Tafsir
Surah Ya-Sin
Shaykh
Abdul-Nasir Jangda
RAMADHAAN
1432 A.H.
Allaah taŐaala says in the QurŐaan,
ولقد يسرنا القرآن للذكر فهل من مدكر
{And We have certainly made the QurŐaan easy for remembrance,
so is there any who will remember? (54, 17)}
The QurŐaan is easy, Allaah has made it easy. There is no doubt. The only
requirement placed is li
dhikri - whoever reads/listens/learns
the QurŐaan to come closer to Allaah for him it is
made easier. Then, it is placed on a silver platter - who will come forward to
remember it?
This is a Makkan surah,
revealed during the time the Messenger of Allaah s
lived in Makkah.
The Makkan suwar
focus upon three main aspects in imaan:
Ľ tawhid (the Oneness of Allaah)
Ľ risalah (Messengership of Muhammad s, that he is a messenger sent by Allaah to guide
all of creation and he receives divine revelation)
Ľ and the reality of the al-aakhirah and what will be encountered therein.
Surah Ya-SinŐs (36) placement within the mus-haf: it follows Saba (34) and Faatir
(35) which are also Makkan suwar. Saba and Faatir
are also Makkan suwar so there focus is to discuss tawhid, risalah, and al-aakhirah. Ya-Sin continues with these themes, but it takes a
different tone. It starts by focusing more heavily on the prophethood of Muhammad
s. Faatir did discuss the prophethood and the importance of
believing in the Messenger of Allaah s, but it more heavily focuses on tawhid. Ya-Sin places a heavy emphasis on the prophethood of
Muhammad s.
There are few ahadith which discuss the virtue of Ya-Sin as mentioned by the Messenger of Allaah. There is discussion regarding the authenticity of these narrations,
but the two that exist are
(1) Everything has a heart and Ya-Sin is the heart of the QurŐaan.
What this exactly means is
heavily discussed by the scholars. The most apparent understanding, however, is
the beauty with which Ya-Sin constructs this argument and the beauty with which
it flows discussing themes and concepts. It is so comprehensive and coherent
that it is a perfect example of the miracle of the QurŐaan. Second, it is so universally loved, admired, revered, and respected
by Muslims. The most renowned scholar and the average Muslim who may not be
able to recite with proper tajwid will hold in common their reverance and love for
this surah. They still know it is something amazing and
mindblowing. It is its acceptability in the hearts of people that alludes to it
being the heart of the QurŐaan.
Another narration with this
idea is ŇI wish for Surah Ya-Sin to be in the heart of every single believing
person.Ó This is the focus behind this study: to memorize the surah
as in the wish of the Messenger of Allaah s.
(2) Recite Surah
Ya-Sin upon your dead.
Meaning when somebody is at the
door of death, experiencing the pangs of death, the Messenger of Allaah s is advising us to recite it to ease their
transition to the afterlife and make it easier for that person to leave this
world.
This is a prevalent practice in
the Muslim community, but it has been more into a ritual. They are the words of
Allaah so they do have soothing, calming affect on people, but so do other suwar.
Why this surah? It talks about imaan, it reaffirms tawhid, risalah, al-aakhirah. It talks about everything of great importance.
What the Messenger of Allaah s is actually alluding to is that when there is mass
education in our communities of QurŐaan and the meaning and understanding, the recitation
will reaffirm the faith of that person. It will reconnect him to Allaah. It will remind him of the fundamental principles of imaan
leading him to a better death and place in the Hereafter.
Faatir ended on a powerful note
(35, 42) They take
oaths upon Allaah and they would exhaust taking oaths e.g. they
swear by each and everything they can image. Their oaths are that if somebody
was to come to them and warn them, they would be one of the most guided amongst
the people. Yet, when a prophet did arrive to them, it did not increase them in
any way except they began to run away from him even more.
Now, we begin with Ya-Sin.
يس
Ya-Sin
Huruf al-muqattŐaat (the disjointed letters)
These are repeated throughout
the QurŐaan. What do they mean?
The most authentic and
majority position of the ulema is that only Allaah knows the true meaning.
In this case, however,
there is more discussion regarding what they mean. Some claim it means ŇO human
beingÓ others that it is a name of the Messenger of Allaah s. The reality of the matter, however, is that we
have no confirmation of these facts. Nothing to establish these hypotheses
exist. The most authentic and safest understanding is still that Allaah knows best what they mean.
They can also be seen from the
miracle of the QurŐaan. These are the letters of the Arabic language. The
Arabs of that time were some of the most poetic and eloquent people this earth
has seen, the masters of this language. They had never before seen, however,
the letters being used in this manner.
When the Arabs put
together the letters alif-laam-mim they always assumed it meant alam;
Ha-mim was ham; ya-sin was yas. It shocked and amazed them.
That is the purpose of
these suwar beginnings. It catches the attention immediately.
It captivates the listener as if it is an announcement. The fact that we donŐt
know what it means humbles the person. It humbles even the scholar of the
language.
An interesting point regarding
the suwar that begin with these letters is that the very
next aayah is about the QurŐaan. Oftentimes, there is an oath involved as well.
The word kitaab or QurŐaan occurs in this next verse. The point of these
letters is to call your attention to the QurŐaan.
The Framework| What can we
expect from Surah
Ya-Sin?
The three main themes of imaan:
tawhid, risalah, al-aakhirah.
This surah
is very philosophical and will focus upon the fundamental ideas of our life and
its purpose.
It will focus heavily upon
gratefulness and what it requires of a person.
a. Why should we be grateful?
b. How should we express our gratitude?
c. Now that we are grateful, what is expected of us if
we are grateful?
1. The first part of the surah
is a consolation to the Messenger of Allaah s that what he is doing is correct. He s should not pay heed to these people who slander him, curse him, abuse
him, lie against him.
2. The second part of the surah
is giving a lesson to the Quraysh by referring to people of previous nations who
were sent messengers but they rejected them just like the Quraysh. What happened to those people in return?
3. The third part of the surah
will talk to us about the beauty of AllaahŐs creation. How we can look all around us and
appreciate that Allaah is our Creator, Sustainer, and how Magnificent He
must be if His creation is this magnificent.
4. The fourth part of the surah
will discuss that when the message is delivered, when the disbelievers are
shown these magnificences and told to believe in Allaah, but they refuse and
reject its truth, what happens to them.
5. The fifth part of the surah
will discuss the Hereafter. What will happen on the Day of Judgment with these
two groups of people? The group that believed and the group that disbelieved.
6. Finally, Allaah will issue a warning to people who have
intelligence, faculties, money, assets, resources and talent. They are fully
functioning human beings, but they refuse to believe in Allaah. To use their abilities to understand the Oneness in Allaah. This is a final warning to those people.
7. The surah concludes by again providing consolation to the
Messenger of Allaah s: by reminding him that he was given a task. His
responsibility is to deliver the message. Some people will believe and he is to
teach them, others will disbelieve and he is not to worry about them.
والقرآن الحكيم
By the
wise QurŐaan.
This is an oath. The waaw
here means an oath (as opposed to its usual ÔandŐ). By the QurŐaan that is full of wisdom.
The Word QurŐaan Itself
This is the given name by Allaah to His Book. We call it the QurŐaan.
It comes from the root of the
word meaning Ôto read somethingŐ.
The ending on the word (aan) it
means ŇabundanceÓ. That pattern alludes to abundance. So QurŐaan is that which is read
in abundance.
It is not a coincidence that Allaah begins this surah with the term QurŐaan - for Ya-Sin is one of the most frequently recited parts of it.
Al-Hakim
It can have two possible
meanings.
1. We know that it means ÔWiseŐ. It comes from Hikmah (wisdom) and Hakim is someone who is full of wisdom.
There is a profound
message in calling the QurŐaan wise. It is miraculous for many reasons. The
science, the prophecies, the unmatched language. Its most prominent miracle,
however, is its wisdom, profundity, depth. It tells us how to lead our life,
exactly what to do to lead a successful, meaning life. It is the cure for
whatever problem creation has. It is that deep in its wisdom.
2. It can also comes from the word Hukm
(authority) and Hakim would be someone who is full of authority
(authoritative). It tells you what to do. It is decisive in delivering a
message to you.
Which one does it mean? The
reality of the matter is that it means both. This is part of the beauty of the QurŐaan that one word can have multiple meanings. This is called al-tawasu fiŐl-maŐna fiŐl-QurŐaan
al-Karim. This creates depth in the
meaning of the QurŐaan.
Thus, the QurŐaan is both full of wisdom and it is authoritative (e.g. it tells us what
to do).
إنك لمن المرسلين
Indeed
you, [O Muhammad], are from among the messengers,
Allaah has sworn by the QurŐaan that this
is true.
In the QurŐaan, the singular, second person (you = kaaf) refers to the
Messenger of Allaah s.
Inna is to provide emphasis, to remove doubt. Allaah is saying there should remain no doubt about the fact that You are most
definitely (laam is for emphasis) from (min)
al-mursalin.
Al-Mursalin is from the root of irsal (someone who
has been sent by a higher authority). Mursal is someone who has been sent by a higher
authority. Rasul is someone who has been sent to convey by a higher
authority. Thus, if somone is a rasul or a mursal it doesnŐt just mean he is a messenger. ItŐs
connecting the word back to Allaah. The ultimate authority is Allaah. The word is connecting the people back to Allaah.
Thus, the verse means: there
should remain no doubt that you are from the group of people who have been sent
by Allaah to convey the message to the people.
A few matters that need to be
understood here:
1. Allaah swore by the QurŐaan that Muhammad s is a
messenger of Allaah. This is another part of the wisdom of the QurŐaan. Allaah is creating that connection here. Allaah knew the situation would arise where people would be comfortable
accepting the QurŐaan, but having difficulty accepting the Messenger of Allaah s. Meaning if you are accepting the QurŐaan you must accept the Messenger of it. One is the kasam
(oath) and the other is the jawab
al-kasam (reason for the oath).
2. Allaah does not say innaka mursal or innaka rasul. Allaah says that Ňyou are fromÓ those
people. Once again, it is a consolation. He s is not the
first person to be communicated to by Allaah, to convey a message from Allaah, to be rejected by his people for delivering the message. There were
many before you s and you belong to this fraternity of people. This
makes dealing with the difficulty easier. To know that someone has experienced
it before. Makkah is tough and you are experiencing a lot, but you are
connected to Allaah and there have been others who have been through
this before.
على صراط مستقيم
upon a
straight path.
ÔAlaa means ŇuponÓ, Ňon top ofÓ.
Siraat means ŇpathÓ.
Another word meaning
path is sabil. Siraat has no plural, but sabil has a plural (subul).
When Allaah talks about guidance, imaan,
din, hidayah, He taŐaala uses siraat becomes there is a single path to guidance. When
He taŐaala discusses charity, however, He uses sabil (e.g. fi sabil
lillah) because there are multiple
ways for giving in the sake of Allaah.
You have been sent to people to
set them upon this path.
Mustaqim means to stand upright. It comes from the root Ňto
make standÓ. When something is sitting, the body is crooked at an angle. When
it is standing, however, it is straight and upright.
It is the quickest
(direct) shortest path to the pleasure of Allaah.
It is noble because it
is upright. There is nothing humiliating, disgusting within the din.
ÔAlaa is a beautiful harf al-jarr
(preposition). It provides imagery of being atop. ItŐs like one is inclining
upon the straight path. The ulema
describe it like getting on a train.
Once you are on the track, you donŐt have anything to do afterwards except
recline to have it take you to your destination. It is a smooth, easy ride.
There is effort in attaining the ticket and catching the train, but once youŐre
on it, life becomes easy, smooth sailing. There must be some effort put in to
get there, but from there Allaah
will take us the rest of the way.
Notice the tanwin (siraatin
mustaqimin). It is in its common
form. Other places it is in its
proper form (1, 5).
اهدنا الصراط المستقيم
Why is it in its common form?
When something is in this form there is versatility and diversity in the
meaning. There is multi-layered meaning. It is telling the Messenger of Allaah s that he is inviting to a straight path, the QurŐaan is layinging out a straight path, Allaah is calling
people to a straight path. Believing in Allaah is part of the straight path, the QurŐaan is inviting to the straight path, the Messenger of Allaah s is on the straight path. They are all calling us,
bringing us to the straight path. There is broad meaning in what the terms are
alluding to.
تنزيل العزيز الرحيم
[This is]
a revelation of the Exalted in Might, the Especially Merciful,
{It has been sent (that which has been sent) from that
One that is Aziz and Rahim.}
Tanzil | Word Analysis
Tanzil comes from the root meaning to Ňsend something downÓ
or even further Ňto descendÓ. In the Arabic language, specifically within the QurŐaan, there is another form of this word Ňto send something downÓ; it is anzal
as in (3, 3).
نزل عليك الكتاب بالحق مصدقا لما بين يديه وأنزل التوراة والإنجيل
About the QurŐaan, the word nazala is used (meaning ŇHe sent downÓ). About the tawrah and injil the word anzala is used (meaning ŇHe sent downÓ). The QurŐaan is divine and precise; these words are not interchangeable. What then
is the difference?
Anzala means to send something down all at once.
The previous divine scriptures were sent down as complete books from Allaah taŐaala. The QurŐaan, however, was revealed little by little by
little (tadhreejan) which is what tanzil means.
Even about the QurŐaan though, in some places Allaah says anzala and others He says tanzala. For
example, (97, 1) Allaah uses anzala
إنا أنزلناه في ليلة القدر
We most definitely sent it down in the Night of Power.
Here, Allaah is mentioning that He sent down the QurŐaan from lawh al-mahfuz (the Preserved Tablet) where the QurŐaan was preserved, to bayt
al-izza in the lowest heavens, the sky
closest to the earth. In this revelation, it was sent down in its entirety.
Then in (2, 185), Allaah uses anzala
شهر رمضان الذي أنزل فيه القرآن
The month of Ramadhaan [is that] in which was revealed the
QurŐaan ...
The QurŐaan was revealed in its entirety in this month. Yet, we know Allaah sent it down little by little. Again, here Allaah is mentioning the revelation from lawh al-mahfuz to bayt al-izza. This is demonstrating from the above verse in SuratŐl-Qadr that the Night of Power is in Ramadhaan.
Everywhere else when discussing
the revelation of the QurŐaan, Allaah uses tanzil because it was gradual and He is referring to the
revelation to the Messenger of Allaah s.
WhatŐs the significance of
sending the QurŐaan little by little?
Allaah is giving the QurŐaan
importance. He taŐaala is teaching us that the QurŐaan
is meant to be digested, approached,
understood, absorbed, internalized LITTLE BY LITTLE. Just like it was sent
down. We may have the entirety, but we should still learn it in a portion of a
time.
Now, from whom was it that the QurŐaan was coming down?
Remember, the purposes of Ya-Sin are to establish the truth of the QurŐaan and the validity
of the prophethood of Muhammad s. Establishing that he s is the Messenger of Allaah.
This isnŐt coming down from any
random place. It is coming down from al-Aziz ar-Rahim
referring to Allaah.
Al-Aziz| Word Analysis
It means the One Who
dominates, but cannot be dominated. Powerful, firm, strong, dominating.
Ar-Rahim| Word Analysis
It comes from the root word
meaning mercy (raHmah). It means the One Who is constantly merciful.
These two Names being mentioned
is of importance because in the next few aayaat Allaah will discuss the peopel who reject the QurŐaan. They who donŐt listen to it, they who choose not to believe in it.
For them, Allaah is Aziz - firm, strong, powerful and dominating. His
warning is being given - that His punishment will dominate these people.
Then in aayah
11,
إنما تنذر من اتبع الذكر وخشي الرحمن بالغيب فبشره بمغفرة وأجر كريم
Allaah talks about people who do take the message of the QurŐaan. They accept it, they listen to it, they reflect upon it, they live
it. For them, Allaah is mentioning the attribute of ar-Rahim - to them, Allaah will be constantly merciful.
لتنذر قوما ما أنذر آباؤهم فهم غافلون
That you
may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, so they are unaware.
{So that you may warn a people that there
forefathers were not warned, therefore they are completely in (in a state of)
heedlessness.}
Historical Explanation
Ibrahim Ôalayhi as-salaam, considered the forefather of the prophets and
messengers. It is from him that the two major chains of prophets came - Bani IsraŐil and the Arabs. We know there was the conflict there. He had two sons
and their tribes: Banu Ishaq and Banu
IsmaŐil.
The progeny of Ishaq Ôalayhi as-salaam were people amongst whom many of the prophets
mentioned in the QurŐaan came: Zakariyyah, Yahya, Sulayman, DawŐud, ÔIsa,
Musa, etc. Ôalayhum
as-salaam.
The progeny of IsmaŐil Ôalayhi as-salaam did not get any messengers until Muhammad s. So for these Arabs, the divine revelation did not come to them for
at least 100s and 100s if not 1000s of years. Allaah says this
book has been revealed to them from Aziz and Rahim whose forefathers were not warned. As a result of
their forefathers not being warned ghafilun. Allaah did not say ghafalu, yaghfilu. Allaah uses the nominal form. These people were drowning
in heedlessness. Heedlessness is simply people who are unaware, oblivious to
reality, completely lost. They have complete lack of awareness of what is going
on. Some of the scholars mention there are multiple forms of ghafla - some are accidental, others are intentional. These people had an
intentional branding. They chose to be heedless. They liked the way
things were for them.
Guidance has not come to these
people for a very long time so it will take longer for the message to be
absorbed, for them to take from it. At the same time, Allaah is hinting that amongst them, there are some who have the element of
choosing to be heedless. They know about their situation and they like the way
things are, they are content with the situation. Fahum ghafilun.
Allaah is reminding them of this. He is telling the
Messenger of Allaah s
that this is the purpose of the
revelation of the QurŐaan . In (28, 46), He taŐaala makes
mention of this in (28, 46)
لتنذر قوما ما أتاهم من نذير من قبلك
...to warn a
people to whom no warner had come before you...
{So that you can use this QurŐaan to warn a people that no
warner had come to them before you - nobody had come to warn them before you}
Allaah is saying what the purpose of the QurŐaan is. When we completely treat the QurŐaan as functioning to decoration and formality or
opening of auspacious occassions we run into a problem Its main purpose is to
wake people up. We need to develop this relationship with the QurŐaan for ourselves and for our communities. It wakes us from being lost.
لقد حق القول على أكثرهم فهم لا يؤمنون
Already
the word has come into effect upon most of them, so they do not believe.
{Most definitely, the word has been confirmed
upon the majority of them. Therefore they will not believe.}
We know the Messenger of Allaah s was sent for all of humanity, but the first
recipients of his message were the Quraysh, the Arabs. So Allaah is talking about them specifically. In the previous aayah,
Allaah has mentioned that he s has the job to warn them, to awake them from this deep sleep. Now in
this aayah, Allaah is saying most definitely (laam
is emphasis and qad is further emphasis = like pounding fist on
table).
Haqq| Word Analysis
Haqq is from the root meaning Ňthat which is
stable/constant/solidÓ but it also carries the meaning of Ňthat which is
reality/confirmed/happens/no doubt about itÓ. The word or saying or decision
has been confirmed upon you. What is this qawl?
Qawl| Word Analysis
In the QurŐaan, Allaah tells us the story about Adam Ôalayhi as-salaam and Iblis. When Allaah created Adam Ôalayhi as-salaam He commanded the angels to make sujud
to him, but Iblis refused. He was arrogant, arguing with Allaah, denying, refusing, and disobeying. So Allaah casted him
off, sent him away from His mercy.
Iblis requests time until the
Day of Judgment to lead all of these human beings astray. These human beings to
whom he had been commanded to prostrate, he commits his life to taking them
astray. Coming at them from in front, behind, left, right, doing whatever it
takes to lead them astray and You will say the majority of the will not be
grateful. He swore by AllaahŐs power (wa
bi izzatihim) that he would lead them
astray. Look at the arrogance (38, 82)!
قال فبعزتك لأغوينهم أجمعين
[Iblis] said, ŇBy Your might, I will surely mislead them all,
Allaah ended up cursing Iblis and saying the reality (38,
84-85)
قال فالحق والحق أقول
[Allaah] said, ÔThe truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -
لأملأن جهنم منك وممن تبعك منهم أجمعين
[that] I will surely fill the Hellfire with you and those of
them that follow you all together.
Anyone that chooses to follow
Iblis and not the path outlined by Allaah will be cast into the Hellfire.
The story of Adam and Iblis
occurs in seven places in the QurŐaan, Baqarah
(2), AŐaraaf (7), Hijr (15),
Israa (17), Kahf (18), Ta-Ha
(20), Sad (38). Even at
the end of Ya-Sin (36, 70) Allaah says that the punished has been decided and
decreed upon those people who are ungrateful and disbelieve in Allaah.
لينذر من كان حيّا ويحق القول على الكافرين
To warn whoever is alive and justify the word against
the disbelievers.
Al-Qawl is thus AllaahŐs decision to punish these people, His decision to cast them into the Hellfire. That
decision has been confirmed upon the majority of these people to whom the
Messenger of Allaah s
is giving daŐwah therefore these people will not believe (it includes the
future tense as in ŇdonŐt expect them to believeÓ).
In Conclusion
When Allaah al-Aziz ar-Rahim is telling His Messenger s that He has sent down the QurŐaan
for him to warn these people, then why would Allaah mention that the punishment for the majority these people has been
confirmed and he shouldnŐt expect them to believe?
These aayaat are a consolation to the Messenger of Allaah s. In
Makkah, a lot of difficulty was experienced. The second theyŐd take a few steps
ahead, the people would become more stubborn, arrogant, aggressive, and
violent. It was difficult to keep up the morale of the Muslims. This was to let
him know that Allaah is watching these people and has made the decision
for them.
The reason for telling the
Messenger of Allaah s
not to expect these people to believe
was because the Messenger of Allaah embodied and amazing quality. To blame himself for
what goes wrong. Some people automatically look to others when matters go
wrong. A special person, however, blames himself in this selfless way. It is
empathetic, sympathetic, and compassionate to blame oneŐs own self. He s embodied this quality like no other person. Allaah had to tell him (18, 6) to take it easy!
فلعلك باخع نفسك على آثارهم إن لم يؤمنوا بهذا الحديث أسفا
Then perhaps you would kill yourself through grief over them,
[O Muhammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of sorrow.
At the jarring and powerful
moment in the situation of TaŐif, the Messenger of Allaah s after being ridiculed, stoned, humiliated, made to bleed from his
body to the point of falling unconscious, he was given a moment of rest and
made duŐaa to Allaah. His s supplication is unbelievable!
O Allaah I complain to you of my own weakness, and my lack of
effort, and I complain to you of my lack of respect in the eyes of people.
As if saying that these people
didnŐt reject the message because of Allaah or of what it contains or even because of
themselves. Their rejection was associated with my own weaknesses and faults.
Please forgive me.
Allaah would have to console the Messenger of Allaah s because of this quality. To prevent him s from destroying himself for the sake of people.
Aayaat
8-10 elaborate upon aayah 7
إنا جعلنا في أعناقهم أغلالا فهي إلى الأذقان فهم مقمحون
Indeed,
We have put shackles on their necks, and they are to their chins, so they are
with heads [kept] aloft.
{Most definitely we have placed in their necks collars (or
shackles) and it is all the way up to their chins so their heads are slightly
raised (stuck in that one position)}
Word Analysis
Here Allaah is attributing the action to Himself inna jaŐalnaa. There
is repetition of the first person plural subject to say that it is definitely Allaah, and only Allaah. There is exclusivity.
AŐanaaq is the plural of unuq (neck). In
their necks.
Aghlaal is the plural of ghul (shackle e.g.
like shackline a prisoner). It is a very general term so it could be shackles
put on any area (handcuffs, ankles, neck), but here it is specified to around
their necks.
Ilaa al-adhqaan up to their chins so that it is elongating their
necks. In this position, one no longer has any room to move. They have no
ability to move, they are frozen in this position.
The result is fahum muqmaHun. MuqmaHun comes from the root qamaHa refers to
when a camel comes to drink water. The camel then raises its head, just
standing before the water, gazing at it. This would be called aqmaHal baŐi that the camel drank the water and has its head raised to stand over
the water, perhaps gazing down at it. Another explanation in the lexicon is
that the neck of the camel was sometimes tied to its back in such a way that
its neck would stay erect to keep it alert. They would do this when they did not
want the camel to walk or stand in a particular position and not have
flexibility to move from the position.
So muqmaHun means the people have been tied into such a position that their head
can neither be further up nor further down - especially lowering the head.
Why would their heads be
raised?
1. It is in reference to
their arrogance. They were provided
the message, a messenger, the QurŐaan was recited to them. They were rude, they were
extremely arrogant. It is as if Allaah set this curse of arrogance upon them: they wanted
to be arrogant, so they not must deal with it. They were allowed to further
indulge in their arrogance.
The QurŐaan defines to us very clearly (especially in SuratŐl-Baqarah) that arrogance is the number one obstacle to
guidance. The leaders of Quraysh could not speak ill of the Messenger of Allaah s, the QurŐaan was so attractive to them that they would go to hear it. Yet, they
still did not accept.
Abu Jahl was asked why he
didnŐt believe.
Is Muhammad a liar?
No.
What about the QurŐaan. ItŐs amazing.
Then why wonŐt you
believe? We are Banu Makhzum and they are Banu Haashim. We
have a rivalry, when they do something we do better than them. If we accept it,
we cannot duplicate it. We cannot beat them at this, so weŐll just refuse and
resist. Arrogance.
Allaah has fixed them in their
own arrogance.
2. It is for their
denial of the signs around them. As
weŐll see later in Ya-Sin and have seen in Fussilat (41, 53),
سنريهم آياتنا في الآفاق وفي أنفسهم حتى يتبين لهم أنه الحق أولم يكف بربك أنه على كل شيء شهيد
We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within
themselves
until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is
it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?
and in Nabaa
and in Mulk which speak of the miracles of Allaah in our surroundings, in these miraculous things are signs for people
of intelligence, people who think. If these people looked around them, it would
humble them. If their necks are in such a position, they canŐt gaze around at
the wonders. They can never see the beauty of the magnificence of AllaahŐs signs. It is further drowning themselves in their own arrogance.
TheyŐve made a choice and must not live with it.
Tense
All of this has been said in
the past tense. Inna jaŐalnaa = We have already put.
1. Some scholars are of the opinion that this is
giving a metaphor for their spiritual condition in the dunya.
2. Other scholars say it will transpire with these
people on the Day of Judgment. They will no longer be able to prostrate
themselves, humble themselves. It is in the past tense because it is confirmed.
There is such assurity in its occurrence that its as if it has already
happened, thus the past tense is being used.
The coming verses, however,
support the first opinion and make it clear that this is with reference to
their arrogance in this world. It is a metaphor for their spiritual situation.
وجعلنا من بين أيديهم سدّا ومن خلفهم سدّا فأغشيناهم فهم لا يبصرون
And We
have put before them a barrier and behind them a barrier and covered them, so
they do not see.
{And We have made all the way from in front of
them a barrier and all the way from behind them a barrier and we have covered
them and they can no longer see.}
Allaah is further continuing that analogy of how pitiful
their situation is and how cursed these people are. There is repetition of the
word jaŐalnaa in verses 8 and 9. The scholars say that this is
because it is now discussing a different barrier. The first was their internal
obstacle to seeing the truth - their arrogance which trapped them in a
position. Now, itŐs discussing the internal barrier. So even if they were able
to overcome the internal barrier, they would not be able to believe because
there is an external barrier.
Sad is a barrier between two things. Something
preventing two things from coming together - between them and guidance, them
and imaan. Allaah further says min
bayni meaning that it is all the way
from them, it is touching them. They are squeezed between two walls so tightly
that they cannot move. There is such powerful imagery here. Imagine the
suffocation. This is not a comfortable lifestyle they lead. Behind them there
is another wall that is locking them in, trapping them.
Fa-aghshaynaahum there is even something on top covering them
completely so that they cannot even see daylight. They are completely trapped
that they cannot even see.
وسواء عليهم أأنذرتهم أم لم تنذرهم لا يؤمنون
And it is
all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - will not
believe.
{And it is equal, absolutely the same, whether
you warn them or you do not warn them - they will not believe.}
Remember, andhar is to warn some of imminent danger out of care and concern for them.
It doesnŐt matter how much concern you warn them with or not.
WhatŐs the point of giving daŐwah then?
Allaah addresses this question in (7, 164)
وإذ قالت أمة منهم لم تعظون قوما الله مهلكهم أو معذبهم عذابا شديدا قالوا معذرة إلى ربكم ولعلهم يتقون
And when a community among them said, ŇWhy do you advise [or
warn] a people whom Allaah is [about] to destroy or to punish with a severe
punishment?Ó they [the advisors] said, ŇTo be absolved before your Lord and
perhaps they may fear Him.Ó
So that when they stand before Allaah on the Day of Judgment, they have no excuses. The messenger will be
able to stand before them and say that they did preach to them as best as
possible. It completes the argument. Yet, at the same time to never give up
because they may possibly becomes conscious of Allaah. We never
know. Abu Sufyan accepted Islaam 20 years after it was revealed, after engaging in
campaigns and battles against the message.
Why is Allaah attributing this to Himself?
This horrible situation that
they are in, trapped and suffocating, Allaah is saying that ŇWe have put them in itÓ. Why is Allaah doing it to them? DoesnŐt Allaah
want them to believe?
When you study the QurŐaan and its themes overall, and its discussion on guidance you understand
this.
1. Allaah has sent guidance clear as day, mercy, messengers, prophets, signs
around us. He has put indicators to lead us back to Him all around us and even
within ourselves. It is very clear and accessible.
2. If these signs were all around us, but we didnŐt
have the faculties to access them it would be pointless. So Allaah has given us
the faculties (76, 2)
إنا خلقنا الإنسان من نطفة أمشاج نبتليه فجعلناه سميعا بصيرا
Indeed, We created human from a sperm-drop mixture so that
We may test him and We made him hearing and seeing.
In order to test the human
being, We gave him the ability to hear and see. In other places we are told we
were given intelligence, ability to comprehend, ponder, think, walk around,
feel, understand. We were given all the faculties we would need.
3. Allaah gave the human being a clear choice (76, 3)
إنا هديناه السبيل إما شاكرا وإما كفورا
Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he
ungrateful.
We were given a clear choice
whether we choose to believe or disbelieve. Everything was made clear, we were
given faculties to comprehend the signs, and then we have the choice.
Once someone makes the choice
to not be grateful, to disbelieve, after being given all of these signs and
opportunities, now Allaah says that He has put them into this situation.
They walked until here and are now asking for the result. ItŐs like a person
walking to the edge of a cliff and asking to suffer the consequences.
Then,
who will the message benefit?
إنما تنذر من اتبع الذكر وخشي الرحمن بالغيب فبشره بمغفرة وأجر كريم
You can
only warn one who follows the message and fears the Most Merciful unseen. So
give him good tidings of forgiveness and noble reward.
One very profound message here
is that daŐwah is a responsibility from Allaah and it must be discharged. It is not just to benefit the person being
invited (madŐu), but also for the inviter (daŐi)
regardless if someone is listening or not. We do not slacken in our efforts and
accept failure. We strive because we are benefiting from this struggle. At the
end of the day, the Messenger of Allaah s wanted to see some results, to see some
validation, some vindication, to see that what heŐs doing means something and
it brings some change.
Innamaa in this form serves the purpose of restriction and
specification, Ňin actuality, you are onlyÓ.
AttabaŐa adh-dhikr | Word Analysis
Adh-dhikr points to the QurŐaan as time and
time again it has been described as that (54, 40)
ولقد يسرنا القرآن للذكر فهل من مدكر
And We have indeed made the QurŐaan easy to understand and
remember...
The fact that itŐs in its
proper form adh-dhikr is even more evidence of the fact that it points specifically to the QurŐaan.
So the one who will ittabaŐ (literally meaning Ňto followÓ) the QurŐaan. What does
it mean to follow the QurŐaan?
In other places, we are told
(39, 18)
الذين يستمعون القول فيتبعون أحسنه أولئك الذين هداهم الله وأولئك هم أولو الألباب
Who listen to speech (very attentively, carefully) and follow
it (in its most excellent fashion). Those are the ones Allaah has guided
and those are people of understanding.
Thus, following the QurŐaan means to listen, understand it, internalize it, act upon it, and even
spend themselves in further spreading it. This is the real following of the QurŐaan. That is the one whom the Messenger of Allaah s is warning.
Khashiya ar-Rahman | Word Analysis
But thatŐs not all. This person
has a second quality as well. Khashiya he fears, is overwhelmed by ar-Rahman. This is an interesting combination, to fear the Most Merciful.
Why not say Allaah? By saying Ar-Rahman the reader or listener thinks of all the blessings
in his life and feels a sense of obligation to turn to and worship Allaah. The title, relationship, status is mentioned to make one feel a
sense of obligation. He taŐaala
has blessed you with everything you
have.
Also, by mentioning Ar-Rahman itŐs His right upon us to be worshipped and for us to fear
disappointing Him. There is no contradiction.
Ghayb meaning in absence. When they are away from
everyone, in the privacy of their homes. This person would have truly
internalized the meaning of the QurŐaan. He is never heedless of Allaah, the One Who has given him everything, is watching him.
The Result
Give these people the good news
of maghfirah. Maghfirah is the larger form of the word, meaning Ňcomplete
forgivenessÓ.
And give them news of a ajrin
karim - a most generous, noble word.
So these people had two
qualities and were guaranteed two promises.
1. For living a life following the QurŐaan they receive maghfirah. When we lead such a life we are cleansing and
washing away all the sins we have committed in this life.
2. For being fearful of Ar-Rahman even in private they
receive a noble, generous reward (the life of Paradise).
إنا نحن نحيي الموتى ونكتب ما قدموا وآثارهم وكل شيء أحصيناه في إمام مبين
Indeed,
it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and
what they left behind, and all things We have enumerated in a clear register.
As in verses 8 and 9, there is
exclusivity here by repetition of the first person plural subject (most definitely
We and only We).
NuHyi al-mawtaa| Reviving the dead
This may be referring to either
1. Reaffirming the life of the hereafter. On the Day
of Judgment these people will be resurrected. This was the number one objection
of the mushrikeen from the believers.
2. The life of imaan (6, 122)
أومن كان ميتا فأحييناه وجعلنا له نورا يمشي به في الناس كمن مثله في الظلمات ليس بخارج منها
And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him
light with which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom? ...
{The one who remembers Allaah and the one who does not, their
example is like the living and the dead. [Tirmidhi]}
Allaah brings people to life by blessing them with imaan.
Previously, there was reference to people who would not believe. Now He taŐaala is speaking of those who will accept it. Again, we continue to put
forth our daŐwah because we do not know whom Allaah will bless to come forward from death into life. Look to the examples
of Abu Sufyan, Khaalid b. Walid, Ikrimah b. Abi Jahl.
Naktubu| The Recording
This focuses upon
accountability. This was another objection of the disbelievers. They could not
fathom how anyone could take everyone to account for what they
have done. We are writing that which they have sent forward or invested for
themselves.
Aathaarahum| Word Analysis
And their lasting effects or
their remaining effects. But what does that mean?
1. maa qaddamu (= that which they have sent forward) is referring
to the good intention that one
sends forward.
When a believer makes
the intention to do a good deed. Allaah tells the Angel to write.
The Angel responds
that the person has not done anything yet.
Allaah says that the person has made the intent to do
some good so it should be written for him as a reward.
Then, when the person
acts upon the good deed, Allaah again commands the Angel to write it.
In comparison: when
the person intends for sin, the Angel asks Allaah if it should
be written. Allaah says no do not write it. Then when the person
commits the sin, Allaah tells the Angel to write it once. If the person
does not commit it, though, Allaah tells the Angel to write down a good deed for the
person because he fought his intention and resisted.
من كان يريد حرث الآخرة نزد له في حرثه ومن كان يريد حرث الدنيا نؤته منها وما له في الآخرة من نصيب
Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We
increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this
world - We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any
share. (42, 20)
Allaah did not say man
kaana Ôamila, but He said man kaana yuridu. The one who would intend, not actually did. Iradah. Just a good intention is a profound good deed upon the believer.
The intention of the believer is better
than his action.
Then the aathaar are the actual good deeds
upon those intentions.
2. maa qaddamu are the actual good deeds the person does and aathaar are what it encouraged others to do
Whosoever starts a good practice, he will
get the reward of it and the reward of anyone who continues to act upon it.
When the human being dies, his actions are cut off except for three
things (1) perpetual charity (2) knowledge the people continue to benefit from
(3) a righteous child who continues to make duŐaa for the
deceased parent.
So they not only get credit of
that which they themselves have done, but the after effects of what they have
done.
3. maa qaddamu are the good deeds being written and aathaar are everything that goes into making the
deeds reality and comes about because of it
The scholars quote an
incident from the life of the Messenger of Allaah s. There were a people living on the outskirts of Madinah, Banu
Salimah, who accepted Islaam when teh message first arrived and supported Islaam.
Their neighbourhood
was some distance from the masjid so they made intentions to move into the plot near
it (today it is jannatŐl-baqiŐ). He s
heard this and went to them. He s said, ŇYa Bani
Salimah, diyaarakum (stay where you
are now). Tubtabu aathaarakum (every little footstep you take to the masjid are written as reward for you).
When a person walks to
the masjid, for every step he takes he gets a reward and one
sin is wiped away from his slate.
This is like guarding
the boundaries of the land of Islaam. Meaning the farther you live from the masjid and yet you still go, it is like preserving the Islaamic state.
Give good news to the
people who walk, but walk frequently to the masjid in the
darkness of night. They will have the most complete light on the Day of
Judgment.
The principle is that when you
do a good deed, the effort, time, investment, and intention, everything that
goes into making the deed a reality are written for you.
Final Confirmation
Each and every single thing
(abnormal sentence structure) (iHsaan) is already taken into account and has been
preserved. There are books with the proof, with confirmation.
Imaam here means (according to Ibn Abbaas) the book of
deeds, your record. This is because it will be presented before people and
people will follow it (e.g. right hand to Paradise, left hand to Hellfire).
This again creates that sense of accountability. What we do in this life will
determine what happens to us in the Hereafter.
This life is an allusion, but
it is significant because our result in the Hereafer depends upon what weŐve
done here. What we do in this life will be our imaam in the
Hereafter.
This ends passage one of Ya-Sin.
WeŐve now discussed the
validity of the QurŐaan, of the Messenger of Allaah s, and of the concept of their being messengers sent by Allaah to deliver His message to the people.
Then there are two groups
people divide into when they are delivered this message. One choose to denounce
it and Allaah discusses their situation and condition. The other
choose to accepts it and Allaah discusses the reward set aside for them.
This begins the second passage
of Ya-Sin. We need to understand the historical context for
its revelation before proceeding further.
This was revealed to the
Messenger of Allaah s during the Makkan period and at the height of the
opposition from the Makkans. A lot of time in the city had passed, so this was
nearing his final days in Makkah. He s has deliverd the message to the people in several
ways like Nuh Ôalayhi
as-salaam to his people (71, 5-15)
publicly, privately, individually, giving them incentives. Yet, even with all
of these efforts (71, 6)
فلم يزدهم دعائي إلا فرارا
But my invitation increased them not except in flight.
They would put their fingers in
their ears, cover their faces when he would come to them, they would be
insistent and arrogant and brush off Nuh Ôalayhi
as-salaam. This situation was similar
to that of the Messenger of Allaah s
when these verses was to be revealed.
The Makkans wanted nothing to do with him s
and his message. They had complete
apathy and became engaged in anti-daŐwah; they were violent and aggressive towards those
who were giving heed to the message. It was like Allaah tell us (41,
26)
وقال الذين كفروا لا تسمعوا لهذا القرآن والغوا فيه لعلكم تغلبون
And those who disbelieve say, ŇDo not listen to this QurŐaan
and speak noisily during [the recitation of] it that perhaps you will
overcome.Ó
TheyŐve made it personal to
defeat the Messenger of Allaah s
in his message.
At this point, Allaah is giving them a powerful reminder. To make someone realize the
errors of their ways when they have been numbed by the warnings and advice,
direct them to the situations of real examples. The horrific consequences that
others have faced when they did not pay heed. Give these people the example of
a people of a town that came before. The same thing may happen to these
people as well if they do not correct their corrupt ways.
واضرب لهم مثلا أصحاب القرية إذ جاءها المرسلون
And
present to them an example: the people of the city, when the mesengers came to
it -
Strike for them an
example - give an example for them
(the Quraysh). Lahum means make this story of a people of a town previously
relevant to these people. This is an implicit evidence that even when Allaah speak of disbelievers in the QurŐaan, even the Muslims should take heed. Ibn Abbaas
said that in the aayaat directed to the disbelievers there is relevance
for the believers. They ought to recognize these traits and tendencies and
search for them within themselves. If they find them, it is a sign of disbelief
and a sign to correct their ways.
Of the people of a
town when messengers have come to them.
ThereŐs much discussion in tafasir about this ŇtownÓ. Many mention the town of Intaqiyyah. It was an ancient city. These messengers, in their opinion, were not
prophets but the disciples of ÔIsa Ôalayhi
as-salaam. Ibn Kathir has a detailed
discussion about the authenticity of these narrations. We donŐt really need to
get into this discussion. It is more important to see what message we can draw
from these aayaat.
إذ أرسلنا إليهم اثنين فكذبوهما فعززنا بثالث فقالوا إنا إليكم مرسلون
When we
sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third,
and they said, ŇIndeed, we are messengers to you.Ó
Idh is like saying Ňremember way back whenÓ. First, Allaah sent two messengers to them. They rejected them. Takdhib means they called them liars. Everything they were given was called
bogus.
TaŐziz literally means to strengthen, to firm. Allaah says He reaffirmed the messengers with a third to reaffirm and
strenghten their confidence and the message being delivered.
Their primary message was that
most definitely we have been sent specifically to
you. There is abnormal sentence
structure here indicating that there is exclusivity.
قالوا ما أنتم إلا بشر مثلنا وما أنزل الرحمن من شيء إن أنتم إلا تكذبون
They
said, ŇYou are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not
revealed a thing. You are only tellings lies.Ó
You people are nothing but people
just like us. This has always been the primary criticism of all messengers
throughout time when theyŐve come to deliver the message to people. Like the
Quraysh when they said (25, 7)
وقالوا مال هذا الرسول يأكل الطعام ويمشي في الأسواق لولا أنزل إليه ملك فيكون معه نذيرا
And they say, ŇWhat is this messenger that eats food and
walks in the markets? Why was there not sent down to him an angel so he would
be with him a warner?
This is the natural pride, ego
of the human being: the aversion to authority. Even if Allaah would have sent an Angel down with the message, they would not have
believed. According to them, the Angel would be a supernatural being unable to
understand the situation of the human being. That is there situation.
There very first objection was:
the messengers are people just like us.
And this Ar-Rahman you speak of (remember the name was mentioned in verse 11), He has
not sent down anything. You (all three of you) are nothing but lying to
us.
قالوا ربنا يعلم إنا إليكم لمرسلون
They
said, ŇOur Lord knows that we are messengers to you,
The messengers now speak in
response to the people of the town: Our Lord, He knows that most definitely we
have been sent specifically for you people.
Their statement here is very
profound. What did they use as evidence?
We know that messengers would
receive miracles as evidence as well. They, however, did not respond with
miracles. Just like how the Messenger of Allaah s
did not respond to people with
miracles. Remember when ÔUtbah bin Walid came to the Messenger of Allaah and asked him what he wanted (wealth? fame? women?). In response the
Messenger of Allaah s
recited the verses of SuratŐl-Fussilat. Until he reached the point of sajdah performed it and then walked away from ÔUtbah who was left
gobsmacked. The people saw him when he returned and said that he is not coming
back with the face he left with. He advised them to leave the way because this
would be a powerful storm.
We shouldnŐt rely upon
supernatural things to prove our point. Our message is enough evidence for us.
وما علينا إلا البلاغ المبين
And we
are not responsible except for clear notification.Ó
Now, there is the situation
with the people. It is becoming difficult because they are being rude,
abrasive, offensive. WhatŐs the point to continue speaking with them? They know
they are not obligated to do anything except balagh.
Balaagh is literally Ňto reach from one place to anotherÓ.
The QurŐaan has been described as balaagh (14, 52)
هذا بلاغ للناس ولينذروا به وليعلموا أنما هو إله واحد وليذكر أولو الألباب
This [QurŐaan] is balaagh for the
people that they may be warned thereby and that they may know that He is but
one God and that those of understanding will be reminded.
At the same time the Messenger
of Allaah has been commanded in the QurŐaan Ňballigh = convey, make it reachÓ (5, 67)
يا أيها الرسول بلغ ما أنزل إليك من ربك وإن لم تفعل فما بلغت رسالته والله يعصمك من الناس إن الله لا يهدي القوم الكافرين
O Messenger, balligh that which has been revealed to
you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message.
And Allaah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allaah does not guide the
disbelieving people.
The QurŐaan is that which needs to reach people. Nothing affects people in
daŐwah like the QurŐaan. It needs to be the main vehicle of our daŐwah.
Mubin means so clear that it is self-clarifying. So
deliver a very clear, precise, pristine, understandable message to people. That
is our task. It is not just to deliver the message, but to make sure the way of
delivery is clear and pristine. For this purpose, we do not need to create any
means - we have it in the QurŐaan itself.
In summary of verses 13-17, we
see two things.
First, the beauty in the
language
1.
At the end of aayah
14 the first time these messengers introduce themselves to these people as inna ilaykum mursalun - most definitely we have been sent to you people
as messengers.
2.
At the end of aayah
16 they respond to the peoples accusations as rabbuna inna ilaykum lamursalun. There is an extra laam. Why? When they
first introduced themselves, there was no exchange, argument, or refutation. It
was just an introduction. When they rejected and placed accusations, the
response is with emphasis.
Second, the biggest purpose of
these aayaat was to be consolation to the Messenger of Allaah s and the
believers as well. The Quraysh may be becoming more aggressive and offensive,
but you are not the first (people or messenger) to experience this. Not one,
but three messengers standing side-by-side were refused in this way by
people. It is also consolation of the accountability (the task) of the
Messenger of Allaah s. It is only upon him to deliver it clearly. He s delivered the message rightfully, above and beyond what was required
for him.
This continues the discussion
about the townŐs people and their rejection of the messengers who came to them.
قالوا إنا تطيرنا بكم لئن لم تنتهوا لنرجمنكم وليمسنكم منا عذاب أليم
They
said, ŇIndeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely
stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment.Ó
Now, Allaah is discussing what the response of these people is after the primary
response of the messengers. This is showing the progression of the refusal and
denial of the message. This passage, remember, is not just about this specific
town, but about such events transpiring for every messenger sent by Allaah.
They say now, ŇWe most
definitely feel evil or misfortune from you...Ó
TaTayyar| Word Analysis
It comes from Tayr
meaning ŇbirdÓ. It also refers to making birds fly (e.g. throwing pigeons in
the air to make them fly). In history, to test whether situations were good or
bad, the people would throw birds in the air and based upon the direction and
length of flight, they would make their decisions. It was superstition. So this
word in this context means a bad omen, some misfortune coming oneŐs way.
They sensed something bad would happen to them because of these messengers.
Is this statement substantiated
or not? We look through the QurŐaan and find (6, 42)
ولقد أرسلنا إلى أمم من قبلك فأخذناهم بالبأساء والضراء لعلهم يتضرعون
And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you,
[O Muhammad]; then We instantly grabbed them with poverty and hardship
that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us].
These people were befallen by
something. What were they stricken with?
Ľ Ba`sa
= difficult economic situations (e.g. poverty, famine, drought, starvation,
crop failure)
Ľ Darraa = other difficult situations (e.g. of social nature, conflict, war,
external other difficulties and problems)
So there were nations to whom
messengers were sent and then there were difficulties sent upon these people but
it was in order for them to humble themselves. It would crack that shell of
ego they had placed around themselves.
This is repeated (7, 94) and
made more explicit
وما أرسلنا في قرية من نبيّ إلا أخذنا أهلها بالبأساء والضراء لعلهم يضرعون
And we sent to no city a prophet [who was denied] except that
We seized its people with ba`sa and Darraa so that they may humble
themselves.
They would come down from their
delusions, from their high pedestal just a little. So when a messenger is sent
and people refuse and deny the message, some difficulty comes their way. This
is to reinforce the message of the messenger and serve as a wake-up call. This
is after the messengers have given the first warning, been denied, presented a
miracle, been denied, and now are on to the next step. This is the loud,
blaring alarm clock to awake them from their apathy, insistence upon ignorance,
stubbornness.
We know about the story of Musa
Ôalayhi as-salaam who called the people of Firawn, then showed them miracles, and they still denied. Then Allaah sent upon them (7, 133)
فأرسلنا عليهم الطوفان والجراد والقمل والضفادع والدم آيات مفصلات فاستكبروا وكانوا قوما مجرمين
So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs
and blood as distinct signs, but they were ignorant and were a criminal people.
One after another in waves,
these adversities came to wake them up, snap them out of their deep sleep. This
is a sunnah of Allaah, if you will, to bring hardships upon people who
deny the messengers sent to them so that they may humble themselves.
Therefore, this statement of
the townspeople does have some significance in that difficulty came upon for
not believing. Their mistake, however, is attributing the misfortune and
misfortune to come (taTayyar holds that future connotation of an omen) to
the messengers as opposed to their own arrogance.
The Next Step of their kufr → Aggression, Violence, Threats
If you donŐt stop, we
most definitely will stone you and most definitely you will feel from us
(experience from us) a most painful, tormenting punishment.
Rajam literally refers to Ňthrowing rocks at somethingÓ
and it can also mean Ňto cast something away, like garbageÓ. They say it with
emphasis (laam) to say they will most definitely do it.
They have escalated to a high
level.
Switch over very quickly to the
life of the Messenger of Allaah s. Did not the believers experience similar
torments? The mushrikin came to them Abu Taalib saying that he s had torn apart their homes and they were willing to give him whatever
it took to make him stop. They even got to the point where the negotiation was
for him s to continue practicing his religion, but stop
preaching it. Abu Taalib called his nephew, told him what the people had said
and asked if it made any sense to him. He s
responded tearfully (even his own
uncle did not support him?), if they put the sun in my left hand and moon in my
left (even if they could do the impossible), I would not stop to do what IŐve
been sent to do. Abu Taalib, in order to reassure the Messenger of Allaah s of his support, told him to proceed and he would
continue to do what he had to do.
So the Quraysh had experienced
similar hardships and they attributed them to their messenger s. Just like these people who attributed it to their messengers.
Then it progressed to violence.
They killed Sumayyah and Yaasir f and several others were tortured mercilessly. Even
women were not spared. All of this was the escalated aggression.
So what is the response of the
messengers to these people?
قالوا طائركم معكم أئن ذكرتم بل أنتم قوم مسرفون
They [the
messengers] said, ŇYour omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were
reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people.Ó
These evils which they sense,
feel, are alluding to - these are their own problem. The messengers are not
substantiating the fact that their are evil omens. If there is anything bad
happening to them, it is from themselves. They ought to look at themselves in
long and hard in the mirror. Taairukum - it is their own problem.
Where did all of these
complaints come from? From the simple fact that they were reminded and given a
message telling them what is right and what is wrong. Dhukirtum. Rather than internalizing the message and seeing how it could
benefit them they would turn it into something so negative and attribute any
hardships to their warners.
Musrifun| Word Analysis
Rather you are a people musrifun. Musrifun comes from israaf meaning Ňcrossing the lineÓ. So they are people
who cross the line. Allaah
has not specified what line they are
crossing because they are crossing several lines.
Ľ They crossed the line of not believing in Allaah.
Ľ They crossed the line of the messengers by
rejecting them, slandering them, refusing them, accusing them of things.
Ľ They crossed the line against themselves that when
they are afflicted with difficulties they turn the blame upon others. They
donŐt see within themselves.
Ľ Someone had come to them, sweating, bleeding,
sacrificing, putting themselves on the line to benefit them. Rather than understand
and appreciate the message and efforts, they turn the blame upon them. The
messengers are actually the best thing to have happened to them!
This had occurred with all the
messengers previous. For example, Musa Ôalayhi
as-salaam (7, 130-131)
ولقد أخذنا آل فرعون بالسنين ونقص من الثمرات لعلهم يذكرون
And We certaintly seized the people of Firawn with years of
drought and a deficiency in fruits that perhaps they would be reminded.
فإذا جاءتهم الحسنة قالوا لنا هذه وإن تصبهم سيئة يطيروا بموسى ومن معه ألا إنما طائرهم عند الله ولكن أكثرهم لا يعلمون
But when good came to them, they said, ŇThis is exclusively
for us [by right].Ó And if a bad [condition] struck them, they saw an evil omen
(Tayar) in Musa and those with him. Unquestionably, their fortune is with
Allaah, but most of them do not know.
Even about the people of
Makkah, Allaah tells us (4, 78)
وإن تصبهم سيئة يقولوا هذه من عندك
...And if evil befalls them, they say, ŇThis is from you.Ó...
When they began to act in this
way, blaming the messengers for their own problems and eventually escalating to
aggression, how are the messengers to respond? Allaah is teaching
His Messenger s that the previous messengers told them rightfully
what needed to be said - that it was the peoples own faults for crossing lines
that should not be crossed. It was tarbiyah for the Messenger of Allaah s to not fall to their level, but to be firm.
The Concern of the
Messengers
Finally, by speaking about what
the Messenger of Allaah s
is experiencing and the experiences of
messengers past, Allaah provides him s
with consolation. He s is deserving of this consolation because he spent himself for the
betterment of creation.
Allaah mentions that the greatest mercy and blessing sent
to creation and to the Muslim ummah in particular was that this messenger was sent to
us (9, 128)
لقد جاءكم رسول من أنفسكم عزيز عليه ما عنتم حريص عليكم بالمؤمنين رءوف رحيم
There has certaintly come to you a Messenger from among
yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and
to the believers is kind and merciful.
This is a beautiful aayah
in the QurŐaan. He s
came from amongst you so he could
understand you, he could relate to you. He was empathetic to you. It was rough
on him, what you were going through. When he s saw others
suffering or in pain, it would hurt him. He would cry for people, pray for
them, stay awake at night in worry for them.
HariS comes from HirS which we usually associate with wealth, greed. We
are greedy for money, cars, houses, fame, luxury, reputation, power, influence.
He s desired something as well. It wasnŐt, however, any
of these things. It was the well-being of creation. This was the
dedication of his entire life.
My example and then
your example is like a man who lit a big fire.
All these bugs and
fire comes to it. IŐm trying to shoo them away from the fire.
You are like those
bugs, not realizing what you are doing.
I try to save you,
pushing you away, but you keep slipping by.
I try harder, but you
pass right before my eyes.
He s is rauf very soft and gentle and raHim
most merciful to the people who do believe. Look at how he s acted with the bedouin who urinated in the masjid and with the young man seeking permission to engage in zina. He intelligently spoke with them and treated them respectfully. He s reasoned with them at their level to make them understand, to show
love and compassion, build a bond, to show that he loved them. He placed his
hand on the young manŐs chest and made duŐaa that Allaah
guide and purify him. All this showed
to them how much he s cared. Even the young boy whose bird died (ya abba Ôumayr, maa fa`alan nughayr?). He s
still took out the time to go sit with
this boy and ask about his bird.
This is how much he s would do for us. The greatest thing we can do is try to live up to
that standard, empathizing with people, sharing the message of Islaam with our
compassion, care, and character.
Verse 20
This passage is essentially the
core of this surah, the central theme. It is one of the most powerful
messages of this surah in aayaat
20-25.
وجاء من أقصى المدينة رجل يسعى قال يا قوم اتبعوا المرسلين
And there
came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, ŇO my people,
follow the messengers.
Now the confrontation or
situation has reached a very critical point (the townspeople are accusing,
slandering, and becoming violent and the messengers will not stoop down, but
will hold firm to their responsibility).
YasŐaa| Word Analysis
The messengers are delivering
the message to a disbelieving people, but there is a man. He is not even from
the same vicinity. In fact, he is from the farthest end of town and he
is coming from there if thatŐs what it takes to get to the message. Not only
that, but heŐs rushing.
YasŐaa is from saŐi meaning to rush towards something when you have a
target or a goal. HeŐs a man on a mission.
ItabiŐu| Word Analysis
The said, ŇO my people, follow
those who have been sent.Ó
ItabaŐ means to listen attentively with an open mind and
heart, to internalize the message, and then to spread it to others. This is the
word used whenever we are told to Ňfollow the messengersÓ like when Allaah commands His Messenger s to say (3, 31)
قل إن كنتم تحبون الله فاتبعوني يحببكم الله ويغفر لكم ذنوبكم والله غفور رحيم
Say, [O Muhammad], ŇIf you should love Allaah, then ittabŐiuni
(= follow me) so that Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And
Allaah is Ghafurun Rahimun.
Following the messengers is
what is key. Islaam, din, the core, basic tenets of it came to us from the QurŐaan. But the practical structure, the framework, practice of,
implementation of Islaam comes from the Messenger of Allaah s. Otherwise, it all remains theory.
This man has not just said to
follow them, but he has presented evidence. The mufassirun say he is
providing three pieces of information.
1. They are al-mursalin. Meaning theyŐve been sent to us by Allaah. They are not ordinary people, theyŐve come from a higher authority,
the ultimate authority. Refer to Verse 3 for more information regarding this
term.
2. & 3. may be found in Verse 21
اتبعوا من لا يسألكم أجرا وهم مهتدون
Follow
those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided.
This man has not just said to
follow them, but he has presented evidence. The mufassirun say he is
providing three pieces of evidence to follow them.
1. (From Verse 20) They are al-mursalin. Meaning theyŐve been sent to us by Allaah. They are not ordinary people, theyŐve come from a higher authority,
the ultimate authority. Refer to Verse 3 for more information regarding this
term.
2. They do not want any retribution from you.
2.Ajr means reward for
some work having been done by you. This is someoneŐs entitlement, someoneŐs
right. It is not a favour to someone. It is an exchange. These messengers are
providing their services, sacrificing time, energy, money, resources, investing
their own talents and intellects into bettering you and your situation. Even if
you were to pay them for it, it would be completely justified and deserved. So
these messengers are not asking for a justified return and this is from their
own nobility and the nobility of the message they are delivering.
2.This is like when Hud Ôalayhi
as-salaam said to the people of ÔAad (11,
51):
يا قوم لا أسألكم عليه أجرا إن أجري إلا على الذي فطرني أفلا تعقلون
O my people, I do not ask you for it any reward. My
reward is only from the One Who created me. Then will you not understand?
Their reward is due on the One
Who created them. This is their nobility. They will do everything for the
people, sacrifice for them and expect nothing in return from them.
The Messenger of Allaah s asked people for nothing. The people wanted to give
him something and they felt their own honour in giving him a gift. He s would use a little from it to satisfy the people and please them and
then he would distribute the rest to others. This is the nobility of the
messengers.
3. And they most
definitely are guided. They live a
life of guidance. Their manner of living life shows that they are guided. When
you look at them, watch them, observe them you will see they are guided. Their
personal lives, family lives, and public lives always show guidance. Everything
about them is amazing, it is exemplary. It is the most amazing way to do
everything. The Messenger of Allaah s
was the best at everything and in
every relationship.
This man has provided the
people with evidences for why they should follow the messengers. Now, he will
try to rationalize with them regarding the message itself. Notice a point in daŐwah: mentions the righteousness of the messengers and then follow up with
the message. Make them understand what is at stake and that it is for their own
good.
وما لي لا أعبد الذي فطرني وإليه ترجعون
And why
should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned?
He takes a very interesting
point in giving them daŐwah. He speaks about himself, but not in an
arrogant way. In a way to make it seem real, but non-accusatory.
FaTara| Word Analysis
WhatŐs wrong with me? Why
wouldnŐt I worship the One Who has originated me? The One Who has given me
existence in the first place?
Ibn ÔAbbaas f once said that he was trying to understand the difference between the
words faTara and khalaqa. He was travelling and came across bedouins who
had a dispute over a wellŐs possession. He asked them for their evidence.
One man said, Ňالذي هو فطرتهÓ meaning ŇI am the one who originated this wellÓ. So he was the one who had dug it up in the first place.
What would be wrong with me if
I did not worship the One Who gave me existence in the first place?
Then he kindly has them reflect
by changing the subject from first person to second person. He is the One to
Whom you all have to return. He has engaged them into the conversation,
he has provided food for thought.
أأتخذ من دونه آلهة إن يردن الرحمن بضرّ لا تغن عني شفاعتهم شيئا ولا ينقذون
Should I
take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for
me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they
save me?
Now, he goes back to the
message. HeŐs asking a rhetorical question for how foolish it would be for him
to take other objects of veneration. How ungrateful, foolish would that be? Is
that what they are suggesting?
Now, he uses a very interesting
example. If my Lord, the One Who is Abundantly Merciful intended for me some difficulty,
it would not help me in any way, the intercession, the intervention of those
others gods whom I venerated.
If the One Who has blessed me
with everything I have, if He has afflicted me with some difficulty, the
intercession of other things I worshipped would not help me in the least bit!
Inqaadh is like someone is falling into something and you
grab them and pull them out from there. It is like someone falling off the edge
into something and you saving them. These deities would not be able to
save him in the least bit.
Why does he mention adversity?
Why does he give the example?
It is discussed in the QurŐaan a lot as in (10, 21)
وإذا أذقنا الناس رحمة من بعد ضراء مستهم إذا لهم مكر في آياتنا قل الله أسرع مكرا إن رسلنا يكتبون ما تمكرون
And when We give the people a taste of mercy after
adversity has touched them, at once they conspire against Our verses.
Say, ŇAllaah is swifter in strategy.Ó Indeed, Our messengers record that which
you conspire.
When people are tested with
difficult situations, they immediately turn to Allaah (10, 22)
هو الذي يسيركم في البر والبحر حتى إذا كنتم في الفلك وجرين بهم بريح طيبة وفرحوا بها جاءتها ريح عاصف وجاءهم الموج من كل مكان وظنوا أنهم أحيط بهم دعوا الله مخلصين له الدين لئن أنجيتنا من هذه لنكونن من الشاكرين
It is He who enables you to travel on land and sea until,
when you are in ships and they sail with them by a good wind and they rejoice
therein, there comes a storm wind and the waves come upon them from everywhere
and they assume that they are surrounded, supplicating Allaah, sincere to Him
in religion, ŇIf You should save us from this, we will surely be among the
thankful.Ó
In such a horrible situation
they start making sincere duŐaa to Allaah and promise that if they are saved they will always
be grateful. Yet, when they are removed from the adversity, they go right
back to their heedlessness. This is the nature of people. Adversity reminds
them of Allaah, but in khayr they think it is all from themselves. They forget
(6, 17)
وإن يمسسك الله بضرّ فلا كاشف له إلا هو وإن يمسسك بخير فهو على كل شيء قدير
And if Allaah should touch you with adversity, there is no
remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good, then He is over all
things competent.
He gives them the example of
difficulty because in that even these townspeople can comprehend turning to the
true Lord. We must give relatable examples to people.
إني إذا لفي ضلال مبين
Indeed, I
would then be in manifest error.
If he were to do this (Verse
23), then most definitely he would be in that situation would be in very
serious, open, clear misguidance.
Fi| Word Analysis
Fi means to be inside something. When Allaah speaks about misguidance, He uses this preposition fi.
It connotates being inside something, as in a bubble that does not permit them
to see outside of it. Everywhere he looks, he will only see more misguidance.
Thus, it is as if he is drowning in misguidance.
Mubin| Word Analysis
Mubin was previously used in Verse 17 to mean the
self-clarifying message. This man is telling them that if he himself refused,
resisted, and was arrogant and stubborn against the message then he would be in
a very clear misguidance. There is sharp contrast between there being
self-clarifying message and clear, distinct misguidance.
إني آمنت بربكم فاسمعون
Indeed, I
have believed in your Lord, so listen to me.Ó
In this final verse, the man
says something very powerful. He makes a proclamation to the people with
confidence and firm stance. He openly declares his support for these messengers
and their message.
Aamantu| Word Analysis
I have already
believed. It is in the past tense.
Meaning it is so certain and true that has he brought belief before now.
Birabbikum| Word Analysis
In your Lord. This is directed at the townspeople. Why would he
use the second person possessive pronoun? You are not willing to believe in
him, you are being arrogant and ungrateful, but regardless He is your Lord.
I have believed in him so listen to what I am telling you. This is for your own
good. He is not speaking to them for any personal benefit, but only for their
own good.
Instrumental Lesson
The messengers were preaching
the message. The townspeople were disregarding and desisting the message and
behaving violently with the messengers. A man from, not there nor a witness
feeling empathy for the messengers, but from the farthest regions of town comes
forth. He hears about the message, understands it, believes in it, and
understands his own responsibility. He mobilizes himself and takes it upon
himself to rush to voice his support and provide his backing to the messengers.
This is speaking to us about
our roles. This is Makkan QurŐaan.
This is especially for us who are
living in a Muslim minority area where we see more and more scrutinization and
criticism.
Islaam is not just there for amusement and pleasantries.
Part of our obligation, the blessing of Islaam, and being grateful for the blessing of Islaam is to become supporters of the Messenger of Allaah s and the message of Islaam.
We have nothing to be ashamed
about. We are telling people to follow the most amazing person to step foot on
this earth. Muhammad s.
Laa yasalukum ajran
The Messenger of Allaah s did not have any ulterior motives or agenda. For
example, he s would give away personal gifts. We should help
people for the sake of helping them. For the sake of pleasing Allaah.
Muhtadun
Next, we should be proper,
good, effective presenters of Islaam. Our lives should show that we have guidance. We
canŐt just keep speaking or writing, we have to live it eventually. The primary
means of daŐwah will always be our behaviour and interactions with
people. One of the biggest problems today for those coming into religion is
seeing religiously active individuals saying one thing, claiming to represent
one thing, but their personal life, business life, and self-conductance are not
lived in accordance.
Speak about oneŐs own self
Come down to speak to people at
their level. DonŐt speak downwards to people. Empathize with people. The best
one in speech is the one who relates himself to people (41, 33)
ومن أحسن قولا ممن دعا إلى الله وعمل صالحا وقال إنني من المسلمين
And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allaah
and does righteousness and says, ŇIndeed, I am only one among the Muslims.Ó
The khatib, imaam, and scholar are just muslims at the end of the day.
Reflection
Give people something real to
think about. Where will we return after this life?
Relevance to the recipients
Talk to people about something
they understand and can relate to.
Firm in faith
At the end of the day, our daŐwah requires us to be very clear and confident in what we believe in.
These are the major guidances
from this surah. The messengers have come and done their job. This
man could have thought what more he could have done if the townspeople were not
listening to messengers? Did he, though? Of course not! What about the
Companions f? They were carriers of the message and spread it
to people with the etiquettes and guidance taught to them by the Messenger of Allaah s and presented to us in this passage.
قيل ادخل الجنة قال يا ليت قومي يعلمون
It was
said, ŇEnter Paradise.Ó he said, ŇI wish my people could know
There is a consensus among the mufassirun. When the QurŐaan describes to us a situation, tells us a narrative,
it doesnŐt tell us step by step everything that has occurred. When this man
spoke up and stated his faith to his own people, it seemd to them as if one of
their own had confronted them. These townspeople responded as people in such a
situation usually do. The scholars agree that the transition is that they
killed this man. Now, we will learn what happened to this man after his death.
Qil meaning it was announced, proclaimed to him udkhuli al-jannah enter into the gardens of Paradise. HeŐs being
commanded! There is no reckoning, no questioning, no hisaab, no kitaab. This is that ultimate status of specific groups
of people who will be entered into Paradise without any reckoning.
At that time, that man says
that he wishes his people could have known this. This shows his sincerity of
this individual. His true concern for his people is apparent even in his
afterlife. When we give daŐwah we take a lesson from this man. Its not done to
establish hujja against people. Its done with sincere care for the
people, to improve their condition.
بما غفر لي ربي وجعلني من المكرمين
Of how my
Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured.Ó
What does he wish his people
would know? How his Lord has (past tense) forgiven him. His slate was wiped
clean! Whatever he might have done, we donŐt know. ThatŐs the whole point, he
could have been anything (a thief, liar, crook, mutaqiI), but it
doesnŐt matter because of what he has engaged in.
Ghafara literally means to cover something up. So
this means not just to forgive, but to have it hidden such that nobody ever
knows about it. We donŐt know anything about this man before this situation. Allaah has hidden that from us in this narrative!
Wa jaŐalni and he made me
min from among al-mukramin.
Mukramin comes from ikram meaning to honour someone. Mukramin are those who are honoured.
This is an interesting sentence
structure. He doesnŐt say, mukramani (= He honoured me) where ikram
is in the verbal form. Instead he used the nominal form (mukramin = the honoured people). The significance of the noun over the verb is
that the verb is bound by time,
but nouns are eternal. So it is as if Allaah has granted him this honour for all of eternity.
In the life of the hereafter,
honour is eternal. In this world, honour today could be disgrace tomorrow.
WhatŐs even more in the
sentence structure is that he is min al-mukramin. HeŐs honoured, but heŐs not alone. HeŐs among a group of people.
HeŐs among others who are also equally honoured. The company we keep reflects
upon who we are. We feel distinction and honour based upon with whom we
associate. This person is among the most amazing, awesome people.
وما أنزلنا على قومه من بعده من جند من السماء وما كنا منزلين
And We
did not send down upon his people right after him any soldiers from the heaven,
nor would We have ever done so.
Now, Allaah the Exalted and Most High speaks. The man was speaking before because
Allaah had given him that honour to speak from the
Hereafter. Allaah allowed him to speak of his situation, but now He
will speak of the townspeople who rejected and harmed His messengers and killed
even the one man who came forth to support them.
BaŐdihi would mean Ňafter himÓ, but the additional mim
adds immediate action. Meaning the punishment of Allaah and his
decision upon this people was not for much later even after this egregious act
they have done - persecuting and killing a man who spoke on behalf of truth.
Allaah uses min again for jundin (= army). He could have simply said jundan, but by adding the min it means Allaah did not send upon them any type of army. No
type of army (people, Angels, etc.) was sent to these people.
Allaah uses the word jundin (=army)
because when the Angels would be sent down to people they would resemble armies
in their organization, like a battalion. Think of the Battle of Badr (3, 125)
and (8, 9)
بلى إن تصبروا وتتقوا ويأتوكم من فورهم هذا يمددكم ربكم بخمسة آلاف من الملائكة مسومين
Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allaah and the
enemy comes upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with
five thousand angels musawwimin
(having marks of distinction).
إذ تستغيثون ربكم فاستجاب لكم أني ممدكم بألف من الملائكة مردفين
[Remember] when you
asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, ŇIndeed, I will reinforce you
with a thousand from the angels murdifin (following one another).
They came down in the form of
an army, organized like a battalion. When Allaah sometimes gives them a punishment at the hands of
others (e.g. defeat), we can still say that it arises mina as-sama (from the sky) because the command originated in the skies.
Nor would we ever said down
What does this mean? It is a
phrase in Arabic and can be understood in a few ways:
1. We did not send an army upon them nor are we ever
going to
2. We did not send an army upon them and it wasnŐt
even appropriate to do so because these people arenŐt even deserving of such
attention.
2.When Allaah decides just punishment for a group of people, He
is not required to do so by sending an army upon them. AllaahŐs will is not restricted in any way (16, 40)
إنما قولنا لشيء إذا أردناه أن نقول له كن فيكون
Indeed, Our word to a thing when We intend it is but that We
say to it ŇBeÓ and it is.
3. We did not send an army upon them and there was no
benefit in sending down an army.
3.Sending down an army or Angels is to send a message, teach a lesson,
make a point. There was no point to do that with these people.
إن كانت إلا صيحة واحدة فإذا هم خامدون
It was
nothing except for one shout and immediately they were extinguished.
SiHah| Word Analysis
It means a very, very loud
sound like a scream (e.g. heŐs lying his head off). Such a loud scream that it
is disturbing to people. When it is used to describe a punishment of Allaah it refers to such a huge piercing sound that it would literally make
peopleŐs heads explode.
Just a single sound! One screaming,
piercing sound was enough to make their heads explode.
Then immediately
(without warning) they became khaamidun.
Khamad| Word Analysis
It refers to putting out a
fire, extinguishing a fire. As if they had been put out like a fire completely
and suddenly extinguished.
This could refer to their
arrogance, pride, boastfulness.
It could also refer to how they
died; walking around one minute and suddenly fallen dead.
Profound Lesson
This lesson is being given to
the Muslims being persecuted in Makkah and the Quraysh persecuting them. When
somebody stands for what is right, he may not see the fruits of his labour in
this world. These townspeople became more arrogant and ended up killing him.
Yet, there is return on the investment - it may be the best long-term profit. Jannah, honour, being given distinction. The townspeople may have scoffed at
the end of this person, but Allaah is telling them that there is more than they can
see! Much more (4, 69)!
ومن يطع الله والرسول فأولئك مع الذين أنعم الله عليهم من النبيين والصديقين والشهداء والصالحين وحسن أولئك رفيقا
And whoever obeys Allaah and the Messenger - those will be the ones upon whom Allaah has
bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs
and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.
To be in the company of these
people! That is where this man ended.
People who oppose the truth
should not be deluded by what they perceive to be an immediate, short-term
victory. Sometimes it is just another trap, another part of their errors. They
would have used this as a lesson against other followers and people. They were
increasing their arrogance upon arrogance (24, 40).
أو كظلمات في بحر لجيّ يغشاه موج من فوقه موج من فوقه سحاب ظلمات بعضها فوق بعض إذا أخرج يده لم يكد يراها ومن لم يجعل الله له نورا فما له من نور
Or [they are] like darknesses within an unfathomable sea
which is covered by waves, upon which are waves , over which are clouds
- darknesses, some of them upon others. When one puts out his hand [therein],
he can hardly see it. And he to whom Allaah has not granted light - for him
there is no light.
Look at what happened to them. Allaah did not even trouble His armies to bring the punishment upon them. A
single, one, loud piercing sound was enough to bring them into
destruction.
يا حسرة على العباد ما يأتيهم من رسول إلا كانوا به يستهزئون
How
regretful (hopeless) for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger
except that they used to ridicule him.
Previously, Allaah spoke directly of His wrath and anger upon these people and the
plight of them.
Hasrah| Word Analysis
This is a very, very strong word. It even
sounds strong when one says it. Its even stronger than ندم (meaning remorse or regret). Hasrah literally
means when a person becomes completely hopeless (67, 4)
ثم ارجع البصر كرتين ينقلب إليك البصر خاسئا وهو حسير
Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will
return to you humbled while it is Hasir (fatigued).
ThereŐs no light left at the
end of the tunnel. These people have experienced that Sihah
and are khamad, now lying on the ground dead instantly.
These slaves
(interesting to note
that Ôibaad is specific to slaves of Allaah.
When one refers to a group of slaves, the word used is العبيد.)
are in a hopeless situation.
Why is it hopeless? Not because Allaah cursed them or did not want any good for them, but
because no messenger came to them except that they would mock him, make
fun of him, treat him inappropriately.
Istihza| Word Analysis
It means to make fun of
someone, but even more it means to make fun of someone in a very foolish
manner. Making fun of anyone is inappropriate. This is humiliation. It is as if
one is making things up just to get a few laughs and kicks out of it. They
woudl come up with senseless things. How uncomfortable would it be to say
something like that about a messenger?!
This is a template of what
happened repeatedly in history. Every single time these people were sent a
messenger, they would mock them. No matter how bleak the situation becomes,
however, it always works out in the end. This is the message to the Messenger
of Allaah s
and the Muslims in Makkah.
As well, this passage is shown
elsewhere (43, 6-7), but the QurŐaan is never supfluous
وكم أرسلنا من نبيّ في الأولين
And how many a prophet We sent among the former peoples,
وما يأتيهم من نبيّ إلا كانوا به يستهزئون
But there would not come to them a prophet except that they
used to ridicule him.
Here Allaah uses the word nabi, but in Ya-Sin Allaah uses rasul because He has been using it from the beginning of
the surah! It is, thus, more appropriate to use the word surah
and keep consistency in the surah.
Verse 31
ألم يروا كم أهلكنا قبلهم من القرون أنهم إليهم لا يرجعون
Have they
not considered (understood) how many generations We destroyed before them -
that they (who have been destroyed) will not return to them?
This is now addressing the
people of Quraysh.
La yarjiŐun it is in the present and future tense meaning that
these people are not and will not ever come back to them. DonŐt wait up late at
night for them. TheyŐre gone, wiped clean from the face of the earth. They were
eradicated, erased.
To the point that there were
sometimes no remnants of these people.
وإن كل لما جميع لدينا محضرون
And
indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us.
History is repeating itself. It
has happened time and time again, previously, and now again to these people.
Even though they were eradicated, all of them will most definitely be gathered
together near Allaah.
In the Hereafter, they will
eventually all be presented and placed before Allaah. It is a
reminder fo accountability for their actions. It is not so easy that it is over
once they have died after their egregious actions.
MuHDarun| Word Analysis
Allaah does not say حضرون (they will
present themselves). He the Exalted uses the passive form, meaning Ňthey will be presentedÓ.
They will be forced. Allaah speaks about this elsewhere (41, 19) and (39, 71)
ويوم يحشر أعداء الله إلى النار فهم يوزعون
And [mention, O Muhammad], the Day when the enemies of Allaah
will be gathered to the Fire while they are [driven] assembled in rows
وسيق الذين كفروا إلى جهنم زمرا حتى إذا جاءوها فتحت أبوابها وقال لهم خزنتها ألم يأتكم رسل منكم يتلون عليكم آيات ربكم وينذرونكم لقاء يومكم هذا قالوا بلى ولكن حقت كلمة العذاب على الكافرين
And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups
until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, ŇDid
there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of
your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?Ó They will say,
Ňyes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers.Ó
They will be herded like wild
beasts and animals, cuffed and chained and collared, to stand before their
Lord. And this will be in the truest form of justice because they will be shown
what they have done to see for themselves (17, 14)
اقرأ كتابك كفى بنفسك اليوم عليك حسيبا
[It will be said], ŇRead your own record. Sufficient is
yourself against you this Day as an accountant.Ó
It is as if Allaah is saying to you, ŇYou tell me what I should do with you?Ó. This is
the reality of the reckoning before Allaah on the Day of Judgment.
Underlying Lessons
WeŐve seen this issue and
lessons of daŐwah. The progression of daŐwah has been
clear. There was aggression requiring people to speak up and support the
message. The results may not be immediately seen, but the reward is with Allaah.
As a consolation and to build
conviction for living by the truth, the truth is never eradicated and
diminished. It never happens.
In Madinah, things became very
difficult, but Allaah brought FathŐl-Makkah.
Allaah says (37, 171-173)
ولقد سبقت كلمتنا لعبادنا المرسلين
And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the
messengers,
إنهم لهم المنصورون
Indeed, they would be those given victory
وإن جندنا لهم الغالبون
And [that] indeed, Our soldiers will be those who overcome.
As well, Nuh Ôalayhi as-salaam was presented with distress from his people so
(54, 10)
فدعا ربه أني مغلوب فانتصر
So he invoked his Lord, ŇIndeed, I am overpowered, so help
meÓ
Allaah wiped out the people against him and kept only him
and his followers, those who were upon truth. Thus, the daŐwah will never go away (17, 81)
وقل جاء الحق وزهق الباطل إن الباطل كان زهوقا
And say, ŇTruth has come, and falsehood
has departed. Indeed is falsehood [by nature], ever bound to depart.Ó
Injustice, falsehood, evil is
meant to go away. Its purpose in life is to be temporary! A beautiful parable
is given by Allaah (13, 17)
أنزل من السماء ماء فسالت أودية بقدرها فاحتمل السيل زبدا رابيا ومما يوقدون عليه في النار ابتغاء حلية أو متاع زبد مثله كذلك يضرب الله الحق والباطل فأما الزبد فيذهب جفاء وأما ما ينفع الناس فيمكث في الأرض كذلك يضرب الله الأمثال
He sends down from the sky rain and valleys flow according to
their capacity and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which
they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it.
Thus, Allaah presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam,
it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it
remains on the earth. Thus, does Allaah present examples.
That foam will eventually dry
up and the debris in it will fall to the bottom. And that which benefits people
stays there in the earth. This is the example of truth and falsehood. Truth
comes, falsehood rises to the top, but it is temporary until it falls away.
Our intent and purpose is truly
to help humanity. The Messenger of Allaah s
just wanted to better peoplesŐ
situation. If that is our heart we need to continue to do good for people to
better their quality of life. Bring them peace, tranquility and fulfillment in
life by finding Allaah. That will overcome in every and all obstacles and
difficulties. Allaah has presented this to us in the example of the
messengers and previous people.
At the end of the day, whose
right and wrong is not our decision. All of us, everybody, will stand before Allaah on the Day of Judgment whether he wants to or not and Allaah will make the decision.
A new passage begins. This is
the middle part of the surah and it serves a pivotal role in the theme and
concept of the surah. In the introduction we discussed the three main
topics of Makkan suwar (tawhid, risalah, aakhirah). Ya-Sin very powerfully and emphatically speaks of all
these three topics.
The first part of the surah focused heavily upon prophethood and messengership.
The end part of the surah
will focus heavily upon the life of the hereafter and the reckoning.
The middle part, starting now,
will discuss tawhid. This is a very fitting manner of presentation
because messengers bring the message and the hereafter is the result of how
that message is taken. What, however, is the crux of the message? What
determines the faith of people? It is how well they accepted and founded tawhid. Their commitment to Allaah. How they were able to live by this creed.
Before beginning the tafsir, we must discuss some basic concepts by which the QurŐaan discusses the Oneness of Allaah.
Normally, especially today, in
the Muslim community, the discussion of tawhid is very philosophical and logical to prove the presence
of a Higher Being. That has become the tone of this conversation. Even Muslims
are infatuated and enamoured by using this philosophical and scientific
perspective.
The QurŐaan, however, teaches the existence of a Divine Being differently. It
does not use philosophical terms. It uses deductive
reasoning and deductive logic. There
are certain observations to be made which lead us to a particular conclusion.
Look to these verses (88, 17-20) and (67, 15)
أفلا ينظرون إلى الإبل كيف خلقت
Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created?
وإلى السماء كيف رفعت
And at the sky - how it is raised?
وإلى الجبال كيف نصبت
And at the mountains - how they are erected?
وإلى الأرض كيف سطحت
And at the earth - how it is spread out?
هو الذي جعل لكم الأرض ذلولا فامشوا في مناكبها وكلوا من رزقه وإليه النشور
It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its
slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.
This so powerfully summarizes
the concept. The earth is here for us to trample all over it! We can walk all
over it and eat from everything it grows and we will still be gathered
exclusively before Allaah.
It is almost elementary how the
QurŐaan teaches imaan, but that is the way it strikes us best that Allaah is One and He Alone deserves to be worshipped.
We will see this same
introduction to Allaah in this verse.
وآية لهم الأرض الميتة أحييناها وأخرجنا منها حبّا فمنه يأكلون
And a
sign for them is the dead earth. We have brought it to life and brought forth
from it grain, and from it they eat.
Aayah| Word Analysis
Allaah points to aayat to explain to us, to clarify to us (2, 242):
كذلك يبين الله لكم آياته لعلكم تعقلون
Thus does Allaah make clear to you His verses that you might
use reason.
It means sign; a very obvious,
apparent, unavoidable, immutable sign. You have to be trying to miss it in
order to miss it. It is also such a sign that it does not engage or absorb you
into looking at the sign itself. Rather it immediately points you to something
else. You are not required to make a conscious effort. When someone gives you a
gift - a plaque or card - you wonŐt think of its make. You will think
immediately of the memories associated with it, the person who gave it to you.
These signs should immediately
make us think of Allaah. If we look at these things and we donŐt think of Allaah immediately then that means one of three things.
1. There is a lack of intellect, mental awareness or
consciousness
2. Deficiency in the fitrah of that
person, the core of that person.
Thus, all aayaat will lead one to immediately think of Allaah when there is
intellect (mind is awake and open) and the fitrah is clean.
An Arab poet has said:
وفي كل
شيءله آية ةدل
على أنه واحد
In each and every thing there is a miraculous sign pointing you to the
fact that He (Allaah) is one.
The bedouins have beautiful and
eloquent statements in this regard. There was once a bedouin man who was
challenged by somebody. For every claim there is evidence, what is you evidence
and proof for believing in Allaah? He said,
Camel droppings tell you that a camel was here.
Footprints in the sand tell you someone walked by here.
The earth is full of trees, the sky full of stars,
and the ocean full of waves, doesnŐt that tell you Allaah is there?
Allaah uses a beautiful example in the QurŐaan (6, 59)
وعنده مفاتح الغيب لا يعلمها إلا هو ويعلم ما في البر والبحر وما تسقط من ورقة إلا يعلمها ولا حبة في ظلمات الأرض ولا رطب ولا يابس إلا في كتاب مبين
And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them
except Him. And He knows what it on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf
falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there written within the
darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in
a clear record.
This is a beautiful example.
Why a leaf? It is something so small and insignificant that we donŐt even
consider it. Every single leaf falling from a tree is by the knowledge and
command of Allaah.
There is a narration in Tabaraani (graded hasan) that says the Messenger of Allaah s was passing by a bedouin man who was making duŐaa
in his prayer. The Messenger of Allaah s
stopped to listen for a minute. The
man was saying
ŇO You Who eyes cannot
see in this world, minds cannot comprehend You! People cannot praise You as You
deserve to be praised, and Who changes the incidences and occurrences which
occur, but does not change Himself, He does not fear the trials and
tribulations of time. He knows the exact weight of mountains on the earth, He
knows the exact volume of water on the earth, He knows the exact number of rain
drops that fall from the sky. he knows the exact number of leaves on every tree
on the earth. He knows the exact number and details of everything that the
darknesses of the night hide and the light of the day illuminates with its
light. One sky cannot hide or shield another sky from Allaah. One ground cannot hide or shield another ground from Allaah. And a mountain in its deepest darkest caves cannot hide anything
from Allaah and the ocean in its deepest depths cannot hide
anything from Allaah.
This is how these people would
believe in Allaah and this is how Allaah has taught us
to believe in Him in the QurŐaan.
Second, the QurŐaan has a progression for how it brings change and enlightenment to the
human being.
1. Aayaat to direct attention. They are not just here to inspire awe in us.
They are to lead us somewhere else (88, 21). It is for reflection, it is to
remind. It is a wake-up call.
فذكر إنما أنت مذكر
So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder.
And what is a reminder? A
reminder does not present new information. It is bringing to attention
information that we already have and already know and realize (30, 30)
فأقم وجهك للدين حنيفا فطرت الله التي فطر الناس عليها لا تبديل لخلق الله ذلك الدين القيم ولكن أكثر الناس لا يعلمون
So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth.
[Adhere to] the fitrah of Allaah upon which He has created [all] people. No
change should there be in the creation of Allaah. That is the correct religion,
but most of the people do not know.
We are all created upon this
innate nature to turn to Allaah. to believe in Allaah, to dedicate
and devote in worship to Allaah. The QurŐaan
even tells us that when we were
created we all testified to His Lordship (7, 172)
وإذ أخذ ربك من بني آدم من ظهورهم ذريتهم وأشهدهم على أنفسهم ألست بربكم قالوا بلى شهدنا أن تقولوا يوم القيامة إنا كنا عن هذا غافلين
And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam -
from their loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves,
[saying to them], ŇAm I not your Lord?Ó They said, ŇYes, we have testified.Ó
[This] - lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, ŇIndeed, we were of
this unaware.Ó
That realization is hidden
within each of us. These miraculous signs are to remind us. They lead us to the
reminder.
When a person heeds the
reminder, remembering his purpose in existence, he is at a very important
stage. Shukr, gratefulness, thanks to Allaah for everything he has been given. The QurŐaan opens with
the very verse to proclaim this gratefulness (1, 1)
الحمد لله رب العالمين
The very best praise is to Allaah, Lord of the worlds
The opposite of shukr
is kufr. It means to be ungratefulness and disbelief
because we know shukr is the basis of imaan. Once that
person becomes grateful, the manifestation of that gratitude is not just
lip-service. It leads to ibaadah - enslaving oneŐs self to Allaah voluntarily. The most obvious form of this slavery is worship.
A person who takes heed of the
reminders and signs does not need anything more to direct him to Allaah in worship. He feels compelled.
Now, letŐs get back to the
verse at hand.
وآية لهم الأرض الميتة أحييناها وأخرجنا منها حبّا فمنه يأكلون
And a
sign for them is the dead earth. We have brought it to life and brought forth
from it grain, and from it they eat.
Aayatun this is in its common form (nakira). This is either
1. لتفخيم
to magnify that this is
something of importance being discussed
2. to diversity that there are multiple ways of reflecting upon what
is to be discussed لتنويع
A miraculous sign for these
people who arenŐt realizing the truth is the dead earth which We have revived.
This is not difficult for Allaah, it simply rains. We bring out from it habban a grain, a seed. That is what they are living off of. Not only that,
but what is the progression of that? See Verse 34.
وجعلنا فيها جنات من نخيل وأعناب وفجرنا فيها من العيون
And We
placed therein gardens of palm trees and grapevines and caused to burst forth
therefrom some springs -
The progression of that seed
from which the people eat is that it evolves into many, many gardens in this
earth. They are full of date palms and grapes. These are amazing forms of
sustenance provided on this earth.
For the Arabs, nakhil is how they provided for themselves and sustained and grapes were a
form of luxury. Not only does Allaah
creates gardens of sustenance, but
even luxuries!
And We have made gush forth in
this earth from springs.
So first this earth was barren,
there was nothing there. Not only did Allaah revive it, but he put forth fruit from it and even
luxurious fruits. Then even water is gushing forth from it. Water is coming
down from top (rain) and bottom (springs).
ليأكلوا من ثمره وما عملته أيديهم أفلا يشكرون
That they
may eat of His fruit. And their hands have not produced it, so will they not be
grateful?
And why was all this done? So
that the people may eat from His fruit. But if you have forgotten, note, that
their hands havenŐt done any of this. Allaah makes this happen, donŐt you forget (67, 30)
قل أرأيتم إن أصبح ماؤكم غورا فمن يأتيكم بماء معين
Say, ŇHave you considered: if your water was to become sunken
[into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?Ó
If Allaah made the water recede back into the earth, nobody could bring it back
up for us.
There are two ways to understand this ما
1. As negation e.g. their hands did not produce
it
2. Maa mansula e.g. and that which their hands have done
2.Meaning Allaah has provided all of this so they may eat the fruit
from Allaah or even that which they do with their own hands -
it is also only due to what Allaah has made possible. Nothing we do is possible
without the facilitation of Allaah. A farmer requires the the temperatures and soil
and water and conditions that Allaah
provides. Without them, his crops are
nonexistent.
So will they not be grateful?
This is a conclusion. DonŐt these people realize? DonŐt they show gratitude?
Why donŐt they live a life of gratefulness if they canŐt live without these
provisions (the verse mentions food and water) provided to them by Allaah?
This was the physical
understanding of Verses 33-35. There is also a spiritual understanding, a
spiritual reflection. Verse 32 ended upon each and every single person being
presented before Allaah at resurrection. We know the mushrikun of Makkah and all the other disbelievers always questioned being
brought back to life once they have died and the bodies have decomposed.
They had doubts about humans
being brought back to life, yet, they didnŐt even look at the earth. This
barren earth was brought back to life and then it was sprawling with lush
gardens and vegetations. The same ground which was barren is flowing with water
and people are benefiting from it, eating from it, making more out of it. Why
donŐt you realize? Why canŐt you be grateful? If Allaah can bring it
back to life, then He can do the same to you.
Even further, this shows how a
person can be spiritually revived. A person without the understanding of tawhid is like a dead person.
AHyaynaha - When Allaah grants him the understanding of tawhid, imaan he is brought back to life.
wa akhrajna
minha Habban - some good comes out of
him
faminhu
yakulun - he starts to benefit from
it, people start to benefit from him
wa jaŐalna
fiha jannaatin min nakhilin wa aŐnaabin -
if he continues to walk on this path, he can continue to climb the steps of taqwa, shukr, birr, tawakkul. He can become like the lush garden which has
benefits in society, family, business, etc. Everywhere he goes, people benefit
from him.
wa fajjarna
fiha mina al-Ôuyun - the Messenger of Allaah s has often used the example of water for knowledge.
ŇMy example and the example which Allaah has sent me with is like abundant rain falling from the sky.Ó
What brings life to
things? Water! What will spiritually revive society and people? Good people! So
this person can then be a source of knowledge, teaching others about that
source of good.
liya kulu min
thamarihi - everyone will be able to
live a good life
wa maa
Ôamalathu aydihim - and he will be
rewarded for this good he is doing
afalaa
yashkurun - so will he not given thanks?
This spiritual understanding is
not new to the QurŐaan? Look at these verses (14, 24-25)
ألم تر كيف ضرب الله مثلا كلمة طيبة كشجرة طيبة أصلها ثابت وفرعها في السماء
Have you not considered how Allaah presents an example,
[making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its
branches [high] in the sky?
تؤتي أكلها كل حين بإذن ربها ويضرب الله الأمثال للناس لعلهم يتذكرون
It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its
Lord. And Allaah presents examples for the people perhaps that they will be
reminded.
That good word is imaan.
That same dhikr is mentioned. It is to remind people of their
purpose, goal, and objective in life.
سبحان الذي خلق الأزواج كلها مما تنبت الأرض ومن أنفسهم ومما لا يعلمون
Exalted
is He who created all pairs - from what the earth grows and from themselves and
from that which they do not know.
SubHaan| Word Analysis
This is an exclamation of the
perfection of Allaah. It comes from tasbiH meaning to
glorify Allaah. It means how amazingly glorious, how amazingly
perfect is Allaah.
The root of this word as weŐll
see in Verse 40, comes from the root (sa-ba-Ha) meaning to swim.
How do the root and word
connect?
There is a process in the
Arabic language that a word which is conjugated from a root word takes on a
life and meaning of its own. TasbiH
is one such word which means to speak
of AllaahŐs perfection.
There are, however, logical and
spiritual connections. sa-ba-Ha means to swim with oneŐs head above water (e.g.
not diving). Subhaana and tasbiH is like that head, meaning that Allaah is above creation.
Swimming is a very interesting
action. When a person is swimming, in order to remain afloat he requires
calculated, regular movements. Similarly, tasbiH is what keeps us spiritually afloat in this
world otherwise we are surrounded by so many items which pull us down.
A companion once asked the
Messenger of Allaah s ŇThe different ahkam are various, but I ask you for something that will
constantly keep me latched to Allaah.Ó He s
told him to keep his tongue moist with
the remembrance of Allaah.
Dhikr is not formal. The etiquette of the Muslim is to
remember Allaah whenever something, anything occurs in his life.
Sometimes in communities people find it awkward to make mention of these terms,
but this is how the believer speaks.
Allaah is attributing glory and perfection to the One Who
created pairs in everything. Slowly, we begin to realize how many pairs there
are. The things we do not know, Allaah
knows best.
Cross-pollination is a method
of agriculture to increase the harvest.
Now, Allaah will point out some pairs He has created in particular.
وآية لهم الليل نسلخ منه النهار فإذا هم مظلمون
And a
sign for them is the night. We remove from it [the light of] day, so they are
[left] in darkness.
Naslakhu| Word Analysis
It comes from the root sa-la-kha meaning to peel the skin off an animal. So from the night we peel
away from it the day. The day comes in to cover the night, but when the sun
sets the daylight recedes so that it becomes darker and darker. Until all of a
sudden we are in complete darkness.
والشمس تجري لمستقرّ لها ذلك تقدير العزيز العليم
And the
sun runs [on course] toward its stopping point. That is the determination of
the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.
The sun is moving for a set
course that has been fixed for it. Mustaqar typically means for something to be placed in a
fixed place. The permanent fixture or setting of something. This, however, is
obviously discussing the course and life cycle of the sun. So why use this
term? Even if the sun moves and it has growth and movement, it is as if it is
fixed in a place because Allaah has set it on its course and it cannot be moved
from it.
That is the determination, that
is what has been fixed, set and sent down. Done by Al-ŐAziz the One Who is Dominating and cannot be dominated. He has put
everything into its place and nothing can move from its course or divert away
from its set path.
And He is al-ÔAlim. He is constantly aware of everything. He is in full knowledge of
everything. If that thing were to move from its place, He would know.
Now, because we are talking
about pairs, it seems appropriate to mention the moon after the sun.
والقمر قدرناه منازل حتى عاد كالعرجون القديم
And the
moon - We have determined for it phases, until it returns [appearing] like the
old date stalk.
The moon has been fixed with manazil - stages, the 28 or 29 days we have.
ÔUrjun| Word Analysis
It refers to a date stalk or
date palmŐs trunk. When it was alive and abundant and fruitful, it had dates
hanging from it. This makes the trunk curve and bend over.
When it has become qadim,
however, it is old, dry, and fruitless. It is standing there, fruitless, but
frozen in that curved shape.
Look at the pair Allaah has made in this comparison - the moon in the sky, above the earth
and the date stalk seated on the earth. Nobody else can create such a
universal, such a flawless, symmetrical creation that has everything tied
together. Day and night also have an effect upon everything that grows from the
earth.
Verse 40
لا الشمس ينبغي لها أن تدرك القمر ولا الليل سابق النهار وكل في فلك يسبحون
It is not
appropriate for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor does the night overtake
the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming.
The sun has its time and the
moon has its time. Everything has its set time and itŐs not appropriate for one
to overpower the other.
Why mention the sun catching up
to the moon and not the moon catching up to the sun? The sun is the more
dominating figure. We know that from what we see. Astronomically speaking, the
moon is there, but the sun is the centre of this solar system. Yet, even as
powerful as that sun may be, it cannot catch up to the moon. Everything stays
in its place and follows the orders it has been given.
Saabiq| Word Analysis
It means not just to precede,
but to run away from it. As in the night becoming crazy and rabid until it
speeds ahead until the night is for the entire day. Remember, He has just
mentioned that the day is peeled back. This is from the blessing of Allaah (28, 71)
قل أرأيتم إن جعل الله عليكم الليل سرمدا إلى يوم القيامة من إله غير الله يأتيكم بضياء أفلا تسمعون
Say, ŇHave you considered: if Allaah should make for you the
night continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allaah
could bring you light? Then will you not hear?Ó
Likewise, what if Allaah were to make it day forever (28, 72)
قل أرأيتم إن جعل الله عليكم النهار سرمدا إلى يوم القيامة من إله غير الله يأتيكم بليل تسكنون فيه أفلا تبصرون
Say, ŇHave you considered: if Allaah should make for you the
day continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allaah
could bring you a night in which you may rest? Then will you not see?Ó
Finally, Allaah concludes all of this by mentioning that each thing is in an orbit,
swimming.
Falaq| Word Analysis
It is like a pattern or a
system, like an orbital path. It comes from the word referring to ships sailing
in the ocean - they are set on a route, a path.
Each one of these things are yasbaHun (present and future form). They are constantly swimming. Once again,
the swimming is that regular and constant action. They are on their set path,
swimming like a ship on its set route.
Spiritual Reflection
Previously, the discussion was
about the person who has died from the inside and how Allaah can revive his heart to make him a source of good for an entire
community!
Now, Allaah has mentioned that things are in pairs. There is the life of the dunya
, but there is also the life of aakhirah. Allaah has told us (87, 17)
والآخرة خير وأبقى
While the Hereafter is better and more enduring.
The Messenger of Allaah s tells us that the life of this world is sweet and
lush green (meaning it is attractive). Sweet things, however, spoil faster than
bitter things. So even though it is very sweet, it spoils very quickly. A plant
which is green and lush, however, dies sooner.
So it is better to sow the
seeds for the Hereafter now because it will be better and eternal.
Other opposites also exist: imaan
and kufr, khayr and shar, haqq and baatil, shukr and kufr, humility and arrogance. We must constantly make
the choice of which is better between the two. Allaah has shown us
the two paths and we must choose (90, 10)
وهديناه النجدين
And have shown him the two ways?
And weŐve also been told (18,
29)
وقل الحق من ربكم فمن شاء فليؤمن ومن شاء فليكفر إنا أعتدنا للظالمين نارا أحاط بهم سرادقها وإن يستغيثوا يغاثوا بماء كالمهل يشوي الوجوه بئس الشراب وساءت مرتفقا
And say, ŇThe truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills -
let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.Ó Indeed, We have
prepared for the wrongdoers fire whose walls will surround them. And if they
call for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds
[their] faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place.
Allaah has given us the faculties and capacity and laid
out all the signs, now it is his choice. There are physical and spiritual
pairs. Paradise and the Hellfire.
Darkness and Light
It is easy to take for granted
being born Muslim. Look at the darkness in peoples lives. The lack of peace and
tranquility brought from the lack of connection with Allaah. The light is like guidance. Just like peeling the day away, Allaah can peel the guidance away.
Look at something as beautiful
and glorious as the sun - it follows its path, non-diverging. Why cannot the
human be like this?
Look at the moon going through
its cycles. Look at the human being going through its cycles. Zygote, fetus,
baby. Then becoming physically able, intellectual, ages, marries, grows old
until there is no benefit from him just like the dry date stalk. The moon goes
through this cycle every month, we as humans are going through a cycle.
The Messenger of Allaah s said to take
the value of five things before five come. Youth before old age, health before
sickness, wealth before poverty, free-time before preoccupation, life before
death. (Haakim)
Make the most of what you have.
Nothing will break this cycle of Allaah (48, 23)
سنة الله التي قد خلت من قبل ولن تجد لسنة الله تبديلا
[This is] the established way of Allaah which has occurred
before. And never will you find in the way of Allaah any change.
This is what Allaah has decreed for His creation. Just like the sun and moon, we will not
be able to escape this cycle (7, 34)
ولكل أمة أجل فإذا جاء أجلهم لا يستأخرون ساعة ولا يستقدمون
And to every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time
has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].
When the fixed appointment
comes for us to leave the earth it will not be alterable. One cannot take a
step away from this world until he has taken all the breaths decreed for him
and not a single less or a single more. Just like everything else is swimming
in orbit, so are we.
Verse 41
وآية لهم أنا حملنا ذريتهم في الفلك المشحون
And a
sign for them is that We carried their progeny in a laden ship.
We had mention of the dead
earth and the night and day pair. Now, this is the third major sign of
reflection Allaah is indicating for these people.
MashHun| Word Analysis
It comes from sha-Ha-na which means to fill up something, specifically a boat. This is
a boat that has been completely filled to capacity.
So a miraculous sign for them
is that Allaah carried their progeny in a maximum capacity ship.
Allaah has directed our attention in different directions
for His signs. First, we looked down at the ground, at the barren earth which
becomes lush and fruitful. Then, we looked up at the sky, to the night filled
with the moon and the day with the sun. Now, we look to the water, at the ship
coasting on the water with people inside.
These are all facilities Allaah has provided for us to move around on this earth. We have been
provided with transportation means. The most difficult type of travel is often
considered crossing waters and Allaah is showing us that He has permitted that and there
is a marvelous sign for us in it.
Who is this progeny? This is
the progeny of humankind, of humanity. Human beings have been carried, allowed
to travel in the ship that was filled to capacity.
This reference may be to one of
two situations
1. (Majority of Classical tafasir) The Ark of Nuh Ôalayhi
as-salaam
1.One very important area of tafsir that is neglected in recent times (which was the
first point for the classical scholars) is tafsir al-QurŐaan bi al-QurŐaan. Many secrets of the QurŐaan
are unlocked by looking at other
passages in other areas of the QurŐaan. It is a comprehensive discourse in its entirety
and it is very cohesive.
1.
A similar verse is found in
(26, 119)
فأنجيناه ومن معه في الفلك المشحون
So We saved him and those with him in the laden ship.
this same wording (al-fulk al-mashHun) has been used to describe the Ark of Nuh Ôalayhi as-salaam.
2. (Minority) Allaah is
just discussing travelling in ships in general.
2.There is no harm in such an opinion because the QurŐaan is so deep, it has many layers of understanding.
This carrying on a ship
permitted the survival of these humans (or humankind in general if referring to
the people of Nuh Ôalayhi as-salaam).
Verse 42
وخلقنا لهم من مثله ما يركبون
And We
created for them the likes of that that which they are also able to use for
ride.
There have been other modes of
transportation created by Allaah.
What is this referring to?
1. Other modes of water transport
1.If Verse 41 was referring to the Ark of Nuh Ôalayhi as-salaam then this may be referring to all other ships,
boats, and canoes - whatever else is used to move around in the water.
2. Any other modes of transport
2.If Verse 41 was referring to boats in general, then this may be
referring to other modes of transport on the earth. As Allaah has said (43, 12)
والذي خلق الأزواج كلها وجعل لكم من الفلك والأنعام ما تركبون
And who created the species, all of them, and has made for
you of ships and animals those which you mount.
And following it Allaah educates us about the duŐaa for transportation (43, 13-14). Whenever we board
anything as a mode of transport, we ought to recite this supplication.
These other modes of transport
may be other than ships; animals, carts, vehicles, planes, etc. Allaah has created it, facilitated for us, and permitted it for us. This is
a huge sign and moment of reflection. How easy and faciltated are our lives
with these modes of transportation?
وإن نشأ نغرقهم فلا صريخ لهم ولا هم ينقذون
And if We
should will, We could drown them; then no one responding to a cry would there
be for them, nor would they be saved
How often have we seen such an
amazing mode of transport, but the people drown? We may think of the mode as
colossal, but they can so easily be damaged. A little bit of ice on the road to
make a car slip.
Sarigh| Word Analysis
It comes from the root of the
word meaning to scream for help. It not only means the scream for help,
but the one who hears the scream, and the one who rushes to the aid of the one
screaming for help.
There would be no aid and no
one coming to alleviate these peoplesŐ situation. Nobody would hear their
screams in the darkness of night in the depths of the ocean. Look at that
perspective! WeŐve taken from a zoom in at the ships to the bigger picture.
Recall inqadh means to save someone who is akin to falling off a cliff, someone who
is in very grave danger. So no one will come to these peoplesŐ rescue.
Allaah has placed emphasis by adding the pronoun (hum)
and by placing the verb in the present/future tense in order to show that no
one will ever come, nobody could ever come to these peoplesŐ rescue.
إلا رحمة منا ومتاعا إلى حين
Except as
a mercy from Us and provision for a time.
All of this - the facilitation
of transport without people dying - would not be possible except by the mercy
of Allaah.
Allaah has said raHmatan, it is in its common form. A mercy, not the mercy.
This is one display of AllaahŐs mercy. If all the transportation we have and our
survival in this travel is only attributed to a mercy, then how abundant
is that mercy and how much do we have to be grateful for? How vastly is transportation
used and it is just from a drop of the mercy of Allaah. Things we
donŐt even know or realize are from His mercy.
This is a facilitation to be
used and it is to be used for a Hinin. This is again the common form, meaning that time
is fixed when we must leave this world, but nobody knows that time or how it
will come. It is facilitated for us to benefit, but there is the reminder that
it is for a short time.
Primarily, this discourse has
been a reprehension for these people who donŐt believe. A reference to these
great travels is to tell these people to not be so engaged or lost in these
temporary benefits. To realize that they are only for a limited time. Use these
facilities to gain some benefit for what awaits from the greatest mercy of Allaah.
Linguistic Beauty
Here, Allaah has said raHmatan
minnaa. In other places, Allaah says raHmatan min
Ôindinaa.
For example, in referring to
Khidr Ôalayhi as-salaam (18, 65)
فوجدا عبدا من عبادنا آتيناه رحمة من عندنا وعلمناه من لدنا علما
And they both
found a servant among Our servants to whom we had given mercy from Us
and had taught him from Us a [certain] knowledge.
The latter means a mercy
especially from Us, as in a mercy as a gift from Us, as a favour from Us.
Also in discussing Ayub Ôalayhi as-salaam and what was bestowed upon him (21, 84)
فاستجبنا له فكشفنا ما به من ضرّ وآتيناه أهله ومثلهم معهم رحمة من عندنا وذكرى للعابدين
So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of
adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them as
mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers [of Allaah].
What is the difference?
The latter is a larger
construction so its meaning is greater as well - as mercy that is a special
gift from Us. Whenever Allaah discusses believers, prophets, messengers, pious
individuals, then He uses this more powerful construction. When, however, Allaah is discussing the mercy He has bestowed upon general people (including
disbelievers), then He uses the simple construction.
This also happens with niŐmatan minnaa and niŐmatan
min Ôindinaa.
The simple construct is used
for ordinary or unexceptional people (39, 49)
إذا مس الإنسان ضر دعانا ثم إذا خولناه نعمة منا قال إنما أوتيته على علم بل هي فتنة ولكن أكثرهم لا يعلمون
And when adversity touches man, he calls upon Us; then when
We bestow on him a favour from Us, he says, ŇI have only been given it because
of [my] knowledge.Ó Rather, it is a trial, but most of them do not know.
This person has arrogance
within him. For this person the blessing is not special.
The elaborate construct is used
for praiseworthy people, the family of Lut Ôalayhi as-salaam
(54, 35)
نعمة من عندنا كذلك نجزي من شكر
As favour from us. Thus do we reward he who is grateful.
The promiscuity and
shamelessness of societies are struggles for the people grasping imaan.
Sexual perversion is exceptionally difficult because it is becoming an accepted
practice. The people of Lut Ôalayhi
as-salaam didnŐt just have it
accepted, but it was majority. These people dealt with threats and violence
from people who lived this lifestyle, yet they stood firm with their faith and
their messenger.
As a conclusion to the middle
passage of Ya-Sin (regarding tawhid), Verses 45-50 proceed.
These people have signs all
around them and these signs are being pointed out to them. They are being told
to reflect upon these signs and to see the obedience that all of creation has
to Allaah. Then, to sit and reflect as to why they are so
disobedient to Allaah. Everything around them is a sign pointing to the
oneness, power, magnificence and greatness of Allaah.
وإذا قيل لهم اتقوا ما بين أيديكم وما خلفكم لعلكم ترحمون
But when
it is said to them, ŇBeware of what is before you and what is behind you;
perhaps you will receive mercy...Ó
This verse begins with an
interesting construction.
These people are not being told
وإذا
قال لهم رسول\قرأن\الله -
But when a messenger/the QurŐaan/Allaah
said to them
Those would have been active
constructs. Instead, the passive construct (majbul) is used. One
of the benefits of using the passive in this manner is that it does pinpoint or
elaborate who is the doer - who is the one saying this to them. This serves two
purposes
1. It makes the focal point of that address and
aayah the one who is addressed and not the one
who is addressing. These people are
being told to consider themselves, to take a long, hard look in the mirror.
Look at their own situation and condition. Nothing else needs to be looked at
here except for these people.
2. It creates variety, versatility in the
meaning and interpretation. They were
told time and time again from different angles, by different people. Allaah spoke to them, the divine scripture advised them, the messenger was
tirelessly preaching to them, the other believers came to advise them. Everyone
is telling them. From multiple angles, from multiple people.
Ittaqu| Word Analysis
They are being told to have taqwa.
Taqwa does not just mean to be afraid or to have fear.
It means to be aware, to be conscious, protect yourself, guard yourself, take
precautions.
Take these precautions from
what? From that which is in front of you and from that which is behind you.
What does this refer to?
1. In front of you is the result of your actions,
their consequences. Behind you are the actions you have already performed.
2. In front of you is al-akhirah and
behind you is ad-dunya. The next passage will discuss the Hereafter and
the first passage discussed these peoplesŐ rejection of the messengers in the
dunya.
3. In front of you is what is about to happen to you,
your own situation. What is behind you is what happened to previous peoples.
This message was for the Quraysh. They ought to look to ÔAad and Thamud - their
locations were know to them within Hejaz. The Arabs knew where these nations
had existed and what had transpired with them. They ought to look at them and
then see if they are headed along the same path or if they will differ.
4. This is found in (34, 9). This is a collection of suwar
that have similar themes and are like continuations of each other. Fatir and SabaŐ both start with al-hamdu lillah al-ladhi.
Then there is Ya-Sin in the middle after which there are Sad
and Saffat which are also similar and have address like
themes. Ya-Sin is like the centrepiece of these suwar.
So in (34, 9) Allaah says
أفلم يروا إلى ما بين أيديهم وما خلفهم من السماء والأرض إن نشأ نخسف بهم الأرض أو نسقط عليهم كسفا من السماء إن في ذلك لآية لكل عبد منيب
Then, do they not look at what is before them and what is
behind them of the heaven and earth? If We should will, We could cause the
earth to swallow them or [could] let fall upon them fragments from the sky.
Indeed in that is a sign for every servant turning back [to Allaah].
This is talking about the
punishment of Allaah. So one interpretation is that punishment of Allaah which could come from the sky, from beneath your feet, from the left,
from the right. It could come anywhere at any time. So come to the obedience of
Allaah. Grasp the understanding of being a slave of Allaah.
The QurŐaan is not simple in having a single meaning. It is sophisticated. We are
simple minded. There is a concept called at-tawasu
fiŐl-maŐna fiŐl-QurŐaan al-Karim that
the meaning of the QurŐaan is very broad and to allow the meaning to be broad
and not narrow it down. Sometimes one verse will have multiple meanings and
understandings. We consider someone speaking with double meanings (double
entendre) to be clever, but this is the kalaam of Allaah. It is an endless ocean that will never be
completely understood.
LaŐalla| Word Analysis
Why should they be cautious of
these? So that you may receive mercy. A correction is needed here. LaŐalla is translated in the Arabic language as Ňso thatÓ, but it doesnŐt
actually mean this. It actually means Ňmaybe, hopefully, possiblyÓ. So if they
lead a life of cautiousness, maybe theyŐll receive the mercy of Allaah. It is also placed in the present/future tense to drive the incentive
home. Strive for this mercy, the only thing that will protect anyone.
Nobody will enter jannah because of his deeds. Everyone will only enter jannah because of the mercy of Allaah.
Allaah has placed it there to make us alert, to become
aware, to be conscious and aware and to lead a life in this way so that one
day, hopefully in the future, we will qualfy for the mercy of Allaah. As Allaah says in (17, 8)
عسى ربكم أن يرحمكم وإن عدتم عدنا وجعلنا جهنم للكافرين حصيرا
[Then Allaah said], ŇIt is expected, [if you repent], that
your Lord will have mercy upon you. But if you return [to sin], We will return
[to punishment]. And We have made the Hellfire, for the disbelievers, a
prison-bed.Ó
It is very near, it is a strong
possibility that your Lord will have mercy upon you. If you return back, then
We will also return back. Think of this like two people having a strife. If one
comes back, the other comes back. Allaah has created, provided and protected us. If we turn
back and make tawbah, just make effort by turning around, then the mercy
of Allaah will rush towards us (e.g. with even more mercy
than what we have received).
وما تأتيهم من آية من آيات ربهم إلا كانوا عنها معرضين
And no
sign comes to them from the signs of their Lord except that they are from it
turning away.
They end up willingly,
intentionally turning away from the sign. This is apathy, arrogance,
stubbornness. Allaah has said ŇwheneverÓ from the many, many signs of Allaah. This tells us that Allaah continues to send these signs. These type of
people, however, have ÔiraaD.
They are arrogant, choosing not to
notice.
This is like in Verse 30, when
the townspeople would ridicule and mock the messengers who would come to them.
Here, Allaah is mentioning that their standard operating
procedure with the aayaat is just like it is with the messengers.
Imaan leads to Morality
Here we begin to see something
about the character of these people. They display arrogance and stubbornness.
Next, Allaah will refute their behaviour. He will mention how
arrogant and sarcastic and stubborn they have literally become. In reality,
they are mocking and jeering at the message which has come to them.
There is such poor conduct from
these people. They threatened their messengers, killed an innocent man. They
possessed no morals. Imaan, however, brings about morality. This is a
profound connection.
Many will argue today that
faith has nothing to do with morals, but morality is an independent entity.
People who have the facade of religion, but no true spirituality, their
horrendous actions are sensationalized. Allaah, however, makes a constant connection about a
moral compass arising from having imaan. Imaan is the basis of morality.
For example, in (83, 1-6) Allaah is addressing the people who do not measure out the right due amounts
when giving to people. When measures are due to themselves, however, they take
the full measure from people. They donŐt realize that they will be resurrected
and brought to stand before Allaah. It is a direct connection being made between
their morals and their lack of imaan.
Also, (107, 1-7) begins by
pinpointing the one who denies the Recompense (e.g. the accountability of the
Resurrection). Then it mentions that is the person who drives away the orphan,
who does not encourage feeding the poor, who are heedless of prayer, who flaunt
their dedds, but withhold simple assistance. Woe to these people.
This person doesnŐt just avoid
supporting it himself, but he degrades what others are doing. This comes around
as a lack of imaan.
Imaan brings about the ultimate conduct and good
character.
ThereŐs a beautiful story
mentioned by Ibn Kathir. True order in society can only come about as a result
of imaan. Even if all the laws and best police force has
been established, there will not be morality.
There was one man from
Banu IsraŐil who needed to borrow money. He went to another man
and asked for a loan. This person then asked who can vouch for him. He said, ŇAllaah is enough as a wakil.Ó The man did not argue.
He said, let us at
least get a witness. The man said, ŇAllaah is enough as a witness.Ó The man did not argue.
There was a river that
separated their homes. The borrower promised to meet the man at a certain day
and time at this place to return the money to the lender.
The time passed. When
the man arrives at the river, the river is over-flowing. The people who
normally run the ferries to cross the river are not there. The borrower is
sitting there with the money, frustrated that he had given his word and now was
in this predicament. He stands and waits, but gets more frustrated. He takes a
log, carves a hole in it and puts the money in it. He writes a note to the man
that this is the money he owed him and if it reaches him, then it is done.
He throws the log into
the river and makes duŐaa to Allaah that it reaches the lender. This was out of his
frustration from the idea of cheating the man.
On the other side of
the river, the man was waiting. He sees the condition and realizes the man
cannot come. The time passes so he decides to go home. Before going home
though, he wants to pick up some wood. He sees a log floating into the water.
He takes it home. When he begins to chop it, he sees the money and the note.
His loan is completed.
The borrower, however,
is not comfortable in his position. He thinks he should have returned the money
as it had been given to him. So he waits some days, the water subsides. He gets
some more money and crosses the river to the lenderŐs home. He tells the man
that he has returned to pay him back and how he could not make it previously.
The lender could be thinking that he has already received the money, but he
could be getting more from him. He told him that he received the log. Their imaan
was firm. One manŐs imaan wouldnŐt let him rest and the otherŐs wouldnŐt let
him cheat.
وإذا قيل لهم أنفقوا مما رزقكم الله قال الذين كفروا للذين آمنوا أنطعم من لو يشاء الله أطعمه إن أنتم إلا في ضلال مبين
And when
it is said to them, ŇSpend from that which Allaah has provided for you,Ó Those
who disbelieve say to those who believe, ŇShould we feed one whom, if Allaah,
had willed, He would have fed? You are not but in clear error.Ó
This is the same passive
construction.
Spend from that which Allaah has provided for you. This amount is not even yours to begin with! Allaah has provided you with everything. Keep most of it and spend from it a
little in this sake. Just to show your devotion and dedication. Its just a
gesture.
How do these ungrateful,
disbelieving people respond to the people who are believing and advising them?
They have told them to give in
charity to those who are poor and needy in difficult situations. Yet, they
over-rationalize to mock the command of religion. If Allaah had wanted that person to have something, wouldnŐt He have provided
for him?
How to answer these
questions?
Sometimes, some people are just
saying things for the sake of saying them. Some people are just trying to make
trouble. They have no interest in truth. Look to (25, 7)
وقالوا مال هذا الرسول يأكل الطعام ويمشي في الأسواق لولا أنزل إليه ملك فيكون معه نذيرا
And they say, ŇWhat is this messenger that eats food and
walks in the markets? Why was there not send down to him an angel so he would
be with him a warner?Ó
If Allaah had sent an angel they would have still argued that it does not
understand their situation. Again, they are complaining for the sake of
complaining
In antum fi
Dalaalin mubinin| Analysis
You are in nothing but in very
clear, open misguidance. Fi is as if they are drowning in their delusions.
They are completely lost and astray. There are two ways this can be understood.
1. This is the same kuffar saying it to
the believers.
1.They are merely continuing with their complaining and ridiculing.
2. This is an answer to the kuffar from Allaah. When they say something as foolish, stubborn,
arrogant, and disrespectful as to say this, Allaah will tell
them they are completely drowning in their delusions.
This is a powerful lesson in daŐwah. People will make confusing and senseless arguments. We should not
have a lapse in our imaan at that moment. Philosophical objections have
existed from the beginning of time. Not only did the Messenger of Allaah s deal with this, but messengers before him dealt
with the same. We are no different. This no new phenomenon.
We can only be that strong,
however, if we have read the QurŐaan.
The counter is exactly what
this surah has done. Remind them of the Oneness of Allaah. And if that doesnŐt work, then remind them of the Hereafter when
they will be returned to their Lord and then they will be woeful of their own
situation (36, 51-52). Are they willing to sacrifice everything they have with
this choice they have made? For all of eternity? Think about that before
carrying on this light of discussion.
If the person continues to
persist, remember there has been a Firawn, a Nimrod, a Haamaan, an Abu Jahl.
These people have existed and Allaah and His Messenger s have informed
us about them for a reason. Some people just arenŐt interested in the truth. Allaah has given us a very powerful conclusion to this issue (41, 44)
ولو جعلناه قرآنا أعجميّا لقالوا لولا فصلت آياته أأعجمي وعربي قل هو للذين آمنوا هدى وشفاء والذين لا يؤمنون في آذانهم وقر وهو عليهم عمى أولئك ينادون من مكان بعيد
And if We had made it a non-Arabic QurŐaan, they would have
said, ŇWhy are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a
foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?Ó Say, ŇIt is for those who
believe, a guidance and cure.Ó And those who do not believe - in their ears is
deafness, and it is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant
place.
It is guidance and a solution
to the problems of the believers. Those who do not want to believe are
confrontational. They have an obstruction in their ears. They say they are
listening, they have ears physically, but spiritually they are unaware of the
truth - as if it is invisible to them.
ويقولون متى هذا الوعد إن كنتم صادقين
And they
say, ŇWhen is this promise, if you should be truthful?Ó
For these people who are told
to lead a life of taqwa, but reacted with ÔiraaD and spoke in
inappropriate manners where they went to the depths of stupidity, Allaah does not discuss the faculty nature of their logic. He lets is speak
for itself, its stupidity, disobedience, and disrespect speaks for itself.
When theyŐve reached this
arrogance where they are reminded continuously in different ways, but react
with ignorance, eventually a warning is issued to them. They need to realize
the err of their ways otherwise the punishment of Allaah could befall them, as a consequence of their actions.
Their arrogance and kufr
does not allow them to heed the warning. They respond with even more arrogance,
with even more mockery. In this verse, Allaah is saying that these people would continue to say
(present and future verb), ŇWhen will this promise come?Ó This warning that
they are being given is being mocked.
They are questioning this
morality and truthfulness of these people. Recall that morality arises from imaan.
Look at their conceit.
ما ينظرون إلا صيحة واحدة تأخذهم وهم يخصمون
They do
not await except one blast which will seize them while they are disputing.
Then Allaah says a very stern warning. SiHah is that large, piercing sound. A single blast
could take them in their refusing and rejecting states.
In the previous passage, a
similar conclusion was seen (36, 29)
إن كانت إلا صيحة واحدة فإذا هم خامدون
It was not but one shout, and immediately they were
extinguished.
They had conceitedly
disregarded the messengers and murdered the believer who advised them. As a
result, Allaah punished them with this single, piercing sound. He
did not make a huge, elaborate arrangement for their destruction.
This same note is used here.
They may continue to reject the clear, evident signs of Allaah, but they are waiting for nothing but that one sound to extinguish
them.
Their mockery will continue and
at once they will be taken.
YanZuruna| Word Analysis
In this construction, Allaah does not say:
ما
ينتظرون
Instead, He says:
ما
ينظرون
These both come from the same
root and intiZar means to wait for something.
YanZuruna comes for naZr which means to look. It can also be used to wait
for something, but it is moreso waiting for something as watching it approach.
This is like waiting for a train which you see coming. So these people will be
standing there, it will be there before their faces. It will be a result of
their own actions.
فلا يستطيعون توصية ولا إلى أهلهم يرجعون
And they
will not be able [to give] any instruction, nor to their people can they
return.
They will not have the ability
to tawSiyatan.
TawSiyah| Word Analysis
It means to will something, a
last will, a last testament. Your last words, your last wish, your dying wish. They
wonŐt even have the ability to make a dying will. Nothing. They wonŐt have the
chance to say anything.
This has several ramifications.
1. It shows how unfulfilled their lives were. They refused, rejected, and didnŐt believe
because they wanted to live this life. Yet, in this life they werenŐt even able
to make a last wish, something they desired to do.
2. A known convicted criminal on death row may be a
serial rapist or killer, but still receives a last wish. He is permitted to say
something, to get a last meal, to visit a clergyman, to visit family - but
these people will get nothing.
They wonŐt even be allowed to
return to their families. This is the outcome of these people and what will
transpire of them. It is very similar to the people who rejected the messengers
(36, 30-31). It will still be regretful for them to have done themselves in. It
was a result of their own actions, their own rejection.
يا حسرة على العباد ما يأتيهم من رسول إلا كانوا به يستهزئون
How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them
any messenger except that they used to ridicule him.
ألم يروا كم أهلكنا قبلهم من القرون أنهم إليهم لا يرجعون
Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed
before them - that they to them will not return?
Now we begin the third passage
of Ya-Sin which will focus upon the Hereafter. This first
part, like in the previous two passages, is an introduction to this theme.
Then, we will proceed into the nuances of the life of the Hereafter.
ونفخ في الصور فإذا هم من الأجداث إلى ربهم ينسلون
And the
Horn will be blown; and at once from the graves to their Lord they will hasten.
Literally, the Horn was blown
into - meaning that someone was sounding the Horn. It is in the past tense,
although this is yet to occur. This is to show that this is a confirmed fact -
itŐs such a done deal to happen that it can already be considered to have
happened. Nothing will change this fact.
All of a sudden they.
Who is this they? These are the same people whom the surah
has addressed until now. The same people who denied the messengers. The same
people who rejected the concept of the Oneness of Allaah. The same people who mocked this concept.
Ajadaath| Word Analysis
All of a sudden they from ajdaath.This is the plural of jadath, meaning grave. This is a specific type of
grave. (Grave is literally kabar and the plural is kubur). Here, jadath is used because it carries the meaning of graves that have
disappeared. They are so old, that it is forgotten where they existed. The
signs of those graves have disappeared. They were forgotten.
This is profound. The previous
two passages (regarding risalah and tawhid) ended with one warning to these people. That it
would only take one piercing sound to get rid of these people.
The first passage (Verse 29)
ended with fa idha hum
khaamidun - then all of a sudden they
will be put out like a fire. Part of the understanding of this is that all
signs of these people would disappear. It would be as if these people never
even existed. This is a whole new level of humiliation for these people. People
are normally buried respectfully and people visit them and make duŐaa
for them. It is a sign of dignity. These people, however, are completely
forgotten and, as such, are humiliated.
They were so arrogant that they
werenŐt able to give sadaqah out of what Allaah has given them and mocked such behaviour. In
return, not only were they wiped away, but all signs of them were wiped
away.
So these people are crawling
out of graves that people didnŐt even know existed and they are going straight
to Allaah on the Day of Judgment.
Yansilun| Word Analysis
This comes from nasal.
At the core of it, it means to walk quickly towards something. More
specifically, it is used for someone who is walking or running downhill.
They are moving so quickly as if they are running downhill, they are speeding
faster and cannot be stopped. They will naturally be forced to go in that
direction and cannot impede themselves.
These are the people who would
have been pleaing Allaah to let them return so that they may make amends.
They will have experienced the torment of the life of al-barzakh. They know exactly what is in store for them. They donŐt want to go
in that direction, but they will be compelled to go forth and will be made to
present themselves before Allaah
(Verse 32).
Verse 52
قالوا يا ويلنا من بعثنا من مرقدنا هذا ما وعد الرحمن وصدق المرسلون
They will
say, ŇO woe to us! Who has raised us up from our sleeping place?Ó [The reply
will be], ŇThis is what the Most Merciful had promised and the messengers told
the truth.Ó
Wael| Word Analysis
They will curse themselves.
This is an expression of remorse, regret, like having pity upon someone.
BaŐath| Word Analysis
Who has baŐathna? It means to bring back to life and to push along. They have
not only been brought back to life, but are being pushed along to be made to
stand before Allaah. ItŐs like they will be herded together like
cattle.
Raqada| Word Analysis
From our raqada. It means to take a nap. Not like deep sleep, but just laying
down and resting in light sleep. This is a very relaxing rest. When youŐve been
awakened, you donŐt want to leave the position. This is so relieving. It is
disturbing when someone bothers you, even if it is for your own good.
These were a bad group of
people. It is a confirmed fact that such people will be punished in their
graves. Why then would they refer to their graves as that comfortable place?
Because what they will see for themselves on the Day of Judgment to be so
horrific and terrifying, that what they experienced in the grave will have been
like taking a nap in comparison. These are the same people who were screaming
when being put into the graves that they be given another chance (23, 99)
حتى إذا جاء أحدهم الموت قال رب ارجعون
Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, ŇMy Lord,
send me back!Ó
The image before their eyes
will be terrifying (89, 23)
وجيء يومئذ بجهنم يومئذ يتذكر الإنسان وأنى له الذكرى
And brought [within view], that Day is Hell - that Day, man
will remember, but what good to him will be the remembrance?
The Hellfire will react upon
seeing them (25, 12)
إذا رأتهم من مكان بعيد سمعوا لها تغيظا وزفيرا
When the Hellfire sees them from a distant place, they will hear
its fury and roaring.
It will be tied up in 70 000
chains held by 70 000 Angels hold the chains. Yet, it will still be growling
like a wild beast at its prey. Seeing this, they will look back at their graves
and ask to return to them.
Then, comes the response. Who
is speaking these words?
1. The people are speaking to themselves, realizing that what they denied was true and the
messengers they rejected were speaking only the truth. This is affirmed in (32,
12)
ولو ترى إذ المجرمون ناكسو رءوسهم عند ربهم ربنا أبصرنا وسمعنا فارجعنا نعمل صالحا إنا موقنون
If you could but see when the criminals are hanging their
heads before their Lord, [saying], ŇOur Lord, we have seen and heard, so return
us [to the world]; we will work a (any) righteousness. Indeed, we are [now]
certain.Ó
They are not saying this is
that which Allaah had promised, but rather they are saying this is
that which Ar-Rahman had promised. Why would they use this name of Allaah?
This name is constantly used in
the surah to inspire the emotions of obligation to Allaah. It reminds us of everything Allaah has given to us. He has given us so much that we
truly cannot comprehend it. This is the depth of their realization, but it will
be too late.
2. Allaah or the Angels are speaking to the people. That this is what Allaah warned you of
and told you to prepare for. The messengers who came to you were speaking the
truth. This aayah shows how the akhirah is the
culmination of belief in Allaah and belief in the message delivered by messengers.
If one believes in both, then he will have a good outcome; if one disbelieves
in them, the outcome is bleak.
إن كانت إلا صيحة واحدة فإذا هم جميع لدينا محضرون
It will
not be but one blast and at once they are all brought present before Us.
This same statement was made at
the ends of passage 1 (Verse 29) and passage 2 (Verse 49). That one loud,
piercing sound literally extinguished the people and then would be used to
collect the people on the Day of Recompense.
Allaah does not need to make any elaborate preparations
or processes to take their lives, to bring them back to life.
Now, all of a sudden (idhaa)
they will be brought back. There is repetition of hum and
jamiŐun to show that they will ALL be brought back - no
matter if they were rich or poor, pious or sinful, believing or disbelieving,
old or young, male or female. They will ALL be made to stand before Allaah and be held accountable.
Accountability is a very
powerful idea. It helps people manage themselves, conduct themselves. It is how
we live our lives, pay our bills, get an education, make money, balance cheque
books. Everything has accountability built into it. This stimulate
productivity. Din makes us accountable by speaking of the Hereafter.
Imaan inspires people to live properly.
The famous story about ÔUmar d and the mother and daughter and the mixing of milk with water - that
was accountability. Allaah is watching so it doesnŐt matter if no one else is
aware (36, 11)
إنما تنذر من اتبع الذكر وخشي الرحمن بالغيب فبشره بمغفرة وأجر كريم
You can only warn one who follows the message and fears the
Most Merciful unseen. [...]
فاليوم لا تظلم نفس شيئا ولا تجزون إلا ما كنتم تعملون
So today
no soul will be wronged at all and you will not be recompensed except for what
you used to do.
Now, Allaah is using imagery to set the tone for the next aayaat.
It is as if Allaah is having us image we are standing in the field, in the gathering of
the Day of Judgment. Then today! DonŐt consider it a fairy tale or far away
galaxy. It is here, it is now. This is reiterated throughout the QurŐaan (70, 6-7)
إنهم يرونه بعيدا
Indeed, they see it [as] distant,
ونراه قريبا
But We see it [as] near.
The time is so very close (21,
1)
اقترب للناس حسابهم وهم في غفلة معرضون
[The time of] their account has come very close for the
people, while they are in heedlessness turning away.
Allaah has said iqtaraba - this is in the exaggerated form - meaning that
the time is very, very, very near. ItŐs right there under their noses, yet they
are completely oblivious to this reality and truth.
Nafsun is in its common form, meaning not a single
soul will be wronged in the least bit. Zulm is to
misappropriate, to wrong someone and to violate his rights. Not a single person
will be wronged in the least bit (shayan). Their book of deeds will be placed open for them
to check (18, 49)
ووضع الكتاب فترى المجرمين مشفقين مما فيه ويقولون يا ويلتنا مال هذا الكتاب لا يغادر صغيرة ولا كبيرة إلا أحصاها ووجدوا ما عملوا حاضرا ولا يظلم ربك أحدا
And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will
see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, ŇOh, woe to us!
What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has
enumerated it?Ó And they will find what they did present [before them]. And
your Lord does injustice to no one.
And you will not be
recompensed, rewarded, you will not find as a return except what you did to
yourself. This is the epitome of justice. You will reap what youŐve sown. There
will be no additions, no subtractions. Nobody can argue against that - they can
beg and plead. This is the reason for seeking istighfar, for
performing tawbah. As Allaah says (19, 60)
إلا من تاب وآمن وعمل صالحا فأولئك يدخلون الجنة ولا يظلمون شيئا
Except those who repent, believe and do righteousness, for
those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged at all.
For then (25, 70)
إلا من تاب وآمن وعمل عملا صالحا فأولئك يبدل الله سيئاتهم حسنات وكان الله غفورا رحيما
Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For
them Allaah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allaah
Forgiving and Merciful.
This passage is letting people
know that they must deal with the consequences of their actions. They may have
rejected and mocked the message and its messengers and even Allaah, but they will have to deal with what they have earned.
The beginning of the surah discussed two groups of people. One group will not benefit from the
message, whether you warn them or not and AllaahŐs decision has been confirmed for the majority of
them (Verse 10). The other group were those that benefited from this message
and remembrance (Verse 11). This was the objective of risalah. Now, we move on to discussing akhirah for this believing group of people.
إن أصحاب الجنة اليوم في شغل فاكهون
Indeed
the companions of Paradise, that Day, will be amused in [joyful] occupation -
ASHaab| Word Analysis
Most definitely - without any
doubt - the companions of Jannah. Allaah does not say ahl of Jannah, but says aSHaab of Jannah.
This shows the belonging of these
people to Jannah. They are the inhabitants, the dwellers. Also,
they will be a group of people together. They are not isolated.
Al-yawm is providing the imagery to make people aware of
the descriptions.
Shughlin| Word Analysis
This is something that one
engages in, one indulges in. Something that when one is involved in it, he
forgets about everything else. Think of when people are playing video games and
they are oblivious to everything around them. They are so engaged or absorbed
in it. This is also in the common form to give it versatility, diversity in the
meaning. For everyone there will be a different indulgence - hence it has not
been specified.
In the life of this world, we
are told to limit our indulgences so that we may be more spiritually dedicated.
In jannah, however, we will be told that for what was given
up in the dunya (52, 19)
كلوا واشربوا هنيئا بما كنتم تعملون
[They will be told], ŇEat and drink in satisfaction for what
you used to do.Ó
The baa
here means in exchange for they had done in the days had passed. They
were so focused in the life of the world, so now they can do whatever they
want. They will indulge for however long in whatever in they wish to do.
There was a bedouin man who
came to the Messenger of Allaah s and asked if they would be able to farm in jannah. That is what these people do and what they enjoy. Of course they
will be able to do whatever they wish.
Faakihun| Word Analysis
Someone is really happy,
joyful. As if giddy and jolly. There is so much energy in their happiness that
they almost donŐt know what to do with it. They donŐt know how to contain
themselves. So engaging in their indulgences they will be so completely
absorbed (fi) in happiness because there will be no other
responsibilities or distractions for them.
هم وأزواجهم في ظلال على الأرائك متكئون
They and
their spouses - in shade, reclining on adorned couches.
Their happiness is even greater
because they are doing it with others - with their spouses! Their is no
loneliness for them. They will be surrounded by shade - as if they are sitting
outdoors in a beautiful scenery (the gardens of jannah). They are
gardens beneath which rivers flow and these rivers are (47, 15)
مثل الجنة التي وعد المتقون فيها أنهار من ماء غير آسن وأنهار من لبن لم يتغير طعمه وأنهار من خمر لذة للشاربين وأنهار من عسل مصفّى ولهم فيها من كل الثمرات ومغفرة من ربهم كمن هو خالد في النار وسقوا ماء حميما فقطع أمعاءهم
Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are
promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered (never to stench), rivers of
milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who
drink (from them), and rivers of purified honey in which they will have from
all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who
abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will
sever their intestines?
The gardens in jannah will have blades of grass that are literally like diamonds, pearls,
rubies and gems and stone. And the trees in jannah: if a person
was to ride a horse, he would not be able to cross the shadow for 100 years
(Bukhari).
This is the scenery for these
people.
Usually when we are seated
outdoors under the shade of a tree, we use something to recline in but itŐs
usually not comfortable. These people will have araaaik (sing. arik)
is like something between a bed and couch - a recliner. This is unbelievable
and so wonderful.
لهم فيها فاكهة ولهم ما يدعون
For them
therein is fruit and for them is whatever they request [or wish]
What happens when one is
indulging in an activity? They want some snacks. They will have fruits waiting
for them. And how will this person eat the fruits? (69, 23)
قطوفها دانية
Its [fruit] to be picked hanging near.
This person is sitting back in
the recliner and will see the shade casting the tree above them and see this
ripe, juicy fruit hanging over them. They will think that it looks delicious
and the fruit itself will come closer. This person wonŐt even have to get up to
get it! The tree will literally bend to the personŐs mouth so he can eat it and
then it will go back up and return when he wants more.
The luxury weŐve seen in this
world does not even compare to what is awaiting for these people in Paradise.
And this is only a preview, the
reality is that it is exclusively for them - for the people of jannah. Exclusively for them is whatever they could ask for.
YaddaŐun| Word Analysis
DuŐaa is to call out for something. This is in the
exaggerated form. It means whatever they could ever ask for.
A minority opinion is that it
comes from the root of the verb meaning to claim something. This would
refer to them not even having to verbalize what they want. They wonŐt even have
to do that much. They will have whatever they have merely desired (41, 31)
نحن أولياؤكم في الحياة الدنيا وفي الآخرة ولكم فيها ما تشتهي أنفسكم ولكم فيها ما تدعون
We [angels] were your allies in wordly life and [are so] in
the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire and you
will have therein whatever you request [or wish].
He will merely think it and it
will be there for him. Anything, everything. It will be made available
exclusively for them.
سلام قولا من ربّ رحيم
[And]
ŇPeace,Ó a word from a Merciful Lord.
Salaamun| Word Analysis
They will be given salaam - peace and safety. A proclamation is being made like a
congratulations. It is showered down upon them. It is in the common form so it
is peace and safety of every type for all of eternity.
And this is a word (salaamun) given to them from Rabbi Ar-Rahmaan.
Rabb| Word Analysis
It is the one who created,
provides, sustains, maintains, guides, and protects. He has done all of these
for you. He has guided you to this path, had mercy upon you, forgiven you, and
given you this luxurious place of abiding for all of eternity. It is
self-descriptive.
And they will say (7, 43)
ونزعنا ما في صدورهم من غلّ تجري من تحتهم الأنهار وقالوا الحمد لله الذي هدانا لهذا وما كنا لنهتدي لولا أن هدانا الله لقد جاءت رسل ربنا بالحق ونودوا أن تلكم الجنة أورثتموها بما كنتم تعملون
And We will have removed whatever is witin their breasts of
resentment, [while] flowing beneath them are rivers. And they will say, ŇPraise
to Allaah, Who has guided us to this and we would never have been guided if
Allaah had not guided us. Certainly the messengers of our Lord had come with
the truth.Ó And they will be called, ŇThis is Paradise, which you have been
made to inherit for what you used to do.Ó
They have proclaimed that they
could not have gotten here if they had not received this guidance from their
Lord. Their Lord who is Ar-Rahmaan. The One Who is merciful to you from before you
are created until now when you are in jannah. He has been and is ultimately and continuously
merciful to you.
وامتازوا اليوم أيها المجرمون
[Then He
will say], ŇBut stand apart today, you criminals.
Now, we switch for the people
of the left-hand, the people of Hellfire. We are introduced to them in a very
powerful way. There are remarkable stories regarding this aayah
that the scholars have mentioned. In their night prayers, they would come to it
and recite it all night long, weeping as they are reciting until morning time
has come.
The transition from speaking
regarding the people of jannah to the people of naar is remarkable.
Wamtaazu| Word Analysis
This is in the imperative, the
command form. It comes from imtiyaz meaning to separate something that was mixed.
Like picking out a particular nut from trail mix.
People in the world are mixed
up. Everyone is crossing paths, living in the same neighbourhoods, going to the
same schools, and attending the same parties. There was no distinction between
right and wrong, but there were some who were living a conscious lifestyle.
They were crossing paths, but at the same time, they had a different lifestyle.
Sometimes the punishment of Allaah doesnŐt come immediately. People who are ungrateful and disobedient
are living life without a harsh, open punishment. This should not deceive them.
It should not serve as validation of their ways.
The blessing of Allaah is of two types: quantity and quality. They forget (6, 44)
فلما نسوا ما ذكروا به فتحنا عليهم أبواب كل شيء حتى إذا فرحوا بما أوتوا أخذناهم بغتة فإذا هم مبلسون
So when they forget that by which they had been reminded, We
opened to them the doors of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in
that which they were given, We seized them suddenly and they were [then] in
despair.
The message came again and
again to remind them that they should be grateful and obedient to their Lord,
realize their real pupose in life. Their end, however, is completely bankrupt
and hopeless. They are held accountable and should not live in delusions.
They may have had time and
blessing in the dunya, but now they must separate.
This is the third time that al-yawm (today) has been mentioned in this passage. this is very rare. The
reason why it is used is to make us picture the situation as if it is happening
right here, right now. Imagine yourself in a group of people, seeing the gates of
Paradise and the gates of Hellfire before you now. It all comes down to this
moment, this day. Now, criminals separate yourselves from the others. Imagine
thinking that you are one of those people. YouŐll try to hide yourself and be
among the others. But it will be to no avail because Allaah knows whatŐs even in the hearts of man.
Mujrim | Word Analysis
Not just a criminal, but a convicted,
sentenced criminal. The one who has done something wrong and now must serve
the consequences.
And now Allaah will tell us why this is happening. This is the blessing of the QurŐaan. Sometimes when someone does something wrong and is told to pay the
penalty. That person often thinks, ŇIf I knew it was going to be this bad, I
wouldnŐt have done it.Ó Subhana
Allaah, Allaah is telling us
how bad it is going to be out of His mercy. To warn us.
There is no vengence. Our Lord
is so merciful, He has given us every opportunity. At the end of the day there
must be some responsibility on our part. It can be analogous to a person being
told he has a test in seven days and given the answer key to memorize in six
days. No one can call that teacher merciless at the end. It would be ridiculous
to say such a thing. Allaah has given us all the answers and told us
everything in advance to read, understand and implement.
If we donŐt take the wisdom,
then there is no one to blame but ourselves.
ألم أعهد إليكم يا بني آدم أن لا تعبدوا الشيطان إنه لكم عدو مبين
Did I not
enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan - [for] indeed,
he is to you a clear enemy -
Allaah addresses the criminals now. ŇHad I not entrusted
to you (given to you the responsibility), O children of Adam?Ó
What was entrusted? What was
the responsibility?
To not worship Shaytaan.
ÔIbadaah | Word Analysis
It is translated as worship,
but it literally means to willingly become a slave of something. So
donŐt become a slave or devotee of Shaytaan
and his system. This is a path based
upon arrogance, defiance, disobedience. Shaytaan refused to bow down because (7, 12)
قال ما منعك ألا تسجد إذ أمرتك قال أنا خير منه خلقتني من نار وخلقته من طين
[Allaah] said, ŇWhat prevented you from prostrating when I
commanded you?Ó [Shaytaan] said, ŇI am better than him. You created me from
fire and created him from clay.Ó
He was unapologetic, not
remorseful for what he had done. Then, even further (38, 82)
قال فبعزتك لأغوينهم أجمعين
[Iblis] said, ŇBy Your might, I will surely mislead them allÓ
and (7, 17)
ثم لآتينهم من بين أيديهم ومن خلفهم وعن أيمانهم وعن شمائلهم ولا تجد أكثرهم شاكرين
Then I will come to them from before them and from behind
them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of
them grateful [to You].Ó
The QurŐaan develops obedience within us. Shukr is a direct result of the reminder of the QurŐaan and becoming grateful makes us obedient. It makes it easy for us to
devote ourselves. ShaytaanŐs problem was that he was not grateful and falling
into his schemes and deception is to become ungrateful.
Why should we be wary of Shaytaan?
He is for us (especially for us
because lakum is early in the phrase) a clear, known, open
enemy. Shaytaan is not hiding his animosity towards us. He will
have a discussion with the people of Hellfire (14, 22)
وقال الشيطان لما قضي الأمر إن الله وعدكم وعد الحق ووعدتكم فأخلفتكم وما كان لي عليكم من سلطان إلا أن دعوتكم فاستجبتم لي فلا تلوموني ولوموا أنفسكم ما أنا بمصرخكم وما أنتم بمصرخي إني كفرت بما أشركتمون من قبل إن الظالمين لهم عذاب أليم
And Shaytaan will say when the matter has been concluded,
ŇIndeed, Allaah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but
I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you and
you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be
called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your
association of me [with Allaah] before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful
punishment.Ó
Hasan al-Basri described this
scene as if Shaytaan is the khatib in the Hellfire and the people are all surronding
him. When everything is said and done and they have all been doomed to Jahannam. He merely made recommendations. You bought into his marketing. DonŐt
blame him, but blame yourselves.
The Prophets told us that Shaytaan is our enemy. Look around us, the people who are following the life Shaytaan is pedaling are miserable. They have small, temporary moments of
pleasure. Overwheleming, however, they lack contentment, peace, and
tranquility.
The happiness and peace we feel
when fasting and standing in tarawih, they donŐt feel it.
So what had Allaah wanted us to do?
وأن اعبدوني هذا صراط مستقيم
And that
you worship [only] Me? This is a straight path.
Allaah wanted for us to devote and dedicate ourselves in
worship to Him. To completely live to please Allaah.
What does that entail?
Humility. Realizing that we
know nothing and we have nothing, but Allaah knows everything and has given us everything.
Gratitude. To show Allaah that we are grateful for everything He has given us.
This is a straight path.
Hadha| Word Analysis
This is ismŐl-ishara - it is a pointing word. It is for that which is near (dhalika is for that which is far). The implication of it being near is that
itŐs so near and attainable. ItŐs so easy to reach forward and grab.
It is a straight path. It is so
natural. Our fitrah tells us to be obedient to Allaah. It is easy.
To leave the easy and go for
that which is disobedient is difficult and less accessible. It is rough and has
more consequences.
ولقد أضل منكم جبلّا كثيرا أفلم تكونوا تعقلون
And he
had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use
reason?
Despite all of this, how sad is
the condition of humankind. Despite everything being so obvious and simple, we
are so pathetic. The reality of the situation is that most definitely he has
led astray much of us.
Jibillan| Word Analysis
It comes from the same root as jabal
meaning a mountaing. It means something that is huge and reaching high into the
sky. So it is a huge group of people that is so crowded it is as if people are
sitting on top of each other.
DidnŐt we think for a moment?
If we had thought for just a minute, we would have considered what we were
doing and the consequences of these choices. A sane and rational person would
not have done this because those (39, 18)
الذين يستمعون القول فيتبعون أحسنه أولئك الذين هداهم الله وأولئك هم أولو الألباب
Who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the
ones Allaah has guided, and those are people of understanding.
That is the tragedy. They are
intelligent people, very successful and educated in their work and careers.
They are exemplary in investments, social navigation, social status, etc. They
are brilliant and exceptional, so good at everything. Their brains, however,
shut down when they come here.
If Islam is so logical, then
why didnŐt these brilliant people take it? Were they not as smart as we think
they are or is there something wrong?
1. Guidance is in the hands of Allaah. Allaah chooses whom to guide and whom to misguide. This
is not based on qualification, but is a gift from Allaah.
2. The people do not show the same dedication
in spirituality as in other areas.
They do not bring the same fervor, dedication, and commitment to this matter
while they carry it in others. We need to bring our A-game to din.
It is not ritual! It requires intelligence and understanding to be fully
impactful. Bring ihsaan, bring your best abilities. Allaah will give further guidance to those people (39, 18 - above).
This passage has served to
separate the people of Paradise from the people of Hellfire. To conclude, Allaah has said (40, 10)
إن الذين كفروا ينادون لمقت الله أكبر من مقتكم أنفسكم إذ تدعون إلى الإيمان فتكفرون
Indeed, those who disbelieve will be addressed, ŇThe hatred
of Allaah for you was [even] greater than your hatred of yourselves [on this
Day in Hell] when you were invited to faith, but you refused.Ó
You may be frustrated with
yourselves today, Allaah was more frustrated with you when you were called
to imaan but you disbelieved.
How can you treat Shaytaan as your friend when he is taking advantage of you and is your clear
enemy? Allaah is your true friend, your Protector, your Mawla.
هذه جهنم التي كنتم توعدون
This is
the Hellfire which you were promised.
Now, we get to the sentencing
being issued to these criminals. At this point and time, Allaah is directly addressing these people. This is the most appropriate
matter for the occasion.
Again, ismŐl-ishara is used and it emphasizes that the Hellfire is so close and near.
ItŐs close enough to touch and take them. It will be right there. Just like jannah was right there for the obedient to smell, now jahannam is right there for the disobedient to feel.
Jahannam| Word Analysis
It is the actual, given name of
the fire of Hell.
Allaah has said (46, 34)
ويوم يعرض الذين كفروا على النار
And the Day those who disbelieved will be made to stand,
presented before upon the fire
...
This is the scene of the
Hellfire and punishment. Imagine somebody taken and hung over the fire so that
only that which is holding on to him is keeping him from falling into it. We
were warned about this and promised that if we continued doing what weŐre
doing, this would be the outcome. This, this fire before our eyes, is what we
were warned about.
اصلوها اليوم بما كنتم تكفرون
[Enter
to] burn therein today for what you used to deny.Ó
ISlaw| Word Analysis
This is the command form from sad-laam-ya meaning to enter into fire. It is specified to entering into
fire. It is sometimes used in its transitive form (tasliya) Ňto enter something into fireÓ. It depends upon the discourse in the
QurŐaan.
1. Sometimes, criminals are told to enter themselves
into the Fire even if they know what happens in it.
2. Other times, Allaah enters the criminals into the Fire or commands the
Angels to enter them into it.
Either way, itŐs very scary.
Al-yawm| Word Analysis
It is mentioned again (now, the
fourth time) to show the imperative nature of these consequences. These people
would say to the messengers to bring the punishment. They would be arrogant in
this manner. Now, they are told to go and walk ahead into it because it is
here.
Bimaa|
Word Analysis
Baa is the most versatile letters in the language. In
classical works of grammar there are 12-13 uses. One is the causative baa
: what comes before it is a result of what comes afer it. {Result - baa
- cause}.
They are told to enter because
of that which they used to deny - they were disobedient and ungrateful which
made them disbelieve. The first reaction as they are pushed into this
punishment will be, ŇWhy are you doing this to me?Ó They will be defensive, but
no one is pushing them in. They chose this for themselves repeatedly. That is
why this is happening to them.
Kuntum is there to show the persistence of their actions.
Their ungratefulness was persisting and did not end.
Takfurun| Word Analysis
This surah has repeatedly highlighted the role of shukr in obedience.
The aayaat of Allaah remind us (dhikr) which makes us grateful (shukr)
which manifests itself in ibadaah (worship, devotion, dedication.
The opposite is true as well.
When you donŐt pay attention to the aayaat you are not reminded. When you are not reminded,
you are heedless, oblivious and unaware. So you are not grateful because you
have not given yourself the opportunity to think This will then manifest itself
in the form of disobedience and eventually disbelief. And this is the result of
it today - jahannam.
Verse 65
اليوم نختم على أفواههم وتكلمنا أيديهم وتشهد أرجلهم بما كانوا يكسبون
That Day,
We will seal over their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their
feet will testify about what they used to earn.
From the literary marvel of the
QurŐaan, something changes here. Allaah was speaking to them (kuntum) in the second person, to speaking about them (-him)
because they have been sentenced and were entered into the Hellfire. They will
continue to cry out from there, pleading and begging, but will be told (23, 108)
قال اخسئوا فيها ولا تكلمون
He will say, ŇRemain despised therein and do not speak to
Me.Ó
Ikhsau fiha is like shooing a dog away. They had their chance
and now ought not speak or make noise.
ÔAlaa| Word Analysis
It is on top of something. So
here it is like sealing over top of something so that the seal is complete and
cannot be broken. This propogates the graphic and vivid nature of the verse.
Their hands will start to speak
because they will try to lie with their mouths. We know from other places that
even with ÔIsa Ôalayhi
as-salaam they will try to lie.
They belied the messengers
repeatedly in the beginning of the surah. They belied Allaah and mocked the idea of giving what Allaah had given them. They said so much nonsense and garbage. All of that was
in the dunya. They had every opportunity to say something good,
just like that man from the edge of the town who said something. They made
their choice, but today no one wants to hear their trash.
Their legs will testify. They
will literally be witnesses to what the person has done, just like other parts
of their bodies (41, 20)
حتى إذا ما جاءوها شهد عليهم سمعهم وأبصارهم وجلودهم بما كانوا يعملون
Until, when they reach it, their hearing and their eyes and
their skins will testify against them of what they used to do.
They will complain to their
skin, ŇWhy are you testifying against us?Ó Their sight and skin will complain,
but when they retort it will only be to the skin. That is because the skin will
feel the punishment. And they use the plural because all of that person is in
it together (41, 21)
وقالوا لجلودهم لم شهدتم علينا قالوا أنطقنا الله الذي أنطق كل شيء وهو خلقكم أول مرة وإليه ترجعون
And they will say to their skins, ŇWhy have you testified
against us?Ó They will say, ŇWe were made to speak by Allaah, who has made
everything speak; and He created you the first time and to Him you are
returned.
What are they testifying to?
They are testifying to that which these people used to do. They are only
answering to what they did. Allaah makes them testify because it cannot be denied by
another person. This is the helpless nature of these people. The people of jannah had pure luxury, but these people have pure desertion in their
condition.
They caused emotional distress
to the messengers. They taunted them over the deaths of their wives, uncles,
and sons. They had no mercy, no humanity. They made opportunities out of
everything. ThatŐs how ruthless they were. Today, they are being tormented.
Verse 66
ولو نشاء لطمسنا على أعينهم فاستبقوا الصراط فأنى يبصرون
And if We
willed, We could have obliterated their eyes, and they would race to [find] the
path, and how could they see?
Tams| Word Analysis
It literally means to rub
something out. Think of an eraser on very hard writing. There will still be
some mark to show existence. So something would have been remained of their
eyes, but they would be disfigured. Then they would be running around looking
for that path.
But how could they ever see
again?
Verse 67
ولو نشاء لمسخناهم على مكانتهم فما استطاعوا مضيّا ولا يرجعون
And if We
willed, We could have deformed them, [paralyzing them] in their places so they
would not be able to proceed, nor could they return.
Similarly, Allaah says that He could have disfigured them themselves. They would have
been completely mutiliated, destroyed where they stood. They wouldnŐt be able
to go forward. They wouldnŐt have the ability to move on, nor could they ever
go back.
All their faculties were
completely taken away to leave raw pieces of meat. That is very powerful. ItŐs
a graphic and disturbing image. ThatŐs the point - at the end of the day, itŐs
not fun and games. They played with their own situations. They put themselves
in harmŐs way.
The mercy in this, however, is
that it is being told to us now. This is no surprise. ItŐs right here, right
now. Read it and fix it. Change things for yourselves.
The scholars point out that Allaah says law nashaa - if We wished. These people actually get
opportunity and chance after chance. They have the opportunity to turn back and
realize their purpose in life. If they, however, continue to ignore the signs
around and even within them and the message relayed to them, they are digging
their own pits in the Hellfire. If this came to pass, this would happen. Yet,
on that Day they will be taken to recompense for their choices.
Verse 68
This is somewhat a conclusion
for this passage. It also serves as a transition to the following passage.
ومن نعمره ننكسه في الخلق أفلا يعقلون
And he to
whom We grant long life We reverse in creation; so will they not understand?
{And whomsoever We grant extended life to, We
cause him to regress in his overall condition; so donŐt they process this?}
These are very sophisticated
words.
Wa man| Word Analysis
This presents a hypothetical
situation.
NuŐammirhu| Word Analysis
ÔUmar means age and the verb category means to grant
extended age. The verb pattern here has the implication of something happening
little-by-little, step-by-step, stage-by-stage. This is like anzal
(all at once) or tanzil (little-by-little).
Nunakkishu| Word Analysis
This comes from naks
literally means to flip something over from head to tail. It is used
metaphorically to speak of something regressing backwards. This person is turned
backwards, his faculties are flipped, in creation.
As the people begin to age,
their bodies begin to slow down; their minds slow down; emotionally, they slow
down. This is also pointed out in (30, 54)
الله الذي خلقكم من ضعف ثم جعل من بعد ضعف قوة ثم جعل من بعد قوة ضعفا وشيبة يخلق ما يشاء وهو العليم القدير
Allaah is the one Who created you from weakness, then made
after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair. He
creates what He wills, and He is the Knowing , the Competent.
DaŐaf (weakness) refers to infancy. Then from it comes
strength - you get older and become competent until you are independent. Then
from it comes weakness and eventually old age. As a person ages, he regresses.
To the point where it becomes so detrimental (22, 5)
يا أيها الناس إن كنتم في ريب من البعث فإنا خلقناكم من تراب ثم من نطفة ثم من علقة ثم من مضغة مخلقة وغير مخلقة لنبين لكم ونقر في الأرحام ما نشاء إلى أجل مسمّى ثم نخرجكم طفلا ثم لتبلغوا أشدكم ومنكم من يتوفى ومنكم من يرد إلى أرذل العمر لكيلا يعلم من بعد علم شيئا وترى الأرض هامدة فإذا أنزلنا عليها الماء اهتزت وربت وأنبتت من كل زوج بهيج
O people, if you should be in doubt about the resurrection,
then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop,
them from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed -
that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified
term, then We bring you out as a child, and then [We develop you] that you may
reach your [time of] maturity. And among you is he who is taken in [early]
death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so
that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the
earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and
grows [something] of every beautiful kind.
He is returned to the worst
period of life - from knowing something to knowing nothing at all. Think of
AlzheimerŐs Disease - they wake up and donŐt even recognize people.
In and of itself, this verse is
powerfully reminding us of the blessings we have. The people denied and
rejected risalah, then tawhid, then akhirah. So what allows a person to continue being
arrogant in this manner? It is the capability this person has. Their strength
and faculties can cloud their judgment. So realize and understand that this
delusion is temporary. Time is what we all crave. As time goes on, however,
lifeŐs challenges come with it. You may have more time, but everything you
pride yourself for is withering away.
So wonŐt you wake up? This isnŐt
hypothetical anymore. This is very real and around us all. Everyone sees that
age.
The mufassirun have much discussion over how this ties in with the previous
discourse (Verses 65-67). There are a few opinions.
1. The two hypotheticals (law nashaa ...) were supported with evidence with this
example. The diminishing is happening
at a lower level around us all. These people do fall to the stage of being mere
flesh seated before us. Allaah could speed the process and make it happen faster.
2. Allaah can flip the situation for people (nunakkis). They
may have all that pomp and glory which is providing them with the arrogance to
deny and belie the message and warnings, but their situation can so easily be
turned around. And it will be so easily turned around.
3. This is an evidence for being resurrected. The person can go from being helpless to strong
to helpless again just like Allaah can bring about the situation of life to death and
to life again.
4. In the last two verses, Allaah said law
nashaa (if We had willed), but
He didnŐt do it to them. Why didnŐt He do that? Rather, what did He do to them? That would have brought a quick end to things and
only suffered in the hereafter. They will also, however, pay for their crime in
this world. For their arrogance and crime. They will be humiliated in this
life. They will grow old, they wonŐt be as loud or smart as they once were. Not
only are they now lacking that upper hand, but they are old and feeble.
Abu Lahab was very arrogant.
There were some who met a quick end like Abu Jahl, but Abu Lahab had a very ill
end where his body was almost rotting. His family literally locked him up and
cast him to the side. His last days were spent far from being that handsome
man, but being a deteriorated person. They didnŐt even realize he was dead
until days had passed. Eventually, they had to pay slaves to dispose of his
body. He wasnŐt even buried properly, but was left for some birds or animals to
eat. Look at the torture they experience for the boastfulness they have.
So wonŐt they wake up and use
their minds for the reality that is presented before them?
Verse 69
We begin a new passage here.
The surah concludes with the same issues with which it
opened.
It began by swearing by the
profound wisdom of the QurŐaan; it will end by emphasizing the power, validity
and substance of the QurŐaan. It is not like poetry which loses substance if it
focuses upon style and loses style if it focuses upon substance.
Then it will focus upon that
substance being the greatest proof for the validity of the messengership of the
Messenger of Allaah s. It then focuses upon telling the Messenger of Allaah s that only a person whose decency is still intact
will express any interest in the message being spread. Those who reject it are
only doing it because of a problem lying within themselves and not a problem
with the message itself. Then it will focus on the signs around us. Next, it
will conclude by focusing upon shukr as reflection upon the aayaat.
Finally, it will given
consolation to the Messenger of Allaah
s for his frustration with the people who continue
to reject, refuse and deny the message and criticize him. Allaah tells him that these people have the audacity to talk ill of Allaah Himself; they are so blatantly disobedient, arrogant and even stupid,
so why would you be surprised that they speak ill of you? They have no decency
left in them. So leave them to Allaah for He can handle them most appropriately.
وما علمناه الشعر وما ينبغي له إن هو إلا ذكر وقرآن مبين
And We
did not given him [Prophet Muhammad] knowledge of poetry, nor is it befitting
for him. It is not but a message and a clear QurŐaan.
Allaah is refuting the very obvious go-to criticism of
anyone refusing the Messenger of Allaah s. Their easiest cop out was (21, 5)
بل قالوا أضغاث أحلام بل افتراه بل هو شاعر فليأتنا بآية كما أرسل الأولون
But they say, Ň[The revelation is but] a mixture of false
dreams; rather, he has invented it; rather he is a poet. So let him bring us a
sign just as the previous [messengers] were sent [with miracles].Ó
Allaah refutes this in a very intelligent and
comprehensive manner. Allaah did not say that Ňhe does not speak in poetryÓ,
but rather he connects the source of the knowledge to Himself. If he were to
learn poetry, he would have learned it from Us, but We did not teach him
poetry. The only source of knowledge for him s was Allaah Himself. He does not deliver from someone or something else. The
claims of academic research papers that he s learned from
others and then came up with the QurŐaan
- yet, if only they read the sirah,
they would see the errors of their claims.
Yanbaghi| Word Analysis
And it was not befitting for
him. It was not fit for him to be a poet or to engage in poetry. It is
literally just not right.
In SuratŐl-ShuŐaraa (26), Allaah tells us three problems with poetry or poets. This
is not to condemn poetry, but when comparing it to divine revelation.
1. Poets are more concerned with style and
adoration of people. It is important
to them, how their entertainment and art is critiqued and received. Divine
revelation, however, is more concerned with the substance and living up to what
they are presenting.
2. Poetry can contradict itself; it can say one thing and defy it in the next
line. The QurŐaan issues this challenge for itself.
3. People who usually become obsessed with
poets and their work and poetry are those who lack focus in life. A lot of people who follow their poetry very
closely donŐt really know what theyŐre doing. Today, they are usually the
musicians and may even be stoners. Divine revelation, prophets and messengers
and their followers, however, are people of great intelligence and purpose.
They are integral contributors to humanity. YouŐd be embarassed to look back at
it years from now, but never will that happen for divine revelation.
The Messenger of Allaah s for this reason had a dislike for pushing patterns
unnaturally. His s statements were natural, they were inspiration. He s condemned to sit and make up supplications which had patterns (e.g.
rhythm) within them. Be sincere, substance is what matters. What will add
acceptability to your prayers? To humble yourself, as if groveling, before Allaah. If you are so humbled that you are stumbling over yourself and
cannot even be coherent, that is heavier than the most eloquent and practiced
supplication.
Even when speaking to people,
donŐt speak over a teleprompter. Be sincere in your communication because it
will hit home harder. It will be more effective.
So if itŐs not poetry and itŐs
not even befitting for him to be carrying poetry to people, then what is it? It
is nothing but dhikrun (a reminder).
Dhikrun| Word Analysis
It is a reminder, in the common
form to emphasize that it is a reminder of many, many things.
1. The reality of life
2. Fitrah - their true innate nature
3. The history of humanity. WhatŐs happened to the
people of before, the messengers and prophets, those who denied them, those who
followed them.
4. The outcome, the consequences of their choices in
this life and in the hereafter.
ItŐs remarkable that we are
told to look to these aayaat to find the evidences for Allaah, yet proclaimed academics like HawkingŐs new work say that they point
to evidence against God. There are, however, other academics who make such
profound statements against this argument. They say it is because Hawking is
obsessed with the question ŇHow?Ó, but he cannot ask himself nor answer the
question ŇWhy?Ó If he were to ask, ŇWhy?Ó, then he would never arise at this
conclusion. So that we may come to shukr.
Mubin| Word Analysis
This is nothing but a reminder
and mubin. It is a clear, self-evident QurŐaan. This word has repeated itself throughout Ya-Sin - the message of the prophets, the open error of the townspeople, the
animosity of Shaytaan. It proves itself. It doesnŐt require any
philosopher to explain it.
It can mean that thing in and
of itself is clear (intransitive), but that it verifies, is a verifying force
(transitive). Like glasses that are foggy which you clean. We have a lot of
distraction around us, but the QurŐaan brings that clarity. Just build it into your life
and everything will begin to make sense.
This is not new information, it
is reminding us of something we may have merely lost focus about. It is
reminding us of that reality all around us.
But if the Messenger sis not a poet, then what is his job?
Verse 70
لينذر من كان حيّا ويحق القول على الكافرين
To warn
whoever is alive and justify the word against the disbelievers.
His s job is to warn.
Indhar| Word Analysis
It is to warn someone of the
imminent danger they are in, and he is only doing it out of concern for them.
His s job is to remind so that he may warn the one who
is alive.
It sounds obvious. We donŐt
remind dead people. ItŐs not speaking about physically living, but spiritually
living people. Those who still have some humanity in them. It will make a
difference if you warn them because they will follow it, fearing Allaah in absence. This is just like in the introduction of Ya-Sin and (35, 22)
وما يستوي الأحياء ولا الأموات إن الله يسمع من يشاء وما أنت بمسمع من في القبور
And not equal are the living and the dead. Indeed, Allaah
causes to hear whom He wills, but you cannot make hear those in the graves.
Somebody who has lost all
decency and is covered with darkness, he cannot be made to hear. So his s job is only to warn those who has a living heart. The others will
have their organs speak for their choices. They are building the case against
themselves.
And al-qawl is the decision from Verse 7. This is for those who are ungrateful to
Allaah, enjoying all the pleasures Allaah has given them, but not realizing the gratitude or obedience owed by
them to Allaah.
Verse 71
Now, Allaah is reiterating the blessings and signs around people to instill
gratefulness in them. Yet, what is their reaction and what will be its
conclusion.
أولم يروا أنا خلقنا لهم مما عملت أيدينا أنعاما فهم لها مالكون
Do they
not see that We have created for them from what Our hands have made, grazing
livestock, and [then] they are their owners?
Have these people not seen,
then thought about, then reflected and realized something profound from it?
There is an interesting
sequence here which will be repeated. Allaah is attributing these blessings to Himself and He
created it exclusively for them, as if for their benefit. For them to use, for
them to enjoy. It is a facility he has provided for them. This is a powerful
method of reminding people by means of reminding them of what He has done for
them. This is a very natural way of convincing someone. When someone wants you
to show them some level of respect and you are not showing it, they will
mention all those things they have done for you. That is how our minds work. We
need reminders of these things sometimes and it makes a difference for us.
Allaah is showing us the lengths to which He went to
facilitate this for us - He made it with His own hands. He did it for us
Himself jalla wa Ôalaa. These verses are very similar to 33-35; Allaah mentioned that they did
not make these things they enjoy with their own hands. The flipside of this
argument is that Allaah has made it all for them from His own hands.
From amongst the things He has
made are anŐaaman - livestock (four-legged things). So many of our
basic needs and necessities are fulfilled through these creatures. For example,
(88, 17)
أفلا ينظرون إلى الإبل كيف خلقت
Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created?
Even when trying to make the
human being realize to live up to the standard of being a human being, Allaah uses this comparison (7, 179)
ولقد ذرأنا لجهنم كثيرا من الجن والإنس لهم قلوب لا يفقهون بها ولهم أعين لا يبصرون بها ولهم آذان لا يسمعون بها أولئك كالأنعام بل هم أضل أولئك هم الغافلون
And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and
mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes
with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do nor hear.
Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are
heedless.
They are even more lost than
livestock which brings benefit to others.
And then those human beings are
exclusively in ownership of these animals. Allaah created these
animals and then gave full ownership to us. But why discuss ownership?
Verse 72
وذللناها لهم فمنها ركوبهم ومنها يأكلون
And We
have tamed them for them, so some of them they ride, and some of them they eat.
Dhalalnaahaa| Word Analysis
It comes from the opposite of Ôizza
- strength or the ability to dominate something or someone. Dhulal is to be helpless and completely at someoneŐs mercy. These animals
are at our mercy. We can tie them, herd them, milk them, eat them, ride them,
etc. We can do whatever we need with them.
This requires reflection. Why
is it a blessing? There are lots of creatures of Allaah, but not as
much at our mercy as livestock. Others cannot be dominated and may even be
sources of danger for us. These animals, however, meet our needs.
Some of them serve as
transporation. Some of them are forms of nutrition, plentiful and endless
supplies of food.
Verse 73
ولهم فيها منافع ومشارب أفلا يشكرون
And for
them therein are [other] benefits and drinks, so will they not be grateful?
And exclusively for human
beings, in these animals are benefits.
ManaafiŐu| Word Analysis
This is a form of the plural
which is exaggerated. There are lots and lots and lots of benefits from these
animals. We use their skin and hide, their bones, their bodies themselves and
what come from them.
Even our basic need of drink
can be provided for by them!
Now finally, the culmination of
all this should be that we are grateful. Yet, why arenŐt we?
Another example where Allaah uses the cow to invoke our gratitude (16, 66)
وإن لكم في الأنعام لعبرة نسقيكم مما في بطونه من بين فرث ودم لبنا خالصا سائغا للشاربين
And indeed for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give
you drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure
milk, palatable to drinkers.
This animal in and of itself is
so fascinating. It is pure milk, but also very satisfying and nutritious for
the human. This is in the conclusion of Ya-Sin.
Allaah has spoken about risalah, tawhid, akhirah, and to invoke our gratitude for His blessings He
points to what we take for granted.
Yashkurun| Word Analysis
It is in the present/future
tense. Why donŐt they become grateful? Will they never become grateful? We will
see these blessings constantly and make use of them repeatedly. Will we not
realize at some time or another just this one blessing?
When they donŐt become grateful
or realize, what is the outcome? What is the choice they have made? When
somebody rejects such a basic argument it is almost as if stupidity manifests
itself within him.
Verse 74
واتخذوا من دون الله آلهة لعلهم ينصرون
But they
have taken besides Allaah [false] deities that perhaps they would be helped.
They have taken false objects
of worship. They were obviously not grateful. TheyŐve then committed themselves
to other things and paths.
Aalihah| Word Analysis
It is not just an idol. It is
anything, any person or object that someone dedicates himself to and give
priority to it over Allaah. It could be money, pleasure. an
idea/notion/concept.
What is their motive? So that
maybe, they hope, that this notion will help them. It will come to their aide
and rescue when they find themselves in a difficlt situation.
Yet, that is not the reality.
Verse 75
لا يستطيعون نصرهم وهم لهم جند محضرون
They are
not able to help them, and they [themselves] are for them soldiers in
attendance.
Those things to which they
devoted and dedicated themselves will not be able to help them in the least
bit. They wonŐt even have the ability to help them.
And they (these idols) for them
(the people) will be present for them in the form an army.
Jundun| Word Analysis
It is like an army lined up.
The impressiveness is in the sheer number of people. It is an endless row of
false deities and objects of devotion. They will be there, right there, right
by them watching them.
This is talking about when
these people are punished in the Hellfire. As another form of torment and
torture for them and to show them their stupidity in decision making and
choices, their false deities will stand right by them watching their
punishments without any interference.
Imagine the anguish, pain, and
remorse that will bring. ItŐll be an army watching over them.
Verse 76
فلا يحزنك قولهم إنا نعلم ما يسرون وما يعلنون
So let
not their speech grieve you. Indeed, We know what they conceal and what they
declare.
Finally, Allaah consoles the Messenger of Allaah s. What they say should not cause him any grief. Allaah is aware of everything they conspire and contract against him in
private and what they do in public when attempting to disgrace him s.
Allaah is keeping tabs on these people. He is letting
them dig their own graves and will then taken them to account for it. The
foolish choices they are making gave become beastly so leave them be.
Everything is being recorded and they will be taken to recompense.
Embedded within this message is
also honour and distinction for the Messenger of Allaah s. He s
ought not bother himself with them
because the most influential of anyone and everyone will take care of him. You
just keep doing what youŐre doing because youŐre doing a phenomenal job.
In Verses 71-73, Allaah spoke in the first person. In Verses 74-75, Allaah spoke in the third person. Why the difference in transition?
Western academics point to this
as inconsistency, but they fail to see the literary marvel.
The reason for this transition
is that the first three verses discuss the blessings of Allaah upon the people. It is His way of reaching out to these people in
order to make them realize. Then, the third person is when theyŐve disappointed
Him and disobeyed. A sign for showing this displeasure is turning away from the
person so as not to speak to him directly. That is what Allaah has done here.
Allaah is constantly consoling the Messenger of Allaah s throughout the QurŐaan. Someone
could ask why this is so? Was he s
such a sensitive person requiring this consolation repeatedly?
Verse 77
أولم ير الإنسان أنا خلقناه من نطفة فإذا هو خصيم مبين
Does man
not consider that We created him from a [mere] sperm-drop - then at once he is
a clear adversary?
Has the human being not seen,
comprehended, reflected, and then understood?
In the beginning of the
passage, Allaah spoke to these people directly in order to mention
His blessings upon them. Yet, they still rejected everything and took other
objects of devotion. Allaah then speaks to them in the third person. Now, Allaah is not even addressing them. It is Ňthe human beingÓ. He is not even
acknowledging their existence.
Who is this insaan? There are various persons narrated
1. Ubayy b. Khalaf
2. Abu Jahl
3. al-ÔAas ibn a
all of whom were leaders of the
polytheists who were very arrogant, abusive, confrontational, and
disrespectful.
At the same time, it could be
general and broad. As Allaah says in (64, 2)
هو الذي خلقكم فمنكم كافر ومنكم مؤمن والله بما تعملون بصير
It is He who created you, and among you is the disbeliever,
and among you is the believer. And Allaah, of what you do, is Seeing.
Allaah mentions the kaafir first because despite everything being obvious,
the majority of people will not believe. ItŐs a sad reality that the majority
of people will not come to imaan. This, however, should make us that much more
grateful to Allaah that we are part of a small group of people upon
whom Allaah has bestowed this guidance.
Idhaa| Word Analysis
It expresses surprise, shock,
amazement at something sudden. It can imply that something happened suddenly or
amazement and baffleness.
So this same human being to
whom Allaah granted existence is from what we consider najasa. Everything this person prides himself upon (his appearance and body)
is based upon filth. ItŐs a bitter pill to swallow. Why is he so proud and
boastful if those are his beginnings?
Not only is his beginning so
pathetic, but he is khaSim.
KhaSim| Word Analysis
It means a loud, shouting
argument where a person is adamant, arrogant and insistant. He is
confrontational and stubborn. He speaks over you and yells at you. Every time
you try to calm him, he shouts back. There is hyperbole in the form of this
word.
Not only that, but his
argumentation is mubin. It is so clear that everyone can see and hear it.
It is a public affair. He is causing a scene. So this human being becomes
argumentative and confrontational, publicly against the truth and realities of
life.
Thus, the aayah
means: doesnŐt the human being realize where he came from - basically filth -
and, yet, he still makes a scene and argues against his responsibility to being
grateful?
Verse 78
وضرب لنا مثلا ونسي خلقه قال من يحيي العظام وهي رميم
And he
presents for Us an example and forgets his [own] creation. He says, ŇWho will
give life to bones while they are disintegrated?Ó
This human beingŐs arrogance
clouds his judgment. He doesnŐt realize what heŐs doing. He gives Us, to Allaah and His Messenger s
and the QurŐaan, an example.
ItŐs ridiculous and preposterous. Allaah has given us examples throughout the QurŐaan. To teach us and explain to us. For Mr. Genius to come around and
attempt this is so stupid.
He must have forgotten that he
himself was created and how he was created. Now, Allaah is explaining
to us. The reader is amazed that a person will offer to give an example. Allaah is telling us that such a person is so arrogant that he must have
forgotten his beginnings.
And what is this example he
gives?
Man| Word Analysis
He is presenting dismay and
doubt at the idea. Who could possibly do it?
Ramim| Word Analysis
When the skeleton is literally
falling to parts in your hands. The leaders from the Quraysh would actually dig up old remains and shove them before the face of
the Messenger of Allaah s
and mockingly question the veracity of
resurrection.
Verse 79
قل يحييها الذي أنشأها أول مرة وهو بكل خلق عليم
Say, ŇHe
will give them life Who produced them the first time; and He is, of all
creation, Knowing.Ó
Now, Allaah answers their stupidity and teaches the Messenger of Allaah, and by extension us, how to answer them. Not only that, but Allaah goes further to completely shut their mouths.
Anshaa| Word Analysis
Not to create, but to raise
something. As if a seed is planted, watered, sunned, protected, until it is
raised. This bone they were holding in their hands is after it had grown and
reached its adult stage. If this is a human bone or of any creature, it wasnŐt
that size at first creation. It was tiny. It was permitted to grow by Allaah. Not only that, but look at the miraculous proportion and
coordination of growth and development in the body. The whole body grows with
the bone so that it can all flourish.
So this Creator is so much more
amazing than you can fathom. You just donŐt realize this.
He is most definitely
completely informed of everything He has ever created at all times and
situations.
Who knows what He has created
better than the Creator Himself? You came to argue with Allaah with your evidences and proofs to tell Allaah about that
which He has created?!
They just asked one question. Allaah answered them and specified who that someone is with proof and
evidence.
Now, Allaah will provide two lines of reason to substantiate this answer.
Verse 80
الذي جعل لكم من الشجر الأخضر نارا فإذا أنتم منه توقدون
[It is]
He Who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite.
It shouldnŐt be so hard for
them to understand that Allaah
will return them to life because He is
the One Who made for them from the green tree, fire.
Shajari al-akhDar| Word Analysis
This is an idiom. It refers to
a tree that is still very moist, full of life, and capable of growing. It is
not like the tree which is cut down or withered. Leaves are still budding out
of that tree so it is full of life.
How does fire come from that?
There are several understandings which may co-exist
1. Accepting the aayaat
in opposites. There were two types of trees famous in hejaz: markh and Ôafaar.
There branches would be rubbed together and, even when moist, would spark to
create fire. This was convenient for the Arabs. But why point it out? For this
person, it is contradiction for life to come out of dead. Allaah then tells him that when he lights a fire using these moist branches,
what is typically not used as fuel for fire, he should realize that is two
opposites which are co-existing. Most scholars point to this reading.
2. These same branches and leaves which are moist in
the spring, dry to become the best fuel in the winter when they have dried.
3. They also change from the colour green to the
colour of fire.
Then from it you light fire.
Why has Allaah repeated the fire? HasnŐt He already told us that
form it comes a fire?
Remember, the idhaa
shows shock and surprise. It is amazing that us as human beings knew to go from
one tree to the other and use it to build a fire. Who taught us to do that? Allaah programmed us to know how to survive (20, 50)
قال ربنا الذي أعطى كل شيء خلقه ثم هدى
He said, ŇOur Lord is He Who gave each thing its form and
then guided [it].Ó
This is not spiritual guidance,
but basic programming for existence and living. Who teaches the child to suckle
or to cry? Nobody does. ItŐs as if its in the fitrah (30, 30)
أقم وجهك للدين حنيفا فطرت الله التي فطر الناس عليها لا تبديل لخلق الله ذلك الدين القيم ولكن أكثر الناس لا يعلمون
So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere
to] the fitrah of Allaah upon which He has created [all] people. No change
should there be in the creation of Allaah. That is the correct religion, but
most of the people do not know.
It is part of the greatest
blessings of Allaah to not leave us as wild beasts to learn things
ourselves, but to give us guidance.
This is also alluded to in (56,
71-72)
أفرأيتم النار التي تورون
And have you seen the fire that you ignite?
أأنتم أنشأتم شجرتها أم نحن المنشئون
Is it you who produced its tree or are We the producer?
A tree is a representation of
life. It is green, it provides food. It is used as a metaphor for imaan,
but is also used for fire which is a sign of death. DonŐt let this confuse you.
It should be simple and easy to understand that Allaah can bring
people back.
Verse 81
أوليس الذي خلق السماوات والأرض بقادر على أن يخلق مثلهم بلى وهو الخلاق العليم
Is not He
Who created the heavens and earth Fully Able to create the likes of them? Yes,
[it is so]; and He is the Knowing Creator.
And this is the second proof to
that human being.
This has already been spoken of
in the surah in the passage about tawhid. Allaah has already told us in so much detail about His
creations which should serve as aayaat to Him.
The One Who created this sky
and earth and everything in and between it, isnŐt He able to create the likes
of these people again?
These people are fully
functioning and able, but when they come to their spirituality, their brains
shut down.
Mithlahum| Word Analysis
ItŐs like the mirror image of
someting. Something of similitude or resemblance. It can be reflected upon to
see similarities. In other places (75, 3-4)
أيحسب الإنسان ألن نجمع عظامه
Does man think that We will not assemble his bones?
بلى قادرين على أن نسوي بنانه
Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips.
Does human being really think
that We canŐt collect his bones back together? Most definitely, he is wrong! We
can go to the extent of putting even his fingerprints back together.
Now, Allaah will respond. This is a discussion of rhetoric. You donŐt answer a
rhetorical question, but Allaah is answering so that there isnŐt even the
slightest room for confusion remaining.
Al-Khalaaq al-ÔAlim| Word Analysis
No doubt, He is fully capable
of recreating them. In fact, He is al-Khalaaq. It is mubalagha of al-Khaliq. The One Who creates everything and creates things
beyond your imagination and He has been creating since the beginning, is still
creating and will continue creating at such a scope that you canŐt imagine.
Not only that, but He is al-ÔAlim. He creates each and every single thing and then is fully informed
about it. Everything He has created is in need of Him and it cannot do anything
without His permission. This is a stronger tone of the argument in Verse 79.
Verse 82
إنما أمره إذا أراد شيئا أن يقول له كن فيكون
His
command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, ŇBe,Ó and it is.
Allaah told them how easy it is for Him to recreate them.
He doesnŐt need anything to create anything. No raw materials, no factory line,
no nothing.
His way, His affair, the system
of Allaah is such that whenever He wants anything to happen,
He simply says Kun! Fayakun.
Shayan| Word Analysis
It is in the common form to
show the diversity of it being ANYTHING whatsoever. Allaah has wrapped the entire argument in this simple statement. Everything
has been explained in details because human beings are just that dense and
thick-skulled. Yet, it is so simple. He doesnŐt need anyone, anything, any
facilitation, any circumstances, anything at all.
Then Allaah summarizes everything.
Verse 83
فسبحان الذي بيده ملكوت كل شيء وإليه ترجعون
So
exalted is He in Whose hand is the realm of all things, and to Him you will be
returned.
FasubHaan| Word Analysis
The fa
is telling us that this is the conclusion, the take-home message from Ya-Sin.
SubHaan is a proclamation of how absolutely perfect and
mindblowing.
Who is so amazing? The One in
whose hand ...
The ba shows
connection as if it is tightly gripped and firm in His hand. It shows strength,
confidence, total control, total ownership.
What is in the hand of Allaah that no one can even think about taking?
Malakutu| Word Analysis
This is another form of mubalagha (hyperbole, exaggerated form of word). There is a rule in Arabic:
when the letters within a word are increased, the meaning of that word
increases as well.
The base is mulk
means dominion or kingdom or ownership. The realm of oneŐs power or control. So
this would be total and absolute control. Not just having ownership that can be
tampered with, but such that no one can even look at it the wrong way. It is
sacred, very exclusive ownership.
Somebody could raise a coup
against a king or hate him, but the kingdom of Allaah is where He
has total control and no one can even suppose to squeeze past His control. You
can do that to the kings of this world, but no one can do that with the
Kingship of Allaah.
Allaah has also used the word in this sense here (6, 75)
وكذلك نري إبراهيم ملكوت السماوات والأرض وليكون من الموقنين
And thus did We show Ibrahim the realm of the heavens and
the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].
Another understanding of using
this form exists. There is an external and internal to everything. There is the
tangible and measurable, but there is also the intangible which donŐt have
physicial natures. If someone owns a slave, he owns the body. He can order the
slave to be happy, but cannot really control it. He doesnŐt own the intangible
to make him think or feel.
Allaah is such an owner, however, that He controls that
which the person himself cannot control. Just as Ibrahim alayhi as-salaam proclaimed (26, 78-82)
الذي خلقني فهو يهدين
Who created me, and He guides me.
والذي هو يطعمني ويسقين
And it is He Who feeds me and gives me drink.
وإذا مرضت فهو يشفين
And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me
والذي يميتني ثم يحيين
And Who will cause me to die and then bring me to life
والذي أطمع أن يغفر لي خطيئتي يوم الدين
And Who I aspire that He will forgive me my sin on the Day of
Recompense.Ó
He owns everything, even the
conditions and emotions which seem to delicate. Our world can go crashing with
a simple statement. Yet, He has control over every single thing (kulli shayin is in the common form to show diversity).
Everyone likes to be on the
side of the person who has authority and influence. Who has more power and influence
than Allaah? In His hand is the control of everything. He has
knowledge about anything for everything. How much to our advantage would it be
to be on His good side, to have His pleasure. This fed the imaan
and taqwa of the predecessors. Nothing fazed them. They
would immediately turn to salaah. Allaahu
akbar!
We wonŐt need anything else.
ÔAbdullah ibn Salaam d was reported to have said
رضيت بالله
ربا وبالإسلام
دينا وبمحمد صلى
الله عليه وسلم
رسولا ونبيا
I am pleased with Allaah as my Rabb and with Islam as my din
and ith Muhammad s as my Messenger and Prophet.
Outside of this, I donŐt need
anything else. This is a consolation to the Messenger of Allaah s that he has Allaah on his side. Even to the believers and that man
who came from the far end of the town in Ya-Sin.
How pathetic then is the
situation of those who did not realize this connection with Allaah and benefit from it.
The surah
ends with a very powerful message that is very practical, tangible and relevant
advice in only a few words. It is an action item, if you will. If we donŐt take
anything else from this surah, learn this one line.
And to Him along are all of us
going to return. The One Who is absolutely perfect and holds control of
everything in His hand. To Him, we will all eventually return. There is no
option B or door two. There is only one option.
If it doesnŐt happen today it
will happen tomorrow. ThatŐs why it is in the present/future tense. It is not
an unkept promise. It will eventually happen. It will come to be.
This is all a person needs to
know. The most basic reality everyone must come to terms with it. There is no
denying this reality. It reminds us of the temporary, transient nature of this
life. The accountability to Allaah of everything we have done. This is that reminder
and realization.
May Allaah give us the tawfiq and realization to practice everything that has
been said and heard - aamin!