Day Sixty Four (A Journey with Quran)

Surah Al Maidah: Ayats 81–90

If only they would’ve put their faith in Allah and in the Prophet and in what was revealed to him, then they would’ve never taken (idol-worshippers) for allies. However, most of them are disobedient. [81]

(Muhammad,) you’re going to find that out of all the people who hate the believers, the Jews (of Medina) and the idol-worshippers (of Mecca) are the strongest (in their hostility). However, those whom you’ll find to be nearest to the believers in love are those who say, “We are Christians,” for among them are priests devoted to learning and monks who have renounced the world, and they’re not arrogant. [82]

When they hear what was revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears for they recognize the truth of it. Then they pray, “Our Lord! We believe! Record us among the witnesses. [83]

What can hold us back from believing in Allah and in the truth that has come to us, since we’ve been constantly yearning for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?” [84]

Allah will reward them for what they’ve said with gardens beneath which rivers flow – and there they shall remain – and that’s how Allah rewards (those who do) good! [85]

However, those who reject (the truth) and call Our (revealed) verses nothing more than lies will be companions of the raging blaze. [86]

All you who believe! Don’t forbid the good things that Allah has allowed for you. Just don’t overindulge (in lawful things), for Allah has no love for the overindulgent. [87]

Eat from the resources that have been provided for you by Allah, and be mindful of Allah – the One in Whom you believe. [88]

Allah won’t hold you to any unreasonable things that you (foolishly) swear (to do), but He will hold you to account for your serious pledges (that you make and then fail to fulfill). So to atone for breaking (an unreasonable or foolish) pledge, you must feed ten poor people with what you would normally feed your family, or you may clothe them, instead, or free a bonded servant. If all of these options are too difficult for you, then fast for three days. That will make up for the (foolish) promises (you made but cannot keep) – but safeguard (all) your (solemn) promises! This is how Allah explains His verses clearly for you so you can be thankful. [89]

All you who believe! Truly, liquor and gambling, stone altars (dedicated to idols) and (making random choices to decide distributions of goods by blindly picking marked) arrowheads (from a bag) are all the disgraceful works of Satan, so forsake them so you can be successful! [90]

Translation: Yahiya Emerick

Explanation for Ayat 82:

Ayat 82 when revealed was the reality of the Prophet Mohammad’s time. Peace be upon him.

It doesn’t mean that all Jews are bad people, or others like Christians, Muslims are the same. Good, and bad exists among all sects. It’s up to an individual as to how he lives his life.

Ayat 82 which addresses the Prophet directly doesn’t imply that all Jews will hate Muslims for all times, or that all Christians will love Muslims for all time. It’s a reflection of certain realities in the Prophet’s time. This verse is incorrectly applied to contemporary realities. The truth is interfaith relations between Muslims, Christians and Jews have risen, and fallen through the centuries.

Day Sixty Two (A Journey with Quran)

Surah Al Maidah: Ayats 61–70

When they come to you, they say, “We believe (in Allah), too,” but they’re really coming with rejection (of your teachings) on their mind, and when they leave you, they go out with the same (sentiment), and Allah knows all about what they’re hiding. [61]

You see most of them rushing into sin and misbehavior and eating whatever they’ve been prohibited to eat. What they’re doing is pure evil! [62]

Why aren’t their rabbis and legal scholars admonishing them against using sinful language and eating what they’ve been prohibited to eat? (The lies) they’re promoting are pure evil! [63]

The Jews (of Medina) have said, “Allah’s hand is tied up.” Well, let their hands be tied up, and let them be cursed for what they’ve said. No way! Both of His hands are stretched out wide, and He expends as He wills. The revelation that’s coming to you from your Lord causes belligerency and rejection to grow in most of them! As it is, We’ve instilled antagonism and hatred among them that will last even until the Day of Assembly. Every time they stoke the fires of war, Allah extinguishes them, though they persist in trying to cause chaos in the land. Allah has no love for those who cause chaos. [64]

If only the Followers of Earlier Revelation would’ve believed and been mindful (of their duty to Allah), then We would’ve glossed over their shortcomings and admitted them into gardens of delight. [65]

If only they would’ve held firmly to the Torah, the Gospel and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, then they would’ve enjoyed themselves from every side. Although there are men from among them who are on the right track, most of them participate in sinful conduct. [66]

Messenger! Proclaim what’s been revealed to you from your Lord, for if you don’t, then you will have failed to deliver the message. Allah will defend you from the people (who seek to harm you), for Allah doesn’t guide those who reject (His message.) [67]

Say to them, “Followers of Earlier Revelation! You have no (legitimacy) unless you hold firmly by the Torah, the Gospel and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” (Sadly), it’s the very revelation itself that you’ve been receiving from your Lord that’s making most of them increase in belligerency and rejection, but don’t be worried over people who reject (Allah). [68]

Those (Muslims) who believe, along with the Jews, the Sabians and the Christians, anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day and who does what’s morally right, they’ll have no cause for sorrow or regret. [69]

And so it was that We made a covenant with the Children of Israel and sent them messengers. However, every time a messenger came to them with what they didn’t want (to hear) – they called some of them imposters, and others they killed! [70]

Translation: Yahiya Emerick

Day Sixty (A Journey with Quran)

Surah Al Maidah: Ayats 41–50

Messenger! Don’t lose yourself in grief over those who race each other into rejection, (whether it be from) among those (Arab hypocrites) who say, ‘We believe’ with their lips, but whose hearts are devoid of faith, or it be among the Jews (of Medina), who will listen to any lie and accept (any slander) told to them by people who never even met you! They switch words from their proper sequence, and they say, “If (Muhammad) gives you (what you like to hear,) then take it, but if not, then beware.” If Allah wants to put someone into utter turmoil, you can do nothing for them against Allah (and His plan). (The ones to whom He does that) are those whose hearts Allah has no desire to purify. They’ll have nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the next life they’ll have a severe penalty to pay. [41]

The (Jews of Medina) listen to lies and devour anything that’s been prohibited to them. If they do happen to come to you and ask you to solve their internal disputes, you can either render a verdict or decline to hear the case altogether. If you decline (to get involved), they can’t do any harm to you at all (in their spite). If you choose to adjudicate, then judge fairly between them, for Allah loves fair judges. [42]

However, why are they coming to you for decisions at all when they have their own Torah right there with them? It already contains Allah’s commandments. Yet, they turn away from it even still, for they’re not really all that faithful. [43]

We revealed the Torah, and it contained both guidance and enlightenment (within its pages). The prophets (of old), who surrendered (themselves to Allah’s command), used it to judge among the Jews, and the rabbis and legal scholars (also used it to render their judgments, as well). (They were charged with safeguarding and living by) the portion of Allah’s Book that was entrusted to them, and they witnessed to their duty. Therefore, (you Jews of Medina), don’t be afraid of (disappointing mere) people. Rather, be afraid of (disappointing) Me, and don’t sell My (revealed) verses for a petty price. If anyone judges by any other standard than what Allah has revealed, then they’re truly covering over (the truth). [44]

We decreed for them in (the Torah): “A life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a wound in exchange for a wound.” Now (this principle has been amended,) so if anyone chooses to refrain from retaliating, for (the sake of) charity, then it’s an act of atonement for himself. If anyone judges by any standard other than what Allah has revealed, then they’re truly wrongdoers. [45]

We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, following in their footsteps, to affirm the (truth of the) Torah that had come before him, and We gave him the Gospel, in which there was both guidance and enlightenment, as an affirmation of the Torah that had come before him. (The Gospel) was a source of guidance and also admonition for those who were mindful (of Allah). [46]

Therefore, let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah revealed in it. If anyone judges by any standard other than what Allah has revealed, then they’re truly rebellious. [47]

Now We’ve sent the Book to you, (Muhammad), in all truthfulness, affirming the scriptures that came before you and safeguarding within it (the truth of the previous revelations), so judge between (the Jews and Christians) according to what Allah has revealed (to you). Don’t follow their petty whims and thus swerve away from the truth that’s come to you. We’ve given to each one of you (differing religious groups) a legal tradition and a clear method (for dealing with legal issues). If Allah had wanted, He could’ve made you all into one community, but He tests you in what He’s given you, so forge ahead as if you were racing towards everything virtuous. Your ultimate return is back to Allah, and He’s going to show you (the truth) of those things about which you argued. [48]

Therefore, judge between them according to what Allah has revealed, and don’t follow their petty whims. Be wary of them so they won’t seduce you away from what Allah has sent down to you. If they turn away (and ignore your rulings), then know that Allah wants to punish them for some of their sins. As it is, most people are disobedient! [49]

Are they looking for a (flawed) ruling (that’s similar to how people used to judge) in the ignorant (days before Islam?) For those who are convinced (of the truth in their hearts), who can be a better judge than Allah? [50]

Translation: Yahiya Emerick

Background to Ayat 41:

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)could not read or write Arabic, and he certainly did not know how to read or understand Hebrew. When the rabbis of Medina would quote from the Torah in their discussions with Muhammad, some of them would purposely leave out some lines as they translated from Hebrew into Arabic in order to keep some information secret. Jewish converts to Islam would often point this out to the Prophet. (See 2:100-103.) A Jewish man of Khaybar committed adultery, and based upon his high status his fellow Jews were reluctant to apply any harsh punishment to him. They resolved to send him to Muhammad for judgment on the pretence that if he ruled in favor of the flogging that the Qur’an called for [24:2], then he would be a secular leader in their eyes, and they could follow him. However, if he ruled in favor of stoning, as the Torah prescribed, then he was an actual force to be reckoned with, and the Jews must be on their guard against him. They then went to the Prophet who was sitting with some companions in the mosque and asked what they should do about this adulterer. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) remained silent and either called for some rabbinical students to be brought to him or he himself accompanied them to one of their small yeshivas, or religious schools (the reports do not specify). The Prophet said to the Jewish scholars, “I appeal to you by God who revealed the Torah to Moses. What punishment does the Torah prescribe for an adulterer?” One of the rabbis answered, “They are rubbed with ash, defamed and whipped, and the defamation comes by placing both guilty parties back to back on a donkey that is led around the streets.” The others present affirmed their agreement, but the Prophet noticed that one man among them was keeping silent. The Prophet was told that his name was Ibn Surya, and then he appealed to him for his answer to the question, making him swear an oath to God to be truthful. When Ibn Surya replied that the actual punishment was death, the Prophet further questioned him, saying, “When is the first time in which you disobeyed the order of Almighty God?” Ibn Surya replied, “One of our ancient king’s relatives committed adultery, and the stoning was put off. Then a lesser noble also was found to have been adulterous, and the king wanted him stoned. However, his family objected, saying that they wouldn’t let their relative be stoned unless the king’s relative was stoned first. It was then that they compromised on the punishment among themselves (and lessened it).” The Prophet then asked a rabbi to read from the Torah about adultery, and the man began to read the appropriate section from a scroll, but he kept his finger over the verse calling for stoning and read the verses before and after it. The Jewish convert to Islam, ‘Abdullah ibn Salam, (also a former rabbi) informed the Prophet that the first rabbi had skipped a line, and he asked the man to remove his finger and read the verse. When he did, the Prophet then answered, “I judge by what is in the Torah.” Then he ruled that the adulterers were to be stoned. The adulterous couple was then taken out and stoned, but the Prophet did not take part in it. This verse was revealed concerning this and other similar affairs in which the Jews asked for the Prophet’s rulings on various issues. (Asbab ul-Nuzul)

Background to Ayat 48:

Four leading Jewish men of Medina, including K’ab ibn Asad and Shas ibn Qays, wanted to see if they could corrupt the Prophet away from being sincere in his religion. They went to him and told him that they were the leaders of the Jews, and if they converted then all the Jews would follow them. Their only requirement was that he render a biased judgment in favor of them in a dispute they had with some men of their community. This verse was revealed concerning this incident. (Asbab ul-Nuzul)

Day Fifty Seven (A Journey with Quran)

Surah Al Maidah: Ayats 11–20

All you who believe! Remember the favor of Allah that He bestowed upon you when certain people made plans to move their hands against you, but He restrained their hands from ever reaching you. Therefore, be mindful of Allah, and the believers should trust in Allah. [11]

And so it was that Allah made a covenant with the Children of Israel. We appointed twelve scouts from among them (to go into the land of Canaan to gather intelligence in preparation for their entry). Allah had already told (the Children of Israel), “I’ll be with you as long as you establish regular prayer, give in charity, believe in My messengers, respect them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan. Indeed, I‘ll erase your shortcomings and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow. If any of you cover over (your ability to have faith) after this, then he’s truly wandered far from the even path.” [12]

However, because (the Children of Israel) broke their agreement, We cursed them and allowed their hearts to grow hard. (They manipulated the words of revelation) by rearranging them from their (proper) places, and they forgot a good part of the message that was sent to them. Even still you’ll find many of them engaged in new trickery, but forgive them and try to overlook (their shortcomings), for Allah loves those who are good. [13]

We also took a covenant from those who call themselves Christians, but they forgot most of the message that was sent to them. That’s why We’ve let them become disunited in mutual envy and hatred of each other, even until the Day of Assembly. Allah will soon inform them (of the true meaning) of that in which they were engaged. [14]

Followers of Earlier Revelation! Our Messenger has come to you revealing many things that you used to hide in (your religious) scriptures and passing over many (practices of the past that are now unnecessary). A (new) light and a clear scripture have come to you from Allah. [15]

With these Allah will guide any who seek His good pleasure towards the pathways of peace and safety. Furthermore, He’ll lead them out of darkness and into a light, by His will, and lead them to a straight path. [16]

Those who say that God is Jesus, the Messiah, the son of Mary, are covering over (the real truth). Say to them, “Who has the power to hold back Allah if He wanted to destroy the Messiah, the son of Mary, his mother and everyone else on earth? To Allah belongs the control of the heavens and the earth and everything in between. He creates whatever He wants, for Allah has power over all things.” [17]

The Jews and the Christians say, “We’re the sons of God, and He loves us (above all others).” Then ask them, “So, why will He punish you for your sins (if you don’t repent of them)? By no means! You’re only mortals from among the (many peoples) that He’s created. He forgives whomever He wants, and He punishes whomever He wants. The control of the heavens and the earth and all that’s in between them belongs to Allah, and back to Him is the final destination.” [18]

Followers of Earlier Revelation! Now Our Messenger has come to you making (things) clear for you after a pause in (the chain of) Our messengers. That way you won’t be able to say, “No bearer (of good news) or warner ever came to us!” Now a bearer (of good news) and a warner has come to you, and Allah has power over all things. [19]

Recall when Moses said to his people, “My people! Remember Allah’s favor towards you when He placed prophets within your midst, and when He placed you in charge (of your own destiny after you were enslaved in Egypt) and how He gave you what He hadn’t given to any other nation. [20]

Translation: Yahiya Emerick

Background on verse 11: A man named Ghawrath met with the leaders of the hostile tribes of the desert, namely the Muhareb and Ghatafan tribes, and asked if they wanted him to kill Prophet Muhammad, (Peace be upon him). They agreed and asked him how he could possibly accomplish that. He replied that he would take him by surprise. Ghawrath bided his time and kept an eye out for an opportunity to approach his prey. One day, he saw the Prophet sitting alone under the shade of a tree with his sword on his lap. He approached him and casually asked if he could have a look at the blade. The Prophet handed it to him, and Ghawrath drew it and immediately pointed it at the Prophet menacingly, though he couldn’t bring himself to thrust it in for the kill. Finally, he asked him, “Muhammad, aren’t you afraid?” He replied that he was not. Then Ghawrath said two or three times, “Who will protect you from me now?” The Prophet answered, “Allah will.” Ghawrath hesitated and then suddenly dropped the sword. The Prophet picked it up and called to his nearby companions. While the assailant was still sitting there, he narrated the incident and then Ghawrath was allowed to go free.

Some time later, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was visiting the Jewish neighborhood of the Banu Nadir, seeking their assistance in settling a blood-money suit brought by a desert tribe against one of the companions who had killed two of their men. Ka’b ibn Ashraf, the Jewish leader, invited the Prophet into his courtyard and bade him and his companions to sit under the shade of a wall while he ostensibly went to order food to be made. Ka’b then retreated into another room and told a man named ‘Amr ibn Jahsh ibn Ka’b to drop a heavy stone from the roof down upon Muhammad (Peace be upon him)to kill him. Just before the man could do the deed, however, Angel Gabriel came and warned the Prophet, who promptly got up and left. This verse was revealed soon afterwards, referencing both incidents, and was meant to emphasize that Allah would protect this prophet until the end of his mission. (Asbab ul-Nuzul, Ibn Kathir)

Footnote:

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) once said that in the intervening years between Jesus, and himself there were no prophets sent by God. (Bukhari, Muslim)

He said on another occasion that there would be no more prophets after me. Therefore any religions founded between the time of Jesus, and Muhammad, and then after the time of Muhammad (Peace be upon him) are not accepted as authentic expressions of divine revelation by Muslims.

Day Nine (A Journey with Quran)

Today Ayats are from 96 to 120

96. Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.

97. Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah.s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,-

98. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.

99. We have sent down to thee Manifest Signs (ayat); and none reject them but those who are perverse.

100. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them are faithless.

101. And when there came to them an apostle from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the people of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!

102. They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers Were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men Magic, and such things as came down at babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (Such things) without saying: “We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah.s permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!

103. If they had kept their Faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!

104. O ye of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger. words of ambiguous import, but words of respect; and hearken (to him): To those without Faith is a grievous punishment.

105. It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book, nor of the Pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will – for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.

106. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?

107. Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.

108. Would ye question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way.

109. Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could Turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become Manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, Till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah Hath power over all things.

110. And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah. for Allah sees Well all that ye do.

111. And they say: “None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Those are their (vain) desires. Say: “Produce your proof if ye are truthful.”

112. Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

113. The Jews say: “The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: “The Jews have naught (To stand) upon.” Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

114. And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah.s name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.

115. To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.

116. They say: “(Allah) hath begotten a son” :Glory be to Him.-Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.

117. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: “Be,” and it is.

118. Say those without knowledge: “Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?” So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).

119. Verily We have sent thee in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: But of thee no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.

120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: “The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance.” Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah.

Translation: Abdullah Yusuf