The Holy Quran Text. Translation & Commentary (volume One)

A Complementary To Preceding Discussing (verse No. 283)

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THE COMMENTARY

Containing some other commandments, this verse (NO. 283) is a complementary to the previous one. The commandments are as follows:

1- If you are on a journey, and you cannot find a scribe, a pledge is to be taken. (A BAILMENT OF CHATTEL OR OBJECT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AS SECURITY FOR THE SATISFACTION OF A DEBT - WEBSTERS') At home too, if there is no access to a writer; taking a pledge will have no objection.

2- The pledge should actually be delivered to the creditor.

3- Then there is the exception of one whom you trust. As for the trustee, neither writing, nor pledge is necessary. On the other hand the trustee has to beware of Allah, and deliver the trust in time and term.

4- After all, people are addressed in general and called to avoid concealing testimony and evidences, because whoever hides that, his heart is sinful as Allah says in the verse. Evidently the heart is the seat of our secrets and affections. Therefore the sin of concealing testimony, and hiding evidences will affect the innermost of our soul and self, and will also taint our heart and our affections.

للهِ مَا فِي السَّمَـاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الاَْرْضِ وَإِن تُبْدُواْ مَا فِي أَنفُسِكمُ أَو تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُم بِهِ اللهُ فَيَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَاللهُ عَلَى كُلّ ِ شَىْء قَدِيرٌ(( 284 ))

284- TO ALLAH BELONGS ALL THAT IS IN THE HEAVENS AND ON THE EARTH. WHETHER YOU REVEAL WHAT IS IN YOUR SOULS, OR HIDE IT, ALLAH WILL BRING YOU TO ACCOUNT FOR THEM. THEN HE WILL FORGIVE WHOM HE WILL, AND PUNISH WHOM HE PLEASES. AND ALLAH HAS POWER OVER ALL THINGS.

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THE COMMENTARY EVERYTHING BELONGS TO HIM (VERSE NO. 284)

In fact this verse (NO. 284) is the continuation of the last phrase of the preceding verse that: To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. Therefore if you reveal or conceal that which is in your mind, it makes no difference for Him. He knows all, and will call you to account for it. Then He will forgive whoever He will, if He knows him deserving forgiveness, and He will punish whom He pleases for his sins. Then don't you ever think that, deeds such as concealing evidences and hiding testimony will escape His knowledge or sight.

ءَامَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ ءَامَنَ بِاللهِ وَمَلائَكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَد مِن رُّسُلِهِ وَقَالُواْ سَمِعَنا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ(( 283 ))

283- THE MESSENGER BELIEVES IN WHAT WAS SENT DOWN TO HIM FROM HIS LORD. (HE BELIEVES IN, AND DOES WHATEVER HE SAYS) AND (SO DO) THE BELIEVERS, THEY ALL BELIEVE IN ALLAH AND HIS ANGELS AND HIS BOOKS AND HIS MESSENGERS. WE MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANY OF HIS MESSENGERS. AND THEY SAID: `WE HEAR AND OBEY.' OUR LORD YOUR FORGIVENESS. (DO WE CRAVE) OUR LORD! TO YOU IS THE RETURN. (OF ALL OF US)

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THE COMMENTARY OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSE NO. 285)

When the preceding verse (NO. 284) revealed saying: ``If you reveal or conceal that which is in your mind, God knows it and will call you to account for it.'' Some of the prophets's companions were afraid of that; saying: ``None of us can get rid of Satan's temptations, and if so, no one can escape Allah's wrath and punishment!'' To this effect the verse (NO. 285) revealed to show the way to salvation, and how to pray God, asking him to forgive us our sins. It came to teach us that with realisation in hearts and confession on the lips, we should go to our Merciful Lord and earnestly ask for His help, forgiveness, and guidance.

THE WAY AND METHOD OF FAITH

The chapter of `COW' started with the question of faith, showed its various shades and aspects, discussed faith rejection, and faith rejectors, and now rounds off its argument with faith and its practical manifestation in conduct such that the faithful hears and obeys, and that he prays earnestly for God's help, forgiveness, and guidance. Thus, having faith in the Originator and Resurrector, and His Apostles, is linked with being obedient to Divine Commandments, and holding on with the Law.

لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللهُ نَفْساً إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَااكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِدْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلاَ تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْراً كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنا وَلاَ تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لاَ طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَآ أَنتَ مَوْلَـنَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَـافِرِينَ(( 286 ))

286- ALLAH DOES NOT CHARGE A SOUL WITH MORE THAN IT CAN BEAR. FOR IT, IS WHATEVER (OF GOODNESS) IT EARNS, AND AGAINST IT SHALL BE WHATEVER (OF EVIL) IT HAS

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EARNED. OUR LORD! DO NOT QUESTION US IF WE FORGET OR MAKE A MISTAKE. OUR LORD! AND DO NOT LAY ON US A BURDEN AS YOU LAID ON THOSE BEFORE US. OUR LORD! AND DO NOT IMPOSE UPON US THAT WHICH WE HAVE NOT THE STRENGTH TO BEAR, AND PARDON US, AND FORGIVE US, AND HAVE MERCY ON US, YOU ARE OUR PROTECTOR. GIVE US VICTORY OVER THE UNBELIEVERS.

THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 286

This verse implies that God will not charge a soul with any duty more than it can bear, and of its capacity of doing it. All the Commandments of the LAW, are defined, and made distinct in outline and character with this verse, in order to be in harmony and agreement with man's capacity and power. The verse then adds: ``Whatever of good deeds a soul may earn will be to his own benefit, and whatever of evil it may do, he shall have its bad consequences against itself. Thus the verse notifies that every person is responsible for his or her deeds.'' After all, on behalf of the believers, seven requests are prayed for, which are taught as spiritual and moral lessons. They say: ``Our Lord! Do not question us if we forget or make a mistake.''

Being forgetful is being careless, which may result in being broad and liberal in standards of belief and conducts. And as the believers know that they are responsible for what they do, they earnestly ask their Lord to cover and clear their mistakes, and forgive their faults; meanwhile they are resolved to avoid great and heinous sins.

In their next request they pray to God saying:

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Our Lord! ``Do not lay on us a burden as you laid on those before us.'' We must not think that we are superior to those who were before us. On the contrary knowing how much they failed, we pray that our burdens should be lightened, and we confess our realisation that we have all, the greater need for God's Mercy and Forgiveness. In their third request they pray: ``Our Lord! Do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear.'' This may imply the unbearable trials, and stern punishments in this world and in the last. Their next three requests are that: ``Our Lord! Pardon us, Forgive us, and have Mercy on us.'' And finally in their seventh request they pray for God's help, not in their own selfish ends, but in their resolve to uphold God's truth against all unbelief: ``Our Lord! You are our Protector, Give us victory over the UNBELIEVERS.''

THE END OF SUREH BAQARA (THE HEIFER=THE COW)

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INTRODUCTION TO THE FAMILY OF IMRAN (L? - IMRAN SURA 3)

Some of the famous commentators have understood this chapter to have been revealed during the years of the battle of BADR and OHUD (2/3 A.H.) This was one of the most disturbed and agitated period of Islamic history. The central theme and main subject of the verses circulate around the following matters.

1- A great deal of arguments are about Monotheism and oneness of God and His Attributes, the Resurrection Day and some Islamic teachings and preachings.

2- An important part of the SURA, is about JAHAD; (THE SACRED FIGHT FOR THE CAUSE OF GOD) and fine notes on the battles of BADR and OHUD shows how Allah will help and uphold the virtuous. There is also the lessons of Badr and Ohud that must be learned, to know that the misfortune of the battle of Ohud was due to indiscipline of some, believers and the cowardice on the part of the hypocrites. There are also notes on the everlasting life of the martyrs.

3- Then a series of Islamic Commandments are issued about the unity and union of Muslims - KAABA the house of Allah and pilgrimage - Enjoining good and forbidding evil - Trusts and being trustworthy - charity and alms - truthfulness and perseverance in front of enemy, and being patient and being steadfast in difficulties.

4- A part of the SURA is allocated to the story and history of some of the prophets and apostle for teaching spiritual and moral lessons. These are mainly, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mary and others.

The subjects and matters of this long chapters of Qur?n are so linked together that one may think it has been revealed all together and at once.

HAZRAT IMAM SADIQ (AS) has said: ``He who recites the SURA OF HEIFER, (COW) and the FAMILY OF IMRAN; in the Dooms Day, the two chapter, like two clouds will give him some welcome shade. (from the sun)''

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سوره آل عمران THE FAMILY OF IMRAN

بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـنِ الرَّحِيمِ IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MERCIFUL THE COMPASSIONATE

الم(( 1 )) 1- ALIF - LAM - MIM اللهُ لاَ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ(( 2 ))

2- ALLAH; THERE IS NO GOD BUT HE, THE LIVING THE SELF - SUBSISTING (BY WHOM ALL THINGS SUBSIST) نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَـابَ بِالْحَقّ ِ مُصَدِّقاً لِمّاَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالاِْنجِيلَ (( 3 ))

3- HE SENT DOWN TO YOU THE BOOK IN TRUTH CONFIRMING THAT WHICH WAS BEFORE IT, AND HE, SENT DOWN TOWR?T, AND THE GOSPEL OF JESUS; مِن قَبْلُ هُدىً لِلّنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِآيَـاتِ اللهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَاللهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَام(( 4 ))

4- AFORE TIME AS GUIDANCE TO THE PEOPLE. AND HE SENT DOWN THE DISCRIMNATOR. (A BOOK OF DISTINCTION BETWEEN TRUTH AND FALSEHOOD) THOSE WHO DENY ALLAH'S REVELATIONS, FOR THEM AWAITS A STERN CHASTISEMENT. AND ALLAH IS THE EXALTED IN MIGHT, THE LORD OF REVENGE.

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THE COMMENTARY ALIFE - LAM MIM (VERSE NO. 1)

As for the abbreviated letters (MOQATTAAT) we gave enough details in the beginning of the COW (QUR?N- S 2:1) and there is no need to repeat it here. VERSE NO.2

``Allah, there is no God but HE.'' He is the only everlasting, ever living and Self-subsisting Essence. Whose attributes are different from anything that we may know; and that, it seems that the only fit word by which we can name Allah is ``HE''. More detail about this matter is given in QUR?N - S 2:255. VERSE NO.3

Here in this verse our prophet is addressed that: ``The ever living and self - subsisting God has sent down to you the BOOK (QUR?N) in truth which confirms the scriptures that were sent before it. VERSE NO. 4

Then it adds that the BOOK which is sent down to you is a `DISCRIMINATOR' or a criterion which is a true standard of right and wrong. The verse then implies that, after sending so many clear signs and miracles; for those who deny and reject, there remains no other resort, but to chastise them severely. And to put an stress on the matter that God can, and will easily fulfill His threats and promises. The verse ends in that: ``Allah is Mighty and the Lord of Revenge.''

إِنَّ اللهَ لاَ يَخْفَى عَلَيْهِ شَىْءٌ فِي الاَْرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَآءِ(( 5 )) 5- AS FOR ALLAH, NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM HIM IN THE EARTH, NOR IN THE HEAVEN.

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هُوَ الَّذِي يُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِي الاَْرْحَامِ كَيْفَ يَشَآءُ لاَ إِلَـه إِلاَّ هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ(( 6 )) 6- IT IS HE WHO SHAPES YOU IN THE WOMBS AS HE LIKES. THERE IS NO GOD BUT HE. THE EXALTED IN MIGHT, THE WISE.

THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 5

This is a complementary to the preceding verses that implies: ``nothing is hidden from God throughout the heavens and earth.'' And how can something be concealed from His sight, while He is Omnipresent and His existence is infinite and without limit of any kind. He is nearer than ourself. though He has no place and is beyond space and time, He encompasses all through - His knowledge and Power. VERSE NO. 6

This verse alludes to a corner of His infinite Power and Knowledge through one of the most significant phenomenons saying: ``It is He who shapes you in the wombs as He likes.'' Development of foetus in the darkness of the womb, from one shape and state to another, until it becomes a baby, is indeed an amazing work of the Creator, especially with all that variations, and differences of form and figure, abilities and qualifications which proves that there is no God but Our Lord, the Creator who is All-mighty and All-wisdom.

هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَـابَ مِنْهُ ءَايَـاتٌ مُّحْكَمَـاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَـابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَـابِهَـاتٌ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَـابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَآءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَآءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا وَمَا يَذّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُوْلُواْ الاَْلْبَـابِ(( 7 ))

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7- HE IS WHO SENT DOWN TO YOU THE BOOK; SOME OF ITS VERSES ARE FUNDAMENTALS, (CLEAR AND EVIDENT IN MEANING) THEY ARE THE MOTHER OF THE BOOK (THESE ARE THE FOUNDATION OF THE BOOK, AND COMPLEXITIES OF OTHER VERSES ARE INTERPRETED AND CLEARED WITH REFERENCE TO THESE FUNDAMENTALS) AND SOME OTHER (OF THE VERSES) ARE AMBIGUOUS. BUT THOSE IN WHOSE HEARTS IS PERVERSITY, THEY FOLLOW THE AMIBGUOUS PART SEEKING DISSENSION, AND SEEKING TO PARAPHRASE IT. (WITH ALLIGURACAL EXPLANATIONS) BUT NO ONE KNOWS THE HIDDEN MEANING EXCEPT ALLAH, AND THOSE WHO ARE WELL - GROUNDED IN KNOWLEDGE WHO SAY: ``WE BELIEVE IN IT. ALL ARE FROM OUR LORD.'' AND NONE DO MIND, SAVE MEN OF UNDERSTANDINGS.

THE COMMENTARY OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSE NO. 7)

HAZRAT IMAM SADIQ (AS) has said: ``Some of the Jews accompanied with HAY-IBN-AKHTAB and his brother went to the prophet and said: `according to the NUMERICAL ALPHABET, (ABJAD ALIF=1, L?M=30, MIM=40) that make up a total of 71; which indicates that your Islam and Muslim people will not last more than 71 years.''

In order to prevent misinterpretation of the words and verses and making a play-toy of phrases; the prophet said to them: ``Why have you counted only A-L-M, while there are many other abbreviated letters in Qur?n such as A-L-M-S and A-L-R, etc.? If you think that these letters count for the

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duration of Muslim community, why don't you then add all of them together? Therefore the purpose of the letters are not so as you think.''

FUNDAMENTAL AND AMBIGUOUS VERSES

This verse discloses one of the important qualifications of QUR?N which may give us an important clue to the interpretation of our Holy Book: ``Allah has sent down to you a Book, the verses of which have either established meaning are allegorical.'' These ambiguous verses which might be figurative, metaphorical or allegorical can be used as a criterion to separate the truthful scholars who are well-grounded in knowledge, from the obstinate seditious persons who pretend to be wise and learned:

``Those in whose hearts is perversity, follow the ambiguous part seeking dissension by paraphrasing the verses.'' But those learned ones with correct understanding and deep knowledge say: ``We believe in the BOOK. All its verses whether fundamental or ambiguous are from our Lord.''

The above verse implies that some of the verses are so clear and established in meaning that leave no room for any sort of doubt or to waver. This verses cannot be misused or misapplied. Literally these verses are named the mother of QUR?N or the foundations. Some other of the verses, due to their high level, and many shades and phases of meaning, seem to be figurative, metaphorical, or equivocals, which are capable of being understood in several possible senses.

Perverted people with mental disease, seek to misinterpret and misapply such verses, in order to seduce and attract people towards themselves. The frontiers of knowledge, such as the prophets may know the whole or a part of the hidden meaning of the verses, and other learned ones know it according to their capacity and level of knowledge and wisdom.

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رَبَّنَا لاَ تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ(( 8 )) 8- (THOSE WHO ARE DEEP-ROOTED IN KNOWLEDGE, SAY:) OUR LORD! LET NOT OUR HEARTS TO SWERVE AFTER YOU HAVE GUIDED US; AND GRANT US OF YOUR MERCY, THAT YOU ARE THE MOST GRACIOUS ONE.

رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْم لاَّ رَيْبَ فِيهِ إِنَّ اللهَ لاَ يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ (( 9 )) 9- OUR LORD! YOU ARE THE GATHERER OF PEOPLE FOR A DAY IN WHICH THERE IS NO DOUBT, THAT ALLAH WILL NOT FAIL HIS PROMISE.

THE COMMENTARY FREEDOM OF SWERVES (VERSE NO. 8)

As the ambiguous verses may cause deviations, those who are well-grounded in knowledge, the more they know the less they think of themselves and of what they know, but besides using their knowledge, they seek refuge in God. Therefore this verse is their prayer asking God to protect them from deviation and swerve: ``Our Lord! Let not our hearts swerve after you have guided us.''

VERSE NO. 9 And being sure of their eventual return to God in the Resurrection Day for final judgement, they pray saying: ``Our Lord! You are the One that will gather together all the people for a day in which there is no doubt, because you never fail your promise.'' Thus they avoid any extreme, or caprices and emotions capable of deviating them through faith in Allah and the Dooms Day.

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إنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَن تُغْنِىَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلاَ أَوْلادُهُم مِّنَ اللهِ شَيْئاً وَأُوْلَئكَ هُمْ وَقُودُ النَّارِ(( 10 )) 10- AS FOR THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE, THEIR PROPERTIES WILL NOT AVAIL THEM NEITHER THEIR CHILDREN, AUGHT AGAINST ALLAH. AND THEY ARE THEMSELVES FUELS FOR THE FIRE. (HELL)

كَدَأْبِ ءَالِ فِرْعُوْنَ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَـاتِنَا فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَاللهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ(( 11 )) 11- (THEIR CUSTOM OF REJECTING FAITH AND DEVIATING FROM THE TRUTH) IS LIKE THE BEHAVIOUR OF PHARAOH'S FOLK, AND THOSE WHO WERE BEFORE THEM. THEY BELIED OUR SIGNS, THEN ALLAH SEIZED THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR SINS. AND ALLAH IS STERN IN RETRIBUTION.

THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 10

In the previous verses the position of the believers and the unbelievers, in relation to the fundamental and ambiguous verse was enlightened and shown. Now the argument is brought to the painful condition of the heathens in the Dooms Day, in order to show them the bad consequences of their evil deeds, down here. There; in their great misfortune, there is nothing and no one to help them, or avail them aught against Allah, even their own children. They shall be fuels of the fire in Hell.

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VERSE NO. 11 Here a clear example of the tribes with high power and great wealth is given, which their riches and power availed them nothing when God's chastisement seized them: ``They are like Pharaoh's folk, and those who were before them. They belied our signs and then Allah seized them because of their sins.''

قُل لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا سَتُغْلَبُونَ وَتُحْشَرُونَ إِلَى جَهَنَّمَ وَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ(( 12 )) 12- SAY TO THE UNBELIEVERS: (DO NOT BOAST OF YOUR TEMPORARY SUCCESS BECAUSE) SOON WILL YOU BE VANQUISHED AND DRIVEN TOWARDS HELL AND THE EVIL RESTING PLACE.

THE COMMENTARY OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSE NO. 12)

When the prophet and his companions won the battle of BADR, and vanquished the Pagans; some of the learned Jews said: ``The promised prophet is marked invincible in our scriptures, and Mohammad, is of surety the one we expect to come,'' Others said: ``We should wait a little longer, until another war breaks in, and then judge from what has happened.'' Then when Muslims had some failure in the battle of Ohud, the Jews said: ``No! Mohammad can't be the promised prophet for whom we are longing, because he proved in the battle of Ohud that he is conquerable.'' The verse was sent down to answer them.

COMMENTS

Here a warning is given to the Pagan Arabs, the Jews and the Christians and generally to all those who reject faith, that their resistance would be in vain and of no use at all: ``Say to the unbelievers;

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soon will you be vanquished and driven towards Hell and the evil abode.'' Qur?nic predictions are too many, and none have proved to be untrue. A few years later the jews of Bani nazir, Banighoraiza, and Khaibar, were all defeated and submitted to Mohammad and his forces, and the next few decades saw the Roman Empire and Persian Kingdom overthrown because of their arrogance, and their resistance to God's Message.

قَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ ءَايَةٌ فِي فِئَتَيْنِ الْتَقَتَا فِئَةٌ تُقَـاتِلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ وَأُخْرَى كَافِرَةٌ يَرَوْنَهُم مِّثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْيَ الْعَيْنِ وَاللهُ يُؤَيِّدُ بِنَصْرِهِ مَن يَشَآءُ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَعِبْرَةً لاُّوْلِي الاَْبْصَـارِ(( 13 ))

13- THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN A SIGN FOR YOU IN THE TWO ARMIES WHICH MET. (IN THE BADR'S BATTLE FIELD) ONE WAS FIGHTING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH, AND ANOTHER UNBELIEVING, WHO SAW (THE BELIEVERS) TWICE AS THEIR REAL NUMBERS WITH THE SIGHT OF THE EYE, AND ALLAH STRENGTHENS WITH HIS HELP WHOM HE WILL. IN THAT THERE IS A LESSON FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EYES.

THE COMMENTARY OCCASION OF REVELATION (VERSR NO. 13)

This refers to the battle of BADR, which was in the second year of emigration. The little army of Muslims consisted of 313 men, 77 of whom were the Emigrants of Mecca, and the other 236 men were of their friends in Medina who were called the Helpers. The muslim forces were mostly unarmed. They had seventy (70) camels, two(2) horses, six chain - mails, and very few swords.

dangers of being attacked by their enemies in Mecca and the Jews and hypocrites of Medina. The plan of the Meccans was to crush and annihilate Mohammad and his follower and to this end, ABUSOFY?N, the chief of GHOREISH was leading a richly - laden caravan from Syria to Mecca. He called for armed aid from Mecca, with the excuse that the caravan was in danger of being attacked by Mohammad's forces. An army of the polytheists of Mecca was quickly organized and mobilized, and set out for Medina and reached in due time. The army was well armed, well equipped and in number they were more than a thousand. They had among them some of the most experienced warriors and veterans of war. ABUJAHL, the sworn enemy of the prophet and the persecutor of Muslims was the commander of the forces. In a fearful fight, in the plain of BADR, some 50 miles south - west of Median, the prophet's forces defeated the pagans, and won a brilliant victory. Muslims had some 12 martyrs in this battle but they killed more than 70 of the heathens, and the same number of them was taken as captives.

COMMENTS

The verse warns the unbelievers not to rely so much upon the material means, such as wealth, weapon and number of forces and mounts. The battle of Badr was a good lesson to learn, because Muslims in comparison with the infidels were too weak, except that they were fighting for their faith. So it was impossible on the physical basis, and without the miraculous help of God, for such that small and ill - equipped force, to defeat that large, well - equipped, and well experienced, army: ``There has already been a sign for you in the two hosts, which met in the Badr's battle field. One of the hosts was fighting for the cause of Allah, and other party was unbelieving and faithless.''

The polytheists saw the believerse twice as their real number! Later the enemy captives stated that they all had seen Muslim forces, at the first sight less than what they really were; (QUR?N - S 8:44) but when the fight began, God miraculously made them to see Muslims much more than their real number! This was to fill the pagans hearts

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with fear and fright to cause their defeat. On the contrary Muslims saw the enemy less than what they were in number, and this wrong vision caused Muslims to be steadfast and the pagans to waver and fickle: ``And Allah strengthens with His help whom He will.''

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَوَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَآءِ وَالْبَنِينَ وَالْقَنَـاطِيرِ الْمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفضَّةِ وَالْخَيْلِ الْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَالاَْنْعَـامِ وَالْحَرْثِ ذَلِكَ مَتَـاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَاللهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَئَابِ(( 14 ))

14- IT IS ADORNED FOR PEOPLE THE LOVE OF LUSTS OF WOMEN, CHILDREN, HEAPED-UP HEAPS OF GOLD AND SILVER, HORSES WITH MARK, CATTLES AND FARM-LANDS. (AND IF SUCH THINGS BE THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF MAN, THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT) THESE ARE MERELY THE ENJOYMENTS OF THE PRESENT LIFE IN THE LOWER WORLD, AND WITH ALLAH IS THE FAIREST RESORT.

THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 14

This is a complementary to the preceding verse which alludes to those who relied upon their wealth, power, children, and were puffed up with pride and arrogance, and then deviated from the straight path of truth. Here again the pleasures of this lower world are brought to minds: women for love - children for support - hoarded wealth for everything else - cattles - horses - and good farm lands, for which many will show ardent love. All these thing are adorned to allure and attract man, and of course they are adorned and made attractive by God for manifold purposes which are hidden and open in God's general plan

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and wisdom. Using these alluring and attractive pleasures of life as means and equipments of development and evolution is something good and necessary, but being in a blinding love for them, and turning them to the highest goal and objective of life leads to a deadly misfortune and to an Eternal Condemnation.

قُلْ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيْر مِّن ذَلِكُمْ لِلَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْاْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّـاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الاَْنْهَـارُ خَـالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَأَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَرضْوَانٌ مِنَ اللهِ واللهُ بَصِيرُ بِالْعِبَادِ(( 15 ))

15- SAY SHALL I INFORM YOU OF THINGS BETTER THAN THAT? FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOD- FEARING, WITH THEIR LORD IS GARDENS WATERED BY RUNNING STREAMS, WHEREIN THEY SHALL LIVE FOR EVER, AND SPOUSES PURIFIED. AND ALLAH'S GOOD PLEASURE. AND ALLAH SEES THE SERVANTS.

الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ(( 16 )) 16- THOSE WHO SAY: ``OUR LORD! WE BELIEVED. FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND SAVE US FROM THE TORMENT OF THE FIRE.

الصَّـابرِيِنَ وَالصَّـادِقِينَ وَالْقَـانِتِينَ وَالْمُنفِقِينَ وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرينَ بِالاَْسْحَارِ(( 17 )) 17- THOSE WHO ARE PATIENT, TRUTHFUL, OBEDIENT EXPENDERS IN ALMS, AND THOSE WHO ASK FORGIVENESS IN DAY BREAK.

THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 15

The pleasures of this world mentioned in the verse NO. 14 are compared here with those of the next life, saying: ``Do you want me to

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inform you of things that are far better than the pleasures of this mortal life? there awaits for the faithful servants of God, gardens which are watered with running streams, wherein they live with their purified spouses for ever,'' Through this verse (NO. 15) QUR?N announces that if the believers content with a moderate and lawful life in this world, and avoid unlawful pleasures and excess in passions, and control their caprices, and do not oppress others, God will grant them a clean, pure, and higher spiritual and physical life of good pleasure, in the next world.

VERSE NO. 16-17

the virtuous servants of God mentioned in the previous verse are described in these two verses and six certain virtues and special qualification are attributed to them as follows:

1- They have faith in their Lord whole hearted, so much so that they feel a high responsibility for whatever they do, and earnestly pray to God to forgive them their sins and save them from the agony of the Fire of Hell.

2- They are patient - whatever of difficulty and hardship they encounter in their way of worship, they endure it patiently, and continue firm and steadfast. Further, they have a good self-restraint against all sins and wrongs.

3- They are true and sincere in words and deeds, and they bring to action what they have of truth in their mind, and there is no variance in their deeds and words.

4- They are always humble and obedient to their Lord.

5- They spend in charity of whatever physical and spiritual goods they might have.

6- The first thing they do every morning, is to approach their Lord humbly and beg His pardon.

HAZRAT IMAM S?DIQ (AS) has said: ``Those who perform the single prayer, (VETR) which is the last of the nigh prayers; and follow it asking God's forgiveness for seventy time; they are among the seekers of God's forgiveness, and the ending of the above verse (NO. 16) is applicable to them.''

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شَهِدَ اللهُ أَنَّهُ لاَ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ وَالْمَلاَئَكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ الْعِلْمِ قَآئمَاً بِالْقِسْطِ لاَ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ(( 18 ))

18- ALLAH BEARS WITNESS THAT THERE IS NO GOD BUT HE. AND SO DO THE ANGELS AND THE SAGES, (WHO ARE ENDUED WITH KNOWLEDGE) UPHOLDING JUSTICE. (IN HIS CREATION) THERE IS NO GOD BUT HE, THE MIGHTY THE WISE.

THE COMMENTARY VERSE NO. 18

Following the argument, this refers to the unity of God and His exalted nature and wisdom: ``Allah bears witness (THROUGH HIS AMAZING CREATION) that there is no god but He.'' So do the angels and the sages who are eminents in wisdom. They too bear the same witness with different reasoning and views; and rather all the creation and the whole universe glorifies God and testifies His Oneness, while He upholds justice throughout His creation. With such attributes, it is evident that there is no god but HE, the Mighty One, the wise and all-wisdom. This verse was one of the prophet's favourites, rehearsed by him often, and in particular at the night of ARAFEH. (A RITE IN PILGRIMAG)

إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللهِ الاِْسْلامُ وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْكِتَـابَ إِلاَّ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِآيَـاتِ اللهِ فَإِنَّ اللهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ (( 19 ))

19- THE TRUE RELIGION WITH ALLAH IS ISL?M. (WHICH IS SUBMISSION TO GOD'S WILL) AND THOSE TO WHOM THE SCRIPTURES WERE GIVEN WERE NOT AT VARIANCE, EXCEPT AFTER THE KNOWLEDGE CAME TO THEM; (AND THEIR VARIANCE WAS) THROUGH ENVY. AND WHOEVER REJECTS ALLAH'S SIGNS, THEN ALLAH IS SWIFT IN RECKONING.