As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s episode concludes Surah 57, Al-Hadeed or the Iron, with verses 20-29. This selection asserts that our earthly lives are just play and an illusion. We must not grieve for posessions lost, nor be overjoyed at what we gain. It links Prophets Noah, Abraham and Jesus and also speaks of monastic life.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.
You should know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, a show and boasting among yourselves, a quest for greater riches and more children. Its similitude is that of vegetation that flourishes after rain: the growth of which delights the tillers, then it withers and you see it turn yellow, soon it becomes dry and crumbles away. In the hereafter, there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of this world is nothing but an illusion.[20] Therefore, rush towards the forgiveness of your Lord and for the paradise which is as vast as the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. Such is the grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom He pleases, and Allah is the Owner of mighty grace.[21] No affliction can befalls the earth or your own souls, except that it is recorded in a Book, before We bring them (the souls) into existence; surely, that is easy for Allah.[22] This is done so that you may not grieve for the things that you miss, or be overjoyed at what you gain; for Allah does not love any vainglorious boaster,[23] those who, being stingy themselves, enjoin others to be stingy also. He that gives no heed should know that Allah is free of all needs, worthy of all praise.[24] Surely, We have sent Our Messengers with clear signs, and sent down with them the Book and the Scales of Justice, so that people may conduct themselves with fairness. We also sent down Iron, with its mighty strength and many benefits for mankind, so that Allah may know those who will help Him, though unseen, and help His Messengers. Surely, Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty.[25] 57:[20-25]
We sent Noah and Abraham, and bestowed among their descendants Prophethood and the Book. Some of them adopted the right guidance, but most of them were transgressors.[26] After them We sent other Messengers, one after the other, and followed them with Jesus, the son of Mary. We gave him the Injeel (Gospels), and put compassion and mercy into the hearts of his followers. As for monasticism, they instituted it themselves – for We did not enjoin it on them – in order to seek the good pleasure of Allah, but they did not observe it as it should have been observed. Yet, We rewarded those among them who were true believers, but most of them are transgressors.[27] O believers! Fear Allah and believe in His Messenger. He will grant you a double share of His mercy, provide for you a light to walk with and forgive you your sins. Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[28] You should adopt this way so that the people of the Book may know that they do not have the sole right to the grace of Allah, and that His grace is entirely in His own hands, which He bestows on whomever He wills: and Allah is the Owner of mighty grace.[29] 57:[26-29]
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.