O' Ye who believe! Do not set up another god with Allah - Worship Him alone, the beginning and the end of all wisdom

Surah Al-Isrāʾ (Passage 17:23–39) is a compact Qur’anic charter for a complete moral life: it begins with Tawḥīd, then translates faith into kindness to parents, care for relatives and the poor, balanced spending, protection of children and human life, chastity, safeguarding orphan property, keeping promises, honesty in trade, intellectual responsibility, and humility. It ends by returning to Tawḥīd, showing that all these duties are parts of one divine wisdom. In fact this passage presents Ten Divine Commandments for the guidance of believers who truly believe in One True God - Allah.

The passage teaches that true religion is not confined to worship alone; it must shape family life, economics, justice, speech, knowledge and character, so that belief in Allah becomes visible in the way we live with others. We have already shared each verse of the passage in our exclusive page: Al Qur'an spells out a comprehensive charter of personal morality, family responsibility, justice, economic ethics and intellectual integrity.

Today we share the 39th verse of Surah Al-Isrāʾ 17:39 which is the concluding verse of the great moral passage 17:23–39:

ذَٰلِكَ مِمَّا أَوْحَىٰ إِلَيْكَ رَبُّكَ مِنَ الْحِكْمَةِ ۗ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ فَتُلْقَىٰ فِي جَهَنَّمَ مَلُومًا مَّدْحُورًا

“That is from the wisdom your Lord has revealed to you. And do not set up another god with Allah, or you will be cast into Hell, blamed and rejected.”

Context

Verse 39 does not introduce a new subject; it summarizes everything taught in 17:23–38. The passage had commanded worship of Allah alone, kindness to parents, assistance to relatives and the needy, moderation in spending, protection of children and human life, chastity, protection of orphan property, fulfilment of promises, honesty in trade, intellectual responsibility and humility.

Then Allah says: 

ذَٰلِكَ مِمَّآ أَوْحَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ رَبُّكَ مِنَ ٱلْحِكْمَةِ ۗ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا ءَاخَرَ فَتُلْقَىٰ فِى جَهَنَّمَ مَلُومًا مَّدْحُورًا

“That is from what your Lord has revealed to you, [O Muhammad], of wisdom. And, [O mankind], do not make [as equal] with Allāh another deity, lest you be thrown into Hell, blamed and banished.”

So these commandments are not disconnected rules. Together they form a Qur’anic philosophy of life.

Notice something especially beautiful: the passage begins in 17:23 with Tawḥīd— “Do not worship except Him.” —and ends in 17:39 with Tawḥīd— “Do not set up another god with Allah.” Thus Tawḥīd surrounds the entire moral code.

What does “wisdom” mean here?

The word is: الْحِكْمَة — al-ḥikmah. Here it refers to revealed wisdom that teaches human beings how to live rightly. 

Wisdom in the Qur’anic sense is not simply knowing many facts. It is knowing what is right, understanding why it matters, and acting accordingly.

Therefore: (1) kindness to parents is wisdom; (2) economic moderation is wisdom; (3) sexual restraint is wisdom; (4) protection of life is wisdom; (5) keeping contracts is wisdom; (6) intellectual honesty is wisdom; (7) humility is wisdom.

Religion therefore does not separate faith from ethical behaviour.

Scholarly interpretation

1.    Ibn Kathīr understands 17:39 as Allah telling the Prophet ﷺ that all the preceding commands and prohibitions are part of the wisdom revealed by Allah. He particularly emphasizes that the passage returns again to the prohibition of shirk, showing that Tawḥīd is the greatest foundation upon which all these teachings rest. 

In other words: good character without recognizing Allah is incomplete, and claiming faith in Allah while ignoring moral responsibility is also incomplete.

2.    Al-Ṭabarī similarly explains “that is from the wisdom your Lord has revealed” as referring back to the entire body of commandments just given. The closing prohibition against associating partners with Allah reinforces the central theological principle from which the ethical system derives.

For al-Ṭabarī, revelation is not merely information about the unseen; it provides practical wisdom for human conduct.

3.    Maududi gives this passage particular importance. He regards 17:23–39 almost as a moral and social charter revealed near the end of the Makkan period, shortly before the Muslim community would acquire a social and political existence in Madinah.

The principles listed here therefore became foundations for Islamic civilization: family responsibility, protection of life, economic honesty, social welfare, sexual morality, contracts, knowledge and humility.

Verse 39 then labels this whole system ḥikmah—wisdom from Allah. This is crucial: Islam does not build society merely through punishment or legislation. It first builds a moral human being.

4.     Ghamidi mentions that at the end the Qur’ān has made it evident that morals are a corollary of beliefs and according to the categorization of the Qur’ān, all moral directives will be subsumed under al-ḥikmah. They will come under al-kitāb when some law is stated about them.   

Why does the verse return to shirk?

Because the Qur’an wants us to understand where morality ultimately comes from. If Allah alone is the Creator and Lord, then our responsibilities toward: parents, money, sexuality, human life, contracts, knowledge, and other people are not merely social conventions. They are matters for which we answer before Allah. Thus Tawḥīd creates accountability.

The believer does not remain honest only because the police are watching. He remains honest because: Allah is watching.

Its relevance today

This verse is highly relevant because modern societies often separate different areas of life. Someone may be considered successful because he is wealthy, professionally accomplished or influential, while his family relationships, business ethics and treatment of others are considered separate matters.

17:23–39 followed by 17:39 gives a different definition.

• A complete human life requires integrity across all dimensions.
• A person cannot claim morality while exploiting employees.
• He cannot claim religiosity while humiliating parents.
• He cannot speak about justice while cheating in business.
• He cannot demand truth from others while spreading rumours himself.
• He cannot speak proudly of faith while behaving arrogantly.

Therefore Verse 39 says: all of these things belong to one system of wisdom.

A lesson for religious life today

Sometimes religion itself can be reduced to visible rituals. Prayer and fasting are essential, but this passage reminds us that revelation also demands: honest measurement, responsible speech, protection of life, fulfilment of promises and humility.

So one cannot divide Islam into: “religious matters” and “ordinary life.”

• Business is religious when honesty is involved.
• Family life is religious when parents' rights are involved.
• Social media becomes a religious matter when truth and slander are involved.
• Government becomes a religious matter when justice and trust are involved.
• Every sphere can become part of worship through obedience to Allah.

How can we apply 17:39?

The most practical way is to treat the preceding passage as a personal moral audit. Ask yourself:

• Am I maintaining Tawḥīd sincerely?
• How do I treat my parents?
• Do I help relatives and the needy?
• Am I wasteful or miserly?
• Do I respect human life and dignity?
• Do I guard moral boundaries?
• Do I keep promises?
• Are my business dealings honest?
• Do I repeat things without knowledge?
• Has success made me arrogant?

Then 17:39 asks one final question: What is the foundation beneath all these choices? The answer is: my relationship with Allah.

The deeper structure of 17:23–39

There is an elegant progression:

17:23 — Tawḥīd - family ethics - social responsibility - economic responsibility - protection of life - sexual morality - property and contracts - commercial honesty - intellectual integrity - humility - 17:39 — Tawḥīd again. Thus the passage begins and ends with Allah because moral life begins and ends with accountability to Him.

The essence of 17:39

Perhaps the verse can be summarized in one sentence:

The Qur’an teaches that true wisdom is not merely knowing what is right, but organizing every part of life around Allah’s guidance—from worship and family to money, justice, knowledge and character.

The gist of Surah Al-Isrāʾ 17:39 is that all the moral commands given before it—kindness to parents, care for the weak, moderation, protection of life, chastity, honesty, keeping promises, responsible knowledge and humility—are not isolated rules but part of the divine wisdom revealed by Allah. The verse then returns to Tawḥīd, reminding us that the whole moral system rests on worshipping Allah alone. In short, true wisdom is to organize every part of life around Allah’s guidance, so that faith is reflected in character, justice, responsibility and humility.

And that is why 17:39 is such a fitting conclusion to this extraordinary passage: it gathers all these seemingly different rules into one unified way of life rooted in Tawḥīd, wisdom and accountability before Allah.

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 refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 17. Al-Isra'ʾ (The Night Journey) already published from Sürah 17. Al-Isra'ʾ.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• 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

One of the Qur'an's most profound principles of personal responsibility, justice, and accountability

Taking responsibility is the hallmark of high character of a man. That is a person should take responsibility for his actions because responsibility is the foundation of justice, moral growth, and one's relationship with Allah. If people could avoid responsibility by blaming others, heredity, society, or circumstances, neither justice nor accountability would have meaning.

At many places in Al Qur'an man has been cautioned about his responsibilities and actions. In this post today, we share one such verse which is one of the Qur'an's most profound principles of personal responsibility, justice, and accountability. It comes in a passage (53:36–42) that summarizes the enduring teachings revealed to the Prophets Ibrāhīm (Abraham) and Mūsā (Moses), showing that these principles are universal and not unique to Islam. In fact this verse is oft repeated in sermons and lectures to continuously remind man of his personal responsibilities for which he will held accountable for on the Day of Judgement.

The Verse Surah An-Najm (53:39)

وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ

"And that man will have nothing except what he strives for."

Context of the Verse

The verse 39 is part of a passage comprising verses 36 to 42 given herein under:

• 53:36–37: These truths were already taught in the scriptures of Moses and Abraham.
• 53:38: "No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another."
• 53:39: "Man will have nothing except what he strives for."
• 53:40: His striving will be shown to him.
• 53:41: He will then receive its full recompense.
• 53:42: To Allah is the final destination.

These verses form a complete chain: Personal responsibility - Personal effort - Divine judgment - Final reward. Thus, verse 39 explains why no one bears another's burden (53:38): every individual earns the consequences of their own striving.

Meaning of "Striving" (Sa'y)

The Arabic word سَعَى (saʿā) means to to strive, exert effort, work seriously, and pursue something with determination. It is broader than physical work. It includes:

• acts of worship,
• seeking knowledge,
• earning an honest livelihood,
• serving others,
• repentance,
• and even striving against one's own desires.

The verse emphasizes effort, while the outcome remains in Allah's hands.

Classical Scholars' Explanation

1. Ibn Kathīr

Ibn Kathīr explains that no one acquires the reward of another's deeds merely by wishing for it. Every person is rewarded according to what they sincerely strive for.

He also clarifies that this verse establishes a general rule of justice. Other texts show that Allah, out of His mercy, may allow a believer to benefit from certain deeds performed by others—such as the prayers of righteous descendants or charity done on behalf of the deceased—because Allah Himself has legislated those means. These are exceptions granted by Allah's grace, not contradictions of the principle.

2. Al-Ṭabarī

Al-Ṭabarī explains that every person possesses only what they have earned through their own actions. Reward and punishment are tied to one's own effort, demonstrating Allah's perfect justice.

3. Al-Qurṭubī

Al-Qurṭubī writes that this verse encourages diligence and rejects dependence on ancestry, status, or the righteousness of others. Neither noble lineage nor association with pious people benefits a person without faith and righteous deeds.

4. Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

From this verse three cardinal principles are derived:

• That every person is himself responsible for what he does;
• that the responsibility of one man's act cannot be transferred to another unless he has a share in the commission of the act; and
• that even if a person wishes he cannot take on himself the responsibility of another man's act, nor can the actual culprit be Iet off on the ground that another person is willing to suffer the punishment on his behalf. 

In this connection, it should be understood well that fulfillment of an obligation on behalf of another can be beneficial only to those people who have themselves been keen and desirous of fulfilling their obligations and might have been unable to do so being rendered helpless by circumstances. But a person who deliberately shirked going for Hajj although he had the necessary means for it and had no feeling whatever of this obligation in his heart either, cannot be benefited even if several Hajj be performed on his behalf afterwards. This would be analogous to the case of a person who deliberately avoided paying his debts and had no intention to pay them till the last. Afterwards even if every penny is paid off on his behalf, he would remain a debtor in the sight of Allah. The payment of the debts by another can relieve only such a person who in his lifetime was desirous of paying off his debts but was unable to do so due to straitened circumstances.

The explanation of this verse by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi and lengthy. Here only a section of it has been reproduced. Those wanting to reflect deeply on this verse may consult the exegesis of Surah 53, link at [1] below.

Correlation with Other Qur'anic Verses

As mentioned above, at many palaces the theme of personal responsibility is repeated. Herein under some verses that can be correlated with verse 53:39

1. Surah An-Najm (53:38)

• "No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another." 
• Verse 38 establishes personal accountability. 
• Verse 39 explains that each person's reward corresponds to their own striving.

2. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)

• "For it is what it has earned, and against it is what it has earned."
• Every soul receives the consequences of its own deeds.

3. Surah Al-Isrā' (17:15)

• "Whoever is guided is only guided for his own benefit, and whoever goes astray only goes astray against himself. No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another."
• This echoes the same principle of individual accountability.

4. Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7–8)

• "Whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it."
• Even the smallest sincere effort is known to Allah.

5. Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:195)

• "Indeed, I do not allow the work of any worker among you to be lost, whether male or female."
• Allah values sincere effort regardless of who performs it.

6. Surah At-Tawbah (9:105)

• "Work, for Allah will see your deeds, and His Messenger and the believers."
• Belief is accompanied by action and striving.

Correlation with Authentic Hadith

Since Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the receiver of all revelation in Al Qur'an, who else other than him can explain the meaning of the Quranic verses. Here are some hadiths that are correlated with above quoted verse:

1. Intentions determine reward

• The Prophet ﷺ said: "Actions are judged by intentions, and every person shall have only what he intended." — Sahih al-Bukhari 1; Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
• (Please read detailed explanation of this hadith from our earlier post: Hadith of the Day: Actions are dependent upon Intentions
• This complements 53:39 beautifully. Effort must be sincere, not merely outward.

2. Allah rewards consistent effort

• The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are small." — Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim
• Allah values perseverance more than occasional bursts of activity.

3. Human effort ends at death—except for lasting benefits

• The Prophet ﷺ said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (ṣadaqah jāriyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." — Sahih Muslim
• This hadith does not contradict 53:39. These continuing rewards arise from the person's own striving during life: they established the charity, taught the knowledge, or raised the righteous child.

4. Strive for what benefits you

• The Prophet ﷺ said: "Strive for that which benefits you, seek Allah's help, and do not give up." — Sahih Muslim
• This is a practical application of the Qur'anic command to strive.

Does this verse Contradict Intercession or Praying for Others?

No. Rather the verse establishes the general rule: Every person is accountable for their own striving.

Intercession (shafāʿah), forgiveness, and benefiting from others' prayers occur only by Allah's permission and mercy. They do not transfer moral responsibility or erase the need for one's own faith and effort. The Qur'an repeatedly states that no one can intercede except with Allah's permission (e.g., 2:255, 20:109).

How Can We Benefit from This Verse Today?

This verse is as true today as it was when it was revealed. In fact all verses of Al Qur'an stand validated today even after a lapse of more than 1450 years after revelation of Al Qur'an. Let us correlate this verse for its applicability today:

1. Stop relying on status or lineage

Being born into a Muslim family, having righteous parents, or belonging to a respected community does not replace personal faith and righteous deeds.

2. Value effort, not only results

The verse praises striving, not guaranteed worldly success. A sincere effort made for Allah is never wasted, even if the outcome differs from our hopes.

3. Avoid excuses

It is easy to blame circumstances, upbringing, or society. This verse reminds us that each person is responsible for responding to the opportunities Allah has given them.

4. Invest in lasting deeds

Acts such as teaching beneficial knowledge, supporting charitable causes, raising righteous children, and cultivating good character continue to bear fruit beyond one's lifetime.

5. Keep working with hope

Even small, consistent acts—daily prayer, Qur'an recitation, honest work, helping others—are part of the striving that Allah sees and rewards.

A Reflective Summary

Surah An-Najm 53:39 teaches a timeless principle of divine justice: every human being is responsible for the effort they make in seeking Allah's pleasure, and no one can rely on another person's righteousness in place of their own. Coming immediately after the declaration that no soul bears another's burden (53:38), it affirms that each person's striving will be displayed, judged, and rewarded with perfect fairness (53:40–42). At the same time, the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah teach that Allah's mercy can extend the benefit of a believer's own enduring efforts—such as ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and righteous offspring. 

The verse therefore inspires both humility and hope: our success is not measured merely by visible achievements, but by sincere, persistent striving for the sake of Allah, trusting that He never lets a righteous effort go unrewarded.

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 refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah (53) An-Najm النجم‎ (The Star) already published.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• 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

A powerful metaphor in Al Qur’an describes the false hopes and delusions of disbelievers

AL Qur'an, the last of the four Divine Scriptures is nothing but a book of Divine guidance. Thus it has to be read, understood and acted upon for whatever is written in the Qur'an is straight from the Lord of the entire universe with no human insertions. It is very easy to read the text specially for the Arabic speaking people. But the beauty of it is that even the non Arabic speaking people have also mastered the art of reading it. It is written in very straight language for easy reading. However, where some stress is required, the use of metaphors and parables is taken to make it easier to understand, for many a man love ready fiction and find metaphors and parables interesting and learn better.

Talking of parables, we recently published a verse from Qur'an based on a parable by giving an example of a fly. You may read our post: A parable in the Qur’an which teaches absurdity of idolatry and worshiping beings other than Allah if so desired.

As for the metaphor, Verse 39 of Surah An-Nur (Surah 24, Ayah 39) is a is powerful metaphor about the false hopes and delusions of disbelievers. Here's the verse in Arabic and its English translation, followed by an explanation:

وَالَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡۤا اَعۡمَالُهُمۡ كَسَرَابٍۢ بِقِيۡعَةٍ يَّحۡسَبُهُ الظَّمۡاٰنُ مَآءً ؕ حَتّٰۤى اِذَا جَآءَهٗ لَمۡ يَجِدۡهُ شَيۡـئًـا وَّ وَجَدَ اللّٰهَ عِنۡدَهٗ فَوَفّٰٮهُ حِسَابَهٗ​ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ سَرِيۡعُ الۡحِسَابِ ۙ‏ 

(24:39) But for those who deny the Truth, their deeds are like a mirage in the desert, which the thirsty supposes to be water until he comes to it only to find that it was nothing; he found instead that Allah was with Him and He paid his account in full. Allah is swift in settling the account.

Explanation:

That is, they refused to accept sincerely the divine message which was brought by the Prophets, and which at that time was being given by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The veerse clearly show that the truthful and righteous believers only can benefit from Allah’s Light. In contrast to them, the state of those people is being described here, who refused to believe and obey the Prophet (peace be upon him), who was the real and sole means of attaining the Light of Allah.

This verse uses the metaphor of a mirage in a desert to describe the false hope and self-deception of disbelievers regarding their good deeds.

• "Their deeds are like a mirage in the desert..."
• The mirage appears on a vast, flat, dry plain (“qīʿah”) and looks like water from a distance. The thirsty traveler runs toward it only to find nothing upon reaching it.
• This refers to seemingly good actions done by disbelievers (e.g. charity, kindness) that are not grounded in faith in Allah.
• Just as a mirage looks like water to a thirsty traveler, these deeds appear valuable and meaningful to the disbelievers.
• "...which a thirsty one thinks is water..."
• A person dying of thirst in the desert may desperately hope that a shimmer on the horizon is water.
• Similarly, disbelievers hope that their good deeds will save them, but their perception is deceptive.
• "...until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing...": Upon death or on the Day of Judgment, they realize that their deeds carry no spiritual weight, because they were not done with faith or sincerity toward God. 
• "...and finds Allah before him, who will settle the account..."
• Instead of finding a reward, the disbeliever finds Allah and His judgment.
• Allah gives them the exact recompense for their actions — and since their actions were not for His sake, they get no lasting reward.
• "And Allah is swift in taking account." Allah's judgment is not delayed or unjust — it is immediate, precise, and fair.

Takeaway:

This verse thus describes the condition of those people who, in spite of disbelief and hypocrisy, practice some good deeds and also believe, among other things, in the life after death in the hope that their good deeds will be of some help to them in the Hereafter even if they did not believe and follow the Prophet and lacked the qualities of true believers. In this parable they are being told that their expectations of reaping benefits of their ostentatious deeds of virtue in the Hereafter are no more than a mirage. Just as a traveler in the desert takes the glittering sands for a surging pool of water and runs towards it for quenching his thirst, so are these people traveling on the road to death cherishing false hopes on account of their good deeds. But just as the one running towards a mirage does not find anything there to quench his thirst, so will these people find nothing to avail them when they enter the state of death. On the contrary, they will find Allah there, Who will require them to account for their disbelief, hypocrisy and misdeeds, which they committed along with their ostentatious deeds of virtue, and will deal with them in full justice.

It sends out a clear warning that good deeds without belief in God and sincerity may amount to nothing in the Hereafter. It stresses the importance of correct intention (niyyah) and faith (iman) along with action. So let us who believe steer our lives in accordance with dictates of Qur'an, first by reading it, then understanding what has been read, followed by its sincere practical manifestation.

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 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. 

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.

Please refer to our reference page: Al-Qurʾān: Selected verses from Surah .24 An Nur (The Light) for more selected verses from this Surah.

Fore more selected verses from Al-Qurʾān Please refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page on Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Those who spread message of Allah are accountable to none but He

Allah has always chosen prophets from the ordinary people to spread His message to others and bring them under the fold of religion of Allah. Never have been prophets from the elite and the rich for such people are always distant from the ordinary people and are even the most stubborn to resist the spread of Allah. Thus those prophets and their followers who continued to spread the message of Allah were always subject o inhuman and harsh treatment by those who feared that with the spread of Allah, their dominion will collapse.

for this arduous job of Da'wah, the invitation to religion of Allah, Allah has promised the prophets and their followers, who take upon them the continuation of spread of message of Allah, not to fear for they are accountable to their noble deeds to none but He. This is the message being conveyed in the 39th verse of Surah 33. Al-Ahzab (The Confederates) as chosen for explanation today and given herein under:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُبَلِّغُونَ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَخْشَوْنَهُۥ وَلَا يَخْشَوْنَ أَحَدًا إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًۭا 

They who would deliver the messages of Allah and would fear Him only and none besides Him. [Thus you also fear Him alone O Prophet and rest assured that] God is sufficient to take account..

This verse is referring to those individuals who convey the message of Allah, are devout in their fear of Allah, and do not fear anyone except Him. It emphasizes the importance of conveying the message of Islam and upholding the principles of faith with steadfastness and sincerity. These individuals are characterized by their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities as messengers of Allah, their unwavering trust in Him, and their fearlessness in the face of challenges and opposition.

Key Themes of the Verse

• Conveying the Message of Allah: 
• The verse highlights the role of those who communicate the message of Islam. This refers to the prophets, scholars, and da'ees (those who invite others to Islam). They are entrusted with the message of Allah, and their duty is to spread it, regardless of the challenges they might face.
• The phrase "those who convey the messages of Allah" underscores the importance of delivering divine guidance in its purest form, as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah.
• Fear of Allah:
• The verse underscores that those who carry the message of Allah should not fear anyone or anything except Allah. This is a central theme in Islamic teachings — believers are encouraged to trust in Allah alone, to place their reliance on Him, and to fear no one but Him.
• This highlights the concept of taqwa (God-consciousness), which is the state of having constant awareness of Allah, fearing Him, and being mindful of His commandments in all situations.
• Reckoning with Allah: The phrase "sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner" emphasizes that, ultimately, Allah is the One who will hold individuals accountable for their deeds. This statement serves as a reminder that all actions, especially those related to the message of Islam, will be judged by Allah, and He alone is the ultimate authority and evaluator of one's efforts.

Context of the Verse

This verse was revealed during a time of great difficulty for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions, particularly in the aftermath of the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwat al-Ahzab). During this time, the Muslims faced immense challenges, including external threats from the confederate forces and internal divisions. Despite these difficulties, the verse stresses the importance of conveying Allah's message fearlessly and placing complete trust in Allah, regardless of the opposition or adversity.

Link to Hadith

Several hadiths reinforce the themes of fearlessness in conveying the message of Islam and the importance of not fearing anyone but Allah. Here are a few relevant narrations:

• Hadith on Fearlessness in Propagation of Islam:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith emphasizes the importance of conveying Allah’s message, no matter how much knowledge a person possesses. Even if it is just a single verse of the Quran, the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to share it with others. The verse from Surah Al-Ahzab (33:39) aligns with this, as it encourages believers to be brave and fear no one when spreading the message of Islam.
• Hadith on Trusting in Allah:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “If you ask, ask Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
• This hadith reflects the idea that Muslims should rely on Allah alone for assistance and sustenance. It mirrors the essence of "do not fear anyone except Allah" in the verse, reminding believers that their trust and fear should be directed solely towards Allah, regardless of the challenges they face.
• Hadith on Accountability and the Reckoning of Allah:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith reinforces the idea of personal accountability. Just as a shepherd is responsible for his flock, individuals who carry the message of Islam are accountable for how they fulfill their duties. Ultimately, everyone will be held accountable by Allah, as stated in the verse: “Sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner.” This accountability also reminds Muslims to fear Allah alone, as He is the One who will judge their actions.

Conclusion:

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:39) highlights the qualities of those who convey the message of Allah, emphasizing their courage and fearlessness in delivering the message, their profound fear of Allah alone, and the fact that ultimately, Allah is the One who will hold them accountable. The hadiths on conveying the message, trusting in Allah, and accountability further illuminate the message of this verse, stressing the importance of sincerity, reliance on Allah, and fearlessness in the face of challenges when upholding the message of Islam.

Let us, every brother and sister in Islam, do our best to talk about message of Allah, as contained in the Qur'an, to others around us, even Muslims who have not fully grasped the message of Allah, without the desire to earn a reward or be known and admired for our act of Da'wah, for Allah has taken upon Him the reward for people who spread His message shunning any fear or harm. Let Allah be our Guardian and Protector and responsible for our reward.

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 verse on Da'wah, please refere to our reference page: Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to Islam

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.

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 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses 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 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. 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