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17. THE NIGHT JOURNEY In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

1. Glorified be He Who made His servant travel on a night from the Masjid-il-Haram (Kaaba) to the Masjid-il-Aqsa (in Jerusalam) the neighborhood of which We have blessed, that We might show him (some) of Our signs {1}. He is certainly the Hearing, the Seeing. 2. And We gave Musa the book and made it a (source of) guidance for the children of Israel (in which it was stated) that: Do not take a trustee besides Me, 3. (they were) the descendants of those whom We carried (in the ship) along with Nuh, he was certainly a grateful servant. 4. And We had decreed for the children of Israel in the book, that you will definitely cause corruption in the earth twice and you will definitely transgress (with) a great transgression. 5. So when (the time for) the first of the two promises came, We raised against you Our servants of severe might who entered into the very spaces in between (your) houses, and the promise was fulfilled. 6. Then We gave you back (your) turn (to prevail) over them and We helped you with wealth and sons and We made you a party more numerous. 7. If you do good, you do good for your own selves and if you do evil then it is against it (your own self). Then when (the time for) the second promise came (We raised your enemies against you) that they may spoil your faces and that they may enter the mosque as they had entered it the first time and that they may destroy with utter destruction whatever they conquered. 8. Perhaps your Fosterer will have mercy on you, but if you return (to disobedience) We (too) will return (to punishment) and We have made hell, a prison for the infidels.

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9. This Quran certainly guides to that which is the straightest, and gives good news to the believers who do righteous works that for them there is a great reward, 10. and that, those who do not believe in the hereafter, We have prepared a painful punishment for them. (R1)

11. And man prays for evil as he ought to pray for good, for man is hasty (by temperament). 12. And We have made the night and the day two signs, then We darken the sign of the night and make the sign of the day visible that you may seek the grace of your Fosterer and that you may know the numbering of years and (keep) the account (of your works). And We have explained everything in detail.

13. And We have made every mans fate (or action) to cling to his neck {2}, and We will bring out for him on the day of resurrection, a book (or a record) which he will find wide open. 14. (It will be said to him), Read your book, this day your ownself is sufficient against you as one who takes account. 15. He who receives guidance receives it only for (the benefit of) his ownself and he who goes astray, (the loss of) his going astray is only on him. And no bearer of a burden will bear the burden of another. And We do not punish until We have raised a messenger. 16. And when We intend to destroy a town, We send our commandment to those who are well-off therein, but they transgress in it, thus the word is proved true against the (town), then We destroy it with utter destruction. 17. And how many of the generations have We destroyed after Nuh, and your Fosterer is sufficient (as) One Informed, seeing the sins of His servants.

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18. Whoever intends (the comfort of the life of this world) which hasten away, We hasten it for him therein what We will (and) for whom We intend, then We appoint hell for him, he will enter it disgraced, driven away.

19. And whoever intends (to achieve the benefits of) the hereafter and strives for it (with the) striving (due for) it while he is a believer, then those are the persons whose striving will be acknowledged. 20. We help all, these as well as those, from the bounty of your Fosterer, and the bounty of your Fosterer is not confined. 21. See how We have made some of them to excel others, and the hereafter is certainly greater in grades and greater in excellence. 22. Do not set up another god with Allah, lest you sit down disgraced, forsaken. (R2) 23. And your Fosterer has decreed that you should not serve anyone except Him and (that you should do) good to parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age in your presence, then do not say (even), Uff, to them nor scold them, but speak to them in words of honour,

24. and lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, My Fosterer! Have mercy on them in a manner similar to the manner in which they fostered me when I was a small (child). 25. Your Fosterer knows best about that which is in your souls (minds). If you are of those who are righteous, then He is certainly Protectively Forgiving to those who turn (to Him).

26. And give to the relative his due, and (also to) the needy and (to) the wayfarer, and do not squander (just) squandering (away).

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27. The squanderers are certainly the brothers of the devils, and the devil was ungrateful to his Fosterer (by disobeying Him). 28. And (not having anything to give as charity), if you have to turn away from them seeking mercy from your Fosterer which you hope for, then speak to them (in) words which make them feel easy. 29. And do not make your hand tied to your neck nor stretch it to its full stretching (capacity) lest you sit down blamed, full of regrets. 30. Your Fosterer certainly enlarges the provision for whom He wills and He straitens (it whenever and for whomever He wills), He is certainly informed of His servants, seeing (them). (R3)

31. And do not kill your children for fear of poverty, We provide for them and for yourselves (too). Killing them is certainly a great mistake.

32. And do not (even) go near adultery, it is certainly indecent and an evil way.

33. And do not kill any person, whose (killing) Allah has made unlawful except (when his killing is) for the right (cause). And whoever is killed unjustly, then We have given authority to his heir, so let his (heir) not exceed the limits in killing (because) he is helped (by the law).

34. And do not go near the wealth of an orphan, except in (a manner) which is the best, till he reaches his (age of physical and mental) strength. And fulfill the agreement, (you will) certainly be questioned (about) the agreement you had made.

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35. And give back in full, the measure which you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good and best (from the point of view of) the result. 36. And do not follow that about which you do not have (any) knowledge, the hearing and the sight and the heart, regarding each of those (you) will certainly be questioned.

37. And do not walk proudly in the earth, you can neither tear the earth nor can you ever reach the mountains in height.

38. The evil of all that (which is mentioned above) is disliked by your Fosterer. 39. That is from what your Fosterer has communicated to you of wisdom. And do not set up another god with Allah, lest you should be put in hell, blamed, driven away.

40. Then has your Fosterer selected sons for you and He has (Himself) taken daughters from among the angels? You certainly utter a greatly ( dreadful ) saying. (R4)

41. And We have repeated (various subjects) in this Quran that they may be mindful, but that increases in them nothing but hatred.

42. Say, Had there been (other) gods along with Him as they say, then they would have sought a way to the (Real) Owner of the throne (of the universe).

43. Glory be to Him and He is high above that which they say, Exalted, Great. 44. The seven skies and the earth and whoever is in them, (all) declare His glory, and there is nothing which does not glorify

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Him by praising Him but you do not understand their glorification. He is certainly Clement, Protectively Forgiving.

45. And when you recite the Quran, We place between you and those who do not believe in the hereafter, an invisible veil.

46. And We have placed coverings over their hearts, lest they understand it, and in their ears is heaviness, and when you mention (about) your single Fosterer in the Quran, they turn on their backs in hatred.

47. We know best about that which they wish to hear when they seek to hear you, and when they have secret talks when the unjust say, You follow none except a man under the influence of magic.

48. See how they strike similes for you, thus they are astray so they cannot find (the right) way. ( P 14 )

49. And they say, What! When we become bones and powder, will we be raised (as) a new creation?

50. Say, Become stones or iron, 51. or a creation from (something) which you consider great in your minds. Then they will say, Who will return us (to life)? Say, He Who initiated your creation the first time.Then they will shake their heads towards you and say, When will it be? Say, Perhaps it is near,

52. on the day He will call you, you will respond by praising Him and you will think that you stayed but for a little while. (R5)

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53. And say to My servants, Speak that which is the best, the devil certainly instigates (evil) between them. The devil is certainly an open enemy of man.

54. Your Fosterer knows best about you, If He wills he will have mercy on you and if He wills He will punish you, and We have not sent you as a trustee over them. 55. And your Fosterer knows best about whomsoever is in the skies and the earth. And We have made some of the prophets to excel others, and We gave Dawood, Zabur (the book).

56. Say, Pray to those whom you claim (to be gods) besides Him, they do not have the power to remove (any) harm from you nor (even) to change (it).

57. Those whom they pray to, they themselves seek the means of access to their Fosterer (competing to see) which of them is nearer, and they hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. The punishment of your Fosterer is certainly something to be cautious of. 58. And there is not a town but We will destroy it before the day of resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment, that is written in the book.

59. And nothing prevents Us from sending the signs except that the ancients (too) denied them. And We gave to Samood, the she-camel which could be seen (clearly), but they were unjust to it (by killing it); and We do not send signs but (to cause) fear.

60. And (remember) when We said to you, Your Fosterer certainly encompasses mankind. And We did not make

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the vision {1} which We showed you but a trial for mankind and (also) the cursed tree (mentioned) in the Quran, and We cause them to fear, but it increases them in nothing except a great rebellion. (R6)

61. And when We said to the angels, Bow down to Adam, they bowed down except Iblis, he said, Shall I bow down to him whom You created (of) clay? 62. He (Iblis) said, Do you see the (person) whom You have honored above me? If You give me time till the day of resurrection I will definitely bring his descendants under my control (all) but a few. 63. He (Allah) said, Go, and whoever follows you from among them, then hell will certainly be your reward, an ample reward. 64. And upset and dislodge with your voice whom you can from among them, and collect (your forces) against them (to attack them riding) on your horse and (marching on) your foot (that is, all means at your disposal), and have a share with them in their wealth and children making promises to them. And the devil promises them nothing but deceit. 65. You certainly have no authority on My servants and your Fosterer is sufficient (as) a Trustee. 66. Your Fosterer is He Who makes the ships to sail in the sea for you that you may seek from His grace, He is certainly Merciful to you. 67. And when harm afflicts you in the sea, (all) whom you pray to, go away (from your minds) except Him, but when He brings you safe to the land, you turn away (from Him). And man is ungrateful. 68. Then do you feel secure that He cannot cause you to sink on a tract of land or send a sand storm on you? Then you will not find for yourselves any trustee.

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69. Or do you feel secure that He cannot take you back into it (your plight in the sea) a second time, then send against you a violent wind so as to drown you because of your ungratefulness? Then in that (case) you will not find for yourselves any helper against Us. 70. And We have honoured the children of Adam, and We carry them on the land and in the sea, and We provide for them from the good things, and We have preferred them in excellence over many of those whom We have created.(R 7) 71. (One) day We will call all mankind with their leaders, then whoever is given his record (of deeds)in his right hand, they will read their record and they will not be dealt with unjustly even to the extent of the hair on a date stone. 72. And whoever is blind in this (world) then he will be blind in the hereafter, and more astray form the way.

73. And they were about to tempt you away from that which We have communicated to you, so as to make you forge against Us (something) other than what (We had communicated), and (if you had obeyed), then they would have taken you as a friend.

74. And had We not made you firm, you were about to incline towards them to some extent, 75. then in that case We would have made you taste double (punishment in this) life and double (punishment in) death, then you would not have found any helper against Us. 76. And they were about to unsettle you from the land, so as to drive you out of it, and in that case they would not have stayed (therein) after you, except for a little while. 77. (This was Our) procedure with those of Our messengers whom We had sent before you and you will not find a change in Our procedure. (R8)

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78. Establish worship (salat) from the decline of the sun till the darkness of the night, and (recite) the Quran at dawn, (recitation of) the Quran at dawn is certainly witnessed {3}. 79. And forsake sleep for (worshiping during part) of the night. (This is) an additional (duty) for you. May be that your Fosterer will raise you to a praised position.

80. And say, My Fosterer! Cause me to enter the entrance of truth and cause me to exit the exit of truth and grant me from Your presence a helping authority. 81. And say, The truth has come and falsehood departed. Falsehood is certainly bound to depart. 82. And We have sent down through the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers; and to those who are unjust, it adds nothing but loss.

83. And when We bestow favour on man, he keeps away and turns away to his side and when harm afflicts him, he is despairing. 84. Say, Everyone acts according to the scope allowed {2} to him, (through his inherent character or destiny) but your Fosterer knows best, about him who is best guided on the way. (R9) 85. And they ask you about the Spirit (Ruh), say, The Spirit (comes) with the command of my Fosterer $, and you have been given little knowledge,(therefore you cannot understand everything). 86. And if We will We can definitely take away that which We have communicated to you, then you would not find for it any trustee (in whom you could put your trust) against Us, 87. but (this has not been done because of ) the mercy from your Fosterer. His grace on you is certainly great.
$ Or, the Sprit is from one of the affairs of my Fosterer.

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88. Say, If mankind and jinn were to gather together on (the project of) bringing (out) a Quran similar to this, they would not be able to bring (out anything) similar to it, even if they help each other. 89. And in this Quran, We have repeated for mankind every kind of similitude, but the majority of mankind refuses (to understand, and accept nothing) but infidelity. 90. And they say, We will never believe in you till you cause a spring to gush forth from the earth for us. 91. Or you have a garden of date palms and grapes and cause gushing out rivers to gush forth in spaces between the (trees of the garden). 92. Or you cause the sky to fall upon us in pieces as you claim, or you bring Allah and the angels face to face (with us). 93. Or you have a house of gold or you climb into the sky, and we will not believe in your climbing till you bring down to us a book which we could read. Say, Glory be to my Fosterer! Am I anything but a human (news giving) messenger? ( R 10 ) 94. And nothing prevents mankind from believing when the guidance comes to them, except that they say, Has Allah raised up a human being as a messenger?

95. Say, Had there been angles walking about as settlers in the earth, We would have sent down to them an angel as a messenger form the sky. 96. Say, Allah is sufficient as a witness between me and you, He is certainly informed of and seeing His servants. 97. And whomsoever Allah guides, then he (it) is (who is really) guided, But whomsoever He leaves in error, then you will not find for him guardians besides Him; and We will gather them on the day of resurrection on their faces, blind and

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dumb and deaf, their settling place will be hell, whenever (the fire tends to get) extinguished, We will increase for them the blazing flame. (P 14 ) 98. That is their reward because they did not believe in Our signs and said, What! When we become bones and powder, will we then be raised up (as) a new creation? 99. Do they not consider that Allah Who created the skies and the earth is able to create their like? And He has appointed for them a term about which there is no doubt, except unjust refuse (everything) but the infidelity. 100. Say, Had you (any) control on the treasures of the mercy of my Fosterer, then you would have held back (the treasures, due to the) fear that they will be spent off, and man is niggardly. ( R 11 ) 101. And We did give to Musa nine signs (as) clear proofs, so ask the children of Israel (about the details) when he had come to them (with these signs). But Firawn said to him, I definitely consider you, O Musa, one under the influence of magic.

102. He said, You do know that none has sent down these (signs) but the Fosterer of the skies and the earth (as) visual proofs, and I definitely consider you, O Firawn, one destroyed. 103. So he (Firawn) intended to upset and dislodge them from the land, so We drowned him and those with him all together. 104. And We said to the children of Israel after him, Dwell in the earth, but when the promise of the hereafter comes to pass, We will bring you together (as a gathering of people coming from different directions).

105. And We have sent it down in reality and it has come down in reality, and We have not sent you but as a conveyer of good news and a warner.

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106. And We have divided the Quran (in such a manner) that you may recite it to mankind at intervals, and (therefore) We have sent it down, sending it down gradually. 107. Say, Believe in it or do not believe. When it is read out to those who were given knowledge before it, they certainly fall down on their faces prostrating, 108. and saying, Glory be to our Fosterer, the promise of our Fosterer was surely to be fulfilled. 109. And they fall down on their faces weeping and it increases their humility. 110. Say Call upon (God by the name of) Allah or call upon (God by the name of) Rehman (the Beneficent), (by) whichever (name) you call (Him), His are the best names. And do not be loud voiced in your worship (salat) nor be silent in it, but seek a way between these. 111. And say Praise is due only for Allah Who has not taken a son and Who has no partner in the kingdom and who needs no guardian due to weakness (which He does not have), and regard Him Great by proclaiming His Greatness.(R 12) Summarized Commentary
Chapter 17 (Revealed at Makkah)

Part 15 Vs 1 This verse and Vs No 60 probably refer to the event of Mairaj. The summary of the details given by Bukhari and Muslim are:Jibreel (PBH) opened the chest of prophet Muhammed (PBH), removed and washed his heart to free it from evil and rejoined the chest after replacing the heart 2. He was then carried on Burraq (Barq means light) from Kaaba in Makkah to Masjid i Aqsa in Jerusalem where he offered Salat (worship). 3. He was then taken beyond the regions of the earth. On the 1st level of the sky he met Adam (PBH), on the 2nd

Isa and Yahya (PBT), on the 3rd Yusuf (PBH), on the 4th Idris (PBH) on the 5th Harun (PBH), on the 6th Musa (PBH), and on the 7th level Ibrahim (PBH). Finally he received the order making Salat obligatory on every Muslim five times a day and returned to the place on earth from where he was taken. All this happened in a very short time. Removal and replacement of heart, space travel at high speed should not surprise us because today these are common things. When man, created by Allah (SWT), can do these things, then it must be much more easy for his Creator Allah (SWT). Vs 28 The Torah was sent down for the

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Vs 4244 Everything in the creation glorifies Allah (SWT), He is above all. Had there been other gods, they would have tried to gain control on the throne of the universe, on which only Allah (SWT) has full control. Vs 4546 The receptive powers of the infidels are sealed therefore they are not able to understand the Quran. Vs 4748 The unjust and those who are astray say that prophet Muhammed (PBH) was under the influence of magic. These verses and Ch 25 Vs 89 clearly prove that prophet Muhammed (PBH) was never under the influence of magic. Vs 4952 Those who are doubtful about life after death are informed that in whatever material or form they are converted after their death, they will be raised alive. They will feel that they stayed in the earth for a very short period because of their being unconscious of time in the state of death, similar to their being unconscious of time during sleep. Vs 53 Sometimes we misunderstand people due to their objectionable style of talking, which is due to the instigations of the devil to cause discord among human beings. We are therefore advised to speak to people in a very decent manner. Vs 54 The messenger is not responsible for the acceptance or rejection of the message of Allah (SWT) by his people. It is Allah (SWT) Who mercifully guides people or punishes them for their rejection. Vs 55 The knowledge of Allah (SWT) is perfect. He has made some prophets excel others. Vs 5657 Those to whom people pray to besides Allah (SWT), (the reference here may be to some human beings or angels) are powerless. They themselves seek nearness to Allah (SWT) hoping for His mercy and fearing His punishment. Vs 58 Every town will be destroyed or punished

guidance of Bani Israel, details of whose ups and downs are given. Vs 910 The Quran is a guide giving good news to the believers who do good work, and warning to the infidels. Vs 11 Sometimes man prays for things which are not good for him, this is because of lack of knowledge and patience. Vs 12 Days and nights are for earning our livelihood and taking rest, respectively. They also provide a basis of keeping an account of time in days, months, years etc. Vs 1314 These verses appear to refer to our memory which is probably serving the purpose of a record of all events in our life such as our intentions, beliefs, imaginations, planning, actions and even dreams. Vs 15 Guidance is for our good and by going astray, we only are at a loss because no other person will bear the burden of our sins. Allah (SWT) first warns through His messengers and then punishes if people are heedless. Vs 1617 Those who are well off transgress, therefore their town is destroyed. Vs 1821 The comforts in the hereafter, for those who believe and do good, are better than the comforts in the life of this world. Those who prefer the life of this world will be in hell whereas those who prefer the hereafter will be rewarded accordingly. In the life of this world Allah (SWT) provides for both the categories making some people better than others socially, economically, politically, religiously etc. The message is to prefer and strive for the comforts in the hereafter. Vs 2240 Instructions are given regarding polytheism, parents, righteousness, charity, squandering wealth, attitude towards the poor, being moderate, distribution of wealth by Allah (SWT), killing children due to fear of poverty, shameful deeds, murder, orphans, agreements, weighing and measuring honestly, following something blindly, pride etc. Vs 41 Repetition of the subjects in the Quran is to make people mindful.

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came from time to time through different messengers sent to different nations. The final Divine message containing laws to establish the kingdom of Allah (SWT) was the Holy Quran and the last messenger of Allah (SWT) Muhammed (PBH) 33:40 was sent to the whole mankind till the end of this world. The descendants of Adam (PBH) i.e. human beings other than Adam and Hawwa (PBT) were created from Turab, Nutfa, Alaqa 22:5 and sulaalatim-min-tiin 23:12. Turaab is the top soil 2:264 and sulaalatim-mintiin means something taken out from clay probably meaning plant nutrients. We eat plants as well as the cattle who also eat plants. This food supplies the material for the synthesis of sperm and egg in man and woman respectively. Creation of man from the soil and extraction from clay would mean the material from which the sperm and egg were created and on which human beings depend for their later survival too. How were the first human beings Adam and Hawwa, the first parents created? The answer to this question is given in the Quran as follows:............ and He (Allah) began the creation of man (Insaan i.e. Adam) from clay (tiin) then made his progeny from something taken out (sulaalah) from the (seminal) fluid (which is ) weakened after vigour (sperm and egg) 32:7-8. O mankind! fear your Fosterer Who created you from a single soul (Adam) and created from it, its mate (Hawwa) and spread from these two many men and women....... Ch 4 Vs.1. It is clear that creation of Adam and Hawwa (PBT) was not from the sperm and egg as in the case of their progency. The creation of Adam (PBH) was from clay 38:71, mud 15:28 etc. These facts indicate that Adam (PBH) did not have parents like us. It is very clear from the Quran that Allah (SWT) adopts two methods in bringing things into existence. 1. Through gradual and progressive changes as in the case of the birth of normal human beings 22:5, 23:12-14 and 2.

Vs 59 Many people from the ancient communities did not believe inspite of seeing miracles. Vs 60 Refer Vs No 1. Vs 6165 Ref Vs 2:30, word Nos 58 and 144. All human beings have been created from one male and one female 49:13 Adam and his wife Hawwa (PBT) 7:27, 4:1. Allah (SWT) taught Adam (PBH) the names of all things i.e. imparted knowledge to him 2:31, blew into him from His spirit 15:29 and made the angels (or incharges of energies) to bow down before him. Iblis, a Jinn 18:50, did not bow down before him considering himself superior to him, Adam was created from clay (matter) and Iblis from fire (energy) 7:1112. Adam (PBH) was warned that the devil (Iblis) is an enemy of man and he may drive him and his wife out of the comfortable garden 20:117 where Adam and Hawwa (PBT) were asked to stay but with the prohibition of going near a particular tree 2:35. Adam (PBH) not only forgot this prohibition but also had no determination in him 20:115 and was therefore misled by the devil who deceived and tempted them both to eat from the forbidden tree, stating that Allah (SWT) had forbidden that tree because both of them would become angels or immortals after eating from it. They thus fell into the trap and ate from the tree on account of which their shame became manifest to them and they started covering themselves with the leaves of the garden. Before eating from the tree they were not conscious of their shame probably like animals. Due to their disobedience they were sent out of the garden probably with the curse that some of you will be the enemies of others 7:20-25. Then on their repentance Allah (SWT) forgave them and communicated to them that guidance to lead life in the earth would come to them from Him, so whoever follows this guidance he will neither have fear nor grief and those who reject it will be the inmates of hell 2:37-39. Thus Adam (PBH) and his progeny were made successors or rulers of the earth 2:30, 6:166 to establish the legislation of Allah (SWT) which

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which the creation, production and growth of mankind from earth is mentioned, also includes Adam (PBH), it further supports the assumption that Adam (PBH) was created from the material belonging to the earth and the garden from which he was sent out along with Hawwa (PBH) was also on earth. Allah (SWT) has not mentioned clearly the manner in which He created Adam and Hawwa (PBT), and we cannot know it unless He informs us 2:255. He has kept it a secret. It is therefore better to leave it as secret compared to making erratic guesses. He said, Be and they were there 2:117, 16:40. Shaytaan is the same as Ibliis the devil, who was associated with Adam (PBH) 2:34-36, 7:27. Ibliis belongs to the category of the jinn having descendants 18:50, a tribe 7:27, and an army 26:95. Probably all the three words refer to his progeny, like the progeny of Adam (PBH) about whom he had said that he would bring them under his control except a few. It appears that one member from his progeny is associated with one member of the progeny of Adam (PBH) which is also indicated in one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammed (PBH) reported under word No 42:1. He has been created to distinguish between the believers in the hereafter and others who are in doubt about it 34:21 probably due to his deceptive temptation through his evil instigations 4:120. Ibliis did not bow down before Adam (PBH) considering himself better than him and claiming superiority and seniority that he was created earlier from fire (energy) whereas Adam (PBH) was created from clay (matter). Therefore Allah (SWT) drove him away, but he sought His permission and promised that he would mislead mankind from the straight path leading to paradise except those who serve/worship only Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) too announced that He would fill hell with him and his followers 7:11-18, 38:82-83, 17:64. Ibliis deceived Adam and Hawwa (PBT) tempting them to eat from the forbidden tree, due to which their shame became manifest and Allah (SWT) sent them out of the garden 2:36, 7:19-25.

Abrupt or instantaneously a) Creation of a snake from the wooden staff of Musa (PBH) 7:107-108 b) Creation of a live bird from the form a bird moulded in clay (tiin), a miracle performed through Isa (PBH) 3:44-49 c) transformation of sinning human beings into apes and pigs 2:65, 5:60, 7:166. These abrupt changes are known as Miracles because they appear to be against all known laws of nature. Miracles are performed only by Allah (SWT) mostly through his messengers, for whom they are proofs of their messengership. No one else can perform such miracles going against the laws of nature except Allah (SWT) who has not only framed these laws but can also break them, its a challenge and a miracle cannot be explained scientifically. The birth of normal human beings is in accordance with normal laws of nature framed by Allah (SWT). It is possible that Adam (PBH) was created from mud, clay etc like the live bird created from clay through Isa (PBH) 3:45-49. The creations of Adam and Hawwa (PBT) appears to be miracles defying all the known laws of nature as we have understood them. Isa (PBH) was created without a father 3:47, Adam and Hawwa (PBH) appear to have been created without a father and a mother. This is not difficult for Allah (SWT) because He is All powerful 2:20 and when He intends anything He just says Be and it is 16:40. Adam and Hawwa (PBT) were asked to go down (Ahbituu) from the garden 2:38. Words associated with Ahbituu are used in the Quran for going down of someone by himself or falling down of something by itself from a higher place on earth to a lower level on earth itself 2:61, 2:74, 11:48. Therefore the garden refered to above appears to have been on earth itself but at a higher altitude. The garden from which Adam and Hawwa (PBT) were sent down appears to be different from the garden of paradise because it is presently unseen 19:61. In view of this it appears that Adam (PBH) was created from clay (tiin) fraction of the mud (salsaal) taken from the top soil (turaab) of the earth. If the verses 20:55, 53:32 and 71:17-18 in

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when He brings them safe to the land, they turn away from Him, exhibiting ungratefulness and infidelity. They should know that Allah (SWT) can punish them in many other ways. Vs 7072 Allah (SWT) has honoured mankind by providing them means of transport and many good things and preferred them to many creatures to test them. Those who do good will be rewarded and those who are heedless will be punished, Allah (SWT) has a complete record of deeds of each person. Vs 7377 The efforts of the infidels to tempt and later send our prophet (PBH) out of Makkah are described, but Allah (SWT) kept him firm and safe, which is His procedure with all His messengers. Vs 7879 Approximate timings of Salat are described. Vs 8081 The Prophet (PBH) is ordered to pray and proclaim. Vs 82 The Quran provides treatment for all evils and at the same time it is a mercy for the believers because it leads them towards a good life in this world and in the hereafter. Vs 8384 A very important aspect of human psychology is described, during prosperity man forgets Allah (SWT) and during adversity he becomes so hopeless, as if he was never prosperous. Everyone acts according to ones character and Allah (SWT) knows those who are correct. Vs 85 This verse appears to refer to Jibreel (PBH) who had revealed the Quran to prophet Muhammed (PBH) by the order of Allah (SWT). Ruuh Ruuhil qudus 2, Ruuhul amiin 26:192196, Ruuh 42:52, Jibriil (PBH) 2:97 are different names of the same being who brought down the Quran on the heart of prophet Muhammed (PBH) by the order of Allah (SWT). The message contained in the Quran guides towards the path of Allah (SWT) 34:6, 4:175-176, leading to

The devil is an open enemy of mankind therefore he should not be obeyed, worshipped or served 36:60. He enjoins on mankind only evil and that which is indecent 2:168-169, 24:21. Friends of devils, i.e. those who follow his evil suggestions, are at loss 4:119. The devil tempts mankind 7:27, makes false promises, excites vain desires 4:120, causes to forget good things 6:68, makes evil deeds fair-seeming 6:43, involves people in intoxicants and games of chance to evoke mutual hatred and enmity 5:90-91 spoils social relations through conversation, we are therefore ordered to speak that which is the best 17:53, makes people afraid of poverty while spending for a good cause 2:268 and he causes weakening uneasiness during wars with infields 8:11. If we do not remember Allah (SWT) i.e. if we do not always keep Him in mind, He Himself appoints a devil on us who turns us away from the right path but we think that we are rightly guided 43:36-37. The devil also makes people forget the remembrance of Allah (SWT) 58:19. Devils are from the jinn as well as human beings 6:112,114:1-6. Devils were made to work for Sulaymaan (PBH) 38:36-38, 21:82. The sky has been protected from them and if any one seeks to steal a hearing a clear flame follows him 15:1618, 37:6-10, 67:5. Divine communications cannot be polluted by them 22:52-54. They have not come down with the Quran and it does not suit them, they have been kept away even from listening to it 26:210-212, 81:25. We should seek the protection of Allah (SWT) from the evil instigations of the devils and remember Him when we feel their influence on us, then we will start seeing aright 7:200-201. We should seek the protection of Allah (SWT) while reciting the Quran 16:98-100. We should always pray to Allah (SWT) seeking His protection in accordance with the instructions given in 23:97-98 and 114:1-6. Vs 6669 It is Allah (SWT) Who makes the ships to sail, which also carry items of commerce. When afflicted by the fear of drowning they invoke only Allah (SWT), but

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among you who does not have an incharge on him accompanying him, one from among the Jinn and one accompanying him from among the angels. (See word No. 42:1) Man has thus been given the power to choose and decide which is probably referred to as Amaanat meaning Trust 33:72. Jibriil (PBH) and the messages sent through him help men in taking the right decision whereas Ibliis and his associates mislead them from this right decision. Ruuhi 15:29, Ruuhanaa 19:17 and Ruuhihii 32:9 translated as My spirit, Our spirit and His spirit respectively need not mean the soul or any part of Allah (SWT) just because possessive pronouns are used. Take the examples of the terms Malaaikatihii, Kutubihii and rusulihii 4:136 meaning His angels, His books and His messengers respectively. We know that angels, books and messengers are not parts of Allah (SWT) they just belong to Him. Therefore Ruuh could also be a separate being like angels and messengers who belong to Allah (SWT) but are not His part. No where in the Quran is the word Ruuh used in the sense of soul, the word Nafs is used to mean soul which is taken away at the time of death along with life 39:42. Many people believe that Ruuh is the soul of Allah (SWT), just because of the possessive pronouns used with it. They argue that it was this soul of Allah (SWT) that was breathed into Adam (PBH) and we have inherited it through him. If we already possess the soul of Allah (SWT) then why should it be again put into Maryam (PBH) and why should Isa (PBH) and believers be supported with it? Many human beings go to different prohibited places like gambling houses, night clubs etc. and get involved in grave sins. How can one imagine committing grave and shameful sins with the soul of Allah (SWT) in him? If all human beings possess the soul of Allah (SWT) are we not dividing His Soul into different parts? Allah (SWT) has clearly indicated that He is a separate Being 58:7. In view of all this, Ruuh or Jibriil (PBH) appears to be a separate being which influences the

paradise 2:25, whereas the instigations of the devil mislead human beings from this path and land them in hell 4:60, 7:18. Jibrill (PBH) and Ibliis the devil thus perform opposite jobs of propagating good and evil respectively. Jibriil (PBH) comes down by the command of Allah (SWT) on whom He wills of His servants with His message 16:2, 40:15, 17:85. He comes down with the angels too with a programme for every affair 97:4. In association with the angels he ascends towards Allah (SWT) in a period of 50,000 years 70:4 and on the day of resurrection he will stand with them in ranks 78:38 Jibriil (PBH) had acquired the form of a man and talked to Maryam (PBH) 19:17-19. Jibriil (PBH) is thus always associated with good things and good people. He appears to be the power of right decision in contrast to Ibliis who is always associated with bad things and bad people who appears to be an evil force - the power of wrong decision. In view of this (1) the blowing of Ruuhi into Adam (PBH) 15:29 could mean the bestowing of the power of right decision to mankind (2) the strengthening of Isa (PBH) with Ruuh-il qudus 2:87 could mean helping Isa (PBH) through Jibriil (PBH) to take right decisions due to which he was able to speak correct things even as a child 5:110 and (3) strengthening the believers with Ruuh 58:22 could again mean helping them in taking the right decision opposite to the devils party who will be losers 58:19. Allah (SWT) is Unique being One 112:1 whereas in His creation everything is in pairs 43:12, nothing is single like Him 112:4, few examples of pairs in the creation are man and women, day and night, good and evil. Millions of such examples can be given. In view of this too Jibrill (PBH) and Ibliis appear to be opposing forces which influence human beings. This interpretation is supported by the following statement of prophet Muhammed (PBH) reported by Ibn-i-Masood (R.A.) and collected by Muslim. The Prophet (PBH) had said, There is not one

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believe in His message and denied the life after death, further they did not realize that Allah (SWT) Who created the skies and the earth can recreate them after their end is brought about. Vs 100 Allah (SWT) is Merciful to everyone but if man were given control on the treasures of His mercy, he would not have spent because he is niggardly. Vs 101103 Inspite of showing nine miracles through Musa (PBH), Firawn & his followers denied and were drowned. Vs 104 Bani Israel were asked to dwell in the earth, but they were informed that when the promised end comes near they will be gathered (as a gathering of people coming from different parts, the meaning conveyed by the word Lafiifa). After the Independent state of Israel was carved out in late forties, Jews started migrating to it in lakhs. In 1917 they were 8% of the population consisting of Arabs. From 56,000 in 1918 they increased to 5,40,000 in 1948 and this figure has been increasing year by year. Does this convergence of Jews in the state of Israel hint at the approaching of the end of the world ? Vs 105 Human messages are sometimes changed during the process of communication, contrary to this the Quran came down as it was sent down with no change whatsoever. Vs 106 The Quran was revealed in small portions at intervals during a period of 23 years. Vs 107109 Those who were given the knowledge of the last messenger of Allah (SWT) i.e. Prophet Muhammed (PBH), when they hear the Quran, they fall down prostrating in humility, glorifying Allah (SWT) and weeping. Vs 110 Allah (SWT) can be invoked through any of His beautiful names or Attributes. Vs 111 Depending on a son or partner are signs of weakness from which Allah (SWT) is free. He is the Greatest and His Greatness is to be proclaimed.

psychical personalities of humam beings like the angels and devils, helping them in taking the right decision and he belongs to Allah (SWT) in the sense that the whole creation belongs to Him. Ruuh may be something like knowledge, which too is a power belonging to Allah (SWT) Ilmihii meaning His knowledge 2:255. Like knowledge Ruuh (the power of right decision) too is shared by human beings to different extents without itself getting reduced. Ruuh meaning the power of right decision was breathed into Adam (PBH), angels by bowing down before Adam (PBH) bowed down before Ruuh too and consequently they are with the believers helping them in taking the right decision. Had Ibliis too bowed down before Adam (PBH) he would have surrendered before the power of right decision i.e. the Ruuh and in that case he would not have been in a position to mislead human beings by instigating wrong decisions in them. Ruuh is always expressed in masculine gender and singular number. Vs 8689 If Allah (SWT) wills, He can take back the Quran. No one other than Allah (SWT) can produce the Quran in which all the subjects are dealt with authoritatively but the majority rejects it. See also Ch 10. Vs 3738. Vs 9093 For believing in the messenger ship of prophet Muhammed (PBH), the infidels demanded a number of miracles. Vs 9495 The main reason for not believing in the message of Allah (SWT) was that the messengers were human beings. Allah (SWT) gives a very logical answer to these people that if angels were the dwellers of the earth, He would have sent an angel as His messenger. Vs 96 Allah (SWT) is sufficient as a witness over those who accepted His message and those who rejected it. Vs 9799 Only those are guided whom Allah (SWT) guides. Those whom He leaves in error will be punished in the fire because they did not

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