Surah Al-A’raf – Ayah No. 195-206

Surah Al-A’raf – Ayah # 195-206 (7:195-206)

A.   TRANSLATION

١٩٥  أَلَهُمْ أَرْجُلٌ يَمْشُونَ بِهَا ۖ أَمْ لَهُمْ أَيْدٍ يَبْطِشُونَ بِهَا ۖ أَمْ لَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا ۖ أَمْ لَهُمْ آذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۗ قُلِ ادْعُوا شُرَكَاءَكُمْ ثُمَّ كِيدُونِ فَلَا تُنْظِرُونِ

[Quran 7:195] Are for them Arjulun (أَرْجُلٌ) they Yamshuna (يَمْشُونَ) with it. Or for them Aydin (أَيْدٍ) they Yabt’ishuna (يَبْطِشُونَ) with it. Or for them A’yunun (أَعْيُنٌ) they Yub’siruna (يُبْصِرُونَ) with it. Or for them Azanun (آذَانٌ) they Sma’una (يَسْمَعُونَ) with it? Quli (قُلِ), ‘Ida’u (ادْعُوا) Shurakaakum (شُرَكَاءَكُمْ) then Keyduna (كِيدُونِ) so what Tunziruni (تُنْظِرُونِ)?’

 

١٩٦  إِنَّ وَلِيِّيَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْكِتَابَ ۖ وَهُوَ يَتَوَلَّى الصَّالِحِينَ

[Quran 7:196] Indeed, and Waliyyiya (وَلِيِّيَ) Allah- the one who Naz’ala (نَزَّلَ) the Kitaba (الْكِتَابَ). And Tawalla (يَتَوَلَّى) the S’walihina (الصَّالِحِينَ).

 

١٩٧  وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ نَصْرَكُمْ وَلَا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَنْصُرُونَ

[Quran 7:197] And those who you Tada’una (تَدْعُونَ) from Dunihi (دُونِهِ) not they Yastati’una (يَسْتَطِيعُونَ) Nas’rakum (نَصْرَكُمْ) and not Anfusahum (أَنْفُسَهُمْ) they Yans’uruna (يَنْصُرُونَ).

 

١٩٨  وَإِنْ تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَى الْهُدَىٰ لَا يَسْمَعُوا ۖ وَتَرَاهُمْ يَنْظُرُونَ إِلَيْكَ وَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ

[Quran 7:198] And indeed, you Tada’uhum (تَدْعُوهُمْ) to the Huda (الْهُدَىٰ) not they Yasma’u (يَسْمَعُوا). And Tarahum (وَتَرَاهُمْ) they Yanzuruna (يَنْظُرُونَ) Aleka (إِلَيْكَ) and they not Yubs’iruna (يُبْصِرُونَ).

 

١٩٩  خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاهِلِينَ

[Quran 7:199] Khuzi (خُذِ) the Afwa (الْعَفْوَ) and Amur (وَأْمُرْ) with -U’rfi (بِالْعُرْفِ) and Aa’riz (وَأَعْرِضْ) A’an (عَنِ) the Jahilina (الْجَاهِلِينَ).

 

٢٠٠  وَإِمَّا يَنْزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

[Quran 7:200] And what they Nzaghannaka (يَنْزَغَنَّكَ) from the Shaytani (الشَّيْطَانِ) Nazghun (نَزْغٌ) then Is’ta’idh (فَاسْتَعِذْ) with Allah. Indeed, Allah is Samiu’n (سَمِيعٌ) A’limun (عَلِيمٌ).

 

٢٠١  إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا فَإِذَا هُمْ مُبْصِرُونَ

[Quran 7:201] Indeed, those who Ittaqu (اتَّقَوْا) when Massahum (مَسَّهُمْ) T’aifun (طَائِفٌ) from the Shaytani (الشَّيْطَانِ) Tazakkaru (تَذَكَّرُوا)-then, they Mubsiruna (مُبْصِرُونَ).

 

٢٠٢  وَإِخْوَانُهُمْ يَمُدُّونَهُمْ فِي الْغَيِّ ثُمَّ لَا يُقْصِرُونَ

[Quran 7:202] And their Akh’wanuhum (وَإِخْوَانُهُمْ) they Yamadadnahum (يَمُدُّونَهُمْ) in the Ghayi (الْغَيِّ)- then not they Yuqs’iruna (يُقْصِرُونَ).

 

٢٠٣  وَإِذَا لَمْ تَأْتِهِمْ بِآيَةٍ قَالُوا لَوْلَا اجْتَبَيْتَهَا ۚ قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَتَّبِعُ مَا يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ مِنْ رَبِّي ۚ هَٰذَا بَصَائِرُ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

[Quran 7:203] And when not you Atihim (تَأْتِهِمْ) with Ayatin (بِآيَةٍ) Qalu – (قَالُوا), ‘If not Ij’tabaytaha (اجْتَبَيْتَهَا).’ Qul (قُلْ), ‘Indeed, Attabi’u (أَتَّبِعُ) what Yuha (يُوحَىٰ) to me from my Rabbi (رَبِّي).’ This Bas’airu (بَصَائِرُ) from Rabbikum (رَبِّكُمْ) and Hudan (وَهُدًى) and Rahmatun (وَرَحْمَةٌ) for Qawmin (لِقَوْمٍ) Yu’minuna (يُؤْمِنُونَ).

 

٢٠٤  وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

[Quran 7:204] And when Quria (قُرِئَ) the Qur’anu (الْقُرْآنُ) then Istamiu (فَاسْتَمِعُوا) to it and Ans’itu (وَأَنْصِتُوا) so that La’lakum (لَعَلَّكُمْ) Tur’hamuna (تُرْحَمُونَ).

 

٢٠٥  وَاذْكُرْ رَبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُنْ مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ

[Quran 7:205] And Azkur (وَاذْكُرْ) Rabbaka (رَبَّكَ) in Nafsika (نَفْسِكَ) Tazarru’an (تَضَرُّعًا) and Khifatan (وَخِيفَةً) and Duna (وَدُونَ) the Jahri (الْجَهْرِ) of the Qauli (الْقَوْلِ) with the Ghududo (بِالْغُدُوِّ) and the As’aali (وَالْآصَالِ) and not you Takun (تَكُنْ) of the Ghaafilina (الْغَافِلِينَ).

 

٢٠٦  إِنَّ الَّذِينَ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُ وَلَهُ يَسْجُدُونَ

[Quran 7:206] Indeed, those who A’enda (عِنْدَ) Rabbika (رَبِّكَ) not they Yastakbiruna (يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ) A’en (عَنْ) Ibaadatihi (عِبَادَتِهِ) and they Yusabbihunahu (وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُ) and to Allah they Yasjuduna (يَسْجُدُونَ).

 

B.   THE CONCEPT:

THE CONTEXT

We have learned from the earlier Ayahs of Surah Al-A’raf how Zouj is an Askan: Zouj in these ayahs refer to similar and the same type of community members who share the same foundations. They are given all the aspects of becoming Askan for each other, as in each other, they find their source of coming into existence, of settling down, of growth, of evolving, and getting whatever is required for their survival and growth.

 

We also learned Why do people Commit Acts of Shirk: It was intended by Allah’s system that as Askans these community members become shields for each other, incorporating aspects of Is’lah for amendment, reforms, and corrections so that they become Shaakireen i.e. grateful for Allah’s blessings and followers of Allah’s laws. Instead, they embodied easier aspects, while resorting to their deities, the Shuraka’a, for significant, heavier and more difficult aspects.

 

The real and beautiful concept of Ta’ala of Allah was also advised via earlier Ayahs- The most important Haqq of Allah is Allah being the supreme authority, the Hikm, whose laws exclusively should be followed in matters of Deen. These Ayahs emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the rights of Allah and Allah’s system particularly against acts of Shirk, where actions are pursued without authorization from Allah and emphasize.

 

Helplessness of the Mushrekeen and the Shurakaa- Mushrekeen, i.e. people who commit acts of Shirk lack authority and capability to help or support anyone, as they themselves are created by Allah. They lack courage and strength to guide, mentor, protect, and befriend others, let alone be able to help their own selves. Their behaviors and conducts would remain the same whether we invite them towards the path of Allah or aim to stop, curtail, or hinder them in these acts of Shirk. The Shuraka’a i.e. such people who are taken up as deities by these Mushrekeen and whose laws are followed instead of laws of Allah, are promoted and supported as benchmarks and role models, whereas these Shuraka’a do not have the ability to respond to the Dua’a of these Mushrekeen, as they are also helpless, powerless, and vulnerable.

 

CONCEPT OF THESE AYAHS

 

Ayah 7:195, “Are for them Arjulun (أَرْجُلٌ) they Yamshuna (يَمْشُونَ) with it. Or for them Aydin (أَيْدٍ) they Yabt’ishuna (يَبْطِشُونَ) with it. Or for them A’yunun (أَعْيُنٌ) they Yub’siruna (يُبْصِرُونَ) with it. Or for them Azanun (آذَانٌ) they Sma’una (يَسْمَعُونَ) with it? Quli (قُلِ), ‘Ida’u (ادْعُوا) Shurakaakum (شُرَكَاءَكُمْ) then Keyduna (كِيدُونِ) so what Tunziruni (تُنْظِرُونِ)?”

Ayah 7:196, “Indeed, and Waliyyiya (وَلِيِّيَ) Allah- the one who Naz’ala (نَزَّلَ) the Kitaba (الْكِتَابَ). And Tawalla (يَتَوَلَّى) the S’walihina (الصَّالِحِينَ).”

 

Are for them the resources, the strong segments, people and systems (أَرْجُلٌ) they continue marching in motion and in their movement (يَمْشُونَ) with it. Or for them their efforts that they put forth for their Nafs for the Akhira (أَيْدٍ) they use these in cruel manner, with force aimed at destroying and ruining (يَبْطِشُونَ) with it. Or for them their vision, enlightenment and understandings (أَعْيُنٌ) they get enlightenment by perceiving, understanding, and getting the knowledge after the use of all human faculties (يُبْصِرُونَ) with it. Or for them the declaration, announcement and proclamation (آذَانٌ) perceive carefully by giving undivided attention and focus with the intention to follow and practically apply whatever is being perceived (يَسْمَعُونَ) with it? Reflect from speech and conducts (قُلِ), ‘do you/this is how you seek help from and invite towards (ادْعُوا) those who you have taken up as your deities from besides Allah (شُرَكَاءَكُمْ) then this scheming, planning, plotting, executing plan via systems, people and laws (كِيدُونِ) so what are you looking, observing and investigating, through undivided attention, inspection and focus (تُنْظِرُونِ)?

 

Indeed, role model, guardian, defender, benefactor, protector, close friend and confidant (وَلِيِّيَ) Allah- the one who sourced with end destination as humanity and revealed (نَزَّلَ) the book of revelation, the laws of Deen and Nature that has been written and made obligatory for humanity to follow (الْكِتَابَ). And considers as role model, benchmark, guardian, defender, benefactor, protector, close friend and confidant (يَتَوَلَّى) those who carry out acts of Islah- reform (الصَّالِحِينَ).

 

These ayahs are strongly connected to the earlier Ayah 7:194 that talks about the Shuraka’a i.e. such people who are taken up as deities by people and whose laws are followed instead of laws of Allah. These Shuraka’a are promoted, supported, endorsed and advocated in addition to the system of Allah, as to invite others to be their followers and obedient of their laws. They are taken up as role models, benchmarks, and standards of exemplary behaviors. By giving a challenge as well as a criterion to judge and identify such Shuraka’a, Allah asks people who are following the laws of such Shura’kaa to demand their Shuraka’a to respond to their Dua’a when they seek their help and support. Since these Shuraka’a are helpless, powerless and vulnerable themselves, this demand in itself would prove that they are not truthful and sincere.

 

These Ayahs of 7:195 and 7:196 continues the same discussion by highlighting the different aspects the blessings of Allah that were given to them and how these were used by these Shuraka’a. Thus, all the resources, the strong segments, people and systems that people were bestowed with by Allah, were continued to be used in their marching in motion and in their movement towards these acts of Shirk. The efforts that people put forth for their Nafs for the Akhira are being used in cruel manner, with force aimed at destroying and ruining the system, the deen of Allah by these Shuraka’a. Similarly, people’s vision, enlightenment and understandings are used to perceive, understand, and get the knowledge of these acts of Shirk, since they continue to employ and use such declarations, statements, laws, systems, and announcements that people are expected to perceive carefully by giving undivided attention and focus with the intention to follow and practically apply these opposing system and laws. Allah is addressing us, as the reader, the addressee of the Quran to reflect from our speech and interactions with such Mushrekeen to shake them and bring them to Hidayah by asking them thought provoking questions that, ‘Is this how you seek help from as well as invite towards your Shuraka’a i.e. those you have taken up as your deities from besides Allah by using the blessings, abilities, and resources that Allah has bestowed you with? Are you really observing and investigating, through undivided attention, inspection and focus what this scheming, planning, plotting, executing plan via systems, people and laws really is? Because even if you are to investigate and observe carefully by employing your human faculties as to what is going on in terms of this system of Shirk by using Allah’s resources and systems, you would realize that the role model, guardian, defender, benefactor, protector, close friend and confidant is no one but Allah who has sourced with end destination as humanity and revealed the book of revelation, the laws of Deen and the laws of nature that has been written and made obligatory for humanity to follow. While the system of Allah takes as role model, benchmark, guardian, defender, benefactor, protector, allies and close friends, such people who carry out acts of Islah and reform.

 

Ayah 7:197, “And those who you Tada’una (تَدْعُونَ) from Dunihi (دُونِهِ) not they Yastati’una (يَسْتَطِيعُونَ) Nas’rakum (نَصْرَكُمْ) and not Anfusahum (أَنْفُسَهُمْ) they Yans’uruna (يَنْصُرُونَ).”

Ayah 7:198, “And indeed, you Tada’uhum (تَدْعُوهُمْ) to the Huda (الْهُدَىٰ) not they Yasma’u (يَسْمَعُوا). And Tarahum (وَتَرَاهُمْ) they Yanzuruna (يَنْظُرُونَ) Aleka (إِلَيْكَ) and they not Yubs’iruna (يُبْصِرُونَ).”

 

And those who you seek help from and invite towards (تَدْعُونَ) from besides, excluding and in addition to Allah (دُونِهِ) not they have the courage, strength and abilities (يَسْتَطِيعُونَ) to be your helper in any form, the source of assistance, help, protection for you or as a catalyst to turn your efforts and struggles into results, or take you out from a difficult situation (نَصْرَكُمْ) and not Anfusahum (أَنْفُسَهُمْ) they be helper in any form, the source of assistance, help, protection or as a catalyst to turn efforts and struggles into results, or take out from a difficult situation (يَنْصُرُونَ).

 

And indeed, you seek help from and invite towards (تَدْعُوهُمْ) to the guidance the path of Allah (الْهُدَىٰ) not they perceive carefully by giving undivided attention and focus with the intention to follow and practically apply whatever is being perceived (يَسْمَعُوا). And each and very evidence, as perceived through their senses, through which is proven, given evidence of, shown, validated, verified, substantiated or authenticated by (وَتَرَاهُمْ) they are looking, observing and investigating, through undivided attention, inspection and focus (يَنْظُرُونَ) towards in the past (إِلَيْكَ) and they do not get enlightenment by perceiving, understanding, and getting the knowledge after the use of their human faculties (يُبْصِرُونَ).

 

This Ayah continues the interaction with the Mushrikeen by reflecting to them that ‘Those who you seek help from and invite towards from besides, excluding and in addition to Allah, they do not have courage, strength and abilities to be your helper in any form, or to be your source of assistance, help, protection for you or be a catalyst to turn your efforts and struggles into results, or to take you out from any difficult situation since they can’t even do this for their own souls and Nafs.’

 

The next Ayah is now addressing us by informing us that even if we invite these Mushrekeen towards the guidance, the path of Allah, they will not perceive anything. Since each and very evidence, as perceived through their senses in the past, through which these acts of Shirk had been proven, given evidence of, shown, validated, verified, substantiated and authenticated by. Thus, although they may had been looking, observing and even investigating in the past but they now, they are not able to get enlightenment by perceiving, understanding, and getting the knowledge after the use of their human faculties as they are deeply engrained and engulfed in the system of Shirk.

 

Ayah 7:199, “Khuzi (خُذِ) the Afwa (الْعَفْوَ) and Amur (وَأْمُرْ) with -U’rfi (بِالْعُرْفِ) and Aa’riz (وَأَعْرِضْ) A’an (عَنِ) the Jahilina (الْجَاهِلِينَ).”

Ayah 7:200, “And what they Nzaghannaka (يَنْزَغَنَّكَ) from the Shaytani (الشَّيْطَانِ) Nazghun (نَزْغٌ) then Is’ta’idh (فَاسْتَعِذْ) with Allah. Indeed, Allah is Samiu’n (سَمِيعٌ) A’limun (عَلِيمٌ).”

 

Seize and grab-hold strongly (خُذِ) the generous offer that is granted way beyond the due right (الْعَفْوَ) and ordain, promote, insist and assist (وَأْمُرْ) with -position of elevation or prestige by raising the position, the prestige, the honor, respect, standing and stature (بِالْعُرْفِ) and exposing them, spreading out Allah’s message, explaining it, becoming a covering or shield against their behaviors and conducts by spreading out Allah’s Message in a manner that it becomes a hindrance as a front, shield or covering (وَأَعْرِضْ) those aspects and things which are of value, are considered importance and of significance (عَنِ) by those who don’t have knowledge, are illiterate, foolish, unwise or stupid, as they do not use their Aqal, reasoning, intellect or common sense (الْجَاهِلِينَ).

And if what created lawlessness, discord and animosity (يَنْزَغَنَّكَ) of the Shaytani (الشَّيْطَانِ) the discord, lawlessness and animosity (نَزْغٌ), then seek protection and refuge (فَاسْتَعِذْ) with Allah. Indeed, Allah is the only who perceives carefully by giving undivided attention and focus (سَمِيعٌ) is All-knowing and source of all knowledge (عَلِيمٌ).

 

After talking about the Mushrekeen and them being deeply engulfed in acts of shirk, these ayahs now address us to give the divine wisdom asking us to, ‘Seize and grab-hold strongly to Allah’s Message and guidance that has been granted generously way beyond our due rights and to ordain, promote, insist and assist with position of elevation and prestige by raising the honor, respect, standing and stature of Allah’s Message. In addition to promote, practically implement and proclaim the system and Deen of Allah, these Ayah communicate a three-prong divine wisdom towards such Mushrekeen and Shuraka’a as well as those aspects and things which are of value, are considered importance and of significance by them calling them Jahileen, i.e. those who don’t have knowledge, are illiterate, foolish, unwise or stupid, as they do not use their Aqal, reasoning, intellect or common sense. This three-prong strategy is communicated via one word ‘Aariz’, which is 1) to expose these acts of Shirk as is; 2) to spread out Allah’s message, explaining it in detail, proclaiming it and practically implementing it and 3) to become a covering and shield against their behaviors and conducts by spreading out Allah’s Message in a manner that it becomes a hindrance as a front, shield or covering.  In the situations where the Mushrkeen and Shuraka’a, create lawlessness, discord and animosity at the height of the system of Shayat’een- the partners of the Shayt’aan, then we should seek protection and refuge with and through the system of Allah, since Allah’s system is the embodiment of all perception and source of all knowledge.

 

Ayah 7:201, “Indeed, those who Ittaqu (اتَّقَوْا) when Massahum (مَسَّهُمْ) T’aifun (طَائِفٌ) from the Shaytani (الشَّيْطَانِ) Tazakkaru (تَذَكَّرُوا)-then, they Mubsiruna (مُبْصِرُونَ).”

Ayah 7:202, “And their Akh’wanuhum (وَإِخْوَانُهُمْ) they Yamadadnahum (يَمُدُّونَهُمْ) in the Ghayi (الْغَيِّ)- then not they Yuqs’iruna (يُقْصِرُونَ).”

 

Indeed, those who observe Taqwa by being extra careful and cautious of following the laws of Allah and of their covenant with Allah (اتَّقَوْا) when faced with the grinding, sharpening impacts of and by being advanced and in it for a very long time (مَسَّهُمْ) troubles, problems, that surround from all sides and in repeated fashion (طَائِفٌ) from the Shaytani (الشَّيْطَانِ) do Zikar, understand and follow the Ayaat of Allah, remember and be grateful of Allah’s blessings by following the laws of Allah in utter gratitude and take lessons from previous nation’s stories (تَذَكَّرُوا)-then, they get enlightenment by perceiving, understanding, and getting the knowledge after the use of all human faculties (مُبْصِرُونَ).

And their pillars of strength and support (وَإِخْوَانُهُمْ) they assist, help, reinforce (يَمُدُّونَهُمْ) in the deviation, misleading, astray, enticement in order to rescind; quash; invalidate and annul their covenant with Allah’ (الْغَيِّ)- then not they protect, hide, shield or surround from all sides for safety and security (يُقْصِرُونَ).

 

These next ayahs communicate not only the urgency but also the severity of the situation to us, the addressee of the Quran to implement the divine guidance- the three actions discussed in the previous ayah. Thus, even those who consider themselves Muttaqueen, i.e. those who observe Taqwa by being extra careful and cautious in following the laws of Allah, when they are surrounded by these Mushrekeen, Shurakaa, the acts and system of Shirk, they would also follow the majority of people that surround them. Since the system of shirk works on exposing people to the grinding, sharpening impacts of Shirk, by being advanced and living in shirk for a very long time, by surrounding the shirk from all sides and in repeated fashion from the allies and partners of Shayt’aan, the divine guidance to us, is to treat this as a matter of urgency, before its too late. We should do Zikar, i.e. understand and implement the ayaat of Allah, remember, be grateful of Allah’s blessings by following the laws of Allah and take lessons from stories of previous nation as discussed in the Kitaab. Once they get engulfed in the system of Shirk, the pillars of strength and support for shirk, who assist, help and reinforce others in the deviation, in misleading them astray, in enticement in order to rescind, quash, invalidate and annul their covenant with Allah, does not let them be protected, helped or shielded for safety and security in any manner. Thus, before it’s too late, before these people get engulfed in the system of Shirk, we should keep on doing Zikar of Allah with focus and persistence.  This is how people would get enlightenment by perceiving, understanding, and getting the knowledge after the use of their human faculties.

 

Ayah 7:203, “And when not you Atihim (تَأْتِهِمْ) with Ayatin (بِآيَةٍ) Qalu – (قَالُوا), ‘If not Ij’tabaytaha (اجْتَبَيْتَهَا).’ Qul (قُلْ), ‘Indeed, Attabi’u (أَتَّبِعُ) what Yuha (يُوحَىٰ) to me from my Rabbi (رَبِّي).’ This Bas’airu (بَصَائِرُ) from Rabbikum (رَبِّكُمْ) and Hudan (وَهُدًى) and Rahmatun (وَرَحْمَةٌ) for Qawmin (لِقَوْمٍ) Yu’minuna (يُؤْمِنُونَ).”

 

And when not you granted, given (تَأْتِهِمْ) with the signs (بِآيَةٍ) reflect from conducts and speech (قَالُوا), ‘If not created, conceived, developed and formulated (اجْتَبَيْتَهَا).’ Reflect from conducts and speech (قُلْ), ‘Indeed, seek as a follow up action or situation (أَتَّبِعُ) what I have changed, adopted in my behaviors as a result of what was nazool, sourced from Allah (يُوحَىٰ) to me from my Rabbi (رَبِّي).’ This enlightenment by perceiving, understanding, and the knowledge I have received after the use of all my human faculties (بَصَائِرُ) from your Rabb (رَبِّكُمْ) and the guidance to the path of Allah (وَهُدًى) and source of all Rahmat- success, growth and prosperity, the shield against anything harmful, the source of life and the selfless love and care (وَرَحْمَةٌ) for establishing and strengthening the people and acts (لِقَوْمٍ) those who use their faculties to seek knowledge in order to be in utter conviction with Allah and as the upholders of their covenant with Allah (يُؤْمِنُونَ).

 

This ayah gives us an idea of our interactions with such Mushrekeen, whom we are inviting to the path of Allah. Thus, when we will not follow, act upon or promote their signs, i.e. such signs of system of Shirk, that they create, conceive, engulfed in, develop and promote, they would be curious to know our reasons behind our actions. We should then reflect from our conducts and behaviors that once Allah’s message has been revealed to us, we have changed our behaviors after getting impacted from Allah’s message. This enlightenment that we have received from our Rabb by us perceiving, understanding, Allah’s Message and the knowledge that we have received after the use of our human faculties and the guidance to the path of Allah are the sources of all Rahmat- success, growth and prosperity, the shield against anything harmful, the source of life and the selfless love and care for us. We are recipients of these Rahmat and blessings since we establish and strength the people and acts of those who use their faculties to seek knowledge in order to be in utter conviction with Allah and as the upholders of their covenant with Allah.

 

Ayah 7:204, “And when Quria (قُرِئَ) the Qur’anu (الْقُرْآنُ) then Istamiu (فَاسْتَمِعُوا) to it and Ans’itu (وَأَنْصِتُوا) so that La’lakum (لَعَلَّكُمْ) Tur’hamuna (تُرْحَمُونَ).”

Ayah 7:205, “And Azkur (وَاذْكُرْ) Rabbaka (رَبَّكَ) in Nafsika (نَفْسِكَ) Tazarru’an (تَضَرُّعًا) and Khifatan (وَخِيفَةً) and Duna (وَدُونَ) the Jahri (الْجَهْرِ) of the Qauli (الْقَوْلِ) with the Ghududo (بِالْغُدُوِّ) and the As’aali (وَالْآصَالِ) and not you Takun (تَكُنْ) of the Ghaafilina (الْغَافِلِينَ).”

 

And when read, understand and practically implement; compile within ourselves and our lives in terms of its understanding and practical manifestations; and proclaim and distribute to others as is, without any amendment through all ways and means i.e., via verbally, in written form and through one’s conducts and behaviors (قُرِئَ) the one which is Qara’a- the Quran (الْقُرْآنُ) then will it be perceived carefully by giving undivided attention and focus with the intention to follow and practically apply whatever is being perceived (فَاسْتَمِعُوا) to it and be observing, implementing, listening to carefully and attentively, by executing and implementing with attention to detail in a cautious manner (وَأَنْصِتُوا) so that you remain sustained, persistent, continuous, unrelenting, perpetual and uninterrupted state of/to (لَعَلَّكُمْ) those on whom Rahmat is being bestowed (تُرْحَمُونَ).

 

And do you do Zikar, understand and follow the Ayaat of Allah, remember and be grateful of Allah’s blessings by following the laws of Allah in utter gratitude and take lessons from previous nation’s stories (وَاذْكُرْ) of Rabb in the past (رَبَّكَ) from your past Nafs (نَفْسِكَ) you make them realize and self-reflect upon themselves in the sense of making them realize their own mistakes, through an exercise of self-reflection, self-judgment and self-analysis (تَضَرُّعًا) and by being concerned, anxious, apprehensive, nervous and worried (وَخِيفَةً) and excluding (وَدُونَ) the publicizing, declaring, announcing, proclaiming, and manifesting openly (الْجَهْرِ) of the reflection of conducts and speech (الْقَوْلِ) with the hidden and the concealed (بِالْغُدُوِّ) and the root, the foundation, the bottom and the essence (وَالْآصَالِ) and not you aimed, through your conducts to be (تَكُنْ) of the unaware of, ignorant, uninformed, oblivious and heedless (الْغَافِلِينَ).

 

These Ayahs continue the discussion- the divine wisdom for us in our interactions with people to invite them to the path of Allah. Thus, when we read, understand and practically implement Allah’s Message- the Quran; compile within ourselves and our lives in terms of its understanding and practical manifestations; and proclaim and distribute to others as is, without any amendment through all ways and means i.e., via verbally, in written form and through our conducts and behaviors, then it will be perceived by people giving undivided attention and focus with the intention to follow and practically apply whatever is being perceived. The basic process through which one becomes recipient of Allah’s blessings and Rahmat is by observing and implementing Allah’s Ayaat and Message, listening to it carefully and attentively, by executing and implementing with attention to detail in a cautious manner and above all by remaining unrelenting, perpetual, persistent and steadfast in uninterrupted state throughout the process.

 

The divine guidance given to everyone is that we should do Zikar, understand and follow the Ayaat of Allah, remember and be grateful of Allah’s blessings by following the laws of Allah in utter gratitude and take lessons from previous nation’s stories of our Rabb. By having done this on continuous and persistent basis, we would be able to make them realize and self-reflect upon themselves, in the sense of making them realize their own mistakes, through an exercise of self-reflection, self-judgment and self-analysis by arousing their concerns making them anxious, apprehensive, nervous and worried. We should do this in a hidden manner without publicizing, declaring, announcing, and manifesting openly such conducts and speech, aimed at the root, the foundation, the bottom and the essence of these acts. And we should make sure that through our conducts, we do not become the ignorant, uninformed, oblivious and heedless ones who are engulfed in acts of Shirk.

 

Ayah 7:206, “Indeed, those who A’enda (عِنْدَ) Rabbika (رَبِّكَ) not they Yastakbiruna (يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ) A’en (عَنْ) Ibaadatihi (عِبَادَتِهِ) and they Yusabbihunahu (وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُ) and to Allah they Yasjuduna (يَسْجُدُونَ).”

 

Indeed, those who those aspects and things which are of value, are considered importance and of significance (عِنْدَ) the Rabb in the past (رَبِّكَ) not they magnify and be proud and arrogant (يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ) those aspects and things which are of value, are considered importance and of significance (عَنْ) to the one who follow the laws in obedience (عِبَادَتِهِ) and they strive with their whole being by being persistent (وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُ) and to Allah they submit with their whole being, to follow with complete and utter conviction of heart and mind (يَسْجُدُونَ).

 

Indeed, those who valued, considered important and significant the Rabb in the past, they would never magnify themselves, become self-righteous, become proud or arrogant in any shape or form, judge others or magnify their acts, which they consider important when they follow the laws of Allah in utter and deep obedience. They strive with their whole being by being persistent in the path of Allah and they submit humbly to Allah’s laws with their whole being, and follow these laws with complete and utter conviction of heart and mind.

 

C.    LESSONS AS PER THESE AYAHS:

These Ayahs of Surah Al-A’raf give us the following divine wisdom:

 

• BLESSINGS OF ALLAH EMPLOYED IN THE SYSTEM OF SHIRK: The Ayahs detail the blessings of Allah given to people and how they were used by Shuraka’a in the system of Shirk. These blessings are resources, efforts, vision, and proclamation. Resources are used for their actions, efforts that are put forward for people’s hereafter are used cruelly to destroy Allah’s system, people’s vision is used for understanding the system of shirk, and proclamation of shirk acts, aspects and laws is used to implement the system of shirk.

 

• INTERACTIONS WITH THE MUSHREKEEN: In our interactions with Mushrekeen, we should challenge them by asking questions about their seeking help from Allah’s system in their endeavors to invite people to their Shuraka’a, and examining their scheming. By examining their systems and laws, they would be able to understand that Allah’s system is the only guardian, and protector for them. We need to make them realize that their Shuraka’a lack courage, strength, and abilities to provide assistance, protection, or support in any shape or form since they even cannot do so for themselves.

 

• THE DEEPLY ENGULFED STATE OF SHIRK: Even through people may have been in the past used their human faculties for enquiry and investigation but once proven and validated by the system of Shirk, the Mushrekeen remain deeply engulfed in the system, since they cannot perceive or understand the guidance of Allah, despite their intellectual faculties and they remain engulfed in the system of shirk.

 

• AA’RIZ TO THEM & A’AIZ WITH ALLAH: We should strongly adhere to Allah’s guidance and honor it by raising its standing and stature. A three-prong strategy communicated with the use of the word Aa’riz to combat Mushrekeen and Shuraka’a, who lack knowledge and are considered Jahileen. This strategy involves exposing their acts of Shirk, spreading Allah’s message, and acting as a shield against their behaviors. If Mushrekeen and Shuraka’a create lawlessness, discord, and animosity, we should seek protection and refuge through Allah’s system, which is the embodiment of all perception and knowledge.

 

• THE SEVERITY & URGENCY OF THE SITUATION: Muttaqueen, those who follow the laws of Allah by being extra careful end up following the majority of those around them since these acts of shirk surround them and in repeated fashion. The system of Shirk exposes people to its harsh impacts, making it urgent for us, the addressee of the Quran to do Zikar. It’s only through the Zikar of Allah, we can protect ourselves and those around us from the pillars of strength and support of Shirk that encourage deviation, misleading others, and enticement to annul their covenant with Allah.

 

• IQRA’A THE QURAN: In our interactions with Mushrekeen, when we don’t follow their signs of Shirk, they become curious about our reasons. Our inspired conducts and behaviors after receiving Allah’s message should reflect to them that only these changed actions and behaviors can lead to success, growth, prosperity, protection, life, and care. By showing that we are recipients of these blessings because we strengthen the acts and people who seek knowledge by utilizing their faculties in order to be in complete conviction with Allah, we invite people to the path of Allah. To receive Allah’s blessings and Rahmat, we must read, understand, and implement Allah’s Quran, compile it within themselves, and proclaim it to others without amendment. This process involves observing and implementing the Ayaat and Message, attentively listening, executing it with care, and remaining unrelenting, persistent, and steadfast throughout the process.

 

• DOING OF ZIKAR & REMAIN HUMBLE: Divine guidance encourages Zikar, understanding and following Allah’s Ayaat, gratitude, and learning from past nation’s stories. Continuously practicing these practices can help others realize their mistakes and self-reflection by arousing their concerns. We should do this in a hidden manner without publicizing acts of Shirk, focusing on their root and essence, to prevent ignorance, and oblivion. Those who have valued and considered significant the Rabb ever in their lives, would never magnify themselves, become self-righteous, proud, arrogant, judge others, or magnify their acts. They strive with their whole being by being persistent in the path of Allah and they submit humbly to Allah’s laws with complete and utter conviction of heart and mind.

 

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/