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Commentary of Surah 53: Verse 39

By Muneer ul Hassan Rabbani Al-Azhari


- ' - ' ' . -- '' ' .- '
That man can have nothing but what he strives for
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Imam Tabari narrates from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that this verse has been
abrogated by this verse;
. - + -- ' ' - - - - ' -- =' . -- ' - - - - - - - - .- - ' - . - + ' - = - - ' - - - .
.-
And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith to them shall We join their
families: nor shall We deprive them (of the fruit) of aught of their works: (Yet) is each individual in
pledge for his deeds.
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Allah (the almighty) due to the good deeds of the parents will enter the children into heaven, and
due to the hardship of parents, the children will receive benefit.
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Imam Thalabi writes, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that this verse has been
abrogated by verse twenty-one of Surah Tur, as Allah (the almighty) has entered the children into
heaven due to the parents. Ikramah says that this verse was specific to the nations of Ibrahim and
Musa (upon them be peace). As for our nation, it will reap benefit from its own actions and the
actions of others. Another opinion is that this is specific to Non-Muslims.
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According to Hanbali Exegetes
Allama Abdur Rahman Al-Jawzi Al-Hanbali writes, Al-Zajjaj says that this verse was also found in the
scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa and there are 8 opinions;
i. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that this verse has been abrogated by the
verse.
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ii. This was specific to the nations of Ibrahim & Musa (upon them be peace)
iii. A Non-Muslim is intended.
iv. This is the justness of Allah (the almighty). His grace is that He will give us benefit through
the actions of others.
v. - refers to Intention.
vi. This verse refers to a non-Muslim, as he will be rewarded in this world.
vii. The ` annexed to '-- gives the meaning of '=. Man will only be punished for his
doings.
viii. The 2
nd
variation of this verse is that a man is rewarded due to the means of his hard work
and they are different;
a) The heirs and relatives of the deceased send reward to him.

1
Quran, Surah Najm (53), Verse 39
2
Quran, Surah Tur (52), Verse 21
3
Tabari, Jamiul Bayan, Volume 13, Page 74
4
Thalabi, Alkashf wal bayan, Volume 9, Page 53
5
Quran, Surah Tur (52), Verse 21
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b) He serves his religion well and due to this the religious pray for him and send him reward.
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According to Shafi Exegetes
Imam Razi writes,
i. An objection is raised on this verse that a persons actions only benefit him whilst traditions
prove the contrary e.g. relatives, children etc. sending reward to him through various means.
In reality this is all by the hard work - of the deceased, as the deceased kept good ties
with his relatives, and nurtured his children well.
ii. This refers to the Justness of Allah (the almighty)
iii. This refers to a non-Muslim.
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According to Maliki Exegetes
Imam Qurtubi writes, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said this verse has been
abrogated due to the verse.
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This verse also refers to Non-Muslims, as many traditions prove
that others rewards reaches the deceased. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates
from The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that when a man dies his actions come to
an end except from 3 things, beneficial knowledge, continuous charity, and pious children who
will pray for him.
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This also denotes Allah (the almighty)s justness whereas his kindness is such that for an action
he rewards tenfold.
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According to Hanafi Exegetes
Imam Alusi gives the same opinions of those previously mentioned.
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6
Abdur Rahman Jawzi, Azzad Almayassir, Volume 8, Page 82
7
Razi, Mafateehul Ghaib, Volume 15, Page 16
8
Quran, Surah Tur (52), Verse 21
9
Sahih Muslim, 1231
10
Qurtubi, AlJaami li ahkaamil Quran, Volume 17, Page 105/106
11
Alusi, Ruhul Maani, Volume 27, Page 101