The Sublime Character of Messenger Muhammad

 

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qalam Ayah 1-16 

68:1 Nun. By the pen and what they write,  

68:2 You are not, by the Blessing of your Lord, a madman. 

68:3 And verily for you will be a reward, never-ending. 

68:4 And truly, you are of an exalted character. 

68:5 Hence, you will see, and they will see,

68:6, which of you is afflicted with madness. 

68:7 Surely your Lord knows best those who stray from His path, and He knows best those who are rightly guided.

68:8 Hence, do not obey the deniers. 

68:9 They wish that you should compromise, then they would compromise.

68:10 And do not obey every mean swearer, 

68:11 backbiter, going about with slander, 

68:12 preventer of good, transgressor, sinful, 

68:13 cruel, after all that ignoble. 

68:14 Because he has wealth and sons,  

68:15 when our ayat are recited to him, he says, ‘Fables of the ancients.’

68:16 We shall brand him on his nose! 

Tafsir 

68:1 Nun. By the pen and what they write,  

Surah Al-Qalam begins with the word ‘Nun’, which is one of the separated letters ‘al-Muqatta letters’ found at the beginning of twenty-nine surahs of the noble Quran. The scholars differ about their meanings. Their opinions can be summarized as follows: 

a) These letters have meanings; however, they differ about specifying their meanings whether they are names of Allah or names of the surahs, or that they refer to how long the nation of Messenger Muhammad will remain, and so on. 

b) They are alphabetical letters and do not have meanings.

c) They have meanings, which only Allah knows. 

d) Refraining from giving any opinion.

The most correct opinion is (b), i.e. they are alphabetical letters and do not have meanings. This opinion is based on the fact that the Quran was revealed in the Arabic language, and its alphabetic letters do not have meanings. Similarly, these separated letters at the beginning of some surahs of the Quran do not have meanings. 

The wisdom behind these letters, according to the scholars who say that they do not have meanings, is that the separated letters demonstrate the inimitability of the Quran. That is because it has not brought words or letters that are beyond the reach of man. Rather, these letters are some of the letters that are used in people’s speech; however, they cannot bring something like the Quran. 

Furthermore, beginning some surahs of the noble Quran with these separated letters draws the attention of those who reject to listen to it and reflect on its meaning when it is recited to them. That is because listening to these unfamiliar letters makes them concentrate and try to understand them, which may cause them to embrace Islam, and Allah knows best. 

According to those who maintain that these separated letters have meanings, the scholars mention the following: 1) Nun means the pen. 2) It is the name of the whale that appeared on earth. 3) Nun is the name of a tablet made of light. 4) It is the name of a river in Paradise. 

68:1 Nun. By the pen and what they write,  

68:2 You are not, by the Blessing of your Lord, a madman. 

By the pen that the writers use and by what they write, you are not by the blessing of your Lord a madman, O noble Messenger Muhammad. 

Abdul Allah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, said, ‘The first thing that Allah created was the pen, and He commanded it to write everything that will happen in this universe, which it did.’ 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, how could you be a madman though Allah, your Lord, blessed you with prophethood and wisdom? 

The intended meaning is to console Messenger Muhammad for the abuse that he suffered at the hands of the disbelievers of Makkah, refute their baseless claims, and confirm that he is Allah’s Prophet and Messenger. 

Allah, Exalted be He, swore by the pen to indicate its high rank and great benefits. The pen is used to write beneficial knowledge and the divine Scriptures were written with the pen. 

Allah can swear by whatever thing of His creatures, but the created being can only swear by Allah. 

The ayah negates that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] is mad; rather, Allah has blessed him with the blessing of prophethood and wisdom. 

In the previous ayah, Allah addresses His beloved Prophet and Messenger Muhammad by saying, ‘your Lord,’ which reveals a great love and care for him, and a strong negation of the false claims of the disbelievers, who accuse him of madness and magic.

68:3 And verily for you will be a reward, never-ending. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, a never-ending reward will be for you with your Lord, Allah. You will be rewarded immensely because you patiently fulfilled the requirements of prophethood and were patient with the hardship you faced to do so. Your reward will be great and continuous. 

68:4 And truly, you are of an exalted character. 

Allah, Exalted be He, praises His beloved Prophet and Messenger by using the most beautiful and pleasant compliment. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, you truly have exalted character and sound personality in all your statements, deeds, and affairs. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, you have patiently endured the abuse of the disbelievers and hardship to carry out the message of Islam. You are characterized by the noblest character that makes you ignore whatever ill-treatment of the enemies of Islam without even trying to revenge for yourself.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was asked about the character of Messenger Muhammad. She said, ‘His character was the Quran.’  In other words, Messenger Muhammad used to comply with all the sublime ethics mentioned in the Quran and avoid all that the Quran prohibits.

68:5 Hence, you will see, and they will see,

68:6, which of you is afflicted with madness. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, We have confirmed that you are never as the disbelievers accuse you; rather, you have a high rank with your Lord. Hence, you will see and know and the disbelievers will see and know, which of you is afflicted with madness. You will see and know who of you follow the path of guidance and who of you follow the path of misguidance.

Abdul Allah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, said the following about [68:5 Hence, you will see, and they will see…]: ‘You and they will know on the Day of Judgment.’ 

68:7 Surely your Lord knows best those who stray from His path, and He knows best those who are rightly guided.

O noble Messenger Muhammad, your Lord knows best those who stray from the straight path and turn away from the path of guidance, and He knows best those who are rightly guided and follow the path of guidance. Hence, go ahead on your path. The happy end will be for you and your followers. As for the followers of the path of misguidance, let them go aimlessly until they face the evil end of their arrogance and stubbornness. 

Then, Allah, Exalted be He, informs His beloved Messenger about the evil behaviors of the disbelievers and their abominable characters. He, Exalted be He, also warns him of agreeing to any of their suggestions.

68:8 Hence, do not obey the deniers. 

68:9 They wish that you should compromise, then they would compromise.

O noble Messenger Muhammad, noting of your conditions and that of the disbelievers is hidden from your Lord. Hence, beware to obey the disbelievers or to agree to any of their suggestions. Indeed, they hope that you should accept some of their proposals. They wish that you should compromise concerning their suggestions, and then they would compromise with you and cease to abuse you and your followers. 

This ayah refers to some half-measures that the disbelievers offered Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] to convince him to stop condemning worshipping false gods besides Allah. 

Mujahid, may Allah have mercy on him, said about [68:8 Hence, do not obey the deniers.] ‘The disbelievers wish that you accept their false gods and stop following the truth, and then they would compromise with you.’ 

After mentioning the opinions of the scholars, Imam Muhammad Ibn Jarir at-Tabari, may Allah have mercy on him, said, ‘The correct opinion is the following: O Muhammad, the disbelievers wish that you should relent and accept their proposals to worship their gods; hence, they would accept worshipping your God.’ 

68:10 And do not obey every mean swearer, 

68:11 backbiter, going about with slander, 

68:12 preventer of good, transgressor, sinful, 

68:13 cruel, after all that ignoble. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, do not obey every mean swearer, who lies when he swears. He is a backbiter and likes to go about among people with slander. He aims to cause dissension among people. He also strongly prevents any good thing to happen or reach even those who deserve it, especially, if they are believers. He transgresses all acceptable boundaries of conduct by extremely loving to harm people and cause them problems and insists on sinning without feeling the least degree of remorse. Moreover, He is cruel and hardhearted, and after having all these detestable characteristics, he is ignoble and of low birth. 

68:14 Because he has wealth and sons,  

68:15 when our ayat are recited to him, he says, ‘Fables of the ancients.’ 

The ayah mentions some drives and manifestations of the disbeliever’s arrogance and disbelief. 

The disbeliever rejects believing in Allah’s Oneness and His Messenger Muhammad because he has wealth and children. Allah has bestowed these blessings on him; however, instead of thanking Allah for these blessings, he meets them with ingratitude and disbelief in Allah’s Oneness. However, his wealth and children will not benefit him when he stands before Allah, Exalted be He, on the Day of Judgment for reckoning.

When Allah’s revelation is recited to this disbeliever, he says, ‘These ayat are fables of the ancients and are taken from their books, and Allah has not revealed them.’

68:16 We shall brand him on his nose! 

This is a warning to the disbeliever, who is characterized by these hideous attributes. 

Allah will brand this disbeliever and put a clear mark on his nose so that people can easily recognize him. 

The scholars of Tafsir mention the following opinions about the meaning of ayah [16]: 1) His nose will be branded with a sword that will remain as long as he lives. 2) He will be branded with a permanent brand. 3) His face will be black.  

Branding the face implies defamation as it includes deformation and humiliation. That is because the branding will be on the nose, which lies on the upper part of the face. Hence, the branding will be clear.

Moreover, these aforementioned ayat imply a consolation to Messenger Muhammad and the believers for the great abuse they suffered at the hands of the disbelievers. It is as if the ayat say to them, ‘The disbelievers will reap the evil consequences of their evil deeds.’ 

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Qalam Ayah 1-16

• Allah, Exalted be He, swears by the pen and what is written with the pen, which indicates their lofty ranks and benefits in the fields of knowledge, learning, and civilization. 

• The oath by the pen and what is written with it is to negate that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] is mad, as the disbelievers claim. It also confirms that Allah will give Messenger Muhammad a never-ending reward, and affirms that Messenger Muhammad enjoys the most sublime character, which is abiding by the teachings of the Quran by obeying Allah’s commands and avoiding Allah’s prohibitions mentioned in the Quran.

• Having a noble character and sound mind contradicts the accusations of the disbelievers that Messenger Muhammad is a madman or magician.

• A noble character is a natural disposition that makes one perform righteous deeds easily. 

• The disbelievers are warned that they will surely know who follows the right path and who follows the wrong path in the life of this world and the Hereafter.  

• The believers are prohibited to compromise with the disbelievers. The disbelievers wished that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] should compromise with them by refraining from condemning their worship of the false gods, and they were willing to compromise with Messenger Muhammad concerning his message to worship Allah alone. Thus, Allah commanded His beloved Messenger Muhammad to reject their offer.

• Some of the hideous characteristics of the disbelievers are lying when swearing, meanness, backbiting, slandering, transgressing, sinning, cruelty, and ignobleness. 

• The disbelievers deny Allah’s blessings on them. Instead of thanking Him for the wealth and children, He has given them, they disbelieve in His Oneness and are arrogant to obey Him.

• The disbelievers claim that the Quran contains fables of the ancients, which is a sheer lie; rather, Allah revealed the Quran to His Messenger Muhammad and it contains all that man needs to achieve happiness in the life of this world and the Hereafter.

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qalam

English Translation and Tafsir of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Qalam

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qalam

The Noble Quran Surah Hud English Translation and Tafsir

 

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qalam

 

Name of the Surah 

This surah is called Al-Qalam because it begins with swearing by al-Qalam, namely, the pen whereby people write. Swearing by the pen indicates its high status as it has many great benefits. Surah Al-Qalam was revealed in Makkah. It contains fifty-two ayah. 

Relationship between Surah Al-Mulk and Al-Qalam 

Surah Al-Mulk comes before surah Al-Qalam according to the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf. 

At the end of surah Al-Mulk, Allah, Exalted be He has warned the disbelievers of making their water sink away so that they cannot obtain it.

67:30 Say, ‘Tell me, if your water were to sink away, who then can bring you water, flowing.’

Surah Al-Qalam refers to another example confirming Allah’s perfect ability, namely, destroying the garden that its owner could not find any trace of it.

68:19 Then, a visitation from your Lord visited it while they were asleep. 

68:20 Then, it became as if it were a dark night. 

Surah Al-Mulk mentions some proofs affirming Allah’s perfect ability and knowledge, and confirms that the Day of Judgment will certainly take place. Moreover, the disbelievers are warned of Allah’s severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter and are commanded to believe in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers. Then, surah Al-Qalam mentions that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] is free from all false accusations of the disbelievers, such as their claim that he is a madman or magician.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Qalam

• Surah Al-Qalam takes care of clarifying principles of the Islamic creed just like all surahs that are revealed in Makkah. It speaks about confirming the prophethood of Messenger Muhammad, the resurrection on the Day of Judgment, and the end of the believers and the disbelievers in Allah’s Oneness.

• Surah Al-Qalam begins by referring to the pen to affirm its rank and benefit and negates all false accusations of the disbelievers against Messenger Muhammad. It confirms that he is characterized by the greatest moral character. 

68:1 Nun. By the pen and what they write,  

68:2 You are not, by the Blessing of your Lord, a madman. 

68:3 And verily for you will be a reward, never-ending. 

68:4 And truly, you are of an exalted character.

• The surah refers to some base characteristics of the disbelievers and mentions that they fabricate lies against Messenger Muhammad.

68:8 Hence, do not obey the deniers. 

68:9 They wish that you should compromise, then they would compromise.

68:10 And do not obey every mean swearer, 

68:11 backbiter, going about with slander, 

68:12 preventer of good, transgressor, sinful, 

68:13 cruel, after all that ignoble.

• Surah Al-Qalam mentions an example that likens the disbelievers of Makkah to the owners of the garden, which was destroyed because its owners denied Allah’s blessing on them and were determined to prevent the needy from their rights.

68:17 Verily, We have tried them, as We tried the owners of the garden when they swore they would pluck its fruit in the morning.

68:18 And they made no reservation.  

• Surah Al-Qalam compares the believers and the disbelievers. It also rebukes the disbelievers for their wrong judgments, refutes their groundless claims, establishes proofs against them, and reveals how their conditions will be on the Day of Judgment.

68:35 Shall We make those who submit like the evildoers? 

68:36 What is the matter with you, how do you judge? 

68:37 Or have you a book wherein you read,

68:38 and wherein you have what you choose?

• The surah warns the disbelievers of severe punishment for their disbelieving in the Quran.

68:44 Hence, leave Me with him, who disbelieves in this discourse. We shall gradually draw them from where they perceive not.

• Surah Al-Qalam is concluded with commanding Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] to be patient with the abuse of the disbelievers and warns him of boredom concerning conveying the Islamic message to people. It also mentions that the Quran is a reminder to all people.

68:48 Hence, be patient with the decree of your Lord and be not as the companion of the whale when called while he was in distress. 

68:52 And it is nothing but a Reminder to the worlds. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Qalam 

The Noble Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Qalam

The Noble Quran Surah Hud English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 16-18 Some warnings and Threats

Warning of the Horrors of the Day of Judgment

 

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 23-30 

67:23 Say, ‘He is the One Who has brought you into being and made for you hearing, sight, and hearts; little thanks you give!’

67:24 Say, ‘He is the One Who has spread you throughout the earth, and to Him, you shall be gathered.’

67:25 And they say, ‘When shall this promise come to pass if you are truthful?’ 

67:26 Say, ‘The knowledge thereof is only with Allah and I am only a clear warner.’

67:27 Then, when they see it close, the faces of those who disbelieve will turn gloomy and it will be said, ‘This is what you were asking for.’ 

67:28 Say, ‘Tell me, if Allah destroys me and those with me, or He has mercy on us, then who will protect the disbelievers from a painful torment?’ 

67:29 Say, ‘He is the All-Merciful. We believe in Him, and in Him, we put our trust. So, you will know who is in error, manifest.’

67:30 Say, ‘Tell me, if your water were to sink away, who then can bring you water, flowing.’

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part refers to Allah’s perfect ability in creation the birds and enabling them to fly easily in the sky. Then, this part mentions other proofs confirming Allah’s perfect ability, namely, creating human beings and giving them the senses, procreation of human beings and spreading them on earth, and gathering them for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. It also warns the disbelievers of Allah’s severe punishment. 

Tafsir

67:23 Say, ‘He is the One Who has brought you into being and made for you hearing, sight, and hearts; little thanks you give!’

O noble Messenger Muhammad, say to the disbelievers, as a means of establishing proofs confirming Allah’s Oneness and perfect ability, ‘Allah, the All-Merciful, is the One Who has brought you into being and made for you hearing by which you can hear sounds, sight by which you can see things, and hearts by which you can discern things. Allah has given you all these blessings, but you give little thanks to Him. You do not use these blessings for the purpose that they are created. The true gratitude is to use these blessings to worship Allah alone and obey His commands.’

The ayah says that people give little thanks to Allah’s blessings to motivate them to give more and more thanks to Allah by worshipping Him alone and avoiding worshipping false gods besides Him.

67:24 Say, ‘He is the One Who has spread you throughout the earth, and to Him, you shall be gathered.’

O noble Messenger, remind the disbelievers of another blessing of Allah on them. Say to them, ‘Allah, the Giver of all blessings, has created you on earth and multiplied your number. Then, He has spread you throughout it. On the Day of Judgment, you will be gathered to Allah for reckoning and recompense.’ 

67:25 And they say, ‘When shall this promise come to pass if you are truthful?’ 

The disbelievers insisted on their stubbornness and arrogance. They mocked Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] and demanded him to define a specific appointment for the occurrence of the Day of Judgment.

The disbelievers say, ‘When shall the Day of Judgment, which you have promised us that it will take place, come to pass if you are truthful? You have said that the Day of Judgment will certainly come and that we shall be punished for our disbelief in it. O Muhammad, if you are truthful about its occurrence, tell us when will it come.

67:26 Say, ‘The knowledge thereof is only with Allah and I am only a clear warner.’

O noble Messenger Muhammad, say to the disbelievers, who demand the swift occurrence of the Day of Judgment, ‘The knowledge of the appointed time for the occurrence of the Day of Judgment is only with Allah, the All-Knowing. I am only a clear warner, who warns you of the evil consequences of disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness and disobeying His commands.’

67:27 Then, when they see it close, the faces of those who disbelieve will turn gloomy and it will be said, ‘This is what you were asking for.’ 

When the disbelievers see Allah’s severe punishment on the Day of Judgment and that is about to befall them, their faces will turn gloomy because of the great fear that they will be experiencing. 

The disbelievers demanded the occurrence of the Day of Judgment in the worldly life and did not fear the evil consequences of their disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and disobeying His commands. They will suffer the evil outcome of their evildoing on the Day of Judgment when they will be punished in Hell. 

And it will be said, ‘This is what you were asking for. 

The disbelievers will be reproached when Allah’s punishment befalls them. It will be said to them, ‘This is the punishment that you used to demand its occurrence in the worldly life. You used to mock Allah’s Messengers when they warned you of it. Thus, it occurs and you can never escape it.

67:28 Say, ‘Tell me, if Allah destroys me and those with me, or He has mercy on us, then who will protect the disbelievers from a painful torment?’ 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, say to the disbelievers among your people, ‘O people, tell me, if Allah destroys me and the believers, who follow me, or He has mercy on us, out of His generosity and mercifulness, then, who will protect the disbelievers from the painful torment of the Day of Judgment? Who will protect the disbelievers when Allah’s severe punishment befalls them on the Day of Judgment?

Undoubtedly, no one can protect the disbelievers from Allah’s punishment when it befalls them on the Day of Judgment.

Destruction is the ayah means death, and mercifulness means enjoying happy life and victory. 

Allah, the Generous, has given His beloved Messenger Muhammad a blessed life. He died after he conveyed Allah’s Message to people and a great number of them embraced Islam and he was victorious over his enemies. 

67:29 Say, ‘He is the All-Merciful. We believe in Him, and in Him we put our trust. So, you will know who is in error, manifest.’

Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] to make clear to the disbelievers that he and the believers worship Allah alone and put their trust only in Him.

O noble Messenger, say to the disbelievers, who deny believing in Allah’s Oneness, ‘You disbelieve in Allah’s Oneness, but we believe in His Oneness. We believe in Allah, the All-Merciful, and put our trust in Him alone. You will certainly know who is in manifest error. You will know who follows the path of guidance and who follows the path of misguidance when the Day of Judgment occurs and you are severely punished for your evildoing. 

67:30 Say, ‘Tell me, if your water were to sink away, who then can bring you water, flowing.’

Allah, Exalted be He, commanded Messenger Muhammad to remind the disbelievers of the blessing of water.

O noble Messenger, say to the disbelievers, ‘Tell me, if your water were to sink away that it disappears completely, who then can bring you fresh and flowing water that you can use for carrying out your needs.’ 

Unquestionably, no one can bring the disbelievers water, but Allah, Exalted be. Thus, they must believe in His Oneness, obey His commands, and thank Him for all His blessings. 

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 23-30

• Allah is the Giver of All blessings. He gives people the blessing of hearing, seeing, and heart. Thus, they must thank Him by using these blessings in a manner that pleases Him. 

• Most people do not thank Allah for His blessings.

• Allah is the Creator, to whom sincere worship is due. 

• Confirming that people will be resurrected for reckoning and recompense on the Day of Judgment.

• Insolence and haughtiness make the disbelievers demand the occurrence of the Day of Judgment, which will be against their interest if it takes place.

• Only Allah knows when the Day of Judgment will occur. Allah’s Messengers are only required to warn people of the severe punishment awaiting those who disbelieve in Allah’s Oneness when it occurs.

• Argumentation is permissible if clarifying the truth is intended.

• When the Day of Judgment takes place, the disbelievers will know the evil end awaiting them.

• The disbelievers will gain nothing if Messenger Muhammad and the believers die or if Allah bestows His mercy on them. They should concern themselves with their affairs. They should believe in Allah’s Oneness and obey His commands since no one will protect them from Allah’s punishment on the Day of Judgment.

• The believers must put their trust in Allah and rely on Him concerning all their affairs. Only Allah can take care of them and provide them with all their needs. However, they must do necessary causes that are required to achieve their goals and that are within their control after depending on Allah alone.

• Only Allah can provide people with all sustenance and water. Allah, out of His generosity, provides them with their needs though some of them disbelieve in His Oneness and disobey His commands.

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk

English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Mulk

The Noble Quran Surah Maryam English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 12-15 Promise of Allah’s Forgiveness to the Believers

 

Allah is Able

 

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 19-22  

67:19 Have they not seen the birds above them spreading their wings, and folding them? None holds them but the All-Merciful. Verily, He is All-Seeing of everything. 

67:20 Yet, who is this that can be a host for you to help you apart from the All-Merciful? The disbelievers are in nothing but delusion. 

67:21 Yet, who is this that can provide for you if He withholds His provision? No, but they persist in insolence and aversion.

67:22 Is he who walks, lowering down his face, better guided than he who walks upright on a straight path?

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part mentions some proofs of Allah’s perfect ability. Then, this part mentions more proofs. Allah causes the birds to fly in the sky and there is none, who holds them to prevent them from falling, but Allah, the Able. Allah also provides people with sustenance. If He withholds His provision from people, none can provide for them. 

Tafsir

67:19 Have they not seen the birds above them spreading their wings, and folding them? None holds them but the All-Merciful. Verily, He is All-Seeing of everything. 

Are the disbelievers unmindful that their eyes cannot see the birds that fly above them? They spread and fold their wings when they fly in the sky. None holds them when they fly and protect them from falling, but Allah, the Able. Verily, Allah is All-Seeing of everything. He fully knows all affairs of the creatures and manages them perfectly and wisely.

Then, Allah, Exalted be He, draws the disbelievers' attention to His perfect power and severe punishment when He wants to punish the evildoers and disobedient. No one can protect them against Allah’s punishment.

67:20 Yet, who is this that can be a host for you to help you apart from the All-Merciful? The disbelievers are in nothing but delusion. 

The host refers to the helpers and supporters, whom a person calls when he needs their assistance and support.

O disbelievers, tell me, after your heedlessness and inability to think wisely, who can be your host, helper, and supporter to ward off any harm that may befall you apart from Allah, the All-Merciful? 

O disbelievers, tell me, can you find anyone, who can support you if Allah’s severe punishment befalls you or any adversity befalls you? 

Indeed, you will not find anyone, who can help and support you other than Allah, the All-Able, the All-Merciful. You are in nothing but delusion and ignorance. Satan has deceived you that you believe that your false gods can help and support you when you need them.

67:21 Yet, who is this that can provide for you if He withholds His provision? No, but they persist in insolence and aversion.

O disbelievers, tell me, who is that can provide for you if Allah withholds His provision from you? Who can provide for you if Allah prevents means that are necessary for your life, such as destroying your crops or preventing rainfall? No one can provide you with the sustenance necessary for your life, but Allah. 

No, but they persist in insolence and aversion.

Do the disbelievers benefit from the admonition they have received? No, they do not benefit or learn from them; rather, they persist in insolence and aversion. Instead of following the right path, the disbelievers continue following the path of arrogance and haughtiness that will surely cause them to go away from the right path, which will lead them to destruction and loss. 

67:22 Is he who walks, lowering down his face, better guided than he who walks upright on a straight path?

This ayah illustrates the condition of the followers of the right path and the followers of the path of misguidance.

O people, is a person who walks, lowering down his face that he cannot see what is before his eyes, and what is on his right or left side, better guided than a person who walks upright on a straight path? 

O people, consider the condition of the believer and the disbeliever. The condition of the disbeliever is similar to a person who walks, lowering his face so that he cannot see his path. He cannot see his path and cannot know whether it is the right or wrong path. He will also stumble to his feet because he does not know what is on his way. He will be confused throughout his journey and go astray. On the other hand, the condition of the believer is similar to a person who walks upright and can see the straight path that is before him. In the life of this world, he follows the path of guidance that pleases Allah, and he will walk on a straight path in the Hereafter, which will lead him to Paradise, where he will enjoy lasting happiness. 

Abdul Allah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘[67:22 Is he who walks, lowering down his face, better guided than he who walks upright on a straight path?] Is a person who follows the path of misguidance better guided or he who follows the path of guidance.’ 

 No reply is required to the interrogation; rather, the intended meaning is that every listener intuitively knows that the person who walks upright and follows a straight path is better guided than the person who is not so.

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 19-22

• One of the miraculous proofs of Allah’s perfect ability in the universe is that the birds fly in the sky. They spread and fold their wings in midair to keep flying high and they do not fall when they fold their wings, which demonstrates that Allah is Able. 

• Allah is the All-Merciful and the All-Seeing. He bestows His mercy on His obedient slaves and nothing of their conditions, deeds, and statements is hidden from Him, Exalted be He.

• No helper, nor Sustainer for people, believers, and disbelievers, but Allah. However, the disbelievers are deceived by Satan and follow in his footsteps. Therefore, they persist in wrongdoings, arrogance, and aversion to the truth. 

• The example of the disbeliever regarding his following the path of misguidance is similar to a person who walks, lowering his face. He cannot see what is in front of him, or what is to his right or his left hand. He is susceptible to stumbling and falling on his face. 

• The example of the believer regarding his following the right path is similar to a person who walks upright and clearly can see his way. He will walk safely.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Mulk

English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Mulk

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk 6-11 Punishing the Disobedient and the Disbelievers

The Noble Quran Surah Yusuf English Translation and Tafsir 

Warning and Threat to the Wrongdoers

 

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 16-18 

67:16 Do you feel secure that He Who is in the heaven will cause the earth to swallow you? Behold, it shakes. 

67:17 Or do you feel secure that He Who in the heaven will send against you a squall of stones? Then, you will know how My warning is.  

67:18 And verily, those who before them denied. Then, how terrible was My reproach? 

Relationship with the Previous Part

Some proofs confirming Allah’s infinite knowledge and perfect ability are mentioned in the previous part. Then, this part mentions more proofs of Allah’s perfect ability to warn the disbelievers and show them that Allah is Able to destroy them by causing the earth to sink beneath them or sending them a squall of stones. It also refers to the fact that Allah destroyed the former nations when they insisted on disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers.

Tafsir

67:16 Do you feel secure that He Who is in the heaven will cause the earth to swallow you? Behold, it shakes. 

O disbelievers, do you feel secure that He Who is in the heaven, Allah, will cause the earth to swallow you? Allah has made the earth level so that you can live and move on it easily, and He is able to cause it to shake, sink, and then swallow you. You will not find anyone, who can protect you from Allah’s punishment.

The interrogation is for warning and to inform that Allah is Able to destroy the disbelievers, who worship other gods besides Him, Exalted be He. However, Allah is the All-Most Merciful. He is forbearing and gives people chances to repent of their sins, worship Him alone, and perform righteous deeds for His sake. Had Allah willed, He could destroy the disobedient and disbelievers, but He gives them opportunities to repent of their sins and seek His forgiveness. 

67:17 Or do you feel secure that He Who in the heaven will send against you a squall of stones? Then, you will know how My warning is.  

O disbelievers, do you feel secure that He Who is in the heaven, Allah, will send against you a squall of stones? When you see Allah’s severe punishment befall you, you will surely know how terrible the warning of Allah is. Thus, beware of His punishment. It will certainly befall those who insist on disbelieving in His Oneness and disobey His commands.

Allah is the All-Mighty and the All-Powerful. If Allah wants, He will send strong wind against the disbelievers that is accompanied by stones and pebbles so that they will be destroyed. 

Indeed, the condition of the disbelievers is strange. They know that Allah’s punishment will befall them, but they keep on disbelieving in His Oneness and do not repent of their sins. 

67:18 And verily, those who before them denied. Then, how terrible was My reproach? 

This is a reminder of what happened to the former disbelievers. 

Verily, the disbelievers, who were before the disbelievers of Makkah, such as the People of Prophet Noah and Lot, disbelieved in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers. Then, Allah’s warning to them was terrible and then He destroyed them. 

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 16-18

• Allah is Able. He can make the earth swallow the disbelievers just as He made the earth sink beneath the former disbelievers.

• Allah is Able. He can send strong wind accompanied by stones and pebbles against the disbelievers to destroy them if they insist on disbelieving in His Oneness.

• Warning the disbelievers of the evil consequences of disobeying Allah’s commands.

• The punishment that befell the former disbelievers is a lesson to those who are endowed with sound reason. They will learn from it and not follow in their footsteps. 

• Allah’s punishment is severe and it will certainly befall the disbelievers and the wrongdoers. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Mulk

English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Mulk

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk

The Noble Quran Surah Jonah English Translation and Tafsir 

 

Promise of Allah’s Forgiveness to the Believers

 

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 12-15 

67:12 Surely those who fear their Lord, though unseen, for them is forgiveness and a great reward.

67:13 And conceal your speech or proclaim it, He is the All-Knowing of what is in the breasts.

67:14 Shall He not know who created? And He is the Most Kind, the All-Aware. 

67:15 He is the One Who has made the earth subservient for you - so walk through its tracts and eat of His provision, and to Him is the Resurrection. 

Relationship with the Previous Part

In the previous part, the disbelievers are warned of Allah’s severe punishment in Hell on the Day of Judgment if they insist on disbelieving in His Oneness and His Messengers. Then, this part mentions the great forgiveness and reward that Allah has prepared for the believers in His Oneness and His Messengers and performing righteous deeds for His sake. This agrees with the typical style of the Quran, which mentions something, then mentions its opposite to make the contrast clear. It also mentions that Allah is the only Creator, who created the earth and made it subservient for people to live easily and comfortably on it.

Tafsir

67:12 Surely those who fear their Lord, though unseen, for them is forgiveness and a great reward.

Allah has prepared for those who fear Him by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions, though they do not see Him, forgiveness, and a great reward. They fear Allah in secret and public so that they avoid disobeying His commands and perform righteous deeds for His sake because they know that Allah sees them even if they do not see Him. Allah, the Generous, will forgive their sins, reward them immensely, and make them enter Paradise where they will enjoy lasting happiness. 

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, ‘Seven people, Allah will shad them under His Shade on a day when there will be no shade but His Shade. A just ruler; a young man, who grows up worshipping Allah; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two persons, who love one another for Allah’s sake; they meet and leave one another in such a state; a man, whom a noble and beautiful woman, tries to seduce him, but he says, ‘I fear Allah.’ A man, who secretly gives charity that his left hand does not know what his right hand spends. And a man, who remembers Allah in seclusion, and his eyes weep because he fears Allah.’ 

67:13 And conceal your speech or proclaim it, He is the All-Knowing of what is in the breasts.   

O people, whether you conceal your speech or proclaim it, Allah is the All-Knowing of what you hide in your breasts. Nothing is hidden from Allah. Allah knows your statements, your deeds, and your inner-self speech. Thus, beware lest you should disobey Allah in secret or public. Both are the same for Allah’s perfect knowledge. 

The secret is first mentioned in the ayah because a person usually begins thinking about something secretly, and then he may keep it secret or proclaim it. Moreover, the secret is mentioned first to warn of disobeying Allah in secret, as He knows it just as He knows the public.

67:14 Shall He not know who created? And He is the Most Kind, the All-Aware. 

Shall Allah, the Creator, not know His creatures? Allah created man and He knows best about him. Allah knows all matters, great or small, and apparent or hidden. Nothing is hidden from Allah, the All-Knowing. Allah is the Most Kind and the All-Aware. He manages the affairs of His creatures kindly and wisely. 

67:15 He is the One Who has made the earth subservient for you - so walk through its tracts and eat of His provision, and to Him is the Resurrection. 

Allah, Exalted be He, has made the earth subservient for people. He has made it level so that they can live and move easily and comfortably on it. Allah has created high and firm mountains on the earth so that it will not shake. Allah has also caused rivers to flow on the earth and made paths so that its inhabitants can move easily on it. 

O people, walk through the earth’s tracts and paths and go wherever you want to seek livelihood and eat of the provision that Allah has provided for you. You will live on the earth for a specific time, but at the end of your life, you will return to Allah, your Creator, when He will resurrect you for reckoning on the Day of resurrection. Thus, beware of disobeying Allah’s commands in secret or public. Allah will justly recompense you for your deeds, good or evil.

People are heedless of the blessing of living easily and comfortably on the earth because they are accustomed to it. Therefore, they forget Allah’s great blessing by making the earth subservient for them and providing them with all subsistence that they need for their life. Thus, the Quran reminds people of this blessing and invites us to appreciate it by worshipping Allah alone, obeying His commands, and seeking lawful means to attain livelihood after complete dependence on Allah, Exalted be He.

It should be noted that no matter how diligently people seek livelihood on earth, they cannot achieve any positive result to have it except by Allah’s help. Therefore, they must put their trust in Allah first, and then do their best to attain the prevision that is preordained for them. 

Ayah [15] is evidence of Allah’s perfect ability and blessings on people, that seeking means to achieve desired goals does not contradict depending on Allah to acquire them. It also proves that it is recommended to practice trade. 

Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased  with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, ‘If you put your trust in Allah as you should rely on Him, He will provide for you like the birds that go out hungry in the morning, and return satisfied in the evening.’ 

In sum, the intended meaning is warning to the disbelievers. They should know that Allah knows their secret and public and nothing of their affairs is hidden from Him. They should also know that Allah is the Giver of all blessings that they enjoy in the life of this world. Thus, they must worship Him alone and fear the evil end of disobeying His commands on the Day of Resurrection when all creatures will return to Allah for reckoning.

Furthermore, Muslims should do their best to benefit from all resources that Allah has given them to achieve independence from other nations whether in their food, clothing, and all their needs. As much as they fail to benefit from the earth’s resources, as much as they will depend on other nations. 

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 12-15  

• Fearing Allah’s punishment and doing one’s best to resist Satan’s temptations is obligatory. Those who fear Allah in secret and public though they do not see Him will have forgiveness and a great reward from Allah by entering Paradise and enjoying lasting happiness therein.

• Allah knows the secret and the public. He knows what people hide in their breasts and nothing of their affairs is hidden from Him, Exalted be He. Thus, they should beware of disobeying Him whether in secret or public.

• Allah is the Creator of all creatures; therefore, He knows all their affairs. 

• Allah has made all that on earth subservient for man. Thus, he should do his best to benefit from all resources available on it to satisfy all his needs. 

• People will return to Allah for reckoning on the Day of Resurrection and He will justly recompense them for their deeds, good or evil. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Mulk

English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Mulk

The Noble Quran Surah Yusuf English Translation and Tafsir

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk

 

Punishing the Disobedient and the Disbelievers

 

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk 6-11 

67:6 And for those who disbelieve in their Lord is the torment of Hell, the wretched end. 

67:7 When they are cast therein, they will hear it roaring as it boils. 

67:8 Almost bursting with rage, whenever a group is cast therein, its keepers ask them, ‘Did not a warner come to you?’

67:9 They say, ‘Yes, verily, a warner came to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has not revealed anything. You are not but in great error.’’

67:10 And they say, ‘Had we listened or reasoned, we would not have been of the dwellers of the Blaze.’

67:11 Thus they confess their sins, so away with the dwellers of the Blaze.

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part mentions the severe punishment that is prepared for the devils in the life of this world and the Hereafter. Then, this part mentions that severe punishment that is awaiting the disobedient and the disbelievers in the Hereafter. It also refers to some attributes of Hell and some of its horrors.

Tafsir 

67:6 And for those who disbelieve in their Lord is the torment of Hell, the wretched end. 

Those who disbelieve in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers, whether belonging to the jinn or men, in the life of this world, will suffer the painful torment of Hell on the Day of Judgment. What a wretched end Hell will be for the disbelievers!  

67:7 When they are cast therein, they will hear it roaring as it boils. 

When the disbelievers are cast into Hell, just as firewood is cast into the fire, they will hear it roaring as it boils. Its sound will be extremely horrible, which is similar to the braying of a donkey or an extremely angry person. 

67:8 Almost bursting with rage, whenever a group is cast therein, its keepers ask them, ‘Did not a warner come to you?’

Whenever a group of the disbelievers is cast into Hell, it will be extremely enraged that it will almost burst and split. The keepers of Hell will ask the disbelievers and say, ‘Did not a warner, who warned you of the severe punishment of Allah on the Day of Judgment, come to you when you were alive in the worldly life? Did not Allah’s Messengers warn you of the evil end of disbelieving Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers?’ The interrogation is for criticism and reproach. 

67:9 They say, ‘Yes, verily, a warner came to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has not revealed anything. You are not but in great error.’’

The disbelievers will reply to the wrathful question of the keepers of Hell. They will say, ‘Yes, verily, a warner, who warned us of the severe punishment of Allah in Hell in the Hereafter, came to us in the worldly life. He commanded us to worship Allah alone and avoid worshipping false gods besides Him, but we denied the warner and said to him that Allah did not reveal anything to you. You are not but in great error. You do not know the right path; rather, you are misguided.’ 

67:10 And they say, ‘Had we listened or reasoned, we would not have been of the dwellers of the Blaze.’

Then, the surah mentions another scene of the disbelievers in Hell. It portrays the deep regret they will express for the evil end and the severe punishment that they experience in Hell. 

The disbelievers will say, ‘Had we listened to the Messengers of Allah, who warned us of the severe punishment of Allah on the Day of Judgment if we insisted on disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers in the worldly life, we would not have been of the dwellers of the blazing fire of Hell. Had we reasoned what the Messengers of Allah told us of the evil end of disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness and following the path of misguidance, we would not have been of the dwellers of Hell, where we suffer lasting torment.’ Listening is mentioned first in the ayah because one usually hears something, then he reasons it and tries to understand it. Furthermore, listening in the ayah does not mean the mechanical process of hearing by the ear; rather, it refers to listening with the intention to think about something and try to understand it. 

67:11 Thus they confess their sins, so away with the dwellers of the Blaze.

When the matter is decided and the disbelievers are cast into Hell, they will be certain that they can never escape from the severe torment of Hell. At that moment, they will confess their sins, but alas! Regret and confessing of their sins will not avail them. Only belief in Allah’s Oneness and righteous deeds that are done for Allah’s sake will be beneficial on the Day of Judgment.

Regretfully, the disbelievers will confess the sins that they did in the worldly life. They will acknowledge that Allah sent them warners, who warned them of the evil end of disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness. They will admit that Allah has not wronged them; rather, they wronged themselves by disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness and following the path of misguidance. 

So away with the dwellers of the Blaze.

So away with the dwellers of the blazing fire of Hell. So away with the disbelievers, who insist on following the path of destruction.  

Learned Lessons from Surah Al-Mulk Ayah 6-11

• For the disbelievers in Allah and His Messengers will be Hell, where they will suffer severe and lasting punishment.

• Hell will be extremely enraged when the disbelievers are cast therein. It will be boiling and produce a terrible sound whenever the disbelievers are thrown into it out of great rage. 

• The keepers of Hell criticizingly, will ask the disbelievers and say, ‘Did not a warner, who warned you of Allah’s severe punishment come to you in the worldly life?’

• On the Day of Judgment, the disbelievers will reap the evil fruit of their disbelief in Allah’s Oneness. They will confess that Allah sent them Messengers, who warned them of His punishment if they insisted on following the path of misguidance. 

• On the Day of Judgment, the disbelievers will admit that they did not use properly the faculty of hearing and reason in the worldly life. They will acknowledge that they did not listen to the invitation of the Messengers of Allah with the intention of understanding them; rather, they were arrogant to even try to comprehend what the Messengers of Allah said to them. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah Al-Mulk

English Translation of Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Mulk

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Mulk 1-5

The Noble Quran Surah Yusuf English Translation and Tafsir