Translation of the meanings of surah Al-An'aam (2)

(74) (74) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Abraham said to his father Āzar, "Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error."

(75) (75) And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].

(76) (76) So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star. He said, "This is my lord."[322] But when it set, he said, "I like not those that set [i.e., disappear]."

[322]- In verses 76-79, beginning from the people's own assertions, Abraham presents a picture of his dissatisfaction as the only logical conclusion one could reach, in order to show them the futility of their false objects of worship.

(77) (77) And when he saw the moon rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray."

(78) (78) And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allāh.

(79) (79) Indeed, I have turned my face [i.e., self] toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allāh."

(80) (80) And his people argued with him. He said, "Do you argue with me concerning Allāh while He has guided me? And I fear not what you associate with Him [and will not be harmed] unless my Lord should will something. My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge; then will you not remember?

(81) (81) And how should I fear what you associate while you do not fear that you have associated with Allāh that for which He has not sent down to you any authority? So which of the two parties has more right to security, if you should know?"

(82) (82) They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice[323] - those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.

[323]- Specifically, the association of others in divinity with Allāh.

(83) (83) And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.

(84) (84) And We gave to him [i.e., Abraham] Isaac and Jacob - all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.

(85) (85) And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous.

(86) (86) And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.

(87) (87) And [some] among their fathers and their descendants and their brothers - and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path.

(88) (88) That is the guidance of Allāh by which He guides whomever He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Allāh, then worthless for them would be whatever they were doing.

(89) (89) Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if they [i.e., the disbelievers] deny it, then We have entrusted it to a people who are not therein disbelievers.

(90) (90) Those are the ones whom Allāh has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, "I ask of you for it [i.e., this message] no payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds."

(91) (91) And they did not appraise Allāh with true appraisal[324] when they said, "Allāh did not reveal to a human being anything." Say, "Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You [Jews] make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And you[325] were taught that which you knew not - neither you nor your fathers." Say, "Allāh [revealed it]." Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves.

[324]- i.e., they did not appreciate the extent of His ability and wisdom. [325]- The Jews, or it may refer to the believers, who are taught by the Qur’ān.

(92) (92) And this is a Book which We have sent down, blessed and confirming what was before it, that you may warn the Mother of Cities [i.e., Makkah] and those around it.[326] Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are maintaining their prayers.

[326]- i.e., all other peoples.

(93) (93) And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allāh or says, "It has been inspired to me," while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, "I will reveal [something] like what Allāh revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands,[327] [saying], "Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allāh other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant."

[327]- Striking them, as they are unwilling to give up their souls for judgement.

(94) (94) [It will be said to them], "And you have certainly come to Us alone [i.e., individually] as We created you the first time, and you have left whatever We bestowed upon you behind you. And We do not see with you your 'intercessors' which you claimed that they were among you associates [of Allāh]. It has [all] been severed between you,[328] and lost from you is what you used to claim."

[328]- Between yourselves and the claimed associates and intercessors.

(95) (95) Indeed, Allāh is the cleaver of grain and date seeds.[329] He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living. That is Allāh; so how are you deluded?

[329]- He (Subḥānahu wa ta‘ālā) causes them to split and sprout.

(96) (96) [He is] the cleaver of daybreak and has made the night for rest and the sun and moon for calculation.[330] That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

[330]- Or "according to calculation," referring to their precise movement.

(97) (97) And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know.

(98) (98) And it is He who produced you from one soul and [gave you] a place of dwelling and of storage.[331] We have detailed the signs for a people who understand.

[331]- In the earth. See 77:25-26.

(99) (99) And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

(100) (100) But they have attributed to Allāh partners - the jinn, while He has created them - and have fabricated for Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Exalted is He and high above what they describe.

(101) (101) [He is] Originator of the heavens and the earth. How could He have a son when He does not have a companion [i.e., wife] and He created all things? And He is, of all things, Knowing.

(102) (102) That is Allāh, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is Disposer of all things.

(103) (103) Vision perceives Him not,[332] but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle,[333] the Aware.[334]

[332]- In the life of this world. The people of Paradise will be able to see Allāh in the Hereafter. See 75:22-23. [333]- Perceptive of the most precise and unapparent matters and the intricacies of all affairs. Also, He who benefits His servants in indiscernible ways. [334]- See footnote in 6:18.

(104) (104) There has come to you enlightenment from your Lord. So whoever will see does so for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever is blind [does harm] against it. And [say], "I am not a guardian over you."[335]

[335]- The Prophet (ﷺ) is directed to disassociate himself from all erroneous belief and practice.

(105) (105) And thus do We diversify the verses so they [i.e., the disbelievers] will say, "You have studied,"[336] and so We may make it [i.e., the Qur’ān] clear for a people who know.

[336]- Accusing the Prophet (ﷺ) of having learned from the Jews and Christians.

(106) (106) Follow, [O Muḥammad], what has been revealed to you from your Lord - there is no deity except Him - and turn away from those who associate others with Allāh.

(107) (107) But if Allāh had willed, they would not have associated. And We have not appointed you over them as a guardian, nor are you a manager over them.[337]

[337]- The Prophet's duty did not go beyond delivery of the message.

(108) (108) And do not insult those they invoke other than Allāh, lest they insult Allāh in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.

(109) (109) And they swear by Allāh their strongest oaths that if a sign came to them, they would surely believe in it. Say, "The signs are only with [i.e., from] Allāh." And what will make you perceive that even if it [i.e., a sign] came, they would not believe.

(110) (110) And We will turn away their hearts and their eyes just as they refused to believe in it [i.e., the revelation] the first time. And We will leave them in their transgression, wandering blindly.

(111) (111) And even if We had sent down to them the angels [with the message] and the dead spoke to them [of it] and We gathered together every [created] thing in front of them, they would not believe unless Allāh should will. But most of them, [of that], are ignorant.

(112) (112) And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy - devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent.

(113) (113) And [it is] so the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter will incline toward it [i.e., deceptive speech] and that they will be satisfied with it and that they will commit that which they are committing.

(114) (114) [Say], "Then is it other than Allāh I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] explained in detail?" And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture know that it is sent down from your Lord in truth, so never be among the doubters.

(115) (115) And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

(116) (116) And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allāh. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but misjudging.[338]

[338]- Out of ignorance and blind imitation.

(117) (117) Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

(118) (118) So eat of that [meat] upon which the name of Allāh has been mentioned,[339] if you are believers in His verses [i.e., revealed law].

[339]- At the time of slaughter.

(119) (119) And why should you not eat of that upon which the name of Allāh has been mentioned while He has explained in detail to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled.[340] And indeed do many lead [others] astray through their [own] inclinations without knowledge. Indeed, your Lord - He is most knowing of the transgressors.

[340]- In cases of dire necessity, what is normally prohibited becomes permissible, but only to the extent of the need.

(120) (120) And leave [i.e., desist from] what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit.

(121) (121) And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allāh 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].[341]

[341]- i.e., by your obedience to them - obedience being the basis of worship.

(122) (122) And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom? Thus it has been made pleasing to the disbelievers that which they were doing.

(123) (123) And thus We have placed within every city the greatest of its criminals to conspire therein. But they conspire not except against themselves, and they perceive [it] not.

(124) (124) And when a sign comes to them, they say, "Never will we believe until we are given like that which was given to the messengers of Allāh." Allāh is most knowing of where [i.e., with whom] He places His message. There will afflict those who committed crimes debasement before Allāh and severe punishment for what they used to conspire.

(125) (125) So whoever Allāh wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islām; and whoever He wants to send astray[342] - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allāh place defilement upon those who do not believe.

[342]- As a result of the person's arrogance and persistence in sin.

(126) (126) And this is the path of your Lord, [leading] straight. We have detailed the verses for a people who remember.

(127) (127) For them will be the Home of Peace [i.e., Paradise] with their Lord. And He will be their protecting friend because of what they used to do.

(128) (128) And [mention, O Muḥammad], the Day when He will gather them together [and say], "O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind." And their allies among mankind will say, "Our Lord, some of us made use of others, and we have [now] reached our term which You appointed for us." He will say, "The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allāh wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing."

(129) (129) And thus will We make some of the wrongdoers allies of others for what they used to earn.[343]

[343]- Another interpretation pertaining to this world is "And thus do We make some of the wrongdoers allies of others for what they have been earning."

(130) (130) "O company of jinn and mankind,[344] did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating to you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "We bear witness against ourselves"; and the worldly life had deluded them, and they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.

[344]- They will be reproached thus at the Judgement.

(131) (131) That is because your Lord would not destroy the cities for wrongdoing[345] while their people were unaware.

[345]- Or "unjustly."

(132) (132) And for all are degrees [i.e., positions resulting] from what they have done. And your Lord is not unaware of what they do.

(133) (133) And your Lord is the Free of need, the possessor of mercy. If He wills, He can do away with you and give succession after you to whomever He wills, just as He produced you from the descendants of another people.

(134) (134) Indeed, what you are promised is coming, and you will not cause failure [to Allāh].[346]

[346]- i.e., You will neither escape nor prevent its occurrence.

(135) (135) Say, "O my people, work according to your position; [for] indeed, I am working. And you are going to know who will have succession in the home.[347] Indeed, the wrongdoers will not succeed."

[347]- i.e., in the land or in the Hereafter.

(136) (136) And they [i.e., the polytheists] assign to Allāh from that which He created of crops and livestock a share and say, "This is for Allāh," by their claim, "and this is for our 'partners' [associated with Him]." But what is for their "partners" does not reach Allāh, while what is for Allāh - this reaches their "partners." Evil is that which they rule.

(137) (137) And likewise, to many of the polytheists their partners[348] have made [to seem] pleasing the killing of their children in order to bring about their destruction and to cover them with confusion in their religion. And if Allāh had willed, they would not have done so. So leave them and that which they invent.

[348]- Their evil associates.

(138) (138) And they say, "These animals[349] and crops are forbidden; no one may eat from them except whom we will," by their claim. And there are those [camels] whose backs are forbidden [by them][350] and those upon which the name of Allāh is not mentioned[351] - [all of this] an invention of untruth about Him.[352] He will punish them for what they were inventing.

[349]- The four categories of grazing livestock called "anʿām" collectively. [350]- See 5:103. [351]- At the time of slaughter. Rather, they are dedicated to others among their "deities." [352]- i.e., false assertions that such practices are part of Allāh's religion.

(139) (139) And they say, "What is in the bellies of these animals[353] is exclusively for our males and forbidden to our females. But if it is [born] dead, then all of them have shares therein." He will punish them for their description.[354] Indeed, He is Wise and Knowing.

[353]- i.e., their milk and offspring. [354]- Of what is lawful and unlawful according to their whims.

(140) (140) They will have lost who killed their children in foolishness without knowledge and prohibited what Allāh had provided for them, inventing untruth about Allāh. They have gone astray and were not [rightly] guided.

(141) (141) And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakāh] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive.[355] Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.

[355]- In eating, as well as in all things generally.

(142) (142) And of the grazing livestock are carriers [of burdens] and those [too] small. Eat of what Allāh has provided for you and do not follow the footsteps of Satan.[356] Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

[356]- As the disbelievers have done in making their own rulings about what is permissible and what is prohibited.

(143) (143) [They are] eight mates - of the sheep, two and of the goats, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Inform me with knowledge, if you should be truthful."

(144) (144) And of the camels, two and of the cattle, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you witnesses when Allāh charged you with this? Then who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allāh to mislead the people by [something] other than knowledge? Indeed, Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people."

(145) (145) Say, "I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine - for indeed, it is impure - or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allāh.[357] But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."

[357]- Refer to 2:173 and 5:3.

(146) (146) And to those who are Jews We prohibited every animal of uncloven hoof; and of the cattle and the sheep We prohibited to them their fat, except what adheres to their backs or the entrails or what is joined with bone. [By] that We repaid them for their transgression. And indeed, We are truthful.

(147) (147) So if they deny you, [O Muḥammad], say, "Your Lord is the possessor of vast mercy; but His punishment cannot be repelled from the people who are criminals."

(148) (148) Those who associated [others] with Allāh will say, "If Allāh had willed, we would not have associated [anything] and neither would our fathers, nor would we have prohibited anything." Likewise did those before deny until they tasted Our punishment. Say, "Do you have any knowledge that you can produce for us? You follow not except assumption, and you are not but misjudging."

(149) (149) Say, "With Allāh is the far-reaching [i.e., conclusive] argument. If He had willed, He would have guided you all."

(150) (150) Say, [O Muḥammad], "Bring forward your witnesses who will testify that Allāh has prohibited this." And if they testify, do not testify with them. And do not follow the desires of those who deny Our verses and those who do not believe in the Hereafter, while they equate [others] with their Lord.

(151) (151) Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allāh has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."

(152) (152) And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best [i.e., intending improvement] until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allāh fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.

(153) (153) And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

(154) (154) Then[358] We gave Moses the Scripture, making complete [Our favor] upon the one who did good [i.e., Moses] and as a detailed explanation of all things and as guidance and mercy that perhaps in the meeting with their Lord they would believe.

[358]- Meaning "additionally" or "moreover," not denoting time sequence.

(155) (155) And this [Qur’ān] is a Book We have revealed [which is] blessed, so follow it and fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.

(156) (156) [We revealed it] lest you say, "The Scripture was only sent down to two groups before us, but we were of their study unaware,"

(157) (157) Or lest you say, "If only the Scripture had been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they." So there has [now] come to you a clear evidence from your Lord and a guidance and mercy. Then who is more unjust than one who denies the verses of Allāh and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our verses with the worst of punishment for their having turned away.

(158) (158) Do they [then] wait for anything except that the angels should come to them or your Lord should come or that there come some of the signs[359] of your Lord? The Day that some of the signs of your Lord will come no soul will benefit from its faith as long as it had not believed before or had earned through its faith some good. Say, "Wait. Indeed, we [also] are waiting."

[359]- Those denoting the approach of the Last Hour.

(159) (159) Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects - you, [O Muḥammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to Allāh; then He will inform them about what they used to do.

(160) (160) Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.[360]

[360]- i.e., treated unjustly.

(161) (161) Say, "Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path - a correct religion - the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allāh."

(162) (162) Say, "Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allāh, Lord of the worlds.

(163) (163) No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims."[361]

[361]- i.e., those who submit to the will of Allāh.

(164) (164) Say, "Is it other than Allāh I should desire as a lord while He is the Lord of all things? And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ."

(165) (165) And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.