Sūrat Fuṣṣilat (Ḥā Mīm al-Sajda)
سورۃ فصلت
Sūrat Ḥā Mīm al-Sajda was revealed in Mecca. It contains 54 verses and 6 rukūʿ. Its other name is also Sūra Fuṣṣilat.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismi llāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.
"In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful."
﴿حم﴾
Ḥā Mīm.
Allah alone knows the full meaning of these disconnected letters (ḥurūf muqaṭṭaʿāt), the verse being among the mutashābihāt — those verses whose complete meaning is known only to Allah and to His Messenger ﷺ.
تَنْزِيلٌ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Tanzīlun mina l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.
"A revelation from the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful." (Fuṣṣilat 41:2)
Tanzīl — this is a firm and clear revelation — it has been sent down as an authoritative revelation. Mina l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm — from the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful — from the side of the All-Compassionate and All-Merciful God — from the presence and nearness of the divine.
Translation: "This is the sending-down from the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful."
كِتَابٌ فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
Kitābun fuṣṣilat āyātuhu qurʾānan ʿarabiyyan li-qawmin yaʿlamūn.
"A Book whose verses have been detailed — an Arabic recitation for a people who know." (Fuṣṣilat 41:3)
Kitāb — this is a book, a writing, something worthy of being read. Fuṣṣilat āyātuh — its verses are detailed; they are detailed and elaborated — there is no obscurity or confusion in its verses. Qurʾānan ʿarabiyyā — it is an Arabic Qurʾān — of Arabic recitation, fit for being recited. Li-qawmin yaʿlamūn — for a people who have some knowledge, who know things.
Translation: "This is an elaborate and detailed Book — an Arabic (readable) Qurʾān — for those people who have some knowledge."
بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا فَأَعْرَضَ أَكْثَرُهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ
Bashīran wa-nadhīran fa-aʿraḍa aktharuhum fa-hum lā yasmaʿūn.
"A bearer of good news and a warner — but most of them turned away, so they do not hear." (Fuṣṣilat 41:4)
Bashīran wa-nadhīran — this Qurʾān gives glad tidings to the believers; it is a harbinger of Allah's pleasure. It also warns the wicked and rejecters of divine punishment. Fa-aʿraḍa aktharuhum — but most of them turned away, turned their backs. Fa-hum lā yasmaʿūn — and they do not listen; they have turned aside, changed direction — they refuse to accept.
Translation: "This Qurʾān gives good news and is a warner — but most people turn away from it and do not accept it; they neither listen nor believe."
وَقَالُوا قُلُوبُنَا فِي أَكِنَّةٍ مِمَّا تَدْعُونَا إِلَيْهِ وَفِي آذَانِنَا وَقْرٌ وَمِنْ بَيْنِنَا وَبَيْنِكَ حِجَابٌ فَاعْمَلْ إِنَّنَا عَامِلُونَ
Wa-qālū qulūbunā fī akinnatin mimmā tadʿūnā ilayhi wa-fī ādhāninā waqrun wa-min bayninā wa-baynika ḥijābun fa-ʿmal innanā ʿāmilūn.
"And they said: 'Our hearts are veiled from what you call us to, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a barrier — so work; we are also working.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:5)
Wa-qālū — and those disbelievers and rejecters said. Qulūbunā fī akinnat — our hearts are wrapped in coverings — curtains have fallen over our hearts — from the religion you call us to. Wa-fī ādhāninā waqr — and our ears have heaviness and deafness. Wa-min bayninā wa-baynika ḥijāb — and there is a veil and barrier between us and you. Fa-ʿmal — do your work — we too will do ours. Innanā ʿāmilūn — we are workers too.
Translation: "(The disbelievers) said: 'Our hearts are wrapped in coverings from the religion you call us to — our ears have a heaviness — and between us and you there is a barrier — so you do your work and we will do ours.'"
قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ يُوحَى إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَاسْتَقِيمُوا إِلَيْهِ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ وَوَيْلٌ لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ
Qul innamā anā basharun mithlukum yūḥā ilayya annamā ilāhukum ilāhun wāḥidun fa-staqīmū ilayhi wa-staghfirūhu wa-waylun li-l-mushrikīn.
"Say: 'I am only a human being like you — it is revealed to me that your God is one God — so remain upright toward Him and seek His forgiveness.' And woe to the idolaters." (Fuṣṣilat 41:6)
Qul — say, O Prophet. Innamā anā basharun mithlukum — I am nothing but a human being, just like you. Yūḥā ilayya — but revelation comes to me, to my side. Annamā ilāhukum ilāhun wāḥid — that your God is one God only — one single God. Fa-staqīmū ilayh — so keep yourselves oriented toward Him and be steadfast; be turned toward Him — maintain firm footing before Him. Wa-staghfirūh — and seek His forgiveness, ask Him for pardon. Wa-waylun li-l-mushrikīn — and woe and great ruin to the idolaters — it is their great calamity.
Translation: "(O Prophet!) Say: I am only a human being like you — but revelation comes to me — and your God is one God only — so remain directed toward Him and seek His forgiveness — and great woe to the idolaters!"
الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَ
Alladhīna lā yuʾtūna l-zakāta wa-hum bi-l-ākhirati hum kāfirūn.
"Those who do not give the Zakāt and who disbelieve in the Hereafter." (Fuṣṣilat 41:7)
Al-ladhīna lā yuʾtūna l-zakāt — those people who do not pay Zakāt — who do not fulfil the obligation of Zakāt. Wa-hum bi-l-ākhirati hum kāfirūn — and they are also disbelievers in the Hereafter — deniers of the next life.
Translation: "Those who do not pay Zakāt and are also deniers of the Hereafter."
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَهُمْ أَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُونٍ
Inna lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti lahum ajrun ghayru mamnūn.
"Indeed those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them is a reward that will never be cut off." (Fuṣṣilat 41:8)
Inna lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāt — indeed those who keep the faith in their hearts and do good deeds — who perform righteous works. Lahum ajrun ghayru mamnūn — for them is a reward that will never be cut off — a perpetual, uninterrupted, unending reward; a reward that will not be stopped anywhere.
Translation: "Certainly those who hold faith and do good deeds — their reward will never be cut off."
Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih reflects on the modern conditions of humanity: "Friends! In this day and age, the impudence of the wayward is growing — two things are happening — look at two things! One is the element of partnership (māba l-ishtirāk) and the other is the element of differentiation (māba l-imtiyāz). Between one person and another there are surely things held in common — yet the thing that distinguishes Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ from ordinary people — what is it? The disbelievers used to say: mā li-hādhā l-rasūl yaʾkulu l-ṭaʿāma wa-yamshī fī l-aswāq — 'Why does this messenger eat food and walk in the markets?' — 'What is this about the Prophet? He eats food and walks in the markets — these are our things too!' This is the element held in common. But the element of distinction is: āmantu bi-llāhi wa-rasūlih — 'I believe in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.' The first great error in the world was when people said that sharing humanity in common means there is no need to distinguish — keeping God's creation as a partner is not keeping animals in common. If a person comes to the court of a king and someone says to him: 'What is the result?' — he says: 'Blessed sandals are on his auspicious head!' — The fakīr (saint) deserves every honour."
قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُ أَنْدَادًا ذَلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ
Qul a-innakum la-takfurūna bi-lladhī khalaqa l-arḍa fī yawmayni wa-tajʿalūna lahu andādan dhālika rabbu l-ʿālamīn.
"Say: 'Do you indeed disbelieve in the One Who created the earth in two days, and set up rivals to Him? That is the Lord of the worlds.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:9)
Qul — O Prophet, say. A-innakum la-takfurūna — do you deny and disbelieve? You are doing kufr. Bi-lladhī khalaqa l-arḍa — in regard to the One Who created the earth. Fī yawmayni — in two days — two whole days. Wa-tajʿalūna lahu andādā — and you set up partners and equals for Him — you set other gods to be His equals and partners. Dhālika rabbu l-ʿālamīn — yet that very God is the Lord of all the worlds — the Sustainer and Nourisher of all creation — yet you set others as His rivals. How?
Translation: "Say: 'Do you deny the One Who created this earth in two days — and set up rivals to Him? That very God is the Lord of all the worlds!'"
وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَاءً لِلسَّائِلِينَ
Wa-jaʿala fīhā rawāsiya min fawqihā wa-bāraka fīhā wa-qaddara fīhā aqwātahā fī arbaʿati ayyāmin sawāʾan li-l-sāʾilīn.
"And He set firm mountains over it, and blessed it, and determined its provisions within it in four days — equally for those who ask." (Fuṣṣilat 41:10)
Wa-jaʿala fīhā rawāsiya — and He set in the earth heavy mountains — placed mountains in the earth, upon the earth. Min fawqihā — above it; on the earth's surface. Wa-bāraka fīhā — and blessed it — granted the earth blessings and bounties. Wa-qaddara fīhā aqwātahā — and ordained within it the provisions — He arranged the sustenance to be found within it; He set the arrangement for the provision of all those who eat. Fī arbaʿati ayyām — in four days — in just four days He did all this. Sawāʾan li-l-sāʾilīn — equal for all who ask — He gives to each one according to his need and capacity. This is not a matter of favouritism; He gives to everyone as their nature, capacity, and state requires. The one who gives more lacks nothing — in His giving He is not restrained — He gives to each according to need.
Translation: "And He placed mountains upon the earth — and blessed the earth — and arranged the provisions within it — in four days — equal for all those who ask (no one is excluded, no one is a favourite)."
ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى إِلَى السَّمَاءِ وَهِيَ دُخَانٌ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلْأَرْضِ ائْتِيَا طَوْعًا أَوْ كَرْهًا قَالَتَا أَتَيْنَا طَائِعِينَ
Thumma stawā ilā l-samāʾi wa-hiya dukhānun fa-qāla lahā wa-li-l-arḍi iʾtiyā ṭawʿan aw karhan qālatā ataynā ṭāʾiʿīn.
"Then He turned toward the heaven while it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth: 'Come willingly or unwillingly.' They said: 'We come willingly.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:11)
Thumma stawā ilā l-samāʾ — then He directed His attention and will toward the heavens. Wa-hiya dukhān — and it was in the form of smoke at that point — like one gas; in the beginning, the entire universe was a cloud of smoke (an initial vapour). Fa-qāla lahā wa-li-l-arḍ — then Allah commanded them both — the heavens and the earth — iʾtiyā ṭawʿan aw karhā — come forth willingly or reluctantly! Present yourselves — willingly out of happiness, or unwillingly against your will. Qālatā ataynā ṭāʾiʿīn — they both said together: we have come willingly, with joy; we present ourselves willingly.
Translation: "Then (Allah) directed His attention toward the heaven — at that point it was like a gas cloud (smoke) — and commanded both the heaven and the earth: 'Come forth willingly or unwillingly.' Both said: 'We come willingly.'"
فَقَضَاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَى فِي كُلِّ سَمَاءٍ أَمْرَهَا
Fa-qaḍāhunna sabʿa samāwātin fī yawmayni wa-awḥā fī kulli samāʾin amrahā.
"And He completed them as seven heavens in two days and revealed in each heaven its command." (Fuṣṣilat 41:12)
وَزَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَحِفْظًا ذَلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ
Wa-zayyannā l-samāʾa l-dunyā bi-maṣābīḥa wa-ḥifẓan dhālika taqdīru l-ʿAzīzi l-ʿAlīm.
"And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and a protection — that is the arrangement of the Almighty, the All-Knowing." (Fuṣṣilat 41:12)
Fa-qaḍāhunna sabʿa samāwāt fī yawmayn — then in two days He completed them as seven heavens — building all seven heavens in two days. Wa-awḥā fī kulli samāʾin amrahā — and He decreed in every heaven and informed each heaven of its command and disposition. Wa-zayyannā l-samāʾa l-dunyā bi-maṣābīḥ — and He adorned the nearest heaven — the closest sky — with lamps and lanterns; this is the totality: He adorned the lowest heaven with all the stars and luminaries and all the lights of all the heavens. Wa-ḥifẓan — and for protection — He kept it guarded so that the shayāṭīn could not intrude; He kept it protected from the influence of devils. Dhālika taqdīru l-ʿAzīzi l-ʿAlīm — this is the arrangement of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing God — this is the ordering of the One possessed of all power and knowledge.
Translation: "Then He completed them as seven heavens in two days — and sent instructions to every heaven — and adorned the lowest heaven with lamps (stars) — and kept it guarded (from devils) — this is the arrangement of the Almighty, the All-Knowing."
فَإِنْ أَعْرَضُوا فَقُلْ أَنْذَرْتُكُمْ صَاعِقَةً مِثْلَ صَاعِقَةِ عَادٍ وَثَمُودَ
Fa-in aʿraḍū fa-qul andhartukum ṣāʿiqatan mithla ṣāʿiqati ʿādin wa-thamūd.
"But if they turn away, then say: 'I warn you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt of ʿĀd and Thamūd.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:13)
Fa-in aʿraḍū — then if they turn away, if they reject and turn their backs. Fa-qul andhartukum — then tell them: I have warned you, I have notified you — the warning has been delivered. Ṣāʿiqatan mithla ṣāʿiqati ʿādin wa-thamūd — of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt that fell upon ʿĀd and Thamūd — a devastating bolt exactly like that which obliterated ʿĀd and Thamūd.
Translation: "Then if they persist in rejection, say: I warn you of a thunderbolt — just like the thunderbolt that struck ʿĀd and Thamūd — I am warning you of such a devastating blow."
إِذْ جَاءَتْهُمُ الرُّسُلُ مِنْ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا اللَّهَ قَالُوا لَوْ شَاءَ رَبُّنَا لَأَنْزَلَ مَلَائِكَةً فَإِنَّا بِمَا أُرْسِلْتُمْ بِهِ كَافِرُونَ
Idh jāʾathumu l-rusulu min bayni aydīhim wa-min khalfihim allā taʿbudū illā llāha qālū law shāʾa rabbunā la-anzala malāʾikatan fa-innā bi-mā ursiltum bihi kāfirūn.
"When the messengers came to them from before them and from behind them, saying: 'Worship none but Allah' — they said: 'If our Lord had willed, He would have sent down angels. So we are indeed disbelievers in what you were sent with.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:14)
Idh jāʾathumu l-rusul — when the messengers came to them — they came. Min bayni aydīhim wa-min khalfihim — from before them and from behind them — arriving from every direction. Allā taʿbudū illā llāh — telling them: worship none but Allah — do not worship anyone besides Allah — the pure command to worship Allah alone. Qālū law shāʾa rabbunā la-anzala malāʾikat — they said: if our Lord had truly willed, He would have sent angels — He would have dispatched angels as messengers. Fa-innā bi-mā ursiltum bihi kāfirūn — so we are disbelievers in what you have been sent with; we reject it entirely.
Translation of verse 41:14: "When the messengers came to them from before and behind — saying: 'Worship none but Allah' — they replied: 'If our Lord had wished He would have sent angels — so we disbelieve in what you have been sent with.'"
The commentary notes the stubbornness of the rejecters: hatt dharm — an obstinate arrogance, an inflexible resistance; this is not a reasoned objection but pure wilful rejection. Sending human messengers rather than angels is in keeping with the nature of humanity; the mursalā is sent to the people, and a human being is the appropriate representative. To compare human prophets to angels is to misunderstand the very nature of prophethood.
فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَاسْتَكْبَرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَقَالُوا مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّ اللَّهَ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ
Fa-ammā ʿādun fa-stakbarū fī l-arḍi bi-ghayri l-ḥaqqi wa-qālū man ashaddu minnā quwwatan — a-wa-lam yaraw anna llāha lladhī khalaqahum huwa ashaddu minhum quwwatan wa-kānū bi-āyātinā yajḥadūn.
"As for ʿĀd — they were arrogant in the land without right and said: 'Who is stronger than us?' Did they not see that Allah Who created them was stronger than them in power? And they used to deny Our signs." (Fuṣṣilat 41:15)
Fa-ammā ʿād — as for the people of ʿĀd. Fa-stakbarū fī l-arḍ — they were arrogant in the earth, they became proud of themselves and walked with swagger. Bi-ghayri l-ḥaqq — with no right — with no justification. Wa-qālū man ashaddu minnā quwwatan — and they declared: who is stronger than us in power? Who is more powerful? We are the most powerful. A-wa-lam yaraw — but did they not see? Were they blind? Anna llāha lladhī khalaqahum — that Allah Who created them all. Huwa ashaddu minhum quwwatan — is far mightier in power than them — He is far more powerful than they are. Wa-kānū bi-āyātinā yajḥadūn — and they used to deny and reject Our signs.
Translation: "As for the people of ʿĀd — they were arrogant in the earth with no right — and said: 'Who is more powerful than us?' Did they not see that the Allah Who created them all is far more powerful than them? They used to deny Our signs altogether."
فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا صَرْصَرًا فِي أَيَّامٍ نَحِسَاتٍ لِنُذِيقَهُمْ عَذَابَ الْخِزْيِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَلَعَذَابُ الْآخِرَةِ أَخْزَى وَهُمْ لَا يُنْصَرُونَ
Fa-arsalnā ʿalayhim rīḥan ṣarṣaran fī ayyāmin naḥisātin li-nudhīqahum ʿadhāba l-khizyi fī l-ḥayāti l-dunyā wa-la-ʿadhābu l-ākhirati akhzā wa-hum lā yunṣarūn.
"So We sent upon them a howling wind in days of misfortune — to make them taste the punishment of humiliation in the life of this world; and the punishment of the Hereafter is more humiliating, and they will not be helped." (Fuṣṣilat 41:16)
Fa-arsalnā ʿalayhim rīḥan ṣarṣarā — then We sent upon them a howling, violent, shrieking gale — a severe wind. Fī ayyāmin naḥisāt — in days of ill-omen, days of misfortune — those days were dismal and calamitous days, days of great hardship. Li-nudhīqahum ʿadhāba l-khizyi — so that We may make them taste the punishment of humiliation and disgrace. Fī l-ḥayāti l-dunyā — in this worldly life. Wa-la-ʿadhābu l-ākhirati akhzā — and the punishment of the Hereafter is even more humiliating and degrading than that. Wa-hum lā yunṣarūn — and they will have no helper whatsoever.
Translation: "Then We sent upon them a shrieking violent wind in those days of misfortune — so that they may taste the punishment of humiliation in this worldly life — and the punishment of the Hereafter is even more humiliating — and they will find no helper."
وَأَمَّا ثَمُودُ فَهَدَيْنَاهُمْ فَاسْتَحَبُّوا الْعَمَى عَلَى الْهُدَى فَأَخَذَتْهُمْ صَاعِقَةُ الْعَذَابِ الْهُونِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ
Wa-ammā thamūdu fa-hadaynāhum fa-staḥabbū l-ʿamā ʿalā l-hudā fa-akhadhat-hum ṣāʿiqatu l-ʿadhābi l-hūni bi-mā kānū yaksibūn.
"And as for Thamūd — We guided them but they preferred blindness over guidance; so the thunderbolt of the humiliating punishment seized them on account of what they used to earn." (Fuṣṣilat 41:17)
Wa-ammā thamūd — and as for the people of Thamūd. Fa-hadaynāhum — We showed them the way, guided them to the straight path. Fa-staḥabbū l-ʿamā ʿalā l-hudā — but they preferred blindness over guidance; they chose the way of blindness over the way of guidance. Fa-akhadhat-hum ṣāʿiqatu l-ʿadhābi l-hūn — then the thunderbolt of the humiliating punishment seized them; the devastating bolt of disgraceful torment struck them. Bi-mā kānū yaksibūn — on account of what they had been earning and doing — their own actions were the cause.
It is noteworthy that hidāya has two distinct meanings: irāʾatu l-ṭarīq — showing the road — and īṣāl ilā l-maṭlūb — bringing to the destination, actual guidance. The verse means: We showed them the path and guided them to the destination, yet they refused and chose blindness over guidance.
Translation: "And as for Thamūd — We showed them the path of guidance — but they chose blindness over guidance — so the thunderbolt of the humiliating punishment struck them — all on account of their own deeds and earnings."
وَنَجَّيْنَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ
Wa-najjaynā lladhīna āmanū wa-kānū yattaqūn.
"And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah." (Fuṣṣilat 41:18)
Wa-najjaynā lladhīna āmanū — and We saved those people who held the faith — those who believed. Wa-kānū yattaqūn — and who used to fear Allah, who had taqwā.
Translation: "And We gave salvation to the believers and those who feared Allah."
وَيَوْمَ يُحْشَرُ أَعْدَاءُ اللَّهِ إِلَى النَّارِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ
Wa-yawma yuḥsharu aʿdāʾu llāhi ilā l-nāri fa-hum yūzaʿūn.
"And on the Day the enemies of Allah are gathered to the Fire — and they will be driven in groups." (Fuṣṣilat 41:19)
Wa-yawma yuḥsharu aʿdāʾu llāh — and on the Day of Resurrection when the enemies of Allah are mustered. Ilā l-nār — toward the Fire, toward Hell — they will be driven toward it. Fa-hum yūzaʿūn — then they will be driven and herded into groups — dispatched in groups, party by party.
Translation: "And on that Day the enemies of Allah will be gathered and sent toward the Fire — in groups and delegations they will be set in motion."
حَتَّى إِذَا مَا جَاءُوهَا شَهِدَ عَلَيْهِمْ سَمْعُهُمْ وَأَبْصَارُهُمْ وَجُلُودُهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
Ḥattā idhā mā jāʾūhā shahida ʿalayhim samʿuhum wa-abṣāruhum wa-julūduhum bi-mā kānū yaʿmalūn.
"Until when they reach it, their hearing, sight, and skins will bear witness against them for what they used to do." (Fuṣṣilat 41:20)
Ḥattā idhā mā jāʾūhā — until when they arrive at the Fire — when these people reach the Fire — shahida ʿalayhim samʿuhum wa-abṣāruhum wa-julūduhum — their hearing, eyes, and skin will bear witness against them — their ears will testify against them, their eyes will testify, their skin will give evidence. Bi-mā kānū yaʿmalūn — for the deeds they used to perform.
Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih explains: in the realm of testimony (shahādat), those very things that exist above and around us give witness — every particle has a spirit. In the same way: the hand has its own spirit, the leg has its own spirit, the skin has its own spirit — yet the human spirit governs and oversees all. When the human spirit is dismissed from its governance, every one of these individual spirits will testify against it.
Translation: "Until when they reach it (the Fire) — their ears, eyes, and skin will testify against them — regarding the deeds they used to do."
وَقَالُوا لِجُلُودِهِمْ لِمَ شَهِدْتُمْ عَلَيْنَا قَالُوا أَنْطَقَنَا اللَّهُ الَّذِي أَنْطَقَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ وَهُوَ خَلَقَكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
Wa-qālū li-julūdihim lima shahidtum ʿalaynā qālū anṭaqanā llāhu lladhī anṭaqa kulla shayʾin wa-huwa khalaqakum awwala marratin wa-ilayhi turjaʿūn.
"And they will say to their skins: 'Why did you testify against us?' They will say: 'Allah made us speak — He Who makes all things speak — and He it was Who created you the first time, and to Him you are returned.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:21)
Wa-qālū li-julūdihim — and the condemned will say to their own skins — they will ask their skins. Lima shahidtum ʿalaynā — why did you testify against us? You have given testimony against us! Qālū anṭaqanā llāh — they will say: Allah made us speak, He gave us speech. Al-ladhī anṭaqa kulla shayʾ — the One Who makes all things speak — He has given speech to everything. Wa-huwa khalaqakum awwala marra — and He it was Who created you first — He had created you initially. Wa-ilayhi turjaʿūn — and to Him is the return of all.
Translation: "(The condemned) will say to their skins: 'Why did you testify against us?' The skins will say: 'Allah gave us speech — the One Who has given speech to all things — He was the One who created you first, and to Him you must all return.'"
وَمَا كُنْتُمْ تَسْتَتِرُونَ أَنْ يَشْهَدَ عَلَيْكُمْ سَمْعُكُمْ وَلَا أَبْصَارُكُمْ وَلَا جُلُودُكُمْ وَلَكِنْ ظَنَنْتُمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَعْلَمُ كَثِيرًا مِمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ
Wa-mā kuntum tastatirūna an yashhada ʿalaykum samʿukum wa-lā abṣārukum wa-lā julūdukum wa-lākin ẓanantum anna llāha lā yaʿlamu kathīran mimmā taʿmalūn.
"And you were not concealing yourselves lest your hearing, your sight, and your skins testify against you — but you thought that Allah did not know much of what you were doing." (Fuṣṣilat 41:22)
Wa-mā kuntum tastatirūn — and you could not conceal yourselves from this — you are not able to hide. An yashhada ʿalaykum samʿukum wa-lā abṣārukum wa-lā julūdukum — lest your hearing, your eyes, and your skin testify against you. Wa-lākin ẓanantum — but you used to think. Anna llāha lā yaʿlamu — that Allah does not know — that Allah is unaware. Kathīran mimmā taʿmalūn — of many of the things you used to do.
Translation: "And you could not hide from the fact that your ears, eyes, and skin would bear witness against you — but you thought that Allah does not know about many of the things you used to do."
وَذَلِكُمْ ظَنُّكُمُ الَّذِي ظَنَنْتُمْ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَأَرْدَاكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُمْ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Wa-dhālikum ẓannukumu lladhī ẓanantum bi-rabbikum fa-ardākum fa-aṣbaḥtum mina l-khāsirīn.
"And that thought of yours which you thought about your Lord ruined you — so you have become among the losers." (Fuṣṣilat 41:23)
Wa-dhālikum ẓannukum — and that thought of yours. Al-ladhī ẓanantum bi-rabbikum — which you used to hold about your Lord. Fa-ardākum — ruined you, destroyed you. Fa-aṣbaḥtum mina l-khāsirīn — and you have now become among the losers; you have suffered loss.
Translation: "And your erroneous thought about your Lord has ruined you — you have become among the losers."
فَإِنْ يَصْبِرُوا فَالنَّارُ مَثْوًى لَهُمْ وَإِنْ يَسْتَعْتِبُوا فَمَا هُمْ مِنَ الْمُعْتَبِينَ
Fa-in yaṣbirū fa-l-nāru mathwan lahum wa-in yastaʿtibū fa-mā hum mina l-muʿtabīn.
"And if they endure — the Fire is their abode; and if they ask for indulgence — they will not be of those pardoned." (Fuṣṣilat 41:24)
Fa-in yaṣbirū — then if these people endure and remain patient. Fa-l-nāru mathwan lahum — the Fire is their permanent dwelling place. Wa-in yastaʿtibū — and if they wish for forgiveness and ask for pardon. Fa-mā hum mina l-muʿtabīn — they will not be among those granted indulgence; they will not be pardoned.
Translation: "If they remain on this same position — the Fire is their abode — and even if they seek pardon they will not be granted any."
وَقَيَّضْنَا لَهُمْ قُرَنَاءَ فَزَيَّنُوا لَهُمْ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَحَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ
Wa-qayyaḍnā lahum quranāʾa fa-zayyinū lahum mā bayna aydīhim wa-mā khalfahum wa-ḥaqqa ʿalayhim.
"And We assigned to them companions who made fair-seeming to them what was before them and what was behind them..." (Fuṣṣilat 41:25)
الْقَوْلُ فِي أُمَمٍ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا خَاسِرِينَ
Al-qawlu fī umamin qad khalat min qablihim mina l-jinni wa-l-insi innahum kānū khāsirīn.
"...the Word has proved true concerning nations who passed before them, from among the jinn and mankind — indeed they were losers." (Fuṣṣilat 41:25)
Wa-qayyaḍnā lahum quranāʾa — and We assigned to them companions — We made available to them companions, We settled companions upon them. Fa-zayyinū lahum — then those companions made things fair-seeming to them — they made the shayāṭīn make things appear beautiful. Mā bayna aydīhim wa-mā khalfahum — what was before them and what was behind them — their present affairs and their future matters. Wa-ḥaqqa ʿalayhimu l-qawl — and the Word of Allah proved true upon them. Fī umamin qad khalat min qablihim mina l-jinni wa-l-ins — it is the same thing that occurred to earlier nations before them — from among the jinn and humanity — innahum kānū khāsirīn — indeed they were all among the losers.
Translation: "We assigned companions (shayāṭīn) to them — those companions made all their affairs appear beautiful — and the Word of Allah came to be fulfilled upon them — the same thing that befell the earlier nations of jinn and humans — they were indeed in great loss."
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَا تَسْمَعُوا لِهَذَا الْقُرْآنِ وَالْغَوْا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَغْلِبُونَ
Wa-qāla lladhīna kafarū lā tasmaʿū li-hādhā l-qurʾāni wa-lghaw fīhi laʿallakum taghlibūn.
"And the disbelievers said: 'Do not listen to this Qurʾān and make noise during it — perhaps you will overcome.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:26)
Wa-qāla lladhīna kafarū — and the disbelievers and rejecters said. Lā tasmaʿū li-hādhā l-qurʾān — do not listen to this Qurʾān — do not hear it, do not pay it attention, do not lend it your ear. Wa-lghaw fīhi — and create noise in it — shout, chatter, clap — make a din and clamour. Laʿallakum taghlibūn — perhaps in this way you will overcome and win.
Translation: "And the disbelievers said: 'Do not listen to this Qurʾān — and make a din and noise over it — perhaps (against the Muslims) you will gain the upper hand.'"
فَلَنُذِيقَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَسْوَأَ الَّذِي كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
Fa-la-nudhīqanna lladhīna kafarū ʿadhāban shadīdan wa-la-najziyannahum aswaʾa lladhī kānū yaʿmalūn.
"But We will certainly make the disbelievers taste a severe punishment, and will certainly recompense them for the worst of what they used to do." (Fuṣṣilat 41:27)
Fa-la-nudhīqanna lladhīna kafarū — then We will certainly make the disbelievers taste. ʿAdhāban shadīdan — a severe and intense punishment — a very harsh torment. Wa-la-najziyannahum aswaʾa lladhī kānū yaʿmalūn — and We will certainly give them recompense for the very worst of their deeds.
Translation: "Then We will certainly make the disbelievers taste a very severe punishment — and will give them the recompense of their worst deeds."
ذَلِكَ جَزَاءُ أَعْدَاءِ اللَّهِ النَّارُ لَهُمْ فِيهَا دَارُ الْخُلْدِ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ
Dhālika jazāʾu aʿdāʾi llāhi l-nāru lahum fīhā dāru l-khuldi jazāʾan bi-mā kānū bi-āyātinā yajḥadūn.
"That is the recompense of the enemies of Allah — the Fire — for them therein is the abode of eternity, as a recompense for what they used to deny of Our signs." (Fuṣṣilat 41:28)
Dhālika jazāʾu aʿdāʾi llāh — that punishment is the recompense of the enemies of Allah. Al-nār — the Fire of Hell. Lahum fīhā dāru l-khuld — for them inside it is the eternal abode — the permanent dwelling place. Jazāʾan bi-mā kānū bi-āyātinā yajḥadūn — as a recompense for what they used to deny of Our signs — the recompense for their persistent rejection.
Translation: "That is the recompense of the enemies of Allah — the Fire — for them in it is the eternal abode — the recompense for their denial of Our signs."
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا رَبَّنَا أَرِنَا الَّذَيْنِ أَضَلَّانَا مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ نَجْعَلْهُمَا تَحْتَ أَقْدَامِنَا لِيَكُونَا مِنَ الْأَسْفَلِينَ
Wa-qāla lladhīna kafarū rabbanā arinā lladhayni aḍallānā mina l-jinni wa-l-insi najʿalhumā taḥta aqdāminā li-yakūnā mina l-asfalīn.
"And the disbelievers will say: 'Our Lord, show us those who led us astray among the jinn and mankind, so we may place them under our feet that they may be among the lowest.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:29)
Wa-qāla lladhīna kafarū — and the disbelievers will say. Rabbanā arinā lladhayni aḍallānā — O our Lord! Show us those two who led us astray, misguided us. Mina l-jinni wa-l-ins — from among the jinn and humanity — the jinn devils and human devils. Najʿalhumā taḥta aqdāminā — we will place them under our feet — we will crush them beneath our heels. Li-yakūnā mina l-asfalīn — so that they may be among the lowest, the most debased — humiliated, disgraced, despicable.
Translation: "And the disbelievers will say: 'O our Lord! Show us those who led us astray from among the jinn and humans — we will crush them under our feet — let them be the most humiliated and degraded!'"
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ
Inna lladhīna qālū rabbunā llāhu thumma staqāmū tata-nazzalu ʿalayhimu l-malāʾikatu allā takhāfū wa-lā taḥzanū wa-abshirū bi-l-jannati llatī kuntum tūʿadūn.
"Indeed those who said 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained steadfast — the angels descend upon them: 'Fear not and do not grieve, and receive good tidings of Paradise which you were promised.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:30)
Inna lladhīna qālū rabbunā llāhu — certainly those people who said with conviction: our Lord is Allah. Thumma staqāmū — and then maintained steadfastness — who chose and kept to this path. Tata-nazzalu ʿalayhimu l-malāʾika — the angels descend upon them — at the moment of death, at the time of dying, and thereafter too the angels come to them. Allā takhāfū — do not be afraid. Wa-lā taḥzanū — and do not grieve. Wa-abshirū bi-l-janna — and receive glad tidings of Paradise. Allatī kuntum tūʿadūn — which you were being promised — the same Paradise whose promise was made to you.
Translation: "Certainly those who said 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained steadfast — the angels descend upon them: 'Do not fear and do not grieve — and receive glad tidings of the Paradise which was promised to you.'"
نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَاؤُكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنْفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ
Naḥnu awliyāʾukum fī l-ḥayāti l-dunyā wa-fī l-ākhirati wa-lakum fīhā mā tashtahī anfusukum wa-lakum fīhā mā taddaʿūn.
"We are your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter — and you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you call for." (Fuṣṣilat 41:31)
Naḥnu awliyāʾukum — we are your companions and friends. Fī l-ḥayāti l-dunyā wa-fī l-ākhira — in this worldly life and also in the Hereafter. Wa-lakum fīhā mā tashtahī anfusukum — and in it whatever your souls desire will be given to you — every desire of your hearts will be fulfilled. Wa-lakum fīhā mā taddaʿūn — and whatever you ask for, all those things will be present before you, everything you ask for will be there.
Translation: "We are your companions in both the worldly life and the Hereafter — and in it (Paradise) everything will be laid out for you that you desire — and everything you request will be there."
نُزُلًا مِنْ غَفُورٍ رَحِيمٍ
Nuzulan min Ghafūrin Raḥīm.
"A hospitality from One Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Fuṣṣilat 41:32)
Nuzulā — this is the hospitality — the welcoming reception — of Paradise. Min Ghafūrin Raḥīm — from the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful — from the side of the God Who is the forgiver of sins and overflowing with mercy.
Translation: "This is the hospitality of the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful."
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِمَّنْ دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Wa-man aḥsanu qawlan mimman daʿā ilā llāhi wa-ʿamila ṣāliḥan wa-qāla innanī mina l-muslimīn.
"And who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah and does righteous deeds and says: 'Indeed I am among the Muslims.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:33)
Wa-man aḥsanu qawlan — and who is better in speech — whose talk is superior? Mimman daʿā ilā llāh — than the person who calls toward Allah — who calls people toward Allah Most High. Wa-ʿamila ṣāliḥan — and does good deeds and performs righteous works. Wa-qāla innanī mina l-muslimīn — and says: I am among those who are the obedient servants of Allah.
Translation: "Who is more praiseworthy in speech than the person who calls toward Allah, does good deeds, and says: 'I am among the obedient servants of Allah?'"
وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ
Wa-lā tastawī l-ḥasanatu wa-lā l-sayyiʾatu idfa ʿ bi-llatī hiya aḥsanu fa-idhā lladhī baynaka wa-baynahu ʿadāwatun ka-annahu waliyyun ḥamīm.
"And not equal is the good deed and the bad deed. Repel by that which is better — and then the one between whom and you there is enmity will become as though he is a devoted, intimate friend." (Fuṣṣilat 41:34)
Wa-lā tastawī l-ḥasanatu wa-lā l-sayyiʾa — and good deeds and bad deeds are not equal; good and evil are not the same. Idfa ʿ bi-llatī hiya aḥsan — repel evil with what is better — respond to wrong with good; where evil arises, counter it with the best moral conduct. Fa-idhā lladhī baynaka wa-baynahu ʿadāwatun — then you will see that the person who has enmity with you. Ka-annahu waliyyun ḥamīm — he will be as though he were a devoted and intimate friend — as though he has become your close confidant and dear companion. You will see that the person who bore enmity toward you, in whose heart there was daily hostility — he will seemingly become your warmest friend.
Translation: "Good deeds and bad deeds are not equal — repel with goodness — and then the person who was your enemy will become (in a few days) as though your intimate friend."
وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ
Wa-mā yulaqāhā illā lladhīna ṣabarū wa-mā yulaqāhā illā dhū ḥaẓẓin ʿaẓīm.
"But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one of great fortune." (Fuṣṣilat 41:35)
Wa-mā yulaqāhā — but this quality, this conduct, this virtue is not attained. Illā lladhīna ṣabarū — except by those people who exercise patience — those who practise forbearance. Wa-mā yulaqāhā illā dhū ḥaẓẓin ʿaẓīm — and it is not attained except by one of great fortune — only those who are blessed with immense good fortune receive this attribute.
Translation: "But this virtue is only attained by those who exercise patience — and only those of tremendous fortune receive it."
وَإِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Wa-immā yanzaghannaka mina l-shayṭāni nazghun fa-staʿidh bi-llāhi innahu huwa l-samīʿu l-ʿalīm.
"And if an impulse from Satan incites you, then seek refuge in Allah — indeed He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." (Fuṣṣilat 41:36)
Wa-immā yanzaghannaka mina l-shayṭāni nazgh — and if a provocation from Shayṭān enters your heart — whenever Shayṭān instils his whisper (waswasa) in the heart and sets about making mischief. Fa-staʿidh bi-llāh — then seek refuge in Allah, recite aʿūdhu bi-llāh. Innahu huwa l-samīʿu l-ʿalīm — indeed He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing — certainly He is the One Who hears everything and knows all things.
Translation: "And if Shayṭān creates any provocation in your heart — seek Allah's refuge — He is certainly the All-Hearing and the All-Knowing (He hears and also knows)."
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ اللَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ لَا تَسْجُدُوا لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُنَّ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ فَإِنِ اسْتَكْبَرُوا فَالَّذِينَ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ يُسَبِّحُونَ لَهُ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْأَمُونَ
Wa-min āyātihi l-laylu wa-l-nahāru wa-l-shamsu wa-l-qamaru — lā tasjudū li-l-shamsi wa-lā li-l-qamari wa-sjudū li-llāhi lladhī khalaqahunna in kuntum iyyāhu taʿbudūn — fa-in stakbarū fa-lladhīna ʿinda rabbika yusabbiḥūna lahu bi-l-layli wa-l-nahāri wa-hum lā yasʾamūn.
"And among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon — do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if it is Him that you worship. But if they are too arrogant — then those in the presence of your Lord glorify Him night and day and do not grow weary." (Fuṣṣilat 41:37–38)
This is a verse of prostration — recite it, or hear it recited, and perform prostration as an expression of personal servitude to Allah.
The commentary on Fuṣṣilat 41:37–38 continues from page 312. Allah's signs are day, night, sun, and moon; none of these is to be worshipped, only their Creator. If the arrogant refuse to worship, the angels in the presence of Allah glorify Him day and night without ceasing.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنَّكَ تَرَى الْأَرْضَ خَاشِعَةً فَإِذَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْهَا الْمَاءَ اهْتَزَّتْ وَرَبَتْ إِنَّ الَّذِي أَحْيَاهَا لَمُحْيِي الْمَوْتَى إِنَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Wa-min āyātihi annaka tarā l-arḍa khāshiʿatan fa-idhā anzalnā ʿalayhā l-māʾa htazzat wa-rabat — inna lladhī aḥyāhā la-muḥyī l-mawtā innahu ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr.
"And among His signs is that you see the earth still and quiet — but when We send down rain upon it, it stirs and swells. Indeed the One Who has given it life is surely the Giver of Life to the dead — indeed He is over all things Able." (Fuṣṣilat 41:39)
Wa-min āyātih — and of His signs and of His infinite power. Annaka tarā l-arḍa khāshiʿatan — you see the earth in a still and humble state — you observe the earth to be in a state of suppression. Fa-idhā anzalnā ʿalayhā l-māʾa — then when We send down rain upon it — when We bestow water upon it. Ihtazzat wa-rabat — it stirs and swells — it trembles with life and flourishes; the plants sprout up from it. Inna lladhī aḥyāhā la-muḥyī l-mawtā — indeed the One Who has given life to the earth — Who created life in it — is certainly the One Who gives life to the dead — He can most certainly resurrect the dead. Innahu ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr — indeed He is over all things Able — He is fully powerful to do whatever He wills; nothing can stop Him.
Translation: "And from His signs is that you see the earth still — then when We send rain upon it, it stirs and grows — He Who gives life to the earth is surely the One Who will give life to the dead — He is over all things Able."
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِي آيَاتِنَا لَا يَخْفَوْنَ عَلَيْنَا أَفَمَنْ يُلْقَى فِي النَّارِ خَيْرٌ أَمْ مَنْ يَأْتِي آمِنًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ اعْمَلُوا مَا شِئْتُمْ إِنَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
Inna lladhīna yulḥidūna fī āyātinā lā yakhfawna ʿalaynā — a-fa-man yulqā fī l-nāri khayrun am man yaʾtī āminan yawma l-qiyāmati — iʿmalū mā shiʾtum innahu bi-mā taʿmalūna baṣīr.
"Indeed those who deviate concerning Our signs are not hidden from Us. So is one who is thrown into the Fire better, or one who comes secure on the Day of Resurrection? Do what you will — indeed He is Seeing of what you do." (Fuṣṣilat 41:40)
Inna lladhīna yulḥidūna fī āyātinā — indeed those who deviate in Our signs — who take a crooked course and go astray in Our signs; those who choose defiance and distortion in dealing with the verses of Allah. Lā yakhfawna ʿalaynā — they are not hidden from Us; their condition is not concealed from Us at all. A-fa-man yulqā fī l-nār — who is the better person — the one who is cast into the Fire? Khayrun am man yaʾtī āminan yawma l-qiyāma — or the person who comes before Us on the Day of Resurrection in a state of safety and security? Iʿmalū mā shiʾtum — do whatever you wish — O people, do now what you choose. Innahu bi-mā taʿmalūna baṣīr — indeed He is All-Seeing of all your deeds; He is constantly watching everything you do.
Translation: "Those who deviate in Our signs are not hidden from Us — is the one who is cast into the Fire better, or the one who comes on the Day of Resurrection in security? — (O people!) Do what you will — He is certainly All-Seeing of your deeds."
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِالذِّكْرِ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ وَإِنَّهُ لَكِتَابٌ عَزِيزٌ
Inna lladhīna kafarū bi-l-dhikri lammā jāʾahum wa-innahu la-kitābun ʿazīz.
"Indeed those who disbelieved in the Reminder when it came to them — and indeed it is a mighty Book." (Fuṣṣilat 41:41)
Inna lladhīna kafarū bi-l-dhikr — indeed those people who denied the Qurʾān, who refused to take admonition and counsel from it. Lammā jāʾahum — when it came to them — when the Qurʾān arrived at their door. Wa-innahu la-kitābun ʿazīz — and indeed it is a most mighty and honoured Book — certainly it is a Book of immense dignity and honour.
Translation: "Indeed those who denied the Qurʾān when it arrived at their doors — yet it is certainly a most honoured and mighty Book."
لَا يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ
Lā yaʾtīhi l-bāṭilu min bayni yadayhi wa-lā min khalfihī tanzīlun min ḥakīmin ḥamīd.
"Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it — a revelation from the All-Wise, the All-Praised." (Fuṣṣilat 41:42)
Lā yaʾtīhi l-bāṭil — falsehood and untruth cannot approach it. Min bayni yadayhi wa-lā min khalfihī — from before it or from behind it — it is immune to falsehood from every direction. Tanzīlun min ḥakīmin ḥamīd — it is the sending-down from the All-Wise and All-Praised — this is a book sent down by the All-Wise and Praiseworthy God.
Translation: "Falsehood cannot reach it from before it or from behind — this is a book sent from the All-Wise, the Most Praised God."
مَا يُقَالُ لَكَ إِلَّا مَا قَدْ قِيلَ لِلرُّسُلِ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو مَغْفِرَةٍ وَذُو عِقَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
Mā yuqālu laka illā mā qad qīla li-l-rusuli min qablik — inna rabbaka la-dhū maghfiratin wa-dhū ʿiqābin alīm.
"Nothing is said to you except what was said to the messengers before you — indeed your Lord is possessor of forgiveness and possessor of painful punishment." (Fuṣṣilat 41:43)
Mā yuqālu lak — nothing is said to you, O Prophet. Illā mā qad qīla li-l-rusuli min qablik — except what was said to the messengers who came before you — yet it is the very same thing that was said to all the other prophets. Inna rabbaka la-dhū maghfira — indeed your Lord is certainly the owner of great forgiveness — vastly forgiving. Wa-dhū ʿiqābin alīm — and the owner of painful punishment — and He also delivers excruciating torment.
Translation: "(O Prophet!) Nothing is being said to you except what was said to the earlier prophets — indeed your Lord is certainly the Owner of great forgiveness and also the Owner of painful punishment."
وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا أَعْجَمِيًّا لَقَالُوا لَوْلَا فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ أَأَعْجَمِيٌّ وَعَرَبِيٌّ قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاءٌ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ فِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرٌ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِمْ عَمًى أُولَئِكَ يُنَادَوْنَ مِنْ مَكَانٍ بَعِيدٍ
Wa-law jaʿalnāhu qurʾānan aʿjamiyyan la-qālū lawlā fuṣṣilat āyātuhu a-aʿjamiyyun wa-ʿarabiyyun — qul huwa li-lladhīna āmanū hudan wa-shifāʾun wa-lladhīna lā yuʾminūna fī ādhānihim waqrun wa-huwa ʿalayhim ʿaman — ulāʾika yunādawna min makānin baʿīd.
"And if We had made it a non-Arabic recitation they would have said: 'Why are its verses not detailed? Is it non-Arabic and Arab?' Say: For those who believe it is guidance and healing; but those who do not believe — in their ears is deafness, and it is blindness upon them. Those are being called from a distant place." (Fuṣṣilat 41:44)
Wa-law jaʿalnāhu qurʾānan aʿjamiyyā — and if We had revealed this Qurʾān in a non-Arabic language. La-qālū lawlā fuṣṣilat āyātuhu — they would have said: why are its verses not clear and detailed — why are they not set out plainly? A-aʿjamiyyun wa-ʿarabiyy — is it non-Arabic and Arab simultaneously? Qul huwa li-lladhīna āmanū hudan wa-shifāʾ — say: this Qurʾān is for the believers a full guidance and healing — it is complete guidance for the believers, and it is a medicine that heals spiritual ailments. Wa-lladhīna lā yuʾminūna fī ādhānihim waqr — and for those who have no faith, their ears have a deafness in them. Wa-huwa ʿalayhim ʿamā — and it falls upon them as a blindness. Ulāʾika yunādawna min makānin baʿīd — those people are being called from a very distant place — they hear like someone called to from far away; they cannot hear clearly.
Translation: "And if We had sent this Qurʾān in a foreign language they would have said: 'Why aren't its verses clear?' — Say: For the believers this Qurʾān is a complete guidance and healing — and for those who do not believe there is a deafness in their ears and it falls upon them as blindness — they are being called from so far away they cannot hear clearly."
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ فَاخْتُلِفَ فِيهِ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَبِّكَ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِنْهُ مُرِيبٍ
Wa-laqad ātaynā Mūsā l-kitāba fa-khtulifa fīhi wa-lawlā kalimatun sabaqat min rabbika la-quḍiya baynahum wa-innahum la-fī shakkin minhu murīb.
"And certainly We gave Mūsā the Book — and differences arose concerning it; and had it not been for a Word that preceded from your Lord, it would have been decided between them — and indeed they are in grave doubt concerning it." (Fuṣṣilat 41:45)
Wa-laqad ātaynā Mūsā l-kitāb — and We certainly gave Mūsā the Book. Fa-khtulifa fīh — and people fell into differences and disputes about it. Wa-lawlā kalimatun sabaqat min rabbika — and if it were not for the Word that had already gone forth from your Lord concerning the Resurrection. La-quḍiya baynahum — it would have been settled between them then and there, a final judgement would have been given. Wa-innahum la-fī shakkin minhu murīb — and they remain in a very grave and disturbing doubt concerning it — their hearts are filled with suspicious and unsettling misgivings.
Translation: "And We certainly gave Mūsā the Book — and people made differences about it — and if the Word of your Lord had not gone forth first the matter would have been decided between them — and these people are in very deep and disturbing doubt about it."
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِنَفْسِهِ وَمَنْ أَسَاءَ فَعَلَيْهَا وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِلْعَبِيدِ
Man ʿamila ṣāliḥan fa-li-nafsihī wa-man asāʾa fa-ʿalayhā wa-mā rabbuka bi-ẓallāmin li-l-ʿabīd.
"Whoever does righteous deeds — it is for himself; and whoever does evil — it is against himself; and your Lord is not in the least unjust to the servants." (Fuṣṣilat 41:46)
Man ʿamila ṣāliḥan fa-li-nafsih — whoever does a good deed — it is for his own soul; the benefit of it reaches him. Wa-man asāʾa fa-ʿalayhā — and whoever does an evil deed — it falls upon himself, the burden of it is on him. Wa-mā rabbuka bi-ẓallāmin li-l-ʿabīd — and your Lord is not unjust to the servants — ẓallām being the intensive form, meaning there is not even the slightest injustice; the establishment of justice is the affirmative and the negation of its contrary is secondary.
Translation: "Whoever does good deeds — it benefits himself — and whoever does evil — it falls on himself — and God absolutely does not oppress His servants."
Al-Para 25 — al-Ilayhi Yuraddu — Beginning of the Twenty-Fifth Portion of the Qurʾān
Page 317 is the illuminated title page for the Twenty-Fifth Juzʾ of the Qurʾān in the Tafsīr-e-Ṣiddīqī: "Al-Para 25 — Tafsīr-e-Ṣiddīqī — by Shams al-Mufassirīn Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih." The Qurʾānic caption reads: ﴿كَذَلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ﴾ — "Thus We set out in detail the signs for a people who reflect." Published by the Ḥasrat Abādī Publishers, Siddiqī Gushan, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, India.
The commentary continues with Sūrat Fuṣṣilat 41 on page 313 (scan numbering). The twenty-fifth juzʾ begins here with verse 47:
إِلَيْهِ يُرَدُّ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَمَا تَخْرُجُ مِنْ ثَمَرَاتٍ مِنْ أَكْمَامِهَا وَمَا تَحْمِلُ مِنْ أُنْثَى وَلَا تَضَعُ إِلَّا بِعِلْمِهِ وَيَوْمَ يُنَادِيهِمْ أَيْنَ شُرَكَائِي قَالُوا آذَنَّاكَ مَا مِنَّا مِنْ شَهِيدٍ
Ilayhi yuraddu ʿilmu l-sāʿati wa-mā takhruju min thamarātin min akmāmihā wa-mā taḥmilu min unthā wa-lā taḍaʿu illā bi-ʿilmihī wa-yawma yunādīhim ayna shurakāʾī qālū ādhannāka mā minnā min shahīd.
"To Him alone is referred the knowledge of the Hour. And no fruit emerges from its sheath, and no female bears or gives birth, except by His knowledge. And on the Day He calls to them: 'Where are My partners?' They will say: 'We declare to You — there is no witness among us.'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:47)
Ilayhi yuraddu ʿilmu l-sāʿa — the knowledge of the Hour is referred to Him alone — when the Resurrection will come is known to Allah alone; it is a matter that can only be submitted to His knowledge. The Resurrection is the greatest matter; all other things are also dependent upon His Divine knowledge. Wa-mā takhruju min thamarātin min akmāmihā — no fruit emerges from its sheath, its bud — look at the fruits and the buds that emerge from them — wa-mā taḥmilu min unthā — and no female carries or becomes pregnant. Wa-lā taḍaʿ illā bi-ʿilmih — and no woman gives birth except with His knowledge — He is with every birth that is born, as its Sustainer. Wa-yawma yunādīhim — and on the Day He calls out to the mushrikīn — the Day on which Allah will call out to them. Ayna shurakāʾī — where are My partners? Where are they now? Qālū ādhannāk — they will say: we declare to You, we inform You — mā minnā min shahīd — there is no witness among us, none from us is a supporter of this claim.
Translation: "The knowledge of the Resurrection is before Him alone — no fruit emerges from its sheath and no woman carries or gives birth except by His knowledge — and on that Day He will call out: 'Where are My partners?' — they will say: 'We declare to You — none among us is a witness.'"
وَضَلَّ عَنْهُمْ مَا كَانُوا يَدْعُونَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَظَنُّوا مَا لَهُمْ مِنْ مَحِيصٍ
Wa-ḍalla ʿanhum mā kānū yadʿūna min qablu wa-ẓannū mā lahum min maḥīṣ.
"And those they used to call upon before have strayed from them — and they became certain there is no escape for them." (Fuṣṣilat 41:48)
Wa-ḍalla ʿanhum — and those false deities will have abandoned them and become lost to them. Mā kānū yadʿūna min qabl — those whom they used to call upon before — whom they used to worship. Wa-ẓannū mā lahum min maḥīṣ — and they became certain that there is no escape for them — no place to flee.
Translation: "And those they used to call upon have all abandoned them — and they realised there is no place to flee (no escape)."
لَا يَسْأَمُ الْإِنْسَانُ مِنْ دُعَاءِ الْخَيْرِ وَإِنْ مَسَّهُ الشَّرُّ فَيَئُوسٌ قَنُوطٌ
Lā yasʾamu l-insānu min duʿāʾi l-khayri wa-in massahu l-sharru fa-yaʾūsun qanūṭ.
"The human being does not tire of supplicating for good — but if harm touches him, he becomes despairing and hopeless." (Fuṣṣilat 41:49)
Lā yasʾamu l-insān — the human being does not tire, is not satiated. Min duʿāʾi l-khayr — from calling for good things — he ceaselessly asks for blessings. Wa-in massahu l-sharr — but if any evil, any trouble or affliction touches him. Fa-yaʾūsun qanūṭ — then he becomes despairing and hopeless — his heart becomes dejected and broken; he grows desperate, hopeless, and despondent.
Translation: "The human being does not tire of calling for goodness — but if some hardship befalls him (and comes close to reaching him) he becomes despairing and hopeless."
وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَاهُ رَحْمَةً مِنَّا مِنْ بَعْدِ ضَرَّاءَ مَسَّتْهُ لَيَقُولَنَّ هَذَا لِي وَمَا أَظُنُّ السَّاعَةَ قَائِمَةً وَلَئِنْ رُجِعْتُ إِلَى رَبِّي إِنَّ لِي عِنْدَهُ لَلْحُسْنَى فَلَنُنَبِّئَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِمَا عَمِلُوا وَلَنُذِيقَنَّهُمْ مِنْ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٍ
Wa-laʾin adhaqnāhu raḥmatan minnā min baʿdi ḍarrāʾa massathu la-yaqūlanna hādhā lī wa-mā aẓunnu l-sāʿata qāʾimatan — wa-laʾin rujiʿtu ilā rabbī inna lī ʿindahu la-l-ḥusnā — fa-la-nunabbiʾanna lladhīna kafarū bi-mā ʿamilū wa-la-nudhīqannahum min ʿadhābin ghalīẓ.
"And if We cause him to taste mercy from Us after hardship that has touched him — he will certainly say: 'This is my due!' — and he does not believe the Hour will occur — 'And if I am returned to my Lord, surely there is good for me with Him.' But We will certainly inform the disbelievers of what they did, and We will certainly make them taste a severe punishment." (Fuṣṣilat 41:50)
Wa-laʾin adhaqnāhu raḥmatan minnā min baʿdi ḍarrāʾa — and if We cause him to taste Our mercy and grant him relief after a difficulty has touched him — after hardship and affliction, if We then bring him a portion of Our mercy. La-yaqūlanna hādhā lī — he will certainly say: this is my due — this is my right; I was entitled to it, it was coming to me. Wa-mā aẓunnu l-sāʿata qāʾima — and I do not believe the Hour is going to come — I do not think it will ever arrive. Wa-laʾin rujiʿtu ilā rabbī — and if I am returned to my Lord at all. Inna lī ʿindahu la-l-ḥusnā — then there is certainly good for me with Him too — it will be well for me with Him. Fa-la-nunabbiʾanna lladhīna kafarū bi-mā ʿamilū — then We will certainly inform the disbelievers of all their deeds. Wa-la-nudhīqannahum min ʿadhābin ghalīẓ — and We will certainly make them taste a harsh, severe, and coarse punishment.
Translation: "And if after affliction We send him some mercy — he says: 'This was my due!' — and 'I do not believe the Hour will come!' — and 'If I return to my Lord, I expect good from Him.' — Well then! We will tell the disbelievers all their deeds — and will give them a taste of harsh punishment."
وَإِذَا أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَى الْإِنْسَانِ أَعْرَضَ وَنَأَى بِجَانِبِهِ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ الشَّرُّ فَذُو دُعَاءٍ عَرِيضٍ
Wa-idhā anʿamnā ʿalā l-insāni aʿraḍa wa-naʾā bi-jānibihī wa-idhā massahu l-sharru fa-dhū duʿāʾin ʿarīḍ.
"And when We bestow favour upon the human being, he turns away and draws aside — but when harm touches him, he is full of extensive supplication." (Fuṣṣilat 41:51)
Wa-idhā anʿamnā ʿalā l-insān — and when We bestow blessings and grace upon the human being. Aʿraḍa wa-naʾā bi-jānibihī — he turns away from Us, turns his face from Us; he draws aside and turns his back — he walks away. Wa-idhā massahu l-sharr — and when any harm or distress touches him. Fa-dhū duʿāʾin ʿarīḍ — then he becomes one of extensive, long, and expansive supplication — he makes many long supplications.
Translation: "And when We bestow favours upon the human being (he turns his back on Us) — and when harm comes close to reaching him he starts making very extensive supplications (praying at great length)."
قُلْ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ كَفَرْتُمْ بِهِ مَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنْ هُوَ فِي شِقَاقٍ بَعِيدٍ
Qul a-raʾaytum in kāna min ʿindi llāhi thumma kafartum bihi man aḍallu mimman huwa fī shiqāqin baʿīd.
"Say: 'Have you considered — if it is from Allah and you disbelieve in it, who is more astray than one who is in extreme opposition?'" (Fuṣṣilat 41:52)
Qul a-raʾaytum — say, O Prophet: tell them, look and reflect. In kāna min ʿindi llāh — if this — all of this — is truly from the side of Allah. Thumma kafartum bih — and then you disbelieved in it and remained rejecters. Man aḍallu mimman huwa fī shiqāqin baʿīd — who is more astray than the person who is in extreme, distant opposition — this person who is in such great and profound disagreement and contradiction?
Translation: "Say: Tell me — if all this is from Allah's side — and you disbelieve in it — then who is more astray than this person who is in extreme conflict?"
سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَتَّى يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
Sa-nurīhim āyātinā fī l-āfāqi wa-fī anfusihim ḥattā yatabayyana lahum annahu l-ḥaqqu — a-wa-lam yakfi bi-rabbika annahu ʿalā kulli shayʾin shahīd.
"We will show them Our signs on the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the Truth. Is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is Witness over all things?" (Fuṣṣilat 41:53)
Sa-nurīhim āyātinā fī l-āfāq — We will show them Our signs on all sides of the world — everywhere around the globe — Our signs will be made manifest. Wa-fī anfusihim — and within their own selves too — and in their own existence, around them and inside them. Ḥattā yatabayyana lahum annahu l-ḥaqq — until it becomes completely clear to them that it — this Qurʾān, this God — is indeed the Truth, the absolute Truth. A-wa-lam yakfi bi-rabbik — is it not sufficient concerning your Lord — is the witness of your Lord not enough? Annahu ʿalā kulli shayʾin shahīd — that He is a witness over all things — Allah is attentive to and oversees everything — He is present and aware of all things; He observes the present and the immediate, being the Universal Witness.
Translation: "We will show Our signs around the world and within themselves — until it becomes clear to them that it is the absolute truth — is it not sufficient that your Lord is observing and witnessing all things? (He is the Overseer of all.)"