QURAN MAJEED UNDERSTANDING MADE EASY

PART- 5

Suras-15,Hijar, 16,NAHAL, 17, ISRA,

18, KAHF

ALLAH’S QUESTION FROM MUSLIMS

“And indeed, We have made the Qur'an

Easy to understand and remember;

Then is there any that will remember (or

receive admonition)?” Sura #54 Al-Qamar(40)

Gp. Capt. (R) IMTIAZ ALI

Toronto Canada

21 June, 2015

DEDICATED TO MY DEAR GRANDCHILDREN

SUNDS, SANA, ALIZA,RIDA,

HARIS, MO’IZ,

AHMAD, ALI

DUA FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN

IHDINAS SIRATAL MUSTAQEEM

RABBANA HABLANA MIN AZWAJINA

WA MIN ZURRIYYATINA

QRRATU A‟ YUNIN WAJ‟ ALNA LIL- MUTTAQEENA

IMAMA

Amen

"Our Lord, give us joy in our spouses and offspring. Make us good examples to those who are aware of You." (25:74)

15. Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract)

15-1. Alif-Lam-Ra. These are the Verses of the Book, and a plain Qur'an.

15-2. Perhaps (often) will those who disbelieve wish that they were Muslims [those who have submitted themselves to Allah's Will in Islam Islamic Monotheism, this will be on the Day of Resurrection when they will see the disbelievers going to Hell and the Muslims going to Paradise].15-3. Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with (false) hope. They will come to know!

15-4. And never did We destroy a township but there was a known decree for it. 15-5. No nation can anticipate its term, nor delay it.

6. And they say: "O you (Muhammad ) to whom the Dhikr (the Qur'an) has been sent down! Verily, you are a mad man.

7. "Why do you not bring angels to us if you are of the truthful ones?"

8. We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment, etc.), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite!

9. Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption) .

15-10. Indeed, We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad ) amongst the sects (communities) of old.

15-11. And never came a Messenger to them but they did mock him.

15-12. Thus do We let it (polytheism and disbelief) enter into the hearts of the Mujrimun [criminals, polytheists, pagans, etc. (because of their mockery at the Messengers)].

15-13. They would not believe in it (the Qur'an), and already the example of (Allah's punishment of) the ancients (who disbelieved) has gone forth.

15-14. And even if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they were to continue ascending thereto,

15-15. They would surely say: "Our eyes have been (as if) dazzled. Nay, we are a people bewitched."

15-16. And indeed, We have put the big stars in the heaven and We beautified it for the beholders.

15-17. And We have guarded it (near heaven) from every outcast Shaitan (devil).

15-18. Except him (devil) that gains hearing by stealing, he is pursued by a clear flaming fire.

15-19. And the earth We spread out, and placed therein firm mountains, and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.

15-20. And We have provided therein means of living, for you and for those whom you provide not [moving (living) creatures, cattle, beasts, and other animals].

15-21. And there is not a thing, but with Us are the stores thereof. And We send it not down except in a known measure.

15-22. And We send the winds fertilizing (to fill heavily the clouds with water), then caused the water (rain) to descend from the sky, and We gave it to you to drink, and it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].

15-23. And certainly We! We it is Who give life, and cause death , and We are the Inheritors. 15-24. And indeed, We know the first generations of you who had passed away, and indeed, We know the present generations of you (mankind),

and also those who will come afterwards. 15-25. And verily, your Lord will gather them together. Truly, He is All-Wise, All-Knowing.

Story of creation of Adam

15-26. And indeed, We created man from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.15-27. And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire.

15-28. And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to create a man (Adam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.

15-29. "So, when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him (Adam) the soul which I created for him, then fall (you) down prostrating yourselves unto him."

15-30. So, the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together. 15-31. Except Iblis (Satan), - he refused to be among the prostrators. 15-32. (Allah) said: "O Iblis (Satan)! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?" 15-33. [Iblis (Satan)] said: "I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud."

15-34. (Allah) said: "Then, get out from here, for verily, you are Rajim (an outcast or a cursed one)." [Tafsir At-Tabari] 15-35. "And verily, the curse shall be upon you till the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)."

15-36. [Iblis (Satan)] said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day they (the dead) will be resurrected." 15-37. Allah said: "Then, verily, you are of those reprieved, 15-38. "Till the Day of the time appointed."

15-39. [Iblis (Satan)] said: "O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. 15-40. "Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them."

15-41. (Allah) said: "This is the Way which will lead straight to Me." 15-42. "Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikun and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evil-doers, etc.). 15-43. "And surely, Hell is the promised place for them all. 15-44. "It (Hell) has seven gates, for each of those gates is a (special) class (of sinners) assigned.

15-45. "Truly! The Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons - see V.2:2) will be amidst Gardens and water-springs (Paradise). 15-46. "(It will be said to them): 'Enter therein (Paradise), in peace and security.' 15-47. "And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury (that they may have), (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones. 15-48. "No sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave it."

15-49. Declare (O Muhammad ) unto My slaves, that truly, I am the Oft-Forgiving, the Most-Merciful. 15-50. And that My Torment is indeed the most painful torment.

STORY OF

15-51. And tell them about the guests (the angels) of Ibrahim (Abraham). 15-52. When they entered unto him, and said: Salaman (peace)! [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Indeed! We are afraid of you."

15- 53. They (the angels) said: "Do not be afraid! We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom."

54. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Do you give me glad tidings (of a son) when old age has overtaken me? Of what then is your news?"

55. They (the angels) said: "We give you glad tidings in truth. So be not of the despairing ones."

15-56. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?"

15-57. [Ibrahim (Abraham) again] said: "What then is the business on which you have come, O Messengers?"

15-58. They (the angels) said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners). 15-59. "(All) except the family of Lout (Lot). Them all we are surely going to save (from destruction). 15-60. "Except his wife, of whom We have decreed that she shall be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed)."

15-61. Then, when the Messengers (the angels) came unto the family of Lout (Lot)15-62. He said: "Verily! You are people unknown to me."15-63. They said: "Nay, we have come to you with that (torment) which they have been doubting.

15-64. "And we have brought to you the truth (the news of the destruction of your nation) and certainly, we tell the truth.

15-65. "Then travel in a part of the night with your family, and you go behind them in the rear, and let no one amongst you look back, but go on to where you are ordered." 15-66. And We made known this decree to him, that the root of those (sinners) was to be cut off in the early morning.

15-67. And the inhabitants of the city came rejoicing (at the news of the young men's arrival).15-68. [Lout (Lot)] said: "Verily! these are my guests, so shame me not. 15-69. "And fear Allah and disgrace me not."

15-70. They (people of the city) said: "Did we not forbid you to entertain (or protect) any of the 'Alamin (people, foreigners, strangers, etc. from us)?" 15-71. [Lout (Lot)] said: "These (the girls of the nation) are my daughters (to marry lawfully), if you must act (so)." 15-72. Verily, by your life (O Muhammad ), in their wild intoxication, they were wandering blindly.

15-73. So As-Saihah (torment - awful cry, etc.) overtook them at the time of sunrise;

15-74. And We turned (the towns of Sodom in Palestine) upside down and rained down on them stones of baked clay.

15-75. Surely! In this are signs, for those who see (or understand or learn the lessons from the Signs of Allah).

15-76. And verily! They (the cities) were right on the highroad (from Makkah to Syria i.e. the place where the Dead Sea is now) . 15- 77. Surely! Therein is indeed a sign for the believers.

HAZRAT SHUAIB’s nation also destroyed

15-78. And the dwellers in the wood [i.e. the people of Madyan (Midian) to whom Prophet Shu'aib () was sent by Allah), were also Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.). 15-79. So, We took vengeance on them. They are both on an open highway, plain to see.

15-80. And verily, the dwellers of Al-Hijr (the rocky tract) denied the Messengers. 15-81. And We gave them Our Signs, but they were averse to them. 15-82. And they used to hew out dwellings from the mountains (feeling themselves) secure. 15-83. But As-Saihah (torment - awful cry etc.) overtook them in the early morning (of the fourth day of their promised punishment days). 15-84. And all that which they used to earn availed them not.

15-85. And We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and the Hour is surely coming, so overlook (O Muhammad ), their faults with gracious forgiveness. [This was before the ordainment of Jihad holy fighting in Allah's Cause]. 15-86. Verily, your Lord is the All-Knowing Creator.

15-87. And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathani (the seven repeatedly recited Verses), (i.e. Surat Al-Fatiha) and the Grand Qur'an .

15-88. Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them (the disbelievers), nor grieve over them. And lower your wings for the believers (be courteous to the fellow-believers). 15-89. And say: "I am indeed a plain warner." 15-90. As We have sent down on the dividers, (Quraish pagans or Jews and Christians). 15-91. Who have made the Qur'an into parts. (i.e. believed in a part and disbelieved in the other). 15-92. So, by your Lord (O Muhammad ), We shall certainly call all of them to account. 15-93. For all that they used to do.

15-94. Therefore proclaim openly (Allah's Message Islamic Monotheism) that which you are commanded, and turn away from Al-Mushrikun . 15-95. Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers. 15-96. Who set up along with Allah another ilah (god), they will come to know. 15-97. Indeed, We know that your breast is straitened at what they say. 15-98. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).15-99. And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).

16. Surah An-Nahl (The Bees)

We must understand that Quran is not like a Book , like any other book material, which is developed in a systematic headings. Quran is a Sermon , A talk, a speech, an address from ALLAH , to the Prophet, to us HUMANS, to those ,who only believe in what is said, as a first step, to those who believe with full conviction, to those who donot believe, to those not only deny the Message but also vehementally oppose it, to those who are hypocites, play safe by professing loyality to the believers and non-believers. Seondly , it reminds us od , and answers those questions we, humans, generally either donot think about or ask our selves . Like, Where did w come from ,where will we go after death. QURAN basically answers these questions ,so do other religions’ Sacred Books,These Book, also try to regulate life on earth. That is they teach social laws, rules. The basic questions which are debated in quran are;

1. IS there a Creator, who created this earth , what is on it,including us humans, and the universe.

There can be only two options; a) there is a Creator or b) there is no Creator,It all happened as a

coincidence. So, Quran takes up umpteen arguments to explain that it is not a coincidence. 2.Second question is about what happens after death; again there are only two options. a)There is a life after death, and resurrection, or b) there is no life after death, This is the only life, so make best use of it and enjoy,even at others expense.

Third question is Accountability after death and resurrection.Quran asserts, that worldly life will be accounted for and people will be rewarded and punished for their actions, because people are unjust, on this earth while Creator is JUST, and will dispense complete JUSTICE to those who could nit get hustice in this world. So, Allah talks briefly through Prophets in one sitting or gathering, and again a small talk on another ocassion . So a sura consists of collection of these and as a result quranic ayat contain only few senences on one topic. We will and should understand the reason from our daily experience when we talk to some one,we do the same by discussing one thing we interject and come back to main topic. So we should try to understand quran from this point of view then we will be able to see the link in all ayat .after one two sura rhen you will start enjoying its beauty, Allama Iqbal;ss father advised him to read and think that God is talikng to you directly ,right now, for the first time . Read slowly and loudly as if you are talikng to some one,Only thrn quran can be understood.

16. S16. Surah An-Nahl (The Bees)

This contents of these sura were revealed around and after about 6 years of preaching and meccans had icreased the torture and persecution of muslims to an extent that they were allowed to migrate to present Day Ethopia. In my opinion, this sura contains major arguments on various

subjects of belief.

The Migration to Abyssinia (Arabic: الهجرة إلى الحبشت‎‎‎,al-hijra ʾilā al-habaša),

also known as the First Hegira(Arabic: ِهْجَرة‎‎‎hijrah), was an episode in the

early history of Islam, where Prophet Muhammad's first followers

(the Sahabah) fled from the persecution of the ruling Quraysh tribe of Mecca.

They sought refuge in the Christian Kingdom of Aksum, present-

day Ethiopia and Eritrea (formerly referred to as Abyssinia, a name derived

from the Arabic Al-Habash),[1] in 9 BH (613 CE) or 7 BH (615 CE).

The Aksumite monarch who received them is known in Islamic sources as

the Negus (Arabic: نجاشي‎‎‎najāšī) Ashama ibn Abjar. Modern historians have

alternatively identified him with King Armah and Ella Tsaham.[2] Some of the

exiles returned to Mecca and made the hijra to Medina with Muhammad,

while others remained in Abyssinia until they came to Medina in 628.[3]

Allah starts the sura with telling two basic TRUTHS to Meccans, Qiyamat will happen, so don’t be in a hurry to ask for it, as Allah gives respite and chance to people till their deaths to think and believe and

save themselves. Second point He emphasizes that He sends inspiration to any chosen man and made His Messenger thru angels ,

to warn people of the Qiyamah and accountability.

These is the central theme of this sura and all arguments, examples are meant to convince people

Therefore, Allah used various techniques of preachings which are used even today against any revolutionary political or religious

movement, .These are;.

1. Advice, statements of facts, arguments, similitudes to convince od Tauheed, oneness of Allah, and avoid taking partners. Believe in His

Messenger and The MESSAGE. 3. Life after Death and then Accountability for actions of the this life on earth. 4. Answers to the

doubts, objections, excuses not to accept the message 5. Consequences of insisitance on refusing to accept the sovereignity of

Allah, his message. And reward for being obedient to God. 6. Consoling the prophet and believers and encouragment to have

patience that they will eventually succeed. These things have happened to all prophets and believers before. and Truth is always

opposed where ever it may be, it is ridicled first, then opposed vehemantlt anf finally accepted.

16-1. The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate as partners with Him.

16-2. He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): "Warn mankind that La ilahailla Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds).

WHO IS ALLAH< THE CREATOR

Allah enumerates arguments to think , ask themselves the questions decide the answer and make a decision about Allah being a Creator . It

all cannot be a COINCIDENCE<

16-3. He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. High be He Exalted above all they associate as partners with Him.

16-4. He has created man from Nutfah(mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge), then behold, this same (man) becomes an open opponent.

16-5. And the cattle, He has created them for you; in them there is warmth (warm clothing), and numerous benefits, and of them you eat. 16-6. And wherein is beauty for you, when you bring them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning.16-7. And they carry your loads to a land that you could not reach except with great trouble to yourselves. Truly, your Lord is full of Kindness, Most Merciful. 16-8. And (He has created) horses, mules and donkeys, for you to ride and as an adornment. And He creates (other) things of which you have no knowledge.

16-9. And upon Allah is the responsibility to explain the Straight Path (i.e. Islamic Monotheism for mankind i.e. to show them legal and illegal, good and evil things, etc. so, whosoever accepts the guidance, it will be for his own benefit and whosoever goes astray, it will be for his own destruction), but there are ways that turn aside (such as Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, etc.). And had He willed, He would have guided you all (mankind).

16-10. He it is Who sends down water (rain) from the sky; from it you drink and from it (grows) the vegetation on which you send your cattle to pasture;

16-11. With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought.

16-12. And He has subjected to you the night and the day, the sun and the moon; and the stars are subjected by His Command. Surely, in this are proofs for people who understand.

16-13. And whatsoever He has created for you on this earth of varying colours [and qualities from vegetation and fruits, etc. (botanical life) and from animal (zoological life)]. Verily! In this is a sign for people who remember.

16-14. And He it is Who has subjected the sea (to you), that you eat thereof fresh tender meat (i.e. fish), and that you bring forth out of it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships ploughing through it, that you may seek (thus) of His Bounty (by transporting the goods from place to place) and that you may be grateful.

16-15. And He has affixed into the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you, and rivers and roads, that you may guide yourselves.

16-16. And landmarks (signposts, etc. during the day) and by the stars (during the night), they (mankind) guide themselves.

16-17. Is then He, Who creates as one who creates not? Will you not then remember?

16-18. And if you would count the graces of Allah, never could you be able to count them. Truly! Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

16-19. And Allah knows what you conceal and what you reveal.

16-20. Those whom they (Al-Mushrikun) invoke besides Allah have not created anything, but are themselves created.

16-21. (They are) dead, lifeless, and they know not when they will be raised up. 16-22. Your Ilah(God) is One Ilah. But for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts deny , and they are proud.

After describing Himself, Allah He gives a verdict that He does not like Proud people and tells the reason that out of pride they eject Him or His Message

16-23. Certainly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Truly, He likes not the proud. 16-24. And when it is said to them: "What is it that your Lord has sent down (unto Muhammad )?" They say: "Tales of the men of old!" 16-25. They will bear their own burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection, and also of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge. Evil indeed is that which they shall bear! 16-26. Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. 16-27. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: "Where are My (so called) 'partners' concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?" Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: "Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. 16-28. "Those whose lives the angels take while they are doing wrong to themselves (by disbelief and by associating partners in worship with Allah and by committing all kinds of crimes and evil deeds)." Then, they will make (false) submission (saying): "We used not to do any evil." (The angels will reply): "Yes! Truly, Allah is All-Knower of what you used to do.16-29. "So enter the gates of Hell, to abide therein, and indeed, what an evil abode will be for the arrogant."

Then Allah makes another verdice for comparison, and tells how the humble and obedient will be rewarded. We use the same technique whrn we want to convine our children or subordinates the reward of obedience and punishment for not listening the advice,

16-30. And (when) it is said to those who are the Muttaqun(pious - see V.2:2) "What is it that your Lord has sent down?" They say: "That which is good." For those who

do good in this world, there is good, and the home of the Hereafter will be better. And excellent indeed will be the home (i.e. Paradise) 16-31. 'Adn (Eden) Paradise (Gardens of Eternity) which they will enter, under which rivers flow, they will have therein all that they wish. Thus Allah rewards the Muttaqun(pious) 32. Those whose lives the angels take while they are in a pious state (i.e. pure from all evil, and worshipping none but Allah Alone) saying (to them): Salamun 'Alaikum (peace be on you) enter you Paradise, because of (the good) which you used to do (in the world)."

And then Allah comes back to continue the address and tell the disbelievers remaining talk

16-33. Do they (the disbelievers and polytheists) await but that the angels should come to them [to take away their souls (at death)], or there should come the command (i.e. the torment or the Day of Resurrection) of your Lord? Thus did those before them. And Allah wronged them not, but they used to wrong themselves. 34. Then, the evil results of their deeds overtook them, and that at which they used to mock surrounded them.

16-35. And those who join others in worship with Allah say: "If Allah had so willed, neither we nor our fathers would have worshipped aught but Him, nor would we have forbidden anything without (Command from) Him." So did those before them. Then! Are the Messengers charged with anything but to convey clearly the Message?

16-36. And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghutbesides Allah)." Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth).

16-37. If you (O Muhammad ) covet for their guidance, then verily Allah guides not those whom He makes to go astray (or none can guide him whom Allah sends astray). And they will have no helpers.

16-38. And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up him who dies. Yes, (He will raise them up), a promise (binding) upon Him in truth, but most of mankind know not. 16-39. In order that He may make manifest to them the truth of that wherein they differ, and that those who disbelieved (in Resurrection, and in the Oneness of Allah) may know that they were liars.

16-40. Verily! Our Word unto a thing when We intend it, is only that We say unto it: "Be!" and it is. 16-41. And as for those who emigrated for the Cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, We will certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater, if they but knew! 16-

42. (They are) those who remained patient (in this world for Allah's sake), and put their trust in their Lord (Allah Alone).

16-43. And We sent not (as Our Messengers) before you (O Muhammad ) any but men, whom We inspired, (to preach and invite mankind to believe in the Oneness of Allah). So ask of those who know the Scripture [learned men of the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], if you know not. 16-44. With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad ) the reminder and the advice (the Qur'an), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.

16-45. Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that Allah will not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not?16-46. Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah's Punishment)?16-47. Or that He may catch them with gradual wasting (of their wealth and health). Truly! Your Lord is indeed full of Kindness, Most Merciful?

16-48. Have they not observed things that Allah has created, (how) their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration unto Allah, and they are lowly?

16-49. And to Allah prostate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the live moving creatures and the angels, they are not and proud [i.e. they worship their Lord (Allah) with humility].

16-50. They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded.

16-51. And Allah said (O mankind!): "Take not ilahain(two gods in worship, etc.). Verily, He (Allah) is (the) only One Ilah(God). Then, fear Me (Allah) much [and Me (Alone), i.e. be away from all kinds of sins and evil deeds that Allah has forbidden and do all that Allah has ordained and worship none but Allah].

16-52. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and (all that is in) the earth and Ad-Din Wasiba is His [(i.e. perpetual sincere obedience to Allah is obligatory). None has the right to be worshipped but Allah)]. Will you then fear any other than Allah?

Allah describes the wrong thinking of people about RIZQ, worldly problems, who solves them, charity, They assign to Allah that which they dislike for themselves, like angels being god’s daughters, but no one wants daughters for himself.etc

16-53. And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help.

16-54. Then, when He has removed the harm from you, behold! Some of you associate others in worship with their Lord (Allah).

16-55. So (as a result of that ) they deny (with ungratefulness) that (Allah's Favours) which We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy yourselves (your short stay), but you will come to know (with regrets).

16-56. And they assign a portion of that which We have provided them unto what they know not (false deities). By Allah, you shall certainly be questioned about (all) that you used to fabricate.

16-57. And they assign daughters unto Allah! Glorified (and Exalted) be He above all that they associate with Him! . And unto themselves what they desire; 16-58. And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! 16-59. He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonour or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision.

60. For those who believe not in the Hereafter is an evil description, and for Allah is the highest description. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

16-61. And if Allah were to seize mankind for their wrong-doing, He would not leave on it (the earth) a single moving (living) creature, but He postpones them for an appointed term and when their term comes, neither can they delay nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment).

16-62. They assign to Allah that which they dislike (for themselves), and their tongues assert the falsehood that the better things will be theirs. No doubt for them is the Fire, and they will be the first to be hastened on into it, and left there neglected.

16-63. By Allah, We indeed sent (Messengers) to the nations before you (O Muhammad ), but Shaitan (Satan) made their deeds fair-seeming to them. So he (Satan) is their Wali (helper) today (i.e. in this world), and theirs will be a painful torment.

Quran explains things in which they differ, that is mainly life after death, accountability, and is a guidance, and a Mercy for the believers

16-64. And We have not sent down the Book (the Qur'an) to you (O Muhammad ), except that you may explain clearly unto them those things in which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a folk who believe.

Proof of Life after Death is in the revival of dead earth after rain

16-65. And Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, then He revives the earth therewith after its death. Verily, in this is a sign (clear proof) for people who listen (obey Allah).

Proofs of existence of Allah, as Creator of all things, whose examples are given, for sustenance and benefit of human beings

And Allah gives so many other known example for people to think and start believing in their CREATOR AND SUSTAINOR.

Inspite of all examples, arguments, truths, if people still donot believe in Allah, Prophets’s job is only that of being a Messenger of Allah, and not as a policeman to compel them to believe in Him by force.

16-66. And verily! In the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers.

16-67. And from the fruits of date-palms and grapes, you derive strong drink (this was before the order of the prohibition of the alcoholic drinks) and a goodly provision. Verily, therein is indeed a sign for people who have wisdom.

16-68. And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect.

16-69. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.

16-70. And Allah has created you and then He will cause you to die, and of you there are some who are sent back to senility, so that they know nothing after having known (much). Truly! Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful.

Allah gives a simily and asks how do you treat your slaves. You do not want them to be equal to you.

16-71. And Allah has preferred some of you above others in wealth and properties. Then, those who are preferred will by no means hand over their wealth and properties to those (slaves) whom their right hands possess, so that they may be equal with them in respect thereof. Do they then deny the Favour of Allah?

16-72. And Allah has made for you wives of your own kind, and has made for you, from your wives, sons and grandsons, and has bestowed on you good provision. Do they then believe in false deities and deny the Favour of Allah (by not worshipping Allah Alone).

16-73. And they worship others besides Allah, such as do not and cannot own any provision for them from the heavens or the earth.

16-74. So put not forward similitudes for Allah (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything). Truly! Allah knows and you know not.

16-75. Allah puts forward the example (of two men a believer and a disbeliever); a slave (disbeliever) under the possession of another, he has no power of any sort, and (the other), a man (believer) on whom We have bestowed a good provision from Us, and He spends thereof secretly and openly. Can they be equal? (By no means, not). All the praises and thanks be to Allah. Nay! (But) most of them know not.

16-76. And Allah puts forward (another) example of two men, one of them dumb, who has no power over anything (disbeliever), and he is a burden to his master, whichever way he directs him, he brings no good. Is such a man equal to one (believer in the Islamic Monotheism) who commands justice, and is himself on a Straight Path?

16-77. And to Allah belongs the unseen of the heavens and the earth. And the matter of the Hour is not but as a twinkling of the eye, or even nearer. Truly! Allah is Able to do all things.

16-78. And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah).

16-79. Do they not see the birds held (flying) in the midst of the sky? None holds them but Allah [none gave them the ability to fly but Allah]. Verily, in this are clear proofs and signs for people who believe (in the Oneness of Allah).

16-80. And Allah has made for you in your homes an abode, and made for you out of the hides of the cattle (tents for) dwelling, which you find so light (and handy) when you travel and when you stay (in your travels), and of their wool, fur, and hair (sheep

wool, camel fur, and goat hair), a furnishing and articles of convenience (e.g. carpets, blankets, etc.), a comfort for a while.

16-81. And Allah has made for you out of that which He has created shades, and has made for you places of refuge in the mountains, and has made for you garments to protect you from the heat (and cold), and coats of mail to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus does He perfect His Grace unto you, that you may submit yourselves to His Will (in Islam).

16-82. Then, if they turn away, your duty (O Muhammad ) is only to convey (the Message) in a clear way.

People surely recognize all the facts given above and yet will not believe and obey Allah

16-83. They recognise the Grace of Allah, yet they deny it (by worshipping others besides Allah) and most of them are disbelievers (deny the Prophethood of Muhammad

).

16-84. And (remember) the Day when We shall raise up from each nation a witness (their Messenger), then, those who have disbelieved will not be given leave (to put forward excuses), nor will they be allowed (to return to the world) to repent and ask for Allah's Forgiveness (of their sins, etc.).

16-85. And when those who did wrong (the disbelievers) will see the torment, then it will not be lightened unto them, nor will they be given respite.

16-86. And when those who associated partners with Allah see their (Allah's so-called) partners, they will say: "Our Lord! These are our partners whom we used to invoke besides you." But they will throw back their word at them (and say): "Surely! You indeed are liars!"

16-87. And they will offer (their full) submission to Allah (Alone) on that Day, and their invented false deities [all that they used to invoke besides Allah, e.g. idols, saints, priests, monks, angels, jinns, Jibrael (Gabriel), Messengers, etc.] will vanish from them.

16-88. Those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, for them We will add torment over the torment; because they used to spread corruption [by disobeying Allah themselves, as well as ordering others (mankind) to do so].

16-89. And (remember) the Day when We shall raise up from every nation a witness against them from amongst themselves. And We shall bring you (O Muhammad ) as a witness against these. And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur'an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).

16-90. Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl and Al-Ihsan , and giving (help) to kith and kin: and forbids Al-Fahsha' , and Al-Munkar (), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed.

16-91. And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (Bai'a: pledge for Islam) when you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allah your surety. Verily! Allah knows what you do.

16-92. And be not like her who undoes the thread which she has spun after it has become strong, by taking your oaths a means of deception among yourselves, lest a nation may be more numerous than another nation. Allah only tests you by this [i.e who obeys Allah and fulfills Allah's Covenant and who disobeys Allah and breaks Allah's Covenant]. And on the Day of Resurrection, He will certainly make clear to you that wherein you used to differ [i.e. a believer confesses and believes in

the Oneness of Allah and in the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad which the disbeliever denies it and that was their difference amongst them in the life of this world].

16-93. And had Allah willed, He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. But you shall certainly be called to account for what you used to do.

16-94. And make not your oaths, a means of deception among yourselves, lest a foot may slip after being firmly planted, and you may have to taste the evil (punishment in this world) of having hindered (men) from the Path of Allah (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad ), and yours will be a great torment (i.e. the Fire of Hell in the Hereafter).

16-95. And purchase not a small gain at the cost of Allah's Covenant. Verily! What is with Allah is better for you if you did but know.

16-96. Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever with Allah (of good deeds) will remain. And those who are patient, We will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.

This as an ayat of profound importance, and describes that people must have full faith and confidence in the system that they profess, only then they will they give a practical shape in worldly affairs which will result in the best worldly life for them .Naturally, if they conduct themselves with utmost honesty and morality, their life in Hereafter will be very good as well.

We have not understood this ayah in its true sense. This teaches us many important social principles. You have to belong to a ystem, be loyal to it and follow its rules, remain loyality to the system and

system will support you during your working life and after retiemeny and is thaformulae which will result in a disciplined life.

16-97. Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer , verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).

Before reciting Quran take refuge from Satan, Satan has no power who believe, and put trust only in Allah. He has control over those who follow him, or are ploythiest.

This aya also has social applicability. People undermine some ones loyality by creating doubt in his mind about some one, like person , God, country, organisation etc. But if One has full faith in his decisions, beliefs, relationships, then no one can affect it what ever arguments some one gives. The right thing is not to listen to the doubt creator.

16-98. So when you want to recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast (the cursed one). 16-99. Verily! He has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord (Allah). 16-100. His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Satan), and those who join partners with Him (Allah) .

16-101. And when We change a Verse in place of another, and Allah knows the best of what He sends down, they (the disbelievers) say: "You (O Muhammad ) are but a Muftari! (forger, liar)." Nay, but most of them know not.

16-102. Say (O Muhammad ) Ruh-ul-Qudus[Jibrael (Gabriel)] has brought it (the Qur'an) down from your Lord with truth, that it may make firm and strengthen (the Faith of) those who believe and as a guidance and glad tidings to those who have submitted (to Allah as Muslims).

Allah says the liars are those who cook up falsehood , not the prophet ,whereas the Messenger brings nothing but the Truth from

Allah.

16-103. And indeed We know that they (polytheists and pagans) say: "It is only a human being who teaches him (Muhammad )." The tongue of the man they refer to is foreign, while this (the Qur'an) is a clear Arabic tongue.

16-104. Verily! Those who believe not in the Ayat of Allah, Allah will not guide them and theirs will be a painful torment.

16-105. It is only those who believe not in the Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, who fabricate falsehood, and it is they who are liars.

This Ayah gives policy Decisions about belief and disbelief and explains two conditions which can apply to an individual,

A man disbelieves in allah after belief, and intentionally remains disbeliever, or does not clear his doubts, he will annoy Allah and will be punished,

but another person is forced to declare disbelief, under duress, but remains a true muslim in the haert. Will be considered momin and will be rewarded. This ayah refers to Hazrat Ammar bin yasir, whose parents were

killed after giving torture, and he said whatever Meccans wanted him to say against islam, then he went to the prophet and related his story.

I also came acroos such a person in my life.He was Romanian defence attache in India,in 1982, was such person.Being Communist, he openly denied believing in God, but used to pray, knew Quran, remebered many Suras by heart. He told me that His grandfather was also a forced communist, but taught him Quran ans iSlam. He took copies of my Salat Book,english transliteration. Our pilots who went to China, told me that in a meat shop, the owner said that he was a proud

muslim inside, but was hiding his faith, knew kalima. The deciding factor is faith in the heart, not what says in the open to save himself from worldly damage.

16-106. Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is at rest with Faith but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment.

16-107. That is because they loved and preferred the life of this world over that of the Hereafter. And Allah guides not the people who disbelieve.

16-108. They are those upon whose hearts, hearing (ears) and sight (eyes) Allah has set a seal. And they are the heedless!

16-109. No doubt, in the Hereafter, they will be the losers.

This verse refers to various emigrations to Ethopia/ Abysinya

16-110. Then, verily! Your Lord for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard and fought (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient, verily, your Lord afterward is, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

16-111. (Remember) the Day when every person will come up pleading for himself, and every one will be paid in full for what he did (good or evil, belief or disbelief in the life of this world) and they will not be dealt with unjustly.

16-112. And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad ) which they (its people) used to do.

16-113. And verily, there had come unto them a Messenger (Muhammad ) from among themselves, but they denied him, so the torment overtook them while they were Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).

16-114. So eat of the lawful and good foodwhich Allah has provided for you. And be grateful for the Graces of Allah, if it is He Whom you worship.

16-115. He has forbidden you only Al-Maytatah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols etc. or on which Allah's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, and not transgressing, then, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

16-116. And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: "This is lawful and this is forbidden," so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper.

16-117. A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment.

16-118. And unto those who are Jews, We have forbidden such things as We have mentioned to you (O Muhammad ) before [in Surat-Al-An'am, (The Cattle), see Verse 6:146]. And We wronged them not, but they used to wrong themselves.

Policy about evil done in ignorance

16-119. Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allah) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Example of prophet Ibrahim is given , about which Meccansalso knew

16-120. Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanifa(i.e. to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners with Allah).

16-121. (He was) thankful for His (Allah's) Graces. He (Allah) chose him (as an intimate friend) and guided him to a Straight Path (Islamic Monotheism, neither Judaism nor Christianity).

16-122. And We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous.

16-123. Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad saying): "Follow the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism- to worship none but Allah) and he was not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers, etc.).

16-124. The Sabbath was only prescribed for those who differed concerning it, and verily, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they used to differ.

Allah advises technique of preaching, convincing, advising, to prophet, which we must also follow in our lives

16-125. Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and

argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.

16-126. And if you punish (your enemy, O you believers in the Oneness of Allah), then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabirin(the patient ones, etc.).

Advice to prophet, muslims to endure opposositin, persecution for Truth. This is for us as well.

16-127. And endure you patiently (O Muhammad ), your patience is not but from Allah. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans, etc.), and be not distressed because of what they plot.

16-128. Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinun(good-doers, - see the footnote of V.9:120).

17. Surah Al-Isra' (The Journey by Night)

This sura name is based on first ayat of the MERAJ NABI to heavens to meet Alllah, which happened one year before Hijrat. By then 12vyears of preaching resulted in many muslims in Mecca, as well as many becoming muslims from tribes of Aus and Khzraj from madina and they invited the prophet to migrate ti Madina, and gauranteed his protection as they would protect their own wife and children.

This sura also contains ayat trying tom convince Meccans and people from other towns on Tauheed, Life after death,Resurruction , accountability, prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad, consoling the prophet and muslims to have patience. Then giving glad tidings of jannat who believe and warning of hell for those who donot believe in Islamic teachings. During the Meraj, the prophet was shown jannat and jahanam, and punishments for various sins. During Meraj five times salat was made farz or mandatory which are mentioned in this sura. I am sure by now every one has become conversant with the

style of sermins, dialogue, addresses by Allah, so I ahave reduced the number of headings

This suran contains social instructions as well in preparation to the coming migration to Madins. I must explain that we should be able now to differentiate between two types of teachings. The basic teachings covers the relationship of an individual with his creator and his relationship after he is dead and after resurruction . This forms part of religion. The instructions which are related to life on this earth are social instrutions from Allah. They are controlled by social principles based on human nature. As human nature is also a divine design, they actually are also eminate from Allah. These are universal truths as human nature is the same throught the world.

Allah confirms the journey of Meraj. From the ayah it is clear that Allah physically took the Prophet on the journey and was not a dream or vision only.

17-1. Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him] [TafsirQurtubi, Vol. 10, Page 204] Who took His slave (Muhammad ) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad ) of Our Ayat(proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

After the introduction to Meraj, Allah,swt, gives the example of jews, that they should have made allah wakil. Wakil is to whom we give the consent to look after our interests.But jews repeatedly disobeyed and were punished.

17-2. And We gave Musa (Moses) the Scripture and made it a guidance for the Children of Israel (saying): "Take not other than Me as (your) Wakil (Protector, Lord, or Disposer of your affairs, etc).

Bani Israel are children of those who were carried in ship with Prophet Nuh

17-3. "O offspring of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nuh (Noah)! Verily, he was a grateful slave."

17-4. And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the Scripture, that indeed you

would do mischief on the earth twice and you will become tyrants and

extremely arrogant!

17-5. So, when the promise came for the first of the two, We sent against you slaves of Ours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise (completely) fulfilled.

17-6. Then We gave you once again, a return of victory over them. And We helped you with wealth and children and made you more numerous in man power.

17-7. (And We said): "If you do good, you do good for your ownselves, and if you do evil (you do it) against yourselves." Then, when the second promise came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to make your faces sorrowful and to enter the mosque (of Jerusalem) as they had entered it before, and to destroy with utter destruction all that fell in their hands.

17-8. [And We said in the Taurat (Torah)]: "It may be that your Lord may show mercy unto you, but if you return (to sins), We shall return (to Our Punishment). And We have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers.

17-9. Verily, this Qur'an guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad , etc.). who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise).

17-10. And that those who believe not in the Hereafter (i.e. they disbelieve that they will be recompensed for what they did in this world, good or bad, etc.), for them We have prepared a painful torment (Hell).

17-11. And man invokes (Allah) for evil as he invokes (Allah) for good and man is ever hasty [i.e., if he is angry with somebody, he invokes (saying): "O Allah! Curse him, etc." and that one should not do, but one should be patient].

17-12. And We have appointed the night and the day as two Ayat(signs etc.). Then, We have made dark the sign of the night while We have made the sign of day illuminating, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number of the years and the reckoning. And We have explained everything (in detail) with full explanation.

17-13. And We have fastened every man's deeds to his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open.

14. (It will be said to him): "Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day."

17-17-15. Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his ownself. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with burdens can bear another's burden. And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).

Policy Decision;.How nations or towns are destroyed. We should use these principles to predict about countries.

17-16. And when We decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them [or We (first) increase in number those of its population] who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction.

17-17. And how many generations have We destroyed after Nuh (Noah)! And Sufficient is your Lord as an All-Knower and All-Beholder of the sins of His slaves

17-18. Whoever wishes for the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell, he will burn therein disgraced and rejected, ( far away from Allah's Mercy).

17-19. And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. do righteous deeds of Allah's Obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, thanked and rewarded (by Allah).

17-20. To each these as well as those We bestow from the Bounties of your Lord. And the Bounties of your Lord can never be forbidden.

17-21. See how We prefer one above another (in this world) and verily, the Hereafter will be greater in degrees and greater in preference.

17-22. Set not up with Allah any other ilah (god), (O man)! (This verse is addressed to Prophet Muhammad , but its implication is general to all mankind), or you will sit down reproved, forsaken (in the Hell-fire).

From here , general instructions are given to muslims the social norms

Parents rights

17-23. And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your

life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.

17-24. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small."

17-25. Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance.

Rights of relatines, miskeen , travellers, NOT TO WASTE money

17-26. And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskin(poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift . [Tafsir. At-Tabari, Vol. 10, Page 158 (Verse 9: 60)].

17-27. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils), and the Shaitan (Devil - Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord.

17-28. And if you (O Muhammad ) turn away from them (kindred, poor, wayfarer, etc. whom We have ordered you to give their rights, but if you have no money at the time they ask you for it) and you are awaiting a mercy from your Lord for which you hope, then, speak unto them a soft kind word (i.e. Allah will give me and I shall give you).

17-29. And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty.

17-30. Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever All-Knower, All-Seer of His slaves.

17-31. And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin.

17-32. And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Fahishah[i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him).

17-33. And do not kill anyone which Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause. And whoever is killed (intentionally with hostility and oppression and not by mistake), We have given his heir the authority [(to demand Qisas, Law of Equality in punishment or to forgive, or to take Diya (blood money)]. But let him not exceed limits in the matter of taking life (i.e he should not kill except the killer only). Verily, he is helped (by the Islamic law).

17-34. And come not near to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength. And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily! the covenant, will be questioned about.

17-35. And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good (advantageous) and better in the end.

17-36. And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one's saying: "I have seen," while in fact he has not seen, or "I have heard," while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah).

17-37. And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can neither rend nor penetrate the earth, nor can you attain a stature like the mountains in height.

17-38. All the bad aspects of these (the above mentioned things) are hateful to your Lord.

17-39. This is (part) of Al-Hikmah (wisdom, good manners and high character, etc.) which your Lord has inspired to you (O Muhammad ). And set not up with Allah any other ilah (god) lest you should be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected, (from Allah's Mercy).

17-40. Has then your Lord (O pagans of Makkah) preferred for you sons, and taken for Himself from among the angels daughters. Verily! You utter an awful saying, indeed.

17-41. And surely, We have explained [Our Promises, Warnings and (set forth many) examples] in this Qur'an that they (the disbelievers) may take heed, but it increases them in naught save aversion.

17-42. Say (O Muhammad to these polytheists, pagans, etc.): "If there had been other aliha (gods) along with Him as they assert, then they would certainly have sought out a way to the Lord of the Throne (seeking His Pleasures and to be near to Him).

17-43. Glorified and High be He! From 'UluwanKabira(the great falsehood) that they say! (i.e.forged statements that there are other gods along with Allah, but He is Allah, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, whom all creatures need. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none comparable or coequal unto Him).

17-44. The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.

Disblievers and their attitude and preaching

17-45. And when you (Muhammad ) recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not).

17-46. And We have put coverings over their hearts lest, they should understand it (the Qur'an), and in their ears deafness. And when you make mention of your Lord Alone [La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) Islamic Monotheism] in the Qur'an, they turn on their backs, fleeing in extreme dislikeness.

17-47. We know best of what they listen to, when they listen to you. And when they take secret counsel, behold, the Zalimun(polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) say: "You follow none but a bewitched man."

17-48. See what examples they have put forward for you. So they have gone astray, and never can they find a way.

17-49. And they say: "When we are bones and fragments (destroyed), should we really be resurrected (to be) a new creation?"

17-50. Say (O Muhammad ) "Be you stones or iron,"

17-51. "Or some created thing that is yet greater (or harder) in your breasts (thoughts to be resurrected, even then you shall be resurrected)" Then, they will say: "Who shall bring us back (to life)?" Say: "He Who created you first!" Then, they will shake their heads at you and say: "When will that be ?" Say: "Perhaps it is near!"

17-52. On the Day when He will call you, and you will answer (His Call) with (words of) His Praise and Obedience, and you will think that you have stayed (in this world) but a little while!

Believers

17-53. And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.

17-54. Your Lord knows you best, if He will, He will have mercy on you, or if He will, He will punish you. And We have not sent you (O Muhammad ) as a guardian over them.

17-55. And your Lord knows best all who are in the heavens and the earth. And indeed, We have preferred some of the Prophets above others, and to Dawud (David) We gave the Zabur (Psalms).

17-56. Say (O Muhammad ): "Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend [to be gods like angels, Iesa (Jesus), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.]. They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shift it from you to another person."

17-57. Those whom they call upon [like 'Iesa (Jesus) - son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), angel, etc.] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allah), as to which of them should be the nearest and they ['Iesa (Jesus), 'Uzair (Ezra), angels, etc.] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. Verily, the Torment of your Lord is something to be afraid of!

17-58. And there is not a town (population) but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe torment. That is written in the Book (of our Decrees)

17-59. And nothing stops Us from sending the Ayat(proofs, evidences, signs) but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the she-camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).

17-60. And (remember) when We told you: "Verily! Your Lord has encompassed mankind (i.e. they are in His Grip)." And We made not the vision which we showed you (O Muhammad as an actual eye-witness and not as a dream on the night of Al-Isra') but a trial for mankind, and likewise the accursed tree (Zaqqum, mentioned) in the Qur'an. We warn and make them afraid but it only increases them in naught save great disbelief, oppression and disobedience to Allah.

shaitan vows to mislead human beings. So we must consider him our enemies.

17-61. And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate unto Adam." They prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He said: "Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?"

17-62. [Iblis (Satan)] said: "See? This one whom You have honoured above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!"

17-63. (Allah) said: "Go, and whosoever of them follows you, surely! Hell will be the recompense of you (all) an ample recompense.

17-64. "And Istafziz [literally means: befool them gradually] those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allah's

disobedience), make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, mutually share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways usury, etc., or by committing illegal sexual intercourse, etc.), and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.

17-65. "Verily! My slaves (i.e the true believers of Islamic Monotheism), you have no authority over them. And All-Sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian."

Allah gives more example to non belivers to think and decide to believe in Allah

17-66. Your Lord is He Who drives the ship for you through the sea, in order that you may seek of His Bounty. Truly! He is Ever Most Merciful towards you.

17-67. And when harm touches you upon the sea, those that you call upon besides Him vanish from you except Him (Allah Alone). But when He brings you safely to land, you turn away (from Him). And man is ever ungrateful.

17-68. Do you then feel secure that He will not cause a side of the land to swallow you up, or that He will not send against you a violent sand-storm? Then, you shall find no Wakil(guardian one to guard you from the torment).

17-69. Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back a second time to sea and send against you a hurricane of wind and drown you because of your disbelief, then you will not find any avenger therein against Us?

17-70. And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At-Taiyibat(lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preference.

17-71. (And remember) the Day when We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imam . So whosoever is given his record in his right hand, such will read their records, and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.

17-72. And whoever is blind in this world (i.e., does not see Allah's Signs and believes not in Him), will be blind in the Hereafter, and more astray from the Path.

17-73. Verily, they were about to tempt you away from that which We have revealed (the Qur'an) unto you (O Muhammad ), to fabricate something other than it against Us, and then they would certainly have taken you a friend!

17-74. And had We not made you stand firm, you would nearly have inclined to them a little.

17-75. In that case, We would have made you taste a double portion (of punishment) in this life and a double portion (of punishment) after death. And then you would have found none to help you against Us.

17-76. And Verily, they were about to frighten you so much as to drive you out from the land. But in that case they would not have stayed (therein) after you, expcept for a little while.

17-77. (This was Our) Sunnah (rule or way) with the Messengers We sent before you (O Muhammad ), and you will not find any alteration in Our Sunnah(rule or way, etc.).

Five Daily Prayers are enjoined, and Tahajjud prayers

17-78. Perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) from mid-day till the darkness of the night (i.e. the Zuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, and 'Isha' prayers), and recite the Qur'an in the early dawn (i.e. the morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Qur'an in the early dawn is ever witnessed (attended by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night).

17-79. And in some parts of the night (also) offer the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e. recite the Qur'an in the prayer), as an additional prayer (Tahajjudoptional prayer Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad ). It may be that your Lord will raise you to MaqamanMahmuda(a station of praise and glory, i.e. the highest degree in Paradise!).

17-80. And say (O Muhammad ): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and likewise my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof).

17-81. And say: "Truth (i.e. Islamic Monotheism or this Qur'an or Jihad against polytheists) has come and Batil(falsehood, i.e. Satan or polytheism, etc.) has vanished. Surely! Batil is ever bound to vanish."

17-82. And We send down from the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zalimun(polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss.

17-83. And when We bestow Our Grace on man (the disbeliever), he turns away and becomes arrogant, far away from the Right Path. And when evil touches him he is in great despair.

17-84. Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "Each one does according to Shakilatihi(i.e. his way or his religion or his intentions, etc.), and your Lord knows best of him whose path (religion, etc.) is right."

People ask the nature of Rooh or spirit

17-85. And they ask you (O Muhammad ) concerning the Ruh(the Spirit); Say: "The Ruh(the Spirit): it is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little."

17-86. And if We willed We could surely take away that which We have revealed to you by inspiration (i.e. this Qur'an). Then you would find no protector for you against Us in that respect.

17-87. Except as a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! His Grace unto you (O Muhammad ) is ever great.

17-88. Say: "If the mankind and the jinns were together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another."

17-89. And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Qur'an, every kind of similitude, but most mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief.

17-90. And they say: "We shall not believe in you (O Muhammad ), until you cause a spring to gush forth from the earth for us;

17-91. "Or you have a garden of date-palms and grapes, and cause rivers to gush forth in their midst abundantly;

17-92. "Or you cause the heaven to fall upon us in pieces, as you have pretended, or you bring Allah and the angels before (us) face to face;

17-93. "Or you have a house of adornable materials (like silver and pure gold, etc.), or you ascend up into the sky, and even then we will put no faith in your ascension until you bring down for us a Book that we would read." Say (O Muhammad ): "Glorified (and Exalted) be my Lord (Allah) above all that evil they (polytheists) associate with Him! Am I anything but a man, sent as a Messenger?"

17-94. And nothing prevented men from believing when the guidance came to them, except that they said: "Has Allah sent a man as (His) Messenger?"

17-95. Say: "If there were on the earth, angels walking about in peace and security, We should certainly have sent down for them from the heaven an angel as a Messenger."

17-96. Say: "Sufficient is Allah for a witness between me and you. Verily! He is the All-Knower, the All-Seer of His slaves."

17-97. And he whom Allah guides, he is led aright; but he whom He sends astray for such you will find no Auliya' (helpers and protectors, etc.), besides Him, and We shall gather them together on the Day of Resurrection on their faces, blind, dumb

and deaf, their abode will be Hell; whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire.

17-98. That is their recompense, because they denied Our Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and said: "When we are bones and fragments, shall we really be raised up as a new creation?"

17-99. See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, is Able to create the like of them. And He has decreed for them an appointed term, whereof there is not doubt. But the Zalimun(polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) refuse (the truth the Message of Islamic Monotheism, and accept nothing) but disbelief.

17-100. Say (to the disbelievers): "If you possessed the treasure of the Mercy of my Lord (wealth, money, provision, etc.), then you would surely hold back (from spending) for fear of (being exhausted), and man is ever miserly!"

17-101. And indeed We gave to Musa (Moses) nine clear signs. Ask then the Children of Israel, when he came to them, then Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said to him: "O Musa (Moses)! I think you are indeed bewitched."

17-102. [Musa (Moses)] said: "Verily, you know that these signs have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as clear (evidences i.e. proofs of Allah's Oneness and His Omnipotence, etc.). And I think you are, indeed, O Fir'aun (Pharaoh) doomed to destruction (away from all good)!"

17-103. So he resolved to turn them out of the land (of Egypt). But We drowned him and all who were with him.

17-104. And We said to the Children of Israel after him: "Dwell in the land, then, when the final and the last promise comes near [i.e. the Day of Resurrection or the descent of Christ ['Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) on the earth]. We shall bring you altogether as mixed crowd (gathered out of various nations).[Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 10, Page 338]

17-105. And with truth We have sent it down (i.e. the Qur'an), and with truth it has descended. And We have sent you (O Muhammad ) as nothing but a bearer of glad tidings (of Paradise, for those who follow your Message of Islamic Monotheism), and a warner (of Hell-fire for those who refuse to follow your Message of Islamic Monotheism).

17-106. And (it is) a Qur'an which We have divided (into parts), in order that you might recite it to men at intervals. And We have revealed it by stages. (in 23 years).

17-107. Say (O Muhammad to them): "Believe in it (the Qur'an) or do not believe (in it). Verily! Those who were given knowledge before it (the Jews and the Christians

like 'Abdullah bin Salam and Salman Al-Farisi), when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration."

17-108. And they say: "Glory be to our Lord! Truly, the Promise of our Lord must be fulfilled."

17-109. And they fall down on their faces weeping and it adds to their humility.

17-110. Say (O Muhammad ): "Invoke Allah or invoke the Most Beneficent (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best Names. And offer your Salat (prayer) neither aloud nor in a low voice, but follow a way between.

17-111. And say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has not begotten a son (nor an offspring), and Who has no partner in (His) Dominion, nor He is low to have a Wali(helper, protector or supporter). And magnify Him with all the magnificence, [Allahu-Akbar (Allah is the Most Great)]."

18. Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave)

This sura covers three stories. One of ASHAB –E-KAHF and second of HAZRAT MUSA, saw, meeting with HAZRAT KHIZAR, and third is of ZUL QARNAIN, as answer to questions asked from the holy prophet, saw,.Ayat are simple to understand .Breif details are covered after the sura.

The central theme of sura is that Jews, christians, pagans, utter words about which they have neither they nor their fathers had any knowledg, and they cook up lies against Allah , like God having sons, or angels are His daughters etc. Like wise, they want to test the prophet about his prophethood by asking questions about past events in jewish or christian history. Then Allah describes the truth in some stories ,

18--1. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has sent down to His slave (Muhammad ) the Book (the Qur'an), and has not placed therein any crookedness.

18-2. (He has made it) Straight to give warning (to the disbelievers) of a severe punishment from Him, and to give glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a fair reward (i.e. Paradise).

18--3. They shall abide therein forever.18-4. And to warn those (Jews, Christians, and pagans) who say, "Allah has begotten a son (or offspring or children)."18-5. No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. Mighty is the word that comes out of their mouths [i.e. He begot (took) sons and daughters]. They utter nothing but a lie.

18-6. Perhaps, you, would kill yourself (O Muhammad ) in grief, over their footsteps (for their turning away from you), because they believe not in this narration (the Qur'an).

18-7. Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah's sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet ].

18-8. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.)

.

STORY OF ASHAB_E_KAHF

There are many lessons which were to be taught to Meccans and muslims alike; These were;

In the past also , prophets of the timeewere always denied and his believers persecuted.

When the persecution becomes unbearable, believers always chose to leave their people and migrate to safe places.

The story od Ashab e –Kahf provides evidence of RESURRUCTION that it is within Allah’s control , that they were put to sleep for about three hundrd years and then made awake.

18-9. Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription (the news or the names of the people of the Cave) were a wonder among Our Signs?

Who were ashab-e- kahaf;

18-10. (Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave, they said: "Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!"

18-11. Therefore We covered up their (sense of) hearing (causing them, to go in deep sleep) in the Cave for a number of years.

18-12. Then We raised them up (from their sleep), that We might test which of the two parties was best at calculating the time period that they had tarried.

18-13. We narrate unto you (O Muhammad ) their story with truth: Truly! They were young men who believed in their Lord (Allah), and We increased them in guidance.

18-14. And We made their hearts firm and strong (with the light of Faith in Allah and bestowed upon them patience to bear the separation of their kith and kin and dwellings, etc.) when they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief.

18-15. "These our people have taken for worship aliha (gods) other than Him (Allah). Why do they not bring for them a clear authority? And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah.

18-16. (The young men said to one another): "And when you withdraw from them, and that which they worship, except Allah, then seek refuge in the Cave, your Lord will open a way for you from His Mercy and will make easy for you your affair (i.e. will give you what you will need of provision, dwelling, etc.)."

18-17. And you might have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the midst of the Cave. That is (one) of the Ayat(proofs, evidences, signs) of Allah. He whom Allah guides, is rightly guided; but he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no Wali(guiding friend) to lead him (to the right Path).

18-18. And you would have thought them awake, while they were asleep. And We turned them on their right and on their left sides, and their dog stretching forth his two forelegs at the entrance [of the Cave or in the space near to the entrance of the Cave (as a guard at the gate)]. Had you looked at them, you would certainly have turned back from them in flight, and would certainly have been filled with awe of them.

18-19. Likewise, We awakened them (from their long deep sleep) that they might question one another. A speaker from among them said: "How long have you stayed (here)?" They said: "We have stayed (perhaps) a day or part of a day." They said: "Your Lord (Alone) knows best how long you have stayed (here). So send one of you with this silver coin of yours to the town, and let him find out which is the good lawful food, and bring some of that to you. And let him be careful and let no man know of you.

18-20. "For if they come to know of you, they will stone you (to death or abuse and harm you) or turn you back to their religion, and in that case you will never be successful."

The puropse of putting them to sleep for a long time and then wake them up was meant to show people a PROOF OF LIFE AFTER DEATH >

18-21. And thus We made their case known to the people, that they might know that the Promise of Allah is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour. (Remember) when they (the people of the city) disputed among themselves about their case, they said: "Construct a building over them, their Lord knows best about them," (then) those who won their point said (most probably the disbelievers): "We verily shall build a place of worship over them."

How many were they;18-22. (Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth, guessing at the unseen; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say (O Muhammad

): "My Lord knows best their number; none knows them but a few." So debate not (about their number, etc.) except with the clear proof (which We have revealed to you). And consult not any of them (people of the Scripture, Jews and Christians) about (the affair of) the people of the Cave.

18-23. And never say of anything, "I shall do such and such thing tomorrow."

18-24. Except (with the saying), "If Allah will!" And remember your Lord when you forget and say: "It may be that my Lord guides me unto a nearer way of truth than this."

How many years they satayed sleeping in the cave;

18-25. And they stayed in their Cave three hundred (solar) years, and add nine (for lunar years).

Allah makes none to share in His Decision and His Rule."

18-26. Say: "Allah knows best how long they stayed. With Him is (the knowledge of) the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How clearly He sees, and hears (everything)!

They have no Wali(Helper, Disposer of affairs, Protector, etc.) other than Him, and He makes none to share in His Decision and His Rule."

18-27. And recite what has been revealed to you (O Muhammad ) of the Book (the Qur'an) of your Lord (i.e. recite it, understand and follow its teachings and act on its orders and preach it to men). None can change His Words, and none will you find as a refuge other than Him.

Allah tells the prophet to stay with the believers

18-28. And keep yourself (O Muhammad ) patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost.

18-29. And say: "The truth is from your Lord." Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve. Verily, We have prepared for the Zalimun(polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), a Fire whose walls will be surrounding them (disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah). And if they ask for help (relief, water, etc.) they will be granted water like boiling oil, that will scald their faces. Terrible the drink, and an evil Murtafaqa(dwelling, resting place, etc.)!

18-30. Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner.

18-31. These! For them will be 'Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens); wherein rivers flow underneath them, therein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine and thick silk. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good is the reward, and what an excellent Murtafaqa(dwelling, resting place, etc.)!

Story of two peasnts, one believer and other non-beliver, who did not want to give charity and say Insha Allah

18-32. And put forward to them the example of two men; unto one of them We had given two gardens of grapes, and We had surrounded both with date-palms; and had put between them green crops (cultivated fields etc.).

18-33. Each of those two gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein, and We caused a river to gush forth in the midst of them.

18-34. And he had property (or fruit) and he said to his companion, in the course of mutual talk: I am more than you in wealth and stronger in respect of men." [See TafsirQurtubi, Vol. 10, Page 403].

18-35. And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: "I think not that this will ever perish.

18-36. "And I think not the Hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my Lord, (on the Day of Resurrection), I surely shall find better than this when I return to Him."

18-37. His companion said to him, during the talk with him: "Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you out of dust (i.e. your father Adam), then out of Nutfah(mixed semen drops of male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man?

18-38. "But as for my part (I believe) that He is Allah, my Lord and none shall I associate as partner with my Lord.

18-39. It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: 'That which Allah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allah '. If you see me less than you in wealth, and children.

18-40. "It may be that my Lord will give me something better than your garden, and will send on it Husban(torment, bolt, etc.) from the sky, then it will be a slippery earth.

18-41. "Or the water thereof (of the gardens) becomes deep-sunken (underground) so that you will never be able to seek it."

18-42. So his fruits were encircled (with ruin). And he remained clapping his hands with sorrow over what he had spent upon it, while it was all destroyed on its trellises, he could only say: "Would I had ascribed no partners to my Lord!" [TafsirIbnKathir]

18-43. And he had no group of men to help him against Allah, nor could he defend or save himself.

18-44. There (on the Day of Resurrection), Al-Walayah(the protection, power, authority and kingdom) will be for Allah (Alone), the True God. He (Allah) is the

Best for reward and the Best for the final end. (La ilaha ill-Allah none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

Exaple of Life and water

18-45. And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything.

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world.

18-46. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds , that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

After qiyamat,when the second buggle is blown a new and flat earth will be made on which all creations will be gathered in rows

18-47. And (remember) the Day We shall cause the mountains to pass away (like clouds of dust), and you will see the earth as a levelled plain, and we shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind.

18-48. And they will be set before your Lord in (lines as) rows, (and Allah will say): "Now indeed, you have come to Us as We created you the first time. Nay, but you thought that We had appointed no meeting for you (with Us)."

18-49. And the Book (one's Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of Allah, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah), and you will see the Mujrimun(criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!" And they will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Lord treats no one with injustice.

18-50. And (remember) when We said to the angels; "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis(Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun(polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc).

18-51. I (Allah) made them (Iblisand his offspring) not to witness (nor took their help in) the creation of the heavens and the earth and not (even) their own creation, nor was I (Allah) to take the misleaders as helpers.

18-52. And (remember) the Day He will say:"Call those (so-called) partners of Mine whom you pretended." Then they will cry unto them, but they will not answer them, and We shall put Maubiqa(a barrier, or enmity, or destruction, or a valley in Hell) between them.

18-53. And the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners), shall see the Fire and apprehend that they have to fall therein. And they will find no way of escape from there.

Allah puts many arguments and example for people to make it easy to believe

18-54. And indeed We have put forth every kind of example in this Qur'an, for mankind. But, man is ever more quarrelsome than anything.

18-55. And nothing prevents men from believing, now when the guidance (the Qur'an) has come to them, and from asking Forgiveness of their Lord, except that the ways of the ancients be repeated with them (i.e. their destruction decreed by Allah), or the torment be brought to them face to face?

18-56. And We send not the Messengers except as giver of glad tidings and warners. But those who disbelieve, dispute with false argument, in order to refute the truth thereby. And they treat My Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and that with which they are warned, as jest and mockery!

18-57. And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayat of his Lord, but turns away from them forgetting what (deeds) his hands have sent forth. Truly, We have set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this (the Qur'an), and

in their ears, deafness. And if you (O Muhammad ) call them to guidance, even then they will never be guided.

Allah gives respite till appointed time people to think and believe. But they are punished at appoitned tim.

18-58. And your Lord is Most Forgiving, Owner of Mercy. Were He to call them to account for what they have earned, then surely, He would have hastened their punishment. But they have their appointed time, beyond which they will find no escape.

18-59. And these towns (population, 'Ad, Thamud, etc.) We destroyed when they did wrong. And We appointed a fixed time for their destruction.

Story of Prophet Moses, and Hazrat Khizar,

The lesson learnt is that what you see the incidents or what you expeience are deceptive, God’s divine design is some thing different. So the best is to believe that what happens to us, good or bad, is from Allah. What happens to others, do not opine in negative way , but should think Allah knows better, He is best of Planners.

18-60. And (remember) when Musa (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."

18-61. 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.

18-62. So when they had passed further on (beyond that fixed place), Musa (Moses) said to his boy-servant: "Bring us our morning meal; truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey."

18-63. He said:"Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock? I indeed forgot the fish, none but Shaitan (Satan) made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!"

18-64. [Musa (Moses)] said: "That is what we have been seeking." So they went back retracing their footsteps.

Jazrat Khizar meets Moses ;18-65. Then they found one of Our slaves, unto whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us.

18-66. Musa (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 Allah)?"

18-67. He (Khidr) said: "Verily! You will not be able to have patience with me! 18-68. "And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?" 18-69. Musa (Moses) said: "If Allah will, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught."18-70. He (Khidr) said: "Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention it to you."

18-71. So they both proceeded, till, when they embarked the ship, he (Khidr) scuttled it. Musa (Moses) said: "Have you scuttled it in order to drown its people? Verily, you have committed a thing "Imra" (a Munkar - evil, bad, dreadful thing)."

18-72. He (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me?"

18-73. [Musa (Moses)] said: "Call me not to account for what I forgot, and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you)."

18-74. Then they both proceeded, till they met a boy, he (Khidr) killed him. Musa (Moses) said: "Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none? Verily, you have committed a thing "Nukra" (a great Munkar - prohibited, evil, dreadful thing)!"

18-75. (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?"

18-76. [Musa (Moses)] said: "If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company, you have received an excuse from me."

18-77. 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. [Musa (Moses)] said: If you had wished, surely, you could have taken wages for it!"

18-78. (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.

18-79. "As for the ship, it belonged to Masakin (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force.

18-80. "And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief.

18-81. "So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy.

18-82. "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 it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience."

STORY OF ZUL QARNAIN

IT IS SELF EXPLANATORY. SOME DETAILS ARE GIVEN AFTER THE SURA>

MAIN THINGs TO LEARN are;.

1-Inspite of being such a big ruler, Zul qarnain never forgot tha he is weak human being and remained a believing person. To day we see when peoplr get small authority, they become Firauns for their people ,

2. CONCEPT OF YAJOOJ MAJOOJ>

Who was Zulqarnain

;-18-83. And they ask you about Dhul-Qarnain. Say: "I shall recite to you something of his story."18-84. Verily, We established him in the earth, and We gave him the means of everything.

18-85. So he followed a way.

18-86. Until, when he reached the setting place of the sun, he found it setting in a spring of black muddy (or hot) water. And he found near it a people. We (Allah) said (by inspiration): "O Dhul-Qarnain! Either you punish them, or treat them with kindness."18-18-87. He said: "As for him (a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah) who does wrong, we shall punish him; and then he will be brought back unto his Lord; Who will punish him with a terrible torment (Hell).18-88. "But as for him who believes (in Allah's Oneness) and works righteousness, he shall have the best reward, (Paradise), and we (Dhul-Qarnain) shall speak unto him mild words (as instructions)."

18-89. Then he followed another way,

18-90. Until, when he came to the rising place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We (Allah) had provided no shelter against the sun.18-91. So (it was)! And We knew all about him (Dhul-Qarnain).

18-92. Then he followed (another) way,

18-93. Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word.

Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog)

18-94. They said: "O Dhul-Qarnain! Verily! Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) are doing great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?"

18-95. He said: "That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord had established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier.

18-96. "Give me pieces (blocks) of iron," then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said: "Blow," till when he had made it (red as) fire, he said: "Bring me molten copper to pour over it."

18-97. So they [Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog)] were made powerless to scale it or dig through it. 18-98. Dhul-Qarnain) said: "This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the Promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down to the ground. And the Promise of my Lord is ever true."18-99. And on that Day [i.e. the Day Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog)will come out], We shall leave them to surge like waves on one another, and the Trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.

Non believers Plight

18-100. And on that Day We shall present Hell to the disbelievers, plain to view, 17-101. (To) Those whose eyes had been under a covering from My Reminder (this Qur'an), and who could not bear to hear (it). 17-102. Do then those who disbelieve think that they can take My slaves [i.e., the angels, Allah's Messengers, 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), etc.] as Auliya' (lords, gods, protectors, etc.) besides Me? Verily, We have prepared Hell as an entertainment for the disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism).

18-103. Say (O Muhammad ): "Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? 18-104. "Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds! 17-105. "They are those who deny the Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and the Meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their works are in vain, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall not give them any weight.17-106. "That shall be their recompense, Hell; because they disbelieved and took My Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery.

Believers reward

18-107. "Verily! Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, shall have the Gardens of Al-Firdaus(the Paradise) for their entertainment. 18-108. "Wherein they shall dwell (forever). No desire will they have to be removed therefrom."

These two ayats are most important from concept point of view.

Normaly Last ayats in each Suras carry imortant Message.

18-109. Say (O Muhammad to mankind). "If the sea were ink for (writing) the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished, even if we brought (another sea) like it for its aid."

18-110. Say (O Muhammad ): "I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilah(God) is One Ilah(God i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord."

The pictures of the cave and tomb of Ashab-e-Kahf are given below.These are located in Jordan

Jordan

Cave of Ashabe-Kahf (interior)

Interior of the Ashabe-Kahf cave – Y.Isap The main view above shows a section of the interior of the Ashabe-Kahf cave.

The crafted stone blocks are tombs; one of them (left) has a viewing hole

through which bones can be seen. The bones of the dog have also been

displayed. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was challenged by the

Quraysh of Makkah who did not believe in his message to answer three questions

passed onto them by the Jews. One of the questions was, “Who were the youth who

disappeared, and how many were they?” The Jews knew that the Prophet (peace

and blessings of Allah be on him) would only be able to tell the story if he was

indeed a prophet.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had no clue and said that he

would answer them tomorrow, hoping for the answer to be revealed to him through

Jibraeel (upon him be peace) but forgetting to say ’Inshallah’ (if Allah wills). No

revelation came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) for 15

days, leading the Quraysh to greatly abuse and revile him.

Rear wall in the Cave of the Ashabe-Kahf – Photo: Z.Patel

The answer, however, was eventually revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings

of Allah be on him) in a Surah named after the cave (Al-Kahf) of the sleepers. The

Quran revealed the exact story that the Jews knew of, and it answered the questions

similarly to the information they had. The Quran confirmed that they slept for 309

years, which the Jews knew of. The Quran however did not give an exact answer

as to how many they were. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) revealed:“(Some)

will say: They were three, their dog the fourth, and (some) say: Five, their dog the

sixth, guessing at random: and (some) say: Seven, and their dog the eighth. Say (O

Muhammad): My Lord is best aware of their number. None knowth them save a

few. So contend not concerning them except with an outward contending, and ask

not any of them to pronounce concerning them.”[18:22]

Another view of the inside of the Cave of the Ashabe-Kahf

The Jews themselves did not know exactly how many there were (whether 3,5 or

7) and were astonished when the Quran gave all the possible numbers they had

suspected for the number of sleepers.

Jordan

Cave of Ashabe-Kahf (exterior) Prev Article Next Article

Exterior of the Cave of the Ashabe-Kahf – Photo: F.Pandor

This is regarded as the cave in which a group of pious youths (equated with

the Christian legend of the „Sleepers of Ephesus‟) sought refuge from a

tyrannical pagan king and in which Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)

caused them to sleep for 300 years. Their story is mentioned in the Holy

Quran in Surah Kahf. The cave is located in the suburb of Abu Alanda in

Amman.

In around 250 CE there ruled a Roman king called Daqyanoos (Decius) who would

annually hold a gathering dedicated to the worshipping of idols. Many people

would attend, dressed in their best clothing. However, one youth believed in the

oneness of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), the teachings of Isa (upon him be

peace) and shunned pagan worship. He rebelled against the practices that were

happening in the society. He attracted another youth and then another to form a

small group.

Sign for the Cave of the Ashabe-Kahf – Photo: Z.Patel

When the king heard of their rebellion he became very angry and issued a

command for them to be killed. In order to save their iman (faith) they fled and

went into hiding. On their escape route they met a young farmer who owned a dog;

they gave him da’wah, he accepted and decided to also join them. Eventually they

came to a cave in which they made dua to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) for

ease. They decided to take rest there for a while, leaving the dog (named Qitmir)

near the entrance as a guard. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) caused them and

the dog to sleep for 300 years.

Close up of the entrance to the Ashabe-Kahf cave – Photo: F.Pandor

Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) describes their sleeping in the Holy Quran in

Surah Kahf:“And thou wouldst have deemed them waking though they were asleep,

and we caused them to turn over to the right and the left, and their dog stretching

out his paws on the threshold. If thou hadst observed them closely thou hadst

assuredly turned away from them in flight, and hadst been filled with awe of

them.” [18:18]

The Quran further states that the period of time these sleepers spent in the cave was

300 years during which the calendar of their people was changed from solar to

lunar and, as a result, the period of their sleep was 309 years. When they woke up,

they had no idea they slept for centuries and thought they had only slept a few

hours. When they sent one of them to buy food, the shopkeeper was amazed to see

such old coins and the reality of the time they had spent in the cave gradually came

to light. The present ruling king, whom some scholars have identified as

Tandoosees, was a believer who came on foot to see them and seek their blessings.

When these young men died they were buried in the cave along with their dog. The

bones of these youth and the dog are visible to see inside.

Apart from Amman in Jordan, the location of the cave is also claimed to be in

Turkey. And Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) knows best.

View from the top of the Cave of the Ashabe-Kahf – Photo: Z.Patel To the left of the entrance is an ancient olive tree. At one time a small church was

built on top of the cave; this was converted to a mosque with the mihrab still being

visible above the entrance.