Atheists in Quran (48) No Ransom, No Exit

As for the Atheists and unbelievers, if they possessed, all that is in the earth, and the double of it with it, by which to ransom themselves from the chastisement of the Day of Resurrection, The ransom would not be accepted from them. They will desire to exit from the Eternal Fire, but they will not exit from it.

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Truly, as for the Atheists and unbelievers who disbelieve in Muhammad and the Quran,

If they possessed, definitely, all that is in the earth, and the double of it with it, by which to ransom themselves from the chastisement of the Day of Resurrection,

The ransom would not be accepted from them.

Theirs will be a painful doom and severe chastisement.

However, they will desire to exit from the Eternal Fire, but they will not exit from it; theirs shall be a lasting, a perpetual, chastisement.

They will wish to come forth from the Eternal Fire but they will not come forth from it

Theirs will be a lasting doom; which will never be interrupted.

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Ransom = the act of holding someone or something hostage in order to get a demand met, or the money paid to get the item or person back.

Ransom = a sum of money paid to free a captive or a prisoner.

To ransom is to obtain the release of someone that has been held hostage by paying a price.

If the Atheists and unbelievers had everything on earth and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, Allah would never accept any ransom of them.

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The Quranic unique method of description

The verses 5:36-37 of the Noble Quran portray a scene of the Atheists and unbelievers who disbelieve in Muhammad and the Quran. It is a very vivid description, because the verses do not only give a statement outlining a position, but depicts a full scene with movement and interaction.

This is, indeed, the Quranic method used in portraying scenes of the Day of Judgment. The Quran uses it for most purposes:

“If those who disbelieve had all that is on earth and as much besides to offer as ransom from the suffering of the Day of Resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. Theirs shall be a painful suffering. They will wish to come out of the Fire, but they shall not come out of it. Theirs shall be a long-lasting suffering.” (Verses 36-37)

By the longest stretch of imagination, the most that the unbelievers can have is all that is available on the face of the earth.

But the verses go far beyond that and suppose that they have all that the earth contains twice over, and portray them trying to pay all that as ransom to spare themselves the suffering of the Day of Resurrection.

The verses also portray them as they try to get out of the Fire of Hell, but they are unable to do so. They continue to endure their painful, lasting suffering.

This is a very vivid scene with actions following one another in speedy sequence. There they are at first, having everything that is on earth and as much besides. They offer it all to escape punishment. Then we see them disappointed when all their appeals fail. The Angels are then forcing them into the Fire, trying to get out, but having no means of escape. The screen then falls and they dwell there permanently.

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The verses 5:36-37 in different translations:

QARIB:

36-As for those who disbelieve, if they possessed all that the earth contains and as much besides to ransom themselves from the punishment of the day of resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them. theirs shall be a painful punishment.

37-They will wish to get out of the fire, but they shall not, theirs shall be a lasting punishment.

SHAKIR:

36-Surely (as for) those who disbelieve, even if they had what is in the earth, all of it, and the like of it with it, that they might ransom themselves with it from the punishment of the day of resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them, and they shall have a painful punishment

37-They would desire to go forth from the fire, and they shall not go forth from it, and they shall have a lasting punishment

PICKTHAL:

36-As for those who disbelieve, lo! if all that is in the earth were theirs, and as much again therewith, to ransom them from the doom on the day of resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. theirs will be a painful doom.

37-They will wish to come forth from the fire, but they will not come forth from it. Theirs will be a lasting doom.

YUSUFALI:

36-As to those who reject faith,- if they had everything on earth, and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the day of judgment, it would never be accepted of them, theirs would be a grievous penalty.

37-Their wish will be to get out of the fire, but never will they get out therefrom: their penalty will be one that endures.

Atheists in Quran (46) Historical Miracle

The first human beings worshiped Satan were the Waldenses, Vallenses or Vaudois; these are names for a Christian movement, which started in Lyon, France and spread soon to the Cottian Alps in the late 1170s. However, the Quran is the first book on the Earth that mention the fact that man one day will worship Satan. Is this Historical miracle is one of the many miracles of the Quran or what?

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The verses 36:59-64 dwells on the scene of reckoning faced by the Atheists and unbelievers with all that it involves of criticism and blame. The verses say:

“But stand aside today, you guilty ones!

Children of Adam!

  • Did I not enjoin on you that you should not worship Satan, as he is your open foe?
  • And that You should worship Me alone? This is the straight path.
  • He (Satan) had already led astray a great many of you.
  • Could you not, then, use your reason?

This, then, is the hell that Our messengers were repeatedly warned you against:

Endure it today for your persistent rejection [of the truth].”

In these verses, we see that Scorn and Derision mark the dealing they receive.

At first, Allah commands them to stand aside, away from the believers.

Allah will say to them

  • Stand apart, O you sinners, guilty, unbelievers
  • Separate yourselves from the believers

Then, Allah addressed them as ‘Children of Adam,’ which is an address implying reproach.

“Children of Adam! Did I not enjoin on you that you should not worship Satan, as he is your open foe?”

Did I not charge you and command you, O children of Adam, by the tongues of My repeated messengers, and in the Scripture brought by the Messengers

  • That you should not worship Satan,
  • That you should not obey Satan
  • That Satan is a manifest enemy to you, one whose enmity is quite evident,

It was Satan who caused the expulsion of their father, Adam, from heaven. He has declared his permanent enmity to Adam and his children, yet they continue to worship him.

On the other hand, Children of Adam were enjoined to do something that was certain to set them on a straight path, leading to Allah’s pleasure and a happy end in the Afterlife:

“You should worship Me alone. This is the straight path.”

They are reminded that this enemy led astray many generations.

For verily Satan has led astray from a great multitude of people before you and from among you

Did you not know what Satan did to them, and hence avoid following their path?

Did you not use to comprehend his enmity and his misguidance?

Did you not use to comprehend the chastisements that befell them in the life of this world?

Moreover, Allah will say to them in the Hereafter:

This is Hell, which Allah’ messengers have promised you!

Burn therein today [as chastisement] for that which you used to reject!’

Burn therein today because of your denial of the Scriptures and the messengers.

Hence, the pretentious question for them:

“Could you not, then, use your reason?”

At the end of this very hard and humiliating position, the dreaded sentence continues, given in connotations of reproach and derision:

“This, then, is the hell that you were repeatedly warned against: endure it today for your persistent rejection of the truth.”

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We know that Allah revealed the Quran unto the Prophet Muhammad via the great Angel Gabriel more than 1400 years ago.

At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Humankind has never ever heard about worshipping of Satan.

As far as I know, the first human beings worshiped Satan were the Waldenses, Vallenses or Vaudois. Those are names for a Christian movement, which started in Lyon, France and spread soon to the Cottian Alps in the late 1170s.

In 1179, they gained the attention of the Church and were accused of worshipping Satan.

Hence, the Quran is the first book on the Earth that mention the fact that man one day will worship Satan.

Is this Historical miracle is one of the many miracles of the Quran or what?

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The verses 36:59-64vin different translations:

QARIB:

59-(And he will say): ‘distance yourselves, o sinners, this day.

60-Children of Adam, did I not make a covenant with you, that you should not worship Satan he is surely a clear enemy to you

61-And that you worship me? Surely, that is the straight path.

62-Yet he has led many a host of you astray, did you not understand?

63-This, then is gehenna (hell), that which you were promised.

64-Roast well therein this day for you were unbelievers. ‘

SHAKIR:

59-And get aside today, o guilty ones!

60-did I not charge you, o children of Adam! That you should not serve the Shaitan? Surely, he is your open enemy,

61-And that you should serve me; this is the right way

62-And certainly he led astray numerous people from among you. What! Could you not then understand?

63-This is the hell with which you were threatened

64-Enter into it this day because you disbelieved

PICKTHAL:

59-But avaunt ye, o ye guilty, this day!

60-Did i not charge you, o ye sons of Adam, that ye worship not the devil – lo! He is your open foe! –

61-But that ye worship me? That was the right path.

62-Yet he hath led astray of you a great multitude. Had ye then no sense?

63-This is hell which ye were promised (if ye followed him).

64-Burn therein this day for that ye disbelieved.

YUSUFALI:

59-“And o ye in sin! Get ye apart this day!

60-“Did I not enjoin on you, o ye children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed?-

61-“And that ye should worship me, (for that) this was the straight way?

62-“But he did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did ye not, then, understand?

63-“This is the hell of which ye were (repeatedly) warned!

64-“Embrace ye the (fire) this day, for that ye (persistently) rejected (truth).”

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 (27) Noah’s values vs. their values

Noah presents his message clearly, free of all falsehood. He makes a gentle and friendly description of the truth. In Noah’s presentation, there were no flattery, no attempt to win any favor with anyone at the expense of the message. The Atheists stiffened their attitude became determined not to accept any proof of Noah’s case; they said: Noah! You have argued with us, and argued to excess. Bring upon us that with which you have been threatening us, if you are a truthful man.

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In the previous articles, the Atheists who were the council notables and the respected elders of Noah’s people claim that Noah is just looking for wealth and they said:

  • We will never ever sit with Noah and listen to him unless he drives away those who are the most abject, lowly, and weak and the riffraff among us.
  • Why have such lowly men followed Noah before us?

This was a part of their rotten arguments

They said such nasty statements to testify their unbelieving thoughts

The Atheists’ pride and arrogance are limitless.

In this article, the Atheists continue their stubborn arguments with Noah.

The meanings of the verses 11:31-33

The Atheists demanded that they would never believe Noah unless:

  • Noah tells them that he possess the treasure houses of Allah
  • Noah tells them that he has the keys to Allah’s stores of provision
  • Noah tells them that he has knowledge of the Unseen
  • Noah tells the lowly men who followed him that Allah will not give them any good

However, you know what Noah (they said), we cannot believe in human being, tell your Lord to send us an Angel or to convert you to an Angel

Noah remains unaffected by the false accusations, insolence and blind rejection with which his people have received his message.

He applies his own values and maintains his own standards. He does not make false claims or accusations as they have done. Nor does he try to give himself any false image or impart anything alien to his message.

However, Allah inspired Noah the answers for their rotten arguments.

Peacefully, Noah introduces himself and his message. His presentation is simple, devoid of any ornament and decoration, free of all false standards and values.

Noah reminds them of the true values, looking with contempt on all superficial ones. He renounces all superficiality and states his message as it is, pure and simple, with no false claims. He, who wants it, let him take it, as it is as pure as Allah made it.

Noah said:

I do not say to you that God’s treasures are with me.

I do not claim that I am rich or that I can make any of you rich. “Or that

I know what lies beyond the reach of human perception.

I do not make any claim of any super-human status or

I do not allege that my relationship with Allah exceeds the fact that I am a messenger conveying Allah’s message.

Nor do I say: I am an angel.

I do not claim to have a position, which you think to be higher than that of man, so that I may gain favor or high position from you.

I cannot say to those whom you scorn that Allah will never grant them any good, so that I satisfy your pride or accommodate your standards and values.

Allah knows best what is in their hearts (those whom you scorn).

I have to go by what I see.

To me, they appear deserving of honor and hope that Allah will grant them of His bounty.

If I made such false claims, saying to them that Allah will never grant them any good, I would be unjust

  • I would be unjust to the very truth I have come to convey.
  • I would also be unjust to myself, exposed to Allah’s wrath,
  • I would be unjust to other people to whom I gave a status other than that given them by Allah.

Thus, Noah presents his message clearly, free of all falsehood. He faces them with the clarity and strength of the truth. Meanwhile, he makes a gentle and friendly description of the truth so that they may look it in the face and decide upon their line of action.

In Noah’s presentation, there were no pretense, no flattery, no attempt to win any favor with anyone at the expense of the message and its simple nature.

In this, Noah sets an example for all advocates of the Allah’s message in all generations and provides them with a lesson in how to confront the people of authority with the truth, without any attempt to compromise, or flatter, but with the sort of friendliness, which is not associated with submission.

At this point, it was clear to the notables that they had no chance of winning the argument. They stiffened their attitude, became determined not to accept any proof of Noah’s case, logical and natural as it certainly was.

Then they finally rallied themselves in order to deliver a challenge to Noah. They said:

Noah! You have argued with us, and argued to excess. Bring upon us that with which you have been threatening us, if you are a man of truth.

This is nothing short of deceit, an attempt to cover up their weakness by putting on a display of strength. It is a challenge made in order to mask their dread of the truth’s strength.

Noah, however, remains unaffected by their outright rejection and challenge. He maintains the noble attitude befitting a great prophet. He continues to explain to them the truth and the facts, which they have ignored

He restates the fact that he is only a messenger whose task is to deliver a message. Their punishment is left to Allah who has absolute control over their destiny.

Allah alone decides, at His own discretion, whether it is appropriate to punish them here and now or to delay their punishment until a later date. Allah’s will must happen, as it is and Noah has no power over it.

As a messenger, he has to continue to explain the truth to his people until the last moment. Their rejection and challenge must not deter him from fulfilling his task.

Hence, he says to them:

Only Allah can bring it upon you, if He so wills. You cannot be immune. Nor will my counsel benefit you, much as I desire to give you good counsel, if it is Allah’s will to let you remain in error. He is your Lord and to Him you shall return.

If He will to punish you, none can by no means escape His chastisement.

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The verses 11:31-33 in different translations:

QARIB:

31- I do not say to you that i possess the treasuries of Allah, and i do not know the unseen. I do not say I am an angel, nor do I say to those whom you despise, Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows best what is in their hearts. indeed, if this were so then I would be amongst the harmdoers. ‘

32- They said: ‘o Noah, you have disputed, and disputed too much, with us. bring (down) upon us that which you promised us, if what you say is true! ‘

33- He replied: ‘Allah will bring it (down) upon you if he will; you will never frustrate him.

SHAKIR:

31- And I do not say to you that i have the treasures of Allah and I do not know the unseen, nor do I say that i am an angel, nor do I say about those whom your eyes hold in mean estimation (that) Allah will never grant them (any) good– Allah knows best what is in their souls– for then most surely I should be of the unjust

32- They said: o nuh! indeed you have disputed with us and lengthened dispute with us, therefore bring to us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful ones

33- He said: Allah only will bring it to you if he please, and you will not escape:

PICKTHAL:

31- I say not unto you: “I have the treasures of Allah” nor “I have knowledge of the unseen,” nor say I: “lo! I am an angel!” nor say I unto those whom your eyes scorn that Allah will not give them good – Allah knoweth best what is in their hearts – lo! Then indeed, I should be of the wrong-doers.

32- They said: o Noah! thou hast disputed with us and multiplied disputation with us; now bring upon us that wherewith thou threatenest us, if thou art of the truthful.

33- He said: only Allah will bring it upon you if he will, and ye can by no means escape.

YUSUFALI:

31- “I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet do I say, of those whom your eyes do despise that Allah will not grant them (all) that is good: Allah knoweth best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer.”

32- They said: “o Noah! thou hast disputed with us, and (much) hast thou prolonged the dispute with us: now bring upon us what thou threatenest us with, if thou speakest the truth!?”

33- He said: “truly, Allah will bring it on you if he wills,- and then, ye will not be able to frustrate it!

Atheists in Quran (26) Noah vs. their limitless pride

The Atheists’ pride and arrogance are limitless. In their rotten arguments with Noah, they said nasty statements to testify their unbelieving thoughts. Noah remains unaffected by their false accusations; He applies his own values and maintains his own standards. Noah does not make false claims or accusations as they have done.

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The Atheists’ pride and arrogance are limitless.

The Atheists who were the council, notables, the respected elders and the chieftains of Noah’s people claim that:

  • Noah wants to force us to accept his religion
  • Noah claims his religion and his prophet hood to gain money
  • We will never ever sit with Noah and listen to him unless he drives away those who are the most abject, lowly, and weak and the riffraff among us, who have followed him before us. We commanded Noah to drive them away

This is an example of the Atheists’ Rotten arguments

They said such nasty statements to testify their unbelieving thoughts

Noah remains unaffected by the false accusations, insolence and blind rejection with which his people have received his message.

He applies his own values and maintains his own standards. He does not make false claims or accusations as they have done. Nor does he try to give himself any false image or impart anything alien to his message.

However, Allah inspired Noah the answers for their rotten arguments.

Noah addresses his Atheists people with kindness and friendliness stressing his relationship to them:  O My people

O my people, have you considered if I am acting upon a clear proof from my Lord and He has given me the mercy of prophet hood and it has been obscured from you

Bethink you, if I rely on a clear exposition, which has come down from my Lord

Allah favored me with his mercy that come unto me.  It is the prophet hood and the religion.

  • Can we compel you to it, while you are averse to it?
  • Are we able to force you to accept it, while you are antagonistic to it?
  • can we inspire it or teach it to when you are deniers of it

We are not able to do that.

Noah continued, O my people,

  • I do not ask of you any wealth that you should give me for conveying the Allah’s Message.
  • I ask of you no wealth, no price in exchange for believing in Allah’s divine Oneness.
  • My wage, my reward, falls only upon God
  • I will not drive away those who believe, as you have commanded me.
  • I am not going to thrust away those who believe because of what you say. Lo! they have to meet their Lord and report me to Him,
  • Those believers shall surely meet their Lord, at the Resurrection, and
  • Allah will requite them and exact vengeance for them from those who wronged them, mocked them and drove them away.
  • I see you are a people who are ignorant, of the consequence of your affair.
  • I see you a folk that are ignorant of the command of Allah.

Moreover, Noah said:

O my people, who would help, defend and save me against Allah’s chastisement, if I drive the believers away due to what you say?

There is none to help, defend and save me.

Will you not then remember?

When you admonished by what I say and hence believe?

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Some of the important lessons of this story:

  • I seek no financial gain for my call
  • Noah’s reward rests with none but Allah
  • Noah cannot favor the rich over the poor
  • All people are equal; Allah does not make any distinction based on their wealth, power, race, color, position

Herein, one has to be alert about the relationship between preaching and money.

The true and real relationship between preaching and money is that they are not related.

The true honest genuine preacher never ever asks for money or accept money for his job; he knows that his reward rests with none but God.

Hence, any preacher asks for donation is relying on the money not on the Lord of the universe.

I have to tell you that some kind readers who are interested in my posts keep blaming me that I do not have a donation button to donate my website.

In fact, I do not have any answer but that of the great Prophet Noah: “My reward rests with none but Allah”

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The verses 11:28-30 in different translations:

QARIB:

28-He said: ‘what do you think my nation? If I have a clear proof from my lord and he has given me mercy from him, though it is hidden from you, can we compel you to accept it when you hate it?

29-My nation, for this I do not ask you for your wealth for my wage is only with Allah. Nor will I drive away the believers, for they will surely meet their lord. but, I can see that you are ignorant.

30-Were i to drive you away my nation, who would help me from Allah? Will you not remember?

SHAKIR:

28-He said: o my people! tell me if I have with me clear proof from my lord, and he has granted me mercy from himself and it has been made obscure to you; shall we constrain you to (accept) it while you are averse from it?

29-And, o my people! I ask you not for wealth in return for it; my reward is only with Allah and i am not going to drive away those who believe; surely they shall meet their lord, but i consider you a people who are ignorant:

30-And, o my people! Who will help me against Allah if i drive them away? Will you not then mind?

PICKTHAL:

28-He said: o my people! bethink you, if I rely on a clear proof from my lord and there hath come unto me a mercy from his presence, and it hath been made obscure to you, can we compel you to accept it when ye are averse thereto?

29-And o my people! i ask of you no wealth therefor. my reward is the concern only of Allah, and I am not going to thrust away those who believe – lo! they have to meet their lord! – but I see you a folk that are ignorant.

30-And, o my people! Who would deliver me from Allah if i thrust them away? Will ye not then reflect?

YUSUFALI:

28-He said: “o my people! see ye if (it be that) I have a clear sign from my lord, and that he hath sent mercy unto me from his own presence, but that the mercy hath been obscured from your sight? Shall we compel you to accept it when ye are averse to it?

29-“And o my people! I ask you for no wealth in return: my reward is from none but Allah: but I will not drive away (in contempt) those who believe: for verily they are to meet their lord, and ye i see are the ignorant ones!

30-“And o my people! Who would help me against Allah if I drove them away? Will ye not then take heed?

Atheists in Quran (25) Atheists of Noah vs. Atheists today

All the Prophets sent by Allah to guide humankind to the right path are liars in the eyes of the Atheists. Thousands of years later (after Noah), such standards and values still gain the upper hand in the today Atheists’ mind.

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The verses 11:25-27 of the Noble Quran say:

Verily Allah sent Noah to his people [and he said]: ‘I am a clear warner for you, one whose warning is plain.

I am a warning Messenger who speaks a language you understand that you worship none but Allah; you confess the divine Oneness of none save Allah

Lo! I fear for you, should you worship other than Him, the chastisement of a painful day that is painful in this world and in the Hereafter.

I know that there shall come upon you if you do not believe the retribution of a painful Day, which is drowning.

The Atheists who were the council, notables, the respected elders and the chieftains of Noah’s people said:

  1. We see you but a mortal like us, you eat and drink just as we do eat and drink
  2. You have no merit over us, for which you would deserve our following you
  3. We see that your followers are but the vilest among us
  4. Those who follow you are the riffraff among us, such as the weavers and the shoemakers
  5. Those who follow you are the most abject, the lowly and the weak among us
  6. Those who follow you are impulsively without thinking; their bad judgment lead them to believe in you.
  7. Nay, we deem you liars with regard to your claim to be bringing a Message

The Atheists among Noah’s people apply here the erroneous standards that make

  • Honor = wealth,
  • Understanding = influence
  • Position = bank balance
  • Knowledge = power.

Thousands of years later, such standards and values still gain the upper hand in the today Atheists’ mind

Finally, they accused Noah as a Liar.

The same happened to the entire prophets from Noah to Muhammad.

All the Prophets sent by Allah to guide humankind to the right path are liars in the eyes of the Atheists.

This is the attitude of people who have full pockets but empty hearts and minds.

Their pride and arrogance are limitless.

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The verses 11:25-27 in different translations:

QARIB:

25-We sent Noah to his nation. (he said:) ‘i am a warner for you, and a bearer of glad tidings.

26-Worship none except Allah. i fear for you the punishment of a painful day. ‘

27-The unbelieving council of his nation said: ‘we do not see you other than a human like ourselves. we see your followers are none but the lowliest amongst us, and their opinion is not to be considered. we do not see you superior to us, rather, we consider you liars. ‘

SHAKIR:

25-And certainly we sent nuh to his people: surely i am a plain warner for you:

26-That you shall not serve any but Allah، surely i fear for you the punishment of a painful day

27-But the chiefs of those who disbelieved from among his people said: we do not consider you but a mortal like ourselves, and we do not see any have followed you but those who are the meanest of us at first thought and we do not see in you any excellence over us; nay, we deem you liars

PICKTHAL:

25-And we sent Noah unto his folk (and he said): lo! i am a plain warner unto you.

26-That ye serve none، save Allah. Lo! I fear for you the retribution of a painful day.

27-The chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: we see thee but a mortal like us, and we see not that any follow thee save the most abject among us, without reflection. we behold in you no merit above us – nay, we deem you liars.

YUSUFALI:

25-We sent Noah to his people (with a mission): “I have come to you with a clear warning:

26-“That ye serve none but Allah: verily I do fear for you the penalty of a grievous day.”

27-But the chiefs of the unbelievers among his people said: “we see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves: nor do we see that any follow thee but the meanest among us, in judgment immature: nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us: in fact we thing ye are liars!”

Atheists in Quran (20) their limited scope

The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe (because of their abject poverty for example).

However, those who believe shall be above them on the Day of Resurrection; and Allah sustains whomever He will without reckoning.

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Allah bestows His abundance without measures on whom He will.

Allah’s favors in this world seem unequal, and sometimes those get them who seem to deserve them least.

The verse 2:212 contrasts believers and Atheists, and the difference in their outlook.

This life, with its ephemeral interests and enjoyments, is all that the unbelievers know and aspire to. They are unable to see beyond the here-and now.

They know of no greater values or aspirations other than those of life on this earth.

Consequently, their scope is limited and they are underprivileged of the higher understanding and greater reward experienced by believers.

A believer seeks more from life than mere material or sensual enjoyment.

Believers look beyond their selfish egotistic needs and desires.

From the point of view of a person who only thinks of this life’s concerns and worldly affairs, that might seem strange or even ludicrous.

Hence, it may induce scorn and derision from unbelievers.

However, what justification could there be for such a reaction?

The unbelievers’ opinion is erroneous and utterly false. It is the view of unbelief and ignorance.

The true measure is that of Allah.

Allah said:

“Those who fear Allah shall be above them in rank on the Day of Resurrection”.

Believers should uphold their faith and disregard the mockery and scorn of the unbelievers.

Believers have Allah’s word that they shall occupy a higher position than the unbelievers shall on the Day of Resurrection,

That shall be the final Judgment.

What Allah has in store for believers is far better and far more favorable.

Allah will reward the believers in abundance as He wish and as He will here either in this life or in the Afterlife.

 “Allah grants sustenance to whom He wills beyond all reckoning.”

Allah is the gracious giver who gives directly, generously and with no restriction.

Allah’s bounty in unlimited to the just as well as the unjust in the life of this world.

In His wisdom, He may give to whomsoever He pleases.

However, the account is not taken in the life of this world, but will be taken in the end of man’s journey, when the balance will be redressed at the Day of Judgment.

In His infinite wisdom, He may give to those who do not believe much of the comforts and allurements of this world.

What He grants them is not based on any merit they may have. He also gives to the believers whatever He chooses to grant them both in this life and in the life to come. He is the sole benefactor and His choice is right, wise and most durable.

The two types of human being — believers who take their guidance and advice from Allah, and others for whom this life is the be-all and end-all, can be found in every age and every generation.

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The verse 2:212 in different translations:

QARIB:

For those who disbelieve, the worldly life is decked with all manner of decorations. They scoff at those who believe, but the cautious shall be above them on the day of resurrection. Allah gives without count to whom he will.

SHAKIR:

The life of this world is made to seem fair to those who disbelieve, and they mock those who believe, and those who guard (against evil) shall be above them on the day of resurrection; and Allah gives means of subsistence to whom he pleases without measure

PICKTHAL:

Beautified is the life of the world for those who disbelieve; they make a jest of the believers. But those who keep their duty to Allah will be above them on the day of resurrection. Allah giveth without stint to whom he will.

YUSUFALI:

The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the day of resurrection; for Allah bestows his abundance without measure on whom he will.

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!