As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 46, Al-Ahqãf or the Winding Sand-Tracts, Verses 1-20. These verse discuss creation as a manifestation of truth, which no diety but Allah can confirm. The Qur’an is the word of God, not the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and conforms with the revelations given to Prophet Moses. Lastly, we are enjoined to treat our parents with kindness lest we be rebuked by Allah.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Hã M’ïm.[1] This Book is revealed by Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[2] We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them to manifest the truth and to last for an appointed term. Yet the disbelievers give no heed to Our warning.[3] Ask them: “Have you pondered on those whom you invoke besides Allah? Show me anything that they have created in the earth, or do they have any share in the creation of the heavens? Bring me any Book revealed before this, or some remnant of divine knowledge in support of your beliefs if you are telling the truth.”[4] And who could be more astray than the one who invokes those deities besides Allah who cannot answer him till the Day of Resurrection – which, in fact, are not even aware that they are being invoked?[5] And when mankind shall be assembled on the Day of Judgment, they will become enemies of those who invoked them and deny their worship altogether.[6] 46:[1-6]
When Our revelations are recited to them, clear as they are, and the truth comes before them, the disbelievers say: “This is plain magic.”[7] Do they say that the Prophet has fabricated it himself? O Prophet, tell them: “If I have fabricated it myself, then there is nothing that you can do to protect me from the wrath of Allah. He knows fully well what you say about it. Enough is He as a witness between me and you. He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”[8] 46:[7-8]
O Prophet tell them: “I am no prodigy among the Messengers; nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I follow only what is revealed to me, and I am no more than a plain Warner.”[9] Further say: “Think, if this Qur’an is indeed from Allah and you reject it, when a witness (a Jew) from the Children of Israel has also testified to its similarity with earlier scriptures and has believed (accepted Islam), while you are showing arrogance, how unjust you are! Surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.”[10] 46:[9-10]
The unbelievers say about the believers: “Had there been any good to believe in the message of the Qur’an, they would not have believed in it before us (because the unbelievers were strong and wealthy whereas believers were weak and poor).” And since they reject its guidance, they say: “This is an ancient falsehood.”[11] Yet before it the Book of Moses was revealed which was a guide and blessing; and this Book (Qur’an) confirms it. It is revealed in the Arabic language to forewarn the wrongdoers and to give good news to those who have adopted the righteous conduct.[12] Indeed those who say: “Our Lord is Allah, and then remain firm shall have nothing to fear or to regret.[13] They shall dwell in paradise forever as a reward for their good deeds.[14] 46:[11-14]
We have enjoined upon man to treat his parents with kindness. With much trouble his mother bore him, and with much pain did she give him birth. His bearing and his weaning took thirty months.
When he reaches the age of full strength and becomes forty years old, he says: “My Lord! Grant me the grace that I may thank you for the favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good deeds that will please You, and grant me good children. Surely I turn to You in repentance and surely I am of those who are Muslims.”[15]
Such are the people from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and overlook their misdeeds. They shall be among the residents of paradise: true is the promise that has been made to them in this life.[16] 46:[15-16]But he who rebukes his parents and says: “Uff (as if to say, do not bother me)! Do you threaten me with a resurrection, whereas many a generations have passed before me and none has come back from among them?”
And they both cry for Allah’s help and say: “Woe to you! Be a good believer. Surely the promise of Allah is true.”
But he replies: “This is nothing but tales of the ancients.”[17]
Such are the people against whom the verdict of torment has proved true and they will be among the prior people of the jinns and the men that have passed away before them. Indeed they will be the losers.[18] 46:[17-18]All will be assigned in ranks, according to their deeds, so that He may reward them fully for what they have done and they shall not be wronged.[19] On that Day when the disbelievers will be brought before the fire, they will be told: “You squandered away your good things in your earthly life and you enjoyed them for a while. Today you shall be recompensed with a punishment of humiliation because you behaved with arrogance for which you had no right during your life on earth and because of the transgressions you committed.”[20] 46:[19-20]
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.