11. Hud

And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said in explanation of the word of Allah (Alif. Lam. Ra.): '(Alif. Lam. Ra.) Allah says: I am Allah, I see; as it is said that this is an oath by which Allah swore. ((This is) a Scripture) i.e. the Qur'an (the revelations whereof are perfected) expositing the lawful and the prohibited, the commands and prohibitions (and then exposited) and then elucidated. ((It cometh) from One Wise) Who has ruled that none should be worshiped but He, (Informed) of he who worships and him who worships not,

((Saying): Serve) declare the divine Oneness of (none but Allah. Lo! I am Unto you from Him) from Allah (a warner) from the Fire (and a bringer of good tidings) to enter Paradise.

(And (bidding you): Ask pardon of your Lord) declare the divine Oneness of your Lord (and turn to Him repentant) betake yourselves to Him sincerely and repentant. (He will cause you to enjoy) He will make you live (a fair estate) free of chastisement (until a time appointed) i.e. death. (He giveth His bounty) in Islam (unto every bountiful one) his reward in the Hereafter. (But if ye turn away) from faith and repentance, (Lo! (then) I fear for you) I know that you shall incur (the retribution of an awful) a tremendous (Day).

(Unto Allah is your return) after death, (and He is able to do all things) whether it is reward or punishment.

(Lo! now they) i.e. Akhnas Ibn Shurayq and his followers (fold up their breasts) conceal in their hearts their hatred and enmity for Muhammad (pbuh) (that they may hide from him) that they may hide from Muhammad (pbuh) their hatred and enmity by keeping his company and pretending to him that they love him. (At the very moment when they cover themselves with their clothing) at the moment they cover their heads with their clothes, (Allah knoweth that which they keep hidden) among themselves as well as that which they conceal in their hearts (and that which they proclaim) of fighting and antipathy; it is also said that this refers to that which they proclaim of love and keeping company. (Lo! He is Aware of what is in the breasts (of men)) whether it is good or evil.

(And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days) six days of the beginning of this world: each day the equivalent of one thousand years, the first day being Sunday and the last Friday (and His Throne) before the creation of the heavens and earth (was upon the water) and Allah was before the Throne and before water (that He might try you) that He may test you in the interval between life and death, (which of you is best in conduct) which of you is more sincere in his works. (Yet if thou (O Muhammad) sayst) to the people of Mecca: (Lo! ye will be raised again) you will be brought back to life again (after death! those who disbelieve) the disbelievers of Mecca (will surely say: This) which Muhammad (pbuh) is saying (is naught but mere magic) manifest lies which will never happen.

(And if We delay for them the doom until a reckoned time) until an appointed time: the Day of Badr, (they will surely say) i.e. the people of Mecca: (What withholdeth it) from us tomorrow, out of mockery? (Verily on the day when it) the chastisement (cometh unto them, it cannot be averted from them) the chastisement will not be averted from them, (and that which they derided) the chastisement for their derision of Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an (will surround them) it will descend upon them and it is enjoined on them.

(And if We cause man) the disbeliever (to taste some mercy) a blessing (from Us and afterward withdraw it from him, lo! he is despairing) he becomes the most despairing and despondent thing from Allah's mercy, (thankless) he denies Allah's blessing and is not grateful.

(And if We cause him) i.e. the disbeliever (to taste grace after some misfortune) after some hardship (that had befallen him, he saith) i.e. the disbeliever: (The ills) hardships (have gone from me. Lo! he is exultant) arrogant, (boastful) about Allah's blessings and does not give thanks;