Surah Al-A’raf – Ayah No. 94 – 102

Surah Al-A’raf – Ayah # 94 – 102 (7:94 – 7:102)

A.   TRANSLATION

٩٤  وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِي قَرْيَةٍ مِنْ نَبِيٍّ إِلَّا أَخَذْنَا أَهْلَهَا بِالْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَضَّرَّعُونَ

[Quran 7:94] And what Arsalna (أَرْسَلْنَا) in Qaryatin (قَرْيَةٍ) from Nabiyin (نَبِيٍّ) except Akhazna (أَخَذْنَا) its Ahal (أَهْلَهَا) with Ba’saa (بِالْبَأْسَاءِ) and the Zarra’a (وَالضَّرَّاءِ) La’lahum (لَعَلَّهُمْ) they Yazara’un (يَضَّرَّعُونَ).

 

٩٥  ثُمَّ بَدَّلْنَا مَكَانَ السَّيِّئَةِ الْحَسَنَةَ حَتَّىٰ عَفَوْا وَقَالُوا قَدْ مَسَّ آبَاءَنَا الضَّرَّاءُ وَالسَّرَّاءُ فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

[Quran 7:95] Then Badalna (بَدَّلْنَا) Makana (مَكَانَ) the Sayyate (السَّيِّئَةِ) the Hasanat (الْحَسَنَةَ) until A’fawa (عَفَوْا) and Qaalu (وَقَالُوا), ‘Certainly, Massa (مَسَّ) Abau’na (آبَاءَنَا) the Zarra’a (الضَّرَّاءُ) and the Sarra’a (وَالسَّرَّاءُ). Then Akhaztuhum (فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ) them Baghtatan (بَغْتَةً) and they did not Yasha’run (يَشْعُرُونَ).’

 

٩٦  وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَىٰ آمَنُوا وَاتَّقَوْا لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ بَرَكَاتٍ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِنْ كَذَّبُوا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

[Quran 7:96] And if indeed, Ahla (أَهْلَ) the Qara’a (الْقُرَىٰ) Amanu (آمَنُوا) and Attaqu (وَاتَّقَوْا), so that to Fatahna (لَفَتَحْنَا) upon them Barakaate (بَرَكَاتٍ) from the Sama’a (السَّمَاءِ) and the Arde (وَالْأَرْضِ) but Kazabu (كَذَّبُوا), so Akhaznahum (فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ) them with what Kanu (كَانُوا) they Yaksabun (يَكْسِبُونَ).

 

٩٧  أَفَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ الْقُرَىٰ أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا بَيَاتًا وَهُمْ نَائِمُونَ

[Quran 7:97] Or did then Amana (أَفَأَمِنَ) Ahle (أَهْلُ) the Qura’a (الْقُرَىٰ) that comes to them Ba’asuna (بَأْسُنَا) Bayatan (بَيَاتًا) and they Na’emun (نَائِمُونَ)?

 

٩٨  أَوَأَمِنَ أَهْلُ الْقُرَىٰ أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا ضُحًى وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ

[Quran 7:98] Or did Amana (أَوَأَمِنَ) Ahle (أَهْلُ) the Qura’a (الْقُرَىٰ) that comes to Ba’asuna (بَأْسُنَا) Zuhan (ضُحًى) and they Yala’bun (يَلْعَبُونَ)?

 

٩٩  أَفَأَمِنُوا مَكْرَ اللَّهِ ۚ فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ

[Quran 7:99] Did Amanu (أَفَأَمِنُوا) Makra (مَكْرَ) Allah. Then not they Yamanu (يَأْمَنُ) Makra (مَكْرَ) Allah except the Quomu (الْقَوْمُ) the Khaaserun (الْخَاسِرُونَ).

 

١٠٠  أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ الْأَرْضَ مِنْ بَعْدِ أَهْلِهَا أَنْ لَوْ نَشَاءُ أَصَبْنَاهُمْ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ ۚ وَنَطْبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ

[Quran 7:100] Is it not Yahde (يَهْدِ) to those Yars’una (يَرِثُونَ) the Arde (الْأَرْضَ) from after its Ahaleha (أَهْلِهَا) that not Nasha’a (شَاءُ) As’abnahum (أَصَبْنَاهُمْ) them with their Zunubuhum (بِذُنُوبِهِمْ) and Nut’ba’u (وَنَطْبَعُ) A’ala (عَلَىٰ) their Quloob (قُلُوبِهِمْ) then they not Yasma’un (يَسْمَعُونَ)?

 

١٠١  تِلْكَ الْقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنْبَائِهَا ۚ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُمْ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَمَا كَانُوا لِيُؤْمِنُوا بِمَا كَذَّبُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ الْكَافِرِينَ

[Quran 7:101] These the Qura’a (الْقُرَىٰ)- Nuqus’u (نَقُصُّ) upon you of their Anbaha (أَنْبَائِهَا). And certainly Ja’athum (جَاءَتْهُمْ) their Rusuluhum (رُسُلُهُمْ) with Bayyinaat (بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ) then what kaanu (كَانُوا) so that they Yumenu (لِيُؤْمِنُوا) with what Kazabu (كَذَّبُوا) from before. Thus, they Yat’ba’u (يَطْبَعُ) Allah A’ala (عَلَىٰ) Quluub (قُلُوبِ) of the Kaafireen (الْكَافِرِينَ).

 

١٠٢  وَمَا وَجَدْنَا لِأَكْثَرِهِمْ مِنْ عَهْدٍ ۖ وَإِنْ وَجَدْنَا أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَفَاسِقِينَ

[Quran 7:102] And what Wajadna (وَجَدْنَا) so that Aks’arehum (لِأَكْثَرِهِمْ) them from A’ahedin (عَهْدٍ). And indeed Wajadna (وَجَدْنَا) Aks’arhum (أَكْثَرَهُمْ) to Faasiqueen (لَفَاسِقِينَ).

 

B.   THE CONCEPT:

 

THE CONTEXT

The earlier Ayahs of Surah Al-A’raf discuss the endeavors of Rasool of Quom-e- Nuh, Quom-e- Aad, Quom-e- S’amuud, Quom-e-Lut and Quom-e-Madyan to establish and strengthen their nations¸ through which we learned the Acts, Ways and Methods of doing things of these nations were based on people attributing their opinions and statements as if they were from Allah’s kalam. This led to animosity, discord, and division in society. They used the same system of Allah’s laws to make people adapt and become accustomed to their own ways. All these messengers who were sent to them, aimed to put trust in Allah, as Allah provides understanding, wisdom, and the truth and aimed to convince their nations that those who establish and strengthen with absolute truth and justice, upholding their duties and responsibilities, receive the greatest blessings from Allah, as Allah is the best source for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of all mysteries.

 

Endeavors of their Rasool- The main endeavors of all these messengers were to convince their nations to follow the laws of Allah in complete obedience and prove that taking up deities from besides Allah’s is not beneficial to them; to deliver Allah’s message and guidance, and to convince their nations to abide by the terms of contract with Allah and be upholders of justice. Learning from previous nation’s stories, all these nations were reminded that they should be aware of how people reach their final destinations and the consequences of their actions.

 

The two Groups and The Recompense- All these messengers aimed to convince their nation about perfect recompense and the importance of choosing between two groups: those who use their intellect to seek knowledge, uphold oaths, and are peaceful with others, or those who do not use their intellect and are not. The recompense depends on these behaviors and actions. To achieve this, individuals must remain steadfast, persistent, and strive for Allah’s guidance, as Allah is the best maker and issuer of decrees, rules, laws, verdicts, wisdom, and regulations. However, those who create disorder or imbalance, disrupt law and order, and create lawlessness and destruction will face their perfect recompense of destruction and sufferings sooner or later.

 

Response received by the messengers: Invariably, the elite, arrogant members of these nations united to cast out their Rasool and those with him. Their goal was to either remove them from their communities or force them to conform to their predetermined ways and methods. They joined together their efforts to offer fierce opposition and rebelliousness to their Rasool.

 

The Result of These Nations: have been varied for instance, the nation of Madyan faced an earthquake-like situation due to their actions and consequences, aiming to enlighten them and bring them out of darkness. Some change their position, stage, mindset, and behaviors, while those who denied and rejected their Rasool- Shuaib’s teachings became dependent and needy, resulting in them becoming losers in both worlds. Rasool Shuaib of Quom-e-Madyam successfully turned those who changed their ways, away from their Millat by delivering Allah’s message and ensuring Allah’s guidance reaches them. However, other nations such as nation of Lut, faced devastation and destruction due to them becoming set in their ways.

 

CONCEPT OF THESE AYAHS

Ayah 7:94, “And what Arsalna (أَرْسَلْنَا) in Qaryatin (قَرْيَةٍ) from Nabiyin (نَبِيٍّ) except Akhazna (أَخَذْنَا) its Ahal (أَهْلَهَا) with Ba’saa (بِالْبَأْسَاءِ) and the Zarra’a (وَالضَّرَّاءِ) La’lahum (لَعَلَّهُمْ) they Yazara’un (يَضَّرَّعُونَ).”

 

And what have sent Allah’s Message to all (أَرْسَلْنَا) in their residences, abode, establishment, and communities (قَرْيَةٍ) from any of the beings who were appointed to deliver Allah’s message and Naboa’at (نَبِيٍّ) except seized and grabbed hold strongly (أَخَذْنَا) its owners and responsible ones (أَهْلَهَا) with earning or facing extreme difficulty, hardship, or sufferings as consequences of own actions (بِالْبَأْسَاءِ) and the intense harm, hurt and injury (وَالضَّرَّاءِ) sustained, persistent, continuous, unrelenting, perpetual and uninterrupted state of being (لَعَلَّهُمْ) having the same source, occurring together in time or space and having much in common (يَضَّرَّعُونَ).

 

After narrating us the stories of previous nations, these ayahs are highlighting the reasons, timings, and practice of Allah’s appointment of Allah’s nabiy and sending of Allah’s message. Allah’s message is sent to every part of the world at one point of time or another, but this Ayah describes the exact circumstances which lead to Allah sending the Nabo’at and Risaalat. Thus, at such point of time when any community or establishment is been seized and gotten under the impacts of intense harm, hurt and injuries as a result of people facing extreme difficulties, hardships and sufferings as consequences of their own actions which have become sustained, persistent, continuous, unrelenting, perpetual and uninterrupted state of their beings and when the source of all this is the same, all of this occurring together in time or space and having much in common; it is at that point of time that Allah sent Allah’s Message to such community and establishment. This message is sent is delivered through appointment of such human beings who are appointed as Allah’s Nabiy, the receiver and the deliverer of Allah’s message and Naboa’at.

 

 

Ayah 7:95, “Then Badalna (بَدَّلْنَا) Makana (مَكَانَ) the Sayyate (السَّيِّئَةِ) the Hasanat (الْحَسَنَةَ) until A’fawa (عَفَوْا) and Qaalu (وَقَالُوا), ‘Certainly, Massa (مَسَّ) Abau’na (آبَاءَنَا) the Zarra’a (الضَّرَّاءُ) and the Sarra’a (وَالسَّرَّاءُ). Then Akhaztuhum (فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ) them Baghtatan (بَغْتَةً) and they did not Yasha’run (يَشْعُرُونَ).”

 

Then replaced and switched (بَدَّلْنَا) their basic purpose, roles, position, functions, responsibilities, tasks and standing (مَكَانَ) of such acts, sayings and deeds that are unpleasant and uncomfortable not just physically to people’s eyes but feels bad and unpleasant to their whole being; that create Fasaad, imbalance and destruction causing disbalance in the society, community as a whole; that involves making such trade or transactions, with a focus of selfish interests and egoistic desires through deceit and destruction for others , aiming to earn wealth and money at the cost of others; that are reflective of worst behavior towards others, not giving them respect, honor, dignity, justice or suppressing their due rights- basically all such deed, actions or sayings, which are at, such a worst level that, if known, would be extremely embarrassing and shameful for those committing such deeds or saying such words (السَّيِّئَةِ) the such behaviors and conducts that are best of the best, given/received more than other’s Haqq- due right as Inaam- with no expectations in return and are the most desirable, most pleasing to those these are being done/said to, not just to their eyes but to their whole being (الْحَسَنَةَ) until given generously and freely, more than people’s Haqq- due right (عَفَوْا) and reflected from their conducts and speech that (وَقَالُوا), ‘Certainly, was in grindstone, sharpener, grinding machine, razor sharp grinding, as well as having lived a long life being involved in acts so that these people have advanced in those conducts, having matured or lived a long life as advanced in years, old, senior, antique, or aged etc. thus they had faced the grinding and sharp impacts, and being influenced by it for an advanced period, state, or level in it (مَسَّ) what has been inherited by us and practiced by our forefathers (آبَاءَنَا) the intense harm, hurt and injury (الضَّرَّاءُ) and the happiness, ease or comfort; as well as got into their comfort zone, or ease and luxury, with no concept of hard work, struggle or efforts (وَالسَّرَّاءُ). Then seized, grabbed hold strongly (فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ) them with immersed in, engulfed in and being surrounded by all sides in it (بَغْتَةً) and they did not understand, did not perceive enough to come to know, get the knowledge of or arrive at the conclusion, since they did not use their cognitive and intellectual abilities (يَشْعُرُونَ).’

 

After describing the timings and reasons when Allah sent Allah’s message through the appointment of Allah’s Nabiy, this Ayah explains the reaction of those who responds to Allah’s message. Thus, those who paid attention to Allah’s message, they managed to replace and switch their situations. While earlier they used to be involved in such acts, sayings and deeds that are unpleasant and uncomfortable not just physically to people’s eyes but bad and unpleasant to their whole being; that created Fasaad, imbalance and destruction causing disbalance in the society, communities that they lived in, as a whole; that involved making trade and transactions, with a focus of selfish interests and egoistic desires through deceit and destruction for others, aiming to earn wealth and money at the cost of others; that were reflective of worst behavior towards others, not giving them respect, honor, dignity, justice or suppressing their due rights- basically all such deed, actions or sayings, which were at, such a worst level that, if known, would have been extremely embarrassing and shameful for them. But now, after paying attention and getting influenced by Allah’s managed, they switched this earlier situation and acts by making it their mission, life’s objective, endeavors, and mandate to conduct their behaviors with generous disposition, more than people’s due right by carrying out such acts that are best of the best, given as Inaam- with no expectations in return and are the most desirable and pleasing to others.

 

After having switched their situations, these people reflected not just through their speech but also their conducts, that they were indeed in a state of grinding, sharp punishments based on these acts that they have inherited from their forefathers’ generations after generations which had become matured and advanced for their communities. They would realize that these acts have caused intense harm, hurt and injury, because of the dual nature of their forefathers who on one hand became comfortable in their ease, comfort, and luxury, with no concept of hard work, struggle, or efforts and on the other hand have kept these evil acts of themselves as secrets and behind closed doors since if brought to light would result in extreme embarrassment and shame for them. They would realize that it was because of these conducts and behaviors of their forefathers and what these communities have inherited that they were seized, immersed, engulfed in and surrounded by all sides in situation of blind following, wherein they did not understand, did not perceive enough to come to know, did not get the knowledge of anything, since they did not use their cognitive and intellectual abilities but simply blindly follow these customs, traditions, rituals, ways and methods.

 

Ayah 7:96, “And if indeed, Ahla (أَهْلَ) the Qara’a (الْقُرَىٰ) Amanu (آمَنُوا) and Attaqu (وَاتَّقَوْا), so that to Fatahna (لَفَتَحْنَا) upon them Barakaate (بَرَكَاتٍ) from the Sama’a (السَّمَاءِ) and the Arde (وَالْأَرْضِ) but Kazabu (كَذَّبُوا), so Akhaznahum (فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ) them with what Kanu (كَانُوا) they Yaksabun (يَكْسِبُونَ).”

 

And if indeed, its owners and responsible ones (أَهْلَ) the residences, abode, establishment, and communities (الْقُرَىٰ) use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah (آمَنُوا) and observe Taqwa by being extra careful and cautious of following the laws of Allah (وَاتَّقَوْا), so that to be given the understanding, the wisdom, the truth, in terms of getting exposed to Haqq, by getting the clarification, solving of mystery and understanding of Allah’s wisdom (لَفَتَحْنَا) upon them the increase, abundance, prosperity, blessing; good fortune, auspiciousness; inherent prosperity which produces success and abundance (بَرَكَاتٍ) from the specific environment, situations, influences and surroundings as well as anything that does not belong to the planet earth such as skies, galaxies, planets, moon, stars etc. (السَّمَاءِ) and the planet earth and all its surroundings (وَالْأَرْضِ) but denied, rejected, made fun of, ridiculed it and took it as a joke (كَذَّبُوا), so seized, grabbed hold strongly (فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ) them with what they aimed to reach the destination through their conducts (كَانُوا) they brought upon themselves by absorbing and retaining within themselves the impacts, in order to face the consequences of their actions (يَكْسِبُونَ).

 

After describing, how those people have switched their situations who paid attention to Allah’s message, this ayah is the continuation of their speech and conducts reflective of what they were, what and how things have changed for them.  Thus, when people who were part of these communities, used their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah and observed Taqwa by being extra careful and cautious of following the laws of Allah as communicated to them through Allah’s message and Allah’s Nabiyeen, they were given the understanding, the wisdom, the truth, in terms of getting exposed to absolute truth, their duties and responsibilities and absolute justice. This is how by getting the clarification, and understanding of Allah’s wisdom, they witnessed upon them the increase, abundance, prosperity, blessing; good fortune, auspiciousness; inherent prosperity which produced success and abundance for them from their specific environments, situations, influences, and surroundings with the help of Allah’s message that came to them from outside of the planet earth. But unlike these people who managed to switched their situations to become beneficiaries of success and abundance by paying attention to Allah’s message and by following the laws of Allah, most of the humanity denied, rejected, made fun of, ridiculed Allah’s message and took it as a joke. Thus, they were seized by devastation and destruction that they brought upon themselves by absorbing and retaining within themselves the impacts, in order to face the consequences of their own actions.

 

 

Ayah 7:97, “Or did then Amana (أَفَأَمِنَ) Ahle (أَهْلُ) the Qura’a (الْقُرَىٰ) that comes to them Ba’asuna (بَأْسُنَا) Bayatan (بَيَاتًا) and they Na’emun (نَائِمُونَ)?”

 

Or did then use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah (أَفَأَمِنَ) its owners and responsible ones (أَهْلُ) the residences, abode, establishment, and communities (الْقُرَىٰ) that comes to them with earning or facing extreme difficulty, hardship, or sufferings as consequences of own actions (بَأْسُنَا) people’s homes, not in the physical sense, but metaphorically where they have peace of mind based on their practices, laws and customs they follows (بَيَاتًا) and they were as opposed to Sha’ur, those who were not using their intellect and cognitive abilities, not thinking, blindly following their customs and traditions, without thinking, and simply following these norms, traditions and rituals without thinking (نَائِمُونَ)?

 

After describing the fact that everyone faces the consequences of their actions sooner or later, this Ayah and onwards are set of thought- provoking questions – Thus, this Ayah is asking, did the people of these communities really use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah, that has brought to fruition upon them this resulting situation of their homes (not in the physical sense, but metaphorically where they had peace of mind based on their practices, laws and customs they follows) facing extreme difficulties, hardships, and sufferings? How can this be the consequences of their actions, had they used their intellect and sought knowledge to be at a state of utter conviction with Allah. The reality was that they were acting as opposed to those with Sha’ur. They were the ones who were not using their intellect and cognitive abilities, not thinking, blindly following their customs and traditions, without thinking, and simply following these norms, traditions, and rituals without using their god given intellect and reasoning.

 

Ayah 7:98, “Or did Amana (أَوَأَمِنَ) Ahle (أَهْلُ) the Qura’a (الْقُرَىٰ) that comes to Ba’asuna (بَأْسُنَا) Zuhan (ضُحًى) and they Yala’bun (يَلْعَبُونَ)?”

 

Or did they use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah (أَوَأَمِنَ) its owners and responsible ones (أَهْلُ) the residences, abode, establishment, and communities (الْقُرَىٰ) that comes to with earning or facing extreme difficulty, hardship, or sufferings as consequences of own actions (بَأْسُنَا) they bargained away Allah’s Message and Guidance, their duties and responsibilities and traded away in exchange (ضُحًى) and they were wasting time, dilly- dallying with, fooling with, playing with, and tampering with Allah’s Message (يَلْعَبُونَ)?

 

Another thought-provoking question is that ‘Did the people of these communities really use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah that they bargained away Allah’s Message and Guidance, their duties and responsibilities and traded away in exchange to ensure that comes to them this situation of facing extreme difficulties, hardships, and sufferings as consequences of their own actions? The reality was that they were just wasting time, dilly- dallying with, fooling with, playing with, and tampering with Allah’s Message.

 

 

Ayah 7:99, “Did Amanu (أَفَأَمِنُوا) Makra (مَكْرَ) Allah. Then not they Yamanu (يَأْمَنُ) Makra (مَكْرَ) Allah except the Quomu (الْقَوْمُ) the Khaaserun (الْخَاسِرُونَ).”

 

Did they use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah (أَفَأَمِنُوا) plan, scheme, preparation, and plot of (مَكْرَ) Allah. Then not they use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah (يَأْمَنُ) plan, scheme, preparation, and plot of (مَكْرَ) Allah except to establish and strengthen the acts and people who (الْقَوْمُ) have lost their Nafs-e-Mut’mainna by making it weak and fragile, by not paying attention to it and have strengthened their Nafs-e-Ammara, as a result of which they also weakened and suppressed those who are dependent upon them as their Ahel-their dependents, as acts of Zulm- thus being losers in both the worlds (الْخَاسِرُونَ).

 

Another thought-provoking question is that ‘Did the people of these communities really use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah’s plan, scheme, preparation, and plot? But the reality was that they used their intellect, human faculties, Ayaat of Allah, the plan, scheme, preparation, and system of Allah in order to establish and strengthen the acts and people who have lost their Nafs-e-Mut’mainna by making it weak and fragile, by not paying attention to it and have strengthened their Nafs-e-Ammara, as a result of which they also weakened and suppressed those who are dependent upon them as their Ahel-their dependents, as acts of Zulm- thus being losers in both the worlds.

 

Ayah 7:100, “Is it not Yahde (يَهْدِ) to those Yars’una (يَرِثُونَ) the Arde (الْأَرْضَ) from after its Ahaleha (أَهْلِهَا) that not Nasha’a (شَاءُ) As’abnahum (أَصَبْنَاهُمْ) them with their Zunubuhum (بِذُنُوبِهِمْ) and Nut’ba’u (وَنَطْبَعُ) A’ala (عَلَىٰ) their Quloob (قُلُوبِهِمْ) then they not Yasma’un (يَسْمَعُونَ)?”

 

Is it not that guides (يَهْدِ) to those commiserate, to feel, show, express or act upon empathy, compassion, sympathy, sorrow or grief for (يَرِثُونَ) the planet earth and those belonging to the planet earth (الْأَرْضَ) from after those who are the caretakers of it (أَهْلِهَا) that it is not as per and according to the set of laws as originated and set in motion by Allah, as per the system of Allah, that are unchangeable (شَاءُ) surrounded by adversity, catastrophe, tragedy, failure, calamity, disaster or misfortune in any manner, shape or form (أَصَبْنَاهُمْ) them with their intense impacts of sufferings, anguishes, distresses, or miseries caused by their acts of Zulm & injustices (بِذُنُوبِهِمْ) and since they have continued to ignore their own conscience and continue their transgressions, their conscience is not able to wake or shake them up anymore. As a result, they get satisfied with their continuously done bad deeds and acts of kufar, with no voice or hearing from their own conscience, because of which for such people there is no hope of any return. Since their faculties are not working any more, therefore they will not listen, observe, pay attention, see, use any of their faculties, think, understand, or get knowledge but will remain as transgressors and tyrants. For them their Quloob- intentional acts have been confirmed as part of their nature (وَنَطْبَعُ) up to its maximum and height (عَلَىٰ) their intentional decision making and acts (قُلُوبِهِمْ) then they do not perceive carefully by giving undivided attention and focus with the basic aim to follow and practically apply whatever is being perceived (يَسْمَعُونَ)?

 

This is again one of the thought-provoking questions, this time asking about our image of Allah and expectations from the divine that “Is it even possible that Allah does not guide those who commiserate, who feel, show, express or act upon compassion, sympathy, sorrow, grief, or empathy for the planet earth and those belonging to the planet earth from after those who are the caretakers of it, are not able to do so? This is an established fact that people being surrounded by adversity, catastrophe, tragedy, failure, calamity, disaster or misfortune in any manner, shape or form is not the aim or the desired result of or according to the set of laws as originated and set in motion by Allah, Allah’s system, or any of these laws of Allah that are unchangeable. These hardships, adversities and sufferings are the intense impacts of sufferings, anguishes, distresses, and miseries caused by people’s acts of Zulm & injustices towards others. Since people commit these acts only after they have continued to ignore their own conscience and continue their transgressions, their conscience is not able to wake or shake them up anymore. As a result, they get satisfied with their continuously done bad deeds and acts of kufar, with no voice or hearing from their own conscience, because of which for such people there is no hope of any return. Since their faculties are not working any more, therefore they will not listen, observe, pay attention, see, use any of their faculties, think, understand, or get knowledge but will remain as transgressors and tyrants. For them their Quloob- intentional acts have been confirmed as part of their nature and thus, no matter the efforts of Allah’s messengers, nabiyeen, the Ayaat of Allah and Allah’s message being all around them, they do not perceive and they have no intention of following and practically applying Allah’s message.

 

Ayah 7:101, “These the Qura’a (الْقُرَىٰ)- Nuqus’u (نَقُصُّ) upon you of their Anbaha (أَنْبَائِهَا). And certainly Ja’athum (جَاءَتْهُمْ) their Rusuluhum (رُسُلُهُمْ) with Bayyinaat (بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ) then what kaanu (كَانُوا) so that they Yumenu (لِيُؤْمِنُوا) with what Kazabu (كَذَّبُوا) from before. Thus, they Yat’ba’u (يَطْبَعُ) Allah A’ala (عَلَىٰ) Quluub (قُلُوبِ) of the Kaafireen (الْكَافِرِينَ).”

 

These the residences, abode, establishment, and communities (الْقُرَىٰ)- deficiency, loss, inadequacy, absence, shortage, and scarcity (نَقُصُّ) upon you of what has been sent to them as news, Allah’s message and Naboa’t (أَنْبَائِهَا). And certainly, brought to fruition (جَاءَتْهُمْ) their messengers (رُسُلُهُمْ) with clear and distinct proofs, distinctly identifying the path of Allah from the wrong one (بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ) then what they aimed to reach the destination through their conducts (كَانُوا) so that they use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction (لِيُؤْمِنُوا) with what denied, rejected, made fun of, ridicule and took as a joke (كَذَّبُوا) from before. Thus, since they have continued to ignore their own conscience and continue their transgressions, their conscience is not able to wake or shake them up anymore. As a result, they get satisfied with their continuously done bad deeds and acts of kufar, with no voice or hearing from their own conscience, because of which for such people there is no hope of any return. Since their faculties are not working any more, therefore they will not listen, observe, pay attention, see, use any of their faculties, think, understand, or get knowledge but will remain as transgressors and tyrants. For them their Quloob- intentional acts have been confirmed as part of their nature (يَطْبَعُ) Allah maximum and height of (عَلَىٰ) intentional decision making and acts (قُلُوبِ) of those who do not use and conceal their own intellect and Allah’s Ayat in order to conceal, deny and reject Allah’s message and become proud arrogant instead of grateful beings (الْكَافِرِينَ).

 

Therefore, the people of these communities, would always be in a state of deficiency, loss, inadequacy, absence, shortage, and scarcity, because their approach towards what has been sent to them as Allah’s message and Naboa’t and what has been brought to fruition upon them through their messengers with clear and distinct proofs from Allah, distinctly identifying the path of Allah from the wrong one; has always been to use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction, not with Allah’s message but instead with what has been denied, rejected, made fun of, ridiculed and taken as a joke from before. Since they have continued to ignore their own conscience and continued their transgressions, their conscience had not able to wake or shake them up anymore. As a result, they got satisfied with their continuously done bad deeds and acts of kufar, with no voice or hearing from their own conscience, because of which for such people there was no hope of any return. Since their faculties were not working any more, therefore they could not listen, observe, pay attention, see, use any of their faculties, think, understand, or get knowledge but remained as transgressors and tyrants. For them these intentional acts of them have been confirmed as part of their nature and thus, they through their conducts, they went far extreme in Kufar, and became among those who do not use and conceal their own intellect and Allah’s Ayat in order to conceal, deny and reject Allah’s message and become proud arrogant instead of grateful beings.

 

Ayah 7:102, “And what Wajadna (وَجَدْنَا) so that Aks’arehum (لِأَكْثَرِهِمْ) them from A’ahedin (عَهْدٍ). And indeed Wajadna (وَجَدْنَا) Aks’arhum (أَكْثَرَهُمْ) to Faasiqueen (لَفَاسِقِينَ).”

 

And what replaced and switched all of them (وَجَدْنَا) so that most of them to a great extent (لِأَكْثَرِهِمْ) from their duties and responsibilities as defined as per their covenant with Allah (عَهْدٍ). And indeed, replaced and switched (وَجَدْنَا) most of them to a great extent (أَكْثَرَهُمْ) as defiantly disobedient and non-compliant ones, who cross the boundaries of the Allah’s rules and laws and thus would remain malnourished and underdeveloped by not being able to benefit from the blessings and impacts of Deen (لَفَاسِقِينَ).

 

Thus, instead of paying attention to Allah’s message, of becoming upholders of their covenants with Allah, to take care of and abide by their duties and responsibilities, most of these people switched and replaced Allah’s message and the benefits thereof with being defiantly disobedient and non-compliant ones, who crossed the boundaries of the Allah’s rules and laws and thus would remain malnourished and underdeveloped by not being able to benefit from the blessings and impacts of Deen.

 

C.    LESSONS AS PER THESE AYAHS:

These Ayahs of Surah Al-A’raf i.e., 7:94 to 102, give us the following lessons.

• THE TIMINGS AND THE REASONS OF ALLAH SENDING NABIY & ALLAH’S MESSAGE: The Ayahs discuss the reasons, timings, and practice of Allah’s appointment of nabiy and sending of Allah’s message. They describe the circumstances leading to the Nabo’at and Risaalat, which are sent to communities or establishments when they have reached a certain stage. When a community or establishment experiences intense harm, hurt, and injuries due to people facing extreme difficulties, hardships, and sufferings due to their actions, Allah sends His Message to address these issues. These events are common and consistent, and Allah’s message is delivered through the appointment of nabiy, who are the receiver and deliverer of the message.

 

• THOSE WHO RESPOND TO ALLAH’S MESSAGE: Those who responded shifted their situations. They replaced unpleasant acts, such as causing Fasaad, imbalance, and destruction in society, whereas earlier they used to focus on selfish interests and egoistic desires, aiming to earn wealth and money at the expense of others. They now made their mission to conduct behaviors with generosity, focusing on the best of the best, given as Inaam, with no expectations in return and being desirable and pleasing to others. People who paid attention to Allah’s message and followed the laws of Allah experienced increased success and abundance. By paying attention to Allah’s message and following the laws, they were given the wisdom and truth, leading to good fortune, auspiciousness, and inherent prosperity.

 

• THOSE WHO ARE IN GRINDING PUNISHMENT DUE TO BLIND FOLLOWING OF THEIR TRADITIONS: Most humanity denied, rejected, and ridiculed Allah’s message, causing devastation and destruction. By absorbing and retaining the impacts of their actions, they faced the consequences of their actions and thus, people in their communities are in a state of grinding punishments due to inherited acts from their forefathers. These acts cause intense harm and hurt, as their forefathers became comfortable in their luxury and kept evil acts hidden. This has led to blind following, where they do not understand or perceive the consequences of their actions. They blindly follow customs, traditions, rituals, ways, and methods, resulting in extreme embarrassment and shame.

 

• THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTIONS: Through four thought provoking questions, these ayahs reflect the reality of these people. (1) Is it even possible that communities would use their intellect to seek knowledge to be at utter conviction with Allah and still be led towards extreme difficulties, hardships, and sufferings? The reality was that these consequences of devastation, adversities and sufferings were the result of their own actions since they were blindly following their customs and traditions without using their God-given intellect and reasoning. (2) Did the people in these communities used their intellect to seek knowledge, or they traded away Allah’s guidance, duties, and responsibilities for extreme difficulties, hardships, and sufferings? The reality was that they were just wasting time, dilly- dallying with, fooling with, playing with, and tampering with Allah’s Message. (3) Did the people of these communities really use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction with Allah’s plan, preparation, and plot? The reality is that people of these communities did not use their intellect and human faculties to strengthen themselves, but instead ended up weakening their Nafs and committing injustices against those who are dependent upon them, resulting in loss of both worlds. (4) Is it even possible that Allah does not guide those who commiserate, feel, show, express or act upon compassion and empathy for the planet earth and those belonging to the planet? The question arises about our image of Allah and expectations from the divine. The reality is that people are surrounded by adversity and sufferings due to their own acts of transgression and injustices towards others, leading to their continuous bad deeds and kufar. They remain transgressors and tyrants, with no intention to follow and apply Allah’s message.

 

• ACTIONS & THE CONSEQUENCES THEREOF: These individuals would always be in a state of deficiency, loss, inadequacy, absence, shortage, and scarcity, because their approach towards what has been sent to them as Allah’s message has been to use their intellect to seek knowledge in order to be at utter and deep conviction, not with Allah’s message but instead with what has been denied, rejected, made fun of, ridiculed, and taken as a joke from before. Individuals who ignore their conscience and engage in transgressions become satisfied with their actions, lacking the ability to hear from their conscience. This leads to a lack of knowledge and ability to listen, observe, and think. Thus, these people become extreme in Kufar, concealing their intellect and Allah’s Ayat to deny and reject Allah’s message, becoming proud arrogant instead of grateful beings. This is how these people switched and replaced Allah’s message and the benefits thereof with being defiantly disobedient.

 

 

Footnotes:

D.  THE KEY-WORD VOCABULARY:

For the updated Keyword Vocabulary, kindly visit our website at the link

https://quranthinkers.com/keyword-vocabulary-by-wqt/