Day 111; Qur’an 10: 89-106, page 219 + 220

Welcome Friends:  Ahlan wa sahlan!

Yusuf Ali’s Translation of this Chapter.

Muhammad Asad’s Translation of this Chapter.

Their commentaries can only be read in verse by verse view.

COMMENTS:

PAGE 219 Arabic Qur’an.

1.  Today’s Reading (Verse 89) begins with God answering Moses’ and Aaron’s prayer, peace upon them, and advising them to maintain their direction, and NOT to follow the path of the ignorant.  The next verses (90- 91 -92) tell us of Pharaoh’s drowning, where we notice that everything he uttered in his dying-breath was NOT accepted, and that his remains were salvaged, to serve as a Sign to those behind him.

 

Note:

If we really wish to understand Qur’an, we have to peel away post-Revelation history and connotation to discover how a word was understood at the time of Revelation.  So, as with everything, I prefer to keep an open mind:  
It is uncertain exactly which ‘Misr,’ or ‘Territory’ the Qur’an is referring to, because there is no historic proof as to what Muhammad Asad indicates in his statement, “that the designation “Pharaoh” (fir‘awn in Arabic) is not a proper name but a title borne by all the kings of ancient Egypt”

To the contrary: We might call the kings of ancient Egypt 'Pharaoh,' BUT in their time their titles were simply ‘Kings-ملوك’ (as in the ‘Valley of the Kings’).  Furthermore, the Arabic word ‘Misr’ did not denote ‘Egypt’ until the early 7^th century after which, as we can imagine, the rest of the picture changed to fit what people understood from the Qur’an, so the ‘kings’ of Egypt came to be called ‘pharaohs!’  From Jan 5^th Posting:

The word 'Misr' in Arabic means 'within limits,' as in land within boundaries, or shortage of provision………….'Misr,' the plural of .. 'amsaar' or lands. …………. The Arabic name for Egypt has been 'Misr' since Amr Ibnil Aas named it so, circa 641 AD.

Its Greek name, relative to the Copts, was Aigýptios.

 

2.  Verse 93 discusses how Bani Isra-eel were assigned a ‘goodly abode’; well-explained by Muhammad Asad.  It is interesting to note: 

Ignorance does not cause much argument! 

The next two verses 94- 95 are also well-explained by Muhammad Asad.  Regardless to whom these two verses are addressed, the ‘voice of God’ is distinct.

Verses 96- 97 offer a statement which indicates a reality, in that people who have NOT believed, will so remain, until they literally SEE the suffering.  That is when the evidence forces them to believe, but it would be too late (as in Pharaoh).

PAGE 220 Arabic Qur’an.

3.  And now we arrive at the reason for the title of this Chapter- the story of Jonas, peace upon him.  Verse 98 tells us that Jonas’ people were the only ones whose impending suffering was lifted, having heeded their Prophet before it was too late.  This was an indirect message to Qureish, as the following verses will show. Read Asad’s notes.

4.  Verses 99- 100 tell Prophet Muhammad/us again that had God willed, everyone would have believed by enforcement (put God had willed in ‘Search this site’), but since it is a matter of free choice, even he (the Prophet, peace upon him) cannot impose it on others. 

Well-explained by both Asad and Ali, although we must remember that ‘rijs-رجس’ denotes ‘turmoil.’  New Readers can put the word ‘turmoil’ in ‘Search this site,’ and check Posting of April 1^st.

5.  Verses 101-102 wrap up the reference to Prophet Jonah’s story, together with the argument Prophet Muhammad was directed to present to Qureish.  He was told to indicate that, if they decided to do nothing, and wished to wait for what was to come, then he too shall wait.

6.  Verse 103 concludes BEAUTIFULLY (Asad adds his own words, while Ali’s explanation is short and sweet). 

Don’t you love the final part where God has made it rightful ‘upon Himself’ to save and deliver the Faithful?!

7.  Verses 104- 105- 106:

“Say: O People, if you are in doubt regarding my Standard of Accountability, then (know that) I do not worship those whom you worship other than (and beneath) God, but I worship God who takes you (in death) unto Him, and I have been commanded to be of the Believers.

And set your direction to the Self-correcting Standard of Accountability, and be not of those who Associate (partners to God).

And do not call unto (any) other than God, what can neither benefit you nor harm you: for if you do, you will indeed be among the Wrongdoers!”

The beauty of our Standard of Accountability is that it is not rigid!

We are given the chance to refocus and reposition ourselves with every step we take; indeed, this is the only way that free and vibrant creatures, such as ourselves, can function!

For the Arabic definition of Haneef حنيف you’ll have to go to footnote of Jan 12^th Posting.  For more info, put words in ‘Search this Site.’  Below is an excerpt:

“It is notable that the occurrence of this word (Haneef) is mostly related to Abraham: HQ 3:67; 3:95; 4:125; 6:161; 16:120; 16:123).  Not only that, but it was Abraham who first gave himself that description, after stating that neither the waning moon nor the setting sun were worthy of adoration, may God’s peace and blessings be upon him (HQ 6: 74-79). As Muslims, we carry these beautiful words of Abraham into each of our daily prayers seeing that they constitute what we call ‘Du’aa el Tawajjuh,’ which is the supplication we give as we initiate prayer, directing ourselves towards God.

So, if ‘haneef’ is so important, what exactly does it mean?

‘Haneef’ is from the root verb ‘ha na fa,’ which originally referred to a person’s manner of walking; that person having an inwardly-curved foot. The term Haneef has always had monotheistic connotations, usually explained as a person who seeks the best path, ‘curving toward Righteousness,’ what Asad calls, ‘to incline towards a right state or tendency’ (note 110).

What this means is that anyone who makes a conscious effort to keep curving towards Righteousness is Haneef; there is no room for rigidity or threat of stagnation in such a person's life.  This underscores the process of growth and purification we spoke of above. By definition, persons who keep 'curving' towards righteousness at every juncture can only do so if they are aware AND supple.  To maintain direction towards God, they have to lean towards Him whilst dealing with the ever-changing demands of their times, maintaining focus while adapting new strategies in an existence where everything is circular, including our interactions and relationships etc, in the circle of Creation.  We are God’s, and unto Him we shall return.  Our journey is indeed, full circle, and Abraham's story, from beginning to end, sets us the perfect example.”

Enough said!

Our next Reading is from HQ 10: 107-109; 11: 1-12. 

A new Chapter!

Peace unto all!

Day 110; Qur’an 10: 71-88, page 217 + 218

Welcome Friends:  Ahlan wa sahlan!

I don’t know about you, dear Reader, but I felt utterly humbled yesterday by the great honor bequeathed to us as Humans, in that some of us would be considered ‘Awliyaa’ul-Lah- أولياء الله-’- ‘Those with a close relationship to God’ … and by Whom!  This goes to show the role of Awareness in helping us maintain a straight path to our Lord.

Yusuf Ali’s Translation of this Chapter.

Muhammad Asad’s Translation of this Chapter.

Their commentaries can only be read in verse by verse view.

COMMENTS:

PAGE 217 Arabic Qur’an.

1.  Today’s Reading begins with Verse 71 in which Prophet Muhammad is told to narrate the story of Prophet Noah, peace upon them both.  The Qur’an had mentioned him earlier, and on April 9^th we discussed his mission and the definition of ‘fulk- فلك’ as Arc (with a ‘c’ not a ‘k’).

As we said then, his mission as the first of all Prophet-Messengers, was simply to get his people to worship God Alone, which was well-suited to the mental capacity and levels of human advancement at the time.  It is truly mind-boggling to try and pair the elaborateness of Revelation with human advancement, but each Messenger did in fact, teach new skills and bring about a leap in human knowledge and responsibility.  But the CORE message in all missions was the same:

Worship God Alone (in pure reverence to Him) AND do good deeds.

Verse 72, as we see, ends with Noah stating that he was commanded to be among those who are pure in reverence to God.  Interestingly, since Noah was the first Prophet-Messenger to mankind, and Muhammad was the last, the Qur’an mentions both their identical statements, tying all the missions together with both ends of this single thread.  Copy + paste "أكون من المسلمين" with quotes in Tanzil, and note that both of them say: 

 “…and I was commanded to be of those whose Reverence is Purely to God – (of the ‘Muslimeen’).” 

In Verse 73 we note the word ‘khalaa’ef خلائف-’ again, which we discussed on April 5^th.

2.  Verse 74 is well-explained by both Ali and Asad, except for the word ‘apostles’ which is not a good translation for ‘rusul,’ or Messengers!

This verse shows us that once people belie or deny EVIDENCE, they will not believe in it later.  This is how people who initially close their minds inevitably seal themselves up, in accordance with human nature (which is created by God).

3.  Verse 75 mentions Moses and Aaron, discussed on April 14^th, and April 17^th.  Here we remember that this is a Meccan Chapter, and that the mention of arrogance in this verse would be directed at arrogant listeners then, and now.

Verses 76- 77- 78 continue the narrative.  We notice in Verse 78 how adamantly the message of Moses and Aaron was refused by those who could not conceive of forsaking the ways of their forefathers, even though these ways were wrong.  This is an indirect reminder to listeners, in Mecca at the time, and everywhere today!

PAGE 218 Arabic Qur’an.

4.  The narrative continues in Verses 79- 80- 81.

At the end of verse 81 we encounter a statement:

“…indeed God does not set aright the work of Corrupters.”

What this informs us indirectly, is that He actually DOES set aright the work of others! 

But who are these O so fortunate people?

When we copy + paste صلح أعمال in Tanzil, we find out in HQ 33: 70-71- that they are those who:

·        Have attained Faith.

·        Are Aware OF GOD.

·        Who say what is just and true.

So, their good fortune is related to their Faith and Awareness!

And we find out that, not only does God rectify their works/deeds for them, but He also ‘forgives their sins’ and grants them the supreme accomplishment.

Think.  How wonderful is that?

May we be among them!

Verse 82 is another strong statement!

5.  Verse 83 shows us the effect of INTIMIDATION: People are often mentally restrained (by those of higher authority) into NOT taking the action they really want to take.  

In Verse 84 Moses advises his people (who were intimidated by Pharaoh) to rely on God, if indeed they are pure in Reverence to Him (Muslimeen).  They announce their reliance on God, asking Him not to make them an obsessive distraction (fitnah-فتنة) to the Excessive people (Verse 85). 

6.  Muhammad Asad had already explained to us the word ‘fitnahفتنة-’ earlier saying:

“……. and the noun fitnah have the same root, comprising a great complex of meanings: e.g., test, trial, affliction, temptation to evil, seduction, persecution, oppression, discord, civil strife, etc. (cf. sūrah 8, note 25). Since it is impossible in any language but Arabic to reproduce all these many shades of meaning in a single expression, the rendering of the term fitnah must necessarily vary in accordance with the context in which it is used.”

  

Because the word 'fatana- فتن' literally denotes 'trial by fire,' as in "trying the metal by fire to extract its gold," (see footnote) I would translate ‘fitnah’ here as a ‘burning, consuming distraction,’ since despite Asad’s excellent explanation of the word, his choice of ‘plaything’ here is unsuitable.

We must remember that humans first fell prey to ‘fitnah’ when the Deviant/Satan seduced the first Cognizant Humans with two unattainable concepts that would become Humanity's most debasing, yet 'burning' goals:

Everlasting Existence and Indestructible Possession الخلد وملك لا يبلى (April 6^th).

These two concepts continue to lead us away from our Spirituality, and from our higher Achievements.

‘Fitnah’ is a VERY important topic, especially these days, and I don’t think many of us, as yet, realize what it means:

Moses’ followers asked God not to make of them a ‘fitnah’ for the wrong-doers, although, perhaps, they already were a ‘fitnah,’ a burning obsession to Pharaoh.  As we see in other verses, he was so distracted from his own best interests, that he could not stay put, and followed them even after they had already left!  
But the prayers of Moses’ followers were answered, in that their period of ‘fitnah’ was short-lived, ending quickly with Pharaoh’s complete destruction.  This was the result of their reliance on God.

Let’s look at any age group, or ethnic group.  At any community, nation, or group of nations on this earth. 

What is the ‘consuming distraction,’ the ‘hot topic' which is guaranteed to pull their attention away from what is truly important, hindering them from achieving their potential as productive and spiritual Human Beings?

That is their ‘fitnah!’ 

It could be in the shape of an adversary or a need, whether real or imagined.  It could be a pastime or a sport.  It could masquerade as religion or secularism, morality or liberalism.  It could be a quagmire of  historic proportion, bringing perpetual guilt upon some and victimhood upon others.  Whatever shape it takes, it gets hyped up until it consumes people’s thoughts and is perceived to threaten their sense of self and way of life, limiting their focus to immediate, short-term goals, and ultimately hindering them from achieving their full potential as productive and spiritual Human Beings. 

Whether it is real, an exaggeration of reality, or a figment of imagination… THAT is their ‘fitnah.’

(How could we leave our children such a legacy?)
I believe that if Believers of all ‘faiths’ refocused on God and relied on Him, if Peace-lovers of all nations unmasked the war-mongers in their midst, we would begin to see the best in our fellow humans.  Then perhaps, the ‘fitnah’ which we have all indeed become to each other, would gradually burn out, to the benefit of all.

7.  In Verse 86 Moses’ followers also ask God to deliver them, by His Mercy, from the Denying people.  Verse 87 continues, as God informs Moses and his brother to tell their people to put all their energy into prayer, transforming each home into a ‘qiblah’ or prayer-direction.

In Verse 88 we feel Moses’ frustration, in his heartfelt, severe, prayer against Pharaoh and his chieftains.                                                                                                       

Enough said!

Our next Reading is from HQ 10: 89-106.

Peace unto all!

فتن: يدلُّ على ابتلاء واختبار. من ذلك الفِتْنة. يقال: فتَنْتُ أفتِنُ فَتْناً. وفَتَنْتُ الذّهبَ بالنّار، إذا امتحنتَه. وهو مفتونٌ وفَتِين. والفَتَّان: الشَّيطان. ويقال: فتنه وأفْتَنَه. قال الخليل: الفَتْن: الإحراق. وشيءٌ فتين: أي مُحْرَق. ويقال للحَرَّة: فَتين، كأنَّ حجارتَها مُحرَقة