Sūrat Muḥammad

سورۃ محمد

سُورَةُ مُحَمَّدٍ ﷺ مَدَنِيَّةٌ وَهِيَ ثَمَانٍ وَثَلَاثُونَ آيَةً وَأَرْبَعَةُ رُكُوعٍ

Sūrat Muḥammad ﷺ was revealed at Medina. It contains thirty-eight (38) verses and four (4) sections (rukūʿ).

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.

"In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful."

الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَصَدُّوا عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَضَلَّ اللَّهُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

alladhīna kafarū wa-ṣaddū ʿan sabīli llāhi aḍalla llāhu aʿmālahum.

"Those who disbelieve and turn others away from the path of Allah — Allah will render their deeds futile." (Muḥammad 47:1)

Alladhīna kafarū — those who became disbelievers and turned away from belief. Wa-ṣaddū — and they blocked and barred. ʿAn sabīli llāh — from the path of Allah, from the path of religion. Aḍalla aʿmālahum — Allah rendered their deeds futile, He made their deeds null and purposeless.

Translation: "Those who became disbelievers and blocked Allah's path — Allah has made their deeds futile and purposeless."

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَآمَنُوا بِمَا نُزِّلَ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَهُوَ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ كَفَّرَ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَأَصْلَحَ بَالَهُمْ

wa-lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti wa-āmanū bi-mā nuzzila ʿalā muḥammadin wa-huwa l-ḥaqqu min rabbihim kaffara ʿanhum sayyiʾātihim wa-aṣlaḥa bālahum.

"And those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Muḥammad — and it is the truth from their Lord — He will remove their evil deeds from them and set their condition right." (Muḥammad 47:2)

Wa-lladhīna āmanū — and those who brought faith, the believers. Wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāt — and performed good deeds. Wa-āmanū bimā nuzzila ʿalā muḥammadin — and they brought faith in the Qur'ān which has been revealed to Muḥammad ﷺ. Wa-huwa l-ḥaqq — and it is the truth — because it is based on the commands of Allah. Min rabbihim — from their Lord. Kaffara ʿanhum sayyiʾātihim — Allah will remove their sins and pardon them. Wa-aṣlaḥa bālahum — and will set their condition right.

Translation: "And those who believed and did good deeds and brought faith upon the Qur'ān revealed to Muḥammad ﷺ (it is the commands of Allah that came in it) — Allah has forgiven their sins and set their condition right."

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا اتَّبَعُوا الْبَاطِلَ وَأَنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّبَعُوا الْحَقَّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ أَمْثَالَهُمْ

dhālika bi-anna lladhīna kafarū ttabaʿū l-bāṭila wa-anna lladhīna āmanū ttabaʿū l-ḥaqqa min rabbihim kadhālika yaḍribu llāhu li-l-nāsi amthālahum.

"That is because those who disbelieve followed falsehood and those who believed followed the truth from their Lord — thus Allah strikes for the people their examples." (Muḥammad 47:3)

Dhālik — this is because. Bi-anna lladhīna kafarū — because those who disbelieved. Attabaʿū l-bāṭil — they followed falsehood, the path of error and untruth. Wa-anna lladhīna āmanū — and those who believed. Attabaʿū l-ḥaqq — they followed the truth and right. Min rabbihim — which was from their Lord — they walked upon it. Kadhālika yaḍribu llāhu li-l-nāsi amthālahum — and in this way Allah presents their situations before people — their examples, their conditions.

Translation: "This is because those who disbelieved followed falsehood (the wrong path) and those who believed followed the path of truth from Allah — and in this way Allah Most High describes their situations for people."

Now a ruling about the unbelievers is given.

فَإِذَا لَقِيتُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَضَرْبَ الرِّقَابِ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَثْخَنتُمُوهُمْ فَشُدُّوا الْوَثَاقَ فَإِمَّا مَنًّا بَعْدُ وَإِمَّا فِدَاءً حَتَّىٰ تَضَعَ الْحَرْبُ أَوْزَارَهَا ذَٰلِكَ وَلَوْ يَشَاءُ اللَّهُ لَانتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَا بَعْضَكُم بِبَعْضٍ وَالَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَلَن يُضِلَّ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

fa-idhā laqītumu lladhīna kafarū fa-ḍarba l-riqābi ḥattā idhā athkhantumūhum fa-shuddū l-wathāqa fa-immā mannan baʿdu wa-immā fidāʾan ḥattā taḍaʿa l-ḥarbu awzārahā dhālika wa-law yashāʾu llāhu la-ntaṣara minhum wa-lākin li-yabliya baʿḍakum bi-baʿḍin wa-lladhīna qutilū fī sabīli llāhi fa-lan yuḍilla aʿmālahum.

"So when you encounter those who disbelieve, then strike the necks — until when you have subdued them, tighten the bonds. Then either release them as a favour after that, or ransom — until the war has laid down its burdens. That is the rule — and if Allah willed, He could take vengeance upon them, but it is to test some of you through others. And those who are killed in the way of Allah — He will never let their deeds be wasted." (Muḥammad 47:4)

Fa-idhā laqītumu lladhīna kafarū — then when you meet the disbelievers in battle. Fa-ḍarba l-riqāb — strike the necks — a concealed verbal noun (maṣdar) — meaning strike them on the necks, behead them in battle. Ḥattā idhā athkhantumūhum — until you have fully overcome them and subdued them utterly. Fa-shuddū l-wathāq — then bind them tightly. Fa-immā mannan — then either release them as a favour without anything in return. Wa-immā fidāʾan — or accept a ransom, an exchange — ḥattā taḍaʿa l-ḥarb awzārahā — until the war lays down its burdens — meaning until fighting is at an end. Dhālika — that is the rule. Wa-law yashāʾu llāh — and if Allah wills. La-ntaṣara minhum — He could take retribution from them. Wa-lākin — but li-yabliya baʿḍakum bi-baʿḍin — it is to test some of you through others — to see who among you is patient and who wavers in battle. Wa-lladhīna qutilū fī sabīli llāh — and those who are killed in the path of Allah. Fa-lan yuḍilla aʿmālahum — Allah will never waste their deeds.

Translation: "Then when you encounter the disbelievers (in battle) — strike their necks — then when you have subdued them — bind them tightly — then either release them as a favour after that, or take a ransom — until the war has finished. This is the rule — if Allah wished, He could take retribution from them, but it is to test you against one another — and those who die in the path of Allah — Allah will never waste their deeds."

سَيَهْدِيهِمْ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَهُمْ

sa-yahdīhim wa-yuṣliḥu bālahum.

"He will guide them and set their condition right." (Muḥammad 47:5)

Sa-yahdīhim — He will guide them, bring them close to their goal. Wa-yuṣliḥu bālahum — and will set their condition right.

Translation: "He will bring them close to their destination and set their condition aright."

وَيُدْخِلُهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ عَرَّفَهَا لَهُمْ

wa-yudkhiluhumu l-jannata ʿarrafahā lahum.

"And He will admit them to the Garden which He has made known to them." (Muḥammad 47:6)

Wa-yudkhiluhumu l-janna — and He will enter them into the Garden. ʿArrafahā lahum — He has already made it known to them — they had already been given a prior description and acquaintance with it. Their recognition of it had already been established.

Translation: "And He will enter them into the Garden — the Garden that He had already informed them about."

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَنصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ

yā ayyuhā lladhīna āmanū in tanṣurū llāha yanṣurkum wa-yuthabbit aqdāmakum.

"O you who believe! If you help Allah, He will help you and make your feet firm." (Muḥammad 47:7)

Yā ayyuhā lladhīna āmanū — O believers, O Muslims! In tanṣurū llāh — if you help Allah — here tanṣurū llāha means: support the viceregency (khilāfa) of Allah's Prophet ﷺ. Yanṣurkum — then Allah will also help you. Wa-yuthabbit aqdāmakum — and will steady your feet — keep your feet firm so that they do not slip, make your steps firm in battle against the enemies.

Translation: "O Muslims! If you help (the Prophet and Messenger of) Allah — then Allah will help you too (give you victory) — and will keep your feet firm (not let you waver)."

وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَتَعْسًا لَّهُمْ وَأَضَلَّ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

wa-lladhīna kafarū fa-taʿsan lahum wa-aḍalla aʿmālahum.

"But those who disbelieve — destruction be upon them, and He will make their deeds go to waste." (Muḥammad 47:8)

Wa-lladhīna kafarū — and those who have disbelieved. Fa-taʿsan lahum — then ruin and destruction will befall them. Wa-aḍalla aʿmālahum — and He will render their deeds futile, make their deeds barren and fruitless — everything will be lost for them and their whole enterprise will be ruined.

Translation: "And those who are disbelievers — ruin will befall them — and Allah will render their deeds futile (destroy and waste them completely)."

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَرِهُوا مَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

dhālika bi-annahum karihū mā anzala llāhu fa-aḥbaṭa aʿmālahum.

"That is because they hated what Allah has revealed, so He rendered their deeds null." (Muḥammad 47:9)

Dhālika — this is because. Bi-annahum karihū — because they felt aversion and displeasure — mā anzala llāh — towards what Allah has revealed — the Qur'ān and the commands of Islam. Fa-aḥbaṭa aʿmālahum — therefore He rendered their deeds null, making even their good deeds worthless.

Translation: "This is because they felt displeasure towards what Allah has revealed — therefore Allah has rendered even their good deeds null and worthless."

أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ دَمَّرَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلِلْكَافِرِينَ أَمْثَالُهَا

a-fa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍi fa-yanẓurū kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qablihim dammara llāhu ʿalayhim wa-li-l-kāfirīna amthāluhā.

"Have they not travelled in the land and observed how was the end of those before them? Allah destroyed them utterly — and the disbelievers will have the like of it." (Muḥammad 47:10)

A-fa-lam yasīrū — have they not travelled? Have they not made a journey? Fī l-arḍ — on earth — have they not gone on travels? Fa-yanẓurū — and looked, observed. Kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna — how was the fate of those peoples. Min qablihim — before them, in times past. Dammara llāhu ʿalayhim — Allah sent His retribution upon them and destroyed them utterly. Wa-li-l-kāfirīna amthāluhā — and for the disbelievers the same punishment awaits.

Translation: "Have they not travelled the earth to see what happened to the peoples who came before them — Allah destroyed them — and the disbelievers will receive the same punishment."

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ مَوْلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَأَنَّ الْكَافِرِينَ لَا مَوْلَىٰ لَهُمْ

dhālika bi-anna llāha mawlā lladhīna āmanū wa-anna l-kāfirīna lā mawlā lahum.

"That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, and because the disbelievers have no protector." (Muḥammad 47:11)

Dhālika — this is because. Bi-anna llāha mawlā lladhīna āmanū — because Allah is the master and helper of the believers — He is the friend and helper of the Muslims. Wa-anna l-kāfirīna lā mawlā lahum — and the disbelievers have no protector.

Translation: "This is because Allah is the (Mawlā) helper and supporter of the believers — and the disbelievers have no friend or supporter."

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُدْخِلُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يَتَمَتَّعُونَ وَيَأْكُلُونَ كَمَا تَأْكُلُ الْأَنْعَامُ وَالنَّارُ مَثْوًى لَّهُمْ

inna llāha yudkhilu lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti jannātin tajrī min taḥtihā l-anhāru wa-lladhīna kafarū yatamattaʿūna wa-yaʾkulūna kamā taʾkulu l-anʿāmu wa-l-nāru mathwan lahum.

"Indeed Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds into Gardens beneath which rivers flow — while those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as the cattle eat, and the Fire will be their abode." (Muḥammad 47:12)

Inna llāh — indeed Allah. Yudkhilu lladhīna āmanū — will admit the believers. Wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāt — and those who did good deeds. Jannāt — into gardens — where? Tajrī min taḥtihā l-anhār — rivers flow beneath them — flowing always beneath them — and the believers will be permanently there. Wa-lladhīna kafarū — and those who disbelieved. Yatamattaʿūna — they enjoy themselves — they derive worldly advantage. Wa-yaʾkulūna kamā taʾkulu l-anʿām — and they eat like the cattle eat — like four-footed animals, paying no attention. Wa-l-nāru mathwan lahum — and the Fire will be their abode — their permanent place in Hell.

Translation: "Indeed Allah will admit those who believed and did good deeds into Gardens beneath which rivers flow — they will always be there — and those who disbelieved — they enjoy worldly things (purposelessly) — and eat (without any awareness) like four-footed animals — and Hell will be their abode."

وَكَأَيِّن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ هِيَ أَشَدُّ قُوَّةً مِّن قَرْيَتِكَ الَّتِي أَخْرَجَتْكَ أَهْلَكْنَاهُمْ فَلَا نَاصِرَ لَهُمْ

wa-ka-ayyin min qaryatin hiya ashaddu quwwatan min qaryatika llatī akhrajatka ahlaknāhum fa-lā nāṣira lahum.

"And how many a town was there that was mightier in strength than your town which drove you out — We destroyed them, and there was no helper for them." (Muḥammad 47:13)

Wa-ka-ayyin min qaryatin — and how many towns there were. Hiya ashaddu quwwatan — which were far more powerful. Min qaryatika — than your town, Mecca. Allatī akhrajatka — the one that expelled you, forced you to emigrate. Ahlaknāhum — We destroyed them, razed them to the ground. Fa-lā nāṣira lahum — and there was no helper for them, no ally to give them help and support.

Translation: "And how many a town there was which was even more powerful than your town (Mecca) from which you were expelled — We destroyed them and no one came to their aid."

أَفَمَن كَانَ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِ كَمَن زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ وَاتَّبَعُوا أَهْوَاءَهُمْ

a-fa-man kāna ʿalā bayyinatin min rabbihi ka-man zuyyina lahu sūʾu ʿamalihi wa-ttabaʿū ahwāʾahum.

"Is he who is on a clear proof from his Lord like one for whom the evil of his deed has been adorned, and they follow their desires?" (Muḥammad 47:14)

A-fa-man kāna — so is a person who. ʿAlā bayyinatin min rabbihi — who stands on a clear proof from his Lord — who stands on a clear and manifest way, based on a clear argument from his Lord. Ka-man zuyyina lahu — like the person for whom. Sūʾu ʿamalihi — the evil of his deeds has been adorned, made beautiful. Wa-ttabaʿū ahwāʾahum — and they followed their desires — their personal whims — the pursuit of their own base desires.

Translation: "Is a person who is on a clear path from his Lord the same as one for whom the evil of his deeds has been made alluring — and they follow their desires and whims?"

مَثَلُ الْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ فِيهَا أَنْهَارٌ مِّن مَّاءٍ غَيْرِ آسِنٍ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِّن لَّبَنٍ لَّمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِّنْ خَمْرٍ لَّذَّةٍ لِّلشَّارِبِينَ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِّنْ عَسَلٍ مُّصَفًّى وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ كَمَنْ هُوَ خَالِدٌ فِي النَّارِ وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْ

mathalu l-jannati llatī wuʿida l-muttaqūna fīhā anhārun min māʾin ghayri āsinin wa-anhārun min labanin lam yataghayyar ṭaʿmuhu wa-anhārun min khamrin ladhdhatun li-l-shāribīna wa-anhārun min ʿasalin muṣaffan wa-lahum fīhā min kulli l-thamarāti wa-maghfiratun min rabbihim ka-man huwa khālidun fī l-nāri wa-suqū māʾan ḥamīman fa-qaṭṭaʿa amʿāʾahum.

"The description of the Garden promised to the God-fearing: in it are rivers of water that does not stagnate, rivers of milk whose taste never changes, rivers of wine that is a delight for those who drink it, and rivers of purified honey — and for them in it are all kinds of fruits, and forgiveness from their Lord. Is this like one who abides forever in the Fire, and who is given boiling water to drink, tearing their intestines apart?" (Muḥammad 47:15)

Mathalu l-jannati — the description of the Garden and its characteristics. Allatī wuʿida l-muttaqūna — which has been promised to the God-fearing. Fīhā anhārun min māʾin ghayri āsin — in it are rivers of a special kind of water — ghayru āsin — it is not stagnant — clear, not putrid. Wa-anhārun min labanin — and rivers of milk — which are not like milk that was born of an animal. Lam yataghayyar ṭaʿmuhu — its taste is unchanging. Wa-anhārun min khamrin ladhdhatun li-l-shāribīn — and rivers of wine — many rivers of something very pleasant — ladhdhah — delight, pleasure — it is the wine of love. Wa-anhārun min ʿasalin muṣaffā — and rivers of pure honey — clear of all impurities. Wa-lahum fīhā min kulli l-thamarāt — and they will have all kinds of fruits in it. Wa-maghfiratun min rabbihim — and this represents the righteous deeds. Ka-man huwa khālidun fī l-nār — is this like the person who will always be in Hell — what kind of person is this? Wa-suqū māʾan ḥamīman — they will be given boiling water to drink, hot water. Fa-qaṭṭaʿa amʿāʾahum — which will tear apart their intestines — ripping the intestines to shreds. This is a representation of corrupt belief and corrupt deeds.

Translation: "The description of the Garden promised to the God-fearing is this: in it there are rivers of unspoilt water that never stagnates — and rivers of milk whose taste never changes — and very many rivers of wine that gives delight to those who drink it — and rivers of pure honey — and for the believers in it there are all kinds of fruits, and their Lord's forgiveness will be theirs — is this like the person who will always be in Hell — giving him boiling water that tears the intestines to shreds?"

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَسْتَمِعُ إِلَيْكَ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا خَرَجُوا مِنْ عِندِكَ قَالُوا لِلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ مَاذَا قَالَ آنِفًا أُوْلَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ طَبَعَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَاتَّبَعُوا أَهْوَاءَهُمْ

wa-minhum man yastamīʿu ilayka ḥattā idhā kharajū min ʿindika qālū li-lladhīna ūtū l-ʿilma mādhā qāla ānifahum ulāʾika lladhīna ṭabaʿa llāhu ʿalā qulūbihim wa-ttabaʿū ahwāʾahum.

"And among them are those who listen to you — but when they go out from your presence they say to those given knowledge: 'What was he saying just now?' Those are the ones upon whose hearts Allah has set a seal, and who follow their desires." (Muḥammad 47:16)

Wa-minhum — and among them are some such people. Man yastamīʿu ilayka — who listen facing you in appearance. Ḥattā idhā kharajū — but when they depart — min ʿindika — from your presence. Qālū — they ask. Li-lladhīna ūtū l-ʿilm — from the people who have been given knowledge. Mādhā qāla ānifahum — what was he saying just now? Meaning: they were not listening at all with their ears — they were now asking. Ulāʾika lladhīna ṭabaʿa llāhu ʿalā qulūbihim — those are the people upon whose hearts Allah has placed a seal. Wa-ttabaʿū ahwāʾahum — and they follow their desires and inclinations, their own whims.

Translation: "And among them are some who listen to you in appearance — but when they come out (with notes) from outside and enquire of the scholars: 'What was the last thing he said?' — these people have had their hearts sealed by Allah — they follow their desires (and remain so)."

وَالَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا زَادَهُمْ هُدًى وَآتَاهُمْ تَقْوَاهُمْ

wa-lladhīna htadaw zādahum hudan wa-ātāhum taqwāhum.

"And those who are guided — He increases them in guidance and gives them their piety." (Muḥammad 47:17)

Wa-lladhīna htadaw — and those who are on the path of guidance. Zādahum hudan — Allah increases their guidance and promotes them in certainty — from certainty to greater certainty, their guidance steadily grows. Wa-ātāhum taqwāhum — and He gives them their piety — bestowing taqwā upon them and granting them God-fearing restraint.

Translation: "And those who are on guidance — their guidance steadily increases — and Allah grants them piety and God-fearing restraint."

فَهَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا السَّاعَةَ أَن تَأْتِيَهُم بَغْتَةً فَقَدْ جَاءَ أَشْرَاطُهَا فَأَنَّىٰ لَهُمْ إِذَا جَاءَتْهُمْ ذِكْرَاهُمْ

fa-hal yanẓurūna illā l-sāʿata an taʾtiyahum baghtatan fa-qad jāʾa ashrāṭuhā fa-annā lahum idhā jāʾat-hum dhikrāhum.

"So are they only waiting for the Hour to come upon them suddenly? For its signs have already come — and how will their remembrance avail them when it comes?" (Muḥammad 47:18)

Fa-hal yanẓurūna — so what are these people waiting for? Illā l-sāʿa — except the Day of Resurrection — which is also a general disavowal of resurrection. An taʾtiyahum — that it should come upon them. Baghtatan — suddenly, without warning. Fa-qad jāʾa ashrāṭuhā — but its signs have already come. Annā lahum — how will it benefit them. Idhā jāʾat-hum dhikrāhum — when the Hour comes upon them — the admonishment — where will counsel come from then?

Translation: "So are these people waiting (to accept Islam) until the Last Hour arrives upon them suddenly? Its signs have already come — but when the Hour arrives, what benefit will admonishment be to them?"

فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مُتَقَلَّبَكُمْ وَمَثْوَاكُمْ

fa-ʿlam annahu lā ilāha illā llāhu wa-staghfir li-dhanbika wa-li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināti wa-llāhu yaʿlamu mutaqallabakum wa-mathwākum.

"Know, then, that there is no god but Allah, and seek forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and women — and Allah knows your movement and your resting place." (Muḥammad 47:19)

Fa-ʿlam — O Prophet! Know with certainty. Annahu lā ilāha illā llāh — that there is no god, no object worthy of worship, but Allah — our custom is always to recite lā ilāha illā llāh first — reading fā-ʿlam means that we are to recite it so that we may understand the matter and draw closer. Wa-staghfir li-dhanbika — and seek forgiveness for your sin — and in seeking forgiveness, even when your seeking is always accepted. Wa-li-l-muʾminīna wa-l-muʾmināt — and for believing men and women — and for all Muslim men and women whose seeking of forgiveness is accepted. Wa-llāhu yaʿlamu mutaqallabakum — and Allah knows your movements, how you go about. Wa-mathwākum — and your resting place — your dwelling place, where you stay. Your thoughts and ideas — He knows everything about you.

Translation: "(Dear Prophet!) Keep the certainty of lā ilāha illā llāh (worship none but Allah) — and seek forgiveness for your sins and for the sins of Muslim men and women — and Allah knows your going out and your dwelling place (He is aware of all your affairs)."

وَيَقُولُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَوْلَا نُزِّلَتْ سُورَةٌ فَإِذَا أُنزِلَتْ سُورَةٌ مُّحْكَمَةٌ وَذُكِرَ فِيهَا الْقِتَالُ

wa-yaqūlu lladhīna āmanū lawlā nuzzilat sūratun fa-idhā unzilat sūratun muḥkamatun wa-dhukira fīhā l-qitālu.

"And those who believe say: 'Why has no sūra been sent down?' But when a firm sūra is sent down, and fighting is mentioned in it..." (Muḥammad 47:20)

Wa-yaqūlu lladhīna āmanū — and the believers say. Lawlā nuzzilat sūratun — why has a sūra not been revealed? — they are eager for revelation. Fa-idhā unzilat sūratun muḥkama — then when a clear, firm sūra is revealed and comes. Wa-dhukira fīhā l-qitāl — and in that sūra there is mention of jihad and fighting. Fī qulūbihim maraḍ — those with sick hearts, weak of resolve, are present. Yanẓurūna ilayka — and they look towards you, as you might look at a person who is facing imminent death and losing consciousness. Fa-awlā lahum — it is more fitting for them to die. A phrase when the occasion for death arises.

Translation: "And the believers say (why is a sūra not revealed?) — then when a clear sūra is revealed and the mention of jihad and fighting is found in it — you see (O Prophet) that those who have a sickness of heart (they are weak-hearted) look towards you in such a way — as if they were looking at someone facing imminent death and becoming unconscious — it is a pity for those people."

طَاعَةٌ وَقَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ

ṭāʿatun wa-qawlun maʿrūfun fa-idhā ʿazama l-amru fa-law ṣadaqū llāha lakāna khayran lahum.

"Obedience and a kind word — and when the matter is resolved upon, if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them." (Muḥammad 47:21)

Ṭāʿatun — obedience of the Prophet's commands is essential — wa-qawlun maʿrūf — and an appropriate and decent word is appropriate. Fa-idhā ʿazama l-amr — then when the matter is determined and fighting and battle are imminent. Fa-law ṣadaqū llāh — if those people had the truth of Allah before them, remaining true — lakāna khayran lahum — it would have been better for them.

Translation: "The Prophet's commands are obligatory obedience — and an appropriate word is proper — then when fighting is confirmed and the call to battle comes — if those people had been true to Allah, it would have been good for them."

فَهَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ أَن تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَتُقَطِّعُوا أَرْحَامَكُمْ

fa-hal ʿasaytum in tawallaytum an tufsidū fī l-arḍi wa-tuqaṭṭiʿū arḥāmakum.

"Then, if you were to turn away, would you perhaps spread corruption in the earth and cut your ties of kinship?" (Muḥammad 47:22)

Fa-hal ʿasaytum — then is it not possible (they say, it is not close but nearby) that if you become a ruler and authority comes to you — in tawallaytum — if you became ruler. An tufsidū fī l-arḍ — you will spread corruption in the land. Wa-tuqaṭṭiʿū arḥāmakum — and sever your kinship ties and break off family relationships.

Translation: "Then is it not possible (not entirely impossible but close) that if you become a ruler and authority comes to you — you will spread corruption in the land and break kinship ties (cut off family relations)?"

أُوْلَئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ فَأَصَمَّهُمْ وَأَعْمَىٰ أَبْصَارَهُمْ

ulāʾika lladhīna laʿanahumu llāhu fa-aṣammahum wa-aʿmā abṣārahum.

"Those are the ones whom Allah has cursed and deafened, and He has blinded their sight." (Muḥammad 47:23)

Ulāʾika lladhīna — those are the people. Laʿanahumu llāh — upon whom Allah has brought such a curse — a curse of such a nature has come upon them. Fa-aṣammahum — then He deafened them, rendered them unable to hear the truth. Wa-aʿmā abṣārahum — and He blinded their eyes — causing them to be unable to see the truth.

Translation: "These are the people upon whom Allah has brought a curse — He has deafened them to hearing the truth and blinded their eyes."

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

a-fa-lā yatadabbarūna l-qurʾāna am ʿalā qulūbin aqfāluhā.

"Will they not then ponder the Qur'ān, or are there locks upon their hearts?" (Muḥammad 47:24)

A-fa-lā yatadabbarūna — why do they not think, why do they not reflect, why do they not pay attention and consider carefully? Al-qurʾān — on the Qur'ān — not pondering it, not reflecting. Am ʿalā qulūbin aqfāluhā — or are locks placed upon their hearts — locked shut?

Translation: "Why do these people not reflect upon the Qur'ān, or are locks placed upon their hearts?"

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ ارْتَدُّوا عَلَىٰ أَدْبَارِهِم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الْهُدَى الشَّيْطَانُ سَوَّلَ لَهُمْ وَأَمْلَىٰ لَهُمْ

inna lladhīna rtaddū ʿalā adbārihim min baʿdi mā tabayyana lahumu l-hudā l-shayṭānu sawwala lahum wa-amlā lahum.

"Indeed, those who turned back on their heels after guidance had become clear to them — Satan has tempted them and given them false hopes." (Muḥammad 47:25)

Inna lladhīna rtaddū — indeed those who have gone back, who have reversed. ʿAlā adbārihim — to their own backs — turning away and retreating. Min baʿdi mā tabayyana lahumu l-hudā — after guidance had become clear to them and was manifest. Al-shayṭānu sawwala lahum — Satan has given them a pleasing appearance — he showed them things attractively. Wa-amlā lahum — and gave them extended false hopes, deceived them with long expectations.

Translation: "Indeed, those who turned back after guidance had become clearly visible to them — Satan has deceived them with allurements — and given them false hopes (tempting them with the afterlife)."

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لِلَّذِينَ كَرِهُوا مَا نَزَّلَ اللَّهُ سَنُطِيعُكُمْ فِي بَعْضِ الْأَمْرِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ إِسْرَارَهُمْ

dhālika bi-annahum qālū li-lladhīna karihū mā nazzala llāhu sanuṭīʿukum fī baʿḍi l-amri wa-llāhu yaʿlamu isrārahum.

"That is because they said to those who hated what Allah has revealed: 'We shall obey you in some matters' — and Allah knows their secrets." (Muḥammad 47:26)

Dhālika — this is because. Bi-annahum qālū — because they said to the people who. Karihū — felt displeasure. Mā nazzala llāh — towards what Allah has revealed — the Qur'ān and the commands of this Book. Sanuṭīʿukum fī baʿḍi l-amr — we shall obey you in some matters — giving you our obedience in certain things. Wa-llāhu yaʿlamu isrārahum — and Allah knows their secrets well — their innermost thoughts and hidden ideas.

Translation: "This is because they said to those who felt displeasure towards what Allah has revealed (the Qur'ān and its commands) — we shall obey you in certain matters — but Allah knows their secret thoughts and hidden designs."

What will be the fate of these disobedient ones? What end awaits them?

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا تَوَفَّتْهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَارَهُمْ

fa-kayfa idhā tawaffat-humu l-malāʾikatu yaḍribūna wujūhahum wa-adbārahum.

"And how will it be when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs?" (Muḥammad 47:27)

Fa-kayf — then what will be their state? Idhā tawaffat-humu l-malāʾika — when the angels come to seize their souls. Yaḍribūna wujūhahum — they will strike them on the faces and chests. Wa-adbārahum — and on their backs — on their backs and behind.

Translation: "(What will be the state of these disobedient ones) when the angels come to seize their souls — they will be beaten on the faces and chests, and on their backs (from behind)."

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمُ اتَّبَعُوا مَا أَسْخَطَ اللَّهَ وَكَرِهُوا رِضْوَانَهُ فَأَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

dhālika bi-annahumu ttabaʿū mā askhaṭa llāha wa-karihū riḍwānahu fa-aḥbaṭa aʿmālahum.

"That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked what would please Him, so He rendered their deeds futile." (Muḥammad 47:28)

Dhālik — this is because. Bi-annahum attabaʿū — because they followed. Mā askhaṭa llāh — such things that incurred Allah's displeasure and wrath — they followed such things. Wa-karihū riḍwānahu — and they disliked His pleasure, felt aversion towards it. Fa-aḥbaṭa aʿmālahum — so Allah rendered their deeds null and futile, brought them to nothing.

Translation: "This is the reason — they followed ways that angered Allah and disliked Allah's pleasure — therefore Allah rendered even their deeds null, fruitless and purposeless."

أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ أَن لَّن يُخْرِجَ اللَّهُ أَضْغَانَهُمْ

am ḥasiba lladhīna fī qulūbihim maraḍun an lan yukhriga llāhu aḍghānahum.

"Or do those in whose hearts is disease think that Allah will not expose their malice?" (Muḥammad 47:29)

Am ḥasiba — or do they think? Alladhīna fī qulūbihim maraḍ — those with the sickness of hypocrisy in their hearts. An lan yukhriga llāhu aḍghānahum — that Allah will not expose their rancour and malice, will not make their enmity and inner treachery known?

Translation: "Or do those who have the sickness of hypocrisy in their hearts think that Allah will not expose their malice and inner treachery to the public?"

وَلَوْ نَشَاءُ لَأَرَيْنَاكَهُمْ فَلَعَرَفْتَهُم بِسِيمَاهُمْ وَلَتَعْرِفَنَّهُمْ فِي لَحْنِ الْقَوْلِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ أَعْمَالَكُمْ

wa-law nashāʾu la-araynākahum fa-la-ʿaraftahum bi-sīmāhum wa-la-taʿrifannahum fī laḥni l-qawli wa-llāhu yaʿlamu aʿmālakum.

"And if We willed, We would have shown them to you so that you would have known them by their marks — but you will certainly recognise them by the tone of their speech. And Allah knows your deeds." (Muḥammad 47:30)

Wa-law nashāʾu — and if We wished. La-araynākahum — We would certainly show you their true state, truly make them known to you. Fa-la-ʿaraftahum — but you are recognising them anyway. Bi-sīmāhum — from the wrinkles of their foreheads. Wa-la-taʿrifannahum fī laḥni l-qawl — and you will certainly recognise them from the manner of their speech — by the way they express themselves. Wa-llāhu yaʿlamu aʿmālakum — and Allah knows all deeds.

Translation: "And if We wished We would show you their real state — but you can recognise them from the lines on their forehead — and you will recognise them from their manner of speech — and Allah knows all deeds."

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّىٰ نَعْلَمَ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَنَبْلُوَ أَخْبَارَكُمْ

wa-la-nabluwannakum ḥattā naʿlama l-mujāhidīna minkum wa-l-ṣābirīna wa-nabluwa akhbārakum.

"And We will surely test you until We make clear those who strive among you and the patient, and We will test your affairs." (Muḥammad 47:31)

Wa-la-nabluwannakum — and We will certainly test you. Ḥattā naʿlam — until We make it apparent — it will all become clear. Al-mujāhidīna minkum — who among you is a mujāhid. Wa-l-ṣābirīn — and who is patient in the struggle. Wa-nabluwa akhbārakum — and We will test your situations and affairs.

Translation: "And We will certainly test you — until We distinguish the mujāhidīn from others and those who are patient — and We will test your situations."

Esteemed readers! Allah Most High's knowledge is of three types — a distinguished type. One is ʿilm dhātī — the self-knowledge of God — which is God's own knowledge, His own awareness — He knows everything Himself. The second is for distinguishing one thing from another — a practical act — this is called ʿilm infiʿālī — knowledge that is produced by action — and after this comes the third level: ʿilm infiʿālī meaning practical knowledge, the trace of the act. God knows, has always known — but things exist in the world and in the record of deeds — in this respect the two things are distinct — this is different from the others.

Note also that Allah Most High assigns His own Prophet's act to His own servant — some people say that naʿlam means "the general public" — but the divine commands are assigned to the generality.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَصَدُّوا عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَشَاقُّوا الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الْهُدَىٰ لَن يَضُرُّوا اللَّهَ شَيْئًا وَسَيُحْبِطُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

inna lladhīna kafarū wa-ṣaddū ʿan sabīli llāhi wa-shāqqū l-rasūla min baʿdi mā tabayyana lahumu l-hudā lan yaḍurrū llāha shayʾan wa-sa-yuḥbiṭu aʿmālahum.

"Indeed those who disbelieve and turn people away from the path of Allah and oppose the Messenger after guidance has become clear to them — they will not harm Allah in the slightest, and He will render their deeds futile." (Muḥammad 47:32)

Inna lladhīna kafarū — indeed those who were disbelievers, unbelievers. Wa-ṣaddū ʿan sabīli llāh — and they blocked others from the path of Allah — turned people away from the faith. Wa-shāqqū l-rasūl — and they opposed the Messenger. Min baʿdi mā tabayyana lahumu l-hudā — after the path of truth had been clearly visible and manifest before them. Lan yaḍurrū llāha shayʾan — they cannot cause Allah any damage — He will not be the slightest bit harmed. Wa-sa-yuḥbiṭu aʿmālahum — and Allah will annihilate their deeds, rendering them null and void.

Translation: "Indeed those who were disbelievers and turned people away from the path of Allah and went against the Prophet ﷺ after the path of guidance had been manifest before them — they cannot do any harm to Allah — and soon Allah will render their deeds null and annihilate them."

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَلَا تُبْطِلُوا أَعْمَالَكُمْ

yā ayyuhā lladhīna āmanū aṭīʿū llāha wa-aṭīʿū l-rasūla wa-lā tubṭilū aʿmālakum.

"O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and do not render your deeds futile." (Muḥammad 47:33)

Yā ayyuhā lladhīna āmanū — O believers! O Muslims! Aṭīʿū llāha — obey Allah. Wa-aṭīʿū l-rasūl — and the Prophet ﷺ obey as well — both of them. Wa-lā tubṭilū aʿmālakum — and do not nullify your deeds, do not render your deeds futile through opposing truth.

Translation: "O Muslims! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not make your deeds useless and futile."

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَصَدُّوا عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ مَاتُوا وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ فَلَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَهُمْ

inna lladhīna kafarū wa-ṣaddū ʿan sabīli llāhi thumma māṯū wa-hum kuffārun fa-lan yaghfira llāhu lahum.

"Indeed those who disbelieve and turn others from the path of Allah, and then die as disbelievers — Allah will never forgive them." (Muḥammad 47:34)

Inna lladhīna kafarū — indeed those who were disbelievers. Wa-ṣaddū ʿan sabīli llāh — and they turned people from the path of Allah. Thumma māṯū — and then they died — wa-hum kuffārun — while still being disbelievers. Fa-lan yaghfira llāhu lahum — then Allah will never forgive them — He will never cover their sins with His mercy.

Translation: "Indeed those who were disbelievers and turned people away from the path of Allah — and then died as disbelievers — Allah will never forgive them."

فَلَا تَهِنُوا وَتَدْعُوا إِلَى السَّلْمِ وَأَنتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ وَاللَّهُ مَعَكُمْ وَلَن يَتِرَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ

fa-lā tahinū wa-tadʿū ilā l-salmi wa-antumu l-aʿlawna wa-llāhu maʿakum wa-lan yatirakum aʿmālakum.

"So do not weaken and call for peace while you are the uppermost — and Allah is with you, and will never deprive you of your deeds." (Muḥammad 47:35)

Fa-lā tahinū — therefore do not weaken, do not show cowardice. Wa-tadʿū ilā l-salm — and do not call towards peace, do not call out for reconciliation. Wa-antumu l-aʿlawna — you will be the dominant ones. Wa-llāhu maʿakum — and Allah is with you. Wa-lan yatirakum aʿmālakum — and He will never deprive you of your deeds.

Translation: "(O Muslims!) Do not weaken now — and do not call for reconciliation (towards making peace) — because you will always be dominant — and Allah is with you — and He will never deprive you of your deeds."

إِنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَإِن تُؤْمِنُوا وَتَتَّقُوا يُؤْتِكُمْ أُجُورَكُمْ وَلَا يَسْأَلْكُمْ أَمْوَالَكُمْ

innamā l-ḥayātu l-dunyā laʿibun wa-lahwun wa-in tuʾminū wa-tattaqū yuʾtikum ujūrakum wa-lā yasʾalkum amwālakum.

"The life of this world is but play and amusement — and if you believe and be pious, He will give you your rewards and will not ask you for your wealth." (Muḥammad 47:36)

Innamā l-ḥayātu l-dunyā — the life of this world — laʿbun wa-lahwun — is nothing but play and entertainment. Wa-in tuʾminū — and if you bring faith. Wa-tattaqū — and be God-fearing, pious. Yuʾtikum ujūrakum — He will give you your full reward. Wa-lā yasʾalkum amwālakum — and He will never demand all your wealth from you.

Translation: "The life of this world is nothing but play and entertainment — if you believe and observe piety, He will give you the reward of your deeds — and He will not ask for all your wealth."

إِن يَسْأَلْكُمُوهَا فَيُحْفِكُمْ تَبْخَلُوا وَيُخْرِجْ أَضْغَانَكُمْ

in yasʾalkumūhā fa-yuḥfikum tabkhalū wa-yukhrij aḍghānakum.

"If He were to ask you for it and press you, you would be miserly — and He would bring out your malice." (Muḥammad 47:37)

In yasʾalkumūhā — if He asked all of your wealth from you. Fa-yuḥfikum — He would press you, demand it completely. Tabkhalū — you would show miserliness, try to withhold it. Wa-yukhrij aḍghānakum — and He would bring out your inner rancour and malice — the miserliness in your hearts would be exposed.

Translation: "If Allah demanded all of your wealth from you and pressed you — you would show miserliness and hold back — and Allah would expose your inner rancour."

هَا أَنتُمْ هَـٰؤُلَاءِ تُدْعَوْنَ لِتُنفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَمِنكُم مَّن يَبْخَلُ وَمَن يَبْخَلْ فَإِنَّمَا يَبْخَلُ عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَاللَّهُ الْغَنِيُّ وَأَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاءُ وَإِن تَتَوَلَّوْا يَسْتَبْدِلْ قَوْمًا غَيْرَكُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُونُوا أَمْثَالَكُمْ

hā antum hāʾulāʾi tudʿawna li-tunfiqū fī sabīli llāhi fa-minkum man yabkhalu wa-man yabkhal fa-innamā yabkhalu ʿan nafsihi wa-llāhu l-ghaniyyu wa-antumu l-fuqarāʾu wa-in tawallawtum yastabdil qawman ghayrukum thumma lā yakūnū amthālakum.

"Here you are — you are called to spend in the way of Allah, but among you are those who are miserly. And whoever is miserly is only miserly against himself — and Allah is the All-Sufficient and you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people — and they will not be the likes of you." (Muḥammad 47:38)

Hā antum hāʾulāʾi — yes, you are indeed those people. Tudʿawna — you are being invited, called. Li-tunfiqū fī sabīli llāh — to spend in the path of Allah. Fa-minkum man yabkhalu — but some among you are being miserly and withholding. Wa-man yabkhal — and whoever shows miserliness. Fa-innamā yabkhalu ʿan nafsihi — he is only being miserly against himself — the result of this miserliness will fall on himself alone. Wa-llāhu l-ghaniyyu — and Allah is All-Sufficient, needing nothing. Wa-antumu l-fuqarāʾ — and you are the needy, always in need. Wa-in tawallawtum — and if you turn away, if you are disobedient. Yastabdil qawman ghayrukum — He will replace you with a different people in your place. Thumma lā yakūnū amthālakum — and they will not be like you in their miserliness.

Translation: "Yes, you are the very people! If you are someone who will help Allah then some among you are miserly — and whoever is miserly, he is only being miserly at his own expense (the harm of this miserliness will fall upon himself alone) — and Allah is All-Sufficient (needs nothing) and you are in need (needy, requiring everything). And if you (O Prophet) turn away disobediently — then He will bring in another people in your place — who will not be miserly like you."