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Surah 72 of 114

Al-Jin

28 verses
Hamzat WaslSilentGhunnahIkhfaIkhfa ShafawiIqlabIdgham (w/ ghunnah)Idgham (no ghunnah)Idgham ShafawiQalqalahNormal ProlongationPermissible ProlongationObligatory ProlongationNecessary Prolongation
1
قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا
Say, [O Muhammad], "It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn listened and said, 'Indeed, we have heard an amazing Qur’an.
قُلۡSay,
أُوحِىَ`It has been revealed
إِلَىَّto me
أَنَّهُthat
ٱسۡتَمَعَlistened
نَفَرٌ۬a group
مِّنَof
ٱلۡجِنِّthe jinn,
فَقَالُوٓاْand they said,
إِنَّا`Indeed, we
سَمِعۡنَاheard
قُرۡءَانًاa Quran
عَجَبً۬اamazing,
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

2
يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا
It guides to the right course, and we have believed in it. And we will never associate with our Lord anyone.
يَہۡدِىٓIt guides
إِلَىto
ٱلرُّشۡدِthe right way,
فَـَٔـامَنَّاso we believe
بِهِۦ‌ۖin it,
وَلَنand never
نُّشۡرِكَwe will associate
بِرَبِّنَآwith our Lord
أَحَدً۬اanyone.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

3
وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا
And [it teaches] that exalted is the nobleness of our Lord; He has not taken a wife or a son
وَأَنَّهُ ۥAnd that He -
تَعَـٰلَىٰExalted is
جَدُّ(the) Majesty
رَبِّنَا(of) our Lord -
مَاnot
ٱتَّخَذَHe has taken
صَـٰحِبَةً۬a wife
وَلَاand not
وَلَدً۬اa son,
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

4
وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا
And that our foolish one has been saying about Allah an excessive transgression.
وَأَنَّهُ ۥAnd that he
كَانَused
يَقُولُ(to) speak -
سَفِيہُنَاthe foolish among us
عَلَىagainst
ٱللَّهِAllah
شَطَطً۬اan excessive transgression.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

5
وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا
And we had thought that mankind and the jinn would never speak about Allah a lie.
وَأَنَّاAnd that we
ظَنَنَّآthought
أَنthat
لَّنnever
تَقُولَwill say
ٱلۡإِنسُthe men
وَٱلۡجِنُّand the jinn,
عَلَىagainst
ٱللَّهِAllah
كَذِبً۬اany lie.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

6
وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا
And there were men from mankind who sought refuge in men from the jinn, so they [only] increased them in burden.
وَأَنَّهُ ۥAnd that
كَانَ(there) were
رِجَالٌ۬men
مِّنَamong
ٱلۡإِنسِmankind
يَعُوذُونَwho sought refuge
بِرِجَالٍ۬in (the) men
مِّنَfrom
ٱلۡجِنِّthe jinn,
فَزَادُوهُمۡso they increased them
رَهَقً۬ا(in) burden.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

7
وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا
And they had thought, as you thought, that Allah would never send anyone [as a messenger].
وَأَنَّہُمۡAnd that they
ظَنُّواْthought
كَمَاas
ظَنَنتُمۡyou thought
أَنthat
لَّنnever
يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُwill Allah raise
أَحَدً۬اanyone.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Which was revealed in Makkah

﴿ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

﴿ قُلۡ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ أَنَّهُ ٱسۡتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا سَمِعۡنَا قُرۡءَانًا عَجَبً۬ا يَہۡدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلرُّشۡدِ فَـَٔامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَلَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِرَبِّنَآ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ يَقُولُ سَفِيہُنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ شَطَطً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن تَقُولَ ٱلۡإِنسُ وَٱلۡجِنُّ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(1. Say: "It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened. They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation!') (2. `It guides to the right path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join anything with our Lord.') (3. `And He, exalted be the Jadd of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.') (4. `And that the foolish among us used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood.') (5. `And verily, we thought that men and Jinn would not utter a lie against Allah.') (6. `And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.') (7. `And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.')

8
وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا
And we have sought [to reach] the heaven but found it filled with powerful guards and burning flames.
وَأَنَّاAnd that we
لَمَسۡنَاsought to touch
ٱلسَّمَآءَthe heaven
فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَاbut we found it
مُلِئَتۡfilled (with)
حَرَسً۬اguards
شَدِيدً۬اsevere,
وَشُہُبً۬اand flaming fires.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Among the Causes of the Transgression of the Jinns were that Humans sought Refuge with Them

Allah says,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, `we used to think that we had some virtuous status over mankind because they used to seek refuge with us whenever they (men) would settle in a valley or any place in the wilderness, the open country steppes and other places.' This was the custom of the Arabs in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance. They used to seek refuge with the greatest Jinn of a particular place so that no harm or evil would afflict them. Like one would do if he entered into the land of his enemies, in the vicinity of a great and powerful man, he would seek the protection and guardianship of that man. So when the Jinns saw that the humans were seeking refuge with them due to their fear of them, they increased them in Rahaq which means fear, terror and fright. They did this so that the people would be more afraid of them and seek refuge with them even more. As Qatadah said concerning this Ayah,

﴿ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(but they increased them in Rahaq.) means, "the Jinns were courageous and increased in insolence against them.'' As-Suddi said, "A man used to set out with his family (on a journey) until he came to a piece of land where he would settle. Then he would say, `I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley from the Jinns, or that myself, my wealth, my child or my animals are harmed in it.''' Qatadah said, "When they sought refuge with them instead of Allah, the Jinns would overcome them with harm because of that.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from `Ikrimah that he said, "The Jinns used to fear humans just like humans fear them, or even worse. So whenever humans would come to a valley the Jinns would flee. So the leader of the people would say, `We seek refuge with the leader of the inhabitants of this valley.' So the Jinns said, `We see these people fleeing from us just like we flee from them.' Thus, the Jinns started coming near the humans and afflicting them with insanity and madness.'' Thus, Allah said,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, in sin. Abu `Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` and Zayd bin Aslam, all said,

﴿ رَهَقً۬ا

(in Rahaq) "This means in fear.'' Mujahid said, "The disbelievers would increase in transgression.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(And they thought as you thought,) means, "the Jinns were courageous and increased in insolence against them.'' As-Suddi said, "A man used to set out with his family (on a journey) until he came to a piece of land where he would settle. Then he would say, `I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley from the Jinns, or that myself, my wealth, my child or my animals are harmed in it.''' Qatadah said, "When they sought refuge with them instead of Allah, the Jinns would overcome them with harm because of that.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from `Ikrimah that he said, "The Jinns used to fear humans just like humans fear them, or even worse. So whenever humans would come to a valley the Jinns would flee. So the leader of the people would say, `We seek refuge with the leader of the inhabitants of this valley.' So the Jinns said, `We see these people fleeing from us just like we flee from them.' Thus, the Jinns started coming near the humans and afflicting them with insanity and madness.'' Thus, Allah said,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, in sin. Abu `Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` and Zayd bin Aslam, all said,

﴿ رَهَقً۬ا

(in Rahaq) "This means in fear.'' Mujahid said, "The disbelievers would increase in transgression.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.) meaning, Allah would never send a Messenger after this long period of time. This was said by Al-Kalbi and Ibn Jarir.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(8. `And we have sought to reach the heaven; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.') (9. `And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.') (10. `And we know not whether evil is intended for those on the earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.')

9
وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا
And we used to sit therein in positions for hearing, but whoever listens now will find a burning flame lying in wait for him.
وَأَنَّاAnd that we
كُنَّاused (to)
نَقۡعُدُsit
مِنۡہَاthere in
مَقَـٰعِدَpositions
لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖfor hearing,
فَمَنbut (he) who
يَسۡتَمِعِlistens
ٱلۡأَنَnow
يَجِدۡwill find
لَهُ ۥfor him
شِہَابً۬اa flaming fire
رَّصَدً۬اwaiting.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Among the Causes of the Transgression of the Jinns were that Humans sought Refuge with Them

Allah says,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, `we used to think that we had some virtuous status over mankind because they used to seek refuge with us whenever they (men) would settle in a valley or any place in the wilderness, the open country steppes and other places.' This was the custom of the Arabs in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance. They used to seek refuge with the greatest Jinn of a particular place so that no harm or evil would afflict them. Like one would do if he entered into the land of his enemies, in the vicinity of a great and powerful man, he would seek the protection and guardianship of that man. So when the Jinns saw that the humans were seeking refuge with them due to their fear of them, they increased them in Rahaq which means fear, terror and fright. They did this so that the people would be more afraid of them and seek refuge with them even more. As Qatadah said concerning this Ayah,

﴿ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(but they increased them in Rahaq.) means, "the Jinns were courageous and increased in insolence against them.'' As-Suddi said, "A man used to set out with his family (on a journey) until he came to a piece of land where he would settle. Then he would say, `I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley from the Jinns, or that myself, my wealth, my child or my animals are harmed in it.''' Qatadah said, "When they sought refuge with them instead of Allah, the Jinns would overcome them with harm because of that.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from `Ikrimah that he said, "The Jinns used to fear humans just like humans fear them, or even worse. So whenever humans would come to a valley the Jinns would flee. So the leader of the people would say, `We seek refuge with the leader of the inhabitants of this valley.' So the Jinns said, `We see these people fleeing from us just like we flee from them.' Thus, the Jinns started coming near the humans and afflicting them with insanity and madness.'' Thus, Allah said,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, in sin. Abu `Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` and Zayd bin Aslam, all said,

﴿ رَهَقً۬ا

(in Rahaq) "This means in fear.'' Mujahid said, "The disbelievers would increase in transgression.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(And they thought as you thought,) means, "the Jinns were courageous and increased in insolence against them.'' As-Suddi said, "A man used to set out with his family (on a journey) until he came to a piece of land where he would settle. Then he would say, `I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley from the Jinns, or that myself, my wealth, my child or my animals are harmed in it.''' Qatadah said, "When they sought refuge with them instead of Allah, the Jinns would overcome them with harm because of that.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from `Ikrimah that he said, "The Jinns used to fear humans just like humans fear them, or even worse. So whenever humans would come to a valley the Jinns would flee. So the leader of the people would say, `We seek refuge with the leader of the inhabitants of this valley.' So the Jinns said, `We see these people fleeing from us just like we flee from them.' Thus, the Jinns started coming near the humans and afflicting them with insanity and madness.'' Thus, Allah said,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, in sin. Abu `Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` and Zayd bin Aslam, all said,

﴿ رَهَقً۬ا

(in Rahaq) "This means in fear.'' Mujahid said, "The disbelievers would increase in transgression.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.) meaning, Allah would never send a Messenger after this long period of time. This was said by Al-Kalbi and Ibn Jarir.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(8. `And we have sought to reach the heaven; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.') (9. `And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.') (10. `And we know not whether evil is intended for those on the earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.')

10
وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا
And we do not know [therefore] whether evil is intended for those on earth or whether their Lord intends for them a right course.
وَأَنَّاAnd that we -
لَاnot
نَدۡرِىٓwe know
أَشَرٌّwhether evil
أُرِيدَis intended
بِمَنfor (those) who
فِى(are) in
ٱلۡأَرۡضِthe earth
أَمۡor
أَرَادَintends
بِہِمۡfor them
رَبُّہُمۡtheir Lord
رَشَدً۬اa right path.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Among the Causes of the Transgression of the Jinns were that Humans sought Refuge with Them

Allah says,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, `we used to think that we had some virtuous status over mankind because they used to seek refuge with us whenever they (men) would settle in a valley or any place in the wilderness, the open country steppes and other places.' This was the custom of the Arabs in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance. They used to seek refuge with the greatest Jinn of a particular place so that no harm or evil would afflict them. Like one would do if he entered into the land of his enemies, in the vicinity of a great and powerful man, he would seek the protection and guardianship of that man. So when the Jinns saw that the humans were seeking refuge with them due to their fear of them, they increased them in Rahaq which means fear, terror and fright. They did this so that the people would be more afraid of them and seek refuge with them even more. As Qatadah said concerning this Ayah,

﴿ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(but they increased them in Rahaq.) means, "the Jinns were courageous and increased in insolence against them.'' As-Suddi said, "A man used to set out with his family (on a journey) until he came to a piece of land where he would settle. Then he would say, `I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley from the Jinns, or that myself, my wealth, my child or my animals are harmed in it.''' Qatadah said, "When they sought refuge with them instead of Allah, the Jinns would overcome them with harm because of that.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from `Ikrimah that he said, "The Jinns used to fear humans just like humans fear them, or even worse. So whenever humans would come to a valley the Jinns would flee. So the leader of the people would say, `We seek refuge with the leader of the inhabitants of this valley.' So the Jinns said, `We see these people fleeing from us just like we flee from them.' Thus, the Jinns started coming near the humans and afflicting them with insanity and madness.'' Thus, Allah said,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, in sin. Abu `Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` and Zayd bin Aslam, all said,

﴿ رَهَقً۬ا

(in Rahaq) "This means in fear.'' Mujahid said, "The disbelievers would increase in transgression.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(And they thought as you thought,) means, "the Jinns were courageous and increased in insolence against them.'' As-Suddi said, "A man used to set out with his family (on a journey) until he came to a piece of land where he would settle. Then he would say, `I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley from the Jinns, or that myself, my wealth, my child or my animals are harmed in it.''' Qatadah said, "When they sought refuge with them instead of Allah, the Jinns would overcome them with harm because of that.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from `Ikrimah that he said, "The Jinns used to fear humans just like humans fear them, or even worse. So whenever humans would come to a valley the Jinns would flee. So the leader of the people would say, `We seek refuge with the leader of the inhabitants of this valley.' So the Jinns said, `We see these people fleeing from us just like we flee from them.' Thus, the Jinns started coming near the humans and afflicting them with insanity and madness.'' Thus, Allah said,

﴿ وَأَنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمۡ رَهَقً۬ا

(And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the Jinn, but they increased them in Rahaq.) meaning, in sin. Abu `Aliyah, Ar-Rabi` and Zayd bin Aslam, all said,

﴿ رَهَقً۬ا

(in Rahaq) "This means in fear.'' Mujahid said, "The disbelievers would increase in transgression.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَنَّہُمۡ ظَنُّواْ كَمَا ظَنَنتُمۡ أَن لَّن يَبۡعَثَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدً۬ا

(And they thought as you thought, that Allah will not send any Messenger.) meaning, Allah would never send a Messenger after this long period of time. This was said by Al-Kalbi and Ibn Jarir.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(8. `And we have sought to reach the heaven; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.') (9. `And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.') (10. `And we know not whether evil is intended for those on the earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.')

11
وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا
And among us are the righteous, and among us are [others] not so; we were [of] divided ways.
وَأَنَّاAnd that
مِنَّاamong us
ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ(are) the righteous
وَمِنَّاand among us
دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ(are) other than that.
كُنَّاWe
طَرَآٮِٕقَ(are on) ways
قِدَدً۬اdifferent.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

12
وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا
And we have become certain that we will never cause failure to Allah upon earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.
وَأَنَّاAnd that we
ظَنَنَّآ[we] have become certain
أَنthat
لَّنnever
نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَwe will cause failure to Allah
فِىin
ٱلۡأَرۡضِthe earth
وَلَنand never
نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥwe can escape Him
هَرَبً۬ا(by) flight.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

13
وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا
And when we heard the guidance, we believed in it. And whoever believes in his Lord will not fear deprivation or burden.
وَأَنَّاAnd that
لَمَّاwhen
سَمِعۡنَاwe heard
ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓthe Guidance
ءَامَنَّاwe believed
بِهِۦ‌ۖin it.
فَمَنAnd whoever
يُؤۡمِنۢbelieves
بِرَبِّهِۦin his Lord,
فَلَاthen not
يَخَافُhe will fear
بَخۡسً۬اany loss
وَلَاand not
رَهَقً۬اany burden.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

14
وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا
And among us are Muslims [in submission to Allah], and among us are the unjust. And whoever has become Muslim – those have sought out the right course.
وَأَنَّاAnd that we,
مِنَّاamong us
ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ(are) Muslims
وَمِنَّاand among us
ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ(are) unjust.
فَمَنۡAnd whoever
أَسۡلَمَsubmits,
فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَthen those
تَحَرَّوۡاْhave sought
رَشَدً۬ا(the) right path.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

15
وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا
But as for the unjust, they will be, for Hell, firewood.'
وَأَمَّاAnd as for
ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَthe unjust,
فَكَانُواْthey will be,
لِجَهَنَّمَfor Hell,
حَطَبً۬اfirewood.``
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

16
وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا
And [Allah revealed] that if they had remained straight on the way, We would have given them abundant provision
وَأَلَّوِAnd if
ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْthey had remained
عَلَىon
ٱلطَّرِيقَةِthe Way,
لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُمsurely We (would) have given them to drink
مَّآءًwater
غَدَقً۬ا(in) abundance,
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

17
لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا
So We might test them therein. And whoever turns away from the remembrance of his Lord He will put into arduous punishment.
لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡThat We might test them
فِيهِ‌ۚtherein.
وَمَنAnd whoever
يُعۡرِضۡturns away
عَنfrom
ذِكۡرِthe Remembrance
رَبِّهِۦ(of) his Lord,
يَسۡلُكۡهُHe will make him enter
عَذَابً۬اa punishment
صَعَدً۬اsevere.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The Jinns stealing Information from the Sky before the the Messenger was sent and striking Them with flaming Fire after His Coming

Allah informs about the Jinns when He sent His Messenger Muhammad and revealed the Qur'an to him. Among the ways He protected it (the Qur'an) was by filling sky with stern guards guarding it from all of its sides. The devils were then expelled from the places where they used to sit prior to that. This was so that they could not steal anything from the Qur'an and tell it to the soothsayers, thereby causing matters to be confused and mixed up. If this happened it would not be known who was being truthful. Allah did this out of His kindness to His creation, His mercy upon His servants and His protection of His Mighty Book (the Qur'an). This is why the Jinns said,

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَمَسۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدۡنَـٰهَا مُلِئَتۡ حَرَسً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا وَشُہُبً۬ا وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقۡعُدُ مِنۡہَا مَقَـٰعِدَ لِلسَّمۡعِ‌ۖ فَمَن يَسۡتَمِعِ ٱلۡأَنَ يَجِدۡ لَهُ ۥ شِہَابً۬ا رَّصَدً۬ا

(And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) a hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.) meaning, whoever would like to steal some information by listening, he will find a flaming fire waiting in ambush for him. It will not pass him or miss him, but it will wipe him out and destroy him completely.

﴿ وَأَنَّا لَا نَدۡرِىٓ أَشَرٌّ أُرِيدَ بِمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ أَرَادَ بِہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ رَشَدً۬ا

(And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them guidance.) meaning, `we do not know if this -- the matter which has occurred in the sky -- is intended for those who are in the earth or if their Lord intends some guidance for them.' They stated this in such a manner out of their etiquette in phrasing their speech, because they did not attribute the doing of evil to anyone and they attributed the good to Allah. Verily, it has been recorded in the Sahih,

« وَالشَّرُّ لَيْسَ إِلَيْك »

(And evil is not attributed to You (Allah).) It used to be that shooting stars (meteors) occurred before this, however it did not happen much, rather only occasionally. As was reported in the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas when he said, "While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a shooting star flashed in the sky. So the Prophet said,

« مَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا؟ »

(What did you all used to say about this) We replied, "We used to say that a great person has been born and a great person has died.'' The Prophet said,

« لَيْسَ كَذَلِكَ، وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ إِذَا قَضَى الْأَمْرَ فِي السَّمَاء »

(This is not so, rather whenever Allah decrees a matter in the heaven...)'' and then he went on to narrate the rest of the Hadith which we have already mentioned in its entirety in Surah Saba'. This is what caused them to seek the reason for this occurrence. So they set out searching in the east and the west. Then they found the Messenger of Allah reciting (the Qur'an) while leading his Companions in prayer. Thus, they knew that this Qur'an was the reason for the sky being guarded. Therefore, some among them believed in it and the others became more rebellious in their transgression. A discussion of this has preceded in a Hadith of Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement in Surat Al-Ahqaf,

﴿ وَإِذۡ صَرَفۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ نَفَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ يَسۡتَمِعُونَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ

(And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad) a group of the Jinn (quietly) listening to the Qur'an.) (46:29) There is no doubt that when so many shooting stars began appearing in the sky, it horrified humans and Jinns alike. They were very disturbed and alarmed by it. They thought that it was the destruction of the world. As-Suddi said, "The sky was never guarded except if there was a Prophet in the earth or the religion of Allah was victorious and dominant in the earth.'' So the devils before the time of Muhammad had taken sitting stations for themselves in the heaven of this world and they would listen to the matters that occurred in the heaven. But when Allah sent Muhammad as a Prophet and Messenger, they were suddenly pelted one night (with the flaming, shooting stars). So the people of Ta'if were frightened because of this and they began to say, `The dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.' This was because they saw the severe fires in the sky and the shooting flames. They began freeing their servants and abandoning their luxuries. So `Abd Yalayl bin `Amr bin `Umayr said to them and he was referred to for judgement among them "Woe to you O people of Ta'if! Hold on to your wealth and look at these guiding stars in the sky. If you see them remaining in their place, then the dwellers of the sky have not been destroyed, rather this has happened because of Ibn Abi Kabshah (-- meaning Muhammad ). And if you look and see that you can no longer see these stars, then verily the dwellers of the sky have been destroyed.'' So, they looked and saw that the stars still remained, and thus, they kept their wealth. The devils also were frightened during that night. They went to Iblis and informed him of what happened to them. So he (Iblis) said, "Bring me a handful of dirt from every land so that I may smell it.'' So they brought it and he smelled it and said, "It is your friend in Makkah.'' Then he sent a group of seven Jinns to Makkah, and they found the Prophet of Allah standing in prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram while reciting the Qur'an. They drew near to him eager to hear the Qur'an, until their chests almost pressed against him. Then they accepted Islam and Allah revealed their matter to His Messenger . We have mentioned this chapter in its entirety in the first section of the Kitab As-Sirah with lengthy discussion. Allah knows best and unto Him is all praise and blessings.

﴿ وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنَّا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ‌ۖ كُنَّا طَرَآٮِٕقَ قِدَدً۬ا وَأَنَّا ظَنَنَّآ أَن لَّن نُّعۡجِزَ ٱللَّهَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَن نُّعۡجِزَهُ ۥ هَرَبً۬ا وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا وَأَنَّا مِنَّا ٱلۡمُسۡلِمُونَ وَمِنَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَسۡلَمَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ تَحَرَّوۡاْ رَشَدً۬ا وَأَمَّا ٱلۡقَـٰسِطُونَ فَكَانُواْ لِجَهَنَّمَ حَطَبً۬ا وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا لِّنَفۡتِنَهُمۡ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(11. `There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways.') (12.`And we think that we cannot escape Allah in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.') (13. `And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein, and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.') (14. `And of us some are Muslims, and of us some are Al-Qasitun. And whosoever has embraced Islam, then such have sought the right path.' '') (15. And as for the Qasitun, they shall be firewood for Hell.) (16. If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way, We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) (17. That We might try them thereby. And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.)

18
وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا
And [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone.
وَأَنَّAnd that
ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَthe masajid
لِلَّهِ(are) for Allah,
فَلَاso (do) not
تَدۡعُواْcall
مَعَwith
ٱللَّهِAllah
أَحَدً۬اanyone.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

19
وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا
And that when the Servant of Allah stood up supplicating Him, they almost became about him a compacted mass."
وَأَنَّهُ ۥAnd that
لَمَّاwhen
قَامَstood up
عَبۡدُ(the) slave
ٱللَّهِ(of) Allah
يَدۡعُوهُcalling (upon) Him,
كَادُواْthey almost
يَكُونُونَbecame
عَلَيۡهِaround him
لِبَدً۬اa compacted mass.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

20
قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا
Say, [O Muhammad], "I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone."
قُلۡSay,
إِنَّمَآ`Only
أَدۡعُواْI call upon
رَبِّىmy Lord,
وَلَآand not
أُشۡرِكُI associate
بِهِۦۤwith Him
أَحَدً۬اanyone.`
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

21
قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا
Say, "Indeed, I do not possess for you [the power of] harm or right direction."
قُلۡSay,
إِنِّى`Indeed, I
لَآ(do) not
أَمۡلِكُpossess
لَكُمۡfor you
ضَرًّ۬اany harm
وَلَاand not
رَشَدً۬اright path.`
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

22
قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا
Say, "Indeed, there will never protect me from Allah anyone [if I should disobey], nor will I find in other than Him a refuge.
قُلۡSay,
إِنِّى`Indeed I,
لَنnever
يُجِيرَنِىcan protect me
مِنَfrom
ٱللَّهِAllah
أَحَدٌ۬anyone,
وَلَنۡand never
أَجِدَcan I find
مِن دُونِهِۦbesides Him
مُلۡتَحَدًاany refuge.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

23
إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا
But [I have for you] only notification from Allah, and His messages." And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger – then indeed, for him is the fire of Hell; they will abide therein forever.
إِلَّاBut
بَلَـٰغً۬ا(the) notification
مِّنَfrom
ٱللَّهِAllah
وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚand His Messages.`
وَمَنAnd whoever
يَعۡصِdisobeys
ٱللَّهَAllah
وَرَسُولَهُ ۥand His Messenger,
فَإِنَّthen indeed,
لَهُ ۥfor him
نَارَ(is the) Fire
جَهَنَّمَ(of) Hell,
خَـٰلِدِينَ(they will) abide
فِيہَآtherein
أَبَدًاforever.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

24
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا
[The disbelievers continue] until, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who is weaker in helpers and less in number.
حَتَّىٰٓUntil,
إِذَاwhen
رَأَوۡاْthey see
مَاwhat
يُوعَدُونَthey are promised,
فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَthen they will know
مَنۡwho
أَضۡعَفُ(is) weaker
نَاصِرً۬ا(in) helpers
وَأَقَلُّand fewer
عَدَدً۬ا(in) number.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Mentioning Those Who held this View

Al-`Awfi reported similar to this from Ibn `Abbas, and likewise said Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Muqatil said, "This Ayah was revealed about the disbelievers of the Quraysh when they were deprived of rain for seven years.'' The Second View

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) meaning, of misguidance.

﴿ لَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰهُم مَّآءً غَدَقً۬ا

(We would surely have bestowed on them water in abundance.) meaning, `then We would have increased their sustenance to allow a gradual respite.' As Allah says,

﴿ فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبَ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُواْ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓاْ أَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبۡلِسُونَ

(So, when they forgot that with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of everything, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. ) (6:44) Allah also says,

﴿ أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

(Do they think that in wealth and children with which We expand them. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, but they perceive not.) (23:55,56) This is the view of Abu Mijlaz and it agrees with the opinion of Ibn Humayd. For verily, he (Ibn Humayd) said concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ ٱسۡتَقَـٰمُواْ عَلَى ٱلطَّرِيقَةِ

(If they had believed in Allah, and went on the way,) "This means the path of misguidance.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this. Al-Baghawi also mentioned it from Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Zayd bin Aslam, Al-Kalbi and Ibn Kaysan. It seems that he (Al-Baghawi) took this position. And it is supported by Allah's saying, "That We might try them thereby.'' Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ وَمَن يُعۡرِضۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّهِۦ يَسۡلُكۡهُ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(And whosoever turns away from the Reminder of his Lord, He will cause him to enter in a Sa`ad torment.) meaning, a harsh, severe, agonizing and painful punishment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Ibn Zayd, all said,

﴿ عَذَابً۬ا صَعَدً۬ا

(in a Sa`ad torment.) "This means harsh having no relaxation in it.'' It has also been reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said, "It is a mountain in Hell.'' It has been related from Sa`id bin Jubayr that he said, "It is a well in Hell.''

﴿ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدۡعُواْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدً۬ا وَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدۡعُوهُ كَادُواْ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡهِ لِبَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَدۡعُواْ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ بِهِۦۤ أَحَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَآ أَمۡلِكُ لَكُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا رَشَدً۬ا قُلۡ إِنِّى لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬ وَلَنۡ أَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلۡتَحَدًا إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(18. And the Masjids are for Allah, so invoke not anyone along with Allah.) (19. And when the servant of Allah stood up invoking Him in prayer they just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other.) (20. Say: "I invoke only my Lord, and I associate none as partners along with Him.'') (21. Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the right path.'') (22. Say: "None can protect me from Allah's punishment, nor can I find refuge except in Him.'') (23. "(Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages, and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.'') (24. Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.)

25
قُلۡ إِنۡ أَدۡرِىٓ أَقَرِيبٌ۬ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ أَمۡ يَجۡعَلُ لَهُ ۥ رَبِّىٓ أَمَدًا
Say, "I do not know if what you are promised is near or if my Lord will grant for it a [long] period."
قُلۡSay,
إِنۡ`Not
أَدۡرِىٓI know
أَقَرِيبٌ۬whether is near
مَّاwhat
تُوعَدُونَyou are promised
أَمۡor (whether)
يَجۡعَلُwill appoint
لَهُ ۥfor it
رَبِّىٓmy Lord
أَمَدًاa (distant) term.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

It is only obligatory upon the Messenger to convey the Message

Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ

((Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages,) This is an exception related to the previous statement,

﴿ لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬

(None can protect me from Allah's punishment,) meaning, `nothing can save me from Him and rescue me except my conveyance of the Message that He has obligated me to carry out.' This is as Allah says,

﴿ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلرَّسُولُ بَلِّغۡ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ وَإِن لَّمۡ تَفۡعَلۡ فَمَا بَلَّغۡتَ رِسَالَتَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡصِمُكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۗ

(O Messenger! Proclaim which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind.) (5:67) Then Allah says,

﴿ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا

(and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.) meaning, `I will convey unto you all the Messages of Allah, so whoever disobeys after that, then his reward will be the fire of Hell wherein he will abide forever.' This means, they will not be able to avoid it nor escape from it. Then Allah says,

﴿ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.) meaning, until these idolators from the Jinns and humans see what has been promised to them on the Day of Judgement. Then on that day, they will know who's helpers are weaker and fewer in number -- them or the believers who worship Allah alone. This means that the idolators have no helper at all and they are fewer in number than the soldiers of Allah.

﴿ قُلۡ إِنۡ أَدۡرِىٓ أَقَرِيبٌ۬ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ أَمۡ يَجۡعَلُ لَهُ ۥ رَبِّىٓ أَمَدًا عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ فَلَا يُظۡهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيۡبِهِۦۤ أَحَدًا إِلَّا مَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ مِن رَّسُولٍ۬ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَسۡلُكُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِ يَدَيۡهِ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِۦ رَصَدً۬ا لِّيَعۡلَمَ أَن قَدۡ أَبۡلَغُواْ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَحَاطَ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ وَأَحۡصَىٰ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ عَدَدَۢا

(25. Say: "I know not whether that which you are promised is near or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.'') (26. "The All-Knower of the Unseen, and He reveals to none His Unseen.'') (27. Except to a Messenger whom He has chosen, and then He makes a band of watching guards to march before him and behind him.) (28. Till he knows that they have conveyed the Messages of their Lord. And He surrounds all that which is with them, and He keeps count of all things.)

26
عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ فَلَا يُظۡهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيۡبِهِۦۤ أَحَدًا
[He is] Knower of the unseen, and He does not disclose His [knowledge of the] unseen to anyone
عَـٰلِمُ(The) All-Knower
ٱلۡغَيۡبِ(of) the unseen,
فَلَاso not
يُظۡهِرُ عَلَىٰHe reveals
غَيۡبِهِۦۤHis unseen
أَحَدًا(to) anyone,
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

It is only obligatory upon the Messenger to convey the Message

Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ

((Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages,) This is an exception related to the previous statement,

﴿ لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬

(None can protect me from Allah's punishment,) meaning, `nothing can save me from Him and rescue me except my conveyance of the Message that He has obligated me to carry out.' This is as Allah says,

﴿ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلرَّسُولُ بَلِّغۡ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ وَإِن لَّمۡ تَفۡعَلۡ فَمَا بَلَّغۡتَ رِسَالَتَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡصِمُكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۗ

(O Messenger! Proclaim which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind.) (5:67) Then Allah says,

﴿ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا

(and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.) meaning, `I will convey unto you all the Messages of Allah, so whoever disobeys after that, then his reward will be the fire of Hell wherein he will abide forever.' This means, they will not be able to avoid it nor escape from it. Then Allah says,

﴿ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.) meaning, until these idolators from the Jinns and humans see what has been promised to them on the Day of Judgement. Then on that day, they will know who's helpers are weaker and fewer in number -- them or the believers who worship Allah alone. This means that the idolators have no helper at all and they are fewer in number than the soldiers of Allah.

﴿ قُلۡ إِنۡ أَدۡرِىٓ أَقَرِيبٌ۬ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ أَمۡ يَجۡعَلُ لَهُ ۥ رَبِّىٓ أَمَدًا عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ فَلَا يُظۡهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيۡبِهِۦۤ أَحَدًا إِلَّا مَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ مِن رَّسُولٍ۬ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَسۡلُكُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِ يَدَيۡهِ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِۦ رَصَدً۬ا لِّيَعۡلَمَ أَن قَدۡ أَبۡلَغُواْ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَحَاطَ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ وَأَحۡصَىٰ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ عَدَدَۢا

(25. Say: "I know not whether that which you are promised is near or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.'') (26. "The All-Knower of the Unseen, and He reveals to none His Unseen.'') (27. Except to a Messenger whom He has chosen, and then He makes a band of watching guards to march before him and behind him.) (28. Till he knows that they have conveyed the Messages of their Lord. And He surrounds all that which is with them, and He keeps count of all things.)

27
إِلَّا مَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ مِن رَّسُولٍ۬ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَسۡلُكُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِ يَدَيۡهِ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِۦ رَصَدً۬ا
Except whom He has approved of messengers, and indeed, He sends before each messenger and behind him observers
إِلَّاExcept
مَنِwhom
ٱرۡتَضَىٰHe has approved
مِنof
رَّسُولٍ۬a Messenger,
فَإِنَّهُ ۥand indeed, He
يَسۡلُكُmakes to march
مِنۢfrom
بَيۡنِ يَدَيۡهِbefore him
وَمِنۡand from
خَلۡفِهِۦbehind him
رَصَدً۬اa guard,
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

It is only obligatory upon the Messenger to convey the Message

Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ

((Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages,) This is an exception related to the previous statement,

﴿ لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬

(None can protect me from Allah's punishment,) meaning, `nothing can save me from Him and rescue me except my conveyance of the Message that He has obligated me to carry out.' This is as Allah says,

﴿ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلرَّسُولُ بَلِّغۡ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ وَإِن لَّمۡ تَفۡعَلۡ فَمَا بَلَّغۡتَ رِسَالَتَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡصِمُكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۗ

(O Messenger! Proclaim which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind.) (5:67) Then Allah says,

﴿ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا

(and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.) meaning, `I will convey unto you all the Messages of Allah, so whoever disobeys after that, then his reward will be the fire of Hell wherein he will abide forever.' This means, they will not be able to avoid it nor escape from it. Then Allah says,

﴿ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.) meaning, until these idolators from the Jinns and humans see what has been promised to them on the Day of Judgement. Then on that day, they will know who's helpers are weaker and fewer in number -- them or the believers who worship Allah alone. This means that the idolators have no helper at all and they are fewer in number than the soldiers of Allah.

﴿ قُلۡ إِنۡ أَدۡرِىٓ أَقَرِيبٌ۬ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ أَمۡ يَجۡعَلُ لَهُ ۥ رَبِّىٓ أَمَدًا عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ فَلَا يُظۡهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيۡبِهِۦۤ أَحَدًا إِلَّا مَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ مِن رَّسُولٍ۬ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَسۡلُكُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِ يَدَيۡهِ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِۦ رَصَدً۬ا لِّيَعۡلَمَ أَن قَدۡ أَبۡلَغُواْ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَحَاطَ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ وَأَحۡصَىٰ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ عَدَدَۢا

(25. Say: "I know not whether that which you are promised is near or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.'') (26. "The All-Knower of the Unseen, and He reveals to none His Unseen.'') (27. Except to a Messenger whom He has chosen, and then He makes a band of watching guards to march before him and behind him.) (28. Till he knows that they have conveyed the Messages of their Lord. And He surrounds all that which is with them, and He keeps count of all things.)

28
لِّيَعۡلَمَ أَن قَدۡ أَبۡلَغُواْ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَحَاطَ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ وَأَحۡصَىٰ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ عَدَدَۢا
That he may know that they have conveyed the messages of their Lord; and He has encompassed whatever is with them and has enumerated all things in number.
لِّيَعۡلَمَThat He may make evident
أَنthat
قَدۡindeed,
أَبۡلَغُواْthey have conveyed
رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ(the) Messages
رَبِّہِمۡ(of) their Lord;
وَأَحَاطَand He has encompassed
بِمَاwhat
لَدَيۡہِمۡ(is) with them
وَأَحۡصَىٰand He takes account
كُلَّ(of) all
شَىۡءٍthings
عَدَدَۢا(in) number.`
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

It is only obligatory upon the Messenger to convey the Message

Concerning Allah's statement,

﴿ إِلَّا بَلَـٰغً۬ا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِسَـٰلَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ

((Mine is) but conveyance from Allah and His Messages,) This is an exception related to the previous statement,

﴿ لَن يُجِيرَنِى مِنَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدٌ۬

(None can protect me from Allah's punishment,) meaning, `nothing can save me from Him and rescue me except my conveyance of the Message that He has obligated me to carry out.' This is as Allah says,

﴿ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلرَّسُولُ بَلِّغۡ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ وَإِن لَّمۡ تَفۡعَلۡ فَمَا بَلَّغۡتَ رِسَالَتَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡصِمُكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۗ

(O Messenger! Proclaim which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind.) (5:67) Then Allah says,

﴿ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدًا

(and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.) meaning, `I will convey unto you all the Messages of Allah, so whoever disobeys after that, then his reward will be the fire of Hell wherein he will abide forever.' This means, they will not be able to avoid it nor escape from it. Then Allah says,

﴿ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا رَأَوۡاْ مَا يُوعَدُونَ فَسَيَعۡلَمُونَ مَنۡ أَضۡعَفُ نَاصِرً۬ا وَأَقَلُّ عَدَدً۬ا

(Till, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who it is that is weaker concerning helpers and less important concerning numbers.) meaning, until these idolators from the Jinns and humans see what has been promised to them on the Day of Judgement. Then on that day, they will know who's helpers are weaker and fewer in number -- them or the believers who worship Allah alone. This means that the idolators have no helper at all and they are fewer in number than the soldiers of Allah.

﴿ قُلۡ إِنۡ أَدۡرِىٓ أَقَرِيبٌ۬ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ أَمۡ يَجۡعَلُ لَهُ ۥ رَبِّىٓ أَمَدًا عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ فَلَا يُظۡهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيۡبِهِۦۤ أَحَدًا إِلَّا مَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ مِن رَّسُولٍ۬ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَسۡلُكُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِ يَدَيۡهِ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِۦ رَصَدً۬ا لِّيَعۡلَمَ أَن قَدۡ أَبۡلَغُواْ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَحَاطَ بِمَا لَدَيۡہِمۡ وَأَحۡصَىٰ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ عَدَدَۢا

(25. Say: "I know not whether that which you are promised is near or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.'') (26. "The All-Knower of the Unseen, and He reveals to none His Unseen.'') (27. Except to a Messenger whom He has chosen, and then He makes a band of watching guards to march before him and behind him.) (28. Till he knows that they have conveyed the Messages of their Lord. And He surrounds all that which is with them, and He keeps count of all things.)