14. Ibrahim

And from his own chain of transmitters on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said in the explanation of Allah's words (Alif. Lam. Ra.): '(Alif. Lam. Ra.) He says: I am Allah: I see what you say and do; it is also said that it is an oath by which Allah swore. ((This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto thee (Muhammad)) with which We have sent Gabriel to you (that thereby thou mayst bring forth mankind) that you may call the people of Mecca (from darkness unto light) to leave disbelieve and accept faith, (by the permission of their Lord) you call them by the command of their Lord, (unto the path) to Religion (of the Mighty) in His retribution against those who do not believe, (the Owner of Praise) in the eyes of him who professes His divine Oneness; it is also said that this means: the Praised One in His acts.

(Allah, unto Whom belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth) of creation and wondrous things. (And woe) this refers to the hottest, narrowest and deepest valley in hell. This valley would cry: �O Lord! My heat is intense, my width is very narrow and my depth is so deep, so let me take revenge on those who disobeyed you and make that nothing takes revenge against me�, (unto the disbelievers from an awful doom) a severe torment.

(Those who love the life of the world) those who prefer the life of this world (more than the Hereafter, and debar (men) from the way of Allah) and save people from Allah's religion and obedience (and would have it crooked) and would have it differently than it actually is: (such) the disbelievers (are far astray) from the Truth and guidance; it is also said that this means: they are in manifest error.

(And We never sent a messenger save with the language of his folk, that he might make (the message) clear for them) in their own language what they have been commanded with and prohibited from; it is also said that this means: in a language through which it is possible for them to learn. (Then Allah sendeth whom He will astray) from His religion, (and guideth) to His religion (whom He will) whoever deserves to be guided. (He is the Mighty) in His kingdom and sovereignty; it is also said that this means: the Mighty in His retribution against those who do not believe, (the Wise) in His command and decree; it is also said that this means: the Wise in guiding some and misguiding others.

(We verily sent Moses with Our revelations) the nine signs: the hand, the staff, the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, blood and the drought and shortage of foodstuff, (saying: Bring your people forth) invite your people (from darkness unto light) to embrace faith and leave disbelief. (And remind them of the days of Allah) of the days when Allah sent His chastisement; it is also said that this means: remind them of the days of Allah's mercy. (Lo! Therein) in what I have mentioned (are revelations) signs (for each steadfast) in obedience, (thankful (heart)) for the blessings bestowed upon him.

(And (remind them) how Moses said unto his people) the Children of Israel: (Remember Allah's favour unto you when He delivered you from Pharaoh's folk) from Pharaoh and his folk, the Copts, (who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, and were slaying your sons) at a young age (and sparing) and using (your women) when they are mature; (that was a tremendous trial from your Lord) that was a tremendous test from your Lord; it is also said that this means: saving you from such a tremendous trial was a great blessing from your Lord.

(And when your Lord proclaimed) when your Lord said and informed you in the Scripture: (If ye give thanks) for your success, safety, favour and blessings, (I will give you more) success, safety, favour and blessings; (but if ye are thankless) if you do not believe me or are ungrateful for the blessings bestowed upon you, (lo! my punishment is dire) for the one who disbelieves.

(And Moses said: Though you and all who are in the earth prove thankless) disbelieve, (lo! Allah verily is Absolute) He is free of need for your faith, (Owner of Praise) in the sight of he who professes His divine Oneness.

(Has not the history) the news (of those before you reached you) O people of Mecca: (the folk of Noah. and (the tribes of) 'Aad and Thamud) i.e. the people of Salih, (and those after them) after the folk of Salih, i.e. the people of Shu'ayb and others: how Allah destroyed them when they disbelieved in Him? (None save Allah knoweth them) none knows their numbers or their punishment save Allah. (Their messengers came unto them with clear proofs) they came to them with commands, prohibitions and signs, (but they thrust their hands into their mouths) He says: they rejected what the messengers brought to them; it is also said that this means: they thrust their hands into their mouths, as if saying: be quiet or we will silence you, (and said) to the messengers: (Lo! we disbelieve) we reject (in that wherewith ye have been sent) of Scripture and monotheism, (and lo! we are in grave doubt) in manifest doubt (concerning that to which ye call us) of Scripture and monotheism.