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Review of occurrences of tilka (تِلكَ) in the Quran

Introduction

According to Arabic grammar, dhaalika in the masculine form and til’ka in the feminine form meaning ‘that’ is a singular demonstrative pronoun. There are 450 occurrences of dhaalika while there are 41 occurrences of til’ka in the Quran. However, til’ka as a singular feminine demonstrative pronoun has a special importance God has given us to avoid misinterpretation of certain messages in the Quran, and in Arabic language, masculinity is by default while femininity is to indicate something special, while our understanding of 7 pairs being signs of the great Quran as mentioned in (15:87) is a reference to 14 sets of Quranic initials prefixed to 29 surahs in the Quran, may help us to interpret appropriate messages in most of the verses detailed out below:

Detailed of instances of til’ka

There are 41 occurrences of til’ka (تِلكَ) in 41 verses across 26 suras in the Quran, are reviewed to interpret messages in the relevant verses of the Quran just reflecting to tilka, a singular demonstrative pronoun in the feminine form considering it special, even from the multiple pieces of information combining together mentioned earlier or before  into a single unit of information for special attention:

[2:111] And they said: “None will enter the Paradise except who has been of Jews or of Christians.” That is their wishful thinking (til’ka amaaniyyuhum). Say: “Bring your proof if you have been truthful.”
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that you have to be Jews or Christians to enter the Paradise is their wishful thinking, which has no basis.

[2:134] That is a community, certainly has passed away (til’ka ummatun qad khalat); for it what it has earned, and for you what you have earned; and you will not be asked about what they have done to accomplish.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (2:133) that Jacob said to his children on his death bed to worship god, the god of their fathers Abraham, Ismael and Isaac.

[2:141] That is a community, certainly has passed away (til’ka ummatun qad khalat); for it what it has earned, and for you what you have earned; and you will not be asked about what they have done to accomplish.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (2:140) that who is more evil than the one who conceals a testimony what he has learned from God.

[2:187] It has been made lawful for you the approach to your women in a night of the fasting. They are garments for you and you are garments for them. God knows that you have committed to deceive yourselves, so He has turned to you and has had mercy on you. So now you shall approach them and shall seek what God has prescribed for you. And you shall eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct from the black thread of the dawn; then you shall complete the fast until the night. And do not have relation with them while you are secluded in the masjids. That is of God’s limits, so do not approach it (til’ka huduudu allahi fa-laa-taqrabuuhaa). Thus that God makes clear His revelations for the people that they may be righteous.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that you cannot approach your women in a night of Ramadan fasting when you are secluded in the masjids.

[2:196] And you shall complete the Hajj and the `Umrah for God. So, if you have been prevented, then whatever has been obtained with ease from the animal of sacrifice, and you cannot shave your heads until the animal of sacrifice reaches its destination. So, whoever among you has been ill or with an ailment of his head, then expiation either by fasting or charity or sacrifice. So, when you have been secure, then whoever has taken advantage of the `Umrah to the Hajj, then whatever has been obtained with ease from the animal of sacrifice. But whoever cannot find, then fasting of three days during the Hajj and seven when you have returned. That is ten in all (til’ka `asharatun kaamilatun); that is for whoever of his family would not be near the Sacred Masjid. And you shall fear God, and shall know that God is severe in the retribution.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that if the pilgrims cannot find any animal for sacrifice, they will fast 3 days during the Hajj and 7 days when they have returned home.

[2:229] The divorce is (legitimate) twice. Then it is either retaining together in an equitable manner or separating with kindness. And it is not lawful for you that you take back anything whatever you have given them (women) except if they both fear that they will not exceed God’s limits. But if you have feared that they will not exceed God’s limits, then there is no sin upon both of them for what she has given back of it. That is of God’s limits (til’ka huduudu allahi), so you cannot transgress it. And whoever transgresses God’s limits, then these – they are the wicked.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that there is no sin upon them for what she has given back of it if both of them fear God and they would not exceed His limits.

[2:230] Then if he has divorced her (third time), then she is not lawful for him after (that) until she marries a husband other than him. Then if he (the other husband) has divorced her, then there is no sin on both of them if they return to each other if they both have believed that they can maintain God’s limits. And that is of God’s limits (til’ka huduudu allahi, He clarifies it for a people who know.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that when her husband divorces her (3rd time), there is no sin on both of them if she remarries her previous husband.

[2:252] That is of God’s signs (til’ka aayyatu allahi), we recite it to you (Muhammad) with the truth, and indeed, you are surely, one of the sent ones.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (2:251) being a sign of God that David had defeated Goliath by His permission while He gave him the kingdom and wisdom and taught him what He had willed.

[2:253] That is of the messengers, we have preferred one of them over other (til’ka al-rusulu faddalnaa ba`dahum `alaa ba`din); of them to whom God has spoken, and He has raised one of them (over other) in ranks, and we have given Jesus, son of Mary the clear proofs and we have supported him with the Holy Spirit. And if God had willed, they would not have fought those who were after them after what had come to them the clear proofs, but they had disputed, so of them there is whoever has believed and of them there is whoever has disbelieved. If God had willed, they would not have fought, but God does whatever He intends.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (2:252) that you (Muhammad) are surely, one of the sent ones.

[3:108] That is of God’s signs, we recite it to you with the truth (til’ka aayaatu allahi natluuhaa `alayka bil-haqqi), and God does not want wickedness for the people of the world.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (3:106-107) that a day some faces will be white and the other faces will be black while those who have white faces will enjoy God’s mercy forever and those who have black faces will suffer His retribution for their disbelief.

[3:140] If an injury touches you, then certainly, an injury has touched the people like it. And that is of the days, we alternate it between the people (wa-til’ka al-ayaamu nudaawiluhaa), and that God makes evident those who have believed, and take martyrs from you. And God does not love the wicked.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at beginning of the verse that if an injury touches you, then an injury like it has also touched the people.

[4:13] That is of God’s limits (til’ka huduudu allahi), and whoever obeys God and His messenger, He will admit him to gardens flowing the rivers of their underneath, are dwellers in them, and that is the greatest success.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (4:12) that the inheritance law decreed by God we have to follow in the case we are not able to leave any will behind us.

[6:83] And that was our argument (wa-til’ka hujjatunaa), we have given it to Abraham against his people; we raise ranks of whoever we will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise, Knower.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (6:80-82) that Abraham’s argument with his people about God to convince them not to associate partners with Him and not to mix their beliefs with wrong to have security from Him and to be rightly guided.

[7:101] That is of the towns we narrate its news through you (Muhammad) (til’ka al-quraa naqussu `alayka min anbaa-i-haa).  And certainly, had come to them their messengers with the clear proofs, while they have not been that they would believe in what they had denied before. Thus that God seals on hearts of the disbelievers.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (7:100) that God has guided people of this generation as well as the people of the previous generations that if He had willed, He would have afflicted them for their sins, and would have sealed on their hearts that they do not hear.

[10.1] Alif.Laam.Reh., that is of signs (Quranic initials) of the wise scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi al-hakeemi).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning that Alif.Laam.Reh is a set of Quranic initials, which is a sign of the wise scripture.

[11:49] That is of the unseen news we reveal to you (Muhammad) (til’ka min nabaa-i al-ghaybi nuuheehaa ilayka). You have not been to know it, neither you nor your people before this. So you shall be patient; indeed, the end is for the righteous.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (11:48) that who have embarked with Noah have been saved with peace and blessings as well as upon communities coming from him while punishment upon communities coming from him as well.

[11:59] And that was an Aad community (wa-til’ka `aadun). They had denied in their Lord’s revelations, and had disobeyed His messengers, and had followed command of every stubborn tyrant.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (11:50-58) that Hud had asked his people to worship God as there is no other god except He and had asked them to repent and to seek forgiveness of their Lord but they turned away from what he had been sent with. He saved him and those who had believed with him from a terrible punishment when came to them.

[12:1] Alif.Laam.Reh. That is of signs (Quranic initials) of the clarifying scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi al-mubeen).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of in the verse that Alif.Laam.Reh is a set of Quranic initials, which is a sign of the clarifying scripture.

[13:1] Alif.Laam.Meem.Reh. That is of signs (Quranic initials) of the scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi). And that which has been revealed to you (Muhammad) is the truth from your Lord; but most of the people do not believe.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse earlier that Alif.Laam.Meem.Reh is a set being a sign of the scripture while Alif.Laam.Meem.Reh as an oath of God affirms that what has been revealed to Muhammad is the truth from his Lord but most of the people do not believe.

[13:35] An example of the Paradise, which has been promised to the righteous, flows the rivers of its underneath. Its food is everlasting and its shade. That is an end of those who have feared (God) (tilka `uq’baa alladheena ittaqaw), while an end of the disbelievers is the Fire.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned earlier in the verse that the Paradise is an abode of the righteous flowing the rivers of its underneath having everlasting food and shelter.

[15:1] Alif.Laam.Reh., that is of signs (Quranic initials) of the scripture and a clarifying Quran (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi wa-qur’aanin mubeenin).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that Alif.Laam.Reh is a set of Quranic initials, which is a sign of the scripture and a clarifying Quran.

[18:59] And that is of the towns we destroyed them when they had wronged (wa-til’ka al-quraa ahlaknaahum lammaa zalamuu), and we have made an appointed time for their destruction.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (18:57-58) that God has placed coverings around their hearts and deafness in their ears that they cannot understand the Quran to be guided for turning away from His revelations, even He has accounted for their evils deeds, but He would not have hastened their punishment as they have appointed time that they cannot escape.

[19:63] That is the Paradise which we make inheritance among our servants whoever has been righteous (til’ka al-jannatu allatee nuurithu min `ibaadinaa man kaana taqiyyan).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (19:61-62) that Gardens of Eden which is promised for His servants wherein they will not hear any vain talk except peace with a provision of day and night.

[20:17]And what is that in your right hand O Moses?” (wa-maa til’ka biyameenika yaamuusaa)
Note: til’ka indicates to what God asked Moses pointing to his stuff, which has a significant role.

[21:15] Then has not ceased that, their cry until we have made them extinct as reaped (fa-man zaalat til’ka da`waahum hattaa ja`alnaahum haseedan khaamideena).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (21:14) that the disbelievers when see the punishment realized that they have really been wicked.

[26:2] That is of signs (Quranic initials) of the clarifying scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi al-mubeen).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (26:1) that Ta.Seen.Meem is a set, being a sign of the clarifying scripture.

[26:22]And that was a favor you reproach it upon me that you have enslaved Children of Israel (wa-til’ka ni`matun tamunnuhu `alayya an `abaddatta banee is’raa-i-la) .”
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (26:19-21) that Moses confessed his crime of killing someone and he fled as he feared God and asked Him for His favor.

[27:1] Ta. Seen., that is of signs (Quranic initials) of the Quran and a clarifying scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-qur’aana wa-kitaabin mubeenin).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that Ta.Seen is a set, which is a sign of the Quran and a clarifying scripture.

[27:52] So, that is of their homes are ruined, for what they have wronged (fa-til’ka buyuutuhum khaawiyatan bimaa zalamuu). Indeed, in that there is a sign for a people who know.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (27:51) that God ended the plotting of the people of Thamud and punished them completely destroying them.

[28:2] That is of signs (Quranic initials) of the clarifying scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi al-mubeeni).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (28:1) that Ta.Seen.Meem is a set, being a sign of the clarifying scripture.

[28:58] And how many a town have we destroyed, has exulted for its livelihood. So, that is of their dwellings, does not inhabit after them, except a few (fa-til’ka masaakinuhum lam tus’kan min ba`dihim illaa qaleelan). And we have done the inheritors.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information in the earlier verses (28:56-57) that prophet cannot guide whoever he loves as the guidance only comes from God but most people do not know it.

[28:83] That is the abode of the Hereafter (til’ka al-daaru al-aakhiratu); we reserve it for those who do not desire exaltedness in the earth, nor do they commit corruption, while the end is for the righteous.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information in the earlier verse (28:82) that those were envious before said if it were not for God’s grace towards them, they would be swallowed by the earth.

[29:43] That is of the examples we set forth for the people (til’ka al-amthaalu nadribuhaa lilnnaasi), and none can comprehend it except the knowledgeable.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (29:41-42) that those who worship anything other than God, their worshiping is the weakest like the houses of the spider, i.e., they worship nothing.

[31:2] That is of signs (Quranic initials) of the wise scripture (til’ka aayaatu al-kitaabi al-hakeemi).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verse (31:1) that Alif.Laam.Meem is a set of Quranic initials, which is a sign of the wise scripture.

[43:72] And that is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit it (wa-til’ka al-jannatu allatee uurith’tumuuna) for what you have done to accomplish.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (29:70-71) that the righteous will be allowed to enter the Paradise with spouses wherein they will live forever and will be served with the golden trays and cups as well as will get what their hearts desire and eyes wish.

[45:6] That is of God’s revelations we recite them to you with the truth (til’ka aayaatu allahi natluuhaa `alayka bil-haqqi). So, in which hadith after God and His revelations do they believe?
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (45:4-5) that our creation, alternation of night and day, provision from the sky reviving dead lands and manipulation of wind being proofs of God’s existence.

[53:22] That is an unfair distribution (til’ka idhan qis’matun deezaa)!
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (53:19-21) that the idol worshipers assign idols to God as His daughters while they have sons is a disgraceful distribution.

[58:4] So whoever does not find (a slave to free), then fasting of two consecutive months before that they both touch each other. But whoever cannot do (fasting), then feeding of sixty needy. That is that you believe in God and His messenger, and that is of God’s limits (wa-til’ka huduudu allahi) while there is a painful punishment for the disbelievers.
Note: til’ka refers to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (58:2-3) and what is mentioned at the beginning of the above verse that those who have estranged their wives as mothers must free a slave or fast 2 months in consecutive or feed sixty needy before they touch each other if they believe in God and His messenger.

[59:21] If we had revealed this – the Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled, crumbled from fear of God. And that is of the examples we set for the people that they may reflect (wa-til’ka al-amthaalu nadribuhaa lilnnaasi la`allahum yatafakkaruuna).
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned at the beginning of the verse that if the Quran were revealed on a mountain and the mountain would tremble and crumble for fear of God, while the human being is heedless to it.

[65:1] O you prophet, when you have divorced the women, then you shall divorce them that their waiting period, and shall keep count of the waiting period, and shall fear God your Lord. You should not evict them from their homes, nor should they leave except that they commit of a proven immorality. And that is of God’s limits (wa-til’ka huduudu allahi) and whoever transgresses God’s limits, then certainly, he has wronged for himself. You do not know that God may bring about a matter after that.
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information at the beginning of the verse about counting of the waiting period of the divorced women and not evicting them from homes who have not done adultery.

[79:12] They said: “That is then a return of losing one (til’ka idhan karratun khaasiran)!”
Note: til’ka indicates to a piece of information mentioned in the earlier verses (79:10-11) that certain minds will be terrified who would say how the resurrection happened when they were decayed bones?

Summary

  • It has been wishful thinking of the Jews and the Christians that none can enter the Paradise except them.
  • Jacob on death bed said to his children to worship god of their fathers Abraham, Ismael, Isaac.
  • Who is more evil than the one who conceals a testimony what he has learned from God.
  • You cannot not approach your women in a night of fasting when secluded in the masjids.
  • Pilgrims can substitute animal sacrifice with fasting of 10 days including 3 days during Hajj.
  • Counting of waiting period for the divorced women but no sin upon them what they give back.
  • No sin on both of them if she remarries her ex-husband when her husband divorces her.
  • David defeated Goliath, and God gave him kingdom, wisdom and taught him what He willed.
  • No one should have doubt that Muhammad has been one of the sent ones for one’s benefit.
  • The white faced will enjoy God’s mercy forever but the black faced will suffer His retribution.
  • if an injury touches you, then an injury like it has also touched the other people.
  • God has decreed inheritance law in case we are not able to leave any will behind us.
  • Abraham’s argument with his people about God to convince them not to associate partners.
  • God guides people of all generations; He would have afflicted all for their sins if He had willed.
  • Who have embarked with Noah have been saved with peace and blessings as well as upon communities coming from him while punishment upon communities coming from him as well
  • Hud asked his people to worship God as there is no other god except He and to repent and seek forgiveness of their Lord but there was a terrible punishment for those who turned away.
  • Paradise flowing rivers underneath is an abode of the righteous with endless food and shelter.
  • God has placed coverings around their hearts and deafness in their ears not to understand the Quran for turning away from His revelations but their punishment was on appointed time.
  • In Gardens of Eden promised for God’s servants is peace with day and night provision.
  • God asked Moses pointing to his stuff is a hint of its special role at his appointment with Him.
  • The disbelievers when see the punishment would realize that they have been really wicked.
  • Moses confessed his crime while he fled as he feared God and asked Him for His favor.
  • God ended plotting of the people of Thamud and punished them completely destroying them.
  • Prophet cannot guide anyone as guidance only comes from God but most people do not know.
  • Who were envious before said unless God has mercy on them, they were swallowed by earth.
  • Those who worship anything other than God, their worshiping is like the houses of the spider.
  • The dwellers of Paradise enter it with their spouses will be served with golden trays and cups.
  • God’s signs are alternation of night and day, provision from the sky and manipulation of wind.
  • Idol worshipers have invented God’s daughters having sons for themselves is a blasphemy.
  • Who have estranged their wives as mothers must free a slave or fast for 2 consecutive months or feed sixty needy people before they touch each other.
  • if Quran were revealed on mountain, the mountain would tremble and crumble for God’s fear.
  • No eviction of the divorced women from homes unless they have committed a proven adultery.
  • Certain minds will be terrified would say how resurrection happened when they were decayed.
  • There is a confirmation that Quranic initials are the signs of the clarifying Quran and the wise scripture.

This review may help us to reflect certain important messages that follow a singular feminine demonstrative pronoun, til’ka meaning ‘that’ God has used it to best explain His guidance is to obey and follow His commands and laws at all our circumstances that we never deviate from the right path.
Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.
Tafazzal (9/25/2020).