Surah Al Fatihah
This is the first Surah of the Quran. This was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Opening “. In laymen terms it can be called a preface. This Surah is called the first complete Surah of the Quran. A short Surah of just 7 verses, it is a prayer that Allah has taught his believers who want to start their journey of studying the Quran.
This prayer is basically the seeker of knowledge (as claimed by Muslims) telling Allah he is the most gracious, merciful etc. He is the be all and end all of everything and he should show his children the right path. Interestingly the last verse says Allah would support and show his grace only to the ones who follow his path and not the ones who have gone astray (FYI the ones who have gone astray are the Jews, Christians & the favorite whipping boys aka The Idolaters).
Surah Al Baqarah
The Surah Al Baqarah was revealed in Medina. The Title English translators have given this chapter is ” The Cow “. More than 1/3rd of this Surah is Prophet Mohammad addressing the people of Israel. Allah says that the people of Israel had strayed away from the original law which Allah had revealed to Moses. They had gotten into worshipping idols and following Jewish laws which had made them stubborn and they were not willing to accept reform (Well it was reform as per Allah).
Allah invites the children of Israel back to the true faith through Prophet Mohammad. The Prophet explains to the Israelites how they have gone astray and then tells them how they can correct it by following a wide range of ethics and principles.
At Makka Allah was mainly concerned with explaining the fundamental principles. But as the Prophet travels to Medina Allah starts talking about a lot of social, cultural, economic, political and legal issues like how one is supposed to pray aka Salat, details of fasting in Ramadan aka Roza, Haj, divorce aka Tallaq, money lending aka Zaqat, declaration of a new qiblah at the kaabah in Makka, jihad aka holy war and the formation of the ummah aka the Muslim brotherhood. Now I’ll share a few verses of this Surah. This is the Surah of the Battle of Badr.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.10
Sahih International: In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie.
Pickthall: In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie.
Yusuf Ali: In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).
Surah Al Baqarah 2.17
Sahih International: Their example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness [so] they could not see.
Pickthall: Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindleth fire, and when it sheddeth its light around him Allah taketh away their light and leaveth them in darkness, where they cannot see,
Yusuf Ali: Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. (I mean I just don’t get it. If Allah knows everything and understands people are off track why doesn’t he fix them in the 1st place? Why all these games like the one he is about to play in the form of a threat in the next verse I am presenting.)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.20
Sahih International: The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.
Pickthall: The lightning almost snatcheth away their sight from them. As often as it flasheth forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkeneth against them they stand still. If Allah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allah is able to do all things.
Yusuf Ali: The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.23
Sahih International: And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah , if you should be truthful.
Pickthall: And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful.
Yusuf Ali: And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.24
Sahih International: But if you do not – and you will never be able to – then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.
Pickthall: And if ye do it not – and ye can never do it – then guard yourselves against the Fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.
Yusuf Ali: But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject Faith. (Direct Threat)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.39
Sahih International: And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.”
Pickthall: But they who disbelieve, and deny Our revelations, such are rightful Peoples of the Fire. They will abide therein.
Yusuf Ali: “But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein.” (Threat)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.40
Sahih International: O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and fulfill My covenant [upon you] that I will fulfill your covenant [from Me], and be afraid of [only] Me.
Pickthall: O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you, and fulfil your (part of the) covenant, I shall fulfil My (part of the) covenant, and fear Me.
Yusuf Ali: O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your covenant with Me as I fulfil My Covenant with you, and fear none but Me. (There we go, fear me. What is it with God? Why does he want his own followers to fear him?)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.41
Sahih International: And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is [already] with you, and be not the first to disbelieve in it. And do not exchange My signs for a small price, and fear [only] Me.
Pickthall: And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.
Yusuf Ali: And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone. (Exclusivist God)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.54
Sahih International: And [recall] when Moses said to his people, “O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by your taking of the calf [for worship]. So repent to your Creator and kill yourselves. That is best for [all of] you in the sight of your Creator.” Then He accepted your repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.
Pickthall: And when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Ye have wronged yourselves by your choosing of the calf (for worship) so turn in penitence to your Creator, and kill (the guilty) yourselves. That will be best for you with your Creator and He will relent toward you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: And remember Moses said to his people: “O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. (Problem with Idolatry)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.62
Sahih International: Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] – those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.
Pickthall: Lo! Those who believe (in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans – whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right – surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
Yusuf Ali: Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.65
Sahih International: And you had already known about those who transgressed among you concerning the sabbath, and We said to them, “Be apes, despised.”
Pickthall: And ye know of those of you who broke the Sabbath, how We said unto them: Be ye apes, despised and hated!
Yusuf Ali: And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: “Be ye apes, despised and rejected.”
Surah Al Baqarah 2.66
Sahih International: And We made it a deterrent punishment for those who were present and those who succeeded [them] and a lesson for those who fear Allah .
Pickthall: And We made it an example to their own and to succeeding generations, and an admonition to the Allah-fearing.
Yusuf Ali: So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah. (There you go fear God)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.79
Sahih International: So woe to those who write the “scripture” with their own hands, then say, “This is from Allah ,” in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.
Pickthall: Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, “This is from Allah,” that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby.
Yusuf Ali: Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:”This is from Allah,” to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby. (This book is the word of God)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.81
Sahih International: Yes, whoever earns evil and his sin has encompassed him – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
Pickthall: Nay, but whosoever hath done evil and his sin surroundeth him; such are rightful owners of the Fire; they will abide therein.
Yusuf Ali: Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide (For ever). (Disbelievers will burn)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.94
Sahih International: Say, [O Muhammad], “If the home of the Hereafter with Allah is for you alone and not the [other] people, then wish for death, if you should be truthful.
Pickthall: Say (unto them): If the abode of the Hereafter in the providence of Allah is indeed for you alone and not for others of mankind (as ye pretend), then long for death (for ye must long for death) if ye are truthful.
Yusuf Ali: Say: “If the last Home, with Allah, be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere.” (If you believe in God you should wish death. What is this non sense?)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.96
Sahih International: And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life – [even] more than those who associate others with Allah . One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And Allah is Seeing of what they do.
Pickthall: And thou wilt find them greediest of mankind for life and (greedier) than the idolaters. (Each) one of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live (a thousand years) would be no means remove him from the doom. Allah is Seer of what they do.
Yusuf Ali: Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do. (Hindus you have a problem)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.98
Sahih International: Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael – then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Pickthall: Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali: Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith. (So Allah is basically saying you are either with me or against me. What a God)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.104
Sahih International: O you who have believed, say not [to Allah ‘s Messenger], “Ra’ina” but say, “Unthurna” and listen. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
Pickthall: O ye who believe, say not (unto the Prophet): “Listen to us” but say “Look upon us,” and be ye listeners. For disbelievers is a painful doom.
Yusuf Ali: O ye of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger) words of ambiguous import, but words of respect; and hearken (to him): To those without Faith is a grievous punishment. (Direct Threat)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.107
Sahih International: Do you not know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and [that] you have not besides Allah any protector or any helper?
Pickthall: Knowest thou not that it is Allah unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and ye have not, beside Allah, any guardian or helper?
Yusuf Ali: Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper. (Exclusivism)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.120
Sahih International: And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, “Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.” If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.
Pickthall: And the Jews will not be pleased with thee, nor will the Christians, till thou follow their creed. Say: Lo! the guidance of Allah (Himself) is Guidance. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then wouldst thou have from Allah no protecting guardian nor helper.
Yusuf Ali: Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: “The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance.” Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah. (Jews & Christians are wrong)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.143 & Surah Al Baqarah 2.144 talk about the setting up of a new Qibla. Surah Al Baqarah 2.150 mentions the method of how to pray in regards to which direction one should face etc.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.159
Sahih International: Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture – those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse,
Pickthall: Lo! Those who hide the proofs and the guidance which We revealed, after We had made it clear to mankind in the Scripture: such are accursed of Allah and accursed of those who have the power to curse.
Yusuf Ali: Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,-on them shall be Allah’s curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse,- (Dictatorial attitude)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.163
Sahih International: And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Pickthall: Your Allah is One Allah; there is no Allah save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: And your Allah is One Allah: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (Monotheism)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.165
Sahih International: And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah . But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah . And if only they who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.
Pickthall: Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is the due) of Allah (only) – those who believe are stauncher in their love for Allah – Oh, that those who do evil had but known, (on the day) when they behold the doom, that power belongeth wholly to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment!
Yusuf Ali: Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): They love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah will strongly enforce the penalty. (No other religion is acceptable)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.178 to 2.186 talk about various laws of inheritance.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.187
Sahih International: It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah , so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.
Pickthall: It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil).
Yusuf Ali: Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but Heturned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. (You can have sex after breaking your fast in Ramadan)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.190
Sahih International: Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.
Pickthall: Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.
Yusuf Ali: Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.191
Sahih International: And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.
Pickthall: And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali: And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. (Fight the opponent and kill him. But do not transgress limits. Fair enough Allah is speaking of self-defense. But this is a sham which will be proven further down the road because Allah cannot tolerate a varying point of view.)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.193
Sahih International: Fight them until there is no [more] fitnah and [until] worship is [acknowledged to be] for Allah . But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors.
Pickthall: And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against wrong-doers.
Yusuf Ali: And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. (See Allah says stop fighting only when they stop believing in other gods. Allah isn’t being kind. He is letting go under certain conditions)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.194
Sahih International: [Fighting in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
Pickthall: The forbidden month for the forbidden month, and forbidden things in retaliation. And one who attacketh you, attack him in like manner as he attacked you. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is with those who ward off (evil).
Yusuf Ali: The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves. (So the theory is an eye for an eye and tooth for tooth. How could Gandhiji ever defend this religion?)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.196 God shows that he is a hair specialist too. He discusses problems in scalp.
Surah Al Baqarah 2.216
Sahih International: Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.
Pickthall: Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.
Yusuf Ali: Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not. (This is god telling his people that my children you are all born to fight. These are the seeds of aggression in Islam)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.219 says no to gambling & drinking
Surah Al Baqarah 2.221
Sahih International: And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not marry polytheistic men [to your women] until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you. Those invite [you] to the Fire, but Allah invites to Paradise and to forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes clear His verses to the people that perhaps they may remember.
Pickthall: Wed not idolatresses till they believe; for lo! a believing bondwoman is better than an idolatress though she please you; and give not your daughters in marriage to idolaters till they believe, for lo! a believing slave is better than an idolater though he please you. These invite unto the Fire, and Allah inviteth unto the Garden, and unto forgiveness by His grace, and expoundeth His revelations to mankind that haply they may remember.
Yusuf Ali: Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise. (Do not marry a disbeliever. And if you want to marry them convert them. Now tell me there is no Love Jihad)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.222
Sahih International: And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
Pickthall: They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness.
Yusuf Ali: They ask thee concerning women’s courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (Stay away from women who are on their periods. Because it is a dirty thing)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.223
Sahih International: Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.
Pickthall: Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad).
Yusuf Ali: Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe. (Wives are Tilth. Really Tilth. So Allah is saying that women are nothing but baby making factories)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.228
Sahih International: Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Pickthall: Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart, three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf Ali: Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. (Men have an advantage over women)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.246
Sahih International: Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, “Send to us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah “? He said, “Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if fighting was prescribed for you?” They said, “And why should we not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?” But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers.
Pickthall: Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Allah’s way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah’s way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. Allah is aware of evil-doers.
Yusuf Ali: Hast thou not Turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? they said to a prophet (That was) among them: “Appoint for us a king, that we May fight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “Is it not possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that that ye will not fight?” They said: “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?” but when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who do wrong. (Fight because that is your inherent nature. No wonder there is a higher probability of violence among hard core followers of Islam)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.256
Sahih International: There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
Pickthall: There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Yusuf Ali: Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (Sounds nice right? Wait for the next verse and see the hypocrisy)
Surah Al Baqarah 2.257
Sahih International: Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve – their allies are Taghut. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.
Pickthall: Allah is the Protecting Guardian of those who believe. He bringeth them out of darkness into light. As for those who disbelieve, their patrons are false deities. They bring them out of light into darkness. Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.
Yusuf Ali: Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever). (And I thought there was no compulsion in religion. And here God threatens you that if you don’t believe in him you will burn forever)
Surah Al E Imran
This Surah is called ” The House of Imran ” because of the mention of it in verse 33. But like the previous Surah it has nothing much to do with the entire content of the Surah. These verses were revealed at Medina. Most verses of this Surah are directed to the Jews and Christians in the first half followed by verses addressed to the followers of Mohammad. The first 33 verses once again explain the fundamentals of Islam.
From verse 34 to 101 Prophet Mohammad tells the Jews and Christians how they have fallen on the wrong path and they should set themselves free of this sin by accepting the truth of the Quran revealed to the Prophet Mohammad by Allah. Mohammad tells them that even the Prophets of the Jews and Christians had taught the same things and hence any deviation from what Prophet Mohammad was saying would be a mistake according to the scriptures of Jews and Christians.
In verses 102 to 120 Prophet Mohammad goes on to address his own followers who had joined him at Al Baqarah. He tells them that they are ones who have been given the responsibility of reforming this world. He gives them further instructions in continuation to the previous Surah. He warns them to follow the laws of Allah strictly and that they should not commit the mistake of the Jews and Christians who had fallen astray from the path of Allah.
Verses 121 to 175 are dealing with the Battle of Uhd. Prophet Mohammad warns his followers and teaches them how to deal with hypocrites. A majority of the verses revolve around solutions to the problems they face in the Battle of Uhd.
The rest of the Surah goes back to Prophet Mohammad encouraging his followers to spread the word of Allah and watch out for the enemies. Now a few verses from this Surah.
Surah Al E Imran 3.4
Sahih International: Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur’an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution.
Pickthall: Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).
Yusuf Ali: Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.
Surah Al E Imran 3.11
Sahih International: [Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and those before them. They denied Our signs, so Allah seized them for their sins. And Allah is severe in penalty.
Pickthall: Like Pharaoh’s folk and those who were before them, they disbelieved Our revelations and so Allah seized them for their sins. And Allah is severe in punishment.
Yusuf Ali: (Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their predecessors: They denied our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their sins. For Allah is strict in punishment. (The people of Pharaoh were Idolaters)
Surah Al E Imran 3.19
Sahih International: Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah , then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.
Pickthall: Lo! religion with Allah (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is swift at reckoning.
Yusuf Ali: The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account. (So it is quite clear from this verse that Islam is submission or surrender to Allah and no one else. And here each and everyone from George Bush, The British Prime minister to all and sundry in India who keep shouting Islam means Peace. No the Quran is clear and Islam means surrender/submission)
Surah Al E Imran 3.21
Sahih International: Those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who order justice from among the people – give them tidings of a painful punishment.
Pickthall: Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, and slay the prophets wrongfully, and slay those of mankind who enjoin equity: promise them a painful doom.
Yusuf Ali: As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right, slay the prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty. (Kill the disbelievers)
Surah Al E Imran 3.30
Sahih International: The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it] and what it has done of evil, it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance. And Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is Kind to [His] servants.”
Pickthall: On the Day when every soul will find itself confronted with all that it hath done of good and all that it hath done of evil (every soul) will long that there might be a mighty space of distance between it and that (evil). Allah biddeth you beware of Him. And Allah is Full of Pity for (His) bondmen.
Yusuf Ali: “On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him.” (Nice to hear that Allah is kind to the ones who serve him. But hang on what about the ones who don’t serve him. Houston we have problem)
Surah Al E Imran 3.32
Sahih International: Say, “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” But if they turn away – then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers.
Pickthall: Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance).
Yusuf Ali: Say: “Obey Allah and His Messenger”: But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith. (Answer to my question raised in the previous verse is right here. Sorry Hindus, Christians, Jews, Mormons, Atheists etc Allah does not like you)
Surah Al E Imran 3.71
Sahih International: O People of the Scripture, why do you confuse the truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know [it]?
Pickthall: O People of the Scripture! Why confound ye truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?
Yusuf Ali: Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while ye have knowledge? (Oh Jews and Christians you are right but you are wrong)
Surah Al E Imran 3.79
Sahih International: It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, “Be servants to me rather than Allah ,” but [instead, he would say], “Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied.”
Pickthall: It is not (possible) for any human being unto whom Allah had given the Scripture and wisdom and the prophethood that he should afterwards have said unto mankind: Be slaves of me instead of Allah; but (what he said was): Be ye faithful servants of the Lord by virtue of your constant teaching of the Scripture and of your constant study thereof.
Yusuf Ali: It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: “Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah’s”: on the contrary (He would say) “Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly.” (Allah criticizing Jews and Christians)
Surah Al E Imran 3.95
Sahih International: Say, ” Allah has told the truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of the polytheists.”
Pickthall: Say: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters.
Yusuf Ali: Say: “Allah speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the Pagans.” (Allah hates Pagans)
Surah Al E Imran 3.102
Sahih International: O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not save as those who have surrendered (unto Him)
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam. (Call for conversion)
Surah Al E Imran 3.106
Sahih International: On the Day [some] faces will turn white and [some] faces will turn black. As for those whose faces turn black, [to them it will be said], “Did you disbelieve after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you used to reject.”
Pickthall: On the Day when (some) faces will be whitened and (some) faces will be blackened; and as for those whose faces have been blackened, it will be said unto them: Disbelieved ye after your (profession of) belief? Then taste the punishment for that ye disbelieved.
Yusuf Ali: On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black: To those whose faces will be black, (will be said): “Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting Faith.” (An out and out racist comment. So colour Black resembles something bad. Oh you dark skinned Africans and the entire brown skinned sub continental Muslims. What the hell were you thinking when you converted to Islam. Allah considers your skin colour to be a symbol of punishment)
Surah Al E Imran 3.118
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Take not for intimates others than your own folk, who would spare no pains to ruin you; they love to hamper you. Hatred is revealed by (the utterance of) their mouths, but that which their breasts hide is greater. We have made plain for you the revelations if ye will understand.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom. (Wow Allah is telling his followers that they should not be friends with Non-Muslims. So much for the pluralism that seculars keep shouting about in India. Here is a God telling his followers you dare not become friends with Non-Muslims. I think it is time Barkha Dutt had an interview with the God of the Quran)
Surah Al E Imran 3.127
Sahih International: That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.
Pickthall: That He may cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or overwhelm them so that they retire, frustrated.
Yusuf Ali: That He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose. (Religion of peace right?)
Surah Al E Imran 3.135
Sahih International: And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah ? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.
Pickthall: And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins – Who forgiveth sins save Allah only? – and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did.
Yusuf Ali: And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah?- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done. (So if you make a mistake just sorry to Allah and that’s it you’re forgiven?)
Surah Al E Imran 3.146
Sahih International: And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah , nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.
Pickthall: And with how many a prophet have there been a number of devoted men who fought (beside him). They quailed not for aught that befell them in the way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor were they brought low. Allah loveth the steadfast.
Yusuf Ali: How many of the prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) Large bands of godly men? but they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast. (Just keep fighting. Prophet Mohammad sounds more like an army general who is using Allah as an excuse to basically tell his army to go on fighting because if it was just an instruction from man maybe they won’t go on fighting. Hence Allah is the best way to further his cause of conquer)
Surah Al E Imran 3.151
Sahih International: We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.
Pickthall: We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve because they ascribe unto Allah partners, for which no warrant hath been revealed. Their habitation is the Fire, and hapless the abode of the wrong-doers.
Yusuf Ali: Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers! (Kill the disbeliever)
Surah Al E Imran 3.157
Sahih International: And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].
Pickthall ; And what though ye be slain in Allah’s way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.
Yusuf Ali: And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass. (Read this verse carefully and tell me that this does not justify the logic of suicide bombing)
Surah Al E Imran 3.158
Sahih International: And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.
Pickthall: What though ye be slain or die, when unto Allah ye are gathered?
Yusuf Ali: And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought together. (Once again clear cut signs of acceptance of the concept of suicide bombing)
Surah Al E Imran 3.167
Sahih International: And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, “Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend.” They said, “If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you.” They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most Knowing of what they conceal –
Pickthall: And that He might know the hypocrites, unto whom it was said: Come, fight in the way of Allah, or defend yourselves. They answered: If we knew aught of fighting we would follow you. On that day they were nearer disbelief than faith. They utter with their mouths a thing which is not in their hearts. Allah is Best Aware of what they hide.
Yusuf Ali: And the Hypocrites also. These were told: “Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (The foe from your city).” They said: “Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you.” They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal. (Those who don’t fight in the name of Allah are useless)
Surah Al E Imran 3.169
Sahih International: And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,
Pickthall: Think not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision.
Yusuf Ali: Think not of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord; (See suicide bombers are martyrs too if we go by this logic. Because they also kill themselves in the way of Allah)
Surah Al E Imran 3.178
Sahih International: And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.
Pickthall: And let not those who disbelieve imagine that the rein We give them bodeth good unto their souls. We only give them rein that they may grow in sinfulness. And theirs will be a shameful doom.
Yusuf Ali: Let not the Unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: But they will have a shameful punishment. (Watch out disbelievers. Don’t think we have forgiven you just because we are quiet now. We will come for you soon)
Surah Al E Imran 3.181
Sahih International: Allah has certainly heard the statement of those [Jews] who said, “Indeed, Allah is poor, while we are rich.” We will record what they said and their killing of the prophets without right and will say, “Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.
Pickthall: Verily Allah heard the saying of those who said, (when asked for contributions to the war): “Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!” We shall record their saying with their slaying of the prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste ye the punishment of burning!
Yusuf Ali: Allah hath heard the taunt of those who say: “Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!”- We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: “Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire! (You Jews are so dead)
Surah An Nisa
This Surah is called ” The Women “. It was revealed at Medina. This Surah is post the battle of Uhd. The main aim of this Surah is to teach the Muslims how to live a stable family life. The first 43 verses give detailed instructions for the consolidation and strengthening of the followers of Allah in similar lines to the ones of Al Baqarah. Prophet Mohammad mentions ways of settling family disputes. Marital rules have been explained in detail explaining the rights of the wife and husband. Prophet Mohammad explains the status of women in the society and the declaration of the rights of orphans has been made. Law in regards to matters of inheritance is established. A basis of a penal code has been laid down. Drinking and gambling have been prohibited. Then detailed instructions have been given for cleanliness and purity i.e Salat.
The Prophet tells his followers to be brave and face the enemy with all their might. He criticizes the Jews who are being very hostile to the Muslims. The Prophet instructs his followers to be just and honest. They should follow the law of Allah sincerely and warns them that if they go astray they will be destroyed. During the Battle the Muslims were facing problems while offering Salat as there was no water. They were told to offer Salat with sand as a substitute.
Prophet Mohammad tells his followers to be very strict when it comes to dealing with their enemies against whom they are fighting. Muslims are warned to be constantly on guard against the enemy. He just keeps on repeating how the hypocrites are very bad news and the Muslims must stay away from them and deal with them accordingly. Now a few verses
Surah An Nisa 4.3
Sahih International: And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].
Pickthall: And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.
Yusuf Ali: If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. (The verse clearly states you can marry 4 women only if you can treat them all justly. Now why do poor Muslims in India marry 4 women? They can’t even feed 1 female and they end up marrying 4. Aren’t these Muslims doing something Un Islamic by marrying more than 1 woman)
Surah An Nisa 4.15
Sahih International: Those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse of your women – bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine the guilty women to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way.
Pickthall: As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to witness four of you against them. And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation) then confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Allah appoint for them a way (through new legislation).
Yusuf Ali: If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way. (A female who commits adultery should be put in a room to die)
Surah An Nisa 4.16
Sahih International: And the two who commit it among you, dishonor them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allah is ever Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
Pickthall: And as for the two of you who are guilty thereof, punish them both. And if they repent and improve, then let them be. Lo! Allah is ever relenting, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful. (So if men commit a crime all they have to do is say I’m Sorry sincerely and they can be let go. Why not give them the same treatment as it is meted out to women?)
Surah An Nisa 4.34
Sahih International: Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance – [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.
Pickthall: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.
Yusuf Ali: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all). (So you can hit women. Where are all the feminists/liberals/secular of India Now?)
Surah An Nisa 4.46
Sahih International: Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages and say, “We hear and disobey” and “Hear but be not heard” and “Ra’ina,” twisting their tongues and defaming the religion. And if they had said [instead], “We hear and obey” and “Wait for us [to understand],” it would have been better for them and more suitable. But Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.
Pickthall: Some of those who are Jews change words from their context and say: “We hear and disobey; hear thou as one who heareth not” and “Listen to us!” distorting with their tongues and slandering religion. If they had said: “We hear and we obey: hear thou, and look at us” it had been better for them, and more upright. But Allah hath cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, save a few.
Yusuf Ali: Of the Jews there are those who displace words from their (right) places, and say: “We hear and we disobey”; and “Hear what is not Heard”; and “Ra’ina”; with a twist of their tongues and a slander to Faith. If only they had said: “What hear and we obey”; and “Do hear”; and “Do look at us”; it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah hath cursed them for their Unbelief; and but few of them will believe. (Jews are bad)
Surah An Nisa 4.56
Sahih International: Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses – We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.
Pickthall: Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf Ali: Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. (Kill the ones who disagree with us)
Surah An Nisa 4.74
Sahih International: So let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. And he who fights in the cause of Allah and is killed or achieves victory – We will bestow upon him a great reward.
Pickthall: Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward.
Yusuf Ali: Let those fight in the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah,- whether he is slain or gets victory – Soon shall We give him a reward of great (value). (Again this clearly endorses the mindset of the suicide bomber)
Surah An Nisa 4.76
Sahih International: Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah , and those who disbelieve fight in the cause of Taghut. So fight against the allies of Satan. Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak.
Pickthall: Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil’s strategy is ever weak.
Yusuf Ali: Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan. (Kill those disbelievers)
Surah An Nisa 4.77 and Surah An Nisa 4.78 basically tells Muslims that they have to fight no matter what.
Surah An Nisa 4.84
Sahih International: So fight, [O Muhammad], in the cause of Allah ; you are not held responsible except for yourself. And encourage the believers [to join you] that perhaps Allah will restrain the [military] might of those who disbelieve. And Allah is greater in might and stronger in [exemplary] punishment.
Pickthall: So fight (O Muhammad) in the way of Allah Thou art not taxed (with the responsibility for anyone) except thyself – and urge on the believers. Peradventure Allah will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. Allah is stronger in might and stronger in inflicting punishment.
Yusuf Ali: Then fight in Allah’s cause – Thou art held responsible only for thyself – and rouse the believers. It may be that Allah will restrain the fury of the Unbelievers; for Allah is the strongest in might and in punishment. (The man Prophet Mohammad is clearly raising an army. What kind of a religion of peace needs an army?)
Surah An Nisa 4.89
Sahih International: They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah . But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper.
Pickthall: They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them,
Yusuf Ali: They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks;- (Call to kill again)
Surah An Nisa 4.95
Sahih International: Not equal are those believers remaining [at home] – other than the disabled – and the mujahideen, [who strive and fight] in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred the mujahideen through their wealth and their lives over those who remain [behind], by degrees. And to both Allah has promised the best [reward]. But Allah has preferred the mujahideen over those who remain [behind] with a great reward –
Pickthall: Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;
Yusuf Ali: Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward,- (A fighting Muslim is better than a passive Muslim. Does that mean a suicide bomber is better than the average Muslim who just goes about doing his daily job?)
Surah An Nisa 4.102
Sahih International: And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
Pickthall: And when thou (O Muhammad) art among them and arrangest (their) worship for them, let only a party of them stand with thee (to worship) and let them take their arms. Then when they have performed their prostrations let them fall to the rear and let another party come that hath not worshipped and let them worship with thee, and let them take their precaution and their arms. Those who disbelieve long for you to neglect your arms and your baggage that they may attack you once for all. It is no sin for you to lay aside your arms, if rain impedeth you or ye are sick. But take your precaution. Lo! Allah prepareth for the disbelievers shameful punishment.
Yusuf Ali: When thou (O Messenger) art with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed – and let them pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment. (The man is nothing but an army general. He keeps changing his strategy as per the problems he faces in the war)
Surah An Nisa 4.110
Sahih International: And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: Yet whoso doeth evil or wrongeth his own soul, then seeketh pardon of Allah, will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: If any one does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (What does this mean? So I can kill someone and just get away with it by saying Sorry Allah)
Surah An Nisa 4.144
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do you wish to give Allah against yourselves a clear case?
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Choose not disbelievers for (your) friends in place of believers. Would ye give Allah a clear warrant against you?
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than believers: Do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves? (Do not make Hindus your friends)
Surah An Nisa 4.150
Sahih International: Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers and wish to discriminate between Allah and His messengers and say, “We believe in some and disbelieve in others,” and wish to adopt a way in between –
Pickthall: Lo! those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers, and seek to make distinction between Allah and His messengers, and say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others, and seek to choose a way in between;
Yusuf Ali: Those who deny Allah and His messengers, and (those who) wish to separate Allah from His messengers, saying: “We believe in some but reject others”: And (those who) wish to take a course midway,- (So moderates are bad?)
Surah An Nisa 4.151
Sahih International: Those are the disbelievers, truly. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
Pickthall: Such are disbelievers in truth; and for disbelievers We prepare a shameful doom.
Yusuf Ali: They are in truth (equally) unbelievers; and we have prepared for unbelievers a humiliating punishment. (Yes moderates are bad indeed)
Surah An Nisa 4.157
Sahih International: And [for] their saying, “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah .” And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.
Pickthall: And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s messenger – they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
Yusuf Ali: That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah”;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:- (So Christians were told a lie and the entire Jesus was crucified story was all rubbish)
Surah An Nisa 4.176
Sahih International: They request from you a [legal] ruling. Say, ” Allah gives you a ruling concerning one having neither descendants nor ascendants [as heirs].” If a man dies, leaving no child but [only] a sister, she will have half of what he left. And he inherits from her if she [dies and] has no child. But if there are two sisters [or more], they will have two-thirds of what he left. If there are both brothers and sisters, the male will have the share of two females. Allah makes clear to you [His law], lest you go astray. And Allah is Knowing of all things.
Pickthall: They ask thee for a pronouncement. Say: Allah hath pronounced for you concerning distant kindred. If a man die childless and he have a sister, hers is half the heritage, and he would have inherited from her had she died childless. And if there be two sisters, then theirs are two-thirds of the heritage, and if they be brethren, men and women, unto the male is the equivalent of the share of two females. Allah expoundeth unto you, so that ye err not. Allah is Knower of all things.
Yusuf Ali: They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (thus) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If (such a deceased was) a woman, who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): if there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His law), lest ye err. And Allah hath knowledge of all things. (Men have more shares in property than females)
Surah Al Maeda
This Surah is revealed in Medina. It is called ” The Table spread “. The Surah begins with the Muslims being instructed to follow the rules and regulations of Islam strictly in matters of food, sex, Salat, justice etc. Prophet Mohammad warns them about the errors committed by the Jews and Christians. He also tells the Jews and Christians to get their act together and come into the fold of Islam. A small story of Adam and his two sons is narrated where one brother tries to kill the other. This is narratated to show how the Jews are trying to kill Prophet Mohammad and his followers. Prophet Mohammad lays down strict punishments for those who try to create panic in the state of Islam. Muslims are told to use all their might to protect the law of Allah.
The Prophet then criticizes the Jews and Christians once again mentioning how they have gone against the original teachings of the Torah and The Bible. He warns the Muslims and strictly bans any friendship with the Jews, Christians, hypocrites, disbelievers. A very dangerous trend emerges in this Surah. While the prophet dislikes both the Jews and Christians he clearly states that he hates the Jews more than the Christians. The Surah ends with the mention of the conversation between various Prophets and Allah on the Day of Judgment. The conversation with Jesus is mentioned particularly to warn the Christians to come around.
Surah Al Maeda 5.14
Sahih International: And from those who say, “We are Christians” We took their covenant; but they forgot a portion of that of which they were reminded. So We caused among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. And Allah is going to inform them about what they used to do.
Pickthall: And with those who say: “Lo! we are Christians,” We made a covenant, but they forgot a part of that whereof they were admonished. Therefor We have stirred up enmity and hatred among them till the Day of Resurrection, when Allah will inform them of their handiwork.
Yusuf Ali: From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent them: so we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the day of judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done. (Christians have faltered and gone astray)
Surah Al Maeda 5.33
Sahih International: Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment,
Pickthall: The only reward of those who make war upon Allah and His messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land. Such will be their degradation in the world, and in the Hereafter theirs will be an awful doom;
Yusuf Ali: The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter; (Punishment for disbelievers)
Surah Al Maeda 5.38
Sahih International: [As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah . And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Pickthall: As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Yusuf Ali: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Foundation of Sharia)
Surah Al Maeda 5.47
Sahih International: And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient.
Pickthall: Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.
Yusuf Ali: Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel. (Christians convert to Islam or else you are no good)
Surah Al Maeda 5.51
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust. (Jews and Christians are not worth being friends with)
Surah Al Maeda 5.73
Sahih International: They have certainly disbelieved who say, ” Allah is the third of three.” And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.
Pickthall: They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no Allah save the One Allah. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.
Yusuf Ali: They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. (The holy trinity is rubbish)
Surah Al Maeda 5.75
Sahih International: The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.
Pickthall: The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away!
Yusuf Ali: Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth! (Jesus was just another messenger. Nothing special about him)
Surah Al Maeda 5.82
Sahih International: You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah ; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.
Pickthall: Thou wilt find the most vehement of mankind in hostility to those who believe (to be) the Jews and the idolaters. And thou wilt find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe (to be) those who say: Lo! We are Christians. That is because there are among them priests and monks, and because they are not proud.
Yusuf Ali: Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, “We are Christians”: because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. (So the Muslim order of hating people is decided. 1. Jews and Pagans and 2. Christians)
Surah Al Anaam
This is the 6th Surah of the Quran. It is called “ Cattle, Livestock “. These verses were revealed in Makka. This Surah deals with the evangelizing side of Islam. The Surah starts with Prophet Mohammad warning the disbelievers about the plethora of problems they are going to face. He tells them how Allah is the All-knowing and All-powerful. Disbelief in him will lead them to life in eternal hell. The prophet then goes on to explain the importance of Tauhid. He warns them to avoid laziness when it comes to Tauhid. The Prophet then gives a very graphic description of life after death for the dis believers. Can easily be part of a Bollywood movie.
Prophet Mohammad then goes on to explain the role he has to play in this society. He tells them the Mission he has been anointed for by Allah, his limitations, his attitude towards the followers and also his view of the dis believers. To explain his point he then states the example of Abraham and how he also brought about the Pagans into the fold of the true faith. The Prophet tells his followers that the verses revealed to him by Allah are the proof of his Prophet Hood. How convenient isn’t it. The Prophet himself is the judge jury and prosecution.
Allah himself has created Pagans in a certain way to show the followers of Allah the difference between falsehood and the true faith. This is to prove to the Muslims that the Quran is the real and final book. The Prophet tells the Jews to compare their Torah to the teachings of the Quran. Once they do that with all sincerity they will themselves realize the similarity and get rid of the veil that has covered their intellect. Once their veil is removed they will come into the fold of Islam. Now a few verses
Surah Al Anaam 6.37
Sahih International: And they say, “Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “Indeed, Allah is Able to send down a sign, but most of them do not know.”
Pickthall: They say: Why hath no portent been sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: Lo! Allah is Able to send down a portent. But most of them know not.
Yusuf Ali: They say: “Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “Allah hath certainly power to send down a sign: but most of them understand not. (This is the standard line of all Abrahamic religions. They declare the sign that they share as the real thing. They then buy their own delusion. And then ask others why anyone else hasn’t gotten this sign if they are the true religion. Well obviously the other will not get the true sign because you have restricted the meaning of the Truth to begin with)
Surah Al Anaam 6.68
Sahih International: And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversion. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.
Pickthall: And when thou seest those who meddle with Our revelations, withdraw from them until they meddle with another topic. And if the devil cause thee to forget, sit not, after the remembrance, with the congregation of wrong-doers.
Yusuf Ali: When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong. (Stay away from the Non-Muslims)
Surah Al Anaam 6.74
Sahih International: And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, “Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error.”
Pickthall: (Remember) when Abraham said unto his father Azar: Takest thou idols for gods? Lo! I see thee and thy folk in error manifest.
Yusuf Ali: Lo! Abraham said to his father Azar: “Takest thou idols for gods? For I see thee and thy people in manifest error.” (Idol worshipping is bad)
Surah Al Anaam 6.121
Sahih International: And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience. And indeed do the devils inspire their allies [among men] to dispute with you. And if you were to obey them, indeed, you would be associators [of others with Him].
Pickthall: And eat not of that whereon Allah’s name hath not been mentioned, for lo! it is abomination. Lo! the devils do inspire their minions to dispute with you. But if ye obey them, ye will be in truth idolaters.
Yusuf Ali: Eat not of (meats) on which Allah’s name hath not been pronounced: That would be impiety. But the evil ones ever inspire their friends to contend with you if ye were to obey them, ye would indeed be Pagans. (Boy do they hate Pagans)
Surah Al Araf
These verses were revealed in Makka. This Surah seems pretty much on the same lines as the Surah Al Anaam. This Surah is called “ The Heights “. It starts with an invitation to everyone to follow the path laid down by Allah who is communicating it to the people via Prophet Mohammad. The story of Adam is narrated and the people are warned about the evil plans of Satan and how he had lured Adam and Eve into his sinister plan. Then the Prophet goes onto counter the arguments of Satan by sharing some instructions of Allah. All human beings should follow the message of Allah as he is the creator of everything and there is nothing beyond his reach.
Prophet Mohammad then shares events of the lives of various other Prophets like Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, Shuaib, Moses and tries to tell mankind the consequences of rejecting the message of Allah. He reminds them of the covenant that was signed between Allah and all of mankind (which is basically the people of Israel). He warns them against falling into this notion that the message he is delivering to them is false. He urges them to come into their good senses or a huge set of problems awaits them. Now a few verses.
Surah Al Araf 7.55
Sahih International: Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.
Pickthall: (O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not aggressors.
Yusuf Ali: Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. (Behave yourself and stay in your boundaries)
Surah Al Araf 7.72
Sahih International: So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us. And We eliminated those who denied Our signs, and they were not [at all] believers.
Pickthall: And We saved him and those with him by a mercy from Us, and We cut the root of those who denied Our revelations and were not believers.
Yusuf Ali: We saved him and those who adhered to him. By Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our signs and did not believe. (We destroyed the disbelievers)
Surah Al Araf 7.81
Sahih International: Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.”
Pickthall: Lo! ye come with lust unto men instead of women. Nay, but ye are wanton folk.
Yusuf Ali: “For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (Homosexuality is bad)
Surah Al Araf 7.138
Sahih International: And We took the Children of Israel across the sea; then they came upon a people intent in devotion to [some] idols of theirs. They said, “O Moses, make for us a god just as they have gods.” He said, “Indeed, you are a people behaving ignorantly.
Pickthall: And We brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and they came unto a people who were given up to idols which they had. They said: O Moses! Make for us a god even as they have gods. He said: Lo! ye are a folk who know not.
Yusuf Ali: We took the Children of Israel (with safety) across the sea. They came upon a people devoted entirely to some idols they had. They said: “O Moses! fashion for us a god like unto the gods they have.” He said: “Surely ye are a people without knowledge. (Idolatry is bad)
Surah Al Araf 7.148
Sahih International: And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf – an image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers.
Pickthall: And the folk of Moses, after (he left them), chose a calf (for worship), (made) out of their ornaments, of saffron hue, which gave a lowing sound. Saw they not that it spake not unto them nor guided them to any way? They chose it, and became wrong-doers.
Yusuf Ali: The people of Moses made, in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image of calf, (for worship): it seemed to low: did they not see that it could neither speak to them, nor show them the way? They took it for worship and they did wrong. (Cow worshipping is bad)
Surah Al Anfal
This Surah is after the Battle of Badr. It was revealed at Medina. It is called “ Spoils of War, Booty “. The theme is Jihad. The Surah starts with a detailed explanation of the issue relating to Spoils of War. The Prophet says that technically whatever one has won post war are not really spoils but Bounties of Allah. This is because it is Allah who is the reason that they have won a war and not their own efforts. The aim of war is to remove the obstacles that one faces in the march towards the establishment of an Islamic State.
The Prophet Mohammad says that all the things they have gathered post the war should be brought to him as they are The Bounties of Allah and he is the true and only messenger of Allah. It is only after his followers agree to these terms that the Prophet goes down to discuss the distribution of shares. The prophet tells his followers that the Battle of Badr was God’s will so that Islam could triumph over ignorance. He tells his fellow Muslims to have unquestionable faith in Allah and always keep themselves ready for war. Then he goes on to explain how one should sign treaties. He tells them to follow the conditions of the treaties to its fullest. They can only break the conditions of the treaty if the other party has broken the terms first.
Then the Prophet explains how the prisoners of war should be dealt with. What is interesting in this Surah is how The Prophet tells his followers to behave according to the position they are in. If they are in Dar Ul Islam their stance should be aggressive. But if they are in Dar Ul Harb their stance should be more nuanced until they achieve Dar Ul Islam. Now a few verses.
Surah Al Anfal 8.12
Sahih International: [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, “I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.”
Pickthall: When thy Lord inspired the angels, (saying): I am with you. So make those who believe stand firm. I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger.
Yusuf Ali: Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): “I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them.” (Kill the disbelievers)
Surah Al Anfal 8.13
Sahih International: That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger – indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Pickthall: That is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment.
Yusuf Ali: This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment. (Disbelievers will be punished)
Surah Al Anfal 8.15
Sahih International: O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight].
Pickthall: O ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn not your backs to them.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them. (Fight the disbeliever)
Surah Al Anfal 8.16
Sahih International: And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah , and his refuge is Hell – and wretched is the destination.
Pickthall: Whoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless manoeuvring for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey’s end.
Yusuf Ali: If any do turn his back to them on such a day – unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed)! (Be smart when you fight. See these are signs of behavior in Dar Ul Islam vis a vis Dar Ul Harb)
Surah Al Anfal 8.17
Sahih International: And you did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who threw that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
Pickthall: Ye (Muslims) slew them not, but Allah slew them. And thou (Muhammad) threwest not when thou didst throw, but Allah threw, that He might test the believers by a fair test from Him. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Yusuf Ali: It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah: when thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah’s: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things). (Really Allah is a killer? Do you realize the potential of violence of this verse? A Muslim can basically justify his act by saying hey I am not murdering anyone, Allah himself is doing it. I am just his tool)
Surah Al Anfal 8.39
Sahih International: And fight them until there is no fitnah and [until] the religion, all of it, is for Allah . And if they cease – then indeed, Allah is Seeing of what they do.
Pickthall: And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.
Yusuf Ali: And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. (Fight till the last breath in your body)
Surah Al Anfal 8.41
Sahih International: And know that anything you obtain of war booty – then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion – the day when the two armies met. And Allah , over all things, is competent.
Pickthall: And know that whatever ye take as spoils of war, lo! a fifth thereof is for Allah, and for the messenger and for the kinsman (who hath need) and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, if ye believe in Allah and that which We revealed unto Our slave on the Day of Discrimination, the day when the two armies met. And Allah is Able to do all things.
Yusuf Ali: And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to Allah,- and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in Allah and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For Allah hath power over all things. (First bring the money to me as I am the messenger of Allah and then I will tell you how to distribute the rest)
Surah Al Anfal 8.60
Sahih International: And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.
Pickthall: Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom ye know not. Allah knoweth them. Whatsoever ye spend in the way of Allah it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.
Yusuf Ali: Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly. (Kill the enemies of Allah. Watch out Hindus & Jews especially)
Surah Al Anfal 8.65
Sahih International: O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are] steadfast, they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.
Pickthall: O Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence.
Yusuf Ali: O Prophet! rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people withoutunderstanding. (Fight Fight Fight)
Surah Al Tawba
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” Repentance “. The key focus of the Muslims at this point of time was to make the whole of Arabia a unified Dar Ul Islam, to expand the kingdom of Islam to the adjoining countries, to destroy the disbelievers and to prepare the Muslims for Jihad against the Non-Muslim world. The Surah starts with the importance of treaties and lays down the instructions in regards to what logic has to be applied before the decision of whether a treaty should be honored or broken is taken. Prophet Mohammad then urges his fellow Muslims to fight in the way of Allah and destroy the Mushrik Arabs, Jews and the Christians. He gives them ample reasons as to why these communities deserve to be punished.
He follows it up by explaining to the Muslims that the only thing that distinguishes a true Muslim from a disbeliever (kufr) is their willingness to fight for Allah. He urges Muslims to wage a Jihad against the enemy without any fear in their mind. Prophet Mohammad then explains the flaws of the disbelievers and mentions how the different type of disbelievers should be treated. The disbelievers are allowed to live only under the condition where they agree to pay the Jizyah. And the ones who did not accompany the Prophet for the Battle of Tabuk are split in different categories according to their crimes and are charged accordingly. The Surah ends with the Prophet explaining the qualities of a true believer and the benefits that come along with being a true believer. Now a few verses.
Surah Al Tawba 9.5
Sahih International: And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Kill the disbelievers but let them live if they convert. Now does anyone have any doubts as to whether Islam has spread by the sword or not)
Surah Al Tawba 9.8
Sahih International: How [can there be a treaty] while, if they gain dominance over you, they do not observe concerning you any pact of kinship or covenant of protection? They satisfy you with their mouths, but their hearts refuse [compliance], and most of them are defiantly disobedient.
Pickthall: How (can there be any treaty for the others) when, if they have the upper hand of you, they regard not pact nor honour in respect of you? They satisfy you with their mouths the while their hearts refuse. And most of them are wrongdoers.
Yusuf Ali: How (can there be such a league), seeing that if they get an advantage over you, they respect not in you the ties either of kinship or of covenant? With (fair words from) their mouths they entice you, but their hearts are averse from you; and most of them are rebellious and wicked. (Never trust the disbeliever)
Surah Al Tawba 9.12
Sahih International: And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief, for indeed, there are no oaths [sacred] to them; [fight them that] they might cease.
Pickthall: And if they break their pledges after their treaty (hath been made with you) and assail your religion, then fight the heads of disbelief – Lo! they have no binding oaths – in order that they may desist.
Yusuf Ali: But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained. (Fight the one who questions your faith)
Surah Al Tawba 9.14
Sahih International: Fight them; Allah will punish them by your hands and will disgrace them and give you victory over them and satisfy the breasts of a believing people
Pickthall: Fight them! Allah will chastise them at your hands, and He will lay them low and give you victory over them, and He will heal the breasts of folk who are believers.
Yusuf Ali: Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers, (Fight and finish them off. Actually you are not finishing them off. Allah himself is doing this through your hands. So you are not committing any falsehood? Allah directly is committing all these crimes?)
Surah Al Tawba 9.23
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not take your fathers or your brothers as allies if they have preferred disbelief over belief. And whoever does so among you – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you taketh them for friends, such are wrong-doers.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong. (Faith in Allah is above everything, even your family and your country. No wonder there is a direct conflict for Muslims when it comes to patriotism. The structure of Islam is as such that it is not allowed)
Surah Al Tawba 9.29
Sahih International: Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture – [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.
Pickthall: Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.
Yusuf Ali: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. (You fight and finish off all the enemies until they agree to live under you by paying Jizyah)
Surah Al Tawba 9.30
Sahih International: The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah “; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah .” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?
Pickthall: And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they!
Yusuf Ali: The Jews call ‘Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! (Jews and Christians are wrong)
Surah Al Tawba 9.38
Sahih International: O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah , you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! What aileth you that when it is said unto you: Go forth in the way of Allah, ye are bowed down to the ground with heaviness. Take ye pleasure in the life of the world rather than in the Hereafter? The comfort of the life of the world is but little in the Hereafter.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter. (Call to die in the name of Allah. What worries me is this can be used as logic for suicide bombing)
Surah Al Tawba 9.44
Sahih International: Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day would not ask permission of you to be excused from striving with their wealth and their lives. And Allah is Knowing of those who fear Him.
Pickthall: Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave of thee lest they should strive with their wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those who keep their duty (unto Him).
Yusuf Ali: Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask thee for no exemption from fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knoweth well those who do their duty. (Don’t ask too many questions. Just go and fight)
Surah Al Tawba 9.62
Sahih International: They swear by Allah to you [Muslims] to satisfy you. But Allah and His Messenger are more worthy for them to satisfy, if they should be believers.
Pickthall: They swear by Allah to you (Muslims) to please you, but Allah, with His messenger, hath more right that they should please Him if they are believers.
Yusuf Ali: To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: But it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they are Believers. (You have to praise both Allah and Prophet Mohammad. That is the deal. It cannot be you saying Allah is nice but I don’t like Prophet Mohammad)
Surah Al Tawba 9.80
Sahih International: Ask forgiveness for them, [O Muhammad], or do not ask forgiveness for them. If you should ask forgiveness for them seventy times – never will Allah forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger, and Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.
Pickthall: Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for them; though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, and Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
Yusuf Ali: Whether thou ask for their forgiveness, or not, (their sin is unforgivable): if thou ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allah will not forgive them: because they have rejected Allah and His Messenger: and Allah guideth not those who are perversely rebellious. (No matter how much you plead, Allah will never forgive the disbeliever. So stop trying. They are doomed)
Surah Al Tawba 9.101
Sahih International: And among those around you of the bedouins are hypocrites, and [also] from the people of Madinah. They have become accustomed to hypocrisy. You, [O Muhammad], do not know them, [but] We know them. We will punish them twice [in this world]; then they will be returned to a great punishment.
Pickthall: And among those around you of the wandering Arabs there are hypocrites, and among the townspeople of Al-Madinah (there are some who) persist in hypocrisy whom thou (O Muhammad) knowest not. We, We know them, and We shall chastise them twice; then they will be relegated to a painful doom.
Yusuf Ali: Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are hypocrites, as well as (desert Arabs) among the Medina folk: they are obstinate in hypocrisy: thou knowest them not: We know them: twice shall We punish them: and in addition shall they be sent to a grievous penalty. (Punish the disbelieving Arabs)
Surah Al Tawba 9.113
Sahih International: It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire.
Pickthall: It is not for the Prophet, and those who believe, to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin (to them) after it hath become clear that they are people of hell-fire.
Yusuf Ali: It is not fitting, for the Prophet and those who believe, that they should pray for forgiveness for Pagans, even though they be of kin, after it is clear to them that they are companions of the Fire. (Do not pray for the Pagans, even if they are your relatives. What kind of a sick thought is this?)
Surah Yunus
This Surah is named after the Prophet Jonah from the Old Testament. The funny part is while the Surah is named after the Prophet Jonah there is no mention of him other than in verse 98.These verses were revealed at Makka. The people state that as Prophet Mohammad is just a human being and not of virgin birth his claim is invalid. All that he is doing is simple magic and sorcery. The Prophet replies to the people by saying that none of his acts are in relation to sorcery. All he is stating is that Allah created the universe and once you die there is another life after this. No one can refute this fact and he is merely re stating it. It is the disbelievers who have fallen away from the original path as enshrined by Allah.
Prophet Mohammad is merely telling them to come back to the path of Allah by converting to Islam. The Prophet then proves the concept of Tauhid, life after death by stating his arguments. He warns the people of not falling for false statements of the disbelievers when it comes to Tauhid. Prophet Mohammad then announces that he is the final messenger of Allah and whatever he says is the final word of God. He warns people about the troubles that await them in hell. The life in this current world is a test of mankind by Allah. The ones who follow his footsteps will prosper and the ones who fail to do that will be judged on the last day.
To explain the misdeeds of mankind and its consequences even further Prophet Mohammad narrates the story of Prophet Noah in brief followed by the detailed description of the story of Prophet Moses. Prophet Mohammad ends the Surah by declaring that this is how the rules of the game of life have been defined by Allah. There can be no change or alteration in this. Those who accept this will do themselves a favor. Those who reject this will take that decision at their own risk. Now a few verses.
Surah Yunus 10.37
Sahih International: And it was not [possible] for this Qur’an to be produced by other than Allah , but [it is] a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of the [former] Scripture, about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.
Pickthall: And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be invented in despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which was before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for mankind – Therein is no doubt – from the Lord of the Worlds.
Yusuf Ali: This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book – wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the worlds. (This is the final word of God. No change is allowed after this)
Surah Yunus 10.41
Sahih International: And if they deny you, [O Muhammad], then say, “For me are my deeds, and for you are your deeds. You are disassociated from what I do, and I am disassociated from what you do.”
Pickthall: And if they deny thee, say: Unto me my work, and unto you your work. Ye are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what ye do.
Yusuf Ali: If they charge thee with falsehood, say: “My work to me, and yours to you! ye are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what ye do!” (See how they demand peace here. But then what happens to the Prophet when he goes to Medina. This verse of the Quran is used time and again by apologists. But I ask them how many other verses are there in contrast to this one that directly instruct the Muslims to kill in the name of Allah)
Surah Yunus 10.70
Sahih International: [For them is brief] enjoyment in this world; then to Us is their return; then We will make them taste the severe punishment because they used to disbelieve
Pickthall: This world’s portion (will be theirs), then unto Us is their return. Then We make them taste a dreadful doom because they used to disbelieve.
Yusuf Ali: A little enjoyment in this world!- and then, to Us will be their return, then shall We make them taste the severest penalty for their blasphemies. (Give the severest punishment for blasphemy)
Surah Yunus 10.100
Sahih International: And it is not for a soul to believe except by permission of Allah , and He will place defilement upon those who will not use reason.
Pickthall: It is not for any soul to believe save by the permission of Allah. He hath set uncleanness upon those who have no sense.
Yusuf Ali: No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand. (So Allah decides everything? Mankind has no say. But then I thought Islam says that Allah gave mankind Free Will. What happened to that then?)
Surah Yunus 10.106
Sahih International: And do not invoke besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you did, then indeed you would be of the wrongdoers.'”
Pickthall: And cry not, beside Allah, unto that which cannot profit thee nor hurt thee, for if thou didst so then wert thou of the wrong-doers.
Yusuf Ali: “‘Nor call on any, other than Allah;- Such will neither profit thee nor hurt thee: if thou dost, behold! thou shalt certainly be of those who do wrong.'” (Exclusivism)
Surah Hud
This Surah was revealed in Makka. It has been named after the Prophet Hud. The theme of this Surah and the Surah Yunus are exactly the same. The only thing added in this Surah is that the warning for going astray is even sterner than Surah Yunus. Prophet Mohammad tells the people to obey the message of Allah and get rid of shirk. He warns the people that if they live a mere materialistic life and disregard the message of Allah they will suffer consequences. Allah has been kind enough to them by giving them respite till now so that they get their act together. They should make most of this opportunity granted by Allah.
Instead of giving this message directly Prophet Mohammad uses the stories of the Prophets Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, Shuaib and Moses to put his point across. The most obvious part that comes out of these stories is that when Allah passes his judgment on the people, he does not spare anyone, even if it is the nearest relative of the Prophet of that time (example Lot’s wife). No one gets spared other than the ones who have blind faith in Allah and the Prophet of the given time. In Islam faith is above everything. No family, no country nothing comes above Islam.
Surah Hud 11.28
Sahih International: He said, “O my people have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord while He has given me mercy from Himself but it has been made unapparent to you, should we force it upon you while you are averse to it?
Pickthall: He said: O my people! Bethink you, if I rely on a clear proof from my Lord and there hath come unto me a mercy from His presence, and it hath been made obscure to you, can we compel you to accept it when ye are averse thereto?
Yusuf Ali: He said: “O my people! See ye if (it be that) I have a Clear Sign from my Lord, and that He hath sent Mercy unto me from His own presence, but that the Mercy hath been obscured from your sight? shall we compel you to accept it when ye are averse to it? (Once again the Prophet and Allah both are so accommodating here. I wonder what happens to both of them in Medina)
Surah Hud 11.29
Sahih International: And O my people, I ask not of you for it any wealth. My reward is not but from Allah . And I am not one to drive away those who have believed. Indeed, they will meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly.
Pickthall: And O my people! I ask of you no wealth therefor. My reward is the concern only of Allah, and I am not going to thrust away those who believe – Lo! they have to meet their Lord! – but I see you a folk that are ignorant.
Yusuf Ali: “And O my people! I ask you for no wealth in return: my reward is from none but Allah: But I will not drive away (in contempt) those who believe: for verily they are to meet their Lord, and ye I see are the ignorant ones! (What utter hypocrisy. Can the Islamic scholars explain Surah Al Anfal 8.41 where it is clearly mentioned that 1/5th of the war bounties should go to Allah and his messenger? I mean if the Prophet does not want wealth why does he ask for his share in the war bounties)
Surah Hud 11.109
Sahih International: So do not be in doubt, [O Muhammad], as to what these [polytheists] are worshipping. They worship not except as their fathers worshipped before. And indeed, We will give them their share undiminished.
Pickthall: So be not thou in doubt concerning that which these (folk) worship. They worship only as their fathers worshipped aforetime. Lo! we shall pay them their whole due unabated.
Yusuf Ali: Be not then in doubt as to what these men worship. They worship nothing but what their fathers worshipped before (them): but verily We shall pay them back (in full) their portion without (the least) abatement. (One threat after another. All Allah does with consistency is threaten you)
Surah Yusuf
This Surah was revealed at Makka. This Surah basically explains the Biblical story of Joseph and his brothers. The Prophet Mohammad narrates the detailed account of how Prophet Joseph was abandoned by his brothers when they take him to the mountain and dump him in the well. Joseph is then saved by a group of wanderers passing by. He then goes and stays with Aziz where one day the wife of Aziz tries to have sexual intercourse with him. Joseph refuses to accept the offer. This makes the wife of Aziz angry and she tears Joseph’s clothes and tries to put the blame of rape on Joseph. But as his clothes were torn from behind everyone gets to know that it is not Joseph’s fault.
Then another story of how Joseph’s brothers go to trade for food with their youngest brother. While coming back their youngest brother is framed in a charge of theft. They cry for help to the one who has charged their younger brother who is none other than Joseph himself. He is doing that to teach them a lesson. They eventually take Joseph to his father and everyone is happy.
The aim behind narrating this story in detail by Prophet Mohammad was to explain the fact that everything is in the hands of Allah. No human being can defeat the plan of Allah no matter how hard he tries. Yes there are times when human beings think they have achieved success when they see temporary success but eventually their deeds come back to haunt them. Even if the whole world unites against the will of Allah they will falter. Prophet Mohammad basically expects people to follow the path offered by Allah without any questioning and surrendering completely to the will of Allah. But what bothers me personally is that if everything is pre-ordained and pre decided by Allah what the hell happened to the concept of Free Will.
Surah Al Rad
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Thunder “. The Surah starts with Allah pronouncing that whatever Prophet Mohammad says is the absolute truth but the people are rejecting it because of their own fault and ignorance. Now even if you were a kindergarten student you could predict how the next 42 verses which this Surah is comprised of will be. Prophet Mohammad goes on explaining why everyone should blindly believe the message of Allah. He tries to put forth arguments to explain his point of view. He appeals to the kufr that they should come into the fold of Islam or else they are for sure going to Hell. I will share 1 verse of this Surah so that you can get an idea of what he was trying to say.
Surah Al Rad 13.25
Sahih International: But those who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and spread corruption on earth – for them is the curse, and they will have the worst home.
Pickthall: And those who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it, and sever that which Allah hath commanded should be joined, and make mischief in the earth: theirs is the curse and theirs the ill abode.
Yusuf Ali: But those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted their word thereto, and cut asunder those things which Allah has commanded to be joined, and work mischief in the land;- on them is the curse; for them is the terrible home! (Disbelievers will go to hell. They will suffer. Watch out you are in trouble. If I start giving a dollar each for the amount of times each and every Abrahamic religion utters these lines the person receiving it will definitely become a millionaire)
Surah Ibrahim
This Surah is named after Prophet Abraham, but it has nothing to do with the story of Abraham. It’s just that his name has been used in verse 35. This Surah was revealed in Makka. Just like almost all Surah’s revealed at Makka this Surah also gives a warning to the disbelievers who are rejecting Islam. The Surah shows how people of other faiths are trying to get Muslims into their fold and how Prophet Mohammad is kind of firefighting. He goes on warning them against leaving Islam and also exposing them to the troubles that await them if they adopt another faith.
Surah Ibrahim 14.30
Sahih International: And they have attributed to Allah equals to mislead [people] from His way. Say, “Enjoy yourselves, for indeed, your destination is the Fire.”
Pickthall: And they set up rivals to Allah that they may mislead (men) from His way. Say: Enjoy life (while ye may) for lo! your journey’s end will be the Fire.
Yusuf Ali: And they set up (idols) as equal to Allah, to mislead (men) from the Path! Say: “Enjoy (your brief power)! But verily ye are making straightway for Hell!” (Hindus are definitely going to hell)
Surah Al Hijr
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is also called ” The Stone land, rock city “. The timing of revelation of this Surah is right around Surah Ibrahim. And guess what the message also is almost the same. Once again Prophet Mohammad is warning those who have rejected the message of Islam. He admonishes the ones who oppose him and ridicule him by narrating the story of Adam and Satan(Iblis the Jinn). Allah comforts the Prophet and tells him to go on preaching his message.
Surah An Nahl
This Surah was revealed in Makka. It is also called ” The Bee “. It gets its name from the Bee mentioned in verse 68. The central theme of most Makka Surah’s is always hovering around 3 key aspects.
- Polytheism/Idolatry is completely disallowed.
- The Prophet Mohammad always focuses on the concept of Tauhid that is oneness with Allah and how Allah is the only God and he is unique.
- The list of various warnings and threats for not following Islam.
This Surah starts with Allah warning mankind. Prophet Mohammad tells people that Allah has given them so many opportunities to get their act together but they just don’t understand. The people reply by saying that they are not convinced by the proofs offered to them by Prophet Mohammad. This irritates Prophet Mohammad and he goes on to answer each and every question/objection raised by the people in regards to Tauhid. He offers absolute proofs to the disbelievers according to the Quran. The jury is out on that point of view though.
Surah An Nahl 16.58
Sahih International: And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.
Pickthall: When if one of them receiveth tidings of the birth of a female, his face remaineth darkened, and he is wroth inwardly.
Yusuf Ali: When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief! (The news of the birth of a girl child is bad news. Atleast that’s what it seems from this verse. Bad news is explained by an example of the birth of a girl child. I could be wrong. I am open to someone correcting me if I have misunderstood this. Because the previous verse pretty much sets the tone for this)
Surah An Nahl 16.88
Sahih International: Those who disbelieved and averted [others] from the way of Allah – We will increase them in punishment over [their] punishment for what corruption they were causing.
Pickthall: For those who disbelieve and debar (men) from the way of Allah, We add doom to doom because they wrought corruption,
Yusuf Ali: Those who reject Allah and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah – for them will We add Penalty to Penalty; for that they used to spread mischief. (Punish the disbeliever)
Surah An Nahl 16.93
Sahih International: And if Allah had willed, He could have made you [of] one religion, but He causes to stray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And you will surely be questioned about what you used to do.
Pickthall: Had Allah willed He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sendeth whom He will astray and guideth whom He will, and ye will indeed be asked of what ye used to do.
Yusuf Ali: If Allah so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but ye shall certainly be called to account for all your actions. (What kind of a God is this? Why doesn’t he just make everyone of the same religion? Does he get some kind of sadistic pleasure by playing this game of believer vs. disbeliever? I mean on one side the Quran says Allah knows it all and there is nothing hidden from him. Then what is the point of all this drama. Just make everyone follow one faith and end the drama right)
Surah Al Isra
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called the ” The Night Journey “. Again the name has nothing to do with the message. I don’t know why this trend has been followed in the Quran. They just pick one random verse and name the entire Surah after a thing or event of that verse. Prophet Mohammad warns the disbelievers of Makka to learn a lesson from the story of the people of Israel and mend their ways and convert to Islam. If they don’t convert they will be annihilated completely. He then goes on to explain the topics of Tauhid and life after death for a Muslim. Then Allah reiterates that Prophet Mohammad is the only true messenger of God and that he brings the message of God in its purest form. People should listen to the Prophet and guard themselves against false Prophets. This is the Surah where it is said that the system of 5 daily prayers at fixed times was decided.
Surah Al Isra 17.22
Sahih International: Do not make [as equal] with Allah another deity and [thereby] become censured and forsaken.
Pickthall: Set not up with Allah any other god (O man) lest thou sit down reproved, forsaken.
Yusuf Ali: Take not with Allah another object of worship; or thou (O man!) wilt sit in disgrace and destitution. (Exclusivism)
Surah Al Isra 17.33
Sahih International: And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].
Pickthall: And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden save with right. Whoso is slain wrongfully, We have given power unto his heir, but let him not commit excess in slaying. Lo! he will be helped.
Yusuf Ali: Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (So do not take the lives of people which Allah has not allowed. That means Allah has allowed you to kill some people? This is such a dangerous thought. This thought is what lays the foundation of all the violent verses which occur in Medina)
Surah Al Kahf
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Cave “. This Surah revolves around three stories Narrated to Prophet Mohammad namely
- Who were the ones who slept in the cave?
- What is the real story of Khidr?
- What does the Prophet know about Zul Qarnain?
The story goes like this. Prophet Mohammad is asked these questions by his opponents to expose him. The Prophet goes to answer them one by one. As far as the Sleepers in the cave the Prophet says that the ones who were sleeping in the cave believed in the tenets of Islam. The people who persecuted those people were just like the people who are persecuting Muslims in Makka. Prophet Mohammad says that infact the story of the sleepers is a clear cut proof that Allah is the only God and he has the power of resurrecting anyone from the dead. He then uses the same story to warn the persecutors that they should concentrate on Allah and not on the temporary pleasures that life has to offer.
The Story of Khidr is used to comfort the believers. The Prophet says that Muslims should have full faith in Allah. They are not exposed to the entire reality and hence sometimes will feel as if everything is going against them. But they should stay focused because eventually it is the believers in Allah that will have the last laugh.
The story of Zul Qarnain is narrated to show that although he was a great ruler and conqueror he eventually surrendered to the will of Allah. Mankind should learn a lesson from Zul Qarnain. He had built a great wall to protect him from his enemies but inspite of that he still believed that is was because of Allah that he was safe and sound. Prophet Mohammad tells all and sundry to follow the footsteps of Zul Qarnain.
Surah Al Kahf 18.4
Sahih International: And to warn those who say, ” Allah has taken a son.”
Pickthall: And to warn those who say: Allah hath chosen a son,
Yusuf Ali: Further, that He may warn those (also) who say, “Allah hath begotten a son”: (What God had no son. Then who was Jesus)
Surah Al Kahf 18.5
Sahih International: They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.
Pickthall: (A thing) whereof they have no knowledge, nor (had) their fathers, Dreadful is the word that cometh out of their mouths. They speak naught but a lie.
Yusuf Ali: No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. It is a grievous thing that issues from their mouths as a saying what they say is nothing but falsehood!
Surah Maryam
This Surah was revealed in Makka. It is named after Mary the mother of Jesus. This Surah is basically Prophet Mohammad telling his followers that the story of Jesus being the son of God is a false story and that Muslims should not believe in any of it. Prophet Mohammad narrated the story of John and Jesus in the first 40 verses. He then goes on to narrate a short story of Abraham to his followers explaining how Abraham was persecuted and forced to leave his country and family. He tells his fellow Muslims that Abraham was a true Prophet and that they are also following in his footsteps.
Basically this Surah depicts the state of Muslims at that time. One can pretty much guess that their beliefs must have been questioned at this time by the Christians. The Surah ends with Allah mentioning that Prophet Mohammad is also following the same way of life followed by the great Prophets of the past and his believers should have blind faith in him. The Surah ends with the regular warning to the disbelievers.
Surah Maryam 19.69
Sahih International: Then We will surely extract from every sect those of them who were worst against the Most Merciful in insolence.
Pickthall: Then We shall pluck out from every sect whichever of them was most stubborn in rebellion to the Beneficent.
Yusuf Ali: Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious.
Surah Maryam 19.70
Sahih International: Then, surely it is We who are most knowing of those most worthy of burning therein.
Pickthall: And surely We are Best Aware of those most worthy to be burned therein.
Yusuf Ali” And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein. (Destroy the disbelievers)
Surah Maryam 19.88
Sahih International: And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken [for Himself] a son.”
Pickthall: And they say: The Beneficent hath taken unto Himself a son.
Yusuf Ali: They say: “(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!”
Surah Maryam 19.89
Sahih International: You have done an atrocious thing.
Pickthall: Assuredly ye utter a disastrous thing
Yusuf Ali: Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous! (What!!!! Jesus is not the Son of God)
Surah Ta-Ha
This Surah was revealed in Makka. The name comes from the first two words of the Surah. The first verse basically says Ta-Ha. This Surah starts with a small narration of the story of Moses. It is used as a analogy to explain to the disbelievers that just as Allah chose Moses to be his Prophet without any big song and dance similarly he chose Prophet Mohammad without any announcement. Prophets are never announced they just happen to come as and when Allah pleases (Well that is exactly the problem).
The Prophet then goes on to explain the fundamental principles of Islam. He then explains how Moses was tortured by the evil Pharaoh and the true believers were troubled. Again basically he is trying to tell the story that there is an opposite side which does not like Islam and are basically giving Prophet Mohammad trouble. The reason he keeps using old Prophets as an example is that his audience belongs to that common lineage.
He criticizes idolatry and calls it an abomination. The Prophet then narrates the story of Adam and the Satan. He explains how Adam was a true believer and did not fall for the words of Satan. He urges his followers to follow suit and not fall for the false Gods of other religions. He urges Muslims to follow Salat as that practice will instill values of patience, focus and absolute submission to the will of Allah.
Surah Al Anbiya
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Prophets “. The Surah starts with the disbelievers objecting to the claim of Mohammad being the messenger of God. Prophet Mohammad then goes on to refute their arguments by stating that their disbelief stems from their attitude of ignorance. He accuses them of being involved in purely material pleasures and they have diverted their mind from Allah. Prophet Mohammad explains to them the superiority of the concept of Tauhid (I am not saying it is superior or inferior. But the Prophet claims that it is superior).
The Prophet then goes on to narrate the stories of the life of various Prophets. His main aim is to show that all Prophets were sent by God and they were all in human form. But each one of them shared some unique characteristics that made them Prophets. The idea behind saying all this is that Prophet Mohammad has all those characteristics that he has mentioned in other Prophets hence he is also a true messenger of God.
He then goes on to say that he knows very well that all these Prophets had to go through a lot of stress and agony because the people around them at that time did not believe them. But they all ended up victorious and so will Prophet Mohammad. He ends the Surah by saying that those who follow him will go to heaven and the ones who disagree with him are going to hell.
Surah Al Anbiya 21.9
Sahih International: Then We fulfilled for them the promise, and We saved them and whom We willed and destroyed the transgressors.
Pickthall: Then we fulfilled the promise unto them. So we delivered them and whom We would, and We destroyed the prodigals.
Yusuf Ali: In the end We fulfilled to them Our Promise, and We saved them and those whom We pleased, but We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds. (Save the ones who agree with you. The ones who disagree should be destroyed)
Surah Al Anbiya 21.23
Sahih International: He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.
Pickthall: He will not be questioned as to that which He doeth, but they will be questioned.
Yusuf Ali: He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs). (What the hell. Why can’t you question Prophet Mohammad?)
Surah Al Anbiya 21.98
Sahih International: Indeed, you [disbelievers] and what you worship other than Allah are the firewood of Hell. You will be coming to [enter] it.
Pickthall: Lo! ye (idolaters) and that which ye worship beside Allah are fuel of hell. Thereunto ye will come.
Yusuf Ali: Verily ye, (unbelievers), and the (false) gods that ye worship besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell! to it will ye (surely) come! (Go to hell Hindus)
Surah Al Hajj
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The Pilgrimage “. The Surah starts with a warning to the disbelievers. They are told to stop their idolatry and bow down to Allah. The Prophet then goes on address the Muslims who are not very good in their practice of Islam. Prophet accuses them of avoiding their responsibilities towards Allah and Islam and warns them of the consequences for the same. He then goes on to address the rest of the people. There seems to be a problem where some Muslim tribes are not being allowed to visit the Holy Mosque. The Prophet states that there is no law to debar certain tribes from coming to the mosque. He explains his point of view by narrating the story of how the mosque was built by all the tribes of Arabia. The Prophet tells the other tribes to fight to secure their right to pray in the mosque.
Surah Al Hajj 22.78
Sahih International: And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you “Muslims” before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah . He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
Pickthall: And strive for Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture), that the messenger may be a witness against you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. So establish worship, pay the poor-due, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protecting friend. A blessed Patron and a blessed Helper!
Yusuf Ali: And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector – the Best to protect and the Best to help! (Officially being named Muslims)
Surah Al Mumenoon
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It gets its name from the first verse. The Surah starts with explaining the various qualities of a Good Muslim. The Prophet explains how the behavior of Muslims is a proof that the message of Allah is true. He then goes on to narrate the story of the creation of man. Again he says how this story proves that the message of Allah is the only true message.
He then narrates the stories of former Prophets to basically explain how they brought the message of Allah and many people did not pay heed to them. His point is that he is going through the same issue but eventually the message of Allah will triumph over ignorance as it did with all the former Prophets. The Prophet then explains that it does not matter whether one is rich or poor. Allah does not love the rich more because they have money or he does not hate the poor because they have no money. The love of Allah is directly related to the amount of faith one has in him. So if you have faith in Allah he loves you irrespective of the fact that you’re rich or poor.
Prophet Mohammad then uses the example of a famine to explain to the disbelievers to come into the fold of Islam or else they will suffer. The Surah ends with the standard warning which is used many times in the Quran against the disbeliever. There is a very uncomfortable trend throughout the Quran. Prophet Mohammad is the judge jury executioner in each and every case. There is no scope of pluralism to survive anywhere.
Surah Al Noor
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The Light “. This Surah deals with various rules and regulations in regards to the moral fiber of an Islamic society. It is in the back drop of the two charges leveled against the Prophet Mohammad by his opponents. I will narrate them in a point wise explanation:
- Adultery is an offense. The guilty ones will be punished by a 100 lashes.
- No one can marry men and women who commit adultery.
- If someone accuses someone of adultery they have to produce 4 witnesses in that effect. If they fail to do so the punishment will be 80 lashes.
- A clear cut law is defined in regards to charges of adultery if it is committed by a husband.
- The ones who spread false news in the community deserve to be punished.
- The wives of Prophet Mohammad will stay in private quarters so that they stay away from the glare of the general public.
- Other people were barred from entering the quarters where the wives of the Prophet were staying. Only the closest blood relatives of Prophet Mohammad’s wives were allowed to enter the quarters. This is the foundation of the Islamic classification of mahram and non mahram relatives. Mahram relatives are the ones with whom you cannot get married.
- Muslims were told that the wives of Prophet Mohammad were like their mothers and everyone should regard them with appropriate emotions. They are warned that they would invite the wrath of Allah if they were to offend Prophet Mohammad.
- All Muslim women are instructed to cover their faces and breasts when they stay in their houses or when they go out of the house.
- No one can enter another person’s house without prior information and permission.
- Men and women both are told not to look at each other in the eyes while talking.
- Women cannot wear make up in front of men other than servants or relatives with whom marriage is prohibited. Women are told to hide their makeup and ornaments when they go out of their houses.
- Marriage was encouraged between slave men and women. Infact Muslims were encouraged to end slavery by giving financial assistance to the slaves.
- Muslims are told to learn lessons from the false accusations laid on Prophet Mohammad and be careful in matters of adultery. They are also told to trust other fellow Muslims in the first instance.
- Prostitution by slave girls is prohibited for the first time.
- Servants and under age children are barred from entering the room of men and women during certain hours of the day and night.
- Older women are allowed to go outside with their faces uncovered. But they should avoid wearing makeup and ornaments. The Idea is that they should not look good or else they might sexually arouse other men. But even for them it would be appreciated if they covered their heads.
- The physically and mentally disabled were allowed to take food from people’s houses without paying for it. That will not be considered cheating or theft.
- Muslims are told to develop a general sense of community amongst each other. They were told to go to the houses of their relatives to dine and socialize.
Surah Al Noor 24.2
Sahih International: The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse – lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah , if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.
Pickthall: The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge ye each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment.
Yusuf Ali: The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment. (100 lashes for adultery)
Surah Al Noor 24.3
Sahih International: The fornicator does not marry except a [female] fornicator or polytheist, and none marries her except a fornicator or a polytheist, and that has been made unlawful to the believers.
Pickthall: The adulterer shall not marry save an adulteress or an idolatress, and the adulteress none shall marry save an adulterer or an idolater. All that is forbidden unto believers.
Yusuf Ali: Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry and but a woman similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever: nor let any but such a man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing is forbidden. (Adulterers and Idolaters are treated at the same level. Both are the same type of people. What hatred)
Surah Al Noor 24.31
Sahih International: And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.
Pickthall: And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands’ fathers, or their sons or their husbands’ sons, or their brothers or their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women’s nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.
Yusuf Ali: And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss. (Women should wear a Burqa)
Surah Al Noor 24.33
Sahih International: But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess – then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if ye are aware of aught of good in them, and bestow upon them of the wealth of Allah which He hath bestowed upon you. Force not your slave-girls to whoredom that ye may seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would preserve their chastity. And if one force them, then (unto them), after their compulsion, lo! Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them),(So don’t force the slave girls to become prostitutes the first time. But what about other times? Message is very unclear)
Surah Al Noor 24.60
Sahih International: And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage – there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
Pickthall: As for women past child-bearing, who have no hope of marriage, it is no sin for them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show adornment. But to refrain is better for them. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Yusuf Ali: Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage,- there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things. (Older women can walk around outside without covering their face. But hey they cannot wear makeup or ornaments which makes them beautiful. I pity the women in Islam)
Surah Al Furqan
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Criterion “. It gets its name from the first verse. People have started questioning the message of Allah and have doubts on the claim that Mohammad is the true messenger. Prophet Mohammad goes on to answer each question and doubt raised by his opponents. Or atleast Muslims claim that he has given great answers. He warns the disbelievers of the dire consequences they will face if they reject Islam. The logic of the superiority of the message of Prophet Mohammad is that when he looks at the Muslims and the Non-Muslims it is quite clear that the Muslims are more noble. Talk about being the Judge Jury Executioner.
Surah Al Furqan 25.52
Sahih International: So do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with the Qur’an a great striving.
Pickthall: So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them herewith with a great endeavour.
Yusuf Ali: Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur’an). (So much hatred for the other. Imagine how a young Muslim boy must be brought up. And now think how Hindu children in India are brought up with the idea of all religions are nice and we should love and respect all religions)
Surah Al Shuara
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Poets “. It gets the name from verse no 224. The disbelievers go on insulting Prophet Mohammad again and again. They keep challenging his claims by saying that he just a sorcerer or that only the poor and the slaves have taken to his message. If he really was a true messenger then the rich and the noble would have agreed with his point of view. Prophet Mohammad replies to all these people by saying that they are ignorant and they know that the truth is with him but they just don’t want to accept it.
He keeps on reiterating this point nonstop in different ways throughout this Surah. He explains how the people in the past were also rigid by narrating the stories of different Prophets like Noah, Ad and Lot. The mentality of the disbeliever according to Prophet Mohammad is always constant and they are destined to behave like this and suffer in the end. He ends the Surah by telling the disbelievers to come around if they want to save themselves from the wrath of Allah.
Surah Al Naml
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Ant ” which is the word mentioned in verse 18. This Surah can be divided into two main categories. The first half which is till verse 60 describes the Islamic faith and its qualities. Prophet Mohammad explains the creation of the universe followed up by a discourse on how to reconcile living a normal life with Islamic principles. He reminds the people that getting involved in worldly materialistic pleasures take one away from the path of Allah.
He explains his point in detail by narrating three stories. The first story is of Lot and how the disbelievers did not pay attention to his message and were destroyed completely. The next is the story of King Solomon. Prophet Mohammad says that although King Solomon was extremely rich and mighty he never went off the path of Allah. The third example he states is of Queen Sheba of Egypt. Queen Sheba was also born in a rich kingdom. But she was practicing polytheism as that was the tradition of her ancestors. But she eventually comes around when she realizes the superiority of the message of Allah. The next half deals with Prophet Mohammad reiterating the consequences of being a disbeliever. He ends the Surah by explaining the superiority of the concept of Tauhid over all other ideas.
Surah Al Naml 27.55
Sahih International: Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly.”
Pickthall: Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly.
Yusuf Ali: Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! (Homosexuals being used as an example of something wrong and bad)
Surah Al Qasas
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The story “. The name is because of verse 25 where the word appears. The theme is similar to many other Surah’s. The people have once again questioned the claim of Prophet Mohammad being the true messenger of God. This time Prophet Mohammad uses the analogy of the story of Moses to prove his point. He says the people did not believe Moses was the true Prophet when he went and spoke to the people of Israel. They questioned him and his claims too.
He goes on to say that Allah never declares the arrival of a messenger in advance, it was not announced during the time of Moses and will not be announced during the time of Prophet Mohammad (Well the bible does declare the arrival of a messiah aka Jesus (Isaiah 7.14). So here Mohammad and the Bible are in disagreement). The people keep questioning Prophet Mohammad on the point that Moses did so many miracles but where are the miracles of Prophet Mohammad. Prophet Mohammad replies by saying that miracles have no value because when Moses did the miracles the people did not believe him. Infact they admonished him by calling him a sorcerer. So how can they criticize Prophet Mohammad for a point like this? The Surah ends with the standard warning to the disbelievers that they will be dealt with properly if they don’t follow orders of Allah.
Surah Al Qasas 28.59
Sahih International: And never would your Lord have destroyed the cities until He had sent to their mother a messenger reciting to them Our verses. And We would not destroy the cities except while their people were wrongdoers.
Pickthall: And never did thy Lord destroy the townships, till He had raised up in their mother(-town) a messenger reciting unto them Our revelations. And never did We destroy the townships unless the folk thereof were evil-doers.
Yusuf Ali: Nor was thy Lord the one to destroy a population until He had sent to its centre a messenger, rehearsing to them Our Signs; nor are We going to destroy a population except when its members practise iniquity. (This is such a dangerous thought. It is verses like this that justify complete annihilation of the other point of view)
Surah Al Ankaboot
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Spider ” which is mentioned in verse 41. The new converts to Islam are being pressurized to come back to their old religions. The young converts are being told by their parents that Islam tells them to obey their parents commands and hence they command them to leave Islam. But Prophet Mohammad tells all the new Muslim converts that they should not lose heart. Suffering is a part of Allah’s plan and in the end it is the strong willed who have faith in Allah who will go to heaven. He reminds them that in Islam faith is above everything. So rather than giving up Islam they should give up their families. (What a sad thought this is indeed.)
Surah Al Room
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Romans, The Byzantines ” who are mentioned in the second verse. The Surah begins with the mention of the fall of the Roman Empire. But it is said that they will rise again. This analogy is used to explain that mankind is ignorant and they only understand what they see then and there and can never understand the reality of life. Using this analogy Prophet Mohammad goes on to explain the superiority of the concept of Tauhid over polytheism. He says that mankind falls to polytheism also because they can only understand what is here and now. But the reality is that there is only one God and he is none but Allah. The Surah ends with an analogy where it is mentioned that just like a dead earth comes to life by rain, so does mankind come to life with the birth of a messenger and his revelation.
Surah Luqman
This Surah was revealed at Makka. The name is given for the sage Luqman whose story has been mentioned in this Surah. The Surah is very short. The message is pretty clear. The example of the story of Luqman is given where he admonishes his son for converting to Islam. He tells him that he should come back to his old faith as the foremost duty of a son is to obey his parents. Then Prophet Mohammad goes on to say that Luqman is wrong and that a human being can only obey orders from Allah. He then goes on to explain the absurdity of shirk and how it makes no sense. Tauhid is the only true reality and everyone should believe that only.
Surah As Sajda
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Prostration, Worship, Adoration ” as mentioned in verse 15. This Surah is just 30 verses. Prophet Mohammad through this Surah tries to clear the doubts of people in regards to the concept of Tauhid. And then he goes on to say the same old have faith in Allah, he knows what is best for you; do not question his wisdom etc. And obviously the Surah ends with the standard warning that if you don’t believe you will end up in a lot of trouble.
Surah Al Ahzab
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The Clans “. This Surah is during the Battle of Trench. It starts with Prophet Mohammad setting the rules in regards to re marrying. This has come out of his decision to Marry Zainab who had divorced his step son Zaid. Prophet Mohammad says that his decision is absolutely sound as per Allah’s law and the followers should not fall for the arguments of the Non-Muslims.
Then Allah gives a notice to the wives of Prophet Mohammad that they should behave themselves and always stay inside their tents. This is basically the setting up of rules in regards to women in Islamic society. It involves the practice of Purdah which requires women wearing a Burqa. Verse 49 also gives down a specific instruction in regards to divorce. Then Allah tells Prophet Mohammad that he is allowed to marry as many women as he wants to. But this rule is only for the Prophet Mohammad and not for all the other Muslims. Wonder why God would do this. The chapter ends with explaining what type of men can meet the Prophet’s wives and what kind of clothes are Muslim women supposed to wear. Basically setting up a lot of restrictions on women. Now a few verses.
Surah Al Ahzab 33.6
Sahih International: The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
Pickthall: The Prophet is closer to the believers than their selves, and his wives are (as) their mothers. And the owners of kinship are closer one to another in the ordinance of Allah than (other) believers and the fugitives (who fled from Mecca), except that ye should do kindness to your friends. This is written in the Book (of nature).
Yusuf Ali: The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood-relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah. Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs: nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: such is the writing in the Decree (of Allah). (Segregation of the Prophet’s wives from other men. Basically this is the thought process now used for all women in Islamic society)
Surah Al Ahzab 33.26
Sahih International: And He brought down those who supported them among the People of the Scripture from their fortresses and cast terror into their hearts [so that] a party you killed, and you took captive a party.
Pickthall: And He brought those of the People of the Scripture who supported them down from their strongholds, and cast panic into their hearts. Some ye slew, and ye made captive some.
Yusuf Ali: And those of the People of the Book who aided them – Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts. (So that) some ye slew, and some ye made prisoners. (Murder of disbelievers mentioned here)
Surah Al Ahzab 33.36
Sahih International: It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.
Pickthall: And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest.
Yusuf Ali: It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.(Just don’t question Allah or his messenger. No wonder there is a lack of critical thinking in Islamic society)
Surah Al Ahzab 33.37
Sahih International: And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, “Keep your wife and fear Allah ,” while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.
Pickthall: And when thou saidst unto him on whom Allah hath conferred favour and thou hast conferred favour: Keep thy wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And thou didst hide in thy mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and thou didst fear mankind whereas Allah hath a better right that thou shouldst fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled.
Yusuf Ali: Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favour: “Retain thou (in wedlock) thy wife, and fear Allah.” But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them. And Allah’s command must be fulfilled. (You can marry the ex-wife of your adopted son)
Surah Al Ahzab 33.50
Sahih International: O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her, [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the father’s side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father’s side, and the daughters of thine uncle on the mother’s side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother’s side who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage – a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of) believers – We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess – that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Makka) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her;- this only for thee, and not for the Believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess;- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Prophet Mohammad can marry as many women as he wants to. God has given him special privileges. But no other Muslim)
Surah Al Ahzab 33.53
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
Pickthall: O Ye who believe! Enter not the dwellings of the Prophet for a meal without waiting for the proper time, unless permission be granted you. But if ye are invited, enter, and, when your meal is ended, then disperse. Linger not for conversation. Lo! that would cause annoyance to the Prophet, and he would be shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allah is not shy of the truth. And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet) anything, ask it of them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not for you to cause annoyance to the messenger of Allah, nor that ye should ever marry his wives after him. Lo! that in Allah’s sight would be an enormity.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses,- until leave is given you,- for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah’s Messenger, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah’s sight an enormity. (So Allah is telling Muslims through the Prophet that guys now it is time we set some boundaries between everyone and the Prophet. So you cannot enter his house unless he allows you to. You cannot talk to his wives unless there is a screen between them and you)
Surah Al Ahzab 33.59
Sahih International: O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.(Purdah system being set up. Women being asked to cover themselves up by a Burqa)
Surah Saba
These verses were revealed at Makka. In this Surah the disbelievers raise objections against the message of Allah being preached by Prophet Mohammad. These allegations have been replied by using the analogy of the stories of Saba, David and Solomon. Prophet Mohammad says that David and Solomon were so rich and mighty yet they submitted to the will of Allah. But in contrast the people of Saba became full of pride and arrogance. Hence the people of Saba were destroyed. He ends the Surah by warning the disbelievers, he tells them that they should watch out and that in the end the concept of Tauhid will win over their ignorance.
Surah Fatir
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Angels “. The word Fatir comes in the first verse of this Surah. The theme of the Surah is very clear. The disbelievers question Prophet Mohammad. He warns them for their misgivings. He then goes on to explain the concept of Tauhid. He criticizes idolatry and reminds them of what an abomination it truly is. He ends the Surah with the standard warning that is issued every time.
Surah Ya Seen
This Surah was revealed in Makka. Tis Surah begins with the words Ya Seen. In this Surah the people challenge the claim of Prophet Mohammad being the true messenger of God. Prophet Mohammad goes on to prove his claims by explaining the concept of Tauhid and its superiority. He then goes on to the age old argument that even the Prophets who had come before him did not show any special signs before they came and the people questioned them the same way in the past too. This is because of the veil of ignorance on the eyes of the disbeliever. He warns the disbelievers to come around or they will all go to hell on the last day.
Surah As Saaffat
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Those who set the ranks “. Just like many other Surah’s people do not accept Islam. The Prophet then goes on to explain the concept of Tauhid to them with the standard warnings of them dying in eternal fire. This time Prophet Mohammad used the example of Abraham to put forth his point of view. He tells the disbelievers that they should learn the concept of faith from Abraham. He narrates the story where Abraham is willing to kill his own son because Allah had instructed him to do so. The point Prophet Mohammad is trying to impress upon is that faith comes above everything. No one can question the message of Allah.
Surah Sad
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Letter Sad “. This Surah begins with Prophet Mohammad criticizing the disbelievers. He then goes on to narrate the stories of the nine prophets in which special attention has been given to David and Solomon. The emphasis is once again laid upon the concept of Tauhid and its superiority. Prophet Mohammad then gives the analogy of Adam and Iblis (Satan) and how Satan tried his best to misguide Adam so that he would not bow down in front of God. Similarly the disbelievers are not paying heed to Prophet Mohammad’s message and are not bowing down before the glory of Allah. The Surah ends with a warning to the disbelievers that they will burn in hell.
Surah Az Zumar
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Troops “. Prophet Mohammad tells the disbelievers that they should obey the orders of Allah. He knows their minds are clogged with ignorance and their lives are full of materialistic goals. They should get rid of these traits and surrender in front of Allah and his message of Tauhid.
Surah Az Zumar 39.4
Sahih International: If Allah had intended to take a son, He could have chosen from what He creates whatever He willed. Exalted is He; He is Allah , the One, the Prevailing.
Pickthall: If Allah had willed to choose a son, He could have chosen what He would of that which He hath created. Be He Glorified! He is Allah, the One, the Absolute.
Yusuf Ali: Had Allah wished to take to Himself a son, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He doth create: but Glory be to Him! (He is above such things.) He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible. (The answer to why Jesus is not the Son of God according to Islam)
Surah Az Zumar 39.14
Sahih International: Say, ” Allah [alone] do I worship, sincere to Him in my religion,
Pickthall: Say: Allah I worship, making my religion pure for Him (only).
Yusuf Ali: Say: “It is Allah I serve, with my sincere (and exclusive) devotion: (Only Allah, no one else should mankind worship. Very accommodating indeed)
Surah Al Ghafir
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is also called ” The Forgiver “. This Surah has Prophet Mohammad narrating the story of the Pharaoh and Moses. Moses and his followers are mocked and troubled by Pharaoh for believing in Allah. But Moses never gave up and eventually they came out winning. Prophet Mohammad used this analogy to tell his followers that just like Moses and his followers did not give up, the current day Muslims should also not give up. He reminds his followers that Allah is on their side. Prophet Mohammad also taunts those believing Muslims who are not coming forward and fighting against the disbelievers. He tells them that just believing in the message of Allah is not enough. One has to fight the people who are a roadblock between Allah and his followers.
Surah Al Ghafir 40.28
Sahih International: And a believing man from the family of Pharaoh who concealed his faith said, “Do you kill a man [merely] because he says, ‘My Lord is Allah ‘ while he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord? And if he should be lying, then upon him is [the consequence of] his lie; but if he should be truthful, there will strike you some of what he promises you. Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar.
Pickthall: And a believing man of Pharaoh’s family, who hid his faith, said: Would ye kill a man because he saith: My Lord is Allah, and hath brought you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is lying, then his lie is upon him; and if he is truthful, then some of that wherewith he threateneth you will strike you. Lo! Allah guideth not one who is a prodigal, a liar.
Yusuf Ali: A believer, a man from among the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said: “Will ye slay a man because he says, ‘My Lord is Allah’?- when he has indeed come to you with Clear (Signs) from your Lord? and if he be a liar, on him is (the sin of) his lie: but, if he is telling the Truth, then will fall on you something of the (calamity) of which he warns you: Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies! (This is the kind of logic Pascal used in his wager. It is quite lame)
Surah Al Ghafir 40.39
Sahih International: O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter – that is the home of [permanent] settlement.
Pickthall: O my people! Lo! this life of the world is but a passing comfort, and lo! the Hereafter, that is the enduring home.
Yusuf Ali: “O my people! This life of the present is nothing but (temporary) convenience: It is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last. (Now under normal circumstances I would actually question this verse by saying that if the life after death is better than this life why don’t Muslims kill themselves and go and stay in the eternal world which is apparently better. But the problem with Muslims is that they actually do kill themselves and take a few others along with them)
Surah Fussilat
This Surah was revealed at Makka. The Quraish tribe is making fun of Prophet Mohammad and calling him a false Prophet. They keep on admonishing him and tell him that no matter what he says they will not believe him. They tell him that if he was a real messenger of God he would speak in a different language and not Arabic. Prophet Mohammad then goes on to answer their question one by one. He starts by saying that he speaks in Arabic because that is the language they understand hence God send down the messages in Arabic. He then goes on to explain how the concept of Tauhid is superior and that the Quraish can ignore the truth but that will not change the nature of the truth. The Surah ends with Prophet Mohammad warning the Quraish that they will eventually realize their mistakes when they burn in hell.
Surah Fussilat 41.27
Sahih International: But We will surely cause those who disbelieve to taste a severe punishment, and We will surely recompense them for the worst of what they had been doing.
Pickthall: But verily We shall cause those who disbelieve to taste an awful doom, and verily We shall requite them the worst of what they used to do.
Yusuf Ali: But We will certainly give the Unbelievers a taste of a severe Penalty, and We will requite them for the worst of their deeds. (Threat to the disbeliever)
Surah Ash Shura
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Council, Consultation “. This Surah starts with Allah reminding mankind that he has sent this message many times before in the past too. But people always go away from the path of Allah and form their own sects and religions and live in ignorance. Hence Allah has sent Prophet Mohammad to bring the people back on track. There is only one true religion and all the Prophets have taught the same thing. But because of ignorance Allah has once again sent this message via Prophet Mohammad. That does not mean Prophet Mohammad is the master of people’s destinies. That is in the hands of Allah. It is Allah who decides what should happen when and how. People should accept that one reality and bow down to the glory of Allah. Those who don’t will suffer in the eternal fire of hell.
Surah Az Zukhruf
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The ornaments of Gold “. This Surah is about the debate between the polytheists and Muslims. The polytheists are criticized for worshipping the idols of angels. It is an even bigger problem because those idols are of females. Prophet Mohammad criticized them and warns them against such devilish practices. The Christians are also criticized because they are preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. Prophet Mohammad claims that Jesus was not the Son of God and that this is a false story being narrated by misguided Christians. The Surah ends with the standard you will burn in Hell warning.
Surah Az Zukhruf 43.16
Sahih International: Or has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for [having] sons?
Pickthall: Or chooseth He daughters of all that He hath created, and honoureth He you with sons?
Yusuf Ali: What! has He taken daughters out of what He himself creates, and granted to you sons for choice?
Surah Az Zukhruf 43.17
Sahih International: And when one of them is given good tidings of that which he attributes to the Most Merciful in comparison, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.
Pickthall: And if one of them hath tidings of that which he likeneth to the Beneficent One, his countenance becometh black and he is full of inward rage.
Yusuf Ali: When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) what he sets up as a likeness to (Allah) Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!
Surah Ad Dukhan
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Smoke “. The disbelievers keep on taunting that the Quran is not the word of God and Prophet Mohammad has just made things up. Then the Surah describes a famine that has struck the people of Arabia. Prophet Mohammad tells his followers that this famine is a message from Allah and a reminder to the disbelievers that this is what happens when they go off track and do not believe in Allah. He justifies his claim by narrating the story of the times of the Pharaoh and how his people were also hit by a similar calamity because they also did not believe in the message of Allah. He insists that the people get rid of this veil of ignorance and surrender to the glory of Allah.
Surah Ad Dukhan 44.37
Sahih International: Are they better or the people of Tubba’ and those before them? We destroyed them, [for] indeed, they were criminals.
Pickthall: Are they better, or the folk of Tubb’a and those before them? We destroyed them, for surely they were guilty.
Yusuf Ali: What! Are they better than the people of Tubba and those who were before them? We destroyed them because they were guilty of sin. (Killing the disbelievers)
Surah Ad Dukhan 44.54
Sahih International: Thus. And We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes.
Pickthall: Even so (it will be). And We shall wed them unto fair ones with wide, lovely eyes.
Yusuf Ali: So; and We shall join them to fair women with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes. (See the fetish for white skin)
Surah Al Jathiya
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Crouching “. The Surah starts with Prophet Mohammad explaining the concept of Tauhid. He explains that if one carefully looks around and analyses the creation of the planet, animals, vegetation one can easily understand that such a complex creation can only be by God. Prophet Mohammad then says that the disbelievers don’t understand it because of their own stubbornness and ignorance. The Surah ends with Prophet Mohammad warning the disbelievers and appealing to them to come into the fold of Islam.
Surah Al Ahqaf
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The wind curved sandhills, The dunes “. The theme of this Surah is like any other one. Disbelievers are refusing to believe the message of Prophet Mohammad. Like every other time he tells them they are ignorant. He then explains Tauhid and ends the Surah with the warning of burning in hell if they don’t believe in Allah’s message.
Surah Muhammad
This Surah was revealed at Medina. So the Surah starts with segregating mankind into two groups. The first group is on the side of the truth i.e. Muslims and the other group is on the side of falsehood i.e. disbelievers. Allah tells the Muslims that he has sent Prophet Mohammad to lead them to wage a holy battle against the disbelievers. Allah instructs the Muslims through the Prophet that they should not be scared as he is on their side. The disbelievers are warned of the dire consequences by the logic that they will suffer as Allah is not on their side. The moderate Muslims are criticized and told to join their brothers in war instead of joining ranks with the disbelievers. Prophet Mohammad tells the Muslims that they should be generous in their donation towards the cause of Allah and warns them of the dire consequences of they don’t do that.
Surah Muhammad 47.4
Sahih International: So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah – never will He waste their deeds.
Pickthall: Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.
Yusuf Ali: Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah’s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost. (Fight and kill the disbelievers. Religion of peace… really)
Surah Al Fath
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” Victory, Conquest “. This Surah talks about the treaty or the deal struck between the Quraish and Prophet Mohammad. The points of this treaty were:
- Prophet Mohammad and his followers can come and pray at Makka.
- A no war pact for 10 years was signed between the two opposing sides.
The advantages of these two points was that Prophet Mohammad could now go and propagate his religion freely without having to concentrate constantly on war. Prophet Mohammad basically tries to show this treaty as a victory of Islam as they have finally been recognized as a proper religion and serious kingdom. He also sets the rule in regards to which person can fight a war and which person cannot.
Surah Al Fath 48.6
Sahih International: And [that] He may punish the hypocrite men and hypocrite women, and the polytheist men and polytheist women – those who assume about Allah an assumption of evil nature. Upon them is a misfortune of evil nature; and Allah has become angry with them and has cursed them and prepared for them Hell, and evil it is as a destination.
Pickthall: And may punish the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women, and the idolatrous men and the idolatrous women, who think an evil thought concerning Allah. For them is the evil turn of fortune, and Allah is wroth against them and hath cursed them, and hath made ready for them hell, a hapless journey’s end.
Yusuf Ali: And that He may punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Polytheists men and women, who imagine an evil opinion of Allah. On them is a round of Evil: the Wrath of Allah is on them: He has cursed them and got Hell ready for them: and evil is it for a destination. (Hindus you are in trouble)
Surah Al Hujraat
This Surah was revealed in Medina. It is called ” The Private/Inner Apartments “. This Surah deals with what defines a true believer. Every Muslim is instructed to talk gently with the Prophet Mohammad. They cannot talk to him in a raised voice like they do with other Muslims and disbelievers. Muslims have been told that they should not blindly believe every news they receive. They should do due diligence before coming to any conclusion. Then certain rules have been set in regards to behavior if two sets of Muslims start fighting with each other.
Muslims are told to avoid taunting each other or making fun of each other. That leads to unnecessary arguments which can be avoided. Prophet Mohammad then tells Muslims that they are all the children of Adam and that there is no nation or tribe or creed that separates them. These segregations are only meant for recognition and one should not have any sense of pride in regards to these matters. So basically Islam is anti the concept of patriotism and nationalism. The Surah ends with Prophet Mohammad insisting that Muslims will only be called true believers when their behavior matches their words. Merely talking about qualities of true Muslim is not good enough. One should follow it up by action in day to day life.
Surah Al Hujraat 49.2
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Lift not up your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor shout when speaking to him as ye shout one to another, lest your works be rendered vain while ye perceive not.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not.
Surah Al Hujraat 49.10
Sahih International: The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
Pickthall: The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy.
Yusuf Ali: The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy. (All Muslims are brothers. The one nation of Islam without boundaries. Wonder why they don’t follow it in real life. Why do all Muslim nations need visas/permits to go into each other’s territories?)
Surah Qaf
This Surah was revealed at Makka. This Surah discusses the resurrection of the dead. People find it hard to believe that the dead will be resurrected and that once they are resurrected from mere dust they will be judged according to all they did in their lives. Prophet Mohammad clears this query by saying that human beings are incapable of comprehending such complex issues. They are ignorant and it is because of that they cannot see these things. He says that each human being is being watched by an angel and that they are keeping a record of what they do. Once they rise from the dead the angels will make them remember everything. And who are human beings anyways to question Allah. He knows it all and whatever Allah says is the final word.
Surah Qaf 50.26
Sahih International: Who made [as equal] with Allah another deity; then throw him into the severe punishment.”
Pickthall: Who setteth up another god along with Allah. Do ye twain hurl him to the dreadful doom.
Yusuf Ali: “Who set up another god beside Allah: Throw him into a severe penalty.” (Punish the people from other religions)
Surah Adh Dhariyat
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Winnowing Winds “. The Surah deals with the life hereafter. Prophet Mohammad says that many people do not understand the message of Allah. Some say there is no life hereafter. Different people talk different things because their mind is clouded with ignorance and arrogance. Prophet Mohammad then explains the concept of Tauhid and reminds mankind that they are supposed to follow the law set down by Allah and it only that law which is the true law. The Surah ends with the warning to the ones who dispute this message.
Surah At Tur
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Mount “. The first half of this Surah is exactly similar to the Surah Adh Dhariyat where Prophet Mohammad talks about Hereafter and the law set down by Allah. The second half of this Surah deals with the criticism of Prophet Mohammad by his opponents. They call him fake and say that he is just a sorcerer. Prophet Mohammad criticizes them by accusing them of being covered by ignorance. He says that he is not surprised because this has always been the way mankind has behaved in the past too when other Prophets presented the message of Allah. He ends the Surah by encouraging his fellow Muslims to persist with preaching the message of Allah and never lose hope because that is what defines a true Muslim.
Surah An Najm
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Star “. The Surah starts with Prophet Mohammad criticizing the disbelievers and their practice where they worship three female deities/angels of Lat, Manat and Uzza. He tells them that they regard these females as daughters of Allah and at the same time they regard their own daughters as a burden. He says that their beliefs are not based on the true knowledge. They are the way they are because of ignorance.
He then goes on to reiterate the point that it is only Allah who shows the true path. They should get rid of their false beliefs and surrender to Allah. He then uses the analogy of how the Prophets of the past also preached the same message but people did not pay heed to them. Hence Allah has sent Prophet Mohammad to address the ignorant people and warn them about their mistakes. He ends the Surah with a warning to the disbelievers that if they do not change their habits and come under the fold of Islam they will all go to hell on judgment day.
Surah Al Qamar
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Moon “. The Prophet Mohammad narrates the story of the splitting of the moon into two parts and then coming back together instantly. This according to him is the proof of the concept of resurrection. Because nothing in this world in forever and just like the moon split in two half’s so will the universe be destroyed and from that there will be Resurrection. (Now it could well be in this case that Prophet Mohammad must be making things up, but as we know by now asking questions of Prophet Mohammad is banned in Islam by guess who? It is none other than Prophet Mohammad himself who claims Allah told him that).
The Prophet than narrates the stories of Noah, Ad, Thamud, Lot and Pharaoh and explains all the bad things that happened to the people who did not believe the word of Allah. He ends the Surah by warning the disbelievers they will suffer of the same consequences as suffered by the people in the stories he narrated above.
Surah Ar Rahman
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Beneficent, The Mercy Giving “. The theme of this Surah is about the glory and power of Allah. Prophet Mohammad explains how Allah is the creator of this universe. He is the one who has the key to everyone’s destiny. All the bounties that all the humans and Jinns enjoy on earth are through Allah’s will. Prophet Mohammad reminds the humans and the Jinns that there is only one God and that is Allah. He then warns both the Jinns and the humans of the dire consequences they will face if they disobey Allah’s orders. From verse 46 onwards Prophet Mohammad explains the bounties that the righteous Jinns and humans will receive if they live a good and honest life on the principles mentioned by Allah.
Surah Al Waqia
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Event, The Inevitable “. So the disbelievers are questioning the two main concepts of Islam which are Tauhid and Resurrection. Prophet Mohammad then goes on to answer these questions by pointing out to the fact that the entire creation of the cosmos which includes the earth, the sun, the moon etc. is so complicated and diverse that it can only be created by Allah. He then says even if we look at the basic things such as the food we eat or how we cook it are all because of the power vested into humans by Allah. The logic of Prophet Mohammad is that if Allah can create something as complex as the Universe then things like Resurrection are quite miniscule in front of that (Obviously the underlying assumption in this argument is that there is a Allah).
Prophet Mohammad then admonishes the people who question the words mentioned in the Quran. He tells those people that they can enjoy their material benefits as much as they want to. They can also ignore the truth and reality of the glory of Allah as much as they want to. But all that will be a pointless and futile endeavor as in the end all are at the mercy of Allah because it is he who controls everything and when the end of days comes all these people will be proven wrong.
Surah Al Hadid
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The Iron “. This Surah can be called the fund raiser of the Quran. Prophet Mohammad tells Muslims that charity and donating to the cause of Allah is of utmost importance. The reason is fairly simple. As we must have understood by now the Medina verses are the ones where the Prophet was fighting a battle and in every battle one needs money because the states resources get depleted. In this Surah Allah is telling Muslims through Prophet Mohammad to donate lavishly to the cause of Islam. It is the duty of every Muslim to donate to Allah’s cause. Infact it is one of the most important pre requisites of Islam. A Muslim should donate a portion of his income to help strengthening Islam in places and areas where it has become weak.
Surah Al Mujadila
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” She that disputeth, The pleading woman “. The first 6 verses of the Surah deal with the concept of Zihar aka the law where a husband compares his wife to a prohibited female relation of his and exposes the husband to divorce. Muslims are instructed to strictly follow the rules set by Allah. Prophet Mohammad then admonishes the disbelievers and tells them they can speak and whisper bad things about him but they forget that Allah knows everything and he being the messenger of Allah has been informed.
Then Prophet Mohammad tells people how to behave in assemblies. He tells them that if they are in a gathering and more people arrive they should see to it that the newer entrants should be accommodated properly. He then tells people to speak to the point and vacate the assembly asap. Because a lot of people tend to waste time sitting in an assembly and doing nothing but gossip.
Prophet Mohammad also sets the rule that if anyone wants to have a private meeting with him he should first donate something in charity and then only should he come and meet him. Then Prophet Mohammad goes on to explain that there are two kinds of Muslims in their society. The good ones are those who put Islam in front of everything including their own families. The bad ones are those who pretend to be Muslim but go on to socialize and help people of other faith. Good Muslims should be extremely aware of the bad Muslims. Basically pluralism is a very bad thing according to Islam.
Surah Al Mujadila 58.3
Sahih International: And those who pronounce thihar from their wives and then [wish to] go back on what they said – then [there must be] the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. That is what you are admonished thereby; and Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
Pickthall: Those who put away their wives (by saying they are as their mothers) and afterward would go back on that which they have said, (the penalty) in that case (is) the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. Unto this ye are exhorted; and Allah is Informed of what ye do.
Yusuf Ali: But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered,- (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. (So if you are divorced from a female under the Law of Zihar all you have to do is set a slave free and you can re marry that woman. What a silly and useless law)
Surah Al Mujadila 58.12
Sahih International: O you who have believed, when you [wish to] privately consult the Messenger, present before your consultation a charity. That is better for you and purer. But if you find not [the means] – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! When ye hold conference with the messenger, offer an alms before your conference. That is better and purer for you. But if ye cannot find (the wherewithal) then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! When ye consult the Messenger in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to purity (of conduct). But if ye find not (the wherewithal), Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Nice way to raise funds. You want to meet me first give some money outside)
Surah Al Hashr
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” Exile, Banishment “. This Surah is an analysis of the battle against the Bani an Nadir. The first 4 verses talk about the state of the people of Bani an Nadir. Prophet Mohammad explains how the mighty people of that area inspite of all the wealth and military strength have fallen down in front of the might of Allah. Then Prophet Mohammad states the law in verse 5 that any destruction caused in the enemy area during war is fine and is not considered a bad deed. The next 4 verses deal with how the war bounty will be managed. Verse 11 onwards Prophet Mohammad discusses the attitude of the hypocrites during the war. He warns them of their foul behavior.
Surah Al Hashr 59.4
Sahih International: That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah – then indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Pickthall: That is because they were opposed to Allah and His messenger; and whoso is opposed to Allah, (for him) verily Allah is stern in reprisal.
Yusuf Ali: That is because they resisted Allah and His Messenger: and if any one resists Allah, verily Allah is severe in Punishment.(Punish the disbelievers)
Surah Al Hashr 59.5
Sahih International: Whatever you have cut down of [their] palm trees or left standing on their trunks – it was by permission of Allah and so He would disgrace the defiantly disobedient.
Pickthall: Whatsoever palm-trees ye cut down or left standing on their roots, it was by Allah’s leave, in order that He might confound the evil-livers.
Yusuf Ali: Whether ye cut down (O ye Muslim!) The tender palm-trees, or ye left them standing on their roots, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgresses.(What a dangerous thought. Was this the logic used by the Muslim invaders of India? That you can go about plundering the enemy territory and it is fine as you are in their land/territory and it is war)
Surah Al Mumtahina
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” She that is to be examined “. The Surah has only 13 verses. In these verses Prophet Mohammad basically tells his followers to avoid having any relations with disbelievers. They should not marry any women outside Islam unless they agree to change their faith. They should have no relations with relatives who are Non-Muslims. Prophet Mohammad declares all marriages between Muslim men and pagan women and vice versa as illegal unless the pagan changes his/her faith. Verse no 12 has Prophet Mohammad telling Muslim women to behave properly and avoid the old practices of their predecessors.
Surah Al Mumtahina 60.1
Sahih International: O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth, having driven out the Prophet and yourselves [only] because you believe in Allah , your Lord. If you have come out for jihad in My cause and seeking means to My approval, [take them not as friends]. You confide to them affection, but I am most knowing of what you have concealed and what you have declared. And whoever does it among you has certainly strayed from the soundness of the way.
Pickthall: O ye who believe! Choose not My enemy and your enemy for allies. Do ye give them friendship when they disbelieve in that truth which hath come unto you, driving out the messenger and you because ye believe in Allah, your Lord? If ye have come forth to strive in My way and seeking My good pleasure, (show them not friendship). Do ye show friendship unto them in secret, when I am Best Aware of what ye hide and what ye proclaim? And whosoever doeth it among you, he verily hath strayed from the right way.
Yusuf Ali: O ye who believe! Take not my enemies and yours as friends (or protectors),- offering them (your) love, even though they have rejected the Truth that has come to you, and have (on the contrary) driven out the Prophet and yourselves (from your homes), (simply) because ye believe in Allah your Lord! If ye have come out to strive in My Way and to seek My Good Pleasure, (take them not as friends), holding secret converse of love (and friendship) with them: for I know full well all that ye conceal and all that ye reveal. And any of you that does this has strayed from the Straight Path. (Don’t love the disbeliever)
Surah Al Mumtahina 60.3
Sahih International: Never will your relatives or your children benefit you; the Day of Resurrection He will judge between you. And Allah , of what you do, is Seeing.
Pickthall: Your ties of kindred and your children will avail you naught upon the Day of Resurrection. He will part you. Allah is Seer of what ye do.
Yusuf Ali: Of no profit to you will be your relatives and your children on the Day of Judgment: He will judge between you: for Allah sees well all that ye do. (No point having friendly relations with relatives who are Non-Muslims)
Surah Al Mumtahina 60.12
Sahih International: O Prophet, when the believing women come to you pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah , nor will they steal, nor will they commit unlawful sexual intercourse, nor will they kill their children, nor will they bring forth a slander they have invented between their arms and legs, nor will they disobey you in what is right – then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them of Allah . Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Pickthall: O Prophet! If believing women come unto thee, taking oath of allegiance unto thee that they will ascribe no thing as partner unto Allah, and will neither steal nor commit adultery nor kill their children, nor produce any lie that they have devised between their hands and feet, nor disobey thee in what is right, then accept their allegiance and ask Allah to forgive them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf Ali: O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter,- then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Look at how many criterion women have to follow. The first one is they have to follow Islam)
Surah As Saff
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The ranks, Battle Array “. A short Surah of 14 verses. The theme is set around Prophet Mohammad telling the believers to have absolute faith and dedication in Allah. The believers should be willing to do anything for the cause of Islam. The weak willed Muslims as well as the disbelievers have been warned by stating that they will face the same fate that the people during the time Moses and Jesus did. The Surah ends with telling people that their only way out is absolute surrender to the will of Allah.
Surah As Saff 61.4
Sahih International: Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly.
Pickthall: Lo! Allah loveth them who battle for His cause in ranks, as if they were a solid structure.
Yusuf Ali: Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.(Clear cut call for Jihad. Muslims are clearly told to fight for Allah. Now where does it say struggle within or fight symbolically. It is a literal fight)
Surah Al Jumua
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The Congregation, Friday “. This Surah has 11 verses. The first half talks about how bad the Jews are and infact if someone thinks that Allah loves them because if they are Jewish then they should actually desire death. Then in verse no 9 Prophet Mohammad declares Friday as the day of assembly/day of Sabbath for all Muslims wherever they are. When the call is made on Friday all Muslims should leave all the work they have and gather together in prayer. They can go back to their original activity once the prayers are over.
Surah Al Munafiqoon
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” The Hypocrites “. This Surah has 11 verses. The hypocrites are the ones who pretend to be Muslims but actually are just faking it. Prophet Mohammad basically explains the characteristics of the hypocrites and explains how they are fake, pretentious, sly and liars. They will show to the world that they believe in Allah and its messenger and then work against them behind their backs. Prophet Mohammad warns the Muslims to stay away from the hypocrites.
Surah At Taghabun
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Mutual Disillusion, Haggling “. This Surah has 18 verses. It starts with Prophet Mohammad explaining the glory of Allah and how he has created everything. He then mentions how many messengers had come before him and given a similar message but many did not pay heed to them as a result of which they were destroyed. He then criticizes the disbelievers of his time by saying a similar result is awaiting them too. He then urges everyone to obey Allah and be absolutely loyal to him only. That will result in them having a series of benefits which are beyond all the pleasures of this world.
Surah At Talaq
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” Divorce “. This Surah has 12 verses. The rules set down in these 12 verses are as follows:
- A divorce is final when a man utters Talaq three times.
- In case a husband has uttered Talaq once or twice he can keep his wife with him for a waiting period and once the period is over they can re marry again. But if the man has uttered Talaq three times then he cannot keep that female with him. If they want to re marry again then that female has to marry another male and that male has to divorce her out of his own free will and then is that female available for marriage again.
- The waiting period of the woman who is menstruating and whose marriage has been consummated is three monthly cycles. Same applies to the female to whom the word Talaq has been uttered not more than two times by the same male. But in the case of a male uttering Talaq 3 times this period cannot be taken advantage of for reconciliation, it is only meant to restrain women from re marrying another male before it comes to an end.
- There is no waiting period for a female who is a virgin after marriage. If she is divorced and is still a virgin she can re marry immediately after the divorce is complete.
- The waiting period for a woman whose husband dies is four months and 10 days.
Surah At Tahrim
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” Prohibition “. This Surah has 12 verses. The theme of this Surah is basically around the fact that nothing is above Allah, not even Prophet Mohammad. A small story has been narrated about how the Prophet told a confidential matter to one of his wives and she then went on to tell that to another person. Allah criticized Prophet Mohammad for his act of trying to please his wives. The idea is that even the prophet and his wives are accountable to Allah. So all mankind should behave righteously. It ends with a firm warning to the disbelievers by stating the examples of what happened to the people during the time of Noah and Lot.
Surah Al Mulk
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Sovereignty “. Prophet Mohammad says that such a complex and beautiful universe can only be the work of Allah. He tells the disbelievers to get their act together or they will face a variety of problems in the Hereafter. Then giving examples of occurrences in daily life of a human being the Prophet tries to impress upon the glory of Allah. The Surah ends with Prophet Mohammad once again asking mankind that who other than Allah can create such a simple yet complex system.
Surah Al Qalam
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Pen “. This Surah is about the answers to objections and questions raised by people against Prophet Mohammad. An analogy of a garden has been used to explain how the people have been blessed by Allah by a garden full of fruits but they don’t pay heed to that reality. Because of this their Garden is completely devastated and destroyed. The logic is that the earth is that ruined Garden because there are people who are not recognizing the best man among them who is none other than Prophet Mohammad. The Surah ends with a variety of verses in which the disbelievers are being admonished by Allah via Prophet Mohammad.
Surah Al Haaqqa
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Reality “. The first 37 verses of this Surah deal about the Hereafter. The prophet explains to the people the concept of Hereafter and how everyone is going to be judged at the last day and those who are on Allah’s side will go to heaven and those against Allah will go to hell. Each and every person is destined for a life beyond this and that is a truth no one can escape. The rest of the verses of this Surah deal with the warning meted out to the people who question the authority of Prophet Mohammad. They are admonished for this fact and reminded that in the past too many people did not believe the former Prophets and they all ended up going to hell.
Surah Al Maarij
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Ascending Stairways “. The Surah deals with the warnings given to the disbelievers who question the concept of Resurrection and The Hereafter. Prophet Mohammad like the previous Surah explains to the people the concept of Hereafter and how everyone is going to be judged at the last day and those who are on Allah’s side will go to heaven and those against Allah will go to hell. Each and every person is destined for a life beyond this and that is a truth no one can escape. The Surah ends with the message of not feeling deflated by such negative questions raised by the disbelievers and keep striving to warn them of the dire consequences.
Surah Nooh
This Surah was revealed at Makka. This Surah narrates the story of Noah in a short narration of 28 verses. Prophet Mohammad narrates how Noah also told his people to listen to him and believe in Allah but they did not pay attention. Eventually a big flood came and engulfed everyone who did not come aboard the Arc with Noah. A similar fate awaits the ones who are not paying attention to Prophet Mohammad.
Surah Al Jinn
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Jinn “. The first 15 verses are about the things the Jinns have to say when they heard the glory of Allah. They say everything that is said against Allah is a falsehood and no one should worship any other God but Allah. The rest of the verses are the standard warning given to the disbelievers who do not believe the word of Allah or try to suppress the messenger of Allah who is Prophet Mohammad.
Surah Al Muzzammil
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Enshrouded One “. This Surah has 20 verses. The Surah begins with the emphasis being laid on the importance of prayer. An ideal Muslim should pray daily and regularly. A Muslim should devote himself entirely to Allah. The Surah ends with the standard warning to the disbelievers of burning in hell if they do not change their ways.
Surah Al Muddaththir
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Cloaked One “. As the title of the Surah itself suggests this Surah is a warning to the disbeliever. The people call the Quran and the Prophet Mohammad the work of sorcerers. Prophet Mohammad tells them they say all these things because they are highly materialistic and their mind is covered with the veil of ignorance. He ends the Surah by warning the disbelievers of burning in hell if they don’t mend their ways.
Surah Al Qiyama
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Rising of the Dead “. This Surah explains the concept of the Hereafter and the resurrection in 40 verses. The people who do not believe it are warned of dire consequences in the end.
Surah Al Insan
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Man “. This Surah starts with Prophet Mohammad explaining the creation of a man with such a tiny sperm. What he is trying to impress upon is the greatness of Allah who created such a creature out of such a small thing. The Surah revolves around the explanation given to mankind about the beauty and glory of Allah and the various benefits one has if he believes in Allah. The disbelievers are also warned about the problems they face if they stay on the same path.
Surah Al Mursalat
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Emissaries, Winds Sent Forth “. The first seven verses explain the wonderful way in which the wind blows in different directions. This analogy has been used to reiterate the point that if Allah can create something as magnificent and beautiful as that he can surely create the concept of Resurrection and hereafter. The people question the veracity of these claims which are answered by Prophet Mohammad in verses 8 to 28. The rest of Surah has verses stating the fate of the disbelievers in the end.
Surah An Naba
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Tidings, The Announcement “. The theme is the same as the Surah Al Mursalat. The first few verses go about explaining the various aspects of nature like the mountains, the earth, the sun etc. Using them as an analogy Prophet Mohammad tries to impress upon the people the concept of Resurrection and Hereafter. The Surah ends with the warning the day of resurrection is very near to us.
Surah An Naziat
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Those who drag forth, Soul Snatchers “. This Surah deals with two points i.e. Resurrection and Prophet Mohammad is the true Messenger of God. Arguments are placed in favour of both the points and the Surah ends with warning the disbelievers of an eternal life in hell if they do not mend their ways.
Surah Abasa
This Surah was revealed at Makka. This Surah can be divided in two parts. The first part of the Surah is about how Prophet Mohammad turns away from a blind man and ignores him. Allah reprimands the Prophet and tells him that he should not avoid people because he thinks they are poor, dumb etc. If someone comes to the Prophet with an honest and open mind the Prophet should embrace them and teach them the word of Allah. The next half of the Surah deals with a direct rebuke to the disbelievers.
Surah Abasa 80.1
Sahih International: The Prophet frowned and turned away
Pickthall: He frowned and turned away
Yusuf Ali: (The Prophet) frowned and turned away,
Surah Abasa 80.2
Sahih International: Because there came to him the blind man, [interrupting].
Pickthall: Because the blind man came unto him.
Yusuf Ali: Because there came to him the blind man (interrupting).
Surah At Takwir
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Overthrowing “. The Surah deals with two themes: The Hereafter and the legitimacy of Mohammad as a Prophet. In the first six verses the first stage of the Resurrection has been mentioned when the sun will lose its light, the stars will be destroyed, the mountains will blast open, the people will lose everything, the animals of the jungle will run helter skelter, and the seas will boil up. The next seven verses explain the second stage where the souls are reunited with the bodies, each and every person’s record will be examined, the people will be held accountable for their deeds, the heavens will be revealed followed by Hell.
The latter half of the Surah deals with the subject of the legitimacy of Mohammad as the true Prophet. The people are reminded that whatever Mohammad states are the true words of Allah. They are not the work of some sorcerer. Mohammad is not the messenger of Satan which many people accuse him of. Those who do not believe in Prophet Mohammad will burn in hell.
Surah Al Infitar
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Cleaving, Bursting Apart”. This Surah deals with Hereafter. This Surah explains the first Resurrection Day in which all of mankind will see whatever he/she has done in their entire lives. After that they will be asked to ponder about how can such magnificent and glorious things like their lives and the entire creation be the work of anyone else but Allah. At the same time they will be reminded that just because Allah is being kind to them it does not mean that they should not fear him. Everyone will be judged according to their deeds on the Day of Resurrection and the righteous ones will enjoy a life of bliss in heaven and the wicked will burn in hell.
Surah Al Mutaffifin
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Defrauding, The Cheats “. The theme of this Surah too is The Hereafter. In the first six verses the people are admonished for their unfair trade practices. When they had to collect their payment from others they take the full amount. But when they had to measure or weigh for the others they would cheat and give less than what was due. Taking this malpractice as an analogy the attitude of the people towards the concept of Hereafter has been explained. The people are warned that one day they would have to appear before Allah and account for each and every action of their current lives. People are reminded that they can be consistently honest only if they fear Allah and believe in the concept of The Hereafter. The Surah is concluded with a series of verses that warn the disbelievers and wicked about the price that they will pay for all their misdeeds.
Surah Al Inshiqaq
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Sundering, Splitting Open “. The theme is the Resurrection and Hereafter. The Surah starts with the description of Resurrection. During Resurrection the heavens will split and the earth will be spread out completely. Whatever that lays inside of the dead bodies of men i.e. their deeds will come out completely. Then from verses 6 to 19 it has been said that whether man accepts this fact or not is immaterial. This is inevitable and no matter what man does he cannot avoid this reality of creation. During Resurrection all human beings will be divided into two parts: the first part will be those whose records will be given in their right hands. These are the humans who will be forgiven and let go without any punishments. The second part will be the humans whose records will be given to them behind their back; they are the people of the left hand. These humans will wish that they should die somehow, but they will not die and will be cast into Hell. This is because these humans lived their lives under the veil of ignorance and are now paying for their sins in front of Allah.
Surah Al Burooj
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Mansions of the Stars, Constellations “. This Surah talks about the warning to the disbelievers and the consolation to the believers. It begins with the story of the people who burn the believers to death by casting them into the pit of fire. This story is used as an analogy to explain that the people who are torturing the believers are now going to be punished by Allah. The believers are told that when they walk the path of Allah they should be prepared for all kinds of pain and this experience should actually make them stronger. Because in the end of days Allah will be on their side and he will defeat the disbelievers who are torturing them. Endurance and perseverance are needed when you walk the path of Allah.
Surah At Tariq
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Morning Star, The Nightcomer “. The Surah starts with the argument that nothing can exist in this world without someone acting as a caretaker or a guardian over and above it. A creation as complex as a human being has come about out of a small sperm. This creation itself is the proof that there is some entity which is watching over us and is controlling each and every aspect of the human race. The Surah concludes by stating that each and every human being has to come to terms with this reality and those who don’t believe in this will suffer a very heavy punishment during the end of days.
Surah Al Ala
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Most High “. This Surah states that there is only one God and that is Allah. He is the creator, the giver and the destroyer. There is no one above him. Prophet Mohammad has been sent to spread the message of Allah. His job is to spread that message and if some people do not pay heed to the truth that is coming out of his mouth, then that is their own folly and they will pay for it.
Surah Al Ghasiya
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Overwhelming “. The Surah starts with asking people whether they have heard of the upcoming event. Then the Surah goes on to explain the traits of the average human being. It talks about how the human being sees the glory of Allah’s creation all around him but still fails to recognize his existence. Allah then ends the Surah by telling Prophet Mohammad that he has been told to just convey his message to mankind. Whether they follow it or not is not in the hands of Prophet Mohammad. Allah will punish the disbelievers for their deeds. (But why isn’t this logic or line applied when the Prophet is in Medina? Why does Allah become violent there?)
Surah Al Fajr
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Dawn “. This Surah talks about the attitude of the disbelievers. The example of the people of Ad, Thamud and Pharaoh are given and shown how the people did not pay heed to the message of Allah and suffered the consequences. The disbelievers are into materialism and they do not care about anything else. Allah will not spare anyone and all the disbelievers will stand in front of Allah during the final day and pay for their deeds.
Surah Al Balad
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The City “. This Surah states that mankind becomes blind and starts thinking that they are the masters of their own destiny. They think they have absolute control over their lives. But in reality it is Allah who controls everything. Without his will nothing can happen. The ones who will realize this will be the people of the Right Hand. The ones who reject this will be the people of the left hand. They will burn in Hell.
Surah Ash Shams
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Sun “. The Surah starts by saying that day and night, sun and moon and the earth and sky are different from each other in terms of qualities and attitude. Similarly good and evil are also different from each other. Mankind should learn to distinguish between the good and evil by using its faculties. Then the story of Thamud is narrated to show how the disbelievers were punished for not following the words of Allah. A warning has been given that a similar result awaits everyone who do not pay heed to the words of Prophet Mohammad.
Surah Al Lail
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Night “. This Surah tries to explain good and bad in the form of the analogy of day and night. Good is depicted as day and bad is depicted as night. The good have 3 qualities i.e. charity, fear of Allah and humility. The bad have three qualities i.e. greed, lies and materialism. The ones who follow the good path will be going to heaven and the ones who follow the bad path will burn in Hell.
Surah Ad Dhuha
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Morning Hours “. In a short Surah of 11 verses Allah reminds Prophet Mohammad that he has always been there for him and hence he should never lose hope. He took care of him as an orphan and gave him guidance and protection. He hence instructs Prophet Mohammad to treat all human beings whether they are orphans or beggars in the same way and preach them the message of Allah.
Surah Al Inshirah
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Solace “. In 8 verses Allah tells Prophet Mohammad that he has always been there for him and gotten rid of all his burdens in the past. Hence he should not get bogged down by criticism as only after difficulty is there relief. Allah instructs Prophet Mohammad to toil even harder to spread his message.
Surah At Tin
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Fig “. In just 8 verses it explains how mankind was given the best of the best in the past too but they rejected it. That is their nature. It ends with saying that only the best will believe and go to heaven. The ones who disbelieve will be punished by Allah.
Surah Al Alaq
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Clot “. The Surah starts with Prophet Mohammad telling everyone how Allah is the greatest and it is he who is the reason for everything in this universe. But mankind still goes astray and starts to think they are self-sufficient in the arrogance of the riches they achieve on earth. The Surah ends with a warning to the disbelievers that if they do not mend their ways they will be punished.
Surah Al Qadr
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Power, Fate “. The message of this Surah is that the angels send all the messages to the Prophet at night because there is peace and tranquility. They do it as per the instructions of Allah. These messages are to promote good and not evil. All the messages are genuine.
Surah Al Bayyina
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Clear Proof “. In just 8 verses it starts with the announcement that the people of the book and the polytheists have gone astray. Hence God had to send his message again through a messenger. Allah instructs all the people of the book and the polytheists to get rid of their blasphemies and come back into the fold of the true religion. He ends with the warning that those who don’t will burn in Hell.
Surah Al Zalzala
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Earthquake “. This Surah in its 8 verses narrates how the earth will shake before the resurrection and that day man will be in front of Allah and he will be held accountable for all his deeds that he committed in that life.
Surah Al Adiyat
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Courser “. The 11 verses of this Surah basically narrate how man is rigid and ignorant. He is always busy with materialistic pursuits and that makes him reject the reality of the Resurrection. But he should know that Allah is watching over everything and has a record of the minutest details of his life. He will reveal them and judge mankind on that basis on the day of judgment.
Surah Al Qaria
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Calamity “. Again this Surah talks about the Resurrection. It starts with the how the entire universe will be shattered on that day. At that moment the one who believed in Allah will go to heaven and the ones who don’t will go to hell.
Surah At Takathur
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Competition “. This Surah says that mankind is ignorant and is always busy in competing amongst each other for materialistic gains during their lives. They move away from the path of Allah. But eventually during the Day of Judgment they will realize what a big mistake they made when they will be cast into hell for their misdeeds.
Surah Al Asr
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Declining Day “. In 3 verses what this Surah saysis that one should do righteous deeds and only preach the truth (FYI the truth in this verse means the word of Allah). And they should go on doing this all throughout their lives with patience and consistency.
Surah Al Humaza
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Traducer/Gossipmonger “. This Surah condemns the people who go around accumulating wealth and teaching others that wealth and its accumulation are the ultimate goals of life. These kinds of people are of the worst variety and they will be thrown into hell.
Surah Al Fil
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Elephant “. The story of the Elephant has been narrated where it is mentioned how his companions were leading him astray and the Lord sent a flight of birds to deal with them. This analogy is used to warn the disbelievers to stay away from preaching wrong things to Muslims and reminding them that they will be punished just like the companions of the Elephant were punished by Allah. Now there is obviously a historical context to this Surah too which Islamic historians put in context of the time frame of this Surah which according to them is a very early revelation and indicates a particular incident that might have occurred. I have chosen to stay away from that and have given my understanding of this Surah.
Surah Quraish
This Surah was revealed at Makka. These 4 verses in the Surah basically are about Prophet Mohammad telling the Quraish to consider Kabah as the place of worship of all Muslims and that they let all the people of Arabia who have adopted Islam to come and worship there.
Surah Al Maun
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Small Kindness “. This Surah explains what happens to a man when he refuses to believe in Allah. He becomes greedy, selfish and does not help the poor. Basically what it is trying to say is that the people who have faith in Allah are the ones who are righteous and they are the only ones capable of doing good deeds. There could not be a more illogical statement than this.
Surah Al Kauther
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Abundance “. Prophet Mohammad says that Allah grants his believers with abundance. But the ones who don’t believe him will be cut off from his benevolence.
Surah Al Kafiroon
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Disbelievers “. This Surah basically is a message to the kufr that you will not worship what I worship and vice versa. So let your religion be to you and my religion be to me. Now this verse is famously used by Islamic scholars and apologists who come on TV time and again and tell people that Islam is a religion of peace. But if Islam is truly a religion of peace why do Allah and Prophet Mohammad give the instructions to kill, destroy and annihilate so many tribes and people in the Medina verses.
Surah An Nasr
This Surah was revealed at Medina. It is called ” Succour, Divine Support “. The 3 verses of this Surah basically try to indicate that when the forces of Allah were victorious in battle the tables turned. Thousands of people converted to Islam post that event when they realized the superiority and might of Allah. See how much this message contrasts the message of the previous Surah. In the previous Surah Allah was saying let others be and you do your thing. But in the very next Surah he says people join you once you fight a battle.
Surah Al Masadd
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Palm fibre, The Flame “. This Surah talks about the might of Abu Lahab and how it will perish. All his wealth and gain will not help him. Even his wife will suffer with a tight rope tied around her neck.
Surah Al Ikhlas
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Sincerity “. A small Surah of 4 verses which instructs everyone to say that Allah is the one and only God, he is eternal, absolute and there is none like him.
Surah Al Falaq
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” The Daybreak “. This Surah has 5 verses. It basically tells Muslims to declare that they worship only Allah and that he is the only God. They do not worship the Gods of other disbelievers who are involved into all kinds of mischief and false idolatry.
Surah An Nas
This Surah was revealed at Makka. It is called ” Mankind “. This is the last Surah of the Quran. It has 6 verses. It commands mankind to take refuge under the love and care of the one and only true God that is Allah. Allah is the true king and ruler of this world. He is the only judge of mankind. Mankind should save itself from the mischief of the Satan who is there all around them in the form of people and Jinns who believe in other Gods.
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