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Guidance and Misguidance

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Guidance and Misguidance

الهداية والضلالة

Guidance (Al-Hidayah) and Misguidance (Ad-Dalalah) are profound themes in Islam, illuminating the relationship between humanity and the Divine. Allah, in His boundless wisdom and mercy, is ultimately [the Guide], offering a clear path to truth and righteousness. This guidance is a precious gift, extended to those who sincerely seek it, who open their hearts and minds to divine signs and revelations. The Quran itself is a [book of guidance], a light for humanity. However, the path we take is also a matter of our choices. While Allah desires all to be guided, He respects human free will. Those who willfully reject truth, stubbornly deny signs, and persist in transgression may find themselves [exchanging guidance for error]. It’s not that Allah actively pushes them into misguidance, but rather that their deliberate choices lead them away from the light. The Quran reminds us that [if Allah had willed, He would have united them upon guidance], but He allows for personal accountability. Ultimately, [whoever will see does so for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever is blind [does harm] against it], emphasizing that our spiritual trajectory is a consequence of our own intentional efforts and decisions. This theme encourages believers to constantly pray for guidance and reflect on their choices.

Guidance (Al-Hidayah) and Misguidance (Ad-Dalalah) represent the fundamental dichotomy in the human journey, reflecting humanity's relationship with the Divine. Allah, in His infinite wisdom and boundless mercy, is the ultimate Guide, offering a clear path to truth and righteousness. This guidance is a profound gift, extended to those who sincerely seek it and open their hearts to divine signs and revelations. The Quran itself is repeatedly affirmed as a book of guidance, a light for humanity, distinguishing truth from falsehood. Yet, human free will remains paramount; individuals' choices ultimately determine their spiritual trajectory. Those who deliberately reject truth and persist in transgression may find themselves exchanging guidance for error, as their choices lead them away from the light. This theme deeply encourages believers to constantly pray for guidance and to reflect on their own decisions and their spiritual consequences.

The Divine Source of Guidance and the Path to It

The Quran unequivocally asserts that ultimate guidance originates from Allah. The very opening chapter, Al-Fatihah, teaches believers to pray for guidance to anger or of those who are astray]. This fundamental supplication establishes that the "straight path" (As-Sirat al-Mustaqim) is defined by divine favor, contrasting it with the paths of those who incur wrath or go astray. Ibn Kathir clarifies that "those upon whom Allah has bestowed His grace" are the Prophets, the Siddiqin (truthful), the martyrs, and the righteous, as detailed in Surah An-Nisa'. These individuals embody the path of sincerity and obedience to Allah and His Messengers.

The Quran itself serves as this divine guidance, a "manifest light" that directs humanity to truth. It is a blessed Book, confirming previous scriptures, sent to warn all people from Mecca and its environs to the entire world. Belief in this divine revelation, paired with faith in the Hereafter, motivates believers to maintain their prayers, recognizing Allah's perfect power and wisdom. Tafsir al-Jalalayn emphasizes that Allah's creation of the sun as a radiance and the moon as a light, with their measured stages, serves as signs for those who reflect, demonstrating His profound wisdom in arranging the cosmos.

Central to embracing guidance is Tawhid, the Oneness of God. Tafsir Ma'arif-ul-Quran explains that when one understands Allah as the sole Creator and Provider, one realizes that no other being is worthy of worship. This belief transforms human life, shifting dependence from creation to the Creator alone. The Prophet Muhammad's own life exemplifies this; he was commanded to be the first to submit to Allah and to follow only what was revealed to him, fearing the torment of a Mighty Day if he disobeyed. This illustrates that even prophets are bound by divine command and uphold Tawhid, serving as ultimate examples for humanity.

Manifestations of Misguidance: Blindness to Truth

Misguidance, in contrast to guidance, is often depicted in the Quran as a form of spiritual blindness and deafness, a consequence of rejecting divine signs and following desires. The Quran presents vivid parables, likening those who reject the truth to the blind and deaf, incapable of using reason or seeing the clear signs (11:24, 10:42-43). Their hearts are described as hardened, sealed against the remembrance of Allah, leading them into "manifest error".

This spiritual affliction is not a arbitrary act of Allah but a consequence of human choice. When people "preferred blindness over guidance", their hearts were caused to deviate. Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that Allah sets a seal on their hearts as a "punishment for their disbelief", much like sin gradually darkens a heart until it can no longer distinguish good from evil, a state the Quran calls "Ran" (rust). This rust is an outcome of their "arrogance and evil deeds" (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 2:7), willingly chosen.

Hypocrisy (Nifaq) is a particularly insidious form of misguidance, where individuals outwardly profess faith but conceal disbelief. Ibn Kathir defines Nifaq as "to show conformity - or agreement - and to conceal evil," distinguishing it from mere disbelief by its deceptive nature. The Quran describes hypocrites as those who exchange guidance for error and forgiveness for punishment, patiently pursuing the Fire. They mock believers, believing they can deceive Allah, but in reality, they only deceive themselves. Their hearts are diseased with doubt, and Allah increases their sickness as they persist in lies and denial. The Prophet Muhammad warned against three characteristics that mark a pure hypocrite: lying when speaking, being treacherous when making covenants, and breaching trust when entrusted (Bukhari 1234, Muslim). This highlights how internal spiritual disease manifests in outward immoral conduct.

Human Agency and Divine Will

The relationship between human free will and divine will in guidance and misguidance is a recurring theme. While Allah is the ultimate Guide, human beings are endowed with the capacity to choose. The Quran states, his soul, and whoever is blind does harm against it], emphasizing individual accountability. Similarly, his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it]. These verses clearly affirm human responsibility for their choices.

However, the Quran also states that and . This appears to present a complex theological point. Tafsir Ibn Kathir reconciles this by explaining that Allah's misguidance is a consequence, a just punishment for those who, through their own willful rejection and obstinacy, choose to deviate from the truth. The Prophet Muhammad's earnest desire for all people to believe (as mentioned in Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 6:35) further illustrates that Allah's will for guidance is not coercive but a response to human inclination. As Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas, Allah informed the Prophet that only those for whom Allah has written happiness will believe, meaning true faith comes through divine grace and facilitation (Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 6:35).

The story of Adam and Iblis provides a prime example of this interplay. Iblis, due to his arrogance and defiance, was expelled from Paradise for refusing to prostrate to Adam. His subsequent vow to mislead humanity "from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left" signifies his pervasive efforts to tempt people from the straight path. Yet, Allah states, Verily, My servants — you have no authority over them, reaffirming that Iblis's influence is limited to temptation, not compulsion. Human beings remain capable of resisting Shaytan if they turn to Allah and maintain their guard (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 7:27). The Quran emphasizes that misguidance is ultimately a choice to follow Shaytan's commands rather than Allah's.

The Call to Islam and the Refutation of Falsehood

The Quran consistently invites humanity to Islam, the path of submission to Allah, and refutes various forms of falsehood and misguidance. It challenges those who doubt its divine origin to produce a Surah (chapter) the like thereof, a challenge that has remained unanswered, affirming its miraculous nature and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ibn Kathir cites the Prophet's statement that "Every Prophet was given a miracle, the type of which brings mankind to faith. What I was given is a revelation that Allah sent down to me" (Muslim).

The Quran also addresses the misguidance of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), who are accused of distorting truth with falsehood and concealing what they knew of the Prophet Muhammad's description in their scriptures (2:42, 4:41). Their claim to exclusive entry into Paradise is dismissed as mere "desires", as true salvation depends on sincere submission to Allah and righteous deeds, not mere lineage or affiliation (2:112, 4:125).

The severe condemnation of Shirk (associating partners with Allah) is a central message. Allah declares that He does not forgive the ascribing of a partner to Him and forgives anything short of that for whomsoever He wills. Shirk is seen as the gravest injustice, as it equates created beings with the Creator in worship or attributes (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 4:117). Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that this means straying from the true path, destroying oneself in both this life and the Hereafter. The Quran further refutes the idolaters' reliance on intercessors, stating that no intercessor can plead with Allah except by His permission, thus dismantling the very basis of polytheistic worship.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Guidance

The concept of guidance extends to practical legal and ethical injunctions that shape individual and communal life. Islamic law (Shari'ah) is designed to provide clear guidance and prevent transgression. The verses in Surah An-Nisa', for example, establish rights for women and orphans, countering pre-Islamic injustices where they were often deprived of inheritance. The Quran explicitly outlines rules for marriage, prohibiting marrying women against their will and limiting polygamy to four wives, with the strict condition of maintaining justice and equality among them. Tafsir Ma'arif-ul-Quran emphasizes that marrying more than one wife without the ability to maintain justice is a "thoughtless plunge into a grave sin".

Repentance (Tawbah) is a crucial aspect of returning to guidance after straying. Allah accepts repentance from those who commit evil "in ignorance". Tafsir scholars, like Mujahid, interpret "ignorance" here not as lack of knowledge, but as heedlessness or stupidity that leads one to commit a sin despite knowing its wrongness. The repentance is accepted "shortly thereafter," which the Prophet Muhammad clarified as anytime before the soul reaches the throat at death (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah). Sincere repentance involves regret, immediate cessation of the sin, and a firm resolve not to return to it, alongside making amends for past wrongs (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 4:17).

The importance of good conduct and adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad is repeatedly stressed. Deeds are only acceptable if they are done with sincerity (Ikhlas) for Allah's sake and in conformity with the Shari'ah. Any innovation (Bid'ah) or deviation from the established way, even if done with sincerity, is considered a form of error (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 4:125). The Prophet's own prayer, "O Allah! I ask You for well-being in this life and the Hereafter... Protect me from before me, from behind me, from my right, from my left and from above me. I seek refuge with Your greatness from being killed from below me" (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim) highlights the comprehensive nature of seeking divine protection from all forms of harm and misguidance.

Spiritual Reflections on the Journey of Life

The ultimate purpose of guidance is to attain eternal bliss in the Hereafter. The life of this world is described as "nothing but play and amusement" (6:32, 10:24) when pursued without heed for the Divine. True nobility and success are not measured by worldly possessions but by good morals and righteous deeds (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 6:52). Believers are urged to live mindfully, remembering that "the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who have Taqwa".

The journey through life is a test, with both hardships and blessings serving as means to encourage humility and gratitude. Allah tests people with "fear, hunger, diminution of goods and lives and fruits" so that they may turn to Him in humility. Those who respond with patience and acknowledge that "Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return" are the ones who receive Allah's blessings and mercy and are "the guided ones". The Prophet's ﷺ hadith that Allah accepts the repentance of a servant as long as the soul does not reach the throat (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) offers profound hope and encouragement for continuous self-reflection and turning to Allah.

The believers are assured that on the Day of Judgment, their righteous deeds will be weighed, and those whose scales are heavy will enter Paradise, free from malice and envy. The ultimate guidance culminates in entry into Paradise, a state achieved not by personal effort alone, but by Allah's grace and mercy (Ma'arif-ul-Quran, 7:43). This journey is one of constant prayer for guidance, sincere worship, ethical conduct, and profound gratitude to the One who guides and sustains all creation.

In essence, Guidance and Misguidance in Islam are deeply intertwined concepts, illustrating the profound relationship between human free will and divine sovereignty. Allah provides the path through His revelations and Messengers, and humanity is called to embrace this guidance through conscious choice, sincere submission, and righteous conduct. The consequences of these choices, whether eternal bliss or torment, serve as powerful reminders of accountability and the ultimate wisdom of adhering to the Divine Way.

Quran — 42 verses

صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

Siraatal-lazeena an'amta 'alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi 'alaihim wa lad-daaalleen

The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.

ان لوگوں کے رستے جن پر تو اپنا فضل وکرم کرتا رہا نہ ان کے جن پر غصے ہوتا رہا اور نہ گمراہوں کے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Which 'path' is 'straight'? Now, to come to the meaning of the 'straight path', it is the path which has no turns and twists. The term signifies the particular way of Faith which equally avoids the two extremes of excess and deficiency. One who follows the straight path would, in matters of doctrine...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: the path of those whom You have favoured with guidance from alladhīna together with its relative clause is substituted by ghayri l-maghdūbi ‘alayhim not the path of those against whom there is wrath namely the Jews and nor of those who are astray namely the Christians. The subtle meaning implied by ...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): We mentioned the Hadith in which the servant proclaims, اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ (Guide us to the straight way) and Allah says, "This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asks for." Allah's statement. صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ (The way of those upon whom Yo...

أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱشْتَرَوُا۟ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةَ بِٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْعَذَابَ بِٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ فَمَآ أَصْبَرَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ

Ulaaa'ikal lazeenash tarawud dalaalata bilhudaa wal'azaaba bilmaghfirah; famaaa asbarahum 'alan Naar

Those are the ones who have exchanged guidance for error and forgiveness for punishment. How patient they are in pursuit of the Fire!

یہ وہ لوگ ہیں جنہوں نے ہدایت چھوڑ کر گمراہی اور بخشش چھوڑ کر عذاب خریدا۔ یہ (آتش) جہنم کی کیسی برداشت کرنے والے ہیں!

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Mentioned in the earlier verses were unlawful things which are tangible. Now, the verses that follow take up the intangible deeds that have been made unlawful. These are evil deeds, inner and outer. For instance, religious scholars among the Jews were addicted to giving out false verdicts in favour ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Those are they that have bought error at the price of guidance taking the former in place of the latter in this world and chastisement at the price of pardon the pardon that would have been prepared for them in the Hereafter had they not concealed this matter; what makes them so patient for the Fire...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Criticizing the Jews for concealing what Allah revealed Allah said: إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَآ أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْكِتَـبِ (Verily, those who conceal what Allah has sent down of the Book.) Meaning the Jews who concealed their Book's descriptions of Muhammad ﷺ, all of which testify to his tr...

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ نَصِيبًا مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْجِبْتِ وَٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَهْدَىٰ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ سَبِيلًا

Alam tara ilal lazeena 'ootoo naseebam minal kitaabi yu'minoona bil Jibti wat Taaghooti wa yaqooloona lillazeena kafaroo haaa ulaaa'i ahdaa minal lazeena aamanoo sabeelaa

Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in superstition and false objects of worship and say about the disbelievers, "These are better guided than the believers as to the way"?

بھلا تم نے ان لوگوں کو نہیں دیکھا جن کو کتاب سے حصہ دیا گیا ہے کہ بتوں اور شیطان کو مانتے ہیں اور کفار کے بارے میں کہتے ہیں کہ یہ لوگ مومنوں کی نسبت سیدھے رستے پر ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: A description of the evil traits of Jews has been appearing from the previous verse beginning with: أَلَمْ تَرَ‌ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا نَصِيبًا مِّنَ الْكِتَابِ يَشْتَرُ‌ونَ الضَّلَالَةَ. The present verses also deal with the same subject. 1. Jibt: Originally, the name of an idol which was also us...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: The following was revealed regarding Ka‘b b. al-Ashraf and other such scholars from among the Jews when they came to Mecca and saw those killed at Badr and began to incite the idolaters to avenge them their dead by waging war against the Prophet s Have you not seen those who were given a share of th...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Chastising and Cursing the Jews for Claiming Purity for Themselves and Believing in Jibt and Taghut Al-Hasan and Qatadah said, "This Ayah, أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يُزَكُّونَ أَنفُسَهُمْ (Have you not seen those who claim sanctity for themselves) was revealed about the Jews and Christians when th...

وَإِن كَانَ كَبُرَ عَلَيْكَ إِعْرَاضُهُمْ فَإِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ أَن تَبْتَغِىَ نَفَقًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَوْ سُلَّمًا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتَأْتِيَهُم بِـَٔايَةٍ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَمَعَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْجَٰهِلِينَ

Wa in kaana kabura 'alaika i'raaduhum fa inistata'ta an tabtaghiya nafaqan fil ardi aw sullaman fis samaaa'i fataa tiyahum bi Aayah; wa law shaaa'al laahu lajama'ahum 'alal hudaa; falaa takoonanna minal jaahileen

And if their evasion is difficult for you, then if you are able to seek a tunnel into the earth or a stairway into the sky to bring them a sign, [then do so]. But if Allah had willed, He would have united them upon guidance. So never be of the ignorant.

اور اگر ان کی روگردانی تم پر شاق گزرتی ہے تو اگر طاقت ہو تو زمین میں کوئی سرنگ ڈھونڈ نکالو یا آسمان میں سیڑھی (تلاش کرو) پھر ان کے پاس کوئی معجزہ لاؤ۔ اور اگر خدا چاہتا تو سب کو ہدایت پر جمع کردیتا پس تم ہرگز نادانوں میں نہ ہونا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary About the statement: فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يُكَذِّبُونَكَ (it is not you they are belying, rather, it is the signs of Allah they are denying) in the first verse (33), there is a related event, reported in Tafsir Mazhari on the authority of a narration by As-Suddiy, according to which, once Akhn...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And if their aversion to Islam is grievous too great for you on account of your concern for them then if you can seek out a hole an underground passage in the earth or a ladder a stairway to heaven that you may bring them a sign from among those they have requested then go ahead the meaning is that ...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Comforting the Prophet Allah comforts the Prophet in his grief over his people's denial and defiance of him, قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُ لَيَحْزُنُكَ الَّذِى يَقُولُونَ (We know indeed the grief which their words cause you;) meaning, We know about their denial of you and your sadness and sorrow for them. ...

قَدْ جَآءَكُم بَصَآئِرُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَنْ عَمِىَ فَعَلَيْهَا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ عَلَيْكُم بِحَفِيظٍ

Qad jaaa'akum basaaa'iru mir Rabbikum faman absara falinafsihee wa man 'amiya fa'alaihaa; wa maaa ana 'alaikum bihafeez

There has come to you enlightenment from your Lord. So whoever will see does so for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever is blind [does harm] against it. And [say], "I am not a guardian over you."

(اے محمدﷺ! ان سے کہہ دو کہ) تمہارے (پاس) پروردگار کی طرف سے (روشن) دلیلیں پہنچ چکی ہیں تو جس نے (ان کو آنکھ کھول کر) دیکھا اس نے اپنا بھلا کیا اور جو اندھا بنا رہا اس نے اپنے حق میں برا کیا۔ اور میں تمہارا نگہبان نہیں ہوں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Out of these five verses of Surah Al-An'am, the word: أَبْصَارُ‌` al absar' appearing in the first verse (103), is the plural of بَصَر‌ (basar) which means vision, sight or ability to see, while the word: اِدرَک (idrak) means to reach, grasp, perceive, comprehend or encompass. Sayyidna Ib...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Say O Muhammad (s) to them Clear proofs have come to you from your Lord; whoever perceives them and believes then it is for his own good that he has perceived them since the reward resulting from his perception will be his; and whoever is blind to them and goes astray then it the evil consequence of...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Meaning of Basa'ir Basa'ir are the proofs and evidences in the Qur'an and the Message of Allah's Messenger ﷺ . The Ayah, فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَلِنَفْسِهِ (so whosoever sees, will do so for (the good of) himself.) is similar to, فَمَنُ اهْتَدَى فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِى لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا ي...

وَلَوْ أَنَّنَا نَزَّلْنَآ إِلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ وَكَلَّمَهُمُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَحَشَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ قُبُلًا مَّا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَجْهَلُونَ

Wa law annanaa nazzal naaa ilaihimul malaaa'ikata wa kallamahumul mawtaa wa hasharnaa 'alaihim kulla shai'in qubulam maa kaanoo liyu'minooo illaaa ai yashaaa'al laahu wa laakinna aksarahum yajhaloon

And even if We had sent down to them the angels [with the message] and the dead spoke to them [of it] and We gathered together every [created] thing in front of them, they would not believe unless Allah should will. But most of them, [of that], are ignorant.

اور اگر ہم ان پر فرشتے بھی اتار دیتے اور مردے بھی ان سے گفتگو کرنے لگتے اور ہم سب چیزوں کو ان کے سامنے لا موجود بھی کر دیتے تو بھی یہ ایمان لانے والے نہ تھے اِلّا ماشائالله بات یہ ہے کہ یہ اکثر نادان ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: On Signs and Miracles The previous verses had mentioned how obstinate people failed to benefit from clear signs of Allah and open miracles of His Messenger and kept on denying the message of truth. The present verses mention how they took a new turn, and demanded particular miracles from the Holy Pr...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And if We had sent down the angels to them and the dead had spoken with them as they have requested and We had gathered against them all things in droves read qubulan plural of qabīl meaning ‘throng upon throng’ or read qibalan meaning ‘before their very eyes’ and they were witness to your truthfuln...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): أَوْ تَأْتِىَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْمَلَـئِكَةِ قَبِيلاً (or you bring Allah and the angels before (us) face to face.) 17:92 قَالُواْ لَن نُّؤْمِنَ حَتَّى نُؤْتَى مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ رُسُلُ اللَّهِ (They said: "We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allah had received...

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

Inna rabbaka Huwa a'lamu mai yadillu 'an sabeelihee wa Huwa a'lamu bilmuhtadeen

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

تمہارا پروردگار ان لوگوں کو خوب جانتا ہے جو اس کے رستے سے بھٹکے ہوئے ہیں اور ان سے بھی خوب واقف ہے جو رستے پر چل رہے ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the third verse (116), Allah Ta ala tells the Holy Prophet ﷺ that the majority of the progeny of 'Adam living on the earth is in error. Let him not be overawed by this situation and let him ignore what they say or do. The Qur'an has dealt with this subject at several places. In Surah As-Saaffaat,...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Your Lord knows best those who stray from His way and He knows well the rightly guided and will requite both of them.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Most People are Misguided Allah states that most of the people of the earth, are misguided. Allah said in other Ayat, وَلَقَدْ ضَلَّ قَبْلَهُمْ أَكْثَرُ الاٌّوَّلِينَ (And indeed most of the men of old went astray before them.) 37:71 and, وَمَآ أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ (And mo...

وَٱخْتَارَ مُوسَىٰ قَوْمَهُۥ سَبْعِينَ رَجُلًا لِّمِيقَٰتِنَا فَلَمَّآ أَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ قَالَ رَبِّ لَوْ شِئْتَ أَهْلَكْتَهُم مِّن قَبْلُ وَإِيَّٰىَ أَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ مِنَّآ إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا فِتْنَتُكَ تُضِلُّ بِهَا مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَهْدِى مَن تَشَآءُ أَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْغَٰفِرِينَ

Wakhtaara Moosaa qawmahoo sab'eena rajjulal limeeqaatinaa falammaa akhazat humur rajfatu qaala Rabbi law shi'ta ahlaktahum min qablu wa iyyaaya atuhlikunna bimaa fa'alas sufahaaa'u minnaa in hiya illaa fitnatuka tudillu bihaa man tashaaa'u wa tahdee man tashaaa'u Anta waliyyunaa faghfir lanaa warhammnnaa wa Anta khairul ghaafireen

And Moses chose from his people seventy men for Our appointment. And when the earthquake seized them, he said, "My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed them before and me [as well]. Would You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? This is not but Your trial by which You send astray whom You will and guide whom You will. You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy upon us; and You are the best of forgivers.

اور موسیٰ نے اس میعاد پر جو ہم نے مقرر کی تھی اپنی قوم کے ستر آدمی منتخب (کرکے کوہ طور پر حاضر) ٹل کیے۔ جب ان کو زلزلے نے پکڑا تو موسیٰ نے کہا کہ اے پروردگار تو چاہتا تو ان کو اور مجھ کو پہلے ہی سے ہلاک کر دیتا۔ کیا تو اس فعل کی سزا میں جو ہم میں سے بےعقل لوگوں نے کیا ہے ہمیں ہلاک کردے گا۔ یہ تو تیری آزمائش ہے۔ اس سے تو جس کو چاہے گمراہ کرے اور جس کو چاہے ہدایت بخشے۔ تو ہی ہمارا کارساز ہے تو ہمیں (ہمارے گناہ) بخش دے اور ہم پر رحم فرما اور تو سب سے بہتر بخشنے والا ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Seventy people and their death The verse 155 describes an unusual event. After the Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام) brought the Torah for his people and bade them to follow it, they, being a crooked and pretentious people, said that they were not sure of it's being the word of Allah, and that the Prophet ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And Moses chose of his people seventy men from among those who had not worshipped the calf by God’s command for Our appointed time that is for the time at which We promised him that they should come and apologise for their comrades’ worship of the calf. He Moses then departed with them; but when the...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Seventy Men from the Children of Israel go for the appointedMeeting Place that Allah designated, Allah later on destroys Them `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas commented; "Allah commanded Musa to choose seventy men. So he chose them and proceeded with them in order that they supplicate to...

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَسْتَمِعُونَ إِلَيْكَ أَفَأَنتَ تُسْمِعُ ٱلصُّمَّ وَلَوْ كَانُوا۟ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ

Wa minhum mai yastami'oona iliak; afa anta tusmi'us summa wa law kaanoo la ya'qiloon

And among them are those who listen to you. But can you cause the deaf to hear, although they will not use reason?

اور ان میں سے بعض ایسے ہیں کہ تمہاری طرف کان لگاتے ہیں تو کیا تم بہروں کو سناؤ گے اگرچہ کچھ بھی (سنتے) سمجھتے نہ ہوں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the concluding verse (32), it was said: فَذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّـهُ رَ‌بُّكُمُ الْحَقُّ ۖ فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلَّا الضَّلَالُ (So, that is Allah, your Lord in truth. And what is there, after truth, but error?), that is, ` this is the Sacred Being whose attributes of perfection have just been ment...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And of them are some who listen to you when you recite the Qur’ān. But will you make the deaf to hear — He likens them the Meccan disbelievers to these the deaf because they are not able to benefit from what is recited to them — even though with their deafness they do not understand? even though the...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Command to be Free and Clear from the Idolators Allah said to His Prophet : `If these idolators belie you, then be clear from them and their deeds.' فَقُل لِّى عَمَلِى وَلَكُمْ عَمَلُكُمْ (Say: "For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds!") Similarly, Allah said: قُلْ يأَيُّهَا الْكَـفِرُونَ...

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَنظُرُ إِلَيْكَ أَفَأَنتَ تَهْدِى ٱلْعُمْىَ وَلَوْ كَانُوا۟ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ

Wa minhum mai yanzuru ilaik; afa anta tahdil 'umya wa law kaanoo laa yubsiroon

And among them are those who look at you. But can you guide the blind although they will not [attempt to] see?

اور بعض ایسے ہیں کہ تمھاری طرف دیکھتے ہیں۔ تو کیا تم اندھوں کو راستہ دکھاؤ گے اگرچہ کچھ بھی دیکھتے (بھالتے) نہ ہوں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the concluding verse (32), it was said: فَذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّـهُ رَ‌بُّكُمُ الْحَقُّ ۖ فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلَّا الضَّلَالُ (So, that is Allah, your Lord in truth. And what is there, after truth, but error?), that is, ` this is the Sacred Being whose attributes of perfection have just been ment...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And of them are some who look toward you. But will you guide the blind even though they do not see? — He likens them the Meccan disbelievers to these the blind because they fail to be guided nay they are much worse since God says It is not the eyes that are blind but blind are the hearts within the ...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Command to be Free and Clear from the Idolators Allah said to His Prophet : `If these idolators belie you, then be clear from them and their deeds.' فَقُل لِّى عَمَلِى وَلَكُمْ عَمَلُكُمْ (Say: "For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds!") Similarly, Allah said: قُلْ يأَيُّهَا الْكَـفِرُونَ...

مَثَلُ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ كَٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْأَصَمِّ وَٱلْبَصِيرِ وَٱلسَّمِيعِ هَلْ يَسْتَوِيَانِ مَثَلًا أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Masalul fareeqini kal a'maa wal asammi walbaseeri wassamee'; hal yastawiyaani masalaa; afalaa tazakkaroon

The example of the two parties is like the blind and deaf, and the seeing and hearing. Are they equal in comparison? Then, will you not remember?

دونوں فرقوں (یعنی کافرومومن) کی مثال ایسی ہے جیسے ایک اندھا بہرا ہو اور ایک دیکھتا سنتا۔ بھلا دونوں کا حال یکساں ہوسکتا ہے؟ پھر تم سوچتے کیوں نہیں؟

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: The word: bayyinah (بینہ) appearing in this verse refers to the Qur'an. As for the meaning of ` shahid' (شاھِد evidence), statements of Tafsir authorities differ. The author of Bay-an a1-Qur'an takes ` shahid' to mean the miracle of the Qur'an that is present in the Qur'an as such. Thus, it comes to...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: The likeness the description of the two parties the disbelievers and the believers is as the blind and the deaf this being the likeness of the disbeliever and the one who sees and the one who hears this being the likeness of the believer are they equal in likeness? No! Will you not then remember? ta...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Rewarding the People of Faith When Allah, the Exalted, mentioned the condition of the wretched, He also commended the people of delight (the believers). They are those who believe and work righteous deeds. Thus, their hearts believed and their limbs worked righteous deeds, both in statements and act...

قُلْ مَن رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ قُلْ أَفَٱتَّخَذْتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمْ نَفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ أَمْ هَلْ تَسْتَوِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتُ وَٱلنُّورُ أَمْ جَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ خَلَقُوا۟ كَخَلْقِهِۦ فَتَشَٰبَهَ ٱلْخَلْقُ عَلَيْهِمْ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ خَٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ ٱلْوَٰحِدُ ٱلْقَهَّٰرُ

Wul mar Rabbus samaawaati wal ard; qulillaah; qul afattakhaztum min dooniheee awliyaaa'a laa yamlikoona li anfusihim naf'anw wa laa darraa; qul hal yastawil a'maa wal baseeru am hal tastawiz zulumaatu wannoor; am ja'aloo lillaahi shurakaaa'a khalaqoo kakhalqihee fatashaa bahal khalqu 'alaihim; qulil laahu Khaaliqu kulli shai'inw wa Huwal Waahidul Qahhar

Say, "Who is Lord of the heavens and earth?" Say, "Allah." Say, "Have you then taken besides Him allies not possessing [even] for themselves any benefit or any harm?" Say, "Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Or is darkness equivalent to light? Or have they attributed to Allah partners who created like His creation so that the creation [of each] seemed similar to them?" Say, "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Prevailing."

ان سے پوچھو کہ آسمانوں اور زمین کا پروردگار کون ہے؟ (تم ہی ان کی طرف سے) کہہ دو کہ خدا۔ پھر (ان سے) کہو کہ تم نے خدا کو چھوڑ کر ایسے لوگوں کو کیوں کارساز بنایا ہے جو خود اپنے نفع ونقصان کا بھی اختیار نہیں رکھتے (یہ بھی) پوچھو کیا اندھا اور آنکھوں والا برابر ہیں؟ یا اندھیرا اور اُجالا برابر ہوسکتا ہے؟ بھلا ان لوگوں نے جن کو خدا کا شریک مقرر کیا ہے۔ کیا انہوں نے خدا کی سی مخلوقات پیدا کی ہے جس کے سبب ان کو مخلوقات مشتبہ ہوگئی ہے۔ کہہ دو کہ خدا ہی ہر چیز کا پیدا کرنے والا ہے اور وہ یکتا (اور) زبردست ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary The outcome of both parables is that foam does appear prominent for a while on the real thing, but it finally gets to be thrown away and the real thing remains. Similar is the case of the false. Though the false may, for a short while, appear to have overcome the true, but the false is fi...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Say O Muhammad (s) to your people ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?’ Say ‘God’ — and even if they do not say it there can be no other response. Say to them ‘Then have you taken beside Him other than Him protectors idols to worship who have no power to benefit or harm themselves?’ and yo...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Affirming Tawhid Allah affirms here that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, since they admit that He alone created the heavens and the earth and that He is their Lord and the Disposer of all affairs. Yet, they take as lords others besides Allah and worship them, even though these false ...

أَفَمَن يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ ٱلْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَىٰٓ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ

Afamai ya'lamu annamaaa unzila ilaika mir Rabbikal haqqu kaman huwa a'maa; innamaa yatazakkaru ulul albaab

Then is he who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth like one who is blind? They will only be reminded who are people of understanding -

بھلا جو شخص یہ جانتا ہے کہ جو کچھ تمہارے پروردگار کی طرف سے تم پر نازل ہوا ہے حق ہے وہ اس شخص کی طرح ہے جو اندھا ہے اور سمجھتے تو وہی ہیں جو عقلمند ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Truth and Falsehood were explained through parables in verses appearing previous to those cited above. Now, in the present verses, there is a description of the distinguishing marks and attributes of the people of Truth and the people of Falsehood, along with a description of their good a...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: The following was revealed regarding Hamza and Abū Jahl Is he who knows that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth and so believes in it like him who is blind? and does not know it nor believes in it? No! But only people of pith possessors of intellect remember heed such admonitions;
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Believer and the Disbeliever are never Equal Allah says, `They could never be equal; those among people who know that what, أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ (has been revealed unto you), O Muhammad, مِن رَبِّكَ (from your Lord) is the truth about which there is no doubt and in which there is no confusion, vague...

وَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِىٓ إِلَيْهِ مَنْ أَنَابَ

Wa yaqoolul lazeena kafaroo law laaa unzila 'alaihi Aayatum mir Rabbih; qul innal laaha yudillu mai yashaa'u wa yahdeee ilaihi man anaab

And those who disbelieved say, "Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, [O Muhammad], "Indeed, Allah leaves astray whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him] -

اور کافر کہتے ہیں کہ اس (پیغمبر) پر اس کے پروردگار کی طرف سے کوئی نشانی کیوں نازل نہیں ہوئی۔ کہہ دو کہ خدا جسے چاہتا ہے گمراہ کرتا ہے اور جو (اس کی طرف) رجوع ہوتا ہے اس کو اپنی طرف کا رستہ دکھاتا ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary At the beginning of the section, human beings were divided into two kinds - those who are obedient to Allah Ta’ ala and those who are disobedient to Him. Then, enumerated there were some attributes and signs of the obedient servants of Allah and mention was made of the best of rewards for...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And those who disbelieve from among the people of Mecca say ‘Why has not some sign like the staff and the glowing hand or the she-camel been sent down upon him upon Muhammad (s) from his Lord?’ Say to them ‘Indeed God sends astray whomever He will to send astray — such that signs cannot avail him in...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Disbelievers ask for Miracles, Allah's Response to Them Allah says that the idolators said, لَوْلاَ (Why is not), meaning, there should be, أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ (a sign sent down to him from his Lord) The idolators also said, فَلْيَأْتِنَا بِـَايَةٍ كَمَآ أُرْسِلَ الاٌّوَّلُونَ (Le...

أَفَمَنْ هُوَ قَآئِمٌ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ قُلْ سَمُّوهُمْ أَمْ تُنَبِّـُٔونَهُۥ بِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَم بِظَٰهِرٍ مِّنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ بَلْ زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مَكْرُهُمْ وَصُدُّوا۟ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ

Afaman Huwa qaaa'imun 'alaa kulli nafsim bimaa kasabat; wa ja'aloo illlaahi shurakaaa'a qul samoohum; am tunabbi'oona hoo bimaa laa ya'lamu fil ardi; am bizaahirim minal qawl; bal zuyyina lillazeena kafaroo makruhum wa suddoo 'anis sabeel; wa mai yudlilil laaahu famaa lahoo min haad;

Then is He who is a maintainer of every soul, [knowing] what it has earned, [like any other]? But to Allah they have attributed partners. Say, "Name them. Or do you inform Him of that which He knows not upon the earth or of what is apparent of speech?" Rather, their [own] plan has been made attractive to those who disbelieve, and they have been averted from the way. And whomever Allah leaves astray - there will be for him no guide.

تو کیا جو (خدا) ہر متنفس کے اعمال کا نگراں (ونگہباں) ہے (وہ بتوں کی طرح بےعلم وبےخبر ہوسکتا ہے) اور ان لوگوں نے خدا کے شریک مقرر کر رکھے ہیں۔ ان سے کہو کہ (ذرا) ان کے نام تو لو۔ کیا تم اسے ایسی چیزیں بتاتے ہو جس کو وہ زمین میں (کہیں بھی) معلوم نہیں کرتا یا (محض) ظاہری (باطل اور جھوٹی) بات کی (تقلید کرتے ہو) اصل یہ ہے کہ کافروں کو ان کے فریب خوبصورت معلوم ہوتے ہیں۔ اور وہ (ہدایت کے) رستے سے روک لیے گئے ہیں۔ اور جسے خدا گمراہ کرے اسے کوئی ہدایت کرنے والا نہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the verse: أَفَمَنْ هُوَ قَائِمٌ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ نَفْسٍ (Is then He, who is watchful over everyone ... 33), the ignorance and irrationality of the disbelievers has been exposed by saying that these people are certainly short on sense when they equate inert idols with His pure Being, a Being that wat...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Is He Who stands watches over every soul what it has earned? what it has done of good or evil — and this is God — like the idols who are not so? No! This response is suggested by the following words Yet they ascribe to God associates. Say ‘Name them! for Him who are they? Or will you inform Him will...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): There is no Similarity between Allah and False Deities in any Respect Allah said, أَفَمَنْ هُوَ قَآئِمٌ عَلَى كُلِّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ (Is then He (Allah) Who takes charge of every person and knows all that he has earned) Allah is the guard and watcher over every living soul and knows what everyo...

رَبِّ إِنَّهُنَّ أَضْلَلْنَ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فَمَن تَبِعَنِى فَإِنَّهُۥ مِنِّى وَمَنْ عَصَانِى فَإِنَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Rabbi innahunna adlalna kaseeram minan naasi faman tabi'anee fa innahoo minnee wa man 'asaanee fa innaka Ghafoorur Raheem

My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me - then he is of me; and whoever disobeys me - indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful.

اے پروردگار انہوں نے بہت سے لوگوں کو گمراہ کیا ہے۔ سو جس شخص نے میرا کہا مانا وہ میرا ہے۔ اور جس نے میری نافرمانی کی تو تُو بخشنے والا مہربان ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the second verse (36), he gives the reason for making this prayer. He said that he sought refuge from idol-worship because it has led many a people astray. He said so because he had seen his father and his people falling victims to the custom of idol-worship which had left them deprived of all po...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: My Lord truly they idols have led many of mankind astray because of their mankind’s worship of them. So whoever follows me believing in the Oneness of God verily belongs with me belongs with those who follow my religion; and whoever disobeys me truly You are Forgiving Merciful this was before he was...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): brahim's Supplication to Allah when He brought Isma`il to Makkah Allah mentions here, while bringing forth more evidences against Arab polytheists, that the Sacred House in Makkah was established on the worship of Allah alone, without partners. He also states that Ibrahim, who establsihed the city, ...

وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَٰكِن يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ وَلَتُسْـَٔلُنَّ عَمَّا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

Wa law shaaa'al laahu laja'alakum ummmatanw waahidatanw wa laakiny yudillu many-yashaaa'u wa yahdee many-yashaaa'; wa latus'alunna 'ammaa kuntum ta'maloon

And if Allah had willed, He could have made you [of] one religion, but He causes to stray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And you will surely be questioned about what you used to do.

اور اگر خدا چاہتا تو تم (سب) کو ایک ہی جماعت بنا دیتا۔ لیکن وہ جسے چاہتا ہے گمراہ کرتا ہے اور جسے چاہتا ہے ہدایت دیتا ہے۔ اور جو عمل تم کرتے ہو (اُس دن) اُن کے بارے میں تم سے ضرور پوچھا جائے گا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In verse 92: أَن تَكُونَ أُمَّةٌ هِيَ أَرْ‌بَىٰ مِنْ أُمَّةٍ (merely because a group is higher [ in number and wealth ] than the other), Muslims have been ordered that they should not break the pact they enter into with a group simply for the sake of worldly interests and gains. For example, they ma...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: For if God had willed He could have made you one community people of a single religion but He leads astray whom He will and guides whom He will and you will surely be questioned on the Day of Resurrection a questioning of rebuke about what you used to do so that you might be requited for it.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): If Allah had willed, He would have made all of Humanity one Nation Allah says: وَلَوْ شَآءَ اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ (And had Allah willed, He would have made you) meaning - O mankind, أُمَّةً وَحِدَةً ((all) one nation,) This is like the Ayah: وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ لآمَنَ مَن فِى الاٌّرْضِ كُلُّهُمْ جَم...

ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ وَجَٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

Ud'u ilaa sabeeli Rabbika bilhikmati walmaw 'izatil hasanati wa jaadilhum billatee hiya ahsan; inna Rabbaka huwa a'almu biman dalla 'an sabeelihee wa Huwa a'lamu bilmuhtadeen

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.

(اے پیغمبر) لوگوں کو دانش اور نیک نصیحت سے اپنے پروردگار کے رستے کی طرف بلاؤ۔ اور بہت ہی اچھے طریق سے ان سے مناظرہ کرو۔ جو اس کے رستے سے بھٹک گیا تمہارا پروردگار اسے بھی خوب جانتا ہے اور جو رستے پر چلنے والے ہیں ان سے بھی خوب واقف ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Sequence of Verses In the previous verses, by attesting to the veracity of the Holy Prophet ﷺ as prophet and messenger of Allah, the purpose was to induce his people to follow what he commanded them with and thus do their bounden duty towards their Divinely ordained rasul. In the verses cited above,...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Call mankind O Muhammad (s) to the way of your Lord to His religion with wisdom with the Qur’ān and fair exhortation its the Qur’ān’s fair exhortations or with gentle words and dispute with them by way of that which that is by way of that manner of disputation which is best such as calling them to G...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Command to invite people to Allah with Wisdom and Good Preaching Allah commands His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ to invite the people to Allah with Hikmah (wisdom). Ibn Jarir said: "That is what was revealed to him from the Book and the Sunnah." وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ (and fair preaching) meaning, ...

مَّنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِى لِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا

Manihtadaa fa innamaa yahtadee linafsihee wa man dalla fa innamaa yadillu 'alaihaa; wa laa taziru waaziratunw wizra ukhraa; wa maa kunnaa mu'azzibeena hatta nab'asa Rasoola

Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger.

جو شخص ہدایت اختیار کرتا ہے تو اپنے لئے اختیار کرتا ہے۔ اور جو گمراہ ہوتا ہے گمراہی کا ضرر بھی اسی کو ہوگا۔ اور کوئی شخص کسی دوسرے کا بوجھ نہیں اٹھائے گا۔ اور جب تک ہم پیغمبر نہ بھیج لیں عذاب نہیں دیا کرتے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Allah does not punish unless He sends a Messenger: A clarification On the basis of this verse, some leading Muslim jurists rule that people to whom the call of any prophet or messenger did not reach will not be subject to any punishment, despite their disbelief. There are other leading jurists who h...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Whoever is guided is guided only to the good of his own soul because the reward of his guidance will be for him; and whoever goes astray goes astray only to its his soul’s detriment because the sin thereof will be held against it. No burdened no sinful soul shall bear the burden of another soul. And...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): No One will have to bear the Sins of Another Allah tells us that whoever is guided and follows the truth, walking in the footsteps of the Prophet , he will gain the good consequences of that for himself. وَمَن ضَلَّ (And whoever goes astray,) meaning from the truth, deviating from the way of guidanc...

وَمَن كَانَ فِى هَٰذِهِۦٓ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ أَعْمَىٰ وَأَضَلُّ سَبِيلًا

Wa man kaana fee haaziheee a'maa fahuwa fil aakhirati a'maa wa adallu sabeelaa

And whoever is blind in this [life] will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way.

اور جو شخص اس (دنیا) میں اندھا ہو وہ آخرت میں بھی اندھا ہوگا۔ اور (نجات کے) رستے سے بہت دور

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary The word: اِمَام (Imam) in the first sentence of verse يَوْمَ نَدْعُو كُلَّ أُنَاسٍ بِإِمَامِهِمْ translated as ' (Think of) the Day We will call every people with their book of deeds' appears here in the sense of 'book' as in Surah Ya Sin: وَكُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَاهُ فِي إِمَامٍ مُّبِين...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And whoever has been in this that is in this world blind to the truth will be blind in the Hereafter to the path of salvation and the reciting of the Qur’ān and even further astray from the right way more removed from the road that leads to it.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Everyone will be called by his Imam on the Day of Resurrection Allah tells us that on the Day of Resurrection, he will call each people to account by its Imam. The scholars differed as to the meaning of this (i.e. Imam. Mujahid and Qatadah said that it meant each nation would be called to account by...

قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِۦ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا

Qul kulluny ya'malu 'alaa shaakilatihee fa rabbukum a'lamu biman huwa ahdaa sabeelaa

Say, "Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way."

کہہ دو کہ ہر شخص اپنے طریق کے مطابق عمل کرتا ہے۔ سو تمہارا پروردگار اس شخص سے خوب واقف ہے جو سب سے زیادہ سیدھے رستے پر ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Regarding the explanation of the word: شاکِلَۃ (shakilah) in verse 84: كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِ (Everyone acts in his own style), several interpretations have been reported from authorities among the early righteous elders, such as, disposition, habit, instinct, intention, way or...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Say ‘Everyone including us and you acts according to his own character his own manner of conduct and your Lord knows best who is better guided as to the way’ as to the path he follows and He will reward him accordingly.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Turning away from Allah at Times of Ease and despairing at Times of Calamity Allah tells us about the weakness that is inherent in man, except for those whom He protects at both times of ease and calamity. If Allah blesses a man with wealth, good health, ease, provision and help, and he gets what he...

وَمَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِهِۦ وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًا وَبُكْمًا وَصُمًّا مَّأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَٰهُمْ سَعِيرًا

Wa mai yahdil laahu fahuwal muhtad; wa mai yudlil falan tajida lahum awliyaaa'a min doonih; wa nahshuruhum Yawmal Qiyaamati 'alaa wujoohihim umyanw wa bukmanw wa summaa; maa waahum Jahannamu kullamaa khabat zidnaahum sa'eeraa

And whoever Allah guides - he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray - you will never find for them protectors besides Him, and We will gather them on the Day of Resurrection [fallen] on their faces - blind, dumb and deaf. Their refuge is Hell; every time it subsides We increase them in blazing fire.

اور جس شخص کو خدا ہدایت دے وہی ہدایت یاب ہے۔ اور جن کو گمراہ کرے تو تم خدا کے سوا اُن کے رفیق نہیں پاؤ گے۔ اور ہم اُن کو قیامت کے دن اوندھے منہ اندھے گونگے اور بہرے (بنا کر) اٹھائیں گے۔ اور ان کا ٹھکانہ دوزخ ہے۔ جب (اس کی آگ) بجھنے کو ہوگی تو ہم ان کو (عذاب دینے کے لئے) اور بھڑکا دیں گے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the last verse (95), it was said that they, despite being human, can-not demand that their messenger should be an angel. This demand was unreasonable. Yes, if angels had been living on the Earth and there was the need to send a messenger to them, then, indeed, an angel would have been sent as a m...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And he whom God guides is rightly guided and he whom He sends astray — you will not find for them any guardians to guide them besides Him. And We shall assemble them on the Day of Resurrection walking on their faces blind dumb and deaf; their abode shall be Hell — whenever it abates whenever its fla...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Guidance and Misguidance are in the Hands of Allah Allah tells us how He deals with His creation and how His rulings are carried out. He tells us that there is none who can put back His judgement, for whomever He guides cannot be led astray, وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِهِ...

وَأَنْ أَتْلُوَا۟ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِى لِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُنذِرِينَ

Wa an atluwal Qur-aana famanih tadaa fa innnamaa yahtadee linafsihee wa man dalla faqul innamaaa ana minal munzireen

And to recite the Qur'an." And whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] himself; and whoever strays - say, "I am only [one] of the warners."

اور یہ بھی کہ قرآن پڑھا کروں۔ تو جو شخص راہ راست اختیار کرتا ہے تو اپنے ہی فائدے کے لئے اختیار کرتا ہے۔ اور جو گمراہ رہتا ہے تو کہہ دو کہ میں تو صرف نصیحت کرنے والا ہوں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary رَ‌بَّ هَـٰذِهِ الْبَلْدَةِ (the Lord of this city - 27:91). Majority of the commentators have taken the word o=ff "Baldah" (the city) for Makkah. Allah Ta’ ala is the Lord of all the worlds and the Lord of heavens and earth. Therefore, the particular mention of Makkah here is to show its...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: and to recite the Qur’ān to you as a call to faith. So whoever is guided to it is guided only for his own sake since the reward for his being guided will be his; and whoever goes astray from faith and errs from the path of guidance say to him ‘I am just one of the warners’ the threateners and theref...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Command to worship Allah and to call People with the Qur'an Allah commands His Messenger to say: إِنَّمَآ أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ رَبِّ هَذِهِ الْبَلْدَةِ الَّذِى حَرَّمَهَا وَلَهُ كُلُّ شَىءٍ (I have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city, Who has sanctified it and to Whom belongs ...

فَأَصْبَحَ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ خَآئِفًا يَتَرَقَّبُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَنصَرَهُۥ بِٱلْأَمْسِ يَسْتَصْرِخُهُۥ قَالَ لَهُۥ مُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّكَ لَغَوِىٌّ مُّبِينٌ

Fa asbaha fil madeenati khaaa'ifany yataraqqabu fa izal lazis tansarahoo bil amsi yastasrikhuh; qaala lahoo moosaaa innaka laghawiyyum mubeen

And he became inside the city fearful and anticipating [exposure], when suddenly the one who sought his help the previous day cried out to him [once again]. Moses said to him, "Indeed, you are an evident, [persistent] deviator."

الغرض صبح کے وقت شہر میں ڈرتے ڈرتے داخل ہوئے کہ دیکھیں (کیا ہوتا ہے) تو ناگہاں وہی شخص جس نے کل اُن سے مدد مانگی تھی پھر اُن کو پکار رہا ہے۔ موسٰی نے اس سے کہا کہ تُو تو صریح گمراہ ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: قَالَ رَ‌بِّ بِمَا أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ فَلَنْ أَكُونَ ظَهِيرً‌ا لِّلْمُجْرِ‌مِينَ (He [ Musa ] said, "0 my Lord, since You have favoured me, I will never be a supporter to the sinners." -28:17). When Allah Ta’ ala pardoned this slip of Sayyidna Musa (علیہ السلام) he said in gratitude to Allah Ta` ala...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: In the morning he was in the city fearful vigilant waiting to see what would happen to him in reaction from the side of the slain man; — when behold the one who had sought his help the day before cried out to him for help again asking for his help against another Egyptian. Moses said to him ‘Clearly...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): How the Secret of this Killing became known Allah tells us that when Musa killed that Coptic, فِى الْمَدِينَةِ خَآئِفاً (he became afraid in the city) meaning, of the consequences of his action, يَتَرَقَّبُ (looking about) means, turning around and watching out, waiting for the consequences of his a...

فَإِن لَّمْ يَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لَكَ فَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ بِغَيْرِ هُدًى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

Fa il lam yastajeeboo laka fa'lam annamaa yattabi'oona ahwaaa'ahum; w aman adallu mimmanit taba'a hawaahu bighari hudam minal laah; innal laaha laa yahdil qawmaz zaalimeen

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

پھر اگر یہ تمہاری بات قبول نہ کریں تو جان لو کہ یہ صرف اپنی خواہشوں کی پیروی کرتے ہیں۔ اور اس سے زیادہ کون گمراہ ہوگا جو خدا کی ہدایت کو چھوڑ کر اپنی خواہش کے پیچھے چلے۔ بیشک خدا ظالم لوگوں کو ہدایت نہیں دیتا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: لِتُنذِرَ‌ قَوْمًا مَّا أَتَاهُم مِّن نَّذِيرٍ‌ ( so that you warn a people to whom no warner has come before - 28:46). The expression ` a people' is purported here for the Arabs, who are the progeny of Sayyidna Ismail (علیہ السلام) . No prophet was sent to this ` people' after Sayyidna Ismail علیہ ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Then if they do not respond to you regarding your invitation to them to bring a Scripture know that they are only following their desires in persisting in their disbelief. And who is more astray than he who follows his desire without any guidance from God? in other words there is no one more astray ...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The stubborn Response of the Disbelievers Allah tells us that if people were to be punished before proof was established against them, they would use the excuse that no Messenger came to them, but when the truth did come to them through Muhammad ﷺ, in their stubbornness, disbelief, ignorance and mis...

فَإِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَلَا تُسْمِعُ ٱلصُّمَّ ٱلدُّعَآءَ إِذَا وَلَّوْا۟ مُدْبِرِينَ

Fa innaka laa tusmi'ul mawtaa wa laa tusmi'us summad du'aaa'a izaa wallaw mudbireen

So indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs, retreating.

تو تم مردوں کی (بات) نہیں سنا سکتے اور نہ بہروں کو جب وہ پیٹھ پھیر کر پھر جائیں آواز سنا سکتے ہو

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: فَإِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ الْمَوْتَىٰ (So you cannot make the dead to hear 30:52). As for the issue whether the dead have the ability to hear or not, and if they have this ability, whether it is exclusive to some, or all can hear, this subject has been dealt with briefly in the commentary of Sarah An-N...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And so you cannot make the dead hear nor can you make the deaf hear the call when read al-du‘ā’a idhā pronouncing both hamzas or by not pronouncing the second one that comes between it and the yā’ they go away with their backs turned.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Disbelievers are like the Dead, Deaf and Blind Allah says, `just as you are not able to make the dead hear in their graves, or to make your words reach the deaf who cannot hear and who still turn away from you, so too you cannot guide the blind to the truth and bring them back from their misguid...

وَمَآ أَنتَ بِهَٰدِ ٱلْعُمْىِ عَن ضَلَٰلَتِهِمْ إِن تُسْمِعُ إِلَّا مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَهُم مُّسْلِمُونَ

Wa maa anta bihaadil 'umyi 'an dalaalatihim in tusmi'u illaa mai yuminu bi aayaatinaa fahum muslimoon

And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make hear those who believe in Our verses so they are Muslims [in submission to Allah].

اور نہ اندھوں کو اُن کی گمراہی سے (نکال کر) راہ راست پر لاسکتے ہو۔ تم تو انہی لوگوں کو سنا سکتے ہو جو ہماری آیتوں پر ایمان لاتے ہیں سو وہی فرمانبردار ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: فَإِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ الْمَوْتَىٰ (So you cannot make the dead to hear 30:52). As for the issue whether the dead have the ability to hear or not, and if they have this ability, whether it is exclusive to some, or all can hear, this subject has been dealt with briefly in the commentary of Sarah An-N...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Nor can you guide the blind out of their error. You can only make hear in a way so as to understand and accept those who believe in Our signs in the Qur’ān and have thus submitted sincere in their affirmation of God’s Oneness.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Disbelievers are like the Dead, Deaf and Blind Allah says, `just as you are not able to make the dead hear in their graves, or to make your words reach the deaf who cannot hear and who still turn away from you, so too you cannot guide the blind to the truth and bring them back from their misguid...

قُلْ مَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ وَإِنَّآ أَوْ إِيَّاكُمْ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى أَوْ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

Qul mai yarzuqukum minas samaawaati wal ardi qulil laahu wa innaaa aw iyyaakum la'alaa hudan aw fee dalaalim mubeen

Say, "Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?" Say, "Allah. And indeed, we or you are either upon guidance or in clear error."

پوچھو کہ تم کو آسمانوں اور زمین سے کون رزق دیتا ہے؟ کہو کہ خدا اور ہم یا تم (یا تو) سیدھے رستے پر ہیں یا صریح گمراہی میں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Consideration of the psychology of the addressee in debates and avoidance of any approach that may provoke violent attitude In verse 24: وَإِنَّا أَوْ إِيَّاكُمْ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى أَوْ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ (And We or you are either on the right path or in open error - 34:24), this address is beamed at ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Say ‘Who provides for you from the heavens rain and from the earth?’ vegetation. Say ‘God!’ — even if they do not say it there is no other valid answer. And indeed either we or you are — in other words either one of the two parties is — rightly guided or in manifest error. The ambiguity here concern...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Allah has no partner in anything whatsoever Allah tells us that He is unique in His power of creation and His giving of provision, and that He is unique in His divinity also. As they used to admit that no one in heaven or on earth except Allah gave them provision, i.e., by sending down water and cau...

قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوٓا۟ أَنَحْنُ صَدَدْنَٰكُمْ عَنِ ٱلْهُدَىٰ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَآءَكُم بَلْ كُنتُم مُّجْرِمِينَ

Qaalal lazeenas takbaroo lillazeenas tud'ifooo anahnu sadadnaakum 'anil hudaa ba'da iz jaaa'akum bal kuntum mujrimeen

Those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed, "Did we avert you from guidance after it had come to you? Rather, you were criminals."

بڑے لوگ کمزوروں سے کہیں گے کہ بھلا ہم نے تم کو ہدایت سے جب وہ تمہارے پاس آچکی تھی روکا تھا؟ (نہیں) بلکہ تم ہی گنہگار تھے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary That Allah is One and that His power is absolute was the subject in previous verses. In the present verse, it is being said that the Holy Prophet ﷺ “ was sent as the Messenger of Allah to all peoples of the world who are there now or will come in the future. The word: كَافَّةً (Kaaffah) i...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed ‘Was it us who barred you from guidance after it had come to you? Nay! Rather you were guilty’ of your own accord.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): How the Disbelievers have agreed in this World to deny the Truth,and how They will dispute with One Another on the Day ofResurrection Allah tells us about the excessive wrongdoing and stubbornness of the disbelievers, and their insistence on not believing in the Holy Qur'an and what it tells them ab...

أَفَمَن زُيِّنَ لَهُۥ سُوٓءُ عَمَلِهِۦ فَرَءَاهُ حَسَنًا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَٰتٍ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ

Afaman zuyyina lahoo sooo'u 'amalihee fara aahu hasanaa; fa innal laaha yudillu mai yashaaa'u wa yahdee mai yahaaa'u falaa tazhab nafsuka 'alaihim hasaraat; innal laaha 'aleemun bimaa yasna'oon

Then is one to whom the evil of his deed has been made attractive so he considers it good [like one rightly guided]? For indeed, Allah sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. So do not let yourself perish over them in regret. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do.

بھلا جس شخص کو اس کے اعمال بد آراستہ کرکے دکھائے جائیں اور وہ ان کو عمدہ سمجھنے لگے تو (کیا وہ نیکوکار آدمی جیسا ہوسکتا ہے) ۔ بےشک خدا جس کو چاہتا ہے گمراہ کرتا ہے اور جس کو چاہتا ہے ہدایت دیتا ہے۔ تو ان لوگوں پر افسوس کرکے تمہارا دم نہ نکل جائے۔ یہ جو کچھ کرتے ہیں خدا اس سے واقف ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Imam al-Baghawi has reported on the authority of Sayyidna ` Abdullah Ibn ` Abbas ؓ that the verse: فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ (The fact, therefore, is that Allah lets go astray whomsoever He wills , and leads to the right path whomsoever He wills.- 8) was revealed at ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: The following was revealed regarding Abū Jahl and others Is he the evil of whose deeds is made to seem fair to him by distortion so that he deems it good …? a-fa-man ‘is he whose’ constitutes the subject the predicate of which is an omitted ‘like one whom God has guided?’ No! And this predicate is i...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Punishment of the Disbeliever and the Reward of the Believer on the Day of Resurrection Having stated that the ultimate destiny of the followers of Iblis will be the blazing Fire, Allah then tells us that for those who disbelieve there will be a severe punishment. This is because they obeyed the...

وَمَا يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ

Wa maa tastawil a'maa wal baseer

Not equal are the blind and the seeing,

اور اندھا اور آنکھ والا برابر نہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Verse 18: وَلَا تَزِرُ‌ وَازِرَ‌ةٌ وِزْرَ‌ أُخْرَ‌ىٰ (And no bearer will bear the burden of any other person) means that, on the Day of Judgment, no one will be able to bear the burden of another person's sins. Everyone will have to bear his or her burden. As for what appears in Surah Al-...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Nor are the blind and the seer equal that is the disbeliever and the believer are not equal
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Believer and the Disbeliever are not equal Allah says that these antonyms are clearly not equal, the blind and the seeing are not equal, there is a difference and a huge gap between them. Darkness and light are not equal, neither are shade and the sun's heat. By the same token, the living and th...

وَلَا ٱلظُّلُمَٰتُ وَلَا ٱلنُّورُ

Wa laz zulumaatu wa lannoon

Nor are the darknesses and the light,

اور نہ اندھیرا اور روشنی

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Verse 18: وَلَا تَزِرُ‌ وَازِرَ‌ةٌ وِزْرَ‌ أُخْرَ‌ىٰ (And no bearer will bear the burden of any other person) means that, on the Day of Judgment, no one will be able to bear the burden of another person's sins. Everyone will have to bear his or her burden. As for what appears in Surah Al-...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: nor darkness — disbelief — and light — faith;
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Believer and the Disbeliever are not equal Allah says that these antonyms are clearly not equal, the blind and the seeing are not equal, there is a difference and a huge gap between them. Darkness and light are not equal, neither are shade and the sun's heat. By the same token, the living and th...

أَفَمَن شَرَحَ ٱللَّهُ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْقَٰسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

Afaman sharahal laahu sadrahoo lil Islaami fahuwa 'alaa noorim mir Rabbih; fa wailul lilqaasiyati quloobuhum min zikril laah; ulaaa'ika fee dalaalim mubeen

So is one whose breast Allah has expanded to [accept] Islam and he is upon a light from his Lord [like one whose heart rejects it]? Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error.

بھلا جس شخص کا سینہ خدا نے اسلام کے لئے کھول دیا ہو اور وہ اپنے پروردگار کی طرف سے روشنی پر ہو (تو کیا وہ سخت دل کافر کی طرح ہوسکتا ہے) پس ان پر افسوس ہے جن کے دل خدا کی یاد سے سخت ہو رہے ہیں۔ اور یہی لوگ صریح گمراہی میں ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: In the first sentence of verse 22, it was said: أَفَمَن شَرَ‌حَ اللَّـهُ صَدْرَ‌هُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ‌ مِّن رَّ‌بِّهِ (So I ask about a person whose heart Allah has opened up for Islam, and consequently he proceeds in a light from his Lord.). The word: شَرَ‌حَ (sharh) literally means ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Is he whose breast God has opened to Islam and becomes guided so that he follows a light from his Lord …? like he whose heart He has sealed with disbelief? — this understanding of the ellipsis is indicated by what follows. So woe — an expression indicating ‘chastisement’ — to those whose hearts have...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Parable of the Life of this World Allah tells us that water originates in the sky. This is like the Ayah: وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً طَهُوراً (and We send down pure water from the sky) (25:48). So, Allah sends down water from the sky, and it settles in the earth, then He causes it to flo...

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ لِلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ

Innaa anzalnaa 'alaikal Kitaaba linnaasi bilhaqq; famanih tadaa falinafsihee wa man dalla fa innamaa yadillu 'alaihaa wa maaa anta 'alaihim biwakeel

Indeed, We sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided - it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment. And you are not a manager over them.

ہم نے تم پر کتاب لوگوں (کی ہدایت) کے لئے سچائی کے ساتھ نازل کی ہے۔ تو جو شخص ہدایت پاتا ہے تو اپنے (بھلے کے) لئے اور جو گمراہ ہوتا ہے گمراہی سے تو اپنا ہی نقصان کرتا ہے۔ اور (اے پیغمبر) تم ان کے ذمہ دار نہیں ہو

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary In the first verse (36), it was said: أَلَيْسَ اللَّـهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ (Is Allah not sufficient for (the protection of) His slave?). This verse was revealed in the background of an event. The disbelievers had threatened the Holy Prophet ﷺ and his noble Sahabah by saying that, should the...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Truly We have revealed the Book to you for the sake of mankind with the truth bi’l-haqqi is semantically connected to anzalnā ‘We have revealed’. So whoever is guided then it his being guided is for the sake of his own soul and whoever goes astray goes astray only to the detriment thereof. And you a...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَـبَ (Verily, We have sent down to you the Book) meaning, the Qur'an. لِلنَّـاسِ بِالْحَق (for mankind in truth.) means, for all of creation, mankind and Jinn, so that he may warn them therewith. فَـمَنِ اهْتَـدَى فَلِنَفْسِهِ (So, whosoever accepts the guidance, it ...

وَأَمَّا ثَمُودُ فَهَدَيْنَٰهُمْ فَٱسْتَحَبُّوا۟ ٱلْعَمَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ فَأَخَذَتْهُمْ صَٰعِقَةُ ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْهُونِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ

Wa ammaa Samoodu fahadinaahum fastahabbul 'ama 'alal huda fa akhazathum saa'iqatul 'azaabil hooni bimaa kaanoo yaksiboon

And as for Thamud, We guided them, but they preferred blindness over guidance, so the thunderbolt of humiliating punishment seized them for what they used to earn.

اور جو ثمود تھے ان کو ہم نے سیدھا رستہ دکھا دیا تھا مگر انہوں نے ہدایت کے مقابلے میں اندھا دھند رہنا پسند کیا تو ان کے اعمال کی سزا میں کڑک نے ان کو آپکڑا۔ اور وہ ذلت کا عذاب تھا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: فَأَرْ‌سَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِ‌يحًا صَرْ‌صَرً‌ا (So, We let loose a wild wind on them - 41:16) This is the explanation of what was mentioned as ` calamity of ` Ad and Thamud' in the earlier verse. The Arabic word used in the text is sa` igah. It originally means ` something that renders one unconsciou...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And as for Thamūd We offered them guidance We pointed out to them the path of guidance but they preferred blindness they chose disbelief as opposed to guidance. So the thunderbolt of the humiliating chastisement seized them on account of what they used to earn.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): A Warning to the Disbelievers and a Reminder of the Story of `Ad and Thamud Allah says: `Say, O Muhammad, to these idolators who disbelieve in the message of truth that you have brought: If you turn away from that which I have brought to you from Allah, then I warn you of the punishment of Allah lik...

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلْبَٰطِلَ وَأَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ أَمْثَٰلَهُمْ

Zaalika bi annal lazeena kafarut taba'ul baatila wa annal lazeena aamanut taba'ul haqqa mir Rabbihim; kazaalika yadribul laahu linnaasi amsaalahum

That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah present to the people their comparisons.

یہ (حبط اعمال اور اصلاح حال) اس لئے ہے کہ جن لوگوں نے کفر کیا انہوں نے جھوٹی بات کی پیروی کی اور جو ایمان لائے وہ اپنے پروردگار کی طرف سے (دین) حق کے پیچھے چلے۔ اسی طرح خدا لوگوں سے ان کے حالات بیان فرماتا ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: وَآمَنُوا بِمَا نُزِّلَ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ …and believed in that which is revealed to Muhammad …(47:2) Although the previous sentence has referred to faith and righteous deeds which includes faith in the messenger-ship of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the revelation that was sent down to him, this s...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: That rendering void of their works and the absolution of evil deeds is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood Satan and because those who believe follow the truth the Qur’ān from their Lord. Thus in the same manner of clarification does God strike for mankind similitudes of themselves that is...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Which was revealed in Al-Madinah بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Reward of the Disbelievers and the Believers Allah says, الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ (Those who disbelieve) meaning, in the Ayat of Allah. وَصُدُّواْ (and hinder (men)) Oth...

ذَٰلِكَ مَبْلَغُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ

Zalika mablaghuhum minal 'ilm; inna rabbaka huwa a'lamu biman dalla 'an sabee lihee wa huwa a'lamu bimanih tadaa

That is their sum of knowledge. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of who is guided.

ان کے علم کی انتہا یہی ہے۔ تمہارا پروردگار اس کو بھی خوب جانتا ہے جو اس کے رستے سے بھٹک گیا اور اس سے بھی خوب واقف ہے جو رستے پر چلا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Necessity of turning away from the Misguided People فَأَعْرِ‌ضْ عَن مَّن تَوَلَّىٰ عَن ذِكْرِ‌نَا وَلَمْ يُرِ‌دْ إِلَّا الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا ذَٰلِكَ مَبْلَغُهُم مِّنَ الْعِلْمِ (So, turn away from him who turns away from Our advice, and seeks nothing but (pleasure of) the worldly life.... 53:29-30)...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: That namely the desire of this world is the full extent of their knowledge that is the limit of their knowledge namely that they have preferred this life to that of the Hereafter. Truly your Lord knows best those who have strayed from His way and He knows best those who are rightly guided He has kno...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Refuting the Claim of the Idolators that the Angels are Allah's Daughters Allah the Exalted admonishes the idolators for calling the angels female names and claiming that they are Allah's daughters. Allah is far removed from what they ascribe to Him. Allah the Exalted said in another Ayah, وَجَعَلُو...

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِۦ يَٰقَوْمِ لِمَ تُؤْذُونَنِى وَقَد تَّعْلَمُونَ أَنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ فَلَمَّا زَاغُوٓا۟ أَزَاغَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْفَٰسِقِينَ

Wa iz qaala Moosa liqawmihee yaa qawmi lima tu'zoonanee wa qat ta'lamoona annee Rasoolul laahi ilaikum falammaa zaaghooo azaaghal laahu quloobahum; wallaahu laa yahdil qawmal faasiqeen

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Moses said to his people, "O my people, why do you harm me while you certainly know that I am the messenger of Allah to you?" And when they deviated, Allah caused their hearts to deviate. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

اور وہ وقت یاد کرنے کے لائق ہے جب موسیٰ نے اپنی قوم سے کہا کہ اے قوم! تم مجھے کیوں ایذا دیتے ہو حالانکہ تم جانتے ہو کہ میں تمہارے پاس خدا کا بھیجا ہوا آیا ہوں۔ تو جب ان لوگوں نے کج روی کی خدا نے بھی ان کے دل ٹیڑھے کردیئے۔ اور خدا نافرمانوں کو ہدایت نہیں دیتا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْ‌صُوصٌ (Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in firm rows, as if they were a solid edifice...61:4) The main subject of this Surah for which it was revealed is to mention the dearest action in the si...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And mention when Moses said to his people ‘O my people why do you harm me — for they had said that he had a hernia in his testicles which he did not have and they denied him — when certainly qad is for confirmation you know that I am the messenger of God to you?’ annī rasūlu’Llāhi ilaykum this sente...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Musa admonishes His People for annoying Him Allah states that His servant and Messenger Musa, son of `Imran, to whom Allah spoke directly, said to his people, لِمَ تُؤْذُونَنِى وَقَد تَّعْلَمُونَ أَنِّى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ (Why do you annoy me while you know certainly that I am the Messenger ...

وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ وَهُوَ يُدْعَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلْإِسْلَٰمِ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

Wa man azlamu mimma nif taraa 'alal laahil kaziba wa huwa yad'aaa ilal Islaam; wallaahu laa yahdil qawmaz zaalimeen

And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allah untruth while he is being invited to Islam. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

اور اس سے ظالم کون کہ بلایا تو جائے اسلام کی طرف اور وہ خدا پر جھوٹ بہتان باندھے۔ اور خدا ظالم لوگوں کو ہدایت نہیں دیا کرتا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْ‌صُوصٌ (Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in firm rows, as if they were a solid edifice...61:4) The main subject of this Surah for which it was revealed is to mention the dearest action in the si...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And who does — that is to say none does — greater wrong than he who invents lies against God by ascribing a partner and a child to Him and describing His signs as being sorcery when he is actually being summoned to submission to God? And God does not guide the wrongdoing folk the disbelieving folk.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Most Unjust among all People Allah said, وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ وَهُوَ يُدْعَى إِلَى الإِسْلاَمِ (And who does more wrong than the one who invents a lie against Allah, while he is being invited to Islam) meaning, none is more unjust than he who lies about Allah ...

أَفَمَن يَمْشِى مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِۦٓ أَهْدَىٰٓ أَمَّن يَمْشِى سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

Afamai yamshee mukibban 'alaa wajhihee ahdaaa ammany yamshee sawiyyan 'alaa siratim mustaqeem

Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path?

بھلا جو شخص چلتا ہوا منہ کے بل گر پڑتا ہے وہ سیدھے رستے پر ہے یا وہ جو سیدھے رستے پر برابر چل رہا ہو؟

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: أَفَمَن يَمْشِي مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ أَهْدَىٰ أَمَّن يَمْشِي سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَ‌اطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ (Then, tell me whether the one who walks falling down [ frequently ] on his face is better guided or the one who walks on a straight path...67:22). The phrase 'the one who walks on a straight path'...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Is he who walks cast down fallen on his face more rightly guided or he who walks upright on a straight path? the predicate of the second man ‘who’ has been omitted but is indicated by the predicate of the first namely ahdā ‘more rightly guided’; the similitude refers to the believer and the disbelie...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): No One will help You and No One can grant Sustenance except for Allah Allah addresses the idolators who worship others besides Him, seeking help and sustenance from them. Allah rebukes them for what they believe, and He informs them that they will not attain that which they hope for. Allah says, أَم...

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

Innaa Rabbaka Huwa a'lamu biman dalla 'an sabeelihee wa Huwa a'lamu bilmuhtadeen

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

تمہارا پروردگار اس کو بھی خوب جانتا ہے جو اس کے رستے سے بھٹک گیا اور ان کو بھی خوب جانتا ہے جو سیدھے راستے پر چل رہے ہیں

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: فَسَتُبْصِرُ‌ وَيُبْصِرُ‌ونَ بِأَييِّكُمُ الْمَفْتُونُ (So, you will see, and they will see which of you is demented....68:5-6]. The word maftun, in this context, means 'demented'. In the preceding verses, the Holy Prophet ', was accused of being an insane and demented. This verse turns tables upon ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Assuredly your Lord knows best those who stray from His way and He knows best those who are guided to Him.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Which was revealed in Makkah بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. ن (Nun), is like Allah's saying, ص (Sad), and Allah's saying, ق (Qaf), and similar to them from the individual letters that appear at the beginning of Qur'anic chapters. Th...

وَأَنَّا لَا نَدْرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَمْ أَرَادَ بِهِمْ رَبُّهُمْ رَشَدًا

Wa annaa laa nadreee asharrun ureeda biman fil ardi am araada bihim rabbuhum rashadaa

And we do not know [therefore] whether evil is intended for those on earth or whether their Lord intends for them a right course.

اور یہ کہ ہمیں معلوم نہیں کہ اس سے اہل زمین کے حق میں برائی مقصود ہے یا ان کے پروردگار نے ان کی بھلائی کا ارادہ فرمایا ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: وَأَنَّا لَا نَدْرِ‌ي أَشَرٌّ‌ أُرِ‌يدَ بِمَن فِي الْأَرْ‌ضِ أَمْ أَرَ‌ادَ بِهِمْ رَ‌بُّهُمْ رَ‌شَدًا (and that we do not know whether it is a bad end that is intended for those on earth, or their Lord has intended for them a right thing,....72:10). The Jinn and devils were barred from having access...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And we do not know by not being able to eavesdrop by stealth whether ill is intended for those who are in the earth or whether their Lord intends for them good.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger ﷺ was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming. Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky wit...

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