The Hour will be terrible for every rebellious devil
- O people, fear your Lord; indeed, the quaking of the Hour is a tremendous thing (22:1). The Day you see it, every nursing mother will forget what she nursed, and every pregnant woman will deliver her burden, and you see the people drunken, while they are not drunken, but the punishment of God is severe (22:2).
Note: The Hour, i.e., the end of the world is coming, which will be so severe for those who do not prepare them for the Hour in fearing God.
Devil guides his ally to the Hell
- And among the people is he who disputes about God without knowledge, and follows every rebellious devil (22:3). It had been decreed upon him that whoever has turned to him for friendship — then indeed, he will mislead him and will guide him to the punishment of the Blazing Fire (22:4).
Note: Those who dispute about God not having knowledge and follow devil have allied with him, who guides to the Blazing fire.
There is no doubt about the Hour and the Resurrection
- O mankind, if you had been in doubt of the resurrection, then indeed, We had created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then from a clinging clot, then from a lump of flesh, developed and undeveloped, that We may make clear for you. And We settle in the wombs what We will for an appointed term, then We bring you out as a child, then that you may reach your maturity. And among you is he who is taken in death, and among you is he who is returned to the most wretched age so that he does not know after knowledge anything. And you see the earth barren, then when We have sent down water upon it, it quakes and swells and grows every beautiful pair (22:5). That is because God—He is the Truth, and that He gives life to the dead, and that He is Powerful over everything (22:6). And that the Hour is coming, there is no doubt in it, and that God resurrects whoever is in the graves (22:7).
Note: God has given a description of our life from origin to resurrection and has included two examples referring to our life and death as well as giving life to a dead land not to have any doubt about the event of the resurrection followed by the Hour.
Punishment in the earth and the Hereafter for disputing about God
- And among the people is he who disputes about God without knowledge, and nor guidance, and nor an enlightening scripture (22:8). Turning his side to mislead from the path of God. For him in the world is disgrace, and We make him taste on the Day of Resurrection the punishment of the Burning Fire (22:9). That is because of what your hands had sent forth, and because God is not unjust to the servants (22:10). And among the people is he who worships God on an edge; then if good had befallen him, he had been content with it; while if a test had befallen him, he had turned on his face. He had lost the world and the Hereafter; that—it is the clear loss (22:11).
Note: Those who dispute about God without knowledge and guidance, and enlightening scripture and turn their necks from an enlightening scripture mislead them from God’s path, there is disgrace for them in the world, while they will taste a punishment of the Blazing fire on a Day of Judgment, and those who worship God on condition, they have lost both the world and the Hereafter.
Losers and winners based on what we believe and practice
- He calls other than God upon what does not harm him, and what does not benefit him; that—it is the faraway straying (22:12). He calls upon one whose harm is closer than his benefit; surely, it had been an evil protector, and surely, it had been an evil friend (22:13). Indeed, God admits those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds into gardens—the rivers flow underneath them. Indeed, God does what He intends (22:14). Whoever had been to think that God will never help him in the world and the Hereafter, then let him extend a rope to the ceiling, then let him cut off, then let him see whether his plan will remove what enrages (22:15).
Note: Those who call other than God, which cannot harm or benefit them and think that He cannot help them are far astray having evil protector and friend while those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds will admit into gardens the rivers will flow underneath of them.
God has given us Quran, a clear guidance that we can guide us
- And thus We had sent down it, [the Quran], of clear verses, and that God guides whomever He intends (22:16). Indeed, those who have believed, and those who have been Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians, and the Magians, and those who have associated partners—indeed, God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, God is a Witness over everything (22:17). Do you not see that God—to Him prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the animals, and many of the people? And many—upon them the punishment has been deserved. And whomever God humiliates, then for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, God does what He wills.(22:18).
Note: God has given us a clear guidance that we can worship Him without associating partners with Him while we may also reflect that whatever is in the heavens and in the earth prostrate Him to do it right way. He will judge the disputes between the communities on a day of the Resurrection and will humiliate many on that day.
The disbelievers will suffer in Hell forever
- These two opponents had disputed about their Lord; so for those who have disbelieved, garments of fire had been cut out for them—the boiling water will be poured over their heads (22:19). It will melt with it what is inside their bellies and the skins (22:20). And for them are maces of iron (22:21). Every time they had wanted to come out of it from anguish, they had been returned into it: ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire (22:22).
Note: Those who have disputed about God and have disbelieved will wear garments of fire will abide in Hell forever and when they have wanted to come out of it will be returned to it.
The righteous will enjoy in Paradise
- Indeed, God admits those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds into gardens—the rivers flow underneath them. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments therein will be silk (22:23). And they had been guided to the good of the speech, and they had been guided to the path of the Praiseworthy (22:24).
Note: Those who have believed and have done the righteous will enjoy in the Paradise being guided by their Lord.
To perform Umrah and Hajj to the Sacred Masjid
- Indeed, those who have disbelieved and hinder from the path of God and from the Sacred Masjid, which We had made equal for the people—the resident therein and the visitor; and whoever intends therein a deviation of wrongdoing, We will make him taste of a painful punishment (22:25). And when We had assigned for Abraham the site of the House: ‘That you do not associate anything with Me, and purify My House for those who circumambulate, and those who stand, and those who bow, and those who prostrate (22:26). And announce to the people the Pilgrimage; they will come to you on foot and on every transport; they will come from every distant pass (22:27). That they may witness benefits for them and may remember God’s name in specified days over what He has provided them of the four-footed livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy deprived ones (22:28). Then let them complete their rites, and let them fulfill their vows, and let them circumambulate the Ancient House (22:29).
Note: The Sacred Masjid established by Abraham with the permission of God to perform Umrah and Hajj by the residents around it as well as by the visitors coming from distant places to fulfill their obligations while those who have disbelieved and prevent others from God’s path will taste a painful punishment.
Animal sacrifice is a ritual associated with the pilgrims
- That; and whoever honors God’s sacred limits, then it is best for him with his Lord. And the livestock has been made lawful for you, except what is recited to you. So avoid the abomination of the idols and avoid false statement (22:30). Monotheists for God, not being those who associate partner(s) with Him; and whoever associates partner(s) with God, then it is as if he had fallen from the sky, then the birds snatch him, or the wind blows him to a faraway place (22:31). That; and whoever honors God’s rites, then indeed, it is from the righteousness of the hearts (22:32). For you in them, [the animals], are benefits for an appointed term, then their place of sacrifice is at the Ancient House (22:33). And for every community We have made a rite, that they remember God’s name over what He has provided them of the four-footed livestock. So your God is One God, therefore to Him submit; and give good news to the humble ones.(22:34). Those who, when God had been mentioned, their hearts had feared, and the steadfast over what had afflicted them, and the establishers of the salat prayer, and from what We had provided them, they spend.” (22:35). And the sacrificial camels We had made them for you among the rites of God; for you there is good in them. So mention God’s name upon them in lines; then when they are down on their sides, then eat from them and feed the contented poor and the beggar. Thus We had subjected them for you so that you may appreciate (22:36). Neither their meat nor their blood reaches God, but what reaches Him is the righteousness from you. Thus He had subjected them to you, that you may glorify God for how He had guided you; and give good news to the good-doers (22:37).
Note: God has made the livestock for us. There are many benefits from them, while we can sacrifice them to the ancient shrine being the animal offering is one of His rites, which has been associated with the Hajj for the pilgrims through which they can appreciate Him, even though its meat or blood does not reach Him except our righteousness.
God helps those who help Him
- Indeed, God defends those who have believed; indeed, God does not love any habitual betrayer who is ungrateful (22:38). Permission has been given to those who are being fought, because they have been wronged; and indeed, God is surely powerful over their victory (22:39). Those who have been evicted from their homes without right, except that they say, ‘Our Lord is God.’ And if it were not for God’s repelling of the people—one of them by the other—there would have been demolished monasteries, and churches, and synagogues, and masjids wherein God’s name is frequently mentioned. And God will surely help whoever helps Him. Indeed, God is surely Strong, Almighty (22:40). Those who — if We establish them in the earth—establish the salat prayer and give the zakat, and enjoin the right and forbid evil. And to God is the end of all matters(22:41).
Note: God helps the believers to do the right things and to forbid from the evil even when they are oppressed, and repels one from the other.
God had destroyed many communities in the past to be a lesson for us
- And if they deny you, then certainly there denied before them the people of Noah, and Aad, and Thamud.(22:42). And the people of Abraham, and the people of Lot (22:43). And the dwellers of Madyan. And Moses was denied. So, I granted respite to the disbelievers, then I seized them; then how had been My punishment? (22:44). So how many of a city We have destroyed, while it was doing wrong. So it is fallen on its roofs, and an abandoned well, and a raised castle.
(22:45). Have they not then traveled in the land so that there would be for them hearts to understand with them, or ears to hear with them? For indeed, it is not the eyes that go blind, but it blinds the hearts which are in the chests (22:46).
Note: From the destruction of the wicked nations: people of Noah, Ad, Thamud, people of Abraham, people of Lot, dwellers of Madyan and people of Moses in the past, we may have a lesson if we do not behave like the deaf or the blind.
God has given respite to many nations
- And they ask you to hasten the punishment, and God will never fail in His promise. And indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of what you count (22:47). And how many of a city I have given respite to, while it was doing wrong. Then I seized it, and to Me is the destination (22:48).
Note: God has given respite to many nations, even they had demanded immediate punishment while a day of God is equal to our one thousand years, and thus, we are 15 minutes away from the Hour as per God’s concern.
Messenger has been sent as a warner
- Say, “O people, I am only a clarifying warner to you.” (22:49). So, those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds, for them is forgiveness and an honorable provision (22:50). And those who strove against Our revelations, seeking to cause failure, those are companions of the Hellfire (22:51).
Note: Messenger is sent as a bearer of good news and warner, and those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds, there is forgiveness and good provision for them, and those who are against His revelations are companions of the Hellfire.
Messenger/prophet can make mistake being interfered by the Satan
- And We have not sent before yourself any messenger nor a prophet, except that when he had recited, the devil cast into his recitation; then God abolishes what the devil casts. Then God perfects His revelations, and God is Knower, Wise (22:52). That He may make what Satan casts a test for those in whose hearts is a disease and whose hearts are hardened. And indeed, the wrongdoers are surely in a far schism (22:53).
Note: On the event of mistake made by the prophet in his recitation God confirms that mistake made by any messenger or prophet interfered by the Satan is not unusual as a human being, which is also a test for the disbelievers and the hypocrites having an opportunity of making a division of the wrongdoers, while He establishes His revelations nullifying Satan’s effort.
God guides to a path to straight
- And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord, so they believe in it, then their hearts may humble to it. And indeed, God is surely a Guide of those who have believed, to a straight path (22:54). And those who have disbelieved will not cease to be in doubt of it until the Hour comes to them all of a sudden, or there comes to them the punishment of a barren day (22:55).
Note: Those who are knowledgeable know that what has been given by God is the truth from Him, and they believe in it and follow it as God guide to a straight path while the disbelievers will be in doubt until the Hour comes to them or the punishment comes to them.
Compensation for the believers and the disbelievers
- The sovereignty on that day belongs to God; He will judge between them. So, those who have believed and have done the righteous deeds are in gardens of Bliss (22:56). While those who have disbelieved and have denied Our revelations—then those, for them is a humiliating punishment (22:57).
Note: Those who have believed and have done the righteous deed will be in gardens of the Bliss, while there is a humiliating punishment for those who have disbelieved and have denied in His revelations.
Special reward for those who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of God
- And those who have emigrated in the way of God, then have been killed or have died—surely, God will provide them with a good provision. And indeed God, surely He is the best of providers (22:58). Surely, He will admit them into an entrance they will be pleased with. And indeed, God is surely Knower, Forbearing (22:59).
Note: God will give an honorable admittance to those who have been killed or have died in the cause of Him.
We can reflect to signs given by God that He is the Truth
- That [is so]. And whoever has retaliated with the like of what he was made to suffer, then he is oppressed, God will surely help him. Indeed, God is surely Pardoning, Forgiving (22:60). That is because God merges the night into the day, and merges the day into the night. And indeed, God is surely Hearer, Seer (22:61). That is because God—He is the Truth, and that what they call upon besides Him—it is the falsehood, and that God—He is the High, the Great (22:62). Have you not seen that God has sent down water from the sky, so the earth becomes green? Indeed, God is Subtle, Cognizant (22:63). To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. And indeed God—surely, He is the Rich, the Praiseworthy (22:64). Have you not seen that God has subjected to you what is in the earth, and the ships sail through the sea by His command? And He holds the sky lest it fall upon the earth, except by His permission. Indeed, God is surely, to the people, Kind, Merciful (22:65).
Note: God merges the night into the day and the day into the night, and sends down water from the sky, and holds the sky above the earth, and has subjected to us what is in the earth and the ploughing of the ships in the sea as proofs that He is the Truth.
Most people have difficulty to believe in the resurrection
- And He is the One who has given you life, then He will cause you death, then He will give you life. Indeed, the human being is surely ungrateful (22:66). For every community We have made a rite they are to observe. So, let them not dispute with you about the matter, and invite to your Lord. Indeed, you are surely on a straight guidance (22:67). And if they argue with you, then say, “God is Knower of what you do.” (22:68). God will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection in what you had been differing in it (22:69). Have you not known that God knows what is in the heaven and the earth? Indeed, that is in a record. Indeed, that is easy for God (22:70). And they worship other than God what He has not sent down any authority with, and what there has not been any knowledge of it for them. And for the wrongdoers there is no helper (22:71).
Note: Those who have difficulty to believe in the resurrection dispute with rites given by God instead of observant of them and worship other than God, to which He has not sent down any authority while He will judge on a day of the Resurrection based on record what has been done by anyone whoever in the heavens and the earth.
God has given us sign to recognize disbelievers from their evil behavior
- And when Our clear revelations are recited to them, you can recognize denial on the faces of those who disbelieve. They almost attack those who recite Our revelations to them. Say, “Should I then inform you of something worse than that? The Fire! God has promised it to those who disbelieve; and it has become a miserable destination.” (22:72). O humankind, an example has been set forth, so listen to it. Indeed, those whom you call other than God cannot create a fly, even if they gathered together for it. And if the fly snatches away a thing from them, they cannot take it back from it; it has become weak—the seeker and the sought. (22:73). They have not valued God with His true value. Indeed, God is surely Strong, Almighty (22:74).
Note: God has given us a way to identify the disbelievers so that we do not ally them to make us losers. The denial on the faces of those who have disbelieved are recognized when God’s revelations are recited to them as they do not give true value to Him and His words while He has mentioned examples that they should listen to His words.
Abraham, a messenger of God has been honored to be the father of Muslims
- God chooses messengers from the angels and from the people. Indeed, God is surely Hearer, Seer (22:75). He knows what is before them and what is behind them. And to God all matters are returned (22:76).
- O you who have believed, bow down, and prostrate, and worship your Lord, and do good, so that you may succeed (22:77). And strive for God with His true striving. He has chosen you and has not made any difficulty upon you in the religion — the practice of your father Abraham. He named you the Submitters before and in this, so that the messenger may be a witness over you, and you may be witnesses over the people. So, establish the salat prayer and give the zakat, and hold fast to God. He is your Protector, and an excellent Protector He has been, and an excellent Supporter He has been (22:78).
Note: Messengers are chosen from the angels and the humans and they follow what God has commanded them to do, while He knows their past and their future.
Note: God has commanded the believers to bow, prostrate and worship Him and has given them religion for true striving in His cause while He has also commanded them to follow a religion of Abraham being a father of Muslims that they establish the salat prayer and give the zakah and hold fast to Him being our best Protector and best Supporter. So, Abraham is the first messenger to whom God has revealed a complete set of practices of His religion will witness over the believers and the believers will witness over the people that it has not been difficult to establish practices of His religion given to him.
Surah al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) may be reviewed reflecting that: there is no doubt about the Hour (the end of the world) and the resurrection while the Hour will be a terrible event for those who have not prepared for it, God has given many signs to believe in the Resurrection and those who fear God should not have any difficulty to believe in the Resurrection, God has given many signs that He is the Truth, messenger/prophet can make mistake while their duty is to deliver the message, God guides to a straight path and has given us Quran as clear guidance while the Satan guides his allies to the Blazing Fire and there is no exit from it, to perform Umrah and Hajj to the Sacred Masjid and animal offering being a ritual of Hajj, God has destroyed many nations in the past that we may have a lesson from them, God has recorded for whoever in the heavens and the earth to judge on a day of the Resurrection, the disbelievers can be recognized from their denial on their faces when God’s revelations are recited to them, and the believers do not ally them to make them losers, God has commanded all of us to follow the religion of Abraham and has honored him to be a father of Islam, which means that all the rites of Islam that we practice today have been given to him, and He has let us know that the believers of His revelations, who practice rites given to Abraham are Muslims from then, while we know from the Quran that the Quran has been revealed in the early 7th century to reshape Islam incorporating necessary update and correction in it confirming and consolidating the previous scripture to make it fit for the people of the generation as well as for the people of the generations to come until the end of the world.
Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.
Tafazzal (06/11/2021).