Sūrat al-Rūm
سورۃ الروم
(This sūra was revealed in Makkah. It has 60 āyāt and 6 rukūʿs.)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismillāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."
الٓمٓ
Alif-Lām-Mīm.
This is a complete verse in itself. Allāhu aʿlamu bi-murādih — "Allah knows best its intended meaning."
غُلِبَتِ الرُّومُ
Ghulibati l-Rūm.
"The Romans have been defeated." (al-Rūm 30:2)
Ghulibat — they have been overcome, they have been defeated. Al-Rūm — the Romans, the Roman nation.
Translation: The Romans have been defeated.
At one time there was a war between the Romans and the Iranians — the Iranians were winning and in a few days the Romans suffered defeat, and the Iranians gained victory over the Romans.
فِي أَدْنَى الْأَرْضِ وَهُم مِّن بَعْدِ غَلَبِهِمْ سَيَغْلِبُونَ
Fī adnā l-arḍi wa-hum min baʿdi ghalabihim sa-yaghLibūn.
"In the nearest land, and after their defeat they will be victorious." (al-Rūm 30:3)
Fī adnā l-arḍ — in the nearest territory — in the lands of Shām [Syria] which are closest to the land of Fārs [Persia]. Wa-hum min baʿdi ghalabihim sa-yaghlibūn — and the Romans, after their defeat, will be victorious. The root gh-l-b yields both forms: ghuliba — "to be defeated"; ghulba — "to be victorious." Yaghlub — "he is victorious," yudhlab — "he is overcome"; ghulba and ghulba are both derived from one root — both meanings emerge from it.
Translation: In the nearest land — and after their defeat they will be victorious.
فِي بِضْعِ سِنِينَ لِلَّهِ الْأَمْرُ مِن قَبْلُ وَمِن بَعْدُ وَيَوْمَئِذٍ يَفْرَحُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
Fī biḍʿi sinīna li-llāhi l-amru min qablu wa-min baʿdu wa-yawmaʾidhin yafraḥu l-muʾminūn.
"Within a few years. The command belongs to Allah before and after — and on that day the believers will rejoice." (al-Rūm 30:4)
Fī biḍʿi sinīn — within a few years — the word biḍʿ is used for the numbers from 3 to as many as 9. The word baʿd is used in three grammatical states: (1) with the li of possession with min qablu — the li of possession and the following wa-min baʿdu — the letters are fully attached to it; (2) with the letters attached to it along with their action and there is no need to mention them; (3) but if the letters are not mentioned, then action must be applied in such a case. Allah's command is final and the choice is His — He who defeated the Romans will by the same command grant them victory — and on that day: yawmaʾidh — the compound here is yawmaʾidhin meaning "on that same day." Yafraḥu l-muʾminūn — the believers will rejoice — Muslims were followers of the Book and Christians were also followers of Prophets; it was through this connection that Muslims were pleased at their victory.
Translation: Within a few years — the matter is entirely in Allah's hands from before and after — and on that day the Muslims will rejoice.
The commentary continues: At that time the pagans of Makkah were displeased — for they would present the victory of the fire-worshipping Iranians as a proof against the Muslims. As for the fire-worshippers, today they have been uprooted — a tree that has been set ablaze by the fire-worshippers collapses. Muslims were greatly pained by this, for the idol-worshippers of Makkah were killing them — slaying Muslims, murdering children, and oppressing women. We take a lesson from this incident — that those people who were once powerful, the idol-worshippers, were themselves overthrown. Today they lie obliterated — so utterly annihilated that no trace or name of them remains. It was so with Babylon, Nineveh, Babylon, Germany, Belgium, France, and Japan. The end is — dying in the court of God and leaving behind selfishness and immorality. Those who tried to introduce and perpetuate that approach — time passes, their kingdoms remain no longer, their eras are forgotten; history moves on. The end of such people is known to God, and what will happen in the divine court of the Hereafter God knows fully.
بِنَصْرِ اللَّهِ يَنصُرُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الرَّحِيمُ
Bi-naṣri llāhi yanṣuru man yashāʾu wa-huwa l-ʿazīzu l-raḥīm.
"With the help of Allah — He grants victory to whom He wills, and He is the Almighty, the Merciful." (al-Rūm 30:5)
Bi-naṣri llāh — with the help of Allah, with His support and aid. Yanṣuru man yashāʾu — He gives victory to whomever He wishes, whoever He pleases. Wa-huwa l-ʿazīzu l-raḥīm — and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful — He who grants victory is both mighty and merciful.
Translation: With the help of Allah — He grants victory to whomever He wishes, and He is All-Mighty, All-Merciful.
وَعْدَ اللَّهِ لَا يُخْلِفُ اللَّهُ وَعْدَهُۥ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Waʿda llāhi lā yukhlifu llāhu waʿdahu wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūn.
"The promise of Allah — Allah does not break His promise, but most people do not know." (al-Rūm 30:6)
Waʿda llāh — the promise of God — this is His promise. Lā yukhlifu llāhu waʿdahu — Allah does not go back on His promise — what He says, He carries through. Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsa lā yaʿlamūn — but most people do not know — the majority of people have no awareness of this. Some people say — and this is what Shayṭān whispers — that Allah taʿālā has first made His intention and then changed His mind. Such speech is: badā — to manifest outwardly. Yabdū — badā — "appearing outwardly." But our position is that the will of Allah is eternal and immutable.
Translation: Allah has made the promise — Allah does not break His promise — but most people do not know.
يَعْلَمُونَ ظَاهِرًا مِّنَ الْحَيَوٰةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ عَنِ الْآخِرَةِ هُمْ غَافِلُونَ
Yaʿlamūna ẓāhiran mina l-ḥayāti l-dunyā wa-hum ʿani l-ākhirati hum ghāfilūn.
"They know only what is apparent of the worldly life, and of the Hereafter they are completely heedless." (al-Rūm 30:7)
Yaʿlamūna ẓāhiran mina l-ḥayāti l-dunyā — these people know only what is outwardly visible of worldly life. They are acquainted with the appearances of this world — knowing its surface conditions. Wa-hum ʿani l-ākhirati hum ghāfilūn — and they are entirely heedless of the Hereafter — these people are oblivious of the final consequence, fully ignorant of the outcome.
Translation: They are only aware of the outward conditions of worldly life, and they are completely oblivious to the Hereafter.
أَوَلَمْ يَتَفَكَّرُوا فِيٓ أَنفُسِهِم مَّا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ السَّمَٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ...
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أَوَلَمْ يَتَفَكَّرُوا فِيٓ أَنفُسِهِم مَّا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ السَّمَٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ النَّاسِ بِلِقَآئِ رَبِّهِمْ لَكَافِرُونَ
A-wa-lam yatafakkarū fī anfusihim mā khalaqa llāhu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍa wa-mā baynahumā illā bi-l-ḥaqqi wa-ajalin musammā wa-inna kathīran mina l-nāsi bi-liqāʾi rabbihim la-kāfirūn.
"Have they not reflected within themselves? Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them except with truth and for a fixed term. And indeed many people are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord." (al-Rūm 30:8)
A-wa-lam yatafakkarū — have they not thought, have they not reflected? Fī anfusihim — within themselves — in their own hearts? Mā khalaqa llāhu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ — that Allah taʿālā created the heavens and the earth. Wa-mā baynahumā — and whatever is between the two. Illā bi-l-ḥaqq — except with truth — absolutely correctly — but with wisdom as the companion. Wa-ajalin musammā — and for a fixed, appointed term. Wa-inna kathīran mina l-nāsi bi-liqāʾi rabbihim la-kāfirūn — and certainly many people are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord — in meeting the Almighty, in entering the divine presence of the Almighty — they are simply in denial.
Translation: Have they not thought in their hearts that Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them except with perfect truth — and for a set appointed time — and indeed most people are disbelievers in meeting their Lord.
أَوَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَانُوا أَشَدَّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَأَثَارُوا الْأَرْضَ وَعَمَرُوهَا أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا عَمَرُوهَا وَجَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيَظْلِمَهُمْ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ
A-wa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍi fa-yanẓurū kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qablihim, kānū ashadda minhum quwwatan wa-āthāru l-arḍa wa-ʿamarūhā akthara mimmā ʿamarūhā wa-jāʾathum rusuluhum bi-l-bayyināti fa-mā kāna llāhu li-yaẓlimahum wa-lākin kānū anfusahum yaẓlimūn.
"Have they not travelled the earth and observed what was the end of those who were before them? They were greater than them in power, and they cultivated the earth and developed it more than these have developed it, and their messengers came to them with clear proofs — then it was not Allah who wronged them, but they were wronging their own selves." (al-Rūm 30:9)
A-wa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍ — have they not travelled through the earth — have they not conducted journeys through the earth? Fa-yanẓurū — and looked carefully. Kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qablihim — what was the end of those people who came before them — those earlier generations. Kānū ashadda minhum quwwatan — they were greater in strength than these people. Wa-āthāru l-arḍa — and they cultivated the earth, turned over the earth from agriculture — they developed it as well. Wa-ʿamarūhā akthara mimmā ʿamarūhā — and they built the earth up even more than these people have done, constructing and building even more. Wa-jāʾathum rusuluhum bi-l-bayyināt — and their Prophets came to them with clear proofs and laws. Fa-mā kāna llāhu li-yaẓlimahum — then God was not one who would oppress them — God was not the oppressor of them. Wa-lākin kānū anfusahum yaẓlimūn — but they themselves oppressed their own selves — they struck their own feet and legs with their own axes, could not preserve themselves, ruined and destroyed themselves.
Translation: Have they not journeyed through the earth and looked at the state of those who came before them — they were stronger in power, cultivated more and built the earth more — and Prophets came to them with clear proofs — but God was not one to oppress them; they oppressed their own selves.
Translation (continued from page 14): Did they not travel through the earth to observe how those before them met their end? They were more powerful, they cultivated the land and built it up far more than these people have — and their Prophets brought them clear proofs — but God was not the one who oppressed them; rather they oppressed themselves (ruining themselves with their own hands).
ثُمَّ كَانَ عَاقِبَةَ الَّذِينَ أَسَآءُوا السُّوٓأَىٰٓ أَن كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُوا بِهَا يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ
Thumma kāna ʿāqibata lladhīna asāʾū l-sūʾā an kadhdhabū bi-āyāti llāhi wa-kānū bihā yastahziʾūn.
"Then the end of those who committed evil was the worst — because they denied the signs of Allah and used to ridicule them." (al-Rūm 30:10)
Thumma kāna ʿāqibata lladhīna asāʾū — then the outcome of those who committed evil deeds — who did wickedness. Al-sūʾā — the worst, the most terrible end — the name for this end is al-sūʾā. An kadhdhabū bi-āyāti llāh — this was because they denied the verses and divine commandments. Wa-kānū bihā yastahziʾūn — and they used to mock and jeer at them, to ridicule them.
Translation: Then the end of those who committed evil deeds was the worst — because they denied the verses and signs of Allah and used to ridicule them.
O people! What is happening today is the same thing. Those people fail to take heed from the circumstances of past nations. What a pity — those nations who lived before us have been wiped off the face of the earth; not a trace or name of them remains. From Babylon to Nineveh, from Germany and Belgium to France and Japan — what a state they came to. The end result is — dying in the court of God and abandoning selfishness and immorality. Those who tried to perpetuate injustice — time erodes their kingdoms, their eras are forgotten. The divine court in the Hereafter knows perfectly well what the end will be.
اللَّهُ يَبْدَؤُا الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
Allāhu yabdaʾu l-khalqa thumma yuʿīduhu thumma ilayhi turjaʿūn.
"Allah begins creation and then repeats it — then to Him you will be returned." (al-Rūm 30:11)
Allāhu yabdaʾu l-khalq — Allah brings creation into being from the very beginning, initiating creation. Thumma yuʿīduhu — then He brings it back again — creating anew. Thumma ilayhi turjaʿūn — then all of you will be returned to Him — towards Him your return will go.
Translation: Allah first creates — then He creates again — then all will be returned to His direction.
وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ يُبْلِسُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ
Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿatu yublisu l-mujrimūn.
"And on the Day the Hour comes, the criminals will be in despair." (al-Rūm 30:12)
Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿah — and on the day when the Hour will come — when the hour of Qiyāma will arrive, when the hour of Resurrection will be established. Yublisu — they will be thunderstruck, stunned — they will become despairing, losing hope. Al-mujrimūn — the criminals, the wrongdoers.
Translation: And when the Day of Qiyāma comes, every criminal and wrongdoer will be overcome with despair.
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُم مِّن شُرَكَآئِهِمْ شُفَعَٰٓؤُا وَكَانُوا بِشُرَكَآئِهِمْ كَافِرِينَ
Wa-lam yakun lahum min shurakāʾihim shufaʿāʾu wa-kānū bi-shurakāʾihim kāfirīn.
"And there will be for them none of their associate-gods as intercessors, and they will be disbelievers in their associate-gods." (al-Rūm 30:13)
Wa-lam yakun lahum — and there will not be for them, on their behalf. Min shurakāʾihim — from among their associates. Shufaʿāʾu — any intercessors — there will be no intercessors. The word for intercessor in the Qurʾān carries the meaning of petition (shafāʿat) — the Qurʾānic meaning is an intercessor. Wa-kānū bi-shurakāʾihim kāfirīn — and they will be disbelievers in their associate-partners — they will disavow their own associates; they will become disbelievers in their own idols.
Translation: And there will be no intercessors for them from their associate-gods — and they will themselves disavow their associate-gods.
وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَتَفَرَّقُونَ
Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿatu yawmaʾidhin yatafarraqūn.
"And on the Day the Hour comes, on that day they will separate." (al-Rūm 30:14)
Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿah — and on the day Qiyāma comes — on that appointed day — yawmaʾidhin yatafarraqūn — on that day they will part and separate from one another — they will scatter into different groups. No one will have anyone to stay with — each person will go their own separate way.
Translation: And on the Day of Qiyāma, all will scatter and separate — each person will go their separate way.
فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَهُمْ فِي رَوْضَةٍ يُحْبَرُونَ
Fa-ammā lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti fa-hum fī rawḍatin yuḥbarūn.
"As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, they will be in a garden of delight (rawḍa), joyful." (al-Rūm 30:15)
Fa-ammā lladhīna āmanū — then those who maintain faith. Wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāt — and do righteous deeds, performing good works. Fa-hum fī rawḍatin yuḥbarūn — they will be in a garden (rawḍa), in Paradise — they will be led there. Their way will be shown. They will be glad — joyous and delighted. A garden (rawḍa) is a lush meadow of writing and painting — a beautifully adorned garden.
Translation: And those who maintain faith and do righteous deeds — they will be brought to a garden of Paradise in joy and gladness.
وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَلِقَآئِ الْآخِرَةِ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ فِي الْعَذَابِ مُحْضَرُونَ
Wa-ammā lladhīna kafarū wa-kadhdhabū bi-āyātinā wa-liqāʾi l-ākhirati fa-ulāʾika fī l-ʿadhābi muḥḍarūn.
"But as for those who disbelieved and denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter — those will be brought into the punishment." (al-Rūm 30:16)
Wa-ammā lladhīna kafarū — and those people who disbelieved — who showed disbelief. Wa-kadhdhabū bi-āyātinā — and denied Our verses and signs. Wa-liqāʾi l-ākhirah — and denied the meeting with the Hereafter — denying it as if it does not exist. Fa-ulāʾika fī l-ʿadhābi muḥḍarūn — those people will be brought into punishment — seized and presented there, they will be forcibly made to present.
Translation: And those who disbelieved and denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter — those will be seized and brought into punishment.
فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ حِينَ تُمْسُونَ وَحِينَ تُصْبِحُونَ
Fa-subḥāna llāhi ḥīna tumsūna wa-ḥīna tuṣbiḥūn.
"So glorify Allah when you reach evening and when you reach morning." (al-Rūm 30:17)
Fa-subḥāna llāh — glorify Allah — carry out His glorification, His praise and sanctification. Ḥīna tumsūn — at evening time — when you reach the evening. Wa-ḥīna tuṣbiḥūn — and when you enter the morning.
Translation: So glorify Allah evening and morning.
وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ فِي السَّمَٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَعَشِيًّا وَحِينَ تُظْهِرُونَ
Wa-lahu l-ḥamdu fī l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi wa-ʿashiyyan wa-ḥīna tuẓhirūn.
"And His is all praise in the heavens and the earth — and in the late afternoon and when you enter midday." (al-Rūm 30:18)
Wa-lahu l-ḥamd — and to Him always belongs all praise. Fī l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ — in the heavens and the earth. Wa-ʿashiyyan — and in the late afternoon after sunset — the afternoon, the evening. Wa-ḥīna tuẓhirūn — and when you reach midday — afternoon time, the time of ẓuhr — the third prayer.
Translation: And to Allah always belongs all praise in the heavens and on earth — and at the time of afternoon decline and at noon.
يُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ وَيُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ تُخْرَجُونَ
Yukhriju l-ḥayya mina l-mayyiti wa-yukhriju l-mayyita mina l-ḥayyi wa-yuḥyī l-arḍa baʿda mawtihā wa-kadhālika tukhrajūn.
"He brings the living out of the dead, and brings the dead out of the living, and revives the earth after its death — and thus you will be brought out." (al-Rūm 30:19)
Yukhriju l-ḥayya mina l-mayyit — He draws the living from the dead — He brings the living out from within the lifeless, just as He brings a live chick out of an egg. Wa-yukhriju l-mayyita mina l-ḥayy — and He draws the dead out from the living — just as He produces an egg from a living hen. Wa-yuḥyī l-arḍa baʿda mawtihā — and He revives the land after its drying and dying — bringing back greenery and vegetation with water. Wa-kadhālika tukhrajūn — and in this same manner you will be brought out from the earth after death.
Translation: He brings the living from the dead, and brings the dead from the living, and revives the land after it becomes dry and lifeless — and in this same way you too will be brought out after death.
The author offers this exhortation: O people, the fear of Qiyāma is a deterrent against all evil. Look! Consider several things — remember your own vices. And reflect that dying and those coming back to life — keep God in mind and devote your lives to His remembrance. It is He who brings to life; He who brings to life will bring the sleeping one back to wake. His denial is very far away — but deniers are very many — yet nothing can prevent Him from doing so.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَكُم مِّن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ إِذَآ أَنتُم بَشَرٌ تَنتَشِرُونَ
Wa-min āyātihī an khalaqa kum min turābin thumma idhā antum basharun tantashirūn.
"And of His signs is that He created you from dust — then, behold, you are human beings spreading [across the earth]." (al-Rūm 30:20)
Wa-min āyātihī — and of His signs, His wondrous evidences. An khalaqa kum min turāb — is that He created you from dust — from clay. Thumma idhā antum basharun tantashirūn — then, behold, in a few days you became full human beings — you become human beings who spread and move about in all directions, growing up.
Translation: And one of His wondrous signs is that He created you from dust, then in a few days you become a full human being moving about in every direction.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
Wa-min āyātihī an khalaqa lakum min anfusikum azwājan li-taskunū ilayhā wa-jaʿala baynakum mawaddatan wa-raḥmah, inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-qawmin yatafakkarūn.
"And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reflect." (al-Rūm 30:21)
Wa-min āyātihī — and one of His evidences and signs of the Almighty is this too. An khalaqa lakum — that He created for you. Min anfusikum — from yourselves — from among your own kind — women. Azwājā — mates and partners — your very own kind. Li-taskunū ilayhā — so that you may find peace and tranquillity in them, so that your restlessness may find repose. Wa-jaʿala baynakum mawaddatan wa-raḥmah — and He placed between you love and mercy — and produced between you mutual affection and compassion. Inna fī dhālika la-āyāt — indeed in this there are signs without doubt — (but only for those who think?). Li-qawmin yatafakkarūn — for people who deeply reflect, who think carefully and understand.
Translation: And one of His signs is that He created women of your very own kind for you, so that you may find peace and tranquillity in them — and between you He created mutual love and compassion. In this there are undoubtedly signs for those who reflect.
Indeed these are signs for those who reflect deeply.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦ خَلْقُ السَّمَٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافُ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَأَلْوَانِكُمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّلْعَالِمِينَ
Wa-min āyātihī khalqu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi wa-khtilāfu alsinatikum wa-alwānikum, inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-l-ʿālamīn.
"And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and colours. Indeed in that are signs for those who know." (al-Rūm 30:22)
Wa-min āyātihī — and one of His signs of power is this. Khalqu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ — the creation of the heavens and the earth — creating the heavens and the earth. Wa-khtilāfu alsinatikum — and the diversity of your tongues and languages — every Arab speaks Arabic, but some speak Hindi and some speak Urdu, others speak different languages; each language is separate from another. Some are dark-complexioned, others are fair — each person's complexion is distinct. Inna fī dhālika la-āyāt — indeed in this there are certainly signs. Li-l-ʿālamīn — for people of knowledge — without doubt these are signs for the learned.
Translation: And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and your colours — without doubt these are signs for the people of knowledge.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦ مَنَامُكُم بِالَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَابْتِغَاؤُكُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ
Wa-min āyātihī manāmukum bi-l-layli wa-l-nahāri wa-btigāʾukum min faḍlihī, inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-qawmin yasmaʿūn.
"And of His signs is your sleep by night and by day, and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen." (al-Rūm 30:23)
Wa-min āyātihī — and one of His signs. Manāmukum bi-l-layli wa-l-nahār — your sleep by night and by day — your resting at night, sleeping during the day. Wa-btigāʾukum min faḍlihī — and your seeking of His bounty — and your seeking out and searching for your daily livelihood and provision. Inna fī dhālika la-āyāt — in this there are undoubtedly signs. Li-qawmin yasmaʿūn — for a people who can hear and grasp from others.
Translation: And one of His signs is your sleep at night and your seeking of livelihood — without doubt these are signs for those who listen.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦ يُرِيكُمُ الْبَرْقَ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَيُنَزِّلُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَيُحْيِي بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
Wa-min āyātihī yurīkumu l-barqa khawfan wa-ṭamaʿan wa-yunazzilu mina l-samāʾi māʾan fa-yuḥyī bihi l-arḍa baʿda mawtihā, inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-qawmin yaʿqilūn.
"And of His signs is that He shows you lightning, causing fear and hope, and sends down water from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason." (al-Rūm 30:24)
Wa-min āyātihī — and one of His signs. Yurīkumu l-barq — is that He shows you lightning — causes you to see the flash that startles you. Khawfan wa-ṭamaʿan — in fear and in hope — arousing both apprehension and expectation of rain. Wa-yunazzilu mina l-samāʾi māʾā — and He sends down water from the sky — because rain descends from the heavens. Fa-yuḥyī bihi l-arḍa baʿda mawtihā — thereby He revives the earth after its drying out and dying — making vegetation and greenery fresh again. Inna fī dhālika la-āyāt — without doubt these are signs. Li-qawmin yaʿqilūn — for people who keep something of their reason.
Translation: And one of His signs is that He shows you lightning in the sky which causes you both fear and hope — then He sends water from the sky — thereby revives the dead earth and makes it green and fresh — in this there are certainly signs for people who reason.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦٓ أَن تَقُومَ السَّمَآءُ وَالْأَرْضُ بِأَمْرِهِۦ ثُمَّ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ دَعْوَةً مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ إِذَآ أَنتُمْ تَخْرُجُونَ
Wa-min āyātihī an taqūma l-samāʾu wa-l-arḍu bi-amrihī, thumma idhā daʿākum daʿwatan mina l-arḍi idhā antum takhrajūn.
"And of His signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His command — then when He calls you with a single call from the earth, behold, you will emerge." (al-Rūm 30:25)
Wa-min āyātihī — and one of His signs. An taqūma l-samāʾu wa-l-arḍu bi-amrihī — is that the heavens and the earth remain upright and are sustained by His command. Thumma idhā daʿākum daʿwatan mina l-arḍ — then when He will call you from the earth — calling you once, a single call. Idhā antum takhrajūn — you will immediately emerge — you will pour out, nothing can hold you back.
Translation: And one of His signs is that the heavens and the earth remain standing by His command — then when He calls you from the earth, you will immediately come out.
وَلَهُۥ مَن فِي السَّمَٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ كُلٌّ لَّهُۥ قَانِتُونَ
Wa-lahu man fī l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi kullun lahu qānitūn.
"And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth — all are obedient to Him." (al-Rūm 30:26)
Wa-lahu man fī l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ — and everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. Kullun lahu qānitūn — all are obedient followers of His — all are His obedient servants.
Translation: And to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth — all are His obedient servants.
وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَبْدَؤُا الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ وَهُوَ أَهْوَنُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَهُ الْمَثَلُ الْأَعْلَىٰ فِي السَّمَٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
Wa-huwa lladhī yabdaʾu l-khalqa thumma yuʿīduhu wa-huwa ahwanu ʿalayhi wa-lahu l-mathalu l-aʿlā fī l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ, wa-huwa l-ʿazīzu l-ḥakīm.
"And He is the One who begins creation and then repeats it — and that is easier for Him. His is the highest description in the heavens and the earth, and He is the Almighty, the All-Wise." (al-Rūm 30:27)
Wa-huwa lladhī yabdaʾu l-khalq — and He is the one who first brings creation into being — who initiated it. Thumma yuʿīduhu — then He will bring it back — and He will create it once again. Wa-huwa ahwanu ʿalayhi — and is this difficult, or is it easier to create again? Wa-lahu l-mathalu l-aʿlā — and His are the highest attributes, the most sublime description. Fī l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ — in the heavens and the earth as well — His signs are high there. Wa-huwa l-ʿazīzu l-ḥakīm — and He is the Mighty One, the All-Wise — the one who does what He wills.
Translation: And He is the one who creates first and then creates again — the heavens and the earth are full of the wondrous signs of His power — He is Mighty, All-Wise — (He who does all things well).
ضَرَبَ لَكُم مَّثَلًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ هَل لَّكُم مِّن مَّا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُم مِّن شُرَكَآءَ فِي مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ فَأَنتُمْ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌ تَخَافُونَهُمْ كَخِيفَتِكُمْ أَنفُسَكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
Ḍaraba lakum mathalan min anfusikum, hal lakum min mā malakat aymānukum min shurakāʾa fī mā razaqnākum fa-antum fīhi sawāʾun takhāfūnahum ka-khīfatikum anfusakum, kadhālika nufaṣṣilu l-āyāti li-qawmin yaʿqilūn.
"He sets forth for you a parable from your own selves: do you have, among those your right hands possess, any partners in the provision We have given you, so that you are equal in it, and you fear them as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the signs in detail for a people who reason." (al-Rūm 30:28)
Ḍaraba lakum mathalan — Allah sets before you an instructive parable. Min anfusikum — drawn from your own experience. Hal lakum min mā malakat aymānukum — is it that from those your right hands hold — what you hold in your hands — from your own slaves. Min shurakāʾa fī mā razaqnākum — any partners in what We have given you? Is any slave a partner in this provision? Fa-antum fīhi sawāʾun — so that you are equal in it together — so that you and that slave are equals in it. Takhāfūnahum ka-khīfatikum anfusakum — you fear that slave as you fear your own fellow person — just as you would be afraid of someone of your own rank and standing. Kadhālika nufaṣṣilu l-āyāt — in this same manner we set out our evidence, signs, and verses in detail. Li-qawmin yaʿqilūn — for those who reason — for those who use their understanding.
Translation: Allah sets before you an instructive parable drawn from your own selves — are any of those slaves of yours partners in what We have given you — and are you equal to them in it — and do you fear them as you would fear a free equal? (No!) In this same way We explain signs and evidence clearly — (but only) for those who reason.
The commentary continues: O people! Just as those are your slaves who are in your hands — is there any partner among them? The creation of Allah are the servants of God — how can they be partners of God? — That would be a slave who could be a partner. But even a slave cannot be a partner — how then can any creation be equal to God? — This is because a bonded slave would fear his master and would not dare to confront him or put himself on equal terms.
بَلِ اتَّبَعَ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا أَهْوَآءَهُم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ فَمَن يَهْدِي مَنْ أَضَلَّ اللَّهُ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ
Bali ttabaʿa lladhīna ẓalamū ahwāʾahum bi-ghayri ʿilmin, fa-man yahdī man aḍalla llāhu wa-mā lahum min nāṣirīn.
"Rather, those who have done wrong have followed their desires without knowledge — so who can guide one whom Allah has sent astray? And there is for them no helpers." (al-Rūm 30:29)
Bali ttabaʿa lladhīna ẓalamū — rather these unjust ones have indeed become followers. Ahwāʾahum — of their own desires and whims — they are the servants of their desires. Bi-ghayri ʿilm — without knowledge — they are ignorant creatures without reason. Fa-man yahdī man aḍalla llāh — then who can give guidance to one whom Allah has sent astray — who then can guide someone whom God has sent off the path. Wa-mā lahum min nāṣirīn — and there is no helper for them, no supporter.
Translation: Rather these unjust ones have become slaves to their whims and desires — then who can guide the one whom God has sent astray? They have no helper or supporter.
فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Fa-aqim wajhaka li-l-dīni ḥanīfan, fiṭrata llāhi llatī faṭara l-nāsa ʿalayhā, lā tabdīla li-khalqi llāhi, dhālika l-dīnu l-qayyimu wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūn.
"So set your face toward the religion as a pure monotheist — the nature (fiṭra) of Allah upon which He has created people. There is no alteration to the creation of Allah. That is the upright religion — but most people do not know." (al-Rūm 30:30)
Fa-aqim wajhaka — so then set your face, turn yourself. Li-l-dīn — toward the religion. Ḥanīfan — becoming a pure monotheist — turning your face entirely in the direction of God alone. Follow the religion of Allah's primordial nature. What is the fiṭra of Allah? — Following the nature of Allah, the instinctive faith in God created within every human being. Fiṭrata llāhi llatī faṭara l-nāsa ʿalayhā — the primordial nature (fiṭra) that Allah created in people — establishing within them the recognition of God and the knowledge of divine lordship — the perception that God is their Creator and Lord. Lā tabdīla li-khalqi llāh — there is no alteration in what Allah has created — this thing does not change. It is the upright, the straight path. Dhālika l-dīnu l-qayyim — that is the upright, straight religion.
The Urdu poet says: Barg-e-darakhtān sabz dar naẓar-e-hūshiyār — Har waraqay daftar-e-maʿrifat-e-kardgār (To the eyes of the wise, every leaf of the trees — is a page of the register of the Creator's knowledge.)
Lā tabdīla li-khalqi llāh — there is no alteration in what God has created.
Al-qayyim — the permanently upright, enduring religion — a religion from which falsehood has no means of dislodging it. Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsa lā yaʿlamūn — but the majority of people do not know — most people are ignorant, who grasp nothing, who take no benefit from good things. In them intellect and wisdom are fleeing from their own selves.
Translation: So turn toward religion, become a pure monotheist — follow the primordial nature (fiṭra) that Allah instilled in people — the one Allah created people with — this does not change. This is the straight, upright religion — but most people know nothing.
مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَاتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَلَا تَكُونُوا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ
Munībīna ilayhi wa-ttaqūhu wa-aqīmū l-ṣalāta wa-lā takūnū mina l-mushrikīn.
"Turning in repentance to Him, and fearing Him, and establishing prayer, and not being among those who associate partners with Allah." (al-Rūm 30:31)
Munībīna ilayhi — turning back toward the primordial nature in repentance — returning to it — fulfilling the purpose of its creation. Turn your face to God alone. Wa-ttaqūhu — and fear Him, be God-fearing — this is His purpose — guard against His displeasure. Wa-aqīmū l-ṣalāh — and establish prayer, observing it in the best manner with proper care and regularity. Wa-lā takūnū mina l-mushrikīn — and do not become of the mushrikīn (those who associate partners with Allah) — do not serve the cause of the idolaters.
Translation: Turn toward the primordial nature in repentance — follow His commands — guard against His displeasure — establish prayer — and do not become of those who associate partners with Allah.
مِنَ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا كُلُّ حِزْبٍ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ
Mina lladhīna farraqū dīnahum wa-kānū shiyaʿan kullu ḥizbin bi-mā ladayhim fariḥūn.
"Of those who split apart their religion and became sects — every faction rejoicing in what it has." (al-Rūm 30:32)
Mina lladhīna farraqū dīnahum — from among those people who fragmented their religion — splitting it into pieces, dividing it into sects. Wa-kānū shiyaʿā — they became separate groups — faction after faction. Every group has separated — every party is distinct. This partisan spirit is fundamentally wrong and contrary to religion. Kullu ḥizbin bi-mā ladayhim fariḥūn — every faction is proud and pleased with what it has — every group is elated over its own religious practice — every gathering is pleased with its own sect.
Translation: Those people who have shattered religion into fragments and become many sects — each sect is proud of its own way.
وَإِذَا مَسَّ النَّاسَ ضُرٌّ دَعَوْا رَبَّهُم مُّنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ إِذَآ أَذَاقَهُم مِّنْهُ رَحْمَةً إِذَا فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يُشْرِكُونَ
Wa-idhā massa l-nāsa ḍurrun daʿaw rabbahum munībīna ilayhi thumma idhā adhāqahum minhu raḥmatan idhā farīqun minhum bi-rabbihim yushrikūn.
"And when hardship touches people, they call upon their Lord, turning in repentance to Him — then when He causes them to taste mercy from Him, behold, a party of them associates partners with their Lord." (al-Rūm 30:33)
Wa-idhā massa l-nāsa ḍurr — and when hardship touches people, when distress and suffering comes to them. Daʿaw rabbahum — they call upon their Lord — calling upon God — they make supplications. Munībīna ilayhi — turning toward Him in full attention, in total God-consciousness — returning to Allah. Thumma idhā adhāqahum minhu raḥmah — then when He causes them to taste His mercy — when He gives them His mercy and grace. Idhā farīqun minhum bi-rabbihim yushrikūn — then right away a faction among them immediately commits shirk with their Lord — associating partners.
Translation: And when hardship descends upon people they call upon their Lord — then when He gives them His mercy, a faction among them immediately associates partners with their Lord.
لِيَكْفُرُوا بِمَآ آتَيْنَاهُمْ فَتَمَتَّعُوا فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ
Li-yakfurū bi-mā ātaynāhum fa-tamatteʿū fa-sawfa taʿlamūn.
"That they may be ungrateful for what We have given them — so enjoy yourselves, for soon you will know." (al-Rūm 30:34)
Li-yakfurū bi-mā ātaynāhum — that they may be ungrateful for what We have bestowed upon them — so that they be ungrateful. Fa-tamatteʿū — so enjoy yourselves — enjoy the pleasures of the world, extract its pleasures. Fa-sawfa taʿlamūn — soon you will know — the outcome of all this will soon be known.
Translation: So that they disbelieve in Our bounties — go ahead, enjoy the pleasures (of a few days) — soon the outcome will be known.
أَمْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانًا فَهُوَ يَتَكَلَّمُ بِمَا كَانُوا بِهِۦ يُشْرِكُونَ
Am anzalnā ʿalayhim sulṭānan fa-huwa yatakallamu bi-mā kānū bihī yushrikūn.
"Or have We sent down to them an authority which speaks of what they associate with Him?" (al-Rūm 30:35)
Am anzalnā ʿalayhim sulṭānā — or have We sent them down any proof or evidence? They have none. Fa-huwa yatakallamu bi-mā kānū bihī yushrikūn — and is this speaking of what those who associate partners keep saying? — Is there something that manifests the shirk those associators keep practising?
Translation: Or have We given them a proof which speaks to those mushrikīn?
وَإِذَا أَذَقْنَا النَّاسَ رَحْمَةً فَرِحُوا بِهَا وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ إِذَا هُمْ يَقْنَطُونَ
Wa-idhā adhaqnā l-nāsa raḥmatan fariḥū bihā wa-in tuṣibhum sayyiʾatun bi-mā qaddamat aydīhim idhā hum yaqnaṭūn.
"And when We cause the people to taste mercy, they rejoice in it — but if adversity strikes them because of what their hands have put forth, then they immediately fall into despair." (al-Rūm 30:36)
Wa-idhā adhaqnā l-nāsa raḥmah — and when We let people taste mercy and grace. Fariḥū bihā — they rejoice in it and are glad — they become pleased and elated. Wa-in tuṣibhum sayyiʾah — and if an adversity strikes them. Bi-mā qaddamat aydīhim — because of the evil deeds their own hands have sent forward. Idhā hum yaqnaṭūn — immediately they despair — losing all hope, giving up entirely.
Translation: And when We give people some taste of Our mercy they are pleased — then when some adversity befalls them because of their own evil deeds, they immediately fall into despair.
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقْدِرُ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
A-wa-lam yaraw anna llāha yabsuṭu l-rizqa li-man yashāʾu wa-yaqdir, inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-qawmin yuʾminūn.
"Have they not seen that Allah extends provision to whom He wills and restricts it? Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe." (al-Rūm 30:37)
A-wa-lam yaraw — have they not seen, do they not know? Anna llāha yabsuṭu l-rizqa li-man yashāʾu — that Allah expands provision for whomever of His servants He wishes — bestowing richly. Wa-yaqdir — and He narrows and restricts it. Inna fī dhālika la-āyāt — in this there are undoubtedly signs. Li-qawmin yuʾminūn — for those who have faith, for the believers.
Translation: Do they not see that Allah gives abundant provision to whomever He wishes and restricts it for whomever He wishes? — without doubt these are signs for the believers.
فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
Fa-āti dhā l-qurbā ḥaqqahu wa-l-miskīna wa-bna l-sabīl, dhālika khayrun li-lladhīna yurīdūna wajha llāhi wa-ulāʾika humu l-mufliḥūn.
"So give the near relative his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah — and those are the successful." (al-Rūm 30:38)
Fa-āti dhā l-qurbā ḥaqqahu — so give the near relative their due — so then give to the ones who are your close relatives, their right. Wa-l-miskīn — and give to the needy, the destitute. Wa-bna l-sabīl — and to the wayfarer — and to the traveller and the one stranded on the road. Dhālika khayrun — that is better — this is the best approach. Li-lladhīna yurīdūna wajha llāh — for those who desire the pleasure and divine countenance of Allah — those who seek His pleasure and gracious approval. Wa-ulāʾika humu l-mufliḥūn — and these are the ones who attain success — these are truly the successful, the ones who attain felicity and winning.
Translation: Then give the near relatives their due, and the needy and the travellers their due — this is better for those who seek God's pleasure — they alone are the ones who attain success.
وَمَآ آتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَا۟ فِيٓ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُوا عِندَ اللَّهِ وَمَآ آتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَوٰةٍ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُضْعِفُونَ
Wa-mā ātaytum min riban li-yarbuwa fī amwāli l-nāsi fa-lā yarbu ʿinda llāhi wa-mā ātaytum min zakātin turīdūna wajha llāhi fa-ulāʾika humu l-muḍʿifūn.
"And whatever you give in usury to increase within the wealth of people — it will not increase with Allah. But whatever you give in zakāh, desiring the countenance of Allah — those are the ones who multiply." (al-Rūm 30:39)
Wa-mā ātaytum min ribā — and whatever you give of usury (sūd) and interest — what you lend. Li-yarbuwa fī amwāli l-nās — so that it may grow in people's wealth — such that the money grows and increases materially. Fa-lā yarbu ʿinda llāh — then it does not grow in God's sight — this is financial growth but it has no spiritual growth with God. Wa-mā ātaytum min zakātin turīdūna wajha llāh — and whatever you give in zakāh desiring God's pleasure. Fa-ulāʾika humu l-muḍʿifūn — those are the ones who truly multiply — those who are doubling one to many — those who are multiplying a single wealth manifold.
The commentary explains this verse through an example: If for instance you lend (one hundred) rupees with interest (sūd), and it returns to you as a hundred and twenty-five — such monetary growth stays: your worldly wealth increases but there is no financial growth in God's sight. But whatever zakāh you give, desiring God's pleasure — without doubt that grows, multiplying manifold. Such people are those who give one asset to make many out of it.
Translation: And whatever you give in interest (ribā) so that it grows in people's wealth — it does not grow with God. But those who give zakāh desiring God's pleasure — they are the ones who truly increase.
اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ ثُمَّ رَزَقَكُمْ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ هَلْ مِن شُرَكَآئِكُم مَّن يَفْعَلُ مِن ذَٰلِكُم مِّن شَيْءٍ سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
Allāhu lladhī khalaqa kum thumma razaqakum thumma yumītukum thumma yuḥyīkum, hal min shurakāʾikum man yafʿalu min dhālikum min shayʾin, subḥānahu wa-taʿālā ʿammā yushrikūn.
"Allah — it is He who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, then will bring you to life. Is there any of your associates who does anything of that? Glorified and High is He above what they associate." (al-Rūm 30:40)
Allāhu lladhī khalaqa kum — Allah alone is the one who created you from nothing. Thumma razaqakum — then provided you with sustenance. Thumma yumītukum — then He causes you to die as well. Thumma yuḥyīkum — then He will bring you back to life — reviving you. Hal min shurakāʾikum man yafʿalu min dhālikum min shayʾin — is there any of your associate-partners who can do even the slightest thing of these — can they produce life and death? Subḥānahu wa-taʿālā ʿammā yushrikūn — Allah Most High is utterly pure and exalted above the shirk of these people — He is pure and purer still — above them and even more exalted.
Translation: Allah alone is He who created you — then provided for you — then kills you too — then will bring you back to life. Can any of your (imaginary) partners do anything of these? (No, certainly not!) Allah is pure and high above their associations.
ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ ...
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ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
Ẓahara l-fasādu fī l-barri wa-l-baḥri bi-mā kasabat aydī l-nāsi li-yudhīqahum baʿḍa lladhī ʿamilū laʿallahum yarjiʿūn.
"Corruption has appeared in the land and the sea because of what the hands of people have earned — that He may cause them to taste some of what they have done, so that they may return." (al-Rūm 30:41)
Ẓahara l-fasādu fī l-barri wa-l-baḥr — corruption and disorder are spreading on land and at sea — calamities are coming. Why? Bi-mā kasabat aydī l-nās — on account of the evil actions of people, the evil deeds of their hands. Li-yudhīqahum — that He may cause them to taste the flavour of their own actions — taste the punishment of what they have done. Baʿḍa lladhī ʿamilū — some of what they have done — just some part. Laʿallahum yarjiʿūn — so that perhaps they may return — it is possible they will abandon their previous path and return to God.
Translation: Corruption and disorder have spread on land and at sea because of the evil actions of people — so that He may cause them to taste the flavour of their own actions — so that they may return!
قُلْ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلُ كَانَ أَكْثَرُهُم مُّشْرِكِينَ
Qul sīrū fī l-arḍi fa-nẓurū kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qablu kāna aktharuhum mushrikīn.
"Say: 'Travel the earth and observe how was the end of those who came before — most of them were idolaters.'" (al-Rūm 30:42)
Qul — Say, O Prophet! Sīrū fī l-arḍ — travel the earth — make journeys through the earth in every direction. Fa-nẓurū — then look and observe carefully. Kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qabl — what was the end of those who came before — those who existed earlier. Kāna aktharuhum mushrikīn — among them the majority were idol-worshippers.
Translation: Say: "Travel the earth and observe — what was the end of those who came before? Most of them were idolaters."
فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ الْقَيِّمِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا مَرَدَّ لَهُۥ مِنَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَصَّدَّعُونَ
Fa-aqim wajhaka li-l-dīni l-qayyimi min qabli an yaʾtiya yawmun lā maradda lahu mina llāhi yawmaʾidhin yaṣṣaddaʿūn.
"So set your face toward the upright religion before there comes a Day from Allah that cannot be averted — on that Day they will be sundered apart." (al-Rūm 30:43)
Fa-aqim wajhaka — so then set your face toward the right path. Li-l-dīni l-qayyim — toward the upright, straight religion. Min qabli an yaʾtiya yawm — before that day comes. Lā maradda lahu mina llāh — which cannot be averted from Allah — it is impossible to turn Allah's command away from this. Yawmaʾidhin yaṣṣaddaʿūn — on that day they will be split apart — parting from one another in groups, scattering. Each person separates from another — splitting apart, fracturing.
Translation: So turn your face firmly toward the upright religion — before that day comes which cannot be averted by Allah — on that day they will all be scattered apart (and will be separated from each other).
مَن كَفَرَ فَعَلَيْهِ كُفْرُهُۥ وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِأَنفُسِهِمْ يَمْهَدُونَ
Man kafara fa-ʿalayhi kufruhū wa-man ʿamila ṣāliḥan fa-li-anfusihim yamhadūn.
"Whoever disbelieves — upon him is his disbelief. And whoever does righteousness — they are preparing [a good abode] for themselves." (al-Rūm 30:44)
Man kafara fa-ʿalayhi kufruh — whoever disbelieves, the consequence of his disbelief falls upon himself alone — as if he were sitting on his own wickedness. Wa-man ʿamila ṣāliḥā — and whoever performs righteous works. Fa-li-anfusihim yamhadūn — they are preparing and smoothing the path for themselves — mahdad is that which is levelled and smoothed out — farsh (bedding), tamhīd (a comfortable preparation) — to level before arriving at the appointed purpose.
Translation: Whoever disbelieves — the consequences fall upon him — and whoever does righteous deeds — he is preparing a smooth and good place for himself.
لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ
Li-yajziya lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti min faḍlihī innahu lā yuḥibbu l-kāfirīn.
"That He may recompense those who believed and did righteous deeds, out of His bounty. Indeed, He does not love the disbelievers." (al-Rūm 30:45)
Li-yajziya lladhīna āmanū — so that He may reward those who kept faith. Wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāt — and did righteous deeds, performing acts of goodness. Min faḍlihī — out of His grace and generosity. Innahu lā yuḥibbu l-kāfirīn — He certainly does not love the disbelievers — He does not love the concealing ones.
Translation: So that (Allah) may reward the believing and righteous doers with His grace — He certainly does not love the disbelievers.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِۦٓ أَن يُرْسِلَ الرِّيَاحَ مُبَشِّرَاتٍ وَلِيُذِيقَكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِۦ وَلِتَجْرِيَ الْفُلْكُ بِأَمْرِهِۦ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Wa-min āyātihī an yursila l-riyāḥa mubashshirātin wa-li-yudhīqakum min raḥmatihī wa-li-tajriya l-fulku bi-amrihī wa-li-tabtaghū min faḍlihī wa-laʿallakum tashkurūn.
"And of His signs is that He sends the winds as glad tidings and to cause you to taste of His mercy, and that ships may sail by His command, and that you may seek of His bounty, and that perhaps you would be grateful." (al-Rūm 30:46)
Wa-min āyātihī — and one of His wondrous signs. An yursila l-riyāḥa mubashshirāt — is that He sends the winds as bearers of glad tidings — bringing the good news of rain. Wa-li-yudhīqakum min raḥmatihī — and so that He may cause you to taste of His mercy — and so that He may give you the taste of His mercy. Wa-li-tajriya l-fulku bi-amrihī — and so that ships may sail by His command — and so that boats may sail by His command. Wa-li-tabtaghū min faḍlihī — and so that you may seek out His gracious provision — seeking out His grace — go in search of your daily livelihood. Ships sail in the sea — look for His provision, earn your daily bread.
Translation (continued): And one of His wondrous signs is that He sends the wind as bearer of the glad tidings of rain — (so that minds shall awaken) — so that He gives you a taste of His mercy and you sail ships by His command — and seek out daily livelihood — (so that you perhaps give thanks to Him for this) — (so do give thanks).
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ رُسُلًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِمْ فَجَآءُوهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَانتَقَمْنَا مِنَ الَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيْنَا نَصْرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Wa-la-qad arsalnā min qablika rusalan ilā qawmihim fa-jāʾūhum bi-l-bayyināti fa-ntaqamnā mina lladhīna ajramū wa-kāna ḥaqqan ʿalaynā naṣru l-muʾminīn.
"And We have certainly sent before you messengers to their nations — they came to them with clear proofs, then We took retribution from those who committed crimes. And it was a right duty upon Us to help the believers." (al-Rūm 30:47)
Wa-la-qad arsalnā — and We have certainly and truly sent. Min qablika — before you — from times before this. Rusulā — Prophets. Ilā qawmihim — to their own nations. Fa-jāʾūhum bi-l-bayyināt — then those Prophets came with clear and manifest proofs, bringing explicit signs. Fa-ntaqamnā — then We took retribution — We exacted vengeance. Mina lladhīna ajramū — from those who committed crimes — those who were criminals and sinners, those who were disobedient. Wa-kāna ḥaqqan ʿalaynā naṣru l-muʾminīn — and it is Our duty — incumbent upon Us — to grant Muslims victory and help. Giving believers support and victory is their right — it is our obligation.
Translation: And We have certainly sent before you Prophets, who came with clear proofs — then We exacted retribution from the criminals — and helping the Muslims (believers) is Our duty — (it is obligatory upon Us).
اللَّهُ الَّذِي يُرْسِلُ الرِّيَاحَ فَتُثِيرُ سَحَابًا فَيَبْسُطُهُۥ فِي السَّمَآءِ كَيْفَ يَشَآءُ وَيَجْعَلُهُۥ كِسَفًا فَتَرَى الْوَدْقَ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ خِلَالِهِۦ فَإِذَآ أَصَابَ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦٓ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ
Allāhu lladhī yursilu l-riyāḥa fa-tuthīru saḥāban fa-yabsuṭuhu fī l-samāʾi kayfa yashāʾu wa-yajʿaluhu kisafan fa-tarā l-wadqa yakhruju min khilālihī, fa-idhā aṣāba bihī man yashāʾu min ʿibādihī idhā hum yastabshirūn.
"It is Allah who sends the winds, and they stir up clouds, and He spreads them in the sky however He wills and makes them layers — and you see the rain emerge from between them. Then when He strikes with it whom He wills of His servants, they immediately rejoice." (al-Rūm 30:48)
Allāhu lladhī yursilu l-riyāḥ — Allah is He who sends the winds — blowing them. Fa-tuthīru saḥābā — and they stir up and raise the clouds. Fa-yabsuṭuhu fī l-samāʾi — then He spreads it across the sky — however He wishes. Wa-yajʿaluhu kisafā — and He makes it into layers — dark masses of cloud like an eclipse of the sun. Fa-tarā l-wadqa yakhruju min khilālihī — then you see rain emerging from within it. Fa-idhā aṣāba bihī man yashāʾu min ʿibādihī — then when He strikes with it whichever of His servants He wishes — whatever people He desires, when He sends the rain to them. Idhā hum yastabshirūn — at once their faces shine with joy — they become cheerful and glad.
Translation (continued): Allah is He who sends the winds — they blow, stir up the clouds — then He spreads them across the sky however He wishes — and then you see rain coming out from between them — then He sends it to whichever of His servants He wills — and they become joyful and glad.
وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُنَزَّلَ عَلَيْهِمْ مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمُبْلِسِينَ
Wa-in kānū min qabli an yunazzala ʿalayhim min qablihī la-mublisīn.
"And they had indeed been before it descended upon them — in sheer despair." (al-Rūm 30:49)
Wa-in kānū min qabli — and even though they had been before (the coming of rain). An yunazzala ʿalayhim — before rain came down upon them. Min qablihī la-mublisīn — before its coming — very despairing, utterly without hope.
Translation: And they had been before (this rain came) hopeless and in despair.
فَانظُرْ إِلَىٰٓ آثَارِ رَحْمَتِ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ لَمُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Fa-nẓur ilā āthāri raḥmati llāhi kayfa yuḥyī l-arḍa baʿda mawtihā, inna dhālika la-muḥyī l-mawtā wa-huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr.
"So look to the traces of Allah's mercy — how He revives the earth after its death. Indeed that [same One] will surely bring the dead to life — and He is over all things Powerful." (al-Rūm 30:50)
Fa-nẓur ilā āthāri raḥmati llāh — so look at the traces of Allah's mercy — look at the signs of divine mercy coming. Kayfa yuḥyī l-arḍa baʿda mawtihā — how He revives the earth after its death — how after drying out and dying He makes the earth fresh and green once again, reviving it. Inna dhālika la-muḥyī l-mawtā — indeed that same Power is certainly One who gives life to the dead — it is without doubt He alone who gives life to the dead. Wa-huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr — and He is All-Powerful over everything — He has the power to do every and any thing.
Translation: So look at the traces of Allah's mercy — how He makes the dry earth green and fresh after death — it is He without doubt who gives life to the dead — He has power over everything.
Yā Allāh! Famine, drought has gripped the land — Hindustan is being overwhelmed. Truly there is something genuine in Muslim hearts. Turn to His grace and favour — He will revive their hearts — make them fresh. We are all in need of His threshold — we are calling out with supplication — we are making earnest prayer. Muslims are perishing at the hands of disbelievers — His Prophet ﷺ is most truthful — and granting victory and support to the believers is His true duty — and His solemn promise: wa-kāna ḥaqqan ʿalaynā naṣru l-muʾminīn — and He also declares: lā yayʾasu min rawḥi llāhi illā l-qawmu l-kāfirūn — "No one despairs of the mercy of God except the unbelieving people." Muslims must never despair — see how He gives life — with faith in His divine mercy; surrender before Him — God will provide the remedy.
وَلَئِن أَرْسَلْنَا رِيحًا فَرَأَوْهُ مُصْفَرًّا لَّظَلُّوا مِن بَعْدِهِۦ يَكْفُرُونَ
Wa-la-in arsalnā rīḥan fa-raʾawhu muṣfarran la-ẓallū min baʿdihī yakfurūn.
"And if We sent a wind and they saw it yellow [the crops], they would certainly continue after it to be ungrateful." (al-Rūm 30:51)
Wa-la-in arsalnā rīḥā — and if We sent an unfavourable wind. Fa-raʾawhu muṣfarrā — and they saw it turning yellow — after that it turns a sickly yellow and things wither. La-ẓallū min baʿdihī yakfurūn — they would certainly continue thereafter to be ungrateful — showing ingratitude for Our past favours.
Translation: And if We sent an unfavourable wind and they saw things turning yellow (wither), they would continue to show ingratitude for Our past favours.
فَإِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ الْمَوْتَىٰ وَلَا تُسْمِعُ الصُّمَّ الدُّعَآءَ إِذَا وَلَّوْا مُدْبِرِينَ
Fa-innaka lā tusmiʿu l-mawtā wa-lā tusmiʿu l-ṣumma l-duʿāʾa idhā wallaw mudbirīn.
"Indeed you cannot make the dead hear, and you cannot make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs fleeing." (al-Rūm 30:52)
Fa-innaka lā tusmiʿu l-mawtā — indeed you cannot make dead hearts hear — you cannot make the dead hear. Wa-lā tusmiʿu l-ṣumma l-duʿāʾ — and you cannot make the deaf hear the call — calling the deaf to no avail. Idhā wallaw mudbirīn — when they turn their backs — turning away fleeing.
Translation: You certainly cannot make the dead hear — you cannot make the deaf hear the call when they turn away and flee.
The author comments: Here those "dead" are meant who have dead hearts — and those "deaf" who are obstinately unwilling to listen. Ṣummun here means the gathered deaf — obstinately refusing to hear. Hadith Sharīf states that when visiting a cemetery, one recites: Al-salāmu ʿalaykum yā ahla l-qubūr, wa-naḥnu antum salaf wa-antum naḥnu khalaf, wa-innā in shāʾa llāhu bi-kum lāḥiqūn — and there is also the hadith from the Battle of Badr in which the Prophet ﷺ addressed the fallen enemies of Badr — from the Prophet ﷺ, the Companions narrated: "We heard from no dead one" (lasnā nusmiʿu bi-asmāʿihim). The meeting of the Prophet ﷺ with them — his conversation with them — those who deny this are — simpleminded (nādān) — to say this is attributing shirk to the Messenger of God or the Prophets. These aḥādīth are absolutely sound. The glorification of God: Innā natawassalu ilā rabbika bi-yā niʿma l-rasūlu l-ṭāhiru llāhumma shaffiʿhu fīnā bi-jāhihi ʿindak. This is stupidity — for Muslims say this as if it were shirk — because to do something and to imitate it are equivalent in effect.
وَمَآ أَنتَ بِهَادِ الْعُمْيِ عَن ضَلَالَتِهِمْ إِن تُسْمِعُ إِلَّا مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِآيَاتِنَا فَهُم مُّسْلِمُونَ
Wa-mā anta bi-hādi l-ʿumyi ʿan ḍalālatihim in tusmiʿu illā man yuʾminu bi-āyātinā fa-hum muslimūn.
"And you cannot guide the blind away from their misguidance. You can only make those hear who believe in Our signs — and they are Muslims." (al-Rūm 30:53)
Wa-mā anta bi-hādi l-ʿumyi ʿan ḍalālatihim — and you cannot guide the blind away from their straying. In tusmiʿu — you can only make those hear. Illā man yuʾminu bi-āyātinā — except those who have faith in Our signs — those who keep certainty regarding Our evidences. Fa-hum muslimūn — then they are Muslims — they obey His command and have accepted faith as well — with faith comes certainty and with it submission too.
Translation: You cannot guide the blind away from their misguidance — you can only make those hear whose hearts believe in Our signs — they will (then) even become obedient (to them).
اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن ضَعْفٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِن بَعْدِ ضَعْفٍ قُوَّةً ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِن بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ ضَعْفًا وَشَيْبَةً يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْقَدِيرُ
Allāhu lladhī khalaqa kum min ḍaʿfin thumma jaʿala min baʿdi ḍaʿfin quwwatan thumma jaʿala min baʿdi quwwatin ḍaʿfan wa-shaybatan, yakhluqu mā yashāʾu wa-huwa l-ʿalīmu l-qadīr.
"Allah is the One who created you from weakness, then He made after weakness strength, then He made after strength weakness and old age. He creates what He wills — and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful." (al-Rūm 30:54)
Allāhu lladhī khalaqa kum min ḍaʿf — Allah alone is He who created you from weakness — from frailty and helplessness — from infancy. Thumma — then. You could not even walk — you were still infants. You could not then defend yourself. Thumma jaʿala min baʿdi ḍaʿfin quwwah — then He made after weakness and powerlessness strength and vigour — you grew up and became strong, capable of working, able to help others. Thumma jaʿala min baʿdi quwwatin ḍaʿfan wa-shaybah — then after strength He made weakness and old age — after vigour comes the failing of powers and the greying of old age — leaning on a staff and walking. Yakhluqu mā yashāʾ — He creates what He wills. Wa-huwa l-ʿalīmu l-qadīr — and He is the All-Knowing and All-Powerful.
Translation: Allah alone is the one who created you from weakness — then after weakness He gave you strength — then after strength He gave you weakness and old age — (Allah) creates what He wills — He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful — (knowledge and power are His).
وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ يُقْسِمُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ مَا لَبِثُوا غَيْرَ سَاعَةٍ كَذَٰلِكَ كَانُوا يُؤْفَكُونَ
Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿatu yuqsimu l-mujrimūna mā labithū ghayra sāʿatin kadhālika kānū yuʾfakūn.
"And on the Day the Hour comes, the criminals will swear they had not stayed [in the world] except an hour — thus they were always being deluded." (al-Rūm 30:55)
Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿah — and on the day Qiyāma comes. Yuqsimu l-mujrimūn — the criminals will swear oaths — oath-taking criminals will keep saying. Mā labithū ghayra sāʿah — they did not stay longer than a single hour — in this world they remained no longer than an hour. Kadhālika kānū yuʾfakūn — it is in this same way that they were always being deluded — they make false claims just like this habitually.
Translation: And when the Day of Qiyāma comes, the criminals will swear they stayed (in the world) barely an hour — these people are habitual liars.
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَالْإِيمَانَ لَقَدْ لَبِثْتُمْ فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْبَعْثِ فَهَٰذَا يَوْمُ الْبَعْثِ وَلَٰكِنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Wa-qāla lladhīna ūtū l-ʿilma wa-l-īmāna la-qad labithutum fī kitābi llāhi ilā yawmi l-baʿthi fa-hādhā yawmu l-baʿthi wa-lākinnakum kuntum lā taʿlamūn.
"And those who were given knowledge and faith will say: 'You have remained in Allah's record until the Day of Resurrection — and this is the Day of Resurrection — but you were those who did not know.'" (al-Rūm 30:56)
Wa-qāla lladhīna ūtū l-ʿilma wa-l-īmān — and those to whom was given knowledge and faith — scholars and men of faith will say. La-qad labithutum fī kitābi llāh — indeed you have truly remained in this world — just as it was written in Allah's book, Lawh al-Maḥfūẓ — it was all recorded in the Book of Allah — your existence in this world until Qiyāma. Fa-hādhā yawmu l-baʿth — so this then is the Day of Resurrection. Wa-lākinnakum kuntum lā taʿlamūn — but you were those who did not know. They are told: you were great fools but certainty was not with them.
Translation: And those who were given knowledge and faith will say: "You remained until the Day of Resurrection according to the record of Allah — and today is the Day of Resurrection — but you refused to believe it (you did not know).
فَيَوْمَئِذٍ لَّا يَنفَعُ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ
Fa-yawmaʾidhin lā yanfaʿu lladhīna ẓalamū maʿdhiratuhum wa-lā hum yustaʿtabūn.
"So on that Day their excuse will not benefit those who did wrong, nor will they be asked to make amends." (al-Rūm 30:57)
Fa-yawmaʾidhin — then on that Day. Lā yanfaʿu lladhīna ẓalamū maʿdhiratuhum — the excuses of the wrongdoers will benefit them nothing — they will be given no excuse. Wa-lā hum yustaʿtabūn — and their repentance will not be accepted — they will not be asked to make amends — their insincerity will be taken account of.
Translation: On that Day the excuses of the wrongdoers will be of no benefit to them, and their insincerity will be taken account of.
وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِي هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ وَلَئِن جِئْتَهُم بِآيَةٍ لَّيَقُولَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا إِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا مُبْطِلُونَ
Wa-la-qad ḍarabnā li-l-nāsi fī hādhā l-qurʾāni min kulli mathalin wa-la-in jiʾtahum bi-āyatin la-yaqūlanna lladhīna kafarū in antum illā mubṭilūn.
"And We have indeed presented for the people in this Qurʾān every kind of example — and if you bring them a sign, those who disbelieve will certainly say: 'You are nothing but falsifiers.'" (al-Rūm 30:58)
Wa-la-qad ḍarabnā li-l-nāsi fī hādhā l-qurʾān — and We have certainly set forth for people in this very Qurʾān — min kulli mathal — every kind of subject, every variety of parable. Wa-la-in jiʾtahum bi-āyah — and if you bring them an āya — any verse — la-yaqūlanna lladhīna kafarū — they will certainly say — those who have disbelieved. In antum illā mubṭilūn — "you are nothing but falsifiers" — practitioners of falsehood — liars, fabricators.
Translation: And We have set forth for people in this Qurʾān every kind of subject — and if you bring them any great sign they will say (the disbelievers): "You are simply falsifiers."
كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Kadhālika yaṭbaʿu llāhu ʿalā qulūbi lladhīna lā yaʿlamūn.
"Thus Allah seals the hearts of those who do not know." (al-Rūm 30:59)
Kadhālika yaṭbaʿu llāh — in this same manner Allah sets a seal — He impresses a stamp — just as this happens. ʿAlā qulūbi lladhīna lā yaʿlamūn — upon the hearts of those people who do not know — upon the hearts of those whose knowledge is absent.
Translation: Those who do not attain certainty — Allah thus seals their hearts in this manner (making them dull and dull).
فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَلَا يَسْتَخِفَّنَّكَ الَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ
Fa-ṣbir inna waʿda llāhi ḥaqqun wa-lā yastakhiffannaka lladhīna lā yūqinūn.
"So be patient — indeed the promise of Allah is true — and let not those who have no certainty make you impatient." (al-Rūm 30:60)
Fa-ṣbir — so then be patient, O Prophet. Inna waʿda llāhi ḥaqq — indeed the promise of Allah is without doubt true — it is real and correct. Wa-lā yastakhiffannaka lladhīna lā yūqinūn — and let not those who have no certainty make you impatient — do not let them hold you in contempt — do not yield to them.
Translation: So be patient — without doubt the promise of Allah is true — and do not let those who have no certainty hold you in contempt or make you impatient.
The author earnestly addresses the reader: O people, Muslims are in a state of destitution and disorder — their helper is none but Allah. However, understand His promise to be true. Follow the Qurʾān's commands well — certainly He will grant you victory. Time does not stand still — where there is life after death, there is weakness after strength. After weakness and strength, after strength comes weakness too — the Almighty Allah says. And this: wa-kāna ḥaqqan ʿalaynā naṣru l-muʾminīn — and He also says: lā yayʾasu min rawḥi llāhi illā l-qawmu l-kāfirūn — "None despairs of the mercy of God except the disbelievers." Muslims must never despair — keep faith, surrender, look — God will remedy the situation.