حمٓ
Ha, Meem,
Agha Ali Puya Commentary
Commentary on Quran 42:1
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:1] Refer to the commentary of Baqarah: 1 for huruf maqatti-at.
The Consultation
42. Ash-Shūrā
الشورى
حمٓ
Ha, Meem,
Commentary on Quran 42:1
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:1] Refer to the commentary of Baqarah: 1 for huruf maqatti-at.
عسق
‘Ayn, Seen, Qaf.
Commentary on Quran 42:2
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:2] (see commentary for verse 1)
كَذَلِكَ يُوحِي إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكَ اللَّهُ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
Allah, the All-mighty and the All-wise, thus reveals to you and to those who were before you:
Commentary on Quran 42:3
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:3]
لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth belongs to Him, and He is the All-exalted, the All-supreme.
Commentary on Quran 42:4
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:4]
تَكَادُ السَّمَاوَاتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِن فَوْقِهِنَّ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
The heavens are about to be rent apart from above them, while the angels celebrate the praise of their Lord and plead for forgiveness for those [faithful] who are on the earth. Indeed, Allah is the All-forgiving, the All-merciful!
Commentary on Quran 42:5
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:5] "The heavens are almost rent asunder" refers to the displeasure of Allah when man associates false gods with Him. The angels are the noblest and purest beings, and among them are those, superior in excellence, who are in the neighbourhood of the arsh. All the angels not only celebrate the glory of their Lord but also pray for the protection of human beings. To save the transgressing human beings from the wrath of Allah, the angels, who only carry out the will of Allah, under His command, pray for His protection and mercy so that the erring human beings may not be totally annihilated by the rendering asunder of the heavens. As stated in Anam: 12 and 54, Allah has prescribed mercy for Himself. A general amnesty has been promised if man turns repentant to Allah and seek His mercy, see Mumin: 7. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: According to Imam Jafar bin Muhammad as Sadiq, Shura: 5 and Mumin: 7 are closely linked together.
وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهُ حَفِيظٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَا أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ
As for those who have taken awliya besides Him, Allah is watchful over them, and you are not their keeper.
Commentary on Quran 42:6
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:6]
وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّتُنذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَى وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَتُنذِرَ يَوْمَ الْجَمْعِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ فَرِيقٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَفَرِيقٌ فِي السَّعِيرِ
Thus have We revealed to you an Arabic Quran that you may warn [the people of] the Mother of the Towns and those around it, and warn [them] of the Day of Gathering, in which there is no doubt, [whereupon] a part [of mankind] will be in paradise and a part will be in the Blaze.
Commentary on Quran 42:7
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:7] Refer to the commentary of Ha Mim: 2 to 4 and Ya Sin: 2 to 6. Umm al Qura refers to Makka, and "all around it" refers to the whole world.
وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَهُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَكِن يُدْخِلُ مَن يَشَاءُ فِي رَحْمَتِهِ وَالظَّالِمُونَ مَا لَهُم مِّن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
Had Allah wished, He would have surely made them one community; but He admits whomever He wishes into His mercy, and the wrongdoers do not have any guardian or helper.
Commentary on Quran 42:8
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:8]
أَمِ اتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ فَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْوَلِيُّ وَهُوَ يُحْيِي الْمَوْتَى وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Have they taken awliya besides Him? [Say,] ‘It is Allah, who is the [true] Wali, and He revives the dead, and He has power over all things.
Commentary on Quran 42:9
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:9]
وَمَا اخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِيهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فَحُكْمُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ذَلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ
Whatever thing you may differ about, its judgement is with Allah. That is Allah, my Lord. In Him, I have put my trust, and to Him do I turn penitently.
Commentary on Quran 42:10
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:10] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Verses 10 to 21 of this surah assert that absolute authority belongs only to Allah in the realm of creation as well as in the realm of legislation. His sovereignty is delegated to the chosen prophets and their successors on the earth. The people of the book and the disbelievers differ in this arrangement in order to save their privileges and advantages. The Holy Prophet is commanded not to give any importance to their opposition. The mission of the Holy Prophet, as decreed by Allah, was to do justice to friends and foes alike and preach the truth so that his opponents, who are also the opponents of Allah, may have no excuse whatsoever, and they may rely on Allah for their sustenance and pay attention to the life of hereafter. Refer to Nisa: 65 and Ahzab: 36.
فَاطِرُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا وَمِنَ الْأَنْعَامِ أَزْوَاجًا يَذْرَؤُكُمْ فِيهِ لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ
The originator of the heavens and the earth, He made for you mates from your own selves, and mates of the cattle, by which means He multiplies you. Nothing is like Him, and He is the All-hearing, the All-seeing.
Commentary on Quran 42:11
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:11]
لَهُ مَقَالِيدُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ إِنَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: He expands the provision for whomever He wishes, and tightens it [for whomever He wishes]. Indeed He has knowledge of all things.’
Commentary on Quran 42:12
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:12]
شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّى بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَى وَعِيسَى أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ كَبُرَ عَلَى الْمُشْرِكِينَ مَا تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَيْهِ اللَّهُ يَجْتَبِي إِلَيْهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي إِلَيْهِ مَن يُنِيبُ
He has prescribed for you the religion which He had enjoined upon Noah and which We have [also] revealed to you, and which We had enjoined upon Abraham, Moses and Jesus, declaring, ‘Maintain the religion, and do not be divided in it.’ Hard on the polytheists is that to which you summon them. Allah chooses for it whomever He wishes, and He guides to it whomever returns penitently [to Him].
Commentary on Quran 42:13
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:13] The religion preached by the Holy Prophet was the same in essence, given to Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa or Isa. They all preached the unity (tawhid) of Allah and admonished their followers to do good and shun evil. Every religion was named by its followers after their prophet's departure from this world, but Islam was named by Allah-see Baqarah: 112; Ali Imran: 19; Nisa: 125 and Ma-idah: 3-when the religion of Allah was perfected and completed. It implies that all other religions, prior to Islam, were in the state of transition. John 16: 5 to 14 clearly show that Isa, before leaving this world, gave the news of the advent of the spirit of truth, the comforter, who would certainly come and guide all mankind into all the truth, for he would not speak on his own authority, but tell only what he heard from the Lord.
وَمَا تَفَرَّقُوا إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى لَّقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُورِثُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مُرِيبٍ
They did not divide [into sects] except after the knowledge had come to them, out of envy among themselves; and were it not for a prior decree of your Lord [granting them reprieve] until a specified time, decision would have been made between them. Indeed those who were made heirs to the Book after them are in grave doubt concerning it.
Commentary on Quran 42:14
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:14] Refer to the commentary of Baqarah: 213; Ali Imran: 19, 63 to 66; Yunus: 19 and Ibrahim: 9. As stated every where in this book all the prophets of Allah brought almost similar guidance in basic principles, so when the Holy Prophet came with Islam, there should have been no opposition by the people of the book, but through selfish envy they plunged in antagonism and rejected the truth.
فَلِذَلِكَ فَادْعُ وَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ وَقُلْ آمَنتُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ مِن كِتَابٍ وَأُمِرْتُ لِأَعْدِلَ بَيْنَكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ لَنَا أَعْمَالُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَالُكُمْ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ اللَّهُ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ
So summon to this [unity of religion], and be steadfast, just as you have been commanded, and do not follow their desires, and say, ‘I believe in whatever Book Allah has sent down. I have been commanded to do justice among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. Our deeds belong to us and your deeds belong to you. There is no quarrel between us and you. Allah will bring us together and toward Him is the destination.’
Commentary on Quran 42:15
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:15] The mission of the Holy Prophet was to preach the gospel of unity to unite the people who were sunk deep in sectarianism and division, without making any compromise on account of worldly or political motives. He always relied upon Allah and His revelation, judged justly between warring factions, as the greatest upholder of peace and unity. According to Islam it is deeds which decide the fate of every individual in the life hereafter. Personal responsibility for one's own conduct is the basis of judgement on the day of reckoning when all will be brought together before the Lord of the worlds who is God of every created being.
وَالَّذِينَ يُحَاجُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا اسْتُجِيبَ لَهُ حُجَّتُهُمْ دَاحِضَةٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَعَلَيْهِمْ غَضَبٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ
Those who argue concerning Allah, after His call has been answered, their argument stands refuted with their Lord, and upon them shall be [His] wrath, and there is a severe punishment for them.
Commentary on Quran 42:16
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:16] The people of the book were fully aware of the advent of the Holy Prophet (see commentary of Baqarah: 40, 89 and 253), but when he came they disbelieved in him because of their arrogance, selfish motives and desire to maintain status quo in order to save their privileges, advantages and leadership. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Any argument to question the absolute authority of Allah is unacceptable.
اللَّهُ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ وَالْمِيزَانَ وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ لَعَلَّ السَّاعَةَ قَرِيبٌ
It is Allah who has sent down the Book with the truth and [He has sent down] the Balance. What do you know—maybe the Hour is near!
Commentary on Quran 42:17
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:17] Refer to the commentary of Baqarah: 2 for the book and Araf: 8 and Anbiya: 47 to know about mizan (balance or scale). Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Mizan implies the balance of mind, a God-given faculty, which is fully aware of the meanings and interpretation of all the revealed books.
يَسْتَعْجِلُ بِهَا الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهَا وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مُشْفِقُونَ مِنْهَا وَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهَا الْحَقُّ أَلَا إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُمَارُونَ فِي السَّاعَةِ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ بَعِيدٍ
Those who do not believe in it ask [you] to hasten it, but those who have faith are apprehensive of it, and know that it is true. Indeed those who are in doubt about the Hour are in extreme error!
Commentary on Quran 42:18
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:18] The disbelievers do not believe in the day of reckoning and laugh at it. They say defiantly: "If there is to be a punishment, let it come at once." One day they shall certainly know how far they strayed from the right path. Refer to Yunus: 19 and Rad: 6.
اللَّهُ لَطِيفٌ بِعِبَادِهِ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَهُوَ الْقَوِيُّ الْعَزِيزُ
Allah is all-attentive to His servants. He provides for whomever He wishes, and He is the All-strong, the All-mighty.
Commentary on Quran 42:19
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:19]
مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ الْآخِرَةِ نَزِدْ لَهُ فِي حَرْثِهِ وَمَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ الدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِهِ مِنْهَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِن نَّصِيبٍ
Whoever desires the tillage of the Hereafter, We will enhance for him his tillage, and whoever desires the tillage of the world, We will give it to him, but he will have no share in the Hereafter.
Commentary on Quran 42:20
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:20] You reap as you sow. Those who believe and do good in this life to seek Allah's pleasure are blessed in this life and also in the hereafter. Allah will also add manifold blessings in the spiritual life of the hereafter. To those who are only engrossed in the vain desires and gains of this world, something may be available to them here but in the blessings of the spiritual world to come they shall have no share because whatever good they did was a show-off.
أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَن بِهِ اللَّهُ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةُ الْفَصْلِ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
Do they have deities [besides Allah] who have ordained for them a religion not permitted by Allah? Were it not for a [prior] conclusive word, judgement would have been made between them, and indeed a painful punishment awaits the wrongdoers.
Commentary on Quran 42:21
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:21] Nothing can be legislated without the permission of Allah. Thus even those whom the disbelievers regard as partners of Allah cannot do so. Allah has given respite to the disbelievers, and does not hasten in inflicting punishment on them. Refer to Yunus: 19 and Rad: 6; and verse 18 of this surah.
تَرَى الظَّالِمِينَ مُشْفِقِينَ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا وَهُوَ وَاقِعٌ بِهِمْ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فِي رَوْضَاتِ الْجَنَّاتِ لَهُم مَّا يَشَاءُونَ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْكَبِيرُ
When it is about to befall them, You will see the wrongdoers fearful because of what they have earned; but those who have faith and do righteous deeds will be in the gardens of paradise: they will have whatever they wish near their Lord. That is the mighty grace.
Commentary on Quran 42:22
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:22]
ذَلِكَ الَّذِي يُبَشِّرُ اللَّهُ عِبَادَهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ قُل لَّا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى وَمَن يَقْتَرِفْ حَسَنَةً نَّزِدْ لَهُ فِيهَا حُسْنًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ
Such is the good news that Allah gives to His servants who have faith and do righteous deeds! Say, ‘I do not ask you any reward for it except the love of [my] relatives.’ Whoever performs a good deed, We shall enhance its goodness for him. Indeed Allah is all-forgiving, all-appreciative.
Commentary on Quran 42:23
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:23] To follow the command of Allah given in this verse, refer to the commentary of Furqan: 57; Saba: 47 and Sad: 86 for the "love of the Ahl ul Bayt of the Holy Prophet." Also refer to An-am : 91 and Yunus: 72. To know that Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn and their children are the only "near relative" (Ahl ul Bayt) of the Holy Prophet see commentary of Ali Imran: 61 and Ahzab: 33. Ibn Hajr in Sawa-iq, chapter 11, page 160 and Ibn Sad in Tabaqat in the account of Umar bin Khattab have accepted that the near relatives of the Holy Prophet are the Ahl ul Bayt. The same opinion is found in Tafsir Kashaf, Sahih Muslim, Musnad ibn Hanbal and Tafsir Durr al Manthur. This verse commands the Muslims to love the Ahl ul Bayt if they want to repay the Holy Prophet for his toils of prophethood, so that they should follow the Ahl ul Bayt in word and deed, because they have been thoroughly purified by Allah Himself, because they are the truthful, because they are the custodians of the word of Allah, because they alone know the true interpretation of the guidance sent for all mankind. A large number of narratives reported by the most reliable authorities of the Islamic history prove that this verse was revealed in Madina after the births of Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn. Even if they were not born and this verse was revealed in Makka, no Muslim can deny that Allah has the absolute authority to refer to future events and persons not yet born, as He refers to the details of the day of judgement or relates the outcome of the battles the Holy Prophet fought in defence. Those who try to sidetrack the command of Allah to love the near relatives of the Holy Prophet on flimsy ground must remember that even the least ill-will against the thoroughly purified Ahl ul Bayt has been forbidden. From the beginning to the end of their lives, every member of the Ahl ul Bayt had presented an ideal Islamic pattern of life, not equalled by any among the followers of the Holy Prophet, therefore love and devotion to them was ordained to provide highest form of guidance to mankind. See commentary of Saba: 47. Unless one loves and follows the Ahl ul Bayt one cannot sincerely avail of the guidance offered by the Holy Prophet. Love implies sincere attachment which must manifest in every thought and deed. Imam Jafar bin Muhammad as Sadiq said: "He who obeys Allah's commands is our devotee; and he who disobeys His commands is our enemy." After the departure of the Holy Prophet from this world, his followers: (i) deprived her daughter, Bibi Fatimah, of her rights. See commentary of Bani Israil: 26; Naml: 15 and 16; Nahl: 90 and Maryam: 2 to 15; (ii) her house was set on fire; a door fell upon her, killing her unborn child, Muhsin, in the womb, due to which, at last, she died, (iii) Ali was dragged in the streets of Madina, bound with ropes; (iv) Hasan was poisoned; (v) Husayn, along with his relatives and friends, was killed in Karbala; (vi) the remaining Imams of the Ahl ul Bayt were killed, one by one; (vii) and their devotees, who loved and followed them as commanded by Allah, were persecuted and killed. It is reported that the people of Madina, known as ansar, who gave asylum to the people of Makka, known as muhajirin, began to take pride in the role they played in the promotion of the mission of the Holy Prophet. Ibn Abbas and some other immigrants felt unhappy and complained to the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet, then, reminded the ansar that it was because of him they were saved from the accursed dirt of polytheism, and it was he who showed them the right path of salvation. The ansar realised their folly, avowed to put whatever they had at his disposal and follow every command given to them. Then this verse was revealed. Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Qurba means nearness. Fil qurba means for the sake of nearness. The unanimous traditions of utmost authenticity assert that nearness to the Holy Prophet means love of his those relatives who are nearest to him in excellence and accomplishment. So, when he was asked to point out his relatives, he pronounced the names of Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn and their children. There is not a single tradition of the Holy Prophet that qurba refers to the relatives of the Quraysh, or the relationship of the Holy Prophet with the Quraysh or the relatives of the believers, as concocted by the anti Ahl ul Bayt commentators. The structure of the verse proves that the Holy Prophet has been commanded to demand recompense, as an exception, not from every one, but from those believers mentioned in Furqan: 57-those who take the way to their Lord. The recompense is in the interest of the believers themselves, not in any way profitable to the Holy Prophet in his personal life. Instead of arham (the blood relatives), qurba (neamess) has been used to show that not only relationship but also nearness in character and accomplishment is taken into consideration as the important quality. So, on the basis of this verse, love of the Ahl ul Bayt has become an obligatory function of the faith, a fundamental condition without which no amount of devotion to Allah and good deeds will be of any use.
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا فَإِن يَشَإِ اللَّهُ يَخْتِمْ عَلَى قَلْبِكَ وَيَمْحُ اللَّهُ الْبَاطِلَ وَيُحِقُّ الْحَقَّ بِكَلِمَاتِهِ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ
Do they say, ‘He has fabricated a lie against Allah’? If so, should Allah wish He would set a seal on your heart, and Allah will efface the falsehood and confirm the truth with His words. Indeed He knows well what is in the breasts.
Commentary on Quran 42:24
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:24] If anyone has a doubt about the Holy Prophet's mission, let him look at his life, at his work and at his character.
وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَعْفُو عَنِ السَّيِّئَاتِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ
It is He who accepts the repentance of His servants, and excuses their misdeeds and knows what you do.
Commentary on Quran 42:25
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:25] Whatever the sin, Allah's mercy is available to sincere repentance, at all times until the decree of condemnation is passed. He does not want to punish the offenders if they turn repentant to Him and live in the light of His guidance thereafter. In verse 53 of Zamur the Holy Prophet says: "Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Verily Allah forgives all sins." Compared to what Islam offers to the sinners (repentance and their living an ordered life free from evil) the doctrine of unconditional redemption, just because a man, unjustly taken as the son of God, has given his blood, is incredible, because it gives unruly licence to sin which certainly spreads corruption, chaos and injustice. Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari relates an incident in which it is said that a man came into the masjid, prayed a two rak-at salat, and then said: "O Lord, I seek Your pardon." Imam Ali, who was there, said: "Your repentance is unacceptable. Tawbah (turning repentant unto ADah) should come together with a sincere determination to avoid sinning in the future." If any duty has been neglected it should be at once carried out. He who turns in repentance to Allah must feel sorry for the enjoyment of the sinful deed and humiliate himself before Allah for revolting against His command.
وَيَسْتَجِيبُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ وَالْكَافِرُونَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ
He answers [the supplications of] those who have faith and do righteous deeds and enhances them out of His grace. But as for the faithless, there is a severe punishment for them.
Commentary on Quran 42:26
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:26] Those who believe and do good not only receive the due recompense but also collect special and additional compensation as a gift from their Lord. Goodness generates more goodness.
وَلَوْ بَسَطَ اللَّهُ الرِّزْقَ لِعِبَادِهِ لَبَغَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَكِن يُنَزِّلُ بِقَدَرٍ مَّا يَشَاءُ إِنَّهُ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرٌ بَصِيرٌ
Were Allah to expand the provision for [all] His servants, they would surely create havoc on the earth. But He sends down in a [precise] measure whatever He wishes. Indeed, He is all-aware, all-seeing about His servants.
Commentary on Quran 42:27
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:27] Since the beginning of the human society the men of large means, power and authority have been revolting against Allah and breaking His laws and commands. They are warned not to go astray, nor lead others astray. "As He pleases" refers to those who please Him with their deeds and become entitled to receive His grace.
وَهُوَ الَّذِي يُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا قَنَطُوا وَيَنشُرُ رَحْمَتَهُ وَهُوَ الْوَلِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ
It is He who sends down the rain after they have been despondent, and unfolds His mercy, and He is the Guardian, the All-laudable.
Commentary on Quran 42:28
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:28] Allah's mercy comes to us when all hope is lost, and gives us new opportunities when we least expect them. His cherishing and protecting His creatures is beyond the comprehension of human intellect. Refer to Araf: 57.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ خَلْقُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَثَّ فِيهِمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ وَهُوَ عَلَى جَمْعِهِمْ إِذَا يَشَاءُ قَدِيرٌ
Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and whatever creatures He has scattered in them, and He is able to gather them whenever He wishes.
Commentary on Quran 42:29
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:29] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Life is not confined to the earth. It is indicated in this verse that life in some form or other is existing in the millions of heavenly bodies scattered through space. The Almighty who created such countless beings has surely the power to bring them together when the trumpet is blown.
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ
Whatever affliction that may visit you is because of what your hands have earned, and He excuses many [an offense of yours].
Commentary on Quran 42:30
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:30] Refer to the commentary of Nisa: 79. Evil is not normal. The nature of Allah's creation is orderly, harmonious and normal. When twisted and corrupted, it becomes evil. The hardships the righteous suffer in the cause of Allah is a trial to distinguish them from ordinary people .
وَمَا أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ
You cannot frustrate [Allah] on the earth, and you do not have besides Allah any guardian or helper.
Commentary on Quran 42:31
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:31] Every evil deed, or word, or thought, has its evil consequence. Allah punishes the evildoer. No one can stop Him. If He forgives, let no one imagine that He is in any way helpless. Allah's will Or plan can never be defeated or frustrated. The only help or pardon that is possible is from Allah. See commentary of Ankabut: 22.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ الْجَوَارِ فِي الْبَحْرِ كَالْأَعْلَامِ
Among His signs are the ships [that run] on the sea [appearing] like landmarks.
Commentary on Quran 42:32
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:32] A close study of the working of the forces of nature makes evident the fact that man cannot progress an inch forward unless Allah's grace and mercy is there to help him in his every activity .
إِن يَشَأْ يُسْكِنِ الرِّيحَ فَيَظْلَلْنَ رَوَاكِدَ عَلَى ظَهْرِهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ
If He wishes He stills the wind, whereat they remain standstill on its surface. There are indeed signs in that for every patient and grateful [servant].
Commentary on Quran 42:33
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:33] (see commentary for verse 32)
أَوْ يُوبِقْهُنَّ بِمَا كَسَبُوا وَيَعْفُ عَن كَثِيرٍ
Or He wrecks them because of what they have earned, and He excuses many [an offense].
Commentary on Quran 42:34
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:34] (see commentary for verse 32)
وَيَعْلَمَ الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِنَا مَا لَهُم مِّن مَّحِيصٍ
Let those who dispute Our signs know that there is no escape for them.
Commentary on Quran 42:35
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:35]
فَمَا أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَمَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عِندَ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَى لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
Whatever you have been given are the wares of the life of this world, but what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have faith and who put their trust in their Lord
Commentary on Quran 42:36
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:36]
وَالَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ
—those who avoid major sins and indecencies, and forgive when angered;
Commentary on Quran 42:37
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:37] To break or transgress any law of Allah is a sin. The gravest or the greatest sin is polytheism. Great sins are unpardonable. Imam Muhammad bin Ali al Baqir said: "He who has power and authority to retaliate, yet overcomes anger and forgives shall receive peace and tranquillity from Allah on the day of judgement."
وَالَّذِينَ اسْتَجَابُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَى بَيْنَهُمْ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
those who answer their Lord, maintain the prayer, and [conduct] their affairs by counsel among themselves, and they spend out of what We have provided them;
Commentary on Quran 42:38
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:38] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Consultation is to be made in the matters of personal relationship, not in the affairs of the society, that too when clear command of Allah or verdict of the Holy Prophet is not available. To administer and guide the collective as well as the individual life, all the commands of Allah and the Holy Prophet have to be followed in letter and spirit. Legislation and administration are not left to the mutual consultation of the people. Refer to the commentary of Ali Imran: 159 and Nisa: 59. The ulil amr may consult people to win their good will, otherwise he has to follow the laws made by Allah to make his final decision. After the departure of the Holy Prophet, while his true duly appointed successor, Ali ibn abi Talib (see commentary of Ma-idah: 67) was busy with the arrangements for his burial, the muhajirin of Makka and the ansar of Madina assembled at Saqifa Bani Sa-da to prove their respective merits. The muhajirin claimed preference in view of their priority in Islam and their kinship with the Holy Prophet. The ansar referred to their help and support to establish his mission. No one mentioned the historic fact that a few month ago the Holy Prophet had irrevocably nominated Ali as his divinely elected successor. Refer to "The Early History of Islam" by Sayyid Safdar Husayn, published by our Trust, for full details of the drama enacted at Saqifa Bani Sa-da. It is said that Abu Bakr was elected as the caliph by consultation and consensus among the companions. Therefore many commentators interpret this verse to justify the farce staged to belie and reject the clear command of Allah conveyed by the Holy Prophet at Ghadir Khum.
وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَهُمُ الْبَغْيُ هُمْ يَنتَصِرُونَ
those who, when afflicted by oppression, defend themselves.
Commentary on Quran 42:39
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:39] There are believers who overlook the excesses committed to harm them and forgive the offenders, but some among them take revenge by following the principles of "eye for an eye". Refer to the commentary of Hajj : 60; Muminun: 96; Ha Mim: 34. As verse 40 prescribes the reprisal should be equal to the offence, but an extraordinary reward shall be given to those who decide to forgive. Refer to the commentary of Baqarah: 190 to 193, 216 and 256 to know that Islam was not preached by the sword, and all the battles imposed upon the Holy Prophet were fought by him in defence because as verse 42 says Allah does not love the unjust transgressor for whom there is a painful punishment .
وَجَزَاءُ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ
The requital of evil is an evil like it, so whoever excuses and conciliates, his reward lies with Allah. Indeed, He does not like the wrongdoers.
Commentary on Quran 42:40
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:40] (see commentary for verse 39)
وَلَمَنِ انتَصَرَ بَعْدَ ظُلْمِهِ فَأُولَئِكَ مَا عَلَيْهِم مِّن سَبِيلٍ
As for those who retaliate after being wronged, there is no ground for action against them.
Commentary on Quran 42:41
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:41] (see commentary for verse 39)
إِنَّمَا السَّبِيلُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَظْلِمُونَ النَّاسَ وَيَبْغُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
The ground for action is only against those who oppress the people and commit tyranny in the land in violation of justice. For such there will be a painful punishment.
Commentary on Quran 42:42
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:42] (see commentary for verse 39)
وَلَمَن صَبَرَ وَغَفَرَ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ لَمِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ
As for someone who endures patiently and forgives—that is indeed the steadiest of courses.
Commentary on Quran 42:43
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:43] (see commentary for verse 39)
وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِن وَلِيٍّ مِّن بَعْدِهِ وَتَرَى الظَّالِمِينَ لَمَّا رَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ يَقُولُونَ هَلْ إِلَى مَرَدٍّ مِّن سَبِيلٍ
Those whom Allah leads astray have no guardian apart from Him. You will see the wrongdoers, when they sight the punishment, saying, ‘Is there any way for a retreat?’
Commentary on Quran 42:44
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:44]
وَتَرَاهُمْ يُعْرَضُونَ عَلَيْهَا خَاشِعِينَ مِنَ الذُّلِّ يَنظُرُونَ مِن طَرْفٍ خَفِيٍّ وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ الْخَاسِرِينَ الَّذِينَ خَسِرُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَهْلِيهِمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَلَا إِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ فِي عَذَابٍ مُّقِيمٍ
You will see them being exposed to it, humbled by abasement, furtively looking askance. The faithful will say, ‘Indeed the losers are those who have ruined themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, the wrongdoers will abide in lasting punishment.
Commentary on Quran 42:45
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:45]
وَمَا كَانَ لَهُم مِّنْ أَوْلِيَاءَ يَنصُرُونَهُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِن سَبِيلٍ
They have no awliya to help them besides Allah. There is no way out for those whom Allah leads astray.’
Commentary on Quran 42:46
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:46]
اسْتَجِيبُوا لِرَبِّكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا مَرَدَّ لَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَكُم مِّن مَّلْجَإٍ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن نَّكِيرٍ
Respond to your Lord before there comes a day for which there will be no revoking from Allah. On that day you will have no refuge, nor will you have [any chance for] denial [of your sins].
Commentary on Quran 42:47
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:47]
فَإِنْ أَعْرَضُوا فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا إِنْ عَلَيْكَ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ وَإِنَّا إِذَا أَذَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِنَّا رَحْمَةً فَرِحَ بِهَا وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ فَإِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ كَفُورٌ
But if they disregard [your warnings], [keep in mind that] We have not sent you as their keeper. Your duty is only to communicate. Indeed when We let man taste Our mercy, he boasts about it; but should an ill visit him because of what his hands have sent ahead, then man is very ungrateful.
Commentary on Quran 42:48
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:48] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Balagh means to deliver or convey the message which is the duty of a prophet. It also implies to guide those whom the message is conveyed to the end of the world which is the duty of a wali. Refer to Ali Imran: 68; Yunus: 10; Nahl: 53 and 54 and Rum: 36.
لِّلَّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ يَهَبُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ إِنَاثًا وَيَهَبُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ الذُّكُورَ
To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wishes; He gives females to whomever He wishes, and males to whomever He wishes,
Commentary on Quran 42:49
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:49] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: These verses indirectly refer to Ismail and Is-haq given to Ibrahim; Yahya given to Zakariya; Maryam to Imran and Bibi Fatima to the Holy Prophet; Hasan, Husayn and Zaynab to Ali; and all those wives of the Holy Prophet who did not give birth to any child, male or female.
أَوْ يُزَوِّجُهُمْ ذُكْرَانًا وَإِنَاثًا وَيَجْعَلُ مَن يَشَاءُ عَقِيمًا إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ قَدِيرٌ
or He combines them males and females, and makes sterile whomever He wishes. Indeed, He is all-knowing, all-powerful.
Commentary on Quran 42:50
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:50] (see commentary for verse 49)
وَمَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُكَلِّمَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا وَحْيًا أَوْ مِن وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ رَسُولًا فَيُوحِيَ بِإِذْنِهِ مَا يَشَاءُ إِنَّهُ عَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ
It is not [possible] for any human that Allah should speak to him except through revelation or from behind a veil, or send a messenger who reveals by His permission whatever He wishes. Indeed He is all-exalted, all-wise.
Commentary on Quran 42:51
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:51] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: This verse explains verse 164 of Nisa-the discourse with Musa was through a medium, not in person.
وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِّنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِن جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَّهْدِي بِهِ مَن نَّشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
Thus have We imbued you with a Spirit of Our command. You did not know what the Book is, nor what is faith; but We made it a light that We may guide by its means whomever We wish of Our servants. Indeed, you guide to a straight path,
Commentary on Quran 42:52
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:52] Aqa Mahdi Puya says: Whatever the Holy Prophet did or said was as directed by Allah. He never let his own desire or inclination give any other colour to the divine plan. Refer to Saba: 50. All his deeds were in the highest degree of submission to the will of Allah as mentioned in Najm: 2 to 10. Rahman: 1 to 4 confirm that he did not learn anything from any mortal but was taught and educated by Allah Himself. Refer to Baqarah: 78. So there is no doubt that whatever Allah willed His prophet put into practice, as also indicated in Qasas: 56. His likes and dislikes were a true mirror of Allah's likes and dislikes. Refer to Anfal: 17.
صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ
the path of Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Indeed all matters return to Allah!
Commentary on Quran 42:53
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 42:53]