The Majestic Quran

worshippers. 107 We sent you, Messenger, as a kindness for all the worlds. 108 Say: “It is revealed to me, Your Lord is one, so won’t you submit?” 109 If they turn away, say: “I have declared what you’ve been promised; I am not sure whether it is near or far. 110 He knows what you say openly and what you hide. 111 What do I know? This may be a test for you or a respite in the form of enjoyment for a short while.” 112 The messenger prayed: “My Lord, make fair judgement. Our Lord the Kind is the One Whose Help is sought against what you say.” 1 Al Ruh literally means “the spirit” here; it is used for revelation, pointing to the essence of revelation as giving life, reviving individuals and people (cf. Chapter Ash-Shura , verse 52 ). 2 God doesn’t impose his guidance on people, He lets them choose to become believers or reject it. This is freedom of choice that is the foundation of morality. 3 “Taghut” according to the Jalalain means idols they worship. 4 Al-Din literally means religion, I have taken its functional meaning. 5 Scientists estimate that in Britain if there were no bees it would cost farmers £4 billion to pollinate the crops (2017). 6 I have translated this literally, English idiom, ‘twinkling of an eye’ would be equally good. 7 This was not all night but for a part of the night. 8 The two punishments were; 586 bc, the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the Temple of Solomon and took the Israelites into captivity. The second punishment occurred in 70 ce, at the hands of Roman emperor Titus, who scattered the Jews all over the world. 9 Aqwam means “straightest”; without bends, curves or deviations, it is candid, rather than soft or deceptive. 10 This refers to human destiny, fate and the outcome of one’s life achievements. Outcome of life is determined by one’s beliefs, attitudes and behaviour, since God has ordered man to behave responsibly. This could also allude to the human genome, the code that determines a person’s make up and structure. 11 The Ten Commandments are: worship God, care for parents, give to the needy, don’t waste wealth or be a miser, kill, engage in adultery, dishonesty, blind imitation and arrogance. 12 “Uff” is a sound that indicates dislike and annoyance towards parents. 13 Literally: “do not be tight fisted, nor so open handed.” 14 This 'screen' is a consequence of a person's persistence not to listen, be stubborn and break the natural bond with the Creator. For further explanation see; 2:7, 2:27, 6:25, and 14:4. 15 “Encompasses all people” means surrounds, and knows them well to protect you from their harm. 16 The ‘dream’ here according to commentators refers to the Messenger’s r Ascension mentioned in the opening verse of the Chapter. This miracle became a test of their faith; would they believe that he travelled through space and beyond to be in Divine presence. 17 Literally “your soldiers on horseback and on foot”. 18 Fatelan is a cord-like fibre in the groove of a date stone, a metaphor for a tiny amount. 19 It would be impossible for the Messenger of God r to disobey. But the verse is making a bigger point; rejection of a fundamental truth is unforgivable. (Asad)