Tafseer Quran In English - Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow)Qasim-e-Fayuzat Hazrat Ameer Muhammad Akram Awan (RA)

Tafseer Quran In English - Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Munara, Chakwal, Pakistan
06-07-2020

Asrar-ut-Tanzil - English Tafseer - Chapter 2

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Asrar-ut-Tanzil - Urdu Tafseer - Surah 2

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الم 

Aliflammeem

Alif, Laam, Meem (2:1)

ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ 

Thalika alkitabu la rayba feehi hudan lilmuttaqeen(a)

This is the Book, in which there is not the slightest doubt. Guidance for the Muttaqin (2:2)

الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ 

Allatheena yuminoona bi(a)lghaybi wayuqeemoona a(l)ssalata wamimma razaqnahum yunfiqoon(a)

Those who believe in the unseen and establish Salaat and spend out of what We--SWT have given them (2:3)

وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ 

Wa(a)llatheena yuminoona bima onzila ilayka wama onzila min qablika wabi(a)lakhirati hum yooqinoon(a)

And those who believe in what has been sent to you and that sent before you and are sure of the Aakhirah. (2:4)

أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ ق وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونََ 

Olaika AAala hudan min rabbihim waolaika humu almuflihoon(a)

It is they who are truly guided by their Rabb-SWT and it is they who are successful. (2:5)

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ 

Inna allatheena kafaroo sawaon AAalayhim aanthartahum am lam tunthirhum layuminoon(a)

As for those who disbelieve, it makes no difference to them whether you warn them or not, they will not believe. (2:6)

خَتَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ ط وَعَلَىٰ أَبْصَارِهِمْ غِشَاوَةٌ ز وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ 

Khatama Allahu AAala quloobihim waAAala samAAihim waAAala absarihim ghishawatun walahum AAathabun AAatheem(un)

Allah-SWT has set a seal on their hearts and their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil. And for them is a great punishment. (2:7)

 

In The Name of Allah-SWT the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

SECRETS OF REVELATION:

“Alif, Laam, Meem”. This Is The Book, In Which There Is Not The Slightest Doubt.

Alif Laam Mim and similar Isolated Letters often precede Surahs of the Quran. Believing in them is necessary and efforts to decode them unnecessary. These Letters are a secret between Allaah-SWT and His-SWT Prophet-SW only. A believer benefits from their recitation even without knowing their actual meanings. The Holy Quran is a Book having no room for the slightest doubt. Thus, to benefit from this Book, revealed in response to the prayer, it is imperative that the reader must not doubt its content, whether dealing with past or future, as there is no chance, whatsoever, of any error in it. Generally, books or literature discussing supernatural phenomenon beyond the scope of human senses are not presented with absolute conviction even by their authors, because all their conclusions are based on assumptions But, the Revealer of this Book is Allah-SWT, Whose Knowledge is all encompassing, thorough and perfect. He-SWT knows everything from the very beginning till the very end. Thus, the facts unfolded by Him-SWT are beyond any doubt. And to further eliminate any scepticism, Allaah-SWT certifies the veracity and trustworthiness of all the connections and sources, which convey His-SWT Message to mankind.

 

The Sources Of Conveying The Divine Message

The first source is the Angel who conveyed Allaah-SWT ’s Message to the Holy Prophet-SW. Mark his introduction: This is in truth the word of an honoured Messenger-AS Mightyestablished in the Presence of Rabb-SWT of the Throne. One to be obeyed, and trustworthy. (81:19-21). And note that he is trustworthy, mighty and honourable, attendant of the Divine Court: He is so strong that no one can snatch Allaah-SWT ’s Message from him, or compel him to add or subtract anything from it. Although all angels are created from light but amongst them too are the commoners and the elite. The Angel mentioned here is Jibril--AS; he is the leader of them all and is obeyed by all. Allaah-SWT testifies his honesty and integrity and he indeed is the direct source of delivering Allaah-SWT ’s Book to the Holy Prophet-SW

The second source is the Holy Prophet-SW; who is an embodiment of truth. Not only has the Quràn testified his truthfulness, but also his worst enemies acknowledged his honesty and integrity by calling him Sadiq and Amin (truthful and trustworthy). The impeccable life of the Holy Prophet-SW is an endorsement to his Prophet-hood. Whereas miracles and rationales establish his Prophet-hood beyond doubt, his-SW pure, spotless and immaculate pre-Prophetic life provides the most assertive evidence. The Holy Prophet-SW (addressing the Makkans) had said: “I have lived my life amidst you before this, can you accuse me of any falsehood?” By your life (0 Prophet)! And, your morals touch the heights of excellence attainable by a human being (68:4), are the Divine declarations of the sublimity of this source. Hence, the Message of Allaah-SWT is true. The Angel assigned to deliver it is too exalted to be doubted and His Prophet-SW is indeed the most truthful. The entire foundation of Islam is on truth, nothing but the truth. However, the entire mankind does not have a direct access to the Prophetic source and between him and the Ummah is a whole class of intermediaries, who heard the Divine Word directly from the Holy Prophet-SW, understood it, practised and conveyed it to the rest of mankind.

 

Integrity Of The Companions-RAU

If, Allaah-SWT forbid, this link is questioned, then the Divine Declaration: ‘This is the Book in which there is not the slightest doubt’, may not be proved. No one shall dare question the integrity of the Holy Prophet-SW and the Angel; but the Companions-RAU not being innocent like the Prophets, may not be spared by the critics. And what if they actually misquote some facts? It would simply render the entire structure of Islam doubtful. Therefore Allaah-SWT discusses them at length in the Quran and declares their faith as the standard, their truthfulness exemplary and ordains adherence to their model. Quote:

And if they believe as you--SW believe, they are rightly guided. (2:137)

  1. As for those who led the way and of those who gave them aid and those who follow them in good deeds, Allaah-SWT is well pleased with them and they with Him. (9:100)
  2. Those who lower their voice in the presence of Allah-SWT ’s Messenger-SW, their hearts Allaah-SWT has tested for piety. (49:3)
  3. Only those are believers who have believed in Allaah-SWT and His Messenger--SW, and have never since doubted, but have striven with their belongings and their persons in the Cause of Allaah-SWT they are the truthful. (49:15)

 

He-SWT does not praise them after observing their conduct, but declares that it was in My--SWT infinite, knowledge and I--SWT had revealed their attributes in Torah and Bible even before their birth, that they would be My-SWT creation par excellence after the Prophets-AS Indeed it was imperative that those carrying the everlasting Din from the Holy Prophet-SW to the entire mankind be of exemplary character, who would spare no pains in the service of Allaah-SWT ! The fact is that these great men were not only the gallant guardians of Din during their lives in Makkah and Madinah and in their encounters with the Roman and the Persian Empires, but also continue to act as its sentinels. Even today Islam cannot reach mankind if this link is removed, they being the spokesmen and interpreters of Prophethood. They are the ones who heard and understood the Quran directly from the Holy Prophet-SW acted upon its injunctions in his presence and he-SW himself endorsed their actions. Centuries have gone by, every wave rising from the darkness of schism always targets them, but is invariably forced to recede to its origin duly shattered. Influenced by the false and insidious propaganda of Tabri and Kalbi, some indiscreet Muslims also attempted to sit on judgement on them. Allaah-SWT be Glorified! Despite all odds, their exalted status stands impeccable. The strength of the evidence provided by the Quran in their favour leaves the critics hapless. Therefore, the Divine declaration: This Book is without the slightest of doubts, stands substantiated.

Indeed the status of Companionship signifies a special attribute not attainable outside the company of the Holy Prophet-SW. It is incorrect to argue that the saying: ‘all the Companions-RAU are righteous and fair’, refers only to their religious endeavour and not to their personal lives. It is against all logic that a sinner can at the same time be as truthful and trustworthy as to be entrusted with the responsibility of conveying the everlasting Divine Message to mankind. The enemies of Islam base their objections on the incident of Hadhrat Ma‘iz-RAU, which in all fairness, is an exemplary repentance and should be quoted in the praise of the Companions-RAU And there have been only two such incidents over a period of sixty-three years. In a nutshell, these noble, pious and exalted souls are the living proof of the authenticity of Islam.

 

Guidance for the Muttaqin

In the general sense of guidance and calling towards the truth, the Quran is meant for the entire mankind, but it shows the right path to only those who develop in them the will to go along. The faculty is called ‘Taqwa’. ‘Taqwa’ is generally translated as ‘fear’, which does not convey its true meaning. It actually denotes a particular form of fear, an apprehension of the possible annoyance of the most beloved. It is a strong feeling, a ready disposition to sacrifice everything for the beloved. It is the will, the resolve that restrains all desires, intentions, thoughts and actions only for the fear of displeasing Allaah-SWT . And if unwittingly, a human error occurs; the feeling of guilt hurts and compels one to repent. Now then, how is ‘Taqwa’ acquired and what are the characteristics and virtues of those who possess it?

 

Those who believe in the unseen

The first and the foremost prerequisite is the belief in the unseen. Those who trust and believe the word of the Holy Prophet-SW in all matters that are otherwise beyond the scope of human senses. The greatest of all the unseen is Allaah-SWT Himself. Although His-SWT Attributes reflect abundantly in His-SWT creation, yet He-SWT Himself can neither be seen nor conceived, because no similitude exists to facilitate the imagination. Then there are other mysteries pertaining to the Akhirah, the Paradise and the Hell, the Reward and the Retribution; the Questioning in the Grave and the Resurrection; the Angels and the Guarded Tablet; indeed they believe in every transcendental reality divulged by Allaah-SWT ’s Prophet-SW. This belief is based entirely upon the trust in the Holy Prophet-SW for no Intellectual endeavour can provide an access to such knowledge. This bond of trust has been weakened considerably with the span of time, which, coupled with the darkness of modern age, has deprived the Muslims of the twinge that pierces the heart when it feels the nearness of the Holy Prophet-SW. Given that trust, one believes in the unseen without any logical explanation, whereby the teachings of the Holy Prophet-SW become the most authentic evidence on any issue. This faith drives a believer to mould his practical life according to the pattern required for attaining Allaah-SWT ’s nearness. The very first step towards this nearness is Salät.

 

Those who establish Salaat

This establishment does not refer only to offering Salat, but also to the prerequisites attending this important obligation. It is an unwavering thoughtfulness to attend congregational Salat in the masjid. It is a resolve extending from ablution to the whole range of the components of Salat. Establishment does not end here, but reaches its zenith when a person inspires all those he may comes across, to indulge in Salat. This last level is difficult to be achieved by commoners; however, every one should at least offer his Salat properly and in time.

 

And spend out of that which We-SWT have given them.

See the effect of belief in Allaah-SWT and the realisation of His-SWT nearness, that for Him-SWT , a believer can sacrifice all that a non-believer would die for; Although the Arabic word Infaq is translated as paying of Zakat and other charities, but in fact it refers to the economic aspect of the practical life. Economics is the most pressing issue of human life in every society. It is the root cause of social evils like robbery, bribery and usury, and the experts of all Schools of Thought seek to rectify the situation. However, the method prescribed by the Qurãn for its reform is unique, which is to spend according to Allaah-SWT ’s Command. Obviously, if a person has to spend according to the Orders of Allah-SWT, why should he earn unlawfully. And the injunction Out of that which We-SWT have given them is so clear. When the Bestower is Allaah-SWT why should one adopt illegitimate means to attain wealth? The difference is only of human outlook and view point. When the subsistence is from Allah-SWT, then a person will only get what has already been proportioned for him, whether he steals or works hard to earn it. In fact everything bestowed by Allaah-SWT on a human being falls under subsistence; his body and soul, his intellect, the physical strength, knowledge and the cognition or any skill. The right way of spending them is for His-SWT pleasure, and for His-SWT cause. This is no fable, but history bears witness to the noble society built on this foundation; its vestiges are present even today and shall InshaAllah remain forever.

 

Tasawwuf Is Not To Be Concealed

The Ayah also alludes to Tasawwuf the most precious of Allaah-SWT ’s bounties. It is not to be concealed, but conveyed to others. A Muslim is not only accountable for scrutinizing the permissible and the forbidden while earning his livelihood, but is also responsible for the manner in which he spends his wealth. He is not to spend a single penny against the wishes of Allah-SWT, a golden rule laid down only by Islam. Practically, it is most effective because where the expenditure is limited; the desire to amass unlimited wealth will not arise. This will only be possible by a total adherence to the Holy Prophet-SW’s teachings.

 

And those who believe in … and that revealed before you.

A believer must accept from the core of his heart what has been revealed unto the Holy Prophet-SW and also take as true the revelations that had been revealed unto other Messengers-AS of Allaah-SWT before him-SW. Though now actions must conform only to the Final Book. In fact the Divine Scriptures are so honourable and exalted that the denial of any one of them makes a person non-believer though it may not have even reached him. For example, if someone proclaims that he does not believe in the Scriptures revealed unto Prophet Ibrahim-AS, he instantly becomes a non-believer, even if he has no knowledge of what had been revealed therein.

 

Finality Of Prophethood Proved

Had there been any possibility of the continuation of such Prophet-hood after the Holy Prophet-SW or of any Revelation after the Quran, then more emphasis and details would have revealed as compared to the mention of the previous Scriptures, because a denial of any forthcoming revelations too would have rendered a person a non-believer. But here the words revealed before you provide an impressive proof ‘that Prophet-hood and Divine Revelation have concluded with the era of the Holy Prophet-SW The return of Prophet ‘Isa-AS will not change the situation, because he-AS is already acknowledged as a Prophet-AS by the believers. There is no possibility of a new Prophet and revelation coming. Those who have claimed Prophet-hood have only built castles in the air, have deluded themselves and have caused others to go astray.

Although belief in the Akhirah is an essential part of belief in the unseen, yet its importance is such that the entire structure of human life is based upon it. It calls for an exceptionally strong and firm belief, which compels a believer to consider the eternal consequences of actions before hand, and at every step be mindful of the do’s and don’ts laid down by the Holy Prophet-SW. As a result, his life begins to mould on the pattern of the Sunnah. The reason for the prevalent waywardness in today’s world is the weakness of belief in the Akhirah. The perfect faith is one’s total acceptance from the core of the heart and such sure-footed believers are the ones who are guided towards the right path by their Rabb-SWT , and are successful. It was expected of His-SWT Providence to provide His-SWT creation with guidance. Just as He-SWT gave the sense of fulfilling physical requirements to every being, He-SWT has also shown the ways of achieving spiritual comfort and peace. Those who follow His-SWT guidance become truly successful.

Every human being strives for success in each aspect of his life and every one has his own criteria of right and wrong, which cannot be termed as absolute. The real standards are those set by the Creator-SWT of the universe. The guidance about these criteria began with Prophet Aadam-AS and continued through the ages, concluding on the Holy Prophet-SW. If even after the advent of the Holy Prophet-SW one fails to embrace faith, it would simply mean that he has, because of his wrongdoings, lost the inherent capacity to accept the truth.

 

As for those who disbelieve … they will not embrace faith.

Those who do not believe in Allah-SWT, even after listening to the Holy Prophet-SW directly, are indeed incapable of believing; as there can be none more exalted than the Holy Prophet-SW and no Divine Scripture superior to the one revealed unto him-SW. In order to grasp this point, consider that the physical body and the Spirit together constitute a human being. The former has its own needs and is dependent upon many things, of which foremost is food and clothing for its survival; but even more important is its health and medical care. If health is bad, neither food benefits nor clothes give any comfort. While food can be obtained from anywhere and from anyone, medicine can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner, and we always consult him. The physical body consists of matter, and so does food and medicine. Therefore, anyone who gains knowledge of medicine from the physical sciences, whether a believer or a non-believer, man or woman, pious or sinner, can become a doctor.

But the Spirit is from the Realm of Command and is even subtler than an angel. Like the physical body, it has its needs too, which obviously are subtle, not material. And not everyone can become a spiritual healer. It is such a precious skill that people were chosen for it right from eternity, rather specially created. However hard one may strive, this faculty cannot be acquired. In the terms of Shari’ah they are known as Prophets-AS who do not prescribe anything on their own but rely on the nourishment and medication provided by Almighty Himself-SWT .

A Prophet-AS has the capacity to directly benefit from the Divine Revelation and the rest of the humanity benefits through him. This is such an important task that not everyone can claim Prophet-hood, but only those raised by Him-SWT . They conveyed His-SWT Message to mankind that Allaah-SWT ’s zikr was the basic food of the Spirit, just as wheat was for the body. And just as there are schedules and manners of feeding the physical body, and medication to maintain its health, zikr and worship too have prescribed timings and methods. The medication for the ailing Spirit is repentance. Like abstaining from certain food stuff is imperative for physical health, so is the abstinence from certain actions imperative for spiritual health. The needs of the Spirit are as vital as those of the body. Amongst all the Prophets-AS appointed for mankind, the last and the leader of all, is a blessing and a Mercy of Allaah-SWT for the entire universe. If a person cannot see anything in the dark, a candle may be lit for him. If he still cannot see, an electric light may help, or he has to wait for the daylight. But when he fails to see even in broad daylight he has certainly lost his vision. Similarly, anyone sticking to disbelief after the raising of Prophet Muhammad-SW the Final Prophet is indeed incurable. He-SW is the Prophet second to none in elegance and charm, eloquence and oration, chastity, honour and dignity. On top of that, he-SW conveys the Word of none other than Allaah-SWT Himself. No one, except a heartless can remain unmoved. Therefore, anyone not benefiting from this fountainhead of Divine Guidance and Lights can never gain anything from anywhere.

 

Allah-SWT has set a seal … a great punishment.

The heart that is considered to be a mere pumping machine is in fact something incredible. For a comparative study let us take the brain first. It is a collection of membranes and nerves but is a treasure of physical knowledge, having inherent powers to learn and conquer vast fields and to retain a ready memory. But despite all its excellence it did not qualify to receive Divine Revelations. This great blessing was conferred upon the ‘Qalb’- the subtle heart (a vital organ of the Spirit, located within the physical heart): Which the True Spirit has brought down, upon your Qalb (26: 193-194). Thus the capacity of the Qalb turns out to be millions of times more than perceived, its immensity like an ocean without shore, and its greatness beyond measure. This Qalb is not merely a piece of flesh, or a machine, but it is within itself a vast kingdom and a complete universe. The Qulub of the Prophets receive and distribute Divine Beneficence while the Qulub of the believers absorb it, But disbelief is a menace, which strips the Qulub of this capacity. Although the one who commits suicide also dies by Divine Decree, but he himself become cause of his death. Similarly continuous sinning leads to the death of the Qalb, termed as ‘sealing’ According to the Holy Prophet-SW, when a person commits a sin, a black spot appears on his Qalb. If he repents, it is cleared. Otherwise, repeated indulgence in sin results in ultimate darkness of the entire heart. This has been termed as blindness of the Qaib, as well as its death. So now if physically on continues to live on it is nothing remarkable as so many other creatures live too the real superiority a human being enjoys over an animal is his spiritual life. Another thing that comes to light here is that there exists between the Creator-SWT and His-SWT creation an extremely delicate, subtle and personal relationship, of which no one else is aware. Even the Holy Prophet-SW knew only when Allaah-SWT disclosed to him, how His-SWT relationship with some persons had deteriorated to an extent that He-SWT had denied them the opportunity to repent. Since this personal relationship differs from person to person, His-SWT blessings also vary correspondingly.

 

The Wisdom Behind Collective Zikr

The reason why Sufi masters prescribe collective Zikr is that the Divine Lights diversify from individual to individual. Thus, the greater the number of participants, the greater will be the variety of Divine Lights descending upon them, forming a bouquet of blessings. This also is the secret behind congregational Salãt. These rewards lie within the domain of the Qalb. But those who do not care will realise when this material world and its comforts end, and only those blessings shall last which are related to the spiritual life. The oral and mental acceptance carries no weight before Allah-SWT, unless supported by the endorsement of the Qalb. Just as the physical body is born into this material world, the QaIb is also given life once it endorses the Divine Message. But practically people concentrate all their attention upon the development of their physical selves, leaving their Qulub to gasp in desperation, and to ultimately die. Don’t we see how people born as Muslims are plunging into infidelity; with their physical senses intact they have lost the hearing and vision of their Qulub. May Allaah-SWT protect us!

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَبِالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

Wamina a(l)nnasi man yaqoolu amanna biAllahi wabi(a)lyawmi alakhiri wama hum bimumineen(a)

And of people there are some who say, “We believe in Allah-SWT and in the Aakhirah.” But they do not really believe.

(2:8)

يُخَادِعُونَ اللّهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلاَّ أَنفُسَهُم وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

YukhadiAAoona Allaha wa(a)llatheena amanoo wama yakhdaAAoona illaanfusahum wama yashAAuroon(a)

They deceive Allah-SWT and those who believe. But they deceive none except themselves, and they perceive not.

(2:9)

فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللّهُ مَرَضاً وَلَهُم عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

Fee quloobihim maradun fazadahumu Allahu maradan walahum AAathabun aleemun bima kanoo yakthiboon(a)

In their hearts is a disease and Allaah-SWT has increased their disease. And grievous is their punishment because of their persistent lying.

(2:10)

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لاَ تُفْسِدُواْ فِي الأَرْضِ قَالُواْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ

Waitha qeela lahum la tufsidoo fee alardi qaloo innama nahnu muslihoon(a)

And when they are told: “Do not make mischief on earth.” They answer: “We are only improving things.”

(2:11)

أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَشْعُرُونَ

Ala innahum humu almufsidoona walakin la yashAAuroon(a)

They are, without doubt, mischief mongers. But they realize not.

(2:12)

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُواْ كَمَا آمَنَ النَّاسُ قَالُواْ أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَا آمَنَ السُّفَهَاء أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ السُّفَهَاء وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَعْلَمُونَ

Waitha qeela lahum aminoo kama amana a(l)nnasu qaloo anuminu kama amana a(l)ssufahao ala innahum humu a(l)ssufahao walakin la yaAAlamoon(a)

And when they are told: “Believe the way others believe”, they cynically reply: “Should we believe as the fools believe?” Indeed it is they who are the fools, but they know not.

(2:13)

وَإِذَا لَقُواْ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْاْ إِلَى شَيَاطِينِهِمْ قَالُواْ إِنَّا مَعَكْمْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُسْتَهْزِؤُونَ

Waitha laqoo allatheena amanoo qaloo amanna waitha khalaw ila shayateenihim qaloo inna maAAakum innama nahnu mustahzioon(a)

And when they meet those who believe, they assert: “We Believe.” But when alone with their devils, they say: “We are actually with you, we were only making fun.”

(2:14)

اللّهُ يَسْتَهْزِىءُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

Allahu yastahzio bihim wayamudduhum fee tughyanihim yaAAmahoon(a)

Allah-SWT (in return) mocks them and allows them to wander blindly in their transgression.

(2:15)

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرُوُاْ الضَّلاَلَةَ بِالْهُدَى فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَارَتُهُمْ وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهْتَدِينَ

Olaika allatheena ishtarawoo a(l)ddalalata bi(a)lhuda fama rabihat tijaratuhum wamakanoo muhtadeen(a)

It is they who have traded guidance for error, but neither their trade has brought them gain, nor have they found guidance.

(2:16)

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي اسْتَوْقَدَ نَاراً فَلَمَّا أَضَاءتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ ذَهَبَ اللّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ لاَّ يُبْصِرُونَ

Mathaluhum kamathali allathee istawqada naran falamma adaat ma hawlahuthahaba Allahu binoorihim watarakahum fee thulumatin la yubsiroon(a)

They are like the one who kindled a fire and as soon as it lit up his surroundings, Allah-SWT took away their light and left them in utter darkness, wherein they cannot see.

(2:17)

صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لاَ يَرْجِعُونَ

Summun bukmun AAumyun fahum la yarjiAAoon(a)

Deaf, dumb and blind, they will not turn back

(2:18)

أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاء فِيهِ ظُلُمَاتٌ وَرَعْدٌ وَبَرْقٌ يَجْعَلُونَ أَصْابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِم مِّنَ الصَّوَاعِقِ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ واللّهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكافِرِينَ

Aw kasayyibin mina a(l)ssamai feehi thulumatun waraAAdun wabarqun yajAAaloona asabiAAahum fee athanihim mina a(l)ssawaAAiqi hathara almawti wa(A)llahu muheetun bi(a)lkafireen(a)

Or it is like a rain laden cloud from the sky, in it is darkness, thunder and lightning. They press their fingers into their ears to block out the thunderclap, in terror of death. And Allaah-SWT surrounds the non-believers.

(2:19)

يَكَادُ الْبَرْقُ يَخْطَفُ أَبْصَارَهُمْ كُلَّمَا أَضَاء لَهُم مَّشَوْاْ فِيهِ وَإِذَا أَظْلَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ قَامُواْ وَلَوْ شَاء اللّهُ لَذَهَبَ بِسَمْعِهِمْ وَأَبْصَارِهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّه عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Yakadu albarqu yakhtafu absarahum kullama adaa lahum mashaw feehi waithaathlama AAalayhim qamoo walaw shaa Allahu lathahaba bisamAAihim waabsarihim inna Allaha AAala kulli shayin qadeer(un)

The lightning almost snatches away their sight from them. As often as it flashes forth for them they walk therein, and when it darkens against them they stand still. If Allaah willed, He could destroy their hearing and their sight. Lo! Allaah is Able to do all things.

(2:20)

 

In The Name of Allah-SWT the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

 

SECRETS OF REVELATION:

Identification Of A Hypocrite

Another kind of disbelief far more damaging, is hypocrisy. The first five Ayat of this Section praise the believers, the next two explain disbelief while the following thirteen discuss hypocrisy to highlight this menace. Just as the hypocrite is more harmful, so is the punishment for hypocrisy far more severe than plain disbelief. The hypocrites will be confined to the lowest levels in Hell even below the infidels. This is because they only pretend to believe in Allaah-SWT and the Day of Judgement. They try to deceive Allah-SWT, but how can they do it? They pretend to be Muslims but inwardly are enemies of the believers. Thus deceiving the sincere believers is in reality an attempt to deceive Allaah-SWT .

The term those who believe refers to the Companions-RAU and the worst non-believers were those, who in spite of taking Shahadah, failed to develop any relationship with them, and were jealous of the progress and prosperity of the Muslims. It is said here that this conduct of the hypocrites is not harming the believers, but is disastrous for their own selves. They just deceive them selves unwittingly. This means that the love for the Companions-RAU or sincerity towards them is a criterion of a person’s faith; otherwise despite taking Shahadah, he will remain a hypocrite. And if he openly disparages them he becomes a non-believer. It is an open secret that all the pretenders of the Islamic faith have invariably targeted the Companions-RAU for criticism. These may either be deniers of Hadith or the pretenders of Prophethood, who wanted, without exception, to interpret the Quran in a way that would serve their purpose. This could not be achieved without repudiating the Compan-ions-RAU who were the living interpretation of the Quran. The Companions-RAU learnt the Quran directly from the Holy Prophet-SW acted upon it in his presence and obtained his endorsement. So now any preacher of infidelity in the guise of Islam has to begin with raising objections against them, which indeed is the greatest proof of hypocrisy. Some fallacious sects have not only resorted to abuse the Companions-RAU but have also given it the status of worship. They are indeed a mixture of disbelief and hypocrisy, because of holding common traits with the disbelievers and the hypocrites. This is because their hearts are maligned and a diseased heart cannot absorb love, it rather develops the stink of jealousy and malice. As a result, their opposition to the believers grows stronger by the day and Allaah-SWT increases their disease. The hostility towards the Aulia (Allaah-SWT friend) is indeed hostility towards Allah-SWT, and failure to repent results in Divine Condemnation. Alas! If man, so caring about his body, would only have paid some attention to his spiritual health too, and looked for a healer, who could reform and enlighten his heart! But when the hearts remain afflicted, a painful doom is the natural consequence. In short, the standard or yardstick of belief and conduct are the Companions-RAU and their contradiction is down right hypocrisy destined to a grievous retribution.

 

And when they are told: ‘Do not make mischief... improving things”.

And when the hypocrites are told not to create trouble in the land, they say, that they desire correction. This Ayah sets a standard for mischief and reformation. If no limits are laid down, even a dacoit does not consider himself mischievous, rather, seeks justification for his actions. Personal opinions do not matter, unless the verdict is given by the Creator-SWT of this universe. Allaah-SWT has termed those who inwardly opposed Islam, as mischief-mongers.

 

The Reality Of Mischief

Reformation is thus synonymous to the precepts and practice of the Holy Prophet-SW in all matters, whether worship or mutual dealings, as followed by the Companions-RAU And anything contrary to this will fall under the category of mischief. For example, Salat al-Fajr has two obligatory cycles. If someone offers only one it is not correct. And if he offers three, the third would nullify his other two as well. Thus, the standard of all goodness and reformation is the Holy Prophet-SW himself. Whosoever disagrees with him-SW in any matter is in deed a mischief monger. Many celebrities have lived in history and every nation has its heroes as a source of pride, but how many of them have left a final word on any issue? Not even one! They enacted laws, laid down rules and regulations, which subsequently they themselves amended, proving that man made laws always suffer from flaws. The Holy Prophet-SW is the only one, who fourteen centuries ago, gave a Divine Code of Life, a law, a social structure to mankind, which is so comprehensive and complete that neither time could render it obsolete, nor could any thinker present anything better. The ways taught by the Holy Prophet-SW to do things, are in reality the best. There c never be any better ways of doing things; rather a deviant will be a mischief monger, no matter how good he might think of his actions.

Now see the situation from another perspective that whatever the Prophet-SW said was practically acted upon by the Companions-RAU. In other words, the practice of the Companions-RAU is the most agreeable and pleasing presentation of any action. Thus any one opposing them will be mischievous. This indeed is the criterion of reformation and mischief; otherwise the hypocrites too claim to promote reformation. But Allaah-SWT declares them as mischief mongers, though they fail to understand that every action produces a twofold effect: firstly, the outward and the short-lived, secondly the inward and the eternal. Outwardly, the illegitimate food eliminates hunger and may not cause any indigestion either, but inwardly, it creates a darkness, which not only darkens the QaIb, but also affects the surroundings to an extent. Similarly, every action in accordance with the Sunnah generates a light, and becomes a source of illumination and virtue in the environment. But every action in contravention of the Sunnah creates darkness and becomes a source of destruction in the society. This is what ‘mischief on land’ means, and the ignorant often term it as reformation, but the reality cannot be altered by merely switching names.

 

And when they are told: “Believe as the others … as the fools believe?”

But little do they realise that their cynicism may be the greatest folly with Allaah-SWT . Indeed, it is the darkness of their souls, which drives them to speak such words. When told to believe and act like the Companions-RAU, their response is always negative. To them the Companions-RAU are fanatics, who do not act wisely; while they wish to accept the Holy Prophet-SW but also to act in their own ways. Are they not indeed foolish? Certainly it is very foolish to take one’s own intellect as one’s guide, against the Divine Guidance coming through the Holy Prophet-SW. Wise are the ones who consider their own wisdom of no significance before the sayings of the Holy Prophet-SW and adhere to his teachings. For they realise that disobedience to him is the greatest of all follies. Those who disagree with the Holy Prophet-SW whether in belief or conduct are not only foolish but also ignorant; for knowledge means perception of the reality, otherwise it is downright ignorance.

 

And when they meet … only making fun.”

When the hypocrites meet the believers, they declare their fidelity to Islam. But when they revert back to their chieftains, they confess their loyalty to them, adding that they were just joking with the Muslims. With this description of the duplicity of the hypocrites, their chieftains have been called ‘devils’. In other words, all those who invent paths contradictory to the true faith and try to misguide people, play the role of the devil.

Allah-SWT himself mocks them.

It means that Allaah-SWT disgraces such hypocrites by giving them respite, which drives them further into the abyss of ignorance. They apparently rejoice over their sly duplicity through which they enjoy the benefits of Islam, and at the same time manage to evade situations demanding sacrifice. They fail to under stand that the real gain lies in sacrificing. Blessed indeed is the person whose faculties, schedules and wealth are dedicated to the Cause of Allaah-SWT . On the contrary, the hypocrites are the people who have bartered waywardness for guidance.

 

These are they who have traded guidance for error.

Error and guidance are two opposite attitudes, which cannot co-exist. Divine Guidance is the basic human need. Whosoever opts for waywardness indeed rejects guidance. Here is a point to ponder for today’s erroneous society, which practically contradicts Islam and yet considers itself to be on the right track. Rather, it tries to combine guidance and error, which is absolutely impossible. The hypocrites are at utter loss in their bargain.

 

They are like the one who kindled a fire.

They can be compared to a people who lost their way in the wilderness on an eerie dark night. Bewildered, they lit a fire, which illuminated the surroundings. But Allaah-SWT snapped its luminosity, leaving them in total lurch. Man by nature, is a seeker of guidance. Before the advent of Islam, the darkness of ignorance prevailed all over and people wished desperately for a light to shine on their way. Then dawned upon them the light of the Revelation that illuminated the entire environment! But the ingrates could not value it, were deprived of the light and they no longer could benefit from it. Thus they were left to wander aimlessly in the wilderness of ignorance.

 

Deaf, dumb and blind they will not turn back.

They can neither see nor hear, nor speak. When their inborn capacity to receive guidance was lost, it seized their senses. They can neither speak nor hear, and when the senses are lost there is no turning point for them. They continue to pursue their evil ways. They are like the people stranded in a rain storm attended by wind and thunder. Scared of death, they plug their ears against thunderclaps. But how can this futile planning save them from Divine Wrath, as they stand surrounded by Him-SWT . They take a few steps, but stand still in the intervals between the blinding flashes of lightning, totally helpless like a wayfarer caught in the thunderstorm in a dark night.

Similar was the condition of mankind when the Holy Prophet-SW appeared, flashed upon it as the light, and led it in the right direction. Whenever these hypocrites pay heed to the Holy Prophet-SW they feel inclined towards virtue. But when their inborn darkness overtakes them, they remain standing dumb founded in the pit of their waywardness. Had Allaah-SWT willed, He-SWT would have deprived them of their eyes, ears and all the faculties. Since they failed to see and hear the Holy Prophet-SW why should they be allowed to have eyes and ears at all? And Allaah-SWT is All-Powerful to do so. This world is a trial and a respite for a period ordained. If a person opts for the right path, it is for his own good; otherwise he is free to spend his life as he pleases. Such free lancers will certainly be deprived of their faculties in the Akhirah and will stand on the Day of Judgement as deaf, dumb and blind. In the Hell they will bray like donkeys, an outcome of their misdeeds. This is invisible to the physical vision now. May Allaah-SWT protect us!

 

Silsila Naqshbandia Owaisiah, English Tafseer of Quran, Quranic Tafseer in English