The mean and powerless gods

Lesson # 742 From the Noble Quran

The mean and powerless gods

Surah ‘Al-‘An-‘aam (Cattle) – Chapter – 6)–Stage - 2

Verses –81 of 165, Section – 9 of 20 (Part - 7)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

81.  How should I fear that which ye set up beside Him, when ye fear not to set up beside Allaah that for which He hath revealed unto you no warrant? Which of the two factions hath more right to safety? (Answer me that) if ye have knowledge.

81.  Wa  kayfa  ‘akhaafu  maaa  ‘ash-raktum  wa  laa  takhaa-fuuna  ‘anna-kum  ‘ash-raktum-  BIllaahi  maa  lam  yunazzil  bihii  ‘alay-kum  sultaanaa. Fa-‘ayyul-farii-qayni  ‘ahaqqu  bil-‘amn. ‘In kuntum  ta’-lamuun.

                                                                                                                               

Lesson

Sultaanaa – (warrant), sultaan means overcoming power and authority. He is brave and powerful, who has strong proof or sway to say something. Therefore, it is translated as warrant or authority. It also means permission, jurisdiction and ruling, because all of them provide bravery and power.

                                                      

In the previous verse, the situation was discussed in which Abraham (peace be upon Him) replied the idolaters (who used to frighten Him from the punishment of their gods) the fear should be only from that, which has some power. Your gods are lifeless, while they don’t have even life, then what is the mention of power?

                                                      

Prophet Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) has been commanded in this verse that He should say the idolaters: How should I fear from your base and helpless gods, who don’t have even a little bit of power, and you know it well that neither can they give you anything, nor snatch. Then how the sense can permit to fear from lifeless and powerless things willing or unwilling?

Now look at yourselves: You do not fear Allah Almighty, whereas He has full Power, Strength and Authority to punish you, and only He is your Owner and Lord, and you are unable to go out from His limits for escaping yourselves. He is your Ruler. You are never permitted by Him to beg from others beside Him (Allah Almighty), and consider useless things equal to Him, and begin to think falsely that He needs helpers, and that He can do Alone nothing.

You try to frighten Me (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) from those lifeless and powerless things, whom you have ascribed partners of Allaah Almighty, whereas I cause to fear you from the Omnipotent and Powerful God. Think now! From whom you say Me to be afraid, are quite powerless, and about Whom I say you to be frightened, is the Most Powerful.

In such condition, who from both of us will get satisfaction of the heart and rest of thought? You claim that you have knowledge and are wise people. If you have knowledge then tell Me (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him): Whether those people will dwell with satisfaction, comfort and peace in the world and Hereafter who, giving up all, worship and believe in only One God – Allah Almighty, Who is Omnipotent, or those who fear from many self-made gods?       

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)