الم
Alif, Lam, Meem.
Agha Ali Puya Commentary
Commentary on Quran 29:1
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:1] Refer to the commentary of al Baqarah: 1 for Alif, Lam, Mim (huruf muqatta-at).
الم
Alif, Lam, Meem.
Commentary on Quran 29:1
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:1] Refer to the commentary of al Baqarah: 1 for Alif, Lam, Mim (huruf muqatta-at).
أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ
Do the people suppose that they will be let off because they say, ‘We have faith,’ and they will not be tested?
Commentary on Quran 29:2
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:2] Islam aims at the actual practice and not a mere verbal declaration of faith. There is no salvation of any individual at mere profession of faith without disciplining his self in line with the dictates of Islam. No one will be let off merely on saying that they have believed. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Ayyashi narrates from Imam Ali bin Muhammad an Naqi that Ibn Abbas, after the departure of the Holy Prophet from this world, told Ali: "Go to the people. They will pay allegiance to you." In reply Ali quoted this verse.
وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ
Certainly We tested those who were before them. So Allah shall surely ascertain those who are truthful, and He shall surely ascertain the liars.
Commentary on Quran 29:3
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:3] Imam Ali said: " 'Allah knows' means that He examines and tests the believers to distinguish the righteous from the wicked." The Holy Prophet said that with his departure from this world the guidance coming from Allah by revelation through Jibrail will end, but the evil of mischief mongers will continue. Muslims will be tried and tested in times of discord among people so as to distinguish the genuine believers from the bogus pretenders in faith (see commentary of al Bara-at: 64). The Holy Prophet and the Imams in his Ahl ul Bayt are the thoroughly purified ideals for the true believers. The opportunist pretenders deviated from the true path of Allah and did not follow the Imams of the Ahl ul Bayt in order to usurp the temporal authority, but these Imams, in all ages, remain the true guides for all Muslims. The Holy Prophet said: "My Ahl ul Bayt are like the ark of Nuh. Whoso sails on it is safe, but he who holds back shall perish." Also refer to the commentary of Ali Imran: 140 and 141. Even the great prophet Ibrahim was tested (al Baqarah : 124). Everyone is tested and tried (al Baqarah: 155). The greatest test to manifest the highest qualities of a true servant of Allah was held in Karbala in 61 Hijra. See the biography of Imam Husayn "The King of Martyrs" published by our Trust.
أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ أَن يَسْبِقُونَا سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ
Do those who commit misdeeds suppose that they can outmaneuver Us? Evil is the judgement that they make.
Commentary on Quran 29:4
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:4]
مَن كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّ أَجَلَ اللَّهِ لَآتٍ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Whoever expects to encounter Allah [should know that] Allah’s [appointed] time will indeed come, and He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing.
Commentary on Quran 29:5
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:5] "Meeting with Allah" does not imply seeing Him. It refers to the resurrection and the final judgement on the day of reckoning.
وَمَن جَاهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَاهِدُ لِنَفْسِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ
Whoever strives, strives only for his own sake. Indeed Allah has no need of the creatures.
Commentary on Quran 29:6
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:6] Jihad, in its total rational perspective, does not mean a war against some enemy. It means striving, specially against one's own self, which is the greatest jihad. One who strives in the way of Allah, does it for his own good.
وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَحْسَنَ الَّذِي كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
As for those who have faith and do righteous deeds, We will absolve them of their misdeeds and We will surely reward them by the best of what they used to do.
Commentary on Quran 29:7
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:7] Allah gives incentive and encouragement to the sinners to amend themselves and become righteous. It is a self-destructive theory to believe that mere faith in some prophet or saint will save from punishment despite indulgence in the gravest sins and crimes, because this way the offenders will remain habitual sinners. The Christian doctrine advocating salvation of Christian believers through the blood of Jesus is ridiculous, since it implies that Allah has lost His authority over sinners. The sins of those who believe, turn repentant to Allah and amend themselves will be wiped out by Allah. For effective intercession by those whom Allah has given permission see commentary of al Baqarah: 48, 255; Nisa: 48; Yunus: 3; Maryam: 87; Ta Ha: 109; and Anbiya: 28
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
We have enjoined man to be good to his parents. But if they urge you to ascribe to Me as partner that of which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. To Me will be your return, whereat I will inform you concerning what you used to do.
Commentary on Quran 29:8
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:8] Islam commands all children to obey theirparents, making it compulsory as long as they are not asked by parents to do anything against Allah; but in everything else, not forbidden by Allah, the children must obey their parents. See commentary of Bani Israil : 23.
وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ فِي الصَّالِحِينَ
Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, We will surely admit them among the righteous.
Commentary on Quran 29:9
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:9]
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ فَإِذَا أُوذِيَ فِي اللَّهِ جَعَلَ فِتْنَةَ النَّاسِ كَعَذَابِ اللَّهِ وَلَئِن جَاءَ نَصْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ لَيَقُولُنَّ إِنَّا كُنَّا مَعَكُمْ أَوَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِأَعْلَمَ بِمَا فِي صُدُورِ الْعَالَمِينَ
Among the people there are those who say, ‘We have faith in Allah,’ but if such a one is tormented in Allah’s cause, he takes persecution by the people for Allah’s punishment. Yet if there comes any help from your Lord, they will say, ‘We were indeed with you.’ Does not Allah know best what is in the breasts of the creatures?
Commentary on Quran 29:10
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:10] Those who deserted the Holy Prophet in the battles of Uhad and Hunayn were weak in faith. Islam had not entered their hearts, it was only skin deep and some of them ran away, disappearing from the city for days together (refer to the commentary of al Bara-at: 25 to 27 and verses of Ali Imran mentioned therein).
وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ
Allah shall surely ascertain those who have faith, and He shall surely ascertain the hypocrites.
Commentary on Quran 29:11
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:11] (see commentary for verse 10)
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّبِعُوا سَبِيلَنَا وَلْنَحْمِلْ خَطَايَاكُمْ وَمَا هُم بِحَامِلِينَ مِنْ خَطَايَاهُم مِّن شَيْءٍ إِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ
The faithless say to the faithful, ‘Follow our way and we will bear [responsibility for] your iniquities.’ They will not bear anything of their iniquities. They are indeed liars.
Commentary on Quran 29:12
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:12]
وَلَيَحْمِلُنَّ أَثْقَالَهُمْ وَأَثْقَالًا مَّعَ أَثْقَالِهِمْ وَلَيُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ
But they will carry their own burdens and other burdens along with their own burdens, and they will surely be questioned on the Day of Resurrection concerning that which they used to fabricate.
Commentary on Quran 29:13
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:13]
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَى قَوْمِهِ فَلَبِثَ فِيهِمْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ إِلَّا خَمْسِينَ عَامًا فَأَخَذَهُمُ الطُّوفَانُ وَهُمْ ظَالِمُونَ
Certainly We sent Noah to his people, and he remained with them for a thousand-less-fifty years. Then the flood overtook them while they were wrongdoers.
Commentary on Quran 29:14
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:14] Nuh lived for 950 years. It is also testified by a version of the Bible (Genesis: 29). Refer to the commentary of Hud: 25 to 48 and Shu-ara: 105 to 119. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: According to the Holy Prophet his Ahl ul Bayt are like the ark of Nuh. Those who have boarded the ship of salvation are saved but those who hold back are drowned and lost for ever.
فَأَنجَيْنَاهُ وَأَصْحَابَ السَّفِينَةِ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا آيَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
Then We delivered him and those who were in the Ark, and made it a sign for all the nations.
Commentary on Quran 29:15
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:15] (see commentary for verse 14)
وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاتَّقُوهُ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
And Abraham, when he said to his people, ‘Worship Allah and be wary of Him. That is better for you, should you know.
Commentary on Quran 29:16
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:16] Refer to the commentary of Anbiya: 52.
إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَوْثَانًا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًا فَابْتَغُوا عِندَ اللَّهِ الرِّزْقَ وَاعْبُدُوهُ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
What you worship instead of Allah are mere idols, and you invent a lie. Indeed those whom you worship besides Allah have no control over your provision. So seek all [your] provision from Allah, and worship Him and thank Him, and to Him you shall be brought back.’
Commentary on Quran 29:17
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:17] (see commentary for verse 16)
وَإِن تُكَذِّبُوا فَقَدْ كَذَّبَ أُمَمٌ مِّن قَبْلِكُمْ وَمَا عَلَى الرَّسُولِ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ
If you impugn [the Apostle’s teaching], then [other] nations have impugned [likewise] before you, and the Apostle’s duty is only to communicate in clear terms.
Commentary on Quran 29:18
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:18] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: The prophets of Allah are not concerned whether people believe or disbelieve.
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا كَيْفَ يُبْدِئُ اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ
Have they not regarded how Allah originates the creation? Then He will bring it back. That is indeed easy for Allah.
Commentary on Quran 29:19
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:19]
قُلْ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانظُرُوا كَيْفَ بَدَأَ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ اللَّهُ يُنشِئُ النَّشْأَةَ الْآخِرَةَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Say, ‘Travel over the land and observe how He has originated the creation.’ Then Allah will bring about the genesis of the Hereafter. Indeed Allah has power over all things.
Commentary on Quran 29:20
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:20] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Refer to my note in the commentary of verse 69 of an Naml. The nature of journey is intellectual, not physical. History is the development of the past into the present and the present into the future as stated in my note of verses 87 and 88 of an Naml.
يُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَرْحَمُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُقْلَبُونَ
He will punish whomever He wishes and have mercy on whomever He wishes, and to Him you will be returned.
Commentary on Quran 29:21
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:21]
وَمَا أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
You cannot frustrate Him on the earth or in the sky, nor do you have besides Allah any guardian or helper.
Commentary on Quran 29:22
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:22]
وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَلِقَائِهِ أُولَئِكَ يَئِسُوا مِن رَّحْمَتِي وَأُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
Those who deny the signs of Allah and the encounter with Him—they have despaired of My mercy, and for such there is a painful punishment.
Commentary on Quran 29:23
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:23]
فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا اقْتُلُوهُ أَوْ حَرِّقُوهُ فَأَنجَاهُ اللَّهُ مِنَ النَّارِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
But the only answer of his people was that they said, ‘Kill him, or burn him.’ Then Allah delivered him from the fire. There are indeed signs in that for a people who have faith.
Commentary on Quran 29:24
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:24] Refer to the commentary of Anbiya: 51 to 70 for Ibrahim; and al Baqarah: 124.
وَقَالَ إِنَّمَا اتَّخَذْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَوْثَانًا مَّوَدَّةَ بَيْنِكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ثُمَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكْفُرُ بَعْضُكُم بِبَعْضٍ وَيَلْعَنُ بَعْضُكُم بَعْضًا وَمَأْوَاكُمُ النَّارُ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ
He said, ‘You have taken idols [for worship] besides Allah for the sake of [mutual] affection amongst yourselves in the life of the world. Then on the Day of Resurrection you will disown one another and curse one another, and the Fire will be your abode, and you will not have any helpers.’
Commentary on Quran 29:25
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:25] (see commentary for verse 24)
فَآمَنَ لَهُ لُوطٌ وَقَالَ إِنِّي مُهَاجِرٌ إِلَى رَبِّي إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
Thereupon Lot believed in him, and he said, ‘Indeed I am migrating toward my Lord. Indeed He is the All-mighty, the All-wise.’
Commentary on Quran 29:26
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:26] (see commentary for verse 24)
وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِي ذُرِّيَّتِهِ النُّبُوَّةَ وَالْكِتَابَ وَآتَيْنَاهُ أَجْرَهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَإِنَّهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
And We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and We ordained among his descendants prophethood and the Book, and We gave him his reward in this world, and in the Hereafter he will indeed be among the Righteous.
Commentary on Quran 29:27
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:27] (see commentary for verse 24)
وَلُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الْفَاحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُم بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّنَ الْعَالَمِينَ
And Lot, when he said to his people, ‘You indeed commit an indecency none in the world has ever committed before you!
Commentary on Quran 29:28
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:28] Refer to the commentary of Hud: 69 to 82 for Lut and his people.
أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الرِّجَالَ وَتَقْطَعُونَ السَّبِيلَ وَتَأْتُونَ فِي نَادِيكُمُ الْمُنكَرَ فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا ائْتِنَا بِعَذَابِ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ
What! Do you come to men, and cut off the way, and commit outrages in your gatherings?’ But the only answer of his people was that they said, ‘Bring down us Allah’s punishment, if you are truthful.’
Commentary on Quran 29:29
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:29] (see commentary for verse 28)
قَالَ رَبِّ انصُرْنِي عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْمُفْسِدِينَ
He said, ‘My Lord! Help me against this corruptive lot.’
Commentary on Quran 29:30
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:30] (see commentary for verse 28)
وَلَمَّا جَاءَتْ رُسُلُنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ بِالْبُشْرَى قَالُوا إِنَّا مُهْلِكُو أَهْلِ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ إِنَّ أَهْلَهَا كَانُوا ظَالِمِينَ
And when Our messengers came to Abraham with the good news, they said, ‘We are indeed going to destroy the people of this town. Its people are indeed wrongdoers.’
Commentary on Quran 29:31
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:31] (see commentary for verse 28)
قَالَ إِنَّ فِيهَا لُوطًا قَالُوا نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن فِيهَا لَنُنَجِّيَنَّهُ وَأَهْلَهُ إِلَّا امْرَأَتَهُ كَانَتْ مِنَ الْغَابِرِينَ
He said, ‘Lot is in it.’ They said, ‘We know better those who are in it. We will surely deliver him and his family, except his wife: she shall be one of those who remain behind.’
Commentary on Quran 29:32
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:32] (see commentary for verse 28)
وَلَمَّا أَن جَاءَتْ رُسُلُنَا لُوطًا سِيءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّا مُنَجُّوكَ وَأَهْلَكَ إِلَّا امْرَأَتَكَ كَانَتْ مِنَ الْغَابِرِينَ
And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was distressed on their account and in a predicament for their sake. But they said, ‘Do not be afraid, nor grieve! We shall deliver you and your family, except your wife: she will be one of those who remain behind.
Commentary on Quran 29:33
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:33] (see commentary for verse 28)
إِنَّا مُنزِلُونَ عَلَى أَهْلِ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ رِجْزًا مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْسُقُونَ
We are indeed going to bring down upon the people of this town a punishment from the sky because of the transgressions they used to commit.’
Commentary on Quran 29:34
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:34] (see commentary for verse 28)
وَلَقَد تَّرَكْنَا مِنْهَا آيَةً بَيِّنَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
Certainly We have left of it a manifest sign for people who exercise their reason.
Commentary on Quran 29:35
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:35] (see commentary for verse 28)
وَإِلَى مَدْيَنَ أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًا فَقَالَ يَاقَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَارْجُوا الْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ
And to Midian We sent Shu‘ayb, their brother. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah, and expect [to encounter] the Last Day, and do not act wickedly on the earth causing corruption.’
Commentary on Quran 29:36
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:36] Refer to the commentary of Araf: 85 to 93 for prophet Shu-ayb and his people.
فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا فِي دَارِهِمْ جَاثِمِينَ
But they impugned him, whereupon the earthquake seized them, and they lay lifeless prostrate in their homes.
Commentary on Quran 29:37
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:37] (see commentary for verse 36)
وَعَادًا وَثَمُودَ وَقَد تَّبَيَّنَ لَكُم مِّن مَّسَاكِنِهِمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فَصَدَّهُمْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَكَانُوا مُسْتَبْصِرِينَ
And ‘Ad and Thamud, [whose fate] is evident to you from their habitations. Satan made their deeds seem decorous to them, thus he barred them from the way [of Allah], though they used to be perceptive.
Commentary on Quran 29:38
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:38] Refer to the commentary of Araf: 65 to 72 for the people of Ad; and Araf: 73 to 79 for the people of Thamud.
وَقَارُونَ وَفِرْعَوْنَ وَهَامَانَ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُم مُّوسَى بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَاسْتَكْبَرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا كَانُوا سَابِقِينَ
And Korah, Pharaoh, and Haman. Certainly, Moses brought them manifest proofs, but they acted arrogantly in the land; though they could not outmaneuver [Allah].
Commentary on Quran 29:39
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:39] Refer to the commentary of Qasas: 76 to 82 for Qarun; Qasas: 6 for Haman and Araf: 103 to 137; Yunus: 75 to 92; Hud: 96 to 99; Ta Ha: 42 to 53 and 56 to 79 and Shu-ara: 10 to 69 for Firawn and Musa.
فَكُلًّا أَخَذْنَا بِذَنبِهِ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِ حَاصِبًا وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ أَخَذَتْهُ الصَّيْحَةُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ خَسَفْنَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ أَغْرَقْنَا وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيَظْلِمَهُمْ وَلَكِن كَانُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ
So We seized each [of them] for his sin: among them were those upon whom We unleashed a rain of stones, and among them were those who were seized by the Cry, and among them were those whom We caused the earth to swallow, and among them were those whom We drowned. It was not Allah who wronged them, but it was they who used to wrong themselves.
Commentary on Quran 29:40
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:40] Refer to the commentary of the verses mentioned above in 24 to 27, 28 to 35, 36 to 37, 38 and 39 for the punishment inflicted upon the beliers of the messengers of Allah.
مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ كَمَثَلِ الْعَنكَبُوتِ اتَّخَذَتْ بَيْتًا وَإِنَّ أَوْهَنَ الْبُيُوتِ لَبَيْتُ الْعَنكَبُوتِ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ
The parable of those who take guardians instead of Allah is that of the spider that takes a home, and indeed the frailest of homes is the home of a spider, had they known!
Commentary on Quran 29:41
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:41] Belief in falsehood is like a fragile spider's web which cannot withstand the slightest of wind. Whenever the reason behind any logical argument is brought to bear upon the false dogmas of wrong belief the whole fabric of falsehood is torn to pieces, as a spider's web is blown away by wind. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: To the spider, who artistically construct an intricate combination of network, his abode is like a fortress, but a slight disturbance proves that it was the flimsiest of houses. Likewise theories built upon conjecture by human minds to challenge the laws or will of Allah are more feeble than spider's web.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ مِن شَيْءٍ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
Allah indeed knows whatever thing they invoke besides Him, and He is the All-mighty, the All-wise.
Commentary on Quran 29:42
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:42]
وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَا إِلَّا الْعَالِمُونَ
We draw these parables for mankind; but no one grasps them except those who have knowledge.
Commentary on Quran 29:43
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:43] The disbelievers used to ridicule the example of spider's web. Quran says that its analogies and parables can only be understood by those endowed with the power of understanding. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: The physical world of senses is an allusive illustration of the reality of spiritual existence. The Holy Prophet said: "Man's life in this world is a dream. He comes out of sleep when he dies." Verse 22 of Qaf says: "You were completely heedless of this day (the day of resurrection). We have removed the veil from your eyes."
خَلَقَ اللَّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِالْحَقِّ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Allah created the heavens and the earth with consummate wisdom. There is indeed a sign in that for the faithful.
Commentary on Quran 29:44
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:44]
اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ
Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and maintain the prayer. Indeed the prayer restrains from indecent and wrongful conduct, and the remembrance of Allah is surely greater. And Allah knows whatever [deeds] you do.
Commentary on Quran 29:45
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:45] Through the Holy Prophet, the believers are addressed to pray salat regularly because it is the greatest remembrance of Allah. See commentary of Baqarah: 45 and Ta Ha: 132. For the recitation of the Quran refer to the commentary of Baqarah: 121. The recitation of the Quran implies-reciting it, studying it, understanding it and preaching it-which cannot be properly carried out unless one follows the Ahl ul Bayt (see hadith al thaqalayn on page 6).
وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ وَقُولُوا آمَنَّا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَإِلَهُنَا وَإِلَهُكُمْ وَاحِدٌ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ
Do not argue with the People of the Book except in a manner which is best, except such of them as are wrongdoers, and say, ‘We believe in what has been sent down to us and in what has been sent down to you; our God and your God is one [and the same], and to Him do we submit.’
Commentary on Quran 29:46
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:46] Disputes about religious belief are considered futile and the use of force in religious controversy is not allowed. Islam recognises the truthfulness of every prophet of Allah and the genuineness of what was revealed to him, but that which was given to the prophets, preceding the Holy Prophet, was sectional and seasonal, not universal and permanent as the message of Islam conveyed to mankind through the Holy Prophet.
وَكَذَلِكَ أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ فَالَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَمِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِهِ وَمَا يَجْحَدُ بِآيَاتِنَا إِلَّا الْكَافِرُونَ
Thus We have sent down the Book to you; those to whom We have given the Book believe in it, and of these there are some who believe in it, and none contests Our signs except the faithless.
Commentary on Quran 29:47
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:47] The Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet joined his Ahl ul Bayt with the Quran to establish them as total guidance inseparable from each other (refer to hadith al thaqalayn on page 6). They are those whom Allah gave the knowledge of the book (see commentary of al Baqarah: 2 and 124 and Ali Imran: 7). Those who have the knowledge of the Quran are also fully aware of the books given to other prophets. The Holy Prophet and his Ahl ul Bayt are the signs of Allah. Only the disbelievers deny the signs of Allah.
وَمَا كُنتَ تَتْلُو مِن قَبْلِهِ مِن كِتَابٍ وَلَا تَخُطُّهُ بِيَمِينِكَ إِذًا لَّارْتَابَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ
You did not use to recite any scripture before it, nor did you write it with your right hand, for then the impugners would have been skeptical.
Commentary on Quran 29:48
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:48] The Holy Prophet received knowledge and wisdom directly from Allah. Refer to the commentary of al Baqarah: 78. This passage shows that the Holy Prophet did not acquire knowledge of reading or writing as other scholars do after taking lessons from tutors and teachers. This view is supported by the first four verses of ar Rahman which declare that Allah Himself taught "Quran" and "Bayan" (expression) to the Holy Prophet. It is therefore incorrect to hold that he was incapable of reading or writing, otherwise he who was deprived of the capacity of reading or writing would not be commissioned by Allah as a prophet to teach the book and wisdom to the people (see Jumu-ah: 2 and Alaq: 4 and 5). The Holy Prophet was divinely gifted with all knowledge, and so were the Ahl ul Bayt who were the heavenly depositories of knowledge of the word of Allah revealed through the Quran and previous scriptures. To ordinary men their knowledge and wisdom is a miracle.
بَلْ هُوَ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَمَا يَجْحَدُ بِآيَاتِنَا إِلَّا الظَّالِمُونَ
Indeed, it is [present as] manifest signs in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge, and none contests Our signs except wrongdoers.
Commentary on Quran 29:49
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:49] Refer to the commentary of verse 47. The Holy Prophet said: "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate." Refer to the commentary of Ali Imran: 7 and 18 and Nisa: 162. No previously revealed scripture was ever made to be preserved in the memory of people, it is only the Quran's miracle that it is preserved in the memory of millions with such precision that if all written copies be made extinct, the Quran can be reproduced without the slightest error.
وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ آيَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْآيَاتُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّمَا أَنَا نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ
They say, ‘Why has not some sign been sent down to him from his Lord?’ Say, ‘These signs are only from Allah, and I am only a manifest warner.’
Commentary on Quran 29:50
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:50] Miracles are wrought only at Allah's independent will and not at the demand of people as and when they ask for them. Previously, the miracles shown to them did not have much convincing effect except satisfy their playful nature. Now, the Holy Prophet was sent not to repeat any miracles but to present the word of Allah which, as said in verse 48, itself is a great miracle.
أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَى لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Does it not suffice them that We have sent down to you the Book which is recited to them? There is indeed in that a mercy and admonition for a people who have faith.
Commentary on Quran 29:51
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:51] (see commentary for verse 50)
قُلْ كَفَى بِاللَّهِ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ شَهِيدًا يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْبَاطِلِ وَكَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ أُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ
Say, ‘Allah suffices as a witness between me and you: He knows whatever there is in the heavens and the earth. Those who put faith in falsehood and defy Allah—it is they who are the losers.’
Commentary on Quran 29:52
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:52] Refer to the commentary of An-am: 19.
وَيَسْتَعْجِلُونَكَ بِالْعَذَابِ وَلَوْلَا أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى لَّجَاءَهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلَيَأْتِيَنَّهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
They ask you to hasten the punishment. Yet were it not for a specified time, the punishment would have surely overtaken them. Surely, it will overtake them suddenly while they are unaware.
Commentary on Quran 29:53
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:53] Allah's plan is executed by Allah Himself. It could neither be hastened by anyone nor deferred. It will come when Allah wills. See commentary of Yunus: 51 and Hajj: 47.
يَسْتَعْجِلُونَكَ بِالْعَذَابِ وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمُحِيطَةٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ
They ask you to hasten the punishment, and indeed hell will besiege the faithless
Commentary on Quran 29:54
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:54] It is to be emphasised that there is no use asking for early punishment, hell would certainly encompass all the disbelievers.
يَوْمَ يَغْشَاهُمُ الْعَذَابُ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِمْ وَيَقُولُ ذُوقُوا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
on the day when the punishment envelopes them, from above them and from under their feet, and He will say, ‘Taste what you used to do!’
Commentary on Quran 29:55
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:55] Refer to the commentary of An-am: 65.
يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ أَرْضِي وَاسِعَةٌ فَإِيَّايَ فَاعْبُدُونِ
O My servants who have faith! My earth is indeed vast. So worship [only] Me.
Commentary on Quran 29:56
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:56] The Muslims who had stayed behind in Makka passed their life in a miserable state owing to the tortures given by disbelievers. This verse conveys that if they were bothered at Makka too much they might migrate to Madina where they would be safe and free. It carries the clear instruction that attachment to one's homeland should not make one yield to any authority other than Allah.
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Every soul shall taste death. Then you shall be brought back to Us.
Commentary on Quran 29:57
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:57]
وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَنُبَوِّئَنَّهُم مِّنَ الْجَنَّةِ غُرَفًا تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا نِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ
Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, We will surely settle them in the lofty abodes of paradise, with streams running in them, to remain in them [forever]. How excellent is the reward of the workers!
Commentary on Quran 29:58
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:58]
الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
—Those who are patient and who put their trust in their Lord.
Commentary on Quran 29:59
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:59]
وَكَأَيِّن مِّن دَابَّةٍ لَّا تَحْمِلُ رِزْقَهَا اللَّهُ يَرْزُقُهَا وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
How many an animal there is that does not carry its own provision. Allah provides them and you, and He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing.
Commentary on Quran 29:60
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:60] It is a tacit injunction that control on reproduction of life (family planning) for economic considerations is to be avoided, for it is Allah who provides all sustenance. Refer to the commentary of Bani Israil: 31.
وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُم مَّنْ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ لَيَقُولُنَّ اللَّهُ فَأَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ
If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and the earth, and who has disposed the sun and the moon?’ They will surely say, ‘Allah.’ Then where do they stray?
Commentary on Quran 29:61
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:61] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: To remove man's economic apprehensions, the Quran draws attention to the fact that the creation of heavens, the earth and the heavenly bodies including man himself, and the destruction and death of all are beyond human will and choice.
اللَّهُ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
Allah expands the provision for whomever He wishes of His servants, and tightens it for him. Indeed Allah has knowledge of all things.
Commentary on Quran 29:62
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:62]
وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُم مَّن نَّزَّلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ مِن بَعْدِ مَوْتِهَا لَيَقُولُنَّ اللَّهُ قُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ
And if you ask them, ‘Who sends down water from the sky, with which He revives the earth after its death?’ They will surely say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘All praise belongs to Allah!’ But most of them do not exercise their reason.
Commentary on Quran 29:63
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:63]
وَمَا هَذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ
The life of this world is nothing but diversion and play, but the abode of the Hereafter is indeed Life (itself), had they known!
Commentary on Quran 29:64
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:64] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Refer to the commentary of An-am: 32. The comforts and hardships of the life of this world are not important. They are a test and trial. The life of hereafter is real and eternal.
فَإِذَا رَكِبُوا فِي الْفُلْكِ دَعَوُا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاهُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ إِذَا هُمْ يُشْرِكُونَ
When they board the ship, they invoke Allah putting exclusive faith in Him, but when He delivers them to land, behold, they ascribe partners [to Him],
Commentary on Quran 29:65
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:65]
لِيَكْفُرُوا بِمَا آتَيْنَاهُمْ وَلِيَتَمَتَّعُوا فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ
being ungrateful for what We have given them! Let them enjoy. Soon they will know!
Commentary on Quran 29:66
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:66]
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا آمِنًا وَيُتَخَطَّفُ النَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ أَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَةِ اللَّهِ يَكْفُرُونَ
Have they not seen that We have appointed a safe sanctuary, while the people are despoiled all around them? Would they then believe in falsehood and be ungrateful toward the blessing of Allah?
Commentary on Quran 29:67
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:67]
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِالْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَهُ أَلَيْسَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ مَثْوًى لِّلْكَافِرِينَ
Who is a greater wrongdoer than him who fabricates a lie against Allah, or denies the truth when it comes to him? Is not the [final] abode of the faithless in hell?
Commentary on Quran 29:68
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:68]
وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
As for those who strive in Us, We shall surely guide them in Our ways, and Allah is indeed with the virtuous.
Commentary on Quran 29:69
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 29:69] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Allah is always with those who do good to others; and He guides those who strive in His way. This is the most promising assurance held out for those who sincerely strive in the way of Allah.