The Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-A'rāf (Chapter - 7)

Which was revealed in Makkah

Qur’anبِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Qur’an 7:1–11الٓمٓصٓ كِتَٰبٌ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ فَلَا يَكُن فِى صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌ مِّنْهُ لِتُنذِرَ بِهِۦ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱتَّبِعُوا۟ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ وَكَم مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَٰهَا فَجَآءَهَا بَأْسُنَا بَيَٰتًا أَوْ هُمْ قَآئِلُونَ فَمَا كَانَ دَعْوَىٰهُمْ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَآ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ فَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ فَلَنَقُصَّنَّ عَلَيْهِم بِعِلْمٍ وَمَا كُنَّا غَآئِبِينَ وَٱلْوَزْنُ يَوْمَئِذٍ ٱلْحَقُّ فَمَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ وَمَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَظْلِمُونَ وَلَقَدْ مَكَّنَّٰكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَٰيِشَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ ثُمَّ صَوَّرْنَٰكُمْ ثُمَّ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِـَٔادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ لَمْ يَكُن مِّنَ ٱلسَّٰجِدِينَ

«1. Alif-Lām-Mīm-Ṣād.» «2. (This is the) Book (the Qur'ān) sent down unto you, so let not your breast be narrow therefrom, that you warn thereby; and a reminder unto the believers.» «3. Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow not any Awliyā' (protectors), besides Him (Allāh). Little do you remember!»

We mentioned before the explanation of the letters [such as, Alif-Lām, that are in the beginning of some Sūrahs in the Qur'ān].

Qur’an 7:2كِتَٰبٌ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ

«(This is the) Book (the Qur'ān) sent down unto you (O Muḥammad)», from your Lord,

Qur’an 7:2فَلَا يَكُن فِى صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌ مِّنْهُ

«so let not your breast be narrow therefrom,»

meaning, having doubt about it according to Mujāhid, Qatādah and As-Suddi.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:296.} It was also said that the meaning here is: 'do not hesitate to convey the Qur'ān and warn with it,'

Qur’an 46:35فَٱصْبِرْ كَمَا صَبَرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعَزْمِ مِنَ ٱلرُّسُلِ

«Therefore be patient as did the Messengers of strong will» [46:35]. Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:2لِتُنذِرَ بِهِۦ

«that you warn thereby» meaning, 'We sent down the Qur'ān so that you may warn the disbelievers with it,'

Qur’an 7:2وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

«and a reminder unto the believers». Allāh then said to the world,

Qur’an 7:3ٱتَّبِعُوا۟ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ

«Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord»

meaning, follow and imitate the unlettered Prophet ﷺ, who brought you a Book that was revealed for you, from the Lord and master of everything.

Qur’an 7:3وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ

«and follow not any Awliyā', besides Him (Allāh)»

meaning, do not disregard what the Messenger ﷺ brought you and follow something else, for in this case, you will be deviating from Allāh's judgment to the decision of someone else. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:3قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ

«Little do you remember!» is similar to,

Qur’an 12:103وَمَآ أَكْثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

«And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly»[12:103], and;

Qur’an 6:116وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

«And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allāh's path»[6:116], and,

Qur’an 12:106وَمَا يُؤْمِنُ أَكْثَرُهُم بِٱللَّهِ إِلَّا وَهُم مُّشْرِكُونَ

«And most of them believe not in Allāh except that they attribute partners unto Him»[12:106].

Qur’an 7:4–7وَكَم مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَٰهَا فَجَآءَهَا بَأْسُنَا بَيَٰتًا أَوْ هُمْ قَآئِلُونَ فَمَا كَانَ دَعْوَىٰهُمْ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَآ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ فَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ فَلَنَقُصَّنَّ عَلَيْهِم بِعِلْمٍ وَمَا كُنَّا غَآئِبِينَ

«4. And a great number of towns We destroyed. Our torment came upon them by night or while they were taking their midday nap.» «5. No cry did they utter when Our torment came upon them but this: "Verily, we were wrongdoers."» «6. Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers.» «7. Then surely, We shall narrate unto them (their whole story) with knowledge, and indeed We have not been absent.»

Nations that were destroyed

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:4وَكَم مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَٰهَا

«And a great number of towns We destroyed.» for defying Our Messengers and rejecting them. This behavior led them to earn disgrace in this life, which led them to disgrace in the Hereafter. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 6:10وَلَقَدِ ٱسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا۟ مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ

«And indeed (many) Messengers before you were mocked at, but their scoffers were surrounded by the very thing that they used to mock at» [6:10], and

Qur’an 22:45فَكَأَيِّن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَٰهَا وَهِىَ ظَالِمَةٌ فَهِىَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا وَبِئْرٍ مُّعَطَّلَةٍ وَقَصْرٍ مَّشِيدٍ

«And many a township did We destroy while they were given to wrongdoing, so that it lie in ruins (up to this day), and (many) a deserted well and lofty castle!» [22:45], and,

Qur’an 28:58وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَرْيَةٍۭ بَطِرَتْ مَعِيشَتَهَا فَتِلْكَ مَسَٰكِنُهُمْ لَمْ تُسْكَن مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا وَكُنَّا نَحْنُ ٱلْوَٰرِثِينَ

«And how many a town have We destroyed, which was thankless for its means of livelihood And those are their dwellings, which have not been inhabited after them except a little. And verily, We have been the heirs»[28:58].

Allāh's saying,

Qur’an 7:4فَجَآءَهَا بَأْسُنَا بَيَٰتًا أَوْ هُمْ قَآئِلُونَ

«Our torment came upon them by night or while they were taking their midday nap.»

means, Allāh's command, torment and vengeance came over them at night or while taking a nap in the middle of the day. Both of these times are periods of rest and leisure or heedlessness and amusement. Allāh also said

Qur’an 7:97–98أَفَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا بَيَٰتًا وَهُمْ نَآئِمُونَ أَوَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا ضُحًى وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ

«Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment by night while they were asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing?»[7:97-98] and,

Qur’an 16:45–47أَفَأَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَكَرُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَخْسِفَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ أَوْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ أَوْ يَأْخُذَهُمْ فِى تَقَلُّبِهِمْ فَمَا هُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ أَوْ يَأْخُذَهُمْ عَلَىٰ تَخَوُّفٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that Allāh will not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not? Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and from, so that there be no escape for them? Or that He may catch them with gradual wastage. Truly, Your Lord is indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful?» [16:45-47]. Allāh's saying;

Qur’an 7:5فَمَا كَانَ دَعْوَىٰهُمْ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَآ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ

«No cry did they utter when Our torment came upon them but this: "Verily, we were wrongdoers."»

This means, when the torment came to them, their cry was that they admitted their sins and that they deserved to be punished. Allāh said in a similar Āyah,

Qur’an 21:11وَكَمْ قَصَمْنَا مِن قَرْيَةٍ كَانَتْ ظَالِمَةً

«How many a town given to wrongdoing, have We destroyed»[21:11], until,

Qur’an 21:15خَٰمِدِينَ

«Extinct»[21:15]. Allāh's saying.

Qur’an 7:6فَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ

«Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the Book) was sent» is similar to the Āyāt,

Qur’an 28:65وَيَوْمَ يُنَادِيهِمْ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَآ أَجَبْتُمُ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

«And (remember) the Day (Allāh) will call them, and say: "What answer gave you to the Messengers?"» [28:65], and,

Qur’an 5:109يَوْمَ يَجْمَعُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرُّسُلَ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَآ أُجِبْتُمْ قَالُوا۟ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّٰمُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ

«On the Day when Allāh will gather the Messengers together and say to them: "What was the response you received?" They will say: "We have no knowledge, verily, only You are the Knower of all that is unseen."» [5:109].

Allāh will question the nations, on the Day of Resurrection, how they responded to His Messengers and the Messages He sent them with. He will also question the Messengers if they conveyed His Messages. So, 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported from Ibn 'Abbās, who said commenting on the Āyah:

Qur’an 7:6فَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَنَسْـَٔلَنَّ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

«Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the Book) was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers.» He said; "About what they conveyed."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:306.} Ibn 'Abbās commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:7فَلَنَقُصَّنَّ عَلَيْهِم بِعِلْمٍ وَمَا كُنَّا غَآئِبِينَ

«Then surely, We shall narrate unto them (their whole story) with knowledge, and indeed We have not been absent.» "The Book^{2The Book. See Sūrat Al-Kahf 18:49.} will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection and it will speak, disclosing what they used to do." ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:308.}

Qur’an 7:7وَمَا كُنَّا غَآئِبِينَ

«and indeed We have not been absent» meaning, On the Day of Resurrection, Allāh will inform His servants about what they said and did, whether substantial or minor. Certainly, He witnesses to everything, nothing escapes His observation, and He is never unaware of anything. Rather, He has perfect knowledge of what the eyes are deluded by and what the hearts conceal,

Qur’an 6:59وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِى كِتَٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ

«Not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record.»[6:59]

Qur’an 7:8–9وَٱلْوَزْنُ يَوْمَئِذٍ ٱلْحَقُّ فَمَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ وَمَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَظْلِمُونَ

«8. And the weighing on that Day will be the true (weighing). So, as for those whose scale (of good deeds) will be heavy, they will be the successful (by entering Paradise).» «9. And as for those whose scale will be light, they are those who will lose themselves for their wrongful behavior with Our Āyāt.»

The Meaning of weighing the Deeds

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:8وَٱلْوَزْنُ

«And the weighing», of deeds on the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’an 7:8ٱلْحَقُّ

«will be the true (weighing)», for Allāh will not wrong anyone. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 21:47وَنَضَعُ ٱلْمَوَٰزِينَ ٱلْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فَلَا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌ شَيْـًٔا وَإِن كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ أَتَيْنَا بِهَا وَكَفَىٰ بِنَا حَٰسِبِينَ

«And We shall set up the Balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account.»[21:47],

Qur’an 4:40إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُضَٰعِفْهَا وَيُؤْتِ مِن لَّدُنْهُ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

«Surely, Allāh wrongs not even the weight of a speck of dust, but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Him a great reward.» [4:40],

Qur’an 101:6–11فَأَمَّا مَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَهُوَ فِى عِيشَةٍ رَّاضِيَةٍ وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُمُّهُۥ هَاوِيَةٌ وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا هِيَهْ نَارٌ حَامِيَةٌۢ

«Then as for him whose scale (of good deeds) will be heavy. He will live a pleasant life (in Paradise). But as for him whose scale (of good deeds) will be light. He will have his home in Hāwiyah (pit, Hell). And what will make you know what it is? (It is) a fiercely blazing Fire!» [101:6-11] and,

Qur’an 23:101–103فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَلَآ أَنسَابَ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَلَا يَتَسَآءَلُونَ فَمَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ وَمَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فِى جَهَنَّمَ خَٰلِدُونَ

«Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another. Then, those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose scales (of good deeds) are light, they are those who lose themselves, in Hell will they abide»[23:101-103].

As for what will be placed on the Balance on the Day of Resurrection, it has been said that the deeds will be placed on it, even though they are not material objects. Allāh will give these deeds physical weight on the Day of Resurrection. Al-Baghawi said that this was reported from Ibn 'Abbās.^{1Al-Baghawi 2:149.} It is recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that Al-Baqarah (chapter 2) and Āl 'Imrān (chapter 3) will come on the Day of Resurrection in the shape of two clouds, or two objects that provide shade, or two lined groups of birds.^{2Muslim 1:553.} It is also recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that the Qur'ān will come to its companion (who used to recite and preserve it) in the shape of a pale-faced young man. He will ask (the young man), "Who are you?" He will reply, "I am the Qur'ān, who made you stay up sleeplessly at night and caused you thirst in the day." ^{3Ibn Mājah 2:1242.}The Ḥadīth that Al-Barā' narrated about the questioning in the grave states,

Ḥadīthفَيَأْتِي الْمُؤْمِنَ شَابٌّ حَسَنُ اللَّوْنِ طَيِّبُ الرِّيحِ فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ أَنْتَ؟ فَيَقُولُ: أَنَا عَمَلُكَ الصَّالِحُ

«A young man with fair color and good scent will come to the believer, who will ask, 'Who are you?' He will reply, 'I am your good deeds'».^{4Aḥmad 4:287.}

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned the opposite in the case of the disbeliever and the hypocrite.

It was also said that the Book of Records that contains the deeds will be weighed. A Ḥadīth states that a man will be brought forth and ninety-nine scrolls containing errors and sins will be placed on one side of the balance each as long as the sight can reach. He will then be brought a card on which 'Lā ilāha illallāh' will be written. He will say, "O Lord! What would this card weigh against these scrolls?" Allāh will say, "You will not be wronged." So the card will be placed on the other side of the Balance, and as the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthفَطَاشَتِ السِّجِلَّاتُ وَثَقُلَتِ الْبِطَاقَةُ

«Behold! The (ninety-nine) scrolls will go up, as the card becomes heavier.»^{5Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:395.}

At-Tirmidhi recorded similar wording for this Ḥadīth and said that it is authentic. It was also said that the person who performed the deed will be weighed. A Ḥadīth states,

Ḥadīthيُؤْتَى يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِالرَّجُلِ السَّمِينِ فَلَا يَزِنُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ جَنَاحَ بَعُوضَةٍ

«On the Day of Resurrection, a fat man will be brought forth, but he will not weigh with Allāh equal to the wing of a mosquito».

He then recited the Āyah,

Qur’an 18:105فَلَا نُقِيمُ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَزْنًا

«And on the Day of Resurrection, We shall assign no weight for them» [18:105].^{6Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:279.}

Also, the Prophet ﷺ said about 'Abdullāh bin Mas'ūd,

Ḥadīthأَتَعْجَبُونَ مِنْ دِقَّةِ سَاقَيْهِ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَهُمَا فِي الْمِيزَانِ أَثْقَلُ مِنْ أُحُدٍ

«Do you wonder at the thinness of his legs? By He in Whose Hand is my soul! They are heavier on the Balance than (Mount) Uḥud.»^{7Aḥmad 1:420.}

It is also possible to combine the meanings of these Āyāt and Ḥadīths by stating that all this will truly occur, for sometimes the deeds will be weighed, sometimes the scrolls where they are recorded will be weighed, and sometimes those who performed the deeds will be weighed. Allāh knows best.

Qur’an 7:10وَلَقَدْ مَكَّنَّٰكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَٰيِشَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ

«10. And surely, We gave you authority on the earth and appointed for you therein livelihoods. Little thanks do you give.»

All Bounties in the Heavens and Earth are for the Benefit of Mankind

Allāh reminds of His favor on His servants in that He made the earth a fixed place for dwelling, placed firm mountains and rivers on it and made homes and allowed them to utilize its benefits. Allāh made the clouds work for them (bringing rain) so that they may produce their sustenance from them. He also created the ways and means of earnings, commercial activities and other professions. Yet, most of them give liltle thanks for this. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 14:34وَإِن تَعُدُّوا۟ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَآ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ لَظَلُومٌ كَفَّارٌ

«And if you count the blessings of Allāh, never will you be able to count them. Verily, man is indeed a wrongdoer, an ingrate.» [14:34]

Qur’an 7:11وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ ثُمَّ صَوَّرْنَٰكُمْ ثُمَّ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِـَٔادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ لَمْ يَكُن مِّنَ ٱلسَّٰجِدِينَ

«11. And surely, We created you and then gave you shape; then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Ādam," and they prostrated, except Iblīs (Shayṭān), he refused to be of those who prostrated.»

Prostration of the Angels to Ādam and Shayṭān's Arrogance

Allāh informs the Children of Ādam about the honor of their father and the enmity of Shayṭān, who still has envy for them and for their father Ādam. So they should beware of him and not follow in his footsteps. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:11وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ ثُمَّ صَوَّرْنَٰكُمْ ثُمَّ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِـَٔادَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓا۟

«And surely, We created you and then gave you shape; then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Ādam," and they prostrated,»

Qur’an 7:12–22قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍ قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰغِرِينَ قَالَ أَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَٰكِرِينَ قَالَ ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ وَيَٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنْ حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ فَوَسْوَسَ لَهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ لِيُبْدِىَ لَهُمَا مَا وُۥرِىَ عَنْهُمَا مِن سَوْءَٰتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهَىٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلْخَٰلِدِينَ وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ فَدَلَّىٰهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا ٱلشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

This is like His saying,

Qur’an 15:28–29وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّى خَٰلِقٌۢ بَشَرًا مِّن صَلْصَٰلٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ فَإِذَا سَوَّيْتُهُۥ وَنَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِى فَقَعُوا۟ لَهُۥ سَٰجِدِينَ

«And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to create a man from dried (sounding) clay of altered mud. So, when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him the soul (which I created for him), then fall (you) down prostrating yourselves unto him."» [15:28-29].

قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍ قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰغِرِينَ قَالَ أَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَٰكِرِينَ قَالَ ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ وَيَٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنْ حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ فَوَسْوَسَ لَهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ لِيُبْدِىَ لَهُمَا مَا وُۥرِىَ عَنْهُمَا مِن سَوْءَٰتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهَىٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلْخَٰلِدِينَ وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ فَدَلَّىٰهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا ٱلشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

After Allāh created Ādam with His Hands from dried clay of altered mud and made him in the shape of a human being, He blew life into him and ordered the angels to prostrate before him, honoring Allāh's glory and magnificence. The angels all heard, obeyed and prostrated, but Iblīs did not prostrate. We explained this subject in the beginning of Sūrat Al-Baqarah.

Therefore, the Āyah (7:11) refers to Ādam, although Allāh used the plural in this case, because Ādam is the father of all mankind. Similarly, Allāh said to the Children of Israel who lived during the time of the Prophet ﷺ,

Qur’an 2:57وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْغَمَامَ وَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَنَّ وَٱلسَّلْوَىٰ

«And We shaded you with clouds and sent down on you manna and the quail,»[2:57]

This refers to their forefathers who lived during the time of Moses. But, since that was a favor given to the forefathers, and they are their very source, then the offspring have also been favored by it. This is not the case in:

Qur’an 23:12وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مِن سُلَٰلَةٍ مِّن طِينٍ

«And indeed We created man out of an extract of clay (water and earth.)»[23:12]

For this merely means that Ādam was created from clay. His children were created from Nutfah (mixed male and female sexual discharge). This last Āyah is thus talking about the origin of mankind, not that they were all created from clay, and Allāh knows best.

Qur’an 7:12قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍ

«12. (Allāh) said: ''What prevented you (O Iblīs) that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?" Iblīs said: ''I am better than him (Ādam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay."»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:12مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ

«What prevented you (O Iblīs) that you did not prostrate» [7:12]

meaning, what stopped and hindered you from prostrating after I ordered you to do so, according to Ibn Jarīr. This meaning is sound, and Allāh knows best. Iblīs, may Allāh curse him, said,

Qur’an 7:12أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ

«I am better than him (Ādam)», and this excuse is worse than the crime itself! Shayṭān said that he did not obey Allāh because he who is better cannot prostrate to he who is less. Shayṭān, may Allāh curse him, meant that he is better than Ādam, "So how can You order me to prostrate before him?" Shayṭān said that he is better than Ādam because he was created from fire while, "You created him from clay, and fire is better." The cursed one looked at the origin of creation not at the honor bestowed, that is, Allāh creating Ādam with His Hand and blowing life into him. Shayṭān made a false comparison when confronted by Allāh's command,

Qur’anفَقَعُوا۟ لَهُۥ سَٰجِدِينَ

«"Then you fall down prostrate to him"»[38:72].

Therefore, Shayṭān alone contradicted the angels, because he refused to prostrate. He, thus, became 'Ablasa' from the mercy, meaning, lost hope in acquiring Allāh's mercy. He committed this error, may Allāh curse him, due to his false comparison. His claim that the fire is more honored than mud was also false, because mud has the qualities of wisdom, for - bearance, patience and assurance, mud is where plants grow, flourish, increase, and provide good. To the contrary, fire has the qualities of burning, recklessness and hastiness. Therefore, the origin of creation directed Shayṭān to failure, while the origin of Ādam led him to return to Allāh with repentance, humbleness, obedience and submission to His command, admitting his error and seeking Allāh's forgiveness and pardon for it.

Muslim recorded that 'Aishah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthخُلِقَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ مِنْ نُورٍ وَخُلِقَ إِبْلِيسُ مِنْ مَارِجٍ مِنْ نَارٍ وَخُلِقَ آدَمُ مِمَّا وُصِفَ لَكُمْ

«The angels were created from light, Shayṭān from a smokeless flame of fire, while Ādam was created from what was described to you».^{1Muslim 4:2294.}

Iblīs was the First to use Qiyās (Analogical Comparison)

Ibn Jarīr recorded that Al-Ḥasan commented on Shayṭān's statement,

Qur’an 7:12خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍ

«"You created me from fire, and him You created from clay."» "Iblīs used Qiyās [analogy], and he was the first one to do so."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:328.} This statement has an authentic chain of narration. Ibn Jarīr recorded that Ibn Sīrīn said, "The first to use Qiyās was Iblīs, and would the sun and moon be worshipped if it was not for Qiyās?"^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:328.} This statement also has an authentic chain of narration.

Qur’an 7:13–15قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰغِرِينَ قَالَ أَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ

«13. (Allāh) said: "(O Iblīs) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced."» «14. (Iblīs) said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (the Day of Resurrection)."» «15. (Allāh) said: "You are of those respited."»

Allāh ordered Iblīs;

Qur’an 7:13فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا

«Get down from this» "because you defied My command and disobeyed Me. Get out, it is not for you to be arrogant here," in Paradise, according to the scholars of Tafsīr. It could also refer to particular status which he held in the utmost highs. Allāh said to Iblīs,

Qur’an 7:13فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰغِرِينَ

«Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.» as just recompense for his ill intentions, by giving him the opposite of what he intended (arrogance). This is when the cursed one remembered and asked for respite until the Day of Judgment,

Qur’anفَأَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ قَالَ فَإِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ

«Then allow me respite till the Day they are raised up. (Allāh) said: "Then you are of those respited."» [15: 36-37]

Allāh gave Shayṭān what he asked for out of His wisdom, being His decision and decree, that is never prevented or resisted. Surely, none can avert His decision, and He is swift in reckoning.

Qur’an 7:16–17قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَٰكِرِينَ

«16. (Iblīs) said: "Because You have 'Aghwaytni', surely, I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path. «17. "Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them to be thankful."»

Allāh said that after He gave respite to Shayṭān,

Qur’anإِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ

«till the Day they are raised up (resurrected)»

and Iblīs was sure that he got what he wanted, he went on in defiance and rebellion. He said,

Qur’an 7:16فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ

«"Because You have 'Aghwaytani', surely, I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path."»

meaning, as You have sent me astray. Ibn 'Abbās said that 'Aghwaytani' means, "Misguided me." ^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:332.}Others said, "As You caused my ruin, I will sit in wait for Your servants whom You will create from the offspring of the one you expelled me for." He went on,

Qur’an 7:16صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ

«Your straight path», the path of truth and the way of safety. I (Iblīs) will misguide them from this path so that they do not worship You Alone, because You sent me astray. Mujāhid said that the 'straight path', refers to the truth. Imām Aḥmad recorded that Saburah bin Abi Al-Fākih said that he heard the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ saying,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ قَعَدَ لِابْنِ آدَمَ بِطُرُقِهِ، فَقَعَدَ لَهُ بِطَرِيقِ الْإِسْلَامِ، فَقَالَ: أَتُسْلِمُ وَتَذَرُ دِينَكَ وَدِينَ آبَائِكَ؟ قَالَ: فَعَصَاهُ وَأَسْلَمَ

قَالَ:

Ḥadīthفَقَعَدَ لَهُ بِطَرِيقِ الْهِجْرَةِ فَقَالَ: أَتُهَاجِرُ وَتَدَعُ أَرْضَكَ وَسَمَاءَكَ؟ وَإِنَّمَا مَثَلُ الْمُهَاجِرِ كَالْفَرَسِ فِي الطِّوَلِ، فَعَصَاهُ وَهَاجَرَ، ثُمَّ قَعَدَ لَهُ بِطَرِيقِ الْجِهَادِ وَهُوَ جِهَادُ النَّفْسِ وَالْمَالِ، فَقَالَ: تُقَاتِلُ فَتُقْتَلُ فَتُنْكَحُ الْمَرْأَةُ وَيُقْسَمُ الْمَالُ، قَالَ: فَعَصَاهُ وَجَاهَدَ

وقال رسول الله ﷺ: «فَمَنْ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ مِنْهُمْ فَمَاتَ، كَانَ حَقًّا عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَإِنْ قُتِلَ كَانَ حَقًّا عَلَى الله أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَإِنْ غَرِقَ كَانَ حَقًّا عَلَى الله أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ أَوْ وَقَصَتْهُ دَابَّةٌ كَانَ حَقًّا عَلَى الله أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ»

«Shayṭān sat in wait for the Son of Ādam in all his paths. He sat in the path of Islām, saying, 'Would you embrace Islām and abandon your religion and the religion of your forefathers?' However, the Son of Ādam disobeyed Shayṭān and embraced Islām. So Shayṭān sat in the path of Hijrah (migration in the cause of Allāh), saying, 'Would you migrate and leave your land and sky?' But the parable of the Muhājir is that of a horse in his stamina So, he disobeyed Shayṭān and migrated. So Shayṭān sat in the path of Jihād, against one's self and with his wealth, saying, 'If you fight, you will be killed, your wife will be married and your wealth divided.' So he disobeyed him and performed Jihād. Therefore, whoever among them (Children of Ādam) does this and dies, it will be a promise from Allāh that He admits him into Paradise. If he is killed, it will be a promise from Allāh that He admits him into Paradise. If he drowns, it will be a promise from Allāh that He admits him into Paradise. If the animal breaks his neck, it will be a promise from Allāh that He admits him into Paradise.»^{2Aḥmad 3:483.}

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on:

Qur’an 7:17ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ

«Then I will come to them from before them» Raising doubts in them concerning their Hereafter,

Qur’an 7:17وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ

«and (from) behind them», making them more eager for this life,

Qur’an 7:17وَعَنْ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ

«from their right», causing them confusion in the religion,

Qur’an 7:17وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ

«and from their left» luring them to commit sins." ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:338.}This is meant to cover all paths of good and evil. Shayṭān discourages the people from the path of good and lures them to the path of evil. Al-Ḥakam bin Abbān said that 'Ikrimah narrated from Ibn 'Abbās concerning the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:17ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ

«Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left,»

"He did not say that he will come from above them, because the mercy descends from above."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:341.} 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said,

Qur’an 7:17وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَٰكِرِينَ

«and You will not find most of them to be thankful.»

"means, those who single Him out [in worship]."^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:342.} When Shayṭān said this, it was a guess and an assumption on his part. Yet, the truth turned out to be the same, for Allāh said,

Qur’an 34:20–21وَلَقَدْ صَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِبْلِيسُ ظَنَّهُۥ فَٱتَّبَعُوهُ إِلَّا فَرِيقًا مِّنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَمَا كَانَ لَهُۥ عَلَيْهِم مِّن سُلْطَٰنٍ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِمَّنْ هُوَ مِنْهَا فِى شَكٍّ وَرَبُّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَفِيظٌ

«And indeed Iblīs (Shayṭān) did prove true his thought about them, and they followed him, all except a group of true believers. And he had no authority over them, except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter, from him who is in doubt about it. And your Lord is Watchful over everything.» [34:20-21].

This is why there is a Ḥadīth that encourages seeking refuge with Allāh from the lures of Shayṭān from all directions. Imām Aḥmad narrated that 'Abdullāh bin 'Umar said, "The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ used to often recite this supplication in the morning and when the night falls,

Ḥadīthاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي وَعَنْ يَمِينِي وَعَنْ شِمَالِي وَمِنْ فَوْقِي وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي

«O Allāh! I ask You for well-being in this life and the Hereafter. O Allāh! I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, life, family and wealth. O Allāh! Cover my errors and reassure me in times of difficulty. O Allāh! 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.»"

Waki' commented (about being killed from below), "This refers to earthquakes." ^{6Aḥmad 2:25.}Abu Dāwud, An-Nasā'ī, Ibn Mājah, Ibn Ḥibbān and Al-Ḥākim collected this Ḥadīth,^{7Abu Dāwud 5:315, An-Nasā'ī 8:282, Ibn Mājah 2:1273, Ibn Ḥibbān 2:155 and Al-Ḥākim 1:517.} and Al-Ḥākim said, "Its chain is Ṣaḥīḥ."

Qur’an 7:18قَالَ ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

«18. (Allāh) said (to Iblīs): "Get out from this (Paradise), Madh'ūman Madḥūra. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely, I will fill Hell with you all."»

Allāh emphasized His cursing, expelling, banishing and turning Shayṭān away from the uppermost heights, saying; Ibn Jarīr said, "As for Madh'ūm, it is disgraced." And he said, "Madḥūr is the distanced, that is, he is banished and expelled."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:342.} 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam said, "We do not know of any who is Madh'ūh and Madhmūm except for one."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:344.} Sufyān Ath-Thawri narrated from Abu Isḥāq from At-Tamīmi from Ibn 'Abbās,

Qur’an 7:18ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا

«Get out from this (Paradise), Madh'ūman Madḥūra» "despised."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:344.} 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on,

Qur’an 7:18ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا

«Get out from this (Paradise), Madh'ūman Madḥūra» [7:18] "Belittled and despised",^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:343.} while As-Suddi commented, "Hateful and expelled." ^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:343.}Qatādah commented, "Cursed and despised",^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:343.} while Mujāhid said, "Expelled and banished."^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:343.} Ar-Rabī' bin Anas said that 'Madh'ūm' means banished, while, 'Madḥūra' means belittled.^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:344.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:18لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

«Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely, I will fill Hell with you all.»

This is similar to

Qur’an 17:63–65قَالَ ٱذْهَبْ فَمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَآؤُكُمْ جَزَآءً مَّوْفُورًا وَٱسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَٰدِ وَعِدْهُمْ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا إِنَّ عِبَادِى لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَٰنٌ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا

«(Allāh) said: "Go, and whosoever of them follows you, surely, Hell will be the recompense of you (all) an ample recompense. And gradually delude those whom you can among them with your voice, make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, share with them wealth and children, and make promises to them." But Shayṭān promises them nothing but deceit. "Verily, My servants - you have no authority over them. And All-Sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian."» [17:63-65]

Qur’an 7:19–21وَيَٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنْ حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ فَوَسْوَسَ لَهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ لِيُبْدِىَ لَهُمَا مَا وُۥرِىَ عَنْهُمَا مِن سَوْءَٰتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهَىٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلْخَٰلِدِينَ وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ

«19. "And O Ādam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the wrongdoers.»

«20. Then Shayṭān whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals."» «21. And he Qāsamahuma: "Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both."»

Shayṭān's Deceit with Ādam and Ḥawwā' and Their eating from the Forbidden Tree

Allāh states that He allowed Ādam and his wife to dwell in Paradise and to eat from all of its fruits, except one tree. We have already discussed this in Sūrat Al-Baqarah. Thus, Shayṭān envied them and plotted deceitfully, whispering and suggesting treachery. He wished to rid them of the various favors and nice clothes that they were enjoying.

Qur’anوَقَالَ

«He (Shayṭān) said» uttering lies and falsehood,

Qur’an 7:20مَا نَهَىٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ

«"Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels..."» meaning, so that you do not become angels or dwell here for eternity. Surely, if you eat from this tree, you will attain both, he said. In another Āyah,

Qur’an 20:120قَالَ يَٰٓـَٔادَمُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلْخُلْدِ وَمُلْكٍ لَّا يَبْلَىٰ

«Shayṭān whispered to him, saying: "O Ādam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?"» [20:120]. Here, the wording is similar, so it means, 'so that you do not become angels' as in;

Qur’an 4:176يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ أَن تَضِلُّوا۟

«(Thus) does Allāh make clear to you (His Law) lest you go astray.» [4:176] meaning, so that you do not go astray, and,

Qur’anوَأَلْقَىٰ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ رَوَٰسِىَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِكُمْ

«And He has affixed into the earth mountains standing firm,

Qur’an 7:23–30قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ قَالَ ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَٰرِى سَوْءَٰتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ لَا يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ كَمَآ أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتِهِمَآ إِنَّهُۥ يَرَىٰكُمْ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُۥ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا تَرَوْنَهُمْ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَٰحِشَةً قَالُوا۟ وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهَآ ءَابَآءَنَا وَٱللَّهُ أَمَرَنَا بِهَا قُلْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْفَحْشَآءِ أَتَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّى بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَٱدْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ فَرِيقًا هَدَىٰ وَفَرِيقًا حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ إِنَّهُمُ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ

lest it should shake with you;» [16:15] that is, so that the earth does not shake with you.

Qur’an 7:21وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ

«And he Qāsamahuma», swore to them both by Allāh, saying,

Ḥadīthإِنِّي لَكُمَا لَمِنَ النَّاصِحِينَ

Qur’an 7:21إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ

«"Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both."» for I was here before you and thus have better knowledge of this place. It is a fact that the believer in Allāh might sometimes become the victim of deceit. Qatādah commented on this Āyah, "Shayṭān swore by Allāh, saying, 'I was created before you, and I have better knowledge than you. Therefore, follow me and I will direct you.’”

Qur’an 7:22–23فَدَلَّىٰهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا ٱلشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

«22. So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you : Verily, Shayṭān is an open enemy unto you?"» «23. They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers."»

Ubayy bin Ka'b said, "Ādam was a tall man, about the height of a palm tree, and he had thick hair on his head. When he committed the error that he committed, his private part appeared to him while before, he did not see it. So he started running in fright through Paradise, but a tree in Paradise took him by the head. He said to it, 'Release me,' but it said, 'No, I will not release you.' So his Lord called him, 'O Ādam! Do you run away from Me?' He said, 'O Lord! I felt ashamed before You.'"^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:354.} Ibn Jarīr and Ibn Marduwyah collected this statement using several chains of narration from Al-Ḥasan from Ubayy bin Ka'b who narrated it from the Prophet ﷺ.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:352.} However, relating the Ḥadīth to Ubayy is more correct.

Ibn 'Abbās commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:22وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ

«And they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise.»

"Using fig leaves."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:354.} This statement has an authentic chain of narration leading to Ibn 'Abbās. Mujāhid said that they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise, "Making them as a dress (or garment)."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:353.} Commenting on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:27يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا

«Stripping them of their raiment» [7:27]

Wahb bin Munabbih said, "The private parts of Ādam and Ḥawwā' had a light covering them which prevented them from seeing the private parts of each other. When they ate from the tree, their private parts appeared to them." Ibn Jarīr reported this statement with an authentic chain of narration.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:355.}

Abdur-Razzāq reported from Qatādah, "Ādam said, 'O Lord! What if I repented and sought forgiveness?' Allāh said, 'Then, I will admit you into Paradise.' As for Shayṭān, he did not ask for forgiveness, but for respite. Each one of them was given what he asked for."^{6'Abdur-Razzāq 2:226. See Sūrat Al-Baqarah 2:37.} Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk bin Muzāḥim commented,

Qur’an 7:23رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

«"Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers."» "These are the words that Ādam received from his Lord."^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:357.}

Qur’an 7:24–25قَالَ ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ

«24. (Allāh) said: "Get down, one of you an enemy to the other. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time."» «25. He said: "Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (resurrected)."»

Sending Them All Down to Earth

It was said that,

Qur’an 7:24ٱهْبِطُوا۟

«Get down», was addressed to Ādam, Ḥawwā', Iblīs and the snake. Some scholars did not mention the snake, and Allāh knows best. The enmity is primarily between Ādam and Iblīs, and Ḥawwā' follows Ādam in this regard. Allāh said in Sūrah Ṭā Hā,

Qur’an 20:123ٱهْبِطَا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًۢا

«"Get you down (from the Paradise to the earth), both of you, together..."» [20:123]. If the story about the snake is true, then it is a follower of Iblīs. Some scholars mentioned the location on earth they were sent down, but these accounts are taken from the Israelite tales, and only Allāh knows if they are true. If having known these areas was useful for the people in matters of religion or life, Allāh would have mentioned them in His Book, and His Messenger ﷺ would have mentioned them too. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:24وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

«On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time.»

means, on earth you will have dwellings and known, designated, appointed terms that have been recorded by the Pen, counted by Predestination and written in the First Record.

Qur’an 7:25قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ

«He (Allāh) said: "Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (resurrected)."»

This Āyah is similar to Allāh's other statement,

Qur’an 20:55مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ

«Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.» [20:55].

Allāh states that He has made the earth a dwelling place for the Children of Ādam, for the remainder of this earthly life. On it, they will live, die and be buried in their graves; and from it, they will be resurrected for the Day of Resurrection. On that Day, Allāh will gather the first and last of creatures and reward or punish each according to his or her deeds.

Qur’an 7:26يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَٰرِى سَوْءَٰتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

«26. O Children of Ādam! We have bestowed Libās (raiment) upon you to cover yourselves with, and as Rīsh (adornment); and the Libās (raiment) of Taqwā, that is better. Such are among the Āyāt of Allāh, that they may remember.»

Bestowing Raiment and Adornment on Mankind

Allāh reminds His servants that He has given them Libās and Rīsh. Libās refers to the clothes that are used to cover the private parts, while Rīsh refers to the outer adornments used for purposes of beautification. Therefore, the first type is essential while the second type is complimentary. Ibn Jarīr said that Rīsh includes furniture and outer clothes.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:364.}

'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:26وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ

«and the Libās (raiment) of Taqwā...» "When one fears Allāh, Allāh covers his errors. Hence the 'Libās of Taqwā' (that the Āyah mentions)."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:368.}

Qur’an 7:27يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ لَا يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ كَمَآ أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتِهِمَآ إِنَّهُۥ يَرَىٰكُمْ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُۥ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا تَرَوْنَهُمْ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«27. O Children of Ādam! Let not Shayṭān deceive you, as he got your parents out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and his tribe see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayāṭīn friends of those who believe not.»

Warning against the Lures of Shayṭān

Allāh warns the Children of Ādam against Iblīs and his followers, by explaining about his ancient enmity for the father of mankind, Ādam peace be upon him. Iblīs plotted to have Ādam expelled from Paradise, which is the dwelling of comfort, to the dwelling of hardship and fatigue (this life) and caused him to have his private part uncovered, after it had been hidden from him. This, indeed, is indicative of deep hatred (from Shayṭān towards Ādam and mankind). Allāh said in a similar Āyah,

Qur’an 18:50أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُۥ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُۥٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِى وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّۢ بِئْسَ لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ بَدَلًا

«Will you then take him (Iblīs) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me, while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the wrongdoers.» [18:50].

Qur’an 7:28وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَٰحِشَةً قَالُوا۟ وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهَآ ءَابَآءَنَا وَٱللَّهُ أَمَرَنَا بِهَا قُلْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْفَحْشَآءِ

Qur’an 7:28–30أَتَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّى بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَٱدْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ فَرِيقًا هَدَىٰ وَفَرِيقًا حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ إِنَّهُمُ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ

«28. And when they commit a Fāḥishah, they say: “We found our fathers doing it, and Allāh has commanded it for us." Say: "Nay, Allāh never commands Fāḥishah. Do you say about Allāh what you know not?"»

«29. Say: "My Lord has commanded justice and that you should face Him only, in every Masjid and invoke Him only, making your religion sincere to Him. As He brought you (into being) in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being again."»

«30. A group He has guided, and a group deserved to be in error; (because) surely, they took the Shayāṭīn as supporters instead of Allāh, and think that they are guided.»

Disbelievers commit Sins and claim that Allāh commanded Them to do so!

Mujāhid said, "The idolators used to go around the House (Ka'bah) in Ṭawāf while naked, saying, 'We perform Ṭawāf as our mothers gave birth to us.' The woman would cover her sexual organ with something saying, Today, some or all of it will appear, but whatever appears from it, I do not allow it (it is not for adultery or for men to enjoy looking at!).'" Allāh sent down the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:28وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَٰحِشَةً قَالُوا۟ وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهَآ ءَابَآءَنَا وَٱللَّهُ أَمَرَنَا بِهَا

«And when they commit a Fāḥishah (sin), they say: “We found our fathers doing it, and Allāh has commanded it for us."»[7:28]^{1Literally: strictly religious. Called such, as they used to say, 'We are the people of Allāh, we shall not go out of the sanctuary.'}

I say, the Arabs, with the exception of the Quraysh, used to perform Ṭawāf naked. They claimed they would not make Ṭawāf while wearing the clothes that they disobeyed Allāh in. As for the Quraysh, known as Al-Ḥums,^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:377.} they used to perform Ṭawāf in their regular clothes. Whoever among the Arabs borrowed a garment from one of Al-Ḥums, he would wear it while in Ṭawāf. And whoever wore a new garment, would discard it and none would wear it after him on completion of Ṭawāf. Those who did not have a new garment, or were not given one by Al-Ḥums, then they would perform Ṭawāf while naked. Even women would go around in Ṭawāf while naked, and one of them would cover her sexual organ with something and proclaim, "Today, a part or all of it will appear, but whatever appears from it I do not allow it." Women used to perform Ṭawāf while naked usually at night. This was a practice that the idolators invented on their own, following only their forefathers in this regard. They falsely claimed that what their forefathers did was in fact following the order and legislation of Allāh. Allāh then refuted them, Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:28وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا۟ فَٰحِشَةً قَالُوا۟ وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهَآ ءَابَآءَنَا وَٱللَّهُ أَمَرَنَا بِهَا

«And when they commit a Fāḥishah, they say: "We found our fathers doing it, and Allāh has commanded it for us."»

Allāh does not order Faḥshā', but orders Justice and Sincerity

Allāh replied to this false claim,

Qur’an 7:28قُلْ

«Say», O Muḥammad, to those who claimed this,

Qur’an 7:28إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْفَحْشَآءِ

«"Nay, Allāh never commands Faḥshā'..."»

meaning, the practice you indulge in is a despicable sin, and Allāh does not command such a thing.

Qur’an 7:28أَتَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

«"Do you say about Allāh what you know not?"»

that is, do you attribute to Allāh statements that you are not certain are true? Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:29قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّى بِٱلْقِسْطِ

«Say: "My Lord has commanded justice, (fairness and honesty)"»,

Qur’an 7:29وَأَقِيمُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَٱدْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ

«"And that you should face Him only, in every Masjid, and invoke Him only making your religion sincere to Him..."»

This Āyah means, Allāh commands you to be straightforward in worshipping Him, by following the Messengers who were supported with miracles and obeying what they conveyed from Allāh and the Law that they brought. He also commands sincerity in worshipping Him, for He, Exalted He is, does not accept a good deed until it satisfies these two conditions: being correct and in conformity with His Law, and being free of Shirk.

The Meaning of being brought into Being in the Beginning and brought back again

Allāh's saying

Qur’an 7:29كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ

«As He brought you in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being again» [7:29]. Until;

Qur’anٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ

«error.» There is some difference over the meaning of:

Qur’an 7:29كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ

«As He brought you in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being again.»

Ibn Abi Najīḥ said that Mujāhid said that it means, "He will bring you back to life after you die." ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:385.}Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri commented, "As He made you begin in this life, He will bring you back to life on the Day of Resurrection."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:385.} Qatādah commented on:

Qur’an 7:29كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ

«As He brought you in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being again.» "He started their creation after they were nothing, and they perished later on, and He shall bring them back again."^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:385.} 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam said, "As He created you in the beginning, He will bring you back in the end."^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:385.} This last explanation was preferred by Abu Ja'far Ibn Jarīr and he supported it with what he reported from Ibn 'Abbās, "The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ stood up and gave us a speech, saying,

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّكُمْ تُحْشَرُونَ إِلَى اللهِ حُفَاةً عُرَاةً غُرْلًا

Qur’an 21:104كَمَا بَدَأْنَآ أَوَّلَ خَلْقٍ نُّعِيدُهُۥ وَعْدًا عَلَيْنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ

«O people! You will be gathered to Allāh while barefooted, naked and uncircumcised, «As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it»».[21:104] ^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:386.}

This Ḥadīth was collected in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{8Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:445 and 8:135 and Muslim 4:2194.}

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:29–30كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ فَرِيقًا هَدَىٰ وَفَرِيقًا حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ

«As He brought you in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being again. A group He has guided, and a group deserved to be in error;»

"Allāh, the Exalted, began the creation of the Sons of Ādam, some believers and some disbelievers, just as He said,

Qur’an 64:2هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ فَمِنكُمْ كَافِرٌ وَمِنكُم مُّؤْمِنٌ

«He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers» [64:2].

He will then return them on the Day of Resurrection as He started them, some believers and some disbelievers.^{9Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:382.} I say, what supports this meaning, is the Ḥadīth from Ibn Mas'ūd that Al-Bukhāri recorded, (that the Prophet ﷺ said:)

Ḥadīthفَوَالَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُهُ إِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ لَيَعْمَلُ بِعَمَلِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ حَتَّى مَا يَكُونُ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهَا إِلَّا بَاعٌ أَوْ ذِرَاعٌ، فَيَسْبِقُ عَلَيْهِ الْكِتَابُ فَيَعْمَلُ بِعَمَلِ أَهْلِ النَّارِ فَيَدْخُلُهَا، وَإِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ لَيَعْمَلُ بِعَمَلِ أَهْلِ النَّارِ حَتَّى مَا يَكُونُ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهَا إِلَّا بَاعٌ أَوْ ذِرَاعٌ فَيَسْبِقُ عَلَيْهِ الْكِتَابُ، فَيَعْمَلُ بِعَمَلِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ فَيَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ

«By He, other than Whom there is no god, one of you might perform the deeds of the people of Paradise until only the length of an arm or a forearm would separate him from it. However, that which was written in the Book takes precedence, and he commits the work of the people of the Fire and thus enters it. And one of you might perform the deeds of the people of the Fire until only the length of an arm or a forearm separates between him and the Fire. However, that which was written in the Book takes precedence, and he performs the work of the people of Paradise and thus enters Paradise. »^{10Fatḥ Al-Bāri 11:486.}

We should combine this meaning - if it is held to be the correct meaning for the Āyah – with Allāh's statement:

Qur’an 30:30فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا

«So set you your face towards the religion, Ḥanīfan. Allāh's Fiṭrah with which He has created mankind »^{11The meaning of this Āyah is, "Dedicate yourself to the natural religion of Allāh which He made for humanity."} [30:30],

and what is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs from Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said:

Ḥadīthكُلُّ مَوْلُودٍ يُولَدُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ، فَأَبَوَاهُ يُهَوِّدَانِهِ وَيُنَصِّرَانِهِ وَيُمَجِّسَانِهِ

«Every child is born upon the Fiṭrah, it is only his parents who turn him into a Jew, a Christian or a Zoroastrian. »^{12Fatḥ Al-Bāri 3:290 and Muslim 4:2047}

Muslim recorded that 'Iyāḍ bin Ḥimār said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيَقُولُ اللهُ تَعَالَى: إِنِّي خَلَقْتُ عِبَادِي حُنَفَاءَ، فَجَاءَتْهُمُ الشَّيَاطِينُ فَاجْتَالَتْهُمْ عَنْ دِينِهِمْ

«Allāh said, 'I created My servants Ḥunafā' (monotheists), but the devils came to them and deviated them from their religion. »^{13Muslim 4:2197.}

The collective meaning here is, Allāh created His creatures so that some of them later turn believers and some turn disbelievers. Allāh has originally created all of His servants able to recognize Him, to single Him out in worship, and know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. He also took their covenant to fulfill the implications of this knowledge, which He placed in their consciousness and souls. He has decided that some of them will be miserable and some will be happy,

Qur’an 64:2هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ فَمِنكُمْ كَافِرٌ وَمِنكُم مُّؤْمِنٌ

«He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers» [64:2].

Also, a Ḥadīth states,

Ḥadīthكُلُّ النَّاسِ يَغْدُو فَبَايِعٌ نَفْسَهُ فَمُعْتِقُهَا أَوْ مُوبِقُهَا

«All people go out in the morning and sell themselves, and some of them free themselves while some others destroy themselves. »^{14Muslim 1:203.}

Allāh's decree will certainly come to pass in His creation. Verily, He it is

Qur’an 87:3وَٱلَّذِى قَدَّرَ فَهَدَىٰ

«Who has measured (everything); and then guided» [87:3], and,

Qur’an 20:50ٱلَّذِىٓ أَعْطَىٰ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلْقَهُۥ ثُمَّ هَدَىٰ

«He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright» [20:50].

And in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs:

Ḥadīthفَأَمَّا مَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مِنْ أَهْلِ السَّعَادَةِ فَسَيُيَسَّرُ لِعَمَلِ أَهْلِ السَّعَادَةِ، وَأَمَّا مَنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الشَّقَاوَةِ فَسَيُيَسَّرُ لِعَمَلِ أَهْلِ الشَّقَاوَةِ

Qur’an 7:31–37يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ قُلْ مَنْ حَرَّمَ زِينَةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَخْرَجَ لِعِبَادِهِۦ وَٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ مِنَ ٱلرِّزْقِ قُلْ هِىَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا خَالِصَةً يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ ٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَٱلْإِثْمَ وَٱلْبَغْىَ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ سُلْطَٰنًا وَأَن تَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ إِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتِى فَمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ عَنْهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَنَالُهُمْ نَصِيبُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوْنَهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ قَالُوا۟ ضَلُّوا۟ عَنَّا وَشَهِدُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰفِرِينَ

«As for those among you who are among the people of happiness, they will be facilitated to perform the deeds of the people of happiness. As for those who are among the miserable, they will be facilitated to commit the deeds of the miserable».^{15Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:388. See the explanation of Sūrat At-Tawbah 9:115, and Aṭ-Ṭabari's comments on it.}

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:30فَرِيقًا هَدَىٰ وَفَرِيقًا حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ

«A group He has guided, and a group deserved to be in error;»

Allāh then explained why,

Qur’an 7:30إِنَّهُمُ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ

«(because) surely, they took the Shayāṭīn as supporters instead of Allāh».

Ibn Jarīr said, "This is one of the clearest arguments proving the mistake of those who claim that Allāh does not punish anyone for disobedient acts he commits of deviations he believes in until after knowledge of what is correct reaches him, then he were to obstinately avoid it anyway. If this were true, then there would be no difference between the deviations of the misguided group - their belief that they are guided - and the group that is in fact guided. Yet Allāh has differentiated between the two in this noble Āyah, doing so in both name and judgement."^{16Fatḥ Al-Bāri 3:267 and Muslim 4:2039.}

Qur’an 7:31يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

«31. O Children of Ādam! Take your adornment to every Masjid, and eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allāh) likes not the wasteful.»

Allāh commands taking Adornment when going to the Masjid

This honorable Āyah refutes the idolators' practice of performing Ṭawāf around the Sacred House while naked. Muslim, An-Nasā'ī and Ibn Jarīr, (the following wording is that of Ibn Jarīr) recorded that Shu'bah said that Salamah bin Kuhayl said that Muslim Al-Baṭīn said that Sa'īd bin Jubayr said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "The idolators used to go around the House while naked, both men and women, men in the day and women by night. The woman would say, "Today, a part or all of it will be unveiled, but whatever is exposed of it, I do not allow."^{1Muslim 4:2320, An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā, 6:345 and Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:390}

Allāh said in reply,

Qur’an 7:31خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ

«Take your adornment to every Masjid,» Al-'Awfi said that Ibn 'Abbās commented on:

Qur’an 7:31خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ

«Take your adornment to every Masjid»

"There were people who used to perform Ṭawāf around the House while naked, and Allāh ordered them to take adornment, meaning, wear clean, proper clothes that cover the private parts. people were commanded to wear their best clothes when performing every prayer."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:391} Mujāhid, 'Aṭā', Ibrāhīm An-Nakha'i, Sa'īd bin Jubayr, Qatādah, As-Suddi, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk and Mālik narrated a similar saying from Az-Zuhri,^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:392-394.} and from several of the Salaf. They said that this Āyah was revealed about the idolators who used to perform Ṭawāf around the House while naked.

This Āyah (7:31), as well as the Sunnah, encourage wearing the best clothes when praying, especially for Friday and 'Īd prayers. It is also recommended [for men] to wear perfume for prayer, because it is adornment, and to use Siwāk for it is part of what completes adornment.

The best color for clothes is white, for Imām Aḥmad narrated that Ibn 'Abbās said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthالْبَسُوا مِنْ ثِيَابِكُمُ الْبَيَاضَ فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ خَيْرِ ثِيَابِكُمْ، وَكَفِّنُوا فِيهَا مَوْتَاكُمْ وَإِنَّ خَيْرَ أَكْحَالِكُمُ الْإِثْمِدُ فَإِنَّهُ يَجْلُو الْبَصَرَ وَيُنْبِتُ الشَّعَرَ

«Wear white clothes, for it is among your best clothes, and also wrap your dead with it. And Ithmid (antimony) is among the best of your Kuhl, for it clears the sight and helps the hair grow.»^{4Aḥmad 1:247.}

This Ḥadīth has a sound chain of narration, consisting of narrators who conform to the conditions and guidelines of Imām Muslim. Abu Dāwud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Mājah also recorded it, and At-Tirmidhi said, "Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ."^{5Abu Dāwud 4:332, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:72 and Ibn Mājah 1:473.}

Prohibiting Extravagance

Allāh said,

Qur’anوَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟

«And eat and drink..». Al-Bukhāri said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Eat what you wish and wear what you wish, as long as you avoid two things: extravagance and arrogance."^{6Fatḥ Al-Bāri 1:264.} Ibn Jarīr said that Muḥammad bin 'Abdul-A'lā narrated to us that Muḥammad bin Thawr narrated to us from Ma'mar from Ibn Ṭāwūs from his father who said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Allāh has allowed eating and drinking, as long as it does not contain extravagance or arrogance."^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:394.} This chain is Ṣaḥīḥ. Imām Aḥmad recorded that Al-Miqdām bin Ma'dīkarib Al-Kindi said that he heard the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ saying,

Ḥadīthمَا مَلَأَ ابْنُ آدَمَ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنِهِ بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أَكَلَاتٍ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ فَإِنْ كَانَ فَاعِلًا لَا مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ طَعَامٌ وَثُلُثٌ شَرَابٌ وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ

«The Son of Ādam will not fill a pot worse for himself than his stomach. It is enough for the Son of Ādam to eat a few bites that strengthens his spine. If he likes to have more, then let him fill a third with food, a third with drink and leave a third for his breathing.»^{8Aḥmad 4:132.}

An-Nasā'ī and At-Tirmidhi collected this Ḥadīth,^{9Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:51 and An-Nasā'ī 4:178.} At-Tirmidhi said, "Ḥasan" or "Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ" according to another manuscript.

'Aṭā' Al-Khurāsāni said that Ibn 'Abbās commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:31وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

«And eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allāh) likes not the wasteful.»

"With food and drink."^{10Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:394.} Ibn Jarīr commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’anإِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

«Certainly He (Allāh) likes not the wasteful.»

"Allāh the Exalted says that He does not like those who trespass the limits on an allowed matter or a prohibited matter, those who go to the extreme over what He has allowed, allow what He has prohibited, or prohibit what He has allowed. But, He likes that what He has allowed be considered as such (without extravagance) and what He has prohibited be considered as such. This is the justice that He has commanded."^{11Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:395.}

Qur’an 7:32قُلْ مَنْ حَرَّمَ زِينَةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَخْرَجَ لِعِبَادِهِۦ وَٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ مِنَ ٱلرِّزْقِ قُلْ هِىَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا خَالِصَةً يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ

«32. Say: "Who has forbidden the adornment with clothes given by Allāh, which He has produced for His servants, and Aṭ-Ṭayyibāt (good things) of sustenance?" Say: "They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) exclusively for them (believers) on the Day of Resurrection." Thus We explain the Āyāt in detail for people who have knowledge.»

Allāh refutes those who prohibit any type of food, drink or clothes according to their own understanding, without relying on what Allāh has legislated,

Qur’anقُلْ

«Say» O Muḥammad, to the idolators who prohibit some things out of false opinion and fabrication,

Qur’an 7:32مَنْ حَرَّمَ زِينَةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَخْرَجَ لِعِبَادِهِۦ

«Who has forbidden the adornment with clothes given by Allāh, which He has produced for His servants»

meaning, these things were created for those who believe in Allāh and worship Him in this life, even though the disbelievers share in these bounties in this life. In the Hereafter, the believers will have all this to themselves and none of the disbelievers will have a share in it, for Paradise is prohibited for the disbelievers.

Qur’an 7:33قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ ٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَٱلْإِثْمَ وَٱلْبَغْىَ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ سُلْطَٰنًا وَأَن تَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

«33. Say: "(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are the Fawāḥish (immoral deeds) whether committed openly or secretly, and Ithm, and transgression without right, and joining partners with Allāh for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allāh of which you have no knowledge."»

Fāḥishah, Sin, Transgression, Shirk and Lying about Allāh are prohibited

Imām Aḥmad recorded that 'Abdullāh said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

«لَا أَحَدَ أَغْيَرُ مِنَ اللهِ فَلِذَلِكَ حَرَّمَ الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، وَلَا أَحَدَ أَحَبُّ

Ḥadīthإِلَيْهِ الْمَدْحُ مِنَ اللهِ

«None is more jealous than Allāh, and this is why He prohibited Fawāḥish, committed openly or in secret. And none likes praise more than Allāh».^{1Aḥmad 1:381.}

This was also recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:230 and Muslim 4:2114.} In the explanation of Sūrat Al-An'ām, we explained the Fāḥishah that is committed openly and in secret. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:33وَٱلْإِثْمَ وَٱلْبَغْىَ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ

«and Ithm, and transgression without right,» [7:33].

As-Suddi commented, "Al-Ithm means, 'disobedience'. As for unrighteous oppression, it occurs when you transgress against people without justification."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:403.} Mujāhid said, "Ithm includes all types of disobedience. Allāh said that the oppressor commits oppression against himself."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:403.} Therefore, the meaning of, Ithm is the sin that one commits against himself, while 'oppression' pertains to transgression against other people, and Allāh prohibited both. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:33وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ سُلْطَٰنًا

«and joining partners with Allāh for which He has given no authority,»

prohibits calling partners with Allāh in worship.

Qur’an 7:33وَأَن تَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

«and saying things about Allāh of which you have no knowledge.»

such as lies and inventions, like claiming that Allāh has a son, and other evil creeds that you - O idolators - have no knowledge of. This is similar to His saying:

Qur’an 22:30فَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلرِّجْسَ مِنَ ٱلْأَوْثَٰنِ

«So shun the abomination (worshipping) of the idols» [22:30].

Qur’an 7:34–36وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ إِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتِى فَمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ عَنْهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

«34. And every Ummah has its appointed term; when their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment).»

«35. O Children of Ādam! If there come to you Messengers from among you, reciting to you My Āyāt, then whosoever has Taqwā and becomes righteous, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.»

«36. But those who reject Our Āyāt and treat them with arrogance, they are the dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:34وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ

«And every Ummah has», meaning, each generation and nation,

Qur’an 7:34أَجَلٌ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ

«its appointed term; when their term comes» which they were destined for,

Qur’an 7:34لَا يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ

«neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)».

Allāh then warned the Children of Ādam that He sent to them Messengers who conveyed to them His Āyāt. Allāh also conveyed good news, as well as warning,

Qur’an 7:35فَمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَأَصْلَحَ

«then whosoever has Taqwā and becomes righteous» by abandoning the prohibitions and performing acts of obedience,

Qur’an 7:35–36فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ عَنْهَآ

«on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. But those who reject Our Āyāt and treat them with arrogance,»

meaning, their hearts denied the Āyāt and they were too arrogant to abide by them,

Qur’an 7:36أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

«they are the dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.»

without end to their dwelling in it.

Qur’an 7:37فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَنَالُهُمْ نَصِيبُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوْنَهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ قَالُوا۟ ضَلُّوا۟ عَنَّا وَشَهِدُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰفِرِينَ

«37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects His Āyāt? For such their appointed portion will reach them from the Book (of Decrees) until Our messengers (the angel of death and his assistants) come to them to take their souls, they (the angels) will say: "Where are those whom you used to invoke and worship besides Allāh," they will reply, "They have vanished and deserted us." And they will bear witness against themselves, that they were disbelievers.»

Idolators enjoy Their destined Share in This Life, but will lose Their Supporters upon Death

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:37فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦٓ

«Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects His Āyāt?»

meaning, none is more unjust than whoever invents a lie about Allāh or rejects the Āyāt that He has revealed. Muḥammad bin Ka'b Al-Quraẓi said that,

Qur’an 7:37أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يَنَالُهُمْ نَصِيبُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ

«For such their appointed portion will reach them from the Book»

refers to each person's deeds, alloted provisions and age.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:413.} Similar was said by Ar-Rabī' bin Anas and 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:413-414.} Allāh said in similar statements,

Qur’an 10:69–70إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ مَتَٰعٌ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا مَرْجِعُهُمْ ثُمَّ نُذِيقُهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلشَّدِيدَ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ

«Verily, those who invent a lie against Allāh, will never be successful. (A brief) enjoyment in this world! And then unto Us will be their return, then We shall make them taste the severest torment because they used to disbelieve.» [10:69-70]

and,

Qur’an 31:23–24وَمَن كَفَرَ فَلَا يَحْزُنكَ كُفْرُهُۥٓ إِلَيْنَا مَرْجِعُهُمْ فَنُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ نُمَتِّعُهُمْ قَلِيلًا

«And whoever disbelieves, let not his disbelief grieve you. To Us is their return, and We shall inform them what they have done. Verily, Allāh is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men). We let them enjoy for a little while.» [31:23-24].

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:37حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوْنَهُمْ

«until when Our messengers come to them to take their souls.»

Allāh states that when death comes to the idolators and the angels come to capture their souls to take them to Hellfire, the angels horrify them, saying, "Where are the so-called partners (of Allāh) whom you used to call in the life of this world, invoking and worshipping them instead of Allāh? Call them so that they save you from what you are suffering." However, the idolators will reply,

Qur’an 7:37ضَلُّوا۟ عَنَّا

«"They have vanished and deserted us"» meaning, we have lost them and thus, we do not hope in their benefit or aid,

Qur’anوَشَهِدُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ

«And they will bear witness against themselves» they will admit and proclaim against themselves,

Qur’anأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰفِرِينَ

«that they were disbelievers.»

Qur’an 7:38–39قَالَ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ فِىٓ أُمَمٍ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ كُلَّمَا دَخَلَتْ أُمَّةٌ لَّعَنَتْ أُخْتَهَا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱدَّارَكُوا۟ فِيهَا جَمِيعًا قَالَتْ أُخْرَىٰهُمْ لِأُولَىٰهُمْ رَبَّنَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَضَلُّونَا فَـَٔاتِهِمْ عَذَابًا ضِعْفًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ قَالَ لِكُلٍّ ضِعْفٌ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَعْلَمُونَ وَقَالَتْ أُولَىٰهُمْ لِأُخْرَىٰهُمْ فَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ عَلَيْنَا مِن فَضْلٍ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْسِبُونَ

«38. (Allāh) will say: "Enter you in the company of nations who passed away before you, of men and Jinn, into the Fire." Every time a new nation enters, it curses its sister nation (that went before) until they are all together in the Fire. The last of them will say to the first of them: "Our Lord! These misled us, so give them a double torment of the Fire." He will say: "For each one there is double (torment), but you know not."»

«39. The first of them will say to the last of them: "You were not better than us, so taste the torment for what you used to earn."»

People of the Fire will dispute and curse Each Other

Allāh mentioned what He will say to those who associate others with Him, invent lies about Him, and reject His Āyāt,

قَالَ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ فِىٓ أُمَمٍ

Qur’an 7:38ٱدْخُلُوا۟ فِىٓ أُمَمٍ

«Enter you in the company of nations», who are your likes and similar to you in conduct,

Qur’an 7:38قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِكُم

«Who passed away before you» from the earlier disbelieving nations,

Qur’an 7:38مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ

«Of men and Jinn, into the Fire.» Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:38كُلَّمَا دَخَلَتْ أُمَّةٌ لَّعَنَتْ أُخْتَهَا

«Every time a new nation enters, it curses its sister nation (that went before)»

Al-Khalīl (Prophet Ibrāhīm), peace be upon him, said,

Qur’an 29:25ثُمَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ يَكْفُرُ بَعْضُكُم بِبَعْضٍ

«"But on the Day of Resurrection, you shall deny each other» [29:25].

Also, Allāh said,

Qur’an 2:166–167إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتُّبِعُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ وَرَأَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَسْبَابُ وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ لَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَتَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تَبَرَّءُوا۟ مِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ حَسَرَٰتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَا هُم بِخَٰرِجِينَ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

«When those who were followed declare themselves innocent of those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them. And those who followed will say: "If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would declare ourselves as innocent from them as they have declared themselves as innocent from us." Thus Allāh will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire» [2:166-167].

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:38حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱدَّارَكُوا۟ فِيهَا جَمِيعًا

«until they are all together in the Fire» means, they are all gathered in the Fire,

Qur’an 7:38قَالَتْ أُخْرَىٰهُمْ لِأُولَىٰهُمْ

«The last of them will say to the first of them» that is, the nation of followers that enter last will say this to the first nations to enter. This is because the earlier nations were worse criminals than those who followed them, and this is why they entered the Fire first. For this reason, their followers will complain against them to Allāh, because they were the ones who misguided them from the correct path, saying,

Qur’an 7:38رَبَّنَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَضَلُّونَا فَـَٔاتِهِمْ عَذَابًا ضِعْفًا مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ

«"Our Lord! These misled us, so give them a double torment of the Fire."»

multiply their share of the torment. Allāh said in another instance,

Qur’an 33:66–68يَوْمَ تُقَلَّبُ وُجُوهُهُمْ فِى ٱلنَّارِ يَقُولُونَ يَٰلَيْتَنَآ أَطَعْنَا ٱللَّهَ وَأَطَعْنَا ٱلرَّسُولَا۠ وَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّآ أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَآءَنَا فَأَضَلُّونَا ٱلسَّبِيلَا۠ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِهِمْ ضِعْفَيْنِ مِنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ

«On the Day when their faces will be turned over in the Fire, they will say: "Oh! Would that we had obeyed Allāh and obeyed the Messenger." And they will say: "Our Lord! Verily, we obeyed our chiefs and our great ones, and they misled us from the (right) way. Our Lord! Give them a double torment."» [33:66-68].

Allāh said in reply,

Qur’an 7:38قَالَ لِكُلٍّ ضِعْفٌ

«He will say: "For each one there is double (torment)..."»,

We did what you asked, and recompensed each according to their deeds.' Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 16:88ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ زِدْنَٰهُمْ عَذَابًا

«Those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the path of Allāh, for them We will add torment»[16:88]. Furthermore, Allāh said,

Qur’an 29:13وَلَيَحْمِلُنَّ أَثْقَالَهُمْ وَأَثْقَالًا مَّعَ أَثْقَالِهِمْ

«And verily, they shall bear their own loads, and other loads besides their own» [29:13] and,

Qur’an 16:25وَمِنْ أَوْزَارِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُضِلُّونَهُم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ

«And also (some thing) of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge﴿ [16:25].

Qur’an 7:39وَقَالَتْ أُولَىٰهُمْ لِأُخْرَىٰهُمْ

«The first of them will say to the last of them» meaning, the followed will say to the followers,

Qur’an 7:39فَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ عَلَيْنَا مِن فَضْلٍ

«"You were not better than us..."» meaning, you were led astray as we were led astray, according to As-Suddi.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:420.}

Qur’an 7:39فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْسِبُونَ

«"So taste the torment for what you used to earn."»

Allāh again described the condition of the idolators during the gathering (of Resurrection), when He said;

Qur’an 34:32–33قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوٓا۟ أَنَحْنُ صَدَدْنَٰكُمْ عَنِ ٱلْهُدَىٰ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَآءَكُم بَلْ كُنتُم مُّجْرِمِينَ وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ بَلْ مَكْرُ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذْ تَأْمُرُونَنَآ أَن نَّكْفُرَ بِٱللَّهِ وَنَجْعَلَ لَهُۥٓ أَندَادًا وَأَسَرُّوا۟ ٱلنَّدَامَةَ لَمَّا رَأَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلْأَغْلَٰلَ فِىٓ أَعْنَاقِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«And those who were arrogant will say to those who were deemed weak: "Did we keep you back from guidance after it come to you? Nay, but you were criminals." Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: "Nay, but it was your plotting by night and day, when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allāh and set up rivals to Him!" And each of them (parties) will conceal their own regrets, when they behold the torment. And We shall put iron collars round the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they requited aught except what they used to do?﴿ [34:32-33]

Qur’an 7:40–41إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ عَنْهَا لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمْ أَبْوَٰبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَلَا يَدْخُلُونَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ حَتَّىٰ يَلِجَ ٱلْجَمَلُ فِى سَمِّ ٱلْخِيَاطِ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ لَهُم مِّن جَهَنَّمَ مِهَادٌ وَمِن فَوْقِهِمْ غَوَاشٍ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«40. Verily, those who belie Our Āyāt and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of the heavens will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the Jamal goes through the eye of the needle. Thus do We recompense the criminals.» «41. Theirs will be Mihād from the Fire, and over them Ghawāsh. Thus do We recompense the wrongdoers.﴿

Doors of Heaven shall not open for Those Who deny Allāh's Āyāt, and They shall never enter Paradise

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:40لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمْ أَبْوَٰبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«for them the gates of the heavens will not be opened,» meaning, their good deeds and supplication will not ascend through it, according to Mujāhid, Sa'īd bin Jubayr and Ibn 'Abbās, as Al-'Awfi and 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported from him.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:422-423.} Ath-Thawri narrated that, Layth said that 'Aṭā' narrated this from Ibn 'Abbās.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:422.} It was also said that the meaning here is that the doors of the heavens will not be opened for the disbelievers' souls, according to Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk who reported this from Ibn 'Abbās.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:422.} As-Suddi and several others mentioned this meaning.^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:422.} What further supports this meaning, is the report from Ibn Jarīr that Al-Barā' said that the Messenger of Allāh mentioned capturing the soul of the 'Fājir' (wicked sinner or disbeliever), and that his or her soul will be ascended to heaven. The Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthفَيَصْعَدُونَ بِهَا، فَلَا تَمُرُّ عَلَى مَلَإٍ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ إِلَّا قَالُوا مَا هَذِهِ الرُّوحُ الْخَبِيثَةُ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: فُلَانٌ بِأَقْبَحِ أَسْمَائِهِ الَّتِي كَانَ يُدْعَى بِهَا فِي الدُّنْيَا، حَتَّى يَنْتَهُوا بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَيَسْتَفْتِحُونَ بَابَهَا لَهُ فَلَا يُفْتَحُ لَهُ

«So they (angels) ascend it and it will not pass by a gathering of the angels, but they will ask, who's wicked soul is this?' They will reply, 'The soul of so-and-so,' calling him by the worst names he was called in this life. When they reach the (lower) heaven, they will ask that its door be opened for the soul, but it will not be opened for it.» The Prophet ﷺ then recited,

Qur’an 7:40لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمْ أَبْوَٰبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«For them the gates of heaven will not be opened».^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:422.} This is a part of a long Ḥadīth which was also recorded by Abu Dāwud, An-Nasā'ī and Ibn Mājah.^{6Abu Dāwud 5:114, An-Nasā'ī 4:87 and Ibn Mājah 1:494.} Ibn Jurayj commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:40لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمْ أَبْوَٰبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«for them the gates of heaven will not be opened,» "(The gates of heaven) will not be opened for their deeds or souls."^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:423.} This explanation combines the two meanings we gave above, and Allāh knows best. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:40وَلَا يَدْخُلُونَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ حَتَّىٰ يَلِجَ ٱلْجَمَلُ فِى سَمِّ ٱلْخِيَاطِ

«and they will not enter Paradise until the Jamal goes through the eye of the needle.» refers to the male camel. Ibn Mas'ūd said it is a male camel from the she camel. In another narration it refers to the spouse of the she camel.^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:428.} Mujāhid and 'Ikrimah said that Ibn 'Abbās used to recite this Āyah this way, "Until the Jummal goes through the eye of the needle", whereas 'Jummal' is a thick rope.^{9Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:431.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:41لَهُم مِّن جَهَنَّمَ مِهَادٌ

«Theirs will be Mihād from the Fire» means, beds, while;

Qur’an 7:41وَمِن فَوْقِهِمْ غَوَاشٍ

«and over them Ghawāsh», means, coverings, according to Muḥammad bin Ka'b Al-Quraẓi.^{10Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:436.} Similar was said by Aḍ- Ḍaḥḥāk bin Muzāḥim and As-Suddi.^{11Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:436.} Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:41وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«Thus do We recompense the wrongdoers.»

Qur’an 7:42–43وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِى صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمُ ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ وَقَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى هَدَىٰنَا لِهَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِىَ لَوْلَآ أَنْ هَدَىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ لَقَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَنُودُوٓا۟ أَن تِلْكُمُ ٱلْجَنَّةُ أُورِثْتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

«42. But those who believed, and worked righteousness - We burden not any person beyond his scope - such are the dwellers of Paradise. They will abide therein.»

«43. And We shall remove from their breasts any Ghill; rivers flowing under them, and they will say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allāh, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allāh had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth." And it will be cried out to them: "This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do."»

Destination of Righteous Believers

After Allāh mentioned the condition of the miserable ones, He then mentioned the condition of the happy ones, saying,

Qur’an 7:42وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ

«But those who believed, and worked righteousness»

Their hearts have believed and they performed good deeds with their limbs and senses, as compared to those who disbelieved in the Āyāt of Allāh and were arrogant with them. Allāh also said that embracing faith and implementing it are easy, when He said,

Qur’an 7:42–43وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِى صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ

«But those who believed, and worked righteousness - We burden not any person beyond his scope - such are the dwellers of Paradise. They will abide therein. And We shall remove from their breasts any Ghill;»

meaning, envy and hatred. Al-Bukhāri recorded that Abu Sa'īd Al-Khudri said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِذَا خَلَصَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ مِنَ النَّارِ حُبِسُوا عَلَى قَنْطَرَةٍ بَيْنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَالنَّارِ فَاقْتُصَّ لَهُمْ مَظَالِمَ كَانَتْ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا حَتَّى إِذَا هُذِّبُوا وَنُقُّوا أُذِنَ لَهُمْ فِي دُخُولِ الْجَنَّةِ فَوَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ إِنَّ أَحَدَهُمْ بِمَنْزِلِهِ فِي الْجَنَّةِ أَدَلُّ مِنْهُ بِمَسْكَنِهِ كَانَ فِي الدُّنْيَا

«After the believers are saved from entering the Fire, they will be kept in wait by a bridge between Paradise and Hellfire. Then, transgression that occurred between them in the life of this world will be judged. Until, when they are purified and cleansed, they will be given permission to enter Paradise. By He in Whose Hand is my soul! One of them will be able to find his dwelling in Paradise more so than he did in the life of this world.»^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 5:115.}

As-Suddi said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:43وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِى صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمُ ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ

«And We shall remove from their breasts any Ghill; rivers flowing under them,»

"When the people of Paradise are taken to it, they will find a tree close to its door, and two springs from under the trunk of that tree. They will drink from one of them, and all hatred will be removed from their hearts, for it is the cleansing drink. They will take a bath in the other, and the brightness of delight will radiate from their faces. Ever after, they will never have messy hair or become dirty." ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:439.}

An-Nasā'ī and Ibn Marduwyah (this being his wording) recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthكُلُّ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ يَرَى مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ، فَيَقُولُ: لَوْلَا أَنَّ اللَّهَ هَدَانِي، فَيَكُونُ لَهُ شُكْرًا، وَكُلُّ أَهْلِ النَّارِ يَرَى مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ فَيَقُولُ: لَوْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ هَدَانِي، فَيَكُونُ لَهُ حَسْرَةً

Qur’an 7:44–51وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلنَّارِ أَن قَدْ وَجَدْنَا مَا وَعَدَنَا رَبُّنَا حَقًّا فَهَلْ وَجَدتُّم مَّا وَعَدَ رَبُّكُمْ حَقًّا قَالُوا۟ نَعَمْ فَأَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌۢ بَيْنَهُمْ أَن لَّعْنَةُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ كَٰفِرُونَ وَبَيْنَهُمَا حِجَابٌ وَعَلَى ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالٌ يَعْرِفُونَ كُلًّۢا بِسِيمَىٰهُمْ وَنَادَوْا۟ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَن سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ لَمْ يَدْخُلُوهَا وَهُمْ يَطْمَعُونَ وَإِذَا صُرِفَتْ أَبْصَٰرُهُمْ تِلْقَآءَ أَصْحَٰبِ ٱلنَّارِ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالًا يَعْرِفُونَهُم بِسِيمَىٰهُمْ قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَغْنَىٰ عَنكُمْ جَمْعُكُمْ وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أَقْسَمْتُمْ لَا يَنَالُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَآ أَنتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَنْ أَفِيضُوا۟ عَلَيْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ أَوْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَهُمَا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ لَهْوًا وَلَعِبًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا فَٱلْيَوْمَ نَنسَىٰهُمْ كَمَا نَسُوا۟ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِهِمْ هَٰذَا وَمَا كَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ

«Each of the people of Paradise will see his seat in the Fire and he will say, 'Had not Allāh guided me! And this will cause him to be grateful. Each of the people of the Fire will see his seat in Paradise, and he will say, 'Might that Allāh had guided me!' So it will be a cause of anguish for him.»^{3An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā 6:447.}

This is why when the believers are awarded seats in Paradise that belonged to the people of the Fire, they will be told, "This is the Paradise that you inherited because of what you used to do." This means, because of your good deeds, you earned Allāh's mercy and thus entered Paradise and took your designated dwellings in it, comparable to your deeds. This is the proper meaning here, for it is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthوَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ لَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ

«And know that the good deeds of one of you will not admit him into Paradise.»

They said, "Not even you, O Allāh's Messenger?" He said,

Ḥadīthوَلَا أَنَا إِلَّا أَنْ يَتَغَمَّدَنِيَ اللهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ

«Not even I, unless Allāh grants it to me out of His mercy and favor.»^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 11:300 and Muslim 4:2170.}

Qur’an 7:44–45وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلنَّارِ أَن قَدْ وَجَدْنَا مَا وَعَدَنَا رَبُّنَا حَقًّا فَهَلْ وَجَدتُّم مَّا وَعَدَ رَبُّكُمْ حَقًّا قَالُوا۟ نَعَمْ فَأَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌۢ بَيْنَهُمْ أَن لَّعْنَةُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ كَٰفِرُونَ

«44. And the dwellers of Paradise will call out to the dwellers of the Fire (saying): "We have indeed found true what our Lord had promised us; have you also found true what your Lord promised (warned)?" They shall say: "Yes." Then a crier will proclaim between them: "The curse of Allāh is on the wrongdoers."»

«45. Those who hindered (men) from the path of Allāh, and would seek to make it crooked, and they were disbelievers in the Hereafter.»

People of Hellfire will feel Anguish upon Anguish

Allāh mentioned how the people of the Fire will be addressed, chastised and admonished when they take their places in the Fire,

Qur’an 7:44قَدْ وَجَدْنَا مَا وَعَدَنَا رَبُّنَا حَقًّا فَهَلْ وَجَدتُّم مَّا وَعَدَ رَبُّكُمْ حَقًّا قَالُوا۟ نَعَمْ

«"We (dwellers of Paradise) have indeed found true what our Lord had promised us; have you (dwellers of Hell) also found true what your Lord promised (warned)?" They shall say: "Yes."»

In Sūrat Aṣ-Ṣāffāt, Allāh mentioned the one who had a disbelieving companion,

Qur’an 37:55–59فَٱطَّلَعَ فَرَءَاهُ فِى سَوَآءِ ٱلْجَحِيمِ قَالَ تَٱللَّهِ إِن كِدتَّ لَتُرْدِينِ وَلَوْلَا نِعْمَةُ رَبِّى لَكُنتُ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْضَرِينَ أَفَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَيِّتِينَ إِلَّا مَوْتَتَنَا ٱلْأُولَىٰ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ

«So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire. He said: "By Allāh! You have nearly ruined me. Had it not been for the grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell)." (The dwellers of Paradise will say!) "Are we then not to die (any more)? Except our first death, and we shall not be punished?"» [37:55-59].

Allāh will punish the disbeliever for the claims he used to utter in this life. The angels will also admonish the disbelievers, saying,

Qur’an 52:14–16هَٰذِهِ ٱلنَّارُ ٱلَّتِى كُنتُم بِهَا تُكَذِّبُونَ أَفَسِحْرٌ هَٰذَآ أَمْ أَنتُمْ لَا تُبْصِرُونَ ٱصْلَوْهَا فَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ أَوْ لَا تَصْبِرُوا۟ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيْكُمْ إِنَّمَا تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

«This is the Fire which you used to belie. Is this magic or do you not see? Taste you therein its heat and whether you are patient of it or impatient of it, it is all the same. You are only being requited for what you used to do» [52:14-16].

The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ admonished the inhabitants of the well at Badr:

Ḥadīthيَا أَبَا جَهْلِ بْنَ هِشَامٍ وَيَا عُتْبَةَ بْنَ رَبِيعَةَ وَيَا شَيْبَةَ بْنَ رَبِيعَةَ - وَسَمَّى رُؤُوسَهُمْ - هَلْ وَجَدْتُمْ مَا وَعَدَ رَبُّكُمْ حَقًّا فَإِنِّي وَجَدْتُ مَا وَعَدَنِي رَبِّي حَقًّا

«O Abu Jahl bin Hishām! O 'Utbah bin Rabī'ah! O Shaybah bin Rabī'ah (and he called their leaders by name)! Have you found what your Lord promised to be true (the Fire)? I certainly found what my Lord has promised me to be true (victory).»

'Umar said, "O Allāh's Messenger! Do you address a people who have become rotten carrion?" He ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthوَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ مَا أَنْتُمْ بِأَسْمَعَ لِمَا أَقُولُ مِنْهُمْ وَلَكِنْ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ أَنْ يُجِيبُوا

«By He in Whose Hand is my soul! You do not hear what I am saying better than they do, but they cannot reply.»^{1Muslim 3:2203.Those were the disbelievers of the Quraysh who were killed at the battle of Badr, Their corpses were thrown into the well.}

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:44فَأَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌۢ بَيْنَهُمْ

«Then a crier will proclaim between them» will herald and announce,

Qur’an 7:44أَن لَّعْنَةُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«The curse of Allāh is on the wrongdoers» meaning, the curse will reside with the wrongdoers. Allāh then described them by saying,

Qur’an 7:45ٱلَّذِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا

«Those who hindered (men) from the path of Allāh, and would seek to make it crooked»

meaning, they hindered the people from following Allāh's path, His Law, and what the Prophets brought. They sought to make Allāh's path appear crooked and winding, so that no one would follow it. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:45وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ كَٰفِرُونَ

«and they were disbelievers in the Hereafter»

They disbelieved in the Meeting with Allāh in the Hereafter, They used to deny this will ever occur, not accepting it nor believing in it. This is why they used to discount the seriousness of the evil deeds and statements that they committed, because they did not fear any reckoning or punishment. Therefore, they were and are indeed the worst people in statement and action.

Qur’an 7:46–47وَبَيْنَهُمَا حِجَابٌ وَعَلَى ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالٌ يَعْرِفُونَ كُلًّۢا بِسِيمَىٰهُمْ وَنَادَوْا۟ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَن سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ لَمْ يَدْخُلُوهَا وَهُمْ يَطْمَعُونَ وَإِذَا صُرِفَتْ أَبْصَٰرُهُمْ تِلْقَآءَ أَصْحَٰبِ ٱلنَّارِ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«46. And between them will be a (barrier) screen and on Al-A'rāf will be men, who would recognize all, by their marks. And they will call out to the dwellers of Paradise, "Peace be on you" and at that time they will not yet have entered it (Paradise), but they will hope to enter (it).»

«47. And when their eyes will be turned towards the dwellers of the Fire, they will say: "Our Lord! Place us not with the people who are wrongdoers."»

The People of Al-A'rāf

After Allāh mentioned that the people of Paradise will address the people of the Fire, He stated that there is a barrier between Paradise and the Fire, which prevents the people of the Fire from reaching Paradise. Ibn Jarīr said, "It is the wall that Allāh described,

Qur’an 57:13فَضُرِبَ بَيْنَهُم بِسُورٍ لَّهُۥ بَابٌۢ بَاطِنُهُۥ فِيهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةُ وَظَٰهِرُهُۥ مِن قِبَلِهِ ٱلْعَذَابُ

«So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein. Inside it will be mercy, and outside it will be torment.» [57:13]

It is also about Al-A'rāf that Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:46وَعَلَى ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالٌ

«and on Al-A'rāf will be men»." ^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:249.}

Ibn Jarīr recorded that As-Suddi said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:46وَبَيْنَهُمَا حِجَابٌ

«And between them will be a screen» "It is the wall, it is Al-A'rāf."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:449.} Mujāhid said, "Al-A'rāf is a barrier between Paradise and the Fire, a wall that has a gate."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:451.}

Ibn Jarīr said, "Al-A'rāf is plural for 'Urf, where every elevated piece of land is known as 'Urf to the Arabs."

As-Suddi said, "Al-A'rāf is so named because its residents recognize (Ya'rifūn) the people. Al-A'rāf's residents are those whose good and bad deeds are equal, as Ḥudhayfah, Ibn 'Abbās, Ibn Mas'ūd and several of the Salaf and later generations said." Ibn Jarīr recorded that Ḥudhayfah was asked about the people of Al-A'rāf and he said, "A people whose good and bad deeds are equal. Their evil deeds prevented them from qualifying to enter Paradise, and their good deeds qualified them to avoid the Fire. Therefore, they are stopped there on the wall until Allāh judges them."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:453.}

Ma'mar said that Al-Ḥasan recited this Āyah,

Qur’an 7:46لَمْ يَدْخُلُوهَا وَهُمْ يَطْمَعُونَ

«and at that time they will not yet have entered it (Paradise), but they will hope to enter (it).»

Then he said, "By Allāh! Allāh did not put this hope in their hearts, except for an honor that He intends to bestow on them."^{5'Abdur-Razzāq 2:230.} Qatādah said; "Those who hope are those among you whom Allāh informed of their places."^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:465.}

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:47وَإِذَا صُرِفَتْ أَبْصَٰرُهُمْ تِلْقَآءَ أَصْحَٰبِ ٱلنَّارِ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«And when their eyes will be turned towards the dwellers of the Fire, they will say: "Our Lord! Place us not with the people who are wrongdoers."»

Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk reported that Ibn 'Abbās said, "When the people of Al-A'rāf look at the people of the Fire and recognize them, they will supplicate, 'O Lord! Do not place us with the people who are wrongdoers.'"^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:463.}

Qur’an 7:48–49وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالًا يَعْرِفُونَهُم بِسِيمَىٰهُمْ قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَغْنَىٰ عَنكُمْ جَمْعُكُمْ وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أَقْسَمْتُمْ لَا يَنَالُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَآ أَنتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ

«48. And the men on Al-A'rāf will call unto the men whom they would recognize by their marks, saying: "Of what benefit to you was your gathering, and your arrogance?"»

«49. "Are they those, of whom you swore that Allāh would never show them mercy? (Behold! It has been said to them): 'Enter Paradise, no fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve.'"»

Allāh states that the people of Al-A'rāf will admonish some of the chiefs of the idolators whom they recognize by their marks in the Fire, saying,

Qur’an 7:48مَآ أَغْنَىٰ عَنكُمْ جَمْعُكُمْ

«"Of what benefit to you was your gathering..."» meaning, your great numbers,

Qur’an 7:48وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ

«"...and your arrogance?"» This Āyah means, your great numbers and wealth did not save you from Allāh's torment. Rather, you are dwelling in His torment and punishment. 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported from Ibn 'Abbās,

Qur’an 7:49أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أَقْسَمْتُمْ لَا يَنَالُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ

«Are they those, of whom you swore that Allāh would never show them mercy?»

refers to the people of Al-A'rāf who will be told when Allāh decrees:

Qur’an 7:49ٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَآ أَنتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ

«(Behold! It has been said to them): "Enter Paradise, no fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve."»^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:469.}

Qur’an 7:50–51وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَنْ أَفِيضُوا۟ عَلَيْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ أَوْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَهُمَا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ لَهْوًا وَلَعِبًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا فَٱلْيَوْمَ نَنسَىٰهُمْ كَمَا نَسُوا۟ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِهِمْ هَٰذَا وَمَا كَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ

«50. And the dwellers of the Fire will call to the dwellers of Paradise: "Pour on us some water or anything that Allāh has provided you with." They will say: "Both (water and provision) Allāh has forbidden for the disbelievers.»

«51. 'Who took their religion as amusement and play, and the life of the world deceived them." So this Day We shall forget them as they forgot their meeting of this Day, and as they used to reject Our Āyāt.»

The Favors of paradise are Prohibited for the People of the Fire

Allāh emphasizes the disgrace of the people of the Fire. They will ask the people of Paradise for some of their drink and food, but they will not be given any of that. As-Suddi said,

Qur’an 7:50وَنَادَىٰٓ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَنْ أَفِيضُوا۟ عَلَيْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ أَوْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ

«And the dwellers of the Fire will call to the dwellers of Paradise: "Pour on us some water or anything that Allāh has provided you with."»

"That is food".^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:473.} Ath-Thawri said that 'Uthmān Ath-Thaqafi said that Sa'īd bin Jubayr commented on this Āyah, "One of them will call his father or brother, 'I have been burned, so pour some water on me.' The believers will be asked to reply, and they will reply,

Qur’an 7:50إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَهُمَا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

«"Both Allāh has forbidden to the disbelievers."»"^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:474.}

'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam said that,

Qur’an 7:50إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَهُمَا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

«"Both Allāh has forbidden to the disbelievers."» "Refers to the food and drink of Paradise."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:474.}

Allāh describes the disbelievers by what they used to do in this life, taking the religion as amusement and play, and being deceived by this life and its adornment, rather than working for the Hereafter as Allāh commanded,

Qur’an 7:51فَٱلْيَوْمَ نَنسَىٰهُمْ كَمَا نَسُوا۟ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِهِمْ هَٰذَا

«So this Day We shall forget them as they forgot their meeting of this Day»

meaning, Allāh will treat them as if He has forgotten them. Certainly, nothing escapes Allāh's perfect watch and He never forgets anything. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 20:52فِى كِتَٰبٍ لَّا يَضِلُّ رَبِّى وَلَا يَنسَى

«In a Record. My Lord neither errs nor forgets» [20:52]

Allāh said - that He will forget them on that Day - as just recompense for them, because,

Qur’an 9:67نَسُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فَنَسِيَهُمْ

«They have forgotten Allāh, so He has forgotten them» [9:67]

Qur’an 20:126كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ ءَايَٰتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰ

«Like this: Our Āyāt came unto you, but you disregarded them, and so this Day, you will be neglected» [20:126] and,

Qur’an 45:34وَقِيلَ ٱلْيَوْمَ نَنسَىٰكُمْ كَمَا نَسِيتُمْ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا

Qur’an 7:52–57وَلَقَدْ جِئْنَٰهُم بِكِتَٰبٍ فَصَّلْنَٰهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُۥ يَوْمَ يَأْتِى تَأْوِيلُهُۥ يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ نَسُوهُ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ فَهَل لَّنَا مِن شُفَعَآءَ فَيَشْفَعُوا۟ لَنَآ أَوْ نُرَدُّ فَنَعْمَلَ غَيْرَ ٱلَّذِى كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ قَدْ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ يُغْشِى ٱلَّيْلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۭ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْخَلْقُ وَٱلْأَمْرُ تَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَٰحِهَا وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَٰحَ بُشْرًۢا بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَقَلَّتْ سَحَابًا ثِقَالًا سُقْنَٰهُ لِبَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ فَأَنزَلْنَا بِهِ ٱلْمَآءَ فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦ مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ كَذَٰلِكَ نُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

«And it will be said: "This Day We will forget you as you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours."» [45:34]

Al-‘Awfi reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on,

Ḥadīthفَالْيَوْمَ نَنسَاهُمْ كَمَا نَسُوا لِقَاءَ يَوْمِهِمْ هَٰذَا

Qur’an 7:51فَٱلْيَوْمَ نَنسَىٰهُمْ كَمَا نَسُوا۟ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِهِمْ هَٰذَا

«So this Day We shall forget them as they forgot their meeting of this Day»

"Allāh will forget the good about them, but not their evil."

And 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said, "We shall forsake them as they have forsaken the meeting of this Day of theirs." Mujāhid said, "We shall leave them in the Fire." As-Suddi said, "We shall leave them from any mercy, just as they left any action on behalf of the meeting on this Day of theirs."

It is recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that Allāh will say to the servant on the Day of Resurrection:

Ḥadīthأَلَمْ أُزَوِّجْكَ؟ أَلَمْ أُكْرِمْكَ؟ أَلَمْ أُسَخِّرْ لَكَ الْخَيْلَ وَالْإِبِلَ وَأَذَرْكَ تَرْأَسُ وَتَرْبَعُ؟ فَيَقُولُ: بَلَى، فَيَقُولُ: أَظَنَنْتَ أَنَّكَ مُلَاقِيَّ؟ فَيَقُولُ: لَا، فَيَقُولُ اللهُ تَعَالَى: فَالْيَوْمَ أَنْسَاكَ كَمَا نَسِيتَنِي

«"Have I not gotten you married? Have I not honored you? Have I not made horses and camels subservient for you and allowed you to become a leader and a master?" He will say, "Yes." Allāh will say, "Did you think that you will meet Me?" He will say, "No." Allāh the Exalted will say, 'Then this Day, I will forget you as you have forgotten Me."' ^{4Muslim 4:2279.}

Qur’an 7:52–53وَلَقَدْ جِئْنَٰهُم بِكِتَٰبٍ فَصَّلْنَٰهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُۥ يَوْمَ يَأْتِى تَأْوِيلُهُۥ يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ نَسُوهُ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ فَهَل لَّنَا مِن شُفَعَآءَ فَيَشْفَعُوا۟ لَنَآ أَوْ نُرَدُّ فَنَعْمَلَ غَيْرَ ٱلَّذِى كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ قَدْ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«52. Certainly, We have brought to them a Book (the Qur'ān) which We have explained in detail with knowledge, a guidance and a mercy to a people who believe.»

«53. Await they just for the final fulfillment of the event? On the Day the event is finally fulfilled, those who neglected it before will say: "Verily, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth, now are there any intercessors for us that they might intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back (to the first life of the world) so that we might do (good) deeds other than those (evil) deeds which we used to do?" Verily, they have lost themselves and that which they used to fabricate has gone away from them.»

The Idolators have no Excuse

Allāh states that He has left no excuse for the idolators, for He has sent to them the Book that the Messenger ﷺ came with, and which is explained in detail,

Qur’an 11:1كِتَٰبٌ أُحْكِمَتْ ءَايَٰتُهُۥ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ

«(This is) a Book, the Āyāt whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge), and then explained in detail » [11:1]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:52فَصَّلْنَٰهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ

«We have explained in detail with knowledge» meaning, 'We have perfect knowledge of what We explained in it'. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 4:166أَنزَلَهُۥ بِعِلْمِهِۦ

«He has sent it down with His Knowledge,» [4:166]

The meaning here is that after Allāh mentioned the loss the idolators end up with in the Hereafter, He stated that He has indeed sent Prophets and revealed Books in this life, thus leaving no excuse for them. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 17:15وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا

«And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).» [17:15]

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:53هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا تَأْوِيلَهُۥ

«Await they just for the final fulfillment of the event?»

in reference to what they were promised of torment, punishment, the Fire; or Paradise, according to Mujāhid and several others.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:479.}

Qur’an 7:53يَوْمَ يَأْتِى تَأْوِيلُهُۥ

«On the Day the event is finally fulfilled,» on the Day of Resurrection, according to Ibn 'Abbās,^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:479.}

Qur’an 7:53يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ نَسُوهُ مِن قَبْلُ

«those who neglected it before will say» those who ignored it in this life and neglected abiding by its implications will say,

Qur’an 7:53قَدْ جَآءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ فَهَل لَّنَا مِن شُفَعَآءَ فَيَشْفَعُوا۟ لَنَآ

«"Verily, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth, now are there any intercessors for us that they might intercede on our behalf?"»

so that we are saved from what we ended up in.

Qur’an 7:53أَوْ نُرَدُّ

«"Or could we be sent back"», to the first life,

Qur’an 7:53فَنَعْمَلَ غَيْرَ ٱلَّذِى كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ

«"So that we might do (good) deeds other than those (evil) deeds which we used to do?"». This part of the Āyah is similar to Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:27–28وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ فَقَالُوا۟ يَٰلَيْتَنَا نُرَدُّ وَلَا نُكَذِّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَوْ رُدُّوا۟ لَعَادُوا۟ لِمَا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ

«If you could but see when they will be held over the (Hell) Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back! Then we would not deny the Āyāt of our Lord, and we would be of the believers!" Nay, it has become manifest to them what they had been concealing before. But if they were returned (to the world), they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars» [6:27-28]

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:53قَدْ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«Verily, they have lost themselves and that which they used to fabricate has gone away from them.»

meaning, they destroyed themselves by entering the Fire for eternity,

Qur’anوَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«And that which they used to fabricate has gone away from them.»

What they used to worship instead of Allāh abandoned them and will not intercede on their behalf, aid them or save them from their fate.

Qur’an 7:54إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ يُغْشِى ٱلَّيْلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۭ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْخَلْقُ وَٱلْأَمْرُ تَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«54. Indeed, your Lord is Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over (Istawā) the Throne. He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His command. Surely, His is the creation and commandment. Blessed is Allāh, the Lord of all that exists!»

The Universe was created in Six Days

Allāh states that He created the universe, the heavens and earth and all that is in, on and between them in six days, as He has stated in several Āyāt in the Qur'ān. These six days are: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Friday, the entire creation was assembled and on that day, Ādam was created. There is a difference of opinion whether these days were the same as our standard days as suddenly comes to the mind, or each day constitutes one thousand years, as reported from Mujāhid,^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:482.} Imām Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal, and from Ibn 'Abbās according to Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk's narration from him. As for Saturday, no creation took place in it since it is the seventh day of (of the week). The word 'As-Sabt' means stoppage, or break.

Imām Aḥmad recorded Abu Hurayrah saying: 'Allāh's Messenger ﷺ told me:

Ḥadīthخَلَقَ اللهُ، [عَزَّ وَجَلَّ]، التُّرْبَةَ يَوْمَ السَّبْتِ، وَخَلَقَ فِيهَا الْجِبَالَ يَوْمَ الْأَحَدِ، وَخَلَقَ الشَّجَرَ يَوْمَ الْاثْنَيْنِ، وَخَلَقَ الْمَكْرُوهَ يَوْمَ الثُّلَاثَاءِ، وَخَلَقَ النُّورَ يَوْمَ الْأَرْبِعَاءِ، وَبَثَّ فِيهَا الدَّوَابَّ يَوْمَ الْخَمِيسِ، وَخَلَقَ آدَمَ، عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ، بَعْدَ الْعَصْرِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ، فِي آخِرِ الْخَلْقِ، فِي آخِرِ سَاعَةٍ مِنْ سَاعَاتِ الْجُمُعَةِ، فِيمَا بَيْنَ الْعَصْرِ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ

.

«Allāh created the dust on Saturday, and He created the mountains on Sunday, and He created the trees on Monday, and He created the unpleasant things on Tuesday and He created the light on Wednesday and He spread the creatures through out it on Thursday and He created Ādam after 'Aṣr on Friday. He was the last created during the last hour of Friday, between 'Aṣr and the night.»^{2Aḥmad 2:327 and Muslim no. 2149}

Meaning of Istawā

As for Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:54ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ

«and then He rose over (Istawā) the Throne»

the people had several conflicting opinions over its meaning. However, we follow the way that our righteous predecessors took in this regard, such as Mālik, Al-Awzā'ī, Ath-Thawri, Al-Layth bin Sa'd, Ash-Shāfi'ī, Aḥmad, Isḥāq bin Rāhwayh and the rest of the scholars of Islām, in past and present times. Surely, we accept the apparent meaning of, Al-Istawā, without discussing its true essence, equating it (with the attributes of the creation), or altering or denying it (in any way or form). We also believe that the meaning that comes to those who equate Allāh with the creation is to be rejected, for nothing is similar to Allāh,

Qur’an 42:11لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِۦ شَىْءٌ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ

«There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.» [42:11]

Indeed, we assert and affirm what the Imāms said, such as Nu'aym bin Ḥammād Al-Khuzā'i, the teacher of Imām Al-Bukhāri, who said, "Whoever likens Allāh with His creation, will have committed Kufr. Whoever denies what Allāh has described Himself with, will have committed Kufr. Certainly, there is no resemblance (of Allāh with the creation) in what Allāh and His Messenger ﷺ have described Him with. Whoever attests to Allāh's attributes that the plain Āyāt and authentic Ḥadīths have mentioned, in the manner that suits Allāh's majesty, all the while rejecting all shortcomings from Him, will have taken the path of guidance."

The Day and the Night are among the Signs of Allāh

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:54يُغْشِى ٱلَّيْلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا

«He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly,»

meaning, the darkness goes away with the light, and the light goes away with the darkness. Each of them seeks the other rapidly, and does not come late, for when this vanishes, the other comes, and vice versa. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 36:37–40وَءَايَةٌ لَّهُمُ ٱلَّيْلُ نَسْلَخُ مِنْهُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فَإِذَا هُم مُّظْلِمُونَ وَٱلشَّمْسُ تَجْرِى لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَّهَا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ وَٱلْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْنَٰهُ مَنَازِلَ حَتَّىٰ عَادَ كَٱلْعُرْجُونِ ٱلْقَدِيمِ لَا ٱلشَّمْسُ يَنۢبَغِى لَهَآ أَن تُدْرِكَ ٱلْقَمَرَ وَلَا ٱلَّيْلُ سَابِقُ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَكُلٌّ فِى فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ

«And a sign for them is the night. We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold, they are in darkness. And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed). That is the decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing. And the moon, We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old dried curved date stalk. It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.﴿ [36:37-40]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 36:40وَلَا ٱلَّيْلُ سَابِقُ ٱلنَّهَارِ

«Nor does the night outstrip the day» [36:40] means, the night follows the day in succession and does not come later or earlier than it should be. This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:54يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۭ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ

«seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His command.»

meaning, all are under His command, will and dominion. Allāh alerted us afterwards,

Qur’an 7:54أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْخَلْقُ وَٱلْأَمْرُ

«Surely, His is the creation and commandment» the dominion and the decision. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:54تَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«Blessed is Allāh, the Lord of the all that exists!» which is similar to the Āyah,

Qur’an 25:61تَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ بُرُوجًا

«Blessed be He Who has placed in the heaven big stars» [25:61]

Abu Ad-Dardā' said a supplication, that was also attributed to the Prophet ﷺ,

Ḥadīthاللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْمُلْكُ كُلُّهُ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ كُلُّهُ وَإِلَيْكَ يُرْجَعُ الْأَمْرُ كُلُّهُ، أَسْأَلُكَ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ كُلِّهِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الشَّرِّ كُلِّهِ

«O Allāh! Yours is all the kingdom, all the praise, and Yours is the ownership of all affairs. I ask You for all types of good and seek refuge with You from all types of evil.»

Qur’an 7:55–56ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَٰحِهَا وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

«55. Invoke your Lord Taḍarru'an and Khufyah. He likes not the aggressors.»

«56. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope. Surely, Allāh's mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers.»

Encouraging supplicating to Allāh

Allāh commands His servants to supplicate to Him, for this will ensure their welfare in this life and the Hereafter. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:55ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً

«Invoke your Lord Taḍarru'an and Khufyah» meaning, in humbleness and humility. Allāh said in a similar Āyah,

Qur’an 7:205وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِى نَفْسِكَ

«And remember your Lord within yourself» [7:205]

It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs that Abu Mūsā Al-Ash'ari said, "The people raised their voices with supplications but the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ارْبَعُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ فَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَدْعُونَ أَصَمَّ وَلَا غَائِبًا إِنَّ الَّذِي تَدْعُونَ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ

-

«O people! Take it easy on yourselves. Verily, you are not calling one who is deaf or absent, rather, the One you are calling is All-Hearer, Near (to His servants by His knowledge).»^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 11:191 and Muslim 4:2076.}

Ibn Jarīr said that,

Qur’anتَضَرُّعًا

«Taḍarru'an», means obeying Him in humility and humbleness,

Qur’anوَخُفْيَةً

«and Khufyah», with the humbleness in your hearts and certainty of His Oneness and Lordship not supplicating loudly to show off.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:485.}

Forbidding Aggression in Supplications

It was reported that 'Aṭā' Al-Khurāsāni narrated from Ibn 'Abbās, who said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:55إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ

«He likes not the aggressors» "In the Du'ā' and otherwise." ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:486.}Abu Mijlaz commented on,

Qur’an 7:55إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ

«He likes not the aggressors», "Such (aggression) as asking to reach the grade of the Prophets."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:486.} Imām Aḥmad narrated that Abu Ni'āmah said that 'Abdullāh bin Mughaffal heard his son supplicating, "O Allāh! I ask you for the white castle on the right side of Paradise, if I enter it." So 'Abdullāh said, "O my son! Ask Allāh for Paradise and seek refuge with Him from the Fire, for I heard the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ saying,

Ḥadīthيَكُونُ قَوْمٌ يَعْتَدُونَ فِي الدُّعَاءِ وَالطُّهُورِ

«There will come some people who transgress in supplication and purification»"^{5Aḥmad 5:55}

Ibn Mājah^{6Ibn Mājah 2:2171.} and Abu Dāwud^{7Abu Dāwud 1:73.} recorded this Ḥadīth with a good chain that there is no harm in, and Allāh knows best.

The Prohibition of causing Mischief in the Land

Allāh said next,

Qur’anوَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَٰحِهَا

«And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order» [5:56].

Qur’an 7:58–61وَٱلْبَلَدُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ يَخْرُجُ نَبَاتُهُۥ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِۦ وَٱلَّذِى خَبُثَ لَا يَخْرُجُ إِلَّا نَكِدًا كَذَٰلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَشْكُرُونَ لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى ضَلَٰلَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

Allāh prohibits causing mischief on the earth, especially after it has been set | أُبَلِّغُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَأَنصَحُ لَكُمْ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ | in order. When the أَوَعَجِبْتُمْ أَن جَآءَكُمْ ذِكْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنكُمْ لِيُنذِرَكُمْ وَلِتَتَّقُوا۟ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ affairs are in order | فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥ فِى ٱلْفُلْكِ وَأَغْرَقْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَوْمًا عَمِينَ | and then mischief | وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ | occurs, it will cause | قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى سَفَاهَةٍ وَإِنَّا لَنَظُنُّكَ مِنَ ٱلْكَٰذِبِينَ | maximum harm to | قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى سَفَاهَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ | the people; thus Allāh forbids causing mischief and ordained worshipping Him, supplicating to Him, begging Him and being humble to Him.

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:56وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا

«and invoke Him with fear and hope» fearing what He has of severe torment and hoping in what He has of tremendous reward.

Allāh then said,

Qur’an 7:56إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

«Surely, Allāh's mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers»

meaning, His mercy is for the good-doers who obey His commands and avoid what He prohibited. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 7:156وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ

«And My mercy envelopes all things. That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who who have Taqwā.» [7:156].

Maṭar Al-Warrāq said, "Earn Allāh's promise by obeying Him, for He ordained that His mercy is near to the good-doers." Ibn Abi Ḥātim collected this statement.^{8Ibn Abi Ḥātim 5:1501.}

Qur’an 7:57–58وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَٰحَ بُشْرًۢا بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَقَلَّتْ سَحَابًا ثِقَالًا سُقْنَٰهُ لِبَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ فَأَنزَلْنَا بِهِ ٱلْمَآءَ فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦ مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ كَذَٰلِكَ نُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ وَٱلْبَلَدُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ يَخْرُجُ نَبَاتُهُۥ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِۦ وَٱلَّذِى خَبُثَ لَا يَخْرُجُ إِلَّا نَكِدًا كَذَٰلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَشْكُرُونَ

«57. And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy (rain). Till when they have carried a heavy-laden cloud, We drive it to a land that is dead, then We cause water (rain) to descend thereon. Then We produce every kind of fruit therewith. Similarly, We shall raise up the dead, so that you may remember or take heed.»

«58. The vegetation of a good land comes forth (easily) by the permission of its Lord; and that which is bad, brings forth nothing but (a little) with difficulty. Thus do We explain variously the Āyāt for a people who give thanks.»

Among Allāh's Signs, He sends down the Rain and brings forth the Produce

After Allāh stated that He created the heavens and earth and that He is the Owner and Possessor of the affairs Who makes things subservient (for mankind), He ordained that He be invoked in Du'ā', for He is able to do all things. Allāh also stated that He is the Sustainer and He resurrects the dead on the Day of Resurrection. Here, Allāh said that He sends the wind that spreads the clouds that are laden with rain. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 30:46وَمِنْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦٓ أَن يُرْسِلَ ٱلرِّيَاحَ مُبَشِّرَٰتٍ

«And among His signs is this, that He sends the winds with glad tidings» [30:46]. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:57بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦ

«going before His mercy» means, before the rain. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 42:28وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُنَزِّلُ ٱلْغَيْثَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا قَنَطُوا۟ وَيَنشُرُ رَحْمَتَهُۥ وَهُوَ ٱلْوَلِىُّ ٱلْحَمِيدُ

«And He it is Who sends down the rain after they have despaired, and spreads His mercy. And He is Al-Wali (the Guardian), Al-Ḥamīd (the praiseworthy» [42:28] and,

Qur’an 30:50فَٱنظُرْ إِلَىٰٓ ءَاثَٰرِ رَحْمَتِ ٱللَّهِ كَيْفَ يُحْىِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَآ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ لَمُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

«Look then at the results of Allāh's mercy, how He revives the earth after its death. Verily, that [is the one Who] shall indeed raise the dead, and He is able to do all things» [30:50].

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:57حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَقَلَّتْ سَحَابًا ثِقَالًا

«Till when they have carried a heavy-laden cloud»

when the wind carries clouds that are heavy with rain, and this is why these clouds are heavy, close to the earth, and their color is dark. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:57سُقْنَٰهُ لِبَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ

«We drive it to a land that is dead» that is, a dry land that does not have any vegetation. This Āyah is similar to another Āyah,

Qur’an 36:33وَءَايَةٌ لَّهُمُ ٱلْأَرْضُ ٱلْمَيْتَةُ أَحْيَيْنَٰهَا

«And a sign for them is the dead land. We give it life» [36:33].

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:57فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦ مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ كَذَٰلِكَ نُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ

«Then We produce every kind of fruit therewith. Similarly, We shall raise up the dead.»

meaning, just as We bring life to dead land, We shall raise up the dead on the Day of Resurrection, after they have disintegrated. Allāh will send down rain from the sky and the rain will pour on the earth for forty days. The corpses will then be brought up in their graves, just as the seeds become grow in the ground (on receiving rain). Allāh often mentions this similarity in the Qur'an when He gives the example of what will happen on the Day of Resurrection, and bringing life to dead land,

Qur’anلَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

«so that you may remember or take heed.»

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:58وَٱلْبَلَدُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ يَخْرُجُ نَبَاتُهُۥ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِۦ

«The vegetation of a good land comes forth (easily) by the permission of its Lord;»

meaning, the good land produces its vegetation rapidly and proficiently. Allāh said in another Āyah (about Maryam, mother of 'Īsā, peace be upon him);

Qur’an 3:37وَأَنۢبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا

«He made her grow in a good manner.» [3:37]

The Āyah continues,

Qur’an 7:58وَٱلَّذِى خَبُثَ لَا يَخْرُجُ إِلَّا نَكِدًا

«and that which is bad, brings forth nothing but with difficulty.»

Mujāhid, and others such as As-Sibakh, etc. also said this.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:497.}

Al-Bukhāri recorded that Abu Mūsā said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthمَثَلُ مَا بَعَثَنِي اللهُ بِهِ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ وَالْهُدَى كَمَثَلِ الْغَيْثِ الْكَثِيرِ أَصَابَ أَرْضًا فَكَانَتْ مِنْهَا نَقِيَّةٌ قَبِلَتِ الْمَاءَ فَأَنْبَتَتِ الْكَلأَ وَالْعُشْبَ الْكَثِيرَ وَكَانَتْ مِنْهَا أَجَادِبُ أَمْسَكَتِ الْمَاءَ فَنَفَعَ اللهُ بِهَا النَّاسَ فَشَرِبُوا وَسَقَوْا وَزَرَعُوا وَأَصَابَ مِنْهَا طَائِفَةً أُخْرَى إِنَّمَا هِيَ قِيعَانٌ لَا تُمْسِكُ مَاءً وَلَا تُنْبِتُ كَلأً، فَذَلِكَ مَثَلُ مَنْ فَقُهَ فِي دِينِ اللهِ وَنَفَعَهُ مَا بَعَثَنِي اللهُ بِهِ فَعَلِمَ وَعَلَّمَ وَمَثَلُ مَنْ لَمْ يَرْفَعْ بِذَلِكَ رَأْسًا وَلَمْ يَقْبَلْ هُدَى اللهِ الَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِ

«The parable of the guidance and knowledge with which Allāh has sent me is that of an abundant rain falling on a land, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. And another portion of it was hard and held the rain water; and Allāh benefited the people with it, they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it, and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. And a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allāh's religion and gets benefit which Allāh sent me with, by learnign and teaching others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not accept the guidance Allāh sent me with.»^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 1:211.}

Qur’an 7:59–62لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى ضَلَٰلَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ أُبَلِّغُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَأَنصَحُ لَكُمْ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

«59. Indeed, We sent Nūḥ to his people and he said: "O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!"»

«60. The leaders of his people said: "Verily, we see you in plain error."»

«61. [Nūḥ] said: "O my people! There is no error in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists!»

«62. I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord and give sincere advice to you. And I know from Allāh what you know not."»

The Story of Nūḥ and His People

After Allāh mentioned the story of Ādam in the beginning of this Sūrah, He started mentioning the stories of the Prophets, the first then the latter of them. Allāh mentioned the story of Nūḥ, because he was the first Messenger Allāh sent to the people of the earth after Ādam. His name was Nūḥ bin Lāmak bin Matūshalakh bin Khanūkh. And Khanūkh was, as they claim, the Prophet Idrīs. And Idrīs was the first person to write letters using pen, and he was the son of Barad bin Mahlīl, bin Qanīn bin Yānish bin Shīth bin Ādam, upon them all be peace. This lineage is mentioned by Muḥammad bin Isḥāq and other Imāms who document lineage. 'Abdullāh bin 'Abbās and several other scholars of Tafsīr said that the first idol worship began when some righteous people died and their people built places of worship over their graves. They made images of them so that they could remember their righteousness and devotion, and thus, imitate them. When time passed, they made statues of them and later on worshipped these idols, naming them after the righteous people: Wadd, Suwā', Yaghūth, Ya'ūq and Nasr. After this practice became popular, Allāh sent Nūḥ as a Messenger, all thanks are due to Him. Nūḥ commanded his people to worship Allāh alone without partners, saying,

Qur’an 7:59يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ

«"O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!"»

the torment of the Day of Resurrection, if you meet Allāh while associating others with Him.

Qur’an 7:60قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ

«The leaders of his people said» meaning, the general public, chiefs, commanders and great ones of his people said,

Qur’an 7:60إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

«"Verily, we see you in plain error"» because of your calling us to abandon the worship of these idols that we found our forefathers worshipping.

This, indeed, is the attitude of evil people, for they consider the righteous people to be following misguidance. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 83:32وَإِذَا رَأَوْهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ لَضَآلُّونَ

«And when they saw them, they said: "Verily, these have indeed gone astray!"» [83:32] and,

Qur’an 46:11وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَوْ كَانَ خَيْرًا مَّا سَبَقُونَآ إِلَيْهِ وَإِذْ لَمْ يَهْتَدُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَسَيَقُولُونَ هَٰذَآ إِفْكٌ قَدِيمٌ

«And those who disbelieve say of those who believe: "Had it been a good thing, they (the weak and poor) would not have preceded us thereto!" And when they have not let themselves be guided by it (this Qur'ān), they say: "This is an ancient lie!"» [46:11]

There are several other Āyāt on this subject.

Qur’an 7:61قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى ضَلَٰلَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«[Nūḥ] said: "O my people! There is no error in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists!"»

meaning, there is nothing wrong with me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists, Lord and King of all things,

Qur’an 7:62أُبَلِّغُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَأَنصَحُ لَكُمْ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

«"I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord and give sincere advice to you. And I know from Allāh what you know not."»

This is the attribute of a Messenger, that he conveys using plain, yet eloquent words, offers sincere advice and is knowledgeable about Allāh; indeed, no other people can compete with the Prophets in this regard. In his Ṣaḥīḥ, Muslim recorded that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said to his Companions on the Day of 'Arafah, when their gathering was as large as it ever was,

Ḥadīthأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّكُمْ مَسْؤُولُونَ عَنِّي فَمَا أَنْتُمْ قَائِلُونَ؟

«O people! You will be asked about me, so what will you say?»

They said, "We testify that you have conveyed and delivered (the Message) and offered sincere advice." So he kept raising his finger to the sky and lowering it towards them, saying,

Ḥadīthاللَّهُمَّ اشْهَدْ اللَّهُمَّ اشْهَدْ

«O Allāh! Bear witness, O Allāh! Bear witness.»^{1Muslim 2:890.}

Qur’an 7:63–64أَوَعَجِبْتُمْ أَن جَآءَكُمْ ذِكْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنكُمْ لِيُنذِرَكُمْ وَلِتَتَّقُوا۟ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥ فِى ٱلْفُلْكِ وَأَغْرَقْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَوْمًا عَمِينَ

«63. "Do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you, so that you may fear Allāh and that you may receive (His) mercy?"»

«64. But they belied him, so We saved him and those along with him in the Fulk, and We drowned those who belied Our Āyāt. They were indeed a blind people.»

Allāh said that Nūḥ proclaimed to his people,

Qur’anأَوَعَجِبْتُمْ

«"Do you wonder..."», do not wonder because of this. Surely, it is not strange that Allāh sends down revelation to a man among you as mercy, kindness and compassion for you, so that he warns you that you may avoid Allāh's torment by associating none with Him,

Qur’an 7:63وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

«"and that you may receive (His) mercy."» Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:64فَكَذَّبُوهُ

«But they belied him» but they insisted on rejecting and opposing him, and only a few of them believed in him, as Allāh stated in another Āyah. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:64فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥ فِى ٱلْفُلْكِ

«So We saved him and those along with him in the Fulk» the ark,

Qur’an 7:64وَأَغْرَقْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ

«And We drowned those who belied Our Āyāt.»

Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 71:25مِّمَّا خَطِيٓـَٰٔتِهِمْ أُغْرِقُوا۟ فَأُدْخِلُوا۟ نَارًا فَلَمْ يَجِدُوا۟ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَنصَارًا

«Because of their sins they were drowned, then they were admitted into the Fire. And they found none to help them instead of Allāh.» [71:25]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:64إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَوْمًا عَمِينَ

«They were indeed a blind people.» meaning, blind from the Truth, unable to recognize it or find their way to it. Here, Allāh said that He has taken revenge from His enemies and saved His

Qur’an 7:68–73أُبَلِّغُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَأَنَا۠ لَكُمْ نَاصِحٌ أَمِينٌ أَوَعَجِبْتُمْ أَن جَآءَكُمْ ذِكْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنكُمْ لِيُنذِرَكُمْ وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ جَعَلَكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ قَوْمِ نُوحٍ وَزَادَكُمْ فِى ٱلْخَلْقِ بَصْۜطَةً فَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ قَالُوٓا۟ أَجِئْتَنَا لِنَعْبُدَ ٱللَّهَ وَحْدَهُۥ وَنَذَرَ مَا كَانَ يَعْبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَا فَأْتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ قَالَ قَدْ وَقَعَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ رِجْسٌ وَغَضَبٌ أَتُجَٰدِلُونَنِى فِىٓ أَسْمَآءٍ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَءَابَآؤُكُم مَّا نَزَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَٰنٍ فَٱنتَظِرُوٓا۟ إِنِّى مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْمُنتَظِرِينَ فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِّنَّا وَقَطَعْنَا دَابِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُؤْمِنِينَ وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمْ صَٰلِحًا قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ هَٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَكُمْ ءَايَةً فَذَرُوهَا تَأْكُلْ فِىٓ أَرْضِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ فَيَأْخُذَكُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

Messenger ﷺ and those who believed in him, while destroying their disbelieving enemies. Allāh said in a another Āyah,

Qur’an 40:51إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا

«Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers» [40:51].

This is Allāh's Sunnah (way) with His servants, in this life and the Hereafter, that the good end, victory and triumph is for those who fear Him. For example, Allāh destroyed the people of Nūḥ, and saved Nūḥ and his believing followers. Ibn Wahb said that he was told that Ibn 'Abbās said that eighty men were saved with Nūḥ in the ship, one of them was Jurhum, who spoke Arabic. Ibn Abi Ḥātim collected this statement, which was also narrated with a continuous chain of narration from Ibn 'Abbās.

Qur’an 7:65–69وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥٓ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى سَفَاهَةٍ وَإِنَّا لَنَظُنُّكَ مِنَ ٱلْكَٰذِبِينَ قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى سَفَاهَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ أُبَلِّغُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَأَنَا۠ لَكُمْ نَاصِحٌ أَمِينٌ أَوَعَجِبْتُمْ أَن جَآءَكُمْ ذِكْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنكُمْ لِيُنذِرَكُمْ وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ جَعَلَكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ قَوْمِ نُوحٍ وَزَادَكُمْ فِى ٱلْخَلْقِ بَصْۜطَةً فَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

«65. And to 'Ād (the people, We sent) their brother Hūd. He said: "O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. Will you then not have Taqwā?"»

«66. The leaders of those who disbelieved among his people said: "Verily, we see you in foolishness, and verily, we think you are one of the liars."»

«67. (Hūd) said: "O my people! There is no foolishness in me, but (I am) a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists!»

«68. "I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord, and I am a trustworthy adviser (or well-wisher) for you.»

«69. "Do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder (and an advice) from your Lord through a man from among you to warn you? And remember that He made you successors (generations after generations) after the people of Nūḥ and increased you amply in stature. So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allāh so that you may be successful."»

The Story of Hūd, Peace be upon Him, and the Lineage of the People of 'Ād

Allāh says, just as We sent Nūḥ to his people, similarly, to the 'Ād people, We sent Hūd one of their own brethren. Muḥammad bin Isḥāq said that the tribe of 'Ād were the descendants of 'Ād, son of Iram, son of 'Awṣ, son of Sām, son of Nūḥ. I say, these are indeed the ancient people of 'Ād whom Allāh mentioned, the children of 'Ād, son of Iram who were living in the deserts with lofty pillars or statues. Allāh said,

Qur’an 89:6–8أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِعَادٍ إِرَمَ ذَاتِ ٱلْعِمَادِ ٱلَّتِى لَمْ يُخْلَقْ مِثْلُهَا فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ

«Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with 'Ād (people). Of Iram like (lofty) pillars. The like of which were not created in the land?» [89:6-8]

because of their might and strength. Allāh said in another instance,

Qur’an 41:15فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَقَالُوا۟ مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَكَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ

«As for 'Ād, they were arrogant in the land without right, and they said: "Who is mightier than us in strength?" See they not that Allāh Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Āyāt!» [41:15].

The Land of 'Ād

The people of 'Ād lived in Yemen, in the area of Aḥqāf, which means sand mounds. Muḥammad bin Isḥāq narrated that Abu Aṭ-Ṭufayl 'Āmir bin Wāthilah said that he heard 'Ali (bin Abi Ṭālib) saying to a man from Ḥaḍramawt (in Yemen), "Have you seen a red sand mound, where there are a lot of Arāk and Lote trees in the area of so-and-so in Ḥaḍramawt? Have you seen it?" He said, "Yes, O Commander of the faithful! By Allāh, you described it as if you have seen it before." 'Ali said, 'I have not seen it, but it was described to me." The man asked, "What about it, O Commander of the faithful?" 'Ali said, "There is the grave of Hūd, peace be upon him, in its vicinity.”^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:507.} Ibn Jarīr recorded this statement, which gives the benefit of indicating that 'Ād used to live in Yemen, since Prophet Hūd was buried there. Prophet Hūd was among the noble men and chiefs of 'Ād, for Allāh chose the Messengers from among the best, most honorable families and tribes. Hūd's people were mighty and strong, but their hearts were mighty and hard, for they were among the most denying of Truth among the nations. Prophet Hūd called 'Ād to worship Allāh alone without partners, and to obey and fear Him.

Debate between Hūd and his People

Qur’an 7:66قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦٓ

«The leaders of those who disbelieved among his people said...»

meaning, the general public, chiefs, masters and commanders of his people said,

Qur’an 7:66إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰكَ فِى سَفَاهَةٍ وَإِنَّا لَنَظُنُّكَ مِنَ ٱلْكَٰذِبِينَ

«"Verily, we see you in foolishness, and verily, we think you are one of the liars"»

meaning, you are misguided because you call us to abandon worshipping the idols in order to worship Allāh Alone. Similarly, the chiefs of Quraysh wondered at the call to worship One God, saying,

Qur’an 38:5أَجَعَلَ ٱلْـَٔالِهَةَ إِلَٰهًا وَٰحِدًا

«"Has he (Muḥammad) made the gods (all) into One God?"» [38:5].

Qur’an 7:67قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَيْسَ بِى سَفَاهَةٌ وَلَٰكِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«(Hūd) said: "O my people! There is no foolishness in me, but (I am) a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists!"»

Hūd said, I am not as you claim. Rather, I brought you the Truth from Allāh, Who created everything, and He is the Lord and King of all things,

Qur’an 7:68أُبَلِّغُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَأَنَا۠ لَكُمْ نَاصِحٌ أَمِينٌ

«"I convey unto you the Messages of my Lord, and I am a trustworthy adviser for you."»

These, indeed, are the qualities of the Prophets: conveying, sincerity and honesty,

Qur’anأَوَعَجِبْتُمْ أَن جَآءَكُمْ ذِكْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنكُمْ لِيُنذِرَكُمْ

«"Do you wonder that there has come to you a Reminder from your Lord through a man from among you to warn you?"»

Prophet Hūd said, do not wonder because Allāh sent a Messenger to you from among yourselves to warn you about Allāh's Days (His torment) and meeting with Him. Rather than wondering, you should thank Allāh for this bounty.

Qur’an 7:69وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ جَعَلَكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ قَوْمِ نُوحٍ

«"And remember that He made you successors (generations after generations) after the people of Nūḥ..."»

meaning, remember Allāh's favor on you in that He made you among the offspring of Nūḥ, because of whose supplication Allāh destroyed the people of the earth after they defied and opposed him.

Qur’an 7:69وَزَادَكُمْ فِى ٱلْخَلْقِ بَصْۜطَةً

«"and increased you amply in stature."» making you taller than other people. Similarly, Allāh said in the description of Ṭālūt (Saul),

Qur’an 2:247وَزَادَهُۥ بَسْطَةً فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ وَٱلْجِسْمِ

«And has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature.» [2:247] Hūd continued,

Qur’anفَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ

«"So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allāh."» in reference to Allāh's favors and blessings

Qur’anلَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

«"so that you may be successful."»

Qur’an 7:70–72قَالُوٓا۟ أَجِئْتَنَا لِنَعْبُدَ ٱللَّهَ وَحْدَهُۥ وَنَذَرَ مَا كَانَ يَعْبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَا فَأْتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ قَالَ قَدْ وَقَعَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ رِجْسٌ وَغَضَبٌ أَتُجَٰدِلُونَنِى فِىٓ أَسْمَآءٍ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَءَابَآؤُكُم مَّا نَزَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَٰنٍ فَٱنتَظِرُوٓا۟ إِنِّى مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْمُنتَظِرِينَ فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِّنَّا وَقَطَعْنَا دَابِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُؤْمِنِينَ

«70. They said: "You have come to us that we should worship Allāh Alone and forsake that which our fathers used to worship. So bring us that wherewith you have threatened us if you are of the truthful."»

«71. (Hūd) said: "Rijs (torment) and wrath have already fallen on you from your Lord. Dispute you with me over names which you have named - you and your fathers - with no authority from Allāh? Then wait, I am with you among those who wait."»

«72. So We saved him and those who were with him out of mercy from Us, and We severed the roots of those who belied Our Āyāt; and they were not believers.»

Allāh mentions the rebellion, defiance and stubbornness of Hūd's people, and their opposition to him, peace be upon him,

Qur’an 7:70قَالُوٓا۟ أَجِئْتَنَا لِنَعْبُدَ ٱللَّهَ وَحْدَهُۥ

«They said: "You have come to us that we should worship Allāh Alone?"» Later on, the disbelievers of Quraysh said,

Qur’an 8:32وَإِذْ قَالُوا۟ ٱللَّهُمَّ إِن كَانَ هَٰذَا هُوَ ٱلْحَقَّ مِنْ عِندِكَ فَأَمْطِرْ عَلَيْنَا حِجَارَةً مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ أَوِ ٱئْتِنَا بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

«And (remember) when they said: "O Allāh! If this (the Qur'ān) is indeed the truth (revealed) from You, then rain down stones on us from the sky or bring on us a painful torment."»

Muḥammad bin Isḥāq said that the people of Hūd used to worship several idols, such as Ṣudā', Ṣamūd and Al-Habā'. This is why Hūd, peace be upon him, said to them,

Qur’an 7:71قَدْ وَقَعَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ رِجْسٌ وَغَضَبٌ

«"Rijs and wrath have already fallen on you from your Lord."»

you deserve 'Rijs' from your Lord because of what you said. Ibn 'Abbās said that, 'Rijs', means scorn and anger.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:522.}

Qur’an 7:71أَتُجَٰدِلُونَنِى فِىٓ أَسْمَآءٍ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَءَابَآؤُكُم

«"Dispute you with me over names which you have named – you and your fathers?"» [7:71].

Hūd said, do you dispute with me over these idols that you and your fathers made gods, even though they do not bring harm or benefit; did Allāh give you authority or proof allowing you to worship them? Hūd further said,

Qur’an 7:71مَّا نَزَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَٰنٍ فَٱنتَظِرُوٓا۟ إِنِّى مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْمُنتَظِرِينَ

«"with no authority from Allāh? Then wait, I am with you among those who wait."»

this is a threat and warning from the Messenger to his people.

The End of 'Ād

So Allāh said;

Qur’an 7:72فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِّنَّا وَقَطَعْنَا دَابِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُؤْمِنِينَ

«So We saved him and those who were with him out of mercy from Us, and We severed the roots of those who belied Our Āyāt; and they were not believers.»

Allāh mentioned several times in the Qur'ān, the way the people of 'Ād were destroyed stating that He sent a barren wind that destroyed everything it passed by. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 69:6–8وَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَأُهْلِكُوا۟ بِرِيحٍ صَرْصَرٍ عَاتِيَةٍ سَخَّرَهَا عَلَيْهِمْ سَبْعَ لَيَالٍ وَثَمَٰنِيَةَ أَيَّامٍ حُسُومًا فَتَرَى ٱلْقَوْمَ فِيهَا صَرْعَىٰ كَأَنَّهُمْ أَعْجَازُ نَخْلٍ خَاوِيَةٍ فَهَلْ تَرَىٰ لَهُم مِّنۢ بَاقِيَةٍ

«And as for 'Ād, they were destroyed by a furious violent wind! They were subjected to it for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed), as if they were hollow trunks of date palms! Do you see any remnants of them?» [69:6-8]

When 'Ād rebelled and transgressed, Allāh destroyed them with a strong wind that carried them, one by one, up in the air and brought each one of them down on his head, thus smashing his head and severing it from its body. This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 69:7كَأَنَّهُمْ أَعْجَازُ نَخْلٍ خَاوِيَةٍ

«as if they were hollow trunks of date palms!» [69:7]

Muḥammad bin Isḥāq said that 'Ād used to live in Yemen between Oman and Ḥaḍramawt. They also spread throughout the land and defeated various peoples, because of the strength that Allāh gave them. They used to worship idols instead of Allāh, and Allāh sent to them Prophet Hūd, peace be upon him. He was from their most common lineage and was the best among them in status. Hūd commanded them to worship Allāh Alone and associate none with him. He also ordered them to stop committing injustice against the people. But they rejected him and ignored his call. They said, 'Who is stronger than us?' Some of them, however, followed Hūd, although they were few and had to conceal their faith. When 'Ād defied the command of Allāh, rejected His Prophet, committed mischief in the earth, became arrogant and built high palaces on every high place - without real benefit to them - Hūd spoke to them, saying,

Qur’an 26:128–131أَتَبْنُونَ بِكُلِّ رِيعٍ ءَايَةً تَعْبَثُونَ وَتَتَّخِذُونَ مَصَانِعَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَخْلُدُونَ وَإِذَا بَطَشْتُم بَطَشْتُمْ جَبَّارِينَ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ

«"Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein forever. And when you seize (somebody), seize you (him) as tyrants? Have Taqwā of Allāh, and obey me."» [26:128-131]

However,

Qur’an 11:53–54قَالُوا۟ يَٰهُودُ مَا جِئْتَنَا بِبَيِّنَةٍ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِتَارِكِىٓ ءَالِهَتِنَا عَن قَوْلِكَ وَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعْتَرَىٰكَ بَعْضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ

«They said: "O Hūd! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. All that we say is that some of our gods have seized you with evil."»

meaning, madness,

Qur’an 11:54–56قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشْهِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشْهَدُوٓا۟ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ إِنِّى تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذٌۢ بِنَاصِيَتِهَآ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«He said: "I call Allāh to witness, and bear you witness that I am free from that which you associate with Him. So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allāh, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature but He has the grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the straight path (the truth)."» [11:53-56]."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:507.}

Story of the Emissary of 'Ād

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Al-Ḥārith Al-Bakri said: "I went to the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ to complain to him about Al-'Alā bin Al-Ḥaḍrami. When I passed by the area of Ar-Rabdhah, I found an old woman from Bani Tamīm who was alone in that area. She said to me, "O servant of Allāh! I need to reach the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ to ask him for some of my needs, will you take me to him?" So I took her along with me to Al-Madīnah and found the Masjid full of people. I also found a black flag raised high, while Bilal was holding a sword before the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. I asked, "What is the matter with the people?" They said, "The Prophet ﷺ intends to send 'Amr bin Al-'Āṣ (on a military expedition) somewhere." So I sat down. When the Prophet ﷺ went to his house, I asked for permission to see him, and he gave me permission. I entered and greeted him. He said, "Was there a dispute between you and Bani Tamīm?" I said, "Yes. And we had been victorious over them. I passed by an old woman from Bani Tamīm, who was alone, and she asked me to bring her to you, and she is at the door". So he allowed her in and I said, "O Allāh's Messenger! What if you make a barrier between us and (the tribe of) Bani Tamīm, such as Ad-Dahnā' (Desert)?" The old woman became angry and opposed me. So I said, "My example is the example of a sheep that carried its own destruction. I carried this woman and did not know that she was an opponent. I seek refuge with Allāh and His Messenger that I become like the emissary of 'Ād.' So the Prophet ﷺ asked me about the emissary of 'Ād, having better knowledge in it, but he liked to hear the story again. I said, "Once, 'Ād suffered from a famine and they sent an emissary [to get relief], whose name was Qayl. Qayl passed by Mu'āwiyah bin Bakr and stayed with him for a month. Mu'āwiyah supplied him with alcoholic drinks, and two female singers were singing for him. When a month ended, Qayl went to the mountains of Muhrah and said, 'O Allāh! You know that I did not come here to cure an ill person or to ransom a prisoner. O Allāh! Give 'Ād water as You used to.' So black clouds came and he was called, 'Choose which one of them you wish (to go to 'Ād)!' So he pointed to one of the black clouds and he heard someone proclaiming from it, 'Take it, as ashes that will leave none in 'Ād.' And it has been conveyed to me that the wind sent to them was no more than what would pass through this ring of mine, but it destroyed them." Abu Wā'il said, "That is true. When a man or a woman would send an emissary, they would tell him, 'Do not be like the emissary of 'Ād (bringing disaster and utter destruction to them instead of relief).," Imām Aḥmad collected this story in the Musnad.^{3Aḥmad 3:482.} At-

Qur’an 7:74–81وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ جَعَلَكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ عَادٍ وَبَوَّأَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِن سُهُولِهَا قُصُورًا وَتَنْحِتُونَ ٱلْجِبَالَ بُيُوتًا فَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ لِمَنْ ءَامَنَ مِنْهُمْ أَتَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ صَٰلِحًا مُّرْسَلٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرْسِلَ بِهِۦ مُؤْمِنُونَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوٓا۟ إِنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ كَٰفِرُونَ فَعَقَرُوا۟ ٱلنَّاقَةَ وَعَتَوْا۟ عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِمْ وَقَالُوا۟ يَٰصَٰلِحُ ٱئْتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ فَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَالَةَ رَبِّى وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تُحِبُّونَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ وَلُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِۦٓ أَتَأْتُونَ ٱلْفَٰحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُم بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّنَ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَهْوَةً مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ مُّسْرِفُونَ

Tirmidhi^{4Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 9:161.} recorded similar wording for it, as did An-Nasā'ī^{5Al-Kubrā 5:181.} and Ibn Mājah.^{6Ibn Mājah 2:941.}

Qur’an 7:73–78وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمْ صَٰلِحًا قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ هَٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَكُمْ ءَايَةً فَذَرُوهَا تَأْكُلْ فِىٓ أَرْضِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ فَيَأْخُذَكُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ جَعَلَكُمْ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ عَادٍ وَبَوَّأَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِن سُهُولِهَا قُصُورًا وَتَنْحِتُونَ ٱلْجِبَالَ بُيُوتًا فَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ لِمَنْ ءَامَنَ مِنْهُمْ أَتَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ صَٰلِحًا مُّرْسَلٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرْسِلَ بِهِۦ مُؤْمِنُونَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوٓا۟ إِنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ كَٰفِرُونَ فَعَقَرُوا۟ ٱلنَّاقَةَ وَعَتَوْا۟ عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِمْ وَقَالُوا۟ يَٰصَٰلِحُ ٱئْتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ

«73. And to Thamūd (people, We sent) their brother Ṣāliḥ. He said: "O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. Indeed there has come to you a clear sign from your Lord. This she-camel of Allāh is a sign unto you; so you leave her to graze in Allāh's earth, and touch her not with harm, lest a painful torment should seize you.﴿

﴿74. And remember when He made you successors (generations) after 'Ād and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allāh, and do not go about making mischief on the earth.﴿

﴿75. The leaders of those who were arrogant among his people said to those who were counted weak - to such of them as believed: "Know you that Ṣāliḥ is one sent from his Lord." They said: "We indeed believe in that with which he has been sent."﴿

﴿76. Those who were arrogant said: "Verily, we disbelieve in that which you believe in."﴿

﴿77. So they killed the she-camel and insolently defied the commandment of their Lord, and said: "O Ṣāliḥ! Bring about your threats if you are indeed one of the Messengers (of Allāh)."﴿

﴿78. So the earthquake seized them, and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.﴿

Thamūd: Their Land and Their Lineage

Scholars of Tafsīr and genealogy say that (the tribe of Thamūd descended from) Thamūd bin 'Āthir bin Iram bin Sām bin Nūḥ, and he is brother of Jadīs son of 'Āthir, similarly the tribe of Ṭasm, and they were from the ancient Arabs, Al-'Aribah,^{1As opposed to Al-Musta'ribah, such as the descendants of Prophet Ismā'īl, son of Ibrāhīm.} before the time of Ibrāhīm, Thamūd came after 'Ād. They dwelled between the area of the Ḥijāz (Western Arabia) and Ash-Shām (Greater Syria). The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ passed by the area and ruins of Thamūd when he went to Tabūk (in northern Arabia) during the ninth year of Hijrah.

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Ibn 'Umar said, "When the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ went to the area of Al-Ḥijr in Tabūk with the people, he camped near the homes of Thamūd, in Al-Ḥijr and the people brought water from the wells that Thamūd used before. They used that water to make dough and placed the pots (on fire) for cooking. However, the Prophet ﷺ commanded them to spill the contents of the pots and to give the dough to their camels. He then marched forth with them from that area to another area, near the well that the camel (as will follow) used to drink from. He forbade the Companions from entering the area where people were tormented, saying,

Ḥadīthإِنِّي أَخْشَى أَنْ يُصِيبَكُمْ مِثْلُ مَا أَصَابَهُمْ فَلَا تَدْخُلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ

«I fear that what befell them might befall you as well. Therefore, do not enter on them.»"^{2Aḥmad 2:117.}

Aḥmad narrated that 'Abdullāh bin 'Umar said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said while in the Ḥijr area,

Ḥadīthلَا تَدْخُلُوا عَلَى هَؤُلَاءِ الْمُعَذَّبِينَ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونُوا بَاكِينَ فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُونُوا بَاكِينَ فَلَا تَدْخُلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ أَنْ يُصِيبَكُمْ مِثْلُ مَا أَصَابَهُمْ

«Do not enter on these who were tormented, unless you do so while crying. If you are not crying, then do not enter on them, so that what befell them does not befall you, as well.»^{3Aḥmad 2:74.}

The basis of this Ḥadīth is mentioned in Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:436 and Muslim 4:2286.}

The Story of Prophet Ṣāliḥ and Thamūd

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:73وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ

«And to Thamūd», meaning, to the tribe of Thamūd, We sent their brother Ṣāliḥ,

Qur’anقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥ

«He said: "O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him."»

All Allāh's Messengers called to the worship of Allāh alone without partners. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 21:25وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدُونِ

«And We did not send any Messenger before you but We revealed to him (saying): "None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me."» [21:25] and,

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ

«And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allāh (Alone), and avoid Ṭāghūt (all false deities)"» [16:36].

Thamūd asked that a Camel appear from a Stone, and it did

Prophet Ṣāliḥ said,

قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ هَٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَكُمْ ءَايَةً

«"Indeed there has come to you a clear sign from your Lord. This she-camel of Allāh is a sign unto you;"»

meaning, a miracle has come to you from Allāh testifying to the truth of what I came to you with.

Ṣāliḥ's people asked him to produce a miracle and suggested a certain solid rock that they chose, which stood lonely in the area of Ḥijr, and which was called Al-Kātibah. They asked him to bring a pregnant camel out of that stone. Ṣāliḥ took their covenant and promises that if Allāh answers their challenge, they would believe and follow him. When they gave him their oaths and promises to that, Ṣāliḥ started praying and invoked Allāh (to produce that miracle). All of a sudden, the stone moved and broke apart, producing a she-camel with thick wool. It was pregnant and its fetus was visibly moving in its belly, exactly as Ṣāliḥ's people asked. This is when their chief, Jundu‘ bin ‘Amr, and several who followed him believed. The rest of the noblemen of Thamūd wanted to believe as well, but Dhu’āb bin ‘Amr bin Labīd, Al-Ḥabbāb, who tended their idols, and Rabbāb bin Ṣum‘ar bin Jilhis stopped them. One of the cousins of Jundu' bin ‘Amr, whose name was Shihāb bin Khalīfah bin Mikhlāt bin Labīd bin Jawwās, was one of the leaders of Thamūd, and he also wanted to accept the message. However, the chiefs whom we mentioned prevented him, and he conceded to their promptings.

The camel remained in Thamūd, as well as, its offspring after she delivered it before them. The camel used to drink from its well on one day and leave the well for Thamūd the next day. They also used to drink its milk, for on the days she drank water, they used to milk her and fill their containers from its milk. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 54:28وَنَبِّئْهُمْ أَنَّ ٱلْمَآءَ قِسْمَةٌۢ بَيْنَهُمْ كُلُّ شِرْبٍ مُّحْتَضَرٌ

«And inform them that the water is to be shared between (her and) them, each one's right to drink being established (by turns)» [54:28] and,

Qur’an 26:155هَٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةٌ لَّهَا شِرْبٌ وَلَكُمْ شِرْبُ يَوْمٍ مَّعْلُومٍ

«Here is a she-camel: it has a right to drink (water), and you have a right to drink (water) (each) on a day, known» [26:155]

The camel used to graze in some of their valleys, going through a pass and coming out through another pass. She did that so as to be able to move easily, because she used to drink a lot of water. She was a tremendous animal that had a strikingly beautiful appearance. When she used to pass by their cattle, the cattle would be afraid of her. When this matter continued for a long time and Thamūd's rejection of Ṣāliḥ became intense, they intended to kill her so that they could take the water for themselves every day. It was said that all of them (the disbelievers of Thamūd) conspired to kill the camel. Qatādah said that he was told that, "The designated killer of the camel approached them all, including women in their rooms and children, and found out that all of them agreed to kill her."^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:537.} This fact is apparent from the wording of the Āyāt,

Qur’an 91:14فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَعَقَرُوهَا فَدَمْدَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ رَبُّهُم بِذَنۢبِهِمْ فَسَوَّىٰهَا

«Then they denied him and they killed it. So their Lord destroyed them because of their sin, and made them equal in destruction!» [91:14], and,

Qur’an 17:59وَءَاتَيْنَا ثَمُودَ ٱلنَّاقَةَ مُبْصِرَةً فَظَلَمُوا۟ بِهَا

«And We sent the she-camel to Thamūd as a clear sign, but they did her wrong.» [17:59] Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:77فَعَقَرُوا۟ ٱلنَّاقَةَ

«So they killed the she-camel»

Therefore, these Āyāt stated that the entire tribe shared in agreeing to this crime, and Allāh knows best.

Thamūd kills the She-Camel

Imām Abu Ja'far Ibn Jarīr and other scholars of Tafsīr said that the reason behind killing the camel was that a disbelieving old woman among them named Umm Ghanm 'Unayzah, the daughter of Ghanm bin Mijlaz, had the severest enmity among Thamūd towards Ṣāliḥ, peace be upon him. She had beautiful daughters and she was wealthy, and Dhu'āb bin 'Amr, one of the leaders of Thamūd, was her husband.

There was another noblewoman whose name was Ṣadūf bint Al-Muḥayyā bin Dahr bin Al-Muḥayyā, who was of noble family, wealthy and beautiful. She was married to a Muslim man from Thamūd, but she left him. These two women offered a prize for those who swore to them that they would kill the camel. Once, Ṣadūf summoned a man called Al-Ḥabbāb and offered herself to him if he would kill the camel, but he refused. So she called a cousin of hers whose name was Muṣaddi' bin Mihraj bin Al-Muḥayyā, and he agreed. As for 'Unayzah bint Ghanm, she called Qudār bin Sālif bin Jundu', a short person with red-blue skin, a bastard, according to them. Qudār was not the son of his claimed father, Sālif, but the son of another man called, Ṣuhyād. However, he was born on Sālif's bed (and thus named after him). 'Unayzah said to Qudār, "I will give you any of my daughters you wish, if you kill the camel." Qudār bin Sālif and Musaddi' bin Mihraj went along and recruited several mischievous persons from Thamūd to kill the camel. Seven more from Thamūd agreed, and the group became nine, as Allāh described, when He said,

Qur’an 27:48وَكَانَ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ تِسْعَةُ رَهْطٍ يُفْسِدُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا يُصْلِحُونَ

«And there were in the city nine men, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform.»

These nine men were chiefs of their people, and they lured the entire tribe into agreeing to kill the camel. So they waited until the camel left the water well, where Qudār waited beside a rock on its path, while Musaddi' waited at another rock. When the camel passed by Musaddi' he shot an arrow at her and the arrow pierced her leg. At that time, Unayzah came out and ordered her daughter, who was among the most beautiful women, to uncover her face for Qudār, encouraging Qudār to swing his sword, hitting the camel on her knee. So she fell to the ground and screamed once to warn her offspring. Qudār stabbed her in her neck and slaughtered her. Her offspring went up a high rock and screamed.^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:531.} 'Abdur-Razzāq recorded from Ma'mar that someone reported from Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣari that the offspring said, "O my Lord! Where is my mother?" It was said that her offspring screamed thrice and entered a rock and vanished in it, or, they followed it and killed it together with its mother.^{7'Abdur-Razzāq 2:231.} Allāh knows best. When they finished the camel off and the news reached Prophet Ṣāliḥ, he came to them while they were gathered. When he saw the camel, he cried and proclaimed,

Qur’an 11:65تَمَتَّعُوا۟ فِى دَارِكُمْ ثَلَٰثَةَ أَيَّامٍ

«"Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days."» [11:65]

The Wicked Ones Plot to Kill Prophet Ṣāliḥ, But the Torment descended on Them

The nine wicked persons killed the camel on a Wednesday, and that night, they conspired to kill Ṣāliḥ. They said, "If he is truthful, we should finish him before we are finished. If he is a liar, we will make him follow his camel."

Qur’an 27:49–50قَالُوا۟ تَقَاسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ لَنُبَيِّتَنَّهُۥ وَأَهْلَهُۥ ثُمَّ لَنَقُولَنَّ لِوَلِيِّهِۦ مَا شَهِدْنَا مَهْلِكَ أَهْلِهِۦ وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ وَمَكَرُوا۟ مَكْرًا وَمَكَرْنَا مَكْرًا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«They said: "Swear one to another by Allāh that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and thereafter we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily, we are telling the truth.'" So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.﴿ [27:49-50]

When they conspired to kill Ṣāliḥ and gathered at night to carry out their plot, Allāh, to Whom belongs all might and Who protects His Messengers, rained down stones that smashed the heads of these nine people before the rest of the tribe. On Thursday, the first of the three days of respite, the people woke up and their faces were pale (yellow), just as Prophet Ṣāliḥ had promised them. On the second day of respite, Friday, they woke up and found their faces had turned red. On the third day of the respite, Saturday, they woke up with their faces black. On Sunday, they wore the fragrance of Ḥanūṭ [the perfume for enshrouding the dead before burial] and awaited Allāh's torment and revenge, we seek refuge with Allāh from it. They did not know what will be done to them or how and from where the torment would come. When the sun rose, the Ṣayḥah (loud cry) came from the sky and a severe tremor overtook them from below; the souls were captured and the bodies became lifeless, all in an hour.

Qur’anفَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ

«And they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.»

They became dead and lifeless and none among them, whether young, old, male or female, escaped the torment.^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:534.}

The scholars of Tafsīr said that none from the offspring of Thamūd remained, except Prophet Ṣāliḥ and those who believed in him. A disbelieving man called Abu Righāl was in the Sacred Area at the time and the torment that befell his people did not touch him. When he went out of the Sacred Area one day, a stone fell from the sky and killed him. 'Abdur-Razzāq narrated that Ma'mar said that Ismā'īl bin Umayyah said that the Prophet ﷺ passed by the gravesite of Abu Righāl and asked the Companions if they knew whose grave it was. They said, "Allāh and His Messenger know better." He said,

Ḥadīthأَتَدْرُونَ مَنْ هَذَا؟

قالوا الله ورسوله أعلم، قال «هَذَا قَبْرُ أَبِي رِغَالٍ رَجُلٍ مِنْ ثَمُودَ كَانَ فِي حَرَمِ اللهِ فَمَنَعَهُ حَرَمُ اللهِ عَذَابَ اللهِ، فَلَمَّا خَرَجَ أَصَابَهُ مَا أَصَابَ قَوْمَهُ فَدُفِنَ هَاهُنَا وَدُفِنَ مَعَهُ غُصْنٌ مِنْ ذَهَبٍ، فَنَزَلَ الْقَوْمُ فَابْتَدَرُوهُ بِأَسْيَافِهِمْ فَبَحَثُوا عَنْهُ فَاسْتَخْرَجُوا الْغُصْنَ»

«This is the grave of Abu Righāl, a man from Thamūd. He was in the Sacred Area of Allāh and this fact saved him from receiving Allāh's torment. When he went out of the Sacred Area, what befell his people also befell him. He was buried here along with a branch made from gold.»

So the people used their swords and looked for the golden branch and found it. ^{9'Abdur-Razzāq 2:232.}'Abdur-Razzāq narrated that Ma'mar said that Az-Zuhri said that Abu Righāl is the father of the tribe of Thaqīf. ^{10'Abdur-Razzāq 2:232.}

Qur’an 7:79فَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَالَةَ رَبِّى وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تُحِبُّونَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ

«79. Then he [Ṣāliḥ] turned from them, and said: "O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and have given you good advice, but you like not good advisers."»

These are the words of admonishment that Ṣāliḥ conveyed to his people after Allāh destroyed them for defying Him, rebelling against Him, refusing to accept the truth, avoiding guidance, and preferring misguidance instead. Ṣāliḥ said these words of admonishment and criticism to them after they perished, and they heard him (as a miracle for Prophet Ṣāliḥ from Allāh). Similarly, it is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs that after the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ defeated the disbelievers in the battle of Badr, he remained in that area for three days, and then rode his camel, which was prepared for him during the latter part of the night. He went on until he stood by the well of Badr (where the corpses of the disbelievers were thrown) and said,

Ḥadīthيَا أَبَا جَهْلِ بْنَ هِشَامٍ يَا عُتْبَةَ بْنَ رَبِيعَةَ يَا شَيْبَةَ بْنَ رَبِيعَةَ وَيَا فُلَانَ بْنَ فُلَانٍ هَلْ وَجَدْتُمْ مَا وَعَدَ رَبُّكُمْ حَقًّا؟ فَإِنِّي وَجَدْتُ مَا وَعَدَنِي رَبِّي حَقًّا

«O Abu Jahl bin Hishām! O 'Utbah bin Rabī'ah! O Shaybah bin Rabī'ah! Did you find what your Lord has promised you (of torment) to be true, for I found what my Lord promised me (of victory) to be true.»

'Umar said to him, "O Allāh's Messenger! Why do you speak to a people who have rotted?" He ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthوَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ مَا أَنْتُمْ بِأَسْمَعَ لِمَا أَقُولُ مِنْهُمْ وَلَكِنْ لَا يُجِيبُونَ

«By He in Whose Hand is my soul! You do not hear what I am saying better than they, but they cannot reply.»^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 7:351 and Muslim 4:2204.}

Similarly, Prophet Ṣāliḥ, peace be upon him, said to his people,

Qur’an 7:79لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَالَةَ رَبِّى وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ

«"I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and have given you good advice,"»

but you did not benefit from it because you do not like the Truth and do not follow those who give you sincere advice,

Qur’an 7:79وَلَٰكِن لَّا تُحِبُّونَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ

«"but you like not good advisers."»

Qur’an 7:80–81وَلُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِۦٓ أَتَأْتُونَ ٱلْفَٰحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُم بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّنَ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَهْوَةً مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ مُّسْرِفُونَ

«80. And (remember) Lūṭ, when he said to his people: "Do you commit lewdness such as none preceding you has committed in all of the nations?»

«81. "Verily, you practice your lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but you are a people transgressing beyond bounds."»

The Story of Prophet Lūṭ, upon Him be Peace, and His People

Allāh said, We sent,

وَ

«And»

Qur’an 7:80وَلُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِۦٓ

«Lūṭ, when he said to his people..» Lūṭ (Lot) is the son of Hārān the son of Āzar (Terah), and he was the nephew of Ibrāhīm, peace be upon them both. Lūṭ had believed in Ibrāhīm and migrated with him to the Shām area. Allāh then sent Lūṭ to the people of Sadūm (Sodom) and the surrounding villages, to call them to Allāh, enjoin righteousness and forbid them from their evil practices, their sin, and wickedness. It this area, they did things that none of the children of Ādam or any other creatures ever did before them. They used to have sexual intercourse with males instead of females. This evil practice was not known among the Children of Ādam before, nor did it even cross their minds, so they were unfamiliar with it before the people of Sodom invented it, may Allāh's curse be on them.

'Amr bin Dīnār conmented on;

Qur’an 7:80مَا سَبَقَكُم بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّنَ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«"...as none preceding you has committed in all of the nations."»

"Never before the people of Lūṭ did a male have sex with another male."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:548.}

This is why Lūṭ said to them,

Qur’an 7:80–81أَتَأْتُونَ ٱلْفَٰحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُم بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّنَ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَهْوَةً مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ

«"Do you commit lewdness such as none preceding you has committed in all of the nations? Verily, you practice your lusts on men instead of women."»

meaning, you left women whom Allāh created for you and instead had sex with men? Indeed, this behavior is evil and ignorant because you have placed things in their improper places. Lūṭ, peace be upon him, said to them:

Qur’an 15:71هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ بَنَاتِىٓ إِن كُنتُمْ فَٰعِلِينَ

«"these (the girls of the nation) are my daughters (to marry lawfully), if you must act (so)."» [15:71]

So he reminded them of their women, and they replied that they do not desire women!,

Qur’an 7:82–87وَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ أَخْرِجُوهُم مِّن قَرْيَتِكُمْ إِنَّهُمْ أُنَاسٌ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَأَهْلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱمْرَأَتَهُۥ كَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْغَٰبِرِينَ وَأَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّطَرًا فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ وَإِلَىٰ مَدْيَنَ أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًا قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَوْفُوا۟ ٱلْكَيْلَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا۟ ٱلنَّاسَ أَشْيَآءَهُمْ وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَٰحِهَا ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ وَلَا تَقْعُدُوا۟ بِكُلِّ صِرَٰطٍ تُوعِدُونَ وَتَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَتَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ كُنتُمْ قَلِيلًا فَكَثَّرَكُمْ وَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ وَإِن كَانَ طَآئِفَةٌ مِّنكُمْ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِۦ وَطَآئِفَةٌ لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ فَٱصْبِرُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَحْكُمَ ٱللَّهُ بَيْنَنَا وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْحَٰكِمِينَ

Qur’an 11:79قَالُوا۟ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَا لَنَا فِى بَنَاتِكَ مِنْ حَقٍّ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَعْلَمُ مَا نُرِيدُ

«They said: "Surely, you know that we have neither any desire nor need of your daughters, and indeed you know well what we want!"» [11:79]

meaning, you know that we have no desire for women and you know what we desire with your guests.^{2This refers to the angels who came in the shape of men to destroy them.}

Qur’an 7:82وَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ أَخْرِجُوهُم مِّن قَرْيَتِكُمْ إِنَّهُمْ أُنَاسٌ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ

«82. And the answer of his people was only that they said: "Drive them out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins)!"»

So they answered Prophet Lūṭ by trying to expel and banish him from their village, along with those who believed with him. Allāh indeed removed Prophet Lūṭ safely from among them, and He destroyed them in their land in disgrace and humiliation. They said (about Lūṭ and the believers):

Qur’anإِنَّهُمْ أُنَاسٌ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ

«"These are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins)!"»

Qatādah commented, "They shamed them (Lūṭ and the believers) with what is not a shame at all."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:550.} Mujāhid commented, "(Lūṭ's people said about Lūṭ and the believers,) They are a people who want to be pure from men's anuses and women's anuses!"^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:550.} Similar was narrated from Ibn 'Abbās. ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:550.}

Qur’an 7:83–84فَأَنجَيْنَٰهُ وَأَهْلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱمْرَأَتَهُۥ كَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْغَٰبِرِينَ وَأَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّطَرًا فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«83. Then We saved him and his family, except his wife; she was of the Ghābirīn (those who lagged behind).»

«84. And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). Then see what was the end of the criminals.»

Allāh says, We saved Lūṭ and his family, for only his household believed in him. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 51:35–36فَأَخْرَجْنَا مَن كَانَ فِيهَا مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَمَا وَجَدْنَا فِيهَا غَيْرَ بَيْتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ

«So We brought out from therein the believers. But We found not there any household of the Muslims except one [of Lūṭ and his daughters]» [51:35-36].

Only his wife (from his family) did not believe, remaining on the religion of her people. She used to conspire with them against Lūṭ and inform them of who came to visit him, using certain signals that they agreed on. This is why when Lūṭ was commanded to leave by night with his family, he was ordered not to inform his wife or take her with him. Some said that she followed them, and when the torment struck her people, she looked back and suffered the same punishment as them. However, it appears that she did not leave the town and that Lūṭ did not tell her that they would depart. So she remained with her people, as apparent from Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:83إِلَّا ٱمْرَأَتَهُۥ كَانَتْ مِنَ ٱلْغَٰبِرِينَ

«except his wife; she was of the Ghābirīn»

meaning, of those who remained, or they say: of those who were destroyed, and this is the more obvious explanation. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:84وَأَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّطَرًا

«And We rained down on them a rain» is explained by His other statement,

Qur’an 11:82–83وَأَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهَا حِجَارَةً مِّن سِجِّيلٍ مَّنضُودٍ مُّسَوَّمَةً عِندَ رَبِّكَ وَمَا هِىَ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بِبَعِيدٍ

«And rained on them stones of baked clay, in a well-arranged manner one after another. Marked from your Lord; and they are not ever far from the wrongdoers.» [11:82-83].

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:84فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«Then see what was the end of the criminals.»

This Āyah means: 'See, O Muḥammad, the end of those who dared to disobey Allāh and reject His Messengers.'

Imām Aḥmad, Abu Dāwud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Mājah, all recorded a Ḥadīth [from] Ibn 'Abbās who said that Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said;

Ḥadīthمَنْ وَجَدْتُمُوهُ يَعْمَلُ عَمَلَ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ فَاقْتُلُوا الْفَاعِلَ وَالْمَفْعُولَ بِهِ

«Whoever is found doing the act of the people of Lūṭ, then kill them; the doer and the one it is done to.»^{1Aḥmad 1:300, At-Tirmidhi 1456, Abu Dāwud 4462, and Ibn Mājah 2561.}

Qur’an 7:85وَإِلَىٰ مَدْيَنَ أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًا قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَوْفُوا۟ ٱلْكَيْلَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا۟ ٱلنَّاسَ أَشْيَآءَهُمْ وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَٰحِهَا ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

«85. And to (the people of) Madyan, (We sent) their brother Shu'ayb. He said: "O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other God but Him. Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not do mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will be better for you, if you are believers.﴿

Story of Shu'ayb, upon him be Peace, and the Land of Madyan

Muḥammad bin Isḥāq said, "They (the people of Madyan) are the descendents of Madyan, son of Midyān, son of Ibrāhīm. Shu'ayb was the son of Mīkīl bin Yashjur. And in the Syrian language, his name was Yathrūn (Jethro)".^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:554.} I (Ibn Kathīr) say, Madyan was the name of the tribe and also a city that is close to Ma'ān on route to the Ḥijāz (from Ash-Shām). Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 28:23وَلَمَّا وَرَدَ مَآءَ مَدْيَنَ وَجَدَ عَلَيْهِ أُمَّةً مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ يَسْقُونَ

«And when he arrived at the water (a well) of Madyan he found there a group of men watering (their flocks).» [28:23]

They are also the people of Al-Aykah (the Woods), as we will mention later on, Allāh willing, and our trust is in Him.

Qur’anقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُۥ

«He said: "O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other God but Him"»

and this is the call of all Messengers,

Qur’anقَدْ جَآءَتْكُم بَيِّنَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ

«"Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you;"»

meaning, 'Allāh has presented the proof and evidences of the truth of what I brought you.' He then advised them and commanded them to give full measure and full weight and not to wrong men in their dealings, meaning, to refrain from cheating people in buying and selling. They used to treacherously avoid giving full weight and measure. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 83:1وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ

«Woe to Al-Muṭaffifīn (those who give less in measure and weight)...» [83:1] until He said,

Qur’anلِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«before the Lord of all that exists?» [83:6]. These Āyāt contain a stern warning and sure promise that we ask Allāh to save us from. Shu'ayb was called 'Speaker of the Prophets', because of his eloquent words and eloquent advice, and Allāh stated that Shu'ayb said:

Qur’an 7:86–87وَلَا تَقْعُدُوا۟ بِكُلِّ صِرَٰطٍ تُوعِدُونَ وَتَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَتَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ كُنتُمْ قَلِيلًا فَكَثَّرَكُمْ وَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ وَإِن كَانَ طَآئِفَةٌ مِّنكُمْ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِۦ وَطَآئِفَةٌ لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ فَٱصْبِرُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَحْكُمَ ٱللَّهُ بَيْنَنَا وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْحَٰكِمِينَ

«86. "And sit not on every road, threatening, and hindering from the path of Allāh those who believe in Him, and seeking to make it crooked. And remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you. And see what was the end of the mischief-makers.» «87. "And if there is a party of you who believes in that with which I have been sent and a party who does not believe, so be patient until Allāh judges between us, and He is the best of judges."»

Prophet Shu'ayb forbade his people from setting up blockades on the roads, saying,

Qur’an 7:86وَلَا تَقْعُدُوا۟ بِكُلِّ صِرَٰطٍ تُوعِدُونَ

«"And sit not on every road, threatening,"» threatening people with death if they do not give up their money, as they were bandits, according to As-Suddi.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:557.} Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid and several others commented:

Qur’an 7:86وَلَا تَقْعُدُوا۟ بِكُلِّ صِرَٰطٍ تُوعِدُونَ

«"And sit not on every road, threatening."» the believers who come to Shu'ayb to follow him."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:557.} The first meaning is better, because Prophet Shu'ayb first said to them,

Qur’an 7:86بِكُلِّ صِرَٰطٍ

«"on every road..."» He then mentioned the second meaning,

Qur’an 7:86وَتَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَتَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا

«"and hindering from the path of Allāh those who believe in Him, and seeking to make it crooked."» meaning, you seek to make the path of Allāh crooked and deviated,

Qur’an 7:86وَٱذْكُرُوٓا۟ إِذْ كُنتُمْ قَلِيلًا فَكَثَّرَكُمْ

«"And remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you."» meaning, you were weak because you were few. But you later on became mighty because of your large numbers. Therefore, remember Allāh's favor.

Qur’an 7:86وَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

«"And see what was the end of the mischief-makers."» from the previous nations and earlier generations. See the torment and punishment they suffered, because they disobeyed Allāh and rejected His Messengers. Shu'ayb continued;

Qur’an 7:87وَإِن كَانَ طَآئِفَةٌ مِّنكُمْ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُرْسِلْتُ بِهِۦ وَطَآئِفَةٌ لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟

«"And if there is a party of you who believes in that with which I have been sent and a party who does not believe,"» that is, if you divided concerning me,

Qur’an 7:87فَٱصْبِرُوا۟

«"so be patient"» that is, then wait and see,

Qur’an 7:87حَتَّىٰ يَحْكُمَ ٱللَّهُ بَيْنَنَا

«"until Allāh judges between us,"», and you,

Qur’an 7:87وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْحَٰكِمِينَ

«"and He is the best of judges."» Surely, Allāh will award the best end to those who fear and obey Him and He will destroy the disbelievers.

Qur’an 7:88–95قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ لَنُخْرِجَنَّكَ يَٰشُعَيْبُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَكَ مِن قَرْيَتِنَآ أَوْ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِى مِلَّتِنَا قَالَ أَوَلَوْ كُنَّا كَٰرِهِينَ قَدِ ٱفْتَرَيْنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا إِنْ عُدْنَا فِى مِلَّتِكُم بَعْدَ إِذْ نَجَّىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنْهَا وَمَا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّعُودَ فِيهَآ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَسِعَ رَبُّنَا كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا رَبَّنَا ٱفْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَٰتِحِينَ وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ لَئِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتُمْ شُعَيْبًا إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا لَّخَٰسِرُونَ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ شُعَيْبًا كَأَن لَّمْ يَغْنَوْا۟ فِيهَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ شُعَيْبًا كَانُوا۟ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ فَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ فَكَيْفَ ءَاسَىٰ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ كَٰفِرِينَ وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّبِىٍّ إِلَّآ أَخَذْنَآ أَهْلَهَا بِٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَضَّرَّعُونَ ثُمَّ بَدَّلْنَا مَكَانَ ٱلسَّيِّئَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةَ حَتَّىٰ عَفَوا۟ وَّقَالُوا۟ قَدْ مَسَّ ءَابَآءَنَا ٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَٱلسَّرَّآءُ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«88. The chiefs of those who were arrogant among his people said: "We shall certainly drive you out, O Shu'ayb and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you (all) shall return to our religion." He said: "Even though we hate it?"» «89. "We should have invented a lie against Allāh if we returned to your religion, after Allāh has rescued us from it. And it is not for us to return to it unless Allāh, our Lord, should will. Our Lord comprehends all things in His knowledge. In Allāh (Alone) we put our trust. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the best of those who give judgment."» Allāh describes the way the disbelievers answered His Prophet Shu'ayb and those who believed in him, by threatening them with expulsion from their village, or with forceful reversion to the disbeliever's religion. The chiefs spoke the words mentioned here to the Messenger Shu'ayb, but intended it for those who followed his religion too. The statement,

Qur’an 7:88أَوَلَوْ كُنَّا كَٰرِهِينَ

«"Even though we hate it?"», means, would you force us to do that, even though we hate what you are calling us to? Certainly if we revert to your religion and accept your ways, we will have uttered a tremendous lie against Allāh by calling partners as rivals to Him,

Qur’an 7:89وَمَا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّعُودَ فِيهَآ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا

«And it is not for us to return to it unless Allāh, our Lord, should will.»

This part of the Āyah refers all matters to Allāh's will, and certainly, He has perfect knowledge of all matters and His observation encompasses all things,

Qur’an 7:89عَلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا

«In Allāh (Alone) we put our trust.», concerning all our affairs, what we practice of them and what we ignore,

Qur’an 7:89رَبَّنَا ٱفْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ

«Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth» judge between us and our people and give us victory over them,

Qur’an 7:89وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَٰتِحِينَ

«for You are the best of those who give judgment» and You are the Most Just Who never wrongs any in His judgment.

Qur’an 7:90–92وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ لَئِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتُمْ شُعَيْبًا إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا لَّخَٰسِرُونَ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ شُعَيْبًا كَأَن لَّمْ يَغْنَوْا۟ فِيهَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ شُعَيْبًا كَانُوا۟ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

«90. The chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said (to their people): "If you follow Shu'ayb, be sure then you will be the losers!"» «91. So the earthquake seized them and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes.» «92. Those who belied Shu'ayb, became as if they had never dwelt there (in their homes). Those who belied Shu'ayb, they were the losers.﴿

Allāh describes the enormity of disbelief, rebellion, transgression and misguidance (of Shu'ayb's people) and the defiance of truth encrypted in their hearts. They vowed, saying,

Qur’an 7:90لَئِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتُمْ شُعَيْبًا إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا لَّخَٰسِرُونَ

«"If you follow Shu'ayb, be sure then you will be the losers!"» Allāh answered them,

Qur’anفَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ

«So the earthquake seized them and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes» Allāh said that the earthquake shook them, as punishment for threatening to expel Shu'ayb and his followers. Allāh mentioned their end again in Sūrah Hūd,

Qur’an 11:94وَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمْرُنَا نَجَّيْنَا شُعَيْبًا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِّنَّا وَأَخَذَتِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ ٱلصَّيْحَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دِيَٰرِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ

«And when Our commandment came, We saved Shu'ayb and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us. And the Ṣayḥah (loud cry) seized the wrongdoers, and they lay (dead) prostrate in their homes.﴿ [11:94] This Āyah mentions the Ṣayḥah (cry) that struck them after they mocked Shu'ayb, saying,

Qur’an 11:87أَصَلَوٰتُكَ تَأْمُرُكَ

«Does your Ṣalāh (prayer) command you...» so it was befitting to mention here the cry that made them silence. In Sūrat Ash-Shu'arā', Allāh said,

Qur’an 26:189فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَخَذَهُمْ عَذَابُ يَوْمِ ٱلظُّلَّةِ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ

«But they belied him, so the torment of the Day of Shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them. Indeed that was the torment of a Great Day﴿ [26:189] because they challenged Shu'ayb,

Qur’an 26:187فَأَسْقِطْ عَلَيْنَا كِسَفًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«"So cause a piece of the heaven to fall on us, if you are of the truthful!"» [26:187]. Therefore, Allāh stated that each of these forms of punishment struck them on the Day of the Shadow. First,

Qur’an 26:189فَأَخَذَهُمْ عَذَابُ يَوْمِ ٱلظُّلَّةِ

«So the torment of the Day of Shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them» [26:189] when a gloomy cloud came over them (containing) fire, flames and a tremendous light. Next, a cry from the sky descended on them and a tremor shook them from beneath. Consequently, their souls were captured, their lives were taken and their bodies became idle,

Qur’anفَأَصْبَحُوا۟ فِى دَارِهِمْ جَٰثِمِينَ

«and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes». Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:92كَأَن لَّمْ يَغْنَوْا۟ فِيهَا

«They became as if they had never dwelt there» meaning, after the torment seized them, it looked as if they never dwelled in the land from which they wanted to expel their Messenger Shu'ayb and his followers. Here, Allāh refuted their earlier statement,

Qur’an 7:92ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ شُعَيْبًا كَانُوا۟ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

«Those who belied Shu'ayb, they were the losers.»

Qur’an 7:93فَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ فَكَيْفَ ءَاسَىٰ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ كَٰفِرِينَ

«93. Then he (Shu'ayb) turned from them and said: "O my people! I have indeed conveyed my Lord's Messages unto you and I have given you good advice. Then how can I grieve over people who are disbelievers."» Prophet Shu'ayb, peace be upon him, turned away from his people after the torment, punishment and destruction struck them, admonishing and censuring them by saying to them,

Qur’an 7:93يَٰقَوْمِ لَقَدْ أَبْلَغْتُكُمْ رِسَٰلَٰتِ رَبِّى وَنَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ

«"O my people! I have indeed conveyed my Lord's Messages unto you and I have given you good advice."»

Shu'ayb said, I have conveyed to you what I was sent with, so I will not feel any sorrow for you since you disbelieved in what I brought you,

Qur’an 7:93فَكَيْفَ ءَاسَىٰ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ كَٰفِرِينَ

«"Then how can I grieve over pepple who are disbelievers?"»

Qur’an 7:94–95وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّبِىٍّ إِلَّآ أَخَذْنَآ أَهْلَهَا بِٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَضَّرَّعُونَ ثُمَّ بَدَّلْنَا مَكَانَ ٱلسَّيِّئَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةَ حَتَّىٰ عَفَوا۟ وَّقَالُوا۟ قَدْ مَسَّ ءَابَآءَنَا ٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَٱلسَّرَّآءُ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«94. And We sent no Prophet unto any town (and they denied him), but We seized its people with Ba'sā' and Ḍarrā', so that they might humble themselves (to Allāh).»

«95. Then We changed the evil for the good, until they 'Afaw (increased), and said: "Our fathers were touched with evil and with good." So We seized them all of a sudden while they were unaware.»

Afflictions that struck Earlier Nations

Allāh mentions the Ba'sā' and Ḍarrā' that struck the earlier nations to whom He sent Prophets. Ba'sā', refers to the physical sicknesses and ailments that they suffered, while Ḍarrā', refers to the poverty and humiliation that they experienced,

Qur’an 7:94لَعَلَّهُمْ يَضَّرَّعُونَ

«so that they might humble themselves»

supplicate, humble themselves and invoke Allāh, that He might remove the afflictions that they suffered from. This Āyah indicates that Allāh sent down severe afflictions to them so that they might invoke Him, but they did not do what He ordered them. Therefore, He changed the affliction into prosperity to test them,

Qur’an 7:95ثُمَّ بَدَّلْنَا مَكَانَ ٱلسَّيِّئَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةَ

«Then We changed the evil for the good,» Therefore, Allāh changed the hardship into prosperity, disease and sickness into health and well-being, and poverty into richness in provision, so that they might be thankful to Allāh for this, but they did none of that.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:95حَتَّىٰ عَفَوا۟

«until they 'Afaw» refers to increase in numbers, wealth and offspring.

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:95وَّقَالُوا۟ قَدْ مَسَّ ءَابَآءَنَا ٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَٱلسَّرَّآءُ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«..

and they said: "Our fathers were touched with evil and with good." So We seized them all of a sudden while they were unaware.»

He tested them with this (afflictions) and that (ease and abundance) so that they may humble themselves and repent to Him. However, they failed both tests, for neither this nor that compelled them to change their ways. They said, "We suffered Ba'sā' and Ḍarrā', but prosperity came afterwards, just as like our forefathers in earlier times." "Therefore," they said, "it is a cycle where we sometimes suffer a hardship and at other times, we enjoy a bounty."

However, they did not comprehend Allāh's wisdom, nor the fact that He is testing them in both cases. To the contrary, the believers are grateful to Allāh in good times and practice patience in hard times. In the Ṣaḥīḥ, there is a Ḥadīth that says;

Ḥadīthعَجَبًا لِلْمُؤْمِنِ لَا يَقْضِي الله لَهُ قَضَاءً إِلَّا كَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ، وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ، وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ

«The matter of the believer is amazing, for nothing that Allāh decrees for him, but it is better for him. If a Ḍarrā' (harm) strikes him, he is patient, and this is better for him, if he is given Sarrā' (prosperity), he thanks (Allāh) for it and this is better for him.»^{1Muslim 4 :2295.}

The believer, therefore, is aware of the test behind the

Qur’an 7:96–104وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ أَفَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا بَيَٰتًا وَهُمْ نَآئِمُونَ أَوَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا ضُحًى وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ أَفَأَمِنُوا۟ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَهْلِهَآ أَن لَّوْ نَشَآءُ أَصَبْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَنَطْبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ تِلْكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآئِهَا وَلَقَدْ جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ فَمَا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِمَا كَذَّبُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ وَمَا وَجَدْنَا لِأَكْثَرِهِم مِّنْ عَهْدٍ وَإِن وَجَدْنَآ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَفَٰسِقِينَ ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِم مُّوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَإِي۟هِۦ فَظَلَمُوا۟ بِهَا فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ يَٰفِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

afflictions whether it may be prosperity or adversity that Allāh sends to him, as well as the blessings.

Similarly, in another Ḥadīth,

Ḥadīthلَايَزَالُ الْبَلَاءُ بِالْمُؤْمِنِ حَتَّى يَخْرُجَ نَقِيًّا مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ، وَالْمُنَافِقِ مِثْلَهُ كَمَثَلِ الْحِمَارِ لَا يَدْرِي فِيمَ رَبَطَهُ أَهْلُهُ وَلَا فِيمَ أَرْسَلُوهُ

«The believer will continue to be tested by afflictions until he ends up pure from sin. And the parable of the hypocrite is that of a donkey, it does not know why its owners tied it or released it.»^{2Aḥmad 2:450.}

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:95فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«So We seized them all of a sudden while they were unaware.» meaning, We struck them with punishment all of a sudden, while they were unaware. A Ḥadīth describes sudden death,

Ḥadīthمَوْتُ الْفَجْأَةِ رَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ وَأَخْذَةُ أَسَفٍ لِلْكَافِرِ

«Sudden death is a mercy for the believer, but a sorrowful punishment for the disbeliever.»^{3Aḥmad 6:136.}

Qur’an 7:96–97وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ أَفَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا بَيَٰتًا وَهُمْ نَآئِمُونَ

Qur’an 7:98–99أَوَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا ضُحًى وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ أَفَأَمِنُوا۟ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ

«96. And if the people of the towns had believed and had Taqwā, certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn.»

«97. Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment by night while they were asleep?»

«98. Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing?»

«99. Did they then feel secure against Allāh's plan? None feels secure from Allāh's plan except the people who are the losers.»

Blessings come with Faith, while Kufr brings Torment

Allāh mentions here the little faith of the people of the towns to whom He sent Messengers. In another instance, Allāh said,

Qur’an 10:98فَلَوْلَا كَانَتْ قَرْيَةٌ ءَامَنَتْ فَنَفَعَهَآ إِيمَٰنُهَآ إِلَّا قَوْمَ يُونُسَ لَمَّآ ءَامَنُوا۟ كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْخِزْىِ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَتَّعْنَٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

«Was there any town (community) that believed (after seeing the punishment), and its faith (at that moment) saved it (from the punishment)? - Except the people of Yūnus; when they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the (present) world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while.» [10:98]

This Āyah indicates that no city believed in its entirety, except the city of Prophet Yūnus, for they all believed after they were stricken by punishment. Allāh said (about Prophet Yūnus),

Qur’an 37:147–148وَأَرْسَلْنَٰهُ إِلَىٰ مِا۟ئَةِ أَلْفٍ أَوْ يَزِيدُونَ فَـَٔامَنُوا۟ فَمَتَّعْنَٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

«And We sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or even more. And they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while.» [37:147-148] Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 34:34وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ

«And We did not send a warner to a township....» [34:34]

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:96وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟

«And if the people of the towns had believed and had Taqwā...»

meaning their hearts had faith in what the Messenger brought them, believed and obeyed him, and had Taqwā by performing the acts of obedience and abstaining from the prohibitions,

Qur’an 7:96لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ

«We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth,»

in reference to the rain that falls from the sky and the vegetation of the earth. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:96وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ

«but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn.»

They denied their Messengers, so that We punished them and sent destruction on them as a result of the sins and wickedness that they earned. Allāh then said, while warning and threatening against defying His orders and daring to commit His prohibitions,

Qur’an 7:97أَفَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ

«Did the people of the towns then feel secure»,meaning the disbelievers among them,

Qur’anأَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا

«that should come to them our punishment», Our torment and punishing example,

Qur’anبَيَٰتًا

«Bayātan» during the night,

Qur’an 7:97–98وَهُمْ نَآئِمُونَ أَوَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأْتِيَهُم بَأْسُنَا ضُحًى وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ

«while they were asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing?»

while they are busy in their affairs and unaware.

Qur’an 7:99أَفَأَمِنُوا۟ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ

«Did they then feel secure against Allāh's plan?»

His torment, vengeance, and His power to destroy them while they are inattentive and heedless,

Qur’an 7:99فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ

«None feels secure from Allāh's plan except the people who are the losers.»

Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri said, "The believer performs the acts of worship, all the while feeling fear, in fright and anxiety. The Fājir (wicked sinner, or disbeliever) commits the acts of disobedience while feeling safe (from Allāh's torment)!"

Qur’an 7:100أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَهْلِهَآ أَن لَّوْ نَشَآءُ أَصَبْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَنَطْبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ

«100. Is it not a guidance for those who inherit the earth from its previons inhabitants that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?»

Ibn 'Abbās commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:100أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَهْلِهَآ

«Is it not a guidance for those who inherit the earth from its previous inhabitants...»

"(Allāh says,) did We not make clear to them that had We willed, We would have punished them because of their sins?" Mujāhid and several others said similarly.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:580.} Abu Ja'far bin Jarīr Aṭ-Ṭabari explained this Āyah, "Allāh says, 'Did We not make clear to those who succeeded on the earth after destroying the previous nations who used to dwell in that land. Then they followed their own ways, and behaved as they did and were unruly with their Lord. [Did We not make clear to them] that,

Qur’an 7:100أَن لَّوْ نَشَآءُ أَصَبْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ

«that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins.»

by bringing them the same end that was decreed for those before them,

Qur’an 7:100وَنَطْبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ

«And We seal up their hearts», We place a cover over their heart,

Qur’an 7:100فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ

«so that they hear not», words of advice or reminding?’” ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:579.}I say that similarly, Allāh said,

Qur’an 20:128أَفَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِى مَسَٰكِنِهِمْ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلنُّهَىٰ

«Is it not a guidance for them: how many generations We have destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they walk? Verily, in this are signs indeed for men of understanding.» [20:128]

Qur’an 32:26أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِى مَسَٰكِنِهِمْ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ أَفَلَا يَسْمَعُونَ

«Is it not a guidance for them: how many generations We have destroyed before them in whose dwellings they do walk about? Verily, therein indeed are signs. Would they not then listen?» [32:26] and,

Qur’an 14:44–45أَوَلَمْ تَكُونُوٓا۟ أَقْسَمْتُم مِّن قَبْلُ مَا لَكُم مِّن زَوَالٍ وَسَكَنتُمْ فِى مَسَٰكِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ

«Had you not sworn aforetime that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter). And you dwelt in the dwellings of men who wronged themselves»[14:44-45]

Also, Allāh said,

Qur’an 19:98وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هَلْ تُحِسُّ مِنْهُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَوْ تَسْمَعُ لَهُمْ رِكْزًۢا

«And how many a generation before them have We destroyed! Can you find a single one of them or hear even a whisper of them?» [19:98]

meaning, do you see any of them or hear their voices? There are many other Āyāt that testify that Allāh's torment strikes His enemies, while His bounty reaches His faithful believers.

Thereafter comes Allāh's statement, and He is the Most Truthful, the Lord of all that exists,

Qur’an 7:101–102تِلْكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآئِهَا وَلَقَدْ جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ فَمَا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِمَا كَذَّبُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ وَمَا وَجَدْنَا لِأَكْثَرِهِم مِّنْ عَهْدٍ وَإِن وَجَدْنَآ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَفَٰسِقِينَ

«101. Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you. And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such who would believe in what they rejected before. Thus Allāh does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers.»

«102. And most of them We found not true to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed rebellious.»

After narrating the stories of the people of Prophets Nūḥ, Hūd, Ṣāliḥ, Lūṭ and Shu'ayb, destroying the disbelievers, saving the believers, warning these nations by explaining the truth to them with the evidence sent in the words of His Messengers, may Allāh's peace and blessings be on them all, Allāh said;

Qur’an 7:101تِلْكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ

«Those were the towns that We relate to you» O Muḥammad,

Qur’an 7:101مِنْ أَنۢبَآئِهَا

«their story», and news,

Qur’an 7:101وَلَقَدْ جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ

«And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs,»

and evidences of the truth of what they brought them. Allāh said in other Āyah,

Qur’an 17:15وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا

«And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).» [17:15], and,

Qur’an 11:100–101ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلْقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّهُۥ عَلَيْكَ مِنْهَا قَآئِمٌ وَحَصِيدٌ وَمَا ظَلَمْنَٰهُمْ وَلَٰكِن ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ

«That is some of the news of the towns which We relate unto you; of them, some are standing, and some have been reaped. We wronged them not, but they wronged themselves.» [11:100-101]

Allāh said

Qur’an 7:101فَمَا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِمَا كَذَّبُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ

«but they were not such who would believe in what they had rejected before.»

meaning they would not have later on believed in what the Messengers brought them, because they denied the truth when it first came to them (although they recognized it), according to the Tafsīr of Ibn 'Aṭiyyah. This explanation is sound, and is supported by Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:109–110وَمَا يُشْعِرُكُمْ أَنَّهَآ إِذَا جَآءَتْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

«And what will make you perceive that if it came, they will not believe? And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time.» [6:109-110]

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:101–102كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ وَمَا وَجَدْنَا لِأَكْثَرِهِم

«Thus Allāh does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers. And most of them We found not...»

meaning, We did not find most of the previous nations,

Qur’an 7:102مِّنْ عَهْدٍ وَإِن وَجَدْنَآ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَفَٰسِقِينَ

«true to their covenant, but most of them We found to indeed be rebellious.» This Āyah means, We found most of them to be rebellious, deviating away from obedience and compliance.

The covenant mentioned here is the Fiṭrah that Allāh instilled in them while still in their fathers' loins, and taking their covenant, that He is their Lord, King, and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him,. They affirmed this covenant and testified against themselves to this fact. However, they defied this covenant, threw it behind their backs and worshipped others besides Allāh, having no proof or plea, nor support from rationality or by divine law. Surely, the pure Fiṭrah defies these actions, while all the honorable Messengers, from beginning to end, forbade them. Muslim collected the Ḥadīth,

Ḥadīthيَقُولُ اللهُ تَعَالَى إِنِّي خَلَقْتُ عِبَادِي حُنَفَاءَ فَجَاءَتْهُمُ الشَّيَاطِينُ فَاجْتَالَتْهُمْ عَنْ دِينِهِمْ وَحَرَّمَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ مَا أَحْلَلْتُ لَهُمْ

«Allāh said, "I created My servants Ḥunafā' (monotheists), but the devils came to them and deviated them from their religion and prohibited them what I allowed them."»^{1Muslim 4:2197.}

It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs,

Ḥadīthكُلُّ مَوْلُودٍ يُولَدُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ فَأَبَوَاهُ يُهَوِّدَانِهِ وَيُنَصِّرَانِهِ وَيُمَجِّسَانِهِ

«Every child is born upon the Fiṭrah, it is only his parents who turn him into a Jew, a Christian or a Zoroastrian.»^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 3:290 and Muslim 4:2047.}

Qur’an 7:103ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِم مُّوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَإِي۟هِۦ فَظَلَمُوا۟ بِهَا فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

«103. Then after them We sent Mūsā with Our signs to Fir'awn and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them. So see how was the end of the mischief-makers»

Story of Prophet Mūsā, upon him be Peace, and Fir'awn

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:103ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِم

Qur’an 7:105–120حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ قَالَ إِن كُنتَ جِئْتَ بِـَٔايَةٍ فَأْتِ بِهَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ فَأَلْقَىٰ عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا هِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِينٌ وَنَزَعَ يَدَهُۥ فَإِذَا هِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ يُرِيدُ أَن يُخْرِجَكُم مِّنْ أَرْضِكُمْ فَمَاذَا تَأْمُرُونَ قَالُوٓا۟ أَرْجِهْ وَأَخَاهُ وَأَرْسِلْ فِى ٱلْمَدَآئِنِ حَٰشِرِينَ يَأْتُوكَ بِكُلِّ سَٰحِرٍ عَلِيمٍ وَجَآءَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ لَنَا لَأَجْرًا إِن كُنَّا نَحْنُ ٱلْغَٰلِبِينَ قَالَ نَعَمْ وَإِنَّكُمْ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِمَّآ أَن تُلْقِىَ وَإِمَّآ أَن نَّكُونَ نَحْنُ ٱلْمُلْقِينَ قَالَ أَلْقُوا۟ فَلَمَّآ أَلْقَوْا۟ سَحَرُوٓا۟ أَعْيُنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱسْتَرْهَبُوهُمْ وَجَآءُو بِسِحْرٍ عَظِيمٍ وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَلْقِ عَصَاكَ فَإِذَا هِىَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُونَ فَوَقَعَ ٱلْحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ فَغُلِبُوا۟ هُنَالِكَ وَٱنقَلَبُوا۟ صَٰغِرِينَ وَأُلْقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سَٰجِدِينَ

«Then after them We sent», after the Messengers whom We mentioned, such as Nūḥ, Hūd, Ṣāliḥ Lūṭ and Shu'ayb (may Allāh's peace and blessings be on them and the rest of Allāh's Prophets), We sent,

Qur’an 7:103مُّوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ

«Mūsā with Our signs» proofs and clear evidences, to Fir'awn, who was ruler of Egypt during the time of Mūsā,

Qur’anوَمَلَإِي۟هِۦ

«and his chiefs» the people of Fir'awn,

Qur’an 7:103فَظَلَمُوا۟ بِهَا

«but they wrongfully rejected them», they denied and disbelieved in the signs, out of injustice and stubbornness on their part. Allāh said about them in another Āyah,

Qur’an 27:14وَجَحَدُوا۟ بِهَا وَٱسْتَيْقَنَتْهَآ أَنفُسُهُمْ ظُلْمًا وَعُلُوًّا فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

«And they belied them (those Āyāt) wrongfully and arrogantly, though they were themselves convinced thereof. So see what was the end of the evildoers.»[27:14]

The Āyah says, 'those who hindered from the path of Allāh and belied in His Messengers, look how We punished them, We caused them to drown, all of them, while Mūsā and his people were watching.' Public drowning added disgrace to the punishment that Fir'awn and his people suffered, while adding comfort to the hearts of Allāh's party, Mūsā and those people who believed in him.

Qur’an 7:104–106وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ يَٰفِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ قَالَ إِن كُنتَ جِئْتَ بِـَٔايَةٍ فَأْتِ بِهَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ

«104. And Mūsā said: "O Fir'awn! Verily, I am a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists."»

«105. "Proper it is for me that I say nothing concerning Allāh but the truth. Indeed I have come unto you from your Lord with a clear proof. So let the Children of Israel depart along with me."»

«106. [Fir'awn] said: "If you have come with a sign, show it forth, if you are one of those who tell the truth."»

Allāh mentions a debate that took place between Mūsā and Fir'awn, and Mūsā's refuting Fir'awn with the unequivocal proof and clear miracles, in the presence of Fir'awn and his people, the Copts of Egypt. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:104وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ يَٰفِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّى رَسُولٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«And Mūsā said: "O Fir'awn! Verily, I am a Messenger from the Lord of all that exists".»

meaning Mūsā said, 'the one Who sent me is the Creator, Lord and King of all things,'

Qur’an 7:105حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ

«"Proper it is for me that I say nothing concerning Allāh but the truth."»

'It is incumbent and a duty for me to convey only the Truth from Him, because of what I know of His might and power.'

Qur’an 7:105قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ

«"Indeed I have come unto you from your Lord with a clear proof."»

'I brought unequivocal evidence that Allāh gave me to prove that I am conveying the truth to you,'

Qur’an 7:105فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ

«"So let the Children of Israel depart along with me."» means, release them from your slavery and subjugation. Let them worship your Lord and their Lord. They are from the offspring of an honorable Prophet, Isrā'īl, who is Ya'qūb son of Isḥāq son of Ibrāhīm, the Khalīl (intimate friend) of Allāh.

Qur’an 7:106قَالَ إِن كُنتَ جِئْتَ بِـَٔايَةٍ فَأْتِ بِهَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ

«[Fir'awn] said: "If you have come with a sign, show it forth, if you are one of those who tell the truth."»

Fir'awn said, 'I will not believe in what you have said nor entertain your request'. Therefore, he said, 'if you have proof, then produce it for us to see, so that we know if your claim is true.'

Qur’an 7:107–108فَأَلْقَىٰ عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا هِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِينٌ وَنَزَعَ يَدَهُۥ فَإِذَا هِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ

«107. Then [Mūsā] threw his staff and behold! it was a [Thu'bān] serpent, manifest!»

«108. And he drew out his hand, and behold! it was white (with radiance) for the beholders.»

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:107ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِينٌ

«a [Thu'bān] serpent, manifest», refers to "The male snake."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:16.} As-Suddi and Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk said similarly.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:15-17.} A report from Ibn 'Abbās said,

Qur’an 7:107فَأَلْقَىٰ عَصَاهُ

"«Then (Mūsā) threw his staff», and it turned into a huge snake that opened its mouth and rushed towards Fir'awn. When Fir'awn saw the snake rushing towards him, he jumped from his throne and cried to Mūsā for help, so that Mūsā would remove the snake from his way. Mūsā did that."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:16.} As-Suddi commented,

Qur’an 7:107فَإِذَا هِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِينٌ

«and behold! It was a [Thu'bān] serpent, manifest!» "This [Thu'bān] refers to male snakes. The snake opened its mouth and headed towards Fir'awn to swallow him, placing its lower jaw on the ground and its upper jaw reaching the (top of the) wall of the palace. When Fir'awn saw the snake, he was frightened, so he jumped and wet himself and he never wet himself before this incident. He cried, 'O Mūsā! Take it away and I will believe in you and release the Children of Israel to you.' So Mūsā, peace be on him, took it, and it became a staff again."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:15.}

Qur’an 7:108وَنَزَعَ يَدَهُۥ فَإِذَا هِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ

«And he drew out his hand, and behold! it was white (with radiance) for the beholders.»

Mūsā took his hand out of his cloak after he inserted his hand in it and it was shining, not because of leprosy or sickness. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 27:12وَأَدْخِلْ يَدَكَ فِى جَيْبِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَآءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُوٓءٍ

«And put your hand into your bosom, it will come forth white without hurt.» [27:12]

Ibn 'Abbās said, "without hurt', means, 'not because of leprosy'. Mūsā inserted his hand again in his sleeve and it returned back to its normal color."^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:17.} Mujāhid and several others said similarly.^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:18.}

Qur’an 7:109–110قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ يُرِيدُ أَن يُخْرِجَكُم مِّنْ أَرْضِكُمْ فَمَاذَا تَأْمُرُونَ

«109. The chiefs of the people of Fir'awn said: "This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer."»

«110. "He wants to get you out of your land, so what do you advise?"»

Fir'awn's People say that Mūsā is a Magician!

The chiefs and noblemen of the people of Fir'awn agreed with Fir'awn's statement about Mūsā. After Fir'awn felt safe and returned to his throne, he said to the chiefs of his people,

Qur’an 7:109إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

«This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer»

and they agreed. They held counsel to decide what they should do about Mūsā. They conspired to extinguish the light that he brought and bring down his word. They plotted to portray Mūsā as a liar and fake. They feared that he might lure people to his side by his magic, they claimed, and thus prevail over them and drive them away from their land. What they feared occured, just as Allāh said,

Qur’an 28:6وَنُرِىَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَحْذَرُونَ

«And We let Fir'awn and Hāmān and their hosts receive from them that which they feared.» [28:6]

After they conferred about Mūsā, they agreed on a plot, as Allāh said about them,

Qur’an 7:111–112قَالُوٓا۟ أَرْجِهْ وَأَخَاهُ وَأَرْسِلْ فِى ٱلْمَدَآئِنِ حَٰشِرِينَ يَأْتُوكَ بِكُلِّ سَٰحِرٍ عَلِيمٍ

«111. They said: "Put him and his brother off (for a time), and send callers to the cities to collect"»

«112. "That they bring to you all well-versed sorcerers."»

Ibn 'Abbās commented,

Qur’an 7:111أَرْجِهْ

«"Put him off"», means, "delay him (for a time)."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:22}

Qur’an 7:111وَأَرْسِلْ فِى ٱلْمَدَآئِنِ

«"and send to the cities''», areas and provinces of your kingdom - O Fir‘awn,

Qur’anحَٰشِرِينَ

«"to collect"» to gather magicians from various lands. At this time, magic was the trade of the day and it was widespread and popular. They had the idea that what Mūsā brought was a type of magic similar to the magic that the sorcerers of their time practiced. Because of this incorrect assumption, they brought all the magicians in order to defeat the miracles that he showed them. Allāh said about Fir'awn,

Qur’an 20:58–60فَلَنَأْتِيَنَّكَ بِسِحْرٍ مِّثْلِهِۦ فَٱجْعَلْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَّا نُخْلِفُهُۥ نَحْنُ وَلَآ أَنتَ مَكَانًا سُوًى قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ ٱلزِّينَةِ وَأَن يُحْشَرَ ٱلنَّاسُ ضُحًى فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ فَجَمَعَ كَيْدَهُۥ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ

«Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof; so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we nor you shall fail to keep, in an open place where both shall have a just and equal chance." [Mūsā] said: "Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon)." So Fir'awn withdrew, devised his plot and then came back.» [20:58-60].

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:113–114وَجَآءَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ فِرْعَوْنَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ لَنَا لَأَجْرًا إِن كُنَّا نَحْنُ ٱلْغَٰلِبِينَ قَالَ نَعَمْ وَإِنَّكُمْ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ

«113. And so the sorcerers came to Fir'awn. They said: "Indeed there will be a (good) reward for us if we are the victors."»

«114. He said: "Yes, and moreover you will (in that case) be of the nearest (to me)."»

The Magicians convene and change Their Ropes into Snakes before Mūsā

Allāh describes the conversation that took place between Fir'awn and the magicians he collected to defeat Mūsā, peace be upon him. Fir'awn told them that he will reward them and give them tremendous provisions. He made them hope in acquiring what they wished for and to make them among his private audience and best associates. When they were assured of the cursed Fir'awn's promises,

Qur’an 7:115–116قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِمَّآ أَن تُلْقِىَ وَإِمَّآ أَن نَّكُونَ نَحْنُ ٱلْمُلْقِينَ قَالَ أَلْقُوا۟ فَلَمَّآ أَلْقَوْا۟ سَحَرُوٓا۟ أَعْيُنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱسْتَرْهَبُوهُمْ وَجَآءُو بِسِحْرٍ عَظِيمٍ

«115. They said: "O Mūsā! Either you throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?"»

«116. He [Mūsā] said: "Throw you (first)." So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror

Qur’an 7:121–130قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ رَبِّ مُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ قَبْلَ أَنْ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمْ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَمَكْرٌ مَّكَرْتُمُوهُ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ لِتُخْرِجُوا۟ مِنْهَآ أَهْلَهَا فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ لَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَٰفٍ ثُمَّ لَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ وَمَا تَنقِمُ مِنَّآ إِلَّآ أَنْ ءَامَنَّا بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا لَمَّا جَآءَتْنَا رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ أَتَذَرُ مُوسَىٰ وَقَوْمَهُۥ لِيُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَيَذَرَكَ وَءَالِهَتَكَ قَالَ سَنُقَتِّلُ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَنَسْتَحْىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمْ وَإِنَّا فَوْقَهُمْ قَٰهِرُونَ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ لِلَّهِ يُورِثُهَا مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَٱلْعَٰقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ أُوذِينَا مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَأْتِيَنَا وَمِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جِئْتَنَا قَالَ عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُهْلِكَ عَدُوَّكُمْ وَيَسْتَخْلِفَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَآ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ بِٱلسِّنِينَ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

into them, and they displayed a great trick.»

The magicians challenged Mūsā, when they said,

Qur’an 7:115إِمَّآ أَن تُلْقِىَ وَإِمَّآ أَن نَّكُونَ نَحْنُ ٱلْمُلْقِينَ

«Either you throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?»

before you. In another Āyah, they said,

Qur’an 20:65وَإِمَّآ أَن نَّكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَلْقَىٰ

«Or we be the first to throw» [20:65].

Mūsā said to them, you throw first. It was said that the wisdom behind asking them to throw first, is that - Allāh knows best - the people might witness the magicians' sorcery first. When the magicians had cast their spell and captured the eyes, the clear and unequivocal truth came, at a time when they all anticipated and waited for it to come, thus making the truth even more impressive to their hearts. This is what happened. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:116فَلَمَّآ أَلْقَوْا۟ سَحَرُوٓا۟ أَعْيُنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱسْتَرْهَبُوهُمْ

«So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them,»

meaning, they deceived the eyes and made them think that thet trick was real, when it was only an illusion, just as Allāh said,

Qur’an 20:67–69فَأَوْجَسَ فِى نَفْسِهِۦ خِيفَةً مُّوسَىٰ قُلْنَا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ وَأَلْقِ مَا فِى يَمِينِكَ تَلْقَفْ مَا صَنَعُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا۟ كَيْدُ سَٰحِرٍ وَلَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلسَّاحِرُ حَيْثُ أَتَىٰ

«So Mūsā conceived fear in himself. We (Allāh) said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician's trick, and the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain"» [20:67-69].

Ibn 'Abbās commented that the magicians threw, "Thick ropes and long sticks, and they appeared to be crawling, an illusion that they created with their magic."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:28.}

Qur’an 7:117–122وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَلْقِ عَصَاكَ فَإِذَا هِىَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُونَ فَوَقَعَ ٱلْحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ فَغُلِبُوا۟ هُنَالِكَ وَٱنقَلَبُوا۟ صَٰغِرِينَ وَأُلْقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سَٰجِدِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ رَبِّ مُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ

«117. And We revealed to Mūsā (saying): "Throw your stick," and behold! It swallowed up straight away all the falsehood which they showed.»

«118. Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect.»

«119. So they were defeated there and returned disgraced.»

«120. And the sorcerers fell down prostrate.»

«121. They said: "We believe in the Lord of all that exists.»

«122. "The Lord of Mūsā and Hārūn."»

Mūsā defeats the Magicians, Who believe in Him

Allāh states that at that tremendous moment, in which Allāh differentiated between Truth and Falsehood, He sent a revelation to His servant and Messenger Mūsā, peace be upon him, ordering him to throw the stick that he held in his right hand,

Qur’an 7:117فَإِذَا هِىَ تَلْقَفُ

«It swallowed straight away» and devoured,

Qur’an 7:117مَا يَأْفِكُونَ

«all the falsehood which they showed.» the magic that they caused the illusion with, of magic with which they caused making it appear real, whereas it was not real at all. Ibn 'Abbās said that Mūsā's stick swallowed all the ropes and sticks that the magicians threw. The magicians realized that this was from heaven and was by no means magic. They fell in prostration and proclaimed,

Qur’an 7:121–122ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ رَبِّ مُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ

«"We believe in the Lord of all that exists. The Lord of Mūsā and Hārūn ».

Muḥammad bin Isḥāq commented, "It followed the ropes and sticks one after another, until nothing that the sorcerers threw remained. Mūsā then held it in his hand, and it became a stick again just as it was before. The magicians fell in prostration and proclaimed, 'We believe in the Lord of all that exists, the Lord of Mūsā and Hārūn. Had Mūsā been a magician, he would not have prevailed over us.'"^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:30.} Al-Qāsim bin Abi Bazzah commented, "Allāh revealed to Mūsā to throw his stick. When he threw his stick, it became a huge, manifest snake that opened its mouth and swallowed the magicians' ropes and sticks. On that, the magicians fell in prostration. They did not raise their heads before seeing the Paradise, the Fire, and the recompense of their inhabitants." ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:30.}

Qur’an 7:123–126قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ قَبْلَ أَنْ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمْ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَمَكْرٌ مَّكَرْتُمُوهُ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ لِتُخْرِجُوا۟ مِنْهَآ أَهْلَهَا فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ لَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَٰفٍ ثُمَّ لَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ وَمَا تَنقِمُ مِنَّآ إِلَّآ أَنْ ءَامَنَّا بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا لَمَّا جَآءَتْنَا رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ

«123. Fir'awn said: "You have believed in him [Mūsā] before I gave you permission. Surely, this is a plot which you have plotted in the city to drive out its people, but you shall come to know."» «124. "Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet from opposite sides, then I will crucify you all."»

«125. They said: "Verily, we are returning to our Lord."»

«126. "And you take vengeance on us only because we believed in the Āyāt of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims."»

Fir'awn threatens the Magicians after They believed in Mūsā and Their Response to Him

Allāh mentions the threats that the Fir'awn - may Allāh curse him - made to the magicians after they believed Mūsā, peace be upon him, and the deceit and cunning that Fir'awn showed the people. Fir'awn said,

Qur’an 7:123إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَمَكْرٌ مَّكَرْتُمُوهُ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ لِتُخْرِجُوا۟ مِنْهَآ أَهْلَهَا

«Surely, this is a plot which you have plotted in the city to drive out its people,»

meaning Fir'awn proclaimed, 'Mūsā's defeating you today was because you plotted with him and agreed to that.' Fir'awn also said,

Qur’anإِنَّهُۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحْرَ

«He (Mūsā) is your chief who has taught you magic.» [20:71]

However, Fir'awn and all those who had any sense of reason knew for sure that what Fir'awn said was utterly false. As soon as Mūsā came from Madyan, he called Fir'awn to Allāh and demonstrated tremendous miracles and clear proofs for the Truth that he brought. Fir'awn then sent emissaries to various cities of his kingdom and collected magicians who were scattered throughout Egypt. Fir'awn and his people chose from them, summoned them, and Fir'awn promised them great rewards. These magicians were very eager to prevail over Mūsā in front of Fir'awn, so that they might become closer to him. Mūsā neither knew any of them nor saw or met them before. Fir'awn knew that, but he claimed otherwise to deceive the ignorant masses of his kingdom, just as Allāh described them,

Qur’an 43:54فَٱسْتَخَفَّ قَوْمَهُۥ فَأَطَاعُوهُ

«Thus he [Fir'awn] fooled his people, and they obeyed him.» [43:54]

Certainly, a people who believed Fir'awn in his statement,

Qur’an 79:24أَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ

«"I am your lord, most high."» [79:24], are among the most ignorant and misguided creatures of Allāh.

In his Tafsīr, As-Suddi reported that Ibn Mas'ūd, Ibn 'Abbās, and several other Companions, commented,

Qur’an 7:123إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَمَكْرٌ مَّكَرْتُمُوهُ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ

«"Surely, this is a plot which you have plotted in the city..."»

"Mūsā met the leader of the magicians and said to him, 'If I defeat you, will you believe in me and bear witness that what I brought is the truth?' The magician said, 'Tomorrow, I will produce a type of magic that cannot be defeated by another magic. By Allāh! If you defeat me, I will believe in you and testify to your truth.' Fir'awn was watching them, and this is why he said what he said."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:33.} His statement,

Qur’an 7:123لِتُخْرِجُوا۟ مِنْهَآ أَهْلَهَا

«"to drive out its people"», means, so that you all cooperate to gain influence and power, replacing the chiefs and masters of this land. In this case, power in the state will be yours,

Qur’anفَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

«"but you shall come to know"», what I will do to you. He then explained his threat,

Qur’an 7:124لَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَٰفٍ

«"Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet from opposite sides."»

by cutting the right hand and the left leg or the opposite,

Qur’an 7:124ثُمَّ لَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

«"then I will crucify you all."» just as he said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 20:71فِى جُذُوعِ ٱلنَّخْلِ

«"Fi the trunks of date palms"» [20:71], Fī in this Āyah means "on".

Ibn 'Abbās said that Fir'awn was the first to crucify and cut off hands and legs on opposite sides.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:34.} The magicians said,

Qur’an 7:125إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ

«"Verily, we are returning to our Lord."»

They said, 'We are now sure that we will go back to Allāh. Certainly, Allāh's punishment is more severe than your punishment and His torment for what you are calling us to, this day, and the magic you forced us to practice, is greater than your torment. Therefore, we will observe patience in the face of your punishment today, so that we are saved from Allāh's torment.' They continued,

Qur’an 7:126رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا

«"Our Lord! pour out on us patience"», with your religion and being firm in it,

Qur’an 7:126وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ

«"and cause us to die as Muslims."», as followers of Your Prophet Mūsā, peace be upon him. They also said to Fir'awn,

Qur’an 20:72–75فَٱقْضِ مَآ أَنتَ قَاضٍ إِنَّمَا تَقْضِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغْفِرَ لَنَا خَطَٰيَٰنَا وَمَآ أَكْرَهْتَنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحْرِ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥ مَن يَأْتِ رَبَّهُۥ مُجْرِمًا فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ جَهَنَّمَ لَا يَمُوتُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَحْيَىٰ وَمَن يَأْتِهِۦ مُؤْمِنًا قَدْ عَمِلَ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلدَّرَجَٰتُ ٱلْعُلَىٰ

«"So decide whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decide for the life of this world. Verily, we have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allāh is better [to reward] and more lasting [in punishment]. Verily, whoever comes to his Lord as a criminal, then surely, for him is Hell, wherein he will neither die nor live. But whoever comes to Him (Allāh) as a believer, and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks (in the Hereafter).» [20:72-75].

The magicians started the day as sorcerers and ended as honorable martyrs! Ibn 'Abbās, 'Ubayd bin 'Umayr, Qatādah and Ibn Jurayj commented, "They started the day as sorcerers and ended it as martyrs." ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:36.}

Qur’an 7:127–129وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ أَتَذَرُ مُوسَىٰ وَقَوْمَهُۥ لِيُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَيَذَرَكَ وَءَالِهَتَكَ قَالَ سَنُقَتِّلُ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَنَسْتَحْىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمْ وَإِنَّا فَوْقَهُمْ قَٰهِرُونَ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟ إِنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ لِلَّهِ يُورِثُهَا مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَٱلْعَٰقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ أُوذِينَا مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَأْتِيَنَا وَمِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جِئْتَنَا قَالَ عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُهْلِكَ عَدُوَّكُمْ وَيَسْتَخْلِفَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ

«127. The chiefs of Fir'awn's people said: "Will you leave Mūsā and his people to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?" He said: "We will kill their sons, and let their women live, and we have indeed irresistible power over them."»

«128. Mūsā said to his people: "Seek help in Allāh and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allāh's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His servants; and the (blessed) end is for the pious and righteous persons."»

«129. They said: "We suffered troubles before you came to us, and since you have come to us." He said: "It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you successors on the earth, so that He may see how you act?"»

Fir'awn vows to kill the Children of Israel, Who complain to Mūsā; Allāh promises Them Victory

Allāh mentions the conspiracy of Fir'awn and his people, their ill intentions and their hatred for Mūsā and his people.

Qur’an 7:127وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ

«The chiefs of Fir'awn's people said», to Fir'awn,

Qur’an 7:127أَتَذَرُ مُوسَىٰ وَقَوْمَهُۥ

«"Will you leave Mūsā and his people"», will you let them be free,

Qur’an 7:127لِيُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ

«"to spread mischief in the land"», spreading unrest among your subjects and calling them to worship their Lord instead of you?

Amazingly, these people were worried that Mūsā and his people would cause mischief! Rather, Fir'awn and his people are the mischief-makers, but they did not realize it. They said,

Qur’an 7:127وَيَذَرَكَ وَءَالِهَتَكَ

«"and to abandon you and your gods?"»

'Your gods', according to Ibn 'Abbās, as As-Suddi narrated from him, "Were cows. Whenever they saw a beautiful cow, Fir'awn would command them to worship it. This is why As-Sāmirī, made the statue of a calf that seemed to moo for the Children of Israel."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:38.} Fir'awn accepted his people's recommendation, saying,

Qur’an 7:127سَنُقَتِّلُ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَنَسْتَحْىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمْ

«"We will kill their sons, and let their women live"»

thus reiterating his previous order concerning the Children of Israel. He had tormented them [killing every newly born male] before Mūsā was born, so that Mūsā would not live. However, the opposite of what Fir'awn sought and intended occurred. The same end struck Fir'awn that he intended to subjugate and humiliate the Children of Israel with. Allāh gave victory to the Children of Israel, humiliated and disgraced Fir'awn, and caused him to drown along with his soldiers.

When Fir'awn insisted on his evil plot against the Children of Israel,

Qur’an 7:128قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱصْبِرُوٓا۟

«Mūsā said to his people: "Seek help in Allāh and be patient"»

and promised them that the good end will be theirs and that they will prevail, saying,

Qur’an 7:128–129إِنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ لِلَّهِ يُورِثُهَا مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَٱلْعَٰقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ أُوذِينَا مِن قَبْلِ أَن تَأْتِيَنَا وَمِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جِئْتَنَا

«"Verily, the earth is Allāh's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His servants; and the (blessed) end is for the pious and righteous persons." They said: "We suffered troubles

Qur’an 7:131–137فَإِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْحَسَنَةُ قَالُوا۟ لَنَا هَٰذِهِۦ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَطَّيَّرُوا۟ بِمُوسَىٰ وَمَن مَّعَهُۥٓ أَلَآ إِنَّمَا طَٰٓئِرُهُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ وَقَالُوا۟ مَهْمَا تَأْتِنَا بِهِۦ مِنْ ءَايَةٍ لِّتَسْحَرَنَا بِهَا فَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلطُّوفَانَ وَٱلْجَرَادَ وَٱلْقُمَّلَ وَٱلضَّفَادِعَ وَٱلدَّمَ ءَايَٰتٍ مُّفَصَّلَٰتٍ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ وَكَانُوا۟ قَوْمًا مُّجْرِمِينَ وَلَمَّا وَقَعَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلرِّجْزُ قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَى ٱدْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَهِدَ عِندَكَ لَئِن كَشَفْتَ عَنَّا ٱلرِّجْزَ لَنُؤْمِنَنَّ لَكَ وَلَنُرْسِلَنَّ مَعَكَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ فَلَمَّا كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمُ ٱلرِّجْزَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ هُم بَٰلِغُوهُ إِذَا هُمْ يَنكُثُونَ فَٱنتَقَمْنَا مِنْهُمْ فَأَغْرَقْنَٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَكَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا غَٰفِلِينَ وَأَوْرَثْنَا ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُوا۟ يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ

before you came to us, and since you have come to us."» The Children of Israel replied to Mūsā, 'they (Fir'awn and his people) inflicted humiliation and disgrace on us, some you witnessed, both before and after you came to us, O Mūsā'! Mūsā replied, reminding them of their present situation and how it will change in the future,

Qur’an 7:129عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُهْلِكَ عَدُوَّكُمْ

«"It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy..."» encouraging them to appreciate Allāh when the afflictions are removed and replaced by a bounty.

Qur’an 7:130–131وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَآ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ بِٱلسِّنِينَ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ فَإِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْحَسَنَةُ قَالُوا۟ لَنَا هَٰذِهِۦ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَطَّيَّرُوا۟ بِمُوسَىٰ وَمَن مَّعَهُۥٓ أَلَآ إِنَّمَا طَٰٓئِرُهُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

«130. And indeed We punished the people of Fir'awn with years of drought and lack of fruits (crops), that they might remember (take heed).» «131. But whenever good came to them, they said: "This is for us." And if evil afflicted them, they considered it an omen about Mūsā and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their omens are with Allāh but most of them know not.» Fir'awn and His People suffer Years of Drought Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:130وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَآ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ

«And indeed We punished the people of Fir'awn» We tested and tried them,

Qur’an 7:130بِٱلسِّنِينَ

«with years of drought» of famine due to little produce,

Qur’an 7:130وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ

«and lack of fruits», which is less severe, according to Mujāhid.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:46.} Abu Isḥāq narrated that Rajā' bin Ḥaywah said, "The date tree used to produce only one date!" ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:46.}

Qur’an 7:130–131لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ فَإِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلْحَسَنَةُ

«That they might remember (take heed). But whenever good came to them» such as a fertile season and provisions,

Qur’an 7:131قَالُوا۟ لَنَا هَٰذِهِۦ

«they said, "This is for us."», because we deserve it,

Qur’an 7:131وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ

«and if evil afflicted them» drought and famine,

Qur’an 7:131يَطَّيَّرُوا۟ بِمُوسَىٰ وَمَن مَّعَهُۥٓ

«they considered it an omen Mūsā and those with him.» saying that this hardship is because of them and what they have done.

Qur’an 7:131أَلَآ إِنَّمَا طَٰٓئِرُهُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ

«Verily, their omens are with Allāh» 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:131أَلَآ إِنَّمَا طَٰٓئِرُهُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ

«Verily, their omens are with Allāh» "Allāh says that their afflictions are with and from Him,

Qur’anوَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

«but most of them know not.»"^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:48.}

Qur’an 7:132–135وَقَالُوا۟ مَهْمَا تَأْتِنَا بِهِۦ مِنْ ءَايَةٍ لِّتَسْحَرَنَا بِهَا فَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلطُّوفَانَ وَٱلْجَرَادَ وَٱلْقُمَّلَ وَٱلضَّفَادِعَ وَٱلدَّمَ ءَايَٰتٍ مُّفَصَّلَٰتٍ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ وَكَانُوا۟ قَوْمًا مُّجْرِمِينَ وَلَمَّا وَقَعَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلرِّجْزُ قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَى ٱدْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَهِدَ عِندَكَ لَئِن كَشَفْتَ عَنَّا ٱلرِّجْزَ لَنُؤْمِنَنَّ لَكَ وَلَنُرْسِلَنَّ مَعَكَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ فَلَمَّا كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمُ ٱلرِّجْزَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ هُم بَٰلِغُوهُ إِذَا هُمْ يَنكُثُونَ

«132. They said [to Mūsā]: "Whatever Āyāt you may bring to us, to work therewith your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you."» «133. So We sent on them: the Ṭuwfān, the locusts, the Qummal, the frogs, and the blood (as a succession of) manifest signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were criminals.» «134. And when the punishment struck them, they said: "O Mūsā! Invoke your Lord for us because of His promise to you. If you remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the Children of Israel go with you."» «135. But when We removed the punishment from them for a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word!»

Allāh punishes the People of Fir'awn because of Their Rebellion Allāh describes the rebellion, tyranny, defiance of the truth and insistence on falsehood of the people of Fir'awn, prompting them to proclaim,

Qur’an 7:132مَهْمَا تَأْتِنَا بِهِۦ مِنْ ءَايَةٍ لِّتَسْحَرَنَا بِهَا فَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

«"Whatever Āyāt you may bring to us, to work therewith your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you."»

They said, 'whatever miracle, proof and evidence you bring us, we will neither accept it from you nor believe in you or what you came with.' Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:133فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلطُّوفَانَ

«So We sent on them the Ṭūfān»

Ibn 'Abbās commented; "It was a heavy rain that ruined the produce and fruits." He is also reported to have said that Ṭuwfān refers to mass death. Mujāhid said it is water that carries the plague every where. As for the locust, it is the well-known insect, which is permissible to eat. It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs, that Abu Ya'fūr said that he asked 'Abdullāh bin Abi Awfā about locust. He said, "We participated in seven battles with the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, and we used to eat locusts."^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:535 and Muslim 3:1546.} Ash-Shāfi'ī, Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal and Ibn Mājah recorded from 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam that his father narrated from Ibn 'Umar that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأُحِلَّتْ لَنَا مَيْتَتَانِ وَدَمَانِ: الْحُوتُ وَالْجَرَادُ وَالْكَبِدُ وَالطِّحَالُ

«We were allowed two dead animals and two [kinds of] blood: fish and locust, and kidney and spleen.»^{2Musnad Ash-Shāfi'ī 2:173, Aḥmad 2:97 and Ibn Mājah 2:1073.}

Ibn Abi Najīḥ narrated from Mujāhid about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:133فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلطُّوفَانَ وَٱلْجَرَادَ

«So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts ...»

"Eating the nails on their doors and leaving the wood."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:68.} As for the Qummal, Ibn 'Abbās said that it is the grain bug^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:54.}, or, according to another view; small locusts that do not have wings.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:54.} Similar was reported from Mujāhid, 'Ikrimah and Qatādah. Al-Ḥasan and Sa'īd bin Jubayr said that 'Qummal' are small black insects.^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:55.}

Abu Ja'far bin Jarīr recorded that Sa'īd bin Jubayr said, "When Mūsā came to Fir'awn, he demanded, 'Release the Children of Israel to me.' But, Fir'awn did not comply; and Allāh sent the Ṭuwfān, and that is a rain which continued until they feared that it was a form of torment. They said to Mūsā, 'Invoke your Lord to release us from this rain, and we will believe in you and send the Children of Israel with you.' Mūsā invoked his Lord and He removed the affliction from them. However, they did not believe, nor did they send the Children of Israel with him.

In that year, Allāh allowed (the earth) to grow various types of produce, fruits and grass for them as never before. They said, 'This is what we hoped for.' So Allāh sent the locusts, and the locusts started to feed on the grass. When they saw the effect the locusts had on the grass, they knew that no vegetation would be saved from devastation. They said, 'O Mūsā! Invoke your Lord so that He will remove the locusts from us, and we will believe in you and release the Children of Israel to you.' Mūsā invoked his Lord, and He removed the locusts. Still, they did not believe and did not send the Children of Israel with him.

They collected grains and kept them in their homes. They said, 'We saved our crops.' However, Allāh sent the Qummal, grain bugs, and one of them would take ten bags of grains to the mill, but only reap three small bags of grain. They said, 'O Mūsā! Ask your Lord to remove the Qummal (weevil) from us and we will believe in you and send the Children of Israel with you.' Mūsā invoked his Lord, and Allāh removed the Qummal from them. However, they did not send the Children of Israel with him.

Once, when he was with Fir'awn, Mūsā heard the sound of a frog and said to Fir'awn, 'What will you and your people suffer from this (the frogs)?' Fir'awn said, 'What can frogs do?' Yet, by the time that night arrived a person would be sitting in a crowd of frogs that reached up to his chin and could not open his mouth to speak without a frog jumping in it. They said to Mūsā, 'Invoke your Lord to remove these frogs from us, and we will believe in you and send the Children of Israel with you.' Mūsā invoked his Lord, but they did not believe.

Allāh then sent blood that filled the rivers, wells and the water containers they had. They complained to Fir'awn, saying, 'We are inflicted with blood and do not have anything to drink.' He said, 'Mūsā has bewitched you.' They said, 'How could he do that when whenever we look for water in our containers we found that it has turned into blood?' They came to Mūsā and said, 'Invoke your Lord to save us from this blood, and we will believe in you and send the Children of Israel with you.' Mūsā invoked his Lord and the blood stopped, but they did not believe nor send the Children of Israel with him." A similar account was attributed to Ibn 'Abbās, As-Suddi, Qatādah and several others among the Salaf.

Muḥammad bin Isḥāq bin Yasār said, "The enemy of Allāh, Fir'awn, went back defeated and humiliated, after the sorcerers believed (in Mūsā). He insisted on remaining in disbelief and persisted in wickedness. Allāh sent down the signs to him, and he (and his people) were first inflicted by famine. Allāh then sent the flood, the locusts, the Qummal, the frogs then blood, as consecutive signs. When Allāh sent the flood, it filled the surface of the earth with water. But the water level receded, and they could not make use of it to till the land or do anything else. They became hungry. This is when,

Qur’an 7:134قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَى ٱدْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَهِدَ عِندَكَ لَئِن كَشَفْتَ عَنَّا ٱلرِّجْزَ لَنُؤْمِنَنَّ لَكَ وَلَنُرْسِلَنَّ مَعَكَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ

«They said: "O Mūsā! Invoke your Lord for us because of His promise to you. If you remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the Children of Israel go with you."»

Mūsā invoked his Lord and He removed the affliction from them, but they did not keep their promises.

So Allāh sent locusts that ate the trees and consumed the nails on their doors, until the doors fell from their homes and residences. They again said what they said to Mūsā before, and he called on his Lord and He removed the affliction.

Still, they did not keep their promises, and Allāh sent the Qummal. Mūsā, peace be upon him, was commanded to go to a mound and strike it with his staff. So Mūsā went to a huge mound, struck it with his staff and the Qummal fell out of it in tremendous numbers, until they overwhelmed the houses and food reserves, ultimately depriving them of sleep and rest. When they suffered under this affliction, they said similar to what they said before, and Mūsā invoked his Lord and He removed the affliction. They did not keep their promise and Allāh sent the frogs to them, and they filled the houses, foods and pots. One of them would not pick up a piece of clothing, or uncover some food, without finding frogs in it. When this affliction became hard on them, they made similar promises as before, Mūsā supplicated to his Lord and Allāh removed the affliction. They did not keep any of the promises they made, and Allāh sent the blood, and the waters of the people of Fir'awn turned to blood. Any water they collected from a well, a river, or a container, turned to blood."^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:63.}

Qur’an 7:136–137فَٱنتَقَمْنَا مِنْهُمْ فَأَغْرَقْنَٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَكَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا غَٰفِلِينَ وَأَوْرَثْنَا ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُوا۟ يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ

«136. So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our Āyāt and were heedless with them.» «137. And We made the people who were considered weak to inherit the eastern parts of the land and the western parts thereof which We have blessed. And the fair Word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because of their endurance. And We destroyed what Fir'awn and his people produced, and what they erected.»

The People of Fir'awn drown in the Sea; the Children of Israel inherit the Holy Land Allāh states that when the people of Fir'awn rebelled and transgressed, even though He inflicted them with consecutive signs, one after another, He took retribution from them by drowning them in the sea that Mūsā parted by Allāh's power, and he and the Children of Israel passed through. In their pursuit, Fir'awn and his soldiers went in the sea chasing Mūsā and his people. When they all had gone inside the water, the sea closed in on them and they all drowned, because they belied the Āyāt of Allāh and were heedless of them. Allāh said that He has granted the people who were considered weak, the Children of Israel, to inherit the eastern and western parts of the land. Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri and Qatādah commented that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:137مَشَٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا

«...the eastern parts of the land and the western parts thereof which We have blessed.» refers to the Shām area (Greater Syria). Also, Mujāhid and Ibn Jarīr said that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:137وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟

«And the fair Word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because of their endurance.» is explained by Allāh's other statement,

Qur’an 28:5–6وَنُرِيدُ أَن نَّمُنَّ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَنَجْعَلَهُمْ أَئِمَّةً وَنَجْعَلَهُمُ ٱلْوَٰرِثِينَ وَنُمَكِّنَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَنُرِىَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَحْذَرُونَ

«And We wished to do a favor to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors. And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir'awn and Hāmān and their hosts receive from them that which they feared» [28:5-6]. Further, Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:137وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ

«And We destroyed what Fir'awn and his people produced,» meaning, We destroyed what Fir'awn and his people produced, such as agriculture and buildings.

Qur’an 7:138–143وَجَٰوَزْنَا بِبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱلْبَحْرَ فَأَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ يَعْكُفُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَصْنَامٍ لَّهُمْ قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَى ٱجْعَل لَّنَآ إِلَٰهًا كَمَا لَهُمْ ءَالِهَةٌ قَالَ إِنَّكُمْ قَوْمٌ تَجْهَلُونَ إِنَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مُتَبَّرٌ مَّا هُمْ فِيهِ وَبَٰطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ قَالَ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبْغِيكُمْ إِلَٰهًا وَهُوَ فَضَّلَكُمْ عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ وَإِذْ أَنجَيْنَٰكُم مِّنْ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُومُونَكُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يُقَتِّلُونَ أَبْنَآءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُونَ نِسَآءَكُمْ وَفِى ذَٰلِكُم بَلَآءٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَظِيمٌ وَوَٰعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰ ثَلَٰثِينَ لَيْلَةً وَأَتْمَمْنَٰهَا بِعَشْرٍ فَتَمَّ مِيقَٰتُ رَبِّهِۦٓ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِأَخِيهِ هَٰرُونَ ٱخْلُفْنِى فِى قَوْمِى وَأَصْلِحْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ وَلَمَّا جَآءَ مُوسَىٰ لِمِيقَٰتِنَا وَكَلَّمَهُۥ رَبُّهُۥ قَالَ رَبِّ أَرِنِىٓ أَنظُرْ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ لَن تَرَىٰنِى وَلَٰكِنِ ٱنظُرْ إِلَى ٱلْجَبَلِ فَإِنِ ٱسْتَقَرَّ مَكَانَهُۥ فَسَوْفَ تَرَىٰنِى فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُۥ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُۥ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا فَلَمَّآ أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Qur’an 7:137وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ

«and what they erected.» Ibn 'Abbās and Mujā-hid said that يَعْرِشُونَ

Qur’anيَعْرِشُونَ

«they erected» means, they built.

Qur’an 7:138–139وَجَٰوَزْنَا بِبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱلْبَحْرَ فَأَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ يَعْكُفُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَصْنَامٍ لَّهُمْ قَالُوا۟ يَٰمُوسَى ٱجْعَل لَّنَآ إِلَٰهًا كَمَا لَهُمْ ءَالِهَةٌ قَالَ إِنَّكُمْ قَوْمٌ تَجْهَلُونَ إِنَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مُتَبَّرٌ مَّا هُمْ فِيهِ وَبَٰطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«138. And We brought the Children of Israel (with safety) across the sea, and they came upon a people devoted to some of their idols (in worship). They said: "O Mūsā! Make for us a god as they have gods." He said: "Verily, you are an ignorant people."» «139. [Mūsā added:] "Verily, these people will be destroyed for that which they are engaged in (idols' worship). And all that they are doing is in vain."»

The Children of Israel safely cross the Sea, but still held on to the Idea of Idol Worshipping

Allāh mentions the words that the ignorant ones among the Children of Israel uttered to Mūsā after they crossed the sea and witnessed Allāh's Āyāt and great power.

Qur’an 7:138فَأَتَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ يَعْكُفُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَصْنَامٍ لَّهُمْ

«And they came upon a people devoted to some of their idols (in worship).﴿

Some scholars of Tafsīr said that the people mentioned here were from Canaan, or from the tribe of Lakhm. Ibn Jarīr commented, "They were worshipping idols that they made in the shape of cows, and this influenced the Children of Israel later when they worshipped the calf. They said here,

Qur’an 7:138يَٰمُوسَى ٱجْعَل لَّنَآ إِلَٰهًا كَمَا لَهُمْ ءَالِهَةٌ قَالَ إِنَّكُمْ قَوْمٌ تَجْهَلُونَ

«"O Mūsā! Make for us a god as they have gods." He said: "Verily, you are an ignorant people."»^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:80.}

Mūsā replied, you are ignorant of Allāh's greatness and majesty and His purity from any partners or anything resembling Him.

Qur’an 7:139إِنَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مُتَبَّرٌ مَّا هُمْ فِيهِ

«"Verily, these people will be destroyed for that which they are engaged in» they will perish,

Qur’anوَبَٰطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«"and all that they are doing is in vain."»

Commenting on this Āyah, Imām Abu Ja'far bin Jarīr reported from Abu Wāqid Al-Laythi that they (the Companions) went out from Makkah with the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ for (the battle of) Ḥunayn. Abu Wāqid said, "Some of the disbelievers had a lote tree whose vicinity they used to remain in, and upon which they would hang their weapons on. That tree was called 'Dhāt Al-Anwāṭ'. So when we passed by a huge, green lote tree, we said, 'O Messenger of Allāh! Appoint for us a Dhāt Al-Anwāṭ as they have.' He said, «قُلْتُمْ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ كَمَا قَالَ قَوْمُ مُوسَىٰ لِمُوسَىٰ: «by He in Whose Hand is my soul! You said just as what the people of Mūsā said to him :

Qur’an 7:138–139ٱجْعَل لَّنَآ إِلَٰهًا كَمَا لَهُمْ ءَالِهَةٌ قَالَ إِنَّكُمْ قَوْمٌ تَجْهَلُونَ إِنَّ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مُتَبَّرٌ مَّا هُمْ فِيهِ وَبَٰطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«"Make for us a god as they have gods." He said: "Verily, you are an ignorant people. Verily, these people will be destroyed for that which they are engaged in, and all that they are doing is in vain."»"^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:82.}

Qur’an 7:140–141قَالَ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبْغِيكُمْ إِلَٰهًا وَهُوَ فَضَّلَكُمْ عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ وَإِذْ أَنجَيْنَٰكُم مِّنْ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُومُونَكُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يُقَتِّلُونَ أَبْنَآءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُونَ نِسَآءَكُمْ وَفِى ذَٰلِكُم بَلَآءٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَظِيمٌ

«140. He said: "Shall I seek for you an ilāh (a god) other than Allāh, while He has given you superiority over the nations."» «141. And (remember) when We rescued you from Fir'awn's people, who were afflicting you with the worst torment, killing your sons and letting your women live. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.»

Reminding the Children of Israel of Allāh's Blessings for Them

Mūsā reminded the Children of Israel of Allāh's blessings, such as saving them from Fir'awn, his tyranny and the humiliation and disgrace they suffered. He reminded them of the glory and revenge against their enemy, when they watched them suffering in disgrace, destroyed by drowning and meeting utter demise. We mentioned this subject in the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Baqarah.^{1See the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Baqarah [2:49-50].}

Qur’an 7:142وَوَٰعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰ ثَلَٰثِينَ لَيْلَةً وَأَتْمَمْنَٰهَا بِعَشْرٍ فَتَمَّ مِيقَٰتُ رَبِّهِۦٓ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِأَخِيهِ هَٰرُونَ ٱخْلُفْنِى فِى قَوْمِى وَأَصْلِحْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

«142. And We appointed for Mūsā thirty nights and added ten, and he completed the term, appointed by his Lord, of forty nights. And Mūsā said to his brother Hārūn: "Replace me among my people, act in the right way and follow not the way of the mischief-makers."»

Mūsā fasts and worships Allāh for Forty Days

Allāh reminds the Children of Israel of the guidance that He sent to them by speaking directly to Mūsā and revealing the Tawrāh to him. In it, was their law and the details of their legislation. Allāh stated here that He appointed thirty nights for Mūsā. The scholars of Tafsīr said that Mūsā fasted this period, and when they ended, Mūsā cleaned his teeth with a twig. Allāh commanded him to complete the term adding ten more days, making the total forty. When the appointed term finished, Mūsā was about to return to Mount Ṭūr, as Allāh said,

Qur’an 20:80يَٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ قَدْ أَنجَيْنَٰكُم مِّنْ عَدُوِّكُمْ وَوَٰعَدْنَٰكُمْ جَانِبَ ٱلطُّورِ ٱلْأَيْمَنَ

«O Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the right side of the Mount» [20:80].

Mūsā left his brother Hārūn with the Children of Israel and commanded him to use wisdom and refrain from mischief. This was only a reminder, for Hārūn was an honorable and noble Prophet who had grace and exalted standard with Allāh, may Allāh's peace and blessings be upon him and the rest of the Prophets.

Qur’an 7:143وَلَمَّا جَآءَ مُوسَىٰ لِمِيقَٰتِنَا وَكَلَّمَهُۥ رَبُّهُۥ قَالَ رَبِّ أَرِنِىٓ أَنظُرْ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ لَن تَرَىٰنِى وَلَٰكِنِ ٱنظُرْ إِلَى ٱلْجَبَلِ فَإِنِ ٱسْتَقَرَّ مَكَانَهُۥ فَسَوْفَ تَرَىٰنِى فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُۥ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُۥ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا فَلَمَّآ أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

«143. And when Mūsā came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord (Allāh) spoke to him; he said: "O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You." Allāh said: "You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain; if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me." So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse to dust, and Mūsā fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers."»

Mūsā asks to see Allāh

Allāh said that when Mūsā came for His appointment and spoke to Him directly, he asked to see Him,

Qur’an 7:143رَبِّ أَرِنِىٓ أَنظُرْ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ لَن تَرَىٰنِى

«"O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You." Allāh said: "You cannot see Me,"»

'You cannot' (Lan) by no means indicates that seeing Allāh will never occur, as (the misguided sect of) Al-Mu'tazilah claimed. The Ḥadīths of Mutawātir grade^{1Having numerous narrators in each link of every chain.} narrated from the Messenger of Allāh, affirm that the believers will see Allāh in the Hereafter. We will mention these Ḥadīths under the explanation of Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 75:22–23وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَّاضِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهَا نَاظِرَةٌ

«Some faces that Day shall be radiant. Looking at their Lord.» [75:22-23]

In earlier Scriptures, it was reported that Allāh said to Mūsā, "O Mūsā! No living soul sees Me, but will perish, and no solid but will be demolished."^{2Al-Bidāyah wan-Nihāyah 3:112.} Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:143فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُۥ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُۥ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا

«So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse to dust, and Mūsā fell down unconscious.»

In his Musnad Imām Aḥmad recorded from Anas bin Mālik that the Prophet ﷺ said about Allāh's saying;

Qur’an 7:143فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُۥ لِلْجَبَلِ

«And when his Lord appeared to the mountain,»

«هٰكَذَا»

«Like this» then he held out the tip of his little finger.^{3Aḥmad 3:125.} At-Tirmidhi recorded this in the chapter of Tafsīr for this Āyah, then he said; "This Ḥadīth is Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ Gharīb." ^{4Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 8:451.}This was also recorded by Al-Ḥākim in his Mustadrak through the route of Ḥamād bin Salamah, and he said; "This Ḥadīth is Ṣaḥīḥ according to the criteria of Muslim and they did not record it."^{5Al-Ḥākim 2:320.} And As-Suddi reported that 'Ikrimah reported from Ibn 'Abbās about Allāh's saying,

Qur’an 7:143فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُۥ لِلْجَبَلِ

«And when his Lord appeared to the mountain,» Only the extent of the little finger appeared from Him,

Qur’an 7:143جَعَلَهُۥ دَكًّا

«He made it collapse» as dust;

Qur’an 7:143وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا

«And Mūsā fell down unconscious» fainting from it. Ibn Jarīr recorded these because of the relation to the word Al-Ghashī.^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:97.}

Qur’an 7:143فَلَمَّآ أَفَاقَ

«Then when he (Mūsā) recovered his senses» after he lost consciousness,

Qur’an 7:143قَالَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ

«he said: "Glory be to You,"» thus, praising, glorifying and honoring Allāh since no living soul could see Him in this life and remain alive. Mūsā' statement,

Qur’an 7:143تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ

«"I turn to You in repentance"» means, according to Mujāhid, that from asking you to look at you,

Qur’an 7:143وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

«"and I am the first of the believers."», among the Children of Israel, according to Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid, and Ibn Jarīr preferred this view. Or, according to another narration from Ibn 'Abbās, the meaning of,

Qur’an 7:143وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

«"and I am the first of the believers."», is that 'none shall see You (in this life).' Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:143وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا

«And Mūsā fell down unconscious.»

Qur’an 7:144–149قَالَ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّى ٱصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِرِسَٰلَٰتِى وَبِكَلَٰمِى فَخُذْ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ وَكَتَبْنَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْأَلْوَاحِ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مَّوْعِظَةً وَتَفْصِيلًا لِّكُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَخُذْهَا بِقُوَّةٍ وَأْمُرْ قَوْمَكَ يَأْخُذُوا۟ بِأَحْسَنِهَا سَأُو۟رِيكُمْ دَارَ ٱلْفَٰسِقِينَ سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ ءَايَٰتِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ سَبِيلَ ٱلرُّشْدِ لَا يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ سَبِيلَ ٱلْغَىِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَكَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا غَٰفِلِينَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَلِقَآءِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ وَٱتَّخَذَ قَوْمُ مُوسَىٰ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ مِنْ حُلِيِّهِمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَّهُۥ خُوَارٌ أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّهُۥ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمْ وَلَا يَهْدِيهِمْ سَبِيلًا ٱتَّخَذُوهُ وَكَانُوا۟ ظَٰلِمِينَ وَلَمَّا سُقِطَ فِىٓ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَرَأَوْا۟ أَنَّهُمْ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ قَالُوا۟ لَئِن لَّمْ يَرْحَمْنَا رَبُّنَا وَيَغْفِرْ لَنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

Abu Sa'īd Al-Khudri and Abu Hurayrah narrated a Ḥadīth from the Prophet ﷺ that is suitable to mention here. As for the Ḥadīth from Abu Sa'īd, Al-Bukhāri recorded in his Ṣaḥīḥ that he said: A Jew came to the Prophet ﷺ after his face was smacked, and said, "O Muḥammad! One of your companions from Al-Anṣār smacked me on the face." The Prophet ﷺ said, «ادْعُوهُ» «Summon him» and he was summoned. The Prophet ﷺ asked him,

Ḥadīthلِمَ لَطَمْتَ وَجْهَهُ؟

«Why did you smack his face?» He said, "O Allāh's Messenger! I passed by that Jew and heard him swearing, 'No, by He Who has chosen Mūsā over mankind!' I said, 'Over Muḥammad too?', and I became angry and struck his face." The Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَا تُخَيِّرُونِي مِنْ بَيْنِ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ فَإِنَّ النَّاسَ يَصْعَقُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَأَكُونُ أَوَّلَ مَنْ يُفِيقُ، فَإِذَا أَنَا بِمُوسَى آخِذٌ بِقَائِمَةٍ مِنْ قَوَائِمِ الْعَرْشِ، فَلَا أَدْرِي أَفَاقَ قَبْلِي أَمْ جُوزِيَ بِصَعْقَةِ الطُّورِ

«Do not prefer me above the Prophets. Verily, on the Day of Resurrection, people will be struck unconscious, and I (feel that I) am the first to wake up. Thereupon I will find that Mūsā is holding onto a pillar of the Throne ('Arsh of Allāh). I will not know if he woke up before me or he received his due (because of his) unconsciousness on (Mount) Aṭ-Ṭur.»^{7Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:152.}

Al-Bukhāri recorded this Ḥadīth in many locations of his Ṣaḥīḥ, as did Muslim and Abu Dāwud.^{8Al-Bukhāri, nos. 4638, 2412, 6917, 3398, 7427 and 6518, Muslim 2374 and Abu Dāwud 4668.} As for the Ḥadīth from Abu Hurayrah, Imām Aḥmad and the Two Shaykhs (Al-Bukhāri and Muslim) collected his narration.^{9Aḥmad 2:264, Fatḥ Al-Bāri 13:455 and Muslim 4:1844.}

Qur’an 7:144–145قَالَ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّى ٱصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِرِسَٰلَٰتِى وَبِكَلَٰمِى فَخُذْ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ وَكَتَبْنَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْأَلْوَاحِ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مَّوْعِظَةً وَتَفْصِيلًا لِّكُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَخُذْهَا بِقُوَّةٍ وَأْمُرْ قَوْمَكَ يَأْخُذُوا۟ بِأَحْسَنِهَا سَأُو۟رِيكُمْ دَارَ ٱلْفَٰسِقِينَ

«144. (Allāh) said: "O Mūsā I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you). So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful."»

«145. And We wrote for him on the Tablets the exhortation all things and the explanation for all things (and said): Hold unto these with firmness, and enjoin your people to take the better therein. I shall show you the home of the rebellious.»

Allāh chooses Mūsā and gives Him the Tablets

Allāh states that He spoke to Mūsā directly and informed him that He has chosen him above the people of his time, by His Message and by speaking to him.

Here we should mention that there is no doubt that Muḥammad ﷺ is the chief of all the Children of Ādam, the earlier and later ones among them. This is why Allāh has chosen him to be the Final and Last Prophet and Messenger, whose Law shall remain dominant and valid until the commencement of the Last Hour. Muḥammad's followers are more numerous than the followers of all Prophets and Messengers. After Muḥammad ﷺ, the next in rank of honor and virtue is Ibrāhīm upon him be peace„ then Mūsā, son of 'Imrān, who spoke to the Most Beneficent directly. Allāh commanded Mūsā, saying,

Qur’an 7:144فَخُذْ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُكَ

«So hold to that which I have given you», of My Speech and conversation with you,

Qur’an 7:144وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

«and be of the grateful» , for it and do not ask for what is beyond your capacity to bear.

Allāh stated that He has written lessons and exhortation for all things and explanations for all things on the Tablets. It was said that in the Tablets, Allāh wrote advice and the details of the commandments for lawful and prohibited matters. The Tablets contained the Tawrāh, that Allāh described;

Qur’an 28:43وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا مُوسَى ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَآ أَهْلَكْنَا ٱلْقُرُونَ ٱلْأُولَىٰ بَصَآئِرَ لِلنَّاسِ

«And indeed We gave Mūsā - after We had destroyed the generations of old - the Scripture as an enlightenment for mankind»[28:43].

It was also said that Allāh gave Mūsā the Tablets before the Tawrāh, and Allāh knows best. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:145فَخُذْهَا بِقُوَّةٍ

«Hold unto these with firmness», be firm on the obedience,

Qur’an 7:145وَأْمُرْ قَوْمَكَ يَأْخُذُوا۟ بِأَحْسَنِهَا

«and enjoin your people to take the better therein.»

Sufyān bin 'Uyaynah said, "Abu Sa'd narrated to us from 'Ikrimah from Ibn 'Abbās that "Mūsā, peace be upon him, was commanded to adhere to the toughest of what was ordained on his people." ^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:110.}Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:145سَأُو۟رِيكُمْ دَارَ ٱلْفَٰسِقِينَ

«I shall show you the home of the rebellious»,

means, you will witness the recompense of those who defy My order and deviate from My obedience, the destruction, demise and utter loss they will suffer.

Qur’an 7:146سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ ءَايَٰتِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ سَبِيلَ ٱلرُّشْدِ لَا يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ سَبِيلَ ٱلْغَىِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا

Qur’an 7:146–147ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَكَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا غَٰفِلِينَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَلِقَآءِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«146. I shall turn away from My Āyāt those who behave arrogantly on the earth, without a right, and (even) if they see all the Āyāt, they will not believe in them. And if they see the way of righteousness, they will not adopt it as the way, but if they see the way of error, they will adopt that way, that is because they have rejected Our Āyāt and were heedless of them.»

«147. Those who deny Our Āyāt and the meeting in the Hereafter, vain are their deeds. Are they requited with anything except what they used to do?»

Arrogant People will be deprived of Allāh's Āyāt

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:146سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ ءَايَٰتِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ

«I shall turn away from My Āyāt those who behave arrogantly on the earth, without a right».

Allāh says, "I shall deprive the hearts of those who are too proud to obey Me, and arrogant with people without right, from understanding the signs and proofs that testify to My Might, Law and Commandments." And just as they acted arrogantly without justification, Allāh has disgraced them with ignorance. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 6:110وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

«And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time» [6:110], and,

Qur’an 61:5فَلَمَّا زَاغُوٓا۟ أَزَاغَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ

«So when they turned away (from the path of Allāh), Allāh turned their hearts away (from the right path).» [61:5]

Sufyān bin 'Uyaynah commented on this Āyah,

Qur’an 7:146سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ ءَايَٰتِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ

«I shall turn away from My Āyāt those who behave arrogantly on the earth, without a right»,

"(Allāh says) I shall snatch away comprehension of the Qur'ān from them and turn them away from My Āyāt."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:112.} Ibn Jarīr commented on Sufyān's statement that, "This indicates that this part of the Āyah is addressed to this Ummah." ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:113.}This is not necessarily true, for Ibn 'Uyaynah actually meant that this occurs in every Ummah and that there is no difference between one Ummah and another Ummah in this regard. Allāh knows best. Allāh said next,

Qur’anوَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا

«and (even) if they see all the Āyāt, they will not believe in them». Allāh said in a similar Āyah,

Qur’an 10:96–97إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِمْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَلَوْ جَآءَتْهُمْ كُلُّ ءَايَةٍ حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَلِيمَ

«Truly, those, against whom the Word (wrath) of your Lord has been justified, will not believe. Even if every sign should come to them, until they see the painful torment.» [10:96-97]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:146وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ سَبِيلَ ٱلرُّشْدِ لَا يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا

«And if they see the way of righteousness, they will not adopt it as the way,»

means, even if the way of guidance and safety appears before them, they will not take it, but if the way that leads to destruction and misguidance appears to them, they adopt that way. Allāh explains why they do this,

Qur’an 7:146ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا

«that is because they have rejected Our Āyāt», in their hearts,

Qur’anوَكَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا غَٰفِلِينَ

«and were heedless of them.», gaining no lessons from the Āyāt. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:147وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَلِقَآءِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ

«Those who deny Our Āyāt and the meeting in the Hereafter, vain are their deeds.»

indicates that whoever among them does this, remaining on this path until death, then all his deeds will be in vain. Allāh said next,

Qur’anهَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«Are they requited with anything except what they used to do?»

meaning, 'We only recompense them according to the deeds that they performed, good for good and evil for evil. Surely, as you bring forth, you reap the harvest thereof.'

Qur’an 7:148–149وَٱتَّخَذَ قَوْمُ مُوسَىٰ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ مِنْ حُلِيِّهِمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَّهُۥ خُوَارٌ أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّهُۥ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمْ وَلَا يَهْدِيهِمْ سَبِيلًا ٱتَّخَذُوهُ وَكَانُوا۟ ظَٰلِمِينَ وَلَمَّا سُقِطَ فِىٓ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَرَأَوْا۟ أَنَّهُمْ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ قَالُوا۟ لَئِن لَّمْ يَرْحَمْنَا رَبُّنَا وَيَغْفِرْ لَنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

«148. And the people of Mūsā made in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image of a calf (for worship). It had a sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to the way? They took it (for worship) and they were wrongdoers.»

«149. And when they regretted and saw that they had gone astray, they said: "If our Lord have not mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall certainly be of the losers"»

Story of worshipping the Calf

Allāh describes the misguidance of those who worshipped the calf that As-Sāmirī made for them from the ornaments they borrowed from the Copts. He made the shape of a calf with these ornaments and threw in it a handful of dust from the trace of the horse that the Angel Jibrīl was riding, and the calf seemed to moo. This occurred after Mūsā went for the appointed term with his Lord, where Allāh told him about what happened when he was on Mount Ṭūr. Allāh said about His Honorable Self,

Qur’an 20:85قَالَ فَإِنَّا قَدْ فَتَنَّا قَوْمَكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِكَ وَأَضَلَّهُمُ ٱلسَّامِرِىُّ

«(Allāh) said: "Verily, We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Sāmirī has led them astray"» [20:85].

The scholars of Tafsīr have different views over the calf, whether it actually became alive and mooing, or if it remained made of gold, but the air entering it made it appear to be mooing. These are two opinions. Allāh knows best. It was reported that when the statue mooed, the Jews started dancing around it and fell into misguidance because they adored it. They said that this, the calf, is your god and the god of Mūsā, but Mūsā forgot it! Allāh answered them,

Qur’an 20:89أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَلَّا يَرْجِعُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَوْلًا وَلَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا

«Did they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had neither power to harm them nor to do them good?» [20:89]. Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:148أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّهُۥ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمْ وَلَا يَهْدِيهِمْ سَبِيلًا

«Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to the way?»

Allāh condemned the Jews for falling into misguidance, worshipping the calf and ignoring the Creator of the heavens and earth, the Lord and King of all things. They worshipped besides Him a statue made in the shape of a calf, that seemed to moo, but it neither spoke to them nor brought them any benefit. Rather, their very sense of reason was blinded because of ignorance and misguidance.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:149وَلَمَّا سُقِطَ فِىٓ أَيْدِيهِمْ

«And when they regretted», and felt sorrow for their action,

Qur’an 7:149وَرَأَوْا۟ أَنَّهُمْ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ قَالُوا۟ لَئِن لَّمْ يَرْحَمْنَا رَبُّنَا وَيَغْفِرْ لَنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ

«and saw that they had gone astray, they said: "If our Lord have not mercy upon us and forgive us, we will certainly become among the losers."»

or among the destroyed ones. This was their recognition of their sin and their way of seeking salvation from Allāh the Most Mighty and Majestic.

Qur’an 7:150–155وَلَمَّا رَجَعَ مُوسَىٰٓ إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ غَضْبَٰنَ أَسِفًا قَالَ بِئْسَمَا خَلَفْتُمُونِى مِنۢ بَعْدِىٓ أَعَجِلْتُمْ أَمْرَ رَبِّكُمْ وَأَلْقَى ٱلْأَلْوَاحَ وَأَخَذَ بِرَأْسِ أَخِيهِ يَجُرُّهُۥٓ إِلَيْهِ قَالَ ٱبْنَ أُمَّ إِنَّ ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱسْتَضْعَفُونِى وَكَادُوا۟ يَقْتُلُونَنِى فَلَا تُشْمِتْ بِىَ ٱلْأَعْدَآءَ وَلَا تَجْعَلْنِى مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ قَالَ رَبِّ ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِأَخِى وَأَدْخِلْنَا فِى رَحْمَتِكَ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ ٱلْعِجْلَ سَيَنَالُهُمْ غَضَبٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَذِلَّةٌ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُفْتَرِينَ وَٱلَّذِينَ عَمِلُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ثُمَّ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا وَءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ وَلَمَّا سَكَتَ عَن مُّوسَى ٱلْغَضَبُ أَخَذَ ٱلْأَلْوَاحَ وَفِى نُسْخَتِهَا هُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِرَبِّهِمْ يَرْهَبُونَ 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

«150. And when Mūsā returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said: "What an evil thing is that which you have done during my absence. Did you hasten in matter of your Lord?" And he threw down the Tablets and seized his brother by (the hair of) his head and dragged him towards him. He (Hārūn) said: "O son of my mother! Indeed the people judged me weak and were about to kill me, so make not the enemies rejoice over me, nor put me among the people who are wrongdoers."»

«151. He (Mūsā) said: "O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy."»

Allāh states that when Mūsā returned to his people after conversation with his Lord, he became angry and full of regret. Abu Ad-Dardā' said that Asif, or regret, is the severest type of anger.

Qur’an 7:150قَالَ بِئْسَمَا خَلَفْتُمُونِى مِنۢ بَعْدِىٓ

«He (Mūsā) said: "What an evil thing is that which you have done during my absence."»

evil it is that which you committed after I departed and left you, by worshiping the calf,

Qur’an 7:150أَعَجِلْتُمْ أَمْرَ رَبِّكُمْ

«Did you hasten in the matter of your Lord? »

Mūsā said, 'You wanted me to rush back to you, even though [being there] this was Allāh's decision?' Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:150وَأَلْقَى ٱلْأَلْوَاحَ وَأَخَذَ بِرَأْسِ أَخِيهِ يَجُرُّهُۥٓ إِلَيْهِ

«And he threw down the Tablets and seized his brother by his head and dragged him towards him.»

This Āyah demonstrates the meaning of the Ḥadīth,

Ḥadīthلَيْسَ الْخَبَرُ كَالْمُعَايَنَةِ

«Information is not the same as observation.»^{1Aḥmad 1:271.}

It indicates that Mūsā threw down the Tablets because he was angry at his people, according to the majority of scholars of early and latter times. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:150وَأَخَذَ بِرَأْسِ أَخِيهِ يَجُرُّهُۥٓ إِلَيْهِ

«and seized his brother by (the hair of) his head and dragged him towards him.»

for Mūsā feared that Hārūn might have not tried hard enough to forbid them from their evil action. In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 20:92–94قَالَ يَٰهَٰرُونُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِذْ رَأَيْتَهُمْ ضَلُّوٓا۟ أَلَّا تَتَّبِعَنِ أَفَعَصَيْتَ أَمْرِى قَالَ يَبْنَؤُمَّ لَا تَأْخُذْ بِلِحْيَتِى وَلَا بِرَأْسِىٓ إِنِّى خَشِيتُ أَن تَقُولَ فَرَّقْتَ بَيْنَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ وَلَمْ تَرْقُبْ قَوْلِى

«He [Mūsā] said: "O Hārūn ! What prevented you when you saw them going astray. That you followed me not (according to my advice to you)? Have you then disobeyed my order?" He [Hārūn] said: "O son of my mother! Seize (me) not by my beard, nor by my head! Verily, I feared lest you should say: 'You have caused a division among the Children of Israel, and you have not respected (waited or observed) my word!'"» [20:92-94].

Here, Allāh said that Hārūn said,

Qur’an 7:150ٱبْنَ أُمَّ إِنَّ ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱسْتَضْعَفُونِى وَكَادُوا۟ يَقْتُلُونَنِى فَلَا تُشْمِتْ بِىَ ٱلْأَعْدَآءَ وَلَا تَجْعَلْنِى مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«"O son of my mother! Indeed the people judged me weak and were about to kill me, so make not the enemies rejoice over me, nor put me among the people who are wrongdoers."»

Hārūn said, 'Do not place me on the same level as they are, as if I was one of them.' Further, Hārūn said, 'O son of my mother', so that Mūsā would feel more mercy and leniency towards him, even though Hārūn was also the son of Mūsā's father. When Mūsā was satisfied that his brother was innocent,

Qur’an 20:90وَلَقَدْ قَالَ لَهُمْ هَٰرُونُ مِن قَبْلُ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنَّمَا فُتِنتُم بِهِۦ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى وَأَطِيعُوٓا۟ أَمْرِى

«And Hārūn indeed had said to them beforehand: "O my people! You are being tried in this, and verily, your Lord is (Allāh) the Most Gracious, so follow me and obey my order."» [20:90], this is when,

Qur’anقَالَ

«he said» Mūsā,

Qur’an 7:151رَبِّ ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِأَخِى وَأَدْخِلْنَا فِى رَحْمَتِكَ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

«"O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your mercy, for you are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy."»

Ibn Abi Ḥātim recorded that Ibn 'Abbās said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيَرْحَمُ اللهُ مُوسَى لَيْسَ الْمُعَايِنُ كَالْمُخْبِرِ أَخْبَرَهُ رَبُّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنَّ قَوْمَهُ فَتِنُوا بَعْدَهُ فَلَمْ يُلْقِ الْأَلْوَاحَ فَلَمَّا رَآهُمْ وَعَايَنَهُمْ أَلْقَى الْأَلْوَاحَ

«May Allāh grant His mercy to Mūsā! Surely, he who observes [something] is nothing like he who is informed about it. His Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored, told him that his people were tested after him, but he did not throw the Tablets. When he saw them with his eyes, then he threw the Tablets.”^{2Ibn Mājah 2:380.}

Qur’an 7:152–153إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ ٱلْعِجْلَ سَيَنَالُهُمْ غَضَبٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَذِلَّةٌ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُفْتَرِينَ وَٱلَّذِينَ عَمِلُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ثُمَّ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا وَءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«152. Certainly, those who took the calf (for worship), wrath from their Lord and humiliation will come upon them in the life of this world. Thus do We recompense those who invent lies.»

«153. But those who committed evil deeds and then repented afterwards and believed, verily, your Lord after (all) that is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

The 'wrath' mentioned here that struck the Children of Israel because of their worshipping the calf, means, Allāh did not accept their repentance until some of them [who did not worship the calf] killed others [who worshipped the calf]. We mentioned this story in Sūrat Al-Baqarah,

Qur’an 2:54فَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ بَارِئِكُمْ فَٱقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ عِندَ بَارِئِكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

«So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the guilty), that will be better for you before your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.» [2:54]

As for the humiliation mentioned in the Āyah, it pertains to the disgrace and humiliation that the Jews suffered in the life of this world. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:152وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُفْتَرِينَ

«Thus do We recompense those who invent lies»

is for all those who invent an innovation (in religion). Surely, the disgrace resulting from inventing an innovation (in religion) and defying Allāh's Message, will be placed in the heart and from there on to the shoulders. Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri said; "The disgrace of innovation will weigh on their shoulders even if they were to gallop on their mules or trot on their work horses." Ayyūb As-Sakhtiyāni narrated from Abu Qilābah Al-Jarmi that he commented on this Āyah,

Qur’an 7:152وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُفْتَرِينَ

«Thus do We recompense those who invent lies.»

"By Allāh! This Āyah is for all those who invent a lie, until the Day of Resurrection."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:135.} Also, Sufyān bin 'Uyaynah said, "Every person who invents a Bid'ah (innovation in the religion) will taste disgrace."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:136.} Allāh tells His servants that He accepts repentance from His servants for any sin, even Shirk, Kufr, hypocrisy and disobedience. Allāh said:

Qur’an 7:153وَٱلَّذِينَ عَمِلُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ثُمَّ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا وَءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ

«But those who committed evil deeds and then repented afterwards and believed, verily, your Lord»

O Muḥammad, Messenger of Repentance and Prophet of Mercy,

Qur’anمِنۢ بَعْدِهَا

«after that» after committing that evil action,

Qur’anلَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

Ibn Abi Ḥātim reported that 'Abdullāh bin Mas'ūd was asked about a man committing fornication with a woman and then marrying her, and Ibn Mas'ūd recited this Āyah,

Qur’an 7:153وَٱلَّذِينَ عَمِلُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ثُمَّ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا وَءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«But those who committed evil deeds and then repented afterwards and believed, verily, your Lord after (all) that is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

'Abdullāh recited this Āyah ten times, neither allowing nor disallowing it.^{3Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:566.}

Qur’an 7:154وَلَمَّا سَكَتَ عَن مُّوسَى ٱلْغَضَبُ أَخَذَ ٱلْأَلْوَاحَ وَفِى نُسْخَتِهَا هُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِرَبِّهِمْ يَرْهَبُونَ

Qur’an 7:156–159وَٱكْتُبْ لَنَا فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ إِنَّا هُدْنَآ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ عَذَابِىٓ أُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَنْ أَشَآءُ وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلرَّسُولَ ٱلنَّبِىَّ ٱلْأُمِّىَّ ٱلَّذِى يَجِدُونَهُۥ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَٱلْإِنجِيلِ يَأْمُرُهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَىٰهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْخَبَٰٓئِثَ وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَٱلْأَغْلَٰلَ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُۥٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ قُلْ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا ٱلَّذِى لَهُۥ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ ٱلْأُمِّىِّ ٱلَّذِى يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ وَٱتَّبِعُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ وَمِن قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰٓ أُمَّةٌ يَهْدُونَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَبِهِۦ يَعْدِلُونَ

«154. And when the anger of Mūsā calmed, he took up the Tablets; and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord.»

Mūsā picked up the Tablets when His Anger subsided

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:154وَلَمَّا سَكَتَ

«And when calmed» and subsided,

Qur’an 7:154عَن مُّوسَى ٱلْغَضَبُ

«the anger of Mūsā» with his people,

Qur’an 7:154أَخَذَ ٱلْأَلْوَاحَ

«he took up the Tablets», which he had thrown out of jealousy for Allāh and anger for His sake, because of his people worshipping the calf,

Qur’an 7:154وَفِى نُسْخَتِهَا هُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِرَبِّهِمْ يَرْهَبُونَ

«and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord.»

Several scholars of Tafsīr said that when Mūsā threw the Tablets on the ground they were shattered and he collected the pieces afterwards. Mūsā found in its inscription guidance and mercy, but the specific details of the Law was lost, so they said. They also claimed that the shattered pieces of the Tablets still remained in the treasury safes of some Israelite kings until the Islāmic State came into existence. Only Allāh knows if these statements are true.

Qur’an 7:155–156وَٱخْتَارَ 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 وَٱكْتُبْ لَنَا فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ إِنَّا هُدْنَآ إِلَيْكَ قَالَ عَذَابِىٓ أُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَنْ أَشَآءُ وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«155. And Mūsā chose out of his people seventy (of the best) men for Our appointed time and place of meeting, and when they were seized with a violent earthquake, he said: "O my Lord, if it had been Your Will, You could have destroyed them and me before; would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish among us? It is only Your trial by which You lead astray whom You will, and keep guided whom You will. You are our protector, so forgive us and have mercy on us: for You are the best of those who forgive.»

«156. "And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter. Certainly we have Ḥūdnā unto You." He said: (As to) My punishment I afflict therewith whom I will and My mercy embraces all things. That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who have Taqwā, and give Zakāh; and those who believe in Our Āyāt.»

Seventy Men from the Children of Israel go for the appointed Meeting Place that Allāh designated, Allāh later on destroys Them

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented; "Allāh commanded Mūsā to choose seventy men. So he chose them and proceeded with them in order that they supplicate to their Lord. Their supplication included asking Allāh, 'O Allāh! Give us what you have never given anyone before us and will never give anyone after us!' Allāh disliked this supplication and they were seized with a violent earthquake, Mūsā said:

Qur’an 7:155رَبِّ لَوْ شِئْتَ أَهْلَكْتَهُم مِّن قَبْلُ وَإِيَّٰىَ

«"O my Lord, if it had been Your will, You could have destroyed them and me before.»'"^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:141.} As-Suddi said, "Allāh commanded Mūsā to come with thirty men from the Children of Israel, apologizing for worshipping the calf; and He gave them an appointed time and place.

Qur’an 7:155وَٱخْتَارَ مُوسَىٰ قَوْمَهُۥ سَبْعِينَ رَجُلًا

«And Mūsā chose out of his people seventy (of the best) men.»

He chose these men and went along with them so that they could apologize. When they reached the appointed place, they said,

Qur’anلَن نُّؤْمِنَ لَكَ

«We shall never believe in you», [2:55] 'O Mūsā,

Qur’an 2:55حَتَّىٰ نَرَى ٱللَّهَ جَهْرَةً

«until we see Allāh plainly,» for you spoke to Him,' they said, 'therefore, show Him to us,'

Qur’anفَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلصَّٰعِقَةُ

«but they were struck with a bolt of lightning» [4:153]

and they died. Mūsā stood up crying, invoking Allāh, 'O Lord! What should I tell the Children of Israel, when I go back to them after You destroyed their best men?'

Qur’an 7:155رَبِّ لَوْ شِئْتَ أَهْلَكْتَهُم مِّن قَبْلُ وَإِيَّٰىَ

«"O my Lord, if it had been Your will, You could have destroyed them and me before"».'"^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:140.}

Muḥammad bin Isḥāq said, "Mūsā chose seventy of the best men from the Children of Israel. He said to them, 'Go to the meeting with Allāh and repent for what you committed. Beg His forgiveness for those of your people whom you left behind. Fast, purify yourselves and clean your clothes.' So, he went with them to Mount Ṭūr in Sinai for the meeting place and time designated by his Lord. He went there only with the leave and knowledge of Allāh. According to what has been mentioned to me, when the seventy did what he ordered them to do, and went with him to the meeting of Mūsā with his Lord, they said, 'Request that we may also hear the words of our Lord.' So he replied, 'I shall.' When Mūsā approached the mountain it became completely covered with columns of clouds, Mūsā approached it and entered in them. He said to the people, 'Approach.' But when Allāh spoke to Mūsā, his cloak was surrounded by a brilliant light which no human could bear to look at, so below him a barrier was placed and the people approached. When they entered the cloud they fell prostrate and they heard Him while he was speaking to Mūsā, commanding him and forbidding him, saying what to do and what not to do. When He completed commanding him, and removed the cloud from Mūsā, he faced the people and they said, 'O Mūsā! We will not believe in you unless we see Allāh directly.' So the thunder shook them, their souls were captured and they all died. Mūsā stood up invoking, begging and supplicating to his Lord,

Qur’an 7:155رَبِّ لَوْ شِئْتَ أَهْلَكْتَهُم مِّن قَبْلُ وَإِيَّٰىَ

«"O my Lord, if it had been Your will, You could have destroyed them and me before."»'^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:140.}

meaning, 'They were foolish. Would You destroy anyone who comes after me from the Children of Israel?'

Ibn 'Abbās, Qatādah, Mujāhid and Ibn Jarīr Aṭ-Ṭabari said, "They were seized by the tremor or lightning, because they neither shunned nor forbade their people who worshipped the calf."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:143-144.} This is supported by Mūsā's statement,

Qur’an 7:155أَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ مِنَّآ

«"would You destroy us for the deeds of the fools among us?"»

He said next,

Qur’an 7:155إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا فِتْنَتُكَ

«"It is only Your Fitnah"» affliction, test and trial, according to Ibn 'Abbās, Sa'īd bin Jubayr, Abu Al-'Āliyah, Ar-Rabī' bin Anas and several among the Salaf and latter scholars.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:151.} This is the only plausible meaning, in which Mūsā says, "The decision is Yours (O Allāh), and the judgment, and whatever You will occurs. You misguide whom You will, guide whom You will, and none can guide whom You misguide or misguide whom You guide. There is none who can give what You deprive or avert what You give. The sovereignty is all Yours, and Yours is the judgment, the creation and the decision." The Āyah,

Qur’an 7:155أَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْغَٰفِرِينَ

«"You are our protector, so forgive us and have mercy on us: for You are the best of those who forgive."»,

pertains to (Allāh's) covering the mistake and not punishing for the sin. Whenever mercy is mentioned along with forgiveness [such as in Mūsā's supplication to Allāh], it includes the hope that Allāh does not permit one to fall into that act again.

Qur’an 7:155وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْغَٰفِرِينَ

«"for You are the best of those who forgive,"» for none except You can forgive the sin.

Qur’an 7:156وَٱكْتُبْ لَنَا فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ

«"And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter."»

The first part of Mūsā's supplication was to fend off what should be avoided, while this part is a request for what is sought. The meaning of,

Qur’an 7:156وَٱكْتُبْ لَنَا فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ

«"And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter."»

is, 'ordain for us and grant us all that is good in both lives. We mentioned the meaning of 'good' before in Sūrat Al-Baqarah.^{6See the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Baqarah [2 : 200-202].}

Qur’an 7:156إِنَّا هُدْنَآ إِلَيْكَ

«"We have Hūdnā unto You"» 'we repent, go back and return unto You,' according to the meaning of, 'Hūdnā', given by Ibn 'Abbās, Sa'īd bin Jubayr, Mujāhid, Abu Al-'Āliyah, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk, Ibrāhīm At-Taymi, As-Suddi, Qatādah and several others.^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:154-155.}

Qur’an 7:156قَالَ عَذَابِىٓ أُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَنْ أَشَآءُ وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«He said: (As to) My punishment I afflict therewith whom I will and My mercy embraces all things. That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who have Taqwā, and give Zakāh; and those who believe in Our Āyāt.» [7:156]

Allāh's Mercy is for Those Who have Taqwā and believe in Allāh's Āyāt and His Messenger ﷺ

Allāh answers the statement,

Qur’an 7:155إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا فِتْنَتُكَ

«"It is only Your trial..."» [7:155], by saying,

Qur’an 7:156عَذَابِىٓ أُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَنْ أَشَآءُ وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ

«(As to) My punishment I afflict therewith whom I will and My mercy embraces all things.»

Allāh says here, 'I do what I will, decide what I will and I have wisdom and justice in all matters.' Certainly, there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:156وَرَحْمَتِى وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ

«and My mercy embraces all things»

testifies to His encompassing mercy. Allāh said that the angels who carry His Throne and those around the Throne supplicate,

Qur’an 40:7رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا

«"Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge."» [40:7]

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Jundub bin 'Abdullāh Al-Bajali said, "A bedouin man came, he made his camel kneel and he tied it. Then he prayed behind the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. When the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ finished the prayer, that man untied his camel mounted it and supplicated aloud, 'O Allāh! Grant Your mercy to me and to Muḥammad, and do not give a share in it to anyone else.' The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ commented (to his Companions),

Ḥadīthأَتَقُولُونَ هَذَا أَضَلُّ أَمْ بَعِيرُهُ أَلَمْ تَسْمَعُوا مَا قَالَ؟

«Do you think that this man is more misguided or his camel? Did you not hear what this man has said?»

They said, 'Yes.' He ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَقَدْ حَظَّرْتَ رَحْمَةً وَاسِعَةً إِنَّ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ خَلَقَ مِائَةَ رَحْمَةٍ فَأَنْزَلَ رَحْمَةً يَتَعَاطَفُ بِهَا الْخَلْقُ جِنُّهَا وَإِنْسُهَا وَبَهَائِمُهَا وَأَخَّرَ عِنْدَهُ تِسْعًا وَتِسْعِينَ رَحْمَةً أَتَقُولُونَ هُوَ أَضَلُّ أَمْ بَعِيرُهُ؟

«You (the bedouin man) have restricted a vast mercy! Allāh, the Exalted, the most Honored has created a hundred mercies and sent down one of them by which the creation, men, Jinn and animals, show mercy to each other. He left with Him ninety-nine mercies, so do you say that this man is more misguided or his camel?»

Aḥmad^^{8Aḥmad 4:312.} and Abu Dāwud collected this Ḥadīth.^^{9Abu Dāwud 5:197.} Imām Aḥmad recorded that Salmān narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ لله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِائَةَ رَحْمَةٍ فَمِنْهَا رَحْمَةٌ يَتَرَاحَمُ بِهَا الْخَلْقُ وَبِهَا تَعْطِفُ الْوُحُوشُ عَلَى أَوْلَادِهَا وَأَخَّرَ تِسْعَةً وَتِسْعِينَ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ

«Allāh, the Exalted and Most Honored, has a hundred mercies. With one of them, the creations show mercy to each other, and even the beasts show kindness to their offspring. He has kept ninety-nine mercies with Him for the Day of Resurrection.»^^{10Aḥmad 5:439.}

Muslim recorded it.^^{11Muslim 4:2108.} Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:156فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ

«That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who have Taqwā,»

meaning, I will ordain My mercy for them, as a favor and kindness from Me to them. Allāh said in a similar Āyah,

Qur’an 6:54كَتَبَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةَ

«He has prescribed mercy for Himself» [6:12]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:156لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ

«for those who have Taqwā», means, 'I will ordain My mercy for those who possess these qualities, and they are the Ummah of Muḥammad,'

Qur’an 7:156لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ

«for those who have Taqwā», who avoid Shirk and major sins,

Qur’anوَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ

«and give the Zakāh», purify themselves, according to one opinion. It was also said that, 'the Zakāh', here pertains to wealth. It is possible that both meanings are included here, for this Āyah was revealed in Makkah [before Zakāh in fixed shares was ordained],

Qur’an 7:156وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«and those who believe in Our Āyāt.», those who have faith in them.

Qur’an 7:157ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلرَّسُولَ ٱلنَّبِىَّ ٱلْأُمِّىَّ ٱلَّذِى يَجِدُونَهُۥ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَٱلْإِنجِيلِ يَأْمُرُهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَىٰهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْخَبَٰٓئِثَ وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَٱلْأَغْلَٰلَ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُۥٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ

«157. Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write whom they find written of with them in the Tawrāh and the Injīl, - he commands them to do good; and forbids them from evil; he makes lawful for them the good things, and forbids them from the evil things, he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the fetters that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.» The Description of that Messenger ﷺ

Qur’an 7:157ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلرَّسُولَ ٱلنَّبِىَّ ٱلْأُمِّىَّ ٱلَّذِى يَجِدُونَهُۥ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَٱلْإِنجِيلِ

«Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write whom they find written with them in the Tawrāh and the Injīl,»

This is the description of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ in the Books of the Prophets. They delivered the good news of his advent to their nations and commanded them to follow him. His descriptions were still apparent in their Books, as the rabbis and the priests well know. Imām Aḥmad recorded that Abu Ṣakhr Al-'Uqayli said that a bedouin man said to him, "I brought a milk-producing camel to Al-Madīnah during the life time of Allāh's Messenger. After I sold it, I said to myself, 'I will meet that man (Muḥammad) and hear from him.' So I passed by him while he was walking between Abu Bakr and 'Umar, and I followed them until they went by a Jewish man, who was reading from an open copy of the Tawrāh. He was mourning a son of his who was dying and who was one of the most handsome boys. The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ asked him (the father),

Ḥadīthأَنْشُدُكَ بِالَّذِي أَنْزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ هَلْ تَجِدُ فِي كِتَابِكَ هَذَا صِفَتِي وَمَخْرَجِي؟

«I ask you by He Who has sent down the Tawrāh, do you not find the description of me and my advent in your Book?»

He nodded his head in the negative. His son said, 'Rather, yes, by He Who has sent down the Tawrāh! We find the description of you and your advent in our Book. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh and that you are the Messenger of Allāh.' The Prophet ﷺ said (to the Companions),

Ḥadīthأَقِيمُوا الْيَهُودِيَّ عَنْ أَخِيكُمْ

«Stop the Jew (the father) from (taking care of) your brother (in Islam).»

The Prophet ﷺ then personally took care of the son's funeral and led the funeral prayer on him."'^^{1Aḥmad 5:411.} This Ḥadīth is sound and is supported by a similar Ḥadīth in the Ṣaḥīḥ narrated from Anas.^^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 3:259.}

Ibn Jarīr recorded that Al-Muthannā said that 'Aṭā' bin Yasār said, "I met 'Abdullāh bin 'Amr and asked him, 'Tell me about the description of Allāh's Messenger ﷺ in the Tawrāh.' He said, 'Yes, by Allāh! He is described in the Tawrāh, just as he is described in the Qur'ān,

Qur’an 33:45يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَٰكَ شَٰهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا

«O Prophet! Verily, We have sent you as a witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner.» [33:45]

as a safe refuge for the unlettered ones. 'You are My servant and Messenger. I have called you 'Al-Mutawakkil' (who trusts in Allāh), not hard or harsh.' Neither uttering foul speech in the markets nor returning evil deed with one in kind. Rather, he forgives and forgoes. Allāh will not end his life until He straightens through him the crooked religion, so that they might proclaim, 'There is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh.' He will open through him sealed hearts, deaf ears and blind eyes.'" 'Aṭā' then said, "I also met Ka'b and asked him the same question, and his answer did not differ from 'Abdullāh's answer, even concerning one letter."^^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:164.} Al-Bukhāri recorded it^^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 4:402.} from 'Abdullāh bin 'Amr. It was also recorded by Al-Bukhāri [up to the word] forgoes. And he mentioned the narration of 'Abdullāh bin 'Amr then he said; "It was common in the speech of our Salaf that they describe the Books of the People of the Two Scriptures as the Tawrāh, as some Ḥadīths concur. Allāh knows best."

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:157يَأْمُرُهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَىٰهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ

«He commands them to do good; and forbids them from evil;»

This is the description of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ in previous Books. These were the true qualities of our Messenger ﷺ, as well, for he only ordained good and forbade evil. We should mention here that 'Abdullāh bin Mas'ūd said, "When you hear Allāh's statement, يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟

«O you who believe!», then pay it your full attention, for it is a good that you are being commanded, or an evil that you are being forbidden." And the most important and greatest of these commands and prohibitions, is that Allāh has sent the Messenger ﷺ to order worshipping Him Alone without partners and forbid worshipping others besides Him. This is the Message that Allāh has sent all Messengers with before Muḥammad ﷺ, just as Allāh said,

Qur’an 16:36وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ

«And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allāh, and avoid the Ṭāghūt (false deities)"» [16:36].

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:157وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْخَبَٰٓئِثَ

«He makes lawful for them the good things, and forbids them from the evil things,»

meaning, he makes the Baḥīrah, Sā'ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥām, etc., lawful. They were prohibitions that they invented which were only hard for themselves. He also forbids them from evil things, such as the flesh of the pig, Ribā, and foods that were treated as lawful although Allāh the Exalted had forbidden them. 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported this from Ibn 'Abbās.^^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:166.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:157وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَٱلْأَغْلَٰلَ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ

«He (Muḥammad) releases them from their heavy burdens, and from the fetters that were upon them.»

indicates that Muḥammad ﷺ came with leniency and an easy religion. As mentioned in the Ḥadīth recorded from many routes that Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthبُعِثْتُ بِالْحَنِيفِيَّةِ السَّمْحَةِ

«I was sent with the easy way of Ḥanīfiyyah [monotheism]»^^{6Aḥmad 5:266 and 6:116.} The Prophet ﷺ said to the two Commanders he appointed, Mu'ādh and Abu Mūsā Al-Ash'ari, when he sent them to Yemen,

Ḥadīthبَشِّرَا وَلَا تُنَفِّرَا وَيَسِّرَا وَلَا تُعَسِّرَا وَتَطَاوَعَا وَلَا تَخْتَلِفَا

«Bring glad tidings and do not drive people away, make things easy and do not make them difficult, obey each other and do not differ among yourselves». ^^{7Fatḥ Al-Bāri 5:188.}

Abu Barzah Al-Aslami, the Prophet's Companion, said, "I accompanied the Messenger of Allāh and saw how easy he was. The nations that were before us had things made difficult for them in their laws. Allāh made the law encompassing and easy for this Ummah. Hence the statement of the Messenger of Allāh,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ الله تَجَاوَزَ لِأُمَّتِي مَا حَدَّثَتْ بِهِ أَنْفُسَهَا مَا لَمْ تَقُلْ أَوْ تَعْمَلْ

«Allāh has forgiven my Ummah for what occurs in themselves, as long as they do not utter it or act upon it.»^^{8Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:300.}

The Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthرُفِعَ عَنْ أُمَّتِي الْخَطَأُ وَالنِّسْيَانُ وَمَا اسْتُكْرِهُوا عَلَيْهِ

«My Ummah was forgiven (by Allāh) unintentional errors, forgetfulness and what they are forced to do.»"^^{9Ibn Mājah 1:659.}

This is why Allāh has guided this Ummah to proclaim,

Qur’an 2:286رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ وَٱعْفُ عَنَّا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَآ أَنتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

«"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Mawlā (Patron, Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people.﴿ [2:286]

It is recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim that [the Prophet ﷺ said that] Allāh the Exalted said after every one of these supplications, "I shall accept (your supplication)." Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:157فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ

«So those who believe in him, honor him, help him.»

refers to respecting and honoring Muḥammad ﷺ,

Qur’an 7:157وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُۥٓ

«and follow the light which has been sent down with him,»

the Qur'ān and the revelation [Sunnah] that the Prophet delivered to mankind,

Qur’an 7:157أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ

«it is they who will be successful.»

in this life and the Hereafter.

Qur’an 7:158قُلْ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا ٱلَّذِى لَهُۥ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ ٱلْأُمِّىِّ ٱلَّذِى يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ وَٱتَّبِعُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ

«158. Say: "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allāh – to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped but He. It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allāh and His Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believes in Allāh and His Words, and follow him so that you may be guided."»

Muḥammad's Message is Universal

Allāh says to His Prophet and Messenger Muḥammad ﷺ,

Qur’an 7:158قُلْ

«Say», O Muḥammad,

Qur’an 7:158يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ

«O mankind!», this is directed to mankind red and black, and the Arabs and non-Arabs alike,

Qur’an 7:158إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا

«I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allāh,»

This Āyah mentions the Prophet's honor and greatness, for he is the Final Prophet who was sent to all mankind [and the Jinns]. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:19قُلِ ٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌۢ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ

«Say, "Allāh is Witness between you and I; this Qur'ān has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach."» [6:19],

Qur’an 11:17وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلْأَحْزَابِ فَٱلنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُۥ

«but those of the sects that reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place»[11:17], and,

Qur’an 3:20وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْأُمِّيِّـۧنَ ءَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا۟ فَقَدِ ٱهْتَدَوا۟ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَٰغُ

«And say to those who were given the Scripture and to the illiterates (Arab pagans): "Do you (also) submit yourselves (to Allāh in Islām)?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message.» [3:20]

There are many other Āyāt and more Ḥadīths than can be counted on this subject. It is also well-known in our religion that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ was sent to all mankind [and the Jinns]. Al-Bukhāri recorded that Abu Ad-Dardā' said, "Abu Bakr and 'Umar had an argument in which Abu Bakr made 'Umar angry. So 'Umar went away while angry and Abu Bakr followed him asking him to forgive him, but 'Umar refused. 'Umar shut his door closed in Abu Bakr's face and Abu Bakr went to the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ while we were with him. The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَمَّا صَاحِبُكُمْ هَذَا فَقَدْ غَامَرَ

«This fellow of yours (Abu Bakr) has made someone angry!»

'Umar became sorry for what he did, went to the Prophet ﷺ and greeted him with the Salām and sat next to him, telling him what had happened. The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ became angry (at 'Umar), and realizing that, Abu Bakr said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! It was me who was unjust.' The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthهَلْ أَنْتُمْ تَارِكُو لِي صَاحِبِي؟ إِنِّي قُلْتُ: يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ الله إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَقُلْتُمْ: كَذَبْتَ وَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ: صَدَقْتَ

«Will you leave my Companion (Abu Bakr) alone! I said, 'O People! I am the Messenger of Allāh to you all,' and you said, 'You lie,' but Abu Bakr declared, 'You said the truth.'»" Al-Bukhāri recorded it.^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:153.}

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbās said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأُعْطِيتُ خَمْسًا لَمْ يُعْطَهُنَّ نَبِيٌّ قَبْلِي وَلَا أَقُولُهُ فَخْرًا بُعِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ كَافَّةً الْأَحْمَرِ وَالْأَسْوَدِ وَنُصِرْتُ بِالرُّعْبِ مَسِيرَةَ شَهْرٍ وَأُحِلَّتْ لِي الْغَنَائِمُ وَلَمْ تَحِلَّ لِأَحَدٍ قَبْلِي وَجُعِلَتْ لِيَ الْأَرْضُ مَسْجِدًا وَطَهُورًا وَأُعْطِيتُ الشَّفَاعَةَ فَأَخَّرْتُهَا لِأُمَّتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَهِيَ لِمَنْ لَا يُشْرِكُ بِاللَّهِ شَيْئًا

«I have been given five things which were not given to any Prophet before me, and I do not say it out of pride. I was sent to all mankind (their) black and white alike. Allāh made me victorious by fright, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. The spoils of war are lawful for me, yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform purification with. I have been given the Shafā'ah (right of intercession), and I saved it for my Ummah on the Day of Resurrection. Therefore, the Shafā'ah will reach those who associate none with Allāh in worship.»^{2Aḥmad 1:301.}

This Ḥadīth's chain of narration is suitable, but the Two Ṣaḥīḥs did not record it. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:158ٱلَّذِى لَهُۥ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ

«to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped but He. It is He Who gives life and causes death.﴿ describes Allāh by the words of the Messenger ﷺ that He Who has sent him is the Creator, Lord and King of all things and in His Hand is the control, life, death and the decision. Just as Allāh said

Qur’an 7:158فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ ٱلْأُمِّىِّ

«So believe in Allāh and His Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write,﴿

Allāh proclaims here that Muḥammad ﷺ is His Messenger and reiterates this fact by commanding that he be believed in and followed. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:158ٱلنَّبِىِّ ٱلْأُمِّىِّ

«The Prophet who can neither read nor write﴿ who you were promised and given the good news of in previous revealed books.

Certainly, Muḥammad ﷺ was amply described in the previous books, including his description as being the unlettered Prophet. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:158ٱلَّذِى يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ

«who believes in Allāh and His Words﴿, means, his actions conform with his words and he believes in what he was given from his Lord.

Qur’an 7:158وَٱتَّبِعُوهُ

«And follow him﴿, embrace his path and guidance,

Qur’an 7:158لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ

«so that you may be guided﴿ to the Straight Path.

Qur’an 7:159وَمِن قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰٓ أُمَّةٌ يَهْدُونَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَبِهِۦ يَعْدِلُونَ

«159. And of the people of Mūsā there is a community who lead (the men) with truth and establish justice therewith.﴿

Allāh stated that of the Children of Israel there are some who follow the truth and judge by it, just as He said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 7:160–163وَقَطَّعْنَٰهُمُ ٱثْنَتَىْ عَشْرَةَ أَسْبَاطًا أُمَمًا وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱسْتَسْقَىٰهُ قَوْمُهُۥٓ أَنِ ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْحَجَرَ فَٱنۢبَجَسَتْ مِنْهُ ٱثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْنًا قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَّشْرَبَهُمْ وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْغَمَٰمَ وَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَنَّ وَٱلسَّلْوَىٰ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَٰكُمْ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ وَإِذْ قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱسْكُنُوا۟ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْقَرْيَةَ وَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمْ وَقُولُوا۟ حِطَّةٌ وَٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْبَابَ سُجَّدًا نَّغْفِرْ لَكُمْ خَطِيٓـَٰٔتِكُمْ سَنَزِيدُ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ فَبَدَّلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ قَوْلًا غَيْرَ ٱلَّذِى قِيلَ لَهُمْ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِجْزًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَظْلِمُونَ وَسْـَٔلْهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْقَرْيَةِ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ حَاضِرَةَ ٱلْبَحْرِ إِذْ يَعْدُونَ فِى ٱلسَّبْتِ إِذْ تَأْتِيهِمْ حِيتَانُهُمْ يَوْمَ سَبْتِهِمْ شُرَّعًا وَيَوْمَ لَا يَسْبِتُونَ لَا تَأْتِيهِمْ كَذَٰلِكَ نَبْلُوهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ

Qur’an 3:113مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أُمَّةٌ قَآئِمَةٌ يَتْلُونَ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ

«A party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the verses of Allāh during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer» [3:113],

Qur’an 3:199وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَٰشِعِينَ لِلَّهِ لَا يَشْتَرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ

«And there are, certainly, among the People of the Scripture, those who believe in Allāh and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before Allāh. They do not sell the verses of Allāh for a small price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, Allāh is Swift in account.» [3:199]

Qur’an 28:52–54ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِهِۦ هُم بِهِۦ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَإِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦٓ إِنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا مِن قَبْلِهِۦ مُسْلِمِينَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يُؤْتَوْنَ أَجْرَهُم مَّرَّتَيْنِ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟

«Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it, they believe in it (the Qur'ān). And when it is recited to them, they say: "We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves. These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient.»[28:52-54], and,

Qur’an 17:107–109إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهِۦٓ إِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا وَيَقُولُونَ سُبْحَٰنَ رَبِّنَآ إِن كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُولًا وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا

«Verily, those who were given knowledge before it, when it (this Qur'ān) is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration. And they say: "Glory be to our Lord! Truly, the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled." And they fall down on their faces weeping and it increases their humility.»[17:107-109]

Qur’an 7:160–162وَقَطَّعْنَٰهُمُ ٱثْنَتَىْ عَشْرَةَ أَسْبَاطًا أُمَمًا وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱسْتَسْقَىٰهُ قَوْمُهُۥٓ أَنِ ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْحَجَرَ فَٱنۢبَجَسَتْ مِنْهُ ٱثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْنًا قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَّشْرَبَهُمْ وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْغَمَٰمَ وَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَنَّ وَٱلسَّلْوَىٰ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَٰكُمْ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ وَإِذْ قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱسْكُنُوا۟ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْقَرْيَةَ وَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمْ وَقُولُوا۟ حِطَّةٌ وَٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْبَابَ سُجَّدًا نَّغْفِرْ لَكُمْ خَطِيٓـَٰٔتِكُمْ سَنَزِيدُ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ فَبَدَّلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ قَوْلًا غَيْرَ ٱلَّذِى قِيلَ لَهُمْ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِجْزًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَظْلِمُونَ

«160. And We divided them into twelve tribes (as distinct) nations. We revealed to Mūsā when his people asked him for water (saying): "Strike the stone with your stick," and there gushed forth out of it twelve springs, each group knew its own place for water. We shaded them with the clouds and sent down upon them the manna and the quail (saying): "Eat of the good things with which We have provided you." They harmed Us not but they used to harm themselves.»

«161. And (remember) when it was said to them: "Dwell in this town (Jerusalem) and eat therefrom wherever you wish, and say, '(O Allāh) forgive our sins'; and enter the gate prostrating (bowing with humility). We shall forgive you your wrongdoings. We shall increase (the reward) for the good-doers."»

«162. But those among them who did wrong, changed the word that had been told to them. So We sent on them a torment from the heaven in return for their wrongdoings.» We discussed these Āyāt in Sūrat Al-Baqarah,^{1See the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Baqarah [2:60].} which was revealed in Al-Madīnah, while these Āyāt were revealed in Makkah. We also mentioned the difference between the two narrations, and thus we do not need to repeat it here, all thanks are due to Allāh and all the favors are from Him.

Qur’an 7:163وَسْـَٔلْهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْقَرْيَةِ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ حَاضِرَةَ ٱلْبَحْرِ إِذْ يَعْدُونَ فِى ٱلسَّبْتِ إِذْ تَأْتِيهِمْ حِيتَانُهُمْ يَوْمَ سَبْتِهِمْ شُرَّعًا وَيَوْمَ لَا يَسْبِتُونَ لَا تَأْتِيهِمْ كَذَٰلِكَ نَبْلُوهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ

«163. And ask them about the town that was by the sea; when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day, and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial for them, for they used to rebel against Allāh's command.»

The Jews transgress the Sanctity of the Sabbath

This Āyah explains Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 2:65وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱعْتَدَوْا۟ مِنكُمْ فِى ٱلسَّبْتِ

«And indeed you knew those among you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath..» [2:65]

Allāh says to His Prophet ﷺ here,

Qur’an 7:163وَسْـَٔلْهُمْ

«And ask them» ask the Jews who are with you, about the story of their fellow Jews who defied Allāh's command, so that His punishment overtook them all of a sudden for their evil actions, transgression and defiance by way of deceit. Also, warn the Jews (O Muḥammad) against hiding your description that they find in their books, so that they do not suffer what their forefathers suffered. The village mentioned here is Aylah, on the shore of the Qulzum (Red) Sea. Muḥammad bin Isḥāq recorded from Dāwud bin Al-Ḥuṣayn from 'Ikrimah that Ibn 'Abbās commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:163وَسْـَٔلْهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْقَرْيَةِ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ حَاضِرَةَ ٱلْبَحْرِ

«And ask them about the town that was by the sea...» "A village called Aylah between Madyan and Aṭ-Ṭur (which is in Sinai).^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:180.} 'Ikrimah, Mujāhid, Qatādah and As-Suddi said similarly.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:180-181.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:163إِذْ يَعْدُونَ فِى ٱلسَّبْتِ

«when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath;»

means, they transgressed in the Sabbath and defied Allāh's command to them to keep it sanctified,

Qur’an 7:163إِذْ تَأْتِيهِمْ حِيتَانُهُمْ يَوْمَ سَبْتِهِمْ شُرَّعًا

«when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day,»

visible on top of the water, according to Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk who reported it from Ibn 'Abbās.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:183.} Ibn Jarīr said, "Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:163وَيَوْمَ لَا يَسْبِتُونَ لَا تَأْتِيهِمْ كَذَٰلِكَ نَبْلُوهُم

«and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial of them,»

means, this is how We tested them by making the fish swim close to the surface of the water , on the day which they were prohibited to fish. The fish would be hidden from them on the day when they were allowed to fish,

Qur’an 7:163كَذَٰلِكَ نَبْلُوهُم

«Thus We made a trial for them,» so that We test them,

Qur’anبِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ

«for they used to rebel against Allāh's command»

by defying His obedience and rebelling against it.” ^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:183.}

Therefore, these were a people who used a trick to violate Allāh's prohibitions, taking an action that seemed legal on the surface. However, in reality, this action was meant to transgress the prohibition. Imām and scholar Abu 'Abdullāh Ibn Baṭṭah reported that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Qur’an 7:164–170وَإِذْ قَالَتْ أُمَّةٌ مِّنْهُمْ لِمَ تَعِظُونَ قَوْمًا ٱللَّهُ مُهْلِكُهُمْ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا قَالُوا۟ مَعْذِرَةً إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَنجَيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلسُّوٓءِ وَأَخَذْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ بِعَذَابٍۭ بَـِٔيسٍۭ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ فَلَمَّا عَتَوْا۟ عَن مَّا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ قُلْنَا لَهُمْ كُونُوا۟ قِرَدَةً خَٰسِـِٔينَ وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكَ لَيَبْعَثَنَّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ مَن يَسُومُهُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَسَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ وَقَطَّعْنَٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أُمَمًا مِّنْهُمُ ٱلصَّٰلِحُونَ وَمِنْهُمْ دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ وَبَلَوْنَٰهُم بِٱلْحَسَنَٰتِ وَٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ وَرِثُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَٰذَا ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ وَيَقُولُونَ سَيُغْفَرُ لَنَا وَإِن يَأْتِهِمْ عَرَضٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ يَأْخُذُوهُ أَلَمْ يُؤْخَذْ عَلَيْهِم مِّيثَٰقُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَن لَّا يَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ وَدَرَسُوا۟ مَا فِيهِ وَٱلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُمَسِّكُونَ بِٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُصْلِحِينَ

Ḥadīthلَا تَرْتَكِبُوا مَا ارْتَكَبَتِ الْيَهُودُ فَتَسْتَحِلُّوا مَحَارِمَ اللهِ بِأَدْنَى الْحِيَلِ

«Do not repeat what the Jews committed, and violate Allāh's prohibitions using deceitful tricks.»^{5Ādāb Az-Zafāf p. 192.}

This Ḥadīth has a reasonable chain.

Qur’an 7:164–166وَإِذْ قَالَتْ أُمَّةٌ مِّنْهُمْ لِمَ تَعِظُونَ قَوْمًا ٱللَّهُ مُهْلِكُهُمْ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا قَالُوا۟ مَعْذِرَةً إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَنجَيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلسُّوٓءِ وَأَخَذْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ بِعَذَابٍۭ بَـِٔيسٍۭ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ فَلَمَّا عَتَوْا۟ عَن مَّا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ قُلْنَا لَهُمْ كُونُوا۟ قِرَدَةً خَٰسِـِٔينَ

«164. And when a community among them said: "Why do you preach to a people whom Allāh is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?" (The preachers) said: "In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allāh), and perhaps they may fear Allāh."»

«165. So when they forgot the reminder that had been given to them, We rescued those who forbade evil, but with a severe torment We seized those who did wrong, because they used to rebel against Allāh's command.»

«166. So when they exceeded the limits of what they were prohibited, We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised."» Those Who breached the Sabbath were turned into Monkeys, but Those Who prohibited Their Actions were saved

Allāh said that the people of this village were divided into three groups, a group that committed the prohibition, catching fish on the Sabbath, as we described in the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Baqarah.^{1See the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Baqarah [2:65-66].} Another group prohibited them from transgression and avoided them. A third group neither prohibited them, nor participated in their action. The third group said to the preachers,

Qur’an 7:164لِمَ تَعِظُونَ قَوْمًا ٱللَّهُ مُهْلِكُهُمْ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا

«"Why do you preach to a people whom Allāh is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?"».

They said, 'why do you forbid these people from evil, when you know that they are destroyed and have earned Allāh's punishment?' Therefore, they said, there is no benefit in forbidding them. The preachers replied,

Qur’an 7:164مَعْذِرَةً إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ

«"In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allāh),"»

'for we were commanded to enjoin righteousness and forbid evil,'

Qur’an 7:164وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

«"and perhaps they may fear Allāh"» for on account of our advice, they might stop this evil and repent to Allāh. Certainly, if they repent to Allāh, Allāh will accept their repentance and grant them His mercy.' Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:165فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ

«So when they forgot the reminder that had been given to them,»

when the evil doers refused the advice,

Qur’an 7:165أَنجَيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلسُّوٓءِ وَأَخَذْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟

«We rescued those who forbade evil, but We seized who did wrong,» who committed the transgression,

Qur’an 7:165بِعَذَابٍۭ بَـِٔيسٍۭ

«with a severe torment». Allāh stated that those who enjoined good were saved, while those who committed the transgression were destroyed, but He did not mention the end of those who were passive (the third group), for the compensation is comparable to the deed. This type did not do what would warrant praise, nor commit wrong so that they are admonished.

'Ikrimah said, "Ibn 'Abbās said about the Āyah: 'I do not know whether or not the people were saved who said;

Qur’an 7:164لِمَ تَعِظُونَ قَوْمًا ٱللَّهُ مُهْلِكُهُمْ

«"Why do you preach to a people whom Allāh is about to destroy…?"»

So I continued discussing it with him until I convinced him that they were. Then he gave me [the gift of] a garment."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:187.}

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:165وَأَخَذْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ بِعَذَابٍۭ بَـِٔيسٍۭ

«and We seized those who did wrong with a Ba'īs torment»

indicating that those who remained were saved. As for 'Ba'īs', it means 'severe', according to Mujāhid,^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:202.} or 'painful', according to Qatādah.^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:202.} These meanings are synonymous, and Allāh knows best. Allāh said next,

Qur’anخَٰسِـِٔينَ

«despised», humiliated, disgraced and rejected.

Qur’an 7:167وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكَ لَيَبْعَثَنَّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ مَن يَسُومُهُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَسَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«167. And (remember) when your Lord declared that He would certainly keep on sending against them, till the Day of Resurrection, those who would afflict them with a humiliating torment. Verily, your Lord is quick in retribution and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

Eternal Humiliation placed on the Jews

Qur’an 7:167تَأَذَّنَ

«Ta'dhdhana» means 'declared', according to Mujāhid, or 'ordained', according to others. This part of the Āyah indicates a vow,

Qur’an 7:167لَيَبْعَثَنَّ عَلَيْهِمْ

«that He will keep on sending against them» against the Jews,

Qur’an 7:167إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ مَن يَسُومُهُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ

«till the Day of Resurrection, those who would afflict them with a humiliating torment.»

on account of their disobedience, defying Allāh's orders and Law and using tricks to transgress the prohibitions. It was reported that Mūsā required the Jews to pay the production tax for seven or thirteen years, and he was the first to do so. Also, the Jews fell under the humiliating rule of the Greek Kushdanīn,^{1Perhaps it refers to the Kushite Dynasty, and Allāh knows best.} Chaldeans and later on the Christians, who subjugated and disgraced them, and required them to pay the Jizyah (tribute tax). When Islām came and Muḥammad ﷺ was sent, they became under his power and had to pay the Jizyah, as well. Therefore, the humiliating torment mentioned here includes disgrace and paying the Jizyah, as Al-'Awfi narrated from Ibn 'Abbās.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:205.} In the future, the Jews will support the Dajjāl (False Messiah); and the Muslims, along with 'Īsā, son of Mary, will kill the Jews. This will occur just before the end of this world. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:167إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَسَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ

«Verily, your Lord is quick in retribution», with those who disobey Him and defy His Law,

Qur’an 7:167وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

for those who repent and go back to Him. This Āyah mentions both the mercy, as well as, the punishment, so that no despair is felt. Allāh often mentions encouragement and warning together, so that hearts always have a sense of hope and fear.

Qur’an 7:168–170وَقَطَّعْنَٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أُمَمًا مِّنْهُمُ ٱلصَّٰلِحُونَ وَمِنْهُمْ دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ وَبَلَوْنَٰهُم بِٱلْحَسَنَٰتِ وَٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ وَرِثُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَٰذَا ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ وَيَقُولُونَ سَيُغْفَرُ لَنَا وَإِن يَأْتِهِمْ عَرَضٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ يَأْخُذُوهُ أَلَمْ يُؤْخَذْ عَلَيْهِم مِّيثَٰقُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَن لَّا يَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ وَدَرَسُوا۟ مَا فِيهِ وَٱلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُمَسِّكُونَ بِٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُصْلِحِينَ

«168. And We have broken them (the Jews) up into various separate groups on the earth: some of them are righteous and some are away from that. And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allāh).»

«169. Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life saying: "(Everything) will be forgiven to us." And if (again) the offer of the like (evil pleasures of this world) came their way, they would (again) seize them (would commit those sins). Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they would not say about Allāh anything but the truth? And they have studied what is in it (the Book). And the home in the Hereafter is better for those who have Taqwā. Do not you then understand?»

«170. And as to those who hold fast to the Book (act on its teachings) and perform the Ṣalāh, certainly We shall never waste the reward of those who do righteous deeds.»

The Children of Israel scatter throughout the Land

Allāh states that He divided the Jews into various nations, sects and groups,

Qur’an 17:104وَقُلْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ لِبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱسْكُنُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا

«And We said to the Children of Israel after him (after Mūsā died): "Dwell in the land, then, when the final and the last promise comes near, We shall bring you altogether as a mixed crowd (gathered out of various nations)."»[17:104]

Qur’an 7:168مِّنْهُمُ ٱلصَّٰلِحُونَ وَمِنْهُمْ دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ

«some of them are righteous and some are away from that», some of them are led aright and some are not righteous, just as the Jinns declared,

Qur’an 72:11وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ كُنَّا طَرَآئِقَ قِدَدًا

«"There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religious sects)."» [72:11]

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 7:168وَبَلَوْنَٰهُم

«And We tried them», and tested them,

Qur’an 7:168بِٱلْحَسَنَٰتِ وَٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ

«with good and evil», with times of ease, difficulty, eagerness, fear, well-being and affliction,

Qur’an 7:168لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

«in order that they might turn (to Allāh)»

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:169فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ وَرِثُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَٰذَا ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ

«Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life»

This Āyah means, after the generation made up of righteous and unrighteous people, another generation came that did not have goodness in them, and they inherited the Tawrāh and studied it. Mujāhid commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:169يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَٰذَا ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ

«They chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life»

"They will consume anything they can consume in this life, whether legally or illegally. Yet, they wish for forgiveness,

Qur’an 7:169وَيَقُولُونَ سَيُغْفَرُ لَنَا وَإِن يَأْتِهِمْ عَرَضٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ يَأْخُذُوهُ

«Saying: "(Everything) will be forgiven for us." And if (again) the offer of the like came their way, they would (again) seize them.»"^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:212.}

Qatādah commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:169يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَٰذَا ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ

«they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life» "This, by Allāh, is an evil generation,

Qur’an 7:169وَرِثُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ

«which inherited the Book» after their Prophets and Messengers, for they were entrusted with this job by Allāh's command to them. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 19:59فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ أَضَاعُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ

«Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who neglect the Ṣalāh (the prayers).» [19:59]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:169يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَٰذَا ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ وَيَقُولُونَ سَيُغْفَرُ لَنَا

«They chose the goods of this low life saying: "(Everything) will be forgiven to us."»

They wish and hope from Allāh, while deceiving themselves,

Qur’an 7:169وَإِن يَأْتِهِمْ عَرَضٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ يَأْخُذُوهُ

«And if (again) the offer of the like came their way, they would (again) seize them.»

Nothing stops them from this behavior, for whenever they are given an opportunity in this life, they will consume regardless of it being allowed or not." ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:213.}As-Suddi said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:169فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ

«Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation» until,

Qur’an 7:169وَدَرَسُوا۟ مَا فِيهِ

«and they have studied what is in it (the Book).»

"Every time the Children of Israel appointed a judge, he used to take bribes. The best ones among them held a counsel and took covenants from each that they would not take bribes. However, when one of them would take bribes in return for judgment and was asked, 'What is the matter with you; you take a bribe to grant judgment?', he replied, 'I will be forgiven.' So the rest of his people would admonish him for what he did. But when he died, or was replaced, the one who replaced him would take bribes too. Therefore, Allāh says, if the others (who admonished him) would have a chance to loot this world, they will take it."'^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:213.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:169أَلَمْ يُؤْخَذْ عَلَيْهِم مِّيثَٰقُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَن لَّا يَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ

«Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they would not say about Allāh anything but the truth?»

thus, admonishing them for this behavior. Allāh took a pledge from them that they would declare the truth to people and not hide it. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 3:187وَإِذْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِيثَٰقَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُۥ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَكْتُمُونَهُۥ فَنَبَذُوهُ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِهِمْ وَٱشْتَرَوْا۟ بِهِۦ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا فَبِئْسَ مَا يَشْتَرُونَ

«(And remember) when Allāh took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it, but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And indeed worst is that which they bought» [3:187].

Ibn Jurayj said that Ibn 'Abbās said about the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:169أَلَمْ يُؤْخَذْ عَلَيْهِم مِّيثَٰقُ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَن لَّا يَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ

«Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they would not say about Allāh anything but the truth?»,

"Their claim that Allāh will forgive the sins they keep committing without repenting from them." ^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:215.}Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:171–178وَإِذْ نَتَقْنَا ٱلْجَبَلَ فَوْقَهُمْ كَأَنَّهُۥ ظُلَّةٌ وَظَنُّوٓا۟ أَنَّهُۥ وَاقِعٌۢ بِهِمْ خُذُوا۟ مَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰكُم بِقُوَّةٍ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ مَا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ وَإِذْ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ مِن ظُهُورِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ شَهِدْنَآ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَٰذَا غَٰفِلِينَ أَوْ تَقُولُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَآ أَشْرَكَ ءَابَآؤُنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا ذُرِّيَّةً مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ أَفَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ ٱلْمُبْطِلُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ وَٱتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَاوِينَ وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَٰهُ بِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْكَلْبِ إِن تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَث ذَّٰلِكَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَٱقْصُصِ ٱلْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ سَآءَ مَثَلًا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَأَنفُسَهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يَظْلِمُونَ مَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِى وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ

Qur’an 7:169وَٱلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

«And the home in the Hereafter is better for those who have Taqwā Do not you then understand?»

Encouraging them to seek Allāh's tremendous reward and warning them against His severe torment. Allāh says here, 'My reward and what I have are better for those who avoid prohibitions, abandon lusts and become active in the obedience of their Lord.'

Qur’anأَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

«Do not you then understand?» Allāh says' Do not these people, who preferred this life instead of what is with Me, have any sense to prohibit them from their foolish and extravagant ways?' Allāh then praises those who adhere to His Book, which directs them to follow His Messenger Muḥammad ﷺ,

Qur’an 7:170وَٱلَّذِينَ يُمَسِّكُونَ بِٱلْكِتَٰبِ

«And as to those who hold fast to the Book»

adhere to it, implement its commands and refrain from its prohibitions,

Qur’an 7:170وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُصْلِحِينَ

«and perform the Ṣalāh, certainly We shall never waste the reward of those who do righteous deeds.»

Qur’an 7:171وَإِذْ نَتَقْنَا ٱلْجَبَلَ فَوْقَهُمْ كَأَنَّهُۥ ظُلَّةٌ وَظَنُّوٓا۟ أَنَّهُۥ وَاقِعٌۢ بِهِمْ خُذُوا۟ مَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰكُم بِقُوَّةٍ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ مَا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

«171. And (remember) when We Nataqnā the mountain over them as if it had been a canopy, and they thought that it was going to fall on them. (We said): "Hold firmly to what We have given you [the Tawrāh], and remember that which is therein (act on its commandments), so that you may fear Allāh and obey Him."»

Raising Mount Ṭūr over the Jews, because of Their Rebellion

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 7:171وَإِذْ نَتَقْنَا ٱلْجَبَلَ فَوْقَهُمْ

«And (remember) when We Nataqnā the mountain over them», "We raised the mountain, as Allāh's other statement testifies,

Qur’an 4:154وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَهُمُ ٱلطُّورَ بِمِيثَٰقِهِمْ

«And for their covenant, We raised over them the mountain» [4:154]." ^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:218.}

Also, Sufyān Ath-Thawri narrated that Al-A'mash said that, Sa'īd bin Jubayr said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "The angels raised the Mount over their heads, as reiterated by Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 4:154وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَهُمُ ٱلطُّورَ

«We raised over them the mountain» [4:154]."

Al-Qāsim bin Abi Ayyub narrated that Sa'id bin Jubayr said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Mūsā later on proceeded with them to the Sacred Land. He took along the Tablets, after his anger subsided, and commanded them to adhere to the orders that Allāh ordained to be delivered to them. But these orders became heavy on them and they did not want to implement them until Allāh raised the mountain over them,

Qur’an 7:171كَأَنَّهُۥ ظُلَّةٌ

«as if it had been a canopy», that is, when the angels raised the mountain over their heads." An-Nasā'i collected it.^{2An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā: 6:396.}

Qur’an 7:172–174وَإِذْ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِنۢ بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ مِن ظُهُورِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ شَهِدْنَآ أَن تَقُولُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَٰذَا غَٰفِلِينَ أَوْ تَقُولُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَآ أَشْرَكَ ءَابَآؤُنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا ذُرِّيَّةً مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ أَفَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ ٱلْمُبْطِلُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

«172. And (remember) when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Ādam, from their loins, their seed and made them testify as to themselves (saying): "Am I not your Lord?" They said: "Yes! We testify," lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: "Verily, we were unaware of this."»

«173. Or lest you should say: "It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allāh, and we were (merely their) descendants after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practiced falsehood?"»

«174. Thus do We explain the Āyāt in detail, so that they may turn (unto the truth).»

The Covenant taken from the Descendants of Ādam

Allāh stated that He brought the descendants of Ādam out of their fathers' loins, and they testified against themselves that Allāh is their Lord and King and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. Allāh created them on this Fiṭrah, or way, just as He said,

Qur’an 30:30فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ ٱللَّهِ

«So set you (O Muḥammad) your face truly towards the religion, Ḥanīfan. Allāh's Fiṭrah with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalqillah.»^{1The meaning of this Āyah is, "Dedicate yourself to the natural religion of Allāh which He made for humanity."} [30:30]

And it is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs from Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthكُلُّ مَوْلُودٍ يُولَدُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ، فَأَبَوَاهُ يُهَوِّدَانِهِ وَيُنَصِّرَانِهِ وَيُمَجِّسَانِهِ كَمَا تُولَدُ بَهِيمَةٌ جَمْعَاءَ هَلْ تُحِسُّونَ فِيهَا مِنْ جَدْعَاءَ

«Every child is born upon the Fiṭrah, it is only his parents who turn him into a Jew, a Christian or a Zoroastrian. Just as animals are born having full bodies, do you see any of them having a cutoff nose (when they are born)».^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 3:290 and Muslim 4:2047.}

Muslim recorded that 'Iyāḍ bin 'Ḥimār said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said;

Ḥadīthيَقُولُ اللهُ: إِنِّي خَلَقْتُ عِبَادِي حُنَفَاءَ فَجَاءَتْهُمُ الشَّيَاطِينُ فَاجْتَالَتْهُمْ عَنْ دِينِهِمْ وَحَرَّمَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ مَا أَحْلَلْتُ لَهُمْ

«Allāh said, 'I created My servants Ḥunafā' (monotheists), but the devils came to them and deviated them from their religion, prohibiting what I allowed.»^{3Muslim 4:2197.}

There are Ḥadīths that mention that Allāh took Ādam's offspring from his loins and divided them into those on the right and those on the left. Imām Aḥmad recorded that Anas bin Mālik said that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيُقَالُ لِلرَّجُلِ مِنْ أَهْلِ النَّارِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَرَأَيْتَ لَوْ كَانَ لَكَ مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ مِنْ شَيْءٍ أَكُنْتَ مُفْتَدِيًا بِهِ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: نَعَمْ فَيَقُولُ: قَدْ أَرَدْتُ مِنْكَ أَهْوَنَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ قَدْ أَخَذْتُ عَلَيْكَ فِي ظَهْرِ آدَمَ أَنْ لَا تُشْرِكَ بِي شَيْئًا فَأَبَيْتَ إِلَّا أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي

«It will be said to a man from the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection, 'If you owned all that is on the earth, would you pay it as ransom?' He will reply, 'Yes.' Allāh will say, 'I ordered you with what is less than that, when you were still in Ādam's loins, that is, associate none with Me (in worship). You insisted that you associate with Me (in worship).' »^{4Aḥmad 3:127.}

This was recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs^{5Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:419 and Muslim 4:2160.}

Commenting on this Āyah (7:172), At-Tirmidhi recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَمَّا خَلَقَ اللهُ آدَمَ مَسَحَ ظَهْرَهُ فَسَقَطَ مِنْ ظَهْرِهِ كُلُّ نَسَمَةٍ هُوَ خَالِقُهَا مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْ كُلِّ إِنْسَانٍ مِنْهُمْ وَبِيصًا مِنْ نُورٍ ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى آدَمَ فَقَالَ: أَيْ رَبِّ مَنْ هَؤُلَاءِ؟ قَالَ: هَؤُلَاءِ ذُرِّيَّتُكَ فَرَأَى رَجُلًا مِنْهُمْ فَأَعْجَبَهُ وَبِيصُ مَا بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ قَالَ: أَيْ رَبِّ مَنْ هَذَا؟ قَالَ: هَذَا رَجُلٌ مِنْ آخِرِ الْأُمَمِ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِكَ يُقَالُ لَهُ دَاوُدُ قَالَ: رَبِّ وَكَمْ جَعَلْتَ عُمْرَهُ؟ قَالَ: سِتِّينَ سَنَةً، قَالَ: أَيْ رَبِّ وَقَدْ وَهَبْتُ لَهُ مِنْ عُمْرِي أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً فَلَمَّا انْقَضَى عُمْرُ آدَمَ جَاءَهُ مَلَكُ الْمَوْتِ قَالَ: أَوَ لَمْ يَبْقَ مِنْ عُمْرِي أَرْبَعُونَ سَنَةً قَالَ: أَوَ لَمْ تُعْطِهَا ابْنَكَ دَاوُدَ؟ قَالَ: فَجَحَدَ آدَمُ فَجَحَدَتْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُ وَنَسِيَ آدَمُ فَنَسِيَتْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُ وَخَطِيءَ آدَمُ فَخَطِئَتْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُ

«When Allāh created Ādam, He wiped Ādam's back and every person that He will create from him until the Day of Resurrection fell out from his back. Allāh placed a glimmering light between the eyes of each one of them. Allāh showed them to Ādam and Ādam asked, 'O Lord! Who are they?' Allāh said, 'These are your offspring.' Ādam saw a man from among them whose light he liked. He asked, 'O Lord! Who is this man?' Allāh said, 'This is a man from the latter generations of your offspring. His name is Dāwud.' Ādam said, 'O Lord! How many years would he live?' Allāh said, 'Sixty years.' Ādam said, 'O Lord! I have forfeited forty years from my life for him.' When Ādam's life came to an end, the angel of death came to him (to take his soul). Ādam said, 'I still have forty years from my life term, don't I?' He said, 'Have you not given it to your son Dāwud?' So Ādam denied that and his offspring followed suit (denying Allāh's covenant), Ādam forgot and his offspring forgot, Ādam made a mistake and his offspring made mistakes.»

At-Tirmidhi said, "This Ḥadīth is Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ, and it was reported from various chains of narration through Abu Hurayrah from the Prophet ﷺ".^{6Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 8:457.} Al-Ḥākim also recorded it in his Mustadrak, and said; "Ṣaḥīḥ according to the criteria of Muslim, and they did not record it."^{7Al-Ḥākim 2:325.}

These and similar Ḥadīths testify that Allāh, the Exalted and Most Honored, brought forth Ādam's offspring from his loins and separated between the inhabitants of Paradise and those of the Fire. Allāh then said,

Qur’an 7:172وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ

«and made them testify as to themselves (saying): "Am I not your Lord?" They said: "Yes!"»

Therefore, Allāh made them testify with themselves by circumstance and words. Testimony is sometimes given in words, such as,

Qur’an 6:130قَالُوا۟ شَهِدْنَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِنَا

«They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves."» [6:130]

At other times, testimony is given by the people themselves, such as Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 9:17مَا كَانَ لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ أَن يَعْمُرُوا۟ مَسَٰجِدَ ٱللَّهِ شَٰهِدِينَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِم بِٱلْكُفْرِ

«It is not for the Mushrikīn, (polytheists) to maintain the mosques of Allāh, while they testify against their own selves of disbelief.» [9:17]

This Āyah means that their disbelief testifies against them, not that they actually testify against themselves here. Another Āyah of this type is Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 100:7وَإِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ لَشَهِيدٌ

«And to that he bears witness (by his deeds).» [10:7]

The same is the case with asking, sometimes takes the form of words and sometimes a situation or circumstance. For instance, Allāh said,

Qur’an 14:34وَءَاتَىٰكُم مِّن كُلِّ مَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُ

«And He gave you of all that you asked for.» [14:34]

Allāh said here,

Qur’anأَن تَقُولُوا۟

«lest you should say», on the Day of Resurrection

Qur’an 7:172إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَٰذَا

«we were of this» of Tawḥīd

Qur’an 7:172–173غَٰفِلِينَ أَوْ تَقُولُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَآ أَشْرَكَ ءَابَآؤُنَا

«unaware. Or lest you should say: "It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allāh,"» [7:172-173]

Qur’an 7:175–177وَٱتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَاوِينَ وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَٰهُ بِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْكَلْبِ إِن تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَث ذَّٰلِكَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَٱقْصُصِ ٱلْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ سَآءَ مَثَلًا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَأَنفُسَهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يَظْلِمُونَ

«175. And recite to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Āyāt, but he threw them away; so Shayṭān followed him up, and he became of those who went astray.»

«176. And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith, but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desires. So his parable is the parable of a dog: if you drive him away, he pants, or if you leave him alone, he (still) pants. Such is the parable of the people who reject Our Āyāt. So relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect.»

«177. Evil is the parable of the people who rejected Our Āyāt, and used to wrong themselves.»

Story Bal'am bin Bā'ūrā'

'Abdur-Razzāq recorded that 'Abdullāh bin Mas'ūd said that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:175وَٱتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنْهَا

«And recite to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Āyāt, but he threw them away»

"Is about Bal'am bin Bā'ūrā' a man from the Children of Israel."^{1'Abdur-Razzāq 2:443.} Shu'bah and several other narrators narrated this statement from Manṣūr who got it from Ibn Mas'ūd.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:253.} Sa'īd bin Abi 'Arūbah narrated that Qatādah said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "He is Ṣayfi, son of Ar-Rāhib." Qatādah commented that Ka'b said, "He was a man from Al-Balqā' (a province of Jordan) who knew Allāh's Greatest Name. He used to live in Bayt Al-Maqdis with the tyrants." Al-'Awfi reported that Ibn 'Abbās said, "He is Bal'am bin Bā'ūrā', a man from Yemen whom Allāh had given the knowledge of His Āyāt, but he abandoned them."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:261.} Mālik bin Dīnār said, "He was one of the scholars of the Children of Israel whose supplication was acceptable. They used to seek his lead in suplication in times of difficulty. Allāh's Prophet Mūsā sent him to the King of Madyan to call him to Allāh. That king appeased him and gave him land and gifts, and he reverted from the religion of Mūsā and followed the king's religion." 'Imrān bin 'Uyaynah narrated that 'Ḥuṣayn said that 'Imrān bin Al-Ḥārith said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "He is Bal'am son of Bā'ūrā'."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:253.} Similar was said by Mujāhid and 'Ikrimah.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:254.} Therefore, it is well-known that this honorable Āyah was revealed about a man from the Children of Israel in ancient times, according to Ibn Mas'ūd and several others among the Salaf.^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:253} 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said, "He is a man from the city of the tyrants (Jerusalem) whose name was Bal'am and who knew Allāh's Greatest Name." ^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:258.}'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah also reported that Ibn 'Abbās that he said, "When Mūsā and those with him went to the city of the tyrants (Jerusalem), the cousins of Bal'am and his people came to him and said, 'Mūsā is a strong man, and he has many soldiers. If he gains the upper hand over us, we will be destroyed. Therefore, supplicate to Allāh that He prevents Mūsā and those with him from prevailing over us.' Bal'am said, 'If I supplicate to Allāh that He turns back Mūsā and those with him, I will lose in this life and the Hereafter.' They kept luring him until he supplicated against Mūsā and his people, and Allāh took away what he bestowed on him (of knowledge). Hence Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:175فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ

«but he threw them away; so Shayṭān followed him up».^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:260.}

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:176وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَٰهُ بِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ

«And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desires.»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:176وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَٰهُ بِهَا

«And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith»

from the filth of this earthly life through the Āyāt that We gave him knowledge of,

Qur’an 7:176وَلَٰكِنَّهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ

«but he clung to the earth», he became interested in the adornment of this life and its delights. He indulged in the lusts of life and its joys and was deceived by it, just as life deceived others like him, without sound comprehension or a good mind. Muḥammad bin Isḥāq bin Yasār narrated from Sālim, from Abu An-Naḍr that when Mūsā entered the land of Bani Canaan in the area of Ash-Shām (Greater Syria), the people of Bal'am came to him, saying, "This is Mūsā, son of 'Imrān with the Children of Israel. He wants to drive us out from our land, kill us and replace us with the Children of Israel. We are your people and have no other dwelling area. You are a person whose supplication is acceptable (to Allāh), so go out and supplicate to Allāh against them." He said, "Woe to you! Here is Allāh's Prophet (Mūsā) with whom the angels and believers are! How can I supplicate against them when I know from Allāh what I know?" They said, "We have no other dwelling area." So they kept luring and begging him until he was tempted by the trial and went on his donkey towards Mount Ḥusbān, which was behind the Israelite military barracks. When he proceeded on the Mount for a while, the donkey sat down and refused to proceed. He got off the donkey and struck it until it stood up again and he rode it. The donkey did the same after a little while, and he struck it again until it stood up... So he proceeded and tried to supplicate against Mūsā and his people. However, Allāh made his tongue mention his people with evil and the Children of Israel with good instead of his people, who protested, "O Bal'am! What are you doing? You are supplicating for them and against us!" He said, "It is against my will. This is a matter that Allāh has decided." He then said to them, as his tongue was made to loll out of his mouth, "Now I have lost this life and the Hereafter." This Āyah was revealed about the story of Bal'am son of Bā'ūrā'

Qur’an 7:175وَٱتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنْهَا

«And recite to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Āyāt, but he threw them away.», until,

Qur’an 7:176لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

«perhaps they may reflect.»

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 7:176فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْكَلْبِ إِن تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَث

«So his parable is the parable of a dog: if you drive him away, he pants, or if you leave him alone, he (still) pants.»

Scholars of Tafsīr have conflicting opinions regarding the meaning of this Āyah. Some scholars said that it refers to the end of Bal'am's tongue which flickered out of his mouth, as in the story narrated from Ibn Isḥāq, from Sālim, from Abu An-Naḍr.^{9Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:265.} Therefore, his example is the example of the dog, its tongue pants regardless of whether it is driven away or not. It was also said that the meaning here is a parable of this man - and his like - concerning their misguidance, persisting the wrong path and not being able to benefit from faith or comprehend what they are being called to. So his example is that of a dog which pants whether it was driven away or left alone. The person described here does not benefit from the advice or the call to faith, just as if the advice and call never occurred. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 2:6سَوَآءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«It is the same to them (disbelievers) whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.» [2:6] and,

Qur’an 9:80ٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ أَوْ لَا تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ إِن تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً فَلَن يَغْفِرَ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمْ

«Whether you ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites) or ask not forgiveness for them - (and even) if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness - Allāh will not forgive them.» [9:80]

and similar Āyāt. It was also said that the meaning here, is that the heart of the disbeliever, the hypocrite and the wicked is weak and devoid of guidance. Therefore, it keeps faltering. Similar was narrated from Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri.

Qur’an 7:176فَٱقْصُصِ ٱلْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

«So relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect» Allāh said next to His Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ,

Qur’an 7:176فَٱقْصُصِ ٱلْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ

«So relate the stories, perhaps they may» the Children of Israel, who have knowledge ot the story of Bal'am and what happened to him when Allāh allowed him to stray and expelled him from His mercy. Allāh favored him by teaching him His Greatest Name, by which, if He is asked, He will grant, and if He is called upon, He answers. But Bal'am used it in disobedience to Allāh and invoked Him against His own party of the people of faith, followers of His servant and Messenger during that time, Mūsā, the son of 'Imrān, peace be upon him, whom Allāh spoke to directly,

Qur’an 7:176لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

«perhaps they may reflect.» and avoid Bal'am's behavior, for Allāh has given the Jews knowledge and made them superior to the bedouins surrounding them. He gave them the description of Muḥammad ﷺ which would allow them to recognize him, as they recognize their own children. They, among people, have the most right to follow, aid and support Muḥammad ﷺ, in obedience to their Prophets who informed them of him and commanded them to follow him. Therefore, whoever among them defies the knowledge in their Books or hides it from the servants, Allāh will place disgrace on him in this life, followed by humiliation in the Hereafter. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:177سَآءَ مَثَلًا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا

«Evil is the parable of the people who rejected Our Āyāt.» Allāh says, evil is the example of the people who deny Our Āyāt in that they are equated with dogs that have no interest but to collect food and satisfy lusts.' Therefore, whoever goes out of the area of knowledge and guidance, and seeks satisfaction for his lusts and vain desires, is just like a dog; what an evil example. The Ṣaḥīḥ recorded that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَيْسَ لَنَا مَثَلُ السَّوْءِ، الْعَائِدُ فِي هِبَتِهِ كَالْكَلْبِ يَعُودُ فِي قَيْئِهِ

«The evil example is not suitable for us: he who goes back on his gift is just like the dog that eats its vomit.»^{10Fatḥ Al-Bāri 5:288.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:177وَأَنفُسَهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يَظْلِمُونَ

«and they used to wrong themselves.» means, Allāh did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves by rejecting guidance, not obeying the Lord, being content with this life that will soon end, all the while seeking to fulfill desires and obey lusts.

Qur’an 7:178مَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِى وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ

«178. Whomsoever Allāh guides, he is the guided one, and whomsoever He sends astray, - then those! They are the losers.» Allāh says, whomever He leads aright, then none can lead him to misguidance, and whomever He leads astray, will have acquired failure, loss and sure misguidance. Verily, whatever Allāh wills occurs; and whatever He does not will, does not occur. A Ḥadīth narrated from 'Abdullāh bin Mas'ūd reads,

«إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ لِلّٰهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَهْدِيهِ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُورِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِ اللَّهُ فَلَا مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَلَا هَادِيَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ

Qur’an 7:179–187وَلَقَدْ ذَرَأْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ ءَاذَانٌ لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْغَٰفِلُونَ وَلِلَّهِ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ فَٱدْعُوهُ بِهَا وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِىٓ أَسْمَٰٓئِهِۦ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ وَمِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَآ أُمَّةٌ يَهْدُونَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَبِهِۦ يَعْدِلُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ وَأُمْلِى لَهُمْ إِنَّ كَيْدِى مَتِينٌ أَوَلَمْ يَتَفَكَّرُوا۟ مَا بِصَاحِبِهِم مِّن جِنَّةٍ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ أَوَلَمْ يَنظُرُوا۟ فِى مَلَكُوتِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ مِن شَىْءٍ وَأَنْ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ قَدِ ٱقْتَرَبَ أَجَلُهُمْ فَبِأَىِّ حَدِيثٍۭ بَعْدَهُۥ يُؤْمِنُونَ مَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا هَادِىَ لَهُۥ وَيَذَرُهُمْ فِى طُغْيَٰنِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلسَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرْسَىٰهَا قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّى لَا يُجَلِّيهَا لِوَقْتِهَآ إِلَّا هُوَ ثَقُلَتْ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَا تَأْتِيكُمْ إِلَّا بَغْتَةً يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ كَأَنَّكَ حَفِىٌّ عَنْهَا قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

لَا إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ»

«All praise is due to Allāh, Whom we praise and seek help, guidance and forgiveness from. We seek refuge with Allāh from the evils within ourselves and from the burden of our evil deeds. He whom Allāh guides, will never be misled; and he whom He mis- guides, will never have one who will guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh without partners and that Muḥammad is His servant and Messenger.»

The complete Ḥadīth was collected by Imām Aḥmad and the collectors of Sunan and others.^{1Aḥmad 1:392, Abu Dāwud 2:591, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 4:237, An-Nasāʾī 3:105 and Ibn Mājah 1:609.}

Qur’an 7:179وَلَقَدْ ذَرَأْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ ءَاذَانٌ لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْغَٰفِلُونَ

«179. And surely, We have created many of the Jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones.» Disbelief and the Divine Decree Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:179وَلَقَدْ ذَرَأْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ

«And surely, We have created for Hell» We made a share in the Fire for,

Qur’an 7:179كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ

«many of the Jinn and mankind» We prepared them for it by their performance of the deeds of its people. When Allāh intended to create the creation, He knew what their work will be before they existed. He wrote all this in a Book, kept with Him, fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and earth. Muslim recorded that 'Abdullāh bin 'Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ الله قَدَّرَ مَقَادِيرَ الْخَلْقِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَخْلُقَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِخَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ وَكَانَ عَرْشُهُ عَلَى الْمَاءِ

«Verily, Allāh decided the destination and due measurement of the creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and earth, and His Throne was over the water.»^{1Muslim 4:2044.} There are many Ḥadīths on this subject, and certainly, the matter of Al-Qadar is of utmost importance, yet this is not where we should discuss it. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:179لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ ءَاذَانٌ لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَآ

«They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not.» meaning, they do not benefit from these senses that Allāh made for them as a means of gaining guidance. Similarly, Allāh said,

Qur’an 46:26وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُمْ سَمْعًا وَأَبْصَٰرًا وَأَفْـِٔدَةً فَمَآ أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُمْ سَمْعُهُمْ وَلَآ أَبْصَٰرُهُمْ وَلَآ أَفْـِٔدَتُهُم مِّن شَىْءٍ إِذْ كَانُوا۟ يَجْحَدُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ

«And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing, seeing, and hearts; but their hearing, seeing, and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Āyāt.» [46:26]. Allāh also said about the hypocrites,

Qur’an 2:18صُمٌّۢ بُكْمٌ عُمْىٌ فَهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ

«(They are) deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the right path)» [2:18], and about the disbelievers,

Qur’an 2:171صُمٌّۢ بُكْمٌ عُمْىٌ فَهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ

«(They are) deaf, dumb and blind. So they do not understand.» [2:171] However, they are not deaf, dumb or blind, except relation to the guidance. Allāh said;

Qur’an 8:23وَلَوْ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِمْ خَيْرًا لَّأَسْمَعَهُمْ وَلَوْ أَسْمَعَهُمْ لَتَوَلَّوا۟ وَّهُم مُّعْرِضُونَ

«Had Allāh known of any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen; and even if He had made them listen, they would but have turned away with aversion (to the truth).» [8:23],

Qur’an 22:46فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَلَٰكِن تَعْمَى ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلَّتِى فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ

«Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.» [22:46], and,

Qur’an 43:36–37وَمَن يَعْشُ عَن ذِكْرِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُۥ شَيْطَٰنًا فَهُوَ لَهُۥ قَرِينٌ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَيَصُدُّونَهُمْ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ

«And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allāh), We appoint for him Shayṭān to be an intimate companion to him. And verily, they hinder them from the path, but they think that they are guided aright!»[43:36-37] Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:179أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ

«They are like cattle», means, those who neither hear the truth, nor understand it, nor see the guidance, are just like grazing cattle that do not benefit from these senses, except for what sustains their life in this world. Allāh said in a similar Āyah,

Qur’an 2:171وَمَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى يَنْعِقُ بِمَا لَا يَسْمَعُ إِلَّا دُعَآءً وَنِدَآءً

«And the example of those who disbelieve is as that of one who shouts to those who hear nothing but calls and cries.» [2:171] meaning, their example, when they are called to the faith, is the example of cattle that hear only the voice of their shepherd, but cannot understand what he is saying. Allāh further described them

Qur’an 7:179بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ

«nay even more astray», than cattle, because cattle still respond to the call of their shepherd, even though they do not understand what he is saying. As for the people described here, they are unlike cattle, which fulfill the purpose and service they were created for. The disbeliever was created to worship Allāh alone in Tawḥīd, but he disbelieved in Allāh and associated others in His worship. Therefore, those people who obey Allāh are more honorable than some angels, while cattle are better than those who disbelieve in Him. So Allāh said;

Qur’an 7:179أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْغَٰفِلُونَ

«They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones.»

Qur’an 7:180وَلِلَّهِ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ فَٱدْعُوهُ بِهَا وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِىٓ أَسْمَٰٓئِهِۦ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«180. And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allāh, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.»

Allāh's Most Beautiful Names Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ لِلّٰهِ تِسْعًا وَتِسْعِينَ اسْمًا مِائَةً إِلَّا وَاحِدًا، مَنْ أَحْصَاهَا دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ وَهُوَ وِتْرٌ يُحِبُّ الْوِتْرَ

«Verily, Allāh has ninety-nine Names, a hundred less one; whoever counts (and preserves) them, will enter Paradise. Allāh is Witr (One) and loves Al-Witr (the odd numbered things),» The Two Ṣaḥīḥs collected this Ḥadīth.^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 5:417 and 11:218 and Muslim 4:2062.}

We should state that Allāh's Names are not restricted to only ninety-nine. For instance, in his Musnad, Imām Aḥmad recorded that 'Abdullāh bin Mas'ūd said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said;

Ḥadīthمَا أَصَابَ أَحَدًا قَطُّ هَمٌّ وَلَا حَزَنٌ فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي، وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي، إِلَّا أَذْهَبَ الله حُزْنَهُ وَهَمَّهُ وَأَبْدَلَ مَكَانَهُ فَرَحًا

«Any person who is overcome by sadness or grief and supplicates, 'O Allāh! I am Your servant, son of Your female servant. My forelock is in Your Hand. Your decision concerning me shall certainly come to pass. Just is Your Judgement about me. I invoke You by every Name that You have and that You called Yourself by, sent down in Your Book, taught to any of Your creatures, or kept with You in the knowledge of the Unseen that is with You. Make the Glorious Qur'ān the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the remover of my grief and the dissipater of my concern.' Surely, Allāh will remove his grief and sadness and exchange them for delight.»

The Prophet ﷺ was asked "O Messenger of Allāh! Should we learn these words?" He said,

Ḥadīthبَلَى يَنْبَغِي لِكُلِّ مَنْ سَمِعَهَا أَنْ يَتَعَلَّمَهَا

«Yes. It is an obligation on all those who hear this supplication to learn it.»^{2Aḥmad 1:391.}

Al-'Awfi said that Ibn 'Abbās said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 7:180وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِىٓ أَسْمَٰٓئِهِۦ

«and leave the company of those who belie His Names»

"To belie Allāh's Names includes saying that Al-Lāt (an idol) derived from Allāh's Name."^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:282.} Ibn Jurayj narrated from Mujāhid that he commented,

Qur’an 7:180وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِىٓ أَسْمَٰٓئِهِۦ

«and leave the company of those who belie His Names » "They derived Al-Lāt (an idol's name) from Allāh, and Al-'Uzzā (another idol) from Al-'Azīz (the All-Mighty)."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:283.} Qatādah stated that Ilḥād refers to associating others with Allāh in His Names (such as calling an idol Al-'Uzzā).^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 13:283.} The word Ilḥād [used in the Āyah in another from] means deviation, wickedness, injustice and straying. The hole in the grave is called Laḥd, because it is a hole within a hole, that is turned towards the Qiblah (the direction of the prayer).