Readers’ Comments on Parables in the
Holy Quraan Comment
No. 1 From Majeed Muzammil to Various Recipients
on 29 August 2007
Assalamu Alaikum,
I am herewith
forwarding the researched paper of the above subject matter to
your kind perusal and please try to comment your opinion and
send to Dr. UMAR at your earliest convenience. As Muslims, we
must inspire and encourage the writers like Dr.Umar in his
endeavour. Jazakallah khair. Muzammil Majeed Comment No.
2 From Majeed Muzammil on 29 August 2007 Dear bro,
Assalamu Alaikum,
I received your informative researched
paper on the above subject, and also, you have kindly
requested to comment my opinion's before 1st of SEP.
Since, you research paper is too voluminous, it needs
some time to reads and digest it. However, I know, your
anxiety and enthusiasm, I will, by the grace of Allah, try my
level best to beat the deadline, and send my comment inorder
to boost your morale and undertake similar Quranic topics in
the future. May Allah bless to energize your zeal to complete
your task with aplomb. salaam. Muzammil
Majeed.
Meanwhile, I too send your e-mail to
erudite Sri Lanka's Muslim scholars to help in your task.
Comment No. 3 From Azura Bt Buang on 23 July 2007
Waalaikumsalam,
Yes I received your "parables in the holy quran" writings
and found them very informative and inspirational. I have no
comments to make on your article but I have used some of the
parables when advising younger generations of our Muslim youth
to give them a better understanding of how lucky they are to
be born Muslims.
Yesterday, I saw and bought a book called "Ajaran Sesat"
(Wrong Teachings) in Malaysia and the synopsis shows that
there are a lot of wrong teachings from former Muslims.
Please keep sending articles written by you as I love
reading the articles.
Salam
Sis Azura
Comment No. 4 From Shameem
Al-Fathima on 22 July 2007
Wa Alaikum Salam,
I had already given my detailed feedback abt the book. Just
adding to the same... It was indeed Alhamdulillah very good.
I read through the entire text. Masha Allah it has the
entire collection of parables in one stretch.
I found tat the explanation of some parables is written in
such a way tat it is not related explicitly. Only wen i read
it twice or thrice, i was able to understand the relation
between the parable and the explanation. Eg is 31, 34 etc..
People who might read once, might not see the inner
meaning of the parable. So such parables if explained in
detail specifying the relationship, it will be very useful.
Some parables were short and up to the point which was
nice.
In parable 36 : ther is a spell error...
THE SIMULTUDE OF THOSE WHO WERE CHARGED WITH THE
[OBLIGATIONS OF THE] MOSAIC LAW, BUT WHO SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED
IN THOSE [OBLIGATIONS], IS THAT OF A DONKEY WHICH CARRIES HUGE
TOMES [BUT UNDERSTANDS THEM NOT]. EVIL IS THE SIMULTUDE
OF PEOPLE WHO FALSIFY THE SIGNS OF ALLAH: AND ALLAH GUIDES NOT
PEOPLE WHO DO WRONG.
So these are my feed backs.Hope they are useful for u.
Insha Allah, do include me if u need my help or
feedback in any of ur other works too..
Wassalam,
Shameem
Comment No. 5 From Ameenah Sarwat Qureshi on 22
July 2007
Salam alaikum Brother
i shall surely tell you which
part needs more research and more of evaluation and
description
And i have a small question if you have read
teh interprettation of the Holy Quran coz at places i see a
litle view of difference as I have read part of teh
interprettation in detail Of teh Holy Quran though not whole.
Parable no. 9 needs a context, as i do know the context
but for a person who doesnt know the context it will be
difficult to understand.
Parable no. 6 . a little bit more
of addition that the hearts of the bisbeliever is like the
hard rock, nothing grows in teh hard rock.
Parable 11. In
this parable according to my understanding and the
Interpretations i have read it is the Farm that is like tha
life of teh world, Where Allah sends rain first and the farms
are flourished and then the people fel they are masters but as
per Allah's decree he then Sends a Storm and destroys it as if
it never existed teh day before. And that is how life is that
we think it is ours but then Allah has all power over us. and
he shall call us unto Him as though we never had a choice to
live. (That is why i asked you brother to check with a
scholar, i have only read books and studied a little religion
in the past 6 years and i am no scholar)
Parable 22 The
rain first gets absorbed in the land and fertiles it and then
the fruits are gone just in the storm. This parable needs a
little more explanation.
Parable 26 A little more
explanation to this will again be required. The unbelievers
are running behind this world they are busy in achieving this
world and this world is nothing but an illusion. Their
condition is like that of a thisrtsy man who is after water in
a desert but is just guided away by mirage, same are teh
dibelievers, they are busy in achieving the world and teh more
they achieeve the more they crave for it and it goes on, until
they meet death.
Parable 27, please cross check what you
have written; i quote the verses and the meaning you have
written:
OR [THE UNBELIEVERS' STATE] IS LIKE THE DEPTHS OF
DARKNESS IN A VAST DEEP OCEAN, OVERWHELMED BY BILLOW TOPPED BY
BILLOW, TOPPED BY [DARK] CLOUDS: DEPTHS OF DARKNESS, ONE ABOVE
THE OTHER: IF A MAN STRETCHES OUT HIS HAND, HE CAN HARDLY SEE
IT! FOR ANY TO WHOM ALLAH GIVES NOT LIGHT, THERE IS NO
LIGHT!
Meaning: Unbelievers are enveloped in total
metaphorical darkness. They are not guided by Allah's
Light and therefore do not believe, do righteousness and end
up in Heaven.
You have i think done a mistake in the last part i have
underlined do righteousness and end up in Heaven
Parable 29: The verse as per my knowledge
and my ppast readings of the Interprettation of teh Holy Quran
is that, Allah is asking that do you make your right hands
that is your slaves equal to you, indeed you don't then when
you cant assign partners to yourselves of do you assign
oartners to Allah.
Parable 33: This verse needs an interpretation to be read
here is what Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn 'Abbâs says:
(Muhammad is the messenger of Allah) and this without the
witness of Suhayl Ibn 'Amr. (And those with him) i.e. Abu
Bakr, the first who believed in him and called the
disbelievers with him to the religion of Allah (are hard
against the disbelievers) this refers to 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab
who was tough with the enemies of Allah, strong in the
religion of Allah and a defender of Allah's Messenger (and
merciful among themselves) and dutiful towards each other;
this refers to 'Uthman Ibn 'Affan who was very dutiful and
merciful towards the Muslims, and spent much of his money on
them. (Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing) in prayer (and
falling prostrate (in worship)) this refers to 'Ali Ibn Abi
Talib who abundantly bowed and prostrated in prayer, (seeking
bounty) reward (from Allah and (His) acceptance) acceptance of
their Lord through Jihad; this refers to Talhah and al-Zubayr
who were very hard on, and tough with, the disbelievers. (The
mark of them is on their foreheads from) the sign of their
staying awake is on their faces from (the traces of
prostration) from repeated prostration at night; this refers
to Salman al-Farisi, Bilal, Suhayb and their fellow believers.
(Such is their likeness) their description (in the Torah and
their likeness) and their description in (in the Gospel like
as sown corn) this is the Prophet (pbuh) (that) Allah (sendeth
forth its shoot) i.e. Abu Bakr, the first to believe in him
and the first to face the enemies of Allah (and strengtheneth
it) and assists him; this is 'Umar who assisted the Prophet
(pbuh) with his sword against the enemies of Allah (and riseth
firm) He became strong with the wealth of 'Uthman which he
used in Jihad in the way of Allah (upon its stalk) and spread
his message among Quraysh through 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib,
(delighting the sowers) the Prophet (pbuh) was pleased with
Talhah and al-Zubayr (that He may enrage the disbelievers with
(the sight of) them) by means of Talhah and al-Zubayr. It is
also said that from Allah's saying (Muhammad is the messenger
of Allah…) up to here was revealed in praise of those who took
part in the swearing of allegiance at Ridwan and the sincere,
obedient prophetic Companions in general. (Allah hath
promised, unto such of them as believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and
the Qur'an (and do good works) and do acts of obedience in
private between themselves and their Lord, (forgiveness) of
their sins in this world and in the Hereafter (and immense
reward) and abundant reward in the Garden'.
If not taking the Tafseer into comsideration then, the
verse means that the believers who are pious and religious,
theri faith grows first as a seed and then a stem and then
grows stronger to straightup and the disbelievers envy them.
But actually this verse is about The three Sahaba's Hazrat
Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Uthman may Allah be pleased
with em all ... aameen
Well My brother that is all for now. this is my
humble feedback, Hope it helps.
do take care
JAzak
Allah khair
and please pray for me ..
was salam
Your
sister in Islam
On 7/21/07, UMAR AZAM
<[email protected]m>
wrote:
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT, SR AMEENAH
BUT YOU DON'T SAY WHICH PART NEEDS RESEARCH SO HOW
CAN I TAKE THIS CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM SERIOUSLY?
PERHAPS YOU COULD ENLIGHTEN ME?
Dr. Umar Azam B.A.
Ph.D F.R.S.A. F.R.S.S.A., Author
From:
"Ameenah Sarwat Qureshi" <
To: "UMAR AZAM" <
[email protected]m>
Subject: Re: Thank you
for volunteering to read PARABLES IN THEHOLY QURAN.
Date:
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 10:27:00 -0700
Walaikum Salam Brother
I have read your paper several
times The work you have done is brilliant and i should say i
am sorry not to have responded earlier i was a little hesitant
as part of it needs research.
Brother get an Islamic
scholar and just cross check and yes i think a little more of
explanation would be much better
Jazak Allah khair
was
salam
Comment No. 6 From Ayesha Ameer on 26 June
2007
Dear Dr. Umar,
May Allah (SWT) in His Infinite Mercies
crown your efforts for Islam, ameen. Below is my input on some
of the meanings of the parables of the Qur’an. It is just an
addition and not a substitution to the meanings you’ve already
given because all the meanings are good and sound correct to
me EXCEPT PARABLE 33 WHICH I THINK YOU GAVE THE WRONG MEANING
TO, PLS RECHECK.
Parable 1
FIRE can also mean GUIDANCE
here, while the unbelievers think that they are on the right
guidance, Allah puts it out, because His is the only
Guidance. Their fire cannot kindle the way for them and those
they wish to equally show the way to (misguide) because Allah
will not allow it to burn because it is a false guidance, and
to Him belongs the only fire (true guidance). Thus, they are
left to blunder in the dark without any guidance, as deaf,
dumb and blind, and they will not return to the path (of true
guidance). He who Allah guides, none can lead astray, and he
who Allah leaves to stray, none can guide aright because to
Him belongs the true guidance (fire). He guides whom He will
(whoever wants to be guided) to the straight path.
Another possible meaning of FIRE here is the FALSEHOOD
that the disbelievers formulate and propagate, “WHEN IT
LIGHTED ALL AROUND HIM”, (i.e when it blossoms and seem fair
to them) “ALLAH TOOK AWAY THEIR LIGHT” (vanished their
falsehood with the introduction of the truth – ISLAM. The
Qur’anic verse: “…truth has come and falsehood vanished,
surely falsehood is ever bound to perish” “AND LEFT THEM
IN UTTER DARKNESS”- in disbelief. “SO THEY COULD NOT
SEE. DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND, THEY WILL NOT RETURN [TO THE
PATH].” - i.e. they will not accept Islam and will not
hearken to its teachings because of their disbelief.
They hearts have been hardened towards doing that.
Parable 4
Another meaning could be Allah is ever able
to recreate all things, even the ones that are deemed
“impossible” by men; and Such Ability/Signs of Allah
increase/straighten the Iman (faith) of believers.
Parable 5
Some of these rewards may be given here on
earth while some or all will be in the hereafter
Parable 6
Charity that is purely given for the sake of
Allah is the one that is rewarded and increased manifold;
charity given for show off, or for expectation of something in
return from a person, accompanied by hurting either the
feelings or persona of the person that was given the charity
has no reward nor increase with Allah. “…THEY ARE IN
PARABLE LIKE A HARD, BARREN ROCK, ON WHICH IS A LITTLE SOIL;
ON IT FALLS HEAVY RAIN, WHICH LEAVES IT [JUST] A BARE
STONE. THEY WILL BE ABLE TO DO NOTHING WITH AUGHT THEY
HAVE EARNED” – all their efforts and earnings will bear no
yield neither will it be rewarded nor have an increase with
Allah; and thus Allah leaves them without guidance because of
their disbelief.
Parable 7
It is still a call to the present day Muslims
to hold unto the rope of Allah (the Islamic guidance) so that
they can be saved from falling into Hell; and by holding unto
the rope altogether (i.e. by uniting in Islam), they become
united and become brethren in faith thereby removing all forms
of enmity and hatred amongst them, which can also lead them to
falling into hell. – The saying of the Holy Prophet (SAW) that
if two Muslims die fighting each other, they will both go to
hell; and even if one dies both the killed and the killer will
go to hell because had he had an upper hand, the killed would
have equally killed the killer.
Parable 9
Whether the unbelievers receive
guidance/admonition or not, it is alike for them, they will
not believe.
Parable 11
By the saying “…THE PEOPLE TO
WHOM IT BELONGS THINK THEY HAVE ALL POWERS OF DISPOSAL OVER
IT…”, the parable could also mean that the unbelievers
actually think that they have control of their sustenance,
which was given to them by Allah in the first place, and that
they can actually control their life and livelihood and that
this life is the be-all and means-all for them (i.e. they
don’t believe in the hereafter), but Allah will cause its end
by the day of resurrection, and because it is temporary but
they know not. The unbelievers may also be the ones that are
referred to as “…THE PEOPLE TO WHOM IT BELONGS THINK THEY HAVE
ALL POWERS OF DISPOSAL OVER IT…” because of the Prophet
(SAW)’s saying that “this world is the Jannat of the Kafir and
the prison of the mumin.”
Parable12
Truth may also include Allah’s numerous signs
which he sends down to mankind. While the unbelievers remain
blind to them, the believers actually see and believe that it
is the truth from their Lord.
Parable 13
The Paradise
of the righteous is beyond our imagination, it is a perpetual
enjoyment that we cannot in this present world imagine and
have never seen its like, just as no one has seen or ever
imagined seeing gardens beneath which rivers flow (some in
this world can actually think its an impossible
enjoyment/achievement).
Parable 15
Good words have no end in rewards, both in
this world and in the next; and its goodly impact is felt at
all times.
Parable 16
Evil words can never yield any good; it is
abhorred from this very world.
Parable 18
An unbeliever is to his society a worrisome
burden who brings no good, because he is also not guided;
whereas a believer is to his society a great respect and
bringer of Justice and stability because he is also guided.
Parable23
Polytheists are taken off the right path, to
an uncertain, strayed path, far away from the
truth.
Parable 24
Those whom they invoke
besides Allah have not the littlest power to create or cause a
thing to happen even if they were to gather collectively,
aiding one another. They don’t even have the power to protect
themselves. Both they and their worshipers are very weak,
without even the tiniest strength/power, whereas all power
belongs to Allah alone.
Parable 27
The unbelievers are enveloped in total
darkness because of their disbelief and they cannot receive
any light so long as they remain in disbelief. And there is no
light of guidance to the right path except with Allah (SWT)
Parable 30
The rightly guided servants of Allah always
care about the guidance of their fellow humans, without
thinking of any rewards or favors from them, while the
admonished always threaten the lives of the admonisher and
shuns away guidance and warnings of Allah as
false.
Parable 31
If there were more than one god, there will
be different conflicting/contradicting destinies for mankind
by the gods and even his fate on the day of judgement will be
full of conflicts/contradictions. But because there is only
one God, there are no such things, Praise be to Allah.
Parable 33
True believers and sincere worshippers both of former and
later times are distinguished from the disbelievers by their
marks as a result of their sincere belief and worship of the
one true God and their worship and good deeds shall keep
growing with Allah and they shall have unending rewards; and
as a result, this makes the unbelievers filled with rage at
them.
Parable 37
It is only Allah (SWT) that provides us with
sustenance, and He alone maintains that sustenance.
Parable 38
One should always remember Allah and be
thankful to Him for his sustenance and provisions and one
should not transgress the limits set by Allah at all times,
particularly if he has abundant provisions. Allah is the Sole
Giver, Denier and Destroyer, we should always worship and fear
Him at all times.
Comment No. 7 From Ayesha Ahmed on 18 June
2007
wasalam brother,
firstly i would like to say i am
extremely sorry for not getting this to you for the right
date, i have been busy revising for exams,
secondly i would
like to congratulate you for all this knowledge you have
passed onto so many people, may Allah reward you, it has
been a real eye opener for me into what Allah tells
us in the Qur'an and has been useful as i am
currently taking islamic studies as a GCSE and could use some
of the quotes for my work. I especially like the use of
colour as it was easy to make out different sections and made
a long piece interesting to read. Thankyou for helping me to
understand what parables are in the Qur'an, i never really
heard of parables before other than in the Bible.
I just
wanted to say sorry again for getting this into you so late
and sorry if what i wrote wasn't of any use, anyway
thankyou for broadining my knowledge and good luck for
the future, may Allah alwayz guide you inshallah
Allah
Hafiz
Comment No. 8 From Sobia Iqbal Waqar on 22 July
2007
Assalamu Alaikum
The paper you have written is
excellent. But as everything has many meanings
and
interpretations, I also have some additions or subtractions.
Please omit
what you thing not relevant or not
correct.
Rope mentioned, which Allah has stretched, is
QURAN.
Frosty wind: I thing the good deeds of
non-believers are not considered
because, they are not
meant for Allah but they are a source of show-off,
meaning
cover (frost).
Comment No. 9 From Amy Azmin on
15 June 2007
Assalamualaikum,
Do you know of an Egyptian religious program hosted by Moez
Masoud, 'Parables in the Quran'? I had anticipated your work
to be similar to that program. Moez discusses the topic with
comparison to real life experiences. Anyway, here I've
included my comments on some of the parables:
(15) GOODLY TREES WITH ROOTS, BRANCHES AND FRUIT
[14:24 -25]
SEE YOU NOT HOW ALLAH SETS FORTH A PARABLE? –
A GOODLY WORD LIKE A GOODLY TREE, WHOSE ROOT IS FIRMLY FIXED,
AND ITS BRANCHES [REACH] TO THE HEAVENS, - IT BRINGS FORTH ITS
FRUIT AT ALL TIMES, BY THE LEAVE OF ITS LORD. SO ALLAH
SETS FORTH PARABLES FOR MEN, IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE
ADMONITION.
Meaning
Belief and righteousness combined
have strong ‘roots’ [roots which yield the produce of good
deeds] which will lead the believer to permanent celestial
reward.
Comment: Allah specifically mentioned “a goodly word”. I
think that is quite significant. I have 3 children who are
constantly bickering (the fourth is only 2 months old). I keep
telling them that if their sisters are unkind to them, just
say, in a nice way, that it’s not right to do that. (instead
of responding in the same manner or worse) Masya Allah, it
produces results! J
(17) SLAVE VERSUS FREE MAN [16:75]
ALLAH SETS
FORTH THE PARABLE [OF TWO MEN: ONE] A SLAVE UNDER THE DOMINION
OF ANOTHER; HE HAS NO POWER OF ANY SORT; AND [THE OTHER] A MAN
ON WHOM WE HAVE BESTOWED GOODLY FAVOURS FROM OURSELVES, AND HE
SPENDS THEREOF [FREELY], PRIVATELY AND PUBLICLY: ARE THE TWO
EQUAL? [BY NO MEANS;] PRAISE IS TO ALLAH. BUT MOST OF THEM
UNDERSTAND NOT.
Meaning
A slave has no free will
and, therefore, freedom. A free man is the master of his
will and action. Just as these two men are not the same, so
disbelief is not the same as belief.
Comment: The people in my region ( South east Asia) are
quite dogmatic with regards to what their ancestors have been
practicing. It is as if they believe that those practices are
correct or almost the law. This, (the believe) I see as
shackles binding them, like the shackles on a slave.
(21) TWO MEN, ONE PROUD OF HIS POSSESSSIONS AND THE
OTHER ABSORBED IN ALLAH [18:32-44]
SET FORTH TO THEM THE
PARABLE OF TWO MEN: FOR ONE OF THEM WE PROVIDED TWO GARDENS
OF GRAPE-VINES AND SURROUNDED THEM WITH DATE PALMS; IN
BETWEEN THE TWO WE PLACED CORN FIELDS. EACH OF THOSE
GARDENS BROUGHT FORTH ITS PRODUCE, AND FAILED NOT IN THE LEAST
THEREIN: IN THE MIDST OF THEM WE CAUSED A RIVER TO FLOW.
[ABUNDANT] WAS THE PRODUCE THIS MAN HAD: HE SAID TO HIS
COMPANION, IN THE COURSE OF A MUTUAL ARGUMENT: "MORE WEALTH
HAVE I THAN YOU, AND MORE HONOUR AND POWER IN [MY FOLLOWING
OF] MEN!" HE WENT INTO HIS GARDEN IN A STATE [OF MIND]
UNJUST TO HIS SOUL: HE SAID, "I DEEM NOT THAT THIS WILL EVER
PERISH. NOR DO I DEEM THAT THE HOUR [OF JUDGEMENT] WILL
[EVER] COME: EVEN IF I AM BROUGHT BACK TO MY LORD, I SHALL
SURELY FIND [THERE] SOMETHING BETTER IN EXCHANGE." HIS
COMPANION SAID TO HIM, IN THE COURSE OF THE ARGUMENT WITH HIM:
"DO YOU DENY HIM WHO CREATED YOU OUTT OF DUST, THEN OUT OF A
SPERM-DROP, THEN FASHIONED YOU INTO A MAN? BUT [I
THINK] FOR MY PART THAT HE IS ALLAH, MY LORD, AND NONE SHALL I
ASSOCIATE WITH MY LORD. WHY DID YOU NOT, AS YOU WENT
INTO YOUR GARDEN, SAY: 'ALLAH'S WILL [BE DONE]! THERE
IS NO POWER BUT WITH ALLAH!' IF YOU DO SEE ME LESS THAN
YOU IN WEALTH AND SONS, IT MAY BE THAT MY LORD WILL GIVE ME
SOMETHING BETTER THAN YOUR GARDEN, AND THAT HE WILL SET ON
YOUR GARDEN THUNDERBOLTS [BY WAY OF RECKONING] FROM HEAVEN,
MAKING IT [BUT] SLIPPERYSAND! – OR THE WATER OF THE GARDEN
WILL RUN OFF UNDERGROUND SO THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO
FIND IT." SO HIS FRUITS [AND ENJOYMENT] WERE
ENCOMPASSED [WITH RUIN], AND HE REMAINED TWISTING AND TURNING
HIS HANDS OVER WHAT HE HAD SPENT ON HIS PROPERTY, WHICH HAD
[NOW] TUMBLED TO PIECES TO ITS VERY FOUNDATIONS, AND HE COULD
ONLY SAY, "WOE IS ME! WOULD THAT I HAD NEVER ASCRIBED
PARTNERS TO MY LORD AND CHERISHER!" NOR HAD HE NUMBERS
TO HELP HIM AGAINST ALLAH, NOR WAS HE ABLE TO DELIVER HIMSELF.
THERE, THE [ONLY] PROTECTION COMES FROM ALLAH, THE TRUE
ONE. HE IS THE BEST TO REWARD, AND THE BEST TO GIVE
SUCCESS.
Meaning: It is often said that’ money is
the root of all evil’. In this parable, the land-owning
man thinks that his worldly possessions are perpetual and he
is not sure of the Day of Judgement, thinking that even if a
Day such as this would come, his reward is assured. The
poor man acknowledges that Allah is the creator of man and is
patient in the hope that he, too, will benefit from Allah’s
Mercy. He tries to tell the proud man that the gardens
can be destroyed at any time: they are only ephemeral.
When his possessions were taken from him, the proud man began
to lament, but the moral of the story is that none can help
one whom Allah decides to punish and none can stop the reward
of one to whom Allah gives.
Comment: Correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve met people who think
that because thay have the luxuries in life, their attitude
seem to be that they ‘deserve’ those things that Allah has
given them all those things as a favour. I however, believe
that life is a test. Whatever we have or don’t have are all
tests from Allah. Like the exams we sat for, this life will be
‘evaluated’ only by Allah (not us) and He will assign ‘marks’
accordingly.
(22) THIS LIFE LIKE RAIN, PLEASANT BUT TRANSITORY
[18:45 -46]
SET FORTH TO THEM THE SIMULTUDE OF THE LIFE OF
THIS WORLD: IT IS LIKE THE RAIN WHICH WE SEND DOWN FROM THE
SKIES: THE EARTH'S VEGETATION ABSORBS IT, BUT SOON IT BECOMES
DRY STUBBLE, WHICH THE WINDS DO SCATTER: IT IS [ONLY] ALLAH
WHO PREVAILS OVER ALL THINGS. WEALTH AND SONS ARE
ALLUREMENTS OF THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD: BUT THE THINGS THAT
ENDURE, GOOD DEEDS, ARE THE BEST IN THE SIGHT OF YOUR LORD, AS
REWARDS, AND BEST AS [THE FOUNDATION FOR] HOPES.
Meaning: When the world ends, all the money in all
the world’s banks is going to be rendered useless. What
will count then are one’s deeds -whether good or bad-
and these will have the effect of leading one to
Paradise or to Hell.
Comment: The way most parents here bring up their children,
you get the feeling that the ultimate goal is to achieve more
wealth, period. Not much is being done to strengthen aqeedah.
Had the parents instilled the importance of aqeedah
(everything else will follow) in their children, then, that
would count as good deeds. Otherwise, bringing up kids
are for worldly gains only.
(24) A FLY [22:73]
O MEN! HERE IS A PARABLE
SET FORTH! LISTEN TO IT! THOSE ON WHOM, BESIDES
ALLAH, YOU CALL, CANNOT CREATE [EVEN] A FLY, IF THEY ALL MET
TOGETHER FOR THE PURPOSE! AND IF THE FLY SHOULD SNATCH
AWAY ANTHING FROM THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO POWER TO RELEASE IT
FROM THE FLY. FEEBLE ARE THOSE WHO PETITION AND THOSE
WHOM THEY PETITION!
Meaning: Idols that polytheists
worship have no power or authority. Those idols, in
their totality, could not even create a fly. If a fly
took off part of the stone of an idol, then the idols could
not retrieve the material. Similarly, the faith of
‘idolatry’ is weak, whereas belief in the One God is a great
strength.
Comment: I’ve been told that if you see a fly sitting on
your food, then, that tiny bit the fly sat on is lost to you
even if you swat the fly away.
36] DONKEY [62:5]
THE SIMULTUDE OF THOSE WHO WERE
CHARGED WITH THE [OBLIGATIONS OF THE] MOSAIC LAW, BUT WHO
SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED IN THOSE [OBLIGATIONS], IS THAT OF A
DONKEY WHICH CARRIES HUGE TOMES [BUT UNDERSTANDS THEM NOT].
EVIL IS THE SIMULTUDE OF PEOPLE WHO FALSIFY THE SIGNS
OF ALLAH: AND ALLAH GUIDES NOT PEOPLE WHO DO WRONG.
Meaning: Those given the responsibility of
implementing the law of Moses [A.S.]. But their failing
to implement it is likened to a donkey which carries thick,
complicated books, but who does not understand what is in
them. They made innovations to the laws due to their
wicked character and, therefore, became misguided.
Comment: I don’t know about other parts of the world, but
here, people are more concerned about beautifying their Quran
reading rather than trying to understand and practicing the
Quran. And most Muslim (so they claim) homes must have at
least a Quran. But that Quran is put away in storage with the
believe that because they have a Quran (the Mushaf), they will
be safe.
CONCLUSION
Anyone who takes to heart the Guidance
provided in the Holy Quran can become a believer if he or she
is not already a believer. Those sinners who end up in
Hell cannot blame God for their demise. They were warned
to follow the Truth and believe and then work righteousness,
but they did not believe or do good deeds. They followed
the desires of their own ‘self’ [‘nafs’]. They failed to
follow Allah’s Guidance. The parables in the Holy Quran
are a part of Allah’s Guidance! So follow the message
contained in the Parables before it is too late.
Comment:
I think besides the message, the parables themselves contain
some truths about Allah’s creations, for example the fly and
the spider.
Comment No. 10 From Seyed Pasha on 9 June 2007
Dear brother, Assk. Kindly give me time til the end of this
month to send my comments. Regards & Fi man Allah
S.M.PASHA
Comment No. 11 From Amyna Helou on 6 June 2007
Assalam alaikum
Mashallah, a sound and clear piece of work. My only comment
is to perhaps group the parables in topics only so that the
topic of the parables can flow when the reader is reading
thourhg them.
Comment No. 12 From Deen Mohamed on 27 May 2007
Assalamu alaikum DR. UMAR AZAM,
I read through the
preparation and I am happy to get an opportunity to read this.
I also read the section of verses from where the parable was
taken. I have included in parenthesis (blue) some points
that I thought were relevant with reference to the context. I
hope to read the final paper and I pray to Allah to help you
publish a bright light from Allah.
With good
regards
Deen Mohamed
PARABLES IN
THE HOLY QURAN
Presented and Summarised by: DR.
UMAR AZAM BA PHD FRSA FRSSA
Manchester, UK
May
2007
METHOD
This paper came about after I was
looking through the index of Yusuf Ali's translation of the
Holy Quran. I was looking for ideas for a new piece of
work and was struck by the entry 'parables' (I had been
helping pupils with assignments in English language and
literature, entailing the study of metaphors, onamatapaiea,
alliteration, similes and so forth). I have also used
the concept of 'imagery in my poetry (see the 'poetry' link on
my Site www.dr-umar-azam.com
). I therefore decided to read one or two Quranic
parables and found them enjoyable. Since the bulk of the
preliminary work had already been done, that is to say since
they had already been arranged in the order in which they
appear in the Holy Quran, I had the idea of presenting the in
a paper and briefly summarising the idea inherent in each
parable.
INTRODUCTION
What is 'a
parable'? "'A 'parable' is a brief allegory that is used
to teach a lesson." [1] So what is 'an allegory'? "'An
'allegory' is an extended metaphor, especially a story in
which fictional characters and actions are used to understand
and express aspects of concepts relating to human existence."
[2] And what is an 'extended metaphor'? "'A new
metaphor' is a metaphor that is not already part of the
conceptual system of a culture as reflected in its language."
[3] Allah tells Man and Jinn in the Holy Quran why parables
have been used in the Holy Quran: SO ALLAH SETS FORTH
PARABLES FOR MEN, IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE ADMONITION!
[4] ALLAH DOES GUIDE WHOM HE WILL TO HIS LIGHT:
ALLAH DOES SET FORTH PARABLES FOR MEN: AND ALLAH DOES KNOW ALL
THINGS. [5] WE HAVE PUT FORTH FOR MEN, IN THIS QURAN, EVERY
KIND OF PARABLE, IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE
ADMONITION. [IT IS] A QURAN IN ARABIC, WITHOUT ANY
CROOKEDNESS [THEREIN]: IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY GUARD AGAINST
EVIL. [6] The Holy Quran is clear in its message: parables are
used by Allah Most High to guide mankind and jinn to
righteousness by way of encouragement and warning.
[1]
http://www.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryofLinguisticTerms/WhatIsAParable.htm
[2]http://www.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryofLinguisticTerms/WhatIsAnAllegory.htm
[3]http://www.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryofLinguisticTerms/WhatIsAMetaphor.htm
[4] THE HOLY QURAN 14: 25 [5] THE HOLY QURAN 24: 35 [6[6] THE
HOLY QURAN [39: 27-28]
*********T H
E P A R
A B L E S*********
(1)
MAN WHO KINDLED A FIRE [ 2:17-18]
THEIR SIMULTUDE IS
THAT OF A MAN WHO KINDLED A FIRE; WHEN IT LIGHTED ALL AROUND
HIM, ALLAH TOOK AWAY THEIR LIGHT AND LEFT THEM IN UTTER
DARKNESS. SO THEY COULD NOT SEE. DEAF, DUMB,
AND BLIND, THEY WILL NOT RETURN [TO THE PATH].
Meaning
This parable means that unbelievers
think that they are doing the right thing [represented by the
fire giving them light] but, in fact, they have lost their
senses because they have been diverted away from the worship
of the One True God – Allah.
(Instead of implementing
Allah's laws in the world they desire laws that suit their own
whims.)
(2) RAIN-LADEN CLOUD [2:19 -20]
OR
[ANOTHER SIMULTUDE] IS THAT OF A RAIN-LADEN CLOUD FROM THE
SKY: IN IT ARE ZONES OF DARKNESS, AND THUNDER AND LIGHTNING:
THEY PRESS THEIR FINGERS IN THEIR EARS TO KEEP OUT THE
STUNNING THUNDERCLAP, THE WHILE THEY ARE IN TERROR OF
DEATH. BUT ALLAH IS EVER ROUND THE REJECTORS OF
FAITH! THE LIGHTNING ALL BUT SNATCHES AWAY THEIR SIGHT;
EVERY TIME THE LIGHT [HELPS] THEM, THEY WALK THEREIN, AND WHEN
THE DARKNESS GROWS ON THEM, THEY STAND STILL. AND IF
ALLAH WILLED, ALLAH COULD TAKE AWAY THEIR FACULTY OF HEARING
AND SEEING; FOR ALLAH HAS POWER OVER ALL THINGS.
Meaning
This parable means that Allah has
complete power [represented by the rain-laden cloud] and the
unbelievers are afraid to die [and therefore fearful of the
meeting with Allah on the Last Day]. The unbelievers try
to shut out reality but Allah's doom is always around
them. Although Allah gave them the gift of the five
senses that they were born with, they are still in the dark,
unable to see [the Truth].
(They try to establish their
way using physical light which is not permanent. The unfailing
light is from an understanding of the way shown by the Quran
and the example of the prophet.)
(3)
GOAT-HERD [2:171]
THE PARABLE OF THOSE WHO REJECT FAITH
IS AS IF ONE WERE TO SHOUT LIKE A GOAT-HERD, TO THINGS THAT
LISTEN TO NOTHING BUT CALLS AND CRIES: DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND,
THEY ARE VOID OF WISDOM.
Meaning
The
unbelievers will not see sense and believe, no matter how much
one tries, as their ability to reason has been rendered
useless by the fact that they do not use their senses to
believe.
(when it is explained to them that the scriptures
from the Creator shows the roght way they blindly prefer the
path treaded by their ancestors and leaders)
(4)
HAMLET IN RUINS [2:259]
OR [TAKE] THE SIMULTUDE OF ONE
WHO PASSES BY A HAMLET, ALL IN RUINS TO ITS ROOFS. HE
SAID: "OH! HOW SHALL ALLAH BRING IT [EVER]TO LIFE, AFTER
[THIS] ITS DEATH?" BUT ALLAH CAUSED HIM TO DIE FOR A
HUNDRED YEARS, THEN RAISED HIM UP [AGAIN]. HE SAID: "HOW
LONG DID YOU TARRY [THUS]?" HE SAID: ["PERHAPS] A DAY OR
PART OF A DAY." HE SAID: "NAY, YOU HAVE TARRIED THUS A
HUNDRED YEARS; BUT LOOK AT YOUR FOOD AND YOUR DRINK; THEY SHOW
NO SIGNS OF AGE; AND LOOK AT YOUR DONKEY: AND THAT WE MAY MAKE
OF YOU A SIGN UNTO THE PEOPLE, LOOK FURTHER AT THE BONES, HOW
WE BRING THEM TO GETHER AND CLOTHE THEM WITH FLESH."
WHEN THIS WAS SHOWN CLEARLY TO HIM, HE SAID: "I KNOW THAT
ALLAH HAS POWER OVER ALL THINGS."
Meaning
Allah has the power to recreate
man, since Allah made man the first time. Those who are
raised up from their graves on the Day of Judgement will have
no recollection of time or space [which are features exclusive
to this ephemeral world] i.e. they won't be able to say
precisely how long they have lain dead, nor will they be able
to judge distance.
(The laws of the universe which we
call as scientific are laws which Allah has framed for the
temporary life of mankind will be changed into a different set
of laws in the permanent world of the hereafter. And that is
easy for Allah)
(5) GRAIN OF CORN
[2:261]
THE PARABLE OF THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR SUBSTANCE
IN THE WAY OF ALLAH IS THAT OF A GRAIN OF CORN: IT GROWS SEVEN
EARS, AND EACH EAR HAS A HUNDRED GRAINS. ALLAH
GIVES MANIFOLD INCREASE TO WHOM HE PLEASES: AND ALLAH CARES
FOR ALL AND HE KNOWS ALL THINGS.
Meaning
The
reward of charity is 700-fold!
(What is spent in the
way of Allah is most aptly meant as that which is used for
propagating the way shown by Allah's prophet. Islam spreading
in numbers and generations account for the great increase in
rewards )
(6) HARD, BARREN ROCK [2:264]
O
YOU WHO BELIEVE! CANCEL NOT YOUR CHARITY BY REMINDERS OF
YOUR GENEROSITY OR BY INJURY, - LIKE THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR
SUBSTANCE TO BE SEEN OF MEN, BUT BELIEVE NEITHER IN ALLAH NOR
IN THE LAST DAY. THEY ARE IN PARABLE LIKE A HARD, BARREN
ROCK, ON WHICH IS A LITTLE SOIL; ON IT FALLS HEAVY RAIN, WHICH
LEAVES IT [JUST] A BARE STONE. THEY WILL BE ABLE TO DO
NOTHING WITH AUGHT THEY HAVE EARNED. AND ALLAH GUIDES
NOT THOSE WHO REJECT FAITH.
Meaning
Rain falls
on a garden and the plants of the garden grow bigger.
But rain has no positive effect on the little soil which
clings to a hard barren rock: nothing is going to grow on
it.
(The belief that mere rituals and accounts of
charity will be treated as goodness is wrong. The actions that
cause purification of the soul and improvement in their way of
life towards that shown by Allah is a measure of fertility.)
(7) ROPE [3:103]
AND HOLD FAST, ALL
TOGETHER, BY THE ROPE WHICH ALLAH [STRETCHES OUT FOR YOU], AND
BE NOT DIVIDED AMONGST YOURSELVES; AND REMEMBER WITH GRATITUDE
ALLAH'S FAVOUR ON YOU; FOR YOU WERE ENEMIES AND HE JOINED YOUR
HEARTS IN LOVE, SO THAT BY HIS GRACE, YOU BECAME BRETHREN; AND
YOU WERE ON THE BRINK OF THE PIT OF THE FIRE, AND HE SAVED YOU
FROM IT. THUS DOES ALLAH MAKE HIS SIGNS CLEAR TO YOU:
THAT YOU MAY BE GUIDED.
Meaning
When the Holy
Prophet [Pbuh] came as a Messenger in Arabia, the various
polytheist tribes were war-like and on [continually] hostile
terms with one another. The religion of Islam unified
all these tribes. The religion of Islam is given the
metaphor of 'a rope', without the help of which these
disbelieving tribes would have been condemned to the Fire of
Hell.
(Allah explains the state in which He wants His
servants in the Hereafter. Leave this world only as
Muslims...and enter Heaven only as muslims meaning that you
have submitted yourselves totally before Allah. This will
ensure that you will be united into one ummah. No more
division. This is how Allah wants mankind to be in heaven)
(8) FROSTY WIND [3:117]
WHAT THEY SPEND
IN THE [MATERIAL] WORLD MAY BE LIKENED TO A WIND WHICH BRINGS
A NIPPING FROST: IT STRIKES AND DESTROYS THE HARVEST OF MEN
WHO HAVE WRONGED THEIR OWN SOULS; IT IS NOT ALLAH THAT HAS
WRONGED THEM, BUT THEY WRONG THEMSELVES.
Meaning
The deeds of unbelievers are of no use to their
salvation; their worldly life resembles a bare field, bereft
of produce, its crops destroyed by a sharp frost.
(The
prayers of the believers including those performed in the
middle of the night must make them wipe out evils from around
them and establish goodness which is the way of life shown by
Allah and His prophet. The believers will not take the
rejecters of truth to be their advisors, protectors, friends,
judges, law makers or leaders.)
(9) DOG WHO
LOLLS OUT HIS TONGUE [7:176]
RELATE TO THEM THE STORY +
OF THE MAN TO WHOM WE SENT OUR SIGMS, BUT HE PASSED THEN BY:
SO SATAN FOLLOWED HIM UP, AND HE WENT ASTRAY. [7, 175]
>> IF IT HAD BEEN OUR WILL, WE SHOULD HAVE
ELEVATED HIM WITH OUR SIGNS; BUT HE INCLINED TO THE EARTH, AND
FOLLOWED HIS OWN VAIN DESIRES. HIS SIMULTUDE IS THAT OF
A DOG: IF YOU ATTACK HIM, HE LOLLS OUT HIS TONGUE, OR IF YOU
LEAVE HIM ALONE, HE [STILL] LOLLS OUT HIS TONGUE. THAT
IS THE SIMULTUDE OF THOSE WHO REJECT OUR SIGNS; SO RELATE THE
STORY; PERCHANCE THEY MAY REFLECT.
>> This prior
verse has been included to give the full context of
[7:176]
+ The following is Yusuf Ali's note:
Commentators differ as to whether this story or parable refers
to a particular individual and, if so, to whom. The
story of Balaam, the seer, who was called out by Israel's
enemies to curse Israel, but who blessed Israel instead [Num.
XXII, XXIII, XX1V] is quite different. It is better to
take the parable in a general sense. These are men, of
talent and position, to whom great opportunities of spiritual
insight come, but they perversely pass them by. Satan
sees his opportunity and catches then up. Instead of
rising higher in the spiritual world, their selfish and
worldly desires pull them down, and they are lost. [Note
1149, pp. 170-171]
Meaning: Those to whom guidance is
sent, but they reject it by ignoring it, have only themselves
to blame.
(They wrongly interpret Allah's guidance to
suit their lusts and tells others that it is the right way.
Can we expect them to purify their souls to pass the test for
entry into heaven?)
(10) UNDERMINED SAND
CLIFF [9:109-110]
WHICH THEN IS BEST – HE THAT LAYS HIS
FOUNDATION ON PIETY TO ALLAH AND HIS GOOD PLEASURE – OR HE
THAT LAYS HIS FOUNDATION ON AN UNDERMINED SAND-CLIFF READY TO
CRUMBLE TO PIECES? AND IT DOES CRUMBLE TO PIECES
WITH HIM, INTO THE FIRE OF HELL. AND ALLAH GUIDES NOT
PEOPLE WHO DO WRONG. THE FOUNDATION OF THOSE WHO SO
BUILD IS NEVER FREE FROM SUSPICION AND SHAKINESS IN THEIR
HEARTS, UNTIL THEIR HEARTS ARE CUT TO PIECES. AND ALLAH
IS ALL-KNOWING, WISE.
Meaning
Disbelief has a
very tenuous foundation: the unbeliever is never sure of his
deeds or what will happen to him in the future, living in
constant fear of death. In contrast, those who believe
are resolute, putting their faith in being rewarded by God for
their good deeds and the situation of God being pleased with
them.
(Belief built upon deep knowledge and cemented
firmly seeking the pleasure of Allah will be strong but any
system built unsure facts will crumble before it is
built)
(11) RAIN AND STORM [10:24 ]
THE
LIKENESS OF THE LIFE OF THE PRESENT IS AS THE RAIN WHICH WE
SEND DOWN FROM THE SKIES: BY ITS MINGLING ARISES THE PRODUCE
OF THE EARTH – WHICH PROVIDES FOOD FOR MEN AND ANIMALS: [IT
GROWS] TILL THE EARTH IS CLAD WITH ITS GOLDEN ORNAMENTS AND IS
DECKED OUT [IN BEAUTY]: THE PEOPLE TO WHOM IT BELONGS THINK
THEY HAVE ALL POWERS OF DISPOSAL OVER IT: THERE REACHES IT OUR
COMMAND BY NIGHT OR BY DAY, AND WE MAKE IT LIKE A HARVEST
CLEAN-MOWN, AS IF IT HAD NOT FLOURISHED ONLY THE DAY
BEFORE! THUS DO WE EXPLAIN THE SIGNS IN DETAIL FOR
THOSE WHO REFLECT.
Meaning
Just like the rain,
the crops are only temporary, yet the farmer believes them to
be permanent. So, too, is the life of this world
temporary, though the unbeliever does not think of its end.
(In the temporary crop there is a wealth which may
help the owner to gain a permanent wealth if Allah wills. The
owner must show gratitude for the returns and must not fail to
pray to Allah with a determination to be thankful to Him by
obeying all His commands.)
(12) BLIND AND DEAF
[11:24 ]
THESE TWO KINDS [OF MEN] MAY BE COMPARED TO
THE BLIND AND DEAF, AND THOSE WHO CAN SEE AND HEAR
WELL. ARE THEY EQUAL WHEN COMPARED? WILL YOU
NOT THEN TAKE HEED?
Meaning
'Blind' and
'deaf' are metaphors for the unbelievers, who cannot see the
Truth and will not listen to the Truth. 'See' and 'hear
well' are metaphors for the faculties of the believers on whom
the Truth makes a vivid impact. 'Truth' may be defined as,
'Belief in one God, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the
Last Day, the decree of good and evil, and life after death.'
(The people who claim to intelligent set up a cod of
knowledge and call it science. They develop it to suit their
desires. they use all their power to get the world to follow
them. The true believers may doubt for a moment that the
knowledge from Allah is not scientific and based on wisdom.
Some fall prey to the plans of the evil ones. Only the blind
will lose!)
(13) GARDEN OF JOY [13:35
]
THE PARABLE OF THE GARDEN WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS ARE
PROMISED! – BENEATH IT FLOW RIVERS: PERPETUAL IS THE ENJOYMENT
THEREOF AND SHADE THEREIN: SUCH IS THE END OF THE RIGHTEOUS;
AND THE END OF THE UNBELIEVERS IS THE FIRE.
Meaning
Those who believe and do good will enjoy perpetual
reward, but the disbelievers will end up in
Hell.
(Those who realise that Allah is always ready to
purify the souls of those who strive for this purpose. Only
purified souls can enter the Gardens of Heaven. Those who
falsely go behind their own imagination without this aim will
be disposed into the fire.)
(14) ASHES BLOWN
ABOUT BY THE WIND [14:18 ]
THE PARABLE OF THOSE WHO
REJECT THEIR LORD IS THAT THEIR WORKS ARE AS ASHES, ON WHICH
THE WIND BLOWS FURIOUSLY ON A TEMPESTUOUS DAY: NO POWER HAVE
THEY OVER AUGHT THAT THEY HAVE EARNED: THAT IS THE
STRAYING FAR, FAR [FROM THE GOAL].
Meaning
It is impossible to collect the ashes which a furious
gale blows in all directions. Likewise, the kafirs will
not get any reward because their good deeds have dispersed to
such an extent through disbelief that they lose
everything.
(The whole world and its super
powers may join together and call the believers who strive to
establish a world of peace as terrorists and warn them that
they will be sent out of their world but Allah has a world of
perfection kept ready for believers. These super powers will
find that their politics and their capitalistic democracy will
fly like ashes when Allah announces His definition of the
world.)
(15) GOODLY TREES WITH ROOTS, BRANCHES
AND FRUIT [14:24 -25]
SEE YOU NOT HOW ALLAH SETS FORTH
A PARABLE? – A GOODLY WORD LIKE A GOODLY TREE, WHOSE ROOT IS
FIRMLY FIXED, AND ITS BRANCHES [REACH] TO THE HEAVENS, - IT
BRINGS FORTH ITS FRUIT AT ALL TIMES, BY THE LEAVE OF ITS
LORD. SO ALLAH SETS FORTH PARABLES FOR MEN, IN
ORDER THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE ADMONITION.
Meaning
Belief and righteousness combined have strong 'roots'
[roots which yield the produce of good deeds] which will lead
the believer to permanent celestial reward.
(The people
whose hobbies, entertainment and general habits are nothing
but deeds based on true belief which make them to constantly
strive to remove all evils from the world will be useful to
the society like deep rooted trees which bear tasty and
nourishing fruits to the occupants of the world. These people
will ensure that the heaven will be a peaceful place)
(16) EVIL TREE [14:26 ]
AND THE PARABLE
OF AN EVIL WORD IS THAT OF AN EVIL TREE: IT IS TORN UP BY THE
ROOT FROM THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH: IT HAS NO
STABILITY.
Meaning
Conversely, evil deeds
do not have a foundation worthy of the name – such deeds will
result in their perdition.
(Any oath other than the
Shahadhath Kalimath taught by the prophet of Allah will result
in a world where people are not allowed to dream of peace. A
true picture of the opinion of the angels - Mankind will be
the cause of confusion and bloodshed!)
(17)
SLAVE VERSUS FREE MAN [16:75]
ALLAH SETS FORTH THE
PARABLE [OF TWO MEN: ONE] A SLAVE UNDER THE DOMINION OF
ANOTHER; HE HAS NO POWER OF ANY SORT; AND [THE OTHER] A MAN ON
WHOM WE HAVE BESTOWED GOODLY FAVOURS FROM OURSELVES, AND HE
SPENDS THEREOF [FREELY], PRIVATELY AND PUBLICLY: ARE THE TWO
EQUAL? [BY NO MEANS;] PRAISE IS TO ALLAH. BUT MOST OF THEM
UNDERSTAND NOT.
Meaning
A slave has no
free will and, therefore, freedom. A free man is the
master of his will and action. Just as these two men are not
the same, so disbelief is not the same as
belief.
(Allah has made us into families with mates and
children to learn from this kind of relationship. We
understand what is love, mercy, kindness and sacrifice for
others in the family. If we consider Allah as the head of the
family of mankind ( A Saying of the prophet gives this idea.
Allah says that the deed that pleases Him most is the goodness
that is done to his family which is mankind) We can understand
the extent of Allah's plans to execute His Mercy on Mankind!
The family structure when the Quran was revealed had spouses
with children and slaves in the house. The head of the family
will give lots of wealth and provisions for their spouses but
limit their kindness to providing them with only the
essentials. In Allah's family of Mankind Allah will not give
to the others what he gives to His believers. )
(18) DUMB MAN VERSUS ONE WHO COMMANDS JUSTICE
[16:76]
ALLAH SETS FORTH [ANOTHER] PARABLE OF TWO MEN:
ONE OF THEM DUMB, WITH NO POWER OF ANY SORT; A WARISOME BURDEN
IS HE TO HIS MASTER; WHICHEVER WAY HE DIRECTS HIM, HE BRINGS
NO GOOD: IS SUCH A MAN EQUAL WITH ONE WHO COMMANDS JUSTICE,
AND IS ON A STRAIGHT WAY?
Meaning
A dumb
slave had no status in society; but the status of a righteous
believer commanded great respect. So, disbelievers
cannot be the same as believers.
(This parable can help
us understand Allah's justification for allowing those who
strive to establish a secure world to enter into the Gardens
of heaven and retain the ungrateful in hell)
(19)
WOMAN WHO UNTWISTS HER YARN [16:92]
AND BE NOT LIKE A
WOMAN WHO BREAKS INTO UNTWISTED STRANDS THE YARN WHICH SHE HAS
SPUN, AFTER IT HAS BECOME STRONG. NOR TAKE YOUR
OATHS TO PRACTISE DECEPTION BETWEEN YOURSELVES LEST ONE PARTY
SHOULD BE MORE NUMEROUS THAN ANOTHER: FOR ALLAH WILL TEST YOU
BY THIS; AND ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT HE WILL CERTAINLY MAKE
CLEAR TO YOU [THE TRUTH OF] THAT WHEREIN YOU DISAGREE.
Meaning
A woman will undo her good work if she
breaks the yarn which she has spun. Similarly, believers
will be the losers if they lie to, and deceive, one
another. Allah ever watches them and will judge them.
(20) CITY FAVOURED BUT UNGRATEFUL
[16:112-113]
ALLAH SETS FORTH A PARABLE: A CITY
ENJOYING SECURITY AND QUIET, ABUNDANTLY SUPPLIED WITH
SUSTENANCE FROM EVERY PLACE: YET WAS IT UNGRATEFUL FOR THE
FAVOURS OF ALLAH: SO ALLAH MADE IT TASTE OF HUNGER AND TERROR
[IN EXTREMES] [CLOSING IN ON IT] LIKE A GARMENT [FROM EVERY
SIDE], BECAUSE OF THE [EVIL] WHICH [ITS PEOPLE]
WROUGHT. AND THERE CAME TO THEM A MESSENGER FROM
AMONG THEMSELVES, BUT THEY FALSELY REJECTED HIM; SO THE WRATH
SEIZED THEM EVEN IN THE MIDST OF THEIR INIQUITIES.
Meaning
Lessons are to be learned throughout
history of cities which were not grateful for Allah's
Mercy. Also, they rejected Messengers that Allah sent
down to guide them. So Allah punished their inhabitants. An
example is that of Noah [ A.S.] and his people.
(The least that is expected as gratutude is to use the
provisions received as mercy according to the rules given by
the providor. They must be available to all the people of the
city. They must not be hoarded or be subjected to unfair
trading. forbidden things must be shunned. In case of
misconduct disputes must be settled according to the laws from
the Lord. If alternate laws are preferred there will be no
peace or security. And on top of it The Most Merciful will
wipe out the unwise and select another batch for His mercy.)
(21) TWO MEN, ONE PROUD OF HIS POSSESSSIONS AND
THE OTHER ABSORBED IN ALLAH [18:32-44]
SET FORTH TO
THEM THE PARABLE OF TWO MEN: FOR ONE OF THEM WE PROVIDED TWO
GARDENS OF GRAPE-VINES AND SURROUNDED THEM WITH
DATE PALMS; IN BETWEEN THE TWO WE PLACED CORN
FIELDS. EACH OF THOSE GARDENS BROUGHT FORTH ITS
PRODUCE, AND FAILED NOT IN THE LEAST THEREIN: IN THE MIDST OF
THEM WE CAUSED A RIVER TO FLOW. [ABUNDANT] WAS THE PRODUCE
THIS MAN HAD: HE SAID TO HIS COMPANION, IN THE COURSE OF A
MUTUAL ARGUMENT: "MORE WEALTH HAVE I THAN YOU, AND MORE HONOUR
AND POWER IN [MY FOLLOWING OF] MEN!" HE WENT INTO HIS
GARDEN IN A STATE [OF MIND] UNJUST TO HIS SOUL: HE SAID, "I
DEEM NOT THAT THIS WILL EVER PERISH. NOR DO I DEEM THAT
THE HOUR [OF JUDGEMENT] WILL [EVER] COME: EVEN IF I AM BROUGHT
BACK TO MY LORD, I SHALL SURELY FIND [THERE] SOMETHING BETTER
IN EXCHANGE." HIS COMPANION SAID TO HIM, IN THE
COURSE OF THE ARGUMENT WITH HIM: "DO YOU DENY HIM WHO CREATED
YOU OUTT OF DUST, THEN OUT OF A SPERM-DROP, THEN FASHIONED YOU
INTO A MAN? BUT [I THINK] FOR MY PART THAT HE IS
ALLAH, MY LORD, AND NONE SHALL I ASSOCIATE WITH MY LORD.
WHY DID YOU NOT, AS YOU WENT INTO YOUR GARDEN, SAY: 'ALLAH'S
WILL [BE DONE]! THERE IS NO POWER BUT WITH
ALLAH!' IF YOU DO SEE ME LESS THAN YOU IN WEALTH AND
SONS, IT MAY BE THAT MY LORD WILL GIVE ME SOMETHING BETTER
THAN YOUR GARDEN, AND THAT HE WILL SET ON YOUR GARDEN
THUNDERBOLTS [BY WAY OF RECKONING] FROM HEAVEN, MAKING IT
[BUT] SLIPPERY SAND! – OR THE WATER OF THE GARDEN WILL RUN OFF
UNDERGROUND SO THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO FIND
IT." SO HIS FRUITS [AND ENJOYMENT] WERE
ENCOMPASSED [WITH RUIN], AND HE REMAINED TWISTING AND TURNING
HIS HANDS OVER WHAT HE HAD SPENT ON HIS PROPERTY, WHICH HAD
[NOW] TUMBLED TO PIECES TO ITS VERY FOUNDATIONS, AND HE COULD
ONLY SAY, "WOE IS ME! WOULD THAT I HAD NEVER
ASCRIBED PARTNERS TO MY LORD AND CHERISHER!" NOR HAD HE
NUMBERS TO HELP HIM AGAINST ALLAH, NOR WAS HE ABLE TO DELIVER
HIMSELF. THERE, THE [ONLY] PROTECTION COMES FROM
ALLAH, THE TRUE ONE. HE IS THE BEST TO REWARD, AND THE
BEST TO GIVE SUCCESS.
Meaning: It is often said
that' money is the root of all evil'. In this parable,
the land-owning man thinks that his worldly possessions are
perpetual and he is not sure of the Day of Judgement, thinking
that even if a Day such as this would come, his reward is
assured. The poor man acknowledges that Allah is the
creator of man and is patient in the hope that he, too, will
benefit from Allah's Mercy. He tries to tell the proud
man that the gardens can be destroyed at any time: they are
only ephemeral. When his possessions were taken from
him, the proud man began to lament, but the moral of the story
is that none can help one whom Allah decides to punish and
none can stop the reward of one to whom Allah gives.
(Allah clearly spells out the code of methods that He
uses to decide who must be punnished. This world which is only
to tune mankind to be grateful must not be mistaken as a stage
for comparison of greatness. Such evil thoughts will make one
to go to the extent of deciving oneself of having become an
ilah -all powerful god. )
(22) THIS LIFE LIKE
RAIN, PLEASANT BUT TRANSITORY [18:45 -46]
SET FORTH TO
THEM THE SIMULTUDE OF THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD: IT IS LIKE THE
RAIN WHICH WE SEND DOWN FROM THE SKIES: THE EARTH'S VEGETATION
ABSORBS IT, BUT SOON IT BECOMES DRY STUBBLE, WHICH THE WINDS
DO SCATTER: IT IS [ONLY] ALLAH WHO PREVAILS OVER ALL
THINGS. WEALTH AND SONS ARE ALLUREMENTS OF THE
LIFE OF THIS WORLD: BUT THE THINGS THAT ENDURE, GOOD DEEDS,
ARE THE BEST IN THE SIGHT OF YOUR LORD, AS REWARDS, AND BEST
AS [THE FOUNDATION FOR] HOPES.
Meaning: When the
world ends, all the money in all the world's banks is going to
be rendered useless. What will count then are one's
deeds -whether good or bad- and these will have the
effect of leading one to Paradise or to Hell.
(The effects of the improvements that you caused to
the society through your advice and example of actual
performance will be recorded and all else will be wiped out
whether you will be allowed into the final world of heaven
depends upon the recording that remain.)
(23)
FALL FROM UNITY, LIKE BEING SNATCHED UP BY BIRDS, OR CARRIED
OFF BY WINDS [22:31]
BEING TRUE IN FAITH TO ALLAH, AND
NEVER ASSIGNING PARTNERS TO HIM: IF ANYONE ASSIGNS PARTNERS TO
ALLAH, HE IS AS HE HAS FALLEN FROM HEAVEN AND BEEN SNATCHED UP
BY BIRDS, OR THE WIND HAD SWOOPED [LIKE A BIRD ON ITS PREY]
AND THROWN HIM TO A FAR-DISTANT PLACE.
Meaning: The metaphor of idolatry is being
expelled from Heaven and being carried away to a place far off
the right path.
(Performing prescribed rites eating
what is permitted and discarding what is forbidden must be
done with a heart that is aware that Allah is watching whether
we are obeying Him with sincerity. If these are done only as a
formality while determined to continue obeying others in the
place of Allah in all our matters in life, will be the same as
falling from the skies to be snatched by the birds or thrown
by the wind in a distant place totally lost.
(24) A FLY [22:73]
O MEN! HERE IS A
PARABLE SET FORTH! LISTEN TO IT! THOSE ON WHOM,
BESIDES ALLAH, YOU CALL, CANNOT CREATE [EVEN] A FLY, IF THEY
ALL MET TOGETHER FOR THE PURPOSE! AND IF THE FLY
SHOULD SNATCH AWAY ANTHING FROM THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO POWER
TO RELEASE IT FROM THE FLY. FEEBLE ARE THOSE WHO
PETITION AND THOSE WHOM THEY PETITION!
Meaning:
Idols that polytheists worship have no power or
authority. Those idols, in their totality, could not
even create a fly. If a fly took off part of the stone
of an idol, then the idols could not retrieve the
material. Similarly, the faith of 'idolatry' is weak,
whereas belief in the One God is a great strength.
(The chapter ends with the moral that we are chosen
and named as muslims to be witnesses to the population of the
world as prophet Ibraheem's example was followed by prophet
Mohamed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them) and shown
to us. The most prominent of prophet Ibraheem's performance
being his display of obedience to Allah when he was asked to
sacrifice his beloved son to please Allah. A submission which
is less than this may not be qualify us as muslims. Those who
call themselves as muslims and not accepted by Allah as such
are the ones Allah describes as mushrik)
(25)
LIGHT [24:35-36]
ALLAH IS THE LIGHT OF THE HEAVENS AND
THE EARTH. THE PARABLE OF HIS LIGHT IS AS IF THERE
WERE A NICHE AND WITHIN IT A LAMP: THE LAMP ENCLOSED IN GLASS:
THE GLASS AS IT WERE A BRILLIANT STAR: LIT FROM A BLESSED
TREE, AN OLIVE, NEITHER OF THE EAST NOR OF THE WEST, WHOSE OIL
IS WELL-NIGH LUMINOUS, THOUGH FIRE SCARCE TOUCHED IT: LIGHT
UPON LIGHT! ALLAH DOES GUIDE WHOM HE WILL TO HIS
LIGHT: ALLAH DOES SET FORTH PARABLES FOR MEN: AND ALLAH DOES
KNOW ALL THINGS. [LIT IS SUCH A LIGHT] IN HOUSES,
WHICH ALLAH HAS PERMITTED TO BE RAISED TO HONOUR; FOR THE
CELEBRATION, IN THEM, OF HIS NAME: IN THEM IS HE GLORIFIED IN
THE MORNINGS AND IN THE EVENINGS [AGAIN AND AGAIN].
Meaning: Allah is the 'Nur' [Light] of the
heavens and the earth. Those who believe are guided to
this Nur by righteousness. The light of iman [belief]
shines in the houses where Allah is remembered [the believers'
houses].
(Allah is the most magnificent source of
perfection. The world which He plans to make requires every
inmate to be perfect. He became perfect by Himself but He has
chosen to guide His servants to become perfect. Only those who
chose to be so out of free will. What must be our state of
mind and determination to be part of a world made bright by
the brilliant light of Allah.)
(26) MIRAGE
[24:39]
BUT THE UNBELIEVERS, - THEIR DEEDS ARE
LIKE A MIRAGE IN SANDY DESERTS, WHICH THE MAN PARCHED WITH
THIRST MISTAKES FOR WATER; UNTIL WHEN HE COMES UP TO
IT
, HE FINDS IT TO BE NOTHING: BUT HE FINDS ALLAH
[EVER] WITH HIM, AND ALLAH WILL PAY HIM HIS ACCOUNT: AND ALLAH
IS SWIFT IN TAKING ACCOUNT.
Meaning: The deeds
of unbelievers are not worth anything in the Hereafter, just
like the mirage of water in the desert is not actual
water. Unbelievers think they are correct.
Disbelievers are therefore deceived by Satan into believing
that they will be admitted to Paradise even though they
disbelieve.
(Kafir are those who know the truth but
cover it up from themselves and disobey Allah. Inside them
remains a hope that they will get into the heaven by shortcut.
This is the mirage which they see in their minds. the ignorant
can become kafir or believer only after they understand the
truth.)
(27) DEPTHS OF DARKNESS
[24:40]
OR [THE UNBELIEVERS' STATE] IS LIKE THE DEPTHS
OF DARKNESS IN A VAST DEEP OCEAN, OVERWHELMED BY BILLOW TOPPED
BY BILLOW, TOPPED BY [DARK] CLOUDS: DEPTHS OF DARKNESS, ONE
ABOVE THE OTHER: IF A MAN STRETCHES OUT HIS HAND, HE CAN
HARDLY SEE IT! FOR ANY TO WHOM ALLAH GIVES NOT
LIGHT, THERE IS NO LIGHT!
Meaning: Unbelievers
are enveloped in total metaphorical darkness. They are
not guided by Allah's Light and therefore do not believe, do
righteousness and end up in Heaven.
(Since Allah
removes guidance from the kafir who decides to reject the
truth after understanding it he will commit bigger errors in
succession finally landing himself under an ocean of sins.
Unlike a sinner who repents imediately and easily comes out
with the light of Allah this perpetual sinner will be in
darkness to the extent that he cannot see his own hand which
is stretched out.)
(28) SPIDER
[29:41]
THE PARABLE OF THOSE WHO TAKE PROTECTORS OTHER
THAN ALLAH IS THAT OF A SPIDER, WHO BUILDS [TO ITSELF] A
HOUSE; BUT TRULY THE FLIMSIEST OF HOUSES IS THE SPIDER'S
HOUSE: - IF THEY BUT KNEW.
Meaning: Polytheists
give themselves false consolation when the worship
idols. They believe that they are worshipping beings of
great power but, in fact, they are wasting time in their
delusions and flimsy consolation.
(29) PARTNERS
[30:28]
HE DOES PROPOUND TO YOU A SIMULTUDE FROM YOUR
OWN [EXPERIENCE]: DO YOU HAVE PARTNERS AMONG THOSE WHOM YOUR
RIGHT HANDS POSSESS, TO SHARE AS EQUALS IN THE WEALTH WE HAVE
BESTOWED ON YOU? DO YOU FEAR THEM AS YOU FEAR EACH
OTHER? THUS DO WE EXPLAIN THE SIGNS IN DETAIL TO A
PEOPLE THAT UNDERSTAND.
Meaning: When the
Muslims conquered lands, the women of those lands became
[since their husbands had been vanquished] 'what the right
hands possess'. They obviously did not have the same
status as lawfully-wedded wives.
(30) COMPANIONS
OF THE CITY [36:13-32]
SET FORTH TO THEM, BY WAY OF
PARABLE, THE [STORY OF] THE COMPANIONS OF THE
CITY. BEHOLD, THERE CAME MESSENGERS TO IT.
WHEN WE [FIRST] SENT TO THEM TWO MESSENGERS, THEY REJECTED
THEM: BUT WE STRENGTHENED THEM WITH A THIRD: THEY SAID,
"TRULY, WE HAVE BEEN SENT ON A MISSION TO YOU." THE
[PEOPLE] SAID: "YOU ARE ONLY MEN LIKE OUSELVES; AND [ALLAH]
MOST GRACIOUS SENDS NO REVELATION: YOU DO NOTHING BUT
LIE." THEY SAID: "OUR LORD DOES KNOW THAT WE HAVE BEEN
SENT ON A MISSION TO YOU: AND OUR DUTY IS ONLY TO PROCLAIM THE
CLEAR MESSAGE." THE PEOPLE SAID: "FOR US, WE AUGUR AN
EVIL OMEN FROM YOU: IF YOU DESIST NOT, WE WILL CERTAINLY STONE
YOU. AND A GRIEVOUS PUNISHMENT INDEED WILL BE
INFLICTED BY US." THEY SAID: "YOUR EVIL OMENS ARE WITH
YOURSELVES: [DEEM YOU THIS AN EVIL OMEN ], IF YOU ARE
ADMONISHED? NAY, BUT YOU ARE PEOPLE TRANSGRESSING
ALL BOUNDS!2 THEN CAME RUNNING, FROM THE FARTHEST PART
OF THE CITY, A MAN, SAYING, "O MY PEOPLE! OBEY THE
MESSENGERS: OBEY THOSE WHO ASK NO REWARD OF YOU [FOR
THEMSELVES], AND WHO HAVE THEMSELVES RECEIVED GUIDANCE.
IT WOULD NOT BE REASONABLE IN ME IF I DID NOT SERVE HIM WHO
CREATED ME, AND TO WHOM YOU SHALL [ALL] BE BROUGHT
BACK. SHALL I TAKE [OTHER] GODS BESIDES HIM?
IF [ALLAH] MOST GRACIOUS SHOULD INTEND SOME ADVERSITY FOR ME,
OF NO USE WHATEVER WILL BE THEIR INTERCESSION FOR ME, NOR CAN
THEY DELIVER ME. I WOULD INDEED, IF I WERE TO DO
SO, BE IN MANIFEST ERROR. FOR ME, I HAVE FAITH IN THE
LORD OF YOU [ALL]: LISTEN, THEN, TO ME!" IT WAS
SAID: "ENTER YOU THE GARDEN." HE SAID: "AH ME!
WOULD THAT MY PEOPLE KNEW [WHAT I KNOW]! – FOR THAT MY LORD
HAS GRANTED ME FORGIVENESS AND HAS ENROLLED ME AMONG THOSE
HELD IN HONOUR!2 AND WE SENT NOT DOWN AGAINST HIS
PEOPLE, AFTER HIM, ANY HOSTS FROM HEAVEN, NOR WAS IT NEEDFUL
FOR US SO TO DO. IT WAS NO MORE THAN A SINGLE MIGHTY
BLAST, AND BEHOLD! THEY WERE [LIKE ASHES] QUENCHED AND
SILENT. AH! ALAS FOR [MY] SERVANTS!
THERE COMES NOT A MESSENGER TO THEM BUT THEY MOCK
HIM! SEE THEY NOT HOW MANY GENERATIONS BEFORE THEM
WE DESTROYED? NOT TO THEM WILL THEY RETURN: BUT EACH ONE
OF THEM ALL – WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE US [FOR JUDGEMENT].
WE HAVE PUT FORTH FOR MEN, IN THIS QURAN, EVERY KIND
OF PARABLE, IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE
ADMONITION. [IT IS] A QURAN IN ARABIC, WITHOUT ANY
CROOKEDNESS [THEREIN]: IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY GUARD AGAINST
EVIL. [39: 27-28]
Meaning: Allah's
messengers were sent to preach Islam in a city but the
citizens threatened to stone them and punished them, thinking
that they were evil. The messengers said, "You're the
ones that are evil – how can you call guidance an
'evil'. You have yourselves exceeded all limits to
evil?" One believing citizen from the farthest part of
the city came running and exhorted his fellow citizens to
follow the messengers, making the following points: i]
obey the messengers because they don't want money or any other
reward from you ii] messengers themselves have received
Guidance from Allah and are spreading this iii] worship
Allah because only Allah created you iv] you will go back to
Allah for judgement v] why should I worship idols, statues who
could not save me, either by fighting Allah or interceding
with Allah on my behalf, if Allah decides to punish me vi] if
I were to be an idolator, I would really be on the wrong
path. Allah forgave this man and told him to enter
Paradise. He still cared for his fellow citizens and
wished that they could somehow find guidance. Allah sent
no more messengers to that place. There was a massive
volcanic eruption and the citizens became embalmed in ashes.
Allah grieves for those who deserved punishment because they
mocked messengers. This was not the first incident to
happen. Many generations before them were destroyed for
the same reason. All of them will be taken to task by
Allah on the Day of Judgement.
(When Allah gives guidance He makes sure that it is
full. When the people of the city rejected two messengers, to
overcome their opposition Allah supported them with a third.
If the support of an ordinary man who is not a messenger is
requires to extend Allah's message to the people, We must
understand the importance of our duty in propagating the
message of Allah by word and deed in personal, family and
social life to the people to whom there will not be any new
prophet to guide them to swirathul musthaqueem. Only after
performing this duty can we expect Allah's help against the
rulers of the world who treat us the way Pharoah treated the
children of Israel.)
(31) ONE MASTER AND SEVERAL
MASTERS [39:29]
ALLAH PUTS FORTH A PARABLE – A MAN
BELONGING TO MANY PARTNERS AT VARIANCE WITH EACH OTHER, AND A
MAN BELONGING ENTIRELY TO ONE MASTER: ARE THOSE TWO EQUAL IN
COMPARISON? PRAISE BE TO ALLAH! BUT MOST OF
THEM HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE.
Meaning: If there was
more than one god, they would all disagree in their
decision-making. For the Universe to run efficiently,
all gods would have to be one god i.e. their decisions would
have to be unanimous. If these decisions are going to be
unanimous, then there is only the need for one god!
(There must be only commander as source of all the
laws of the universe which we learn as science. The lifeless
components of the universe will go to chaos if there is more
than one source of laws. Living but unwise animals too will
destroy themselves if their community laws were from plural
sources. The laws governing the Human world which originated
from themselves is a living example of the chaos and bloodshed
which we witness around us now. Ilah meaning source of laws
must not be more than one. La ilaha illallah means that there
is no source of commands (unto which others become enslaved)
other than Allah. (the sujood is only a symbolic expression of
this declaration)
(32) GARDEN PROMISED TO THE
RIGHTEOUS WITH FOUR KINDS OF RIVERS [47:15]
[HERE IS] A
PARABLE OF THE GARDEN WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS ARE PROMISED: IN IT
ARE RIVERS OF WATER INCORRUPTIBLE; RIVERS OF MILK OF WHICH THE
TASTE NEVER CHANGES; RIVERS OF WINE, A JOY TO THOSE WHO DRINK;
AND RIVERS OF HONEY PURE AND CLEAR. IN IT ARE FOR
THEM ALL KINDS OF FRUITS; AND GRACE FROM THEIR LORD.
[CAN THOSE IN SUCH BLISS] BE COMPARED TO SUCH AS SHALL DWELL
FOR EVER IN THE FIRE, AND BE GIVEN, TO DRINK, BOILING WATER,
SO THAT IT CUTS UP THEIR BOWELS [TO PIECES]?
Meaning: Just as disbelief cannot be the same as
belief, so Hell cannot be the same as Paradise.
Whereas Hell is 'torment most terrible', Paradise is 'the
greatest bliss'.
(The most precious gifts are waiting
for the believers. While at heaven there is a lasting
assurance from Allah that He will forgive all errors coming
out of their actions. This is necessary because we are assured
that our gifts will be manifold that we received in this
world. Freedom of thought and action is the best of gifts from
Allah which makes us superior to other creatures. This is what
qualifies as Allah's khaleefah. With enhanced freedom the
probability of commiting errors is more in heaven. But those
who chose to obey the unseen Allah in all matters of their
life because they used their wisdom will not commit any
mistake after seeing Allah. All the same here is an assurance
that Allah will forgive anything that the residents commit in
heaven)
(33) SEED GROWING
[48:29]
MUHAMMED IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH; AND THOSE
WHO ARE WITH HIM ARE STRONG AGAINST UNBELIEVERS, [BUT]
COMPASSIONATE AGAINST EACH OTHER. YOU WILL SEE
THEM BOW AND PROSTRATE THEMSELVES [IN PRAYER], SEEKING GRACE
FROM ALLAH AND [HIS] GOOD PLEASURE. ON THEIR FACES ARE
THEIR MARKS, [BEING] TRACES OF THEIR PROSTRATION.
THIS IS THEIR SIMILTUDE IN THE TORAH; AND THEIR SIMULTUDE IN
THE GOSPEL IS LIKE A SEED WHICH SENDS FORTH ITS BLADE, THEN
MAKES IT STRONG; IT THEN BECOMES THICK, AND IT STANDS ON ITS
OWN STEM, [FILLING] THE SOWERS WITH WONDER AND
DELIGHT. AS A RESULT, IT FILLS THE UNBELIEVERS
WITH RAGE AT THEM. ALLAH HAS PROMISED THOSE AMONG THEM
WHO BELIEVE AND DO RIGHTEOUS DEEDS FORGIVENES, AND A GREAT
REWARD.
Meaning: The worldly life is ephemeral and not
all-important, yet people will still show off about their
wealth and children, [thinking that these are going to
last]. A metaphor of this situation are the
delightful plants and flowers which are the joy of the farmer
but which then wither and grow yellow. Soon, the fields
are bereft of produce. So, too, this life is like a crop
– here today, but gone tomorrow. This life deceives
–tricks- a person into thinking that it is
all-important. But if a person believes and asks the
forgiveness of Allah, he or she will be given an eternal
[never-ending reward]!
(Allah has fulfilled the vision
of the messenger. He started alone when he received the first
revelation of the Quran. Now he is going to rule Mecca and
medina and all around with the laws he received from Allah.
Allah's deen is going to be established over all other laws in
the world around. This is the example of the seed of belief a
sappling in one person which developed into the whole society
obeying Allah's laws in all areas of their lives. This is what
Allah teaches every believer through this parable. The
believers so developed will become the greatest harvest when
Allah builds a world of heaven with the ummah grown from
various generations in the dunya.)
(34) RAIN AND
PHYSICAL GROWTH [57:20]
KNOW YOU [ALL], THAT THE LIFE
OF THIS WORLD IS BUT PLAY AND AMUSEMENT, POMP AND MUTUAL
BOASTING AND MULTIPLYING, [IN RIVALRY] AMONG YOURSELVES,
RICHES AND CHILDREN. HERE IS A SIMULTUDE: HOW RAIN
AND THE GROWTH WHICH IT BRINGS FORTH, DELIGHTS [THE HEARTS OF]
THE TILLERS; SOON IT WITHERS; YOU WILL SEE IT GROW YELLOW;
THEN IT BECOMES DRY AND CRUMBLES AWAY. BUT IN THE
HEREAFTER IS A PENALTY SEVERE [FOR THE DEVOTEES OF
WRONG]. AND FORGIVENESS FROM ALLAH AND [HIS] GOOD
PLEASURE [FOR THE DEVOTEES OF ALLAH]. AND WHAT IS
THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD, BUT GOODS AND CHATTELS OF
DECEPTION? BE YOU FOREMOST [IN SEEKING] FORGIVENESS FROM
YOUR LORD, AND A GARDEN [OF BLISS], THE WIDTH WHEREOF IS AS
THE WIDTH OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE
IN ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGERS: THAT IS THE GRACE OF ALLAH, WHICH
HE BESTOWS ON WHOM HE PLEASES: AND ALLAH IS THE LORD OF GRACE
ABOUNDING.
Meaning: Just think that you are
going to be alive for a short while on Earth and then you will
have to meet God for judgement. Do as many good deeds as
possible before you die, so that you can enjoy yourself in
Paradise for Eternity, rather than face perpetual suffering in
Hell.
[35] MOUNTAIN THAT HUMBLES ITSELF
[59:21]
HAD WE SENT DOWN THIS QURAN ON A MOUNTAIN,
VERILY, YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN IT HUMBLE ITSELF AND CLEAVE
ASUNDER FOR FEAR OF ALLAH. SUCH ARE THE SIMULTUDES
WHICH WE PROPOUND TO MEN, SO THAT THEY MAY REFLECT.
Meaning: The Holy Quran is so powerful and Allah
– The Mighty, The Wise – is to be feared so much that even a
mountain [massive as it is] would have been inadequate and
would have crumbled under the awesome power of the Quran.
(A massive mountain without the wisdom given to human
beings will realise the gravity of the responsibility
contained in the Quran. It does not require a lot of
intelligence to understand this. The willingness to accept the
truth which all other creatures have makes them fear Allah.
)
[36] DONKEY [62:5]
THE SIMULTUDE OF
THOSE WHO WERE CHARGED WITH THE [OBLIGATIONS OF THE] MOSAIC
LAW, BUT WHO SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED IN THOSE [OBLIGATIONS], IS
THAT OF A DONKEY WHICH CARRIES HUGE TOMES [BUT UNDERSTANDS
THEM NOT]. EVIL IS THE SIMULTUDE OF PEOPLE WHO
FALSIFY THE SIGNS OF ALLAH: AND ALLAH GUIDES NOT PEOPLE WHO DO
WRONG.
Meaning: Those given the responsibility
of implementing the law of Moses [A.S.]. But their
failing to implement it is likened to a donkey which carries
thick, complicated books, but who does not understand what is
in them. They made innovations to the laws due to their
wicked character and, therefore, became misguided.
(The people who saw the miracles performed by Allah
and were saved from slavery to freedom instead of installing
islam in the world preferred to enjoy this world. Allah tells
us not to be like them who after they received so much
guidance used it like the donkey which carries loads of books
without knowing what is written them.)
[37] IF STREAM
OF WATER BE LOST [67:30]
SAY: "SEE YOU? – IF YOUR
STREAM BE SOME MORNING LOST [IN THE UNDERGROUND EARTH], WHO
THEN CAN SUPPLY YOU WITH CLEAR-FLOWING
WATER?"
Meaning: Allah has created fresh water
and the rain cycle. Allah challenges the polytheist
Arabs by asking them that if their stream became diverted to
an underground cavern, then who could supply them with fresh
water [this hints at the impotence of the idols that they
worshipped].
(The world has been to suit the
requirements of the creatures namely, mankind. everything is
made to strictly obey their laws. the angels are overseeing
this process. they have performed a symbolic prostration
before man to indicate that they will execute Allah's orders
to make the universe makes human life comfortable. If mankind
is not willing to obey Allah's commands in all their
activities then let them imagine what will happen if the laws
of nature go heywire. For example you find the river supplying
you with water for maintaining suddenly vanishes.)
[38] PEOPLE OF THE GARDEN [68:17-33]
VERILY WE
HAVE TRIED THEM AS WE TRIED THE PEOPLE OF THE GARDEN, WHEN
THEY RESOLVED TO GATHER THE FRUITS OF THE [GARDEN] IN THE
MORNING. BUT THEY MADE NO RESERVATION, ["IF IT BE
ALLAH'S WILL".] THEN THERE CAME ON THE [GARDEN] A
VISITATION FROM YOUR LORD, [WHICH SWEPT AWAY] ALL AROUND,
WHILE THEY WERE ASLEEP. SO THE [GARDEN] BECAME, BY
THE MORNING, LIKE A DARK AND DESOLATE SPOT, [WHOSE FRUIT HAD
BEEN GATHERED]. AS THE MORNING BROKE, THEY CALLED OUT,
ONE TO ANOTHER, - "GO TO YOUR TILTH [BETIMES] IN
THE MORNING, IF YOU WOULD GATHER THE FRUITS." SO THEY
DEPARTED, CONVERSING IN SECRET, LOW TONES, [SAYING] – "LET NOT
A SINGLE INDIGENT PERSON BREAK IN UPON YOU INTO THE [GARDEN]
THIS DAY." AND THEY OPENED THE MORNING, STRONG IN
AN [UNJUST] RESOLVE. BUT WHEN THEY SAW THE [GARDEN],
THEY SAID: "GLORY TO OUR LORD! VERILY WE HAVE BEEN
DOING WRONG!" THEN THEY TURNED, ONE AGAINST ANOTHER IN
REPROACH. THEY SAID,: "ALAS FOR US! WE HAVE
INDEED TRANSGRESSED! IT MAY BE THAT OUR LORD WILL GIVE
US IN EXCHANGE A BETTER [GARDEN] THAN THIS: FOR WE DO TURN TO
HIM [IN REPENTENCE]!" SUCH IS THE PUNISHMENT [IN
THIS LIFE]; BUT GREATER IS THE PUNISHMENT IN THE HEREAFTER –
IF ONLY THEY KNEW!
Meaning: Proud people were
punished by Allah for deciding to harvest their fruits without
saying, 'Insh'Allah' [if Allah wills it]. While they
slept, all the fruit disappeared [as it had already been
harvested] so that the fields were entirely barren. When
it was dawn, the owners decided to gather their harvest in
total secrecy. But when they saw their desolate fields,
they knew that they had been selfish and avaricious.
They began to repent, hoping for even better land. Allah
says that He can inflict punishment in the world as he sees
fit, but the punishment after death will be far worse – if
only souls could see it in this world!
(The better
among the owners of the garden told the leader to glorify
Allah which the latter did not. This is the word we recite
when we prostrate. It means that we declare that Allah is
defectless. Perfect in all respects. A believer who wishes to
meet Him with mutual pleasure desires to purify himself to
match Allah's purity and perfection. He is going to inherit a
world from Allah. After saying this while prostrating how can
a true believer behave wrongly. A servant of the Most Merciful
cannot deprive some one of his rights. He cannot eat to his
fill watching another creature starving. In such a case the
person who prays is a hypocryte. He will be punished for his
false claim.
This was the attitude of the group which went
to harvest in secrecy. They wanted to pocket the whole lot.
Like the Western union which wants to command all the wealth
of the world while the majority of the world population is in
poverty. The one who knew that they were doing wrong obeyed
his leader and shared in the evil. He will receive a greater
punishment for doing wrong knowingly. And Allah will punnish
in this world to give them a chance to repent. But the
punishment in the hereafter for the obstinate will be
greater.)
"It may be that our Lord
Will give us
in exchange
A better gardenthan this:
For we do turn to
Him
(in repentance)!"
CONCLUSION
Anyone who
takes to heart the Guidance provided in the Holy Quran can
become a believer if he or she is not already a
believer. Those sinners who end up in Hell cannot blame
God for their demise. They were warned to follow the
Truth and believe and then work righteousness, but they did
not believe or do good deeds. They followed the desires
of their own 'self' ['nafs']. They failed to follow
Allah's Guidance. The parables in the Holy Quran are a
part of Allah's Guidance! So follow the message
contained in the Parables before it is too late.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Meaning of the Holy
Quran: Complete Translation with Selected Notes, Abdullah
Yusuf Ali, THE ISLAMIC FOUNDATION, Leicestershre, UK,
2003
Comment No. 13 From Anisah Ahmed on 26
May 2007
a fine piece of work, but a constructive criticism
would be to expand on the meanings further as it
times they can be hard to understand
Comment No.
14 From Hilda Garcia on 21 May 2007
ASSALAMU
ALAIKUM
DR. UMAR
I READ THE FILE. IN
GENERAL I LIKE YOUR WORK SINCE THE IDEA.
FIRST IMPRESION
IS THAT THIS WORK HAS BEEN MADE FOR 2 OR 3 DIFFERENT PERSONS.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE MEANING GIVEN HAS
NOT SAME STYLE. SOME ARE SHORT, WELL DONE, AND VERY SPECIFIC.
FEW SEEM WANDERINGS IDEAS. IF
WE ONLY READ THE PARABLE,
WITHOUT KNOWING THEIR CONTEXT IN
THE HOLY QURAN, IT CAN BE THOUGH:... WHERE WAS THAT SAID?"
SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SAME STYLE IN ALL WORK.
I
CONSIDER THAT THE EXPLANATION SHOULD BE AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE
AND CLEAR. IF IT WERE NECESSARY TO SAY MORE, IT COULD BE DONE
AFTER THE CLEAR EXPLANATION. ALL DEPEND ON YOUR LIKE AND
STYLE.
IN #6, THE MEANING LEFT OUT THE MOST
IMPORTANT. UNBELIEVERS WONT GET ANY REWARD FOR THE CHARITY
THEY GIVE. THEIR GOOD DEEDS WONT FRUCTIFY.
IN #7 I WOULD
LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING IN GENERAL: ISLAM IS THE ROPE OF UNITY
AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG HUMANS AND WITH ALLAH.
IN THE
MEANING OF # 10...."THE UNBELIEVER IS NEVER SURE..." I
CONSIDER THAT THE UNBELIEVER IS MISTAKEN SURE THAT THERE
WONT BE A DAY IN WICH HE/SHE WILL BE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALLAH
(SWT) THEY CANNOT REALIZE THE DANGER OF FIRE-HELL.
In #25
ALLAH (SWT) IS THE LIGHT THAT GUIDE US TO AVOID GET LOST,HE IS
OUT OF REACH, NO ONE IS LIKE HIM, HE IS THE HIGHEST.
THERE
IS A MISTAKE IN # 30. WICH ORIGINALY WAS:
COMPANION OF THE CITY ( 36: 13-32) THE LAST 3 LINES
BEFORE THE MEANING ARE FROM (39:27.28) IT CAN BE
A "PAST/COPY" MISTAKE. PLEASE CHECK IT.
IN #35: MOUNTAIN THAT HUMBLES ITSELF (59:21) THE
MEANING SAYS: THE HOLY QURAN IS SO POWERFUL. I
DISAGREE. WHAT IS POWERFUL IS ALLAH'S WORD, WHICH IS IN THE
HOLY QURAN. SO THE "BOOK" BY ITSELF ShOULDN'T BE SEEN
AS HAVING ANY POWER. HOPE I'M EXPRESING CLEARLY THE SMALL, BUT
FOR ME IMPORTANT, DISAGREEMENT.
IN # 37 BELIEVERS ARE
NOT AFRAID; THEIR FAITH IN ALLAH (SWT) IS ENOUGH.
IN SOME
PARABOLS, AT THE BEGINING, IT'S SAID: "HERE IS A PRABOL
OF"... COULD IT BE OMMITED? SINCE IT'S A
BOOK ALL ABOUT PARABLES I FIND REDUNDANT TO MENTION
IT.
I HAVE ANOTHER MAIL IN WHICH I GOT IN SUNDAY SAME
REQUEST OF READING YOUR WORK: ***** so I wont
replay it you coz it will be same opinion.
Thanks
Hilda García.
Allah Hafiz
