Oath of God
- [I swear by] Aleef.Laam.Ra. A scripture whose verses have been perfected, then explained in detail from Wise, Cognizant (11:1).
Note: Alif.Laam.Rah, and a perfect scripture having details from Wise, Cognizant is an oath of God while we know that the Quranic initials have multiple roles. Thus, this set of Initials is found prefixed to 5 suras and their total count in the Arabic text of 5 suras is a multiple of 19 => 9481 (19x499) as shown in the table below, which is a lower level factual not to have any doubt that the Quran is from God:
Note: The occurrence of these three Arabic letters is maintained at frequency of 499 in the Arabic text of five surahs, which is a divine guard to exist the pure Quran as guidance to be the straight path for the believers until the end of the world against any attempt of distortion.
Quran is a warner and good news
- That you do not worship except God. Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bearer of good news (11:2). And that you shall ask forgiveness of your Lord, then repent to Him; He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and will give His grace to every possessor of grace. And if you turn away, then indeed me, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day (11:3). To God is your return, and He has power over everything (11:4).
Note: By taking oath referring to Alif.Laam.Rah, and a perfect scripture having details from Wise, Cognizant, God affirms that you all shall worship Him as you all will return to Him while the Quran has come to you as a warner for the disbelievers and good news for the believers.
None can hide anything from God
- No doubt, they fold their breasts that they may hide from Him. No doubt, when they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Indeed, He is Knower of what is in the breasts (11:5). And there is no creature in the earth except its provision is upon God. And He knows its dwelling place and its place of storage. All is in a clear record (11:6).
Note: The disbelievers do their best to hide their evil behavior and deeds in their hearts but will not be able to do that as all is in a record.
God has created the heavens and the earth to test us
- And He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days—and His Throne was upon the water—that He test you, which of you is best in deed. And surely, if you say, ‘Indeed, you will be resurrected after death,’ those who disbelieved will surely say, “This is nothing but clear magic.” (11:7).And if We have delayed the punishment from them for a specified period, they will surely say, ‘What detains it?’ No doubt, the day it comes to them, it will not be averted from them, and that which they had been mocking will surround them (11:8). And if We have given the human being a taste of mercy from Us, then We have withdrawn it from him; indeed, he is despairing, ungrateful (11:9). And if We have given him a taste of favor after adversity had touched him, he will surely say, “The evils have gone from me.” Indeed, he is exultant, boastful (11:10). Except those who have been patient and have done righteous deeds; those, for them there is forgiveness and a great reward (11:11).
Note: God has made the earth a temporary abode for us to test us giving us mercy as well as withdrawing it from us. He has let us know about a day of Resurrection after the death. But the disbelievers mock it being ungrateful to Him, while the believers are patient and for them there is forgiveness and a great reward.
Quran has been sent down with God’s knowledge
- Then that you are giving up a part of what has been revealed to you, and your chest is straitening with it because they say, “Why has a treasure not been sent down for him, or an angel come with him?” You are only a warner, and God is an Advocate over everything (11:12). Or they say, “He has fabricated it.” Say, “Then bring ten fabricated surahs like it, and call whomever you have been able to other than God, if you have been truthful.” (11:13). Then if they do not respond to you, then you shall know that it has been sent down with God’s knowledge and that there is no god except He. Then would you be Submitters?(11:14).
Note: Quran has been sent down with God’s knowledge reminding the people that there is no god except He and none can produce even any part of it and the prophet has been just a warner, while God is an Advocate over everything.
The Hereafter is better than the life of the world
- Whoever has been desiring the life of the world and its adornment, We will pay them in full for their deeds in it, and they will not be lessened in it (11:15). Those are the ones for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter except the Fire, and what they had done therein has been worthless, and what they had been doing is worthless (11:16).
Note: No share in the Hereafter for those who have done for the life of the world.
Scripture has always been a guide and mercy for the believers
- Is then whoever has been on a clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him recites it, while from before of it the scripture of Moses was a guide and mercy? Those believe in it, and whoever disbelieves in it of the parties, then the Fire is his promised place. So do not be in doubt about it. Indeed, it is the truth from your Lord, but most people do not believe (11:17).
Note: The scripture being the truth from God is a guide and mercy for the believers at all times, while the promised place of the disbelievers is the Fire.
Wickedness in religious leaders
- And who has more wickedness than whoever has invented a lie against God? Those will be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are those who have lied against their Lord.” Unquestionably, God’s curse is upon the wrongdoers (11:18). Those who hinder from the path of God and seek in it crookedness, and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter (11:19). These were not causing incapacity on earth, nor have there been any protectors for them other than God. The punishment will be doubled for them. They have not been able to hear, nor have they been seeing (11:20). Those are the ones who have lost their souls, and has gone astray from them what they had been inventing (11:21). No doubt that they in the Hereafter are the worst losers (11:22).
Note: The religious leaders will be the worst losers in the Hereafter as they have attributed lies to God disregarding and misinterpreting God’s message while their followers cannot escape their punishment as well.
The believers are neither deaf nor blind
- Indeed, those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds and have been humble to their Lord, those are companions of the Paradise; they in it are dwellers forever (11:23). “The example of the two groups is like the blind and the deaf, and the seer and the hearer. Do they equal as an example? Will you not then remember? (11:24).
Note: The believers in God and His scripture who have done the righteous deeds and have been humble to their Lord are the dwellers of the Paradise wherein they will abide forever.
Noah, a clarifying warner has been sent to his people
- And certainly, We had sent Noah to his people, “Indeed, I am to you a clarifying warner.” (11:25). That you do not worship except God. Indeed, I fear for you a punishment of a painful day (11:26). So the leaders of those who had disbelieved from his people said, “We do not see you except a human being like us, nor do we see that anyone had followed you except those who are the lowest of us at first thought, nor do we see in you any merit over us. Nay, we think you are liars.” (11:27). He said, “O my people, have you seen if I have been on a clear proof from my Lord, and He has given me mercy from Himself, so it has been made obscure to you? Shall we compel you to it while you are haters of it?”(11:28). And O my people, I do not ask you any wealth for it; my reward is not except upon God. And I am not a driver away of those who have believed. Indeed, they will be meeting their Lord, but I see you are an ignorant people (11:29). And O my people, who would help me against God if I have driven them away? Will you not then remember? (11:30). And I do not say to you, “With me are the treasures of God,” nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say, “Indeed, I am an angel,” nor do I say to those whom your eyes look down upon, “God will not give them any good.” God is best Knower of what is in their souls. Indeed, I would then surely be of the wrongdoers (11:31). They said, “O Noah, you have certainly disputed with us, so you have multiplied our dispute. Then bring us what you threaten us with, if you have been of the truthful ones.” (11:32). He said, “God can only bring it to you if He wills, and you are not causing incapacity.” (11:33). And my advice will not benefit you if I have wished to advise you, if God has been wishing to cause you to go astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned (11:34). Or do they say, “He has invented it”? Say, “If I have invented it, then upon me is my crime, and I am innocent of what you commit of crime.” (11:35). And it has been inspired to Noah that none will believe from your people except whoever has certainly believed, so do not be distressed with what they have been doing (11:36).
Note: Noah has been sent to his people with a clear proof but the wicked people denied him and refused to worship God.
- And build the ark under Our eyes and Our inspiration, and do not address Me about those who have wronged; indeed, they are those to be drowned (11:37). And he builds the ark; and every time a company from his people had passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, “If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule.” (11:38). So you will know to whom will come a punishment to disgrace him, and upon whom will descend a lasting punishment (11:39). Until when Our command had come and the oven had overflowed, We said, ‘Load in it of each kind two mates, and your family—except whoever the word has preceded against him—and whoever has believed.’ And there had not believed with him except a few (11:40). And he said, “Embark in it; in the name of God is its sailing and its anchoring. Indeed, my Lord is surely Forgiving, Merciful.” (11:41).And it sailed with them in waves like the mountains, and Noah called his son, while he had been in isolation, “O my son, embark with us, and do not be with the disbelievers.” (11:42). He said, “I will take refuge to a mountain to protect me from the water.” He said, “There is no protector today from God’s command except whom He has given mercy.” And the waves had separated between them, so he was among the drowned ones (11:43). And it had been said, “O earth, swallow your water,” and “O sky, cease.” And the water had receded, and the command had been fulfilled. And it had rested on Judi, and it had been said, “Away with the wrongdoing people.” (11:44).
Note: Noah was inspired to build the ark to save them. A few people believed who had embarked in the ark but the wicked were drowned including a son of Noah. When the command has been fulfilled, the ark rested on the Judea. Thus, the wrongdoers of the people were away.
- And Noah had called his Lord, then said, “O my Lord, indeed, my son is of my family, and indeed, Your promise is the truth, and You are the Best of judges.” (11:45). He said, “O Noah, he has not been of your family; indeed, him—a deed other than righteous, so do not ask Me what you have no knowledge of. Indeed, I admonish you lest you be among the ignorant.” (11:46). He said, “My Lord, indeed, I seek refuge in You from asking You what I have no knowledge of. And unless You forgive me and have mercy on me, I will be among the losers.” (11:47). It had been said, “O Noah, descend with peace from Us and blessings upon you, and upon nations from whoever is with you. And nations—We will grant them enjoyment, then a painful punishment will touch them from Us.” (11:48). That is of the unseen news—We reveal it to you. You had not been to know it, neither you nor your people from before this. So be patient; indeed, the end is for the righteous ones.” (11:49).
Note: Noah asked forgiveness of God for his mistake for calling his son to be a member of his family while the prophet was informed of the wicked people of Noah and was asked to be patient.
Hud was a messenger who has been sent to Aad
- And to ‘Aad, their brother Hud. He said, ‘O my people, worship God; you have no god other than Him. You are none but fabricators.” (11:50). O my people, I do not ask you any reward for it. My reward is not but upon Him who has created me. Will you not then understand? (11:51). And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord, then repent to Him. He will send from the sky upon you in abundance and will add strength to your strength. And do not turn away being criminals (11:52). They said, “O Hud, you have not come to us with a clear proof, and we are not abandoners of our gods because of your saying, nor are we believers in you.” (11:53). We do not say except that one of our gods has seized you with evil.” He said, “Indeed, I call God to witness, and you shall bear witness that I am free from what you associate.” (11:54). Other than Him. So plot against me all together, then do not give me respite.(11:55). Indeed, I have put my trust upon God, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature except that He is holding its forelock. Indeed, my Lord is upon a straight path (11:56). So if you turn away, then certainly, I have conveyed to you what I have been sent with to you. And my Lord will replace you with a people other than you, and you cannot harm Him at all. Indeed, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” (11:57). And when Our command had come, We saved Hud and those who believed with him by mercy from Us, and We saved them from a harsh punishment (11:58). And that was ‘Aad. They had rejected the signs of their Lord, and had disobeyed His messengers, and had followed the command of every stubborn tyrant (11:59). And they had been made to follow a curse in this world and on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt, indeed Aad had disbelieved their Lord. No doubt, away with Aad, the people of Hud (11:60).
Note: Hud conveyed the message to his people but they denied it. God saved him and those who believed with him when a severe punishment had come to them for eliminating the wicked people.
Saleh has been sent to Thamud
- And to Thamud, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people, worship God; you have no god other than Him. He has created you from the earth and has settled you in it. So ask forgiveness of Him, then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Near, Responsive.” (11:61). They said, “O Saleh, you had been among us one in whom hope was placed before this. Do you forbid us from worshipping what our forefathers worshipped? And indeed, we are surely in a disquieting doubt about what you call us to.” (11:62). He said, “O my people, have you seen if I have been upon clear proof from my Lord, and He has given me mercy from Him, then who could help me against God if I have disobeyed Him? Then you would not increase me in other than loss.” (11:63). O my people, this is the camel of God as a sign for you. So leave her to eat in the earth of God, and do not touch her with harm, lest a near punishment seize you.” (11:64). But they had hamstrung her. So he said, ‘Enjoy yourselves in your dwelling place for three days. That is a promise not to be belied.” (11:65). So when Our command had come, We saved Saleh and those who believed with him by mercy from Us, and from the disgrace of that day. Indeed, your Lord—He is the Powerful, the Almighty.” (11:66). And the blast had seized those who did wrong, so they became inside their homes fallen prone (11:67). As if they had not lived therein. No doubt, indeed Thamud had disbelieved their Lord. No doubt, away with Thamud (11:68).
Note: Saleh came to Thamud with a clear sign but his people denied him and slaughtered God’s camel. God saved him and those who believed with him when the thunder blast seized them eliminating the wicked people.
Angels visited to Abraham with a good news of a son
- And certainly, Our messengers had come to Abraham with the good news. They said, ‘Peace.’ He said, ‘Peace,’ then he did not delay to bring a roasted calf (11:69). So when he had seen their hands not reaching for it, he mistrusted them and felt an apprehension from them. They said, “Do not fear; indeed, we have been sent to the people of Lot.” (11:70). And his wife was standing, so she had laughed, then We gave her the good news of Isaac, and after Isaac, Jacob (11:71). She said, “Woe to me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is a strange thing.” (11:72). They said, “Do you wonder at the command of God? The mercy of God and His blessings be upon you, O people of the House. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy, Glorious.” (11:73). So when the fright had gone from Abraham, and the good news had come to him, he argued with Us about the people of Lot (11:74). Indeed, Abraham was surely forbearing, imploring, often turning (11:75). “O Abraham, turn away from this. Indeed, there has certainly come the command of your Lord, and indeed, a punishment is coming to them that cannot be turned back.” (11:76).
Note: The angels went to Abraham with a good news of a son even when Abraham has been old and his wife has reached beyond the child bearing. They let them know that it is a God’s gift to them as people of the House. They also let him know that they have come with a bad news of destroying a wicked people of Lot. When He was about to argue about it, they warned him that God’s command must be carried on and the punishment of a wicked people of Lot cannot be prevented while Abraham forbearing, imploring and turning to God.
Angels visited to Lot with a bad news of destroying the wicked people
- And when Our messengers had come to Lot, he was distressed for them and felt his breast straitened for them—and he said, “This is a distressful day.” (11:77). And his people had come to him rushing to him; and from before, they had been doing evil deeds. He said, “O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear God and do not disgrace me in my guests. Had there not been among you a right-minded man?” (11:78). They said, “Certainly, you have known that we have no right to your daughters, and indeed, you surely know what we want.” (11:79. He said, “If only I had power over you, or that I could take refuge in a strong support!”(11:80). They said, “O Lot, we are messengers of your Lord; they cannot reach you. So travel with your family in a part of the night, and let not anyone of you look back, except your wife; indeed, there will strike her what has struck them. Indeed, their appointed time is the morning. Had the morning not been near?” (11:81). So when Our command had come, We made its upside its downside, and We rained upon it stones of baked clay in layers (11:82). Marked from your Lord, and it is not far from the wrongdoers. (11:83).
Note: The angels went to Lot with a bad news of destroying of his wicked people for practicing homosexuality and they were destroyed by the hail storm before the morning, even his wicked people had shamed him in the presence of the angels. God had saved Lot and his family except his wife.
Destruction of the wicked people Madyan
- And to Madyan their brother Shuaib. He said, “O my people, you shall worship God; there is no god for you other than He, and you do not make less of the measure and the scale. Indeed, I see you in prosperity, and indeed, I fear upon you a punishment of day of surrounding (11:84). And O my people, you shall fulfill the measure and the balance with the justice. And you do not deprive the people of their things, nor do you do evil in the earth for spreading corruption (11:85). Remains with God is best for you, if you have believers, while I am not a guardian over you.” (11:86). They said, “O Shuaib, does your salat prayer command you that we leave what our forefathers worship, or that we do about our wealth what we will? Indeed you, surely you are the forbearing, the right-minded one.” (11:87). He said, “O my people, have you seen if I have been on a clear proof from my Lord, and He has provided me a good provision from Him? And I do not intend that I differ from you to what I forbid you from it, nor do I intend except the reformation what I have been able, nor my success except with God. Upon Him I have put trust and to Him I turn (11:88). And O my people, let not my dissension commit you sin lest there befalls you like what had befallen a people of Noah, or a people of Hud, or a people of Saleh, nor a people of Lot, is far off from you (11:89). And you shall ask forgiveness of your Lord, then shall repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful, Loving.” (11:90). They said, “O Shuaib, we do not understand much of what you say, and indeed, we surely see you weak among us. And if not (to have) your tribe, we would have stoned you, while you are not mighty against us.” (11:91). He said, “O my people, is my tribe upon you mightier than God? And you have taken Him of your behind. Indeed, my Lord is Surrounding of what you do (11:92). And O my people, you shall do on your place, indeed I am doing. Soon you will know on whom a punishment comes to disgrace him and whoever – he is a liar. And you shall watch and I am a watcher with you.” (11:93). So when there had come our command, we had saved Shuaib and those who had believed with him with mercy from us. And there seized those who had wronged thunder blast, then they had been fallen down in their homes (11:94). As if they had not existed therein. So away was of Madyan like had taken away Thamud (11:95).
Note: God sent Shuaib to Madyan and he warned his people not to worship other than God and not to cheat people giving less in measure that not to befall a disaster like what had befallen to a wicked people of Noah, Hud, or Lot, who are away as the disaster seized them while the thunder blast seized a wicked people of Shuaib as well but God saved Shuaib and those who had believed with him.
Punishment of Pharaoh and his people in the Hereafter
- And that certainly, we had sent Moses with our signs and a clear authority (11:96). To Pharaoh and his leaders, while they had followed Pharaoh’s command, even Pharaoh’s command was not right (11:97). He will be ahead of his people on a Day of the Resurrection, so he would have led them to the Fire; and it has been a miserable place they are led to (11:98). They have been followed in this by curse, and on a Day of the Resurrection they have been given a miserable gift (11:99).
Note: The miserable gift will be given to Pharaoh and his people on a day of the Resurrection leading them to the Fire.
History of punishing the wicked people mentioned in the Quran
- That is from a news of the cities we narrate to you; of them, there is standing and there is away (11:100). And we have not wronged them but they had wronged themselves. So, their gods had not helped them in anything, whom they call other than God when there had come your Lord’s command, while they had not increased them other than loss (11:101). And thus that your Lord’s seizure when He had seized the cities while they are doing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is severe painful (11:102).
Note: The people who had worshipped other than God has been destroyed. Thus, there is both people of standing and away, which is also a sign for those who fear a painful punishment in the Hereafter.
Requital for the unfortunate and reward for the fortunate on a day of Gathering
- Indeed, in that there is surely a sign for whoever has feared a punishment of the Hereafter. That is a day on it to be gathered the people and that is a day to be witnessed (11:103). And we will not delay it except an appointed time (11:104). A day it comes, no soul will speak except by His permission. Then of them will be unfortunate and fortunate (11:105). As for those who have been unfortunate, then they will be in the Fire. For them therein is sigh and wail (11:106). They will be abiding therein as long as has existed the heavens and the earth, except what your Lord wills. Indeed, Your Lord is an Accomplisher of whatever He intends (11:107). And as for those who have been made fortunate, they will be in the Paradise, are abiding therein as long as has existed the heavens and the earth except whatever your Lord wills – an honor not being interrupted (11:108). So you do not be in doubt of what these people worship; they do not worship except like that their forefathers worshiped before. And indeed, we will surely pay them in full of their share without being diminished (11:109).
Note: A day of Gathering is coming at an appointed time. The unfortunate will be in the Fire and the fortunate will be in the Paradise as long as the heavens and the earth does exist according to God’s will while what these people worship would not be in doubt that they do not worship except what their forefathers worshipped.
God has commanded us to do according to His scripture
- And that certainly, we had given Moses the scripture, then there has been disputed in it, and if not had preceded a word from your Lord, that it would have been judged between of them. And indeed, they are surely in doubt of it as doubtful ones (11:110). And indeed, to each when your Lord will surely pay for their deeds. Indeed, He is Cognizant of what they do (11:111). So you shall be straight as you have been commanded and whoever turn with you, and you do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seer of what you do (11:112). And you do not incline towards those who have done wrong, lest the Fire touches you, and there are no protectors for you other than God, then you will not be helped (11:113).
Note: It has been God’s system that when a scripture comes to guide humanity, in which there should not be any doubt in it to do the good deeds while those who have inclined towards the wrong doing will be in the Fire.
Salat prayer as a reminder to remove the evil deeds
- And you shall establish the salat prayer at both ends of the day (Noon prayer), and first part of the night (Sunset and Night prayer). Indeed, the good deeds remove the evil deeds. That is a reminder for those who take heed (11:114). And you shall be steadfast, then indeed, God does not fail to give a reward of the good-doers (11:115).
Note: Out of 5 times daily salat prayers, here is mention of 3 times salat prayers: Noon, Sunset and Night, while the salat prayer is a reminder to remove evil deeds. Thus, those who are steadfast God would not waste their good deeds.
God has destroyed the people in the past for their wrong doing
- So why had not been possessors of intelligence forbid from the corruption in the earth from the generations before yourselves except a few of whoever we had saved them? And has followed those who had done wrong with what luxury had been given in it and they had been criminals (11:116). And your Lord has not done to destroy the cities with unjust, while their people are reformers (11:117). If your Lord had willed, that He would have made the people one community, they would not cease to differ (11:118); except on whom your Lord has bestowed mercy, and for that He has created them, and has fulfilled a word of your Lord: “Surely I will fill Hell with jinns and humans together (11:119).
Note: If the people of the previous generations had worshiped God according to a scripture given to them for which they have been created, instead of following their forefathers blindly, He would not have destroyed them, while He has promised those of the humans and the Jinns who had disregarded His command will be in Hell.
History of the messengers sent in the past
- And each, we narrate to you of a news of the messengers that we may make firm of your heart with it, and there has come to you in this the truth, and an admonition, and a reminder for the believers (11:120). And say to those who do not believe, “Do on your side, and indeed, we are doing (11:121). And wait; indeed, we are waiting.” (11:122). And to God belongs an unseen of the heavens and the earth, and to Him will be returned all matters of it. So, you shall worship Him and shall put trust upon Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do (11:123) .
Note: God has narrated the history of the messengers sent of the past in the Quran to strengthen the hearts of the believers being informed that we all will return to Him, and we shall worship Him and shall put trust upon Him.
Surah Hud (Surah 11) can be reviewed reflecting that God has given a perfect and detailed scripture, Quran is a warner and good news, scripture has always been a guide and mercy for the believers, wickedness of religious leaders for inventing a lie about God and God has eliminated the wicked people from time to time to inhabit the earth with the believing people but it is corrupted with many disbelieving people, the angels visited to Abraham with a good news and to Lot with a bad news, there is sign in the mention of destruction of the wicked people in the past if we can reflect, requital of the unfortunate is the Fire and reward of the fortunate is the Paradise on a day of Gathering, which will exist as long as God wills, it has been God’s system to send down scripture as a means to distinguish between our good deeds and evil deeds, God has instituted salat prayer to remove evils from us, He has destroyed people for their wrong doing, messengers are sent with the truth, and an admonition, and a reminder for the believers to strengthen their hearts. So, if we follow the words of God, we can expect we would be with the fortunate in the Hereafter.
Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.
Tafazzal (07/16/2021).