Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 28-34 Reward of the Ungrateful

 

Have you not seen those who exchanged Allah’s bounty for disbelief and caused their people to dwell in the abode of destruction? [Q 14: 28] 

It is Hell, wherein they will suffer burning. What a terrible abode! [Q 14: 29] 

They have made equals to Allah to lead others astray from His path. Say, ‘Enjoy! Indeed, your final abode will be the Fire.’ [Q 14:30] 

Say to My slaves who have believed that they should perform the prayer and spend from what We have given them, secretly and openly, before a day comes on which there will be no bartering nor friendship. [Q 14:31]

Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth and caused water to descend from the sky thereby producing fruits for your sustenance. He subjugated for you the ships, sailing through the sea by His command and He subjugated for you the rivers. [Q 14:32]  

He subjugated for you the sun and the moon, moving constantly, and subjugated for you the night and the day. [Q 14: 33] 

He has given you all that you asked Him. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, man is very unjust, very ungrateful. [Q 14: 34] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part describes how the conditions of the believers and the disbelievers will in the Hereafter. Then this part describes how the conditions of the disbelievers of Mecca were. Allah made the disbelievers dwell in Mecca, an area that He sanctified, granted them abundant sustenance, and sent them Messenger Muhammad, who belonged to them. However, they were ungrateful and disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad. 

Tafsir

Have you not seen those who exchanged Allah’s bounty for disbelief and caused their people to dwell in the abode of destruction? [Q 14: 28] 

The interrogation in the ayah is for criticism and condemnation. 

Exchange refers to misplace something, namely, meeting Allah’s bounty with ingratitude. 

Have you not seen those who exchanged Allah’s bounty on them for disbelief in His Messenger Muhammad? Allah sent Messenger Muhammad to bring people out of the darknesses of disbelief into the light of belief in the Oneness of Allah, Exalted be He. However, the disbelievers have chosen loss by rejecting to believe in Allah and His Messenger. Consequently, they caused their people to dwell in the abode of destruction, namely, Hell.

Sound intellect and logic necessitate that one should thank the bestower of the blessings. However, the people of Mecca were ungrateful for Allah’s bounty on them. Allah made them dwell close to His sacred House in Mecca and honored them by sending Messenger Muhammad to guide them to Islam, the path leading to His pleasures. Moreover, Allah made the people of Mecca wealthy, enjoying comfortable life. Instead of thanking Allah, Exalted be He, for His blessings, they were ungrateful. They disbelieved in Messenger Muhammad. Thus, they caused their followers to dwell in Hell in the Hereafter, as they died as disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah. 

Abdul-Allah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that this ayah referred to the people of Mecca. However, the meaning of the ayah is general and includes all disbelievers in every place and era. Allah sent Messenger Muhammad as a mercy for humanity. He is a blessing that Allah granted people. Whoever accepts this blessing and thanks Allah for it will enter Paradise. On the other hand, whoever refuses to follow the right path that Messenger Muhammad called to follow, which is a rejection of Allah’s blessing, and becomes ungrateful for it will enter Hell [Tafsir ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azym].

It is Hell, wherein they will suffer burning. What a terrible abode! [Q 14: 29] 

The abode of destruction that the disbelievers will cause their followers to dwell is Hell. They will remain in Hell forever, suffering its lasting and severe burning and torment. What a terrible abode Hell is!

They have made equals to Allah to lead others astray from His path. Say, ‘Enjoy! Indeed, your final abode will be the Fire.’ [Q 14:30] 

 Allah, Exalted be He, mentions an example of the abominable deeds of the disbelievers, and their invalid creed.

The disbelievers did not only denied Allah’s blessings on them, and would cause their followers to dwell Hell, but they also made equals to Allah by worshipping other gods besides Him. They did so to lead people astray from the path of Allah, Islam. 

 [Say – O Messenger, ‘Enjoy!’] This is a threat to the disbelievers. O Messenger! Say to the disbelievers enjoy the worldly life. It is fleeting and impermanent. 

[Your final abode will be Hellfire.] O disbelievers! Hell will be your destination. You will go there soon. In Hell, you will suffer the evil consequences of your disobedience and disbelief in Allah and His Messenger. 

Say to My slaves who have believed that they should perform the prayer and spend from what We have given them, secretly and openly, before a day comes on which there will be no bartering nor friendship. [Q 14:31]

Allah commands His Messenger Muhammad to keep on inviting the believers to constantly perform righteous deeds.

 O Messenger! Tell My believing slaves that they should always perform the prayers at their appointed times with sincerity and humility. Tell them also that they should spend from the sustenance that Allah has granted them secretly and openly for His sake at all times. They should spend secretly if there is a reasonable reason for doing so. On the other hand, they should spend openly if a certain benefit will be realized by doing so. 

Spending from wealth is mentioned in this ayah refers to obligatory and voluntary spending. The ayah mentions that spending should be done from the sustenance that Allah has granted His slaves to remind people that Allah is the real owner of their wealth. Thus, they should acknowledge His blessings on them and thank Him by spending from their wealth on charitable causes. 

 Allah, Exalted be He, says ‘My slaves.’ This indicates honor to the sincere slaves of Allah, who believe in Him and His Messenger Muhammad. 

[…before a day comes on which there will be no bartering nor friendship.]

O Messenger! Tell My slaves that they should constantly perform the prayer, and spend from the sustenance that Allah has granted them before the Day of Judgment comes suddenly. On that day, bartering will be useless, and intercession of friends to one another will be unbeneficial. The only thing that will be beneficial and acceptable on that day is sincere righteous deeds that the believer did in the worldly life for Allah’s sake. 

The ayah urges the believers to always perform the prayer and spend from their wealth for the sake of Allah by reminding them of the day on which no deed can be done, no opportunity to return to the worldly life to perform righteous deeds, no compensation will be acceptable, and no friends can benefit one another. 

 Then the ayat mention proofs, denoting the existence of Allah, His Oneness, His Omniscience, and His Omnipotence.

 Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth and caused water to descend from the sky thereby producing fruits for your sustenance. He subjugated for you the ships, sailing through the sea by His command and He subjugated for you the rivers. [Q 14:32]  

[Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth.] Allah, Exalted be He, created the heaven and beautified it with stars, and created the earth, and made it flat and stable so that people can live on it comfortably. 

[He caused water to descend from the sky thereby producing fruits for your sustenance.]

Allah caused rain to descend from the sky thereby different kinds of fruits grow. Man eats this sustenance and enjoys its taste and beauty. 

[He subjugated for you the ships, sailing through the sea by His command and subjugated for you the rivers.]

Allah subjugated the ships for man. He inspired him how to make them, and showed him how to use them. These ships sail through the sea by the command and permission of Allah. Furthermore, Allah subjugated the rivers for man so that he can benefit from them. He gets drinking water from the rivers and supplies his cattle and plant with water from the rivers. 

He subjugated for you the sun and the moon, moving constantly, and subjugated for you the night and the day. [Q 14: 33] 

Allah subjugated the sun and the moon for man. The sun and the moon constantly move in their orbits without any disturbance. Moreover, Allah subjugated the night and day for man, alternating one after the other so that man can benefit from each one of them to manage his life. The night is for sleep and comfort and the day is for seeking sustenance.

He has given you all that you asked Him. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, man is very unjust, very ungrateful. [Q 14: 34] 

[He has given you all that you asked Him.] Allah has given His slaves countless blessings as well as He has given them whatever blessing they ask Him according to His will and wisdom, which they do not know.

[If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you could not enumerate them.]

O people! If you tried to count the blessings of Allah on you, you could not enumerate them, and you could not thank Him for them unless He helps you to do so. 

Talaq bin Habib said, ‘Indeed, the right of Allah is so great that man cannot fulfill. Indeed, the blessings of Allah are numerous that man cannot count them. Thus, repent in the morning, and repent in the evening [Tafsir at-Tabari, Jama al-Bayan]’.

[Indeed, man is very unjust, very ungrateful.]

 Indeed, man is very unjust. He exchanges the blessings of Allah on him for ingratitude instead of thanking Allah for them, and worshipping Him sincerely. Indeed, man is very ungrateful as he worships other gods besides Allah, who has granted him countless blessings and commanded him to worship Him alone.

 Learned Lessons From Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 28-34

• The disbelievers deserve to enter the abode of destruction, Hell, because they deny the blessings of Allah on them instead of thanking Him, worship other gods besides Allah instead of worshipping Him alone, and lead people astray from the path of Allah, Islam.

• Hell, wherein the disbelievers will suffer severe torment, is the evilest dwelling.

• Allah, Exalted be He, has commanded the believers to constantly perform the prayer, spend, secretly and openly, from the sustenance that He has granted them for His sake before the coming of the Day of Judgment. On that day, neither ransom nor friendship will avail man. Only righteous deeds based on sincere worship of Allah will avail him.

• The universe has countless proofs denoting the existence, Oneness, Omniscience, and Omnipotence of Allah, Exalted be He.

• Some of the proofs of the existence and ability of Allah are the creation of the heavens and the earth, causing rain to descend from the sky, making ships sail through the sea by the command and permission of Allah, and subjugating the sun, the moon, the night, and the day for man.

• The blessings of Allah on man are countless. Man will fail if he tried to count them.

• Man must thank Allah for His blessings by obeying Him and using Allah’s blessings in a manner that pleases Him.

• The disbeliever is very unjust and very ungrateful, as he worships other gods besides Allah, and denies the blessings of Allah on him.

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim: Ayah 5-8

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 23-27 Reward of the Believers

 

Those who believe and do righteous deeds will be admitted into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever by the permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be, ‘Peace!’ [Q 14:23]  

Have you not seen how Allah presents an example of a good word like a good tree, whose root is firm, and its branches are high, extending towards the sky? [Q 14:24] 

It produces its fruit all the time, by the permission of its Lord. Allah presents examples for people that they may remember. [Q 14:25] 

And the example of an evil word is like an evil tree, uprooted from the surface of the earth, having no stability. [Q 14:26]

Allah makes firm those who believe by the firm word in the worldly life and the Hereafter, and Allah lets go astray the wrongdoers. Allah does what He wills. [Q14: 27] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

Allah clarifies how the conditions of the wicked disbelievers will be on the Day of Judgment. He informs that their final abode will be Hellfire. Allah, Exalted be He, also mentions how the conditions of the righteous believers will be on the Day of Judgment and that their final abode will be Paradise. Then, Allah, Exalted be He, mentions examples representing the conditions of both parties and why their end is different by liking tangible concepts to intangible ones. The examples are used to establish concepts in the minds, which is a typical characteristic of the style of the Quran.

Tafsir

Those who believe and do righteous deeds will be admitted into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever by the permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be, ‘Peace!’ [Q 14:23]   

Allah will make those, who believe in all things that they must believe in, e.g. belief in the Oneness of Allah, the messages of the messengers of Allah, and perform righteous deeds, enter Gardens beneath whose trees rivers flow. They will abide therein forever, by the permission of Allah, their Lord. The angels will greet them in Paradise, saying, ‘Peace be upon you!’

Have you not seen how Allah presents an example of a good word like a good tree, whose root is firm, and its branches are high, extending towards the sky? [Q 14:24] 

Have you not seen how Allah presents an example of the word of belief and the word of disbelief?  Allah likens the good word, namely, there is no god worthy of worship but Allah, to a good and beneficial tree. 

Then Allah describes this tree as having a firm root that is extended deep in the ground. The branches of this tree are extended high towards the sky, which makes it beautiful. 

It produces its fruit all the time, by the permission of its Lord. Allah presents examples for people that they may remember. [Q 14:25] 

This good tree produces its fruit all the time by the permission of Allah. 

In sum, the good tree is beneficial and useful. Its root is deeply rooted in the ground, its branches are extended high towards the sky, and it produces its fruit all the time by the permission of Allah. These attributes denote the impressiveness of the tree, its beauty, its tasty fruits, and its constant benefit. These attributes of the tree are similar to the attributes of a good word, namely, beneficial and enable those who believe in it to attain happiness in this life and the Hereafter. 

[Allah presents examples for people that they may remember.]

 Allah mentions the wisdom behind presenting examples in the Quran. Allah presents examples in the Quran so that people may remember His proofs and learn lessons from them, which will make them admonished and obey His commands and avoid His prohibitions. Moreover, likening intangible concepts to tangible ones establishes them in people’s minds and remove ambiguity. 

 Some scholars believe that ‘the good word’ refers to the belief of the believer. Abdul-Allah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘The good word is the testimony of belief, i.e. there is no god worthy of worship but Allah. ‘Its root is firm’ means that the testimony of belief is firmly rooted in the believer’s heart. ‘It branches are extended high towards the sky’ means that the believers’ deeds ascend to heaven by means of the testimony of belief in Allah’s Oneness.[Tafsir al-Tabari]’ 

Other scholars maintain that ‘the good word’ refers to the believer himself. Attya al-Aowfy, may Allah have mercy on him, said, ‘[Have you not seen how Allah presents an example of a good word like a good tree…?] It represents the example of the believer. He always speaks good words, and performs righteous deeds that ascend to heaven.Tafsir al-Tabari]’  Furthermore, some scholars believe that the good tree refers to a tree in Paradise, and other scholars maintain that it refers to the palm tree. 

Imam Muhammad bin Jarir at-Tabari, may Allah have mercy on him, said that the most correct opinion is that ‘the good tree’ refers to the palm tree because there is an authentic prophetic narration supporting this interpretation. Abdul-Allah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, reported that Messenger Muhammad said to his companions, ‘There is a tree, whose leaves do not fall, just like the believer.’ The people thought that it belongs to some trees in the desert. I thought that it was the palm tree, but I was shy to speak. Then Messenger Muhammad said, ‘It is the palm tree.[Tafsir al-Tabari]’ 

And the example of an evil word is like an evil tree, uprooted from the surface of the earth, having no stability. [Q 14:26]

This is an example that represents the word of disbelief in the Oneness of Allah. The evil word is like an evil tree that has the following attributes:

- Its taste is foul and it is harmful. No benefit can be obtained from it. 

- It is uprooted from the ground. Thus, it has no origin, just as worshipping other gods besides Allah has no sound evidence.

- It is unstable. Similarly, worshipping other gods besides Allah is void. 

        Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger  Muhammad said, ‘That it is a hanzalah tree.[Tafsir al-Tabari’  A hanzalah tree can easily be uprooted from the face of the earth because its roots are shallow, close to the surface of the earth. Thus, it has no stability. 

The scholars mention other names for the evil tree. Others say that this is an example and is not meant to refer to a specific tree. It just mentions attributes that may apply to any tree, having such attributes [Ibn Atiyyah, Abd al-Haqq bin Ghalib, Al-Muharrar al-Wajeez Fee Tafsir al-Kitab al-Azeez]. 

 Abdul-Allah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘Allah has likened the evil tree to the disbeliever. The evil tree is uprooted from the surface of the earth and has no stability. Likewise, the deeds of the disbeliever do not ascend to heaven. It also has no firm origin on the surface of the earth. It has no branches extended to heaven. Similarly, the disbeliever has no beneficial deeds in the worldly life nor the Hereafter.[Tafsir al-Tabari’  

Allah makes firm those who believe by the firm word in the worldly life and the Hereafter, and Allah lets go astray the wrongdoers. Allah does what He wills. [Q14: 27] 

 Allah makes firm the believers in the worldly life so that they firmly adhere to their creed of belief in the Oneness of Allah no matter how suffering and affliction that they may encounter. Similarly, Allah makes firm the believers in the Hereafter when the angels ask them in their graves about their God, religion, and messenger.  

Al-Bara’ bin Aazb, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Messenger mentioned what would happen to the believer after death. He said, ‘His soul will return to his body. Then Allah will send him two angels, who will violently reprove him. They will make him sit. Then they will say, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He will say, ‘Allah.’ They will say, ‘What is your religion?’ He will say, ‘Islam.’ They will say, ‘Who is your prophet?’ He will say, Muhammad.’ They will say, ‘How do know that?’ He will say, ‘I read the Quran, so I believed in him.’  This refers to the statement of Allah, [Allah makes firm those who believe by the firm word in the worldly life and the Hereafter.][Tafsir al-Tabari’  

[…and Allah lets go astray the wrongdoers.] Allah will not guide to the right path the disbelievers in the worldly life and the Hereafter when the angels will ask them in their graves. 

 Al-Bara’ bin Aazb, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad mentioned what will happen to disbeliever after death. He said, ‘His soul will be returned to his body. Then two chiding angels will come to him. They will make him sit. Then they will say, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He will say, ‘I do not know.’ They will say, ‘What is your religion?’ He will say, ‘I do not know.’ They will say, ‘Who was the prophet that was sent to you?’ He will say, ‘I heard the people say so-and-so, and I do not know.’ They will say, ‘May you never know.’ This refers to the statement of Allah, […and Allah lets go astray the wrongdoers.][Tafsir al-Tabari]’ 

[Allah does what He wills.] following the path of guidance or the path of misguidance depends on the will of Allah, Exalted be He. He is able to guide to the path of guidance whom He wills.  He also lets go astray whom He wills according to His wisdom that no one knows but Him.

Learned Lesson From Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 23-27

• The reward of the believers will be entering Gardens in Paradise. Rivers will be flowing beneath the trees of these Gardens. They will be greeted by the salutation of peace therein. 

• The good word, namely, the word of belief in the Oneness of Allah, is firm and beneficial. 

• Parables, especially, liking intangible things to tangible things, help to understand concepts. Thus, people may be admonished. 

• The evil word, namely, the word of disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, has no stable root and is harmful. 

• Allah makes the believers firm in the worldly life so they firmly adhere to the path of guidance by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions.

• Allah will make the disbelievers go astray in Hereafter just they refused to follow the path of guidance in the worldly life and insisted on disobeying His commands. 

• Allah does what He wills.

Tafsir ibn Kathir: Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayat 1-4: Warning to the Disbelievers

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 19-22 A Reminder to Humanity

 

Have you not seen that Allah created the heavens and the earth in conformity with the truth? If He wills, He can annihilate you and bring a new creation. [Q 14:19] 

And that is not difficult for Allah. [Q 14:20]

They will all appear before Allah. The weak will say to those who were arrogant, ‘Indeed, we were your followers. So can you protect us from Allah’s torment at all?’ They will say, ‘Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference whether we are impatient or patient, there will be no escape for us.’ [Q 14:21] 

Satan will say when the matter will have been decided, ‘Indeed, Allah promised you a truthful promise and I too promised you and I broke my promise. I had no authority over you, but that I called you, and you obeyed me. So do not blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your worship of me besides Allah in the past. Indeed, for the wrongdoers, there will be severe torment. [Q 14:22]

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous section mentions that the deeds of the disbelievers will be fruitless because they disbelieved in Allah, Exalted be He. Verily, Allah will never make the deeds of the truthful believers in His Oneness fruitless. It does not befit His wisdom to do so, as He the Creator of the heavens and the earth for a wise and truthful purpose. 

Tafsir 

Have you not seen that Allah created the heavens and the earth in conformity with the truth? If He wills, He can annihilate you and bring a new creation. [Q 14:19] 

And that is not difficult for Allah. [Q 14:20]

The ayat move from discussing matters related to belief, disbelief, the messengers, and their enemies to speak about the creation of the heavens and the earth. Such a change is a typical style of discourse in the Quran. 

O people, Allah, Exalted be He, created the heavens and the earth. Their creation is greater than creating man. He created them for a wise and truthful purpose. The One, who can create such an amazing creation, can annihilate you if you disobey His commandments and then create a new creation that is different from you. Verily, doing so is not difficult for Allah, the Omnipotent. 

They will all appear before Allah. The weak will say to those who were arrogant, ‘Indeed, we were your followers. So can you protect us from Allah’s torment at all?’ They will say, ‘Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference whether we are impatient or patient, there will be no escape for us.’ [Q 14:21] 

On the Day of Judgment, all people will come out from their graves and appear before Allah. Then, Allah, Exalted be He, will call them to account for what they did in the worldly life.

The ayah used the expression ‘come out and appear’ though people cannot be concealed from Allah whether they come out and appear or not. That is because in the worldly life people used to hide when committing sins believing that Allah could not see them. However, in the Hereafter, they cannot hide and will appear before Allah. 

The weak followers will say to the arrogant and powerful leaders, ‘Indeed, we used to follow and imitate you in the worldly life. We obeyed your commands so we disbelieved in Allah’s Oneness and His messengers. Can you now protect us from Allah’s severe torment at all, just as used to promise us?’

The arrogant leaders will completely reject protecting them. They will say to their followers, ‘Had Allah guided us to follow the path of guidance and salvation, we would have guided you to follow it. We were not destined to follow the path of salvation. Thus, we deserve the torment prepared for the disbelievers.’ 

Then the arrogant disbelievers will declare their despair of being saved from the torment. They will say, ‘We shall not be saved from the torment we are suffering. It will make no difference whether we are impatient or patient. There will be no scape for us, as we used to be disbelieving wrongdoers.’ 

 Abdur-Rahman Zayd bin Asslam said, ‘The people of Hellfire will say to one another, ‘The people of Paradise entered Paradise by weeping and earnestly praying to Allah. So let us weep and earnestly pray to Allah.’ Then they wept and earnestly prayed to Allah. Then when they felt that doing so would not avail them, they will say to one another, ‘The people of Paradise entered Paradise by being patient. So let us be patient.’ Thus, they became greatly patient, but it did not avail them. Thereupon, they will say, ‘[It makes no difference whether we are impatient or patient, there will be no escape for us.] [Tafsir al-Tabari]

 After mentioning the dialogue that will take place between the arrogant leaders and their followers, the ayah mentions the dialogue that will take place between Satan and his followers.

Satan will say when the matter will have been decided, ‘Indeed, Allah promised you a truthful promise and I too promised you and I broke my promise. I had no authority over you, but that I called you, and you obeyed me. So do not blame me but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your worship of me besides Allah in the past. Indeed, for the wrongdoers, there will be severe torment. [Q 14:22]

Allah, Exalted be He, will judge between people on the Day of Judgment. Then people of Paradise will enter Paradise and people of Hellfire will enter Hellfire. After that, Satan will address his followers from among the children of Adam. 

 He will say, ‘Indeed, Allah promised you a truthful promise that there will be reckoning and recompense on the Day of Judgment, and I too promised you that there would be no reckoning and nor recompense on the Day of Judgment. I broke my promise to you since it was a lie. I had no authority over you, but I called you to obey me and follow my path, and you obeyed me and followed my path. Thus, do not blame me, but blame yourselves because you willingly followed me. It is your fault, not mine since you disobey the command of Allah, your Lord. He called you to worship and obey Him and gave you clear evidence. I cannot help you nor avail you at all. I cannot save you from the torment you are suffering. Likewise, you cannot help me nor avail me at all. You cannot save me from the torment I am suffering. I deny your worship of me besides Allah in the worldly life by obeying my commands. Indeed, the disbelieving wrongdoers will suffer severe torment.’ 

 On the Day of Judgment, Satan will confront his followers with facts that will make them speechless. [Tafsir Fath al-Qadir, by Imam Muhammad al-Shawkani]

 First, Satan will make clear to them that his promises in the worldly life were false, while the promise of Allah was truthful. He will also break his promises to them. 

Second, Satan will inform his followers that they willingly obeyed his commands and follow his path.

Third, Satan will make clear to his follower that his role was only calling them to follow his path and he had no authority over them.

 Fourth, Satan will explicitly inform his followers that they should blame themselves because they unhesitatingly obeyed his commands, and not blame him.

Fifth, Satan will be unable to help his followers and they will be unable to help him.

 Sixth, Satan will emphatically inform his followers that he denies their worship of him besides Allah in the worldly life.  

 Seventh, Satan will affirm that his followers were wrongdoers as they disobeyed Allah and obeyed him. 

Learned Lessons From Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 19-22

• Allah, the Omnipotent, created the heavens and the earth for a truthful and wise purpose. He is able to resurrect people for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. Allah is able to create things and He is able to annihilate them. Nothing is difficult for Allah, the Almighty.

• There will be disputes, argumentation, and blame between the arrogant leaders and their weak followers on the Day of Judgment when they all enter Hellfire.

• The arrogant leaders will be unable to avail their followers let alone avail themselves. They all will try to escape from the torment of Allah, but there will be no escape for them.

• The arrogant leaders will acknowledge that they were misguided in the worldly life.

• On the Day of Judgment, Satan will deny his role in misguiding the children of Adam in the worldly life. He will tell his followers that he had no authority over them, and that he only called them to disobey Allah, and that they willingly obeyed His commands.

• People must not obey Satan. Allah clearly informs people in the Quran that Hellfire will be the final abode of Satan and his followers. 

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 9-12 Warning to the Disbelievers

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim: Ayah 5-8

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Surah Ibrahim

 

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 13-18 The Disbelievers’ Fate

 

The disbelievers said to their messengers, ‘Indeed, we shall expel you from our land, or you shall surely revert to our creed.’ Then, their Lord revealed to them, ‘Indeed, We shall destroy the wrongdoers.’ [Q 14: 13]

And We shall surely make you dwell in the land after them. This is for him who fears standing before Me and fears my warning. [Q 14: 14]

They sought victory. Every arrogant, stubborn person will be doomed. [Q 14: 15] 

Before him is Hell, and he will be made to drink purulent water.

 [Q 14: 16] 

He will unwillingly sip it, and can hardly swallow it. And death will approach him from everywhere, but he will never die, and before him will be ceaseless severe torment. [Q 14: 17]  

The likeness of the deeds of those who disbelieve in their Lord is as ashes that the wind forcefully blows on a stormy day. They will be unable to avail of anything that they gained. That is the extreme deviation. [Q 14: 18]

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part narrated that Allah’s Messenger put their trust on Allah to ward off their enemies’ danger. Then the ayat narrate how the disbelievers were extremely foolish. They shamelessly threatened to expel Allah’s Messengers from their town unless they revert to their creed. 

Tafsir 

The disbelievers said to their messengers, ‘Indeed, we shall expel you from our land, or you shall revert to our creed.’ Then, their Lord revealed to them, ‘Indeed, We shall destroy the wrongdoers.’ [Q 14: 13]  

This was the normal development of the dialogue and conflict between Allah’s Messengers and the disbelieving nations. After their fruitless discussion with their messengers, and being defeated before the conclusive proofs of the messengers, the disbelievers could find no way to deal with the situation except threatening the messengers with expulsion from their town or reverting to their creed. 

The reason behind the threatening of the disbelievers is their extreme deceive by their power and number and weakness and insignificance number of the believers.  

[…you shall revert to our creed.] In this statement, it seems that Allah’s Messengers were disbelievers then became believers, which is an impossible interpretation. That is because Allah’s Messengers, even before receiving Allah’s revelation, were infallible in respect of committing major sins let alone worshipping other gods besides Allah, Exalted be He.

The intended meaning could be as follows: Though the statement of the disbelievers directed to the messengers, but they originally meant to address the followers of the messengers, who were disbelievers and then believed in the messengers.   Another possible interpretation is that the disbelievers, out of their ignorance and foolishness, thought that Allah’s Messengers were disbelievers before openly inviting people to believe in the Oneness of Allah, as they used to be silent before being entrusted to convey the message of Allah. And Allah knows best. 

[Then, their Lord revealed to them, ‘Indeed, We shall destroy the wrongdoers.’]

This is great news to Allah’s Messengers that they would be victorious over their enemies. After Allah’s Messengers received the harsh reaction of the disbelievers, Allah, Exalted be He, revealed to them that He would destroy the wrongdoers, who worshipped other gods besides Him, Exalted be He. 

Indeed, We shall make you dwell in the land after them. This is for him who fears standing before Me and fears my warning. [Q 14: 14]

Moreover, Allah, Exalted be He, will make the believers dwell in the land of the disbelievers after their destruction as a punishment for the disbelievers who threatened the believers with expulsion. 

 Indeed, there is no comparison between the warning and threatening of Allah, the Able, and that of the weak disbelievers.  

 [This is for him who fears standing before Me and fears my warning.]

The promise to destroy the wrongdoers and make the oppressed people dwell in their land is for whoever fears standing before Allah for reckoning on the Day of Judgment and fears His torment, anger, and warning. 

 The following ayah depicts a scene that shows the arrogant disbelievers with their weak forces standing on one side, and the humble messengers of Allah and their followers, supported by Allah, the All-Mighty, standing in the other side. Each party sought victory.  

They sought victory. Every arrogant, stubborn person will be doomed. [Q 14: 15] 

  

Allah’s Messengers sought and asked for victory from Allah, the All-Mighty, against their enemies. They earnestly prayed to Allah to support and help them and decide the matter between them and their enemies.  

The messengers won this confrontation and their enemies ignominiously lost it. Verily, every arrogant, stubborn person will be doomed since he refuses to obey Allah, the Creator, and deviates from the path that pleases Him.  

 

 Abdul-Allah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘[They sought victory. Every arrogant, stubborn person will be doomed.] [Q 14: 15] Allah’s Messengers and their followers used to be oppressed by the tyrants. The disbelievers used to ask the believers to revert to their false creed of worshipping other gods besides Allah. Allah, Exalted be He, rejected that the believers should revert to disbelief. He commanded them to rely on Him and seek victory from Him over their tyrant enemies. Allah promised to grant them victory and make them dwell in their enemies’ land after defeating them. Thus, Allah, the Able, fulfilled His promise.’ [Tafsir al-Tabari]

 

 Before him is Hell, and he will be made to drink purulent water.

 [Q 14: 16] 

 Hellfire will be waiting for the arrogant stubborn disbelievers on the Day of Judgment. It is their final destination. What a horrible destination! Verily, the disbelievers will never be able to escape it.  

 [He will be made to drink purulent water.] The only drink the arrogant, stubborn disbelievers will drink in Hellfire is purulent water. It is a fluid that contains pus and blood discharged from the bodies of the inhabitants of Hellfire. 

  

He will unwillingly sip it, and can hardly swallow it. And death will approach him from everywhere, but he will never die, and before him will be ceaseless severe torment. [Q 14: 17] 

  

[He will unwillingly sip it, and can hardly swallow it.] This depicts how the condition of the arrogant, stubborn disbeliever will be when drinking the purulent water composed of the pus and blood of the inhabitants of Hellfire. He will unwillingly sip the watery pus despite its horrible taste and foul smelling. He can hardly swallow it because it is terribly disgusting.  

 

[And death will approach him from everywhere, but he will never die.]

This depicts another condition of the disbeliever in Hellfire. Causes leading to death and destruction will approach the disbeliever from everywhere and every part of his body, but he will never die so he will be relieved of his suffering.

[…and before him will be ceaseless severe torment.] In addition to the aforementioned torment, there will be ceaseless severe torment for the disbelievers. 

 

The likeness of the deeds of those who disbelieve in their Lord is as ashes that the wind forcefully blows on a stormy day. They will be unable to avail of anything that they gained. That is the extreme deviation. [Q 14: 18]

Allah presents an example of the righteous deeds that the disbelievers do in the worldly life. He informs that they will not avail of these righteous deeds in the least in the Hereafter because they disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah in the worldly life. 

The righteous deeds that the disbelievers do in the worldly life, the reward of which they hope to attain from Allah on the Day of Judgment, are like ashes that the wind forcefully blows on a stormy day. They will be unable to avail of the reward of their righteous deeds at all, just as they will be unable to gather ashes on a windy day. Their endeavors to perform righteous deeds that are based on unsound foundation, i.e. belief in Allah’s Oneness, is the extreme deviation. The disbelievers will lose the reward of their righteous deeds in the Hereafter because their deeds lack the essential condition for accepting them, namely belief in Allah’s Oneness. 

Learned Lessons From Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 13-18

• The disbelievers’ threat to the believers that they will expel them from their land, and force them to revert to disbelief in Allah has no value in comparison with Allah’s threat. Allah, Exalted be He, will destroy the disbelievers. The disbelievers’ threat will vanish, but Allah’s threat will come true. 

• Allah, Exalted be He, will reward the patient believers by making them dwell in the land of the disbelieving wrongdoers.

• To deserve Allah’s help and triumph over their enemies, the believers must fear standing before Allah for reckoning on the Day of Judgment and fear His torment and warning.  

• When a confrontation between the believers and their enemies takes place, no matter who will seek victory over the other, triumph will be the share of the believers, and loss and destruction will be the share of the arrogant, stubborn disbelievers. 

• Severe torment in Hellfire is awaiting for the disbelievers in the Hereafter.

• On the Day of Judgment, the drink of the disbelievers will be a fluid composed of pus and blood discharged from the bodies of the inhabitants of Hellfire.

• Causes of death will surround the disbelievers in Hellfire, but they will never die. They will suffer severe torment therein.

• In the Hereafter, the disbelievers will be unable to avail of the reward of their righteous deeds that they did in the worldly life because they lack the foundation for accepting them, namely, belief in the Oneness of Allah, Exalted be He.

Introduction to Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 9-12 Warning to the Disbelievers

English Translation of Surah Ibrahim

Towards Understanding the Quran

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 9-12 Warning to the Disbelievers

Has not the news reached you of those who were before you: the people of Noah, Aad, Thamud, and those who came after them? None knows them but Allah. Their messengers brought them clear proofs, but they put their hands into their mouths and said, ‘We certainly disbelieve in what you have been sent to convey, and we are certainly in doubt, causing misgiving, about what you invite us to.’ [Q 14:9]

Their messengers said, ‘Can there be any doubt about Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth? He invites you to forgive some of your sins and delay your death until a preordained time.’ They said, ‘You are no more than men like us. You want to turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then, bring us clear evidence.’ [Q 14: 10]

Their messengers said to them, ‘We are only men like you, but Allah confers favor on whom He wants of His slaves. It is not for us to bring you evidence except by Allah’s permission. On Allah, the believers should rely.’ [Q 14: 11] 

How should we not rely on Allah while He has guided us to the path of salvation? Indeed, we shall patiently endure your harassment. On Allah, those who depend should rely. 

[Q 14: 12] 

Relationship with the Previous Part

Messenger Moses warned his people of Allah’s punishment if they disbelieved in Him in the previous part. Then ayat mention some former nations that were destroyed because of their disbelief though they were very strong and wealthy and had great supporters.  

Tafsir  

Has not the news reached you of those who were before you: the people of Noah, Aad, Thamud, and those who came after them? None knows them but Allah. Their messengers brought them clear proofs, but they put their hands into their mouths and said, ‘We certainly disbelieve in what you have been sent to convey, and we are certainly in doubt, causing misgiving, about what you invite us to.’ [Q 14:9]

Some scholars believe that ayah [Q 14: 9] is part of Messenger Moses’ speech to his people. Accordingly, the meaning will be as follows: After Messenger Moses reminded his people of Allah’s blessings on them, he admonished them by reminding them of what happened to the former disbelievers.  

 Other scholars maintain that ayah [Q 14:9] is a statement directed to the nation of Messenger Muhammad. Accordingly, the meaning will be as follows: First, Allah informed the people that He revealed the Quran to Messenger Muhammad to bring people out of darknesses of disbelief into the light of belief, that He alone owns whatever in the heavens and the earth, and that severe torment will be for the disbelievers. Then, Allah addressed the disbelievers in Mecca and those who follow their footsteps.  

Those who believe that the address in ayah [Q 14; 9] is directed to the nation of Messenger Muhammad say that the stories of the people of Aad and Thamud have not been mentioned in the Torah. Thus, if the ayah is part of Moses’s speech to his people, these stories should have been mentioned in the Torah.  

 [Has not the news reached you…] The interrogation is for emphasis and affirmation because the people of Mecca knew the story of Noah as the news of the flood befell his people was widespread as well as they knew the stories of the people of Aad and Thamud since they used to pass by their dwellings when traveling to ash-Sham for trade.  

 […and those who came after them.] This refers to the people who came after the people of Noah, Aad, and Thamud, such as the people of Ibrahim, and Lot.  

[None knows them but Allah.] No one knows the number, identity, and conditions of the people, who came after the people of Noah, Aad, and Thamud except Allah, Exalted be He. 

[Has not the news reached you of those who were before you: the people of Noah, Aad, Thamud, and those who came after them? None knows them but Allah.]

O people of Mecca! Indeed, you have known what happened to the people of Noah, Aad, and Thamud, just as you have known what happened to the people who came after them, such as the people of Ibrahim and Lot. No one knows exactly the numbers, identities, and conditions of those people except Allah, Exalted be He. Thus, you should be admonished and learn from the torment that befell them, know that Messenger Messenger has been sent to guide you to the straight path, Islam, and save you from painful torment if you insist on disbelief.  

[Their messengers brought them clear proofs.]

The messengers of Allah brought their people clear proofs and miracles, confirming their truthfulness.  

[…but they put their hands into their mouths and said, ‘We certainly disbelieve in what you have been sent to convey, and we are certainly in doubt, causing misgiving, about what you invite us to.’]

 

Here the ayah mentions the attitude of disbelievers towards the messages of their messengers.

Flamed with anger and resentment, the disbelievers put their hands into their mouths, biting their fingers. They disbelieved in and mocked their messengers. 

They said to their messengers, ‘Indeed, we have disbelieved in what you have been sent to convey, i.e. the message that Allah revealed to the messengers. Indeed, we are in doubt, causing misgiving about the message you invite us to believe in.’ 

 Someone may say that the disbelievers confirmed their disbelief by saying, ‘Indeed, we disbelieve in what you have been sent to convey.’ Then why did they say, ‘Indeed, we are in doubt, causing misgiving, about what you invite us to.’? 

The statement of the disbelievers may be interpreted as follows: The disbelievers said to the messengers, ‘Indeed, we have disbelieved in your message, and if we have not done so, we indeed, are in doubt, causing misgiving in the truthfulness of your message.’  

Another interpretation is that they were two parties. One party disbelieved in the messengers and the other was in doubt, causing misgiving in the truthfulness of the messengers. 

 

Then the ayat mention the reply of the messengers to their disbelieving people.

Their messengers said, ‘Can there be any doubt about Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth? He invites you to forgive some of your sins and delay your death until a preordained time.’ They said, ‘You are no more than men like us. You want to turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then, bring us clear evidence.’ [Q 14: 10]

[Can there be any doubt…] The interrogation is for criticism and condemnation.  

Allah’s Messengers said to their people, ‘Can there be any doubt about the existence and Oneness of Allah, who created the heavens and the earth? He, out of His bounty and generosity, invites you to believe in Him so that He may forgive some of your sins, and delay your death until a preordained time without tormenting you by annihilation in the worldly life, out of His mercy and hoping that you may follow the right path.’  

Allah’s Messengers condemned the reaction of their people. They were astonished by the deep-rooted denial of the disbelievers of very clear evidence that a sound natural disposition could discern easily. They denied the existence and Oneness of Allah though He is the Creator of this universe and all that therein.   

Referring to the creation of the heavens and earth in the ayah is mentioned specifically because their creation is so amazing that no sound intellect can deny that there must be a Great Creator, who created them, Allah.   

The disbelievers’ reply was unsatisfactory.  [They said, ‘You are no more than men like us. You want to turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then, bring us clear evidence.’]

 The disbelievers said to their messengers, ‘You are no more than men like us in respect of form and constitution. You want to prevent us from worshipping the gods that our fathers used to worship. If you are truthful in your claim that Allah has sent you to invite us to worship Him alone, bring us clear evidence that convinces us of not worshipping our gods.’ 

The disbelievers think that it is impossible that Allah’s Messengers could be human beings. They believe that Allah’s Messengers should be angels to believe in them. 

Their reaction indicates that they considered the clear proofs and miracles that Allah’s Messenger brought were insufficient. They believed that the messengers should bring more convincing proofs.

  

Their messengers said to them, ‘We are only men like you, but Allah confers favor on whom He wants of His slaves. It is not for us to bring you evidence except by Allah’s permission. On Allah, the believers should rely.’ [Q 14: 11] 

The messengers said to their people, ‘Yes, indeed, we are human beings like you just as you said, but this similarity between you and us does not negate the fact that Allah confers His favor on whom He wants of His slaves by making him His prophet and messenger.’  

The messengers of Allah acknowledged that the statement of the disbelievers that they were human beings was true. Then they clearly and politely told the disbelievers bout their unsound understanding. They informed them that that belonging to the same species does not contradict having different ranks. All human beings are slaves of Allah, but Allah, the wise, confers His blessings on some people to the exclusion of others. 

Furthermore, the messengers informed the disbelievers that they could not bring clear evidence and miracle without Allah’s permission. Finally, the messenger emphasized their determination to keep on conveying the message of Allah, relying on His help and support.  

 Relying on Allah means complete dependence on His help and support and at the same time uses beneficial and lawful means within their ability to achieve the desired goals. Verily, true believers depend only on Allah to achieve their goals. 

How should we not rely on Allah while He has guided us to the path of salvation? Indeed, we shall patiently endure your harassment. On Allah, those who depend should rely.

 [Q 14: 12] 

The messengers emphasized their reliance on Allah. They said, ‘How should we not rely on Allah, who has guided us to the path of salvation and directed us to the path of knowledge? Nothing prevents us from depending on Him alone as He has guided us to the best path. We shall patiently endure your harassment and abuse.’ 

[On Allah, those who depend should rely.] Those who depend must keep on relying on Allah, Exalted be He. They must trust Him completely, and endure hardship and suffering for His sake.  

‘The heart that feels that Allah’s help always supports and guides it has truly real connection with Allah so it does not fail to recognize Allah’s existence and His mighty and sovereignty. This feeling leaves no room for hesitation in following the path of guidance, no matter how many obstacles that it may encounter throughout the path, and no matter the existence of tyrannical forces lurking along this path.’ [Fi Zilal al-Quran, Sayyid Qutb]

Learned Lessons from Surah Ibrahim Ayah: 6-12

• People should learn lessons from the torment befell the former disbelieving nations.

• The reaction of the disbelieving nations to the call of their messengers varied. Some tried to forcefully prevent Allah’s Messengers from conveying their message, some openly said that they disbelieved in their messengers, and others said that they had doubt, causing misgive in respect of the call of their messenger. In sum, they refused to acknowledge the messenger-ship of their messengers.

• Allah’s Messengers support their call to follow the path of guidance by irrefutable proofs, such as natural disposition that submissively acknowledges the existence of a God that created this universe and the original creation of the universe with its heavens and earth. Such undeniable proofs confirm that there is one Creator for this universe, deserving sincere worship, Allah, Exalted be He.

• Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is merciful and generous. He invites people to worship Him alone to forgive their sins.

• The excuse of the disbelievers for disbelieving in Allah’s Messengers was that the messengers were human beings like them. They believed that the messengers should be angels because of their defect understanding.

• The disbelievers refused to follow their messengers out of imitating their fathers, who used to worship other gods besides Allah.

• The stubborn disbelievers rejected to believe in the message of their messengers though they brought them clear proofs. They demanded their messengers to bring them other proofs, which was not within the power of Allah’s Messengers. 

• The best course that Allah’s Messengers and their followers should follow is to be patient and endure the harassment of their opponents, completely relying on Allah, Exalted be He.

• Reliance on Allah is the inexhaustible resource of true believers. 

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim Ayat 1-4: Warning to the Disbelievers

Tafsir of Surah Ibrahim: Ayah 5-8

Quran English Translation Surah Ibrahim

Recitation of Surah Ibrahim by Sheikh Mishary Al Afasy

Madaarij as-Salikeen: The Rank of Patience: Part Two

Excerpts from Madaarij as-Salikeen by Ibn Quyyim al-Jawziyya

Madaarij Saalikeen, which is a commentary on, and explanation of the book by Shaikh Abu Ismail al-Ansari al-Harawi al-Sufi, Manazil-u Sa'ireen (Ranks of the Seekers). 

Definition of Patience

The Arabic word sabr comes from a root meaning to refrain and stop.

Patience is to prevent the soul from anxiety and discontent, prevent the tongue from complaining, and prevent the limbs from doing acts that displease Allah.

Types of Patience

There are three types of patience: being patient by doing things that please Allah, being patient by refraining from doing things that displease Allah, and being patient in respect of afflictions that Allah decrees for man.

The first and second types are related to things than a person can control and the third type is related to things that man cannot control.

Sheikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah said, ‘Patience of Prophet Joseph in respect of refraining from yielding to the seduction of the Potiphar’s wife, though she enjoyed a high rank, is greater than his patience when his brothers threw him into the well and then selling him as a slave, which led to depriving him of his father. Joseph could not control the latter things and man could do nothing regarding them but enduring them patiently. On the other hand, Joseph’s patience in respect of refraining from disobeying Allah was done willingly to please Allah and resist the soul’s whim, though there were strong causes that might motivate him to yield. First, Joseph was young then and it is known that young people’s sexual desire is strong. Second, he was a bachelor and had no lawful means to satisfy his sexual desire. Third, he was a foreigner and a stranger usually feels free to do whatever he wants like satisfying his sexual needs, unlike a person who lives in his hometown. Fourth, Joseph was also a slave. Deterrents preventing a slave from doing immoral acts are unlike that of a free person. Fifth, the Potiphar’s wife was beautiful, enjoyed high rank, and his master. Besides, no one could see them. Sixth, she strongly asked him to have sexual relations with her and threatened him with humiliation and imprisonment if he refused to yield to her commands. Nonetheless, Joseph was willingly patient, preferring to attain the reward of Allah. This type of patience cannot be compared with his patience when his brothers threw him into the well, which was out of his control. 

Sheikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah also said, ‘Patience in respect of performing righteous acts is greater than patience in respect of refraining from perpetrating acts of disobedience. That is because Allah loves doing righteous deeds more than refraining from perpetrating acts of disobedience. Allah also dislikes refraining from doing righteous acts more than the negative effects of the presence of acts of disobedience. 

Ranks of Patience

First, patience by seeking help from Allah, believing that He alone manages all affairs and one cannot be patient except by His support. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Be patient. Your patience is attained only by Allah’s bounty.] [Surah an-Nahl: 127]

Second, patience for Allah’s sake. It is done because of loving Allah and seeking His pleasure. It is also done to be close to Allah, and not show off one’s fortitude, be praised, etc. 

Third, patience in respect of Allah’s commands and prohibitions. It is complete submission to Allah by complying with His commands and avoiding His prohibitions patiently no matter what the results may be.

This type of patience is the most difficult kind and it is the patience of the truthful people.

Al-Junayd said, ‘The journey from the worldly life to the Hereafter is easy for the believer, deserting people for Allah’s sake is difficult, the journey from the soul to Allah is more difficult, and being patient by complying with his commands and avoiding prohibitions is the most difficult.’

He was asked, ‘What does patience mean?’ he said, ‘It is unwilling sipping of bitterness without any resentment.’

Dhu-an-Nun, the Egyptian, said, ‘Patience is distancing oneself away from acts of disobedience, being clam when affliction befalls and pretending to be rich when poverty strikes one’s life.’

It is said, ‘Patience is cultured acceptance of affliction.’

It is also said, ‘Patience is honorable interaction with affliction, just like interaction with the blessings.’

Ranks of the Patient are Five

1) A person who is patient in all situations. 2) A person who exerts his best to be patient. 3) A person who endures hardship with difficulty. 4) A person who is y patient more than those around him. 5) A person who is deeply patient and this kind describes the extent of patience while the former ranks describe how patience is. 

Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [O you who believe! Be patient, be steadfast, be on guard, and be God-fearing that you may be successful.][Surah al-Imran: 200] 

This ayah describes patience, moving from the lowest to the highest rank.

 It is said that it means to be patient at times of prosperity and adversity, keep on guard to protect your frontiers, and fear Allah that you may be successful in the Hereafter. 

Messenger Muhammad was asked, ‘What is faith?’ 

He said, ‘It is patience and generosity.’

This answer contains the most eloquent statement, the greatest evidence, and the most comprehensive classification of the ranks of faith. 

One is commanded to do two things. Giving what is commanded to give, which is done due to generosity, and to avoid what is prohibited to do, which is done due to patience.

In the Quran, Allah has commanded to be patient without complaining, forgiving others without reproaching, and deserting without enmity. 

Complaining to Allah does not contradict patience. Jacob, peace be upon him, promised to be patient and a prophet never breaks his promise; however, he said, [I only complain of my anguish and sorrow to Allah and I know from Allah what you do not know.] [Surah Joseph: 86]

However, complaining to human beings contradicts patience. A man saw a person complaining about his poverty to another one. Hence, he said to him, ‘O man! Do you complain the One, Allah, who can bestow mercy on you to someone he cannot bestow mercy on you.’

Madaarij as-Salikeen: The Rank of Patience: Part One

Levels of People in Respect of the Prayer