونِ …so ask Me not to hasten them… (21:37) because the sign that they demanded hastily was their destruction and not the Resurrection. Allah’s promise was to show such a worldly sign. The Resurrection cannot be called a sign. The statement in verse 21:39 about not being able to ward off the fire from their faces and backs is a metaphorical reference to war. Faces and backs are mentioned to impress that they will suffer when they mount attacks and feel victorious, and also suffer when they turn their backs and flee. Further proof that a worldly sign was demanded is also clear from verse 21:40 because of the use of the word confounded, which is a state occurring when one is unable to counter the arguments presented.  

21-11    And how many a town which was iniquitous did We demolish, and We raised up after it another people!^a

وَكَمْ قَصَمْنَا مِن قَرْيَةٍۢ كَانَتْ ظَالِمَةًۭ وَأَنشَأْنَا بَعْدَهَا قَوْمًا ءَاخَرِينَ (۱۱)

21-11a: Sign of prophets’ relationship with Allah: قَصَمْنَا – قَصۡم means to pound something, to smash a hard thing, to kil,l or to annihilate (LA). In these few verses, it is explained that even though prophets eat and drink like normal people, their relationship with Allah is manifested from the fact that even when powerful tribes and nations stand up in opposition, they are not able to hurt the prophets and instead they get destroyed. How is it possible for a single person to overcome powerful nations, unless he has a special relationship with that Holy Being who controls all the powers of heaven and earth? In the latter part of this section, the relationship of prophets with Allah is discussed.

21-12   So when they felt Our might, lo! they began to flee from it.^a

فَلَمَّآ أَحَسُّوا۟ بَأْسَنَآ إِذَا هُم مِّنْهَا يَرْكُضُونَ (۱۲)

21-12a: يَرْكُضُونَ – رَکۡض means to kick and if it is used in reference to a rider it means to gallop the hors,e and if the reference is to a person on foot, it means to walk, run, or race, as in ٱرْكُضْ بِرِجْلِكَ : Urge with thy foot (38:42). The meaning in this verse is to run away (R).

21-13   Flee not and return to the easy lives which you led, and to your dwellings, that you may be questioned.

لَا تَرْكُضُوا۟ وَٱرْجِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَآ أُتْرِفْتُمْ فِيهِ وَمَسَـٰكِنِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُسْـَٔلُونَ (۱۳)

21-13a: Return to your luxuries and abundance to face questioning about what transpired with you, or it means, you will be questioned about your deeds.

21-14   They said: O woe to us! Surely we were unjust.

قَالُوا۟ يَـٰوَيْلَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَـٰلِمِينَ (۱۴)

21-15   And this cry of theirs ceased not till We made them cut off, extinct.

فَمَا زَالَت تِّلْكَ دَعْوَىٰهُمْ حَتَّىٰ جَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ حَصِيدًا خَـٰمِدِينَ (۱۵)

21-15a: خَـٰمِدِين – خَمَدت النّار means the flame died but the embers kept smoldering and ھَمَدت means the embers died (LA), as in وَتَرَى ٱلْأَرْضَ هَامِدَةًۭ : …And thou seest the earth barren… (22:5).

حَصِيد – Refer to 10-24a.

What is meant by the destruction of nations: The final condition of a nation is presented by the two metaphors of being cut off and becoming extinct. A nation is compared to a field to represent an initial flourishing, but that field has been cut down. The metaphor of becoming extinct is a fire whose flame has died out, referring to anger and rage that has been extinguished. If the worldly grandeur of a nation declines, that too is its destruction of sorts and its raging against the truth gets extinguished, which sometimes happens because opponents leave the opposition and accept the truth.

21-16   And We created not the heaven and the earth and what is between them for sport.^a

وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَـٰعِبِينَ (۱۶)

21-16a: Denial of reward and punishment renders the Divine system without purpose: لَعۡب (Refer to 5-58a) is an action without any useful purpose. So, it is conveyed that every creation whether in the earth or heaven has a purpose, and there is no action of Allah that is devoid of wisdom. Therefore, a person who denies the reward and punishment for actions regards the creation of Allah as purposeless, and thinks that he will not be punished for his evil actions.

21-17   Had We wished to take a pastime, We would have taken it from before Ourselves; by no means would We do (so).^a

لَوْ أَرَدْنَآ أَن نَّتَّخِذَ لَهْوًۭا لَّٱتَّخَذْنَـٰهُ مِن لَّدُنَّآ إِن كُنَّا فَـٰعِلِينَ (۱۷)

21-17a: Many commentators have taken the meaning of لھو in this verse as زوجة spouse and ولد son (IJ) but, the similarity with لَعۡب in the previous verse shows that this is a continuation of the previous theme. For the difference between لَعۡب and لھو refer to 6-32a. The verse means that it is not the wish of Allah that anything should be devoid of purpose. In إِن كُنَّا فَـٰعِلِينَ the إِن negatives the topic that follows, showing that it is contrary to the glory of Allah to do so.

21-18   Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, so it knocks out its brains, and lo! it vanishes. And woe to you for what you describe!^a

بَلْ نَقْذِفُ بِٱلْحَقِّ عَلَى ٱلْبَـٰطِلِ فَيَدْمَغُهُۥ فَإِذَا هُوَ زَاهِقٌۭ ۚ وَلَكُمُ ٱلْوَيْلُ مِمَّا تَصِفُونَ (۱۸)

21-18a: يَدْمَغ – دَمۡغ means to smash the brain (R).

This verse gives the conclusion of what is stated in the previous two verses. Allah creates everything with a true purpose and so when the truth comes, it smashes the head of falsehood despite all of its power. In a similar manner, monotheism will eradicate polytheism from the world and falsehood will flee before the truth.

21-19   And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those who are with Him are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they weary.

وَلَهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَمَنْ عِندَهُۥ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَلَا يَسْتَحْسِرُونَ (۱۹)

21-20   They glorify (Him) night and day: they flag not.^a

يُسَبِّحُونَ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لَا يَفْتُرُونَ (۲۰)

21-20a: For حَسۡر refer to 2-167a and استحسار expresses the same idea with more eloquence.

For فتور refer to 5-19a and the meaning of يَفْتُرُونَ is given as لا یَسۡکُنُوۡنَ عن نِشاطِہِم فی العبادۃ They feel such joy in worshipping that they do not refrain (from prayers) (R). In this verse, مَنْ عِندَهُۥ those who are with Him is generally taken to mean angels but these words are also applicable to the pious servants of Allah, for they too glorify Allah day and night, continuously glorifying through their words and actions. They never weary of worshipping Allah, deriving great pleasure from it, so they are not lazy in their worship. Another interpretation is, just as carrying messages does not stop the angels from glorifying Allah, being a messenger does not prevent humans from glorifying Allah. Prophets are the مَنْ عِندَهُۥ, because the fact that they are honorable people who have a connection with Allah, is being established in this chapter. Initially this connection was manifested by stating that mighty nations crumble when opposing a prophet, and now the high status of prophets in the presence of Allah is explained. A manifest sign of their connection with Allah is that they derive great joy in worshipping Allah, and never get weary of worshipping or serving His creation. Despite great opposition, they cheerfully soldier on.

21-21   Or have they taken gods from the earth who give life?^a

أَمِ ٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ ءَالِهَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ هُمْ يُنشِرُونَ (۲۱)

21-21a: يُنشِرُون – For نشور and نشر refer to 18-16a. The meaning of نَشَرَ الۡمَیِّتُ is the dead person came to life.   انشرہ اللّٰہ means Allah gave life to the dead and نَشَرَہُ اللّٰہ has the same meaning. A hadith states: لا وَضّاع الا ما انشر اللحم و انبت العظم in which انشر اللحم is taken to mean strengthening the flesh and giving it power from اِنۡشار which means احیاء  life (LA). For this reason, some commentators have taken the verse to mean giving life to the dead and others have taken the meaning only as یخلقون created. This second meaning is more appropriate because the Quran has repeatedly asserted that these false gods have created nothing, as in خَلَقُوا۟ كَخَلْقِهِۦ فَتَشَـٰبَهَ ٱلْخَلْقُ عَلَيْهِمْ : …who have created creation like His, so that what is created became confused to them? (13:16); أَمْ هُمُ ٱلْخَـٰلِقُونَ : Or are they the creators (52:35).

21-22   If there were in them gods besides Allah, they would both have been in disorder. So glory be to Allah, the Lord of the Throne, being above what they describe!^a

لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَآ ءَالِهَةٌ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا ۚ فَسُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ (۲۱)

21-22a: This is a proof of the Unity of God, and the reason for placing this argument here is explained very clearly in 21-25, where it is stated that all the prophets came with the same teaching of Divine Unity, and it is through their teachings that the Oneness of Allah spread throughout the world. If there was more than one God, the system of the Universe would collapse because one god would want to run things one way, and the second god another way. The Universe exists because it is operating according to one law. If there were multiple gods, there would be multiple laws, and the system of the Universe would get destroyed. In the next verse, the statement لَا يُسْـَٔلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ : He cannot be questioned as to what He does… (21:23) refers to this law, and states that everyone has to operate under it. If someone were above this law, they would have the right to question. Mortals are subject to fines if they violate even minor laws of the land. In both verses, the question is presented as an action to analyze.

21-23   He cannot be questioned as to what He does, and they will be questioned.

لَا يُسْـَٔلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْـَٔلُونَ (۲۳)

21-24   Or, have they taken gods besides Him? Say: Bring your proof. This is the reminder of those with me and the reminder of those before me. Nay, most of them know not the Truth, so they turn away.^a

أَمِ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ ءَالِهَةًۭ ۖ قُلْ هَاتُوا۟ بُرْهَـٰنَكُمْ ۖ هَـٰذَا ذِكْرُ مَن مَّعِىَ وَذِكْرُ مَن قَبْلِى ۗ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ٱلْحَقَّ ۖ فَهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ (۲۴)

21-24a: Second proof of the Unity of God: ذِكْرُ مَن مَّعِىَ means the reminder of the Muslim nation and ذِكْرُ مَن قَبْلِى means the reminder of the past generations. The Oneness of Allah is the reminder given to the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessing be upon him) companions, and this was the reminder given to the previous generations; they were all rooted in Divine Unity. This is further emphasized in the next verse: previous prophets also received the same revelation that there is only one God. So, on the one hand there is the testimony of the Holy Prophet and his Companions on the Unity of Allah and on the other, this is also the testimony of all previous truthful teachers of righteousness. The disbelievers are asked to produce their proofs for polytheism. It is strange that among the polytheists, every nation has its own brand of polytheism, and they do not corroborate or confirm the polytheism of the other. The worshippers of Prophet Jesus do not accept the dualistic doctrine of Zoroastrianism, or the three hundred and thirty million deities of Hinduism, and the Zoroastrians and Hindus do not recognize Prophet Jesus as God. Unity is found when partners are left to worship One Creator.

21-25   And We sent no messenger before thee but We revealed to him that there is no God but Me, so serve Me.^a

وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدُونِ (۲۵)

21-25a: Third proof of the Unity of God: All the prophets who preached in the world taught about the Oneness of God with singular focus. This is a very strong argument in support of Divine Unity, because despite the great changes that their teachings have undergone, the message of Oneness is intact. If there had been another god, evidence would have been found in at least one prophet’s teachings, but that is not the case.

21-26   And they say: The Beneficent has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him! Nay, they are honoured servants—

وَقَالُوا۟ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ وَلَدًۭا ۗ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ ۚ بَلْ عِبَادٌۭ مُّكْرَمُونَ (۲۶)

21-27   They speak not before He speaks, and according to His command they act.^a

لَا يَسْبِقُونَهُۥ بِٱلْقَوْلِ وَهُم بِأَمْرِهِۦ يَعْمَلُونَ (۲۷)

21-27a: Verses 21:26 – 29 are generally considered to apply to angels but contextual evidence shows clearly that they refer to prophets, because the doctrine of sonship is about prophets. 1. ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ وَلَدًۭا ۗ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ : The Beneficent has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him! is generally taken to be a refutation of the Christian belief about Prophet Jesus being the son of God, though others may be included. The word عباد is used because apart from Prophet Jesus, other people have also been made sons of God, for example, Uzair who is mentioned in the Quran (9:30). Other similar doctrines have also prevailed.

2. As mentioned above, no prophet has been taught that others besides Allah are worthy of worship. This proves that the messengers are referred to in this verse.

3. Verse 21:29 states  وَمَن يَقُلْ مِنْهُمْ إِنِّىٓ إِلَـٰهٌۭ: and whoever of them should say, I am a god besides Him… It is obvious that angels do not come to people and claim divinity; it is only a person who can make such statements. There have been people who have claimed divinity, but it is not possible for an angel to make such a claim, nor has it ever happened. Commentators have reasoned that Iblis claimed divinity, but that is not contrary to the facts, and, moreover, Iblis is not from the angels. So, the pronoun in مِنْهُمْ among them can only stand for humans.

4. In: مَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُؤْتِيَهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحُكْمَ وَٱلنُّبُوَّةَ ثُمَّ يَقُولَ لِلنَّاسِ كُونُوا۟ عِبَادًۭا لِّى مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَـٰكِن : It is not for a mortal that Allah should give him the Book and the judgment and the prophethood, then he should say to men: Be my servants besides Allah’s… (3:79) clearly mentions the same topic, and these two passages support each other.

5. The final words of the last verse كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ : Thus We reward the unjust (21:29) show clearly that humans are being talked about because an angel cannot act unjustly.

Hence this verse is a statement about the high status of prophets and is evidence of their sinlessness. They seek precedence over Allah neither verbally nor in their actions: they pass on exactly the same teaching as they receive from Allah, and their actions are in full accordance with the commands of Allah. Thus, neither in words nor deeds can they deviate even an iota from the commands of Allah, which is a state of true sinlessness. This verse provides definitive proof of the sinlessness of prophets.

21-28   He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they intercede not except for him whom He approves, and for fear of Him they tremble.^a

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ٱرْتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنْ خَشْيَتِهِۦ مُشْفِقُونَ (۲۸)

21-28a: In his commentary of مَنِ ٱرْتَضَىٰ whom He approves, Ibn Abbas says:

 شہادۃ ان لا الٰه الا اللّٰہ their bearing witness is that there is no deity but Allah and their intercession is asking for protection on earth and in the Hereafter (RM). In fact, the intercession of the prophets for their followers is to pray for their protection, and Allah covers up some of the shortcomings of a nation as a result of their prayers.

21-29   And whoever of them should say, I am a god besides Him, such a one We recompense with hell. Thus We reward the unjust.

وَمَن يَقُلْ مِنْهُمْ إِنِّىٓ إِلَـٰهٌۭ مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِيهِ جَهَنَّمَ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ (۲۹)

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

21-1      Their reckoning draws nigh to men, and they turn away in heedlessness.^a

ٱقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍۢ مُّعْرِضُونَ (۱)

21-1a: The reckoning, or the time of reckoning drawing close, can be understood in several ways. First, every human action simultaneously produces a result. Second, there is reckoning when one dies and the time of death is closing in on everybody. Third, the reckoning of the nation to which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent, approached. Their misdeeds had made them liable for punishment, and the coming of the Holy Prophet was a final argument against them. Fourth, every person’s time of reckoning is near because the Day of Judgment is coming soon. The Holy Prophet said بُعِثْتُ أنا والساعةَ هكذا My advent and the hour are like these pointing with his two fingers. Some have taken nearness to indicate the certainty of the event. Something that is definitely going to happen is regarded as being near (RM).

Starting this chapter with the certainty of reward and punishment for deeds is entirely appropriate because the major theme of this chapter is prophethood, and one thing that all prophets emphasized was the consequences of actions.

21-2      There comes not to them a new Reminder from their Lord but they hear it while they sport,^a

مَا يَأْتِيهِم مِّن ذِكْرٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّهِم مُّحْدَثٍ إِلَّا ٱسْتَمَعُوهُ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ (۲)

21-2a: مُّحْدَثٍ – For حُدوث refer to 12-6a and the meaning of احداث is creation, production, origination and مُحۡدَث is something brought into creation after not existing before. Sometimes the احداث is with respect to the person who receives it, as in this verse where the Reminder is something new for the people to whom it is sent.

The dictionary meaning of مُحَدَّث : The word مُحَدَّث  is found in a hadith about Caliph Umar and is also used for certain special people promised to be raised in the Muslim nation. It refers to a person in whose heart a fact is placed by the angels. A person who has true inspirations is called مُحَدَّث .

مُحَدَّث in the terminology of Islamic jurisprudence shariah: In the Books of Hadith مُحَدَّث has been explained as مُلۡہَم meaning people in whose heart a fact is placed, and they deliver it with far-sightedness and wisdom. They announce what has been made known to them (LA). The word مُحَدَّث is mentioned in a hadith about Caliph Umar and in another authentic hadith which is essentially the same but instead of مُحَدَّثون the words are رجال یُکَلَّمُوۡن من غیر ان یکونو انبیاء  men who are communicated with but are not prophets which shows clearly that مُحَدَّث in the terminology of the shariah is people with whom Allah communicates but they are not prophets.

21-3      Their hearts trifling. And they —the wrongdoers — counsel in secret: He is nothing but a mortal like yourselves; will you then yield to enchantment while you see?^a

لَاهِيَةًۭ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۗ وَأَسَرُّوا۟ ٱلنَّجْوَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ هَلْ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌۭ مِّثْلُكُمْ ۖ أَفَتَأْتُونَ ٱلسِّحْرَ وَأَنتُمْ تُبْصِرُونَ (۳)

21-3a: The opponents declaring the Quran to be enchantment: This is a chapter belonging to the early Makkan period, when the great miracles that took place in the later periods, had not yet been manifested. The Quran was tugging at the hearts of people who were drawn to it and despite having to bear great hardships, people were accepting it. It was due to the remarkable influence of the message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the opponents called it an enchantment.

21-4      He said: My Lord knows (every) utterance in the heaven and the earth, and He is the Hearer, the Knower.^a

قَالَ رَبِّى يَعْلَمُ ٱلْقَوْلَ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ (۴)

21-5      Nay, say they: Medleys of dreams! nay, he has forged it! nay, he is a poet! so let him bring to us a sign such as the former (prophets) were sent (with).^a

بَلْ قَالُوٓا۟ أَضْغَـٰثُ أَحْلَـٰمٍۭ بَلِ ٱفْتَرَىٰهُ بَلْ هُوَ شَاعِرٌۭ فَلْيَأْتِنَا بِـَٔايَةٍۢ كَمَآ أُرْسِلَ ٱلْأَوَّلُونَ (۵)

21-5a: The first objection the opponents make about the Quran is that it is the result of confused dreams. However, when they see the structure of the Quran they change their accusation to say it is a fabrication, being the words of the Holy Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) but claiming Divine origin. Their third statement is that he is merely a poet, and like poets, his words are devoid of any reality. The opponents of the Quran are still unable to agree on a manner of criticism. One says one thing and another says something else. Confused dreams do not have a common theme and are like the prophecies of the soothsayers composed of random meaningless sentences. The Quran manifests a design and purpose and hence they switch to saying it is a forgery. Since a forgery does not have the kind of effect and influence that the Quran has, they allege it is a poetic collection, since a poet uses imagery to make their words impactful.

21-6      Not a town believed before them which We destroyed: will they then believe?

مَآ ءَامَنَتْ قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَـٰهَآ ۖ أَفَهُمْ يُؤْمِنُونَ (۶)

21-7      And We sent not before thee any but men to whom We sent revelation; so ask the followers of the Reminder if you know not.^a

وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًۭا نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِمْ ۖ فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (۷)

21-7a: This is the response to بَشَرٌۭ مِّثْلُكُمْ a mortal like yourself (21:3), explaining that previous prophets were also mortals, and messengers must necessarily be human so that they can act as a role model for humans. If messengers had belonged to some other species, they could not be role models for human beings.

21-8      Nor did We give them bodies not eating food, nor did they abide.^a

وَمَا جَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ جَسَدًۭا لَّا يَأْكُلُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ خَـٰلِدِينَ (۸)

21-8a: Conclusive evidence regarding death of Prophet Jesus: For خلود and خالد refer to 2-25b. Its literal meaning is to stay free from any changes or disruptions. Someone who is dependent on food cannot be خالد meaning his body cannot be free from change because food is needed to restore it, and a person needs food because some elements are lost from the physical body as the result of the natural process of living and must be replenished with other elements. That is why a person is dependent on food. The need for replenishment is clear evidence of mortality. What is meant is that the physical body of messengers is like that of other humans, being subject to changes. This evidence negates the view held by some Muslims that Prophet Jesus is alive in heaven with his mortal body.

21-9      Then We made Our promise good to them; so We delivered them and whom We pleased, and We destroyed the extravagant.^a

ثُمَّ صَدَقْنَـٰهُمُ ٱلْوَعْدَ فَأَنجَيْنَـٰهُمْ وَمَن نَّشَآءُ وَأَهْلَكْنَا ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ (۹)

21-9a: This is a reply to the opponent’s objections in 21:5. The fulfillment of Allah’s promise to deliver the believers and to destroy their opponents who called them fabricators, proves those wrong who alleged the religion was the result of confused dreams. Events prophesied many years earlier proved true. The fulfilment of these promises also refutes charge of fabrication, because a fabricator will not make a strong prophecy about the future, in particular when he is without resources and is surrounded by opponents on all sides. Regarding the charge of being a poet, while a poet can produce verses, he cannot singlehandedly succeed against mighty nations.

21-10   Certainly We have revealed to you a Book which will give you eminence. Do you not then understand?^a

لَقَدْ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكُمْ كِتَـٰبًۭا فِيهِ ذِكْرُكُمْ ۖ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (۱۰)

21-10a: Nations will gain eminence through the Quran: For the meaning of ذِكْر refer to 2-152a and in this verse it means to give eminence and honor (IJ) This is confirmed by reports from Ibn Abbas (RM). The Quran not only contains deliverance for the believers and destruction for their detractors, rather there are such gems in it that by acting upon its wisdom, any group can reach the pinnacle of glory in this world, and the believers can become a magnificent nation.

Name: The name of this chapter is Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) and it has seven sections and one hundred and twelve verses. Although the word Anbiya does not appear in the chapter, it focuses on the prophets (Allah bless them all) and it delves into the objections that were raised about them, their high spiritual status, the destruction of their enemies, their salvation from the clutches of their enemies, and finally, the inheritance of the land by them and their followers. These are the topics covered in this chapter and in particular the topic of the sinlessness of prophets is very comprehensibly dealt with, emphasizing that they walked in the way of Allah in both words and deeds. For this reason, this chapter is appropriately named Al-Anbiya.

Summary: This chapter begins by stating that people do not care about the consequences of their deeds, and rather, when Allah sends them a warner to awaken them, they are filled with objections. They call his teachings scattered dreams, or fabrications and regard him as a poet. It is reiterated that human beings have always been given the role of messengers to humanity.

The second section mentions the high spiritual status of prophets. While they are human and depend on food for their sustenance like all humans, their commission from Allah is manifested by the fact that when their opponents and enemies try to destroy them or their teachings, the opponents themselves get destroyed. It would not be possible for one person to take on all the powers and to defeat them were it not for the strong hand of Allah assisting them. In the second part of the same section, it is revealed that the connection of prophets with Allah is so strong that in spite of massive opposition, their inner peace and joy keeps growing. Such people spread Divine unity in the world, and they submit themselves so completely to the obedience of Allah that neither in their words not actions do they do anything that is against the pleasure of Allah.

The third section likens revelation to rain and just as rain causes the vegetation to strengthen, revelation provides nourishment for the spiritual development of the human heart. Those who deprive themselves of this heavenly water will ultimately be in loss.

The fourth section explains how the truth gradually influences hearts, and this is a sure sign of its ultimate success.

The fifth section gives some of the events of Prophet Abraham’s life beginning with his preaching the unity of God and how the people became his enemies and tried to kill him, but Allah saved him and spread truth in the world through him.

The sixth section mentions several other prophets and how they were afflicted with great trials, and saved from them to succeed in their missions.

The seventh section mentions the Seal of prophets, namely the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is prophesied that the truth will prevail as it did in the past, and ultimately the righteous will inherit the land.

Relation with previous chapter: This chapter has a clear relation with the previous one which ends by saying that the Holy Prophet cannot fail in his mission and he eventually will gain widespread acceptance. This is further clarified in this chapter, and it is stated that prophets and righteous people have always been successful. They are saved from the enemies who try to destroy them, the truth is made to prevail and they inherit the land.

Period of revelation: This verse was revealed in the first period of the Holy Prophet’s mission in Makkah, which is prior to the emigration to Abyssinia. Refer to the introductory note to Surah Bani Israel. The chapters from Bani Israel to Al- Anbiya all belong to the early Makkan period as confirmed by the testimony of Ibn Masud, given in the introductory note of Bani Israel.

20-129 And had not a word gone forth from thy Lord, and a term been fixed, it would surely have overtaken them.^a

وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌۭ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَكَانَ لِزَامًۭا وَأَجَلٌۭ مُّسَمًّۭى (۱۲۹)

20-129a: According to the arrangement لَكَانَ لِزَامًۭا it would surely have overtaken them should come at the end so that the verse should read: وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌۭ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَأَجَلٌۭ مُّسَمًّۭى لَكَانَ لِزَامًۭا  . However, the reason why لَكَانَ لِزَامًۭا is placed first is because although the opponents of Islam were really deserving of immediate chastisement, the Word of Allah (كَلِمَةٌۭ) had already gone forth that His mercy takes precedence over His displeasure, therefore He does not chastise immediately.

أَجَلٌۭ مُّسَمًّۭى fixed term – The fixed term was the period in which the opponents, after exhausting all strategies took up the sword and came out to annihilate Islam: سَيُهْزَمُ ٱلْجَمْعُ وَيُوَلُّونَ ٱلدُّبُرَ  Soon shall the hosts be routed, and they will show (their) backs (54:45). For this reason, some commentators have taken أَجَلٌۭ مُّسَمًّۭى to mean the day of the Battle of Badr. It would be incorrect to object that an annihilating punishment is meant in this verse, and at Badr the enemies were not completely destroyed. Indeed, Badr was the beginning of the process of overcoming, which culminated with the conquest of Makkah.

20-130 So bear patiently what they say, and celebrate the praise of thy Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting, and glorify (Him) during the hours of the night and parts of the day, that thou mayest be well pleased.^a

فَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا ۖ وَمِنْ ءَانَآئِ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْ وَأَطْرَافَ ٱلنَّهَارِ لَعَلَّكَ تَرْضَىٰ (۱۳۰)

20-130a: The times of prayer: In times of trials and tribulations, prayer is always mentioned along with patience because it involves turning to Allah  ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ seek assistance with patience and prayer (2:153). The five daily prayers are referenced in this verse. The Fajr and Asr prayers are referred to specifically: قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا …before the rising of the sun and before its setting and the rest of the prayers are mentioned in ءَانَآئِ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْ وَأَطْرَافَ ٱلنَّهَارِ glorify (Him) during the hours of the night and parts of the day. The parts of the day can be before sunrise, and after sunset and this is what is meant in طَرَفَىِ ٱلنَّهَارِ the two ends of the day (11:114). The two parts of the day can also be divided into the period after the declining of the sun, and the period after sunset and this what is meant in the verse, referring to Dhuhr and Maghrib. The use of the word تَرْضَىٰ indicates that one should strive to achieve success, because success is what is deeply satisfying.

20-131 And strain not thine eyes toward that with which We have provided different classes of them, (of) the splendor of this world’s life, that We may thereby try them. And the sustenance of thy Lord is better and more abiding.^a

وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِۦٓ أَزْوَٰجًۭا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌۭ وَأَبْقَىٰ (۱۳۱)

20-131a: زَهْرَةَ – means a flower in bloom, some have specified only white. زَهْرَةَ الدنیا is the splendor of this world’s life.  زُھۡرۃ means beautiful and white. رَجُلٌ اَزۡھر  is a man with a fair complexion and a radiant face (because the moon is called اَزۡھر and the sun and moon are called اَزۡھران ). A woman can be called زَھۡراء. One of the attributes of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is اَزۡھَرُ اللّونِ because his complexion was white and radiant. Hazrat Fatima is called الزھراء.

Worldly splendor and luxuries: This verse generally addresses everyone, but even if the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is considered as the main recipient, the real purpose is to address his followers who were going to soon be the recipients of زَهْرَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا splendors of this world’s life. There were no nations before the Holy Prophet who were so fully engrossed in worldly splendor and luxuries. We see this bedazzling display in the western world. Accordingly, this verse has the greatest relevance for the Muslims of this time as a warning not to incline fully towards worldly goods, on seeing the luxuries and decorations of the western nations. In fact, the disease of materialism and worldly greed has permeated through the body of the Muslim nation to the extent that they do not even have time to bow down before God. In contrast to this, the sustenance of the Rabb Nourisher is mentioned which is generally understood as prophethood and guidance, but in fact it comprehends all matters spiritual.

20-132 And enjoin prayer on thy people, and steadily adhere to it. We ask not of thee a sustenance. We provide for thee. And the (good) end is for guarding against evil.^a

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا ۖ لَا نَسْـَٔلُكَ رِزْقًۭا ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ ۗ وَٱلْعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ (۱۳۲)

20-132a: اَھۡل – Refer to 2-105a. This word is general, and is not limited to wives. If the addressee is taken as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), all his followers are included, and if the address is taken to be general, all the people associated with someone are included in اَھۡل . The statement following the command about prayer that We ask not of thee a sustenance conveys the fact that Allah does not benefit from our prayer. His glory and magnificence do not increase because of prayers being offered to Him because He is not in need of anybody. In نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ We provide for thee, we are told that prayer is sustenance for the soul and by enjoining it Allah gives the real sustenance to people, the sustenance that will ultimately benefit a person, which is indicated in وَٱلْعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ And the (good) end is for guarding against evil which guarantees a good end for the righteous.

20-133 And they say: Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord? Has not there come to them a clear evidence of what is in the previous Books?^a

وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا يَأْتِينَا بِـَٔايَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦٓ ۚ أَوَلَمْ تَأْتِهِم بَيِّنَةُ مَا فِى ٱلصُّحُفِ ٱلْأُولَىٰ (۱۳۳)

20-133a: A beautiful reply to the demand for a destructive chastisement: The Quran’s method of teaching is based on great wisdom. When the narratives of the destructive chastisements of former nations were recited before the opponents of Islam, their response was that instead of telling us about it, why don’t you bring a similar destructive punishment upon us? The generality in ايَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّهِ a sign from his Lord is not only for the sign to be great and magnificent but the use of a common noun indicates that the destructive sign demanded should be like the sign of previous nations which were narrated to them. A wise reply is given: The Promised Prophet mentioned in previous scriptures, a prophet who was to be a mercy for all mankind, has appeared among them and they should benefit from him instead of asking him for destruction. This same topic is discussed in another place where their demand for a sign is stated as: وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَـٰتٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ : And they say: Why are not signs sent down upon him from his Lord? (29:50) and the reply is given: أَنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةًۭ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍۢ يُؤْمِنُونَ  : Is it not enough for them that We have revealed to thee the Book which is recited to them? Surely there is mercy in this and a reminder for a people who believe (29:51). Simply put, there is mercy in the Book so why do they not benefit from it? A similar reasoning is followed here. Previous scriptures mention the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This clear evidence has now come to them because the previous scriptures have verified him and the Holy Prophet is called بینة clear evidence in another verse: لَمْ يَكُنِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ مُنفَكِّينَ حَتَّىٰ تَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَةُ رَسُولٌۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ يَتْلُوا۟ صُحُفًۭا مُّطَهَّرَةًۭ :Those who disbelieve from among the People of the Book and the idolaters could not have been freed till clear evidence came to them – A Messenger from Allah, reciting pure pages (98:1-2). When those who rejected the previous scriptures were chastised, how could the rejectors of the Quran escape punishment?

20-134 And if We had destroyed them with chastisement before it, they would have said: Our Lord, why didst Thou not send to us a messenger, so that we might have followed Thy messages before we met disgrace and shame?^a

وَلَوْ أَنَّآ أَهْلَكْنَـٰهُم بِعَذَابٍۢ مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لَوْلَآ أَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْنَا رَسُولًۭا فَنَتَّبِعَ ءَايَـٰتِكَ مِن قَبْلِ أَن نَّذِلَّ وَنَخْزَىٰ (۱۳۴)

20-134a: How the chastisement and the messenger are related: Two things are stated here. First, that the mischief and villainy of the rejectors had already reached a level that they should have been destroyed, however for the sake of providing conclusive proof it was necessary for a messenger to come to them. This also shows that by بینة is meant the messenger. Second, the nature of the chastisement that was to befall the rejecters of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is disclosed. The punishment was to take the form ofأَن نَّذِلَّ وَنَخْزَىٰ disgrace and shame and this dishonor and humiliation was to be their destruction. This took the form of the Holy Prophet’s opponents, who had spent a lifetime trying to destroy him, presenting themselves in front of him, vanquished and humiliated, and begging for mercy. In the last verse, it is stated that they should wait for Allah’s inevitable judgment which will definitely come.

20-135 Say: Everyone (of us) is waiting, so wait. Soon you will come to know who is the follower of the even path and who goes aright.

قُلْ كُلٌّۭ مُّتَرَبِّصٌۭ فَتَرَبَّصُوا۟ ۖ فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ ٱلسَّوِىِّ وَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ (۱۳۵)

20-116 And when We said to the angels: Be submissive to Adam, they submitted except Iblis; he refused.

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِـَٔادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ (۱۱۶)

20-117 We said: O Adam, this is an enemy to thee and to thy wife; so let him not drive you both out of the garden so that thou art unhappy.^a

فَقُلْنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا عَدُوٌّۭ لَّكَ وَلِزَوْجِكَ فَلَا يُخْرِجَنَّكُمَا مِنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ فَتَشْقَىٰٓ (۱۱۷)

20-117a: تَشْقَىٰٓ – Refer to 11-105a for شقا  and شقاوۃ . It means being devoid of any form of goodness. شقاء also means distress, suffering, hardship, misfortune (LA). Leaving the garden leads to unhappiness. This unhappiness is caused by distress and hardships.

20-118 Surely it is granted to thee therein that thou art not hungry, nor naked,

إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيهَا وَلَا تَعْرَىٰ (۱۱۸)

20-119 And that thou art not thirsty therein, nor exposed to the sun’s heat.

وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظْمَؤُا۟ فِيهَا وَلَا تَضْحَىٰ (۱۱۹)

20-119a: تَجُوعَ – is the pain felt when the stomach is completely empty (R). The hunger جوعfor knowledge is that a person should never feel saturated. The meaning of جاع الیٰ لِقائِهٖ is desired a meeting (LA). This word is also used in other senses.

تَعْرَىٰ – عَرِی means to become naked, and the meaning of عَرُوٌّ من الذنب is free from sin (R). An attribute of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) given in the hadith is: انا النَّذِیۡرُ الۡعُرۡیَانُ I am a warner who explains everything openly (LA).

تَظْمَؤُا۟ – ظَمَاء means thirst and ظَمۡاٰن means thirsty, as in يَحْسَبُهُ ٱلظَّمْـَٔانُ مَآءً the thirsty man deems to be water (24:39).

تَضْحَىٰ – ضَحَی (یَضۡحی) – تَعَرَّض للشمس  exposed himself to the sun and لَا تَضْحَىٰ would mean protects from the sun’s heat (R).

These two verses mention all that is necessary for a pleasant life. Safety from the pangs of hunger, clothes to hide nakedness, protection from thirst and the heat of the sun. Food, water, clothes and shelter are the four things necessary for humans and the provision of a combination of these things is a necessary ingredient for a pleasurable life. In another place, the same idea is presented in the following words: وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا : and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish (2:35). Thus, in both places there is mention of freedom from want, but does this mean all physical needs are satisfied and furthermore, is paradise for humans simply an abundance of food to eat? If this was so, many wicked people are also able to achieve this worldly paradise. Verse 20:124 solves this issue by stating: And whoever turns away from My Reminder, for him is surely a straitened life. The straitened life mentioned there does not mean that such a person will not have sufficient economic means to sustain his body, but the consequence of this straitened life is that the person will be raised blind in the next world. Refer to 7-20a and 7-22a for more on this topic. So, although words like hunger, thirst etc., have been used but what is meant is those who follow guidance will have no spiritual impoverishment and instead will have ease and comfort. An alternate meaning is that when a person considers the real purpose of life as remembrance of Allah or meeting with Allah, he is not overly worried about food and shelter or consumed with acquiring them, rather he is confident that Allah will provide him with these necessities. For details refer to 20-124a and 2-35a.

20-120 But the devil made an evil suggestion to him; he said: O Adam, shall I lead thee to the tree of immortality and a kingdom which decays not?^a

فَوَسْوَسَ إِلَيْهِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ قَالَ يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلْخُلْدِ وَمُلْكٍۢ لَّا يَبْلَىٰ (۱۲۰)

20-120a: In another place, it is stated: إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلْخَـٰلِدِينَ : lest you become angels or become of the immortals (7:20). So, by شَجَرَةِ ٱلْخُلْدِ is meant eternal life. Refer to 7-20b.

20-121 So they both ate of it, then their evil inclinations became manifest to them, and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of the garden. And Adam disobeyed his Lord, and was disappointed.^a

فَأَكَلَا مِنْهَا فَبَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۚ وَعَصَىٰٓ ءَادَمُ رَبَّهُۥ فَغَوَىٰ (۱۲۱)

20-121a:  غَوَىٰ – The meaning of غَوَىٰ here is جَہِل to be ignorant or خاب to fail, or to be unsuccessful, or فسد عَیۡشُه there was turmoil in his life. For the commentary on other words in this verse, refer to 7:22 a.

20-122 Then his Lord chose him, so He turned to him and guided (him).^a

ثُمَّ ٱجْتَبَـٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ وَهَدَىٰ (۱۲۲)

20-122a: ٱجْتَبَـٰی –ٱجْتَبَـٰی means Allah had collected goodness in him. Refer to 3-179a. The word هَدَىٰ indicates guidance which one gets from revelation. فَتَلَقَّىٰٓ ءَادَمُ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ كَلِمَـٰتٍۢ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ : Then Adam received (revealed) words from his Lord, and He turned to him (mercifully) (2:37), hence Allah saved him through revelation from committing faults which human nature cannot avoid by itself.

20-123 He said: Go forth herefrom both — all (of you) — one of you (is) enemy to another. So there will surely come to you guidance from Me; then whoever follows My guidance, he will not go astray nor be unhappy.^a

قَالَ ٱهْبِطَا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًۢا ۖ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۭ ۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّى هُدًۭى فَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ (۱۲۳)

20-123a: For ھبط and بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۭ refer to 2-36a. Although there is mention of both,  all of mankind is included in the address because these two are representatives of all humanity. What is conveyed is, the law by which these two were governed is the same that will be applied to the whole of mankind.

20-124 And whoever turns away from My Reminder, for him is surely a straitened life, and We shall raise him up blind on the day of Resurrection.^a

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِيشَةًۭ ضَنكًۭا وَنَحْشُرُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ (۱۲۴)

20-124a: ضَنك – means ضیّق narrow, tight, strait, adversity.

What is meant by a straitened life: Some commentators have regarded it as the chastisement of the grave and some as the chastisement of hell, but it is obvious that the straitening pertains to this life because the words are followed by نَحْشُرُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ We shall raise him up blind on the day of Resurrection which is after death. So, necessarily the reference is to something else. Turning away from Allah is mentioned in the verse, and in another verse, it is stated: أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ …Now surely in Allah’s remembrance do hearts find rest (13:28). In this world, it is only in the remembrance of Allah that the heart can find peace. It is obvious that whoever turns away from the remembrance of Allah will not be able to find this peace. In reality, prosperity and lack, abundance and scarcity do not depend upon the material things one has but on the state of the heart. Even a few material things suffice a person whose heart is at peace, but for a person whose heart is not at peace, even the luxuries of the whole world are not enough and only cause more stress.

According to Ibn Abbas, the meaning of مَعِيشَةًۭ ضَنكًۭا straitened life is شقاء (RM) devoid of charity and goodness. Others consider it to mean earning a living using forbidden methods and acquiring wealth by corruption, which leads to adversity despite the abundance (IJ). The life of a worldly person is in reality a straitened life and he feels it to be so. Another way this is a straitened life is because Allah has given humans many different abilities and it is only by developing the innate potential that one leads a full life. Those who close their eyes to the moral and spiritual dimensions and remain focused only on worldly matters limit their life to a narrow outlook.

What is meant by being raised blind on the day of Resurrection: Closing the eyes to the real purpose of life is the cause of blindness on the Day of Resurrection, because they remained blind to the spiritual aspect of life: وَمَن كَانَ فِى هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ أَعْمَىٰ : And whoever is blind in this (world) he will be blind in the Hereafter… (17:72). Hence a person enters paradise or finds tranquility and inner peace by turning to Allah. The worldly paradise that a person can obtain, and the one in which Prophet Adam was initially placed was a state of inner peace. Refer to 2-35a.

In another verse, it is stated: وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًۭا وَبُكْمًۭا وَصُمًّۭا : And We shall gather them together on the day of Resurrection on their faces, blind and dumb and deaf (17:97). This is commonly understood as meaning that they will have no eyes, but they will be able to see the fire of hell وَرَءَا ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ ٱلنَّارَ : And the guilty will see the Fire (18:53) and will be able to read their Book of Deeds ٱقْرَأْ كِتَـٰبَكَ : Read thy book (17:14). So, this is a form of blindness that will enable them to see the chastisement, while they will not be able to see the blessings. These blessings will only be seen by those who develop the vision to see them. The kind of peace and contentment that a righteous person feels in this world is invisible to a worldly person. How will such a person be able to see the blessings of paradise in the next world? In verse 20:126, it is revealed that being forsaken by Allah, or being deprived of a meeting with Allah is the blindness mentioned in the Hereafter.

20-125 He will say: My Lord, why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I used to see?^a

قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِىٓ أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًۭا (۱۲۵)

20-125a: The seeing referenced pertains to seeing worldly matters. This is clear from the reply in the next verse where it is said that when Allah’s revelation came, he did not care for it, since he closed his eyes to it. That is why the ability to see things in this world will be of no benefit in the Hereafter and the eyes that remained closed to spiritual matters will remain closed in the Hereafter.

20-126 He will say: Thus did Our messages come to thee, but thou didst neglect them. And thus art thou forsaken this day.

قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ ءَايَـٰتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا ۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰ (۱۲۶)

20-127 And thus do We recompense him who is extravagant and believes not in the messages of his Lord. And certainly the chastisement of the Hereafter is severer and more lasting.^a

وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى مَنْ أَسْرَفَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنۢ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِۦ ۚ وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ أَشَدُّ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ (۱۲۷)

20-127a: اسراف – is to exceed the limit in some matter and means immersion in worldly desires.

The chastisement of the Hereafter is described as أَشَدُّ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ severer and more lasting indicating  that it is severer and more lasting than the chastisement of this world. The chastisement of this world is the one which is described in فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِيشَةًۭ ضَنكًۭا for him is surely a straitened life (20:124). Thus, this straitened life will manifest itself in the next world in a more severe form.

20-128 Does it not manifest to them how many of the generations, in whose dwellings they go about, We destroyed before them? Surely there are signs in this for men of understanding.^a

أَفَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِى مَسَـٰكِنِهِمْ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلنُّهَىٰ (۱۲۸)

20-128a: يَهْدِ – For the meaning of ھدایة refer to 1-5a. ھَدَی is also used in the sense of بَیَّنَ as in the hadith by Muhammad bin Kaab فما ھدی مِمّا رَجَعَ in his reply he neither clarified the matter nor gave any argument. It has also been said that in the Lughat Ahle Ghaur, the meaning of ھَدَیت لَكَ is بَیَّنۡتُ لَكَ  or, the matter was explained thoroughly. This is the meaning here (LA).