النص المفهرس

MA'ARIFUL
QUR'AN
A Comprehensive commentary on the Holy Quran
Volume
By
Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi.
Maktaba-e-Darul-'Uloom
Karachi.14 Pakistan

MA'ARIFUL-QUR'AN
By
MAULĀNĀ MUFTI MUHAMMAD SHAFI
Translated by
Muhammad Shameem
Muhammad Wali Raazi
Revised by
Maulana Muhammad Taqi 'Usmani
Volume 4
(Surah Al-A'raf, Al-Anfal, Al-Taubah, Yunus and Hud)

iii
Page
Subject
S. No
CONTENTS
1.
Preface
xiii
2.
Transliteration Scheme
XV
Surah 'Al-A'raf
1.
Verses 94 - 95 : Translation and Commentary
1
2.
Verses 96 - 98 : Translation and Commentary
3
3.
Verses 100 - 102 : Translation and Commentary
5
4.
Verses 103 - 108 : Translation and Commentary
9
5.
Verses 109 - 110 : Translation and Commentary
12
The difference between miracle and sorcery
13
6.
Verses 111 - 122 : Translation and Commentary
13
7.
Verses 123 - 127 : Translation and Commentary
18
It was a miracle
21
Pharaoh was frightened
22
8.
Verses 128 - 132 : Translation and Commentary
23
The only way to success
24
Sovereignty is a test
25
9.
Verses 133 - 136 : Translation and Commentary
27
10.
Verses 137 - 141 : Translation and Commentary
31
11.
Verse 142 : Translation and Commentary
35
Lunar or solar calendars
37
The significance of number forty
37
Practising gradualism
38
Making one's deputy when needed
38
12.
Verses 143 - 145 : Translation and Commentary
39
The speech of Allah
41
13.
Verses 146 - 151 : Translation and Commentary
42

iv
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Subject
Page
The effects of arrogance
44
14.
Verses 152 - 156 : Translation and Commentary
46
The worldly life is also affected by the sinful deeds
47
Seventy people and their death
49
15
Verse 157 : Translation and Commentary
52
The distinct virtues of the Muslim Ummah
53
The Holy Prophet in the early Books
54
The significance of the Sunnah
62
Love and respect of the Prophet is essential
62
16.
Verses 158 - 159 : Translation and Commentary
64
He is the last of all Prophets
65
Some distinctions of the Holy Prophet
66
The truthful among the Israelites
68
17
Verses 160 - 162 : Translation and Commentary
70
18.
Verses 163 - 166: Translation and Commentary
71
19.
Verses 167 - 169 : Translation and Commentary
73
20.
Verses 170 - 171 : Translation and Commentary
78
No compulsion in faith
80
21.
Verses 172 - 174 : Translation and Commentary
80
The covenant of Alust:
81
The significance of Bay'ah (
: Swearing allegiance)
84
22.
Verses 175 - 177 : Translation and Commentary
90
The story of Bal'am bin Ba'ura
91
The general message of the verses
95
23.
Verses 178 - 179 : Translation and Commentary
95
A question and it's answer
98
24.
Verse 180 : Translation and Commentary
101
The good names of Allah
101
Preconditions of Du'a (calling Allah)
102
The deviation from the good names
104
Calling the people with the names of Allah
104
25.
Verses 181 - 185 : Translation and Commentary
106
26.
Verses 186 - 187 : Translation and Commentary
111
27.
Verses 188 - 193 : Translation and Commentary
115
Havoc caused by immodesty
119
28.
Verses 194 - 198 : Translation and Commentary
120
29.
Verses 199 - 202 : Translation and Commentary
122
The ideal manifesto of Qur'anic ethics
122

V
Subject
S. No
Page
An unusual coincidence
127
30.
Verses 203 - 204 : Translation and Commentary
128
Some important rules relating to listening and remaining
silent when Qur'an is being recited
131
31.
Verses 205 - 206 : Translation and Commentary
134
Rules of voiced and voiceless remembrance (Dhikr)
134
Sajdah: Some merits and rules
139
Surah Al-Anfal
1.
Verses 1 : Translation and Commentary
145
Thematic contents of the Surah
145
A detailed explanation of the verse:
148
Unity among people is based on Taqwa
151
2.
Verses 2 - 4 : Translation and Commentary
152
Particular attributes of the believer
152
The first attribute: The fear of Allah
153
The second attribute: Increase in 'Īman
153
The third attribute: Trust in Allah
154
The fourth attribute: Establishment of Salah
155
The fifth attribute: Spending in the way of Allah
155
3.
Verses 5 - 6 : Translation and Commentary
157
The battle of Badr: A detailed description
157
Explanation of verses in the light of the details of the event
165
4.
Verses 7 - 10 : Translation and Commentary
166
5.
Verses 11 - 14 : Translation and Commentary
172
6.
Verses 15 - 19 : Translation and Commentary
177
7.
Verses 20 - 24 : Translation and Commentary
184
78.
Verses 25 - 28 : Translation and Commentary
192
9.
Verses 29 - 33 : Translation and Commentary
198
10.
Verses 34 - 38 : Translation and Commentary
209
11.
Verses 39 - 40 : Translation and Commentary
215
12.
Verse 41 : Translation and Commentary
221
The distribution of one fifth (Khums) after the
passing away of the Holy Prophet
228
The Khums (one fifth) of Dhawi '1-Qurba (the kinsmen)
228
Special note
229
The day of the battle of Badr was the day of distinction
229
13.
Verses 42 - 44 : Translation and Commentary
229

vi
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Subject
Page
Special note
235
14.
Verses 45 - 47 : Translation and Commentary
236
Qur'anic instructions for success in Jihad
236
1. Be steadfast
237
2. Remember Allah
237
15.
Verses 48 - 49 : Translation and Commentary
242
The anatomy of Satanic deception and personal defence
246
Success comes by actually being on the straight path
and not by simply having sincere intentions
246
16.
Verses 50 - 53 : Translation and Commentary
247
17.
Verses 54 - 58 : Translation and Commentary
253
Towards Islamic nationality: The first step
257
Treaty with Jews: The second step
257
The option to cancel a peace treaty
259
Fulfillment of trust obligations: A significant episode
260
18.
Verses 59 - 62 : Translation and Commentary
261
Production and supply of military hardware for Jihad
is a religious obligation
262
19.
Verses 63 - 66 : Translation and Commentary
267
Real and lasting unity among Muslims depends on obedience
to Allah Ta'ala
269
20.
Verses 67 - 69: Translation and Commentary
272
21.
Verses 70 - 71 : Translation and Commentary
281
22.
Verses 72 - 75 : Translation and Commentary
284
Surah Al-Taubah
1.
Verses 1 - 5 : Translation and Commentary
299
Conquest of Makkah: Vanquished enemies were treated nobly _
305
Rules for four kinds of Mushriks at the time of the
Conquest of Makkah
306
The generosity of giving respite to disbelievers even after
treaties with them had expired
308
When abrogating a treaty with disbelievers, taking any action
against them without prior public announcement
is not correct
308
What do these five verses teach?
309
Forgiving disbelievers never means lack of vigilance against

vii
S. No
Subject
Page
any impending harm from them
310
2.
Verses 6 - 11 : Translation and Commentary
313
Proving the veracity of Islam is the duty of Muslim Scholars
315
Non Resident Non-Muslims should not be permitted to stay in
Dar al-Islam any longer than necessary
316
Uphold truth and commit no excess or injustice even against
disbelievers is the teaching of Qur'an
316
Three conditions of entry into the Islamic Brotherhood
318
3.
Verses 12 - 16 : Translation and Commentary
319
Honest critical study of Islam by protected non-Muslim
citizens of Dar al-Islam is possible - vilification is not
321
4.
Verses 17 - 18 : Translation and Commentary
323
Two signs of sincere Muslims
324
On taking non-Muslims as close friends and insiders
324
Some related issues
328
5.
Verses 19 - 23 : Translation and Commentary
329
The Dhikr of Allah is superior to Jihad
332
Some special notes and rulings
The real bond is the bond of Islam and 'Iman - all bonds of lineage
and country must be sacrificed for it
336
335
6.
Verse 24 : Translation and Commentary
337
Standing rules of Hijrah (migration)
338
The touchstone of true Faith ('Īman)
339
7.
Verses 25 - 27 : Translation and Commentary
342
Victory of Hunain: Enemy chiefs embrace Islam,
Prisoners return
349
Seeking of public opinion: The correct method
350
Injunctions and rulings
351
Properties of defeated non-believers:
The need for justice and caution
352
8.
Verse 28 : Translation and Commentary
353
Does the rule stop Mushriks from entering the
sacred mosque only, or does it apply to all mosques?
355
9.
Verses 29 - 30 : Translation and Commentary
360
10.
Verses 31 - 35 : Translation and Commentary
366
11.
Verses 36 - 37 : Translation and Commentary
372
Explanation of the verses
375
Injunctions and Rulings
378
12.
Verses 38 - 42 : Translation and Commentary
378
Regard for Dunya and disregard for Akhirah:

viii
S. No
Subject
Page
The root of all crimes
383
13.
Verses 43 - 52 : Translation and Commentary
386
How do we know if an excuse is reasonable or unreasonable?
389
Belief in destiny includes management of affairs: Giving
inaction or mismanagement the name of trust is wrong
392
14.
Verses 53 - 59 : Translation and Commentary
393
Can Sadaqah be given to a disbeliever?
395
Signs of Hypocrites and warning for Muslims
396
15.
Verse 60 : Translation and Commentary
396
Recipients of Sadaqat
396
Special note
404
Another Question: Payment for 'Ibadah
405
A useful supplementary note
408
i). Khums al-Ghanaim
408
ii). Sadaqat
408
iii). Kharaj and Fai'
408
iv). Dawa'i
408
A word of caution
414
The issue of Tamlik (transfer of ownership)
416
Some important points about the proper payment of Zakah
419
Rulings:
419
16.
Verses 61 - 66 : Translation and Commentary
421
17
Verses 67 - 70 : Translation and Commentary
423
18.
Verses 71 - 73 : Translation and Commentary
425
A warning signal
428
19.
Verses 74 - 78 : Translation and Commentary
428
A serious note of warning
433
A question and its answer
434
20.
Verses 79 - 80 : Translation and Commentary
434
21.
Verses 81 - 83 : Translation and Commentary
435
22.
Verse 84 : Translation and Commentary
438
Removal of ambiguities concerning the death and funeral prayer
of arch-hypocrite, 'Abdullah b. Ubaiyy
439
Summary
441
Rulings
442
23
Verses 85 - 89 : Translation and Commentary
442
24.
Verse 90 : Translation and Commentary
444
25.
Verses 91 - 93 : Translation and Commentary
445
26.
Verses 94 - 96 : Translation and Commentary
446

ix
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Subject
Page
27.
Verses 97 - 99 : Translation and Commentary
448
28.
Verse 100 : Translation and Commentary
451
All the Sahabah are the people of Jannah and are blessed
with the pleasure of Allah
453
A note of warning
453
29.
Verse 101 : Translation and Commentary
454
30.
Verses 102 - 106 : Translation and Commentary
454
What were these mixed deeds?
456
Mixed deeds of all the Muslims are governed by the same rule
457
Collection and pisbursement of Zakah is
responsibility of an Islamic State
458
Zakah is 'Ibadah, not a government tax
459
A question and its answer
460
31.
Verses 107 - 110 : Translation and Commentary
462
Ruling
467
Special note
468
32.
Verses 111 - 112 : Translation and Commentary
469
The background of revelation
469
This is the very first verse of Jihad
471
33
Verses 113 - 114 : Translation and Commentary
473
The background of revelation
474
34
Verses 115 - 116 : Translation and Commentary
476
35
Verses 117 - 119 : Translation and Commentary
477
Details of the event relating to these three Ansari elders
from authentic Ahadith
480
Points of guidance from the Hadith
of Sayyidna Ka'b ibn Malik
489
Advice to Muslims: Observe Taqwa and be with those
true in word and deed
491
36.
Verses 120 - 121 : Translation and Commentary
491
37.
Verse 122 : Translation and Commentary
492
The obligation of acquiring religious knowledge,
and its etiquette
494
The merits (Fada'il) of acquiring religious knowledge
495
Details of individual and collective obligation
in the learning of religion
496
Fard al-'Ain: individual obligation
497
Knowing about spiritual purification is also an
individual obligation (Fard al-'Ain)
498
Fard al-Kifayah
498
The curriculum of the 'Ilm of Din
499

X
Subject
S. No
Page
The essential duty of an 'Alim after he acquires the
knowledge of Din
500
38.
Verses 123 - 127 : Translation and Commentary
502
39.
Verses 128 - 129 : Translation and Commentary
505
Surah Yunus (Jonah)
1.
Verses 1 - 4 : Translation and Commentary
509
2.
Verses 5 - 6 : Translation and Commentary
515
3.
Verses 7 - 10 : Translation and Commentary
521
Injunctions and rulings
527
4.
Verses 11 - 17 : Translation and Commentary
528
Important note
534
5.
Verses 18 - 20 : Translation and Commentary
534
Disbelievers and believers are two separate nationalities:
Nationality based on race and country is absurd
535
6.
Verses 21 - 24 : Translation and Commentary
536
7.
Verses 25 - 32 : Translation and Commentary
538
An important note
544
8.
Verses 33 - 36 : Translation and Commentary
544
9
Verses 37 - 40 : Translation and Commentary
545
10.
Verses 31 - 44 : Translation and Commentary
545
11.
Verses 45 - 56 : Translation and Commentary
546
12.
Verses 57 - 61 : Translation and Commentary
549
Four Attributes of the Holy Qur'an:
1. Advice
550
2. Cure
551
3. Guidance
553
4. Mercy
553
Special Note
554
13.
Verses 62 - 64 : Translation and Commentary
555
14.
Verses 65 - 66 : Translation and Commentary
562
15.
Verses 67 - 70 : Translation and Commentary
563
16.
Verses 71 - 73 : Translation and Commentary
563
17.
Verse 74 : Translation and Commentary
564
18.
Verses 75 - 82 : Translation and Commentary
564
19.
Verses 83 - 86 : Translation and Commentary
565
20.
Verses 87 - 91 : Translation and Commentary
566
21.
Verses 92 - 98 : Translation and Commentary
572

xi
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Subject
Page
Notice of a grave error made in our time
578
The principle of the Ismah (inviolibility) of prophets
579
Details of the event relating to Sayyidna Yunus
585
22.
Verses 99 - 100 : Translation and Commentary
588
23.
Verses 101 - 103 : Translation and Commentary
589
24.
Verses 104 - 107 : Translation and Commentary
589
25.
Verses 108 - 109 : Translation and Commentary
590
Surah Hud
1.
Verses 1 - 5 : Translation and Commentary
593
2.
Verses 6 - 8 : Translation and Commentary
599
Removal of a doubt against the divine responsibility of Rizq
601
Rizq for all: The divine system is unique
602
3.
Verses 9 - 14 : Translation and Commentary
606
4.
Verses 15 - 17 : Translation and Commentary
612
5.
Verses 18 - 24 : Translation and Commentary
618
6.
Verses 25 - 35 : Translation and Commentary
619
7.
Verses 36 - 40 : Translation and Commentary
626
Boat-Making: The education of a Prophet
629
All essential industries originated through revelation
629
8.
Verses 41 - 44 : Translation and Commentary
632
Etiquette of boarding boats and other modes of conveyance
633
Every conveyance moves and stops only with the power
of Allah Ta'ala
633
9.
Verses 45 - 49 : Translation and Commentary
637
Two things come out from what said by Allah Ta'ala
638
Prayer for the disbelieving and the unjust is not permissible
639
Brotherly relations between believers and disbelievers
640
10.
Verses 50 - 68 : Translation and Commentary
643
Payment for Da'wah work
647
11.
Verses 69 - 73 : Translation and Commentary
651
Injunctions and rules
655
The Sunnah of Salam
655
Some rules for guests and hosts
655
Saying Bismillah before eating and Alhamdulillah
after that is Sunnah
657
12.
Verses 74 - 83 : Translation and Commentary
657
Verses 84 - 95 : Translation and Commentary
663

xii
S. No
Subject
Page
Special note
666
Injunctions and rulings:
Rules about lessening weights and measures
669
13.
Verses 96 - 101 : Translation and Commentary
671
14.
Verses 102 - 111 : Translation and Commentary
671
15.
Verses 112 - 113 : Translation and Commentary
673
The sense of Istiqamah (standing firm):
Some related problems and their solutions
674
16.
Verses 114 - 123 : Translation and Commentary
679
The diction of the Qur'an points out to the great station
the Holy Prophet occupies
681
Difference: Blameworthy and praiseworthy
687

xiii
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمدلله رب العالمين، والصلاة والسلام على رسوله الكريم وعلى آله وصحبه اجمعين
PREFACE
The 4th Volume of Ma'ariful-Qur'an is being presented before the
readers by the grace of Allah. The response of the first three volumes
received from the readers belonging to different walks of life was so
encouraging that the publishers had to produce several editions of
these volumes within a short period. The translation of the fourth vol-
ume was initially undertaken by Mr. Muhammad Wali Raazi who has
been involved in the process of the translation of the text from the very
beginning of the project. He accomplished the translation of Surah Al-
A'raf from verse 94 to verse 199 but after that he was engaged with
some other works and could not continue the translation, while Prof.
Muhammad Shameem after completing the translation of the 3rd vol-
ume was free to take up the task. Therefore, the translation from
verse 200 of Surah Al-A'raf upto the end of the 4th volume was accom-
plished by him. This volume consists of the commentary of five Surahs
of the Holy Qur'an upto the end of Surah Hud.
It is for the information of the readers that the translation of the
5th volume has also been completed by Prof. Muhammad Shameem.
Its revision is also about to conclude. The 6th volume is being translat-
ed by Mr. Muhammad Ishrat Hussain, while the translation of the 7th
volume is now in the hands of Prof. Muhammad Shameem with whose
remarkable speed and zeal of work it is expected to be complete very
soon, Insha Allah. May Allah bless the translators with the best of re-
wards both here and in the hereafter, give them strength to accom-
plish the task entrusted to them according to His pleasure and make it
beneficial for the Ummah.
Muhammad Taqi Usmani

XV
TRANSLITERATION SCHEME
Arabic Letter
Name of Letter
English Transliteration
1
الف
-- Alif
a
).
باء
-- ba
b
ت
.0
-- tha
th
) UN.
جیم
-- jim
j
حاء
-- ha
خ
خاء
-- kha
kh
د
دال
-- dal
d
ذال
-- dhal
dh
راء
-- ra
r
ز
زای
-- za
Z
س
سین
-- sin
S
ش
شين
-- shin
sh
ص
صاد
-- şad
Ş
ض
ضاد
-- dad
d
طاء
-- ța
ț
ظاء
-- za
Z
ع
عین
-- 'ayn
غ
غین
·- ghayn
gh
ف
فاء
-- fa
f
قاف
-- qaf
q
كاف
-- kaf
k
لام
-- lam
1
m
ن
نون
·- nun
n
هاء
-- ha
h
واؤ
-- waw
W
بمزه
-- Hamzah
یاء
-- ya
y
Short Vowels
: Fathah
a
: Kasrah
i
: Dammah
5
u
Long Vowels
1
: Shortened Alif
- --
ī
: Maddah Alif
ى
: Maddah Ya
و
: Maddah Waw
u
Dipthongs
ای
او اؤ
:Alif and Ya
: Alif and Waw
ay (also ai in some cases)
aw (also au in some cases)
ميم
-- mim
ی
-- ta
t

1
Surah Al-A'raf : 7: 94 - 95
Surah Al-A'raf
[The Heights]
Surah Al-A'raf was revealed in Makkah and it has 206 Verses and 20 Sections
Verses 94 - 95
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمِنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
With the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Very Merciful
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا فِىْ قَرْبَةٍ مِنُ نَّبِيِّ إِلََّ آَخَذُنَا أَهْلَهَا بِالْبَأُ سَآءِ وَ
الضَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَضََّّعُونَ (٩٤) ثُمَّ بَدَّلْنَا مَكَانَ السَّبِئَةِ
الْحَسَنَةَ حَتَى عَفَوْا وَقَالُوا قَدْمَشَ ابَّاءَنَا الضَّاءُ وَالسَّاءُ
فَآَخَذُّنْهُمْ بَغْتَةً وَّهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ ﴿٩٥﴾
And We did not send any prophet in a town, but We
seized it's people with hardship and suffering so that.
they may turn humble. [94] Thereafter, We substituted
good in place of evil until they increased, and said,
"The suffering and prosperity came to our fathers
(too)." Then We seized them suddenly while they were
not aware. [95]
The above verses continue to speak of the events of early people
and their ominous fate. The events of five early prophets and their
people have been so far discussed. The sixth event concerning the
Prophet Musa WILL and his people is going to be discussed after a
few next verses.
We have already noted that usual style of the Holy Qur'an with
regard to the historical events is quite different from the books of
history. The Holy Qur'an does not care to describe a historical event in
it's entirety or in chronological order. Rather, it selects certain rele-
vant portion of the event then lays emphasis on the lesson or moral
contained therein.

2
Surah Al-A‘raf : 7 : 94 - 95
After relating the stories of the early people, the above verses
speak of the warnings and lessons for present people in order to save
them from the ill-fate met by their forefathers. The verse 94 warns
people that the fate of disaster and suffering described in the foregoing
verses was not limited to the people of Nuh, 'Ad and Thamud only. It is,
rather, a usual practice of Allah that He sends His prophets to people
for their guidance and eternal success. Then, those who do not listen to
their advice and reject their invitation are subjected to suffering and
distress so that they may turn to their Lord in repentance. It is human
to turn to The Creator in distress. This suffering is, in fact, a blessing
of Allah in disguise as it is meant for their good. The great spiritual
leader Maulana Rumi has versified this fact in these words:
تاترا ناچار روا انسو كنند
خلق را باتو چنیں بد خو کنند
"The people are made to misbehave with you
in order that you turn to your Lord in tears."
The verse 94 has referred to this fact by saying, 'We seized it's
people with hardship so that they may turn in humbleness. The Arabic
word: . l'Ba'sa' signifies hunger or poverty while the word: f 'Darra'
signifies illness. The Holy Qur'an has used these words to signify the
same meanings in other situations. The respected Companion
'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud as Ul >, has confirmed these meanings of the
two words. Some linguists have said that the word: . Lt'Ba'sa' refers to
financial distress while the word: ffs 'Darra' signifies loss of health.
The verse 95 said: "Thereafter, We substituted good in place of evil
until they increased."
The Arabic word: 'sayyiah' in this verse refers to distress, while
the word: aus 'hasanah' signifies prosperity, and the word 'Afw':
signifies increase or growth. The verse implies firstly that, they were
made to undergo a test of hardship and suffering in order that they
may repent and turn to Allah. When they did not take lesson from
this warning and were a failure in this test, they were put to another
test of a different kind. Their adversity was replaced with prosperity
and their distress with ease and comfort until they increased in
number and strength. This prosperity, after a long period of adversity,
should have made them grateful to their Lord and they should have
repented to Allah, but being completely lost in material pursuits and

3
Surah Al-A'raf : 7 : 96 - 99
perverted by their mundane desires, they did nothing but to say, 'The
suffering and prosperity came to our fathers (too).' that is, their
suffering and prosperity had nothing to do with their deeds, it was just
a natural course of changing phenomena. It was after their obstinate
persistence in their evil and ignorance that they were seized by the
punishment of Allah. The verse said, 'Then We seized them suddenly
while they were unaware.'
Verse 96 - 99
وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَى أَمَنُوْا وَاتَّقَوْا لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ بَرَكْتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ
وَالْأَرْضِ وَلكِنُّ كَذَّبُوْا فَآَخَذُنُهُمُ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ ﴿٩٦) أَفَاَمِنَ
اهُلُ الْقُزَّى أَنْ تَأْتِيَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا بَيَانًا وَهُمْ نَائِمُوْنَ ﴿٩٧﴾ آَوَ آَمِنَ آَهْلُ
الْقُزِى أَنْ تَأْتِيَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا ضُحَّى وَهُمُ يَلْعَبُوْنَ ﴿٩٨﴾ آَفَامِنُوْا مَكْرَاللَّه٤ِ
فَلاَيَاً مَنُ مَكْرَ اللَّهِ إِلَّ الْقَوْمُ الْخُسِرُونَ ﴿٩٩)
And if the people of the towns believed and feared Allah, We
would have opened for them blessings from the heavens and
the earth, but they disbelieved. So, We seized them for what
they used to earn for themselves. [96] So, do the people of the
towns feel secure from Our punishment coming upon them
at night while they are asleep? [97] And do the people of the
towns feel secure from Our punishment coming upon them
in broad daylight while they are at play? [98] So, do they feel
secure from the plan of Allah? So, no one feels secure from
the plan of Allah but the people who are losers. [99]
The Arabic word &y:'barakah' used in this verse and translated as
blessing signifies increase or growth. The expression 'blessing of the
heaven and the earth' refers to all means of prosperity, like proper and
timely rain from heavens (clouds), abundant and healthy produce of
the earth and, above all, carefree enjoyment from their possessions
with no anxiety to spoil the pleasure of things. That is, everything
would have been blessed with 'barakah'.
The barakah manifests itself in two different ways. Sometimes, the
thing itself increases in quantity, as is reported happening with the
Holy Prophet & that a large number of people drank from a small pot
of water and were satiated, or the whole army was fed to their satis-

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Surah Al-A'raf : 7 : 96 - 99
faction from a small quantity of food. Sometimes, the quantity of thing
does not increase but it's usefulness or efficacy is increased manifold.
It is usually observed that a certain thing in our household lasts as
long or benefits as many people as would have done three or four
things of the same kind. That is to say, certain things yield lasting
benefit to people while certain other things do not, or hardly serve
people either due to being damaged by accident or not being accessible
in times of need.
For example, sometime a single morsel of food becomes a source of
great strength and health, while in some other times a large amount of
food produces no results. Sometimes, we are able to do a considerable
amount of work in one hour's short time, while on other occasions this
amount of work can hardly be done in four or five hour's time. In these
instances the thing itself did not increase. That is, the morsel of food
and period of time remained as they were, their effect and benefit was,
however, enhanced many times.
This verse has implicitly expressed that 'Barakah' in all the
heavenly and earthly things can be achieved through the faith in Allah
and by acquiring: d 'taqwa' (abstinence) while, in the absence of these
two, one is deprived of the: 3zbarakah'. When we take in view the
circumstances prevailing in today's world we notice the fact that the
net produce of the earth is comparably far more than ever before. The
recent inventions are at our service to ease our life in a way that could
not be imagined of by past generations. But in spite of this abundance
of means and resources today's man is proportionally worried,
depressed, dissatisfied and as much deprived of peace and comfort as
was never before.
What has deprived today's man of peace and comfort? No explana-
tion can be given to this question except that the: 3ybarakah is
missing from these things. Another point which demands our atten-
tion here is that prosperity, good health and worldly possessions are
not necessarily a sign of favour and blessing from Allah. Sometimes,
these things are given to man out of anger as has been made clear in
verse 44 of Surah Al-An'am 'which has said:
فَلَمَّا نَسُؤْا مَاذُكِّرُوا بِهِ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَابَ كُلِّ شَىءٍ

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Surah Al-A'raf : 7 : 100 - 102
Then they forgot the advice they had recieved, we opened to
them the doors of all good things. (6:44)
Thereafter, they were suddenly caught by the punishment of Allah.
This makes us understand that prosperity and affluence of wealth are
not sure signs of Allah's favour. They can sometimes, be a sign of
Allah's wrath and punishment. On the contrary, the present verse
leads us to conclude that: barakah in earthly and heavenly things is
a sign of Allah's favour. In order to differentiate between the two situ-
ations one must understand that prosperity and good health are some-
times, given to people against their sins and transgression. They are
usually short-lived and are a sign of Allah's displeasure while on other
occasions people are favoured with them with lasting benefits as a
reward of 'Iman' and 'taqwa'. To determine as to which is a sign of
favour and which a sign of displeasure is difficult as both are alike.
The men of Allah, however, have suggested some distinct signs to
differentiate between the two. When prosperity and good health make
man more grateful to Allah and he tends to worship His Lord more
than before, it is an indication of Allah's favour. On the contrary, when
one tends to be more involved in sinful deeds, it must be a sign of
Allah's wrath. We seek shelter against such state of affairs.
The verses 97 to 99 have warned the people of the world saying: "So,
do the people of the towns feel secure from Our punishment coming
upon them at night while they are asleep?" The verse implies that the
residents of these towns (the people living in the time of the holy
Prophet seem to be unmindful of the fact that they can be caught by
the punishment of Allah any time when sleeping at night. They
should not feel themselves secure from the punishment of Allah which
may come to them suddenly any day when they are busy in their
worldly pursuits. What has made them so fearless of Allah's plan? The
fate of the early people referred to in the foregoing verses should be a
lesson for these people. Man should be wise enough to take lesson from
the events of other people and avoid things to do which had led them
to death and disaster.
Verses 100 - 102
أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لِلَّذِيْنَ يَرِثُونَ الْأَرْضَ مِنْ بَعْدِ آَهْلِهَا أَنْ لَّوْنَشَاءُ

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Surah Al-A'raf : 7 : 100 - 102
أَصَبْتُهُمْ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَنَطْبَعُ عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُوْنَ ﴿١٠﴾
تِلُكَ الْقُرَى نَقُّصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنْبَأْتِهَا وَلَقَدْجَاءَتُهُمْ رُسُلُهُمُ
بِالْبَيِّنْتِ فَمَا كَانُوا لِيُؤْمِنُوْا بِمَا كَذَّبُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ، كَذَلِكَ يَطْبَعُ
اللَّهُ عَلَى قُلُوبٍ الْكُفِرِيْنَ ﴿١٠١) وَمَا وَجَدُنَا لِأَكْثَرِهِمْ مِّنُ
عَهُدٌٍ وَإِنْ وَجَدْنَا اكْتَرَهُمْ لَفُسِقِيْنَ ﴿١٠٢)
Is it not a guidance to those who inherit the land after
it's ( former) inhabitants that, if We so will, We would
afflict. them for their sins? And We seal their hearts so
that they do not listen. [100]
Those are the towns We narrate to you of their impor-
tant events. And surely their messengers came to them
with clear signs, but they were not to believe in what
they had belied earlier. This is how Allah seals the
hearts of the disbelievers. [101]
And We did not find with most of them any covenant
(unbroken), and surely We have found most of them
sinners. [102]
After relating events of the early people, the above verses invite
the people of Arabia and the people of the world to take lesson from
these events by abstaining from deeds that incurred Allah's wrath,
and by following the practices that led the prophets and their believers
to eternal success. The verse 100 speaks " Is it not a guidance to those
who inherit the land after it's ( former ) inhabitants that, if We so will,
We would afflict them for their sins?" The word &# sif signifies to
guide or to inform. The events narrated above have been made the
subject of the verb (guide) . The verse implies that these events
should serve as a lesson and a means of guidance for later generations
who have inherited the land from their earlier owners. They too, can
incur the punishment of Allah for their disbelief just as their ances-
tors met the fate of ruin and disaster for their disobedience.
Thereafter, the verse says:
وَنَطْبَعُ عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُوْنَ،
"And We seal their hearts so that they do not listen"