As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 13, Ar-Ra’d or The Thunder, verses 1-18. This selection deals with the creation of the heavens and the earth and the proof of Allah’s work in the trees, fruits and foods which populate the world. Every nation of the world has been sent a Messenger of God in the past and Allah demands worship alone, not with other deities or creatures as he will not change the circumstances of a people until they change themselves, or else they will have no escape from his wrath.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Alif L’âm M’eem Râ. These are the Verses of the Book (Qur’an) and what has been revealed to you, O Muhammad, from your Lord is the Truth, but most of the people do not believe in this.[1] Allah is the One Who raised the heavens without any pillars as you can see, then firmly established Himself on the throne of authority and subjected the sun and the moon to His law – each one pursuing its course for an appointed time. He regulates all affairs. He spells out His revelations so that you may believe in meeting your Lord.[2] He is the One Who spread out the earth and placed thereon mountains and rivers, created fruits of every kind in pairs, two and two, and makes the night cover the day. Certainly in these things there are signs for those who use their common sense.[3] 13:[1-3]
In the earth there are tracts side by side: gardens of grapes, crops and palm trees growing singly or in cluster. They are all watered with the same water, yet, We make some of them excel others in taste as food. Surely in this, there are signs for people who use their common sense.[4] Now, if there is anything that seems strange, then strange is their saying: “What! When we will become dust, could we then be raised to a new life again?” They are the people who have denied their Lord, they are the ones who will have chains around their necks and they are the ones who will be the inmates of Hellfire to live therein forever.[5] They ask you to hasten on the evil (Allah’s scourge) rather than the good, although there have been instances of exemplary punishments before them. In fact your Lord is the Lord of Forgiveness to the people, notwithstanding their wrongdoing; and verily your Lord is also stern in retribution.[6] The unbelievers say: “Why is not a sign sent down to him (Muhammad) from his Lord?” You are nothing but a Warner and every nation was assigned a guide.[7] 13:[4-7]
Allah knows what every female bears in her womb. He is fully aware of what decrease or increase (miscarriage or a long wait) takes place in the womb. Everything has a due measure with Him.[8] He has perfect knowledge of both the visible and the invisible. He is the Great, the Most High.[9] It is the same to Him whether any of you speak in secret or aloud, whether anyone hides under the darkness of night or walks about in broad daylight.[10] Each person has been assigned guardian angels before him and behind him, who watch him by the command of Allah. The fact is that Allah never changes the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. If Allah wants to afflict a people with misfortune, none can ward it off, nor can they find any protector besides Him.[11] He is the One Who shows you lightning, which causes fear and hope, and brings up heavy clouds (with rain).[12] The thunder declares His glory with His praises and so do the angels in awe of Him. He is the One Who sends thunderbolts and smites with them whomever He wants. Yet these unbelievers dispute concerning Allah; He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment.[13] Praying to Him Alone is the right thing. The other deities they pray to, besides Him, cannot answer their prayers. They are like a man who stretches forth his hands to the water and asks it to reach his mouth. It cannot reach his mouth this way; likewise the prayer of the unbelievers is nothing but a fruitless effort.[14] Whatever is in the heavens and the earth do prostrate before Allah Alone willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and evenings.[15] 13:[8-15]
Ask them: “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?” If they hesitate to respond, say: “Allah.” Then ask them: “When this is the fact, why do you take other deities, besides Him, who do not control any benefit or harm even to themselves, as your protectors?” Say: “Are the blind and the seeing equal? Or can darkness and light be equal?” If that is not so, then, have their shorakâ’ (other deities they worship) created any thing like His creation which has made the matter of creation doubtful for them? Say: “Allah Alone is the Creator of everything and He is the One, the Irresistible.”[16] He sends down water from the skies and each channel starts flowing according to its measure, and then the torrent bears a swelling foam – like the scum which appears from metals which are melted in the furnace for making ornaments and utensils. By such examples Allah depicts truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it is thrown away, being worthless, but that which is useful for mankind remains behind on the earth. In this way Allah cites examples to make His message clear. [17] There is an excellent reward for those who respond to the call of their Lord. As for those who do not respond to Him – even if they had all that is in the earth, and as much besides, to offer as a ransom in order to save themselves from punishment, it would be of no use. They are the ones who will have a terrible reckoning; their abode will be hell – what an evil resting place.[18] 13:[16-18]
Ameen.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.