Surah Baqara- Ayah no. 21-29 i.e. 2: 21-29

Surah no. 2- Surah Al-Baqarah – Ayah no. 21-29

 

A- Translation

٢١  يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

[Quran 2:21] O people! Do Abd (اعْبُدُو) of your Rabb (رَبَّ) who created you and those before you, that you may become Muttaqi (تَتَّقُونَ)

 

٢٢  الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَنْدَادًا وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

[Quran 2:22] Who made the earth a habitat for you, and the sky a ceiling, and send down water from the sky, and brought forth As’S’amarat (الثَّمَرَاتِ) as a Rizq (رِزْقً) for you; therefore, do not create Andadan (أَنْدَادًا) to Allah now that you know.

 

٢٣  وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُوا بِسُورَةٍ مِنْ مِثْلِهِ وَادْعُوا شُهَدَاءَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ

[Quran 2:23] And if you have doubt about what We have revealed to Our Abdena (عَبْدِنَا) , bring a chapter like it and invite your witnesses other than Allah if you are truthful.

 

٢٤  فَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلُوا وَلَنْ تَفْعَلُوا فَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ ۖ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ

[Quran 2:24] But if you cannot –and you cannot— then beware of the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the Kafireen (كَافِرِينَ ).

 

٢٥  وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ۖ كُلَّمَا رُزِقُوا مِنْهَا مِنْ ثَمَرَةٍ رِزْقًا ۙ قَالُوا هَٰذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ ۖ وَأُتُوا بِهِ مُتَشَابِهًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُطَهَّرَةٌ ۖ وَهُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

[Quran 2:25] And give good tidings to those who have Emaan (آمَنُوا ) and perform S’walehat  (الصَّالِحَاتِ) deeds so they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow.  Whenever they are provided with fruit from those as Rizq (رِزْقً), they will say, “This is the Rizq (رِزْقً) with which we were provided before.”  They will be given what is similar, they will have pure Zouj (أَزْوَاجٌ ) , and they will abide therein forever.

 

٢٦  إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَنْ يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِينَ

[Quran 2:26] Indeed, Allah does not shy away from Daraba (ضْرِبَ ) even using the example of a mosquito or something bigger.  As for those who have Emaan (آمَنُوا ), they know that it is the Haqq (الْحَقُّ ) from their Rabb (رَبَّ). But as for those who do Kufr (كَفَرُو), they say, “What does Allah intend by this example?”  Allah leads astray many, and he guides many, but Allah does not misguide anyone except those who are Faasiq (الْفَاسِقِينَ ).

 

٢٧  الَّذِينَ يَنْقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَنْ يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ

[Quran 2:27] Those who break the covenant with Allah after its Meesaq (مِيثَاقِهِ), sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and commit Fasaad ( فْسِادُ) on earth are the losers.

 

٢٨  كَيْفَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَكُنْتُمْ أَمْوَاتًا فَأَحْيَاكُمْ ۖ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

[Quran 2:28] How can you do Kufr (تَكْفُرُونَ ) of Allah when you were lifeless and Allah gave you life, and will put you to death and will bring you to life, and then to Allah you will be returned??

 

٢٩  هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَسَوَّاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ ۚ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

[Quran 2:29] It is Allah who created for you everything on earth, assembling all together, and then turning attention to the skies in seven layers and is the All-knowing.

 

C- THE CONCEPT

In these ayah Allah is asking us to obey Allah, the one and only, who created all of that which is in the universe. Allah gave all of us here on this planet, a habitable, a place on earth to live; gave us food/RIZQ, shelter; and protected us through sky from many harmful things that could have destroyed us and our habitat as well. After all these favors and bounties, Allah is asking us in return to acknowledge Allah as Rabb ul Aalemaneen (Rabb of the worlds- the Universe), not to set up rivals to Allah. These words of wisdom and Hidayah have been communicated to us, mankind, in the form of Quran, which has been revealed on the one who believed in Allah and who was an Aabid- the one who does Abd.

 

In the ayah 2:22, notice that the word is not Shareek or doing Shirk but Andadan to Allah i.e. in terms of creating Andadan with Allah i.e., as opposition of Allah, calling or relying on someone other than Allah, with the basic characteristics of opposition and conflict with Allah’s Deen and combining doing Kufr and Shirk both in combination as being jointly done while aiding and strengthening a system an environment which influences others to do the same- the basic end result of which is to mislead from the path of Allah. Therefore, when used in the context of the creations of Allah, the phrase is mentioned in Quran in a more intense, surprising manner as to how can anyone create Andadan with Allah? – as a surprising question- this is similarly done in the Ayah 2:22 “it is Allah who made the earth a habitat for you, and the sky a structure, and sends water down from the sky, and brings out Samarat thereby, as a Rizq for you. Therefore, do not Andadan with Allah while you know”- the phrase is used in the similar context of do not do Kufr, do not shirk, do not aid and strengthen the creation of such a system of opposition to Allah, which compels others to do shirk and kufr, misleading from the path of Allah- while you know that Allah is the one who has created all this for you, as your existence, your survival, nourishment and growth as Rabb.

 

Those who are Kaafir, have doubt on this book of revelation. In these ayahs, Allah is making them understand through logical arguments that “if you think Quran is not from Allah, then make one chapter/surah like this one”. In order to make that argument authentic leaving no room of doubt or point of escape/exit for the nonbelievers, Allah is also asking Kaafireen to bring witness of their work, with them, since on the other side Allah is the only witness of the Quran as well as their work, being the All-Knowing. It is very obvious that no one else can write a single surah with that kind of knowledge, wisdom and ability without any errors, contradiction, limitations; no one can match the wisdom and the ultimate greatness of Allah- therefore these Kaafireen will fail and must be ready for the punishment.

 

Right after the warnings of a severe punishments to kafireen, Allah gives good news to momineen that those who have Emaan (آمَنُوا ) and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they will be provided with fruit, they would be able to recognize it as it would be their favorite most fruit i.e. fruit of their choices and as per their likes when they were here on this earth/life. And they will have pure/righteous Zouj (أَزْوَاجٌ ) therein, and they will abide therein forever. Pure ZOUJ does not mean virgin women, it is a complete misinterpretation. The Pure ZOUJ mean righteous partners/spouses/companions, man and woman both. It has nothing to do with virginity, it means righteous believers who lived their lives as Muttaquee and within the commandments and parameters of Deen. This means that they will have pure partners/ spouses/companions therein, an everlasting happy family life.

 

With all the greatness of Allah, in order to make people understand Allah’s commandment and Hidayaha, Allah always gives small or large, logical examples the likes of a mosquito, or what is above/beyond it, since humans have a nature to relate and understand thing with examples which are already known to them. But these Kafireen have gone against Allah, and in Kufr in that much of depth, that they play dumb and get no Hidayah due to their Kufr, ignorance, pride and arrogance.

 

Before we discuss the ayahs 27-29, there are two major concepts that need further elaboration 1) The Concept of the Covenant with Allah and 2) The concept of the seven Skies or seven layers, as follows

 

What is The Covenant with Allah which is already bound by Allah as Meesaaq

Allah has mentioned about Covenant with Allah, time and time again in Quran. If we researched about all these ayahs, so as to identify what this covenant is; we would come to know what this covenant with Allah is covers following six broad aspects.

 

1. Aal-e-Imran 3:75-78& Aal-e-Imran 3:187-188& Al-A’raf 7:169-172 & An-Nahl 16:94-97- Covenant from those who are given the books of revelations- to treat the books of Revelations as a great trust by Allah, fulfil the commitment of delivering the divine message as is, without any amendment or change, whatsoever and not to associate anything with Allah’s sayings as to what Allah has not said. To make it clear, deliver it/communicate to others as is, and not conceal it. Not to say about Allah except the Haq- the absolute truth, and use reason while reading the book. To hold fast to the Book. To not detach/reject/deny/conceal the book/Ayaat of Allah. To not divert from the way of Allah, and to not exchange this covenant for a small price/benefit of this worldly life. And follow the hidayah, the straight path, and not to follow any other ways/laws/rules.

 

2. Al-Baqarah 2:98-100 & Aal-e-Imran 3:80-82 & Al-Hadid 57:7-9 & Al-Ma’idah 5:69-70 & An-Nisa’ 4:155- to have Emaan on Allah, Allah’s Malaik, and Allah’s Rasool, To testify with Emaan and Firm conviction that there is no Rabb but Allah and not to do Shirk and not to do Kufr of Allah’s Ayaat; to not take Malaik and Nabeen (Plural of Nabi) as Rabb and if there comes a Rasool confirming what is with you, then have Emaan on the Rasool and give your support. To have Emaan on Allah and the Day of Akhira and to do righteous deed, not to do Kufr in Ayaat of Allah and not to Qatal of Nabi and whenever there comes a Rasool, to support and have Emaan on Rasool in spite of the ego’s desiring otherwise and not to Qatal the Rasool.

 

3. Al-Ma’idah 5:7-9& Al-An’am 6:152-153- to listen and obey the commandments of Allah, and to do Taqwa of Allah. To Stand Firm for Allah, witnesses in Qist (justice as per someone’s due right), not to let the dislike/hatred of people prevent you from Adal (being just in terms of equity and equality). To have firm Emaan and to do righteous deeds. To not approach the Yateem’s property except in a way that is Ahsan until reaches maturity; to give full measure and weight in as per Qist (justice based on someone’s due right). And when give witness and testify, be Aadil/just (do Adal in terms of Equality and Equity), even if a near relative.

 

4. At-Taubah 9:75-76& Al-Hadid 57:7-9- Al-Baqarah 2:63 & 2:93& At-Taubah 9:111- to take what Allah has given with determination/power and do Zikr. Whatever Allah’s Fazal (Bounties- knowledge, Rizq, wealth, human faculties and resources) are given/received from Allah, to spend in charity for the benefit of others, and be among the Swaleheen/ peacekeepers/doers of good and not be stingy/miserly/ungenerous with whatever Allah’s bounties and Fazal has been received. i.e. to spend out of that in which Allah has made you successors/successful ones.To spend one’s lives/efforts/time and properties/wealth/resources in the path of Allah i.e. for the benefits of others in exchange of Jannah, to do struggle and strive in the cause of Allah with one’s whole being.

 

5. Al-Baqarah 2:27 &Ar-Ra’d 13:18-22&Ar-Ra’d 13:25- to respond to Rabb, to know and have firm Emaan on what has been revealed from the Rabb, to be reminded and to follow the Hidayah as people of understanding, to join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and to do Taqwa of Rabb and be mindful of the accountability. To be do Sabr seeking the countenance of Rabb, and establish Salaat and spend from what have been provided and prevent animosity & hatred with Ahsan.Not to sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and not to do Fasaad on earth.

 

6. Al-Baqarah 2:83-84&Al-Ma’idah 5:12- Not to do Abd except for Allah; and to parents do Ahsan and to relatives, Yateem, and the needy. And to speak to people with Ahsan and to establish Salat and give zakah and not to shed each other’s blood or evict one another from homes and loan Allah a Qarz-e-Hasna- a goodly loan

 

The Concept of the Seven Skies or Seven Layers of Sky  سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ*

The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the importance of scientific observation and intellectual inquiry because to seek knowledge is a holy activity as per Quran as it connects us to Allah and strengthens our Emaan. To utilize our God-Given faculties to the best of our abilities and strength, is to have Emaan on Allah’s Ayaat, both the word of Allah in Quran and the work of Allah in terms of All the Creations of Allah scattered all around us in the world and universe. Allah asks us to seek knowledge and Allah’s bounties and then to share knowledge, spend out of these given Fazal of Allah for the benefit of the whole of mankind and Allah’s other creations.  In the verse 2:29 Allah mentions that the sky is made up of seven layers. “It is Allah Who created everything on the earth for you and then directed the attention up to the Skies and arranged/ leveled/ smoothed/ make in order into seven skies. Allah has knowledge of all things”. In another Ayah, 41:11-12 Allah Says “Then Allah turned to skies when it was smoke. In two days, Allah determined them as seven skies and revealed, in every sky its own mandate”. There are other Ayahs in Quran as well which tells us about the seven layers of the atmosphere. Such as 71:15 “Do you not see how Allah created seven Skies in layers? or 67:3 “It is Allah Who created the seven skies in layers”. The Arabic word in these verses, translated into English as “layer” means “layer, the appropriate cover or covering for something,” and thus stresses the importance of layering, covering or protecting as in for the protection of planet earth. There could be two scientific approaches to looking at the mentioning of 7 skies.

 

1. Seven Protected layers of Earth Atmosphere: The Earth’s sky, or the atmosphere, is made up of seven layers and each has been assigned its own duty and specific traits. Through scientific inventions and discoveries, we have come to know that the world’s atmosphere consists of 7 different layers laying on top of each other, based on the criteria of chemical contents, air temperature, and their functions/mandate. According to the modern geological definitions the seven layers of atmosphere are as (order of ground to up) 1. Troposphere; 2. Stratosphere; 3. Mesosphere; 4. Thermosphere; 5. Exosphere; 6. Ionosphere; 7. Magnetosphere. Each one of these layers has vital duties for the benefit of earth, human kind and all other life forms on the Earth. Each layer has a particular function, ranging from forming rain to preventing harmful rays, from reflecting radio waves to averting the harmful effects of meteors etc.

 

2. Our Solar System outer planets: Our solar system is made up of the sun and everything that orbits around it. These are the names of everything that orbits around SUN (in the order of nearer to earth to farther away) 1) Mars 2) Asteroids BELT 3) Jupiter; 4) Saturn; 5) Uranus; 6) Neptune; and 7) Orbits of Neptune and others, those who are not always on the top of earth orbit- Pluto, Dwarf Planets, Comets, Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud. Researchers from NASA were able to discover how gas giants such as Jupiter and Saturn can prevent planets like Earth from experiencing major asteroid impacts. Based on their findings, these gas giants seem to balance out the Solar System and protect other planets from getting hit by massive asteroids. Planet Jupiter with its powerful gravity prevented space rocks orbiting near it from colliding into a planet, and that’s why our solar system today has an asteroid belt, consisting of hundreds of thousands of small flying chunks of debris. Today, Jupiter’s gravity continues to affect the asteroids – it pushes some asteroids towards the sun, where they have the possibility of colliding with Earth. Therefore, based on this we can consider these as the protective 7 skies as well.

 

Keeping these concepts of Covenant with Allah and Concept of Seven Skies in mind, when we read ayahs 27 to 29, we realize that Allah is giving another logical and undeniable argument that the whole humanity has made a covenant with Allah that Allah is the provider of their birth; savior of lives on earth; provider of peace, prosperity, stability on earth; provider of food and shelter. In return, as per the covenant with Allah, the humanity will give good deeds, Ibadat, obedience and worship to Allah. Allah has already fulfilled Allah’s part of the covenant and provided for everything as Rabb by creating a perfect habitable planet, by providing sustenance and Rizq, by protecting land on earth for the humanity with 7 layers of protected sky to save the habitable earth, and by giving water, food and shelters. Once Allah has bound that covenant as a strong Meesaq by fulfilling Allah’s part of the covenant, the Kaafireen have broken their covenant and they have gone against Allah. They sever what Allah has ordered to be joined, like breaking relationships such as between husband and wife, family, relatives, friends, community, and even Ummah and by creating Fasaad on the earth, and they are, therefore, the losers.

 

D- IMPLEMENTATION IN TODAY’S LIFE

Being a true Muslim, we need to keep in mind and fulfill this firm Meesaq/ this covenant with Allah at all times, which in a nutshell is for us as mankind

 

• to utilize all our faculties, resources, intellect and reasoning;
• to have firm Emaan on Allah and Allah’s Ayaat;
• upon utilization of our faculties, whatever we receive as Allah’s bounties (knowledge/wealth/efforts/ resources etc.), to spend out of it for the benefit of others, the whole of mankind and Allah’s creations;
• to follow the Hidayah, the books of Revelations, by understanding the Hidayah through the use of our faculties, reasoning and intellect, following it through submission with our whole being;
• to take Allah’s revelations/ the book of Scripture/ the Hidayah/ Quran as a great trust by Allah, through communicating Allah’s Revelations as is to others, without concealing it, associating anything with it, or amending it whatsoever and with respect to the society;
• to be just/ beings of Qist and Adal at all times, even if we have to testify against our own selves, or our near and dear ones, to always remain steadfast with Allah in Justice and Haqq; and
• to join, keep together, strengthen together the relationships, such as between husbands and wives, the members of community and the whole Ummah, helping and supporting each other at all times.

 

This is our Covenant with Allah and this is what we all need to keep in mind and follow at all times.

 

Foot Notes:

 

B- KEY_WORD VOCABULARY:

For the updated Keyword Vocabulary, kindly visit our website at the link https://quranthinkers.com/keyword-vocabulary-by-wqt/

 

ABD (عۡبُدُ) AABIDUN (عَابِدُونَ) A’EBADI (عِبَادِهِ) TA’BUDUNNA (تَعْبُدُونَ) – NA’BADO – نَعۡبُدُ means submission with complete being, obedience & following. The concept of Abd has a dual meaning of “efforts & comfort” i.e. one has to do efforts and go through difficulties first in order to achieve true benefits of and comfort later- for example; When a horse is being trained to utilize all its strength and abilities, there is a process of harnessing and breaking that horse wild nature, which is called “Ta’abed” in Arabic. Similarly, Abd is also a plant which has huge benefits for camel in terms of strength, nourishment and increased milk. But when camel eats this plant, it becomes thirsty. Therefore, the consumption of plant although has initial difficulties, efforts but finally leads to strength, nourishment and increase of milk for the camel.  Another example is when the road is being made to make it hard, strong and smooth; the whole process that it goes through in order to get strengthened is also called “Ta’beed”. Therefore, keeping in mind, the concept of “efforts and comfort”, to do Abd of Allah basically means to follow Allah’s commandments and rules and regulations as per the Divine guidance. X-Reference – 2:21, 2:23, 2:83, 2:90, 2:133, 2:138, 3:79, 5:60, 7:70, 10:104, 11:62, 12:40, 16:35-36, 26:70-71, 29:17, 34:40-41, 36:60-61, 51:56-57.

 

RABB (رَبِّ) RABB (رَبِّهِ) RABBIHIM (رَبِّهِمْ)- their RABB & RABBOIBIAT: The Quality of Rab is Rabobiat. The word RABB cannot be translated in one English word as the quality of Rabobiat covers a wide range of meanings. The word Rabobiat conveys not only the idea of creating, fostering, bringing up or nourishing, but also that of guiding, caring, designing, regulating, completing, cherishing, accomplishing, sustaining and bringing to maturity in such a manner so as to transition from one condition to another until the thing- the creation reaches the goal of completion & perfection. All the above processes are called the Rabobiat. And this is the meaning of Allah as Rabb meaning the one who is doing this Rabobiat for each and everything in this world and the universe hence the phrase- Rabb ul Alemeen i.e. the Rabb of all the worlds. X-Reference – 1:01, 2:05, 2:112, 2:131, 2:136, 2:139, 2:258, 2:285-286, 3:51, 3:147, 3:193, 5:68, 5:117, 12:39.

 

TAQWA (َاتَّقُوا) & MUTTAQUEEN (مُتَّقِينَ) those who do Taqwa: Muttaqueen are those who are at the highest level of being a Muslim – by doing Taqwa- The word Taqwa basically means to protect something, to nurture & grow something, by protecting it from anything that can be harmful, to be extra cautious and careful. It also means to follow the rules and regulations in letter and spirit, by being completely synchronized with these rules & regulations in complete harmony, by remaining within the designated boundaries. Doing Taqwa basically means to follow the rules and commandments of Allah- the Deen by being extra cautious and protective of these boundaries, never to cross these boundaries of restrictions and freedom as identified by Deen- the rules and commandments of Allah and being in complete harmony & integration with these rules & regulations. X-Reference: 2: 21, 2:44, 2:123, 2:177, 2:180, 2:224, 3:15, 3:101-102, 3:114, 5:02, 5:93, 6:51, 6:153, 9:123, 13:34-37, 38:28, 47:15-17, 91:08, 92:17-18, 96:12.

RIZQ (رَزَقْ ) means anything that gives benefits; any food given by God Almighty for nourishment; any regular income; all and any sources of knowledge; healthy body and mind; our intellectual curiosity to seek knowledge; the Hidayah by Allah; our parents; our spouses etc. Basically, Rizq has been used in Quran to refer to all those sources and means which provide nourishment to us, as human beings, not just physically, but with respect to the growth development and nourishment of all of our faculties and all aspects of our personality and character development. X-Reference 2:25, 3:37, 3:169, 6:140-142, 10:31, 14:37, 16:71-73, 22:34-35.

 

KUFR (لْكُفْرَ) KAFARO (كَفَرُوا), KAAFIR, KAAFIREEN & KUFFARAN (كُفَّارً): Kafir is the one who does Kufr as opposed to Momin is the one who has Emaan. Kufr means to conceal, hide or to cover. Therefore, night is called Kafir, as is darkness covers everything; A farmer is called Kafir as he hides the seed under the soil; and A grave is also called al-kafiro as it hides the dead body. The definition of Kufr also includes concealment, or with-holding of information, provisions, rizq, wealth etc. which Allah has created for the good of all the mankind and which Allah wants to be made freely available. Therefore, in Ayah 2:254- Allah says “O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the Kaafireen – they are the Zalimeen/wrongdoers”. The meanings of Kufr also incorporates the meanings of denying, refusing or rejecting Haq i.e. Allah’s Ayaat. – Both types of Ayaat i.e. the Words of Allah in Quran and Work of Allah i.e. the creations of Allah scattered all around us in science and universe. For instance, refer 2:39- “And those who do Kufr (Kufr) and deny Our Ayaat – those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally”, which shows the meaning of the Kufr as the one who denies/conceal/reject Allah’s Ayaat”. X-Reference – 2:24 , 2:26 , 2:28 , 2:39 , 2:108 , 2:109 , 2:121 , 2:126 , 2:254 , 4:37 , 4:150-151 , 7:179 , 27:81 , 27:81 , 39:32.

 

AMAN (آمَنَ) EMAAN (الْإِيمَانِ) EMAANUKUM (إِيمَانَكُمْ) – your EMAAN; AMNAN (أَمْنًا) AMENO (آمِنُوا ) YU’MINO’N (يُؤْمِنُونَ) MOMINEEN (لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ). The word Aman means safety, security, contend and tranquility. These words also have the basic characteristics of the meanings such as to be calm and quiet (in one’s heart); to be protected from fear; trustworthiness, and with complete truthfulness. Emaan also means to accept truthfully, to be convinced with strong conviction, and to verify something, to rely upon or have confidence in something. The Word EMAAN as per Quran means to have strong faith on, to trust, to submit to, to declare something being confirmed truth, to guarantee, to obey and to have strong conviction on something. However as per Qur’an, Emaan is a conviction based on reasoning and knowledge; a conviction that results from full mental acceptance and intellectual satisfaction; the kind of conviction which gives us a feeling of inner peace, contentment and satisfaction of heart and mind. X-Reference – 2:8-9, 2:26 , 2:62 , 2:85 , 2:108 , 2:121 , 2:125-126 , 2:143 , 2:254 , 2:257 , 4:136 , 5:10 , 7:179 , 8:21-22 , 10:101 , 25:73 , 27:81 , 29:2-3 , 49:14.

 

ZOUJ (أَزْوَاجٌ) normally translated as wives only, the word ZOUJ means partner, spouses, pairs, of the same kind/type or similar beings/things- It also means partners, or associates as well as its used to means of the same kind or type as well. Zouj is used in Quran as in Pair- one plus one, either they are alongside with each other such as the pair of Shoes or pair of glasses, or apposite to each other, such as day and night, darkness and light. But the unique characteristics of Zouj is that whether they are alongside or apposite, one cannot exist without the other, or the concept of one cannot exist without the other. For instance, if one of the shoes breaks apart, the whole pair of shoes is rendered useless. Similarly, if one glass in the pair of the eye glasses breaks, the whole pair of Glasses is of no use. We cannot explain the concept of light without the darkness or day without the night or vise versa, i.e. one cannot exist without the other. It’s because of this unique characteristic that they are called Zawjaan i.e., part of the same jaan, nafs, soul and each is called Zouj of another. X-Reference 2: 25  , 2:102  ,  2:240 ,  4:01 , 4:20 , 16:72 , 30:21 , 33:37 , 33:50 , 39:06 , 42:11 ,  44:54 ,  55:52 , 60:11 , 66:03 , 70:30 , 75:39 , 78:08 , 81:07.

 

DARABA (ضْرِبَ )/ Adarabau (اضْرِبُوهُ) is used in Quran in multiple meanings. For instance, it used as meaning to beat or to strike. It also used to travel or to migrate for earnings/Rizq; to mold, to draw, to modify or to conform; to condemn, to take away or to seal; to disregard or to ignore, to discontinue, to stop, or to disconnect; to travel, to go forth on a journey, to walk, or to cover; to present in detail manner, to explain in detail, or to explain with examples. Since this one of the such words of Quran which has many meanings, which of these meanings will be applicable will be depended upon the context in which it appears for instance in Ayah 2:26, the meaning of the word Daraba is to explain in detail by giving examples. X-Reference- 2:26  , 2:60  , 2:73  , 2:273 , 3:112  , 3:156  , 4:34  , 4:94  , 4:101 , 5:106  , 13:17  , 14:24-25  , 16:74-76  , 18:11  , 18:45  , 24:31  , 30:58  , 43:05  , 43:17 , 66:11.

 

HAQQ (الْحَقُّ ) WITH HAQQ (بِالْحَقِّ)  is used in Quran in four broad meanings. (1) It used as an opposite of doubt & confusion; Therefore, Haq means the confirmation of absolute truth. The word means firm, strong, confirmed / solid truth, solid constructive fact or event with strong/undeniable foundations and fundamentals. (2) Haq is also used in Quran as an opposite of “Ba’Til”- As we all know Batil means destruction of human faculties and resources, or any forces whose basic aim is to destroy peace law and order, Evil. As an opposite to Batil, the word Haq means such constructive, and positive forces, intentions, deeds whose basic aim is to utilize human faculties and resources to their best, to cause law and order, love, compassion, peace and kindness, and to shield, protect and attack against the Batil. (3) anybody or anything or any system’s due right based on Allah’s solid judicial principals, that is whatever that person, thing or system has earned based on justice it could be either reward or punishment, that recompense, the due right is termed as Haq as per Quran for instance in ayah 2:61, the word is used in terms of due right 4) Quran has also used the word Haq as one’s obligations and duties based on one’s roles and responsibilities. X-Reference – 2:26 , 2:42 , 2:91 , 2:109 , 2:118 , 2:144 , 2:146 , 2:149 , 2:180 , 2:228 , 2:247 , 3:71 , 4:170-171 , 5:48 , 5:107 , 6:81 , 7:30 , 7:44 , 8:7-8 , 10:32-33 , 10:96 , 10:103 , 16:36 , 17:16 , 17:81 , 36:07 , 39:19 , 84:2-5.

 

FAASIQ (الْفَاسِقِينَ ) & FASAQ& YUFSEKON (يَفْسُقُونَ). means a person who does kufur, conceals haq, lies, who is considered unreliable, to be defiantly disobedient and non-compliant, who crosses the boundaries of the rules, laws regulations and commandments given by Allah in Quran would be called Faasiq and he/she would not be able to be nourished and developed as opposed to those who would be nourished, grown and developed staying within those boundaries. Deen embodies those rules and regulations whose basic aim is to utilize the human faculties and resources to its maximum. Therefore, those who remain outside these boundaries will not be able benefit from these impacts, would remain malnourished and underdeveloped. As per Ayah 2:26-27, the definition of Fassiq by Quran is someone who breaks the covenant with Allah, disobeying Allah’s commandments, who spreads Fasaad on earth and breaks those (relationships, community, Ummah, etc.) which Allah has ordered to be joined/put together, creating disorder and disturbance within the people, societies and communities. Quran has also termed Kaafir&Zaalim as Faasiq as well as in Ayah 2:59 & 2:99. Therefore anyone who disobeys Allah’s laws, cheats others, creates fasaad, and not work in accordance with the best interests of the society and Allah’s other creations is a Faasiq. X-Reference – 2:26-27 , 2:59 , 2:99 , 2:197 , 2:282 , 3:81-88 , 5:03 ,  5:47-49 , 5:108 , 6:121 , 9:24 , 9:67 , 17:16 , 18:50 , 46:20 , 46:35 , 49:06 , 49:11 , 57:26-27 , 63:06.

 

MEESAQ (مِيثَاقِهِ) means any rope or anything that is used to tie up something strongly; making something robust, sturdy & strong that is reliable & unbreakable. Therefore, as per Quran, Meesaq means any sturdy, strong, solid reliable and stable contract with solid foundations which is unbreakable. In Ayah 2:27 when Allah says that they break the covenant (ahad) with Allah after that covenant has been honored by Allah by giving them what was in that covenant and made it a Messaq (a firm and strong binding). X-Reference – 2:27 , 2:83-84 , 2:256 , 3:81 , 4:21 , 4:154-155 , 5:07 , 5:12-14 , 12:66 , 12:80 , 13:25 , 31:22 , 33:07 , 57:08 , 89:26.

 

FASAAD (فْسِدُو)means Corruption and disorder, something not being able to retain its original better state, Fasaad is an opposite of the word Silah (صْلِحُ) as in Musselehon – both words are used in the same ayah 2:11. The word Silah (صْلِحُ) means to keep the things in their right order and balance. Therefore, the word Fasaad as an opposite would mean to create disorder or imbalance. It’s also used in the meaning of going against haq, for example, to cheat in measurement or weight, not to give people their earned wages as per their work, to create imbalance in economy and society, not to give people’s due rights or give them less than what they deserve, to destroy law order and peace, to reverse the right order for anything or any system, etc. basically anything that create unevenness in a society is termed as Fasaad by Quran. It’s also used in Quran as an opposite to the word Ahsan. Husan or Ahsan means to create balance, to create beauty, peace and order, to fill the void, to correct the flaw or mistake etc. As an opposite of Husn, the word Fasad would mean to create imbalance, to disrupt law and order, to create lawlessness and destruction etc. X-Reference 2:11  , 2:27-30 , 2:60 , 2:205 , 7:85 ,  7:127  , 12:73 , 26:183 , 27:34  , 27:48 , 28:04 , 28:77 , 28:83 , 38:02 , 89:12.

 

S’AMARAT (وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ) is used in Quran in the meanings of the word fruits. It is also used in the meanings of crops and vegetation – for instance in the ayah 6:141, Allah says “…كُلُوا مِنْ ثَمَرِهِ إِذَا أَثْمَرَ وَآتُوا حَقَّهُ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِ  Eat/consume from its S’amarahi ; when it produces  S’amar ; and give its Haqq (Haqqahu) on the day of its harvest”  Here the word is used in the meanings of crop, harvest, vegetation, fruits of labor and hard work. It’s used in the similar meanings in terms of Fruits/results of planning, efforts, labor, hard work in terms of monetary wealth, income and worldly benefits in the ayah 18:34 “and he had S’amar so he said to his companion ‘I am more/better than you in Maal (wealth) and am more in Izzat (respect)” . Therefore, the word is all-inclusive in terms of fruits or results of planning, efforts, labor and hard work in terms of worldly benefits such as wealth, property, respect, title, positions etc. Similarly in the ayah 7:130 “We certainly seized the people of Firaun with years of Naqs in S’amarat that perhaps they would do Zikr” the word is used all across in terms of fruits/results of their planning, efforts, labor and hard work for all worldly benefits including wealth, respect, position, property and possession etc.….X-Reference – 2:22 , 2:155 , 6:141 , 7:57 , 7:130 , 13:3 , 14:32 , 14:37 , 16:11 , 16:67 , 16:69 , 18:34 , 18:42 , 28:57 , 35:27 , 36:35 , 41:47 , 47:15

 

ANDADAN (أَنْدَادًا)  & NIDA’AN (وَنِدَاءً) NADAD normally translated as creating partners or equals or rivals to Allah but the word as per Quran is not equivalent of doing shirk – The word Andadan basically conveys the meaning of likeness or similar in calling or relying upon; similar to someone or something in terms of basic characteristics or essence. The word Naddu means having opposition, rivalry, enmity or conflict, or challenging someone or opposing someone. The phrase Lilahe Andadan cannot be translated as doing Shirk or creating of partners but in terms of creating Andadan with Allah i.e., as opposition of Allah, calling or relying on someone other than Allah, with the basic characteristics of opposition and conflict with Allah’s Deen and combination of doing Kufr and Shirk. Basically, the phrase is used in terms of all people, forces, systems and environment which stand in opposition to Allah attracting people away from the path of Allah. This phrase is Lilahe Andadan (Andadan with Allah) or Laho Andadan (Andadan with Him) is used in Quran 6 times. For instance, in the ayah 14:30 “And they created (Ja’alna) with Allah Andadan so that they could mislead from the path of Allah…”  Here the phrase Lilahe Andadan is explained as the “reasons” which cause to mislead people from the path of Allah. This is further explained in the ayah 34:33 “And those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, “It was your scheming by night and day; as you instructed us to do Kufar of Allah, and to set up Andadan to Allah…” Here again the word Lilahe Andadan or Laho (for Allah) Andadan becomes clearer in terms of making an environment, a system of going in opposition to Allah through doing Kufar of Allah and as a plan/a scheme to divert people away from Allah, to encourage Kufar of Allah by others and to direct innocent people (who do not know) towards calling or relying on others (masters/leaders) instead of Allah. Similar meanings are in the ayah 39:08, “When some adversity touches the human being, he calls his Rabb, striving towards Allah. But then, when Allah confers on him Allah’s Na’mat, he forgets what he was calling for before, and he creates (Ja’ala) Lilahe Andadan, so that to lead astray from the path of Allah. …”. As obvious from this ayah, the word Andadan basically means creating a system of opposition of Allah, an environment of kufr and shirk, not only by doing kufr and shirk as an individual but also creating a whole environment of kufr and shirk among people or in a community to incline, influence & indulge others to do the same, doing the kufr while directing others towards other such people, as their gods/deity – the basic aim of which is to lead people astray away from the path of Allah by creating such kind of kufr environment where innocent people gets into that trap. Since Allah has already created his Ayyat, the whole system and environment for us to think and ponder and recognize Allah with reason, because of this, this phrase is mostly mentioned soon after Allah’s creations as Allah’s Ayaat and Allah’s Na’mat. For instance, in the ayah 40:09 Allah says “Say- Do you indeed do Kufar on the one who has created the earth in two youm and you made (Ja’alon) laho Andadan? Allah is the rabb of the Aalimeen” Here the phrase is used soon after telling us that the creation of earth with all the Na’mat therein which creates perfect environment for humanity, so how can anyone create Andadan with Allah? – as a surprising question how one can create in opposition to Allah’s created systems- as an opposing system, an environment of kufr and shirk to indulge others as well. Similar meanings and context are used in the Ayah 2:22 as well as the ayah 2:165. X-Reference – 2:22 , 2:165 , 2:171 , 14:30 , 34:33 , 39:08 , 49:09.

S’ULAH & AS’LAHU (وَأَصْلَحُوا) S’WALEHAT (الصَّالِحَاتِ) The word S’ulah is used in the meanings of reform or to rectify, to improve or to make amends. It’s basically used in Quran in the meanings of to correct mistakes, to rectify lack of something or to correct the errors done earlier. For instance, in the ayah 5:39, Allah says “But whoever does Touba after the Zulm and does Aslaha, indeed, Allah will accept his Touba and Allah is Ghafoor and Raheem”. Here the meaning of the word becomes very obvious in terms of correction, correcting the damage done by ones’ mistakes and Zulm, getting things back in order, putting them in their right full place and giving the compensation of whatever harm was done. It is also used as an opposite of Fasaad (To create disbalance/corruption etc)- therefore the meanings of the word is to create the balance, to restore peace, law & order, to resume the situation back to its correct place. It is also used in the meanings to be healthy not just physically but right and balanced in all aspects by removing all lacks, deficiencies & mistakes and working within the parameters of Deen-e-islam in terms of being righteous and khair. In the phrase of Quran Aml-e-S’walehat with the same meanings would mean righteousness deeds- in accordance with Deen-e-Islam.  X-Reference -2:25 , 2:62 , 2:160 , 2:182 , 3:46 , 3:82 , 4:69 , 4:128-129 , 5:39 , 7:35 , 7:73 , 8:01 , 11:61 , 13:23 , 16:122 , 18:82 , 24:05 , 25:70-71 , 26:142 , 40:8 , 42:40 , 49:9-10