Surah 7: (al‐A‘raf)

Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn ‘Abbas

 Attributed to Abu Tahir Muhammad Ibn Ya‘qub al-Firuzabadi 

Surah 7:  (al‐A‘raf) 

[7:1]

And on his authority from Ibn 'Abbas who said concerning Allah's saying (Alif. Lam Mim. Sad) Allah says: I am Allah Who knows best and is best; it is also said that this is an oath by which Allah swore.

[7:2]

((It is) a Scripture) this Scripture, i.e. the Qur'an (that is revealed unto thee (Muhammad)) that Gabriel brought to you (so let there be no heaviness in thy heart) let there be no doubt in your heart (therefrom)

i.e. there can be no doubt about the Qur'an being from Allah (that thou mayst warn thereby) that you may warn the people of Mecca through the Qur'an in order that they believe, (and (it is) a Reminder unto believers).

[7:3]

((Saying): Follow that which is sent down unto you from your Lord) i.e. the Qur'an: uphold as lawful that which it makes lawful and unlawful that which it makes unlawful, (and follow) and worship (no protecting friends) idols as lords (beside Him. Little do you recollect) you do not take admonition neither much nor a little!

[7:4]

(How many a township) people of townships (have We destroyed) We tormented! (As a raid by night) or day, (or while they slept at noon, Our terror) Our punishment (came unto them).

[7:5]

(No plea) words (had they, when Our terror) Our punishment which destroyed them (came unto them, save that they said: Lo! We were wrong-doers) idolaters.

[7:6]

(Then verily We shall question those unto whom (Our message) hath been sent) with the messengers, i.e. We shall question these people about their response to the messengers, (and verily We shall question the messengers) about their conveyance of the message.

[7:7]

(Then verily We shall narrate unto them) inform them (with knowledge) with elucidation, (for verily We were not absent) from the conveyance of the messengers and the response of the people (when it came to pass).

[7:8]

(The weighing) of works (on that day) the Day of Judgement (is the true) just ((weighing). As for those whose scale is heavy) with good deeds, (they are the successful) the ones who escape Allah's wrath and torment.

[7:9]

(And as for those whose scale is light) with good deeds: (those are they who lose their souls) by being punished (because they disbelieved Our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an.

[7:10]

(And We have given you (mankind) power in the earth, and appointed for you therein) in the earth (a livelihood) that from which you eat, drink and clothe yourselves. (Little give you thanks!) you do not give thanks for what is great nor for the small; it is also said that this means: you give little thanks for all that is done for you.

[7:11]

(And We created you) from Adam and Adam is from dust, (then fashioned you) in wombs, and We fashioned Adam between Mecca and Ta'if, (then told the angels) who were on the earth: (Fall ye prostrate before Adam) a prostration of greeting! (And they fell prostrate, all save Iblis) their leader, (who was not of those who make prostration) to Adam.

[7:12]

(He said: What hindered thee) Allah said to Iblis: what prevents you (that thou didst not fall prostrate) to Adam (when I bade thee) to prostrate? ((Iblis) said: I am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire while him Thou didst create of mud) I am made of fire while he is made of mud, and fire devours mud.

[7:13] (He said) Allah said to him: (Then go down hence!) go down from heaven; it is also said this means: come out of angelic form. (It is not for thee) you ought not (to show pride here) demonstrate pride, in the form of an angel, to the Children of Adam, (so go forth!) leave your angelic form; it is also said that this means: go forth from the earth; (Lo! thou art of those degraded) you are of those who are humiliated in that you are punished.

[7:14]

(He said: Reprieve me) give me respite (till the day when they are raised) from the graves-accursed not wanting to die.

[7:15]

(He said) Allah said to him: (Lo! thou art of those reprieved) you are given respite until the trumpet is blown.

[7:16]

(He) Iblis (said: Now, because Thou hast sent me astray) just as You made me err from guidance, (verily I shall lurk in ambush for them) for the children of Adam (on Thy Right Path) the religion of Islam.

[7:17]

(Then I shall come upon them from before them) with regard to the Hereafter that there is no hell, Paradise, resurrection or reckoning (and from behind them) that the life of this world is everlasting and I shall bid them to amass and withhold out of stinginess and I will order them to commit corruption (and from their right hands) vis-à-vis the religion: I shall confuse those who are guided until they leave the guidance, and I shall make it seem fair to those who are misguided such that they remain misguided (and from their left hands) as regard pleasures and delights, (and Thou wilt not find most of them) all of them (beholden (unto Thee)) believers in You.

[7:18]

(He said: Go forth from hence, degraded) rebuked, (banished) far from good. (As for such of them) from the jinn and humans (as follow thee) obey you, (surely I will fill hell with all of you) of the disbelievers among the jinn and humans.

[7:19]

(And (unto man): O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife) Eve (in the Garden and eat from whence) in Paradise (ye will) and whenever you will, (but come not nigh this tree) do not eat from this tree: the tree of knowledge (lest ye become wrong-doers) lest you become of those who harm themselves.

[7:20]

(Then Satan whispered to them) to eat from the tree (that he might manifest unto them that which was hidden from them) by the attire of light (of their shame) of their nakedness, (and he said) and Iblis said to them: (Your Lord forbade you) O Adam and Eve (from this tree only lest ye should become angels) who teach good and evil in Paradise (or become of the immortals) in Paradise: this is why He forbade you to eat from the tree.

[7:21]

(And he swore unto them (saying): Lo! I am a sincere adviser unto you) in my oath that this is the tree of immortality.

[7:22]

(Thus did he lead them on) to eat from the tree (with guile) with falsehood and lies until they ate from it. (And when they tasted of the tree their shame) their nakedness (was manifest to them and they began) out of shame (to hide (by heaping) on themselves some of the leaves of the Garden) the leaves of the fig tree. (And their Lord called them) O Adam and Eve, ((saying): Did I not forbid you from that tree) from eating of that tree (and tell you: Lo! Satan) Iblis (is an open enemy to you) whose enmity is quite manifest?

[7:23]

(They said : Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves) we have harmed ourselves by transgressing. (If Thou forgive us not) if You do not overlook our transgression (and have not mercy on us) by not punishing us, (surely we are of the lost!) we shall be of those duped into receiving punishment.

[7:24]

(He said: Go down (from hence)) from Paradise, (one of you a foe unto the other) meaning: Adam, Eve, the serpent and the peacock. (There will be for you on earth a habitation) a dwelling and shelter (and provision for a while) until death.

[7:25]

(He said: There) in the earth (shall ye live, and there) in the earth (shall ye die, and thence) on earth (shall ye be brought forth) on the Day of Judgement.

[7:26]

(O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you) We have created and given you (raiment) clothes of cotton, wool and fur (to conceal your shame) your nakedness, (and splendid vesture) properties and stuff, that is the furniture of the house, (but the raiment of restraint from evil) the raiment of profession of Allah's divine Oneness and of abstinence, (that is best) better than the raiment of cotton. (This) the raiment of cotton (is of the revelations of Allah) of the marvels of Allah, (that they may remember) take admonition.

[7:27]

(O Children of Adam! Let not Satan) Iblis (seduce you) make you slip with regard to obeying Me (as he caused your (first) parents) Adam and Eve (to go forth from the Garden and tore off) took away (from them their robe) the robe of light (that he might manifest their shame to them. Lo! he) Iblis (seeth you, he and his tribe) his soldiers, (from whence ye see him not) because your breasts are their dwellings. (Lo! We have made the devils protecting friends) helpers (for those who believe not) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an.

[7:28]

(And when they do some lewdness) when they forbid al-Bahirah, al-Sa'ibah, al-Wasilah and al-Ham, (they say: We found our fathers doing it) forbidding it (and Allah hath enjoined it on us) i.e. to forbid al-Bahirah, al-Sa'ibah, al-Wasilah and al-Ham. (Say) O Muhammad: (Allah, verily, enjoineth not lewdness) transgressions and the forbidding of cattle and crops. (Tell ye) indeed you are saying (concerning Allah that which you know not) to be the case?

[7:29]

(Say) O Muhammad: (My Lord enjoineth justice) the confession of Allah's divine Oneness, that there is no god save Allah. (And set your faces) turn with your faces, (upright (towards Him) at every place of worship) upon every prayer (and call upon Him) worship Him, (making religion pure for Him (only)) sincere in your worship of Him and in professing His divine Oneness. (As He brought you into being) on the Day of the Covenant: felicitous and damned, knower and denier, believer and disbeliever, (so return you (unto Him)) in that state.

[7:30]

(A party hath He led aright) Allah honoured them with knowledge and felicity: these are the people of the right, (while error hath just hold) is prescribed (over (another) party) Allah humiliated them with denial and damnation: these are the people of the left, (for lo! they choose) He says: Allah knows that they take (the devils for protecting friends) gods (instead of Allah and deem) the misguided people think (that they are rightly guided) through Allah's religion.

[7:31]

(O Children of Adam! Look to your adornment) wear your clothes (at every place of worship) at the time of every prayer and upon circumambulation of the Ka'bah, (and eat) of meat and fat (and drink) of milk, (but be not prodigal) do not declare unlawful wholesome foods, meat and fat. (Lo! He loveth not the prodigals) those who transgress by leaving the lawful and going after the unlawful..

[7:32]

(Say) O Muhammad to the people of Mecca: (Who hath forbidden the adornment of Allah) the wearing of clothes during the days of pilgrimage, in the Sacred Precinct and upon circumambulation of the Ka'bah (which He hath brought forth) i.e. the adornment which He created (for His bondmen, and the good things of His providing?) of meat and fat, for in the pre-Islamic days they used to forbid themselves meat and fat during the days of pilgrimage, and entered the Sacred Precinct completely naked: the men during the day and the women during the night. Allah made these practices unlawful. (Say) O Muhammad: (Such) the good things, (on the Day of Resurrection, will be only for those who believed during the life of the world) in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an, while both believer and sinner will enjoy them during the life of this world. (Thus do We detail Our revelations) We elucidate the Qur'an by explaining the lawful and the unlawful (for people who have knowledge) for people who believe it is from Allah.

[7:33]

(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (My Lord forbids only indecencies) adultery, (such of them as are apparent) open adultery (and such as are within) taking secret lovers, (and sin) intoxicants as the poet said: I sipped sin until my mind erred, Thus indeed does sin take away minds. I openly drank urns of sin, And between us benefiting, you see your goddess; (and wrongful oppression) unlawful overbearingness, (and that you associate with Allah that for which no warrant) no Scripture or proof (hath been revealed, and that ye tell concerning Allah that which ye know not) of forbidding crops and cattle, good things and raiment.

[7:34]

(And every nation) every people that have a religion (hath its term) an appointed time for its destruction, (and when its term) the time of their destruction (cometh, they cannot put it off an hour) they are not given reprieve one fraction of a second after their appointed time (nor yet advance (it)) they are not destroyed before the appointed time, even if it be by one fraction of a second.

[7:35]

(O Children of Adam! If messengers of your own) human beings like you (come unto you who narrate) recite (unto you My revelations) explaining commands and prohibitions, (then whosoever refraineth from evil) whosoever believes in the Scripture and messenger (and amendeth) that which is between him and his Lord (there shall no fear) regarding torment (come upon them neither shall they grieve) about missing Paradise.

[7:36] (But they who deny Our revelations) Our Scripture and messenger (and scorn them) scorn believing in them (such are rightful owners of the Fire; they will abide therein) forever, never to die or be removed.

[7:37]

(Who doeth greater wrong) who is more insolent and bolder vis-à-vis Allah (than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah or denieth Our tokens) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an. ((For such) their appointed portion of the Book (of destiny) reacheth them) that which they were promised in the Book such as turning their faces black and their eyes blue. Give them respite, O Muhammad, (till, when Our messengers) i.e. the angel of death and his helpers (come to gather them) to take away their souls, (they say) upon taking away their souls: (Where (now) is that to which ye cried) worshipped (beside Allah) so that they can help you? (They say: They have departed from us) they are too occupied with themselves to pay attention to us. (And they testify against themselves that they were disbelievers) in Allah and the messengers in the life of this world.

[7:38]

(He saith) Allah says to them: (Enter into the Fire among nations) of the disbelievers (of the jinn and humankind who passed away before you. Every time a nation) the adherents of a religion (entereth, it curseth its sister (nation)) that went in before it (till, when they have all) from the first to the last (been made to follow one another thither) and all gather in the Fire, (the last of them) the last of nations (saith unto the first of them) the first of nations: (Our Lord! These) i.e. the leaders (led us astray) from Your religion and obedience, (so give them double torment of the Fire) torment them with double what you inflict on us. (He says) Allah says to them: (For each one there is double (torment), but ye know not) because of the severity of the torment.

[7:39]

(And the first of them) the first nation (saith unto the last of them) the last of nations: (Ye were no whit better than us) such that our torment should be double yours, for you disbelieved as we disbelieved and worshipped others beside Allah as we did. Allah then tells them: (so taste the doom for what ye used to earn) for what you used to say and do of idolatry in the life of this world.

[7:40]

(Lo! they who deny Our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (and scorn them) scorn believing in them, (for them the gates of Heaven will not be opened) to receive their works or souls (nor will they enter the Garden until the camel goeth through the needle's eye) they will not enter Paradise just as a camel cannot pass through the eye of a needle; it is also said that this means: they will not enter Paradise until a rope goes through a needle's eye. (Thus do We requite the guilty) the idolaters.

[7:41]

(Theirs will be a bed of hell) a bed of fire, (and over them coverings (of hell). Thus do We requite wrong­doers) the idolaters.

[7:42]

(But (as for) those who believe) in Muhammad, Allah give him peace, and the Qur'an (and do good works) between them and their Lord (We tax not any soul) in its effort (beyond its scope) its capability. (Such) i.e. the believers (are rightful owners of the Garden) the folk of Paradise. (They abide therein) forever, never to die or be removed.

[7:43]

(And We remove whatever rancour) resentful envy or enmity (may be in their hearts) in the life of this world. (Rivers) of wine, water, honey and milk (flow beneath them) beneath their habitations and beds in the Hereafter. (And they say) when they reach their habitations; and it is said: when they reach the source of life: (The praise to Allah) gratitude and benevolence are Allah's, (Who hath guided us to this) to this habitation and source. (We could not truly have been led aright if Allah had not guided us) to it; it is also said that when they see Allah's favour when He bestowed faith upon them, they said: praise and thanks are due to Allah Who has guided us to the religion of Islam, and we would not have been guided to the religion of Islam had not Allah guided us to it. (Verily the messengers of our Lord did bring the Truth) they brought truth, glad tiding, reward and favour. (And it is cried unto them: This is the Garden. Ye inherit it) you were given it (for what ye used to do) and say of good things in the life of this world.

[7:44]

(And the dwellers of the Garden cry unto the dwellers of the Fire: We have found that which our Lord promised us) of reward and favour ((to be) the Truth. Have ye (too)) O people of the Fire (found that which your Lord promised) of torment and humiliation to be (the Truth? They say: Yea, verily. And a crier in between them) between the people of Paradise and the people of hell (crieth: The curse of Allah) the torment of Allah (is on evil-doers) on the disbelievers.

[7:45]

(Who debar (men) from the path of Allah) who divert people from Allah's religion and obedience (and would have it crooked) would have it changed, (and who are disbelievers in the Last Day) in resurrection after death.

[7:46]

(Between them) between Paradise and hell (is a veil) a wall. (And on the Heights are men) on the wall are men-whose good deeds are of the same amount as their evil deeds; it is also said these are men of knowledge and experts in law but who held doubts about provision (who know them all) all those who enter hell and those who enter Paradise (by their marks) they know those who enter hell by their darkened faces and blue eyes and those who enter Paradise by their lightened faces: at once handsome and radiant. (And they) the people on the wall (call unto the dwellers of the Garden: Peace be unto you) O people of Paradise! (They enter it not) yet (although they hope (to enter)) i.e. the people on the wall.

[7:47]

(And when their eyes are turned towards) when they look at (the dwellers of the Fire, they say: Our Lord!) O our Lord (Place us not with the wrong-doing folk) with the disbelievers in hell.

[7:48]

(And the dwellers on the Heights call unto men) among the disbelievers (whom they know) that is before they entered hell (by their marks) by their darkened faces and blue eyes, ((saying)) O Walid Ibn al-Mughirah! O Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham! O Umayyah Ibn Khalaf! O Ubayy Ibn Khalaf al-Jumahi! O Aswad Ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib! O leaders! (What did your multitude) of wealth and servants (and that in which ye took your pride) which made you scorn belief in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (avail you?)

[7:49]

Then, they looked at the dwellers of Paradise: Salman al-Farisi, Suhayb [al-Rumi], 'Ammar [Ibn Yasir] and all the other meek and weak believers, and said: (Are these) weak people (they of whom ye swore) in the life of this world, O group of disbelievers (that Allah would not show them mercy?) that Allah would not enter them to Paradise. They have indeed entered Paradise in spite of you. Allah then says to the people of the Heights: ((Unto them it hath been said) Enter the Garden. No fear) from the torment (shall come upon you nor is it ye who will grieve.)

[7:50]

(And the dwellers of the Fire cry out unto the dwellers of the Garden; Pour on us some water or some of that wherewith Allah hath provided you) of the fruits of Paradise. (They) i.e. the dwellers of Paradise (say: Lo! Allah hath forbidden both) water and the fruits of Paradise (to disbelievers (in His guidance)),

[7:51]

(Who took their religion for a sport) for falsehood (and pastime) merriment; it is also said this means: a joke and mockery, (and whom the life of the world beguiled) the comfort and luxury of the life of the world beguiled them. (So this day) the Day of Judgement (We have forgotten them) We leave them in hell (even as they forgot) they left (the meeting of this Day) the belief in this Day of theirs (and as they used to deny Our tokens) Our Scripture and Messenger.

[7:52]

(Verily We have brought them a Scripture) Allah says: We have sent them Muhammad (pbuh) with the Qur'an (which We expound with knowledge) with knowledge from Us; it is also said that this means: We have taught it, (a guidance) from error (and a mercy) from torment (for a people who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an.

[7:53]

(Await they) what do the people of Mecca wait for when they have refused to believe (aught save the fulfilment thereof) the consequence of what Allah has promised them in the Qur'an? (On the day) which is the Day of Judgement (when the fulfilment thereof) when the consequence of what Allah has promised them in the Qur'an (cometh, those who were before forgetful thereof) those who did not believe in it in the life of this world (will say: The messengers of our Lord did bring the Truth!) with the exposition of the resurrection, Paradise and hell but we denied all. (Have we any intercessors, that they may intercede for us) to avoid the torment? (Or can we be returned) to life on earth, (that we may act) that we may believe and act (otherwise than we used to act) of idolatry? (They have lost their souls) by missing Paradise and abiding in hell, (and that which they devised) that which they worshipped falsely (hath failed them).

[7:54]

(Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days) of the beginning of the life of this world, each day the equivalent of a thousand years, (then mounted He the Throne) then He proceeded to create the Throne; it is also said that this means: He seated Himself on the Throne. (He covereth the night with the day) and the day with the night, (which is in haste to follow it) i.e. the day is in haste to follow the night and the night is in haste to follow the day, (and hath made the sun and the moon and the stars subservient by His command) by His leave. (His verily is all creation) the creation of the heavens and the earth (and commandment) i.e. the judgement of people on the Day of Judgement (Blessed be Allah) the Possessor of grace; it is also said that this means: elevated is Allah; as it is said that this means: far exalted is Allah, (the Lord of the Worlds!) the Master and Disposer of the Worlds.

[7:55]

((O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly) openly (and in secret) it is also said that this means: call upon your Lord humbly and out of fear. (Lo! He loveth not aggressors) in their supplications, by calling for that which is not permissible for them against the righteous.

[7:56]

(Work not confusion) through sins and invitation to other than Allah (in the earth after the fair ordering (thereof)) through obedience and calling to Allah, Exalted is He, (and call on Him) worship Him (in fear) of Him and His torment (and hope) in Him that you shall enter His Paradise. (Lo! the mercy of Allah) the Paradise of Allah (is nigh unto the good) the believers who are good in their words and works. [7:57]

(And He it is Who sendeth the winds as tidings heralding His mercy) before the rain, (till, when they bear a cloud heavy (with rain), We lead it to a dead land) with no vegetation, (and then cause water to descend thereon) on that dead land, (and thereby bring forth) by means of this water (fruits of every kind. Thus) just as We revive the earth with vegetation (bring We forth the dead) We revive and bring forth the dead from their graves. (Haply you may remember) haply you may take heed.

[7:58]

(As for the good land) which is not a swamp, (its vegetation cometh forth by permission of its Lord) by the will of its Lord without toil or effort, just as the sincere believer fulfils that which Allah commands him to do voluntarily and with the good disposition of his soul; (while as for that which is bad) the bad, swampy land, (only the useless cometh forth (from it)) its vegetation comes forth only with toil and great effort. The hypocrite does not perform that which Allah commands him to do except when compelled and without a good disposition of the soul. (Thus do We recount the tokens) We expound the Qur'an by giving the simile of the believer and the disbeliever (for people who give thanks) for people who believe.

[7:59]

(We sent Noah (of old) unto his people, and he said: O my people! Serve Allah) profess Allah's divine Oneness. (Ye have no other God save Him) to Whom I am calling you. (Lo! I fear for you) I know that you be inflicted with (the retribution of an Awful Day) if you do not believe.

[7:60]

(The chieftains of his people said: Lo! we see you) O Noah (surely in plain error) in what you say.

[7:61]

(He said: O my people! There is no error) foolishness (in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the Worlds) to you.

[7:62]

(I convey unto you the messages of my Lord) by explaining commands and prohibition (and give good counsel unto you) I warn against the torment and call you to repentance and faith, (and know from Allah that which ye know not) of torment, if you do not believe.

[7:63]

(Marvel ye) indeed, you marvel (that there should come unto you a Reminder) prophethood (from your Lord by means of a man among you) a human being like you, (that he may warn you, and that you may keep from evil) and that you obey Allah and ward off worship of other than Him, (and that haply ye may find mercy) and not be tormented.

[7:64]

(But they denied him) i.e. Noah, (so We saved him and those with him in the ship) from drowning and torment, (and We drowned those who denied Our token) those who denied Our Scripture and Messenger Noah. (Lo! they were blind folk) to the guidance, disbelievers in Allah.

[7:65] (And unto (the tribe of) 'Aad) and We sent to 'Aad (their brother) their prophet (Hud. He said: O my people! Serve Allah) profess Allah's divine Oneness. (Ye have no other God save Him) save the One to whom I am calling you. (Will ye not ward off (evil)) the worship of other than Him?

[7:66]

(The chieftains of his people, who were disbelieving, said: Lo! we surely see thee) O Noah (in foolishness) in ignorance, (and lo! we deem thee of the liars) in what you say.

[7:67]

(He said: O my people; There is no foolishness) ignorance (in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the Worlds) to you.

[7:68]

(I convey unto you the messages of my Lord) by explaining the commands and prohibitions (and am for you a true adviser) warning you of Allah's torment and calling you to repentance and faith, and I am trustworthy in conveying the message of my Lord. It is also said that this means: you used to consider me a trustworthy person, so how is it that you are now accusing me.

[7:69]

(Marvel ye) indeed you find it a marvel (that there should come unto you a Reminder) prophethood (from your Lord by means of a man among you) a human being like you, (that he may warn you) of Allah's torment? (Remember how He made you vicegerents after Noah's folk) after the destruction of the people of Noah, (and gave you growth of stature) the virtue of heights and bodies. (Remember (all) the bounties of your Lord) and believe in Him, (that haply ye may be successful) that haply you may escape Allah's wrath and torment.

[7:70]

(They said: Hast thou come unto us that we should serve Allah alone, and forsake what our fathers worshipped) the many gods that our fathers worshipped? (Then bring upon us that wherewith thou threatenest us) of torment (if thou art of the Truthful).

[7:71]

(He said: Terror) torment (and wrath from your Lord have already fallen on you) have been decreed upon you. (Would ye wrangle) argue (with me over names) idols (which ye have named, ye and your fathers) they you named as gods, (for which) for the worship of which (no warrant) no scripture or proof (from Allah hath been revealed? Then await) my destruction, (Lo! I (also) am of those awaiting) your destruction.

[7:72]

(And We saved him) i.e. Hud (and those with him by a mercy from Us) for them, (and We cut the root of those who denied Our revelations) We exterminated those who denied Our Scripture and Messenger Hud (and were not believers) those who were destroyed were all disbelievers.

[7:73]

(And to (the tribe of) Thamud) We sent (their brother) their prophet, it is also said that he was their brother in lineage but not in religion (Salih. He said: O my people! Serve Allah) profess Allah's divine Oneness. (Ye have no other God save Him) save the One I am commanding you to believe in. (A wonder from your Lord hath come unto you) an exposition from your Lord has come to you. (Lo! this is the camel of Allah, a token unto you) a sign for Allah's message; (so let her feed in Allah's earth) eat its grass unhindered, (and touch her not with hurt) hamstrung her not (lest painful torment seize you) after you hurt her.

[7:74]

(And remember how He made you vicegerents after 'Aad) after the destruction of the people of 'Aad (and gave you station) He made you dwell (in the earth. Ye choose castles) for the summer (in the plains) using their mud (and hew the mountains into dwellings) for the winter. (So remember (all) the bounties of Allah) and believe in Him (and do not evil, making mischief in the earth) do not commit transgressions on the earth and call to other than Allah.

[7:75]

(The chieftains of his people, who were scornful) towards believing, (said unto those whom they despised) those who were overpowered, (unto such of them as believed) among the weak: (Know ye that Salih is one sent from his Lord) to you? (They said: Lo! In that wherewith he) Salih (has been sent we are believers) .

[7:76]

(Those who were scornful) towards believing (said: Lo! in that which ye believe we are disbelievers) deniers.

[7:77]

(So they hamstrung) killed (the she-camel, and they flouted the commandment of their Lord) they refused to accept the commands of their Lord with which Salih enjoined them, (and they said: O Salih! Bring upon us that which thou threatenest) of torment (if thou art indeed of those sent (from Allah)) they said this out of mockery.

[7:78]

(So the earthquake) and the loud noise announcing their torment (seized them, and morning found them prostrate) dead without a movement (in their dwelling-place) in their town.

[7:79]

(And Salih turned on them) Salih left them before they were destroyed (and said: O my people! I delivered my Lord's message unto you) explaining the commands and prohibitions (and gave you good advice) I warned you of Allah's torment and called you to repent and believe, (but ye love not good advisers) you do not listen to those who advise you.

[7:80]

(And Lot!) and We sent Lot to his people. (When he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination) i.e. sodomy (such as no creature ever did) this act (before you?)

[7:81]

(Lo! ye come with lust) you find more lust (unto men) in men's behinds (instead of women) instead of the vaginas of women. (Nay, but ye, are wanton folk) in idolatry; you transgress from the lawful to that which is prohibited.

[7:82]

(And the answer of his people was only that they said (one to another): Turn them out) i.e. Lot and his two daughters: Za'ura and Raytha (of your township. They are folk, forsooth, who keep pure) who avoid the behinds of men and women.

[7:83]

(And We rescued him) i.e. Lot (and his household) his daughters: Za'ura and Raytha, (save his wife, who was of those who stayed behind) and was therefore destroyed.

[7:84]

(And We rained a rain upon them) We sent down upon their travellers and homosexuals stones from heaven. (See now) O Muhammad (the nature of the consequence for evil-doers!) the end result of the idolaters is destruction.

[7:85]

(And unto Midian) and We sent to Midian (their brother) their prophet (Shu'ayb. He said: O my people! Serve Allah) profess Allah's divine Oneness. (Ye have no other God save Him) save Him in whom I am enjoining you to believe. (Lo! a clear proof) an exposition (hath come unto you from your Lord) regarding Allah's message; (so give full measure and full weight and wrong not mankind in their goods, and work not confusion in the earth) by committing transgressions and calling to other than Allah and by not giving full measure and full weight (after the fair ordering thereof) through acts of obedience, calling to Allah and giving full measure and scale. (That) the profession of Allah's divine Oneness and giving full measure and weight (will be better for you) than that in which you are now, (if ye are believers) in what I say to you.

[7:86]

(Lurk not on every road) that people use (to threaten) and beat, scare and take the clothes of strangers, (and to turn away from Allah's path) from Allah's religion and obedience (him who believeth in him) in Shu'ayb (Jethro), (and to seek to make it crooked) and seek to make it other than what it is. (And remember, when you were but few) in number, (how He did multiply you) in number. (And see the nature of the consequence for the corrupters!) see how was the end result of the idolaters before you through destruction. 

[7:87]

(And if there is) there was indeed (a party of you which believes in that wherewith I have been sent, and there is a party which believeth not, then have patience until Allah judge between us) and you. (He is the best of all who deal in judgement.)

[7:88]

(The chieftains of his people, who were scornful) towards believing, (said: Surely we will drive you out, O Shu'ayb, and those who believe with thee, from our township, unless ye return to) embrace (our religion. He) Jethro (said: Even though we hate it?) would you force us to do this even though we hate it?

[7:89]

(We should have invented a lie) falsehood (against Allah if we returned to your religion after Allah hath rescued us from it) from your religion. (It is not for us) it is not permissible for us (to return to it) to embrace your religion: associating others with Allah (unless Allah should (so) will) unless Allah takes away the knowledge from our hearts. (Our Lord comprehendeth all things in knowledge) our Lord knows everything. (In Allah do we put our trust. Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Decide with truth) with justice (between us and our folk, for Thou art the best of those who make decision) the best of judges.

[7:90]

(But the chieftains of his people, who were disbelieving, said) to the lowly among people: (If ye follow Shu'ayb) in his religion, (then truly you shall be the losers) ignorant and duped.

[7:91]

(So the earthquake) and the loud noise announcing their torment (seized them, and morning found them prostrate) dead (in their dwelling-place) in their town and encampments.

[7:92]

(Those who denied Shu'ayb) were destroyed and (became as though they had not dwelt there. Those who denied Shu'ayb, they were the losers) in that they were punished.

[7:93]

(So he turned from them) he departed from them before they were destroyed (and said: O my people! I delivered my Lord's messages unto you) by explaining the commands and prohibitions (and gave you good advice) I warned you of Allah's torment and invited you to repent and believe; (then how can I sorrow for a people that rejected) Allah and therefore were destroyed? 

[7:94]

(And We sent no prophet) as messenger (unto any township) whose people We destroyed (but We did afflict its folk) before their destruction (with tribulation) with fear, affliction and hardships (and adversity) illness, pain and hunger (that haply they might grow humble) that haply they might believe, but they did not.

[7:95]

(Then changed We the evil plight for good) We replaced drought and lack of fruit with fertility, abundance and comfort (till they grew affluent and said: Tribulation and distress did touch our fathers) as they have touched us, but they held firm to their religion. We are just like them and their example we shall follow. (Then We seized them unawares) with torment, (when they perceived not) the descent of such a torment. 

[7:96]

(And if the people of the township) whose people We destroyed (had believed) in the Scripture and messengers (and kept from evil) disbelief, idolatry, indecencies and had further repented, (surely We should have opened for them, blessings from the sky) through rain (and from the earth) through vegetation and fruits. (But they gave the lie) to My messengers and Scriptures, (and so We seized them) by inflicting upon them drought, lack of fruits and punishment (on account of what they used to earn) i.e. because of giving the lie to the prophets and Scriptures. 

[7:97]

(Are the people of the townships) the people of Mecca (then secure from the coming of Our wrath) Our punishment, (upon them as a night-raid while they sleep) and are completely unaware of it?

[7:98]

(Or are the people of the townships then secure from the coming of Our wrath upon them in the daytime while they play) i.e. engaging in falsehood? 

[7:99]

(Are they then secure from Allah's scheme) i.e. Allah's punishment? (None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme) Allah's punishment (save folk that perish) the disbelievers.

[7:100] (Is it not an indication) is it not clear (to those who inherit the land) the land of Mecca (after its people) after the destruction of its people (that, if We will, We can smite them) punish them (for their sins) as We punished nations before them (and print upon) such that We seal (their hearts so that they hear not) guidance and believe not in Muhammad (pbuh) or the Qur'an?

[7:101]

(Such were the townships) whose people We had destroyed. (We relate) We send you Gabriel with (some tidings of them) with the story of their destruction (unto thee (Muhammad). Their messengers verily came unto them with clear proofs) with commands, prohibitions and signs, (but they could not believe) in the Scriptures or messengers (because they had before denied) i.e. on the Day of the Covenant; it is also said the last of nations did not believe in that which the first of nations disbelieved. (Thus doth Allah print upon) seal (the hearts of disbelievers) in Allah as it is in the knowledge of Allah.

[7:102]

(We found no (loyalty to any) covenant) the first covenant (in most of them. Nay, most of them) all of them (We found wrong-doers) breakers of covenants.

[7:103]

(Then, after them) after these messengers, (We sent Moses with our) nine (tokens unto Pharaoh and his chiefs) his people, (but they repelled them) they denied the tokens. (Now, see the nature of the consequence for the corrupters) see how destruction was the end result of the idolaters!

[7:104]

(Moses said: O Pharaoh! Lo! I am a messenger from the Lord of the Worlds) to you, but Pharaoh said: "You are lying!"

[7:105]

Moses said: (Approved upon condition) it is more befitting for me (that I speak concerning Allah nothing but the Truth I come unto you (lords of Egypt) with a clear proof from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel) along with their properties, great and small, (go with me).

[7:106]

((Pharaoh) said: If thou comest with a token) with a sign, (then produce it, if you are of those who speak the Truth) and if you are indeed a messenger.

[7:107]

(Then he flung down his staff) the first token (and lo! it was a serpent manifest) a yellow, male serpent: a huge one;

[7:108]

(And he drew forth his hand) from his armpit: (and lo! it was white) shining (for the beholders) who looked at it.

[7:109]

(The chiefs of Pharaoh's people said: Lo! this is some knowing wizard) who is proficient in wizardry,

[7:110]

 (Who would expel you from your land) the land of Egypt. (Now what do ye advise?) Pharaoh said to them: "What do you advise that we should do concerning this matter?"

[7:111]

(They said (unto Pharaoh): Put him off (a while) him and his brother) do not kill them (and send into the cities summoners) soldiers,

[7:112]

(To bring each knowing wizard) who is proficient in wizardry (unto thee).

[7:113]

(And the wizards) who were 70 in number (came to Pharaoh, saying) to Pharaoh: (Surely there will be a reward for us) you will give us a gift (if we are victors) against Moses.

[7:114]

(He answered: Yea) you have that, (and surely ye shall be of those brought near (to me)) in status.

[7:115]

(They said: O Moses! Either throw) first (or let us be the first throwers)?

[7:116]

(He) Moses (said: Throw) first whatever you are going to throw! (And when they threw) 70 staffs and 70 ropes (they cast a spell upon the people's eyes, and overawed them) scared them, (and produced a mighty spell) it is also said that this means: a clear lie.

[7:117]

(And We inspired Moses (saying): Throw thy staff!) and he threw it. (And lo! it swallowed up their lying show) their staffs and ropes.

[7:118]

(Thus was the Truth vindicated) it became clear that Moses was right (and that which they were doing) of sorcery (was made vain) fizzled away.

[7:119]

(Thus were they there defeated) upon which Moses was victorious against them (and brought low) and they were humiliated.

[7:120]

(And the wizards fell down prostrate) to Allah; it is also said that they prostrated themselves so fast, that it seemed as if they had fallen prostrate,

[7:121]

(Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds) Pharaoh said: are you referring to me? 

[7:122]

They said: (The Lord of Moses and Aaron).

[7:123]

(Pharaoh said: You believe in Him) you believed in the Lord of Moses and Aaron (before I give you leave) before I command you to do so! (Lo! this is the plot that ye have plotted in the city) between you and Moses (that ye may drive its people hence) by means of guile. (But ye shall come to know!)

[7:124]

(Surely I shall have your hands and feet cut off upon alternate sides) the right hand with the left leg. (Then I shall crucify you every one) on the river bank.

[7:125]

(They) i.e. the wizards (said: Lo! We are about to return unto our Lord!) 

[7:126]

(Thou takest vengeance on us) you are censuring and punishing us (only forasmuch as we believed the tokens of our Lord when they came unto us. Our Lord! Vouchsafe unto us steadfastness) honour us with steadfastness when we are crucified and mutilated and make it that we do not return to disbelief (and make us die as men who have surrendered (unto Thee)) sincerely, following the religion of Moses. 

[7:127]

(The chiefs of Pharaoh's people said: (O King), wilt thou) not kill them and (suffer Moses and his people to make mischief in the land) by changing the religion and worship, (and flout thee) and abandon you (and thy gods) and the worship of your gods; it is also said that this means, according to a different reading: and leave worshipping you as a god? (He) Pharaoh (said: We will slay their sons) their young sons, as we did the first time (and spare) and use (their women) their grown up women, (for lo! we are in power over them) we have dominance and supremacy over them.

[7:128]

(And Moses said unto his people: Seek help in Allah and endure) the affliction. (Lo! the earth) the land of Egypt (is Allah's. He giveth it for an inheritance to whom He will. And lo! the sequel) Paradise (is for those who keep their duty (unto Him)) those who ward off disbelief, idolatry and indecencies.

[7:129]

(They said:) O Moses, (We suffered hurt) we were tormented by the killing of our sons, the use of our women and also by working (before thou camest unto us, and since thou hast come unto us) with the message. (He) Moses (said: it may be) the expression 'may be' ['asa] when used in relation to Allah denotes categoricalness (that your Lord is going to destroy your adversary) Pharaoh and by means of drought and hunger (and make you vicegerents in the earth) make you in the inhabitants of the land of Egypt, (that He may see how ye behave) with regard to obeying Him. 

[7:130]

(And We straitened Pharaoh's folk with famine) and hunger, year after year (and the dearth of fruits) the disappearance of fruits, (that peradventure they might heed) that they might take admonition.

[7:131]

(But whenever good) land fertility, abundance and comfort (befell them, they said: This is ours) this is our right; (and whenever evil) drought, lack of fruits and hardship (smote them they ascribed it to the evil auspices of Moses and those with him). Allah said: (Surely their evil auspice) their hardship and abundance (was only with Allah. But most of them) all of them (knew not) this nor believed in it. 

[7:132]

(And they said:) O Moses, whenever and (Whatever portent) sign (thou bringest wherewith to bewitch us) to dazzle our eyes with, (we shall not put faith in thee) we shall not believe in the message, and so Moses (pbuh) prayed against them. 

[7:133]

(So We sent them) Allah inflicted upon them (the flood) continuous, uninterrupted rain: day and night, from Saturday to Saturday (and the locusts) He sent on the locust which ate everything that the earth produced: vegetation and fruits (and the vermin) and He also inflicted them with the vermin-crawling creatures without wings-which devoured whatever the locusts left uneaten (and the frogs) and after this He set on them frogs so much so that they harmed them (and the blood) after which He inflicted on them blood such that their wells and rivers filled with blood (a succession of clear signs) of one month interval. (But they were arrogant) and refused to believe (and became guilty) idolaters.

[7:134]

(And when the terror fell on them) whenever a torment fell on them such as the flood, locusts, vermin, frogs and blood (they cried: O Moses! Pray for us unto your Lord) ask your Lord for us, (because He hath a covenant with thee) because of that with which He has commanded you. (If thou removest the terror from us) if you remove the punishment from us (we verily will trust thee) we will believe in you (and will let the Children of Israel go with thee) with all their property. 

[7:135]

(But when We did remove from them the terror) the punishment (for a term which they must reach) i.e. the drowning, (behold! they broke their covenant) they broke their pledge to Moses. 

[7:136]

(Therefore We took retribution from them) once and for all; (therefore We drowned them in the sea: because they denied Our) nine (revelations and were heedless of them) they were disbelievers in them.

[7:137]

(And We caused the folk who were despised) who were humiliated (to inherit the eastern parts of the land) the land of Jerusalem, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt (and the western parts thereof which We had blessed) part of it with water and trees. (And the fair word of the Lord) to reward them with Paradise or victory (was fulfilled) became incumbent (for the Children of Israel because of their endurance) in the face of affliction; it is also said: for their endurance upon their religion; (and We annihilated) destroyed ((all) that Pharaoh and his folk had done) of castles and townships (and that they had contrived) and that which they had planted of trees and vines; it is also said that this means: that which they had built.

[7:138]

(And We brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and they came unto a people) called al-Raqim, remnants of the people of Abraham, (who were given up to idols which they had) who worshipped idols. (They said: O Moses! Make for us a god) show us a god to worship (even as they have gods) to worship.

(He) Moses (said: Lo! ye are a folk who know not) the command of Allah.

[7:139]

(Lo! as for these, their way) their idolatry (will be destroyed and all that they are doing) of idolatry (is in vain) is error. 

[7:140]

(He) Moses (said: Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah) shall I command you to worship another lord (when He hath favoured you above (all) creatures) of your time, through surrender unto Him?

[7:141]

(And (remember) when We did deliver you from Pharaoh's folk) from Pharaoh and his people (who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, slaughtering your sons) your little sons (and sparing) and using (your women) your grown up women. (That) your deliverance (was a tremendous trial) blessing (from your Lord) it is also said that this means: there is in His punishment a tremendous test.

[7:142]

(And when We did appoint for Moses) to spend in the mountain (thirty nights (of solitude)) the month of the Dhu'l-Qa'dah, (and added to them ten) days from the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah, (and he completed the whole time appointed by his Lord of forty nights) as he promised; (and Moses said unto his brother: Take my place) be my deputy (among the people. Do right) enjoin them to do right, (and follow not the way of mischief-makers) by committing transgressions.

[7:143]

(And when Moses came to Our appointed tryst) in Midian (and his Lord had spoken unto him, he said: My Lord! Show me (Thy self)) he wished to see Allah, (that I may gaze upon Thee. He) Allah (said: Thou wilt not see Me) you will not be able to see me in the life of this world, O Moses, (but gaze upon the mountain) the highest mountain in Midian! (If it stand still in its place) if the mountain stands still when seeing Me, (then thou wilt see Me) then may be you will see Me. (And when his Lord revealed (His) glory to the mountain) to Mount Zubayr (He sent it crashing down. And Moses fell down senseless) he passed out. (And when he woke) from his fainting (he said: Glory unto Thee!) he glorified His Lord (I turn unto Thee repentant) from asking to see You, (and I am the first of (true) believers) that you will not be seen in the life of this world.

[7:144]

(He said : O Moses! I have preferred thee above mankind) above the Children of Israel (by My messages and by My speaking (unto thee). So hold that which I have given thee) act upon that which I have given you, (and be among the thankful) that I chose to speak to you from among all people.

[7:145]

(And We wrote for him, upon the tablets, the lesson) the prohibition (to be drawn from all things and the explanation of all things) of the lawful and the unlawful, commands and prohibitions, (then (bade him): Hold it fast) act upon it seriously and diligently; (and command your people (saying): Take the better (course made clear) therein) act upon that which is unambiguous and believe in that which is ambiguous. (I shall show thee the abode of evil-livers) the abode of the transgressors which is hell; it is also said that this refers to Iraq, just as it is said that it refers to Egypt.

[7:146] (I shall turn away from My revelations) from believing in My revelations (those who magnify themselves wrongfully) without any right (in the earth) it is also said that this means: I will show you, O Muhammad, the abode of evil-doers: the abode of Badr, and it is said that this is the abode of Mecca, (and if they) i.e. Pharaoh and his folk; it is also said that it refers to Abu Jahl and his folk (see each token believe it not, and if they see the way of righteousness) the way of Islam and goodness (choose it not for (their) way) they would not consider it a way, (and if they see the way of error) the way of disbelief and idolatry (choose it for (their) way) they would consider it a way. (That is because they deny Our revelations) Our Scripture and Messenger (and are used to disregard them) disbelieving in them.

[7:147]

(Those who deny Our revelations) those who disbelieve in Our Scripture and Messenger (and the meeting of the Hereafter) and disbelieve in resurrection after death, (their works are fruitless) their good deeds are nullified due to their idolatry. (Are they requited) that which they are requited of in the Hereafter (aught save what they used to do) and say of evil in the life of this world?

[7:148]

(And the folk of Moses, after (he had left them)) to go in retreat in the mountain, (chose) made (a calf (for worship), (made) out of their ornaments, of saffron hue) of their gold, (which gave a lowing sound) a sound that the Samiri made for them. (Saw they not) did the people of Moses not know (that it spake not unto them) i.e. the calf (nor guided them to any way? They chose it) they worshipped the calf out of ignorance, (and became wrong-doers) and they harmed themselves by worshipping it. 

[7:149]

(And when they feared the consequences thereof) and when they regretted having worshipped the calf (and saw) and knew and were certain (that they had gone astray) from the Truth and guidance, (they said: Unless our Lord have mercy on us and forgive us) and hence torment us, (we verily are of the lost) by receiving the punishment. 

[7:150]

(And when Moses returned unto his people, angry and grieved) when he heard the voice of sedition, (he said: Evil is that (course) which ye took after I had left you) evil is what you did by worshipping the calf after I went to the mountain. (Would ye hasten on the judgement of your Lord) would you hasten by worshipping the calf the promise of your Lord? (And he cast down the tablets) from his hand and two of them were broken, (and he seized his brother by the head) i.e. by Aaron's hair, (dragging him towards him. He) Aaron (said: Son of my mother!) they were full brothers, but he mentioned their mother so that Moses might be gentle with him (Lo! the folk did judge me weak) humiliated me (and almost killed me) due to my opposition. (Oh, make not mine enemies to triumph over me) make not the enemy, the folk of the calf, spite me (and place me not among the evil-doers!) do not harm me because of the folk of the calf.

[7:151]

(He) Moses (said: My Lord! Have mercy on me) because of what I did to Aaron (and on my brother) Aaron because he did not fight them; (bring us into Thy mercy) in Your Garden, (Thou the Most Merciful of all who show mercy) towards us.

[7:152]

(Lo! those who chose) worshipped (the calf) and whoever emulates them, (terror) wrath (from their Lord and humiliation) through the imposition of the capitation tax (will come upon them in the life of the world. Thus do We requite those who invent a lie) against Allah.

[7:153] (But those who do ill deeds) while ascribing partners to Allah (and afterward repent) after their idolatry; it is also said that this means: after committing transgressions (and believe) profess Allah's divine Oneness and believe in Allah (lo! for them, afterward) after repentance and accepting faith, (your Lord) O Moses; and it is also said: O Muhammad (is Forgiving) He overlooks sins, (Merciful).

[7:154]

(Then, when the anger of Moses abated, he took up the tablets, and in their inscription) in what remained in them; it is also said: in what was returned to him of the two tablets (there was guidance) from error (and mercy) preventing from torment (for all those who fear their Lord). 

[7:155]

(And Moses chose of his people seventy men for Our appointed tryst and, when the trembling came on them) and killed them, (he said: My Lord! If Thou hadst willed Thou hadst destroyed them long before) before this day, (and me with them) when I killed the Copt. (Wilt Thou destroy us for that which the ignorant among us did) when they worshipped the calf-here Moses thought they were destroyed because of their worship of the calf? (It is but Thy trial (of us)) Your affliction upon us. (Thou sendest whom Thou wilt astray and guidest whom Thou wilt) to avoid the sedition. (Thou art our Protecting Friend) You have better right to have mercy on us, (therefore forgive us and have mercy on us) and do not punish us, (Thou, the Best of all who show forgiveness) overlook sins.

[7:156]

(And ordain for us in this world that which is good) knowledge, worship and protection from sins, (and in the Hereafter (that which is good)) the good of Paradise and its bliss, (Lo! We have turned unto Thee) we have repented to You; it is also said this means: we are betaking ourselves to You. (He) Allah (said: I smite with) I single out with (My punishment whom I will, and My mercy embraceth all things) whether the person is righteous or sinner. Iblis seized this opportunity and said: "I am of the things", but Allah excluded him from this by saying: (therefore I shall ordain it for those who ward off (evil)) disbelief, idolatry and indecencies (and pay the poor-due) and give from their wealth what is due to the poor, (and those who believe Our revelations) believe in Our Scripture and Messenger. The people of the Book seized this opportunity and said: "we are the people of God-fearingness and Scripture", but Allah excluded them from this and explained to whom this mercy is ordained, saying:

[7:157]

(Those who follow the messenger) the religion of the Messenger, (the Prophet who can neither read nor write) i.e. Muhammad (pbuh) (whom they will find) with his traits and description (described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right) Allah's divine Oneness and moral excellence (and forbid them that which is wrong) disbelief and hurting others. (He will make lawful for them all good things) he explains to them the lawfulness of that which is in the Scripture such as the meat and milk of camels, sheep and others (and prohibit for them only the foul) he explains to them the unlawfulness of what is in the Scripture such as carrion, the meat of swine and other things; (and he will relieve them of their burden) their pledges the breaking of which made good things unlawful for them (and the fetters) the hardships (that they used to wear) such as tearing up their clothes and other things. (Then those who believe in him) in Muhammad (pbuh) i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers, (and honour him) and assist him (and help him) with the sword, (and follow the light) the Qur'an (which is sent down with him) which was sent with Gabriel: that which is lawful, they declared lawful, and that which unlawful, they declared unlawful: (they are the successful) who are saved from Allah's wrath and torment.

[7:158]

(Say) O Muhammad: (O mankind! Lo! I am the Messenger of Allah to you all (the Messenger of) Him unto whom belongeth the Sovereignty) the stores (of the heavens and the earth. There is no God save Him) there is no Provider save Him. (He quickeneth) for the resurrection (and He giveth death) in the life of this world. (So believe in Allah and His messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believeth in Allah and in His words) in the Qur'an; or, according to another Qur'anic variant: in Jesus, who became a created being with a word, Be, and he was (and follow him) follow the religion of Muhammad (pbuh) (that haply ye may be led aright) in order that you be guided from error to faith.

[7:159]

(And of Moses' folk there is a community) a group (who lead with) enjoin (truth and establish justice therewith) they act upon the Truth. These are those beyond the river al-Raml.

[7:160]

(We divided them into twelve tribes, nations) tribe by tribe: nine tribes and a half towards the East, where the sun rises, beyond China, on the river al-Raml (also called Jordan), and two tribes and a half all over the world; (and We inspired Moses) We commanded Moses, (when his people asked him for water) in the wilderness, (saying: Smite with thy staff) which is with you (the rock! And there gushed forth therefrom) from the rock (twelve springs) rivers, (so that each tribe knew their drinking place) from the river. (And we caused the white cloud to overshadow them) in the wilderness: in the day it protected them from the sun and in the night, it lit for them like a lamp (and sent down for them the manna and the quails) in the wilderness ((saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you): the manna and the quails. (They wronged Us not) they did not hurt or harm Us because of what they committed, (but they were wont to wrong themselves) to harm and hurt themselves.

[7:161]

(And when it was said unto them: Dwell in this township) the town of Jericho (and eat therefrom whence ye will) and whenever you will, (and say “Repentance”) and say: there is no deity except Allah; it is also said that this means: forgive our sins, (and enter the gate) the gate of Jericho (prostrate; We shall forgive you your sins; We shall increase (reward) for the right doers) in their good works.

[7:162]

(But those of them who did wrong) the sinning people (changed the word which had been told them for another saying) they were commanded to say "hittah [there is no deity except Allah; or as in the other meaning: forgive our sins"] but instead said "hintah [wheat]", (and We sent down upon them wrath from heaven) We sent upon them the plague from heaven (for their wrong-doing) for changing what they were commanded to say.

[7:163]

(Ask them) the Jews, O Muhammad (of the township) about the story of the township called Aylah (that was by the sea, how they did break the Sabbath) they used to transgress on the Sabbath by taking the fish, (how their big fish came unto them visibly) scores and scores of them, from deep inside up to the shore (upon their Sabbath day and on a day when they did not keep Sabbath came they not unto them. Thus did We try them) test them (for that they were evil-livers) transgressors.

[7:164]

(And when a community) a group (among them said: Why preach ye to a folk whom Allah is about to destroy) by turning them into animals (and punish with an awful doom) with the Fire, (they said: In order to be free from guilt before your Lord) in order to have an argument before your Lord, (and that haply they may ward off (evil)) ward off taking the fish on the Sabbath. These were three people who used to catch fish on the Sabbath and encouraged others to do so too. There was another group of people who did not catch fish on the Sabbath but did not warn others against doing so. And lastly there was another group of people who did not catch the fish on the Sabbath and warned others against doing so. Allah turned those who caught fish on the Sabbath and enjoined others to do so into animals and spared the others.

[7:165]

(And when they forgot that whereof they had been reminded) and when they left what they were commanded to do, (We rescued those who forbade wrong) i.e. catching fish on the Sabbath, (and visited those who did wrong) by catching fish on the Sabbath (with dreadful) a severe (punishment because they were evil-livers) because they were transgressors.

[7:166]

(So when they took pride in) when they refused to refrain from (that which they had been forbidden, We said unto them: Be ye apes despised and loathed!) humiliated and abominated! 

[7:167]

(And (remember) when thy Lord proclaimed that He would raise against them till the Day of Resurrection those who would lay on them a cruel torment) those who would severely torment them by the imposition of the capitation tax and other things, the reference here is to Muhammad (pbuh) and his Community. (Lo! verily your Lord is swift in prosecution) He has a severe punishment for those who do not believe in Him (and lo! verily He is Forgiving, Merciful) vis-à-vis those who believe in Him.

[7:168]

(And We have sundered them) We have divided them (in the earth as (separate) nations) tribes, distinctly from each other. (Some of them are righteous) nine tribes and a half, beyond the River al-Raml, (and some far from that) the rest of the believers from among the Children of Israel; it is also said that this means: and far from that are the disbelievers of the Children of Israel. (And We have tried them with good things) and We have tested them with land fertility, abundance and comfort (and evil things) drought, lack of harvest and hardship (that haply they might return) they might repent of their transgression and disbelief.

[7:169]

(And a generation hath succeeded them) a generation of people succeeded the righteous ones, but their successors, among the Jews, were evil (who inherited the Scriptures) they took the Scripture and concealed the traits and description of Muhammad (pbuh) that is in it. (They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil doing)) they take bribes and other unlawful stuff of this world in exchange for concealing the traits and description of Muhammad (pbuh) (and say: It will be forgiven us) the sins we commit at night shall be forgiven during the day, and the sins we commit in the day shall be forgiven at night. (And if there came to them (again)) today (the offer of the like) similar to the unlawful that had come to them before, (they would accept it) and declaring to be lawful. (Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the Truth? And they have studied that which is therein) of the traits and attributes of Muhammad (pbuh); it is also said that this means: they studied what is in it of the lawful and the unlawful but did not act upon it. (And the abode of the Hereafter)

i.e. Paradise (is better, for those who ward off (evil)) ward off disbelief, idolatry, indecencies, bribery and changing the traits and description of the Prophet (pbuh) in the Torah. Warding off these is better than the abode of the life of this world. (Have ye then no sense?) do you not realise that the life of this world is vanishing and the Hereafter is everlasting? 

[7:170]

(And as for those who make (men) keep the Scripture) those who act upon the Scripture, declaring its lawful to be lawful and its unlawful to be unlawful, and further manifest the traits and description of Muhammad (pbuh) (and establish worship) and perform the five daily prayers (lo! We squander not) We thwart not (the wages of reformers) the reward of those who do good in their works and speech, referring here to 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his companions.

[7:171]

(And when We shook the Mount) when We extracted, raised and fixed the Mount (above them) above their heads (as it were a covering) for comfort, (and they supposed) they knew and were certain (that it was going to fall upon them) if they did not accept the Scripture ((and We said): Hold fast that which We have given you) act according to it seriously and diligently, (and remember that which is therein) of reward and punishment; it is also said that this means: recall what is therein of commands and prohibitions; and it is also said that this means: act upon that which is therein of the lawful and the unlawful, (that ye may ward off (evil)) that you may ward off Allah's wrath and torment and that you may believe in Allah.

[7:172]

(And (remember) when thy Lord) O Muhammad (brought forth) on the Day of the Covenant (from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed) He brought forth the seeds from their reins, (and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily We testify) we know and acknowledge that You are our Lord. Allah then said to the angels: be witnesses over them; and let you be witnesses over one another. ((That was) lest ye should say) so that you do not say (at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this) covenant (we were unaware) we were not made to make pledge;

[7:173]

(Or lest ye should say) and so that you do not say: ((It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old) before us, and it is them who broke the covenant and pledge before us (and we were (their) seed) small and weak (after them) and we just emulated them. (Wilt Thou destroy us) will you punish us (on account of that which those who follow falsehood did?) on account of what the idolaters did before us in terms of breaking the covenant?

[7:174]

(Thus We detail Our revelations) We explain in the Qur'an the story of the Covenant, (that haply they may return) from disbelief and idolatry to the initial Covenant.

[7:175]

(Recite unto them) O Muhammad (the tale of him to whom We gave Our revelations) the greatest divine name, (but he sloughed them off) the reference here is to Bal'am Ibn Ba'ura' whom Allah honoured with His greatest name but he used to pray against Moses and so Allah took it away from him. It is also said that the reference here is to Umayyah Ibn al-Salt whom Allah honoured with knowledge and good speech but when he did not believe, Allah took this away from him, (so Satan overtook him) Satan deluded him (and he became of those who lead astray) he became of the erring disbelievers.

[7:176]

(And had We willed We could have raised him by their means) We could have raised him by means of the greatest name to heaven and made him sovereign over the people of this world, (but he clung to the earth) he inclined to the wealth of this world (and followed his own lust) the lust of leadership; it is also said that this means: the lust of his ego by engaging in evil things. (Therefore his likeness) the likeness of Bal'am; and it is said: the likeness of Umayyah Ibn al-Salt (is as the likeness of a dog; if thou attackest him) and drive him away from you (he panteth with his tongue out, and if thou leavest him) and do not drive him away (he panteth with his tongue out) such is the case with Bal'am and Umayyah, when they were admonished they did not take any heed and when they were left alone, they did not understand anything. (Such is the likeness of the people who deny Our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an. These people are the Jews. (Narrate unto them the history (of the men of old)) recite to them the Qur'an, (that haply they may take thought) that haply they may reflect on the similes of the Qur'an.

[7:177]

(Evil as an example are the folk who denied Our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an, if their example is as that of a dog, (and were wont to wrong themselves) to harm themselves by being tortured. 

[7:178]

(He who Allah leadeth) guides to His religion, (he indeed is led aright) to His religion, (while he whom Allah sendeth astray) from His religion (they indeed are losers) because of being punished.

[7:179]

(Already have We urged unto) We created for (hell many of the jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not) the Truth, (and having eyes wherewith they see not) the Truth, (and having ears wherewith they hear not) the Truth. (These are as the cattle) in relation to understanding the Truth (nay, but they are worse!) because they are disbelievers (These are the neglectful) those who are oblivious to the matter of the Hereafter, deniers of it.

[7:180]

(Allah's are the fairest names) the loftiest attributes: knowledge, power, hearing, sight, and the like. (Invoke Him by them) recite by them. (And leave the company of those who blaspheme His names) those who deny His names and attributes; and according to a different reading this means: those who are disinclined to acknowledge His names; and it is also said that this means: those who liken His names to al-Lat, al-'Uzza, and Manat. (They will be requited) in the Hereafter for (what they do) and say in the life of this world.

[7:181]

(And of those whom We created there is a nation) a group (who guide with the Truth) bid to the Truth (and establish justice therewith) and act upon the Truth. This group is the Community of Muhammad (pbuh).

[7:182]

(And those who deny Our revelations) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an. These are Abu Jahl and his followers as well as all those who make a mockery of any punishment inflicted on them (step by step We lead them on) We will punish them (from whence they know not) that the punishment is being sent to them. And indeed Allah destroyed them in one day, each of which with a different type of destruction.

[7:183]

(I give them rein) I give them respite ((for) lo! My scheme is strong) My punishment and seizure is mighty.

[7:184]

(Have they not bethought them) among themselves that Muhammad (pbuh) was not a sorcerer, soothsayer or a madman. Then Allah, Exalted is He, said: ((that) there is no madness) there is no touch of madness whatsoever (in their comrade) in their Prophet? (He is but a plain warner) and Messenger who explains to them in a language they understand.

[7:185]

(Have they not considered) i.e. the people of Mecca (the dominion of the heavens) the sun, moon, stars and clouds (and the earth) and the dominion of the earth: the trees, mountains, oceans and beasts, (and what things Allah hath created) and all the things that Allah created, (and that it may be) 'may be' ['asa] when used in relation to Allah denotes a requisite (that their own term draweth nigh) their destruction draws near? (In what fact after this) in what Scripture after Allah's Scripture (will they believe) if they do not believe in this Scripture?

[7:186]

(Those whom Allah sendeth astray) from His religion, (there is no guide for them) to His religion. (He leaveth them to wander blindly on in their contumacy) in their disbelief and error.

[7:187]

(They) the people of Mecca (ask thee) O Muhammad (of the (destined) Hour) about the timing and occurrence of the Last Hour, (when will it come to port. Say: Knowledge thereof) the knowledge of its timing and occurrence (is with my Lord only) is from my Lord. (He alone will manifest it at its proper time) none but He manifests its occurrence and timing. (It is heavy in the heavens and the earth) the knowledge of its occurrence and timing is heavy on the dwellers of the heavens and earth. (It cometh not to you save unawares) except all of a sudden. (They question thee) O Muhammad about the Hour (as if thou couldst be well informed thereof) as if you have knowledge of its timing; it is also said that this means: as if you are ignorant of it; as it is said that this means: as if you are oblivious to it. (Say) O Muhammad: (Knowledge thereof) knowledge of its occurrence and timing (is with Allah only) from Allah only, (but most of mankind) the people of Mecca (know not) nor believe in it.

[7:188]

(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (For myself I have no power to benefit) to bring benefit, (nor power to hurt) to drive away harm, (save that which Allah willeth) to do with me of benefit or harm. (Had I knowledge of the Unseen) benefit and harm, (I should have abundance of wealth) of benefit, (and adversity) harm (would not touch me) it is also said that this means: if I knew when punishment would descend upon you, I would do good in abundance out of gratitude and no grief or sadness for you would touch me because of it; it is also said that this means: If I knew when I was to die, I would do good and perform righteous works in abundance and hardship would not touch me; it is also said that this means: If I knew the timing of droughts, lack of harvest and of rises in prices, I would amass good in abundance and hardship would not touch me. (I am but a warner) of the Fire, (and a bearer of good tidings) of Paradise (unto folk who believe) in Paradise and hell.

[7:189]

(He it is who did create you from a single soul) the soul of Adam alone, (and therefrom did make his mate) and from the soul of Adam he created his wife Eve (that he might take rest in her) with her. (And when he covered her) and when he made love to her (she bore a light burden, and she passed (unnoticed) with it) she stood up and sat down because of pain, (but when it became heavy) when the child became heavy in her womb, they thought, because of Satan's whispering, that it was a beast (they cried unto Allah, their Lord, saying: If thou givest unto us aright) if you give us a sound human being (we shall be of the thankful) for it.

 [7:190]

(But when He gave unto them aright) a sound human being, (they ascribed unto Him partners) they made Iblis a partner (about that which He had given them) in naming that which he had given them of offspring: they called him 'Abdullah and 'Abd al-Harth. (High is He exalted above) Allah absolves Himself from (all that they associate (with Him)) of idols.

[7:191]

(Attribute they as partners to Allah those who created naught) or give life, (but are themselves) i.e. these gods (created) carved; created in that they are carved, 

[7:192] (And cannot give them help) victory or prevent them from defeat, (nor can they) these gods (help themselves) stop what is wanted with them? 

[7:193]

(And if ye call them) O Muhammad, i.e. the disbelievers (to the Guidance) to Allah's divine Oneness, (they follow you not) they will not answer you. (Whether you call them) to Allah's divine Oneness (or are silent is all one to them) the disbelievers will not follow you regarding Allah's divine Oneness; it is also said: O group of disbelievers, if you call the idols to the Truth, they will not answer: it is the same whether you call them or not, because they are not living but dead.

[7:194]

(Lo! those on whom ye call) worship (beside Allah) of idols (are slaves like unto you) are created like you. (Call on them) i.e. the idols (now, and let them answer you) let them hear your call and answer, (if ye are truthful!) that they can benefit you.

[7:195]

(Have they feet wherewith they walk) to goodness, (or have they hands wherewith they hold) with which they can give and take, (or have they eyes wherewith they see) your worship, (or have they ears wherewith they hear) your call? (Say) O Muhammad to the idolaters of Mecca: (Call upon your (so- called) partners (of Allah)) seek the help of your gods, (and then contrive against me) scheme you all together to destroy me, (spare me not!) do not give me any respite.

[7:196]

(Lo! my Protecting Friend is Allah) my Protector and Helper is Allah (who revealeth the Scripture) Who sent Gabriel to me with the Scripture. (He befriendeth the righteous) He protects the righteous.

[7:197]

(They on whom ye call) worship (beside Him) of idols (have no power to help you) to benefit or harm you, (nor can they help themselves) nor prevent what is wanted with them.

[7:198]

(And if ye (Muslims) call them to the Guidance) to the Truth (they hear not) nor answer because they are not living but dead; (and thou seest them) O Muhammad (looking towards you) with their eyes open as if they are looking at you, (but they see not) because they are not living but dead.

[7:199]

(Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad)) take the surplus of your family and dependents. But this was abrogated. It is also said that this means: forgive the one who transgresses against you, and give to him who withholds from you and keep ties with him who severs his ties with you, (and enjoin kindness) and benevolence, (and turn away from the ignorant) Abu Jahl and his folk who mock you.

[7:200]

This turning away from the ignorant was then abrogated, (And if a slander) whispering or doubt (from the devil wound thee) befalls you, (then seek refuge in Allah) seek Allah's protection from his whispering. (Lo! He is Hearer) of your seeking refuge in Him, (Knower) of his whispering.

[7:201] (Lo! those who ward off (evil)) those who ward off the whispering of the devil, (when a glamour) doubt and insinuation (from the devil troubles them) befalls them, (they do but remember) know ((Allah's guidance) and behold them seers) refraining from transgression!

[7:202]

(Their brethren) the brethren of the idolaters, i.e. the devils (plunge them further) drag them further by means of their insinuations (into error) into disbelief, error and sin (and cease not) and they refrain not from it.

[7:203]

(And when thou bringest not a verse for them) i.e. the people of Mecca, as they request (they say: Why hast thou not chosen it?) why not take it upon yourself to bring it from Allah?; It is also said that this means: why do you not invent it yourself? (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (I follow only that which is inspired in me from my Lord) I do and say only that which is revealed to me from my Lord. (This) Qur'an (is insight) an exposition (from your Lord) detailing commands and prohibitions, (and a guidance) and a guidance from error (and a mercy) preventing from punishment (for a people that believe) in the Qur'an.

[7:204]

(And when the Qur'an is recited) during the prescribed prayers, (give ear to it) to its recitation (and pay heed) to it being recited, (that you may obtain mercy) and not be punished.

[7:205]

(And do thou (O Muhammad) remember thy Lord within thyself) recite alone by yourself, O Muhammad, if you are leading the prayer (humbly and with awe, below your breath) avoiding to raise your voice too loudly or lowering it too much, (at morn and evening) during the morning prayer and in evening prayer: Maghrib and 'Isha'. (And be you not of the neglectful) of reciting the Qur'an in prayers whether you are praying alone or leading the prayer.

[7:206]

(Lo! those who are with your Lord) i.e. the angels (are not too proud to do Him service) to obey Him and acknowledge their servitude to Him, (but they praise Him) they obey Him (and adore Him) and pray to Him, and Allah knows best'. And of the surah in which the spoils of war are mentioned, which is Medinan in its entirety-except for His saying: (O Prophet! Allah is sufficient for you and those who follow you of the believers) which was revealed in al-Bayda' at the Battle of Badr but before the fighting started-and consists of 75 verses, 1,130 words and 5,290 letters: