Message for Muslims

Sura 43  Az-Zukhruf (The Gold Adornments) Mecca

In this chapter Muhammad seems to have despaired over the conversion of the Qurraish who display their excuses and hold him up to ridicu le. Abraham had broken loose from his forefathers religion but the Qurraish remained immovable in theirs, despite having a copy of the message from the alleged preserved tablet, which was before Allah recited to them. Jesus is given as an example of one who came with clear truthful signs but was ridiculed and was a cause of division yet he will be a sign at the approaching day of judgement. Muhammad believed he like Jesus was experiencing the same ridicule and division in his own times.The title of this chapter is probably taken from verse 35 “And (silver) doors to their houses, and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, And also adornments of gold” (v 34, 35).

The Arabic Quran is said to be a copy of the divine original

“Ha-Mim By the book that makes things clear,

We have made it a Quran in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand.

And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our presence, high, full of wisdom (v 1-4).

The ‘preserved table’ is said to be the original from which all scriptures are said to derive.

Previous prophets rejected

“But how many were the prophets We sent amongst the peoples of old? and never came there a prophet to them but they mocked him” (v 6, 7).

Excuse for following the idolatry of forefathers

“Nay! they say: “We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps.” Just in the same way, whenever We sent a warner before thee to any people, the wealthy ones among them said: “We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps.” He said: “What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which ye found your fathers following?” They said: “For us, we deny that ye (prophets) are sent (on a mission at all).” So We exacted retribution from them: now see what was the end of those who rejected “(v 22-25)!

Example of Abraham who sought to turn people away from idolatry

“Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: “I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship: “(I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me.” And he left it as a word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back” (v 26-28).

Excuse that the Quran is sorcery

“But when the truth came to them, they said: “This is sorcery, and we do reject it.” (v 30)

Excuse that the Quran was not sent to some great man

“Also, they say: “Why is not this Quran sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) cities?” (v 31)

The two cities being Mecca and Taif

Jesus is made an example of a previous apostle who was held up for ridicule”

“When (Jesus) the son of Mary is held up as an example, behold, thy people raise a clamour thereat (in ridicule)! And they say, “Are our gods best, or he?” This they set forth to thee, only by way of disputation: yea, they are a contentious people. He was no more than a servant: We granted Our favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.” (57-59).

Jesus is a sign of the coming judgement day

“And (Jesus) shall be a sign (for the coming of) the hour (of judgement):

therefore have no doubt about the (hour), but follow ye Me: this is a straight way “(v 61).

Muslims believe that before the resurrection, Jesus will descend to earth near Damascus, some say near a rock in the Holy Land called Afiq. He will, lance in hand, destroy the anti-Christ and arrive at Jerusalem in time for the morning prayer. Here the officiating Imam will give way to Christ who will then lead prayers according to the institutions of Islam. He will then destroy crosses and churches.

Jesus came with clear signs of truth

“When Jesus came with clear signs, he said: “Now have I come to you with wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me” (v 63).

Muhammad believed the signs Jesus presented were his miracles and his revelation of the gospel.

Jesus : his signs cause a division

“But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement:

then woe to the wrong-doers, from the penalty of a grievous day”(v 65)

Muhammad’s view was that despite the clear signs Jesus brought a division was caused, he too found division amongst his hearers.

The wicked in hell ask in vain for annihilation

“They will cry: “O Malik! would that thy Lord put an end to us!” He will say, “Nay, but ye shall abide!” (v 77)

Muslims believe Malik is the name of the principal angel who has charge over hell, and presides over the tortures there.

Because of the excuses of the idolaters Muhammad turns away

“(Allah has knowledge) of the (Prophet’s) cry, “O my Lord! Truly these are people who will not believe!”

But turn away from them, and say “Peace!” But soon shall they know!” (v 88, 89)

 

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Sura 44  Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) Mecca

M uhammad claims that the Quran was revealed on a ‘blessed night’ but the pagans remain unconvinced believing som eone has been teaching him. The unbelievers are warned of futu re judgement by the example of Moses and a picture of the torments of hell. Believers are encouraged and told of the joys of Paradise.The title of the chapter comes from verse 10 where smoke is mentioned: “Then watch thou for the day that the sky will bring forth a kind of smoke (or mist) plainly visible. ” Tradition states that the mist would occur around Mecca at the time preceding its conquest.

The Quran sent down on a blessed night

“Ha-Mim. By the book that makes things clear; We sent it down during a blessed night” (v 1-3)

This verse explains the Muslim belief that a copy of the Quran, from the original in heaven, was sent by Gabriel to the lowest heaven on the Night of Power, between the twenty-third and twenty-fourth night of Ramadan.

The approaching judgement

“Then watch thou for the day that the sky will bring forth a kind of smoke (or mist) plainly visible,

Enveloping the people: this will be a penalty grievous” (v 10-11).

While some commentators suggest that the smoke occurred during a time of famine inflicted on the Meccans, there is a tradition of Ali which suggest the smoke is a sign of the day of judgement.

Unbelievers express suspicion about the Quran

“How shall the message be for them, seeing that an messenger explaining things clearly has come to them,

Yet they turn away from him and say: “Tutored (by others), a man possessed!” (v 13, 14)

The traditions differ as to who it was that was tutoring Muhammad. Some suggest Jabar, a Greek, who could read and write well. Others suggest Jabar and Yeser, two slaves, who used to read the Pentateuch and the Gospel, while still others propose Yaish, a Muslim convert; Qais, a Christian, and Bahira, the monk. It is likely that the suggestion was that Muhammad received help from a non-Arab.

Example of Moses who preached to the resistant Egyptians (v 17 – 29)

“We did, before them, try the people of Pharaoh: there came to them a messenger most honourable” (v 17),

Meccans unimpressed by Muhammad’s preaching

“As to these (Qurraish), they say forsooth:

“There is nothing beyond our first death, and we shall not be raised again. “Then bring (back) our forefathers, if what ye say is true!” (v 34-36)

The dreadful punishment on unbelievers

“Verily the tree of Zaqqum will be the food of the sinful, Like molten brass; it will boil in their insides. Like the boiling of scalding water. A voice will cry: Seize ye him and drag him into the midst of the blazing fire! Then pour over his head the penalty of boiling water, Taste thou (this)! Truly wast thou mighty, full of honour! Truly this is what ye used to doubt!” (v 43-50)

The reward of unbelievers

“As to the righteous (they will be) in a position of security Among gardens and springs; Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, they will face each other; So; and We shall join them to fair women with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes. There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security; Nor will they there taste death, except the first death; and He will preserve them from the penalty of the blazing fire (v 51-56).

The Quran given in Arabic to admonish the Arabs

“Verily, We have made this (Quran) easy, in thy tongue, in order that they may give heed.

So wait thou and watch; for they (too) are waiting” (v 58, 59)

 

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Sura 45. Al-Jathiyah (The Kneeling) Mecca

T he chapter title comes from verse 28:”And thou wilt see every sect bowing the knee” (Yusuf Ali); “And thou wilt see each nation crouching “(Pickthal); ” And you shall see every nation kneeling down” (Shakir). This chapter resembles the preceding chapters: the signs of Allah, whether in creation, amongst the Jews, (to whom was given the Torah), or in the Quran were rejected and ridiculed by the Quarraish, therefore the idolaters are threatened with dreadful punishment.

Allah’s signs in creation

“Verily in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who believe. And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered (through the earth), are signs for those of assured faith. And in the alternation of night and day, and the fact that Allah sends down sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds, are signs for those that are wise. Such are the signs of Allah, which We rehearse to thee in truth; then in what exposition will they believe after (rejecting) Allah and His signs?” (v 3-6)

Idolaters reject the signs and threat of punishment

“He hears the signs of Allah rehearsed to him, yet is obstinate and lofty, as if he had not heard them: then announce to him a penalty grievous!  And when he learns something of Our signs, he takes them in jest: for such there will be a humiliating penalty. In front of them is hell: and of no profit to them is anything they may have earned, nor any protectors they may have taken to themselves besides Allah: for them is a tremendous penalty This is guidance and for those who reject the signs of their Lord, is a grievous penalty of abomination” (v  8-11).

The scripture with clear signs given to the Jews

“We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the book the power of command, and Prophet-hood; We gave them, for sustenance, things good and pure; and We favoured them above the nations. And We granted them clear signs in affairs: it was only after knowledge had been granted to them that they fell into schisms, through insolent envy among themselves. Verily thy Lord will judge between them on the day of judgement as to those matters in which they set up differences” (v 16, 17).

There are many expressions in the Quran at this later Meccan period that Muhammad had some general knowledge of the ancient history of the Jews. There is no evidence that he ever had a Bible before him and only one Old Testament quotation is found in the Quran but again the Jewish scriptures are acknowledged as the Word of God.

Likewise Muhammad claims to receive clear signs

“Then We put thee on the way of religion: so follow thou that, and follow not the desires of those who know not. They will be of no use to thee in the sight of Allah: it is only wrong-doers (that stand as) protectors, one to another: but Allah is the protector of the righteous. These are clear evidences to men and a guidance and mercy to those of assured faith” (v.18-20).

Idolaters reject the signs and threat of judgement

“and the day that the hour of judgement is established,that day will the dealers in falsehood perish! And thou wilt see every sect bowing the knee: Every sect will be called to its record: “This day shall ye be recompensed for all that ye did!” (v 27, 28)

“It will also be said: “This day We will forget you as ye forgot the meeting of this day of yours! and your abode is the fire, and no helpers have ye! “This, because ye used to take the signs of Allah in jest, and the life of the world deceived you:” (From) that day, therefore, they shall not be taken out thence, nor shall they be received into grace. (v 34, 35)

The traditions say “The Prophet said, “The people will be thrown into Hell ( Fire) and it will keep on saying, ‘Is there any more?’ till the Lord of the worlds puts His foot over it, whereupon its different sides will come close to each other, and it will say, ‘Qad! Qad! (enough! enough!) (Bukhari Volume 9, Book 93, Number 481).

 

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Sura 46. Al-Ahqaf (The Curved Sand Hills) Mecca

Muhammad believes his message agrees with the ancient former scriptures and a certain Jew testifies to this, but the people of M ecca are convinced he is involved in sorcery. Faced with this ridicule he warns the Qurraish that they will have to face an impending judgement and points to the sign of the destruction of Al-Ahqaf as an example. Some jinn, however, believe and are shown as an example of those who responded positively to the recitation of the Quran. The chapter gets its name from the winding area in which the ‘Adites lived: “Mention (Hud) one of ‘Ad’s (own) brethren: Behold, he warned his people about the winding sand-tracts “(v 21)

Muhammad accused of sorcery and forging the Quran

“When Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, the unbelievers say, of the truth when it comes to them: “This is evident sorcery!” Or do they say, “He has forged it”? Say: “Had I forged it, then can ye obtain no single (blessing) for me from Allah. He knows best of that whereof ye talk! Enough is He for a witness between me and you!” (v 7-8)

Muhammad believes his message agrees with earlier prophets

“Say: “I am no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the messengers” (v 9)

A Jew believes in Muhammad

“Say: “See ye? If (this teaching) be from Allah, and ye reject it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity (with earlier scripture), and has believed while ye are arrogant, truly, Allah guides not a people unjust.” (v 10)

This ‘witness’ from the Jews who testifies about the truthfulness of Muhammad is supposed to be ‘Abdullah ibn Salama, who declared that Muhammad was the prophet foretold by Moses. Other Jews were less favourable about Muhammad’s claims and called the Quran a lying-legend.

Muhammad believes his message confirms the Torah

“And before this, was the book of Moses as a guide and a mercy:

And this book confirms (it) in the Arabic tongue

; to admonish the unjust, and as glad tidings to those who do right” (v 12).

The Righteous Man

“We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says, “O my Lord! Gra nt me that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou has bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam.” (v 15-17)

Sunni’s who highly esteem Abu Bakr say that this verse refers to him (Rev Canon Sell). According to the commentator Hussain, Abu Bakr embraced Islam when he was thirty-eight, and his father and mother were also converted. When he became forty he said ‘O Lord, give me inspiration, that I may be grateful’ ( Tafsir-i- Husaini, vol. 2 p.321)

Recompense for good and bad deeds

“And to all are (assigned) degrees according to the deeds which they (have done), and in order that (Allah) may recompense their deeds, and no injustice be done to them. And on the day that the unbelievers will be placed before the fire, (It will be said to them): “Ye received your good things in the life of the world, and ye took your pleasure out of them: but today shall ye be recompensed with a penalty of humiliation: for that ye were arrogant on earth without just cause, and that ye transgressed.” (v 19, 20)

Hud warns the people of Al-Ahkaf of impending destruction

“Mention (Hud) one of ‘Ad’s (own) brethren: Behold, he warned his people about the winding sand-tracts: but there have been warners before him and after him: “Worship ye none other than Allah: Truly I fear for you the penalty of a mighty day.” They said: “Hast thou come in or der to turn us aside from our gods? Then bring upon us the (calamity) with which thou dost threaten us, if thou art telling the truth?” He said: “The knowledge is only with Allah: I proclaim to you the mission on which I have been sent: But I see that ye are a people in ignorance!”  Then, when they saw the cloud traversing the sky, coming to meet their valleys, they said, “This cloud will give us rain!” “Nay, it is the (calamity) ye were asking to be hastened!  A wind wherein is a grievous penalty!” (v 21-24)

The brother of ‘Ad was the prophet Hud. A pestilent wind is said to have killed all the ‘Adites and destroyed their possessions because they did not believe the doctrine of Hud.

Muhammad warns the people of Mecca as they reject the signs of Allah

“And We had firmly established them (’Adites) in a (prosperity and) power which We have not given to you (ye Qurraish!) and We had endowed them with hearing, seeing, heart and intellect: but of no profit to them were their hearing, sight, and heart and intellect, when they went on rejecting the signs of Allah; and they were encircled by that which they used to mock at! We destroyed aforetime populations round about you (Mecca); and We have shown the signs in various ways, that they may turn” (v 26, 27).

The jinn believe the message and warn their people

“Behold, We turned towards thee a company of Jinns listening to the Quran:

when they stood in the presence thereof, they said, “Listen in silence!”

When the (reading) was finished, they returned to their people, to warn them of their sins” (v 29).

After his unsuccessful preaching in Taif the disconsolate Muhammad reached Nakhla and here it is said that the jinn heard Muhammad reciting the Quran and believed.

The example of the rejected patient messengers encourages Muhammad

“Therefore patiently persevere, as did (all) messengers of inflexible purpose; and be in no haste about the (unbelievers).

On the day that they see the (punishment) promised them, (it will be) as if they had not tarried more than an hour in a single day.

(Thine but) to proclaim the message: but shall any be destroyed except those who transgress?” (v 35)

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