As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection concludes Surah 7, Al-A‘rãf or the Heights, verses 182-206. These verse declare that those who deny God’s revelations are inching closer and closer to destruction. The Prophet himself (pbuh) has no power to benefit or to harm anyone. Allah, not those other deities which people worship, created mankind from a single soul. As such God is the protecting friend of the righteous. Lastly, we are implored to show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Those who deny Our revelations, We draw them step by step closer to destruction in ways that they do not realize,[182] and even though I grant them respite; My plan is surely effective.[183] Has it never occurred to them that their companion is not a madman; he is merely a plain Warner.[184] Have they not pondered over the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and whatever Allah has created, and that maybe their hour of death has come closer? In what message after this would they then believe?[185] None can guide those whom Allah confounds and leaves them blundering about in their rebellious transgression.[186] They ask you about the Hour of Doom and when will it take place. Say: “Knowledge about it rests only with my Lord: He Himself will disclose it at the proper time. Heavy is its weight in the heavens and the earth. It will not come gradually but all of a sudden. They ask you as if you yourself were in search of it. Tell them: “The knowledge about it rests only with Allah though most people do not understand.”[187] Further tell them: “I have no power to acquire benefit or avert any harm from myself, only that happens which Allah wants. Had I possessed the knowledge of the unseen, I would have acquired many benefits to myself; and no harm would have touched me. I am no more than a Warner and bearer of good news for the true believers.”[188] 7:[182-188]
Allah is the one who created you from a single being and from that being He created his mate, so that he might find comfort with her. When he covers her, she conceives a light burden and walks around with it. When it grows heavy they both pray to Allah their Lord saying: “If You will grant us a healthy child, we will be truly thankful.”[189] But when He gives them a healthy child, they both begin to associate partners with Him in what He has given them; but Allah is exalted far above the shirk they commit of associating other deities with Him as His partners.[190] Do they associate with Him those deities who can create nothing but are themselves created,[191] they have neither the ability to help them, nor can they help themselves?[192] If you invite them to guidance they will not follow you. It will be all the same for you whether you call them or hold your peace.[193] In fact those whom you call besides Allah are bondmen, like yourselves. Well call them, and let them answer you, if what you say is true![194] Have they feet to walk with? Have they hands to hold with? Have they eyes to see with? Have they ears to hear with? O Muhammad, say: “Call on your shorakã’ (partners you have set up besides Allah) and collectively plot against me and give me no respite![195] My protector is Allah Who has revealed this Book and He is the protecting friend of the righteous.[196] On the contrary, those whom you call besides Him have neither the ability to help you, nor can they help themselves.[197] If you call them to guidance, they cannot even hear what you say, although it appears as if they are looking at you, they do not see.[198] 7:[189-198]
Show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant.[199] If Shaitãn tempts you, seek refuge with Allah; for He is the one Who is All Hearing, Knowing.[200] Those who fear Allah, when they are tempted by Shaitãn, they have but to remember Allah and they shall see the light (right course of action)![201] As for Shaitãn’s brothers, they drag them deeper into error and never relax their efforts.[202] When you, O Muhammad, do not bring them a revelation, they say: “Have you not yet invented?” Tell them: “I follow only what is revealed to me from my Lord. This Book contains veritable insight from your Lord, a guidance and blessing for the true believers.”[203] When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it with complete silence so that you may be shown mercy.[204] Bring your Lord to remembrance deep in your soul with humility and in reverence without raising your voice, both in the mornings and in the evenings; and be not of those who are heedless.[205] Surely those who are close to your Lord do not feel too proud to worship Him; they declare His glory and prostrate themselves before Him.[206] 7:[199-206]
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.