Atheists in Quran (49) they came to eradicate Islam

The Atheists announced that they came from Makkah to Al-Madinah to kill the Prophet Muhammad and eradicate Islam and Muslims from the face of the Earth.

See what happened to them and what the Angels have done to them!

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Background of the verses 8:50-51

Date: more than 1400 years ago

Place: nearby Al-Madinah in the Arabia

Event: the first battle between the Atheists among the Arabs and the believers

The name of the battle: the Day of “Badr”

Situation: The Atheists were about 1000 well-armed men

                The believers were 300 weakly armed men

Media: the Atheists announced that they came from Makkah to Al-Madinah to kill the Prophet Muhammad and eradicate Islam and Muslims from the face of the Earth

Result: Muslims won and the Atheists severely lost the battle. About 100 Atheists killed, another 100 captivated and the rest flee from the shock of such result.

Was this the only fate of the Atheists?

No

The meanings of the verses 8:50-51

If you could see O Muhammad and believers how the angels, on the Day of Badr, take away the Atheists’ souls, smiting their faces and their backs and saying unto them:

Taste the severe punishment of burning.

This chastisement is for what your hands have done while you were unbelieving know that Allah is just to His servants, such that he would not punish them for no sin.

Know that Allah is not a tyrant to His servants such that He would take them to task without them having committed a crime.

Allah’s Justice is for all

We see the angels acting on Allah’s instructions and by His permission, reproaching the unbelievers and meting out punishment to them. They gather their souls in a very harsh manner and dole out to them the sort of treatment that befits their arrogance and conceit. Even in the most difficult of times, they remind them of their evil deeds and tell them of their inevitable destiny. There is no injustice in what they are about to suffer. It is only what they deserve.

The verse makes it clear that punishing the unbelievers for their misdeeds is a constant law that Allah has set into operation:

The two verses, however, may also be taken as a reference to a continuing situation that applies whenever the angels gather the souls of unbelievers.

In this case the opening phrase, “if you could but see”, may be understood as an address to anyone with eyes to see. This type of address is used frequently to direct attention to certain matters that need to be contemplated.

The verses portray a fearful picture of the unbelievers as the angels gather their souls, adding humiliation to their misery and combining physical suffering with death:

“If you could but see how the angels gather up the souls of the unbelievers. They strike them on their faces and their backs.”

The mode of expression then changes from that of reporting to an address:

“Taste the punishment of burning.”

This serves to bring the sight blooming as though it is happening now in front of our eyes. We almost see the fire of hell and how it burns them fiercely.

The unbelievers are severely reproached as they are pushed into it:

“[this is] in return for what your own hands have committed.”

It is all a fitting recompense. You deserve it all on account of what you have done:

“Never does Allah do any injustice to His servants.”

The infliction of suffering and humiliation on the unbelievers is a permanent law that does not change.

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The verses 8:50-51 in different translations:

QARIB:

50-If you could see the angels when they carry off the souls of the unbelievers, beating their faces and their backs, saying: ‘taste the punishment of burning!

51-That is for what your hands have forwarded, Allah is not unjust to his worshipers. ‘

SHAKIR:

50-And had you seen when the angels will cause to die those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs, and (saying): taste the punishment of burning

51-This is for what your own hands have sent on before, and because Allah is not in the least unjust to the servants;

PICKTHAL:

50-If thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting 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.

YUSUFALI:

50-If thou couldst see, when the angels take the souls of the unbelievers (at death), (how) they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): “taste the penalty of the blazing fire-

51-“Because of (the deeds) which your (own) hands sent forth; for Allah is never unjust to his servants:

Atheists in Quran (47) when they wish they were dust

The punishment endured by the unbelievers originates from Allah’s mercy. For it is certainly part of mercy that evildoer should be punished and that it should not have the same end as the righteous. Lo! Allah is warning you O Atheists of a doom at hand, which will surely happen, a day whereon every Atheist will sadly cry: “Would that I were dust!”

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The meanings of the verses 78:38-40 of the Noble Quran:

On the day when Gabriel, and the angels stand arrayed.

Frightful Silence!

The scene shows total silence; none dares to talk, everyone is looking around awaiting for his fate.

None will not speak, except him whom Allah permits to speak from among the believers and the angels.

The one who speaks from among the believers will say what is right.

On the day when the angels and Gabriel stand arrayed, they speak not to intercede, saving him whom Allah allows to intercede and speak right

That is the True Day, the Day of Resurrection, whose happening is definite

So whoever wishes to, let him come to Allah by being believing and obedient to Him, so that he may be secure from chastisement in it.

Lo! We have warned you, O Atheists, of a the chastisement of the impending Day of Resurrection when every person, will behold what his hands have sent ahead, of good and evil, and the Atheist will say, ‘O would that I were dust!’

In other words,

Lo! Allah is warning you O Atheists of a doom at hand, which will surely happen,

A day whereon every man will look

When the believer will look

When the Atheist will look

They both will look on that which their own hands have:

Sent before

Earned of good

Earned of evil

Then every Atheist will sadly cry:

“Would that I were dust!”

Why Atheist says that? Because of the horrors, severity and torment of that day.

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When Punishment = Mercy

Allah is the Supreme Lord; He is the Most Gracious. He metes out reward for believers and punishment for unbelievers.

The reward He assigns is a manifestation of His mercy.

In addition, the punishment endured by the unbelievers originates from Allah’s mercy. For it is certainly part of mercy that evildoer should be punished and that it should not have the same end as the righteous.

In Allah’s Presence

The verse unveil the unseen and describes the scene of the day when the great angel Gabriel, and all the angels standing in ranks before Allah; they greatly esteem Him; no one dares utter a word without prior permission from Him.

In this awesome situation, neither man nor angel can speak without Allah’s permission.

Whatever said will be right because Allah does not permit anyone to speak whom He knows will not be saying what is right.

Back to the Angels, the pure sinless great creatures whom does Allah favor,

When we think that the angels dare not speak without His permission, we are bound to feel how overwhelming the situation is.

Having driven such a feeling, the verse conveys a threatening to the Atheists who have chosen not to hear or see

“That day is a certainty. Let him who will seek a way back to his Lord. We have forewarned you of an imminent scourge, on the day when man will look on what his hands have forwarded and the unbeliever will cry: ‘Would that I were dust!”

Those who raise doubts and question the reality of the Day of Resurrection are here shaken violently:

“That day is a certainty.”

There is no room left for doubt and controversy. Yet there is time for mending one’s erring ways before the fearful watch guard, i.e. hell, becomes a permanent home:

“Let him who will seek a way back to his Lord.”

The warning is severe enough to make the drunken awake:

“We have forewarned you of an imminent scourge.”

It will not be long coming, for man’s life is but a short period.

The scourge is so fearful that the unbelievers, when faced with it, will send up that great cry expressing the wish that they had never lived:

“On the day when man will look on what his hands have forwarded and the unbeliever will cry: ‘Would that I were dust!”

This is the cry of the one who is in great distress, who feels ashamed for what he has been and what he has done. He feels that it is better not to be, or to be something as worthless as dust, than to witness such a fearful occasion.

The terrible position of the unbelievers is the subject of the questions and doubts they raise concerning that fateful tiding.

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The verses 78:38-40 in different translations:

QARIB:

38-On that day, when the spirit (gabriel) and the angels stand in ranks they shall not speak, except he to whom the merciful has given permission, and says what is right.

39-That is the day, the truth, so whosoever wills takes a way to his Lord.

40-Indeed, we have forewarned you of an imminent punishment, the day when the person will look upon his works and the unbelievers will say: ‘would that i were dust! ‘

SHAKIR:

38-The day on which the spirit and the angels shall stand in ranks; they shall not speak except he whom the beneficent Allah permits and who speaks the right thing

39-That is the sure day, so whoever desires may take refuge with his Lord

40-Surely we have warned you of a chastisement near at hand: the day when man shall see what his two hands have sent before, and the unbeliever shall say: o! would that i were dust!

PICKTHAL:

38-On the day when the angels and the spirit stand arrayed, they speak not, saving him whom the beneficent alloweth and who speaketh right.

39-That is the true day. so whoso will should seek recourse unto his Lord.

40-Lo! We warn you of a doom at hand, a day whereon a man will look on that which his own hands have sent before, and the disbeliever will cry: “would that i were dust!”

YUSUFALI:

38-The day that the spirit and the angels will stand forth in ranks, none shall speak except any who is permitted by (Allah) most gracious, and he will say what is right.

39-That day will be the sure reality: therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) return to his Lord!

40-Verily, we have warned you of a penalty near, the day when man will see (the deeds) which his hands have sent forth, and the unbeliever will say, “woe unto me! would that i were (metre) dust!”

Atheists in Quran (45) their arrogance: diagnosis and treatment

This article declare three important issues about the Atheists; they are 1) How they becomes arrogant? 2) How they express their arrogance? 3) The treatment of their arrogance

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How they become arrogant?

Man habitually forgets the fact that he is a weak small creature and that whatever strength he may have does not originate from within himself, but from Allah, the source of all strength and power.

Forgetting his bond with Allah, man begins to swell and take on prides.

Arrogance, thus, begins to establish itself within the heart of human being.

On the other hand, man has an essential evident enemy, the Satan.

Satan’s job = to make man astray

Satan’s target = to lead man to hell

Satan, who doomed himself because of his arrogance, works on man to increase his arrogance knowing that through it he can bring man to deterioration.

How the Atheists express their arrogance?

The Atheist disputes Allah’s revelations even when they are clear, addressing human nature with the sort of argument that appeals to it.

The Atheist also claims to himself and others that he is only raising questions because he is not yet convinced.

However, Allah who knows the inner feelings and secret thoughts of all His creatures makes clear that all this is the result of man’s arrogance.

Such arrogance prompts man to argue and dispute Allah’s revelations over which there can be no dispute.

Such arrogance also drives man to aspire to what is beyond his status and what his nature cannot attain.

Yet he has no solid basis for such argument for it is rooted deeply in nothing but his own arrogance:

“As for those who dispute Allah’s revelations, with no authority granted to them, there is nothing in their hearts but a quest for a greatness they will never attain.” (Verse 56)

If only man would understand the truth about himself and the universe, recognizing his role and not trying to exceed it, appreciating

that he is one of countless creatures each doing their role by Allah’s will and according to His design which He alone knows, he would certainly feel relaxed, humble, living in peace with himself and with the world around him.

If man did this, he would easily and readily submit himself to Allah. He would also do this without any hesitation.

“Seek, then, refuge with Allah, for He is the One who hears all and sees all.” (Verse 56)

Seeking refuge with Allah against arrogance is indicative of how grisly it is.

The believers seek Allah’s refuge in order to escape what is ghastly, horrible and evil. Arrogance combines all these. Moreover, it is hard for the arrogant person and for those around him. It causes harm to the heart in which it stirs and to other people’s hearts.

Arrogance is an evil we should seek refuge with Allah from it.

Allah hears all and sees all.

Arrogance is manifested by visible action and/or audible words.

Therefore, it is left to Allah to decide upon it as He pleases.

Man is then told of his true position in this great universe: how small he is in comparison to some of Allah’s creatures, the great magnitude of which is readily visible and better appreciated on careful examination:

“The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of man; yet most people do not understand.” (Verse 57)

The heavens and the earth are there for man to see and to measure himself in relation to them. When he knows the reality of the proportions of distance, dimension, size and power, he reduces his pride, feels his smallness and almost disappears. He can only hold his own when he remembers the superior element Allah has granted him, and for which Allah has honored him.

A quick glance at the universe is sufficient to appreciate all this. The earth on which we live is merely a small satellite of the sun: its mass compared to the mass of the sun is no more than three to a million, while its size is one-millionth of the size of the sun. Yet the sun is only one of around billion suns our galaxy includes.

Man now knows that there are around billion such galaxies dispersed in the great expanse of the universe.

Still, what we have discovered of the universe is merely a small part; it is so great that we become dazed when we even try to imagine it. The distance between the sun and us is about 93 million miles. The sun is the head of the family of our planet earth, and most probably, the sun is the mother of the earth.

Therefore, the earth remains close to its mother, standing merely 93 million miles away from it!

The diameter of our galaxy = one hundred billion light years, with one light year measuring 5.8 billion miles, because light travels at the speed of 186,000 miles per second.

The closest galaxy to our own is around 750,000 light years away.

We may say again that these distances and dimensions are the best man’s little knowledge has determined.

Scientists acknowledge that all their discoveries cover only a small part of this great universe.

Allah says:

“The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of man; yet most people do not understand” (Verse 57) When we speak of Allah’s power and ability, the concepts of greater or smaller, harder or easier do not apply. He creates everything by a single word, ‘Be!’ The reference here is to how things appear in themselves and how people see and measure them. How does man compare to this great expanse of the universe?

How high can his arrogance take him in Allah’s great creation?

“The blind and the seeing are not equal; nor can those who believe and do good works and those who do evil be deemed equal.” (Verse 58)

The one who is able to see learns and understands, recognizing his station. He does not give himself prides, nor does he allow conceit to distort his judgment.

By contrast, a blind person cannot recognize his position in relation to his surroundings. Therefore, he misjudges his position and what is around him.

The same applies to those believers who do good works and those who do evil. The first group see things for what they are and form accurate ideas, while the other group misjudges all due to their blind ignorance. They harm themselves and others, and above all, they assign to themselves an erroneous position in relation to their environment.

They are blind, for true blindness is that of the mind:

“How seldom you reflect.” (Verse 58)

Had we reflected, we would have known. The whole thing is clear, needing only some reflection before it becomes very apparent.

If only we would remember the hereafter, be certain of its coming, reflect on our position then and recall how we will then stand

“The Last Hour is sure to come: of this there is no doubt. Yet most people will not believe.” (Verse 59)

Because they do not believe, they argue and give themselves prides; they do not submit to the truth and do not limit themselves to their rightful position.

The treatment of their arrogance

Addressing our worship to Allah, praying and appealing to Him, are all means to cure hearts of arrogance, which is the evil that leads people to dispute His revelations and signs without any clear evidence.

Allah opens the door for us to address and pray to Him. He tells us that He has committed Himself to respond to those who pray to Him, warning those who are too proud that they will suffer total humiliation:

“Your Lord says: Call on Me, and I shall answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me shall enter hell humiliated.” (Verse 60)

Supplication and prayer must observe certain manners.

• Hearts must be totally dedicated to Allah,
• Be sure that He will answer our prayer.
• We must not suggest a particular form, time, or circumstance for answering it. To make such a suggestion is improper when appealing to Allah. We should be clear in our minds that it is a blessing that we address our prayers to Allah, and that His response is another blessing.

Those who are too proud to pray to Allah and appeal to Him deserve their just reward, which leads them to enter hell in total humiliation.

Such is the fitting end of the arrogance that fills some hearts in this small planet and short life, forgetting the greatness of Allah’s creation, let alone His own greatness. It is suitable requital for forgetting the Last Hour, which will inevitably come.

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The verses 40:56-60 in different translations:

QARIB:

56- (As for) those who dispute the verses of Allah without authority having been given to them, there is nothing in their chests but pride; that, they shall never attain. therefore seek refuge in Allah, surely, he is the hearer, the seer.

57-Indeed, the creation of heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, yet most people do not know.

58-The blind and the seeing are not equal, nor are those who believe and do good works, and the wrongdoer yet you seldom reflect.

59-There is no doubt that the hour is coming, yet most people do not believe.

60-Your Lord has said: ‘call on me and i will answer you. those who are too proud to worship me shall enter gehenna utterly abject. ‘

SHAKIR:

56-Surely (as for) those who dispute about the communications of Allah without any authority that has come to them, there is naught in their breasts but (a desire) to become great which they shall never attain to; therefore seek refuge in Allah, surely he is the hearing, the seeing

57-Certainly, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of the men, but most people do not know

58-And the blind and the seeing are not alike, nor those who believe and do good and the evil-doer; little is it that you are mindful

59-Most surely, the hour is coming, there is no doubt therein, but most people do not believe

60-And your Lord says: call upon me, i will answer you; surely those who are too proud for my service shall soon enter hell abased

PICKTHAL:

56-Lo! Those who wrangle concerning the revelations of Allah without a warrant having come unto them, there is naught else in their breasts save pride which they will never attain. So take thou refuge in Allah. lo! he, only he, is the hearer, the seer.

57-Assuredly, the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of mankind; but most of mankind know not.

58-And the blind man and the seer are not equal, neither are those who believe and do good works (equal with) the evil-doer. little do ye reflect!

59-Lo! The hour is surely coming, there is no doubt thereof; yet most of mankind believe not.

60-And your Lord hath said: pray unto me and i will hear your prayer. lo! those who scorn my service, they will enter hell, disgraced.

YUSUFALI:

56-Those who dispute about the signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them,- there is nothing in their breasts but (the quest of) greatness, which they shall never attain to: seek refuge, then, in Allah: it is he who hears and sees (all things).

57-Assuredly, the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of men: yet most men understand not.

58-Not equal are the blind and those who (clearly) see: nor are (equal) those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and those who do evil. little do ye learn by admonition!

59-The hour will certainly come: therein is no doubt: yet most men believe not.

60-And your Lord says: “call on me; i will answer your (prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely find themselves in hell – in humiliation!”

Atheists in Quran (43) when their Doubt Leads to Hell

In Surah 2, there is no doubt the Quran that it is Allah’s Book.

However, the Atheists and unbelievers are in doubt about it.

Well, if they are in doubt about the Quran, then produce only one Surah like it. If they do not do it, otherwise, this doubt will leads to the Eternal Hell in the Afterlife!

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In the previous articles,

1. Allah challenges the entire Humankind to produce a Quran like the one revealed and when they have failed,
2. Allah challenged them to produce ten Surah similar to the Quran.  When the entire Humankind have failed,
3. Allah challenges the entire Humankind to produce only ONE Surah similar to the Quran.

In this article, Surah 2 (chapter 2) of the Noble Quran puts the end of this unique linguistic Challenge

Surah 2 begins with Allah’s affirmation that the Quran is His book without any doubt; in it, there is guidance unto those who ward off Hell. (Verse 2:2)

The Creator, Exalted be He, knows that some of his arrogant creature have doubt about the Quran.

Allah knows that the Atheists and unbelievers claim that Muhammad forged the Quran and they are in doubt about the Quran.

In the verses 2:23-24 we have this strict clear-cut plan that is followed by severe warning

1)    If you are in doubt about the Quran, then produce only one Surah like it

2)    Seek the help of the entire humankind to help you in your work

3)    If you do not do it, and in fact you WILL NEVER Ever DO IT, then guard yourselves against the Hell whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the Atheists and unbelievers.

Hence, the verse 2:23 put the end of the unique linguistic Challenge by stating that the Atheists + the unbelievers + humankind will never ever Challenge the Quran and they are unable to cope with the challenge and emulate even one Surah like it

The Atheists + the unbelievers + humankind cannot produce 15 Arabic words and produce a Surah like that present in the Quran!

This is the summary of the plan that is followed by severe warning

Now, let us discuss this risky issue calmly

 “This is the Book; there is no doubt about it a guidance unto those who ward off Hell.” (Verse 2)

The key words in this statement are:

• Doubt
• Guidance
• Hell

Guidance expresses the essence and the nature of the Quran.

But guidance for whom? Who are the people who will find that this Book provides them with light, direction and true counsel?

They are the Allah-fearing.

They fear Allah, submit, obey and Ward off Hell

Once a man’s heart is filled with the fear of Allah, he will benefit by the Quran. Fear and consciousness of Allah is the quality that opens one’s mind to the true guidance contained in the Quran and allows it to have its proper effect on one’s life.

Fear of Allah is the factor that causes one’s heart and mind to become sensitive and receptive to Allah’s guidance and enables one to respond to His call and His instruction.

Anyone seeking the benefit and Allahly wisdom of the Quran must approach it with an open mind and a pure heart. One must also approach it with perception and sensitivity, and with a determination not to fall by the wayside or be tempted away from Allah.

Then, and only then, will the marvels and treasures of the Quran be opened and revealed, and their light and wisdom will pour into this apprehensive, alert and welcoming heart.

Fear of Allah, then, is to have a sensitive conscience, clear feelings, a continuous concern, vigilance and alacrity, and a yearning for the correct path in life. It is a feeling that is ever alive, a feeling of being aware of life’s temptations and pitfalls; and the ambitions and hopes, and the worries and fears that come with it. It is a feeling of being able to discern false hopes and unwarranted fears that one associates with individuals or powers that could neither bring benefit nor cause harm.

A Divine Challenge

Allah puts a scientific plan for the Atheists and unbelievers

The Quran is challenging them all, as indeed it challenges humankind in general, saying:

“If you are in doubt as to what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce one Surah comparable to it and call upon all your witnesses, other than Allah, if what you say is true.” (Verse 23)

The challenge begins with emphasizing an important fact by describing the Prophet Muhammad as Allah’s ‘servant’. This description is significant in a number of ways: it is,

First, an honor to the Prophet himself and an indication that to be a ‘servant’ of Allah is the highest honor a human being can attain.

Second, it affirms the essence of servitude to Allah in the universal human context, calling on all men to submit only to Allah and renounce all partners that may be associated with Him.

The Prophet Muhammad, who attained the highest position of honor as a recipient of Allah’s Revelations, is also honored by being described as a servant of Allah.

The challenge = If they were in any doubt, they were free to produce anything, even one Surah, comparable to it, and they could seek the help of the entire humankind.

This challenge remained open throughout the Prophet’s life, and has done so ever since. The Quranic argument stands just as firmly today as it has through the centuries.

Thus, Allah’s words, and His warning, remain true:

“But if you fail, as you will certainly do, then guard yourselves against the fire, fuelled by men and stones, prepared for the unbelievers.” (Verse 24)

It is a remarkable challenge indeed, but what is even more remarkable is the absolute certainty with which it is made. Were any of the unbelieving Arabs able to take up the challenge, they would not have hesitated for a moment. The Quranic assertion of the futility of their task, and the endurance of that assertion, are in themselves manifest and irrefutable proof of its superior nature.

The opportunity remains wide open for anyone or any group to pick up the gauntlet and try their best to match the Quran and refute its claims of divinity and superiority.

However, this has not happened and, as the Quran clearly states, will never happen. That is the Quran’s final word for posterity.

Anyone with any real knowledge or appreciation of literary styles, or expertise in philosophy, psychology, social science, or any other science at all, will not fail to recognize that whatever the Quran has to say in any field of knowledge is something unique, unlike anything human beings would say. Argument over this fact can only arise from blind ignorance or sheer prejudice.

The stern warning to “guard yourselves against the fire, fuelled by men and stones” comes as no surprise to those who may fail in their challenge to Allah but persist, nevertheless, with their rejection of the truth.

The use of the word ‘stones’ here is fascinating.

This fire is prepared for the Atheists and unbelievers.

They are the ones who have failed to take up Allah’s challenge, and persisted, nevertheless, in their rejection of His message.

They are stone like, although they have a human form. Hence the connection between humans and stones in this verse. The expression amply conveys the horror of the awesome scene in which people and stones are both:

• The fuel of the Fire
• Consumed by Fire

Miserably, this is the doubt that leads to the Eternal Hell in the Afterlife!

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The verse 2:2 in different translations:

QARIB:

That is the (holy) book, where there is no doubt. it is a guidance for the cautious (of evil and hell).

SHAKIR:

This book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil)

PICKTHAL:

This is the scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).

YUSUFALI:

This is the book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

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The verses 2:23-24 in different translations:

QARIB:

23- If you are in doubt of what we have sent down to our worshiper (prophet muhammad), produce a chapter comparable to it. call upon your helpers, other than Allah, to assist you, if you are true.

24- But if you fail, as you are sure to fail, then guard yourselves against the fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the unbelievers.

SHAKIR:

23- And if you are in doubt as to that which we have revealed to our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful

24- But if you do (it) not and never shall you do (it), then be on your guard against the fire of which men and stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the unbelievers

PICKTHAL:

23- And if ye are in doubt concerning that which we reveal unto our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful.

24- And if ye do it not – and ye can never do it – then guard yourselves against the fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.

YUSUFALI:

23- And if ye are in doubt as to what we have revealed from time to time to our servant, then produce a sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.

24- But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject faith.

Atheists in Quran (37) password to log in Paradise

This article discusses the following issues: 1) the friendly Atheists today = the enemies tomorrow, 2) the Atheists gave nasty names to the Prophet Muhammad, 3) The ever-best word that all the messengers and prophets from Noah to Jesus have said and 4) What is man’s password to log in Paradise.

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In Surah 37, the verses 27-32 describe a dramatic scene that will happen to the friends among the Atheists today.

In conclusion, the verses say that:

The friendly Atheists today = the enemies tomorrow

The verses say that the Atheists today are notable prideful leaders and their careless followers. Both groups are very friendly in the life of this world.

Nevertheless, how they are on the Day of Judgment when they behold the truth that they used to deny in this life?

Would be still friends?

No

The careless foolish followers among the Atheists will blame the notable prideful leaders as being the cause of their astray and loss!

Then, what the notable prideful leaders say to them?

They will say:

Both you and we are in the same position, deserving of Allah’s punishment for not heeding the warnings. You joined us because of your propensity to follow error. We did nothing to you; instead, you followed us in our error.

Then, what Allah promised both of them?

The verses 37:33-39 say:

They on that day, the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, will share in the chastisement, for they shared in the error. Both are sharers in the doom.

Lo! Thus, Allah deal with the sinners

We chastise both of them the followers and those who were followed (the leaders).

For when it was said unto them in the life of the world, say: “There is no God save Allah”, they were:

Scornful

Too proud to say it

Not only that, but they would say, ‘Are we to abandon our gods for a mad poet?

Herein they, sarcastically give names to the Prophet Muhammad as a mad poet

Shall we leave the worship of our gods (idols, pride, ego etc.) for a mad poet who invents lies?

Herein they, mockingly give another names to the Prophet Muhammad as an inventor of lies and claiming that the Quran is but lies!

Allah, exalted be He, says:

Nay, but he (Muhammad) has brought them the truth and confirmed the earlier messengers, namely, those who had also brought this truth, which is that “There is no God save Allah”

Nay, but he (Muhammad) brought the Quran and the profession of Allah’s divine Oneness, and he confirmed those sent before him and he brought a confirmation of the messengers who were sent before him.

Then what?

Allah will tell both of them on the Day of Judgment:

You shall certainly taste the painful chastisement,

Lo! Now, verily you taste the painful doom in the Eternal Fire.

Herein, in the Hereafter, Allah requites you the requital for,

What you used to believe in.

What you used to do

What you used to say

Our belief, works and sayings in this life determine our outcome in the Afterlife.

———————————

Back to the principle word of the Religion

“There is no God save Allah”

It is required that every human being has to believe and say this word.

This is the ever-best word that you can utter in this life

This word = man’s password to log in Allah’s gate

The Prophet Muhammad said:

The ever-best word I said, and the ever-best word all the messengers and prophets before me have said is “There is no God save Allah”

The entire Messengers and Prophets from Adam, Noah up to Moses and Jesus said, “There is no God save Allah” and so did the last Prophet Muhammad.

In Hadith (Muhammad’ sayings):

If you put the entire universe in a pan of a balance, and you put in the other pan “There is no God save Allah”, then:

What would be the weightier?

The pan contains “There is no God save Allah” is the weightier

Be sure that without saying this word “There is no God save Allah”, man will never ever see Paradise and he is but loser!

This is a sincere gift to the smart readers.

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The verses 37:33-39 in different translations:

QARIB:

33-Therefore, on that day they will all share our punishment.

34-As such we shall deal with the evildoers.

35-For when it was said to them: ‘there is no god except Allah, ‘ they were always proud

36-And said: ‘are we to renounce our gods for the sake of a mad poet? ‘

37-No, indeed, he has brought the truth, and confirmed the messengers.

38-You shall certainly taste the painful punishment:

39-But you shall not be recompensed except for what you were doing.

SHAKIR:

33-So they shall on that day be sharers in the chastisement one with another

34-Surely thus do we deal with the guilty

35-Surely they used to behave proudly when it was said to them: there is no god but Allah;

36-And to say: what! shall we indeed give up our gods for the sake of a mad poet?

37-Nay: he has come with the truth and verified the messengers

38-Most surely you will taste the painful punishment

39-And you shall not be rewarded except (for) what you did

PICKTHAL:

33-Then lo! This day they (both) are sharers in the doom.

34-Lo! Thus deal we with the guilty.

35-For when it was said unto them, there is no Allah save Allah, they were scornful

36-And said: shall we forsake our gods for a mad poet?

37-Nay, but he brought the truth, and he confirmed those sent (before him).

38-Lo! (Now) verily ye taste the painful doom –

39-Ye are requited naught save what ye did –

YUSUFALI:

33-Truly, that day, they will (all) share in the penalty.

34-Verily that is how we shall deal with sinners.

35-For they, when they were told that there is no god except Allah, would puff themselves up with pride,

36-And say: “what! shall we give up our gods for the sake of a poet possessed?”

37-Nay! he has come with the (very) truth, and he confirms (the message of) the messengers (before him).

38-Ye shall indeed taste of the grievous penalty;-

39-But it will be no more than the retribution of (the evil) that ye have wrought;-

Atheists in Quran (33) they are the same from Noah to Muhammad

The true faith has always been the same, ever since Noah, the second father of humankind. The message of the Prophet Muhammad uses almost the same expressions as Noah. Moreover, the Atheists are the same from Noah to Muhammad.

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Who is Noah? He was:

• A true believer
• Allah’s humble servant
• A great Prophet

However, Allah told him:

I admonish you lest you be among the ignorant’, when you ask about what you do not know (See the previous article)

What Noah has done when he heard that?

The verse 11:47 of the Noble Quran says:

“My Lord, I do indeed seek refuge with You from ever questioning You about anything of which I have no knowledge. Unless You grant me forgiveness and have mercy on me I shall be among the losers.”

Noah trembles with fear that he may have erred in what he said to his Lord.

Therefore, he appeals to Allah, praying for His forgiveness. Then what?

• Allah has mercy on Noah and he is reassured. Allah bestowed blessings unto Noah.
• Allah extended his bestowed blessings unto the good people of his offspring.

However, what about the evildoers of Noah’s offspring?

They will receive severe punishment:

“The word was spoken: ‘Noah, disembark in peace from Us, and with

Our blessings upon you as well as upon generations from those who are with you. As for

other folk, We shall let them have enjoyment, and then there will befall them grievous suffering from Us.” (Verse 11:48)

The end is clear:

• Noah and those who believe of his offspring will be saved and will enjoy a magnificent reward.
• Those who prefer the enjoyment of this worldly life, however, will have it for a while but will then be overtaken by severe punishment.

Back to the opening of the Surah 11, you will see the same glad tidings for the believers and the same warnings for the unbelievers.

These glad tidings and warnings are confirmed herein by the story of Noah and his people in order to make them much more real to those whom the Quran addresses.

Nevertheless, were the Arabs at the time of the Prophet Muhammad aware of Noah?

Look how the Quran summarizes the commentary on Noah’s history in one verse:

“These accounts of things that have passed We now reveal to you (O Muhammad). Neither you nor your people knew them before this. Be, then, patient in adversity; for the future belongs to those who are Allah-fearing.”

(Verse 11:49)

These sums Noah’ story in the Quran:

1) It establishes the fact of revelation denied by the unbelievers. These stories were unknown to the Prophet Muhammad and to his people. It was part of Allah’s knowledge and the Prophet could not have known about it except through revelation from the One who knows all.

2) It also establishes the fact that the true faith has always been the same, ever since Noah, the second father of humankind. The message of the Prophet Muhammad uses almost the same expressions as Noah.

3) The objections and the accusations made by the Atheists who denied the message of the Prophet are always the same. Furthermore, the glad tidings and the warnings made by the Prophet will surely happen. This story is then a testimony from history.

4) Another fact is that Allah’s laws will not fail. “The glad tidings belong to those who believe in Allah”

5) It also establishes the true tie that exists between individuals and generations.

It is the tie of faith, the same faith which holds together all believers in Allah, the only Lord of the universe.

6) All generations of believers have in common the fact that they submit themselves to Him alone and ascribe divinity to no one else.

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The verses 11:47-49 in different translations:

QARIB:

47- He said: ‘my Lord, I seek refuge with you from asking you of that, which i have no knowledge. If you do not forgive me and have mercy on me, I shall be among the losers. ‘

48- It was said: ‘o Noah, descend with peace from us and blessings on you and on the nations of those with you; and nations we shall give them enjoyment, and then from us they shall be visited with a painful punishment. ‘

49- That is from the news of the unseen, which we reveal to you; neither you nor your nation knew this before now. Have patience; the outcome is for the cautious.

SHAKIR:

47- He said: my Lord! I seek refuge in thee from asking thee that of which I have no knowledge; and if thou shouldst not forgive me and have mercy on me, I should be of the losers

48- it was said: O nuh! Descend with peace from us and blessings on you and on the people from among those who are with you, and there shall be nations whom we will afford provisions, then a painful punishment from us shall afflict them

49- These are announcements relating to the unseen, which we reveal to you, you did not know them– (neither) you nor your people– before this; therefore be patient; surely, the end is for those who guard (against evil)

PICKTHAL:

47- He said: my Lord! lo! In thee do I seek refuge (from the sin) that I should ask of thee that whereof I have no knowledge. unless thou forgive me and have mercy on me I shall be among the lost.

48- it was said (unto him): o Noah! Go thou down (from the mountain) with peace from us and blessings upon thee and some nations (that will spring) from those with thee. (There will be other) nations unto whom we shall give enjoyment a long while and then a painful doom from us will overtake them.

49- This is of the tidings of the unseen which we inspire in thee (Muhammad). Thou thyself knewest it not, nor did thy folk (know it) before this. then have patience. Lo! The sequel is for those who ward off (evil).

YUSUFALI:

47- Noah said: “o my Lord! I do seek refuge with thee, lest I ask thee for that of which I have no knowledge. And unless thou forgive me and have mercy on me, I should indeed be lost!”

48- The word came: “o Noah! Come down (from the ark) with peace from us, and blessing on thee and on some of the peoples (who will spring) from those with thee: but (there will be other) peoples to whom we shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end will a grievous penalty reach them from us.”

49- Such are some of the stories of the unseen, which we have revealed unto thee: before this, neither thou nor thy people knew them. So persevere patiently: for the end is for those who are righteous.

Atheists in Quran (32) the failed Noah’s plea for his Atheist son

Noah cried unto his Lord and said, O My Lord! Lo! My son is one of my family whom you promised to save! Surely, your promise is the Truth. However, Allah’s principle = there is no rescue for unbelievers and the tie is not the tie of blood.

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In the previous article, the ark is sailing amid huge waves, Noah, the worried father makes one plea after another; his Atheist son insolently turns his back.

In an instant, the gigantic waves swallow up everything, so he was among the drowned by the flood.

The verses 11:45-46 of the Noble Quran continues the story.

The Loving Father’s Plea

Now that the storm has subsided and the ark has come to rest.

Noah once again feels the paternal love of a distressed father.

He makes this appeal to Allah:

“Noah called out to his Lord, saying: ‘Lord, my son is of my family. Surely Your promise always

comes true, and You are the most just of judges.’”

Noah makes clear that he has no doubt that Allah is just and wise.

Nothing Allah does is without reason.

Yet Allah has promised Noah that He will be save his family (and his son of course is one of his family)

Now, Noah requests that Allah fulfil the promise He made to spare his family (and his son of course).

Noah cried unto his Lord and said,

O My Lord! Lo! My son is of my family whom you promised to save! Surely Your promise is the Truth for certain.

O my Lord! You promised me that they would be saved, and truly, Your promise is the Truth, which never fails, and You are the Most Just of Judges’, the most knowledgeable and the fairest of them.

Allah’s answer

Allah’s answer states the fact that Noah has overlooked.

By Allah’s standards and according to Allah’s principles, one’s family are not necessarily one’s blood relations.

The true relationship is that of faith.

This son was not a believer, and as such, he was not a member of the family of the great Prophet Noah.

Allah’s answer is firm and undisputable.

Moreover, there is an element of criticism and warning in Allah’s answer:

“‘Noah,’ Allah answered, ‘he was not of your family; his was an unrighteous conduct. Do not question Me about matters of which you have no knowledge. I admonish you lest you become one of the ignorant.”

O Noah, lo! He is not of your family, of those who will be saved, or of the followers of your religion; lo! it, that is, your plea to save him, is not a righteous deed, for he is unbeliever and there is no rescue for unbelievers

A great principle of this religion states that the paramount relationship that exists between individuals is not one based on family affinity: “He was not of your family; his was an unrighteous conduct.”

Your relationship with him is thus severed despite the fact that he was your own son. Since the basic tie between the two of you does not exist, no other tie has any significance.

Since Noah’s prayer requested the fulfilment of a promise which he felt had not happened, the answer includes an implicit reproach and warning:

“Do not question Me about matters of which you have no knowledge. I admonish you lest you become one of the ignorant.”

I admonish you lest you be among the ignorant’, when you ask about what you do not know.

The admonition is needed lest Noah become one of those who are ignorant of the real ties and relationships, or unaware of Allah’s promise and its

interpretation. For Allah’s promise has been done and Noah’s true faithful family has been saved.

There is one thing, which Noah will see it in the Day of Judgment; Noah lost one Atheist son but he gained billions of believer sons, they are the Muslims.

———————————

The verses 11:45-46 in different translations:

QARIB:

45- Noah called out to his lord, saying: ‘o lord, my son was of my family, and your promise is surely the truth. you are the most just of judges. ‘

46- He said: ‘Noah, he is not of your family. it is not a good deed. do not ask me about things of which you have no knowledge. i reproach you lest you become among the ignorant. ‘

SHAKIR:

45- And nuh cried out to his lord and said: my lord! Surely my son is of my family, and thy promise is surely true, and thou art the most just of the judges

46- He said: o nuh! Surely he is not of your family; surely he is (the doer of) other than good deeds, therefore ask not of me that of which you have no knowledge; surely i admonish you lest you may be of the ignorant

PICKTHAL:

45- And Noah cried unto his lord and said: my lord! lo! My son is of my household! Surely thy promise is the truth and thou are the most just of judges.

46- He said: o Noah! lo! he is not of thy household; lo! He is of evil conduct, so ask not of me that whereof thou hast no knowledge. i admonish thee lest thou be among the ignorant.

YUSUFALI:

45- And Noah called upon his lord, and said: “o my lord! Surely my son is of my family! and thy promise is true, and thou art the justest of judges!”

46- He said: “o Noah! he is not of thy family: for his conduct is unrighteous. so ask not of me that of which thou hast no knowledge! i give thee counsel, lest thou act like the ignorant!”

Atheists in Quran (29) they mocked Noah

Allah commanded Noah: Build the ark and Noah did.

While building the ark, group after group of the insolent Atheists men pass by and scoff at Noah and his followers. Noah said to them, though you mock us today, yet we mock you tomorrow, because Allah will save us and will drown you.

———————————

In the previous article, Allah told Noah:

“None of your people will believe apart from those who have already accepted the faith.”

Those who are susceptible to faith have already accepted it. The others are hopeless.

Therefore, it is over and the unbelievers are done.

Allah commanded Noah: Build the ark

The verses 11:37-39 disclose the story of building the Ark and tell us what happened during building it, the verses say:

Build the Ark under Our watch, protection and inspiration and by Our command

We will look after you and give you instructions as you do so.

Start the construction of the ship under Our care and by Our command.

[Then, we have to watch this Allah’ strong order]

Do not address Me concerning the unbelievers who have done evil, by asking that I should refrain from destroying them

Do not plead with Me on behalf of those unbelievers about saving them.

The Atheists’ destiny has been decided and you are not to plead their case.

You can neither pray for them to be guided to the truth, nor can you pray for their punishment.

Prayers are to no avail when Allah’s will comes to pass.

Verily, they will be drowned by the flood.

————-

Noah and his followers were building the Ark

Every time that chieftain of a notable council, a group, of his people passed him, they scoffed at him

Whenever a group, of his people passed him, they made mock of him, they derided him for so doing.

They told Noah’s followers that they are following an insane.

Noah builds the ark and group after group of his insolent people pass by and scoff at him. They scoff at the man who said he was a messenger from Allah and argued long with them, but who now busies himself making a boat. They mock him because they can only see what appears to them.

Noah said unto them:

The same you scoff at us is the same we scoff at you.

Though you make mock of us today, yet we mock at you tomorrow.

Because we are saved, while you drown.

Noah, on the other hand, is full of confidence as he tells them that their mockery will rebound. We will scoff at you because you cannot visualize that Allah has a definite purpose beyond all this, and you cannot imagine what awaits you.

Will this apply to us or to you when everything will be revealed?

You shall know to whom will come a punishment that will confound, humiliate and destroy him

You shall know upon whom an everlasting chastisement will fall and will be enjoined upon in the Hereafter.

———————————

The verses 11: 37-39 in different translations:

QARIB:

37- Build the ark with our seeing (and protection), and as we reveal. do not speak to me concerning the evildoers; they shall be drowned. ‘

38- Whenever an assembly of his nation passed by him as he was building the ark, they mocked him. whereupon he said: ‘if you mock us, we shall indeed mock you, just as you mock.

39- You shall know to whom a degrading punishment will come, and upon whom an everlasting punishment will fall. ‘

SHAKIR:

37- And make the ark before our eyes and (according to) our revelation, and do not speak to me in respect of those who are unjust; surely they shall be drowned

38- And he began to make the ark; and whenever the chiefs from among his people passed by him they laughed at him. he said: if you laugh at us, surely we too laugh at you as you laugh (at us)

39- So shall you know who it is on whom will come a chastisement which will disgrace him, and on whom will lasting chastisement come down

PICKTHAL:

37- Build the ship under our eyes and by our inspiration, and speak not unto me on behalf of those who do wrong. lo! they will be drowned.

38- And he was building the ship, and every time that chieftains of his people passed him, they made mock of him. he said: though ye make mock of us, yet we mock at you even as ye mock;

39- And ye shall know to whom a punishment that will confound him cometh, and upon whom a lasting doom will fall.

YUSUFALI:

37- “But construct an ark under our eyes and our inspiration, and address me no (further) on behalf of those who are in sin: for they are about to be overwhelmed (in the flood).”

38- Forthwith he (starts) constructing the ark: every time that the chiefs of his people passed by him, they threw ridicule on him. he said: “if ye ridicule us now, we (in our turn) can look down on you with ridicule likewise!

39- “But soon will ye know who it is on whom will descend a penalty that will cover them with shame,- on whom will be unloosed a penalty lasting:”

Atheists in Quran (28) Noah and their Recycled History

The ignorant Atheists among Noah’s people said Noah has invented that which he has brought us.

The ignorant Arabs among Muhammad’s people said Muhammad has invented that which he has brought us.

Interestingly, the “Today” intellectual Atheists deny Noah and say that Muhammad has invented that which he has brought of Quran.

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The Atheists’ pride and arrogance are limitless.

The Atheists who were the council, notables, respected elders and chieftains of Noah’s people claim many false and nasty statements about the great Prophet Noah.

They had many rotten arguments with Noah.

Noah did his job patiently and perfectly; he kept advising his people all the time and he never ever put.

However, the Atheists’ pride veiled their hearts.

The verses 11:34-36 describe the scene.

Noah said:

1) If I sincerely desire to counsel you, my sincere counsel will not benefit you if Allah wants to lead you astray (because of your limitless pride). He is your lord, and to him you shall return

2) My invitation and warning to you from Allah’s chastisement will not benefit you if I were to warn you and call you to profess Allah’s divine Oneness

3) If Allah’s law determines that, you will proud fully perish because of your rejection of the truth, Allah’s law has to be fulfilled, regardless of my advice. It is not that Allah will deprive you of benefiting by my advice.

4) According to Allah’s law, It is what you do with yourselves that will, take you away from the right path.

5) You cannot defy Allah or make yourselves immune from Him. You are always within His reach. He has absolute power over you and over your lives. You cannot escape meeting Him when He brings you to account and decides your reward; He will reward you according to your works.

 “He is your Lord and to Him you shall return.”

Prophets Act on Their Instructions

At this stage in Noah’s story, the Quran has a remarkable pause.

The verse makes brief reference to the reception of a similar message by the Atheists among the Arabs at the time of the Prophet Muhammad.

The significance of this pause:

There is a remarkable similarity of attitudes, as the Atheists among the Arabs claim that Muhammad too has invented the Quran.

The Atheists among the Arabs have too limitless pride.

A Recycled History?

The Atheists among Noah’s people said Noah has invented that which he has brought us.

The ignorant skeptic Arabs among Muhammad’s people said Muhammad has invented that which he has brought us.

The verse quickly refutes their claim before returning to Noah:

“Do they claim that he (i.e. Muhammad] has invented it? Say: ‘If I have invented it, upon me be this crime of mine, but I am innocent of the crimes you perpetrate.’” (Verse 35)

To fabricate a falsehood is to commit a crime.

Hence, Allah instructed His Prophet Muhammad to tell the unbelievers:

1) If I have made any such fabrication, I will bear the responsibility for it. It is a great sin to do that; however, the punishment for my sin will be upon me

2) Since I am aware that it is a crime to make such fabrications, it is highly unlikely that I would do so.

3) However, I am, innocent of all your:

• Crimes, including your false allegations,
• Misconduct, when you attribute invention to me.
• Rejection of Allah’s message
• Associating partners with Allah.

It is interesting that the “Today” intellectual Atheists deny Noah and say that Muhammad has invented that which he has brought of Quran.

This interjecting overlap however does not interrupt the Quranic story; rather it serves the purpose of the verse.

In the next sight, we see Noah receiving Allah’s revelations and commandments.

“Noah received this revelation: “none of thy people will believe except those who have believed already! So grieve no longer over their (evil) deeds.”

Do not be in distress over anything they may do.

None of your people will believe except those who have already believed.

Do not be distressed, grieved, because of what they do and do not be saddened for their destruction

Everything has ended:

• The advocacy of Allah’s message,
• The advice
• The warning,
• The arguments.
• Their pride

Then what?

“None of your people will believe now apart from those who have already accepted the faith.”

Those who are susceptible to faith have already accepted it. The others are hopeless.

Allah, who knows best what is feasible and what is not, and knows His servants well, has informed Noah of this.

Hence, it is pointless to continue with the argument.

Allah told Noah not to grieve at their rejection or their mockery.

“Do not be in distress over anything they may do.”

Allah’s will has happened.

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The verses 11:34-36 in different translations:

QARIB:

34-Nor will my sincere counsel benefit you if I sincerely desire to counsel you if Allah desires to lead you astray. He is your lord, and to him you shall return. ‘

35-Or do they say: ‘he has fabricated it (himself)? ‘Say: ‘if i had fabricated it, then the sin rests upon me. I reject the sins you do. ‘

36-And it was revealed to Noah: ‘none of your nation will believe except whosoever has already believed. Do not distress yourself with what they may do.

SHAKIR:

34-And if I intend to give you good advice, my advice will not profit you if Allah intended that he should leave you to go astray; he is your lord, and to him shall you be returned

35-Or do they say: he has forged it? Say: if I have forged it, on me is my guilt, and i am clear of that of which you are guilty

36-And it was revealed to nuh: that none of your people will believe except those who have already believed, therefore do not grieve at what they do:

PICKTHAL:

34-My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah’s will is to keep you astray. He is your lord and unto him ye will be brought back.

35-Or say they (again): he hath invented it? Say: if i have invented it, upon me be my crimes, but i am innocent of (all) that ye commit.

36-And it was inspired in Noah, (saying): no one of thy folk will believe save him who hath believed already. Be not distressed because of what they do.

YUSUFALI:

34-“Of no profit will be my counsel to you, much as I desire to give you (good) counsel, if it be that Allah willeth to leave you astray: he is your lord! and to him will ye return!”

35-Or do they say, “he has forged it”? Say: “if I had forged it, on me were my sin! And I am free of the sins of which ye are guilty!

36-It was revealed to Noah:”none of thy people will believe except those who have believed already! so grieve no longer over their (evil) deeds.

Atheists in Quran (24) they said: Noah is maniac

Do the Atheists know? 1) Who is the first ever professor of how to build a ship? The great Angel Gabriel, 2) who is the first ever shipbuilder among humankind? The great Prophet Noah and 3) what is the flood? It is = Allah’s Will cleared the road of obstacles so that human life could continue its march along the road assigned to it. However, the Atheists who are not aware of that said: Noah is maniac.

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In the first article of this series [Atheists in Quran (1) Noah and the Atheists] we have seen that,

Allah sent Noah to his people to tell them:

• My people, you have no other god save Allah
• My people, profess Allah’s divine Oneness, and worship and obey him.
• Will you not then fear His punishment in worshipping gods other than Him?

However, the chieftains Atheists among his folk, said to their followers:

We never heard of such, an affirmation of God’s Oneness as that which Noah summons us, among our ancestors or among past communities.

Then what happened?

The verses 23: 23:25-27 say:

The chieftains Atheists among Noah’s folk, said to their followers:

Noah is just a man possessed by madness, a case of dementia.

So wait and bear with him for a while until he dies.

The Atheists are incapable of understanding that they are imprisoned within their narrow walls, unable to break into the wide universe! They accuse those who advocate freedom of thought of being mad, calling on them to think and reflect.

When they are reminded of the pointers to the truth all around them, their reply is full of arrogance, reiterating accusations: “He is but a madman; so bear with him for a while.”

Bear with him until he dies when we will be relieved of him, his message and his persistent advocacy of faith.

At this moment, Noah could not find any way by which he could soften such stonehearted people. He could only protect himself against their ridicule by putting his complaint to God and seeking His support

In his supplication to Allah, Noah, said,

‘O My Lord, my people denied me and called me a liar, so please help me against them. Help me through sending a punishment upon them’

Allah, exalted be He, says, responding to his supplication:

Then We inspired in him, We sent Gabriel to him saying:

Make the ship, start building a ship Our gaze and through that which We inspired you.

Build the Ark, the ship, under Our watch, under Our observation and protection, and by Our revelation, Our command

Then, when Our command and Our punishment comes and the water gushes out of the oven introduce therein and transport in the ship two spouses of every kind: a male and a female

When the oven, of the baker, gushes, with water — and this was Noah’s sign— bring into it, admit into the ship, of every kind [of animal] two mates, a male and a female and

Take those of your household who believe in you save him thereof against whom the Word that he will be punished has already gone forth.

It is said that all those who were on the ship numbered eighty, half of them were men and half were women.

Moreover, do not plead with Me (by means of supplications) on behalf of those who have done wrong

This means do not plead with Allah to save those who disbelieved among your people

Lo! The unbelievers will be drowned in the flood.

It was Allah’s Will that the road should be cleared of obstacles so that human life could continue its march along the road assigned to it.

Nevertheless, what about the command of “do not plead with Allah to save those who disbelieved among your people?”

See the next article.

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The verses 23:25-27 in different translations:

QARIB:

25- He is nothing else except a man who is mad, so watch him for awhile.

26- He (Noah) said: ‘Lord, help me, for they belie me. ‘

27- We said to him: ‘make the ark under our eye, and our revelation, and then when our command comes and the oven gushes water, take onboard a pair from every kind and your family, except him against whom the decision has already been passed. do not address me concerning those who have done evil; they shall be drowned.

SHAKIR:

25- He is only a madman, so bear with him for a time

26- He said: o my Lord! Help me against their calling me a liar

27- So we revealed to him, saying: make the ark before our eyes and (according to) our revelation; and when our command is given and the valley overflows, take into it of every kind a pair, two, and your followers, except those among them against whom the word has gone forth, and do not speak to me in respect of those who are unjust; surely they shall be drowned

PICKTHAL:

25- He is only a man in whom is a madness, so watch him for a while.

26- He said: my Lord! Help me because they deny me.

27- Then we inspired in him, saying: make the ship under our eyes and our inspiration. then, when our command cometh and the oven gusheth water, introduce therein of every (kind) two spouses, and thy household save him thereof against whom the word hath already gone forth. and plead not with me on behalf of those who have done wrong. lo! they will be drowned.

YUSUFALI:

25- (And some said): “he is only a man possessed: wait (and have patience) with him for a time.”

26- (Noah) said: “o my Lord! Help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood!”

27- So we inspired him (with this message): “construct the ark within our sight and under our guidance: then when comes our command, and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take thou on board pairs of every species, male and female, and thy family- except those of them against whom the word has already gone forth: and address me not in favour of the wrong-doers; for they shall be drowned (in the flood).