Enemies are known by God but you do not know

Lesson # 1017 from Noble Quran

Enemies are known by God but you do not know

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 60 of 75, Section – 8 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

60.  Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom ye know not. Allah knoweth them. And whatsoever ye spend in the Way of Allah it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.

60.  Wa  ‘a-‘idduu  lahum-mastata’-tum-min-  quwwa-tinw-wa  mir-ribaatil-khayli  turhibuuna  bihii  ‘aduw-wAllaahi  wa  ‘aduwwa-kum  wa  ‘aakhariina  min-  duu-nihim.  Laa  ta’-lamuunahum.  ‘Allaahu  ya’-lamuhum.  Wa  maa  tunfiquu  min-  shay-‘in-  fii  Sabii-LIllaahi  yu-waffa  ‘ilaykum  wa  ‘antum  laa  tuzlamuun.

Lesson

‘A-‘idduu – (make ready), it is the word of command from ‘a’-daad. Origin of this word is ‘adad, from which some more words have been derived as ma’-duud, ‘ista’-daad etc. The word ‘adda has many meanings, however; famous are “to count, to calculate, to reckon, to compute, to number, to enumerate etc. ‘A’-daad means “to make something ready after counting and collecting, and keep it in safe custody, so that it may be used in adversity.

Ribaati – {keeping (horses) tied}, this word has been derived from rabat, which means “to harness”. The place of tying up horses is called ribaat also; as well as the horses; kept fastened. The horses are tied for the purpose that those are preserved and looked after, so that those may be used in war. (Here; it aims Armored vehicles and sophisticated war equipment).

Turhibuuna – {ye may dismay (your enemy)}, its origin is ‘arhaab, which has been derived from the word rahbatun. Rahbatun means “fear, dread, awe, terror”. ‘Arhaab is its transitive, that is to say; to dismay, to terrify, to discourage.  

Laa  tuzlamuun – {(ye) will not be wronged}, it has been derived from the word zulm, which means tyranny. This word has been used at several places. It aims “to violate one’s rights”.

The Muslims have been instructed clearly in this verse that they should never make themselves as much weak as whosoever desires to press you, may do so easily. Moreover, you should learn the use of weapons, bring up your horses and learn to drive them, so that you may establish your dignity and influence over those people, who are disobedient of God Almighty, infidels and your enemies and those who molest you, and so that; they may not have courage to fight you.

Your enemies are not only those; whom you see fighting against you openly, but there are many hidden enemies, whom Allah Almighty knows well but you do not have any doubt about them in your hearts, for example; either Hypocrites or those nations; which will oppose you in future. It is necessary to remember them; and its only way is that you should strengthen yourselves physically and learn the use of modern weapons. Whatever you spend on it, will be repaid to you in full, and your rights will never be violated.

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

Warning for them who break a treaty

Lesson # 1016 from Noble Quran

Warning for them who break a treaty

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 59 of 75, Section – 8 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

59.  And let not those who disbelieve suppose that they can outstrip (Allah’s Purpose). Lo! they cannot escape.

59.  Wa  laa  yahsa-bannal-laziina  kafaruu  sabaquu.  ‘Innahum  laa  yu’-jizuun.

Lesson

Sabaquu – it is past tense, which aims “were saved”. Sabaqa means “to outstrip, to flit, to flee, to escape”. This word has some more meanings, but here, it aims the same only; as mentioned above.

Yu’-jizuun – (to cause to be wearied, to render helpless and leave behind), the origin of this word is ‘a’-jaaz, which has been derived from ‘ijz. ‘Ijz means “misery, helplessness, humility, submission and weakness etc. ‘A’-jaaz means “to make the opponent helpless at the time of contest. The word mu’-jazah has come out from it also which means marvel, wonder, and a miracle – it means “the thing which makes others helpless”.

It was described in the previous verse that God Almighty does not love any treacherous. So, if any other nation is your enemy and you are sure from signs that they have been going to be prepared to attack over you; and they do not care about a treaty, even then; you must not attack over them due to the signs only, because they are fearless from you due to a treaty.

At first, you should warn them: “You have been going to do against the treaty. Either you should give up doing so; otherwise, we shall attack over you”. Then you both opponents of each other will become equal and your attack over them will not be called improper.

Those people who did not give any significance to ethical values, they considered this act against the wisdom, because the enemy could be defeated easily by making haste. To warn them was just like giving respite for collection of munitions for their safety. The same has been replied in this verse.

It is command that your enemies would have rejoiced that “the Muslims would care about the treaty and before fighting; they would inform them; with whom they made a treaty. Meanwhile, we shall be prepared well and drive the Muslims off by fighting”. You should not care about their pleasure and warn them that they did not stand firm on their treaty.

This is a moral obligation and it is important to think about the moral duty. It will make no harm to you, because the infidels cannot escape; whether they make preparations as much as they can. They cannot outstrip God’s Purpose. However; God Almighty will outstrip and put them down. This instruction is for those people who did not break a treaty openly but it seems from the signs that they are going to be prepared against the treaty.

In the books of History, it has been mentioned that a treaty was made among Amir Mu-‘aawiah (May Allah be pleased with Him) and the Caesar (the emperor of Rome) that mutual war will not be fought for some time. During that period, Amir Mu-‘aawiah (May Allah be pleased with Him) desired to assemble his Army near the border, so that; when the time of treaty is over; a facility might be available for fighting. One companion of the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), named Amru bin Anbastah (May Allah be pleased with Him) drew His attention towards this verse and He Amir Mu-‘aawiah (May Allah be pleased with Him) abstained forthwith from His plans.

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

Severe punishment of treachery

Lesson # 1015 from Noble Quran

Severe punishment of treachery

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses –  57 & 58 of 75, Section – 7 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

57.  If thou comest on them in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them, that haply they may remember. 58.  And if thou fearest treachery from any folk, then throw back to them (their treaty) fairly. Lo! Allah loveth not the treacherous.

57.  Fa-‘immaa  tasqa-fannahum  fil-harbi  fasharrid  bihim-man  khal-fahum  la-‘allahum  yazzakka-ruun. 58.  Wa  ‘immaa  takhaafanna  min-  qawmin  khiyaanatan  fambiz  ‘ilay-him  ‘alaa  sawaaa’.  ‘InnAllaaha  laa yuhibbul-khaaa-‘iniin.

Lesson

Tasqa-fannahum – (you come on them, you find, meet or overtake them), this word is from saqafa, which means “to encounter”. In this meaning; this word has been used here and before it in Surah Nisaaa’ also. It also means “to correct and straighten”. In terms of its meaning, a word saqaafat has been derived from it which means culture; and which is generally used in the meaning of “the way of correcting manners and morality”.

Sharrid – (deal with, punish, put to flight), it is word of command from the word tashriid, which has been derived from sharada. Sharada means “to run away”. Tashriid is its active verb, which means “to put to flight”.

‘immaa – (if), fambiz – (throw back), it is word of command also from the word nabzun. Nabzun means “to throw back”.

In the beginning of this Section; the behavior of the infidels was explained that they consider necessary their own life only in the world, and to the other people, if they have difference of opinion from them, then they try to molest and destroy them injustice.

In Madinah, a tribe of the Jews; named Banu Quraizah had made a treaty with the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) that they would never help His enemies. But they broke this treaty many times and helped the people of Makkah against the Muslims. This behavior was just like those people; about whom; it has been described above. Therefore, it has been explained in this verse: How to deal with them?

It is commanded that those people who have made a treaty with You (O Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him!), if treachery from them is proved clearly; then punish them in such a way that it should strike fear in those who are behind them. And if You observe the signs that they are going to prepare for mutiny, then; inform them that they should refrain, otherwise; they will be punished severely. Then there will be neither any doubt of treachery, deception and nor dishonesty in assaulting against them. God Almighty does not like treachery or dishonesty. And He does not side with those who are dishonest or treacherous.

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

Everything is running according to God’s prescribed Rule

Lesson # 1014 from Noble Quran

Everything is running according to God’s prescribed Rule

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses – 55 & 56 of 75, Section – 7 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

55.  Lo! the worst of beasts in Allah’s Sight are the ungrateful who will not believe. 56.  Those of them with whom thou madest a treaty, and then at every opportunity they break their treaty, and they keep not duty (of Allah).

55.  ‘Inna  sharrad-dawaaabbi  ‘indAllaahil-laziina  kafaruu  fahum  laa  yu’-mi-nuun. 56.  ‘Allaziina  ‘aahatta  minhum  summa  yanqu-zuuna  ‘ahdahum  fii  kulli  marratinw-wa  hum  laa  yatta-quun.

Lesson

‘Ad-dawaaabbi – (the beasts, livestock), this word is plural of daaabbah which is a tense of feminine subject. Dabb means “to be able to move from own location”. It aims “those beasts which can move at their own”.

Yanqu-zuuna – (they break), origin of this word is naqaza. Naqaza means “to break, to do or go against anyone”. The words “naqiiz, manaaqzah and tanaaqaz etc. are from the same origin”. Every word has the same meaning “breaking, being against or opposing”.  

Holy Qur’an desires to teach us that the human being should not consider himself totally free/independent. He should have belief in his heart that he is obedient and servant of the most Potent and Powerful Lord, God Almighty, Who has created him and all those things which have been scattering around him. And everything has been running according to His prescribed laws.

Out of creatures, the human beings are seen most arrogant and rebellious. Some of them are those; who do not accept that law; which He has prescribed for the humankind; and want to choose their own way. In this verse, attention of these people (who are present now) is being drawn towards the circumstances of those people; who have had contact with Islam and the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) during His times.

It is commanded that the worst people on the earth are those; who do not believe in Allah (God) Almighty and deny His Revelations, and there is no hope that they will believe in future. Obviously, those people; who do not believe in God Almighty; they cannot be faithful to their covenant. Moreover, whenever they get opportunity, break their treaty. These are the people who are the worst in entire creatures of God Almighty.

As before, there were a people of Pharaoh (the circumstances of which have been described in Surah ‘A’-raaf), when they got into any trouble, made a treaty of good disposition with Prophet Moses (peace be upon Him). When the distress was removed they broke their treaty.

In the days of God’s last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), the Jews of the tribe of Banu Quraizah were like them (as the folk of Pharaoh). They used to make a treaty with the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) for their safety; that they would not help the idolaters of Makkah. But during war, they used to become their partial, and after war, they used to say to the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him): We could not remember. Now again; we make a treaty of being not supporters of them. But when again, there was any opportunity, they broke their treaty. Next to it, it has been explained: In what manner should they be dealt with?

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

A principle for God’s blessings

Lesson # 1013 from Noble Quran

A principle for God’s blessings

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 54 of 75, Section – 7 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

54.  (Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh’s folk and those before them; they denied the Revelations of their Lord, so We destroyed them in their sins, and We drowned the folk of Pharaoh. And all were evil-doers.

54.  Kada’-bi  ‘Aali-  Fir-‘awna,  wallaziina  min-  qablihim.  Kaz-zabuu  bi-‘Aayaati  Rabbihim  fa-‘ahlak-Naahum-  bi-zunuu-bi-him  wa  ‘agraq-Naaa  ‘Aala-  Fir-‘awn.  Wa  kullun-  kaanuu  zaalimiin.

Lesson

It was described in the previous verse that old people disobeyed  the commands of God Almighty, due to which; they did not achieve their object, like them; the disbelievers will also not reap any advantage. Allah Almighty forgives the mistakes of His servants and does not snatch those blessings; which He has bestowed on them. But when the refractory of His servants crosses the limit and they do not care to abstain from rebellious behavior, then His punishment is Severe too.

After that; a principle was described that when the faith of the people becomes corrupted, then Allah Almighty snatches His blessings from them. He hears everything and knows everything. There is no one who may be saved from Him. For manifesting the same principle in this verse; the attention has been drawn again unto the old people.

It is commanded that their intentions have become worse and their beliefs have been corrupted. The same condition was of the folk of Pharaoh and those people who were before them. They had denied all commands of God Almighty. Therefore, they all were punished due to disobedience. The folk of Noah (peace be upon Him) was drowned in the storm of water. The folk of ‘Aad was caught by gusts of wind. Thamud’s people fell headlong due to earthquake and thunder. In short, at last; they were ruined who rebelled.

The people of Pharaoh gripped up their loins on the wickedness. They considered themselves great; but disgraceful to others i.e. the Children of Israel. So, they were drowned in the sea. Every one of them was tyrant. They considered that the prosperity is only their right, and prepared to persecute others, whereas; betterment of the human being is in it that he must bow before the Creator of the earth and the heavens with humility, and consider: Everything which I have, all is of Him (God’s). Neither have I any authority nor power. I am servant of God Almighty. I have no other work to do except that I should obey wholeheartedly that command which He has sent down through His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). If I do not perform so, then I am going to cross my limitation; and that is a tyranny.

The rebellious people who do not consider others like them and continue to keep them under their influence always, they all are like Pharaoh. The same fault was in the idolaters of Makkah. Therefore, they were being caused to hear the condition of the people of Pharaoh, so that they might take heed from it and disobey not the commands of God Almighty.    

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

God is Strong and Severe in punishment

Lesson # 1012 from Noble Quran

God is Strong and Severe in punishment

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses –  52 & 53 of 75, Section – 7 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

52.  (Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh’s folk and those before them. They disbelieved the Revelations of Allah, and Allah took them in their sins. Lo! Allah is Strong, Severe in punishment. 53.  That is because Allah never changeth the grace He hath bestowed on any people until they first change it themselves and (that is) because Allah is Hearer, Knower.

52.  Kada’-bi  ‘aali  Fir-‘awna,  wallaziina  min  qablihim.  Kafaruu   bi-‘AayaatIllaahi  fa-‘akhaza-humUllaahu  bi-zunuu-bi-him.  ‘InnAllaaha  Qa-wiyyun-  Shadiidul-  ‘iqaab. 53.  Zaalika  bi-‘annAllaaha  lam yaku  mugayyiran-ni’-matan  ‘an-‘amahaa  ‘alaa  qawmin  hat-taa  yugay-yi-ruu  maa  bi-‘anfu-sihim.  Wa  ‘annAllaaha  Samii-‘un  ‘Aliim.

Lesson

‘Aali  Fir-‘awna – ‘aal means family members, kinsfolk and relatives, colleagues and tribe etc. Believers and followers of someone are also called his ‘Aal. It has been used here for the same meanings.

Behavior of the idolaters of Makkah was described in the previous verses. It has been commanded in this verse that Pharaoh, his nation and followers were also of the same category. It is not fixed on Pharaoh only. Before that nation, all those people; who were rebellious, their behavior was the same.

It is commanded that these people have been going on the same way; which was adopted by the people of Pharaoh and before them; entire refractory people and infidels. They did not obey those commands which were revealed by God Almighty; care of His Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them); and opposed Them openly.

Messenger (peace be upon Him) said: Be not proud of wealth and property, power and authority, Army and munitions. They said: Bravo! Our entire works are managed with these worldly things. What should we do if we leave them? At last, when their insurrection increased much; then one day, Allah Almighty sent down his punishment on them due to their errors.

Understand it well that God Almighty never changes the grace, which He has bestowed on any people; until they first disobey His commands and go astray from His prescribed path. He hears of everyone and knows the circumstances of everyone. And their evil thoughts and errors are the reason of bringing calamities on them. This shows that everything depends on intention and belief.

Khuda ne aaj tak us qawm ki haalat nahin badly

Na ho jis ko khial khud apni haalat ke badlne ka

(God did not change the condition of a people until today,

who do not think to change their condition at their own).

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

Dragging out the soul from the body

Lesson # 1011 from Noble Quran

Dragging out the soul from the body

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses –  50 & 51 of 75, Section – 7 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

50.  And if thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning! 51.  This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the Judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to His slaves-

50.  Wa  law  taraaa  ‘iz  yata-waffal-laziina  kafarul-malaaa-‘ikatu  yazri-buuna  wujuu-ha-hum  wa  ‘adbaara-hum.  Wa  zuuquu  ‘Azaabal-hariiq. 51.  Zaalika  bimaa  qaddamat  ‘aydii-kum  wa  ‘annAllaaha  laysa  bi-zallaamil-lil-‘abiid.

Lesson

Yata-waffa – (to drag out the soul from the body), the origin of this word is tu-waffaa, which means “to die”. God Almighty has appointed the Angels (peace be upon Them) for dragging the souls from the bodies, so, it is the reason that in this verse, it is mentioned “And if thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve”. From it; more words like fawt and wafaat etc. have also been derived, which means “the death and dying” etc. It aims that when the Angels (peace be upon Them) seize the souls of the disbelievers, infidels and idolaters etc.

In the previous verses, God Almighty has been making the mention of disbelievers’ behavior since long. These people are so absorbed in the visual splendor, planning and management of the world that they do not think ahead of it. But That Omnipotent; Who has created this entire world and all creatures, He does not like this disobedience, pride and haughtiness of the human beings. Therefore, sometimes, they are taught a lesson. They keep doing their managements, whereas at the other hand, they are removed from the world by means of floods, rain and dust-storms etc.

Armies of God Almighty are uncountable. He arranged to slay many people in the Battle of Badr through a handful Muslims. It is commanded that they strutted away during the whole life, but when the time of death reached and seized them, then they were unable to do something. Such condition of their helplessness is worth watching; when the Angels (peace be upon Them) have been dragging their souls from their bodies, smiting their faces and their backs, and along with it, they have been saying: It is not sufficient. In the next world, when you would have to burn in the Fire, then the reality will be opened on you.

Their condition is due to their own evil deeds, because Allah Almighty commands: There is no tyranny in Our Court. Molesting the helpless and innocent people is against Our Mercy. However, those people, who are blameworthy at fault; are punished properly, because they deserve it due to their wicked deeds.

In addition to the above mentioned verses, you must see the last verse of the fifth Part of the Chapter (Surah) Nisaaa’ (Women) (4:147), where Allah Almighty commands: What concern hath God for your punishment if ye are thankful (for His Mercies) and believe (in Him)? And God is ever Responsive, Aware.

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