The One Wrapped in Garments

Sûrat Al-Muzzammil(The One Wrapped in Garments) LXXIII In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)!2. Stand (to pray) all night, except a little -3. Half of it or a little less than that,4. Or a little more. And recite the Qur’ân (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.[1]5. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, laws).6. Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing oneself, and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh).7. Verily, there is for you by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties.8. And remember the Name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with a complete devotion.9. (He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west; Lâ ilâha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). So take Him Alone as Wakîl (Disposer of your affairs).[2]10. And be patient (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with what they say, and keep away from them in a good way.11. And leave Me Alone to deal with the beliers (those who deny My Verses), those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while.12. Verily, with Us are fetters (to bind them), and a raging Fire.13. And a food that chokes, and a painful torment.14. On the Day when the earth and the mountains will be in violent shake, and the mountains will be a heap of sand poured out.15. Verily, We have sent to you (O men) a Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to be a witness over you, as We did send a Messenger [Mûsâ (Moses)] to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh).[3]16. But Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) disobeyed the Messenger [Mûsâ (Moses)]; so We seized him with a severe punishment.17. Then how can you avoid the punishment, if you disbelieve, on a Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) that will make the children grey-headed?18. Whereon the heaven will be cleft asunder? His Promise is certainly to be accomplished.19. Verily, this is an admonition: therefore whosoever will, let him take a Path to His Lord!20. Verily, your Lord knows that you do stand (to pray at night) a little less than two thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and also a party of those with you. And Allâh measures the night and the day. He knows that you are unable to pray the whole night, so He has turned to you (in mercy). So, recite you of the Qur’ân as much as may be easy for you. He knows that there will be some among you sick, others travelling through the land, seeking of Allâh’s Bounty, yet others fighting in Allâh’s Cause. So recite as much of the Qur’ân as may be easy (for you), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât ) and give Zakât, and lend to Allâh a goodly loan. And whatever good you send before you for yourselves (i.e. Nawâfil non-obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and ‘Umrah), you will certainly find it with Allâh, better and greater in reward. And seek Forgiveness of Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful[1].

Mûsâ (Moses) in Quran-7

s.1951. And mention in the Book (this Qur’ân) Mûsâ (Moses). Verily he was chosen and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.52. And We called him from the right side of the Mount, and made him draw near to Us for a talk with him [Mûsâ (Moses)].53. And We granted him his brother Hârûn (Aaron), (also) a Prophet, out of Our Mercy.s.209. And has there come to you the story of Mûsâ (Moses)?10. When he saw a fire, he said to his family: "Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire."11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Mûsâ (Moses)!12. "Verily I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you).14. "Verily! I am Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) for My Remembrance.15. "Verily, the Hour is coming - and I am almost hiding it from Myself - that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein (i.e. in the Day of Resurrection, Reckoning, Paradise and Hell.), but follows his own lusts,[1] divert you therefrom, lest you perish.17. "And what is that in your right hand, O Mûsâ (Moses)?"18. He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses."19. (Allâh) said: "Cast it down, O Mûsâ (Moses)!"20. He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly.21. Allâh said: "Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state,22. "And press your (right) hand to your (left) side: it will come forth white (and shining), without any disease as another sign,23. "That We may show you (some) of Our Greater Signs.24. "Go to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)! Verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience, and has behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant)."25. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness).26. "And ease my task for me;27. "And loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech) [That occurred as a result of a brand of fire which Mûsâ (Moses) put in his mouth when he was an infant]. (Tafsir At-Tabarî).28. "That they understand my speech.29. "And appoint for me a helper from my family,30. "Hârûn (Aaron), my brother.31. "Increase my strength with him,32. "And let him share my task (of conveying Allâh’s Message and Prophethood),33. "That we may glorify You much,34. "And remember You much,35. "Verily You are Ever a Well-Seer of us."36. (Allâh) said: "You are granted your request, O Mûsâ (Moses)!37. "And indeed We conferred a favour on you another time (before).38. "When We inspired your mother with that which We inspired.39. "Saying: ‘Put him (the child) into the Tabût (a box or a case or a chest) and put it into the river (Nile); then the river shall cast it up on the bank, and there, an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his shall take him.’ And I endued you with love from Me, in order that you may be brought up under My Eye.40. "When your sister went and said: ‘Shall I show you one who will nurse him?’ So We restored you to your mother, that she might cool her eyes and she should not grieve. Then you did kill a man, but We saved you from great distress and tried you with a heavy trial. Then you stayed a number of years with the people of Madyan (Midian). Then you came here according to the fixed term which I ordained (for you), O Mûsâ (Moses)!41. "And I have chosen you,[1] for Myself.42. "Go you and your brother with My Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and do not, you both, slacken and become weak in My Remembrance.43. "Go, both of you, to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant).44. "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)."45. They said: "Our Lord! Verily we fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress (all bounds against us)."46. He (Allâh) said: "Fear not, verily I am with you both, hearing and seeing.47. "So go you both to him, and say: ‘Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the Children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance!48. "Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies [believes not in the Oneness of Allâh, and in His Messengers.], and turns away (from the truth and obedience of Allâh)."49. Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said: "Who then, O Mûsâ (Moses), is the Lord of you two?"50. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright."51. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "What about the generations of old?"52. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord neither errs nor He forgets."53. Who has made earth for you like a bed (spread out); and has opened roads (ways and paths) for you therein, and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation.54. Eat and pasture your cattle (therein); verily, in this are Ayât (proofs and signs) for men of understanding.55. Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.56. And indeed We showed him [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] all Our Ayât (signs and evidence), but he denied and refused.57. He [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Mûsâ (Moses)?58. "Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof; so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we nor you shall fail to keep, in an open place where both shall have a just and equal chance (and beholders could witness the competition)."59. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon)."60. So Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) withdrew, devised his plot and then came back.61. Mûsâ (Moses) said to them: "Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allâh, lest He should destroy you completely by a torment. And surely, he who invents a lie (against Allâh) will fail miserably."62. Then they debated one with another what they must do, and they kept their talk secret.63. They said: "Verily these are two magicians. Their object is to drive you out from your land with magic, and overcome your chiefs and nobles.64. "So devise your plot, and then assemble in line. And whoever overcomes this day will be indeed successful."65. They said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?"66. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Nay, throw you (first)!" Then behold! their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.67. So Mûsâ (Moses) conceived fear in himself.68. We (Allâh) said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand.69. "And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain."70. So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: "We believe in the Lord of Hârûn (Aaron) and Mûsâ (Moses)."71. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "Believe you in him [Mûsâ (Moses)] before I give you permission? Verily he is your chief who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date-palms, and you shall surely know which of us [I (Fir‘aun - Pharaoh) or the Lord of Mûsâ (Moses) (Allâh)] can give the severe and more lasting torment."72. They said: "We prefer you not over what have come to us of the clear signs and to Him (Allâh) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world.73. "Verily we have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allâh is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh)] reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment)."74. Verily whoever comes to his Lord as a Mujrim (criminal, polytheist, sinner, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messengers), then surely, for him is Hell, wherein he will neither die nor live.75. But whoever comes to Him (Allâh) as a believer (in the Oneness of Allâh), and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks (in the Hereafter), -76. ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), under which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves (by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden and by doing all that Allâh has ordained).77. And indeed We revealed to Mûsâ (Moses) (saying): "Travel by night with Ibâdi (My slaves) and strike a dry path for them in the sea, fearing neither to be overtaken [by Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] nor being afraid (of drowning in the sea)."78. Then Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) pursued them with his hosts, but the sea-water completely overwhelmed them and covered them up.79. And Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) led his people astray, and he did not guide them.80. O Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the right side of the Mount, and We sent down to you Al-Manna [1] and quails,81. (Saying) eat of the Tayyibât (good lawful things) wherewith We have provided you, and commit no transgression or oppression therein, lest My Anger should justly descend on you. And he on whom My Anger descends, he is indeed perished. [Tafsir At-Tabari]82. And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death).83. "And what made you hasten from your people, O Mûsâ (Moses)?"84. He said: "They are close on my footsteps: and I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased."85. (Allâh) said: "Verily We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Sâmirî has led them astray."86. Then Mûsâ (Moses) returned to his people in a state of anger and sorrow. He said: "O my people! Did not your Lord promise you a fair promise? Did then the promise seem to you long in coming? Or did you desire that wrath should descend from your Lord on you, that you broke your promise to me (i.e disbelieving in Allâh and worshipping the calf)?"87. They said: "We broke not the promise to you, of our own will, but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the [Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh)] people, then we cast them (into the fire), and that was what As-Sâmirî suggested."

Mûsâ (Moses) in Quran-6

.1117. Can they (Muslims) who rely on a clear proof (the Qur’ân) from their Lord, and whom a witness [Jibril (Gabriel عليه السلام)] from Him recites (follows) it (can they be equal with the disbelievers); and before it, came the Book of Mûsâ (Moses), a guidance and a mercy, they believe therein, but those of the sects (Jews, Christians and all the other non-Muslim nations) that reject it (the Qur’ân), the Fire will be their promised meeting-place. So be not in doubt about it (i.e. those who denied Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم and also denied all that which he brought from Allâh. Surely, they will enter Hell). Verily, it is the truth from your Lord, but most of the mankind believe not.[1]96. And indeed We sent Mûsâ (Moses) with Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and a manifest authority.97. To Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, but they followed the command of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), and the command of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) was no right guide.98. He will go ahead of his people on the Day of Resurrection, and will lead them into the Fire, and evil indeed is the place to which they are led.110. Indeed, We gave the Book to Mûsâ (Moses), but differences arose therein, and had it not been for a Word that had gone forth before from your Lord, the case would have been judged between them, and indeed they are in grave doubt concerning it (this Qur’ân).s.146. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his people: "Call to mind Allâh’s Favour to you, when He delivered you from Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh) people who were afflicting you with horrible torment, and were slaughtering your sons and letting your women alive; and in it was a tremendous trial from your Lord."8. And Mûsâ (Moses) said: "If you disbelieve, you and all on earth together, then verily Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), Owner of all Praise."s.172. And We gave Mûsâ (Moses) the Scripture and made it a guidance for the Children of Israel (saying): "Take none other than Me as (your) Wakîl (Protector, Lord or Disposer of your affairs).101. And indeed We gave Mûsâ (Moses) nine clear signs. Ask then the Children of Israel, when he came to them, then Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said to him: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! I think you are indeed bewitched."s.1860. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his boy-servant: "I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling."[1]61. But when they reached the junction of the two seas, they forgot their fish, and it took its way through the sea as in a tunnel.62. So when they had passed further on (beyond that fixed place), Mûsâ (Moses) said to his boy-servant: "Bring us our morning meal; truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey."63. He said: "Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock? I indeed forgot the fish; none but Shaitân (Satan) made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!"64. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "That is what we have been seeking." So they went back retracing their footsteps.65. Then they found one of Our slaves, on whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us.66. Mûsâ (Moses) said to him (Khidr): "May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allâh)?"67. He (Khidr) said: "Verily you will not be able to have patience with me!68. "And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?"69. Mûsâ (Moses) said: "If Allâh wills, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught."70. He (Khidr) said: "Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention of it to you."71. So they both proceeded, till, when they embarked the ship, he (Khidr) scuttled it. Mûsâ (Moses) said: "Have you scuttled it in order to drown its people? Verily, you have committed a thing "Imr" (a Munkar - evil, bad, dreadful thing)."72. He (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me?"73. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Call me not to account for what I forgot,[1] and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you)."74. Then they both proceeded, till they met a boy, and he (Khidr) killed him. Mûsâ (Moses) said: "Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none? Verily, you have committed a thing Nukr (a great Munkar - prohibited, evil, dreadful thing)!"75. (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?"76. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company, you have received an excuse from me."77. Then they both proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: If you had wished, surely, you could have taken wages for it!"78. (Khidr) said: "This is the parting between me and you, I will tell you the interpretation of (those) things over which you were unable to hold patience.79. "As for the ship, it belonged to Masâkîn (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king behind them who seized every ship by force.80. "And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief.81. "So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and nearer to mercy.82. "And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did them not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience."

The One Enveloped

Sûrat Al-Muddaththir(The One Enveloped) LXXIV In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. O you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) enveloped in garments!2. Arise and warn!3. And magnify your Lord (Allâh)!4. And purify your garments!5. And keep away from Ar-Rujz (the idols)!6. And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of obedience to Allâh as a favour to Him).7. And be patient for the sake of your Lord (i.e. perform your duty to Allâh)!8. Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. the second blowing of the horn).9. Truly, that Day will be a Hard Day -10. Far from easy for the disbelievers.11. Leave Me Alone (to deal) with whom I created lonely (without any wealth or children etc, i.e. Al-Walîd bin Al-Mughîrah Al-Makhzûmî)!12. And then granted him resources in abundance.18. Verily, he thought and plotted.19. So let him be cursed: how he plotted!20. And once more let him be cursed: how he plotted!21. Then he thought.22. Then he frowned and he looked in a bad tempered way;23. Then he turned back, and was proud.24. Then he said: "This is nothing but magic from that of old,25. "This is nothing but the word of a human being!"26. I will cast him into Hell-fire.[1]27. And what will make you know (exactly) what Hell-fire is?28. It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)!29. Burning and blackening the skins!30. Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell).31. And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire. And We have fixed their number (19) only as a trial for the disbelievers, in order that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may arrive at a certainty [that this Qur’ân is the truth as it agrees with their Books regarding the number (19) which is written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and that the believers may increase in Faith (as this Qur’ân is the truth), and that no doubt may be left for the people of the Scripture and the believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: "What Allâh intends by this (curious) example ?" Thus Allâh leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind.32. Nay! And by the moon33. And by the night when it withdraws.34. And by the dawn when it brightens.35. Verily, it (Hell, or their denial of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, or the Day of Resurrection) is but one of the greatest (signs).36. A warning to mankind -37. To any of you that chooses to go forward (by working righteous deeds), or to remain behind (by committing sins).38. Every person is a pledge for what he has earned,39. Except those on the Right, (i.e. the pious true believers of Islâmic Monotheism).40. In Gardens (Paradise) they will ask one another,41. About Al-Mujrimûn (polytheists, criminals, disbelievers), (And they will say to them):42. "What has caused you to enter Hell?"43. They will say: "We were not of those who used to offer the Salât (prayers),[2]44. "Nor we used to feed Al-Miskîn (the poor);45. "And we used to talk falsehood (all that which Allâh hated) with vain talkers.[3]46. And we used to belie the Day of Recompense,[4]47. "Until there came to us (the death) that is certain."48. So no intercession of intercessors will be of any use to them.49. Then what is wrong with them (i.e. the polytheists, the disbelievers) that they turn away from (receiving) admonition?50. As if they were (frightened) wild donkeys.51. Fleeing from a hunter, or a lion, or a beast of prey.52. Nay, everyone of them desires that he should be given pages spread out (coming from Allâh with a writing that Islâm is the right religion, and Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم has come with the truth from Allâh, the Lord of the heavens and earth).53. Nay! But they fear not the Hereafter (from Allâh’s punishment).54. Nay, verily, this (Qur’an) is an admonition,55. So whosoever will (let him read it), and receive admonition (from it)!56. And they will not receive admonition unless Allâh wills; He (Allâh) is the One, deserving that mankind should be afraid of, and should be dutiful to Him, and should not take any Ilâh (god) along with Him, and He is the One Who forgives (sins).13. And children to be by his side.14. And made life smooth and comfortable for him.15. After all that he desires that I should give more;16. Nay! Verily, he has been opposing Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations).17. I shall oblige him to (climb a slippery mountain in the Hell-fire called As-Sa‘ûd, or) face a severe torment!

The Prophet of Islam - His Biography

Taken from Introduction to Islam by Muhammad Hamidullah (Centre Culturel Islamique, Paris, 1969), with some changes to make it more readable. The changes are marked by pairs of brackets like around this paragraph. Dr. Hamidullah's present address is: 9 Beaver Court, Wilkes Barre PA, 18702, USA.]
IN the annals of men, individuals have not been lacking who conspicuously devoted their lives to the socio-religious reform of their connected peoples. We find them in every epoch and in all lands. In India, there lived those who transmitted to the world the Vedas, and there was also the great Gautama Buddha; China had its Confucius; the Avesta was produced in Iran. Babylonia gave to the world one of the greatest reformers, the Prophet Abraham (not to speak of such of his ancestors as Enoch and Noah about whom we have very scanty information). The Jewish people may rightly be proud of a long series of reformers: Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, and Jesus among others.
2. Two points are to note: Firstly these reformers claimed in general to be the bearers each of a Divine mission, and they left behind them sacred books incorporating codes of life for the guidance of their peoples. Secondly there followed fratricidal wars, and massacres and genocides became the order of the day, causing more or less a complete loss of these Divine messages. As to the books of Abraham, we know them only by the name; and as for the books of Moses, records tell us how they were repeatedly destroyed and only partly restored.
Concept of God
3. If one should judge from the relics of the past already brought to light of the homo sapiens, one finds that man has always been conscious of the existence of a Supreme Being, the Master and Creator of all. Methods and approaches may have differed, but the people of every epoch have left proofs of their attempts to obey God. Communication with the Omnipresent yet invisible God has also been recognised as possible in connection with a small fraction of men with noble and exalted spirits. Whether this communication assumed the nature of an incarnation of the Divinity or simply resolved itself into a medium of reception of Divine messages (through inspiration or revelation), the purpose in each case was the guidance of the people. It was but natural that the interpretations and explanations of certain systems should have proved more vital and convincing than others.
3/a. Every system of metaphysical thought develops its own terminology. In the course of time terms acquire a significance hardly contained in the word and translations fall short of their purpose. Yet there is no other method to make people of one group understand the thoughts of another. Non-Muslim readers in particular are requested to bear in mind this aspect which is a real yet unavoidable handicap.
4. By the end of the 6th century, after the birth of Jesus Christ, men had already made great progress in diverse walks of life. At that time there were some religions which openly proclaimed that they were reserved for definite races and groups of men only, of course they bore no remedy for the ills of humanity at large. There were also a few which claimed universality, but declared that the salvation of man lay in the renunciation of the world. These were the religions for the elite, and catered for an extremely limited number of men. We need not speak of regions where there existed no religion at all, where atheism and materialism reigned supreme, where the thought was solely of occupying one self with one's own pleasures, without any regard or consideration for the rights of others.
Arabia
5. A perusal of the map of the major hemisphere (from the point of view of the proportion of land to sea), shows the Arabian Peninsula lying at the confluence of the three great continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. At the time in question. this extensive Arabian subcontinent composed mostly of desert areas was inhabited by people of settled habitations as well as nomads. Often it was found that members of the same tribe were divided into these two groups, and that they preserved a relationship although following different modes of life. The means of subsistence in Arabia were meagre. The desert had its handicaps, and trade caravans were features of greater importance than either agriculture or industry. This entailed much travel, and men had to proceed beyond the peninsula to Syria, Egypt, Abyssinia, Iraq, Sind, India and other lands.
6. We do not know much about the Libyanites of Central Arabia, but Yemen was rightly called Arabia Felix. Having once been the seat of the flourishing civilizations of Sheba and Ma'in even before the foundation of the city of Rome had been laid, and having later snatched from the Byzantians and Persians several provinces, greater Yemen which had passed through the hey-day of its existence, was however at this time broken up into innumerable principalities, and even occupied in part by foreign invaders. The Sassanians of Iran, who had penetrated into Yemen had already obtained possession of Eastern Arabia. There was politico-social chaos at the capital (Mada'in = Ctesiphon), and this found reflection in all her territories. Northern Arabia had succumbed to Byzantine influences, and was faced with its own particular problems. Only Central Arabia remained immune from the demoralising effects of foreign occupation.
7. In this limited area of Central Arabia, the existence of the triangle of Mecca-Ta'if-Madinah seemed something providential. Mecca, desertic, deprived of water and the amenities of agriculture in physical features represented Africa and the burning Sahara. Scarcely fifty miles from there, Ta'if presented a picture of Europe and its frost. Madinah in the North was not less fertile than even the most temperate of Asiatic countries like Syria. If climate has any influence on human character, this triangle standing in the middle of the major hemisphere was, more than any other region of the earth, a miniature reproduction of the entire world. And here was born a descendant of the Babylonian Abraham, and the Egyptian Hagar, Muhammad the Prophet of Islam, a Meccan by origin and yet with stock related, both to Madinah and Ta'if.
Religion
8. From the point of view of religion, Arabia was idolatrous; only a few individuals had embraced religions like Christianity, Mazdaism, etc. The Meccans did possess the notion of the One God, but they believed also that idols had the power to intercede with Him. Curiously enough, they did not believe in the Resurrection and Afterlife. They had preserved the rite of the pilgrimage to the House of the One God, the Ka'bah, an institution set up under divine inspiration by their ancestor Abraham, yet the two thousand years that separated them from Abraham had caused to degenerate this pilgrimage into the spectacle of a commercial fair and an occasion of senseless idolatry which far from producing any good, only served to ruin their individual behaviour, both social and spiritual.
Society
9. In spite of the comparative poverty in natural resources, Mecca was the most developed of the three points of the triangle. Of the three, Mecca alone had a city-state, governed by a council of ten hereditary chiefs who enjoyed a clear division of power. (There was a minister of foreign relations, a minister guardian of the temple, a minister of oracles, a minister guardian of offerings to the temple, one to determine the torts and the damages payable, another in charge of the municipal council or parliament to enforce the decisions of the ministries. There were also ministers in charge of military affairs like custodianship of the flag, leadership of the cavalry etc.). As well reputed caravan-leaders, the Meccans were able to obtain permission from neighbouring empires like Iran, Byzantium and Abyssinia - and to enter into agreements with the tribes that lined the routes traversed by the caravans - to visit their countries and transact import and export business. They also provided escorts to foreigners when they passed through their country as well as the territory of allied tribes, in Arabia (cf. Ibn Habib, Muhabbar). Although not interested much in the preservation of ideas and records in writing, they passionately cultivated arts and letters like poetry, oratory discourses and folk tales. Women were generally well treated, they enjoyed the privilege of possessing property in their own right, they gave their consent to marriage contracts, in which they could even add the condition of reserving their right to divorce their husbands. They could remarry when widowed or divorced. Burying girls alive did exist in certain classes, but that was rare.
Birth of the Prophet
10. It was in the midst of such conditions and environments that Muhammad was born in 569 after Christ. His father, 'Abdullah had died some weeks earlier, and it was his grandfather who took him in charge. According to the prevailing custom, the child was entrusted to a Bedouin foster-mother, with whom he passed several years in the desert. All biographers state that the infant prophet sucked only one breast of his foster-mother, leaving the other for the sustenance of his foster-brother. When the child was brought back home, his mother, Aminah, took him to his maternal uncles at Madinah to visit the tomb of 'Abdullah. During the return journey, he lost his mother who died a sudden death. At Mecca, another bereavement awaited him, in the death of his affectionate grandfather. Subjected to such privations, he was at the age of eight, consigned at last to the care of his uncle, Abu-Talib, a man who was generous of nature but always short of resources and hardly able to provide for his family.
11. Young Muhammad had therefore to start immediately to earn his livelihood; he served as a shepherd boy to some neighbours. At the age of ten he accompanied his uncle to Syria when he was leading a caravan there. No other travels of Abu-Talib are mentioned, but there are references to his having set up a shop in Mecca. (Ibn Qutaibah, Ma'arif). It is possible that Muhammad helped him in this enterprise also.
12. By the time he was twenty-five, Muhammad had become well known in the city for the integrity of his disposition and the honesty of his character. A rich widow, Khadijah, took him in her employ and consigned to him her goods to be taken for sale to Syria. Delighted with the unusual profits she obtained as also by the personal charms of her agent, she offered him her hand. According to divergent reports, she was either 28 or 40 years of age at that time, (medical reasons prefer the age of 28 since she gave birth to five more children). The union proved happy. Later, we see him sometimes in the fair of Hubashah (Yemen), and at least once in the country of the 'Abd al-Qais (Bahrain-Oman), as mentioned by Ibn Hanbal. There is every reason to believe that this refers to the great fair of Daba (Oman), where, according to Ibn al-Kalbi (cf. Ibn Habib, Muhabbar), the traders of China, of Hind and Sind (India, Pakistan), of Persia, of the East and the West assembled every year, travelling both by land and sea. There is also mention of a commercial partner of Muhammad at Mecca. This person, Sa'ib by name reports: "We relayed each other; if Muhammad led the caravan, he did not enter his house on his return to Mecca without clearing accounts with me; and if I led the caravan, he would on my return enquire about my welfare and speak nothing about his own capital entrusted to me."
An Order of Chivalry
13. Foreign traders often brought their goods to Mecca for sale. One day a certain Yemenite (of the tribe of Zubaid) improvised a satirical poem against some Meccans who had refused to pay him the price of what he had sold, and others who had not supported his claim or had failed to come to his help when he was victimised. Zuhair, uncle and chief of the tribe of the Prophet, felt great remorse on hearing this just satire. He called for a meeting of certain chieftains in the city, and organized an order of chivalry, called Hilf al-fudul, with the aim and object of aiding the oppressed in Mecca, irrespective of their being dwellers of the city or aliens. Young Muhammad became an enthusiastic member of the organisation. Later in life he used to say: "I have participated in it, and I am not prepared to give up that privilege even against a herd of camels; if somebody should appeal to me even today, by virtue of that pledge, I shall hurry to his help."
Beginning of Religious Consciousness
14. Not much is known about the religious practices of Muhammad until he was thirty-five years old, except that he had never worshipped idols. This is substantiated by all his biographers. It may be stated that there were a few others in Mecca, who had likewise revolted against the senseless practice of paganism, although conserving their fidelity to the Ka'bah as the house dedicated to the One God by its builder Abraham.
15. About the year 605 of the Christian era, the draperies on the outer wall of the Ka'bah took fire. The building was affected and could not bear the brunt of the torrential rains that followed. The reconstruction of the Ka'bah was thereupon undertaken. Each citizen contributed according to his means; and only the gifts of honest gains were accepted. Everybody participated in the work of construction, and Muhammad's shoulders were injured in the course of transporting stones. To identify the place whence the ritual of circumambulation began, there had been set a black stone in the wall of the Ka'bah. dating probably from the time of Abraham himself. There was rivalry among the citizens for obtaining the honour of transposing this stone in its place. When there was danger of blood being shed, somebody suggested leaving the matter to Providence, and accepting the arbitration of him who should happen to arrive there first. It chanced that Muhammad just then turned up there for work as usual. He was popularly known by the appellation of al-Amin (the honest), and everyone accepted his arbitration without hesitation. Muhammad placed a sheet of cloth on the ground, put the stone on it and asked the chiefs of all the tribes in the city to lift together the cloth. Then he himself placed the stone in its proper place, in one of the angles of the building, and everybody was satisfied.
16. It is from this moment that we find Muhammad becoming more and more absorbed in spiritual meditations. Like his grandfather, he used to retire during the whole month of Ramadan to a cave in Jabal-an-Nur (mountain of light). The cave is called `Ghar-i-Hira' or the cave of research. There he prayed, meditated, and shared his meagre provisions with the travellers who happened to pass by.
Revelation
17. He was forty years old, and it was the fifth consecutive year since his annual retreats, when one night towards the end of the month of Ramadan, an angel came to visit him, and announced that God had chosen him as His messenger to all mankind. The angel taught him the mode of ablutions, the way of worshipping God and the conduct of prayer. He communicated to him the following Divine message:
With the name of God, the Most Merciful, the All-Merciful.Read: with the name of thy Lord Who created,Created man from what clings,Read: and thy Lord is the Most Bounteous,Who taught by the pen,Taught man what he knew not. (Quran 96:1-5)
18. Deeply affected, he returned home and related to his wife what had happened, expressing his fears that it might have been something diabolic or the action of evil spirits. She consoled him, saying that he had always been a man of charity and generosity, helping the poor, the orphans, the widows and the needy, and assured him that God would protect him against all evil.
19. Then came a pause in revelation, extending over three years. The Prophet must have felt at first a shock, then a calm, an ardent desire, and after a period of waiting, a growing impatience or nostalgia. The news of the first vision had spread and at the pause the sceptics in the city had begun to mock at him and cut bitter jokes. They went so far as to say that God had forsaken him.
20. During the three years of waiting. the Prophet had given himself up more and more to prayers and to spiritual practices. The revelations were then resumed and God assured him that He had not at all forsaken him: on the contrary it was He Who had guided him to the right path: therefore he should take care of the orphans and the destitute, and proclaim the bounty of God on him (cf. Q. 93:3-11). This was in reality an order to preach. Another revelation directed him to warn people against evil practices, to exhort them to worship none but the One God, and to abandon everything that would displease God (Q. 74:2-7). Yet another revelation commanded him to warn his own near relatives (Q. 26:214); and: "Proclaim openly that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the Associators (idolaters). Lo! we defend thee from the scoffers" (15:94-5). According to Ibn Ishaq, the first revelation (n. 17) had come to the Prophet during his sleep, evidently to reduce the shock. Later revelations came in full wakefulness.
The Mission
21. The Prophet began by preaching his mission secretly first among his intimate friends, then among the members of his own tribe and thereafter publicly in the city and suburbs. He insisted on the belief in One Transcendent God, in Resurrection and the Last Judgement. He invited men to charity and beneficence. He took necessary steps to preserve through writing the revelations he was receiving, and ordered his adherents also to learn them by heart. This continued all through his life, since the Quran was not revealed all at once, but in fragments as occasions arose.
22. The number of his adherents increased gradually, but with the denunciation of paganism, the opposition also grew intenser on the part of those who were firmly attached to their ancestral beliefs. This opposition degenerated in the course of time into physical torture of the Prophet and of those who had embraced his religion. These were stretched on burning sands, cauterized with red hot iron and imprisoned with chains on their feet. Some of them died of the effects of torture, but none would renounce his religion. In despair, the Prophet Muhammad advised his companions to quit their native town and take refuge abroad, in Abyssinia, "where governs a just ruler, in whose realm nobody is oppressed" (Ibn Hisham). Dozens of Muslims profited by his advice, though not all. These secret flights led to further persecution of those who remained behind.
23. The Prophet Muhammad [was instructed to call this] religion "Islam," i.e. submission to the will of God. Its distinctive features are two:
A harmonius equilibrium between the temporal and the spiritual (the body and the soul), permitting a full enjoyment of all the good that God has created, (Quran 7:32), enjoining at the same time on everybody duties towards God, such as worship, fasting, charity, etc. Islam was to be the religion of the masses and not merely of the elect.
A universality of the call - all the believers becoming brothers and equals without any distinction of class or race or tongue. The only superiority which it recognizes is a personal one, based on the greater fear of God and greater piety (Quran 49:13).
Social Boycott
24. When a large number of the Meccan Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, the leaders of paganism sent an ultimatum to the tribe of the Prophet, demanding that he should be excommunicated and outlawed and delivered to the pagans for being put to death. Every member of the tribe, Muslim and non-Muslim rejected the demand. (cf. Ibn Hisham). Thereupon the city decided on a complete boycott of the tribe: Nobody was to talk to them or have commercial or matrimonial relations with them. The group of Arab tribes called Ahabish, inhabiting the suburbs, who were allies of the Meccans, also joined in the boycott, causing stark misery among the innocent victims consisting of children, men and women, the old and the sick and the feeble. Some of them succumbed yet nobody would hand over the Prophet to his persecutors. An uncle of the Prophet, Abu Lahab, however left his tribesmen and participated in the boycott along with the pagans. After three dire years, during which the victims were obliged to devour even crushed hides, four or five non-Muslims, more humane than the rest and belonging to different clans proclaimed publicly their denunciation of the unjust boycott. At the same time, the document promulgating the pact of boycott which had been hung in the temple, was found, as Muhammad had predicted, eaten by white ants, that spared nothing but the words God and Muhammad. The boycott was lifted, yet owing to the privations that were undergone the wife and Abu Talib, the chief of the tribe and uncle of the Prophet died soon after. Another uncle of the Prophet, Abu-Lahab, who was an inveterate enemy of Islam, now succeeded to the headship of the tribe. (cf. lbn Hisham, Sirah).
The Ascension
25. It was at thIs time that the Prophet Muhammad was granted the mi'raj (ascension): He saw in a vision that he was received on heaven by God, and was witness of the marvels of the celestial regions. Returning, he brought for his community, as a Divine gift, the [ritual prayer of Islam, the salaat], which constitutes a sort of communion between man and God. It may be recalled that in the last part of Muslim service of worship, the faithful employ as a symbol of their being in the very presence of God, not concrete objects as others do at the time of communion, but the very words of greeting exchanged between the Prophet Muhammad and God on the occasion of the former's mi'raj: "The blessed and pure greetings for God! - Peace be with thee, O Prophet, as well as the mercy and blessing of God! - Peace be with us and with all the [righteous] servants of God!" The Christian term "communion" implies participation in the Divinity. Finding it pretentious, Muslims use the term "ascension" towards God and reception in His presence, God remaining God and man remaining man and no confusion between the twain.
26. The news of this celestial meeting led to an increase in the hostility of the pagans of Mecca; and the Prophet was obliged to quit his native town in search of an asylum elsewhere. He went to his maternal uncles in Ta'if, but returned immediately to Mecca, as the wicked people of that town chased the Prophet out of their city by pelting stones on him and wounding him.
Migration to Madinah
27. The annual pilgrimage of the Ka'bah brought to Mecca people from all parts of Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad tried to persuade one tribe after another to afford him shelter and allow him to carry on his mission of reform. The contingents of fifteen tribes, whom he approached in succession, refused to do so more or less brutally, but he did not despair. Finally he met half a dozen inhabitants of Madinah who being neighbour of the Jews and the Christians, had some notion of prophets and Divine messages. They knew also that these "people of the Books" were awaiting the arrival of a prophet - a last comforter. So these Madinans decided not to lose the opportunity of obtaining an advance over others, and forthwith embraced Islam, promising further to provide additional adherents and necessary help from Madinah. The following year a dozen new Madinans took the oath of allegiance to him and requested him to provide with a missionary teacher. The work of the missionary, Mus'ab, proved very successful and he led a contingent of seventy-three new converts to Mecca, at the time of the pilgrimage. These invited the Prophet and his Meccan companions to migrate to their town, and promised to shelter the Prophet and to treat him and his companions as their own kith and kin. Secretly and in small groups, the greater part of the Muslims emigrated to Madinah. Upon this the pagans of Mecca not only confiscated the property of the evacuees, but devised a plot to assassinate the Prophet. It became now impossible for him to remain at home. It is worthy of mention, that in spite of their hostility to his mission, the pagans had unbounded confidence in his probity, so much so that many of them used to deposit their savings with him. The Prophet Muhammad now entrusted all these deposits to 'Ali, a cousin of his, with instructions to return in due course to the rightful owners. He then left the town secretly in the company of his faithful friend, Abu-Bakr. After several adventures, they succeeded in reaching Madinah in safety. This happened in 622, whence starts the Hijrah calendar.
Reorganization of the Community
28. For the better rehabilitation of the displaced immigrants, the Prophet created a fraternization between them and an equal number of well-to-do Madinans. The families of each pair of the contractual brothers worked together to earn their livelihood, and aided one another in the business of life.
29. Further he thought that the development of the man as a whole would be better achieved if he co-ordinated religion and politics as two constituent parts of one whole. To this end he invited the representatives of the Muslims as well as the non-Muslim inhabitants of the region: Arabs, Jews, Christians and others, and suggested the establishment of a City-State in Madinah. With their assent, he endowed the city with a written constitution - the first of its kind in the world - in which he defined the duties and rights both of the citizens and the head of the State - the Prophet Muhammad was unanimously hailed as such - and abolished the customary private justice. The administration of justice became henceforward the concern of the central organisation of the community of the citizens. The document laid down principles of defence and foreign policy: it organized a system of social insurance, called ma'aqil, in cases of too heavy obligations. It recognized that the Prophet Muhammad would have the final word in all differences, and that there was no limit to his power of legislation. It recognized also explicitly liberty of religion, particularly for the Jews, to whom the constitutional act afforded equality with Muslims in all that concerned life in this world (cf. infra n. 303).
30. Muhammad journeyed several times with a view to win the neighbouring tribes and to conclude with them treaties of alliance and mutual help. With their help, he decided to bring to bear economic pressure on the Meccan pagans, who had confiscated the property of the Muslim evacuees and also caused innumerable damage. Obstruction in the way of the Meccan caravans and their passage through the Madinan region exasperated the pagans, and a bloody struggle ensued.
31. In the concern for the material interests of the community, the spiritual aspect was never neglected. Hardly a year had passed after the migration to Madinah, when the most rigorous of spiritual disciplines, the fasting for the whole month of Ramadan every year, was imposed on every adult Muslim, man and woman.
Struggle Against Intolerance and Unbelief
32. Not content with the expulsion of the Muslim compatriots, the Meccans sent an ultimatum to the Madinans, demanding the surrender or at least the expulsion of Muhammad and his companions but evidently all such efforts proved in vain. A few months later, in the year 2 H., they sent a powerful army against the Prophet, who opposed them at Badr; and the pagans thrice as numerous as the Muslims, were routed. After a year of preparation, the Meccans again invaded Madinah to avenge the defeat of Badr. They were now four times as numerous as the Muslims. After a bloody encounter at Uhud, the enemy retired, the issue being indecisive. The mercenaries in the Meccan army did not want to take too much risk, or endanger their safety.
33. In thc meanwhile the Jewish citizens of Madinah began to foment trouble. About the time of the victory of Badr, one of their leaders, Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf, proceeded to Mecca to give assurance of his alliance with the pagans, and to incite them to a war of revenge. After the battle of Uhud, the tribe of the same chieftain plotted to assassinate the Prophet by throwing on him a mill-stone from above a tower, when he had gone to visit their locality. In spite of all this, the only demand the Prophet made of the men of this tribe was to quit the Madinan region, taking with them all their properties, after selling their immovables and recovering their debts from the Muslims. The clemency thus extended had an effect contrary to what was hoped. The exiled not only contacted the Meccans, but also the tribes of the North, South and East of Madinah, mobilized military aid, and planned from Khaibar an invasion of Madinah, with forces four times more numerous than those employed at Uhud. The Muslims prepared for a siege, and dug a ditch to defend themselves against this hardest of all trials. Although the defection of the Jews still remaining inside Madinah at a later stage upset all strategy, yet with a sagacious diplomacy, the Prophet succeeded in breaking up the alliance, and the different enemy groups retired one after the other.
34. Alcoholic drinks, gambling and games of chance were at this time declared forbidden for the Muslims.
The Reconciliation
35. The Prophet tried once more to reconcile the Meccans and proceeded to Mecca. The barring of the route of their Northern caravans had ruined their economy. The Prophet promised them transit security, extradition of their fugitives and the fulfillment of every condition they desired, agreeing even to return to Madinah without accomplishing the pilgrimage of the Ka'bah. Thereupon the two contracting parties promised at Hudaibiyah in the suburbs of Mecca, not only the maintenance of peace, but also the observance of neutrality in their conflicts with third parties.
36. Profiting by the peace, the Prophet launched an intensive programme for the propagation of his religion. He addressed missionary letters to the foreign rulers of Byzantium, Iran, Abyssinia and other lands. The Byzantine autocrat priest - Dughatur of the Arabs - embraced Islam, but for this, was lynched by the Christian mob; the prefect of Ma'an (Palestine) suffered the same fate, and was decapitated and crucified by order of the emperor. A Muslim ambassador was assassinated in Syria-Palestine; and instead of punishing the culprit, the emperor Heraclius rushed with his armies to protect him against the punitive expedition sent by the Prophet (battle of Mu'tah).
37. The pagans of Mecca hoping to profit by the Muslim difficulties, violated the terms of their treaty. Upon this, the Prophet himself led an army, ten thousand strong, and surprised Mecca which he occupied in a bloodless manner. As a benevolent conqueror, he caused the vanquished people to assemble, reminded them of their ill deeds, their religious persecution, unjust confiscation of the evacuee property, ceaseless invasions and senseless hostilities for twenty years continuously. He asked them: "Now what do you expect of me?" When everybody lowered his head with shame, the Prophet proclaimed: "May God pardon you; go in peace; there shall be no responsibility on you today; you are free!" He even renounced the claim for the Muslim property confiscated by the pagans. This produced a great psychological change of hearts instantaneously. When a Meccan chief advanced with a fulsome heart towards the Prophet, after hearing this general amnesty, in order to declare his acceptance of Islam, the Prophet told him: "And in my turn, I appoint you the governor of Mecca!" Without leaving a single soldier in the conquered city, the Prophet retired to Madinah. The Islamization of Mecca, which was accomplished in a few hours, was complete.
38. Immediately after the occupation of Mecca, the city of Ta'if mobilized to fight against the Prophet. With some difficulty the enemy was dispersed in the valley of Hunain, but the Muslims preferred to raise the siege of nearby Ta'if and use pacific means to break the resistance of this region. Less than a year later, a delegation from Ta'if came to Madinah offering submission. But it requested exemption from prayer, taxes and military service, and the continuance of the liberty to adultery and fornication and alcoholic drinks. It demanded even the conservation of the temple of the idol al-Lat at Ta'if. But Islam was not a materialist immoral movement; and soon the delegation itself felt ashamed of its demands regarding prayer, adultery and wine. The Prophet consented to concede exemption from payment of taxes and rendering of military service; and added: You need not demolish the temple with your own hands: we shall send agents from here to do the job, and if there should be any consequences, which you are afraid of on account of your superstitions, it will be they who would suffer. This act of the Prophet shows what concessions could be given to new converts. The conversion of the Ta'ifites was so whole hearted that in a short while, they themselves renounced the contracted exemptions, and we find the Prophet nominating a tax collector in their locality as in other Islamic regions.
39. In all these "wars," extending over a period of ten years, the non-Muslims lost on the battlefield only about 250 persons killed, and the Muslim losses were even less. With these few incisions, the whole continent of Arabia. with its million and more of square miles, was cured of the abscess of anarchy and immorality. During these ten years of disinterested struggle, all thc peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern regions of Iraq and Palestine had voluntarily embraced Islam. Some Christian, Jewish and Parsi groups remained attached to their creeds, and they were granted liberty of conscience as well as judicial and juridical autonomy.
40. In the year 10 H., when the Prophet went to Mecca for Hajj (pilgrimage), he met 140,000 Muslims there, who had come from different parts of Arabia to fulfil their religious obligation. He addressed to them his celebrated sermon, in which he gave a resume of his teachings: "Belief in One God without images or symbols, equality of all the Believers without distinction of race or class, the superiority of individuals being based solely on piety; sanctity of life, property and honour; abolition of interest, and of vendettas and private justice; better treatment of women; obligatory inheritance and distribution of the property of deceased persons among near relatives of both sexes, and removal of the possibility of the cumulation of wealth in the hands of the few." The Quran and the conduct of the Prophet were to serve as the bases of law and a healthy criterion in every aspect of human life.
41. On his return to Madinah, he fell ill; and a few weeks later, when he breathed his last, he had the satisfaction that he had well accomplished the task which he had undertaken - to preach to the world the Divine message.
42. He bequeathed to posterity, a religion of pure monotheism; he created a well-disciplined State out of the existent chaos and gave peace in place of the war of everybody against everybody else; he established a harmonious equilibrium between the spiritual and the temporal, between the mosque and the citadel; he left a new system of law, which dispensed impartial justice, in which even the head of the State was as much a subject to it as any commoner, and in which religious tolerance was so great that non-Muslim inhabitants of Muslim countries equally enjoyed complete juridical, judicial and cultural autonomy. In the matter of the revenues of the State, the Quran fixed the principles of budgeting, and paid more thought to the poor than to anybody else. The revenues were declared to be in no wise the private property of the head of the State. Above all, the Prophet Muhammad set a noble example and fully practised all that he taught to others.

Those sent forth

Sûrat Al-Mursalât(Those sent forth) LXXVII In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. By the winds (or angels or the Messengers of Allâh) sent forth one after another.2. And by the winds that blow violently.3. And by the winds that scatter clouds and rain.4. And by the Verses (of the Qur’ân) that separate the right from the wrong.5. And by the angels that bring the revelations to the Messengers,6. To cut off all excuses or to warn.7. Surely, what you are promised must come to pass.8. Then when the stars lose their lights.9. And when the heaven is cleft asunder.10. And when the mountains are blown away.11. And when the Messengers are gathered to their time appointed.12. For what Day are these signs postponed?13. For the Day of Sorting Out (the men of Paradise from the men destined for Hell).14. And what will explain to you what is the Day of Sorting Out?15. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!16. Did We not destroy the ancients?17. So shall We make later generations to follow them.18. Thus do We deal with the Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals).19. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection20. Did We not create you from a despised water (semen)?21. Then We placed it in a place of safety (womb),22. For a known period (determined by gestation)?23. So We did measure; and We are the Best to measure (the things).24. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!25. Have We not made the earth a receptacle26. For the living and the dead?27. And have placed therein firm, and tall mountains, and have given you to drink sweet water?28. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!29. (It will be said to the disbelievers): "Depart you to that which you used to deny!30. "Depart you to a shadow (of Hell-Fire smoke ascending) in three columns,31. Neither shady, nor of any use against the fierce flame of the Fire."32. Verily, it (Hell) throws sparks (huge) as Al-Qasr (a fort or a huge log of wood),33. As if they were yellow camels or bundles of ropes.34. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!35. That will be a Day when they shall not speak (during some part of it),36. And they will not be permitted to put forth any excuse.37. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!38. That will be a Day of Decision! We have brought you and the men of old together!39. So if you have a plot, use it against Me (Allâh جل جلاله)!40. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!41. Verily, the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2) shall be amidst shades and springs.42. And fruits, such as they desire.43. "Eat and drink comfortably for that which you used to do."44. Verily, thus We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers. See V.2:112).45. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!46. (O you disbelievers)! Eat and enjoy yourselves (in this worldly life) for a little while. Verily, you are the Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals).47. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!48. And when it is said to them: "Bow down yourself (in prayer)!" They bow not down (offer not their prayers).[1]49. Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!

Mûsâ (Moses) in Quran-3

.384. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "We believe in Allâh and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Ismâ‘îl (Ishmael), Ishâq (Isaac), Ya‘qûb (Jacob) and Al-Asbât [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qûb (Jacob)] and what was given to Mûsâ (Moses), ‘Îsâ (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allâh) we have submitted (in Islâm)."s.4153. The people of the Scripture (Jews) ask you to cause a book to descend upon them from heaven. Indeed they asked Mûsâ (Moses) for even greater than that, when they said: "Show us Allâh in public," but they were struck with thunderclap and lightning for their wickedness. Then they worshipped the calf even after clear proofs, evidence, and signs had come to them. (Even) so We forgave them. And We gave Mûsâ (Moses) a clear proof of authority.164. And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you, - and to Mûsâ (Moses) Allâh spoke directly.20. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Remember the Favour of Allâh to you when He made Prophets among you, made you kings and gave you what He had not given to any other among the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn, in the past)."21. "O my people! Enter the holy land (Palestine) which Allâh has assigned to you and turn not back (in flight); for then you will be returned as losers."22. They said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! In it (this holy land) are a people of great strength, and we shall never enter it till they leave it; when they leave, then we will enter."23. Two men of those who feared (Allâh and) on whom Allâh had bestowed His Grace (they were يوشع وكالب Yûsha‘ and Kâlab) said: "Assault them through the gate; for when you are in, victory will be yours; and put your trust in Allâh if you are believers indeed."24. They said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! We shall never enter it as long as they are there. So go you and your Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here."25. He [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious and disobedient to Allâh)!"26. (Allâh) said: "Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land. So be not sorrowful over the people who are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious and disobedient to Allâh)."s.691. They (the Jews, Quraish pagans, idolaters) did not estimate Allâh with an estimation due to Him when they said: "Nothing did Allâh send down to any human being (by revelation)." Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Who then sent down the Book which Mûsâ (Moses) brought, a light and a guidance to mankind which you (the Jews) have made into (separate) papersheets, disclosing (some of it) and concealing much. And you (believers in Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) were taught (through the Qur’ân) that which neither you nor your fathers knew." Say: "Allâh (sent it down)." Then leave them to play in their vain discussions. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî).

Mûsâ (Moses) in Quran-s

s.s87. And indeed, We gave Mûsâ (Moses) the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers. And We gave ‘Îsâ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Rûh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel عليه السلام)]. Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some you disbelieved and some you killed.92. And indeed Mûsâ (Moses) came to you with clear proofs, yet you worshipped the calf after he left, and you were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers).93. And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word)." They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers." 108. Or do you want to ask your Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as Mûsâ (Moses) was asked before (i.e. show us openly our Lord)? And he who changes Faith for disbelief, verily, he has gone astray from the Right Way.137. So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allâh will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.138. [Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (Religion) of Allâh (Islâm) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allâh’s? And we are His worshippers. [Tafsir Ibn Kathîr ]247. And their Prophet (Samuel عليه السلام) said to them, "Indeed Allâh has appointed Tâlût (Saul) as a king over you." They said, "How can he be a king over us when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth." He said: "Verily, Allâh has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allâh grants His kingdom to whom He wills. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower."248. And their Prophet (Samuel عليه السلام) said to them: Verily! The sign of His kingdom is that there shall come to you At-Tâbût (a wooden box), wherein is Sakînah [1] (peace and reassurance) from your Lord and a remnant of that which Mûsâ (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron) left behind, carried by the angels. Verily, in this is a sign for you if you are indeed believers.249. Then when Tâlût (Saul) set out with the army, he said: "Verily! Allâh will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power this day against Jâlût (Goliath) and his hosts." But those who knew with certainty that they were going to meet Allâh, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allâh’s Leave?" And Allâh is with As-Sâbirûn (the patient).250. And when they advanced to meet Jâlût (Goliath) and his forces, they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, and set firm our feet and make us victorious over the disbelieving people."251. So they routed them by Allâh’s Leave and Dâwûd (David) killed Jâlût (Goliath), and Allâh gave him [Dâwûd (David)] the kingdom [after the death of Tâlût (Saul) and Samuel] and Al-Hikmah (Prophethood),[1] and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allâh did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allâh is full of bounty to the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).252. These are the Verses of Allâh, We recite them to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in truth, and surely, you are one of the Messengers (of Allâh

The Great News

Sûrat An-Naba’(The Great News) LXXVIII In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. What are they asking (one another) about?2. About the great news, (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism, the Qur’ân, which Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم brought and the Day of Resurrection)3. About which they are in disagreement.4. Nay, they will come to know!5. Nay, again, they will come to know!6. Have We not made the earth as a bed,7. And the mountains as pegs?8. And We have created you in pairs (male and female, tall and short, good and bad, etc.).9. And We have made your sleep as a thing for rest.10. And We have made the night as a covering (through its darkness),11. And We have made the day for livelihood.12. And We have built above you seven strong (heavens),13. And We have made (therein) a shining lamp (sun).14. And We have sent down from the rainy clouds abundant water.15. That We may produce therewith corn and vegetations,16. And gardens of thick growth.17. Verily, the Day of Decision is a fixed time,18. The Day when the Trumpet will be blown, and you shall come forth in crowds (groups after groups). [Tafsir At-Tabari]19. And the heaven shall be opened, and it will become as gates,20. And the mountains shall be moved away from their places and they will be as if they were a mirage.21. Truly, Hell is a place of ambush -22. A dwelling place for the Tâghûn (those who transgress the boundary limits set by Allâh like polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, hyprocrites, sinners, criminals),23. They will abide therein for ages.24. Nothing cool shall they taste therein, nor any drink.25. Except boiling water, and dirty wound discharges -26. An exact recompense (according to their evil crimes).27. For verily, they used not to look for a reckoning.28. But they belied Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, and that which Our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم brought) completely.29. And all things We have recorded in a Book.30. So taste you (the results of your evil actions). No increase shall We give you, except in torment.

Mûsâ (Moses) in Quran-1

51. And (remember) when We appointed for Mûsâ (Moses) forty nights, and (in his absence) you took the calf (for worship), and you were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).52. Then after that We forgave you so that you might be grateful.53. And (remember) when We gave Mûsâ (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)] and the criterion (of right and wrong) so that you may be guided aright."54. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.55. And (remember) when you said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! We shall never believe in you until we see Allâh plainly." But you were seized with a thunder-bolt (lightning) while you were looking.56. Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful.57. And We shaded you with clouds and sent down on you Al-Manna [1] and the quails, (saying): "Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you," (but they rebelled). And they did not wrong Us but they wronged themselves.58. And (remember) when We said: "Enter this town (Jerusalem) and eat bountifully therein with pleasure and delight wherever you wish, and enter the gate in prostration (or bowing with humility) and say: ‘Forgive us,’ and We shall forgive you your sins and shall increase (reward) for the good-doers."59. But those who did wrong changed the word from that which had been told to them for another, so We sent upon the wrong-doers Rijz (a punishment)[1] from the heaven because of their rebelling against Allâh’s obedience. (Tafsir At-Tabarî).60. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) asked for water for his people, We said: "Strike the stone with your stick." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each (group of) people knew its own place for water. "Eat and drink of that which Allâh has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth."61. And (remember) when you said, "O Mûsâ (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fûm (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions." He said, "Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!" And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allâh. That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations etc.) of Allâh and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allâh, i.e. commit crimes and sins).67. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his people: "Verily, Allâh commands you that you slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you make fun of us?" He said, "I take Allâh’s Refuge from being among Al-Jâhilûn (the ignorant or the foolish)."68. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!" He said, "He says, ‘Verily, it is a cow neither too old nor too young, but (it is) between the two conditions’, so do what you are commanded."69. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us its colour." He said, "He says, ‘It is a yellow cow, bright in its colour, pleasing to the beholders.70. They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it is. Verily, to us all cows are alike. And surely, if Allâh wills, we will be guided."71. He [Mûsâ (Moses)] said, "He says, ‘It is a cow neither trained to till the soil nor water the fields, sound, having no other colour except bright yellow.’ " They said, "Now you have brought the truth." So they slaughtered it though they were near to not doing it.72. And (remember) when you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But Allâh brought forth that which you were hiding.73. So We said: "Strike him (the dead man) with a piece of it (the cow)." Thus Allâh brings the dead to life and shows you His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) so that you may understand.74. Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allâh. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.

Those Who Pull Out

In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. By those (angels) who pull out (the souls of the disbelievers and the wicked) with great violence.2. By those (angels) who gently take out (the souls of the believers).3. And by those that swim along (i.e. angels or planets in their orbits).4. And by those that press forward as in a race (i.e. the angels or stars or the horses).5. And by those angels who arrange to do the Commands of their Lord, (so verily, you disbelievers will be called to account).6. On the Day (when the first blowing of the Trumpet is blown), the earth and the mountains will shake violently (and everybody will die).7. The second blowing of the Trumpet follows it (and everybody will be resurrected).8. (Some) hearts that Day will shake with fear and anxiety.9. Their eyes will be downcast.10. They say: "Shall we indeed be returned to (our) former state of life?11. "Even after we are crumbled bones?"12. They say: "It would in that case, be a return with loss!"13. But it will be only a single Zajrah [shout (i.e., the second blowing of the Trumpet)], (See Verse 37:19).14. When behold, they find themselves on the surface of the earth alive after their death,15. Has there come to you the story of Mûsâ (Moses)?16. When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tûwâ,17. Go to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh); verily he has transgressed all bounds (in crimes, sins, polytheism, disbelief).18. And say to him: "Would you purify yourself (from the sin of disbelief by becoming a believer)?"19. "And that I guide you to your Lord, so you should fear Him?"20. Then [Mûsâ (Moses)] showed him the great sign (miracles).21. But [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] belied and disobeyed.22. Then he turned his back, striving (against Allâh).23. Then he gathered (his people) and cried aloud,24. Saying: "I am your lord, most high."25. So Allâh, seized him with punishment for his last[1] and first[2] transgression. [Tafsir At-Tabari]26. Verily, in this is an instructive admonition for whosoever fears Allâh.27. Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He constructed?28. He raised its height, and has perfected it.29. Its night He covers with darkness and its forenoon He brings out (with light)30. And after that He spread the earth,31. And brought forth therefrom its water and its pasture.32. And the mountains He has fixed firmly,33. (To be) a provision and benefit for you and your cattle.34. But when there comes the greatest catastrophe (i.e. the Day of Recompense) -35. The Day when man shall remember what he strove for.36. And Hell-fire shall be made apparent in full view for (every) one who sees.37. Then for him who transgressed all bounds, (in disbelief, oppression and evil deeds of disobedience to Allâh).38. And preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts),39. Verily, his abode will be Hell-fire;40. But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts.41. Verily, Paradise will be his abode.42. They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) about the Hour - when will be its appointed time?43. You have no knowledge to say anything about it.44. To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof?45. You (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are only a warner for those who fear it,46. The Day they see it, (it will be) as if they had not tarried (in this world) except an afternoon or a morning.

Ibrâhîm (Abraham). -11

s.38 45. And remember Our slaves, Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Ishâq (Isaac), and Ya‘qûb (Jacob), (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding.46. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e.) the remembrance of the Home [in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allâh and to do good deeds for the Hereafter].47. And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best!s.42 13. He (Allâh) has ordained for you the same religion (Islâmic Monotheism) which He ordained for Nûh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), and that which We ordained for Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Mûsâ (Moses) and ‘Îsâ (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions[1] in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikûn,[2] is that (Islamic Monotheism) to which you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) call them. Allâh chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience.s.4326. And (remember) when Ibrâhîm (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship,27. "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allâh Alone) Who did create me; and verily He will guide me."28. And he made it [i.e. Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring, (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allâh or receive admonition).s.51 24. Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrîl (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrâhîm (Abraham)?25. When they came in to him and said: "Salâm, (peace be upon you)!" He answered: "Salâm, (peace be upon you)," and said: "You are a people unknown to me."26. Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) was mainly cows].27. And placed it before them, (saying): "Will you not eat?"28. Then he conceived fear of them (when they ate not). They said: "Fear not."[2] And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge (about Allâh and His religion of True Monotheism).29. Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman!"[3]30. They said: "Even so says your Lord.[4] Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower."31. [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "Then for what purpose you have come, O Messengers?"32. They said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimûn (polytheists, sinners, criminals, disbelievers in Allâh)33. To send down upon them stones of baked clay.34. Marked by your Lord for the Musrifûn (polytheists, criminals, sinners - those who trespass Allâh’s set limits in evil-doings by committing great sins).35. So We brought out from therein the believers.36. But We found not there any household of the Muslims except one [of Lût (Lot) and his two daughters].s.5337. And of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (Allâh ordered him to do or convey):s.5726. And indeed, We sent Nûh (Noah) and Ibrâhîm (Abraham), and placed in their offspring Prophethood and Scripture. And among them there are some who are guided; but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).s.604. Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: "Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allâh: we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allâh Alone" - except the saying of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) to his father: "Verily, I will ask forgiveness (from Allâh) for you, but I have no power to do anything for you before Allâh.[2]" Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return.5. "Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the disbelievers, and forgive us, Our Lord! Verily, You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise."6. Certainly, there has been in them an excellent example for you to follow - for those who look forward to (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day. And whosoever turns away, then verily, Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all Praise.37. And We have left there a sign (i.e. the place of the Dead Sea[1] in Palestine) for those who fear the painful torment.s.8718. Verily, this is in the former Scriptures -19. The Scriptures of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and Mûsâ (Moses) (عليهما السلام

He Frowned

Sûrat ‘Abasa(He Frowned) LXXX In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. (The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) frowned and turned away.2. Because there came to him the blind man (i.e. ‘Abdullâh bin Umm-Maktûm, who came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم while he was preaching to one or some of the Quraish chiefs).3. And how can you know that he might become pure (from sins)?4. Or he might receive admonition, and the admonition might profit him?5. As for him who thinks himself self-sufficient,6. To him you attend;7. What does it matter to you if he will not become pure (from disbelief: you are only a Messenger, your duty is to convey the Message of Allâh).8. But as to him who came to you running,9. And is afraid (of Allâh and His punishment).10. Of him you are neglectful and divert your attention to another,11. Nay, (do not do like this); indeed it (this Qur’ân) is an admonition.12. So whoever wills, let him pay attention to it.13. (It is) in Records held (greatly) in honour (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz),14. Exalted (in dignity), purified,15. In the hands of scribes (angels).16. Honourable and obedient.17. Be cursed (the disbelieving) man! How ungrateful he is!18. From what thing did He create him?19. From Nutfah (male and female semen drops) He created him and then set him in due proportion.20. Then He makes the Path easy for him.21. Then He causes him to die and puts him in his grave.22. Then when it is His Will, He will resurrect him (again).23. Nay, but (man) has not done what He commanded him.24. Then let man look at his food:25. We pour forth water in abundance.26. And We split the earth in clefts.27. And We cause therein the grain to grow,28. And grapes and clover plants (i.e. green fodder for the cattle),29. And olives and date-palms,30. And gardens dense with many trees,31. And fruits and herbage32. (To be) a provision and benefit for you and your cattle.33. Then when there comes As-Sâkhkhah (the second blowing of the Trumpet on the Day of Resurrection)34. That Day shall a man flee from his brother,35. And from his mother and his father,36. And from his wife and his children.37. Everyman that Day will have enough to make him careless of others.38. Some faces that Day will be bright (true believers of Islâmic Monotheism),39. Laughing, rejoicing at good news (of Paradise).40. And other faces, that Day, will be dust-stained.41. Darkness will cover them.42. Such will be the Kafarah (disbelievers in Allâh, in His Oneness, and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, etc.), the Fajarah (wicked

Ibrâhîm (Abraham). -10

s.38 45. And remember Our slaves, Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Ishâq (Isaac), and Ya‘qûb (Jacob), (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding.46. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e.) the remembrance of the Home [in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allâh and to do good deeds for the Hereafter].47. And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best!s.42 13. He (Allâh) has ordained for you the same religion (Islâmic Monotheism) which He ordained for Nûh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), and that which We ordained for Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Mûsâ (Moses) and ‘Îsâ (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions[1] in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikûn,[2] is that (Islamic Monotheism) to which you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) call them. Allâh chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience.s.43 26. And (remember) when Ibrâhîm (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship,27. "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allâh Alone) Who did create me; and verily He will guide me."s.51 24. Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrîl (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrâhîm (Abraham)?25. When they came in to him and said: "Salâm, (peace be upon you)!" He answered: "Salâm, (peace be upon you)," and said: "You are a people unknown to me."26. Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) was mainly cows].27. And placed it before them, (saying): "Will you not eat?"28. Then he conceived fear of them (when they ate not). They said: "Fear not."[2] And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge (about Allâh and His religion of True Monotheism).29. Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman!"[3]30. They said: "Even so says your Lord.[4] Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower."31. [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "Then for what purpose you have come, O Messengers?"32. They said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimûn (polytheists, sinners, criminals, disbelievers in Allâh)33. To send down upon them stones of baked clay.34. Marked by your Lord for the Musrifûn (polytheists, criminals, sinners - those who trespass Allâh’s set limits in evil-doings by committing great sins).35. So We brought out from therein the believers.36. But We found not there any household of the Muslims except one [of Lût (Lot) and his two daughters].

Wound Round and Lost its Light

Sûrat At-Takwîr(Wound Round and Lost its Light) LXXXI In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. When the sun is wound round and its light is lost and is overthrown.[1]2. And when the stars fall.3. And when the mountains are made to pass away;4. And when the pregnant she-camels are neglected;5. And when the wild beasts are gathered together.6. And when the seas become as blazing Fire or overflow.7. And when the souls are joined with their bodies, (the good with the good and the bad with the bad).8. And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) is questioned:[2]9. For what sin, was she killed?10. And when the (written) pages [of deeds (good and bad) of every person] are laid open.11. And when the heaven is stripped off and taken away from its place;12. And when Hell-fire is set ablaze.13. And when Paradise is brought near.14. (Then) every person will know what he has brought (of good and evil).15. So verily, I swear by the planets that recede (i.e. disappear during the day and appear during the night).16. And by the planets that move swiftly and hide themselves.17. And by the night as it departs.18. And by the dawn as it brightens.19. Verily, this is the Word (this Qur’ân brought by) a most honourable messenger [Jibrîl (Gabrîl), from Allâh to Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم].20. Owner of power, (and high rank) with (Allâh), the Lord of the Throne,21. Obeyed (by the angels in the heavens), and trustworthy.22. And (O people) your companion (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is not a madman.23. And indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw him [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] in the clear horizon (towards the east).24. And he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) withholds not a knowledge of the Unseen.25. And it (the Qur’ân) is not the word of the outcast Shaitân (Satan).26. Then where are you going?27. Verily, this (the Qur’ân) is no less than a Reminder to (all) the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn)[3]28. To whomsoever among you who wills to walk straight.29. And you cannot will unless (it be) that Allâh wills - the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

Ibrâhîm (Abraham). -9

S.2916. And (remember) Ibrâhîm (Abraham) when he said to his people: "Worship Allâh (Alone), and fear Him: that is better for you if you did but know.17. "You worship besides Allâh only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allâh have no power to give you provision: so seek your provision from Allâh (Alone), and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back.31. And when Our Messengers came to Ibrâhîm (Abraham) with the glad tidings they said: "Verily, we are going to destroy the people of this [Lût (Lot’s)] town (i.e. the town of Sodom in Palestine); truly, its people have been Zâlimûn [wrong-doers, polytheists disobedient to Allâh, and who belied their Messenger Lût (Lot)]."32. Ibrâhîm (Abraham) said: "But there is Lût (Lot) in it." They said: "We know better who is there. We will verily save him [Lût (Lot)] and his family except his wife: she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk)."S.337. And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and from Nûh (Noah), Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Mûsâ (Moses), and ‘Îsâ (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary). We took from them a strong covenant.[1]S.3783. And, verily, among those who followed his [Nûh’s (Noah)] way (Islâmic Monotheism) was Ibrâhîm (Abraham).84. When he came to his Lord with a pure heart [attached to Allâh Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allâh Alone - true Islâmic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism].85. When he said to his father and to his people: "What is it that which you worship?86. "Is it a falsehood - âlihah (gods) other than Allâh - that you desire?87. "Then what think you about the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)?"88. Then he cast a glance at the stars,89. And he said: "Verily, I am sick[1] (with plague). [He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan feast)]."90. So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease).91. Then he turned to their âlihah (gods) and said: "Will you not eat (of the offering before you)?92. "What is the matter with you that you speak not?"93. Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.94. Then they (the worshippers of idols) came, towards him, hastening.95. He said: "Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve?96. "While Allâh has created you and what you make!"97. They said: "Build for him a building (it is said that the building was like a furnace) and throw him into the blazing fire!"98. So they plotted a plot against him, but We made them the lowest.99. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): "Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!"100. "My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous."101. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.102. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allâh). So look what you think!" He said: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Inshâ’ Allâh (if Allâh wills), you shall find me of As-Sâbirûn (the patient)."103. Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allâh), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);104. We called out to him: "O Abraham!105. You have fulfilled the dream!" Verily thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers - See 2:112).106. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.107. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. كبش - a ram);108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.109. "Salâm (peace) be upon Ibrâhîm (Abraham)!"110. Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers - See V.2:112).111. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.112. And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishâq (Isaac) - a Prophet from the righteous.113. We blessed him and Ishâq (Isaac). And of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.

The Cleaving

Sûrat Al-Infitâr(The Cleaving) LXXXII In the Name of Allâh,the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful1. When the heaven is cleft asunder.2. And when the stars have fallen and scattered.3. And when the seas are burst forth.4. And when the graves are turned upside down (and bring out their contents)5. (Then) a person will know what he has sent forward and (what he has) left behind (of good or bad deeds).6. O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous?7. Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.8. In whatever form He willed, He put you together.9. Nay! But you deny Ad-Dîn (i.e. the Day of Recompense).10. But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you,[1]11. Kirâman (Honourable) Kâtibîn writing down (your deeds),[2]12. They know all that you do.13. Verily, the Abrâr (the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism) will be in Delight (Paradise);14. And verily, the Fujjâr (the wicked, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners and evil-doers) will be in the blazing Fire (Hell),15. Therein they will enter, and taste its burning flame on the Day of Recompense,16. And they (Al-Fujjâr) will not be absent therefrom.17. And what will make you know what the Day of Recompense is?18. Again, what will make you know what the Day of Recompense is?19. (It will be) the Day when no person shall have power (to do) anything for another, and the Decision, that Day, will be (wholly) with Allâh.

Ibrâhîm (Abraham). -8

S.22 26. And (remember) when We showed Ibrâhîm (Abraham) the site of the (Sacred) House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah) (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, [Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh) - Islâmic Monotheism], and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allâh), and make prostration (in prayer);"27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj ).[1]28. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allâh on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice), [at the time of their slaughtering by saying: (Bismillah, Wallâhu-Akbar, Allâhumma Minka wa Ilaik).] Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor having a hard time.29. Then let them complete their prescribed duties (Manâsik of Hajj) and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah).[2]30. That (Manâsik- prescribed duties of Hajj is the obligation that mankind owes to Allâh), and whoever honours the sacred things of Allâh, then that is better for him with his Lord. The cattle are lawful to you, except those (that will be) mentioned to you (as exceptions). So shun the abomination (worshipping) of idol, and shun lying speech (false statements)[3] -31. Hunafâ’ Lillâh (i.e. worshiping none but Allâh), not associating partners (in worship) unto Him; and whoever assigns partners to Allâh, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him 78. And strive hard in Allâh’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islâmic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion of Islâm), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship:[1] it is the religion of your father Ibrâhîm (Abraham) (Islâmic Monotheism). It is He (Allâh) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’ân), that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind![2] So perform As-Salât (Iqamat-as-Salât), give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh [i.e. have confidence in Allâh, and depend upon Him in all your affairs]. He is your Maulâ (Patron, Lord), what an Excellent Maulâ (Patron, Lord) and what an Excellent Helper!s.2669. And recite to them the story of Ibrâhîm (Abraham).70. When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?"71. They said: "We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted."72. He said: "Do they hear you, when you call on (them)?73. "Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?"74. They said: "(Nay) but we found our fathers doing so."75. He said: "Do you observe that which you have been worshipping -76. "You and your ancient fathers?77. "Verily they are enemies to me, save the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists),78. "Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me.79. "And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink.80. "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.81. "And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again).82. "And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection).83. My Lord! Bestow Hukm (religious knowledge, right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) on me, and join me with the righteous.84. And grant me an honourable mention in later generations.85. And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight.86. And forgive my father, verily he is of the erring.87. And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected.88. The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail,89. Except him who brings to Allâh a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifâq (hypocrisy)]."90. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2).91. And the (Hell) Fire will be placed in full view of the erring.92. And it will be said to them: "Where are those (the false gods whom you used to set up as rivals with Allâh) that you used to worship.93. "Instead of Allâh? Can they help you or (even) help themselves?"94. Then they will be thrown on their faces into the (Fire), they and the Ghâwûn (devils, and those who were in error).95. And the whole hosts of Iblîs (Satan) together.96. They will say while contending therein,97. By Allâh, we were truly in a manifest error,98. When We held you (false gods) as equals (in worship) with the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists);99. And none has brought us into error except the Mujrimûn [Iblîs (Satan) and those of human beings who commit crimes, murderers, polytheists, oppressors].100. Now we have no intercessors,101. Nor a close friend (to help us).102. (Alas!) If we only had a chance to return (to the world), we shall truly be among the believers!103. Verily in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.104. And verily, your Lord, He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most M