Surah 15. Al-Hijr

1.

Alif Lam Ra. These are the Ayats of Revelation of a Qur'an that makes things clear. ^{1932 1933 1934}

For these letters, see Appendix 1.

Cf. x. 1. and n. 1382.

Note how appropriately the different phrases in which the Qur-an is characterised bring out its different aspects as a Revelation. Let us just consider the phrases used at the beginning of the six A.L.M. Suras of which this is the last in order of arrangement. In x.1 we read, "Ayats (or verses or Signs) of the Book of Wisdom", the theme being the wonders of Allah's creation, and its relation to His Revelation. In xi. 1 we read, "a Book, with verses basic or fundamental, further explained in detail": the theme is Allah's Justice and punishment, to preserve the fundamental scheme of His Laws. In xii. 1 we read, "The Symbols verses of the Perspicuous Book"; the wonderful unfolding of Allah's Plan is explained in Joseph's story. In xiii. 1 we read, "The Signs (or verses) of the Book": the contrasts in the modes of Allah's Revelation and its reception by man are pointed out, but not illustrated by detailed examples as in Joseph's perspicuous story. In xiv. 1 we read, "A Book revealed to lead out of darkness into light": the theme being Abraham's prayer for man to be rescued from the darkness of false worship into the light of Unity. Here,in xv.1 we read, "Ayats (or verses) of Revelation,-of a Qur-an that makes things clear (or perspicuous)": the theme being an explanation of evil, and how Allah's Truth is protected from it.

2.

Again and again will those who disbelieve wish that they had bowed (to Allah's Will) in Islam. ¹⁹³⁵

The time must inevitably come when those who allow themselves to be deceived by falsehood or deliberately break Allah's Law will find themselves in a terrible plight. They will then wish, ardently and again and again, that they had sought Allah's Will and walked in the light of Truth. That time may be early or late,-in this life, or at death, or at the Day of Judgment, but it must come. Man's own highest interest requires that he should awake to the Reality before it is too late for repentance.

3.

Leave them alone to enjoy (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: let (false) Hope amuse them: soon will knowledge (undeceive them). ^{1936 1937}

Literally, "to eat", Cf. v. 66 and n. 776.

The foolish and the wicked set great store by the pleasures of this world. In their pride they think they have all knowledge. In the fulness of knowledge they will see how wrong they were. Meanwhile those who have received the Light should not for a single moment wonder at the apparent prosperity of the ungodly in this world. They should leave them alone, confident in the goodness and justice of Allah.

4.

Never did We destroy a population that had not a term decreed and assigned beforehand. ¹⁹³⁸

Kitabun ma'lum: literally, "a writing known". There are many shades of meaning implied, (1) For every people, as for every individual, there is a definite Term assigned: their faculty of choice gives them the opportunity of moulding their will according to Allah's Will, and thus identifying themselves with Allah's Universal Law. During that Term they will be given plenty of rope; after that Term is past, there will be no opportunity for repentance. (2) Neither the righteous nor the ungodly can hasten or delay the doom: Allah's Will must prevail, and He is All-Wise. (3) The destruction of a people is not an arbitrary punishment from Allah: the people bring it on themselves by their own choice; for the fixed Law or Decree of Allah is always made known to them beforehand, and in many ways.

5.

Neither can a people anticipate its Term nor delay it. ¹⁹³⁹

Cf. vii. 34. Also see the last note.

6.

They say: "O thou to whom the Message is being revealed! Truly thou art mad (or possessed)! ¹⁹⁴⁰

Al-Mustafa was accused by the ungodly of being mad or possessed, because he spoke of higher things than they knew, and acted from motives purer and nobler than they could understand. So, in a minor degree, is the lot of all the righteous in the presence of an ungodly world. Their motives, actions, words, hopes, and aspirations are unintelligible to their fellows, and they are accused of being mad or out of their senses. But they know that they are on the right path, and it is the ungodly who are really acting against their own best interests.

7.

"Why bringest thou not angels to us if it be that thou hast the Truth?" ¹⁹⁴¹

Cf. vi. 8-9, and notes 840, 841. On the part of the unbelievers, this is a mere taunt. They neither believe in Allah nor in angels nor in revelation nor in any but material things. It is ridiculous to suppose that they could be taken seriously.

8.

We send not the angels down except for just cause: if they came (to the ungodly) behold! no respite would they have! ^{1942 1943}

Angels are not sent down to satisfy the whim or curiosity of the unbelievers. They are sent to bring inspiration to Allah's messengers and to execute Allah's decrees.

If the angels were to appear before the ungodly, it would mean that they came to execute just punishment, and then there would be no hope of respite possible for the ungodly.

9.

We have without doubt sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). ¹⁹⁴⁴

The purity of the text of the Qur-an through fourteen centuries is a foretaste of the eternal care with which Allah's Truth is guarded through all ages. All corruptions, inventions, and accretions pass away, but Allah's pure and holy Truth will never suffer eclipse even though the whole world mocked at it and were bent on destroying it.

10.

We did send apostles before thee amongst the religious sects of old: ¹⁹⁴⁵

Shiya'un, plural of Shi'atun = a sect, a religious division. Mankind sees fragments of Truth at a time, and is apt to fall into fragments and divisions. All true messengers of Allah come to reconcile these fragments or divisions, for they preach the true Gospel of Unity. So came Al-Mustafa to bring back to Unity the many jarring sects among the Jews, Christians, and Pagans. His mission was held up to ridicule, but so was the mission of his predecessors. Mockery itself should not discourage the preachers of Truth.

11.

But never came an apostle to them but they mocked him.

12.

Even so do We let it creep into the hearts of the sinners ¹⁹⁴⁶

If evil and disbelief exist in the world, we must not be impatient or lose our faith. We must recognise that if such things are permitted, they are part of the Universal Plan and purpose of Allah, Who is All-Wise and All-Good, but Whose wisdom and goodness we cannot fully fathom. One consolation we have, and that is stated in the next verse and the next note.

13.

That they should not believe in the (Message); but the ways of the ancients have passed away. ¹⁹⁴⁷

Sects, divisions, and systems invented by men tend to pass away, but Allah's pure Truth of Unity endures for ever. This we see in history when we study it on a large scale. Cf. the parable in xiv. 24-26 Khalat: I have translated it here in the same sense as in xiii. 30 x. 102, and other places. Some Commentators give it a slightly different shade of meaning. The other meaning is seen in xlviii. 23.

14.

Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven and they were to continue (all day) ascending therein ¹⁹⁴⁸

Cf. vi. 35. The spiritual kingdom is open to all to enter. But the entrance is not a mere matter of physical movement. It is a question of a total change of heart. Evil must cease to be evil, before it can see or enjoy Good. If we could suppose Evil, like Bottom the weaver, to be "translated" or in some way carried up to heaven, it would only think that the Truth was an illusion, and the reality was mere witchery. The taint is in its very nature, which must first be purified and rendered fit for the reception of light, truth, and bliss.

15.

They would only say: "Our eyes have been intoxicated: nay we have been bewitched by sorcery."

16.

It is We who have set out the Zodiacal Signs in the heavens and made them fair-seeming to (all) beholders; ^{1949 1950}

Evil having been described, not as an external thing, but as a taint of the soul, we have in this section a glorious account of the purity and beauty of Allah's Creation. Evil is a blot on it, not a normal feature of it. Indeed, the normal feature is the guard which Allah has put on it, to protect it from evil.

In the countless millions of stars in the universe which we see, the first step in our astronomical knowledge is to find marvellous order, beauty, and harmony, on a scale of grandeur which we appreciate more and more as our knowledge increases. The first broad belt that we distinguish is the Zodiac, which marks the sun's path through the heavens year after year and the limit of the wanderings of the moon and the planets. We make twelve divisions of it and call them Signs of the Zodiac. Each marks the solar path through the heavens as we see it, month after month. We can thus mark off the seasons in our solar year, and express in definite laws the most important facts in meteorology, agriculture, seasonal winds, and tides. Then there are the mansions of the moon, the mapping out of the Constellations, and the other marvellous facts of the heavens, some of which affect our physical life on this earth. But the highest lessons we can draw from them are spiritual. The author of this wonderful Order and Beauty is One, and He alone is entitled to our worship.

17.

And (moreover) we have guarded them from every evil spirit accursed: ^{1951 1952}

Taking the physical heavens, we can imagine the supreme melody of harmony- guarded from every disturbing force.

Rajim: driven away with stones, rejected, accursed. Cf. iii. 36.

18.

But any that gains a hearing by stealth is pursued by a flaming fire bright (to see). ^{1953 1954}

Cf. lxxii. 8-9.

A shooting star. Cf. xxxvii. 10.

19.

And the earth We have spread out (like a carpet); set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance. ^{1955 1956}

Majesty, order, beauty and harmony are shown in all Allah's Creation, but especially in the heavens. Coming nearer to man, Allah's care for man and His goodness are shown (besides His other qualities) in His creation of the earth. In highly poetical language, the earth is described as spread out like a carpet, on which the hills act as weights to keep it steady.

And every kind of thing is produced on the earth in due balance and measure. The mineral kingdom supports the vegetable and they in their turn support the animal, and there is a link of mutual dependence between them. Excess is eliminated. The waste of one is made the food of another, and vice versa. And this is a chain of gradation and inter-dependence.

20.

And We have provided therein means of subsistence for you and for those for whose sustenance ye are not responsible. ¹⁹⁵⁷

See last note. 'We provide sustenance of every kind, physical, mental, spiritual, etc., for you (i.e. for mankind). But We do more. We provide for everyone of Our creatures. And there are those of which mankind is not even cognisant. We provide for them also. There are those who may at first sight appear hostile to man, or whom man may consider hostile, such as wild and noxious animals. They are Our creatures, and We provide for them also, as they are Our creatures. But there is due order and balance in the economy of Our universal Plan.'

21.

And there is not a thing but its (sources and) treasures (inexhaustible) are with Us; but We only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures. ^{1958 1959}

Khaza'in: treasures; store-houses; places where valuable things are accumulated, from which supplies are distributed from time to time as need arises.

All the wonderful gifts and forces and energies which we see in the world around us have their sources and fountain-heads with Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the Worlds. And what we see, or perceive or imagine is just a small portion of what exists. That portion is sent out to us and to our world according to our needs or its needs from time to time as the occasion arises. It is strictly limited according to rule and plan. Its source is unlimited and inexhaustible. In the same way the forces which we see operating around us, in nature or in the spiritual world, according to laws which we can grasp and, ascertain, are mere derived forces, in the 2nd, 3rd, or nth degree. Their source and ultimate fountain head is with Allah.

22.

And We send the fecundating winds then cause the rain to descend from the sky therewith providing you with water (in abundance) though ye are not the guardians of its stores. ^{1960 1961 1962}

Lawaqih, plural of laqih, from laqaha, to impregnate or fecundate the female date-palm by putting the pollen of the male tree on to the ovaries of the female tree. The date palm is uni-sexual. The wind performs this office for many flowers. Here, by a bold metaphor, its fecundating quality is transferred to the clouds, which by means of rain produce all kinds of fruit, grain, and vegetation. The clouds as vapour are manipulated by the winds, which set up atmospheric currents resulting in condensation and the descent of rain. Note the appropriateness of the little article "then", showing the connection of winds with rain.

Cf. the previous verse, and n. 1958. Man may store water in cisterns, tanks, lakes, and head-waters of canals. But he has no control over its original sources, which are the clouds, which by the help of the winds, act as the grand distributors of water over wide spaces of the world's surface.

This verse must be understood as furnishing an example of illustration of what is said in the last verse.

23.

And verily it is We Who give life and who give death: it is We Who remain Inheritors (after all else passes away). ^{1963 1964}

Note how the argument has mounted up from xv. 16 onwards to xv. 23-from things most remote from man to things touching his inmost being, and each of them in its own way is a wonderful instance of Allah's glory and goodness, and the beauty, order and harmony of His creation. First, the heavens, the zodiacal Signs, the stars , and the mysterious phenomena that we see above us; then the earth, and the perfect balance of life and forces therein, with man as an important factor, but not the only factor; then, the inexhaustible sources of energy, of which Allah alone is the Provider, but which come to us in measured proportions, as needed; and lastly, Life and Death itself, which will pass away but Allah will remain. A noble passage, and a fine vindication of Allah's wisdom and providence in dealing with His creatures.

Literally, "We are the Heirs, or Inheritors," Cf. iii. 180; "To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth." See also the latter part of n. 988 to vi. 165.

24.

To Us are known those of you who hasten forward and those who lag behind. ¹⁹⁶⁵

Meaning may be: "those who preceded you in point of time and those who come after you in point of time; they are all known to Allah, and He will gather them all together on the Day of Judgment."

25.

Assuredly it is thy Lord who will gather them together: for He is Perfect in Wisdom and Knowledge.

26.

We created man from sounding clay from mud molded into shape; ¹⁹⁶⁶

Salsal.- dry clay which produces a sound, like pottery. Cf. iv. 14. Taking verses 26 and 29 together, I understand the meaning to be: that man's body was formed from wet clay moulded into shape and then dried until it could emit sound; that it was then further fashioned and completed; that into the animal form thus fashioned was breathed the spirit from Allah, which gave it a superiority over other Creation: and that the order for obeisance was then given.

27.

And the Jinn race We had created before from the fire of a scorching wind. ¹⁹⁶⁷

Cf. vi. 100 and n. 929.

28.

Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from sounding clay from mud molded into shape;

29.

"When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit fall ye down in obeisance unto him." ¹⁹⁶⁸

Among other passages where the creation of Adam is referred to, cf. the following; ii. 30-39; vii. 11-25. Note that here the emphasis is on three points: (1) the breathing from Allah's spirit into man i.e., the faculty of God-like knowledge and will, which, if rightly used, would give man superiority over other creatures: (2) the origin of evil in arrogance and jealousy on the part of Satan, who saw only the lower side of man (his clay) and failed to see the higher side, the faculty brought in from the spirit of Allah; (3) that this evil only touches those who yield to it, and has no power over Allah's sincere servants, purified by His grace (xv. 40, 42). Adam is not here mentioned by name, but only Man.

30.

So the angels prostrated themselves all of them together:

31.

Not so Iblis: he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves. ^{1969 1970 1971}

Cf. n. 49 to ii. 34.

Iblis: the name has in it the root-idea of desperateness or rebellion. Cf. n. 52 to ii. 36.

Apparently Iblis's arrogance had two grounds: (1) that man was made of clay while he was made of fire; (2) that he did not wish to do what others did. Both grounds were false; (1) because man had the spirit of Allah breathed into him; (2) because contempt of the angels who obeyed Allah's words showed not Iblis's superiority but his inferiority.

32.

(Allah) said: "O Iblis! what is your reason for not being among those who prostrated themselves?"

33.

(Iblis) said: "I am not one to prostrate myself to man whom thou didst create from sounding clay from mud molded into shape."

34.

(Allah) said: "Then get thee out from here; for thou art rejected accursed.

35.

"And the Curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment." ¹⁹⁷²

After the Day of Judgment the whole constitution of the universe will be different. There will be a new world altogether, on a wholly different plane. (Cf. xxi. 104).

36.

(Iblis) said: "O my Lord! give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised." ¹⁹⁷³

What was this respite? The curse on Iblis remained, i.e. he was deprived of Allah's grace and became in the spiritual world what an outlaw is in a political kingdom. An earthly kingdom may not be able to catch and destroy an outlaw. But Allah is Omnipotent, and such power as Iblis may have can only come through the respite granted by Allah. The respite then is what is expressed in xv. 39 below. In Allah's grant of limited free-will to man is implied the faculty of choosing between good and evil, and the faculty is exercised through the temptations and allurements put forward by Satan, "the open enemy" of man. This is for the period of man's probation on this earth. Even so, no temptations have power over the sincere worshippers of Allah, who are purified by His grace.

37.

(Allah) said: "Respite is granted thee

38.

"Till the Day of the Time Appointed."

39.

(Iblis) said: "O my Lord! because Thou hast put me in the wrong I will make (wrong) fair-seeming to them on the earth and I will put them all in the wrong ^{1974 1975}

Agwaitani: 'thrown me out of the way, put me in the wrong': Cf. vii. 16. Satan cannot be straight or truthful even before Allah. By his own arrogance and rebellion he fell; he attributes this to Allah. Between Allah's righteous judgment and Satan's snares and temptations there cannot be the remotest comparison. Yet he presumes to put them on an equal footing. He is taking advantage of the respite.

Iblis (the Satan) is powerless against Allah. He turns therefore against man.

40.

"Except Thy servants among them sincere and purified (by Thy grace)."

41.

(Allah) said: "This (Way of My sincere servants) is indeed a Way that leads straight to Me. ¹⁹⁷⁶

To be sincere in the worship of Allah is to obtain purification from all stain of evil and exemption from all influence of evil. It changes the whole nature of man. After that, evil cannot touch him. Evil will acknowledge him to be beyond its power and will not even tempt him. Apart from such purified souls, everyone who worships Allah invites Allah's grace to protect him. But if he puts himself in the way of wrong and deliberately chooses evil, he must take the consequences. The blame is not even on Satan, the power of evil, it is on the sinner himself, who puts himself into his power; xiv. 22: xv. 42.

42.

"For over My servants no authority shalt thou have except such as put themselves in the wrong and follow thee."

43.

And verily Hell is the promised abode for them all!

44.

To it are seven Gates: for each of those Gates is (special) class (of sinners assigned). ¹⁹⁷⁷

The ways of sin are numerous, and if they are classified into seven, each of them points to a Gate that leads to Hell.

45.

The righteous (will be) amid Gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).

46.

(Their greeting will be): "Enter ye here in Peace and Security."

47.

And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury: (they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on thrones (of dignity). ¹⁹⁷⁸

Cf. vii. 43, and n. 1021. The hearts and minds will be so purified that all past rancour, jealousy, or sense of injury will be obliterated. The true Brotherhood will be realised there, when each will have his own dignity, there will be no question of invidious comparisons; each will face the others with joy and confidence. There will be no sense of toil or fatigue, and the joy will last for ever.

48.

There no sense of fatigue shall touch them nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave.

49.

Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful; ¹⁹⁷⁹

We must realise both sides of Allah's attributes: His mercy, grace, and forgiveness are unbounded; if we reject all this, His justice and punishment will also be beyond all that we can conceive.

50.

And that My Penalty will be indeed the most grievous Penalty.

51.

Tell them about the guests of Abraham. ¹⁹⁸⁰

In illustration of the contrasts between Good and Evil, and the consequences that flow from them, we have now a reference to four incidents from the past, viz.: (1) an incident from the story of Abraham; (2) from that of Lot, nephew of Abraham, and the end of the Cities of the Plain, which he was sent to warn; (3) the People of the Wood; and (4) the People of the Rocky Tract (Hijr), after whom this Sura is called. As usual, the recital of Allah's abounding grace comes first.

52.

When they entered his presence and said "Peace!" He said "We feel afraid of you!" ¹⁹⁸¹

For a full understanding of this reference to the angels who were Abraham's guests and came to announce the birth of a son to him in his old age, read xi. 69-73 and notes. The appearance of two strangers of uncommon appearance, who refused to partake of the host's sumptuous hospitality, made Abraham at first suspicious and afraid.

53.

They said: "Fear not! we give thee glad tidings of a son endowed with wisdom." ¹⁹⁸²

The birth of a son in old age, to a sonless father was glad tidings to Abraham personally. The birth of a son endowed with widsom promised something infinitely more. Considering that the angels were divine messengers, the wisdom referred to was divine wisdom, and the event became an event of prime importance in the world's religious history. For Abraham became, through his progeny, the root of the three great universal religions, diffused throughout the world.

54.

He said: "Do ye give me glad tidings that old age has seized me? Of what then is your good news?"

55.

They said: "We give thee glad tidings in truth: be not then in despair!"

56.

He said: "And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord but such as go astray?" ¹⁹⁸³

Cf. xi. 69.

57.

Abraham said: "What then is the business on which ye (have come) O ye messengers (of Allah)?" ¹⁹⁸⁴

When cordial understanding was established between Abraham and his guests and probably when the guests were about to depart, Abraham put a question to them: "What is the mission on which you are going?" It was further implied: "Is there anything I can do to help?" But no. The mission was one of Punishment for abominable sins. Note that the mention of Allah's Wrath is always linked with that of Allah's Mercy, and the Mercy comes first. The same angels that came to punish Sodom and Gomorrah were charged first to give the good news of Allah's Mercy to Abraham in the shape of a long line of Teachers of Righteousness.

58.

They said: "We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin. ¹⁹⁸⁵

The Cities of the Plain round the Dead Sea, which to this day is called the Bahr Lut. They were given to unspeakable abominations. Read in this connection xi. 77- 83 and notes.

59.

"Excepting the adherents of Lut: them we are certainly (charged) to save (from harm) all ¹⁹⁸⁶

Here, again, Allah's saving Grace is linked with His Wrath, and is mentioned first.

60.

"Except his wife who we have ascertained will be among those who will lag behind." ¹⁹⁸⁷

See xi. 81, and n. 1577.

61.

At length when the messengers arrived among the adherents of Lut ¹⁹⁸⁸

Al means people who adhere to the ways and teaching of a great Teacher; e.g., Al-u-Muhammad: it does not necessarily mean race or descendants. Ahl (xv. 65 below) usually implies "household" but may be taken in an extended sense to include People generally, see xv. 67. Qaum (xv. 62) may be any collection or aggregate of people. In xi. 70 the hostile inhabitants of the Cities of the Plain are called the qaum-u-Lut (the People of Lut). Ashab (companions) refers to a Group rather than to a People: Cf. xv; 78.

62.

He said: "Ye appear to be uncommon folk."

63.

They said: "Yea we have come to thee to accomplish that of which they doubt. ¹⁹⁸⁹

The unusual appearance of the angels struck Lot as it had struck Abraham. Knowing the abominable vices to which the Cities were addicted, he feared to entertain handsome young men. They at once disclosed their mission to him. In effect they said: "You, Lot, have been preaching in vain to these wicked Cities. When you warn them of their inevitable end: Destruction, they laugh and doubt. Now their doubt will be resolved. Their destruction will be accomplished before the morning."

64.

"We have brought to thee that which is inevitably due and assuredly we tell the truth. ¹⁹⁹⁰

Al-Haqq: the Punishment which is justly and inevitably due, which must certainly come to pass. Cf. xxii. 18.

65.

"Then travel by night with thy household when a portion of the night (yet remains) and do thou bring up the rear: let no one amongst you look back but pass on whither ye are ordered."

66.

And We made known this decree to him that the last remnants of those (sinners) should be cut off by the morning. ¹⁹⁹¹

As the last remnants of the wicked were to be cut off, and as the Mercy of Allah wished to save every true soul who might be with Lot, Allah's decree was made known to Lot, so that he might save his adherents.

67.

The inhabitants of the City came in (mad) joy (at news of the young men). ¹⁹⁹²

They were addicted to unnatural crime, and the news of the advent of handsome youg men inflamed them. How true it is that at the very verge of destruction, men rush blindly to their fate, and cut off any last hope of repentence and mercy for themselves. Cf. xv. 72 below.

68.

Lut said: "These are my guests: disgrace me not:

69.

"But fear Allah and shame me not."

70.

They said: "Did we not forbid thee (to speak) for all and sundry?" ¹⁹⁹³

I understand the meaning to be that Lot, the only righteous man in the City, had frequently remonstrated with the inhabitants against their unnatural crimes, and they had forbidden him to speak to them again on behalf of any one, "as if" (they might tauntingly say) "he was the protector of all and sundry." Some Commentators understand the verse to mean: 'Did we not forbid thee to entertain any strangers?'

71.

He said: "There are my daughters (to marry). If ye must act (so)." ¹⁹⁹⁴

Cf. xi. 78, n. 1575. "My daughters" in the mouth of a venerable man may mean young girls of the City, which would be appropriate considering the large number of men who came to besiege Lot's house.

72.

Verily by thy life (O Prophet) in their wild intoxication they wander in distraction to and fro. ¹⁹⁹⁵

The wild, mad fury of passion and sin attains its own destruction and cuts off the last hope of repentance or mercy.

73.

But the (mighty) Blast overtook them before morning ¹⁹⁹⁶

As-Saihat, the mighty Blast, is mentioned as accompanying earthquakes: Cf. xi. 67-94. Here it was the violent wind and noise accompanying the shower of brimstones, possibly with some volcanic action.

74.

And We turned (the Cities) upside down and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay. ¹⁹⁹⁷

Cf. xi. 82 and notes, in which the word Sijjil and its origin are explained.

75.

Behold! in this are Signs for those who by tokens do understand.

76.

And the (cities were) right on the highroad. ¹⁹⁹⁸

The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were utterly destroyed, and even their precise position cannot be identified. But the brimstone plain of the tract still exists, right on the highway between Arabia and Syria. To the traveller in the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea the whole locality presents a scene of dismal desolation which truly suggests the awful punishment for unspeakable crimes.

77.

Behold! in this is a Sign for those who believe! ¹⁹⁹⁹

Verse 75 refers to all who have the intelligence to grasp the Signs of Allah. Verses 76-77 specially refer to those who use the Arabia-Syria highroad. The desolation is specially brought home to them.

78.

And the Companions of the Wood were also wrongdoers; ²⁰⁰⁰

"Companions of the Wood": As-hab ul Aikati. Perhaps Aika is after all a proper noun, the name of a town or tract. Who were the Companions of the Aika? They are mentioned four times in the Qur-an, viz., here, and in xxvi. 176-191; xxxviii. 13; and 1. 14. The only passage in which any details are given is xxvi. 176-191. There we are told that their Prophet was Shu'aib, and other details given correspond to those of the Madyan, to whom Shu'aib was sent as Prophet;, see vii. 85-93. In my notes to that passage I have discussed the question of Shu'aib and the Madyan people. It is reasonable to suppose that the Companions of the Wood were either the same as the Madyan, or a Group among them or in their neighbourhood.

79.

So We exacted retribution from them. They were both on an open highway plain to see. ²⁰⁰¹

Both: i.e., The Cities of the Plain and the Companions of the Aika.

80.

The Companions of the Rocky Tract also rejected the apostles: ²⁰⁰²

"The Rocky Tract" is undoubtedly a geographical name. On the maps of Arabia will be found a tract called the Hijr, north of Medinah, Jabal Hijr is about 150 miles north of Madinah. The tract would fall on the highway to Syria. This was the country of the Thamud. For them and the country see vii. 73, n. 1043.

81.

We sent them Our Signs but they persisted in turning away from them.

82.

Out of the mountains did they hew (their) edifices (feeling themselves) secure. ²⁰⁰³

Remains of these rock edifices in the Hijr are still found, and the City of Petra is not more than 380 miles from Jabal Hijr. See n. 1043 to vii. 73. "Petra" in Greek means "Rock". For the Inscriptions found there, and their significance, see Appendix IV to S. xxvi.

83.

But the (mighty) Blast seized them of a morning ²⁰⁰⁴

The mighty rumbling noise and wind accompanying an earthquake. See vii. 78, n. 1047.

84.

And of no avail to them was all that they did (with such art and care)!

85.

We created not the heavens the earth and all between them but for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming (when this will be manifest). So overlook (any human faults) with gracious forgiveness. ^{2005 2006}

Allah's Creation is all for a true, just, and righteous purpose. Cf. x. 5. It is not for mere whim or sport. xxi. 16.

The Hour will not be long delayed when the true Design and Pattern of Life will be manifest. We must not be impatient, if there appear to be, to our limited vision, apparent injustices. We must bear and forbear, and as far as our own personal feelings are concerned, we must overlook other people's faults with "a gracious forgiveness".

86.

For verily it is thy Lord Who is the Master-Creator knowing all things. ²⁰⁰⁷

Khallaq: the emphatic intensive form, as meaning the Creator, Who is perfect in His skill and knowledge, and Whose creation answers perfectly to His design. Therefore no one should think that anything has gone wrong in Allah's creation. What may seem out of joint is merely the result of our short-sighted standards. It often happens that what appears to us to be evil or imperfect or unjust is a reflection of our own imperfect minds. See the next two verses and notes.

87.

And We have bestowed upon thee the Seven Oft-Repeated (verses) and the Grand Qur'an. ²⁰⁰⁸

The Seven Oft-repeated Verses are usually understood to be the Opening Sura, the Fatiha. They sum up the whole teaching of the Qur-an. What can be a more precious gift to a Muslim than the glorious Qur-an or any Sura of it? Worldly wealth, honour, possessions, or anything else, sinks into insignificance in comparison with it.

88.

Strain not thine eyes (wistfully) at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them nor grieve over them: but lower thy wing (in gentleness) to the Believers. ^{2009 2010 2011}

It may be that other people have worldly goods which worldly men envy. Do they necessarily bring happiness? Even the temporary pleasure that they may give is not unmixed with spiritual poisons, and even so, will not last. The man of God looks with wistful eyes at other things,-the favour and countenance of Allah.

The Prophet of Allah, in his human love and sympathy, may grieve over certain classes of people who are puffed up with false notions and callous to the Message of Allah. But he should not make himself unhappy. There is no flaw in Allah's Plan, and it must prevail. This was addressed in the first instance to Al-Mustafa, but in a minor degree, it applies to all righteous men.

The metaphor is from a bird who lowers her wing in tender solicitude for her little ones. Cf. xvii. 24, where it is applied to "lowering the wing" to aged parents.

89.

And say: "I am indeed he that warneth openly and without ambiguity" ²⁰¹²

In the ministry of Al-Mustafa there was no mincing of matters, no compromises with evil. Evil was denounced in unambiguous terms. Mubin implies both openness and clearness, i.e. freedom from ambiguity.

90.

(Of just such wrath) as We sent down on those who divided (Scripture into arbitrary parts) ²⁰¹³

The Commentators differ as to the precise signification of verses 90 and 91. Are the persons referred to in the two verses the same, or different? And who were they? I adopt the view, for which there is good authority, that the two classes of persons were different but similar. Verse 90, I think, refers to the Jews and Christians, who took out of Scripture what suited them, and ignored or rejected the rest: ii. 85, 101. For verse 91 see next note.

91.

(So also on such) as have made the Qur'an into shreds (as they please). ²⁰¹⁴

The Makkan Pagans, in the early days of Islam, in order to dishonour and ridicule the Qur-an, divided what was so far revealed, into bits, and apportioned them to people coming on pilgrimage to Makkah by different routes, slandering and abusing the Prophet of Allah.

92.

Therefore by thy Lord We will of a surety call them to account

93.

For all their deeds. ²⁰¹⁵

Those who ridicule Scripture in any form will all be called to account for their insolence, for they are all alike.

94.

Therefore expound openly what thou art commanded and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.

95.

For sufficient are We unto thee against those who scoff ²⁰¹⁶

If the whole world is ranged against the Prophet of Allah, as was at one time the case with the Prophet, and scoffs at all that is sacred, the sense of Allah's presence and protection outweighs all. And after all, the scoffers are creatures of a day. Soon will they find their level, and be undeceived as to all their falsehoods. But the Truth of Allah endures for ever.

96.

Those who adopt with Allah another god: but soon will they come to know.

97.

We do indeed know how thy heart is distressed at what they say. ²⁰¹⁷

Literally, 'that thy breast is constrained.'

98.

But celebrate the praises of thy Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration.

99.

And serve thy Lord until there come unto thee the Hour that is Certain. ²⁰¹⁸

Yaqin: Certainty; the Hour that is Certain; death.