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Welcome Friends: Ahlan wa sahlan!
It seems that the glitch which held me back somewhat was not related to ‘Blogger,’ but rather to ‘Explorer!’
Their commentaries can only be read in verse by verse view.
COMMENTS:
Our last Reading ended with Verse 30, which voiced ‘Regret’ for ‘worshippers’ who belie and ridicule the Messengers sent to them.
1. Verses 31-32 then ask a rhetorical question:
“Did they not see how many generations before them we caused to expire (أهلكنا), that to them they shall not return? And that each one of them, altogether, gathered will they be brought before us.”
We already discussed such ‘expiration’ on July 4th where we said:
“HQ 17:58 informs us that every township will (simply) expire (verb: ‘halakaهلك- ) before the Time of Resurrection, or will suffer severely (as it expires). Such is laid down in the Compilation (of God’s Laws of Creation).
See HQ 28:88 where we learn that EVERYTHING expires except His Direction.”
His ‘Direction:’ what pertains to God, and (consequently) what we aim in His Direction –or intend, for ‘God’s sake’ (وجهه).
This valuable piece of information is worthy of thought AND, dear Reader, should also be our guideline.
Isn’t it amazing that all three occurrences of this phrase are in this chapter? Actually, these three Signs run consecutively, with each sign taking up 4 verses. Their meaning is enhanced by their sound; listening to these verses helps us realize their beauty.
In the first group (Verses 33- 36), the Sign is in God’s reviving of the ‘dead earth:’
Here the Sign starts right at our feet, in what the earth is to us: Our source of comfort and sustenance represented by its vegetation and water, and our work in ‘Shukr’ (defined as: accepting what is little and making the most of it until it achieves abundance- put ‘shukr’ in ‘Search this Site’). So our ‘handiwork’ from what this earth offers is not only important, but is also part of this first ‘Sign.’
Work, dear Reader, is a Blessing!
Verse 36 (Ali/ Asad) ends by glorifying God Who created ‘all the pairs/ the polarities/ the opposites’ which grow from this earth, from ourselves, and finally: from what we have no knowledge of!
3. The next Sign (Verses 37- 40), is at the extent of our vision, in the Night and Day, and in the different purposes and courses of the Sun and the Moon, each in motion according to its ‘falak’ orbit. To better grasp the ‘scientific marvel’ of these statements made about 1,400 years ago, put the words ‘sabaha’ and ‘fulk’ in ‘Search this Site.’
Note:
Noah’s ‘Fulk’ is very unlikely to have been a perfect circle in shape (with constant radius throughout). Its shape must have been closer to an ellipse, which perhaps gives us a better example for the word.
4. After the first Sign began at the earth beneath our feet and all around us, and the second Sign raised our vision to the Sun and Moon, the third Sign (Verses 41-44) is in our TRAVEL, or attempted travel, using laden ‘fulk’ (and similar vehicles) as transportation. However, when such vehicles fail in mid-journey and we near death…. whom do we call upon… but God?
Here, dear Reader, we note that everything on earth… EVERYTHING, is ‘of temporary convenience!’ Click on (متاع إلى حين)- then click on E for English.
We also note, dear Reader, that Travel is a Blessing!
5. After all these Signs are mentioned for the benefit of (actual and potential) ‘Worshippers,’ Verses 45- 54 give them advice, to which the Deniers respond by saying (to this effect):
Why should WE be the ones to make this effort? If God had willed, He would have done it Himself!’
Many of us agree that this argument today is unfortunately presented by many so-called ‘Believers:’ ‘Had God willed it, it would have happened.’
But that is a statement made by people who do not want to do the right thing! Such persons have no knowledge of what they say, and are led by speculation.
6. Verses 48- 54 show their doubt in the ‘Promise,’ which relates to Resurrection after Death. Here we notice how sudden death is, in that there is no chance for any ‘last minute’ advice/testaments nor any return to family!
In Verses 49 and 53 the word ‘Ssey-ha صيحة-’/ or ‘overwhelming blast,’ is mentioned for the second and third (final) time in this Chapter.
7. In Verse 51, we have the word ‘Ssoor’ صور -which was defined and discussed on March 24th and July 13th- where we said that it does NOT mean ‘blowing the Trumpet’:
Translated by both Ali and Asad as the day when ‘the trumpet shall be blown, it reflects the common scholarly understanding and interpretation of this verse. But such an interpretation was a result of ‘Biblical’ influences, and is so far from the Linguistic interpretation, it will make us cry!
“1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” End Bible Quote.
“Because the Qur’an is in Arabic, when we speak Arabic, we will say the correct Qur'anic words and only think of the wrong concept. When we speak English however, our thinking will influence our translation, and OUR concepts and images will be delivered to the Reader INSTEAD of the original:
· ‘Nafakha’ means ‘to swell, to rise,’ as in the ‘rising day,’ and the ‘nafkha’ of spring, when the earth swells and grasses shoot up. It is related to acceleration, as in ‘blowing on’ flames to accelerate burning.
· ‘Ssoor’ is not a commonly used noun, which is why some think its roots are in ‘sayara’ صير denoting 'becoming' as in صار and the ‘final destination, مصير’ while others think the roots are in ‘sawara ’ صور, denoting ‘physical manifestation,’ …صورة
Together, this term describes the closing stage of Life on earth, when it ‘accelerates’ in its journey of 'becoming' ... towards finality!”
Our Reading today, ends with a statement saying that no Self shall be wronged in the least, and that our recompense shall only be according to the deeds we have performed.
This statement might comfort a fortunate few, as the rest of us try to do better and work harder!
Enough said!
Our next Reading is from HQ 36:55-83.
Peace unto all!
