God's Book is a guide, but it benefits only those whose consciences remain alive. For the arrogant, it serves merely as a warning of the fate awaiting them. The preacher of truth finds himself in a painful position: what he knows to be absolute reality is dismissed as falsehood by the majority. What he holds most precious is treated as insignificant, as though it has no weight or substance at all.
A Book revealed to you, So let your heart be oppressed no more by any difficulty on that account, that with it you might warn [the erring] and teach the Believers).
Commentary of verses 7:1 to 7:2
God's Book is a guide, but it benefits only those whose consciences remain alive. For the arrogant, it serves merely as a warning of the fate awaiting them. The preacher of truth finds himself in a painful position: what he knows to be absolute reality is dismissed as falsehood by the majority. What he holds most precious is treated as insignificant, as though it has no weight or substance at all.
Ittabi'oo maaa unzila 'ilaikum mir Rabbikum wa laa tattabi'oo min dooniheee awliyaaa'; qaleelam maa tazakkaroon
Follow (O men!) the revelation given to you from your Lord, and follow not, as friends or protectors, other than Him. Little it is you remember of reminder.
Commentary of verse 7:3
The Quran expresses a believer's innermost feelings in the most fitting words. The opening chapter, al-Fatihah, captures the natural response of someone who has discovered the truth. When we observe the world, we see Allah's power and mercy everywhere—extraordinary order and provision meeting human needs at every turn.
Such observation leads to the realisation that this vast cosmic design cannot be purposeless. There must be a Day when the grateful and ungrateful are judged according to how they lived. This understanding prompts the believer to call upon Allah: 'You are Master of the Day of Judgement. I submit to You and seek Your help. Show me the true path, the way of those You favour, not the way of those led astray or those who earned Your anger through obstinacy.'
Allah asks His servants to live with such awareness and sincerity. Al-Fatihah is a compact summary of Islamic belief; the rest of the Quran expands upon this foundation.
Wa kam min qaryatin ahlaknaahaa fajaaa'ahaa baasunaa bayaatan aw hum qaaa'iloon
How many towns have We destroyed [for their sins]? Our punishment took them on a sudden by night or while they slept for their afternoon rest.
Commentary of verses 7:4 to 7:9
In this world, people judge importance by material splendour, eloquent speech, and large followings. The preacher of truth often lacks these outward signs, so his words carry little weight. Meanwhile, his opponents—surrounded by wealth and prestige—command attention and influence.
On the Day of Judgement, this will be reversed. All weight will rest with the truth. Falsehood, stripped of its arguments and adornments, will be exposed as worthless. What seemed insignificant will be paramount; what seemed mighty will collapse.
Famaa kaana da'waahum iz jaaa'ahum baasunaa illaaa an qaalooo innaa kunnaa zaalimeen
When [thus] Our punishment took them, no cry did they utter but this: "Indeed we did wrong."
Commentary of verses 7:4 to 7:9
In this world, people judge importance by material splendour, eloquent speech, and large followings. The preacher of truth often lacks these outward signs, so his words carry little weight. Meanwhile, his opponents—surrounded by wealth and prestige—command attention and influence.
On the Day of Judgement, this will be reversed. All weight will rest with the truth. Falsehood, stripped of its arguments and adornments, will be exposed as worthless. What seemed insignificant will be paramount; what seemed mighty will collapse.
Falanas 'alannal lazeena ursila ilaihim wa lanas 'alannal mursaleen
Then shall we question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it.
Commentary of verses 7:4 to 7:9
In this world, people judge importance by material splendour, eloquent speech, and large followings. The preacher of truth often lacks these outward signs, so his words carry little weight. Meanwhile, his opponents—surrounded by wealth and prestige—command attention and influence.
On the Day of Judgement, this will be reversed. All weight will rest with the truth. Falsehood, stripped of its arguments and adornments, will be exposed as worthless. What seemed insignificant will be paramount; what seemed mighty will collapse.
Falanaqussanna 'alaihim bi'ilminw wa maa kunnaa ghaaa'ibeen
And indeed, We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent [at any time or place].
Commentary of verses 7:4 to 7:9
In this world, people judge importance by material splendour, eloquent speech, and large followings. The preacher of truth often lacks these outward signs, so his words carry little weight. Meanwhile, his opponents—surrounded by wealth and prestige—command attention and influence.
On the Day of Judgement, this will be reversed. All weight will rest with the truth. Falsehood, stripped of its arguments and adornments, will be exposed as worthless. What seemed insignificant will be paramount; what seemed mighty will collapse.
The balance that day will be true [to nicety]: those whose scale [of good] will be heavy, will be successful:
Commentary of verses 7:4 to 7:9
In this world, people judge importance by material splendour, eloquent speech, and large followings. The preacher of truth often lacks these outward signs, so his words carry little weight. Meanwhile, his opponents—surrounded by wealth and prestige—command attention and influence.
On the Day of Judgement, this will be reversed. All weight will rest with the truth. Falsehood, stripped of its arguments and adornments, will be exposed as worthless. What seemed insignificant will be paramount; what seemed mighty will collapse.
Wa man khaffat mawaazeenuhoo fa ulaaa'ikal lazeena khasirooo anfusahum bimaa kaanoo bi Aayaatinaa yazlimoon
Those whose scale will be light, will be their souls in perdition, for that they wrongfully treated Our verses.
Commentary of verses 7:4 to 7:9
In this world, people judge importance by material splendour, eloquent speech, and large followings. The preacher of truth often lacks these outward signs, so his words carry little weight. Meanwhile, his opponents—surrounded by wealth and prestige—command attention and influence.
On the Day of Judgement, this will be reversed. All weight will rest with the truth. Falsehood, stripped of its arguments and adornments, will be exposed as worthless. What seemed insignificant will be paramount; what seemed mighty will collapse.
Wa laqad makkannaakum fil ardi wa ja'alnaa lakum feehaa ma'aayish; qaleelam maa tashkuroon
It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that you give!
Commentary of verses 7:10 to 7:11
Everything God grants in this world is intended to inspire gratitude. Yet this is the very thing most people fail to give. Satan distorts human feelings and steers hearts away from thankfulness. The story of Adam and Satan reveals the true test: how we respond to jealousy and pride.
Throughout life, situations arise where one person surpasses another in wealth, honour, or position. Sometimes fulfilling another's rights feels humiliating. These moments test whether we respond with grace or resentment. Our reaction in such situations determines our standing before God.
Wa laqad khalaqnaakum summa sawwarnaakum summa qulnaa lilmalaaa'ikatis judoo li Aadama fa-sajadooo illaaa Ibleesa lam yakum minas saajideen
It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels prostrate to Adam, and they prostrate; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who prostrate.
Commentary of verses 7:10 to 7:11
Everything God grants in this world is intended to inspire gratitude. Yet this is the very thing most people fail to give. Satan distorts human feelings and steers hearts away from thankfulness. The story of Adam and Satan reveals the true test: how we respond to jealousy and pride.
Throughout life, situations arise where one person surpasses another in wealth, honour, or position. Sometimes fulfilling another's rights feels humiliating. These moments test whether we respond with grace or resentment. Our reaction in such situations determines our standing before God.
Qaala maa mana'aka allaa tasjuda iz amartuka qaala ana khairum minhu khalaqtanee min naarinw wa khalaqtahoo min teen
[Allah] said: "What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?" He said: "I am better than he: You did create me from fire, and him from clay."
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
[Allah] said: "Get you down from this: it is not for you to be arrogant here: get out, for you are of the meanest [of creatures]."
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
V
قَالَ أَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
Qaala anzirneee ilaa Yawmi yub'asoon
He said: "Give me respite till the day they are raised up."
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
G
قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ
Qaala innaka minal munzareen
[Allah] said: "Be you among those who have respite."
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
Qaala fabimaaa aghway tanee la aq'udanna lahum Siraatakal Mustaqeem
He said: "Because you have thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on your straight way:
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
Summa la aatiyannahum mim baine aideehim wa min khalfihim wa 'an aimaanihim wa 'an shamaaa'ilihim wa laa tajidu aksarahum shaakireen
"Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor will you find, in most of them, gratitude [for your mercies]."
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
[Allah] said: "Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow you, Hell will I fill with you all.
Commentary of verses 7:12 to 7:18
When God appoints a messenger to guide people towards truth, some refuse to accept his authority. This refusal often stems from envy and arrogance—an unwillingness to acknowledge that another has been chosen over them. Satan exploits these feelings, whispering: 'I am better than him.' Those who surrender to pride and jealousy follow Satan's path and earn the fate of Hell, while the humble inherit Paradise.
Everything we receive comes from God. Recognising another's spiritual rank is simply acknowledging God's wisdom in His gifts. To deny someone's God-given superiority is to reject God's decree itself. When we submit to truth through another person, we are not bowing to that individual but responding to God's command. True humility is obedience to the divine will, not mere deference to human status.
Wa yaaa Aadamus kun anta wa zawjukal Jannata fakulaa min haisu shi'tumaa wa laa taqrabaa haazihish shajarata fatakoonaa minza zaalimeen
"O Adam! dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and enjoy [its good things] as you wish: but approach not this tree, or you run into harm and transgression."
Commentary of verses 7:19 to 7:21
Adam and his wife enjoyed freedom in Paradise, surrounded by countless blessings. Only one tree was forbidden to them. Satan seized upon this single prohibition, convincing them it held the secret to eternal life and divine power. Deceived by his persistent whispers, they ate from the tree—and immediately lost the protection they had enjoyed.
This reveals Satan's timeless strategy: he diminishes the value of God's abundant lawful gifts while magnifying the appeal of what is forbidden. He tailors his deceptions to each person's weaknesses. He may lure one towards harmful indulgence by promising health, convince another that destruction of opponents is strength, or persuade a third that political revolution is the only path to religious reform. In every case, Satan distracts people from legitimate opportunities by making the prohibited seem essential and the forbidden appear as the gateway to success.
Fawaswasa lahumash Shaitaanu liyubdiya lahumaa maa wooriya 'anhumaa min saw aatihimaa wa qaala maa nahaakumaa Rabbukumaa 'an haazihish shajarati illaaa an takoonaa malakaini aw takoonaa minal khaalideen
Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them [before]: he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest you should become angels or such beings as live for ever."
Commentary of verses 7:19 to 7:21
Adam and his wife enjoyed freedom in Paradise, surrounded by countless blessings. Only one tree was forbidden to them. Satan seized upon this single prohibition, convincing them it held the secret to eternal life and divine power. Deceived by his persistent whispers, they ate from the tree—and immediately lost the protection they had enjoyed.
This reveals Satan's timeless strategy: he diminishes the value of God's abundant lawful gifts while magnifying the appeal of what is forbidden. He tailors his deceptions to each person's weaknesses. He may lure one towards harmful indulgence by promising health, convince another that destruction of opponents is strength, or persuade a third that political revolution is the only path to religious reform. In every case, Satan distracts people from legitimate opportunities by making the prohibited seem essential and the forbidden appear as the gateway to success.
And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser.
Commentary of verses 7:19 to 7:21
Adam and his wife enjoyed freedom in Paradise, surrounded by countless blessings. Only one tree was forbidden to them. Satan seized upon this single prohibition, convincing them it held the secret to eternal life and divine power. Deceived by his persistent whispers, they ate from the tree—and immediately lost the protection they had enjoyed.
This reveals Satan's timeless strategy: he diminishes the value of God's abundant lawful gifts while magnifying the appeal of what is forbidden. He tailors his deceptions to each person's weaknesses. He may lure one towards harmful indulgence by promising health, convince another that destruction of opponents is strength, or persuade a third that political revolution is the only path to religious reform. In every case, Satan distracts people from legitimate opportunities by making the prohibited seem essential and the forbidden appear as the gateway to success.
Fadallaahumaa bighuroor; falammaa zaaqash shajarata badat lahumaa saw aatuhumaa wa tafiqaa yakhsifaani 'alaihimaa minw waraqil jannati wa naadaahumaa Rabbuhumaaa alam anhakumaa 'an tilkumash shajarati wa aqul lakumaaa innash Shaitaana lakumaa 'aduwwum mubeen
So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of Paradise over their bodies. And their Lord called to them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy to you?"
Commentary of verses 7:22 to 7:25
Adam and Satan were sent to earth as eternal enemies. Until the Day of Judgement, Satan strives to lead humanity astray, seeking to deprive others of God's grace as he himself was deprived. Humanity must resist his call and answer God's instead.
This struggle divides mankind into two groups: those who follow Satan's temptations and those who respond to God. Throughout history, the faithful few have faced fierce opposition from the larger group of truth-deniers. Satan fuels this hatred, turning people into instruments of hostility against believers.
Satan's original sin was refusing to honour the favour God bestowed upon Adam. He now works to instil this same rebellious spirit in everyone—encouraging the young to disrespect elders, debtors to break promises, and people to reject messengers of truth. He inflames disputes, urging unreasonable demands that perpetuate conflict. Through his whispers, enmity spreads across society, dividing humanity into hostile camps locked in endless confrontation.
Qaalaa Rabbanaa zalamnaaa anfusanaa wa illam taghfir lanaa wa tarhamnaa lanakoonanna minal khaasireen
They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If you forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."
Commentary of verses 7:22 to 7:25
Adam and Satan were sent to earth as eternal enemies. Until the Day of Judgement, Satan strives to lead humanity astray, seeking to deprive others of God's grace as he himself was deprived. Humanity must resist his call and answer God's instead.
This struggle divides mankind into two groups: those who follow Satan's temptations and those who respond to God. Throughout history, the faithful few have faced fierce opposition from the larger group of truth-deniers. Satan fuels this hatred, turning people into instruments of hostility against believers.
Satan's original sin was refusing to honour the favour God bestowed upon Adam. He now works to instil this same rebellious spirit in everyone—encouraging the young to disrespect elders, debtors to break promises, and people to reject messengers of truth. He inflames disputes, urging unreasonable demands that perpetuate conflict. Through his whispers, enmity spreads across society, dividing humanity into hostile camps locked in endless confrontation.
Qaalah bitoo ba'dukum liba'din aduwwunw wa lakum fil ardi mmustaqarrunw wa mataa'un ilaaheen
[Allah] said: "Get you down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood, for a time."
Commentary of verses 7:22 to 7:25
Adam and Satan were sent to earth as eternal enemies. Until the Day of Judgement, Satan strives to lead humanity astray, seeking to deprive others of God's grace as he himself was deprived. Humanity must resist his call and answer God's instead.
This struggle divides mankind into two groups: those who follow Satan's temptations and those who respond to God. Throughout history, the faithful few have faced fierce opposition from the larger group of truth-deniers. Satan fuels this hatred, turning people into instruments of hostility against believers.
Satan's original sin was refusing to honour the favour God bestowed upon Adam. He now works to instil this same rebellious spirit in everyone—encouraging the young to disrespect elders, debtors to break promises, and people to reject messengers of truth. He inflames disputes, urging unreasonable demands that perpetuate conflict. Through his whispers, enmity spreads across society, dividing humanity into hostile camps locked in endless confrontation.
Qaala feehaa tahyawna wa feehaa tamootoona wa minhaa tukhrajoon
He said: "Therein shall you live, and therein shall you die; but from it shall you be taken out [at last]."
Commentary of verses 7:22 to 7:25
Adam and Satan were sent to earth as eternal enemies. Until the Day of Judgement, Satan strives to lead humanity astray, seeking to deprive others of God's grace as he himself was deprived. Humanity must resist his call and answer God's instead.
This struggle divides mankind into two groups: those who follow Satan's temptations and those who respond to God. Throughout history, the faithful few have faced fierce opposition from the larger group of truth-deniers. Satan fuels this hatred, turning people into instruments of hostility against believers.
Satan's original sin was refusing to honour the favour God bestowed upon Adam. He now works to instil this same rebellious spirit in everyone—encouraging the young to disrespect elders, debtors to break promises, and people to reject messengers of truth. He inflames disputes, urging unreasonable demands that perpetuate conflict. Through his whispers, enmity spreads across society, dividing humanity into hostile camps locked in endless confrontation.
Yaa Baneee Aadama qad anzalnaa 'alaikum libaasany yuwaaree saw aatikum wa reeshanw wa libaasut taqwaa zaalika khair; zaalika min Aayaatil laahi la'allahum yaz zakkaroon
O you Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness, that is the best. Such are among the verses of Allah, that they may receive reminder!
Commentary of verse 7:26
Throughout history, God's messengers have faced the same criticism: if they truly represent the Almighty, why aren't they blessed with worldly riches and power? People whose thinking is purely materialistic expect divine envoys to display earthly grandeur. They cannot accept that God would choose ordinary individuals as His prophets.
The prophets carried powerful signs—truth reflected in their words and conduct. Yet people missed these spiritual realities because they valued only visible, tangible greatness. When messengers presented compelling arguments rooted in truth, their audiences, locked in negative mindsets, simply could not grasp them.
The Jews and Christians had once been bearers of divine religion. Over time, however, their faith became reduced to ethnic custom and communal identity. Piety meant belonging to the group; deviation meant rejection. This sectarian attitude prevented them from recognising genuine religion when it was offered anew. True faith can only be embraced by those who remain true to their inner human nature, not by those who have suppressed it in favour of artificial dogmas and inherited traditions.
O you Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as He got your parents out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends [only] to those without faith.
Commentary of verses 7:27 to 7:28
God chose the Children of Israel for a noble mission: to call all nations to His path and remind them of their accountability. He sent countless prophets to guide them, including Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. Yet over time, they began to see their role as proof of ethnic superiority rather than sacred duty. Consequently, they lost their position as bearers of divine religion, and the honour passed to the Children of Ishmael through Prophet Muhammad.
The truly pious among the Children of Israel recognised that Muhammad's message came from the same divine source as their earlier prophets. Those who rejected him did so out of prejudice, unable to accept that another nation could receive God's favour. They were warned that in the Hereafter, only sincere faith and righteous deeds would count. There, no one could bear another's burden, no intercession would avail, and ethnic heritage would hold no value. God's justice would apply equally to all.
Abraham himself was granted leadership only after enduring severe trials and proving his total submission to God. The same principle applies to every generation: divine covenant is earned through sacrifice and devotion, not inherited by lineage.
When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Rather, Allah never commands what is shameful: do you say of Allah what you know not?"
Commentary of verses 7:27 to 7:28
God chose the Children of Israel for a noble mission: to call all nations to His path and remind them of their accountability. He sent countless prophets to guide them, including Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. Yet over time, they began to see their role as proof of ethnic superiority rather than sacred duty. Consequently, they lost their position as bearers of divine religion, and the honour passed to the Children of Ishmael through Prophet Muhammad.
The truly pious among the Children of Israel recognised that Muhammad's message came from the same divine source as their earlier prophets. Those who rejected him did so out of prejudice, unable to accept that another nation could receive God's favour. They were warned that in the Hereafter, only sincere faith and righteous deeds would count. There, no one could bear another's burden, no intercession would avail, and ethnic heritage would hold no value. God's justice would apply equally to all.
Abraham himself was granted leadership only after enduring severe trials and proving his total submission to God. The same principle applies to every generation: divine covenant is earned through sacrifice and devotion, not inherited by lineage.
Qul amara Rabbee bilqisti wa aqeemoo wujoohakum 'inda kulli masjidin wad'oohu mukhliseena lahud deen; kamaa bada akum ta'oodoon
Say: "My Lord has commanded justice; and that you set your whole selves [to Him] at every time and place of prayer, and call upon Him, making your devotion sincere as in His sight: such as He created you in the beginning, so shall you return."
Commentary of verses 7:29 to 7:30
Justice means behaving in accordance with what is morally right and true. Worship is a natural human impulse—we instinctively seek something greater to revere. True justice in worship means directing this impulse towards the one Creator who sustains us. Similarly, placing absolute trust in the All-Powerful God is justice, as is believing in resurrection—for everyone has already experienced coming into existence from nothing at birth.
People often reject God's messenger by appealing to revered figures of the past, whose greatness seems historically proven. By contrast, the new preacher appears unproven and lacks such veneration. This comparison leads many to dismiss the messenger, believing they follow righteousness. Yet this is no excuse before God. In rejecting the messenger, they are not truly following God—they are following Satan under the guise of piety.
Fareeqan hadaa wa fareeqan haqqa 'alaihimud dalaalah; innahumut takhazush Shayaateena awliyaaa'a min doonil laahi wa yahsaboona annnahum muhtadoon
Some He has guided: Others have [by their choice] deserved the loss of their way; in that they took the evil ones, in preference to Allah, for their friends and protectors, and think that they receive guidance.
Commentary of verses 7:29 to 7:30
Justice means behaving in accordance with what is morally right and true. Worship is a natural human impulse—we instinctively seek something greater to revere. True justice in worship means directing this impulse towards the one Creator who sustains us. Similarly, placing absolute trust in the All-Powerful God is justice, as is believing in resurrection—for everyone has already experienced coming into existence from nothing at birth.
People often reject God's messenger by appealing to revered figures of the past, whose greatness seems historically proven. By contrast, the new preacher appears unproven and lacks such veneration. This comparison leads many to dismiss the messenger, believing they follow righteousness. Yet this is no excuse before God. In rejecting the messenger, they are not truly following God—they are following Satan under the guise of piety.
Yaa Banneee Adama khuzoo zeenatakum 'inda kulli masjidinw wa kuloo washraboo wa laa tusrifoo; innahoo laa yuhibbul musrifeen
O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters.
Commentary of verses 7:31 to 7:33
Some pre-Islamic Arabs performed pilgrimage rituals naked or abstained from certain foods, imagining these acts brought them closer to God. Throughout history, people have made similar errors—ignoring religion in daily life whilst performing meaningless rituals on special occasions, believing they fulfil God's will through empty gestures.
God asks something entirely different: avoid extravagance and transgression of His limits. Do not declare lawful things forbidden or vice versa. Shun shameful and evidently evil acts. Reject excess. Accept truth when it appears, setting aside all else. Purify yourself completely from associating partners with God. Reserve your deepest devotion for Him alone. Do not invent practices and falsely attribute them to God. Remain His true servant, following only what befits that relationship.
In the Hereafter, God's bounties come as rewards for the righteous. Worldly blessings, however, are temporary provisions for our test. The test is passed not by renouncing these gifts but by using them gratefully within the boundaries God has set.
Say: Who has forbidden the beautiful [gifts] of Allah, which He has produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, [which He has provided] for provision? Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, [and] purely for them on the Day of Judgement. Thus do We explain the signs in detail for those who understand.
Commentary of verse 7:32
When the Children of Israel suffered under Pharaoh's tyranny, they asked their prophet for relief. His guidance was to turn towards God. This illustrates the fundamental difference between worldly leaders and prophets. Political leaders seek solutions through governmental channels—either compromise or confrontation with authorities. The prophet's solution was spiritual: endure patiently, seek God's help, and trust in Him rather than earthly powers. This redirection from horizontal politics to vertical devotion marks the prophetic approach to communal hardship.
Qul innamaa harrama Rabbiyal fawaahisha maa zahara minhaa wa maa bataa wal isma walbaghya bighairil haqqi wa an tushrikoo billaahi maa lam yunazzil bihee sultaananw wa an taqooloo 'alal laahi maa laa ta'lamoon
Say: the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to Allah, for which He has given no authority; and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.
Commentary of verses 7:31 to 7:33
Some pre-Islamic Arabs performed pilgrimage rituals naked or abstained from certain foods, imagining these acts brought them closer to God. Throughout history, people have made similar errors—ignoring religion in daily life whilst performing meaningless rituals on special occasions, believing they fulfil God's will through empty gestures.
God asks something entirely different: avoid extravagance and transgression of His limits. Do not declare lawful things forbidden or vice versa. Shun shameful and evidently evil acts. Reject excess. Accept truth when it appears, setting aside all else. Purify yourself completely from associating partners with God. Reserve your deepest devotion for Him alone. Do not invent practices and falsely attribute them to God. Remain His true servant, following only what befits that relationship.
In the Hereafter, God's bounties come as rewards for the righteous. Worldly blessings, however, are temporary provisions for our test. The test is passed not by renouncing these gifts but by using them gratefully within the boundaries God has set.
Wa likulli ummatin ajalun fa izaa jaaa'a ajaluhum laa yastaakhiroona saa'atanw wa laa yastaqdimoon
To every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor [an hour] can they advance [it in anticipation].
Commentary of verses 7:34 to 7:36
In this world, individuals have their entire lives to choose between right and wrong. For communities and nations, however, God's judgement may come sooner, based on their collective response once truth has been clearly presented. Some are destroyed through extraordinary punishment; others lose their honour and supremacy.
For individuals, the final verdict of Heaven or Hell depends on their response after truth has been rationally demonstrated to them—after the message has been fully conveyed. If someone still rejects it, the cause is arrogance. Their desire to maintain superiority prevents them from humbling themselves before truth. For such a person, there is no destination but Hell.
O you Children of Adam! whenever there come to you messengers from amongst you, rehearsing My signs to you, those who are righteous and mend [their lives], on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.
Commentary of verses 7:34 to 7:36
In this world, individuals have their entire lives to choose between right and wrong. For communities and nations, however, God's judgement may come sooner, based on their collective response once truth has been clearly presented. Some are destroyed through extraordinary punishment; others lose their honour and supremacy.
For individuals, the final verdict of Heaven or Hell depends on their response after truth has been rationally demonstrated to them—after the message has been fully conveyed. If someone still rejects it, the cause is arrogance. Their desire to maintain superiority prevents them from humbling themselves before truth. For such a person, there is no destination but Hell.
But those who deny Our verses and treat them with arrogance, they are companions of the Fire, to dwell therein [for ever].
Commentary of verses 7:34 to 7:36
In this world, individuals have their entire lives to choose between right and wrong. For communities and nations, however, God's judgement may come sooner, based on their collective response once truth has been clearly presented. Some are destroyed through extraordinary punishment; others lose their honour and supremacy.
For individuals, the final verdict of Heaven or Hell depends on their response after truth has been rationally demonstrated to them—after the message has been fully conveyed. If someone still rejects it, the cause is arrogance. Their desire to maintain superiority prevents them from humbling themselves before truth. For such a person, there is no destination but Hell.
Faman azlamu mimmanif taraa 'alal laahi kaziban aw kazzaba bi Aayaatih; ulaaa'ika yanaaluhum naseebuhum minal Kitaab; hataaa izaa jaaa'at hum rusulunaa yatawaf fawnahum qaalooo aina maa kuntum tad'oonaa min doonil laahi qaaloo dalloo 'annaa wa shahidoo 'alaaa anfusihim annahum kaanoo kaafieen
Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His Signs? For such, their portion appointed must reach them from the Book [of decrees]: until, when our messengers [of death] arrive and take their souls,
they say: "Where are the things that you used to invoke besides Allah?" They will reply, "They have left us in the lurch," And they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah.
Commentary of verse 7:37
Prophet Muhammad taught the same message as Abraham: total submission to God, which is the essence of Islam. Yet the People of the Book, who claimed to follow Abraham, led the opposition against him. Why? Because the religion they actually practised bore little resemblance to true submission. They had allowed their faith to degenerate into hollow rituals and permissive customs, believing these would secure them paradise.
In contrast, the Prophet taught that salvation depended on sincere belief and righteous action. The People of the Book assumed their heritage—being descendants of saints and prophets—would guarantee redemption. There was a vast difference between the pure religion of Abraham and what they practised in his name. True religion means accepting divine guidance revealed through prophets, whereas theirs had become a collection of national traditions accumulated over generations, divorced from genuine spiritual truth.
Qaalad khuloo feee umamin qad khalat min qablikum minal jinni wal insifin naari kullamaa dakhalat ummatul la'anat ukhtahaa hattaaa izad daarakoo feehaa jamee'an qaalat ukhraahum li oolaahum Rabbannaa haaa'u laaa'i adalloonaa fa aatihim 'azaaban di'fam minan naari qaala likullin di funw wa laakil laa ta'lamoon
He will say: "Enter you in the company of the peoples who passed away before you - men and jinn, - into the Fire." Every time a new people enters, it curses its sister-people [that went before], until they follow each other, all into the Fire.
Says the last about the first: "Our Lord! it is these that misled us: so give them a double punishment in the Fire." He will say: "Doubled for all": but this you do not understand.
Commentary of verses 7:38 to 7:39
On Judgement Day, misguiding leaders and their misguided followers will both be cast into Hell. In the world, they posed as devoted allies, each glorifying the other. Leaders pandered to public desires whilst the masses made heroes of their leaders. But in Hell, all pretence falls away and everyone appears as they truly are.
The followers will curse their leaders: 'Your leadership deceived us and brought us to this torment!' The leaders will reply: 'You wanted a religion that suited your desires, and you found it with us. True servants of God called you to the right path during the same period, but you ignored them. You followed us not from ignorance but from preference. We pursued our desires through leadership; you pursued yours through following us. We are equally guilty and will receive equal punishment.'
The followers will demand double punishment for the leaders, but the answer will be that the leaders are already suffering doubly—though none can perceive it. In Hell, everyone's agony feels uniquely severe. Those bound by false friendship in this world will despise each other in the next, each trying to consign the other to the worst fate.
Wa qaalat oolaahum li ukhraahum famaa kaana lakum 'alainaa min fadlin fazooqul azaaba bimaa kuntum taksiboon
Then the first will say to the last: "See then! No advantage have you over us; so taste you of the punishment for all that you did!"
Commentary of verses 7:38 to 7:39
On Judgement Day, misguiding leaders and their misguided followers will both be cast into Hell. In the world, they posed as devoted allies, each glorifying the other. Leaders pandered to public desires whilst the masses made heroes of their leaders. But in Hell, all pretence falls away and everyone appears as they truly are.
The followers will curse their leaders: 'Your leadership deceived us and brought us to this torment!' The leaders will reply: 'You wanted a religion that suited your desires, and you found it with us. True servants of God called you to the right path during the same period, but you ignored them. You followed us not from ignorance but from preference. We pursued our desires through leadership; you pursued yours through following us. We are equally guilty and will receive equal punishment.'
The followers will demand double punishment for the leaders, but the answer will be that the leaders are already suffering doubly—though none can perceive it. In Hell, everyone's agony feels uniquely severe. Those bound by false friendship in this world will despise each other in the next, each trying to consign the other to the worst fate.
Innal lazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa wastakbaroo 'anhaa laa tufattahu lahum ahwaabus samaaa'i wa laa yadkhuloonal jannata hattaa yalijal jamalu fee sammil khiyaat; wa kazaalika najzil mujrimeen
To those who deny Our verses and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter Paradise, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: Such is Our reward for those in sin.
Commentary of verses 7:40 to 7:41
When messengers deliver God's call to truth, arrogance often prevents people from accepting it. The messengers rely on reasoned argument alone, while their audience enjoys worldly power and status. This imbalance breeds pride, leading people to view the messenger as inferior and dismiss his message. Such attitudes make entry into God's mercy as unlikely as threading a camel through a needle's eye.
These individuals ignore God, so God turns away from them. He revealed Himself through the messenger's words and clear proofs, yet they chose not to recognise or submit to these signs. How, then, can they expect a share in divine grace?
Lahum min jahannama mihaadunw wa min fawqihim ghawaash; wa kazaalika najziz zaalimeen
For them there is Hell, as a couch [below] and folds and folds of covering above: such is Our requital of those who do wrong.
Commentary of verses 7:40 to 7:41
When messengers deliver God's call to truth, arrogance often prevents people from accepting it. The messengers rely on reasoned argument alone, while their audience enjoys worldly power and status. This imbalance breeds pride, leading people to view the messenger as inferior and dismiss his message. Such attitudes make entry into God's mercy as unlikely as threading a camel through a needle's eye.
These individuals ignore God, so God turns away from them. He revealed Himself through the messenger's words and clear proofs, yet they chose not to recognise or submit to these signs. How, then, can they expect a share in divine grace?
Wallazeena aamanoo wa 'amilus saalihaati la nukallifu nafsan illaa wus'ahaaa ulaaa'ika Ashaabul jannati hum feehaa khaalidoon
But those who believe and work righteousness, no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear, they will be companions of Paradise, therein to dwell [for ever].
Commentary of verses 7:42 to 7:43
In Hell, those who were friends in this life will curse and despise one another. Paradise will be entirely different. There, hearts will be open, filled with love and goodwill. The wicked will carry bitter memories and regret into their eternal future, while the righteous will recall their past with joy.
The people of Hell will dwell in frustration, haunted by their choices. In contrast, those in Paradise will remember God with gratitude, delighted that the truth-bearers' words were proven right. They will recognise God's favour in guiding them to support those who called them towards truth.
Wa naza'naa maa fee sudoorihim min ghillin tajree min tahtihimul anhaaru wa qaalul hamdu lillaahil lazee hadaanaa lihaaza wa maa kunna linahtadiya law laaa ann hadaanal laahu laqad jaaa'at Rusulu Rabbinaa bilhaqq; wa noodoo an tilkumul jannnatu ooristumoohaa bimaa kuntum ta'maloon
And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury;- beneath them will be rivers flowing;- and they shall say: "All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us to this [felicity]: never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth,
that the messengers of our Lord brought to us." And they shall hear the cry: "And [mention]! Paradise before you! You have been made its inheritors, for your deeds [of righteousness]."
Commentary of verses 7:42 to 7:43
In Hell, those who were friends in this life will curse and despise one another. Paradise will be entirely different. There, hearts will be open, filled with love and goodwill. The wicked will carry bitter memories and regret into their eternal future, while the righteous will recall their past with joy.
The people of Hell will dwell in frustration, haunted by their choices. In contrast, those in Paradise will remember God with gratitude, delighted that the truth-bearers' words were proven right. They will recognise God's favour in guiding them to support those who called them towards truth.
Wa naadaa Ashaabul jannati ashaaban Naari an qad wajadnaa maa wa'adannaa Rabbunaa haqqan fahal wajattum maa wa'ada Rabbukum haqqan qaaloo na'am; fa azzana mu'azzinum bainahum al la'natul laahi 'alaz zaalimeen
The companions of Paradise will call out to the companions of the Fire: "We have indeed found the promises of our Lord to us true: Have you also found Your Lord's promises true?" They shall say, "Yes"; but a crier shall proclaim between them: "The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers;-
Commentary of verses 7:44 to 7:45
Once, people questioned how voices could carry between Heaven and Hell, given the vast distance between them. Modern communication has made such exchanges understandable. If today's knowledge cannot fully explain a Quranic statement, that does not disprove it—future discoveries may clarify what now seems mysterious.
Arguments about the Hereafter are strong, yet those without sincerity fail to appreciate them. Instead, they raise doubts and mislead others. Such people, though they may see themselves as deserving God's favour, will face severe accountability. A convincing argument can always be challenged by clever speech, and those who deliberately use such tactics to lead others astray will find themselves far from God's mercy on the Day of Judgement.
Allazeena yasuddoona 'an sabeelil laahi wa yabghoo nahaa 'iwajanw wa hum bil Aakhirati kaafiroon
"Those who would hinder [men] from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: they were those who denied the Hereafter."
Commentary of verses 7:44 to 7:45
Once, people questioned how voices could carry between Heaven and Hell, given the vast distance between them. Modern communication has made such exchanges understandable. If today's knowledge cannot fully explain a Quranic statement, that does not disprove it—future discoveries may clarify what now seems mysterious.
Arguments about the Hereafter are strong, yet those without sincerity fail to appreciate them. Instead, they raise doubts and mislead others. Such people, though they may see themselves as deserving God's favour, will face severe accountability. A convincing argument can always be challenged by clever speech, and those who deliberately use such tactics to lead others astray will find themselves far from God's mercy on the Day of Judgement.
Wa bainahumaa hijaab; wa 'alal A'raafi rijaaluny ya'rifoona kullam biseemaahum; wa naadaw Ashaabal jannati an salaamun 'alaikum; lam yadkhuloohaa wa hum yatma'oon
Between them shall be a veil, and on the heights will be men who would know every one by his marks: they will call out to the companions of Paradise, "peace on you": they will not have entered, but they will have an assurance [thereof].
Commentary of verses 7:46 to 7:47
In this world, both believers and disbelievers experience God's blessings and trials alike. In the Hereafter, however, a barrier will separate them completely. The joys of Paradise will not reach the people of Hell, nor will the torments of Hell touch those in Heaven.
When their eyes shall be turned towards the companions of the Fire, they will say: "Our Lord! send us not to the company of the wrongdoers."
Commentary of verses 7:46 to 7:47
In this world, both believers and disbelievers experience God's blessings and trials alike. In the Hereafter, however, a barrier will separate them completely. The joys of Paradise will not reach the people of Hell, nor will the torments of Hell touch those in Heaven.
Wa naadaaa Ashaabul A'raffi rijaalany ya'rifoonahum biseemaahum qaaloo maaa aghnaa 'ankum jam'ukum wa maa kuntum tastakbiroon
The men on the heights will call to certain men whom they will know from their marks, saying: "Of what profit to you were your hoards and your arrogant ways?
Commentary of verse 7:48
The faith that pleases God is exemplified by the Companions of the Prophet. What distinguished their belief was its purity: they accepted truth for truth's sake alone, without worldly motives or inherited traditions to support it. This was rare in a society that revered ancient words, considering truth to be whatever had been sanctified by centuries of tradition and national pride.
Earlier prophets came with the weight of history and legend behind them. Prophet Muhammad, however, arrived without such accumulated prestige. When truth stands alone, unsupported by heritage or custom, those who accept it do so purely because it is the truth. This is the kind of belief God recognises and values—faith that is strong, sincere, and untainted by anything other than recognition of reality. Only such pure faith is truly acceptable to the Almighty.
A haaa'ulaaa'il lazeena aqsamtum laa yanaaluhumul laahu birahma; udkhulul Jannata laa khawfun 'alaikum wa laaa antum tahzanoon
"And [mention]! are these not the men whom you swore that Allah with His Mercy would never bless? Enter you Paradise: no fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve."
Commentary of verse 7:49
Moses received the call to preach in Egypt, but divine law was revealed later in the Sinai desert. This sequence shows the natural order of guidance. Believers are first called to rectify their personal lives and worship God sincerely, while inviting others to monotheism and awareness of the Hereafter. When they gain communal independence, as the Israelites did in Sinai, establishing Islamic law becomes their duty.
When Moses appointed Aaron as leader, he instructed him to act rightly and avoid corruption. This reflects the core principle of responsible leadership within a believing community.
Wa naadaaa Ashaabun Naari Ashaabal jannati an afeedoo 'alainaa minal maaa'i aw mimma razaqakumul laah; qaaloo innal laaha harrama humaa 'alal kaafireen
The companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise: "Pour down to us water or anything that Allah does provide for your provision." They will say: "Both these things has Allah forbidden to those who rejected Him."
Commentary of verses 7:49 to 7:51
The world offers two kinds of nourishment: worldly and spiritual. Some find fulfilment in status and material gain, delighting in personal prominence and possessions. They forget God and the Hereafter entirely. When reminded of God, they dismiss it as trivial. Such souls, fed only by worldly things, cannot be sustained by the blessings of the next life. Those who lived without regard for the Hereafter will have no share in it.
Others nourish themselves on unseen realities, living in remembrance of God and longing for the Hereafter. They will find eternal joy in meeting the God they sought in this life. People forget God because He reveals Himself through signs that require reflection. Those who ignore these signs choose this world over the next—and will lose the Hereafter in death, just as they ignored it in life. Disregarding God's truth amounts to treating Him as unimportant, risking being overlooked by Him on Judgement Day.
Allazeenat takhazoo deenahu lahwanw wa la'i-banw wa gharrat humul hayaatud dunyaa; fal Yawma nnannsaahum kamaa nasoo liqaaa'a Yawmihim haazaa wa maa kaanoo bi aayaatinaa yajhadoon
"Such as took their religion to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world." That day shall We forget them as they forgot the meeting of this day of theirs, and as they were wont to deny Our verses.
Commentary of verses 7:49 to 7:51
The world offers two kinds of nourishment: worldly and spiritual. Some find fulfilment in status and material gain, delighting in personal prominence and possessions. They forget God and the Hereafter entirely. When reminded of God, they dismiss it as trivial. Such souls, fed only by worldly things, cannot be sustained by the blessings of the next life. Those who lived without regard for the Hereafter will have no share in it.
Others nourish themselves on unseen realities, living in remembrance of God and longing for the Hereafter. They will find eternal joy in meeting the God they sought in this life. People forget God because He reveals Himself through signs that require reflection. Those who ignore these signs choose this world over the next—and will lose the Hereafter in death, just as they ignored it in life. Disregarding God's truth amounts to treating Him as unimportant, risking being overlooked by Him on Judgement Day.
Wa laqad ji'naahum bi Kitaabin fassalnaahu 'alaa 'ilmin hudanw wa rahmatal liqawminy-yu'miinoon
For We had certainly sent to them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail, a guide and a mercy to all who believe.
Commentary of verse 7:52
A prophet is human like others, not a supernatural being. What sets him apart is his ability to preserve his natural disposition intact, making him worthy of receiving and conveying God's message. Moses, being the finest person in his community, was chosen for this role.
Divine revelation provides essential guidance, yet words can be misinterpreted to suit personal desires. Those who sincerely seek truth and fear God will understand His intended meaning. During their journey, the Israelites would pass the ruins of past nations who had received guidance but disobeyed, succumbing to circumstance and ambition. If they followed suit, they would meet the same fate. God's justice is impartial; twisting His words or treating them lightly places even the outwardly obedient among the disobedient in His sight.
hal yanzuroona illaa taa weelah; yawma yaatee taaweeluhoo yaqoolul lazeena nasoohu min qablu qad jaaa'at Rusulu Rabbinaa bilhaqq; fahal lanaa min shufa'aaa'a fa yashfa'oo lanaaa aw nuraddu fana'mala ghairal lazee kunnaa na'mal; qad khasirooo anfusahum wa dalla 'anhum maa kaanoo yaftaroon
Do they just wait for the final fulfilment of the event? On the day the event is finally fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say: "The messengers of our Lord did indeed bring true [tidings].
Have we no intercessors now to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back? then should we behave differently from our behaviour in the past." In fact they will have lost their souls, and the things they invented will leave them in the lurch.
Commentary of verse 7:53
There are two ways to live. The first is with an open mind and heart—alert to truth, seeing God's signs throughout creation, and ready to embrace wisdom when it appears. The second is rooted in arrogance and self-interest. Such a person believes success comes solely from their own efforts, ignores the needs of others, and dismisses anything that challenges their worldview.
The humble person absorbs the lessons around them and adjusts their life accordingly. The prideful one, blinded by ego, encounters the same truths but walks past them unmoved. Nature speaks constantly, yet they hear nothing. In the Hereafter, just as they ignored God's message in this life, they will be ignored by God. Meanwhile, those who walked humbly will be richly rewarded.
Misguidance stems from following selfish desires. True guidance requires rising above the self, choosing God's path sincerely. The self-centred rush towards transgression, finding the straight path alien to their nature. They accept only what flatters their ego and turn away from anything that humbles them.
Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne [of authority]: He draws the night as a veil o'er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, [all] governed by laws under His command.
Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the worlds!
Commentary of verse 7:54
When God reveals truth, it comes with clear and compelling arguments. No one with an open heart can fail to recognise it. Those who reject it demonstrate that they never truly knew God; had they known Him, they would have recognised His word when they heard it.
Rejectors convince themselves they have strong logical grounds for their denial. They imagine they stand on firm intellectual footing. Yet they soon discover that their arguments were merely imaginary props—self-created justifications designed to satisfy their own egos, with no real substance behind them.
Ud'oo Rabbakum tadarru'anw wa khufyah; innahoo laa yuhibbul mu'tadeen
Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loves not those who trespass beyond bounds.
Commentary of verses 7:55 to 7:56
The greatest blessing a person can attain is the mercy of God. This mercy comes to those whose hearts are entirely devoted to Him—calling on Him alone, humbling themselves before Him, placing their hopes in Him, and fearing only Him. Such people seek nearness to God through sincere worship and devotion, and in return, God grants them closeness in this life and the next.
Wa laa tufsidoo fil ardi ba'da islaahihaa wad'oohu khawfanw wa tama'aa; inna rahmatal laahi qareebum minal muhsineen
Do no corruption upon the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing [in your hearts]: for the Mercy of Allah is [always] near to those who do good.
Commentary of verses 7:55 to 7:56
The greatest blessing a person can attain is the mercy of God. This mercy comes to those whose hearts are entirely devoted to Him—calling on Him alone, humbling themselves before Him, placing their hopes in Him, and fearing only Him. Such people seek nearness to God through sincere worship and devotion, and in return, God grants them closeness in this life and the next.
Wa Huwal lazee yursilur riyaaha bushram baina yadai rahmatihee hattaaa izaaa aqallat sahaaban siqaalan suqnaahu libaladim maiyitin fa annzalnaa bihil maaa'a fa akhrajnaa bihee minn kullis samaraat; kazaalika nukhrijul mawtaa la'allakum tazakkaroon
It is He Who sends the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy: when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance you may remember.
Commentary of verses 7:57 to 7:58
God has designed the world so that its physical workings mirror spiritual truths. When rain falls, it reaches everywhere, yet its effects differ. In fertile soil, it brings lush growth. In barren land, only weeds appear. The same applies to divine guidance. God's message reaches all, but only the receptive benefit. Those open to truth are revitalised—their souls awaken, their bond with God is restored, and their hearts bloom with faith.
But those who have hardened their hearts gain nothing from this spiritual rain. Instead of growth, they produce only jealousy, arrogance, and opposition to truth. Just as dry earth absorbs water, a soul yearning for guidance absorbs God's word. But a heart cluttered with worldly attachments lets guidance pass over it without taking root. Such a person may hear the truth but remains spiritually parched, untouched by the nourishment it offers.
From the land that is clean and good, by the will of its Cherisher, springs up produce, [rich] after its kind: but from the land that is bad, springs up nothing but that which is niggardly: thus do we explain the signs by various [symbols] to those who are grateful.
Commentary of verses 7:57 to 7:58
God has designed the world so that its physical workings mirror spiritual truths. When rain falls, it reaches everywhere, yet its effects differ. In fertile soil, it brings lush growth. In barren land, only weeds appear. The same applies to divine guidance. God's message reaches all, but only the receptive benefit. Those open to truth are revitalised—their souls awaken, their bond with God is restored, and their hearts bloom with faith.
But those who have hardened their hearts gain nothing from this spiritual rain. Instead of growth, they produce only jealousy, arrogance, and opposition to truth. Just as dry earth absorbs water, a soul yearning for guidance absorbs God's word. But a heart cluttered with worldly attachments lets guidance pass over it without taking root. Such a person may hear the truth but remains spiritually parched, untouched by the nourishment it offers.
We sent Noah to his people. He said: "O my people! worship Allah! you have no other god but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day!
Commentary of verses 7:59 to 7:64
For around a thousand years after Adam, people remained upon the belief in One God. Then, as recorded by Abdullah ibn Abbas, they began making images of righteous figures from the past—Wudd, Suwa, Yaguth, Yauq, and Nasr—to honour their memory. Over time, these figures became objects of worship. When this idolatry spread across ancient Iraq, God sent Noah as a prophet to call them back to righteousness.
Yet they rejected him. They could not accept that an ordinary man like themselves had been chosen by God. Compared to the legendary figures they revered, Noah seemed insignificant. They called him foolish and misguided for abandoning their ancestral religion. His sincerity, sound reasoning, and devotion meant nothing to them.
When Noah had delivered the message completely and they continued to reject it, they were destroyed by the great flood. Their crime was denying God's signs. They wanted a grand, established personality to bring them truth, not someone ordinary. But in God's eyes, this was spiritual blindness. He gave humans insight to recognise truth through signs, not through status. Those who ignore such signs, despite having eyes, are truly blind—and forfeit God's mercy.
Qaalal mala-u min qaw miheee innaa lanaraaka fee dalaalim mubeen
The leaders of his people said: "Ah! we see you evidently wandering [in mind]."
Commentary of verses 7:59 to 7:64
For around a thousand years after Adam, people remained upon the belief in One God. Then, as recorded by Abdullah ibn Abbas, they began making images of righteous figures from the past—Wudd, Suwa, Yaguth, Yauq, and Nasr—to honour their memory. Over time, these figures became objects of worship. When this idolatry spread across ancient Iraq, God sent Noah as a prophet to call them back to righteousness.
Yet they rejected him. They could not accept that an ordinary man like themselves had been chosen by God. Compared to the legendary figures they revered, Noah seemed insignificant. They called him foolish and misguided for abandoning their ancestral religion. His sincerity, sound reasoning, and devotion meant nothing to them.
When Noah had delivered the message completely and they continued to reject it, they were destroyed by the great flood. Their crime was denying God's signs. They wanted a grand, established personality to bring them truth, not someone ordinary. But in God's eyes, this was spiritual blindness. He gave humans insight to recognise truth through signs, not through status. Those who ignore such signs, despite having eyes, are truly blind—and forfeit God's mercy.
Qaala yaa qawmi laisa bee dalaalatunw wa laakinnee Rasoolum mir Rabbil 'aalameen
He said: "O my people! No wandering is there in my [mind]: on the contrary I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds!
Commentary of verses 7:59 to 7:64
For around a thousand years after Adam, people remained upon the belief in One God. Then, as recorded by Abdullah ibn Abbas, they began making images of righteous figures from the past—Wudd, Suwa, Yaguth, Yauq, and Nasr—to honour their memory. Over time, these figures became objects of worship. When this idolatry spread across ancient Iraq, God sent Noah as a prophet to call them back to righteousness.
Yet they rejected him. They could not accept that an ordinary man like themselves had been chosen by God. Compared to the legendary figures they revered, Noah seemed insignificant. They called him foolish and misguided for abandoning their ancestral religion. His sincerity, sound reasoning, and devotion meant nothing to them.
When Noah had delivered the message completely and they continued to reject it, they were destroyed by the great flood. Their crime was denying God's signs. They wanted a grand, established personality to bring them truth, not someone ordinary. But in God's eyes, this was spiritual blindness. He gave humans insight to recognise truth through signs, not through status. Those who ignore such signs, despite having eyes, are truly blind—and forfeit God's mercy.
Uballighukum Risaalaati Rabbee wa ansahu lakum wa a'lamu minal laahi maa laa ta'lamoon
"I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: Sincere is my advice to you, and I know from Allah something that you know not.
Commentary of verse 7:62
The Book of God is both guidance and mercy—the best companion in this world and the key to God's grace in the Hereafter. Yet it benefits only those who live in awareness of God, constantly mindful of how they will stand before Him on the Day of Judgement. These are the true seekers of truth. When it appears, they embrace it without hesitation or pride. God becomes the centre of their hopes and fears. Their lives and possessions are devoted to Him. This fear awakens their consciousness, removes all veils from their perception, and enables them to recognise His signs clearly. In short, they live not in complacency, but in reverence and vigilance.
awa'ajibtum an jaaa'akum zikrum mir Rabbikum 'alaa rajulim minkum liyunzirakum wa litattaqoo wa la'allakum turhamoon
"Do you wonder that there has come to you a message from your Lord, through a man of your own people, to warn you, so that you may fear Allah and haply receive His Mercy?"
Commentary of verses 7:59 to 7:64
For around a thousand years after Adam, people remained upon the belief in One God. Then, as recorded by Abdullah ibn Abbas, they began making images of righteous figures from the past—Wudd, Suwa, Yaguth, Yauq, and Nasr—to honour their memory. Over time, these figures became objects of worship. When this idolatry spread across ancient Iraq, God sent Noah as a prophet to call them back to righteousness.
Yet they rejected him. They could not accept that an ordinary man like themselves had been chosen by God. Compared to the legendary figures they revered, Noah seemed insignificant. They called him foolish and misguided for abandoning their ancestral religion. His sincerity, sound reasoning, and devotion meant nothing to them.
When Noah had delivered the message completely and they continued to reject it, they were destroyed by the great flood. Their crime was denying God's signs. They wanted a grand, established personality to bring them truth, not someone ordinary. But in God's eyes, this was spiritual blindness. He gave humans insight to recognise truth through signs, not through status. Those who ignore such signs, despite having eyes, are truly blind—and forfeit God's mercy.
Fakazzaboohu fa anjai naahu wallazeena ma'ahoo fil fulki wa aghraqnal lazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa; innahum kaanoo qawman 'ameen
But they rejected him, and We delivered him, and those with him, in the Ark: but We overwhelmed in the flood those who rejected Our verses. They were indeed a blind people!
Commentary of verses 7:59 to 7:64
For around a thousand years after Adam, people remained upon the belief in One God. Then, as recorded by Abdullah ibn Abbas, they began making images of righteous figures from the past—Wudd, Suwa, Yaguth, Yauq, and Nasr—to honour their memory. Over time, these figures became objects of worship. When this idolatry spread across ancient Iraq, God sent Noah as a prophet to call them back to righteousness.
Yet they rejected him. They could not accept that an ordinary man like themselves had been chosen by God. Compared to the legendary figures they revered, Noah seemed insignificant. They called him foolish and misguided for abandoning their ancestral religion. His sincerity, sound reasoning, and devotion meant nothing to them.
When Noah had delivered the message completely and they continued to reject it, they were destroyed by the great flood. Their crime was denying God's signs. They wanted a grand, established personality to bring them truth, not someone ordinary. But in God's eyes, this was spiritual blindness. He gave humans insight to recognise truth through signs, not through status. Those who ignore such signs, despite having eyes, are truly blind—and forfeit God's mercy.
Wa ilaa 'aadin akhaahum Hoodaa; qaala yaa qawmi' budul laaha maa lakum min ilaahin ghairuh; afalaa tattaqoon
To the 'Ad people, [We sent] Hud, one of their [own] brethren: He said: O my people! worship Allah! you have no other god but Him will you not fear [Allah]?"
Commentary of verse 7:65
Throughout history, the Israelites knew that all prophets sent to them had come from their own people. However, God's plan was for the final prophet to come from the descendants of Ismail—a fact already revealed in their scriptures. This forewarning was meant to ease their recognition of him when he appeared. Many predictions about this remain in their books. The Prophet Muhammad was unlettered, which served as proof he could not have invented the message himself. This illiteracy was also foretold in Jewish tradition, making his prophethood unmistakable.
The true essence of religion is fear of God and concern for the Hereafter. Over generations, this inner spirit faded, replaced by rigid rituals. The Prophet Muhammad restored the pure, original faith, free from human alterations. Accepting a prophet requires more than words—it means leaving behind empty traditions for a living faith that speaks directly to the soul. Though this sounds simple, history shows it is the hardest step people ever take.
Qaalal mala ul lazeena kafaroo min qawmiheee innaa lanaraaka fee safaahatinw wa innaa lannazunnuka minal kaazibeen
The leaders of the Disbelievers among his people said: "Ah! we see you are an imbecile!" and "We think you are a liar!"
Commentary of verses 7:66 to 7:68
The phrase 'I am your well-wisher' reveals the nature of the relationship between a prophet and his people. It is not one of rivalry or competition, but of sincere concern and trust. The one who calls to God must hold nothing but goodwill in his heart, even when met with hostility or rejection. No matter how harsh the response, the messenger must remain compassionate until the very end. He should not feel he is bestowing a personal favour, but rather delivering a trust that belongs to others. In handing over this message, he is fulfilling a sacred responsibility.
Qaala yaa qawmi laisa bee safaahatunw wa laakinnee Rasoolum mir Rabbil 'aalameen
He said: "O my people! I am no imbecile, but [I am] a messenger from the Lord of the worlds!
Commentary of verses 7:66 to 7:68
The phrase 'I am your well-wisher' reveals the nature of the relationship between a prophet and his people. It is not one of rivalry or competition, but of sincere concern and trust. The one who calls to God must hold nothing but goodwill in his heart, even when met with hostility or rejection. No matter how harsh the response, the messenger must remain compassionate until the very end. He should not feel he is bestowing a personal favour, but rather delivering a trust that belongs to others. In handing over this message, he is fulfilling a sacred responsibility.
Uballighukum Risaalaati Rabbee wa ana lakum naasihun ameen
"I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: I am to you a sincere and trustworthy adviser.
Commentary of verses 7:66 to 7:68
The phrase 'I am your well-wisher' reveals the nature of the relationship between a prophet and his people. It is not one of rivalry or competition, but of sincere concern and trust. The one who calls to God must hold nothing but goodwill in his heart, even when met with hostility or rejection. No matter how harsh the response, the messenger must remain compassionate until the very end. He should not feel he is bestowing a personal favour, but rather delivering a trust that belongs to others. In handing over this message, he is fulfilling a sacred responsibility.
awa 'ajibtum an jaaa'akum zikrum mir Rabbikum 'alaa rajulim minkum liyunzirakum; wazkurooo iz ja'alakum khulafaaa'a mim ba'di qawmi noohinw wa zaadakum filkhalqi bastatan fazkurooo aalaaa'al laahi la'allakum tuflihoon
"Do you wonder that there has come to you a message from your Lord through a man of your own people, to warn you? call in remembrance that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah, and gave you a stature tall among the nations. Call in remembrance the benefits [you have received] from Allah: that so you may be successful."
Commentary of verse 7:69
God delivered the Israelites from the idolatry of Egypt and brought them to the desert of Sinai. There, He organised them into twelve tribes, each with a leader, all under Moses' guidance. He provided for their every need—water flowed from mountain springs, and manna and quails appeared before their tents. Eventually, they were given the city of Jericho in the Jordan valley for settlement. God reminded them that since all their needs were met, they should not become greedy for worldly pleasures or pursue unlawful things. Instead, they were to live with contentment and gratitude towards Him.
Qaalooo aji'tanaa lina'budal laaha wahdahoo wa nazara maa kaana ya'budu aabaaa'u naa faatinaa bimaa ta'idunaaa in kunta minas saadiqeen
They said: "Comest you to us, that we may worship Allah alone, and give up the cult of our fathers? bring us what you threatenest us with, if so be that you tellest the truth!"
Commentary of verses 7:69 to 7:70
The prophets have always built their message around a simple truth: they remind people of the blessings God has bestowed upon them and warn that ingratitude invites divine punishment. Their mission is not concerned with politics or worldly gain. Instead, they strive to keep the conversation focused on what truly matters—belief in one God and the reality of the Hereafter. They want to be seen solely as messengers of these eternal truths.
When the prophets urge people to remember God's favours, they reveal a profound principle: only those who acknowledge divine grace in this world will attain the grace of Paradise in the next. Paradise itself is the ultimate expression of God's generosity. To enter it, one must first recognise and cherish that generosity here and now. This recognition is the real key to eternal reward.
Qaala qad waqa'a alaikum mir Rabbikum rijsunw wa ghadab, atujaadiloonanee feee asmaaa'in sammaitumoohaaa antum wa aabaaa'ukum maa nazzalal laahu bihaa min sultaan; fantazirooo innee ma'akum minal muntazireen
He said: "Punishment and wrath have already come upon you from your Lord: dispute you with me over names which you have devised - you and your fathers, without authority from Allah? then wait: I am amongst you, also waiting."
Commentary of verses 7:71 to 7:72
People often judge others by the titles attached to their names. A grand name gives the impression of greatness; an unflattering one does the opposite. Many who are revered today earned that reverence not through reality, but through the power of language. Individuals are called 'solver of difficulties' or 'hearer of prayers', and over time people begin to believe these titles reflect actual powers. Yet these are human inventions with no basis in truth or scripture.
This pattern exists among both the uneducated and the learned. Even intellectuals bestow lofty labels—'beloved of God', 'pillar of faith'—that eventually overshadow the person's true nature. Such glorified names, especially when inherited from the past, carry an aura of sanctity that makes present-day guidance seem trivial by comparison. People ignore today's sincere caller, trusting instead in the inherited prestige of their forebears. This arrogance dulls their hearts. Eventually, only the shock of divine judgement will awaken them to their error.
Fa anjainaahu wallazeena ma'ahoo birahmatim minnaa wa qata'naa daabiral lazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa wa maa kaanoo mu'mineen
We saved him and those who adhered to him. By Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our verses and did not believe.
Commentary of verses 7:71 to 7:72
People often judge others by the titles attached to their names. A grand name gives the impression of greatness; an unflattering one does the opposite. Many who are revered today earned that reverence not through reality, but through the power of language. Individuals are called 'solver of difficulties' or 'hearer of prayers', and over time people begin to believe these titles reflect actual powers. Yet these are human inventions with no basis in truth or scripture.
This pattern exists among both the uneducated and the learned. Even intellectuals bestow lofty labels—'beloved of God', 'pillar of faith'—that eventually overshadow the person's true nature. Such glorified names, especially when inherited from the past, carry an aura of sanctity that makes present-day guidance seem trivial by comparison. People ignore today's sincere caller, trusting instead in the inherited prestige of their forebears. This arrogance dulls their hearts. Eventually, only the shock of divine judgement will awaken them to their error.
Wa ilaa Samooda akhaahum Saalihaa; qaala yaa qawmi' budul laaha maa lakum min ilaahin ghairuhoo qad jaaa'atkum baiyinatum mir Rabbikum haazihee naaqatul laahi lakum Aayatan fazaroohaa taakul feee ardil laahi wa laa tamassoohaa bisooo'in fa yaakhuzakum 'azaabun aleem
To the Thamud people [We sent] Salih, one of their own brethren: He said: "O my people! worship Allah: you have no other god but Him. Now has come to you a clear [Sign] from your Lord! This she-camel of Allah is a Sign to you: So leave her to graze in Allah's earth, and let her come to no harm, or you shall be seized with a grievous punishment.
Commentary of verse 7:73
The vast universe serves as a magnificent introduction to God. Its limitless expanse proves there must be a Creator. Despite containing contrasting elements, everything works in perfect harmony, pointing to one supreme Designer. Every single thing benefits others, revealing a conscious, deliberate plan behind creation.
Lifeless matter gives rise to life through natural processes, showing that death is merely temporary—always followed by renewal. Countless varieties of creatures flourish, all sustained by forms of the same basic provisions, demonstrating God's unfathomable power. The atmosphere enveloping Earth shows that human life rests entirely in the Creator's hands. Everything has been made subservient to human needs, revealing divine compassion. Before a person is even born, their requirements have already been provided for.
These signs throughout creation reflect the Creator's existence, oneness, and perfection. Anyone with vision or intelligence should recognise Him through them. However, these signs reveal truth only to those who sincerely reflect upon them. Discovering reality requires sincere searching, rising above worldly concerns, and looking beyond surface appearances to the inner truth beneath.
Wazkkurooo iz ja'alakum khulafaaa'a mim ba'di 'Aadinw wa bawwa akum fil ardi tattakhizoona min suhoolihaa qusooranw wa tanhitoonal jibaala buyootan fazkurooo aalaaa'al laahi wa laa ta'saw fil ardi mufsideen
"And remember how He made you inheritors after the 'Ad people and gave you habitations in the land: you build for yourselves palaces and castles in [open] plains, and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits [you have received] from Allah, and refrain from evil and corruption upon the earth."
Commentary of verses 7:74 to 7:76
The people of Thamud were master builders, clearly skilled in mathematics, geometry, and engineering. Yet they were not condemned for their material achievements, but for spreading corruption on earth. This shows that progress itself is not forbidden—what matters is whether life is conducted within the balanced moral framework God has established throughout creation.
When a prophet appears, he is often unrecognised and unadorned by worldly status. His contemporaries struggle to believe that someone so ordinary could carry God's message. The disbelievers focus on the messenger's humble appearance and dismiss him. But the believers look past the person to the message itself. Seeing truth in his words, they embrace him immediately. This is the crucial difference: rejection comes from judging outward glory, while acceptance comes from recognising the light of truth.
Qaalal mala ul lazeenas takbaroo min qawmihee lillazeenas tud'ifoo liman aamana minhum ata'almoona anna Saaliham mursalum mir Rabbih; qaalooo innaa bimaaa ursila bihee mu'minoon
The leaders of the arrogant party among his people said to those who were reckoned powerless - those among them who believed: "know you indeed that Salih is a messenger from his Lord?" They said: "We do indeed believe in the revelation which has been sent through him."
Commentary of verses 7:74 to 7:76
The people of Thamud were master builders, clearly skilled in mathematics, geometry, and engineering. Yet they were not condemned for their material achievements, but for spreading corruption on earth. This shows that progress itself is not forbidden—what matters is whether life is conducted within the balanced moral framework God has established throughout creation.
When a prophet appears, he is often unrecognised and unadorned by worldly status. His contemporaries struggle to believe that someone so ordinary could carry God's message. The disbelievers focus on the messenger's humble appearance and dismiss him. But the believers look past the person to the message itself. Seeing truth in his words, they embrace him immediately. This is the crucial difference: rejection comes from judging outward glory, while acceptance comes from recognising the light of truth.
The Arrogant party said: "For our part, we reject what you believe in."
Commentary of verses 7:74 to 7:76
The people of Thamud were master builders, clearly skilled in mathematics, geometry, and engineering. Yet they were not condemned for their material achievements, but for spreading corruption on earth. This shows that progress itself is not forbidden—what matters is whether life is conducted within the balanced moral framework God has established throughout creation.
When a prophet appears, he is often unrecognised and unadorned by worldly status. His contemporaries struggle to believe that someone so ordinary could carry God's message. The disbelievers focus on the messenger's humble appearance and dismiss him. But the believers look past the person to the message itself. Seeing truth in his words, they embrace him immediately. This is the crucial difference: rejection comes from judging outward glory, while acceptance comes from recognising the light of truth.
Fa'aqarun naaqata wa'ataw 'an amri Rabbihim wa qaaloo yaa Saalihu' tinaa bimaa ta'idunaaa in kunta minal mursaleen
Then they ham-strung the she-camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying: "O Salih! bring about your threats, if you are a messenger [of Allah]!"
Commentary of verses 7:77 to 7:79
Truth reveals itself through sound reasoning, not worldly splendour. Those who can perceive it through argument find it at once; those dazzled by appearances remain in doubt and never receive guidance. When one arrogant man hamstrung the she-camel, the entire community was held accountable. This teaches an important lesson: if wrongdoing occurs and others remain silent, they share in the guilt.
A people enslaved by their desires will not respond to sincere advice. They have no interest in those who call them to real effort and responsibility. Instead, they flock to smooth talkers who make false promises and offer easy comfort. The sincere adviser is ignored, while the exploiter draws crowds.
Fa akhazat humur rajftu fa asbahoo fee daarihim jaasimmeen
So the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning!
Commentary of verse 7:78
When the Israelites received God's commandments at the mountain, they experienced conditions so overwhelming it felt as though the mountain might collapse upon them. This was meant to impress upon them the gravity of their pledge to God—that breaking it would mean answering to the One who holds power over mountains and all creation. At that time, many among them were devout and God-fearing. But as generations passed, they turned their focus to worldly gain, amassing wealth without concern for its legitimacy. They continued to read their scripture, but twisted its meanings to justify their behaviour. Their insensitivity grew until they convinced themselves: 'We are pious, descendants of prophets—God will forgive us for the sake of His beloved servants.' Self-deception replaced humility.
Fa tawalla 'anhum wa qaala yaa qawmi laqad ablaghtukum Risaalata Rabbee wa nasahtu lakum wa laakil laa tuhibboonan naasiheen
So Salih left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the message for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but you love not good counsellors!"
Commentary of verses 7:77 to 7:79
Truth reveals itself through sound reasoning, not worldly splendour. Those who can perceive it through argument find it at once; those dazzled by appearances remain in doubt and never receive guidance. When one arrogant man hamstrung the she-camel, the entire community was held accountable. This teaches an important lesson: if wrongdoing occurs and others remain silent, they share in the guilt.
A people enslaved by their desires will not respond to sincere advice. They have no interest in those who call them to real effort and responsibility. Instead, they flock to smooth talkers who make false promises and offer easy comfort. The sincere adviser is ignored, while the exploiter draws crowds.
Wa Lootan iz qaala liqawmiheee ataatoonal faahishata maa sabaqakum bihaa min ahadim minal 'aalameen
We also [sent] Lut: He said to his people: "Do you commit lewdness such as no people in creation [ever] committed before you?
Commentary of verses 7:80 to 7:83
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, was sent to a prosperous community near the river Jordan in southern Syria. Their wealth led them into extreme indulgence, including widespread sexual immorality and homosexuality. The prophet warned them against such open shamelessness. The Quran calls adherence to natural law 'reform' (islah) and deviation from it 'corruption' (fasad). While the rest of creation follows divine order, only humans misuse their freedom to transgress it. Sexual relations between husband and wife follow natural law; same-sex relations violate it. This was the corruption of Lot's people.
Only a few believed in Lot. The majority mocked him, saying: 'If we are unclean and they wish to stay pure, let them leave our town.' Their arrogance came from their numbers and material strength. When God's punishment came, even Lot's wife perished. This shows God's perfect justice: no relationship grants immunity. Noah's son, Abraham's father, and Muhammad's uncle were not spared. Yet Pharaoh's wife, through her righteousness, earned Paradise.
Innakum lataatoonar rijaala shahwatam min doonin nisaaa'; bal antumqawmum musrifoon
"For you practise your lusts on men in preference to women: you are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds."
Commentary of verses 7:80 to 7:83
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, was sent to a prosperous community near the river Jordan in southern Syria. Their wealth led them into extreme indulgence, including widespread sexual immorality and homosexuality. The prophet warned them against such open shamelessness. The Quran calls adherence to natural law 'reform' (islah) and deviation from it 'corruption' (fasad). While the rest of creation follows divine order, only humans misuse their freedom to transgress it. Sexual relations between husband and wife follow natural law; same-sex relations violate it. This was the corruption of Lot's people.
Only a few believed in Lot. The majority mocked him, saying: 'If we are unclean and they wish to stay pure, let them leave our town.' Their arrogance came from their numbers and material strength. When God's punishment came, even Lot's wife perished. This shows God's perfect justice: no relationship grants immunity. Noah's son, Abraham's father, and Muhammad's uncle were not spared. Yet Pharaoh's wife, through her righteousness, earned Paradise.
Wa maa kaana jawaaba qawmihee illaa an qaalooo akhrijoohum min qaryatikum innahum unaasuny yatatah haroon
And his people gave no answer but this: they said, "Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!"
Commentary of verses 7:80 to 7:83
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, was sent to a prosperous community near the river Jordan in southern Syria. Their wealth led them into extreme indulgence, including widespread sexual immorality and homosexuality. The prophet warned them against such open shamelessness. The Quran calls adherence to natural law 'reform' (islah) and deviation from it 'corruption' (fasad). While the rest of creation follows divine order, only humans misuse their freedom to transgress it. Sexual relations between husband and wife follow natural law; same-sex relations violate it. This was the corruption of Lot's people.
Only a few believed in Lot. The majority mocked him, saying: 'If we are unclean and they wish to stay pure, let them leave our town.' Their arrogance came from their numbers and material strength. When God's punishment came, even Lot's wife perished. This shows God's perfect justice: no relationship grants immunity. Noah's son, Abraham's father, and Muhammad's uncle were not spared. Yet Pharaoh's wife, through her righteousness, earned Paradise.
Fa anjainaahu wa ahlahooo illam ra atahoo kaanat minal ghaabireen
But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who legged behind.
Commentary of verses 7:80 to 7:83
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, was sent to a prosperous community near the river Jordan in southern Syria. Their wealth led them into extreme indulgence, including widespread sexual immorality and homosexuality. The prophet warned them against such open shamelessness. The Quran calls adherence to natural law 'reform' (islah) and deviation from it 'corruption' (fasad). While the rest of creation follows divine order, only humans misuse their freedom to transgress it. Sexual relations between husband and wife follow natural law; same-sex relations violate it. This was the corruption of Lot's people.
Only a few believed in Lot. The majority mocked him, saying: 'If we are unclean and they wish to stay pure, let them leave our town.' Their arrogance came from their numbers and material strength. When God's punishment came, even Lot's wife perished. This shows God's perfect justice: no relationship grants immunity. Noah's son, Abraham's father, and Muhammad's uncle were not spared. Yet Pharaoh's wife, through her righteousness, earned Paradise.
Wa 'amtarnaa 'alaihim mataran fanzur kaifa kaana aaqibatul mujjrimeen
And we rained down on them a shower [of brimstone]: Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime!
Commentary of verses 7:84 to 7:85
Midian was a son of Abraham, born to his third wife. His descendants settled along the Arabian coast of the Red Sea. They believed in God and claimed to follow Abraham's faith. But five centuries later, they strayed from righteousness. As a trading people, their corruption expressed itself in dishonest dealings—cheating in weights, measures, and transactions.
Injustice in commerce violates the balanced system God has established throughout creation. The entire universe operates on precise principles of fairness. Nothing takes more than it gives; everything functions with mathematical exactness. To cheat in trade is to introduce disorder into God's perfectly balanced world.
Wa ilaa Madyana akhaahum Shu'aybaa; qaala yaa qawmi' budul laaha maa lakum min ilaahin ghairuhoo qad jaaa'atkum baiyinatum mir Rabbikum fa awful kaila walmeezaana wa laa tabkhasun naasa ashyaa'ahum wa laa tufsidoo fil ardi ba'da islaahihaa; zaalikum khairul lakum in kuntum mu'mineen
To the Madyan people We sent Shu'aib, one of their own brethren: he said: "O my people! worship Allah; You have no other god but Him. Now has come to you a clear [Sign] from your Lord! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due;
and do no corruption upon the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for you, if you have Faith.
Commentary of verses 7:84 to 7:85
Midian was a son of Abraham, born to his third wife. His descendants settled along the Arabian coast of the Red Sea. They believed in God and claimed to follow Abraham's faith. But five centuries later, they strayed from righteousness. As a trading people, their corruption expressed itself in dishonest dealings—cheating in weights, measures, and transactions.
Injustice in commerce violates the balanced system God has established throughout creation. The entire universe operates on precise principles of fairness. Nothing takes more than it gives; everything functions with mathematical exactness. To cheat in trade is to introduce disorder into God's perfectly balanced world.
Wa laa taq'udoo bikulli siraatin too'idoona wa tasuddoona 'an sabeelil laahi man aamana bihee wa abghoonahaa 'iwajaa; waz kurooo iz kuntum qaleelan fakassarakum wanzuroo kaifa kaana 'aaqibatul mufsideen
"And squat not on every road, breathing threats, hindering from the path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seeking in it something crooked; But remember how you were little, and He gave you increase. And hold in your mind's eye what was the end of those who did corruption.
Commentary of verses 7:86 to 7:89
When the people of Midian reached the height of their dishonesty, God sent the prophet Shu'ayb with a clear message urging them towards righteousness and fair dealing. He presented compelling arguments for honesty, but they refused to listen. Not only did they reject him, they twisted his message to mislead others and even resorted to violence to prevent people from supporting him.
In the end, divine retribution destroyed them. This demonstrates how seriously God regards honesty in human transactions. Even a community that claims belief can face destruction if it persists in cheating and oppression. God is the best of judges, and His judgement is never unjust.
Wa In kaana taaa'ifatum minkum aamanoo billazeee ursiltu bihee wa taaa'ifatul lam yu'minoo fasbiroo hattaa yahkumual laahu bainanaa; wa Huwa khairul haakimeen
"And if there is a party among you who believes in the message with which I have been sent, and a party which does not believe, hold yourselves in patience until Allah does decide between us: for He is the best to decide.
Commentary of verses 7:86 to 7:89
When the people of Midian reached the height of their dishonesty, God sent the prophet Shu'ayb with a clear message urging them towards righteousness and fair dealing. He presented compelling arguments for honesty, but they refused to listen. Not only did they reject him, they twisted his message to mislead others and even resorted to violence to prevent people from supporting him.
In the end, divine retribution destroyed them. This demonstrates how seriously God regards honesty in human transactions. Even a community that claims belief can face destruction if it persists in cheating and oppression. God is the best of judges, and His judgement is never unjust.
Qaalal mala ul lazeenas takbaroo min qawmihee lanukhrijannaka yaa Shu'aibu wallazeena aamanoo ma'aka min qaryatinaaa aw lata'oo dunna fee millatinaa; qaala awa law kunnaa kaariheen
The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said: "O Shu'aib! we shall certainly drive you out of our city - [you] and those who believe with you; or else you [you and they] shall have to return to our ways and religion." He said: "What! even though we do detest [them]?
Commentary of verses 7:86 to 7:89
When the people of Midian reached the height of their dishonesty, God sent the prophet Shu'ayb with a clear message urging them towards righteousness and fair dealing. He presented compelling arguments for honesty, but they refused to listen. Not only did they reject him, they twisted his message to mislead others and even resorted to violence to prevent people from supporting him.
In the end, divine retribution destroyed them. This demonstrates how seriously God regards honesty in human transactions. Even a community that claims belief can face destruction if it persists in cheating and oppression. God is the best of judges, and His judgement is never unjust.
Qadif tarainaa 'alal laahi kaziban in 'udnaa fee millatikum ba'da iz najjaanal laahu minhaa; wa maa yakoonu lanaaa an na'ooda feehaaa illaaa ai yashaaa'al laahu Rabbunaa; wasi'a Rabbunaa kulla shai'in 'ilmaa; 'alal laahi tawakkalnaa; Rabbanaf tah bainanaa wa baina qawminaa bilhaqqi wa Anta khairul faatiheen
"We should indeed invent a lie against Allah, if we returned to your ways after Allah has rescued us therefrom; nor could we by any manner of means return thereto unless it be as in the will and plan of Allah, Our Lord. Our Lord can reach out to the utmost recesses of things by His knowledge. In the Allah is our trust.
our Lord! decide You between us and our people in truth, for You are the best to decide."
Commentary of verse 7:89
Truth is something each person must discover for themselves. God has given us hearts, eyes, and ears to seek and recognise it. Those who actively use these faculties will find the Truth, no matter how near or far it may be. But discovering Truth requires conscious effort and an open mind.
Only those who keep their hearts receptive, their eyes free from self-imposed blindness, and their ears unplugged will hear and see the signs of Truth. They will surrender to it willingly. But those who neglect these gifts become like animals—unmoved by evidence, blind to divine light, and deaf to spiritual melody. Truth is accessible only to the spiritually awake; for the heedless, no truth will ever be recognised as Truth.
Wa qaalal mala ul lazeena kafaroo min qawmihee la'init taba'tum Shu'aiban innakum izal lakhaasiroon
The leaders, the disbelievers among his people, said: "If you follow Shu'aib, be sure then you are ruined!"
Commentary of verses 7:90 to 7:92
The people of Prophet Shu'ayb were not denying God outright. Rather, they misrepresented Him by attributing to Him a religion He never revealed. This has been the pattern with communities throughout prophetic history. They began with divine guidance, but over time altered it through additions and distortions, turning God's religion into a faith shaped by their own desires—yet still calling it God's way.
Religious leaders of such communities knew they could not intellectually challenge the prophets, but they feared losing their influence. Instead of engaging sincerely, they sought to silence the truth. A person may be excused before clarity comes, but once Truth is manifest and arrogance remains, sympathy ends. Punishment in this world and the Hereafter is based on this: how one responds after Truth has been made clear.
Fa akhazat humur rajfatu fa asbahoo fee daarihim jaasimeen
But the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning!
Commentary of verses 7:90 to 7:92
The people of Prophet Shu'ayb were not denying God outright. Rather, they misrepresented Him by attributing to Him a religion He never revealed. This has been the pattern with communities throughout prophetic history. They began with divine guidance, but over time altered it through additions and distortions, turning God's religion into a faith shaped by their own desires—yet still calling it God's way.
Religious leaders of such communities knew they could not intellectually challenge the prophets, but they feared losing their influence. Instead of engaging sincerely, they sought to silence the truth. A person may be excused before clarity comes, but once Truth is manifest and arrogance remains, sympathy ends. Punishment in this world and the Hereafter is based on this: how one responds after Truth has been made clear.
Allazeena kazzaboo Shu'aiban ka al alm yaghnaw feehaa; allazeena kazzaboo Shu'aiban kaanoo humul khaasireen
The men who reject Shu'aib became as if they had never been in the homes where they had flourished: the men who rejected Shu'aib - it was they who were ruined!
Commentary of verses 7:90 to 7:92
The people of Prophet Shu'ayb were not denying God outright. Rather, they misrepresented Him by attributing to Him a religion He never revealed. This has been the pattern with communities throughout prophetic history. They began with divine guidance, but over time altered it through additions and distortions, turning God's religion into a faith shaped by their own desires—yet still calling it God's way.
Religious leaders of such communities knew they could not intellectually challenge the prophets, but they feared losing their influence. Instead of engaging sincerely, they sought to silence the truth. A person may be excused before clarity comes, but once Truth is manifest and arrogance remains, sympathy ends. Punishment in this world and the Hereafter is based on this: how one responds after Truth has been made clear.
Fatawalla 'anhum wa qaala yaa qawmi laqad ablaghtukum Risaalaati Rabbee wa nasahtu lakum fakaifa aasaa'alaa qawmin kaafireen
So Shu'aib left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the messages for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but how shall I lament over a people who refuse to believe!"
Commentary of verses 7:93 to 7:95
According to prophetic tradition, a believer endures hardships until purified of sins, while a hypocrite is like a donkey—unaware why he is tied or released. God sends trials to soften hearts, remove arrogance, and weaken reliance on anything but Him. Through difficulty, people develop humility and become more receptive to Truth.
These trials often appear as natural events, disguised within cause and effect. Some dismiss them as mere coincidence, learning nothing. When God then grants them ease and prosperity, they misinterpret that too—thinking it mere fortune, not divine mercy or warning. Prosperity after arrogance is dangerous; it may signal that God is letting them become comfortable before seizing them suddenly. The true reward for a God-fearing life comes in the Hereafter, though God may grant worldly blessings as a foretaste of His favour.
Wa maaa arsalnaa fee qaryatim min Nabiyyin illaaa akhaznaaa ahlahaa bil baasaaa'i waddarraaa'i la'allahum yaddarra'oon
Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility.
Commentary of verses 7:93 to 7:95
According to prophetic tradition, a believer endures hardships until purified of sins, while a hypocrite is like a donkey—unaware why he is tied or released. God sends trials to soften hearts, remove arrogance, and weaken reliance on anything but Him. Through difficulty, people develop humility and become more receptive to Truth.
These trials often appear as natural events, disguised within cause and effect. Some dismiss them as mere coincidence, learning nothing. When God then grants them ease and prosperity, they misinterpret that too—thinking it mere fortune, not divine mercy or warning. Prosperity after arrogance is dangerous; it may signal that God is letting them become comfortable before seizing them suddenly. The true reward for a God-fearing life comes in the Hereafter, though God may grant worldly blessings as a foretaste of His favour.
Summa baddalnaa makaa nas saiyi'atil hasanata hattaa 'afaw wa qaaloo qad massa aabaa'anad darraaa'u wassarraaa'u fa akhaznaahum baghtatanw wa hum laa yash'uroon
Then We changed their suffering into be successfulity, until they grew and multiplied, and began to say: "Our fathers [too] were touched by suffering and affluence".. And [mention]! We called them to account of a sudden, while they realised not [their peril].
Commentary of verse 7:95
A person with a mission is driven by principle, not self-interest. His thinking is pure, unclouded by worldly gain. Truth becomes his only concern, and he sacrifices everything for a goal that may yield no immediate reward. This is why such individuals are often dismissed as mad or fanatical.
Prophets, the greatest missionaries of their time, were regularly called insane. Yet calling a prophet mad is a grave wrong, for the message he brings is supported by all creation. He calls people to God, whose signs are evident throughout the heavens and the earth. He speaks of the Hereafter, a reality as certain as a pregnancy about to come to term. But people are careless with truth, so anyone who gives his life for it seems absurd to them. Had they truly understood its value, they would never call him mad.
Wa law anna ahlal quraaa aamanoo wattaqaw lafatahnaa 'alaihim barakaatim minas samaaa'i wal ardi wa laakin kazzaboo fa akhaznaahum bimaa kaanoo yaksiboon
If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, We should indeed have opened out to them [All kinds of] blessings from heaven and earth; but they rejected [the truth], and We brought them to book for their misdeeds.
Commentary of verses 7:96 to 7:100
History shows that communities rise to prosperity and honour, then decline and are replaced by others. This cycle is a sign from God, reminding us that He alone controls success and downfall. Had power truly belonged to those who once held it, they would never have allowed others to take their place.
This pattern should encourage reflection. By using the faculties of observation and reasoning God has given us, we can learn profound lessons from the rise and fall of nations. These events offer spiritual nourishment for those willing to see. Yet when a new community rises, its members often fall into a dangerous delusion—believing that what happened to the previous nation was unique to them, and that they themselves are immune to the same fate.
Afa amina ahlul quraaa ai yaatiyahum baasunaa bayaatanw wa hum naaa'imoon
Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our wrath by night while they were asleep?
Commentary of verses 7:96 to 7:100
History shows that communities rise to prosperity and honour, then decline and are replaced by others. This cycle is a sign from God, reminding us that He alone controls success and downfall. Had power truly belonged to those who once held it, they would never have allowed others to take their place.
This pattern should encourage reflection. By using the faculties of observation and reasoning God has given us, we can learn profound lessons from the rise and fall of nations. These events offer spiritual nourishment for those willing to see. Yet when a new community rises, its members often fall into a dangerous delusion—believing that what happened to the previous nation was unique to them, and that they themselves are immune to the same fate.
Awa amina ahlul quraaa ai yaatiyahum baasunaa duhanw wa hum yal'aboon
Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played about (care-free)?
Commentary of verses 7:96 to 7:100
History shows that communities rise to prosperity and honour, then decline and are replaced by others. This cycle is a sign from God, reminding us that He alone controls success and downfall. Had power truly belonged to those who once held it, they would never have allowed others to take their place.
This pattern should encourage reflection. By using the faculties of observation and reasoning God has given us, we can learn profound lessons from the rise and fall of nations. These events offer spiritual nourishment for those willing to see. Yet when a new community rises, its members often fall into a dangerous delusion—believing that what happened to the previous nation was unique to them, and that they themselves are immune to the same fate.
Did they then feel secure against the plan of Allah?- but no one can feel secure from the Plan of Allah, except those [doomed] to ruin!
Commentary of verses 7:96 to 7:100
History shows that communities rise to prosperity and honour, then decline and are replaced by others. This cycle is a sign from God, reminding us that He alone controls success and downfall. Had power truly belonged to those who once held it, they would never have allowed others to take their place.
This pattern should encourage reflection. By using the faculties of observation and reasoning God has given us, we can learn profound lessons from the rise and fall of nations. These events offer spiritual nourishment for those willing to see. Yet when a new community rises, its members often fall into a dangerous delusion—believing that what happened to the previous nation was unique to them, and that they themselves are immune to the same fate.
Awa lam yahdi lillazeena yarisoonal arda mim ba'di ahlihaaa al law nashaaa'u asabnaahum bizunoobihim; wa natba'u 'alaa quloobihim fahum laa yasma'oon
To those who inherit the earth in succession to its [previous] possessors, is it not a guiding, [lesson] that, if We so willed, We could punish them [too] for their sins, and seal up their hearts so that they could not hear?
Commentary of verses 7:96 to 7:100
History shows that communities rise to prosperity and honour, then decline and are replaced by others. This cycle is a sign from God, reminding us that He alone controls success and downfall. Had power truly belonged to those who once held it, they would never have allowed others to take their place.
This pattern should encourage reflection. By using the faculties of observation and reasoning God has given us, we can learn profound lessons from the rise and fall of nations. These events offer spiritual nourishment for those willing to see. Yet when a new community rises, its members often fall into a dangerous delusion—believing that what happened to the previous nation was unique to them, and that they themselves are immune to the same fate.
Tilkal quraa naqussu 'alaika min ambaaa'ihaa; wa laqad jaaa'at hum Rusuluhum bilbaiyinaati famaa kaanoo liyu'minoo bimaa kazzaboo min qabl; kazaalika yatba'ul laahu 'alaa quloobil kaafireen
Such were the towns whose story We [thus] relate to you: There came indeed to them their messengers with clear [signs]: But they would not believe what they had rejected before. Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who disbelieve.
Commentary of verses 7:101 to 7:102
God has given humanity the faculties of sight, hearing, and thought so we may observe His signs and learn from them. But when these gifts are not used as intended, the heart becomes desensitised. Gradually, a seal is placed upon it, and despite having eyes, ears, and a mind, a person ceases to truly see, hear, or understand. Though human in form, such a person loses their humanity.
Humanity began with the children of Adam. When they strayed, prophets were sent to guide them. Those who heeded the call were saved; those who rejected it were destroyed. Later generations forgot the pledges made to their prophets and faced the same consequences. This cycle of forgetfulness, disobedience, and broken covenants has repeated throughout history, defining much of the human story.
Wa maa wajadnaa li aksarihim min 'ahd; wa inw wajadnaaa aksarahum lafaasiqeen
Most of them We found not men [true] to their covenant: but most of them We found rebellious and disobedient.
Commentary of verses 7:101 to 7:102
God has given humanity the faculties of sight, hearing, and thought so we may observe His signs and learn from them. But when these gifts are not used as intended, the heart becomes desensitised. Gradually, a seal is placed upon it, and despite having eyes, ears, and a mind, a person ceases to truly see, hear, or understand. Though human in form, such a person loses their humanity.
Humanity began with the children of Adam. When they strayed, prophets were sent to guide them. Those who heeded the call were saved; those who rejected it were destroyed. Later generations forgot the pledges made to their prophets and faced the same consequences. This cycle of forgetfulness, disobedience, and broken covenants has repeated throughout history, defining much of the human story.
Summa ba'asnaa mim ba'dihim Moosaa bi Aayaatinaaa ilaa Fir'awana wa mala'ihee fazalamoo bihaa fanzur kaifa kaana 'aaqibatul mufsideen
Then after them We sent Moses with Our verses to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them: So see what was the end of those who made corruption.
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Wa qaala Moosaa yaa Fir'awnu inee Rasoolum mir Rabbil 'aalameen
Moses said: "O Pharaoh! I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds,
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Haqeequn 'alaaa al laaa aqoola 'alal laahi illal haqq; qad ji'tukum bibaiyinatim mir Rabbikum fa arsil ma'iya Baneee Israaa'eel
One for whom it is right to say nothing but truth about Allah. Now have I come to you [people], from your Lord, with a clear [Sign]: So let the Children of Israel depart along with me."
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Qaala in kunta ji'ta bi Aayatin faati bihaaa in kunta minas saadiqeen
[Pharaoh] said: "If indeed you have come with a Sign, show it forth, if you tellest the truth."
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Then [Moses] threw his rod, and behold! it was a serpent, plain [for all to see]!
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Wa naza'a yadahoo fa izaa hiya baidaaa'u linnaazireen
And he drew out his hand, and behold! it was white to all beholders!
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Qaalal mala-u min qawmi Fir'awna inna haazaa lasaa hirun 'aleem
Said the Chiefs of the people of Pharaoh: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed.
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Yureedu ai yukhrijakum min ardikum famaazaa taamuroon
"His plan is to get you out of your land: then what is it you counsel?"
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Qaalooo arjih wa akhaahu wa arsil filmadaaa'ini haashireen
They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense [for a while]; and send to the cities men to collect-
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
O
يَأْتُوكَ بِكُلِّ سَٰحِرٍ عَلِيمٍۢ
Yaatooka bikulli saahirin 'aleem
And bring up to you all [our] sorcerers well-versed."
Commentary of verses 7:103 to 7:112
A prophet's message is first addressed to the intellectual and social leaders of his time—those best equipped to understand profound truth. Yet history shows they have consistently opposed prophets, using their intellect not to embrace truth but to distort it. They dismiss miracles as magic or label prophetic movements as political ambitions. The public, unable to analyse deeply, are misled by such claims, and suspicion toward truth takes root.
This opposition is a grave crime. Leaders preserve their status at the cost of the Hereafter. God is Truth, and anyone claiming to represent Him must speak only truth and justice. Otherwise, they forfeit divine support and face punishment instead of reward.
Moses was sent to both the Children of Israel and Pharaoh's people. Though the Israelites had weaknesses, they largely supported him. Pharaoh and his court rejected him, except for a few. After forty years, Moses was commanded to leave Egypt with the Israelites. He requested permission from Pharaoh for them to worship freely in the desert. Pharaoh, seeing Moses as a mere magician, planned to defeat him using Egypt's own sorcerers.
Wa jaaa'as saharatu Fir'awna qaaloo inna lanaa la ajjran in kunnaa nahnul ghaalibeen
So there came the sorcerers to Pharaoh: They said, "of course we shall have a [suitable] reward if we win!"
Commentary of verses 7:113 to 7:116
Prophets are given miracles suited to the mindset of their people. In ancient Egypt, magic held great influence, so Moses was granted miracles in that form. During a national festival arranged by Pharaoh, Egypt's leading magicians gathered. They asked Moses whether they or he should begin the demonstration. Moses invited them to go first, and they agreed.
This shows an important principle: a prophet never initiates hostility. He gives his opponents every opportunity to act first. Once they have taken responsibility for opening conflict, only then does the prophet use all means at his disposal to respond. In presenting Islam's message, a prophet takes the first step intellectually—but never the first step toward aggression.
B
قَالَ نَعَمْ وَإِنَّكُمْ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ
Qaala na'am wa innakum laminal muqarrabeen
He said: "Yea, [and more], for you shall in that case be [raised to posts] nearest [to my person]."
Commentary of verses 7:113 to 7:116
Prophets are given miracles suited to the mindset of their people. In ancient Egypt, magic held great influence, so Moses was granted miracles in that form. During a national festival arranged by Pharaoh, Egypt's leading magicians gathered. They asked Moses whether they or he should begin the demonstration. Moses invited them to go first, and they agreed.
This shows an important principle: a prophet never initiates hostility. He gives his opponents every opportunity to act first. Once they have taken responsibility for opening conflict, only then does the prophet use all means at his disposal to respond. In presenting Islam's message, a prophet takes the first step intellectually—but never the first step toward aggression.
Qaaloo yaa Moosaaa immaaa an tulqiya wa immaaa an nakoona nahnul mulqeen
They said: "O Moses! will you throw [first], or shall we have the [first] throw?"
Commentary of verses 7:113 to 7:116
Prophets are given miracles suited to the mindset of their people. In ancient Egypt, magic held great influence, so Moses was granted miracles in that form. During a national festival arranged by Pharaoh, Egypt's leading magicians gathered. They asked Moses whether they or he should begin the demonstration. Moses invited them to go first, and they agreed.
This shows an important principle: a prophet never initiates hostility. He gives his opponents every opportunity to act first. Once they have taken responsibility for opening conflict, only then does the prophet use all means at his disposal to respond. In presenting Islam's message, a prophet takes the first step intellectually—but never the first step toward aggression.
Said Moses: "Throw you [first]." So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them: for they showed a great [feat of] magic.
Commentary of verses 7:113 to 7:116
Prophets are given miracles suited to the mindset of their people. In ancient Egypt, magic held great influence, so Moses was granted miracles in that form. During a national festival arranged by Pharaoh, Egypt's leading magicians gathered. They asked Moses whether they or he should begin the demonstration. Moses invited them to go first, and they agreed.
This shows an important principle: a prophet never initiates hostility. He gives his opponents every opportunity to act first. Once they have taken responsibility for opening conflict, only then does the prophet use all means at his disposal to respond. In presenting Islam's message, a prophet takes the first step intellectually—but never the first step toward aggression.
Wa awhainaaa ilaa Moosaaa an alqi 'asaaka fa izaa hiya talqafu maa yaafikoon
We put it into Moses's mind by inspiration: "Throw [now] your rod": and behold! it swallows up straight away all the falsehoods which they fake!
Commentary of verses 7:117 to 7:122
Moses' mission in Egypt lasted roughly forty years, and this contest with the magicians occurred near the end. By then, the magicians likely knew of Moses' teachings, yet remained spiritually blind. When they witnessed Moses' miraculous staff overcome their illusions, the veil lifted. They recognised divine prophethood, not mere trickery, and prostrated before Allah.
The magicians' ropes and sticks appeared as serpents through optical illusion. But when Moses' staff became a real serpent, their tricks reverted to lifeless objects. Instantly, the magicians understood the limits of human skill and the boundless power of Allah. Pharaoh's authority, once coveted, now meant nothing. Those who had sought his reward suddenly dismissed his threats of torture as insignificant. Their realisation of divine truth eclipsed all worldly fear and desire.
Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect.
Commentary of verses 7:117 to 7:122
Moses' mission in Egypt lasted roughly forty years, and this contest with the magicians occurred near the end. By then, the magicians likely knew of Moses' teachings, yet remained spiritually blind. When they witnessed Moses' miraculous staff overcome their illusions, the veil lifted. They recognised divine prophethood, not mere trickery, and prostrated before Allah.
The magicians' ropes and sticks appeared as serpents through optical illusion. But when Moses' staff became a real serpent, their tricks reverted to lifeless objects. Instantly, the magicians understood the limits of human skill and the boundless power of Allah. Pharaoh's authority, once coveted, now meant nothing. Those who had sought his reward suddenly dismissed his threats of torture as insignificant. Their realisation of divine truth eclipsed all worldly fear and desire.
A
فَغُلِبُوا۟ هُنَالِكَ وَٱنقَلَبُوا۟ صَٰغِرِينَ
Faghuliboo hunaalika wanqalaboo saaghireen
So the [great ones] were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small.
Commentary of verses 7:117 to 7:122
Moses' mission in Egypt lasted roughly forty years, and this contest with the magicians occurred near the end. By then, the magicians likely knew of Moses' teachings, yet remained spiritually blind. When they witnessed Moses' miraculous staff overcome their illusions, the veil lifted. They recognised divine prophethood, not mere trickery, and prostrated before Allah.
The magicians' ropes and sticks appeared as serpents through optical illusion. But when Moses' staff became a real serpent, their tricks reverted to lifeless objects. Instantly, the magicians understood the limits of human skill and the boundless power of Allah. Pharaoh's authority, once coveted, now meant nothing. Those who had sought his reward suddenly dismissed his threats of torture as insignificant. Their realisation of divine truth eclipsed all worldly fear and desire.
P
وَأُلْقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سَٰجِدِينَ
Wa ulqiyas saharatu saajideen
But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration.
Commentary of verses 7:117 to 7:122
Moses' mission in Egypt lasted roughly forty years, and this contest with the magicians occurred near the end. By then, the magicians likely knew of Moses' teachings, yet remained spiritually blind. When they witnessed Moses' miraculous staff overcome their illusions, the veil lifted. They recognised divine prophethood, not mere trickery, and prostrated before Allah.
The magicians' ropes and sticks appeared as serpents through optical illusion. But when Moses' staff became a real serpent, their tricks reverted to lifeless objects. Instantly, the magicians understood the limits of human skill and the boundless power of Allah. Pharaoh's authority, once coveted, now meant nothing. Those who had sought his reward suddenly dismissed his threats of torture as insignificant. Their realisation of divine truth eclipsed all worldly fear and desire.
T
قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Qaaloo aamannaa bi Rabbil 'aalameen
Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,
Commentary of verses 7:117 to 7:122
Moses' mission in Egypt lasted roughly forty years, and this contest with the magicians occurred near the end. By then, the magicians likely knew of Moses' teachings, yet remained spiritually blind. When they witnessed Moses' miraculous staff overcome their illusions, the veil lifted. They recognised divine prophethood, not mere trickery, and prostrated before Allah.
The magicians' ropes and sticks appeared as serpents through optical illusion. But when Moses' staff became a real serpent, their tricks reverted to lifeless objects. Instantly, the magicians understood the limits of human skill and the boundless power of Allah. Pharaoh's authority, once coveted, now meant nothing. Those who had sought his reward suddenly dismissed his threats of torture as insignificant. Their realisation of divine truth eclipsed all worldly fear and desire.
Y
رَبِّ مُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ
Rabbi Moosaa wa Haaroon
"The Lord of Moses and Aaron."
Commentary of verses 7:117 to 7:122
Moses' mission in Egypt lasted roughly forty years, and this contest with the magicians occurred near the end. By then, the magicians likely knew of Moses' teachings, yet remained spiritually blind. When they witnessed Moses' miraculous staff overcome their illusions, the veil lifted. They recognised divine prophethood, not mere trickery, and prostrated before Allah.
The magicians' ropes and sticks appeared as serpents through optical illusion. But when Moses' staff became a real serpent, their tricks reverted to lifeless objects. Instantly, the magicians understood the limits of human skill and the boundless power of Allah. Pharaoh's authority, once coveted, now meant nothing. Those who had sought his reward suddenly dismissed his threats of torture as insignificant. Their realisation of divine truth eclipsed all worldly fear and desire.
Said Pharaoh: "Believe you in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which you have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall you know [the consequences].
Commentary of verses 7:123 to 7:126
Sacrificing oneself for truth is the ultimate testimony. By Allah's grace, the magicians embraced this sacrifice. Their willingness to endure Pharaoh's harshest punishment proved their faith was sincere, not a conspiracy or excuse. Yet their submission enraged Pharaoh, who saw it as a public humiliation. His arrogance drove him to brutal retaliation.
Both parties lost the argument, but the magicians, by admitting defeat and accepting truth, earned eternal reward. Pharaoh, consumed by pride, chose oppression and earned eternal punishment. He viewed Moses' message as requiring his permission; the magicians saw it as a divine sign. Arrogant people always place their opinion above evidence, closing themselves off from inspiration. The magicians' strength and prayer—'Pour patience upon us, and let us die in submission to You'—came from complete surrender to Allah. When a believer fully submits, Allah's blessings and inspiration flow abundantly.
La uqatti'anna aidiyakum wa arjulakum min khilaafin summa la usallibannakum ajma'een
"Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on apposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross."
Commentary of verses 7:123 to 7:126
Sacrificing oneself for truth is the ultimate testimony. By Allah's grace, the magicians embraced this sacrifice. Their willingness to endure Pharaoh's harshest punishment proved their faith was sincere, not a conspiracy or excuse. Yet their submission enraged Pharaoh, who saw it as a public humiliation. His arrogance drove him to brutal retaliation.
Both parties lost the argument, but the magicians, by admitting defeat and accepting truth, earned eternal reward. Pharaoh, consumed by pride, chose oppression and earned eternal punishment. He viewed Moses' message as requiring his permission; the magicians saw it as a divine sign. Arrogant people always place their opinion above evidence, closing themselves off from inspiration. The magicians' strength and prayer—'Pour patience upon us, and let us die in submission to You'—came from complete surrender to Allah. When a believer fully submits, Allah's blessings and inspiration flow abundantly.
L
قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ
Qaaloo innaaa ilaa Rabbinaa munqaliboon
They said: "For us, We are but sent back to our Lord:
Commentary of verses 7:123 to 7:126
Sacrificing oneself for truth is the ultimate testimony. By Allah's grace, the magicians embraced this sacrifice. Their willingness to endure Pharaoh's harshest punishment proved their faith was sincere, not a conspiracy or excuse. Yet their submission enraged Pharaoh, who saw it as a public humiliation. His arrogance drove him to brutal retaliation.
Both parties lost the argument, but the magicians, by admitting defeat and accepting truth, earned eternal reward. Pharaoh, consumed by pride, chose oppression and earned eternal punishment. He viewed Moses' message as requiring his permission; the magicians saw it as a divine sign. Arrogant people always place their opinion above evidence, closing themselves off from inspiration. The magicians' strength and prayer—'Pour patience upon us, and let us die in submission to You'—came from complete surrender to Allah. When a believer fully submits, Allah's blessings and inspiration flow abundantly.
Wa maa tanqimu minnaaa illaaa an aamannaa bi Aayaati Rabbinaa lammaa jaaa'atnaa; Rabbanaaa afrigh 'alainaa sabranw wa tawaffanaa muslimeen
"But you do wreak your vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls to you as Muslims [who bow to your will]!
Commentary of verses 7:123 to 7:126
Sacrificing oneself for truth is the ultimate testimony. By Allah's grace, the magicians embraced this sacrifice. Their willingness to endure Pharaoh's harshest punishment proved their faith was sincere, not a conspiracy or excuse. Yet their submission enraged Pharaoh, who saw it as a public humiliation. His arrogance drove him to brutal retaliation.
Both parties lost the argument, but the magicians, by admitting defeat and accepting truth, earned eternal reward. Pharaoh, consumed by pride, chose oppression and earned eternal punishment. He viewed Moses' message as requiring his permission; the magicians saw it as a divine sign. Arrogant people always place their opinion above evidence, closing themselves off from inspiration. The magicians' strength and prayer—'Pour patience upon us, and let us die in submission to You'—came from complete surrender to Allah. When a believer fully submits, Allah's blessings and inspiration flow abundantly.
Wa qaalal mala-u min qawmi Fir'awna atazaru Moosaa wa qawmahoo liyufsidoo fil ardi wa yazaraka wa aalihatak; qaala sanuqattilu abnaaa 'ahum wa nastahyee nisaaa'ahum wa innaa fawqahum qaahiroon
Said the chiefs of Pharaoh's people: "Will you leave Moses and his people, to spread corruption in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?" He said: "Their male children will we slay; [only] their females will we save alive; and we have over them [power] irresistible."
Commentary of verse 7:127
Allah has given clothing to protect and dignify the human body, but this reflects a deeper need for spiritual covering. That inner garment is taqwa—God-consciousness—which represents one's true character. Taqwa shields the believer from Satan's influence and prepares the soul for the beauty of Paradise.
Taqwa means fearing Allah, upholding truth, treating oneself and others equally, recognising oneself as Allah's servant, living with humility, and prioritising the Hereafter over worldly temptations. When a person develops these qualities, their inner self becomes clothed. Just as fabric covers the body, taqwa covers the soul. Without it, a person's spiritual self remains bare and unprotected.
Qaala Moosaa liqawmihis ta'eenoo billaahi wasbiroo innal arda lillaahi yoorisuhaa mai yashaaa'u min 'ibaadihee wal 'aaqibatu lilmuttaqeen
Said Moses to his people: "Pray for help from Allah, and [wait] in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah's, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleases; and the end is [best] for the righteous.
Commentary of verses 7:128 to 7:129
Moses explained why his solution differed from popular thinking. Though problems seemed rooted in rulers, the deeper issue was the source of power itself. Power does not come from strategy alone—Allah grants and withdraws it. Therefore, the solution lies with Allah, not human schemes.
Power is a test, whether one possesses it or lacks it. Those granted authority are tested: will they become tyrannical or remain just and humble? If one group loses power due to incompetence, another is tested in turn. If they too fail, power passes to yet another. The prosperity and authority people crave in this world are truly attainable only in the Hereafter. In this life, they serve solely as trials; in the next, they will be rewards for the righteous.
Qaaloo oozeenaa min qabli an taatiyanaa wa mim ba'di maa ji'tanaa; qaala 'asaa Rabbukum ai yuhlika 'aduwwakum wa yastakhli fakum fil ardi fayanzura kaifa ta'maloon
They said: "We have had [nothing but] trouble, both before and after you camest to us." He said: "It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you inheritors in the earth; that so He may try you by your deeds."
Commentary of verses 7:128 to 7:129
Moses explained why his solution differed from popular thinking. Though problems seemed rooted in rulers, the deeper issue was the source of power itself. Power does not come from strategy alone—Allah grants and withdraws it. Therefore, the solution lies with Allah, not human schemes.
Power is a test, whether one possesses it or lacks it. Those granted authority are tested: will they become tyrannical or remain just and humble? If one group loses power due to incompetence, another is tested in turn. If they too fail, power passes to yet another. The prosperity and authority people crave in this world are truly attainable only in the Hereafter. In this life, they serve solely as trials; in the next, they will be rewards for the righteous.
Wa laqad akhaznaaa Aala Fir'awna bis sineena wa naqsim minas samaraati la'allahum yazzakkaroon
We punished the people of Pharaoh with years [of droughts] and shortness of crops; that they might receive reminder.
Commentary of verses 7:130 to 7:132
Words are used to declare right from wrong, innocence from guilt. Yet humans, granted freedom in this world of trial, may twist language as they wish. The gravest misuse is justifying the mislabelling of truth as falsehood, or falsehood as truth. A clear miracle can be dismissed as magic. A divine blessing can be credited to personal effort. A divine warning can be blamed on the very righteous people one has mistreated. Everything sent by Allah is meant as a lesson, yet people manipulate words to obscure that lesson, depriving themselves of guidance.
Pharaoh declared, 'Whatever sign you bring, we will not believe.' This reveals that even when truth is utterly clear, only those sincerely open to it receive it. Truth reveals itself to the earnest seeker, but eludes those content with falsehood. Mental conditioning, satisfaction with the status quo, and lack of seriousness blind people to truth, even when it stands before them.
Fa izaa jaaa'at humul hasanatu qaaloo lanaa haazihee wa in tusibhum saiyi'atuny yattaiyaroo bi Moosaa wa mam ma'ah; alaaa innamaa taaa'iruhum 'indal laahi wa laakinna aksarahum laa ya'lamoon
But when good [times] came, they said, "This is due to us;" When gripped by calamity, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him! And [mention]! in truth the omens of evil are theirs in Allah's sight, but most of them do not understand!
Commentary of verses 7:130 to 7:132
Words are used to declare right from wrong, innocence from guilt. Yet humans, granted freedom in this world of trial, may twist language as they wish. The gravest misuse is justifying the mislabelling of truth as falsehood, or falsehood as truth. A clear miracle can be dismissed as magic. A divine blessing can be credited to personal effort. A divine warning can be blamed on the very righteous people one has mistreated. Everything sent by Allah is meant as a lesson, yet people manipulate words to obscure that lesson, depriving themselves of guidance.
Pharaoh declared, 'Whatever sign you bring, we will not believe.' This reveals that even when truth is utterly clear, only those sincerely open to it receive it. Truth reveals itself to the earnest seeker, but eludes those content with falsehood. Mental conditioning, satisfaction with the status quo, and lack of seriousness blind people to truth, even when it stands before them.
Wa qaaloo mahmaa taatinaa bihee min Aayatil litasharanaa bihaa famaa nahnu laka bimu'mineen
They said [to Moses]: "Whatever be the Signs you bring, to work therewith your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you.
Commentary of verses 7:130 to 7:132
Words are used to declare right from wrong, innocence from guilt. Yet humans, granted freedom in this world of trial, may twist language as they wish. The gravest misuse is justifying the mislabelling of truth as falsehood, or falsehood as truth. A clear miracle can be dismissed as magic. A divine blessing can be credited to personal effort. A divine warning can be blamed on the very righteous people one has mistreated. Everything sent by Allah is meant as a lesson, yet people manipulate words to obscure that lesson, depriving themselves of guidance.
Pharaoh declared, 'Whatever sign you bring, we will not believe.' This reveals that even when truth is utterly clear, only those sincerely open to it receive it. Truth reveals itself to the earnest seeker, but eludes those content with falsehood. Mental conditioning, satisfaction with the status quo, and lack of seriousness blind people to truth, even when it stands before them.
Fa arsalnaa 'alaihimut toofaana waljaraada walqum mala waddafaadi'a waddama Aayaatim mufassalaatin fastakbaroo wa kaanoo qawmam mujrimeen
So We sent [plagues] on them: Wholesale death, Locusts, Lice, Frogs, And Blood: Signs openly self-explained: but they were steeped in arrogance, a people given to sin.
Commentary of verses 7:133 to 7:135
Moses spent roughly forty years in Egypt fulfilling his dual mission: calling Pharaoh to worship the One God, and leading the Israelites out of bondage. The Israelites, descendants of Joseph, were enslaved by the Copts and forced into hard labour. Pharaoh refused to let them go, twisting Moses's straightforward request into a supposed political plot to overthrow Egyptian rule—an absurd claim, since Moses simply wanted to leave.
As punishment for their arrogance, God sent a series of devastating trials: years of drought, violent storms, swarms of locusts destroying crops, plagues of lice and frogs, and rivers turning to blood. Overwhelmed, Pharaoh and his people repeatedly promised Moses they would release the Israelites if he prayed for relief. What they had once dismissed as conspiracy now appeared as it truly was: a prophet seeking freedom for his people.
Wa lammaa waqa'a 'alaihimur rijzu qaaloo ya Moosad-u lanaa rabbaka bimaa 'ahida 'indaka la'in kashafta 'annar rijza lanu 'minanna laka wa lanursilanna ma'aka Banee Israaa'eel
Every time the punishment fell on them, they said: "O Moses! on your behalf call on your Lord in virtue of his promise to you: If you will remove the punishment from us, we shall truly believe in you, and we shall send away the Children of Israel with you."
Commentary of verses 7:133 to 7:135
Moses spent roughly forty years in Egypt fulfilling his dual mission: calling Pharaoh to worship the One God, and leading the Israelites out of bondage. The Israelites, descendants of Joseph, were enslaved by the Copts and forced into hard labour. Pharaoh refused to let them go, twisting Moses's straightforward request into a supposed political plot to overthrow Egyptian rule—an absurd claim, since Moses simply wanted to leave.
As punishment for their arrogance, God sent a series of devastating trials: years of drought, violent storms, swarms of locusts destroying crops, plagues of lice and frogs, and rivers turning to blood. Overwhelmed, Pharaoh and his people repeatedly promised Moses they would release the Israelites if he prayed for relief. What they had once dismissed as conspiracy now appeared as it truly was: a prophet seeking freedom for his people.
But every time We removed the punishment from them according to a fixed term which they had to fulfil, And [mention]! they broke their word!
Commentary of verses 7:133 to 7:135
Moses spent roughly forty years in Egypt fulfilling his dual mission: calling Pharaoh to worship the One God, and leading the Israelites out of bondage. The Israelites, descendants of Joseph, were enslaved by the Copts and forced into hard labour. Pharaoh refused to let them go, twisting Moses's straightforward request into a supposed political plot to overthrow Egyptian rule—an absurd claim, since Moses simply wanted to leave.
As punishment for their arrogance, God sent a series of devastating trials: years of drought, violent storms, swarms of locusts destroying crops, plagues of lice and frogs, and rivers turning to blood. Overwhelmed, Pharaoh and his people repeatedly promised Moses they would release the Israelites if he prayed for relief. What they had once dismissed as conspiracy now appeared as it truly was: a prophet seeking freedom for his people.
Fantaqamnaa minhum fa aghraqnaahum kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa wa kaanoo 'anhaa ghaafileen
So We exacted retribution from them: We drowned them in the sea, because they rejected Our verses and failed to take warning from them.
Commentary of verses 7:136 to 7:137
Communities that rejected God's signs faced punishment, while those who believed and remained patient were granted divine support. The 'signs' are clear proofs of truth, yet pride often blinds people to them. Instead of addressing the arguments, they attack the messenger—dismissing him for lacking worldly prestige or status. Accepting truth feels like lowering oneself before the preacher, so they reject it to preserve their ego.
This is humanity's true test: believing in God through reason and indirect signs in this world. In the Hereafter, God will be plainly visible, and denial will be impossible. But faith holds value only when it arises from sincere reflection while God remains unseen.
Wa awrasnal qawmal lazeena kaanoo yustad'afoona mashaariqal ardi wa maghaari bahal latee baaraknaa feehaa wa tammat kalimatu Rabbikal husnaa 'alaa Baneee Israaa'eela bimaa sabaroo wa dammarnaa maa kaana yasna'u Fir'awnu wa qawmuhoo wa maa kaanoo ya'rishoon
And We made a people, considered weak [and of no account], inheritors of lands in both east and west, - lands whereon We sent down Our blessings.
The fair promise of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and We levelled to the ground the great works and fine buildings which Pharaoh and his people erected [with such pride].
Commentary of verses 7:136 to 7:137
Communities that rejected God's signs faced punishment, while those who believed and remained patient were granted divine support. The 'signs' are clear proofs of truth, yet pride often blinds people to them. Instead of addressing the arguments, they attack the messenger—dismissing him for lacking worldly prestige or status. Accepting truth feels like lowering oneself before the preacher, so they reject it to preserve their ego.
This is humanity's true test: believing in God through reason and indirect signs in this world. In the Hereafter, God will be plainly visible, and denial will be impossible. But faith holds value only when it arises from sincere reflection while God remains unseen.
Wa jaawaznaa bi Banneee Israaa'eelal bahra fa ataw 'alaa qawminy ya'kufoona 'alaaa asnaamil lahum; qaaloo yaa Moosaj'al lanaa ilaahan kamaa lahum aalihah; qaala innakum qawmun tajhaloon
We took the Children of Israel [with safety] across the sea. They came upon a people devoted entirely to some idols they had. They said: "O Moses! fashion for us a god like to the gods they have." He said: "Surely you are a people without knowledge.
Commentary of verses 7:138 to 7:141
After crossing the Red Sea into Sinai, the Israelites encountered idol-worshippers and shockingly asked Moses to make them idols too. This reveals a persistent human weakness: an obsession with the visible and tangible, making it hard to focus on the unseen God. The uneducated bow to statues, while others idolise personalities, cultures, or ideologies.
Moses refused, declaring such worship futile. His mission was to lead people to the One God, not create false deities. The Israelites' 'superiority' mentioned in the Quran refers not to race but to their role as bearers of God's message—a responsibility later passed to the Muslim ummah. Pharaoh's oppression was not punishment but a test, designed to distinguish those who abandon faith under pressure from those who hold firm with patience.
Innaa haaa'ulaaa'i mutabbarum maa hum feehi wa baatilum maa kaanoo ya'maloon
"As to these folk, the cult they are in is [but] a fragment of a ruin, and vain is the [worship] which they practise."
Commentary of verses 7:138 to 7:141
After crossing the Red Sea into Sinai, the Israelites encountered idol-worshippers and shockingly asked Moses to make them idols too. This reveals a persistent human weakness: an obsession with the visible and tangible, making it hard to focus on the unseen God. The uneducated bow to statues, while others idolise personalities, cultures, or ideologies.
Moses refused, declaring such worship futile. His mission was to lead people to the One God, not create false deities. The Israelites' 'superiority' mentioned in the Quran refers not to race but to their role as bearers of God's message—a responsibility later passed to the Muslim ummah. Pharaoh's oppression was not punishment but a test, designed to distinguish those who abandon faith under pressure from those who hold firm with patience.
Qaala a-ghairal laahi abgheekum ilaahanw wa Huwa faddalakum 'alal 'aalameen
He said: "Shall I seek for you a god other than the [true] Allah, when it is Allah Who has endowed you with gifts above the nations?"
Commentary of verses 7:138 to 7:141
After crossing the Red Sea into Sinai, the Israelites encountered idol-worshippers and shockingly asked Moses to make them idols too. This reveals a persistent human weakness: an obsession with the visible and tangible, making it hard to focus on the unseen God. The uneducated bow to statues, while others idolise personalities, cultures, or ideologies.
Moses refused, declaring such worship futile. His mission was to lead people to the One God, not create false deities. The Israelites' 'superiority' mentioned in the Quran refers not to race but to their role as bearers of God's message—a responsibility later passed to the Muslim ummah. Pharaoh's oppression was not punishment but a test, designed to distinguish those who abandon faith under pressure from those who hold firm with patience.
Wa iz anjainaakum min Aali Fir'awna yasoomoo nakum sooo'al 'azaab, yuqattiloona abnaaa'akum wa yastahyoona nisaaa'akum; wa fee zaalikum balaaa'um mir Rabbikum 'azeem
And remember We rescued you from Pharaoh's people, who afflicted you with the worst of penalties, who slew your male children and saved alive your females: in that was a momentous trial from your Lord.
Commentary of verses 7:138 to 7:141
After crossing the Red Sea into Sinai, the Israelites encountered idol-worshippers and shockingly asked Moses to make them idols too. This reveals a persistent human weakness: an obsession with the visible and tangible, making it hard to focus on the unseen God. The uneducated bow to statues, while others idolise personalities, cultures, or ideologies.
Moses refused, declaring such worship futile. His mission was to lead people to the One God, not create false deities. The Israelites' 'superiority' mentioned in the Quran refers not to race but to their role as bearers of God's message—a responsibility later passed to the Muslim ummah. Pharaoh's oppression was not punishment but a test, designed to distinguish those who abandon faith under pressure from those who hold firm with patience.
Wa waa'adnaa Moosaa salaaseena lailatanw wa at mamnaahaa bi'ashrim fatamma meeqaatu Rabbihee arba'eena lailah; wa qaala Moosaa liakheehi Haaroonakh lufnee fee qawmee wa aslih wa laa tattabi' sabeelal mufsideen
We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed [the period] with ten [more]: thus was completed the term [of communion] with his Lord, forty nights. And Moses had charged his brother Aaron [before he went up]: "Act for me amongst my people: Do right, and follow not the path of those who do corruption."
Commentary of verse 7:142
Some people habitually swear oaths without thinking—a practice believers must avoid. However, such thoughtless oaths between husband and wife are legally invalid due to the delicate nature of marriage. Solemn, intentional oaths are treated differently. If a man deliberately swears by God not to approach his wife, this is taken seriously and Islamic law applies accordingly.
In family life, both partners have duties and rights. Each must not only claim their own rights but also honour the other's. If we expect others to fulfil their obligations to us, we must fulfil ours to them. Anyone who misuses their power or advantageous position to act unjustly towards others cannot escape God's reckoning.
Wa lammaa jaaa'a Moosa limeeqaatinaa wa kallamahoo Rabbuhoo qaala Rabbi arineee anzur ilaik; qaala lan taraanee wa laakininzur ilal jabali fa inistaqarra makaanahoo faswfa taraanee; falammaa tajallaa Rabbuhoo liljabali ja'alahoo dakkanw wa kharra Moosaa sa'iqaa; falammaaa afaaqa qaala Subhaanaka tubtu ilaika wa ana awwalul mu'mineen
When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed him, He said: "O my Lord! show [Thyself] to me, that I may look upon you." Allah said: "By no means can you see Me [direct]; But look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shall you see Me." When his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it as dust.
And Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You! to You I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe."
Commentary of verses 7:143 to 7:144
Moses longed to see God, but when he learnt it was impossible in this life, he repented and placed his faith in the Unseen. This is the essence of our test: believing without seeing. The vision of God is reserved as a reward in the Hereafter.
Moses received his first call on the mountain, and returned there to receive the Torah. This highlights that divine inspiration flows more easily in natural surroundings than in the noise of society. Among trees, mountains, and rivers, the mind is freed from worldly distractions, allowing clear, unbiased reflection and true communion with God.
Qaala yaa Moosaaa innis tafaituka 'alan naasi bi Risaalaatee wa bi kalaamee fakhuz maaa aataituka wa kum minash shaakireen
[Allah] said: "O Moses! I have chosen you above [other] men, by the mission I [have given you] and the words I [have spoken to you]: take then the [revelation] which I give you, and be of those who give thanks."
Commentary of verses 7:143 to 7:144
Moses longed to see God, but when he learnt it was impossible in this life, he repented and placed his faith in the Unseen. This is the essence of our test: believing without seeing. The vision of God is reserved as a reward in the Hereafter.
Moses received his first call on the mountain, and returned there to receive the Torah. This highlights that divine inspiration flows more easily in natural surroundings than in the noise of society. Among trees, mountains, and rivers, the mind is freed from worldly distractions, allowing clear, unbiased reflection and true communion with God.
Wa katabnaa lahoo fil alwaahi minkulli shai'immaw 'izaanw wa tafseelal likulli shai'in fakhuzhaa biquwwatinw waamur qawmaka yaakhuzoo bi ahsanihaa; wa ooreekum daaral faasiqeen
And We ordained laws for him in the tablets in all matters, both commanding and explaining all things, [and said]: "Take and hold these with firmness, and enjoin your people to hold fast by the best in the precepts: soon shall I show you the homes of the wicked, [How they lie desolate]."
Commentary of verse 7:145
Divorce is an abnormal occurrence that happens in abnormal circumstances. Yet even in this most emotional matter, the Quran commands us to maintain consciousness of God (taqwa), justice, and kindness. This shows what kind of behaviour God expects from believers throughout life. If separation becomes unavoidable, we are instructed to dissolve the marriage bond in three stages, not all at once, allowing time for reflection and possible reconciliation.
Sa asrifu 'an Aayaatiyal lazeena yatakabbaroona fil ardi bighairil haqq; wa iny-yaraw kulla Aayatil laa yu'minoo bihaa wa iny-yaraw sabeelar rushdi laa yattakhizoohu sabeelanw wa iny-yaraw sabeelal ghaiyi yatta khizoohu sabeelaa; zaalika bi annahum kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa wa kaanoo 'anhaa ghaafileen
Those who behave arrogantly upon the earth in defiance of right - them will I turn away from My signs: Even if they see all the signs, they will not believe in them; and if they see the path of righteous deeds, they will not adopt it as the way; but if they see the path of error, that is the way they will adopt.
For they have rejected our signs, and failed to take warning from them.
Commentary of verse 7:146
God is the sole Creator of humanity and everything in existence. He has given the universe deep meaning and continuously sustains it. The right path for any person is to acknowledge God as Creator, Master, and Sustainer, and never associate partners with Him. True submission means devoting oneself entirely to God.
Because God is unseen, people often mistakenly worship visible things instead. They confuse creation with the Creator—whether parts of it or the whole of it—sometimes invoking God's name, sometimes not. This is humanity's fundamental error. The prophets came to teach people to glorify God alone and abandon false objects of worship.
Those whose hearts are attached to things other than God find the message of true religion distasteful. Their devotion to false deities is so strong that they cannot accept these are not real. They struggle to believe that truth could be proclaimed by someone who is mortal like themselves.
Wallazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa wa liqaaa'il Aakhirati habitat 'amaaluhum; hal yujzawna illaa maa kaanoo ya'maloon
Those who deny Our verses and the meeting in the Hereafter, vain are their deeds: Can they expect to be rewarded except as they have wrought?
Commentary of verses 7:147 to 7:149
While Moses was on the mountain, a man named Samiri misled the Israelites. He collected jewellery and fashioned a golden calf that emitted a bellowing sound when air passed through it—a trick of Egyptian sculpture. Awed by this spectacle, the people began worshipping it. Samiri's eloquence and charisma quickly won him a large following. Even Aaron's protests were drowned out by the crowd, and no one else dared oppose him.
This reflects a timeless pattern: a persuasive speaker can rally masses around trivialities, while the public, unable to think critically, simply follow the popular voice. Truth-tellers like Aaron are ignored, just as they often are today.
Wattakhaza qawmu Moosaa mim ba'dihee min huliyyihim 'ijlan jasadal lahoo khuwaar; alam yaraw annahoo laa yukallimuhum wa laa yahdeehim sabeelaa; ittakha zoohu wa kaanoo zaalimeen
The people of Moses made, in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image of calf, [for worship]: it seemed to low: did they not see that it could neither speak to them, nor show them the way? They took it for worship and they did wrong.
Commentary of verses 7:147 to 7:149
While Moses was on the mountain, a man named Samiri misled the Israelites. He collected jewellery and fashioned a golden calf that emitted a bellowing sound when air passed through it—a trick of Egyptian sculpture. Awed by this spectacle, the people began worshipping it. Samiri's eloquence and charisma quickly won him a large following. Even Aaron's protests were drowned out by the crowd, and no one else dared oppose him.
This reflects a timeless pattern: a persuasive speaker can rally masses around trivialities, while the public, unable to think critically, simply follow the popular voice. Truth-tellers like Aaron are ignored, just as they often are today.
Wa lammaa suqita feee aideehim wa ra aw annahum qad dalloo qaaloo la'il lam yarhamnaa Rabbunaa wa yaghfir lanaa lanakoonanna minal khaasireen
When they repented, and saw that they had erred, they said: "If our Lord have not mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall indeed be of those who perish."
Commentary of verses 7:147 to 7:149
While Moses was on the mountain, a man named Samiri misled the Israelites. He collected jewellery and fashioned a golden calf that emitted a bellowing sound when air passed through it—a trick of Egyptian sculpture. Awed by this spectacle, the people began worshipping it. Samiri's eloquence and charisma quickly won him a large following. Even Aaron's protests were drowned out by the crowd, and no one else dared oppose him.
This reflects a timeless pattern: a persuasive speaker can rally masses around trivialities, while the public, unable to think critically, simply follow the popular voice. Truth-tellers like Aaron are ignored, just as they often are today.
Wa lammaa raja'a Moosaaa ilaa qawmihee ghadbaana asifan qaala bi'samaa khalaftumoonee mim ba'dee a-'ajiltum amra Rabbikum wa alqal alwaaha wa akhaza biraasi akheehi yajurruhoo ilaih; qaalab na umma innal qawmas tad'afoonee wa kadoo yaqtu loonanee; falaa tushmit biyal a'daaa'a wa laa taj'alnee ma'al qawmiz zaalimeen
When Moses came back to his people, angry and grieved, he said: "Evil it is that you have done in my place in my absence: did you make haste to bring on the judgement of your Lord?" He put down the tablets, seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, and dragged him to him.
Aaron said: "Son of my mother! the people did indeed reckon me as naught, and went near to slaying me! Make not the enemies rejoice over my misfortune, nor count you me amongst the people of sin."
Commentary of verses 7:150 to 7:151
When Moses descended and saw the calf-worship, he angrily blamed Aaron, assuming he had failed in his duty. Moses seized him, but Aaron calmly explained he had done all he could—the people simply refused to listen. Hearing this, Moses let go and turned to God in prayer for Aaron. Misunderstandings between believers do occur, but with honest clarification, harmony is quickly restored, as if nothing had happened.
Qaala Rabbigh fir lee wa li akhee wa adkhilnaa fee rahmatika wa Anta arhamur raahimeen
Moses prayed: "O my Lord! forgive me and my brother! admit us to Your mercy! for You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"
Commentary of verses 7:150 to 7:151
When Moses descended and saw the calf-worship, he angrily blamed Aaron, assuming he had failed in his duty. Moses seized him, but Aaron calmly explained he had done all he could—the people simply refused to listen. Hearing this, Moses let go and turned to God in prayer for Aaron. Misunderstandings between believers do occur, but with honest clarification, harmony is quickly restored, as if nothing had happened.
Innal lazeenat takhazul 'ijla-sa yanaaluhum ghadabum mir Rabbihim wa zillatun fil hayaatid dunyaa; wa kazaalika najzil muftareen
Those who took the calf [for worship] will indeed be overwhelmed with wrath from their Lord, and with shame in this life: thus do We recompense those who invent [falsehoods].
Commentary of verses 7:152 to 7:153
The Israelites' worship of the golden calf was not merely idolatry but a grave distortion of faith. They falsely claimed divine sanction for their actions, asserting that God was present in the idol they had crafted. Samiri even fabricated a vision of the angel Gabriel to justify his deed. This was not rejection of truth but exploitation of it for worldly gain—a form of religious hypocrisy that incurred divine wrath.
Such people face punishment both in this life and the next. Moses ordered tribal leaders to identify and execute the instigators, though those who sincerely repented were spared. True repentance requires genuine shame and a heartfelt resolve never to repeat the sin. This inner transformation is like embracing faith anew. When a sinner shows such remorse and determination, it is as though they have re-entered the fold of God's religion after straying.
Wallazeena 'amilus saiyiaati summa taaboo mim ba'dihaa wa aamanooo inna Rabbaka mim ba'dihaa la Ghafoorur Raheem
But those who do wrong but repent thereafter and [truly] believe, indeed your Lord is thereafter Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Commentary of verses 7:152 to 7:153
The Israelites' worship of the golden calf was not merely idolatry but a grave distortion of faith. They falsely claimed divine sanction for their actions, asserting that God was present in the idol they had crafted. Samiri even fabricated a vision of the angel Gabriel to justify his deed. This was not rejection of truth but exploitation of it for worldly gain—a form of religious hypocrisy that incurred divine wrath.
Such people face punishment both in this life and the next. Moses ordered tribal leaders to identify and execute the instigators, though those who sincerely repented were spared. True repentance requires genuine shame and a heartfelt resolve never to repeat the sin. This inner transformation is like embracing faith anew. When a sinner shows such remorse and determination, it is as though they have re-entered the fold of God's religion after straying.
Wa lammaa sakata 'am Moosal ghadabu akhazal al waaha wa fee nnuskhatihaa hudanw wa rahmatul lillazeena hum li Rabbihim yarhaboon
When the anger of Moses was appeased, he took up the tablets: in the writing thereon was guidance and Mercy for such as fear their Lord.
Commentary of verse 7:154
When a marriage ends before consummation, Islamic law requires the husband to pay half the agreed bride-gift. However, the spirit of Islam calls for generosity beyond mere legal obligation. The wife should consider remitting half the amount due to her, while the husband should consider giving the full amount as a gesture of goodwill.
This principle of liberality and kindness applies to all areas of life. A truly Muslim society is one where people prefer to give rather than take from one another. Such generosity should be shown even during times of conflict, not only in friendship.
Wakhtaara Moosaa qawmahoo sab'eena rajjulal limeeqaatinaa falammaa akhazat humur rajfatu qaala Rabbi law shi'ta ahlaktahum min qablu wa iyyaaya atuhlikunna bimaa fa'alas sufahaaa'u minnaa in hiya illaa fitnatuka tudillu bihaa man tashaaa'u wa tahdee man tashaaa'u Anta waliyyunaa faghfir lanaa warhammnnaa wa Anta khairul ghaafireen
And Moses chose seventy of his people for Our place of meeting: when they were seized with violent quaking, he prayed: "O my Lord! if it had been Your will You could have destroyed, long before, both them and me: would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? this is no more than Your trial: by it You causest whom You will to stray, and You lead whom You will into the straight path.
You are our Protector: so forgive us and give us Your mercy; for You are the best of those who forgive.
Commentary of verses 7:155 to 7:156
The calf incident revealed a lack of true conviction among the Israelites. God summoned them to Mount Sinai, where Moses brought seventy representatives. Through thunder, lightning, and earthquakes, they were overwhelmed into complete submission. Weeping and repenting collectively, they vowed to honour the Torah's commands.
Moses then prayed for goodness in this life and the Hereafter for his people. God replied that His punishment falls on whom He wills, but His mercy encompasses all. While Moses prayed for his community as a whole, God clarified that salvation is individual, based on deeds, not group identity. Despite His boundless mercy, those who fail to act righteously cannot escape divine justice, regardless of their lineage or affiliation.
Waktub lanaa fee haazi hid dunyaa hasanatanw wa fil Aakhirati innnaa hudnaaa ilaik; qaala 'azaabee useebu bihee man ashaaa'u wa rahmatee wasi'at kulla shai'; fasa aktubuhaa lillazeena yattaqoona wa yu'toonaz Zakaata wallazeena hum bi Aayaatinaa yu'minoon
"And ordain for us that which is good, in this life and in the Hereafter: for we have turned to You." He said: "With My punishment I visit whom I will; but My mercy extends to all things. That [mercy] I shall ordain for those who do right, and practise regular charity, and those who believe in Our verses;-
Commentary of verses 7:155 to 7:156
The calf incident revealed a lack of true conviction among the Israelites. God summoned them to Mount Sinai, where Moses brought seventy representatives. Through thunder, lightning, and earthquakes, they were overwhelmed into complete submission. Weeping and repenting collectively, they vowed to honour the Torah's commands.
Moses then prayed for goodness in this life and the Hereafter for his people. God replied that His punishment falls on whom He wills, but His mercy encompasses all. While Moses prayed for his community as a whole, God clarified that salvation is individual, based on deeds, not group identity. Despite His boundless mercy, those who fail to act righteously cannot escape divine justice, regardless of their lineage or affiliation.
Allazeena yattabi'oonar Rasoolan Nabiyyal ummiyyal lazee yajidoonahoo maktooban 'indahum fit Tawraati wal Injeeli yaa muruhum bilma'roofi wa yanhaahum 'anil munkari wa yuhillu lahumul taiyibaati wa yuharrimu 'alaihimul khabaaa'isa wa yada'u 'anhum israhum wal aghlaalal latee kaanat 'alaihim; fallazeena aamanoo bihee wa 'azzaroohu wa nnasaroohu wattaba'un nooral lazeee unzila ma'ahooo ulaaa'ika humul muflihoon
"Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own [scriptures], in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good [and pure] and prohibits them from what is bad [and impure];
He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him, it is they who will be successful."
Commentary of verse 7:157
God created the heavens, earth, and all things not in chaos but in perfect order—a precisely regulated system where everything functions as intended for the collective good. Humanity is part of this divinely orchestrated creation and should align itself with God's plan, just as the rest of the universe does in complete obedience.
Every created thing operates with utmost efficiency and stays within its limits. Likewise, man must devote himself wholeheartedly to God's design, upholding justice and truth without transgression. Unlike other creatures, humans possess speech and consciousness, so their surrender must extend to these faculties too. Recognition of God should be so deeply rooted that it finds constant expression in words and awareness. Fear and hope should be directed toward God alone—this is the highest form of obedience.
Qul yaaa aiyuhan naasu innee Rasoohul laahi ilaikum jamee'anil lazee lahoo mulkus samaawaati wal ardi laaa ilaaha illaa Huwa yuhyee wa yumeetu fa aaminoo billaahi wa Rasoolihin Nabiyyil ummiy yil lazee yu'minu billaahi wa Kalimaatihee wattabi'oohu la'allakum tahtadoon
Say: "O men! I am sent to you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That gives both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His words: follow him that [so] you may be guided."
Commentary of verses 7:158 to 7:159
When the Prophet Muhammad is called 'God's Messenger to all people', it does not mean previous prophets were limited while he was universal. Rather, his prophethood has two dimensions: direct, to the people of Arabia, and indirect, through his community, to the entire world. In principle, all prophets were sent with the same mission, but earlier revelations became distorted, preventing their blessings from reaching future generations intact.
The religion brought by Muhammad remains preserved in its original form, allowing his message to benefit all nations. The Bible foretells that through the Arab Prophet, all tribes would be blessed. Many Jewish tribes in Arabia, proud of their scripture, resisted external truth. Only a few, like Abdullah ibn Salam, approached Islam with open hearts and accepted it sincerely. The concept of the 'unlettered prophet who believes in God and His words' distinguishes prophetic understanding from philosophical abstraction—God is not an impersonal force but a conscious Being who speaks, commands, and judges.
Wa min qawmi Moosaaa ummatuny yahdoona bilhaqqi wa bihee ya'diloon
Of the people of Moses there is a section who guide and do justice in the light of truth.
Commentary of verses 7:158 to 7:159
When the Prophet Muhammad is called 'God's Messenger to all people', it does not mean previous prophets were limited while he was universal. Rather, his prophethood has two dimensions: direct, to the people of Arabia, and indirect, through his community, to the entire world. In principle, all prophets were sent with the same mission, but earlier revelations became distorted, preventing their blessings from reaching future generations intact.
The religion brought by Muhammad remains preserved in its original form, allowing his message to benefit all nations. The Bible foretells that through the Arab Prophet, all tribes would be blessed. Many Jewish tribes in Arabia, proud of their scripture, resisted external truth. Only a few, like Abdullah ibn Salam, approached Islam with open hearts and accepted it sincerely. The concept of the 'unlettered prophet who believes in God and His words' distinguishes prophetic understanding from philosophical abstraction—God is not an impersonal force but a conscious Being who speaks, commands, and judges.
Wa qatta' naahumus natai 'ashrata asbaatan umamaa; wa awhainaa ilaa Moosaaa izis tasqaahu qawmuhooo anid rib bi'asaakal hajara fambajasat minhus nata 'ashrata 'ainan qad 'alima kullu unaasim mashrabahm; wa zallalnaa 'alaihimul ghammaamma wa anzalnaa 'alaihimul MManna was Salwaa kuloo min taiyibaati maa razaqnaakum; wa maa zalamoonaa wa laakin kaanooo anfusahum yazlimoon
We divided them into twelve tribes or nations. We directed Moses by inspiration, when his [thirsty] people asked him for water: "Strike the rock with your staff": out of it there gushed forth twelve springs: Each group knew its own place for water.
We gave them the shade of clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails, [saying]: "Eat of the good things We have provided for you": [but they rebelled]; to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.
Commentary of verse 7:160
The Quran states that certain obligations are 'binding on the righteous', revealing an important dimension of Islamic law. In social matters, there are rights clearly defined by law. But beyond these fixed boundaries lie further rights that only the God-conscious can truly recognise. The more one fears God, the more sensitive one becomes to fulfilling duties and giving others their full due.
Wa iz qeela lahumuskunoo haazihil qaryata wa kuloo minhaa haisu shi'tum wa qooloo hittatunw wadkhulul baaba sujjadan naghfir lakum khateee'aatikum; sanazeedul muhsineen
And remember it was said to them: "Dwell in this town and eat therein as you wish, but say the word of humility and enter the gate in a posture of humility: We shall forgive you your faults; We shall increase [the portion of] those who do good."
Commentary of verses 7:161 to 7:162
The Jews were instructed to enter their place of worship with humility, bowing in reverence and seeking forgiveness. They were to remember God's majesty and acknowledge their own shortcomings. Instead, they abandoned this divine guidance and followed their own path, cloaking arrogance in the guise of piety. Their words became insolent rather than grateful.
When they persisted in such wrongdoing, God withdrew His grace. Instead of blessings, they were surrounded by punishment. Their abandonment of humility in favour of self-devised rituals marked a grave departure from God's command.
But the transgressors among them changed the word from that which had been given them so we sent on them a plague from heaven. For that they repeatedly transgressed.
Commentary of verses 7:161 to 7:162
The Jews were instructed to enter their place of worship with humility, bowing in reverence and seeking forgiveness. They were to remember God's majesty and acknowledge their own shortcomings. Instead, they abandoned this divine guidance and followed their own path, cloaking arrogance in the guise of piety. Their words became insolent rather than grateful.
When they persisted in such wrongdoing, God withdrew His grace. Instead of blessings, they were surrounded by punishment. Their abandonment of humility in favour of self-devised rituals marked a grave departure from God's command.
Was'alhum 'anil qaryatil latee kaanat haadiratal bahri iz ya'doona fis Sabt iz taateehim heetaanuhum yawma Sabtihim shurra'anw wa yawma laa yasbitoona laa taateehim; kazaalika nabloohum bimaa kaanoo yafsuqoon
Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea. And [mention]! they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. For on the day of their Sabbath their fish did come to them, openly holding up their heads, but on the day they had no Sabbath, they came not: thus did We make a trial of them, for they were given to transgression.
Commentary of verses 7:163 to 7:164
To disobey God's command is sinful, but to violate it while attempting to legalise the transgression through trickery is doubly offensive. The Jews broke the Sabbath law in this deceitful manner, committing a compounded sin. Such behaviour invites divine retribution—those who engage in it are stripped of the dignities that distinguish human beings from animals. In this world, they fall from humanity's elevated station to the level of beasts, forfeiting the moral and spiritual faculties that define human excellence.
Wa iz qaalat ummatum minhum lima ta'izoona qaw manil laahu muhlikuhum aw mu'azzibuhum 'azaaban shadeedan qaaloo ma'ziratan ilaa Rabbikum wa la'allahum tattaqoon
When some of them said: "Why do you preach to a people whom Allah will destroy or visit with a terrible punishment?"- said the preachers:" To discharge our duty to your Lord, and perchance they may fear Him."
Commentary of verses 7:163 to 7:164
To disobey God's command is sinful, but to violate it while attempting to legalise the transgression through trickery is doubly offensive. The Jews broke the Sabbath law in this deceitful manner, committing a compounded sin. Such behaviour invites divine retribution—those who engage in it are stripped of the dignities that distinguish human beings from animals. In this world, they fall from humanity's elevated station to the level of beasts, forfeiting the moral and spiritual faculties that define human excellence.
Falammaa nasoo maa zukkiroo bihee anjainal lazeena yanhawna 'anis sooo'i wa akhaznal lazeena zalamoo bi'azaabim ba'eeim bimaa kaanooyafsuqoon
When they disregarded the warnings that had been given them, We rescued those who forbade Evil; but We visited the wrongdoers with a grievous punishment because they were given to transgression.
Commentary of verses 7:165 to 7:166
Those who violated the Sabbath were transformed into 'apes'—not physically, but in character and spirit. Their hearts and minds became ape-like, devoid of human refinement. By repeatedly acting against conscience and wisdom, they became so desensitised that fine feelings vanished. Every base desire was indulged without restraint. Honour, property, and dignity meant nothing; disputes led to degradation and violence.
A true human being exercises self-control through submission to God, while an ape-like person acts on every impulse unchecked. Those who actively opposed evil and sought to prevent it were spared God's punishment. Humans are endowed with intellect and conscience—desires are tempered by reflection on right and wrong. An ape, by contrast, knows no such barrier between impulse and action. When people abandon their moral faculties, they revert to this lower state.
When in their insolence they transgressed [all] prohibitions, We said to them: "Be you apes, despised and rejected."
Commentary of verses 7:165 to 7:166
Those who violated the Sabbath were transformed into 'apes'—not physically, but in character and spirit. Their hearts and minds became ape-like, devoid of human refinement. By repeatedly acting against conscience and wisdom, they became so desensitised that fine feelings vanished. Every base desire was indulged without restraint. Honour, property, and dignity meant nothing; disputes led to degradation and violence.
A true human being exercises self-control through submission to God, while an ape-like person acts on every impulse unchecked. Those who actively opposed evil and sought to prevent it were spared God's punishment. Humans are endowed with intellect and conscience—desires are tempered by reflection on right and wrong. An ape, by contrast, knows no such barrier between impulse and action. When people abandon their moral faculties, they revert to this lower state.
Wa iz ta azzana Rabbuka la yab'asannna 'alaihim ilaa Yawmil Qiyaamati mai yasoomuhum sooo'al 'azaab; inna Rabbaka lasaree'ul 'iqaab; wa innahoo la Ghafoorur Raheem
And [mention]! your Lord did declare that He would send against them, to the Day of Judgement, those who would afflict them with painful punishment. Your Lord is quick in retribution, but He is also Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Commentary of verses 7:167 to 7:168
Great privilege brings equally great responsibility—and failure to uphold it brings severe consequences. The Jews were honoured as bearers of God's scripture, promised worldly and eternal rewards. Yet they persisted in disobedience, committing irreligious acts under the guise of religion. Consequently, God removed their elevated status and decreed that they would face ongoing punishment throughout history, with further accountability in the Hereafter.
This does not mean they would never experience prosperity; rather, periods of ease would themselves become a trial, giving them opportunity to grow more insolent and thus more liable for punishment. This divine law applies universally, not only to the Jews. If Muslims find themselves dominated by disbelievers, fragmented and humiliated, they must return to God, for it signals His displeasure and the need for repentance.
Wa qatta'naahum fil ardi umamam minhumus aalihoona wa min hum doona zaalika wa balawnaahum bilhasanaati wassaiyi aati la'allahum yarji'oon
We broke them up into sections on this earth. There are among them some that are the righteous, and some that are the opposite. We have tried them with both be successfulity and adversity: In order that they might turn [to us].
Commentary of verses 7:167 to 7:168
Great privilege brings equally great responsibility—and failure to uphold it brings severe consequences. The Jews were honoured as bearers of God's scripture, promised worldly and eternal rewards. Yet they persisted in disobedience, committing irreligious acts under the guise of religion. Consequently, God removed their elevated status and decreed that they would face ongoing punishment throughout history, with further accountability in the Hereafter.
This does not mean they would never experience prosperity; rather, periods of ease would themselves become a trial, giving them opportunity to grow more insolent and thus more liable for punishment. This divine law applies universally, not only to the Jews. If Muslims find themselves dominated by disbelievers, fragmented and humiliated, they must return to God, for it signals His displeasure and the need for repentance.
Fakhalafa mim ba'dihim khalfunw warisul Kitaaba yaa khuzoona 'arada haazal adnaa wa yaqooloona sayughfaru lanaa wa iny yaatihim 'aradum misluhoo yaakhuzooh; alam yu'khaz 'alaihim 'aradum misluhoo yaakhuzooh; alam yu'khaz 'alaihim meesaaqul Kitaabi al laa yaqooloo 'alal laahi illal haqqa wa darasoo maa feeh; wad Daarul Aakhirtu khairul lillazeena yattaqoon; afalaa ta'qiloon
After them succeeded an [evil] generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose [for themselves] the vanities of this world, saying [for excuse]: "[Everything] will be forgiven us." [Even so], if similar vanities came their way, they would [again] seize them.
Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will you not understand?
Commentary of verse 7:169
Iram, a grandson of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), was among those saved on the Ark. His descendants became the tribe of 'Ad, who lived in Yemen and initially followed Noah's monotheistic faith. Over time, however, they abandoned the true path. Allah sent Prophet Hud to guide them back, but the community's leaders rejected him. They doubted his prophethood, dismissing him as either foolish or dishonest, simply because he did not possess the worldly status they believed a prophet should have.
Wallazeena yumas sikoona bil Kitaabi wa aqaamus Salaata innaa laa nudee'uajral musliheen
As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer, never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.
Commentary of verses 7:170 to 7:172
This pattern repeats across nations. Early generations uphold faith sincerely, but later ones treat religion as mere cultural heritage rather than a living covenant with Allah. They read scripture and perform rituals, yet live for this world alone, forgetting the Hereafter. They follow their desires while claiming superiority due to their lineage or sacred texts. True adherence to Allah's Book, however, is shown not by claims, but by sincere prayer and righteous action that promotes peace and harmony. A person genuinely connected to the Quran and devoted in worship becomes a force for good, naturally opposed to corruption and discord.
Wa iz nataqnal jabala fawqahum ka annahoo zullatunw wa zannooo annahoo waaqi'um bihim khuzoo maaa aatainaakum biquwwatinw wazkuroo maa feehi la'allakum tattaqoon
When We shook the Mount over them, as if it had been a canopy, and they thought it was going to fall on them [We said]: "Hold firmly to what We have given you, and bring [ever] to remembrance what is therein; perchance you may fear Allah."
Commentary of verses 7:170 to 7:172
This pattern repeats across nations. Early generations uphold faith sincerely, but later ones treat religion as mere cultural heritage rather than a living covenant with Allah. They read scripture and perform rituals, yet live for this world alone, forgetting the Hereafter. They follow their desires while claiming superiority due to their lineage or sacred texts. True adherence to Allah's Book, however, is shown not by claims, but by sincere prayer and righteous action that promotes peace and harmony. A person genuinely connected to the Quran and devoted in worship becomes a force for good, naturally opposed to corruption and discord.
Wa iz akhaza Rabbuka mim Baneee Aadama min zuhoorihim zurriyyatahum wa ash hadahum 'alaa anfusihim alastu bi Rabbikum qaaloo balaa shahidnaaa; an taqooloo Yawmal Qiyaamati innaa kunnaa 'an haazaa ghaafileen
When your Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, [saying]: "Am I not your Lord [who cherishes and sustains you]?"- They said: "Yea! We do testify!" [This], lest you should say on the Day of Judgement: "Of this we were never mindful":
Commentary of verses 7:170 to 7:172
This pattern repeats across nations. Early generations uphold faith sincerely, but later ones treat religion as mere cultural heritage rather than a living covenant with Allah. They read scripture and perform rituals, yet live for this world alone, forgetting the Hereafter. They follow their desires while claiming superiority due to their lineage or sacred texts. True adherence to Allah's Book, however, is shown not by claims, but by sincere prayer and righteous action that promotes peace and harmony. A person genuinely connected to the Quran and devoted in worship becomes a force for good, naturally opposed to corruption and discord.
Aw taqoolooo innamaaa ashraka aabaaa 'unaa min qablu wa kunnaa zurriyyatam mim ba'dihim afatuhlikunna bimaa fa'alal mubtiloon
Or lest you should say: "Our fathers before us may have taken false gods, but we are [their] descendants after them: will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who were futile?"
Commentary of verses 7:173 to 7:174
An animal raised away from its parents still behaves according to its instinct. Similarly, awareness of the Creator is deeply embedded in human nature. Unlike animals, however, humans are free to either heed or ignore this inner voice. This God-consciousness is innate—it speaks through conscience, guiding us toward right and wrong. Our moral choices determine our fate: those who listen and obey are rewarded with Paradise, while those who disregard this guidance face consequences. This inborn awareness itself is evidence of Allah's existence. No one can claim ignorance, nor blame their upbringing, because recognition of the Creator is woven into the very fabric of the soul from birth.
Wa kazaalika nufassihul Aayaati wa la'allahum yarji'oon
Thus do We explain the signs in detail; and perchance they may turn [to Us].
Commentary of verses 7:173 to 7:174
An animal raised away from its parents still behaves according to its instinct. Similarly, awareness of the Creator is deeply embedded in human nature. Unlike animals, however, humans are free to either heed or ignore this inner voice. This God-consciousness is innate—it speaks through conscience, guiding us toward right and wrong. Our moral choices determine our fate: those who listen and obey are rewarded with Paradise, while those who disregard this guidance face consequences. This inborn awareness itself is evidence of Allah's existence. No one can claim ignorance, nor blame their upbringing, because recognition of the Creator is woven into the very fabric of the soul from birth.
Relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our verses, but he passed them by: so Satan followed him up, and he went astray.
Commentary of verses 7:175 to 7:178
Umayyah ibn Abi as-Salt was a learned man who, upon hearing prophecies of a coming messenger, believed himself destined for that role. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was announced, Umayyah's pride turned to jealousy, and he became an opponent. His gifts should have led him to recognise and support the Prophet, yet arrogance blinded him. He chose worldly advantage over eternal reward. Had he accepted the truth humbly, he could have risen to spiritual heights; instead, envy dragged him down to the level of a panting dog—restless whether treated well or poorly. Allah guides through signs, not direct appearance. Those open to truth find guidance; those blinded by pride meet only ruin.
Wa law shi'naa larafa'naahu bihaa wa laakin nahooo akhlada ilal ardi watta ba'a hawaah; famasaluhoo kamasalil kalb; in tahmil 'alaihi yalhas aw tatruk hu yalhas; zaalika masalul qawmil lazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa; faqsusil qasasa la'allahum yatafakkaroon
If it had been Our will, We should have elevated him with Our verses; but he inclined to the earth, and followed his own vain desires. His example is that of a dog: if you attack him, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, he [still] lolls out his tongue. That is the example of those who deny Our verses; So relate the story;
perchance they may reflect.
Commentary of verses 7:175 to 7:178
Umayyah ibn Abi as-Salt was a learned man who, upon hearing prophecies of a coming messenger, believed himself destined for that role. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was announced, Umayyah's pride turned to jealousy, and he became an opponent. His gifts should have led him to recognise and support the Prophet, yet arrogance blinded him. He chose worldly advantage over eternal reward. Had he accepted the truth humbly, he could have risen to spiritual heights; instead, envy dragged him down to the level of a panting dog—restless whether treated well or poorly. Allah guides through signs, not direct appearance. Those open to truth find guidance; those blinded by pride meet only ruin.
Saaa'a masalanil qawmul lazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa wa anfusahum kaanoo yazlimoon
Evil as an example are people who deny Our verses and wrong their own souls.
Commentary of verses 7:175 to 7:178
Umayyah ibn Abi as-Salt was a learned man who, upon hearing prophecies of a coming messenger, believed himself destined for that role. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was announced, Umayyah's pride turned to jealousy, and he became an opponent. His gifts should have led him to recognise and support the Prophet, yet arrogance blinded him. He chose worldly advantage over eternal reward. Had he accepted the truth humbly, he could have risen to spiritual heights; instead, envy dragged him down to the level of a panting dog—restless whether treated well or poorly. Allah guides through signs, not direct appearance. Those open to truth find guidance; those blinded by pride meet only ruin.
mai yahdil laahu fa huwal muhtadee wa mai yudlil fa ulaaa'ika humul khaasiroon
Whom Allah does guide, he is on the straight path: whom He rejects from His guidance, such are the persons who perish.
Commentary of verses 7:175 to 7:178
Umayyah ibn Abi as-Salt was a learned man who, upon hearing prophecies of a coming messenger, believed himself destined for that role. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was announced, Umayyah's pride turned to jealousy, and he became an opponent. His gifts should have led him to recognise and support the Prophet, yet arrogance blinded him. He chose worldly advantage over eternal reward. Had he accepted the truth humbly, he could have risen to spiritual heights; instead, envy dragged him down to the level of a panting dog—restless whether treated well or poorly. Allah guides through signs, not direct appearance. Those open to truth find guidance; those blinded by pride meet only ruin.
Wa laqad zaraanaa li jahannama kaseeram minal jinni wal insi lahum quloobul laa yafqahoona bihaa wa lahum a'yunul laa yubisiroona bihaa wa lahum aazaanul laa yasma'oona bihaa; ulaaa'ika kal an'aami bal hum adall; ulaaa'ika humul ghaafiloon
Many are the jinn and men we have made for Hell: They have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle, rather more misguided: for they are heedless [of warning].
Commentary of verse 7:179
Humanity's first duty is to honour the original covenant with God—to remain His servant. Second, one must strengthen all the ties God has commanded us to maintain with others. Third, one must not prevent people from accepting God's message by inventing false arguments against it. The divine message aligns people with their true nature; those who block others from receiving it spread corruption on earth.
God created humanity from nothing—a favour great enough to demand complete surrender. Beyond creation, He provided an earth perfectly suited to our needs. After death, each person will face judgement before God. This reality calls for total devotion and lifelong humility.
Why do people reject such a clear and reasonable message? The main reason is unwillingness to learn. This shows itself in deliberate criticism, trivialising God's words, or dismissing them as irrational. Those unwilling to learn do not reflect seriously. They glance superficially and search for faults. But those genuinely willing to learn think deeply and soon recognise the truth, even when explained through simple parables.
Wa lillaahil Asmaaa 'ul Husnaa fad'oohu bihaa wa zarul lazeena yulhidoona feee Asmaaa'ih; sa yujzawna maa kaanoo ya'maloon
The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them; but shun such men as use profanity in his names: for what they do, they will soon be requited.
Commentary of verses 7:180 to 7:183
People go astray not by denying Allah's existence, but by distorting His nature. They imagine Him like a king with courtiers, deputies, and favourites—concepts drawn from worldly power. They attribute to Him decisions that suit their desires, not His justice. Such distortions dishonour the names of Allah. Yet He does not punish immediately. Instead, He grants time: either to reflect, repent, and reform, or to persist in wrongdoing until guilt is fully established. This delay is both a mercy and a final warning.
Wa mimman khalaqnaaa ummatuny yahdoona bilhaqqi wa bihee ya'diloon
Of those We have created are people who direct [others] with truth. And dispense justice therewith.
Commentary of verses 7:180 to 7:183
People go astray not by denying Allah's existence, but by distorting His nature. They imagine Him like a king with courtiers, deputies, and favourites—concepts drawn from worldly power. They attribute to Him decisions that suit their desires, not His justice. Such distortions dishonour the names of Allah. Yet He does not punish immediately. Instead, He grants time: either to reflect, repent, and reform, or to persist in wrongdoing until guilt is fully established. This delay is both a mercy and a final warning.
Wallazeena kazzaboo bi Aayaatinaa sanastadrijuhum min haisu laa ya'lamoon
Those who deny Our verses, We shall gradually visit with punishment, in ways they perceive not;
Commentary of verses 7:180 to 7:183
People go astray not by denying Allah's existence, but by distorting His nature. They imagine Him like a king with courtiers, deputies, and favourites—concepts drawn from worldly power. They attribute to Him decisions that suit their desires, not His justice. Such distortions dishonour the names of Allah. Yet He does not punish immediately. Instead, He grants time: either to reflect, repent, and reform, or to persist in wrongdoing until guilt is fully established. This delay is both a mercy and a final warning.
N
وَأُمْلِى لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِى مَتِينٌ
Wa umlee lahum; inna kaidee mateen
Respite will I grant to them: for My scheme is strong [and unfailing].
Commentary of verses 7:180 to 7:183
People go astray not by denying Allah's existence, but by distorting His nature. They imagine Him like a king with courtiers, deputies, and favourites—concepts drawn from worldly power. They attribute to Him decisions that suit their desires, not His justice. Such distortions dishonour the names of Allah. Yet He does not punish immediately. Instead, He grants time: either to reflect, repent, and reform, or to persist in wrongdoing until guilt is fully established. This delay is both a mercy and a final warning.
Awalam yatafakkaroo maa bisaahibihim min jinnah; in huwa illaa nazeerum mubeen
Do they not reflect? Their companion is not seized with madness: he is but a clear warner.
Commentary of verse 7:184
Soil may gather on a rock, appearing fertile. But when rain falls, the soil washes away, exposing the bare stone beneath. The same applies to someone who wears an outward show of piety without inner sincerity. If spoken to harshly or insulted, their irritation strips away their pretence, revealing their true nature.
Acting for God's sake means prioritising the unseen over the visible world. It requires setting one's gaze beyond what the eye can see. This demands true vision and spiritual insight. Those who show such depth of understanding have the door to God's realisation opened before them.
Awalam yanzuroo fee malakootis samaawaati wal ardi wa maa khalaqal laahu min shai'inw wa an 'asaaa ai yakoona qadiqtaraba ajaluhum fabi aiyi hadeesim ba'dahoo yu'minoon
Do they see nothing in the government of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah has created? [Do they not see] that it may well be that their terms is nigh drawing to an end? In what message after this will they then believe?
Commentary of verses 7:185 to 7:188
Questions like 'When will the Day of Judgement occur?' often come from idle curiosity, not sincere belief. True faith does not demand exact dates; it accepts the reality of the Last Day and lives accordingly. Since this life is a test, knowledge of the Hour is withheld. Instead, we are given warnings and reminders—sufficient for those who take them seriously.
Mai yadlilil laahu falaa haadiyaa lah; wa yazaruhum fee tughyaanihim ya'mahoon
To such as Allah rejects from His guidance, there can be no guide: He will leave them in their trespasses, wandering in distraction.
Commentary of verses 7:185 to 7:188
Questions like 'When will the Day of Judgement occur?' often come from idle curiosity, not sincere belief. True faith does not demand exact dates; it accepts the reality of the Last Day and lives accordingly. Since this life is a test, knowledge of the Hour is withheld. Instead, we are given warnings and reminders—sufficient for those who take them seriously.
They ask you about the [final] Hour - when will be its appointed time? Say: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord [alone]: None but He can reveal as to when it will occur. Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth.
Only, all of a sudden will it come to you." They ask you as if you Wert eager in search thereof: Say: "The knowledge thereof is with Allah [alone], but most men know not."
Commentary of verses 7:185 to 7:188
Questions like 'When will the Day of Judgement occur?' often come from idle curiosity, not sincere belief. True faith does not demand exact dates; it accepts the reality of the Last Day and lives accordingly. Since this life is a test, knowledge of the Hour is withheld. Instead, we are given warnings and reminders—sufficient for those who take them seriously.
Qul laaa amliku linafsee naf'anw wa laa darran illaa maa shaaa'al laah; wa law kuntu a'alamul ghaiba lastaksartu minal khairi wa maa massaniyas soo'; in ana illaa nazeerunw wa basheerul liqawminy yu'minoon
Say: "I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as Allah wills. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I should have multiplied all good, and no evil should have touched me: I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings to those who have faith."
Commentary of verses 7:185 to 7:188
Questions like 'When will the Day of Judgement occur?' often come from idle curiosity, not sincere belief. True faith does not demand exact dates; it accepts the reality of the Last Day and lives accordingly. Since this life is a test, knowledge of the Hour is withheld. Instead, we are given warnings and reminders—sufficient for those who take them seriously.
It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her [in love]. When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about [unnoticed]. When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, [saying]: "If You giv us a goodly child, we vow we shall [ever] be grateful."
Commentary of verses 7:189 to 7:194
The universe itself reveals its Creator. Its countless parts function in perfect harmony, with no contradiction or conflict—clear proof of a single, all-controlling Lord. Consider the relationship between man and woman: two distinct, independent beings, yet perfectly complementary, as though made for one another. This flawless balance could only arise from one Creator. If multiple gods existed, such harmony would be impossible. The unity and order of creation testify unmistakably to the oneness of Allah.
But when He gives them a goodly child, they ascribe to others a share in the gift they have received: but Allah is exalted high above the partners they ascribe to Him.
Commentary of verses 7:189 to 7:194
The universe itself reveals its Creator. Its countless parts function in perfect harmony, with no contradiction or conflict—clear proof of a single, all-controlling Lord. Consider the relationship between man and woman: two distinct, independent beings, yet perfectly complementary, as though made for one another. This flawless balance could only arise from one Creator. If multiple gods existed, such harmony would be impossible. The unity and order of creation testify unmistakably to the oneness of Allah.
A yushrikoona maa laa yakhluqu shai'anw wa hum yukhlaqoon
Do they indeed ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing, but are themselves created?
Commentary of verses 7:189 to 7:194
The universe itself reveals its Creator. Its countless parts function in perfect harmony, with no contradiction or conflict—clear proof of a single, all-controlling Lord. Consider the relationship between man and woman: two distinct, independent beings, yet perfectly complementary, as though made for one another. This flawless balance could only arise from one Creator. If multiple gods existed, such harmony would be impossible. The unity and order of creation testify unmistakably to the oneness of Allah.
Wa laa yastatee'oona lahum nasranw wa laaa anfusahum yansuroon
No aid can they give them, nor can they aid themselves!
Commentary of verses 7:189 to 7:194
The universe itself reveals its Creator. Its countless parts function in perfect harmony, with no contradiction or conflict—clear proof of a single, all-controlling Lord. Consider the relationship between man and woman: two distinct, independent beings, yet perfectly complementary, as though made for one another. This flawless balance could only arise from one Creator. If multiple gods existed, such harmony would be impossible. The unity and order of creation testify unmistakably to the oneness of Allah.
Wa in tad'oohum ilalhudaa laa yattabi'ookum; sawaaa'un 'alaikum a-da'awtumoohum am antum saamitoon
If you call them to guidance, they will not obey: For you it is the same whether you call them or you hold your peace!
Commentary of verses 7:189 to 7:194
The universe itself reveals its Creator. Its countless parts function in perfect harmony, with no contradiction or conflict—clear proof of a single, all-controlling Lord. Consider the relationship between man and woman: two distinct, independent beings, yet perfectly complementary, as though made for one another. This flawless balance could only arise from one Creator. If multiple gods existed, such harmony would be impossible. The unity and order of creation testify unmistakably to the oneness of Allah.
Innal lazeena tad'oona min doonil laahi 'ibaadun amsaalukum fad'oohum fal yastajeeboo lakum in kuntum saadiqeen
Indeed those whom you call upon besides Allah are servants like to you: Call upon them, and let them listen to your prayer, if you are [indeed] truthful!
Commentary of verses 7:189 to 7:194
The universe itself reveals its Creator. Its countless parts function in perfect harmony, with no contradiction or conflict—clear proof of a single, all-controlling Lord. Consider the relationship between man and woman: two distinct, independent beings, yet perfectly complementary, as though made for one another. This flawless balance could only arise from one Creator. If multiple gods existed, such harmony would be impossible. The unity and order of creation testify unmistakably to the oneness of Allah.
A lahum arjuluny yamshoona bihaa am lahum aidiny yabtishoona bihaaa am lahum a'yunuy yubsiroona bihaaa am lahum aazaanuny yasma'oona bihaa; qulid'oo shurakaaa'akum summa keedooni falaa tunziroon
Have they feet to walk with? Or hands to lay hold with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say: "Call your 'god-partners', scheme [your worst] against me, and give me no respite!
Commentary of verses 7:195 to 7:196
Despite the countless signs pointing to one God, people turn to polytheism in many forms. When a child is born, some credit saints or idols, others claim it was mere natural forces or their own efforts. Polytheists often believe their idols embody divine power, and while they may claim to worship what the idol represents, in practice many treat the idol itself as sacred—though it cannot walk, speak, see, or hear.
Yet polytheism is not limited to stone figures. Anything given devotion that belongs only to God—nations, leaders, communities, living or dead personalities—falls into the same category. None of these possess inherent power. Limbs, sight, and existence are all gifts; if lost, they cannot be recreated. God alone is the true Sustainer. He remains unseen in this life, but in the Hereafter, His reality will be manifest. Then humanity will see clearly that it was always God who provided and protected, and that these supposed partners had no power even over themselves, let alone others.
Inna waliyyial laahul lazee nazzalal Kitaaba wa Huwa yatawallas saaliheen
"For my Protector is Allah, Who revealed the Book [from time to time], and He will choose and befriend the righteous.
Commentary of verses 7:195 to 7:196
Despite the countless signs pointing to one God, people turn to polytheism in many forms. When a child is born, some credit saints or idols, others claim it was mere natural forces or their own efforts. Polytheists often believe their idols embody divine power, and while they may claim to worship what the idol represents, in practice many treat the idol itself as sacred—though it cannot walk, speak, see, or hear.
Yet polytheism is not limited to stone figures. Anything given devotion that belongs only to God—nations, leaders, communities, living or dead personalities—falls into the same category. None of these possess inherent power. Limbs, sight, and existence are all gifts; if lost, they cannot be recreated. God alone is the true Sustainer. He remains unseen in this life, but in the Hereafter, His reality will be manifest. Then humanity will see clearly that it was always God who provided and protected, and that these supposed partners had no power even over themselves, let alone others.
Wallazeena tad'oona min doonihee laa yastatee'oona nasrakum wa laaa anfusahum yansuroon
"But those you call upon besides Him, are unable to help you, and indeed to help themselves."
Commentary of verses 7:197 to 7:198
Calling people to monotheism, the Hereafter, and moral goodness is an appeal to what reason itself recognises as right. Yet people resist, often because they fear losing worldly advantage or religious status. When the call to truth threatens their interests, they oppose it fiercely.
In such circumstances, the preacher must respond with patience and restraint, continuing the message without provoking conflict. If he does not, the call becomes entangled in argument, wasting time and energy. To preserve its purity, he must endure unpleasant reactions calmly and keep working positively.
No one is immune to the whispers of self and Satan. What protects a person is the fear of God, which creates deep sensitivity. This sensitivity acts as a shield, alerting him the moment a harmful thought or negative feeling arises. He immediately seeks God's forgiveness and resolves to change. By contrast, those without this fear remain unaware as Satan leads them towards ruin. Sensitivity is the greatest defence; insensitivity leaves one exposed.
Wa in tad'oohum ilal hudaa laa yasm'oo wa taraahum yanzuroona ilaika wa hum laa yubsiroon
If you callest them to guidance, they hear not. You will see them looking at you, but they see not.
Commentary of verses 7:197 to 7:198
Calling people to monotheism, the Hereafter, and moral goodness is an appeal to what reason itself recognises as right. Yet people resist, often because they fear losing worldly advantage or religious status. When the call to truth threatens their interests, they oppose it fiercely.
In such circumstances, the preacher must respond with patience and restraint, continuing the message without provoking conflict. If he does not, the call becomes entangled in argument, wasting time and energy. To preserve its purity, he must endure unpleasant reactions calmly and keep working positively.
No one is immune to the whispers of self and Satan. What protects a person is the fear of God, which creates deep sensitivity. This sensitivity acts as a shield, alerting him the moment a harmful thought or negative feeling arises. He immediately seeks God's forgiveness and resolves to change. By contrast, those without this fear remain unaware as Satan leads them towards ruin. Sensitivity is the greatest defence; insensitivity leaves one exposed.
Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant.
Commentary of verses 7:199 to 7:203
The Quraysh asked why the Prophet did not bring miracles if he was truly sent by God. While God could easily have given miracles, doing so would have defeated the very purpose of his mission. Imagine if the Prophet had arrived with a car and loudspeakers—1,500 years ago, this would have been astonishing. Yet people's attention would have fixed on the spectacle rather than the message.
The real purpose was for God's word to provoke deep reflection, purify hearts, and draw people into direct relationship with Him. Miracles would have distracted from this. True religion lies in contemplating God's words, softening the heart, and living in constant remembrance of Him. Humility and awe before God's majesty replace arrogance.
We are called to develop an angelic character in this life so we may share their company in the next. When absorbed in the wonders of creation and freed from pride, a person reaches the highest human achievement: becoming, while still human, angelic in character.
If a suggestion from Satan assail your [mind], seek refuge with Allah; for He hears and knows [all things].
Commentary of verses 7:199 to 7:203
The Quraysh asked why the Prophet did not bring miracles if he was truly sent by God. While God could easily have given miracles, doing so would have defeated the very purpose of his mission. Imagine if the Prophet had arrived with a car and loudspeakers—1,500 years ago, this would have been astonishing. Yet people's attention would have fixed on the spectacle rather than the message.
The real purpose was for God's word to provoke deep reflection, purify hearts, and draw people into direct relationship with Him. Miracles would have distracted from this. True religion lies in contemplating God's words, softening the heart, and living in constant remembrance of Him. Humility and awe before God's majesty replace arrogance.
We are called to develop an angelic character in this life so we may share their company in the next. When absorbed in the wonders of creation and freed from pride, a person reaches the highest human achievement: becoming, while still human, angelic in character.
Those who fear Allah, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allah to remembrance, when lo! they see [aright]!
Commentary of verses 7:199 to 7:203
The Quraysh asked why the Prophet did not bring miracles if he was truly sent by God. While God could easily have given miracles, doing so would have defeated the very purpose of his mission. Imagine if the Prophet had arrived with a car and loudspeakers—1,500 years ago, this would have been astonishing. Yet people's attention would have fixed on the spectacle rather than the message.
The real purpose was for God's word to provoke deep reflection, purify hearts, and draw people into direct relationship with Him. Miracles would have distracted from this. True religion lies in contemplating God's words, softening the heart, and living in constant remembrance of Him. Humility and awe before God's majesty replace arrogance.
We are called to develop an angelic character in this life so we may share their company in the next. When absorbed in the wonders of creation and freed from pride, a person reaches the highest human achievement: becoming, while still human, angelic in character.
Wa ikhwaanuhum yamuddoonahum fil ghaiyi summa laa yuqsiroon
But their brethren [the evil ones] plunge them deeper into error, and never relax [their efforts].
Commentary of verses 7:199 to 7:203
The Quraysh asked why the Prophet did not bring miracles if he was truly sent by God. While God could easily have given miracles, doing so would have defeated the very purpose of his mission. Imagine if the Prophet had arrived with a car and loudspeakers—1,500 years ago, this would have been astonishing. Yet people's attention would have fixed on the spectacle rather than the message.
The real purpose was for God's word to provoke deep reflection, purify hearts, and draw people into direct relationship with Him. Miracles would have distracted from this. True religion lies in contemplating God's words, softening the heart, and living in constant remembrance of Him. Humility and awe before God's majesty replace arrogance.
We are called to develop an angelic character in this life so we may share their company in the next. When absorbed in the wonders of creation and freed from pride, a person reaches the highest human achievement: becoming, while still human, angelic in character.
Wa izaa lam taatihim bi aayatin qaaloo law lajtabai tahaa; qul innamaaa attabi'u maa yoohaaa ilaiya mir Rabbee; haazaa basaaa'iru mir Rabbikum wa hudanw wa rahmatul liqawminy yu'minoon
If you bring them not a revelation, they say: "Why have you not got it together?" Say: "I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord: this is [nothing but] lights from your Lord, and Guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith."
Commentary of verses 7:199 to 7:203
The Quraysh asked why the Prophet did not bring miracles if he was truly sent by God. While God could easily have given miracles, doing so would have defeated the very purpose of his mission. Imagine if the Prophet had arrived with a car and loudspeakers—1,500 years ago, this would have been astonishing. Yet people's attention would have fixed on the spectacle rather than the message.
The real purpose was for God's word to provoke deep reflection, purify hearts, and draw people into direct relationship with Him. Miracles would have distracted from this. True religion lies in contemplating God's words, softening the heart, and living in constant remembrance of Him. Humility and awe before God's majesty replace arrogance.
We are called to develop an angelic character in this life so we may share their company in the next. When absorbed in the wonders of creation and freed from pride, a person reaches the highest human achievement: becoming, while still human, angelic in character.
Wa izaa quri'al Quraanu fastami'oo lahoo wa ansitoo la 'allakum turhamoon
When the Qur'an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy.
Commentary of verse 7:204
A cash transaction ends immediately. But a debt is different. Without written proof, disputes can arise, as each party may remember things differently. Recording the loan and having witnesses prevents misunderstandings and ensures fairness at repayment. For a believer, this is a safeguard rooted in God-consciousness and justice. By honouring written terms, one fulfils duties before people and before God.
Believers are witnesses to God's religion. Just as they must not hide anything from God, they must never conceal evidence. Withholding testimony nurtures dishonesty and undermines justice. Conscience demands that truth be acknowledged and falsehood exposed. Anyone who withholds evidence for pride or worldly gain becomes complicit in wrongdoing.
Wazkur Rabbaka fee nafsika tadarru'anw wa kheefatanw wa doonal jahri minal qawli bilghuduwwi wal aasali wa laa takum minal ghaafileen
And do you (O reader!) Bring your Lord to remembrance in your [very] soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings; and be not you of those who are unheedful.
Commentary of verses 7:205 to 7:206
Everything in the universe obeys God's command. From dust to stars, all follow the path set by God. Humanity alone has been given free will to choose different paths. But this freedom is not absolute—it exists as a test. Like the rest of creation, people must submit to God's will. The difference is that humanity must do so voluntarily.
We should not be deceived by the appearance of independence or isolation. The truth is that the Lord of the universe watches over every person at all times. He sees everything, great or small, within us and around us.
Innal lazeena 'inda Rabbika laa yastakbiroona 'an 'ibaadatihee wa yusabbihoonahoo wa lahoo yasjudoon
Those who are near to your Lord, disdain not to do Him worship: They celebrate His praises, and prostrate before Him.
Commentary of verses 7:205 to 7:206
Everything in the universe obeys God's command. From dust to stars, all follow the path set by God. Humanity alone has been given free will to choose different paths. But this freedom is not absolute—it exists as a test. Like the rest of creation, people must submit to God's will. The difference is that humanity must do so voluntarily.
We should not be deceived by the appearance of independence or isolation. The truth is that the Lord of the universe watches over every person at all times. He sees everything, great or small, within us and around us.