Why eyebrows are raised when Muslims label some food as Halāl (Lawful) and Harām (Unlawful)

Eating meat has been the favourite food of the man since ages. And generally man does not differentiate in meat coming from any animal and devour it to their full. Yet when it comes to Muslims, they strictly follow the Divine Command on the subject as pronounced in Al Qur'an, specially with regard to eating pork or any animal upon whom name of Allah has not been called at the time of slaughter. While Muslims follow the Divine commandment, yet many a eyebrow are raised for Muslims not eating pork.

The reason eyebrows are often raised is usually due to lack of awareness of the common ground between Islam, Judaism, and even parts of Christianity regarding food laws. We will explain the exclusive verse from Qur'an as given below with reference to the Divine Commandment on the subject in other Divine Scriptures.

Let’s unpack verse 115 of Surah al-Naḥl (The Honey Bee) which specifically lays down the dividing line between the lawful and unlawful (ḥalāl and ḥarām), and Allah’s mercy in giving guidance about what can and cannot be consumed.

اِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيۡكُمُ الۡمَيۡتَةَ وَ الدَّمَ وَلَحۡمَ الۡخِنۡزِيۡرِ وَمَاۤ اُهِلَّ لِغَيۡرِ اللّٰهِ بِهٖ​ۚ فَمَنِ اضۡطُرَّ غَيۡرَ بَاغٍ وَّلَا عَادٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِيۡمٌ‏ 

(16:115) Allah has forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine; also any animal over which the name of any other than Allah has been pronounced. But whoever eats of them under compelling necessity - neither desiring it nor exceeding the limit of absolute necessity - surely for such action Allah is Much Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The Key point of the verse:

While Muslims are free to eat anything that Nature has provided for them, only four foods are explicitly forbidden:

• Dead animals (carrion).
• Blood.
• Pork.
• Anything slaughtered in the name of other than Allah.
• Exception: In necessity (life-saving situation), it is permitted.

Main Themes

• Clear rules: Allah explicitly defines only a few forbidden foods.
• Flexibility & Mercy: Necessity allows exceptions.
• Authority belongs to Allah: Humans must not invent their own halal/haram.
• Past nations’ mistakes: Jews made religion difficult by adding prohibitions.
• Repentance: Islam emphasizes Allah’s mercy for those who correct themselves.

Qur’an & Hadith Correlation

• Qur’an (5:3) also lists prohibited foods in detail, matching 16:115.
• Hadith: Prophet ﷺ said: “What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, and between the two are doubtful matters which many people do not know…” (Bukhari, Muslim).
• This shows balance: Allah has kept Islam simple and clear.

Qur'an and the Old Testament

While the Islamic viewpoint on Halal and Haram food is elaborated above, let us see what the Old Testament and the Bible says about consuming pork.

• The Bible prohibits eating pork. Both Jewish and Christian scriptures contain passages that identify swine as unclean and prohibit their consumption. 
• Prohibition in the Old Testament (Torah) The prohibition is not unique to Islam — it’s found in the Jewish law:
• Leviticus 11:7–8 – “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”
• Deuteronomy 14:8 repeats the same rule.
• Thus, Jews traditionally do not eat pork (kosher law).
• New Testament
• Early Christians, many of whom were Jews, also followed these dietary restrictions.
• Later, Paul’s letters (e.g., Romans 14:14, Colossians 2:16) argued that dietary laws were not binding for salvation, which is why many Christians today eat pork.
• This shift creates the perception that pork prohibition is “uniquely Islamic,” though historically it is not.
• Thus despite the above said interpretations of the New Testament which suggest a shift away from these Old Testament dietary laws, particularly for Christians, the Old Testament prohibitions remain clear. 

Why the “Eyebrow Raising”?

Despite pork being made unlawful to eat even in the Old Testament, the eyebrows keep raising on Muslims. This unnecessary raising of eyebrows is thus resultant of the following factors"

• Ignorance of Biblical parallels: Many people simply don’t know it’s also in the Bible.
• Cultural habits: In the West, pork is very common in cuisine (bacon, ham, sausages), so rejecting it seems unusual.
• Religious divergence: Since most Christians don’t observe the prohibition anymore, they see Muslims (and Jews) as being “overly strict.”
• Negation of Shared Abrahamic Wisdom
• All Divine religions stem from the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and should thus be followed in letter and spirit.
• Therefore, Islam reaffirms the same Divine law that existed in the Torah.
• It emphasizes continuity: the same God who forbade it to Moses reaffirmed it to Muhammad ﷺ.
• The wisdom includes both obedience to Divine command and health protection (pigs are carriers of parasites and diseases historically).

Lessons for Today

• Islam is not about restrictions — it is about balance.
• Don’t fall into extremes: making too many things haram (like some past nations), or ignoring clear prohibitions.
• Always remember necessity overrides prohibition — Islam is practical and merciful.
• Allah’s law is for guidance and purification, not hardship.

Let us not single out Islam for the sake of objection without understanding the reference to the context of the commandments contained in Al Qur'an with relation to Old Testament. Muslims follow AL Qur'an in true letter and spirit for they believe in it and do not deviate. If others do not follow what was brought to them, Islam cannot be made to answer for it.

You may also like to read the following posts with similar theme:

• An oft misinterpreted Prophetic Hadith by Muslims living in Non-Muslim countries
• Extraordinary conditions to consume otherwise forbidden food

You may refer to our reference page Selected verses from Surah 16. An Nahl for more selected verses from this surah already published.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Al Qur'an makes manifest everything on which depends guidance or deviation, success or failure

There is no better guidance than the Divine guidance contained in the Divine Scriptures revealed on the prophets of Allah. One needs to read and understand how to seek guidance, how, where and when. Al Qur'an, being the last of the Divine Scriptures, deliberate at length on the subject of guidance. In fact the purpose of Al Qur'an is guidance of humanity.

One such ayat / verse of guidance for humanity is the 89th verse of Surah 16. An Nah (The Honey Bee) given herein under:

وَيَوۡمَ نَـبۡعَثُ فِىۡ كُلِّ اُمَّةٍ شَهِيۡدًا عَلَيۡهِمۡ مِّنۡ اَنۡفُسِهِمۡ​ وَجِئۡنَا بِكَ شَهِيۡدًا عَلٰى هٰٓؤُلَاۤءِ ​ؕ وَنَزَّلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ الۡـكِتٰبَ تِبۡيَانًا لِّـكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ وَّ هُدًى وَّرَحۡمَةً وَّبُشۡرٰى لِلۡمُسۡلِمِيۡنَ

(16:89) (O Muhammad), warn them of the coming of a Day when We shall bring forth a witness against them from each community and We shall bring you forth as a witness against them all; (and it is for that purpose that) We sent down the Book to you which makes everything clear, and serves as a guidance and mercy and glad tidings to those who have submitted to Allah.

Context in the Qur’an

Surah An-Nahl is sometimes called "The Surah of Allah’s Blessings", and much of it lists the favors of Allah in creation, sustenance, and revelation.

• In verse 89, Allah addresses the Prophet ﷺ and reminds him that the Qur’an is not merely a scripture of rituals — it is the final, complete guide clarifying everything essential for human success: beliefs, moral principles, acts of worship, lawful and unlawful matters, and the principles of justice.
• This verse was revealed in the context of the Prophet’s mission to clarify truth in the face of opposition from the Quraysh, who often claimed they were following the religion of their forefathers without needing the Qur’an’s guidance.

The Quran makes manifest everything on which depends guidance or deviation, success or failure. Whose knowledge is essential for following the right way. What clearly distinguishes truth from falsehood.

This Book is a guidance for those who surrender to it as a divine Book and follow it in every aspect of life. Then it will bring Allah’s blessings upon them, and will give them the good news that they will come out successful in the court of Allah on the Day of Judgment. Or, the contrary, those people who reject it shall not only be deprived of guidance and blessing but will also find it as a testimony against themselves on the Day of Resurrection when Allah’s Messenger will stand up to testify against them. This Book will prove to be a strong argument against them. For Allah’s Messenger will say that he had conveyed its message which made manifest the distinction between truth and falsehood.

Meaning of “Tibyān al-li-kulli shay’” (Clarification of all things)

It doesn’t mean the Qur’an is an encyclopedia of all sciences. Therefore one should guard against that meaning of this sentence and the like in the Quran according to which some people interpret “everything” to mean the knowledge of all sciences, arts, etc. and in order to prove the correctness of their interpretation, they have to pervert the real meaning of the Quran.

The verse actually means that the Qur’an clarifies everything on which guidance or deviation, success or failure depends — the core truths for human salvation.

For details of worldly matters, Allah provides principles; the Prophet ﷺ, through Sunnah, explained their application.

Related Hadiths

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Muwatta Malik, Hakim)

This hadith shows the Qur’an’s role in guidance is complete, but its application is detailed through the Sunnah.

Another hadith in Muslim: “The Qur’an is an intercessor and a truthful advocate. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever throws it behind him, it will drag him to Hell.”

Lessons for Today

• The Qur’an addresses all essentials of human life: faith, worship, morality, justice, and social relations.
• Its guidance is timeless; its principles can be applied in every age.
• Rejecting the Qur’an is rejecting the very mercy and guidance Allah sent for human well-being.

The revelation of the Qur’ān thus provides “guidance and grace and gives good news to those who submit themselves to God.” This shows clearly that whoever wishes to follow right guidance and receive God’s mercy should declare his submission to God before the arrival of that awesome and fearful day. For when it comes, no one will be given leave to justify his position or to make amends for past deeds. Thus we see that the scenes of the Day of Judgement given in the Qur’ān serve a definite purpose endorsing the message given in the section where they occur.

Let us then turn to Al Qur'an for guidance and reform our lives as per the Divine commandments and instruction to follow a path clearly defined which should guide us to success. Any deviation from the right path is bound to fail with severe consequences.

You may refer to our reference page Selected verses from Surah 16. An Nahl for more selected verses from this surah already published.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from Surah 14. Ibrāhīm "إبراهيم" (Prophet Abraham) for verses from this Surah

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: ChatGPT | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Universal moral code as explained in Al Qur'an

Everything around us functions under a set of rules. Whether it is the entire celestial world where trillions and trillions galaxies, stars and moon move in a given direction and speed, or the human beings on our earth which if not given a code of conduct could go astray and may create a chaos. Thus a universal code of conduct is needed to work on a shared ethical ground that should respect humanity’s diversity while upholding values that should protect rights of the people. Whether drawn from religion, philosophy, or human rights, such a code should aim for justice, compassion, truth, and responsibility.

In Al Qur'an Allah the sole Creator of the entire universe lays down explicit instructions for the enforcement of moral code of conduct, which in fact are the guidelines for the entire mankind. Here is the verse, mentioned in the 90th verse of Surah 16. An Nahl (The Honey Bee) in Arabic and its English translation:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَيَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَٱلۡبَغۡيِۚ يَعِظُكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ

"Indeed, Allah commands justice (al-‘adl), excellence (al-ihsān), and giving to relatives (īṯā’ dhi al-qurbā), and forbids immorality (al-faḥshā’), bad conduct (al-munkar), and oppression (al-baghy). He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded." — [Surah An-Nahl 16:90]

Why This Verse is Special

Surah An-Nahl (16:90) is one of the most comprehensive verses of the Qur'an. It is often recited in the Friday khutbahs (sermons) due to its encompassing nature regarding moral guidance. Herein under are its major focuses for the mankind:

• Universal Moral Code: It transcends religion and applies to humanity at large.
• Practical Guidance: It balances personal conduct, social justice, and family responsibilities.
• Regular Recitation: Due to its depth, it is often recited at the end of Friday khutbahs to remind people of core values.

Breakdown and Explanation with References

The verse quoted above has two portions: The virtues (The first three codes of conduct) and the vice (the later three instructions) described separately herein under: 

1. “Indeed, Allah commands justice (العدل - al-‘adl)”

Justice is the foundation of Islamic law and society. It applies in all contexts: personal, legal, economic, and social.

• Related Quranic References:
• Surah An-Nisa 4:135 – "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives..."
• Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:8 – "Be just; that is nearer to righteousness..."
• Hadith Reference: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Judgment and the closest to Him will be the just leader." — (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1329)

2. “Excellence (الإحسان - al-ihsan)”

Ihsan means to do more than justice — to do good even when not required, and to behave with compassion and benevolence.

• Related Quranic References:
• Surah Al-Qasas 28:77 – "And do good as Allah has done good to you..."
• Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195 – "Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good (al-muhsineen)."
• The Prophet ﷺ explained ihsan as: "That you worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then know that He sees you." — (Sahih Muslim)

3. “Giving to relatives (إيتاء ذي القربى)”

Charity begins at home, and kinship ties are highly valued in Islam.

• Related Quranic References: "They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives..." - Surah Al-Baqarah 2:215
• Hadith Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Charity given to the poor is charity, but charity given to a relative is both charity and upholding ties of kinship." — (Tirmidhi, Hadith 658)

4. “And forbids immorality (الفحشاء - al-faḥshā’)”

This refers to indecent or obscene acts (e.g., fornication, adultery, lewdness).

• Related Quranic References: "Do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." - Surah Al-Isra 17:32
• Hadith Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Modesty is part of faith, and obscenity is part of hardness of heart..." — (Ahmad, Sahih)

5.“And bad conduct / wrongdoing (المنكر - al-munkar)”

Munkar refers to all actions that are known to be evil, harmful, or sinful by Islamic standards. Muslims are encouraged to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong:

Surah Al-Imran 3:104 – "Let there be a group among you who call to goodness, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong..."

6. “And oppression / transgression (البغي - al-baghy)”

Refers to arrogance, tyranny, or injustice, especially when one uses power unjustly.

• Related Quranic Reference: Surah Ash-Shura 42:42 – "The blame is only against those who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right..."
• Hadith Reference: The Prophet ﷺ said: "Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection..." — (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2578)

If the moral codes of conduct are applied faithfully throughout the world, the world could be transformed into Jannah (Paradise) on earth.

Those interested in detailed explanation of the above quoted verse, may refer to our earlier post on the explanation of verse 16:90: Allah enjoins Three Virtues - and Forbids Three Vices 

Please visit our reference page:  Sūrah 16. An Nahl الْنَّحْل -  The Honey Bee for more selected verses from Surah An Nahl.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Al-Qurʾān: Selected verses from Sūrah 16. An Nahl (The Honey Bee)

Sūrah An Nahl الْنَّحْل -  The Honey Bee, is the 16th chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an, with 128 verses (āyāt), part of the 14th Juz of Al-Qurʾān. It is named after honey bees mentioned in verse 68, and contains a comparison of the industry and adaptability of honey bees with the industry of man. The Sūrah combines creational signs, rational arguments, moral teachings, and prophetic encouragement. It serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s favor, the need for gratitude, and the ultimate success of truth over falsehood.

Here's a detailed explanation of the reference to context, major themes, and its significance:

Reference to Context (Asbāb al-Nuzūl / Background)

Surah An-Nahl was revealed during the later Makkan period, a time when Muslims were facing intense persecution from the Quraysh. This period was marked by:

• Increasing hostility toward Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Resistance to the message of monotheism.
• Harsh treatment of early Muslims.

The surah was revealed to console and strengthen the Prophet and the believers, affirm the truth of the message, and warn the disbelievers of the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.

Major Focuses and Themes

• Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
• The Sūrah repeatedly emphasizes Allah’s unity, contrasting it with the absurdity of polytheism.
• Nature is used as a sign of Allah’s power – bees, rain, cattle, fruits, etc.
• Verses 3–18 mention several blessings that demonstrate Allah’s creative power.
• Revelation and Prophethood
• The Qur'an is described as a mercy and guidance.
• Emphasis on the truthfulness and mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Encouragement to reflect on divine signs rather than blindly follow ancestors.
• Moral and Ethical Teachings
• Justice, righteousness, and fulfillment of promises are encouraged.
• Clear instruction in Verse 90: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression...” (16:90)
• This is considered one of the most comprehensive ethical verses in the Qur’an.
• Recited in Friday sermons around the world.
• Punishment and Reward
• Those who disbelieve and are arrogant will face punishment.
• Those who are patient, grateful, and righteous will be rewarded in the Hereafter.
• Gratitude vs. Ingratitude
• The surah stresses being grateful to Allah for His blessings.
• Ingratitude is strongly criticized.
• Reference to the (Honey) Bee (Verse 68–69)
• From which the surah takes its name: “Your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Set up hives in the mountains and in the trees and in the trellises that people put up,.”
• This verse highlights the harmony of nature, and how creatures obey divine command.
• The bee symbolizes productivity, order, and divine instruction.

Why Surah An-Nahl is Important

• Strong argument for monotheism using signs in creation.
• Universal moral code in Verse 90 – "Surely Allah enjoins justice, kindness and the doing of good to kith and kin, and forbids all that is shameful, evil and oppressive. He exhorts you so that you may be mindful." - a cornerstone of Islamic ethics.
• Highlights divine blessings, urging reflection and gratitude.
• Encouragement during persecution – a morale boost for early Muslims.
• Scientific allusions – especially about the bee and honey, often cited in discussions on Islam and science.

Key Verses to Remember

• 16:5–8: Animals as a sign of Allah’s favor
• 16:18:   “If you try to count Allah’s blessings, you cannot enumerate them.”
• 16:36:   Messengers sent to every nation
• 16:36:   The Divine miracle of formation of milk in the cattle
• 16:89:   The Qur’an as clarification for all things
• 16:90:   Universal moral code - Justice, kindness, and forbidding evil
• 16:115-119 Lawful and unlawful food
• 16:125  A notable verse that encourages inviting others to Islam with wisdom, good preaching, and respectful dialogue.

We have already shared the Overview and the Tafseer / Exegesis of the Surah which can be read from links given below:

| Exegesis: Part I | Part II | Part III | 

Herein under are some of the selected verses / ayat already published by us for selective reading:

• Invoking the Dead  - verse 21
• The Magnanimity of Allah - verse 61
• Verse 89
• Overview: Al Qur'an makes manifest everything on which depends guidance and success or failure
• Detailed Exegesis: Qur'an: A Book of guidance and glad tidings to those who have submitted to Allah 


• Verse 90:
• The Skeleton: Universal moral code as explained in Al Qur'an
• The exegesis: Allah enjoins Three Virtues - and Forbids Three Vices 
• Whenever you read the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed - verse 98
• Verse 115: Why eyebrows are raised when Muslims label some food as Halāl (Lawful) and Harām (Unlawful) 
• Call to way of Allah in the best manners possible - verse 125
• Islam and Retributive Justice - verse 126

In time, we shall add more important ayat / verses from Sūrah An Nahl for the interest of our readers.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Whenever you read the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed

Reading Qur'an is central to everyday routine of Muslims around the world. Since the reading of Qur'an is one of the most liked acts in the eyes of Allah, the accursed Satan gets awfully worried for he feels threatened that his grip over the believers is being loosened. And thus, he tries to disturb the concentration of the believers to worldly attractions as an act of deviation. 

Mindful of the Satanic machinations, Allah has cautioned believers about it and has asked them to seek refuge with Allah from the Satan whenever reading Qur'an. The 98th verse of Surah An Nahl spells out the attitude towards Qur’ānic Recitation:

فَاِذَا قَرَاۡتَ الۡقُرۡاٰنَ فَاسۡتَعِذۡ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيۡطٰنِ الرَّجِيۡمِ‏  

(16:98) Whenever you read the Qur'an seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed.

This does not mean that one should merely repeat the Arabic words: (I seek Allah's refuge against the accursed Satan). It means that one should have a sincere desire and do one's utmost to guard against Satan's evil suggestions when one is reciting the Holy Qur'an and should not allow wrong and irrelevant doubts and suspicions to enter one's heart. One should try to sec everything contained in the Qur'an in its true light, and refrain from mixing it up with one's self-invented theories or ideas foreign to the Qur'an so as to construe its meaning against the will of Allah. Moreover, one should feel that the most sinister and avowed design of Satan is that the reader should not obtain any guidance from the Quran. This is why Satan tries his utmost to delude the reader and pervert him from getting guidance from it, and mislead him into wrong ways of thinking. Therefore, the reader should be fully on his guard against Satan and seek Allah's refuge for help so that Satan should not be able to deprive him of the benefits froth this source of guidance, for one who fails to get guidance from this source, will never be able to get guidance from anywhere else. Above all, the one who seeks to obtain deviation from this Book, is so entangled in deviation that he can never get out of this vicious circle.

The context in which this verse occurs here is to serve as an introduction to the answers to the questions which the mushriks of Makkah were raising against the Qur'an. They have been warned that they could appreciate the blessing of the Qur'an only if they would try to see it in its true light by seeking Allah's protection against Satan's misleading suggestions, and not by raising objections against it. Otherwise, Satan does not let a man understand the Qur'an and its teachings.

The next two verses augment the substance of the aforementioned verse, which assures the believers that Satan has no power over them as long as their faith in Allah is unwavering and their belief in destiny is cemented with trust in Allah:

اِنَّهٗ لَـيۡسَ لَهٗ سُلۡطٰنٌ عَلَى الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا وَعَلٰى رَبِّهِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُوۡنَ‏ 

(16:99) Surely, he has no power over those who have faith and who place their trust in their Lord.

اِنَّمَا سُلۡطٰنُهٗ عَلَى الَّذِيۡنَ يَتَوَلَّوۡنَهٗ وَالَّذِيۡنَ هُمۡ بِهٖ مُشۡرِكُوۡنَ

(16:100) He has power only over those who take him as their patron and who, under his influence, associate others with Allah in His Divinity.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: (The Command to seek Refuge with Allah before reciting the Qur'an)

This is a command from Allah to His servants upon the tongue of His Prophet, telling them that when they want to read Qur'an, they should seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Shaytan. The Hadiths mentioned about seeking refuge with Allah (Isti`adhah), were quoted in our discussion at the beginning of this Tafsir, praise be to Allah. The reason for seeking refuge with Allah before reading is that the reader should not get confused or mixed up, and that the Shaytan would not confuse him or stop him from thinking about and pondering over the meaning of what he reads. Hence the majority of scholars said that refuge should be sought by Allah before starting to read.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

The present passage (verses {98-105}) evidently connects with the broad ethical exhortation given in verse {90} above and, thus, with the statement (in verse {89}) that the Qur'an is meant "to make everything clear and to provide guidance and grace and a glad tiding unto all who have surrendered themselves to God" - which, in its turn, implies that the Qur'an is the ultimate source of all God-willed ethical and moral values, and thus an unchanging criterion of good and evil. But since man is always, by virtue of his nature, prone to question the very validity of the moral standards established through revelation, the believer is now called upon to seek, whenever he reads or meditates on this divine writ, God's spiritual aid against the whisperings of what the Qur'an describes as "Satan, the accursed" - that is, all the evil forces, both within man's own soul and within his social environment, which tend to undermine his moral convictions and to lead him away from God.

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

Evil has no authority or influence on those who put their trust in Allah. It is good to express that trust in outward actions, and a formal expression of it-as in the formula, "I seek Allah's protection from Evil"-helps us. Man is weak at best, and he should seek strength for his will in Allah's help and protection.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

This directs the Prophet (sws) to seek God’s refuge when he presents the message of the Qur’ān. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

The potent effect of the Qur’ān is dependent on the state of the heart of a person. If a person seeks refuge of God through his tongue only, it does not have much of an influence on him. However, when this supplication comes out from the depth of his heart, he is braced with such force that it gives him support to counter the onslaught of Satan and his accomplices. This onslaught is a consequence of the trial which the Almighty has ordained in this world for human beings. Hence there is no escape from this in any situation. The hidden potential of a person comes to the surface because of this. If a person has the support of the blessing of seeking refuge with the Almighty, he can never be defeated by Satan and his agents. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 4, 448)

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki: (Attitude to Qur’ānic Recitation)

The Sūrah then speaks about the Qur’ān and the values to be observed when reciting it. It also mentions some of the false assertions the unbelievers used to make about it. “Whenever you read the Qur’ān, seek refuge with God from Satan, the accursed. He certainly has no power over those who believe and place their trust in their Lord. He has power only over those who are willing to follow him, and thus ascribe to him a share in God’s divinity.” (Verses 98-100) Seeking God’s refuge against Satan prepares the atmosphere such that it is more congenial for the recitation of God’s book. It gives a sense of purity that strengthens the reader’s bond with God, so that he is free from any other preoccupation, that is with any aspect of the world of evil that Satan represents.

This is all generated by seeking refuge with God from Satan and his schemes. Yet it is made clear that Satan “has no power over those who believe and place their trust in their Lord.” (Verse 99) Those who appeal to God alone and purge their hearts of any loyalty to any other bond are free of Satan’s power. Much as he may whisper to them, their bond with God protects them from toeing his line. They may slip and commit errors, but they do not submit to Satan. They will always purge their hearts of Satan’s influence and turn to God in repentance. “He has power only over those who are willing to follow him, and thus ascribe to him a share in God’s divinity.” (Verse 100) It is such people who make Satan their patron, who allow their desires to dictate their actions under Satan’s influence that are subject to his power. Indeed, some of them make Satan their Lord. Indeed, some have even worshipped Satan, or a similar deity of evil. However, following Satan’s footsteps is a kind of associating him as a partner with God.

Now you may listen to the following short clipped video to explanation of the aforesaid Ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Qur'an: A Book of guidance and glad tidings to those who have submitted to Allah

Today in our series of posts on Selected verses from Qur'an, we present to our readers the meaning and explanation of 89th verse of Surah 16. An Nahl. The verse is in fact is an allusion to the Day of Judgment, when the prophets whom God has called forth within every community - or, in the wider sense of the term ummah, within every civilization or cultural period - will symbolically bear witness to the fact that they had delivered God's message to their people and explained to them the meaning of right and wrong, thus depriving them of any subsequent excuse.[3]

It also mentions the sending down of Qur'an, the last of the four Divine Scriptures which serves as a guidance and mercy and glad tidings to those who have submitted to Allah:

وَيَوۡمَ نَـبۡعَثُ فِىۡ كُلِّ اُمَّةٍ شَهِيۡدًا عَلَيۡهِمۡ مِّنۡ اَنۡفُسِهِمۡ​ وَجِئۡنَا بِكَ شَهِيۡدًا عَلٰى هٰٓؤُلَاۤءِ ​ؕ وَنَزَّلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ الۡـكِتٰبَ تِبۡيَانًا لِّـكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ وَّ هُدًى وَّرَحۡمَةً وَّبُشۡرٰى لِلۡمُسۡلِمِيۡنَ

(16:89) (O Muhammad), warn them of the coming of a Day when We shall bring forth a witness against them from each community and We shall bring you forth as a witness against them all; (and it is for that purpose that) We sent down the Book to you which makes everything clear,86 and serves as a guidance and mercy and glad tidings to those who have submitted to Allah.

The Qur'an makes manifest everything on which depends guidance or deviation, success or failure: whose knowledge is essential for following the Right Way: which clearly distinguishes Truth from false hood.

In this connection one should guard against that meaning of this sentence and the like in the Qur'an according to which some people interpret "everything" to mean "the knowledge of all sciences, arts, etc.," and in order to prove the correctness of their interpretation, they have to pervert the real meaning of the Qur'an. 

This Book, i.e. Qur'an, is a guide for those who surrender to it as a Divine Book and follow it in every aspect of life. Then it will bring Allah's blessings upon them, and will give them the good news that they will come out successful in the Court of Allah on the Day of Judgment. Or. the contrary, those people who reject it shall not only be deprived of guidance and blessing but will also find it as a testimony against themselves on the Day of Resurrection when Allah's Messenger will stand up to testify against them. This Book will prove to be a strong argument against them, for Allah's Messenger will say that he had conveyed its Message which made manifest the distinction between Truth and falsehood.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: (Every Prophet will bear Witness against his Nation on the Day of Resurrection.) In this verse, Allah addressed His servant and Messenger Muhammad, saying:

(وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْهِمْ مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَى هَـؤُلآءِ -

(And on the Day when We resurrect a witness from each nation from among themselves, and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these.), meaning, your Ummah. The Ayah means: remember that Day and its terrors, and the great honor and high position that Allah has bestowed upon you. 

This Ayah is like the Ayah with which `Abdullah bin Mas`ud ended when he recited to the Messenger of Allah from the beginning of Surat An-Nisa'. When he reached the Ayah:

( فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِن كُلِّ أمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ عَلَى هَـؤُلاءِ شَهِيداً How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these) [4:41] the Messenger of Allah said to him:(Enough.) Ibn Mas`ud said: "I turned to him and saw his eyes streaming with tears.'

The Qur'an explains Everything: وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَـبَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَىْء((And We revealed the Book (the Qur'an) to you as an explanation of everything,) Ibn Mas`ud said: "Allah made it clear that in this Qur'an there is complete knowledge and about everything.'' The Qur'an contains all kinds of beneficial knowledge, such as reports of what happened in the past, information about what is yet to come, what is lawful and unlawful, and what people need to know about their worldly affairs, their religion, their livelihood in this world, and their destiny in the Hereafter - (a guidance) means, for their hearts, (a mercy, and good news for the Muslims.) 

Al-Awza`i said:(And We have revealed the Book (the Qur'an) as an explanation of everything,) meaning, with the Sunnah. The is the reason why the phrase, (وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَـبَ And We have revealed the Book to you) is mentioned immediately after the phrase,

(وَجِئْنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَى هَـؤُلآءِ And We shall bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these. ) the meaning - and Allah knows best - is that the One Who obligated you to convey the Book which He revealed to you, will also ask you about that on the Day of Resurrection.

(Then We shall indeed question those (people) to whom it (the Book) was sent and We shall indeed question the Messengers.) (7:6)

(So, by your Lord, We question them all about what they did.) (15:92-92)

( يَوْمَ يَجْمَعُ اللَّهُ الرُّسُلَ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَآ أُجِبْتُمْ قَالُواْ لاَ عِلْمَ لَنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـمُ الْغُيُوبِ On the Day when Allah gathers the Messengers together and says to them: "What was the response you received (to your Message)'' They will say: "We have no knowledge, indeed only You are the Knower of all that is hidden.'') (5:109) And Allah says:

( إِنَّ الَّذِى فَرَضَ عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْءَانَ لَرَآدُّكَ إِلَى مَعَادٍ Verily, He Who obligated the Qur'an upon you (O Muhammad) will surely bring you back to the return.) [28:85] meaning, the One Who gave you the obligation of conveying the Qur'an will bring you back to Him, and your return will be on the Day of Resurrection, and He will question you about you commission of the duty He gave you. This is one of the opinions, and it presents a good understanding of it.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

Although the Arabian contemporaries of the Prophet were, naturally, the first to whom his revelation was conveyed - a fact that gave a particular weight to the manner in which they responded to it - the Qur'anic message as such is addressed to all mankind (see in this connection, in particular, 7:158 and 21:107, as well as the corresponding notes).

I.e., everything that pertains to the knowledge of good and evil, in both the individual and social senses of these terms. - Regarding my rendering of nazzalna, it should be borne in mind that this particular grammatical form is often used in the Qur'an to bring out the fact that it was revealed gradually ("step by step") over a considerable period of time, and not in one piece.

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

To the thought expressed in xvi. 84 (One day We shall raise from all peoples a witness: then will no excuse be accepted from Unbelievers nor will they receive any favors), is added another detail here in verse 89. But first explanation of verse 84 for it is relevant to verse 89:

To each People is sent Allah's Messenger or Teacher, to point out the right way. There may be one, or there may be many. Such a Messenger (Rasul) will be a witness that Allah's Truth was preached to all peoples in express terms, in addition to the Signs of Allah everywhere in nature. There will then be no room for excuses of any kind. Those who rejected Allah after repeated warnings cannot reasonably ask for more respite, as they had every kind of respite during their life of probation; nor can they now take refuge behind Allah's Grace, which they had repeatedly rejected. A) That is, they will not be allowed to seek grace by repentance. Cf. xxx. 57, xlv. 35.

Now coming back to verse 89: Not only will there be witnesses from Peoples, but the witnesses will be men from amongst the Peoples themselves, men of their own kith and kin, who understood them and explained Allah's Message in their own language. The Prophet Muhammad will be witness against all those who rejected the Message he brought. For those who believe in him of (all races and peoples), the Book which he brought will be an explanation, a guide, a mercy and a Gospel.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

This applies to all people and communities. The Sūrah then singles out a special situation involving the Prophet with his own people:

“One day We will raise up within every nation a witness from among themselves to testify against them. And We will bring you, [Prophet] as a witness against these [i.e. your people]. We have bestowed from on high upon you the book to make everything clear, and to provide guidance and grace, and to give good news to those who submit themselves to God.” (Verse 89)

What a gloomy and fraught scene is chosen as the background: that of a pagan people looking on when the false deities they used to worship declare that they are liars, and those very deities declare their own submission to God, totally disowning their former worshippers.

Against this background, the Prophet’s position is clearly stated. He will be the witness against his own people. This timely piece of detail adds power to the whole scene: “And We will bring you, [Prophet] as a witness against these [i.e. your people].” (Verse 89) The verse mentions then that the revelations given to the Prophet “makes everything clear,” leaving no excuse for anyone to justify turning away from them. The revelation of the Qur’ān also provides “guidance and grace and gives good news to those who submit themselves to God.” (Verse 89) This shows clearly that whoever wishes to follow right guidance and receive God’s mercy should declare his submission to God before the arrival of that awesome and fearful day. For when it comes, no one will be given leave to justify his position or to make amends for past deeds. Thus, we see that the scenes of the Day of Judgement given in the Qur’ān serve a definite purpose endorsing the message given in the section where they occur.

Now you may listen to the following short clipped video to explanation of the aforesaid Ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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