As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 7, Al-A‘rãf or the Heights, verses 73-93. These verses tell the stories of Prophet Saleh of the Thamüd, Prophet Lüt, and Prophet Shu‘aib of the Madyan and their entreaties to their peoples, respectively, to accept the path of God.
If you enjoy the podcast, HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends and family, subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher and write us a review.
Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.
For the people of Thamüd We selected their brother Saleh, who said: “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no other god but Him. Now a clear proof has come to you from your Lord; here is Allah’s she-camel as a sign for you, therefore leave her alone to pasture on Allah’s land and do not touch her with bad intentions, lest you incur a painful punishment.[73] Remember how you were made the heirs of ‘Ad and settled in the land, capable of building mansions in the valleys and carving out homes in the mountains. Therefore, remember the favors of Allah and do not spread mischief in the land.”[74] The arrogant leaders from his nation asked the oppressed among them who had believed: “Do you really believe that Saleh is a Messenger from his Lord?” They replied: “We do indeed believe in the revelation with which he has been sent.”[75] The arrogant, who considered themselves superior, said: “We deny all that you believe in.”[76] Then they hamstrung the she camel, defied the commandment of their Lord and challenged Saleh saying: “Bring down the scourge you have threatened us with, if you truly are one of the Messengers.”[77] Thereupon an earthquake overtook them and they became lifeless bodies in their homes with their faces down.[78] Saleh left them saying: “O my people! I did indeed convey to you the message of my Lord and gave you good advice but you did not love the good advisers.”[79] 7:[73-79]
We also selected Lüt, who said to his people: “Will you do such indecent acts as no one else in the world has committed before you?[80] You satisfy your lust with men instead of women. Indeed you are a nation who has transgressed beyond bounds.”[81] His people had no answer but to say: “Drive them out of your town, they pose to be very pious!”[82] So We saved him and his family except his wife, who was of those who lagged behind.[83] We let loose rain of brimstone and every one of them was killed; see what was the outcome for such criminals.[84] 7:[80-84]
For the Madyan, We selected their brother Shu‘aib, who said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other god but Him. A clear guidance has come to you from your Lord. Give just measure and weight, do not undersell others in their goods, and do not create mischief in the land after it has been set in order; this is better for you if you are true believers.[85] Do not sit in ambush on every road to threaten people and hinder from the Way of Allah those who believe in Him, seeking to make His Way crooked. Remember how He multiplied you when you were a few in number and see what was the end of the mischief-makers of prior nations.[86] If there are some among you who believe in the message with which I have been sent and others who disbelieve it, then be patient until Allah judges between us, for He is the best of all judges.”[87] 7:[85-87]
The arrogant proud leaders of his nation said: “O Shu‘aib! We shall certainly drive you and your fellow believers out of our town or you will have to return back to our national ways.” He replied: “What! Will you make us turn back against our will?[88] We shall indeed invent a lie against Allah if we return to your ways after Allah has rescued us therefrom. It is not possible for us to turn back unless Allah, our Lord, want us to. Our Lord has vast knowledge of everything. We put our trust in Allah.” Then they prayed: “Our Lord! Decide between us and our nation with truth, for you are the best to decide.”[89] The leaders who disbelieved from among his nation said: “If you follow Shu‘aib, you shall indeed be losers!”[90] Thereupon an earthquake overtook them and they became lifeless bodies in their homes with their faces down.[91] Those who called Shu‘aib a liar were as though they never lived therein; those who called Shu‘aib a liar were the actual losers.[92] Shu‘aib left them saying: “O my people! I did indeed convey to you the messages of my Lord and I did give you good advice; how shall I then be sorry for the nation that refuses to believe?”[93] 7:[88-93]
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.