The Majestic Quran

unsubstantiated rumours – even if the rumours are true but do not meet the required level of proof – and the seriousness of making false or unprovable statements before a court of law. 28 Since this was a test for the believers, to see who would remain steadfast. Furthermore, for every hardship a person suffers they get a reward. “When a person suffers pain or anxiety, even if it is a prick of a thorn, God forgives their sins” (Bukhari) 29 This verse was revealed after Aisha’s father, Abu Bakr, vowed never to support his cousin, Mistah ibn Uthatha, because he spread the slander against his daughter. 30 A shocking crime where a Muslim woman or girl has been seen in the company of non-mahram men is enough for her to become the victim of a horrific attack, or even the so-called “honour killing”, at the hands of her closest relatives. 31 This refers to a public place like a hotel (Ibn Abbas). 32 Literally ‘safeguard their private parts.’ 33 Women’s fashion at the time of revelation was to have the ends of their headscarves trailing down their backs, leaving their breasts partially visible through the opening of their dress at the front (Al- Qurtubi). 34 In this example the niche is the human heart; the lamp is the guidance of the Quran; the glass is reason and intellect and the olive oil is the emotions. The example shows that every person has God- given potential and the desire to see and accept the truth. This is a powerful desire in search of the truth, like petrol, a spark can set it aflame. So, whenever the Divine guidance (the light) is presented they accept it. 35 There are two types of disbelievers; one who thinks and behaves well, has morals and manners that are pleasing. He believes he would reap full reward for his deeds. What he fails to realise is that in a state of disbelief his deeds are worthless they have no spiritual value. So, like the lonely, thirsty traveller he sees a broadsheet of water in the distance, so he runs towards it. There he finds nothing, it was an illusion. The second type of disbeliever is mentioned in the next verse. 36 The second type of disbeliever is engrossed in the world; drowned in lust, in pursuit of wealth and health. He’s sunk in hedonistic pleasures; in darkness. He can’t receive the light since he is in pitch darkness. The example describes the four layers of darkness; the pitch dark night, the clouds, the depth of the sea and stormy tides upon tides. 37 Alternatively God guides anyone He wills towards a straight path. My translation shows that a person witnesses so many persuasive proofs in nature as mentioned in the preceding verses, will want to be guided. This is empowering and reflects the idea of moral choice. 38 In other words: “Actions speak louder than words.” 39 Meaning conveying God’s message and obeying His Messenger r , respectively. 40 Al Alameen according to Jalalain is “humans, Jinns and excludes Angels”. 41 Here “the Reminder” is a synonym for the Quran. 42 “ Mahjuran ” can be interpreted as; to be shunned, out-of-date, to be discarded. So some nominal- followers regard it irrelevant to their lives. 43 Literally means “to steady your heart with it.” 44 “ Rattalnahu tartilan ” means to put together parts of a thing consistently. (cf 39:23). The Quran is very consistent, free of contradictions. (4:82). 45 This refers to Makkan traders who passed by the ruins of the people of Lot on their way to Syria. 46 Literally, His Kindness. 47 The Prophet r is told to perform jihad with the pagans, not with the sword but the Quran. Bihi here, according to Ibn Abbas, is the Quran. 48 This is the literal meaning, but in Arabic ‘sea’ can mean any large mass of water, including lakes and rivers.