Atheists in Quran (21) their leader = their enemy = Satan

O humankind! Indeed Allah’s promise, of resurrection is true. So do not let the Deceiver, Satan, deceive you from believing. Satan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. Satan only summons followers so that they may be among the inhabitants of the fierce Fire.

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The first four verses of Surah 35 emphasized three major facts of the Islamic faith:

• The oneness of Allah, the Almighty Creator
• The graces that Allah alone bestows
• Allah is the only One who provides sustenance for all His creation.

The verses 35:5-7 address 1) The Prophet Muhammad and 2) Mankind as follow:

1) The Prophet Muhammad, heartening him because his people’s rejection of his message and their false accusations of his lying caused him much pain. It stresses that all matters are in Allah’s hand.

2) Mankind confirming that Allah’s promise is a true promise and warning man against Satan’s schemes, which aim to divert man from recognizing the major truths already outlined.

The Creeping around Enemy

What Satan, our affirmed enemy, wants is to lead Mankind to hell’s torment?

Both belief and rejection are in Allah’s hand, and He knows all that people do.

Then the verses show us the types of requital that await the believers and unbelievers in the life to come.

The aim of the first address is at the Prophet Muhammad:

“If they accuse you of lying, other messengers, who had gone before you, were similarly accused. It is to Allah that all things return.” (Verse 4)

With all these truths easily and clearly recognizable, you need not worry that they accuse you of lying.

The same thing happened to earlier messengers.

If the Atheists deny you, O Muhammad with regard to your message of Allah’s Oneness, resurrection, reckoning and punishment, verily, the Atheists denied other messengers before you in this respect, so be steadfast as they were steadfast

All matters finally return to Allah who determines every end the way He pleases.

The aim of the second address is at Mankind, in general, to all people and to everyone:

People! Allah’s promise is true indeed. So do not let the life of the present world delude you, and do not let deceptive thoughts about Allah delude you. Satan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. He only calls on his followers so that they will be among those destined for the blazing fire. (Verses 5-6)

Allah’s promise is true:

• There is no doubt that it will come;
• It is a reality that will not fail;
• It is the absolute truth.
• Nothing can cause it to disappear, lose its way or change.

Nevertheless, this present life can delude people, as can Satan. Therefore, do not let anything deceive you:

“Do not let the life of the present world delude you, and do not let deceptive thoughts about Allah delude you.” (Verse 5)

O humankind! Indeed Allah’s promise, of resurrection and of other issues, is true. So do not let the life of this world deceive you, from believing, and do not let the Deceiver, Satan, deceive you concerning Allah

Satan has declared his hostility and enmity to you and that he will never be anything but an enemy to you.

Satan only summons his faction, his followers in disbelief, so that they may be among the inhabitants of the Blaze, the fierce Fire.

Therefore, “treat him as an enemy.” (Verse 6)

• Do not befriend him,
• Do not listen to his advice,
• Do not follow his footsteps,

For no wise person would follow his enemy’s footsteps.

Moreover, you should realize that Satan:

• Does not call you to anything good,
• Nor does he want you to be safe:

“He only calls on his followers so that they will be among those destined for the blazing fire.” (Verse 6)

Can anyone with reason and clear thinking answer a call that would put him in the fire?

This is a sincere, heartfelt address.

When man remembers the eternal challenge,

• He has to fight against his avowed enemy, Satan,
• He will muster all his strength, defending himself and ensuring his own safety.
• He will do his utmost not to fall to any temptation, keep himself on guard, and evaluate every thought by the scales Allah has given him.
• He is alert to the fact that any seemingly innocent thought may involve clever deception by his essential enemy.

This is the Islamic teachings.

Man needs to be on the alert to reject any temptation Satan presents. This entails the mobilization of all one’s responses against evil, both its inner appeal and surface attraction.

Thus, one is always on red alert, prepared to engage in this challenge, which rages persistently throughout this present life.

Such “take care of Satan” demanded from believers is followed by an outline of the fate of those who responded to Satan’s call.

To underpin the contrast, the verse restated the situation of the believers who reject Satan and drive him away:

“For the unbelievers there is severe suffering in store; while for those who believe and do righteous deeds there is forgiveness of sins and a great reward.” (Verse 7)

Those who disbelieve, theirs will be a severe chastisement; but those who believe and perform righteous deeds, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward — this is a declaration of what [fate] will be for the adherents of Satan and what will be for his opponents [respectively].

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The verses 35:5-7 in different translations:

QARIB:

4-If they belie you; other messengers have been belied before you. to Allah all matters are returned.

5-People, the promise of Allah is true, so do not let this present life delude you, and do not let the deluder (Satan) delude you about Allah.

6-Satan is indeed your enemy; therefore take him for an enemy. he calls his party so that they will become the companions of the blaze.

7-For the unbelievers awaits a terrible punishment, but for those who believe and do good deeds is forgiveness and a great recompense.

SHAKIR:

4-And if they call you a liar, truly messengers before you were called liars, and to Allah are all affairs returned

5-O men! Surely, the promise of Allah is true, therefore let not the life of this world deceive you, and let not the arch-deceiver deceive you respecting Allah

6-Surely, the Shaitan is your enemy, so take him for an enemy; he only invites his party that they may be inmates of the burning

7- (As for) those who disbelieve, they shall have a severe punishment, and (as for) those who believe and do good, they shall have forgiveness and a great reward

PICKTHAL:

4-And if they deny thee, (O Muhammad), messengers (of Allah) were denied before thee. Unto Allah, all things are brought back.

5-O mankind! Lo! the promise of Allah is true. So let not the life of the world beguile you, and let not the (avowed) beguiler beguile you with regard to Allah.

6-Lo! The devil is an enemy for you, so treat him as an enemy. He only summoneth his faction to be owners of the flaming fire.

7-Those who disbelieve, theirs will be an awful doom; and those who believe and do good works, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward.

YUSUFALI:

4-And if they reject thee, so were messengers rejected before thee: to Allah back for decision all affairs.

5-O men! Certainly, the promise of Allah is true. Let not then this present life deceive you, nor let the chief deceiver deceive you about Allah.

6-Verily, Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. he only invites his adherents, that they may become companions of the blazing fire.

7-For those who reject Allah, is a terrible penalty: but for those who believe and work righteous deeds, is forgiveness, and a magnificent reward.

Atheists in Quran (15) they always forget

The Atheists are speaking proudly about what they enjoy in this life of pleasures and luxuries. They always forget the end suffered by one generation after another of the unbelievers of old and they remain heedless. In addition, they deny the Day of Judgment when they will realize who is worst in position and weaker in forces.

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The name of Surah (Chapter) 19 of the Quran is “Maryam”

“Maryam” is the Quranic name of the Pure Honored Virgin “Saint Mary”.

The Surah has given us accounts of some prophets, including

• Zachariah and the birth of John, his son,
• Saint Mary and the birth of Jesus, her son,
• Abraham and his split from his community and their false deities.

We have also heard about the generations that followed them, and whether they lived in accordance with the guidance Allah gave them or they fell into error.

The Surah comments on these accounts declaring that Lordship belongs solely to Allah, who alone deserves to be worshipped, without partners or son.

This was the essential fact that the earlier prophets brought throughout their histories.

Then the verses 19:73-75 discusses the issue of Atheists

The Quran paint an image of this world in which the unbelievers are shown behaving arrogantly towards the believers, stamping them as poor and weak, and swaggering about their own wealth and social values.

“When Allah’ revelations are recited to them in all their clarity, the unbelievers say to those who believe: ‘Which of the two sides has a better position and a superior community?”

The Atheists have their own social clubs demonstrating all the material values which the wealthy and powerful are keen to emphasize in their corrupt world.

By contrast, we see humble gatherings where there are no such material riches or adornments. Instead, there are only the values of faith, which unite people in these other groups.

The two parties are put side by side to fully demonstrate their contrast.

The first side stands out with its wide variety of temptations: wealth, beauty, power and influence. It uses all these to serve people’s interests, and provide them with all manner of pleasures.

The second side appears too humble by comparison, yet it looks with scorn at wealth and beauty and it ridicules power and influence. It calls on people to join its ranks, without offering them any personal gain, material interest or favors that ruler and governments can provide.

It simply offers them the faith, pure and simple, without adding to it any adornment.

It seeks strength through being on Allah’s side, nothing else.

In fact, it makes clear to humankind that accepting it will involve hardship, effort and scuffle.

Also clear is the fact that none will be rewarded for anything in this life.

The reward to be expected will be in the form of being close to Allah, enjoying His pleasure in the life to come.

The Atheists among the Arabs at the time of the Prophet Muhammad used to listen to Muhammad reciting the Quran, but then they would say to the believers who lacked all riches:

• Which of the two sides has a better position and a superior community? Which side: the Atheists who denied Muhammad’s message or the humble who responded to him?
• Had the message preached by Muhammad been any good, would his followers be those who had no power or influence in the Arabs’ society?
• Would they have met in a humble place (as they used to do)?
• Would his opponents be those who enjoyed all the luxuries and social prominence?

Such is worldly logic, advanced by those who have no aspiration to any truly high outlook.

The divine wisdom keeps faith free of all adornment and superficial attraction, offering no temptation.

Thus, only those who take it for its real value, without hope of immediate gain, will accept it.

By contrast, those who are after wealth, worldly interests, pleasures and the like will turn away from it.

Then the Verse 74 comments on the boasts of those arrogant Atheists, speaking proudly about what they enjoy in this life of pleasures and luxuries.

The comment draws their attention to how earlier peoples were destroyed, despite the great riches they enjoyed:

“How many a generation has Allah destroyed before their time, who were superior in material riches and in splendor.”

They benefited nothing by their entire splendor, nor were their material privileges of any avail to them when Allah brought His punishment upon them.

Human beings always forget!

The end suffered by one generation after another of the unbelievers of old should serve as a clear warning but people remain heedless. They continue to ignore the destiny awaiting them, should they follow in the footsteps of those who preceded them.

After all, those earlier unbelievers were of greater strength and enjoyed larger followings and more wealth.

The Verse then instructs the Prophet Muhammad to pray against them in the form of a joint appeal to Allah to add to the misery to be suffered by the side, which persisted in error. This is to continue until Allah fulfils His promise either in this life or in the life to come:

Say O Muhammad:

As for those who live in error, may the Most Merciful lengthen their span of life!’

However, when they see the fulfilment of that of which they have been forewarned, be it suffering or the Last Hour, they will realize who is worst in position and weaker in forces.

They claim that they follow better and superior guidance to that advocated by Muhammad and his followers, and their evidence is their wealth and luxuries.

Be that as it may! Muhammad will appeal to his Lord to give increase to each side: the one in error and the one following right guidance.

Then when what Muhammad promises happens, which is the triumph of the believers over those in error, or the final punishment they receive on the Day of Judgment, they will realize which of the two sides is worse in position, weaker in forces.

Then, the next verse (76) declares that on the Day of Judgment, the believers will rejoice and feel their superiority.

This is certainly better than all that in which human beings find pleasure and enjoyment in the life of this world.

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The verses 19:73-75 in different translations:

19:73-75

QARIB:

73-When our clear verses are recited to them the unbelievers say to the believers: ‘which of the two parties has a better position or company?

74-How many generations have we destroyed before them, who were far greater in riches and more boastful!

75-Say: ‘whosoever is in error, let the most merciful prolong his life span until they see that which they were threatened, be it a punishment, or the hour. then shall they know whose is the worst place and who is weaker in hosts. ‘

SHAKIR:

73-And when our clear communications are recited to them, those who disbelieve say to those who believe: which of the two parties is best in abiding and best in assembly?

74-And how many of the generations have we destroyed before them who were better in respect of goods and outward appearance!

75-Say: as for him who remains in error, the beneficent Allah will surely prolong his length of days, until they see what they were threatened with, either the punishment or the hour; then they shall know who is in more evil plight and weaker in forces

PICKTHAL:

73-And when our clear revelations are recited unto them, those who disbelieve say unto those who believe: which of the two parties (yours or ours) is better in position, and more imposing as an army?

74-How many a generation have we destroyed before them, who were more imposing in respect of gear and outward seeming!

75-Say: as for him who is in error, the beneficent will verily prolong his span of life until, when they behold that which they were promised, whether it be punishment (in the world), or the hour (of doom), they will know who is worse in position and who is weaker as YUSUFALI:

73-When our clear signs are rehearsed to them, the unbelievers say to those who believe, “which of the two sides is best in point of position? which makes the best show in council?”

74-But how many (countless) generations before them have we destroyed, who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye?

75-Say: “if any men go astray, (Allah) most gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see the warning of Allah (being fulfilled) – either in punishment or in (the approach of) the hour, – they will at length realize who is worst in position, and (who) weakest in forces!

Angels in Islam (13) are daughters for Allah while sons for Arabs?

The Angels have no sex, they do not marry; they are not like us.

Throughout the history, man was confused about the nature of the Angels.

The scholars and the philosophers have four different belief concerning the nature of Angels and who they are:

1. The first party believes that they are the sons of God
2. The second party believes that they are the daughters of God
3. The third party believes that they are God
4. The fourth party believes that they are partners of God

The Quran denies and disproves all of the above belief.

In the article Angels in Islam (10) the Quran denies the Bible’s claim that the Angels are the sons of God who married the daughters of the People! (Genesis 6:2)

In the article Angels in Islam (11) the Quran says that neither Jesus nor the Angels who are close and favored, to Allah, would never disdain, scorn or reject haughtily, to be a slave of Allah.

In the article Angels in Islam (12) the Quran says that the Angels are neither males nor females; they are not like us.

Nevertheless, the Arabs before Islam believe that the Angels are female and they are the daughters of Allah and Allah’s descendants are only females!

And such daughters of Allah deserve to be worshipped.

This was the background of why the Arabs before Islam used to worship the Angels, the daughters of Allah as they assumed

Look how the Quran condemns, denies and rejects this err faith.

 

The Quran tackles the famous custom of the Arabs that is how they look at the females.

The Arabs and the females before Islam.

The Quran says: Are daughters to be for your Lord, while sons are to be for them?

Why the Quran asks this question?

Because the Arabs put down the females. They used to dishonor the females very much. If anyone has got a female baby, he would feel very ashamed and he would bury her alive in the desert

The verses 16:57-59 say:

And they assign to Allah daughters, while they will have what they desire, namely, sons.

To Allah they assign daughters, while to themselves they assign sons.

And when one of them is given the tidings of a girl, that will be born to him, his face becomes darkened, transformed like that of one suddenly struck by grief, and he chokes inwardly, filled with anguish: so how is it that daughters are attributed to Him, exalted be He?

He hides, disappearing, from his people, out of distress at the tidings given to him, fearing mockery, unsure what to do with the newborn: shall he retain it — refrain from killing it — in humiliation, enduring shame and disgrace, or trample into the dust, by burying it alive.

Verily wretched is what they judge, evil is this judgment of theirs, in which they ascribe to their Creator that His are the daughters, who have such a lowly status in their eyes.

In addition to the verses 16:57-59, the Quran mentions this err Arabs’ faith about the Angels in many other verses like the followings:

 

The verse 16:57-59 (YUSUFALI translation)

57) And they assign daughters for Allah! – Glory be to him! – And for themselves (sons,- the issue) they desire!

58) When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!

59) With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on?

 

The verse 52:39 (YUSUFALI translation)

Or has he (Allah) only daughters and you have sons?

 

The verse 17:40 (QARIB translation):

What! Has your Lord favored you with sons and taken to himself females from among the angels? Indeed, you utter a monstrous thing!

 

The verses 43:16-25 (SHAKIR translation)

16) What! Has he taken daughters to himself of what he himself creates and chosen you to have sons?

17) And when one of them is given news of that of which he sets up as a likeness for the beneficent Allah, his face becomes black and he is full of rage

18) What! That which is made in ornaments and which in contention is unable to make plain speech!

19) And they make the angels– them who are the servants of the beneficent Allah– female (divinities). What! Did they witness their creation? Their evidence shall be written down and they shall be questioned

20) And they say: if the beneficent Allah had pleased, we should never have worshipped them. They have no knowledge of this; they only lie

21) Or have we given them a book before it so that they hold fast to it?

22) Nay! They say: we found our fathers on a course, and surely we are guided by their footsteps

23) And thus, we did not send before you any warner (Prophet) in a town, but those who led easy lives in it said: surely we found our fathers on a course, and surely we are followers of their footsteps

24) (The warner) said: what! Even if I bring to you a better guide than that on which you found your fathers? They said: surely we are unbelievers in that with which you are sent

25) So we inflicted retribution on them, then see how the end of the rejecters was