CHAPTER 16: AN-NAHL (THE BEE)

 

Revealed in the Meccan period. It consists of 128 verses. Nahl means "honeybee." In the 68th verse, the Lord's inspiration to the honeybee is described, and this word has been given as the name of the surah. Verses 95-97, 110, and 126-128 are Medinan. (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/266)

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

 

ALLAH IS EXALTED (16/1-2)

 

Translation

 

1- (O pagans!) The command (of punishment) of Allah is coming, so do not be impatient for it. He is Exalted and High above what they associate (with Him).

 

2- He sends down the angels with the Revelation (Wahy) of His command upon whom He wills of His servants, (saying): "Warn (mankind) that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me (live in accordance with My commands/beware of opposing Me)."

 

Commentary

 

(1) ‘The command (of punishment) of Allah is coming.’ The pagans were constantly mocking by mentioning the delay of the divine punishment. With this verse, it is announced that the time for safety and divine help for the believers, and the time of catastrophe for the pagans, has arrived. (H. DONDUREN, 1/443)

 

(..) The idolaters were implying—through mocking words such as "If you are indeed truthful, when will this threat be fulfilled!" (Ya-Sin 36/48) and "O Allah, if this [Qur’an] is indeed the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment!" (Al-Anfal 8/32)—that they did not take the warnings seriously and did not give the slightest possibility to the idea that their end would come or that they would be punished in this world and the hereafter if they ignored these warnings. The verse constitutes an answer to this. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/376, 377)

 

(2) ‘(Allah) sends down the angels with the Revelation (Wahy) of His command upon whom He wills of His servants.’ He sends down messengers. Just as in the verse "He sends the Spirit (Revelation) by His command" (Ghafir 40/15), the expression "with the Spirit" here also refers to the Revelation. (..) That is, Revelation is a spiritual thing from the commands of Allah, which Allah the Exalted sends down from His presence through His angels to whomever He wills among His servants, informing and notifying them of His command. Thus, He willed it for His servant and messenger Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh) and sent down that Spirit (Revelation). (ELMALILI, 5/228)

 

Although Gabriel (as) is primarily intended, the plural form ‘angels’ is used because there were other angels accompanying him while bringing down the Revelation. (I. H. BURSEVI, 10/307)

 

THE CREATION OF MAN, THE UNIVERSE, AND ANIMALS (16/3-8)

 

Translation

 

3- He created the heavens and the earth with truth (in a legal order and in accordance with wisdom). He is High above what they associate (with Him).

 

4- He created man from a drop of fluid (sperm in semen); then behold, he (once grown) is an open opponent (disputing about Allah). [cf. 36/77]

 

5- And the livestock (large and small)—He created them for you; in them is warmth (and protection) and many benefits, and from them (their meat or fat) you eat.

 

6- And for you in them is a sense of beauty (and pleasure) when you bring them in (in the evening) and when you send them out to pasture (in the morning).

 

7- And they carry your loads to a land you could not have reached except with (much) difficulty (to yourselves or by exhausting half your lives). Indeed, your Lord is Most Kind and Most Merciful. [cf. 23/21-22; 40/79-81; 43/12-14]

 

8- And (He created) horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and as adornment. And He creates that which you do not yet know. [cf. 16/80-81]

 

Commentary

 

(3) ‘(Allah) created the heavens and the earth with truth.’ "With truth" (bil-haqq) means He created them not in vain or haphazardly, but with wisdom and within an order. (I. H. BURSEVI, 10/313)

 

The word "heavens" includes the Sun, Moon, stars, planets, and in short, all beings outside the earth; the word "earth" (arz) includes soil, water, minerals, trees, plants, seas, animals, and other living and non-living beings. "Truth" (Haq) means that which is real, consistent with facts, as it should be, and suitable for a significant intent and purpose. The sentence "Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth" expresses both that Allah is the Creator of all beings and that He created every single being not in vain, but in accordance with a purpose. (I. KARAGOZ 4/64)

 

(4) ‘He created man from a drop of fluid. But behold, (man) has become an open opponent to his Lord.’ He created him from a very weak and lowly drop of water. When man feels independent and grows up, he dares to dispute with (or object to) his Almighty Lord, showing enmity, denying Him, and waging war against His messengers. However, man was created to be a servant who worships Him. (S. HAWWA, 7/513)

 

‘..he becomes an open disputant.’ He becomes an argumentative and combative person who speaks much to defend himself. Or he forgets his origin and becomes an open enemy even against his Creator. He attempts to associate partners with Him and starts talking about logic and philosophy. (ELMALILI, 5/230)

 

A person who thinks deeply about the formation of creation and frees his mind from the control of carnal and satanic feelings feels respect for his Creator Lord and obeys His commands. For as the saying goes, "He who knows himself (his creation and purpose), knows his Lord," he cannot commit the stupidity of rebelling against Allah. (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/266)

 

(5) ‘And the livestock—He created them.’ In verses 5 and 6, animals created for meat, milk, and wool, as well as for material and psychological benefits, are referred to by the name an'am. These are sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/379)

 

(8) ‘And (He created) horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and as adornment.’ In the 8th verse, horses, mules, and donkeys are mentioned separately from the others; while it is stated that they were created as a means of transport and adornment, their meat and milk are not mentioned. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/379)

 

Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik, taking the 5th verse as evidence, reached the legal opinion (ijtihad) that the meat of horses, mules, and donkeys should not be eaten. For while Almighty Allah says in the 5th verse that He created an'am (sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, and camels) for you to eat of their meat, in the 8th verse, which means "Allah created horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and as an adornment," it is stated that He created them for riding and adornment. According to Imam Shafi’i, Imam Ahmed b. Hanbal, Imam Abu Yusuf, and Imam Muhammad, horse meat is permissible (halal). (I. KARAGOZ 4/68)

 

‘Allah creates even now many more (means of transport) that you do not know.’ There is a miracle in this command. After mentioning the riding vehicles known at the time this verse was revealed, it points out that some vehicles unknown to people at that time would be created in the future. (S. HAWWA, 7/523)

 

‘And He creates many more living things (or means) that you do not know.’ It is emphasized in this way that animals are created for food, carrying, and beauty, while horses, mules, and donkeys are created for riding and adornment. Thus, the door of this field is left open in human thought, so that humans themselves can add new ones to the tools of carrying, transportation, riding, and decorative items. Their thoughts should not become frozen when they exceed the limits of their environment and transcend the time period they live in. (..) Islam is an open and flexible belief system with characteristics that will meet all the energies of life and all plans related to life. For this reason, the Qur’an prepares minds and hearts to perceive all kinds of developments that will increase human power and knowledge and make their future prosperous. It ensures they have an open and religious conscience capable of perceiving every innovation arising from the extraordinary stages of creation, science, and life. (..) Load, transport, riding, and decoration tools have developed considerably. The people of that time did not know these developments. There will be some developments in the future as well, and a series of new tools will be found that the people of today do not know. The Holy Qur’an tries to prepare hearts and minds for these new developments without allowing for any stagnation or petrification. (S. KUTUB, 6/513)

 

THE RIGHT WAY BELONGS TO ALLAH (16/9)

 

Translation

 

9- To show the right way belongs to Allah. There are also (crooked) paths that deviate from it. Had He willed, He would have guided you all to the right path.

 

Commentary

 

(9) ‘The right way belongs to Allah, and there is also the crooked way.’ Some of the ways are far from righteousness, being crooked and uneven. According to Ibn Abbas, these are various paths, opinions, and different whims (hawa), such as Judaism, Christianity, and Magianism. (S. HAWWA, 7/517)

 

‘Had Allah willed, He would have guided you all to the right path.’ Allah left humans free in this matter (guidance/hidayah). He also held them responsible for the consequences of their choices. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/380)

 

Almighty Allah did not force humans—whom He created to worship Him (51/56)—to faith and worship (2/256); He left them free to believe or not, saying: ‘(O My Prophet!) Say: "The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills, let him believe, and whoever wills, let him disbelieve"’ (18/29). If Allah had willed, all those on earth would certainly have believed (10/99, 11/118). Because Almighty Allah created death and life to test which of the people would do better deeds (67/2). Within this freedom, some people become believers and some become disbelievers. (64/2; I. KARAGOZ 4/70)

 

COUNTLESS BLESSINGS (16/10-18)

 

Translation

 

10- It is He who sends down water from the sky for you; from it is drink, and from it are the plants in which you pasture (your animals). [cf. 15/22; 39/21; 56/68-70]

 

11- With it (Allah) causes to grow for you: crops, olives, date palms, grapes, and every kind of fruit. Indeed, in that is surely a sign (of Allah's power) for a people who reflect. [cf. 6/99; 7/57; 27/60]

 

12- And He has subjected for your service the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. The stars are also subjected by His command. Indeed, in that are surely signs for a people who use their reason.

 

13- And (He subjected) whatever He has created for you on the earth of diverse colors. Indeed, in that is surely a sign for a people who take heed.

 

14- And it is He who subjected the sea for your service, so that you may eat fresh meat (fish) from it and bring forth from it ornaments (like pearls and corals) to wear. And you see the ships plowing through the sea (waves), that you may seek of His bounty and that you may be grateful (to Him).

 

15-16- And He has placed firm/stable mountains on the earth lest it sway with you, and rivers and roads that you may find your way. (He created) many other signs as well; and by the stars, they (mankind) find their way. [cf. 21/31; 79/32]

 

17- Then is He who creates (Allah) like one who does not create? Will you not then take heed?

 

18- And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

 

Commentary

 

(10) ‘It is He who sends down water from the sky for you.’ The existence of life is entirely dependent on water. The usability of water depends on rain. Among all planets, the most distinct known feature of the earth is that Allah created water here. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/382)

 

Water is the source of life for every living thing, including humans and animals. Almighty Allah has created every living thing from water (21/30). It is Almighty Allah who creates water, gathers it in the clouds, and sends it down to the earth in the form of drizzle, rain, and snow. Without water, humans and animals could not live, and no crop would grow in the soil. If it did not rain, living beings could not find water and would perish. The fact that water—composed of two parts flammable hydrogen and one part oxidizer oxygen—is also an extinguisher of fire is a clear proof of Allah's existence and a blessing that humans, animals, and all living things need the most. (I. KARAGOZ 4/71)

 

(12) ‘And He has subjected for your service the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. The stars also move by the command of Allah.’ The night and day fulfill their duties to help maintain the suitability of life for rest, seeing the surroundings, and other purposes. (..) The earth is a part of the solar system. The solar system is a part of its galaxy. And the galaxy is a part of this vast universe. The stars provide service to the humans living on earth. (S. HAWWA, 7/517, 518)

 

(11, 12, 13) ‘Indeed, in this is a great sign for a people who reflect’ (v. 11), ‘In this are important signs for a people who use their reason’ (v. 12), ‘In this is a great sign for a people who take heed’ (v. 13). Facing the flows of divine power and manifestations of majesty mentioned in the verses, the text draws attention to three important duties the servant must perform for their feelings and perception to be activated: (a) Tafakkur: Thinking thoroughly and systematically; (b) Ta’aqqul: Using one's reason; (c) Tadhakkur: Reflecting to take lessons and heed. (O. CELIK, 3/50) (..) Thus, in all three verses, it is stated that in order to understand and grasp the hidden and deep meanings expressed by the word "Ayah" (sign) in beings and events, and ultimately to reach divine truths and guidance, humans must use their mental faculties and reason. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/383)

 

(14) ‘And He is Allah (so that you may catch and) eat fresh meat from the sea and...’ The term ‘fresh meat’ refers to seafood. Hanafi jurists (mujtahids) have reached the legal opinion that only fish species among seafood are permissible (halal), and other creatures should not be eaten. (..) While the verse we are interpreting says ‘fresh meat,’ Al-Ma'idah verse 96 says ‘sea-game,’ stating that seafood is permissible without distinction. In this respect, the meat of water animals such as oysters, frogs, and crabs—even if they have died naturally—is permissible according to the majority of jurists. (I. KARAGOZ 4/74)

 

‘..He is the one who subjected the sea for your service.’ Almighty Allah has given water the power of buoyancy. Thanks to this, ships, sails, and boats do not sink. Humans carry out transportation with large ships. These are the material benefits of the sea. However, the verse draws attention to the fact that the sea was subjected to their service not only for these reasons, but also so that humans recognize and thank Allah, who created it and equipped it with blessings, and thus evaluate the sea as a blessing in a spiritual sense as well. Therefore, as stated in verses 10-11, Almighty Allah, who bestowed fresh rainwater on people and nature in general with various products, has also made salty seawater useful by equipping it with blessings. This is one of the meaningful manifestations of Allah's deep wisdom. (I. KARAGOZ 4/75)

 

(15, 16) ‘He placed stable mountains on the earth lest it sway with you, and rivers and roads that you may find your way.’ As is known in geology, if there were no mountains, the earth's crust would be shattered, volcanoes would become active, and earthquakes would occur so frequently that life would become impossible. (S. HAWWA, 7/519)

 

‘(He created) many other signs.’ It is pointed out that the earth carries other secrets that were not yet known by the people of that period and would be discovered over time with the development of sciences such as physical geography, geology, and biology. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/384)

 

(18) ‘If you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them.’ You cannot determine their number. Your power is not enough for this. Let alone thanking them properly, you cannot even perform such a count. (S. HAWWA, 7/519)

 

(..) A person's intellect, the sight of their eyes, the hearing of their ears, the speech of their tongue, the beating of their heart, the grasping of their hands, and the walking of their feet are each a blessing. The fact that Allah created everything on earth for humans (2/29) and placed everything in the heavens and the earth at their service (31/20) expresses that Allah's blessings are too numerous to be counted. The duty of humans is to know the giver of these blessings, to believe in His existence and oneness, and to worship and obey Him. (I. KARAGOZ 4/78)

 

‘Truly Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’ Allah covers and forgives your deficiencies regarding gratitude. His mercy and blessing are great. Even if you deserve deprivation due to your rebellion, Allah does not cut off His blessing from you immediately. He does not rush to punish you for showing ingratitude (Kufran-i Ni’mah). (I. H. BURSEVI, 10/351)

 

He does not punish people immediately. On the contrary, He gives them respite. Because He is Compassionate (Rahim) and Forbearing (Halim). This applies to both individuals and societies. (MAWDUDI, 3/19)

 

ALLAH KNOWS WHAT YOU CONCEAL AND WHAT YOU REVEAL (16/19-25)

 

Translation

 

19- (O Mankind!) Allah knows what you conceal and what you reveal.

 

20- And those (the pagans) whom they invoke instead of Allah create nothing; rather, they are themselves created.

 

21- They (the idols) are dead, not alive; and they do not know when they (either themselves or those who perform ceremonies for/worship them) will be resurrected.

 

22- (O Mankind!) Your God is one God. But those who do not believe in the Hereafter—their hearts deny [this truth], and they are arrogant (stating their superiority). [cf. 38/5; 39/45]

 

23- Without doubt, Allah knows (and sees) what they conceal and what they reveal. Indeed, He does not love the arrogant.

 

24-25- And when it is said to them: "What has your Lord sent down?" they say: "Fables of the ancients!" [cf. 25/5-9] 25- (They say this and lead into sin) so that they may bear their own burdens (sins) in full on the Day of Resurrection, and some of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge. Unquestionably, evil is that which they bear!

 

Commentary

 

(21) ‘(They) are dead, not alive, and they do not know when they will be resurrected.’ In the verse, there is an expression of mockery toward both the idols and those who are attached to and worship them. O pagans! Are you attached to them because of the simplicity/primitivity of your minds or because of your stubbornness in not keeping Allah and what comes from Him on the agenda? Pre-Islamic Arab pagans would go before their idols to express their wishes and complaints. In fact, those coming from a far place/road would first visit their idols and then go to their homes or businesses. (H. T. FEYIZLI, 268)

 

(22) ‘Your God is one God.’ This sentence is the shortest expression of the belief in Tawhid (Oneness). Adopting this principle is the first condition of being a Muslim. However, the pagans violated this principle by worshiping idols or accepting them as intermediaries. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/387)

 

‘He does not love the arrogant.’ The reason for Iblis’s initial rebellion against Almighty Allah was his belittling of Prophet Adam and seeing himself as superior. This arrogance led to his distancing from divine mercy. For this reason, Allah the Almighty does not want people to show arrogance either toward Him or toward one another. (H. DONDUREN, 1/443)

 

Hadith: "He who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise. Likewise, he who has an atom's weight of faith in his heart will not enter Hell." (Muslim, Iman 47; O. CELIK, 3/52)

 

Hadith: ‘Arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.’ (Muslim) (..) Arrogance against the truth is disbelief (kufr), and arrogance against the people is a great sin. Believing in the Hereafter is one of the pillars of faith. One who does not believe in the afterlife cannot be a believer or a Muslim. (Muslim, Iman 147; I. KARAGOZ 4/81)

 

(24) ‘When it is said to them: What has your Lord sent down? They say, "fables of the ancients."’ It is narrated that some of the pagan Arabs would get in front of those going to the presence of the Prophet and try to turn them back by saying, "What you will hear from him are just the fables of the ancients." (QUR’AN WAY, 3/389)

 

‘Fables of the ancients’: They say, "The things you claim have been sent down are just the news and baseless narrations of previous communities. In fact, nothing has been sent down. What he recites are just the stories of the ancients." (I. H. BURSEVI, 10/359)

 

(25) ‘..so that they may bear the sins (of those they misled).’ They bear both the weight of their own sins and the sins of those who obey them. And despite this, nothing is lightened or reduced from the punishment of those who obey them. (S. HAWWA, 8/13)

 

As seen in these two verses, those who do not like what Allah has sent down and prefer the false path in line with their own egos/whims and lead other people to this path, and those who follow them, are partners in the sins committed. [cf. 2/165-167] (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/268)

 

Hadith: ‘To the one who calls people to the right path, there is a reward like the rewards of those who follow him. This situation does not diminish anything from the rewards of those who follow him. And to the one who calls people to misguidance, there is a sin like the sins of those who follow him. This situation does not diminish anything from the sins of those who follow him.’ (Muslim, Ilm 16; from Abu Dawud, Sunnah 6; O. CELIK, 3/53)

 

HOW EVIL IS THE ABODE OF THE ARROGANT (16/26-29)

 

Translation

 

26- Those before them (the pagans) also plotted (against their prophets), but Allah (His punishment) came at their buildings from the foundations, and the roof fell upon them from above them. And the punishment came to them from where they did not perceive.

 

27- Then on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will disgrace the pagans and say: "Where are My 'partners' (the idols you associated with Me) for whose sake you used to oppose (the Prophet and the believers)?" Those who were given knowledge will say: "Indeed, disgrace, humiliation, and evil are this Day upon the disbelievers."

 

28- (These are) those whom the angels take in death while they are wronging themselves (by ignoring Allah's commands and straying into disbelief and shirk). Then they (at the moment of death) will offer submission (hoping for mercy), saying: "We were not doing any evil" (we did not fall into disbelief and shirk). Nay! Surely, Allah is All-Knowing of what you used to do. [cf. 4/97-98]

 

29- (The angels say to the disbelievers:) "So enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein. And how evil is the residence of the arrogant (those who showed arrogance against Faith and Islam)!"

 

Commentary

 

(26) ‘Those before them also plotted.’ Different views have been put forward regarding who is meant by "those before them." However, as Razi stated, it seems more accurate to interpret the verse as referring to all supporters of falsehood who pursue intrigues to harm those on the right path and who suffer the punishment for it. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/389)

 

They had built a structure upon their own false philosophies. Just as today, the foundations of parties of disbelief and misguidance are built upon philosophies whose essence is disbelief. The common goal of all these is to plot against Islam. We have often seen how the structures of many of these were demolished, how what they did fell upon their heads and destroyed them. ‘...and their roofs fell upon them. The roofs of what they did collapsed upon them ‘and the punishment’ in the worldly life ‘came to them from where they could not perceive.’ It came from a place they did not expect or anticipate. (S. HAWWA, 8/14)

 

(27) ‘Then on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them.’ He clearly reveals their disgrace. He brings out what their hearts concealed; He exposes their schemes and traps that they did not reveal to others; He disgraces them in front of all creatures. (..) ‘And He will say, where are My’ so-called ‘partners regarding whom you used to dispute?’ ‘Those who were given knowledge’ in this position are the prophets, scholars, and Godly people (Rabbaniyyun) who invited these arrogant ones to the path of Allah and gave them advice. (..) Thus, in this mentioned position, these master possessors of knowledge will say: ‘Indeed, today disgrace’—the exposure of all their vileness before everyone—‘and punishment are for the disbelievers.’ This disgrace and punishment will cover and surround them. (S. HAWWA, 8/14, 15)

 

The pagans became enemies to believers like themselves—those who did not respect idols and what was idolized, who did not compromise with Taghuts, but who wanted to live according to the principles revealed by Allah. [cf. 4/44] (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/269)

 

(28) ‘Those whom the angels take in death while they are wronging themselves will bow their heads and submit, saying, "We were not doing any evil."’ (..) Acting contrary to the arrogant and hostile attitude they displayed toward Muslims, they will say, "We did not do any evil." But the angels, or the scholars among the believers, or Almighty Allah Himself will strike their lies in their faces, saying, "Nay, Allah knows very well what you were doing," and ultimately, those who were arrogant toward Allah's religion and His prophet will be thrown into the Hell they deserved. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/390)

 

(29) ‘So enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein. And how evil is the residence of the arrogant!’ The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) explained arrogance (kibr) as belittling people and not accepting the truth. Behaviors such as not wanting to receive information from Godly scholars, not obeying them, and not wanting to act humbly toward them fall within the scope of not giving them their due. (S. HAWWA, 8/16)

 

‘..the arrogant’ (mutakabbirun) are the disbelievers, pagans, and atheists who are arrogant against the truth. The place of those who do not deign to believe and worship is Hell. Life in Hell is eternal because there is no death in Hell (44/56). Disbelievers will remain in Hell forever. The expression ‘..those who abide eternally therein’ indicates this meaning. Hell is a very evil place. Because there, disbelievers burn in fire (4/56), boiling water is poured over them (44/47-48), they are made to drink boiling water and pus (14/14-17; 47/15), and iron collars are placed around their necks. (13/5; I. KARAGOZ 4/88)

 

GOOD REWARD FOR THOSE WHO DO GOOD (16/30-34)

 

Translation

 

30- It was said to those who guard against evil (who have Taqwa): "What has your Lord sent down?" They said: "Goodness/Blessing." For those who do good in this world, there is goodness (excellent rewards). And the home of the Hereafter is far better. How excellent indeed is the home of those who guard against evil (who live in accordance with Allah's commands)!

 

31- (That beautiful home is) the Gardens of Adn (Eden) which they will enter. Underneath them (their trees and palaces) rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they wish. Thus does Allah reward those who achieve Taqwa (who live in accordance with His command with sincerity). [cf. 41/30-32; 43/71]

 

32- These are those whose souls the angels take while they are in a state of goodness (pure and pleasant, without giving distress or pain). (The angels) say to them: "Peace be upon you! Enter Paradise because of what you used to do." [cf. 41/30-33]

 

33- Do they (the disbelievers) wait for anything except that the angels should come to them or that the command (of punishment) of your Lord should come? Thus did those before them. Allah did not wrong them, but they used to wrong themselves (through their disbelief).

 

34- So the evil results of what they did struck them, and that which they used to mock (the punishment) encompassed them. [cf. 52/14]

 

Commentary

 

(30) ‘For those who do good in this world, there is goodness.’ In Sharia terminology, Ihsan means doing what is better, while performing this deed with sincerity (Ikhlas) for Allah. When Gabriel (as) asked the Prophet (pbuh) what Ihsan was, he said: "It is to worship Allah as if you see Him. Even if you do not see Him, He surely sees you." (S. HAWWA, 8/21)

 

Hasana (Goodness): The goodness that Almighty Allah will give in this world can sometimes be peace and security, and sometimes help and victory. (S. HAWWA, 8/18)

 

‘For those who do good in this world, there is goodness. And the home of the Hereafter is better.’ Thus, Almighty Allah states that the home of the Hereafter is better than the home of this world, and that the rewards in the Hereafter are superior to those in this world. A servant's doing of goodness and beauty is achieved through faith and performing righteous deeds. Almighty Allah has described those who do Ihsan in more than one place in His Noble Book. (..) The goodness that Almighty Allah will give in this world can sometimes be peace and security, sometimes help and victory, and sometimes all of these along with others. In this respect, the word "hasana" is used in an indefinite form (nekre). (S. HAWWA, 8/18)

 

(31) ‘(That beautiful home is) the Gardens of Adn which they will enter. Underneath’ their trees and palaces ‘rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they wish.’ Hadith: "When a cloud passes by a group of people of Paradise who are sitting and drinking, whatever any of them desires, that thing will surely rain down upon them from that cloud. To such an extent that one among them will say, 'Rain down upon us young girls of equal age,' and this will happen." (S. HAWWA, 8/18)

 

(32) ‘These are those whose souls the angels take while they are in a state of goodness. (The angels) say to them: "Peace be upon you! Enter Paradise because of what you used to do."’ While taking their souls in a beautiful, easy, effortless, and painless manner, they will also greet them with peace so that they do not fear or grieve, and they will give them the glad tidings of Paradise because of the righteous deeds they performed. (Fussilat, 41/30-32) (O. CELIK, 3/57)

 

While the angels take the souls of the Muttaqin (pious), they greet them with "Salamun Alaykum," which is the same greeting believers use in this world. The angels saying "Peace be upon you" is intended to inform the believers that they are safe from all kinds of distress and the punishment of the grave. (..) The angels give the Muttaqin the glad tidings of Paradise (41/30-32) and say, "Enter Paradise." The grave life of the Muttaqi believers becomes like the life of Paradise. After the Day of Judgment, resurrection, and accounting, the angels will greet the believers at the gates of Paradise and say, "What good people you are; enter Paradise." (39/73; I. KARAGOZ 4/91)

 

(33) ‘Do they (the disbelievers) wait for anything except that the angels should come to them or that the command (of punishment) of your Lord should come?’ What is meant by the command of the Lord is the command to be killed as on the day of Badr, to be swallowed by the earth in an earthquake, to be drowned in water like Pharaoh, or the command for a whip of punishment or a rain of stones to be sent down. (O. CELIK, 3/57)

 

‘(By destroying them) Allah did not wrong them, but they used to wrong themselves (by disbelieving).’ People wronging their own souls means exposing themselves to divine punishment and deserving the penalty by committing Shirk, Kufr, hypocrisy, rebellion, and sin—thereby violating divine decrees and boundaries, abandoning commanded duties, and committing forbidden acts. It means losing the blessings and rewards they would have obtained through faith, sincerity, worship, and obedience; thus harming themselves, diminishing their own rights and rewards, and losing their worldly and otherworldly benefits. ‘Indeed, Allah does not wrong people at all, but people wrong themselves.’ (10/44; I. KARAGOZ 4/92)

 

OUR DUTY IS ONLY CLEAR CONVEYANCE (16/35-40)

 

Translation

 

35- Those who associate partners with Allah said: "If Allah had willed, we would not have worshipped anything other than Him, neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have forbidden anything apart from His (command)." Thus did those before them. (They wanted to blame Allah for their own sins.) So is there upon the messengers any duty except clear conveyance?

 

36- And certainly, We have sent within every nation a messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (those who overstep boundaries and claim divinity)." Among them were those whom Allah guided (according to their intention and effort), and among them were those upon whom error was justified (due to their persistence in disbelief). So proceed through the earth and see how was the end of the deniers! [For Taghut, see explanations 2/256-257 and 4/60, 76; 96/6-7]

 

37- (O Muhammad!) Even if you are eager for their guidance, indeed, Allah does not guide those whom He leaves to stray (because of their evil intentions and deeds). And they will have no helpers.

 

38-39- And they swore by Allah their strongest oaths that "Allah will not resurrect one who dies." Nay! (He will resurrect for the Hereafter. This is) a true promise binding upon Him. But most of the people do not know. (Allah will resurrect) to make clear to them that wherein they differ and so those who disbelieved may know that they were indeed liars.

 

40- Our only word to a thing when We intend it is that We say to it, "Be," and it is. [cf. 31/28; 36/82; 54/50]

 

Commentary

 

(35) ‘Those who associate partners (with Allah) say (to justify their sins): "If Allah had willed..."’ They are suggesting that if Allah had willed, He would have taken away our will, and thus neither we nor our forefathers would have worshipped anyone else. Since we are doing these things, they imply that Allah has permitted it. They forget that destiny (Qadar) is determined according to human will. The wrongdoers before them acted in the same way, ignoring human will with such absurd excuses, and eventually tasted the punishment. Against these people who invent nonsense, what else could the duty of the messengers be but to clearly announce the truth? (M. KISA 1/289; F. BESER 1/570)

 

(36) ‘And certainly, We have sent within every nation a messenger: "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut."’ Taghut refers to Satan. It means "avoid obeying him and following his footsteps." (S. HAWWA, 8/24)

 

‘And among them were those upon whom error was justified.’ That is, because they preferred misguidance and deserved it, error became an inseparable part of them. It is true that everything happens by Allah's will (Mashiat), but this does not eliminate man's possibility of choice. Therefore, Almighty Allah characterized them as "deniers." (S. HAWWA, 8/24, 25)

 

As stated in the verse, all prophets were sent to call people to be servants of Allah and to warn them against Taghuts. Because Taghuts, by putting themselves in the place of the Lord, set rules and sanctions in opposition to Allah's religion and prevented people from following Allah's commands. They even tried to forcibly bind them to their own religions, ideas, and systems. One of the first words the Companions (Sahaba) taught their children was: "Amantu billahi wa kafartu bit-taghuti" (I believed in Allah and I rejected and denied the Taghut). (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/270)

 

(37) ‘(O Muhammad!) Even if you are eager for their guidance... Allah does not guide those whom He leaves to stray.’ For the salvation of people, it is not enough for the prophets to have such desire and effort. People need to deserve salvation; it depends on passing the test, using their will in that direction, and being granted guidance (Hidayah). (QUR’AN WAY, 3/397)

 

Faith is possible only through the person's wish and Allah's will. Almighty Allah does not prevent those who want to be believers, nor does He take a believer out of faith unless they themselves wish it. If the disbelievers wanted to be believers by their own desire and will, Almighty Allah would certainly not leave them in misguidance. They were left in misguidance because they did not use their reason and will, did not want to hear, see, or understand the truths, and mocked the prophet. (I. KARAGOZ 4/97)

 

Everything happens with Allah's will. This is not contrary to human choice. Because Allah's power (Qudrah) is in accordance with His will, and His will is in accordance with His knowledge. Knowledge is explanatory, not compelling. Almighty Allah has known from eternity that such a person would do such a job. However, His knowing this does not compel that person to do that job. If that person had not wanted it, it would not have happened. (S. HAWWA, 8/26)

 

(40) ‘Our only word to a thing... is that We say to it, "Be," and it is.’ This is a response to those who consider the resurrection of the dead—and the simultaneous resurrection of all people who died at different times—to be a very difficult task. It is being told here that for Allah, who is capable of doing everything He wills with just the command "Be," this is a very easy task. (MAWDUDI, 3/27)

 

ASK THOSE WHO KNOW (16/41-44)

 

Translation

 

41- Those who emigrated for the sake of Allah after they had been wronged (in Makkah)—We will certainly settle them in a good place in this world. And the reward of the Hereafter is surely greater, if they only knew.

 

42- They are those who are patient (against persecutions) and put their trust in their Lord.

 

43- (O My Messenger!) We did not send before you except men to whom We revealed. So ask the people of the Reminder (scholars) if you do not know. [cf. 21/7]

 

44- (We sent the messengers) with clear proofs and scriptures. And We revealed to you this Reminder (the Qur’an) that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.

 

Commentary

 

(41) ‘Those who emigrated for the sake of Allah after they had been wronged (in Makkah)—We will certainly settle them in a good place in this world.’ "As for those who emigrated" in order to find the possibility of obeying Him, these are the people from the companions of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) who were subjected to oppression in Makkah. When they were expelled from their homeland by the Meccans, they emigrated first to Abyssinia and then to Medina. Not all emigrants (Muhajirun) are intended in the verse, but specifically these emigrants, because the surah is Meccan. (I. H. BURSEVI, 10/390)

 

The evils of the pagans occurred in four ways: (a) First, they mocked and insulted (..) (38/4-11); (b) Then they applied physical violence; they especially tortured poor, enslaved, and helpless Muslims, making them lie on hot sands; (c) In the third stage, they cut off commercial and social relations with Muslims; (d) In the fourth stage, they took a total stand against Muslims and applied violence. (I. KARAGOZ 4/100)

 

Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah gives them something better in its place. Allah gave them opportunities on earth, and they became commanders and rulers over the servants. (S. HAWWA, 8/31)

 

Since this surah was revealed in Makkah, the reason for the revelation of this verse must be the first emigrants who went to Abyssinia. (ELMALILI, 5/238)

 

‘And the reward of the Hereafter is surely greater.’ According to a narration, when Umar (ra) paid the emigrants their salaries from the state, he would say: "This is the reward Allah promised you in this world. What He has stored for you in the Hereafter is certainly much more," and then he would recite these verses (Verses 41, 42) to them. (O. CELIK, 3/61)

 

(42) ‘(They) are those who are patient, putting their trust only in their Lord.’ That is, those who were patient with the separation from their homeland, Allah’s sacred city of Makkah. It is narrated that when the Prophet (pbuh) set out for the emigration to Medina, he turned back and looked at Makkah, cried, and said: "By Allah, I am leaving you. I know that you are the most beloved and valuable of lands in the sight of Allah. If your people had not expelled me from you, I would not have left." (From Tirmidhi, I. H. BURSEVI, 10/391)

 

(43) ‘(O My Messenger!) We did not send before you except men to whom We revealed.’ Therefore, it is a Sunnah of Allah to send men from among the people as prophets. (S. HAWWA, 8/33)

 

‘If you do not know, ask those who know.’ O people of Quraish! "If you do not know"—if you are in doubt about the messengership of Muhammad (pbuh)—"ask those who know"—the scholars of the People of the Book—so that they may inform you that Allah sent prophets to former nations only as human beings. The verse indicates that it is obligatory (wajib) to consult scholars on unknown matters. (I. H. BURSEVI, 10/394)

 

Here, it is emphasized that those who do not have sufficient knowledge on a subject, especially religious matters, should ask those who are competent in that regard, and that it is wrong to put forward an idea or do a job without having correct and sufficient information. (O. CELIK, 3/61)

 

(44) ‘And We revealed to you this Qur’an that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might understand.’ The Qur’an needs clarification (tebyin). Because there are verses and rulings in the Qur’an that are mujmal (concise), mubham (vague in meaning), muhtasar (summary), and mushkil (difficult to understand immediately). The Qur’an was sent to be a guide. For people to take it as their guide and to comply with its rulings, commands, and prohibitions, it must be well understood and it must be known how it can be implemented. Almighty Allah gave this duty to His Prophet. Hadiths are the explanation of the Qur’an. As a requirement of this verse, Muslims from the time of the companions to the present day have tried to understand and explain the Qur’an, commented on the hadiths, and written hundreds of Qur’anic commentaries (tafsir). (I. KARAGOZ 4/106)

 

From this verse, we understand that explaining the book properly is among the duties of the Messenger of Allah. In this respect, all his actions, words, and states are the explanation of the book. Understanding the book without the Sunnah is out of the question. Because we do not know how to implement many commands such as prayer, zakat, fasting, and hajj. Likewise, we can understand the boundaries of many prohibitions such as interest (usury), consuming property through false means, and many other issues through the Sunnah. Because the Sunnah is both the practical and theoretical explanation of the book. (S. HAWWA, 8/39)

 

The Prophet (pbuh) is not just a narrator, but also has the function of explaining, interpreting, and being an example in the application of Allah's rulings verbally or practically. This entire function is called the Sunnah. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/402)

 

‘..and that they might give thought.’ To understand the Qur’an, to implement what is understood, and to explain it to people are the duties of Muslims toward the Qur’an. There are many verses expressing this issue: "We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an so that you may use your reason and understand." (12/2) "Do they not then ponder the Qur'an?" (4/82; cf. 17/41, 6/65; I. KARAGOZ 4/107)

 

ARE THE PLOTTERS SECURE? (16/45-47)

 

Translation

 

45-46-47- (O My Prophet!) Do those who plot evil deeds feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that the punishment will not come upon them from where they do not perceive? [cf. 67/16-17] 46- Or that He will not seize them while they are going to and fro (about their business)? For they cannot frustrate (Allah's command). 47- Or that He will not seize them through gradual wasting/diminishing (of their wealth and numbers)? Indeed, your Lord is Most Kind, Most Merciful. [cf. 7/4, 99-100]

 

Commentary

 

(45) ‘Do those who plot evil deeds feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that the punishment will not come upon them from where they do not perceive?’ In these three verses, those who show enmity towards Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, and those who prepare evil plans, are threatened with the following dangers: (a) Allah causing the earth to swallow them, as He did to Korah and his associates (Al-Qasas, 28/81); (b) Punishment coming upon them from a place they do not expect or anticipate while they are in total heedlessness—sleep and rest are examples of this (Al-A'raf, 7/4); (c) Punishment suddenly seizing them while they are traveling the earth, trading, or dealing with worldly affairs (Ya-Sin, 36/49-50); (d) Allah leading them to destruction by terrifying them, diminishing them, spreading the punishment over time, or through internal decay. (O. CELIK, 3/62, 63)

 

‘Or that He will not seize them through gradual diminishing?’ Or how can they be sure that Allah will not drag them step by step towards disasters through the internal decay of society—where the environment of peace and tranquility vanishes over time as a result of the dissolution of moral values? (M. KISA, 1/290)

 

‘Indeed, your Lord is Most Kind (Rauf), Most Merciful (Rahim).’ Because He does not punish you in haste. He grants you time in these situations. The reason He does not punish immediately is His mercy. Therefore, cease plotting evil schemes, believe in the Messenger of Allah, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. (S. HAWWA, 8/34)

 

ENJOY FOR A WHILE (16/48-55)

 

Translation

 

48- Have they (the pagans who plan evils) not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows turn toward the right and the left, prostrating to Allah while they are humble (to the divine law).

 

49- And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant.

 

50- They fear their Lord [who is] high above them, and they do what they are commanded.

 

51- And Allah has said: "Do not take for yourselves two deities. He is only one God. So fear only Me (worship only Me)!"

 

52- And to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and to Him belongs the religion (obedience) constantly. Then is it other than Allah that you fear?

 

53- (O Mankind!) And whatever you have of blessing—it is from Allah. Then when adversity touches you, to Him you cry for help. [cf. 17/67]

 

54-55- Then when He has removed the adversity from you, at once a party of you associates others with their Lord. 55- (They do this) so as to deny what We have given them (blessings). So enjoy yourselves (for now in the world); soon you will know (what will happen to you)!

 

Commentary

(48) ‘Their shadows turn toward the right and the left, prostrating to Allah without arrogance.’ Prostration (sajdah) here refers to unconditional submission that is not limited to voluntary movement. Even the shadows of things that possess shadows are subject to Allah's command, not to the will of their owners. Sovereignty and disposal belong to Allah. While they crawl on the ground, they prostrate not to their owners but to Allah, proclaiming the Oneness of Almighty Allah. (ELMALILI, 5/240)

 

The Prostration of Shadows: The darkenings called shadows, which occur on the sides of objects not receiving light, are a requirement of Sunnatullah—the divine laws concerning the earth. Essentially, this situation applies to all beings, animate or inanimate, in the universe. This is why stars, mountains, trees, animals (Hajj 22/18), birds flying in a row in the sky (Nur 24/41), and even lightning, thunder (Ra’d 13/15), and water (Enfal 8/11) prostrate to Allah in their own unique ways. Because during creation, Almighty Allah informed all beings of their modes of movement; thus, they necessarily bowed down to this divine command. The prostration of shadows mentioned here is nothing more than a necessary submission. (M. DEMİRCI, 2/157, 158)

 

Do these pagans not see all this? That is, seeing that all things entirely submit to Allah, why do they not bow down and surrender? (S. HAWWA, 8/35)

 

(49) ‘Whatever is in the heavens and the earth of creatures and the angels prostrate only to Allah, and they are never arrogant.’ This verse is the third prostration verse of the Qur’an. According to the Hanafis, it is obligatory (wajib) for the one who reads or hears the verse to perform a prostration without ruku. The evidence is the verse: "What is the matter with them that they do not believe, and when the Qur'an is recited to them, they do not prostrate?" (Inshiqaq, 8/21). Hadith: "It is obligatory to prostrate for the one who recites and the one who hears the Qur'an." (From Bukhari, Sujud 10; H. DONDUREN, 1/444)

 

The prostration of the intelligent and conscious beings among these creatures is in the form of worship, while the prostration of others is in the form of obedience, submission, following divine rules, and performing their assigned duties. (I. KARAGOZ 4/112)

 

Although the phrase "those in the heavens" includes the angels, they are specifically mentioned as an expression of appreciation because their obedience and worship are at the highest level compared to other beings. While there are deniers and sinners among humans, angels are never arrogant in worshiping Allah; they do not behave insolently, they fear their Lord whom they know as the Most High, and they comply with His commands completely. This verse shows that angels possess the quality of Ismah (sinlessness). (QUR’AN WAY, 3/406)

 

(51) ‘Allah said: "Do not take two deities. He is only one God. Fear only Me!"’ Only Allah is sovereign over life. Putting oneself in place of a deity—whether loudly or silently—by bypassing His commands, invalidating them, or preventing them from being carried out, and voluntarily obeying such people, constitutes taking them as second or third gods/lords. In this case, the entire order of life is corrupted. Allah has forbidden Paradise to those who take other lords. [cf. 5/72] (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/271)

 

"Fear of Allah" is not a fear like a person's fear of darkness, hunger, wild animals, or an enemy. A person fears—and must fear—being deprived of Allah's mercy, forgiveness, pleasure, love, friendship, and blessings due to rebellion; they fear giving an account in the divine presence and suffering His punishment in this world and the Hereafter. (I. KARAGOZ 4/113)

 

(52) ‘To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. Religion (obedience) is always only His.’ Just as Almighty Allah is One in His essence and attributes, He is also One in His property, in being the owner of religion, and in His judgment and sovereignty. According to Islam, all commands are valid only within the scope of their compliance with Allah's command. Servanthood is realized only through obedience to Allah's commands. (H. T. FEYIZLI, 1/271)

 

It is Almighty Allah who creates, sustains, and manages the earth and the humans, jinn, and animals living on it; the heavens and the angels living there; the Sun, Moon, stars, planets, and galaxies; and all animate and inanimate beings. Property and sovereignty in this world and the Hereafter belong to Him. He has no partner or helper. (I. KARAGOZ 4/114)

 

‘Religion is always His.’ Sincere obedience must be performed only for Him at all times. Since this is the case, everything is His property and everything must obey Him. How can anyone fear anyone other than Him? (S. HAWWA, 8/37)

 

(53) ‘Whatever reaches you of blessing is from Allah.’ Since all blessings such as health, wealth, and abundance that reach you are given by Allah, how can you associate others with Him? (..) ‘Then when you suffer a distress’—when you are left alone with any kind of distress such as illness, poverty, drought, helplessness, calamity, fear, etc.—‘you cry only to Him for help.’ (S. HAWWA, 8/37)

 

(55) ‘(O Disbelievers!) Enjoy yourselves (worldly blessings) for a while (do whatever you want!). Soon you will know (your end).’ It is Almighty Allah who gives the sustenance (rizq) of every person, whether believer or disbeliever, in the world. He does not cut off anyone's sustenance because they are disbelievers; He gives them the return for their labor. However, disbelievers will not have any blessing in the Hereafter. Because the place they will go is Hell. (46/20, 39/71, 72) The phrase ‘..enjoy yourselves’ threatens the disbelievers and the ungrateful by saying "do what you want; eat, drink, and benefit from the blessings for a while longer." (I. KARAGOZ 4/116)

 

WHEN A DAUGHTER IS ANNOUNCED (16/56-59)

 

Translation

 

56- They (the pagans) assign a share of the sustenance We have provided for them to things they do not know (idols/statues that have no benefit or harm). By Allah, you will surely be questioned about what you used to invent. [cf. 6/136]

 

57- They (the pagans) claim that daughters belong to Allah. Glory be to Him! He is far above that (He has no child). While they (assign) to themselves what they desire (male children). [cf. 43/15-18; 53/21-22]

 

58- And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a daughter, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.

 

59- He hides himself from the people because of the (supposed) evil of which he has been informed. Shall he keep her in humiliation (and shame) or bury her in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is the judgment they make!

 

Commentary

 

(56) ‘They assign a share of the sustenance We have provided for them to things they do not know (idols/statues that have no benefit or harm). By Allah, you will surely be questioned about what you used to invent.’ The pagans used to set aside a portion of their animals and agricultural products for their idols and use them in temple services. They also offered sacrifices for their idols. The verse draws attention to these incorrect forms of worship. (En’am, 6/136) (O. CELIK, 3/66)

 

(57) What is meant by ‘..the things you invented’ are the pagans' false practices: worshiping idols as deities with the belief that they would intercede and bring them closer to Allah (39/3, 43), associating jinn as partners with Allah (6/100), calling angels the daughters of Allah and burying female children alive (6/140, 16/57-58), making some lawful things forbidden (5/103, 6/137-139), allocating shares of land products and animals to idols, and similar vain acts. The phrase ‘..you will be questioned’ means that you will suffer the punishment for your false practices in the Hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, Almighty Allah weighs the deeds of the believers on the scale of truth (7/8). For the disbelievers, the balance (mizan) is set up not to distinguish between their good and evil or rewards and sins, but to count and reveal their sins and evils and to question them. Because they have no faith, disbelievers have no hasanat (good deeds) or rewards. (7/9; I. KARAGOZ 4/117, 118)

 

Today, people still vow sacrifices to "saints" (walis). They sacrifice these not for Allah or in Allah's name, but in the name of a wali! This is just like the people of the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah) setting aside a portion of the blessings Allah provided for them for their false gods. However, making a vow in this way is forbidden (haram). Even if it is slaughtered by mentioning Allah's name, the meat is also haram because this animal was vowed in the name of someone other than Allah! (S. KUTUB, 6/540)

 

‘The pagans attribute daughters to Allah..’ The pagans used to say that Allah has sons and daughters (6/100, 37/150-151), that angels are the daughters of Allah (43/16, 58/39), and that male children belong to them. (..) With the phrase ‘Glory be to Him, He is far above that,’ such rhetoric and belief are rejected, and it is stated in verse 152 of Surah As-Saffat that the pagans are lying. It is declared in many verses that Allah has no mother, father, spouse, or child (112/1-3). ‘Allah has not taken any child.’ (25/2; I. KARAGOZ 4/118)

 

(58) ‘And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a daughter, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.’ The Arabs of Jahiliyyah did not want female children for two reasons: First, financial hardship; second, their understanding of "honor." Since male children would become the warriors of the tribe in the future, they enjoyed having them (Verse 57) and boasted about their large numbers. (QUR’AN WAY, 3/410)

 

The second reason they did not want a daughter was the issue of honor. Because there were endless wars among the Arabs, and in these wars, women and girls were taken captive and bought and sold as concubines. This situation was extremely humiliating for an Arab who was very fond of his honor. (..) Islam abolished this degrading custom of Jahiliyyah, held male and female children at an equal level, and even gave special importance to the upbringing of daughters. (O. CELIK, 3/67)

 

Hadith: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "Whoever looks after two girls until they reach the age of puberty, he will be with me on the Day of Resurrection like this," and he joined his fingers together. (From Muslim, Birr 148; O. CELIK, 3/68)

 

NEITHER AN HOUR BACK NOR AN HOUR FORWARD (16/60-63)

 

Translation

 

60- For those who do not believe in the Hereafter, there are evil attributes (descriptions and examples). And for Allah are the highest attributes (descriptions and examples). He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

 

61- And if Allah were to punish the people for their wrongdoing (immediately), He would not leave upon the earth any creature. But He defers them until a specified (determined) term. And when their term has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it]. [cf. 18/58; 35/45]

 

62- They (the pagans) attribute to Allah what they [themselves] dislike. Moreover, their tongues assert the lie that the best (result) is certainly for them. Without doubt, for them is the Fire, and they will be the ones sent on ahead (to Hell).

 

63- (O Muhammad!) By Allah, We surely sent [messengers] to nations before you. But Satan made their deeds fair-seeming to them. So he is their patron today (of the disbelievers). And for them is a painful punishment.

 

Commentary

 

(60) ‘Evil attributes belong to those who do not believe in the Hereafter.’ Evil attributes refer to the pagans' claims that sons belong to them while daughters belong to Allah, their feeling of shame due to newborn daughters and killing them, their associating partners with Allah, and their attributing children to Him. ‘The most exalted attributes belong to Allah.’ Almighty Allah is perfect in every respect; He does not need a mother, father, spouse, child, help, or anything else; He is complete and flawless. He is far above the attributes specific to created beings; the most beautiful names and attributes belong to Him. (I. KARAGOZ 4/120)

 

(61) ‘And if Allah were to punish the people for their wrongdoing (immediately), He would not leave upon the earth any creature. But He defers them until a specified term. When