The Majestic Quran

45 The “ al ” definite article of “ al-Yahood ” is not “ al ” of Jinssiya, inclusive of all Jews but can also refer to a specific group mentioned here, the Jews of Madinah. 46 Wine is specifically mentioned, but the Sunnah mentions anything that intoxicates is haram to consume – or trade in – including narcotics, drugs and alcoholic drinks. The sad fact that these vices are now rampant in our society demands that we must practise these teachings. 47 The sanctified state ( ihram ) of a Muslim pilgrim is two pieces of unsewn white cloth. When a pilgrim enters that state, it becomes unlawful to do certain things like hunting. See also Chapter Al- Baqarah : 196–203. 48 The Kaaba is the cube-shaped building in Makkah, and is mentioned in Chapter Ale ʿ Imran : 96 as the oldest sanctuary on Earth, a holy place. 49 Literally, “God has passed over them.” The story of the cow in Chapter Al-Baqarah : 67–71 is an example of what can happen when people ask too many questions. 50 Names of four types of animals that pagans dedicated to their idols: bahira , a she-camel with a cleft ear; sa’iba , an animal left to roam; wasila , an animal which must not be slaughtered; and hami , a camel forbidden for riding. These superstitious practises are condemned. 51 Meaning, “What response did you get to your preaching?” 52 “Ruh al-Quds” refers to the Angel Gabriel. 53 Literally: ‘for the first and last of us.’ 54 This could be the story mentioned in Mark 6:31, dubbed as ‘The miracle of feeding the five thousand.’ 55 “Fixed time” in the first instance refers to death, and the second time it refers to the Day of Judgement. 56 Irrefutable proof of the existence of the Resurrection, Judgement Day, and Hell. 57 Literally, “parchment” of leather. 58 This is because angels are ordinarily only visible at the time of our death. 59 Literally means, “He decreed kindness as obligatory on Himself.” My translation expresses the idea that nothing can be imposed on God, other than by Himself. He is independent. 60 This spiritual blindness and deafness is a result of their attitude and stubbornness. They have chosen to shut-off the faculty of believing, the Lord leaves them in their state of delusion. 61 This change of address from the Prophet r to the followers is hinted to in Zia ul Quran. 62 This means if God made you deaf, blind or mentally disabled no one could heal you except God. 63 The rich and powerful in society often find it hard to accept that God loves the poor and weak. 64 Literally, “out of ignorance.” Some Companions said that includes any major sin since, if we were in our right minds, we wouldn’t do it. 65 This “clear Book” refers to al-Lawh al-Mahfuz , God’s official record of our deeds, in which everything that has ever happened or will happen is kept. 66 Literally, “He causes you to die,” or, “He takes you in His custody,” or “He puts you to sleep.” 67 The “fixed time” here means the time of death. 68 Al-Qahir is a name of God, it refers to His overwhelming power, complete authority, and control. 69 This example helps to explain why God refuses the deniers a second chance at life on Earth. Even after staring in the face of death, such people always revert to their old ways. 70 This includes people who call themselves Muslims but lack sincerity in their belief and practise of the faith. 71 Some commentators translate Abeehay as his uncle. They contend that the lineage of the blessed Prophet r has been free of idolaters from the time of Adam, a pure breed of the Noble Messenger.