Huu Door
Arabic Sajedahs
7-205 - al-A’raaf – The Heights
Note: Instructions to Muhammad (sal) about what manner the Quran was to be revealed.
How he (sal) was to approach the unbelievers and the people who would quench the
message. He was to calmly teach and warn people with good manners and example, and
through this he (sal) would be able to expose the ignorance and falsehood. Warnings
were issued to religions that innovated satanic inspired beliefs and practices that
degrade men through deception. From this the greater message was corrected and
completed to it's final form and efficacy.
160
We divided them into twelve tribes, nations; and We inspired Moses, when his people
asked him for water, saying: Smite with thy staff the rock! And there gushed forth
therefrom twelve springs, so that each tribe knew their drinking place. And we caused
the white cloud to overshadow them and sent down for them the manna and the quails
(saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you. They wronged Us
not, but they were wont to wrong themselves.
161
and when it was said unto them: Dwell in this township and eat therefrom whence ye
will, and say "Repentance," and enter the gate prostrate; We shall forgive you your sins;
We shall increase (reward) for the right-doers.
(At the tent of Meeting)
162
But those of them who did wrong changed the word which had been told them for
another saying, and We sent down upon them wrath from heaven for their wrongdoing.
(wanting food from the low lands – onions & lentils)
163
Ask them (O Muhammad) of the township that was by the sea, how they did break the
Sabbath, how their big fish came unto them visibly upon their sabbath day and on a day
when they did not keep Sabbath came they not unto them. Thus did We try them for that
they were evil-livers.
(the fish came close to shore and taunted them on the Sabbath - so they couldn’t catch
them unless they broke the law and many did break the law in order to gain wages)
164
And when a community among them said: Why preach ye to a folk whom Allah is about
to destroy and punish with an awful doom, they said: In order to be free from guilt
before your Lord, and that haply they may ward off (evil).
(Rasoolallaah’s (sal) duty was just to warn only)
165
And when they forgot that whereof they had been reminded, We rescued those who
forbade wrong, and visited those who did wrong with dreadful punishment because they
were evil livers.
166
So when they took pride in that which they had been forbidden, We said unto them: Be
ye apes despised and loathed!
(not human but animal)
167
And (remember) when thy Lord proclaimed that He would raise against them till the
Day of Resurrection those who would lay on them a cruel torment. Lo! verily thy Lord
is swift in prosecution and lo! verify He is Forgiving, Merciful.
(has there ever been a time of peace in Isra’el?)
199
Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the
ignorant. (don’t make friends with pagans or Jewish people who want to fight Jibra’el
(as) as the revealing agent)
200
And if a slander from the advisory wound thee, then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is
Hearer, Knower.
(through friendship with pagans and others like Christians and Jews, falsehoods and
negativity could enter)
201
Lo! those who ward off (evil), when a glamour from the advisory troubleth them, they
do but remember (Allah's guidance) and behold them - seers!
(Jibra’el’s (as) messages cause baseer, seeing)
202
Their brethren plunge them further into error and cease not.
203
And when thou bringest not a verse for them they say: Why hast thou not chosen it? Say:
I follow only that which is inspired in me from my Lord. This (Qur'an) is insight from
your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for a people that believe.
(unbelievers think that Rasoolallaah (sal) is making up the message, when in fact it is
not with his control, but as God wills through Jibra’el (as), and they mocked him)
204
And when the Qur'an is recited, give ear to it and pay heed, that ye may obtain mercy.
(so when a sign from God comes, take it serious, and try to understand it)
205
And do thou [O Muhammad) remember thy Lord within thyself humbly and with awe,
below thy breath, at morn and evening. And be thou not of the neglectful.
(also Rasoolallaah (sal) gets a warning, as he has been tough on people and self satisfied
with his position, so comes this sajdah)
206
inna al-ladheena ibadah ar-Rabbika laa yastekbiroon ‘an ibaaditihi wa
yusabihuunahu wa lahu yasjuduun (sajadah)
Indeed – the ones (who) love/worship/serve the LORD (are) not overly prideful upon
their love/worship/service and they praise/glorify/extol Him and to Him (is)
prostration/submission (alone)
Lo! those who are with thy Lord are not too proud to do Him service, but they praise
Him and adore Him. (Pickthal)
Commentary:
Yuseph Ali’s note says that the common understanding was multi fold. Rasoolallaah
SAL was not to embrace any kind of compromise to the exact word of Jibra’el, yet
being human he had faults and stresses from trying to persuade and correct the various
belief systems that were trying to enjoin compromise and dilute the Revelation. So the
ayats given before demonsrated compromise, both in Christianity and Judaism and
paganism. So the prostration came to solidify his SAL resolve.
The reason I used Pickthall is that he conveyed the natural understanding of the Arabic
lanquage in his time (modern). Although he re arranges the English for poetic purpose.
Since the ayats are poetic, memory and speaking and poetry was highly respected, as the
society was illiterate. Pickthall tries to give a sense of majesty and linguistic control
and memory that the society embodied as an inseparable part of the way that the
Recitation was given originally. It is accepted that the English language can not satisfy
all the qualities that the Recitation has in its original form. This is why scholars always
teach Muslims Arabic language and poetry and memorization. Indeed, even today a
preserver (hafith) of the Recitation is a sought after conclusion to one’s studies in
Islamic knowledge (‘ilm).
I tend to be interlinear or extremely literal in translation. Each translation has strong
points, like Yuseph Ali follows the grammatical structure, and others try to amplify
meanings in modern language. Of course there is no substitute for the Arabic, because
you get words and grammar and poetry correctly, especially from memory.
Of course many of the original meanings are lost even to Arabic, but even in the time of
Rasoolallaah (sal), he allowed the recitation in 7 dialectic forms. This was because of
different tribe’s pronunciation, even in the time of the Prophet(sal). Even to this day, if
some of the 7 dialects are recited, the meanings are so different that the listeners
object or question the recitation.
A condition of the mission was to never be bent or provoked to satanic qualities.
Rasoolallaah(sal) was given ayats that enjoined him to be mild and entreating to the new
faith. He SAL was to have forbearance in all manner of bitterness and attack. Hadith
support the mission was to give encouragement rather than condemnation. These are the
“2 slippers” of the Qur’an. One must be encouragement and kindness in the face of
adversity. The other is the warning to a core of people who would never change, and
would fight the establishment the mission. Rasoolallaah’s (sal) manner was of kindness
and trust, and that was why he SAL was called as Al-Ameen.
Point two is that the mission should remain simple, not girded in debate and
controversy. Because he (sal) would not compromise and debate and withdrew when
people came to argue, is given great credit. This attribute that he (sal) was simple,
unchanging, and friendly to all until being provoked by compromise, was indicated for
the rapid spread of Islam through the tribes and beyond.
Point three is that Rasoolallaah (sal) knew there would be people that would never
accept the mission. He SAL was not to bother with that, and simply serve up the
warning. Some of these people were even from his immediate tribe and family, like Abu
Lahab, a cousin, and others in the tribe of Quraysh.
Near the prostration are personal warnings to Rasoolallaah (sal). It was an internal
ability to recognize a satanic attack on the inside. It was one of his (sal) duties to
convey this internal discernment to his believers. It was made certain to him (sal) that
only calmness and cool headed thinking, feeling, and actions would spread the mission.
Some say it was a warning to him (sal), because of all the strife around him, he was
thinking of using lower motivations. The ayat came and that is the sajadah, that he (sal)
discard those qualities. The ayats, listened to in quiet and respect (#204) would develop
the proper result that was brought by Jibra’el (as), and result in the mission being
accomplished.
Glossary:
Ibadah = love, worship, serve, admire.
Yastakbiroon = form X, in the ongoing process of being stubborn, prideful.
Yusabihuna = subhana, we praise, extol, ask, seek, recognize, perceive
Yasjudoon = prostrate, submit, accept the conditions, accept a reprove.
Tafseer: (Maududi)
Islamicity.com/Quransearch/ Back Top Next
Note: Instructions to Muhammad (sal) about what manner the Quran was to be revealed.
How he (sal) was to approach the unbelievers and the people who would quench the
message. He was to calmly teach and warn people with good manners and example, and
through this he (sal) would be able to expose the ignorance and falsehood. Warnings
were issued to religions that innovated satanic inspired beliefs and practices that
degrade men through deception. From this the greater message was corrected and
completed to it's final form and efficacy.
160
We divided them into twelve tribes, nations; and We inspired Moses, when his people
asked him for water, saying: Smite with thy staff the rock! And there gushed forth
therefrom twelve springs, so that each tribe knew their drinking place. And we caused
the white cloud to overshadow them and sent down for them the manna and the quails
(saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you. They wronged Us
not, but they were wont to wrong themselves.
161
and when it was said unto them: Dwell in this township and eat therefrom whence ye
will, and say "Repentance," and enter the gate prostrate; We shall forgive you your sins;
We shall increase (reward) for the right-doers.
(At the tent of Meeting)
162
But those of them who did wrong changed the word which had been told them for
another saying, and We sent down upon them wrath from heaven for their wrongdoing.
(wanting food from the low lands – onions & lentils)
163
Ask them (O Muhammad) of the township that was by the sea, how they did break the
Sabbath, how their big fish came unto them visibly upon their sabbath day and on a day
when they did not keep Sabbath came they not unto them. Thus did We try them for that
they were evil-livers.
(the fish came close to shore and taunted them on the Sabbath - so they couldn’t catch
them unless they broke the law and many did break the law in order to gain wages)
164
And when a community among them said: Why preach ye to a folk whom Allah is about
to destroy and punish with an awful doom, they said: In order to be free from guilt
before your Lord, and that haply they may ward off (evil).
(Rasoolallaah’s (sal) duty was just to warn only)
165
And when they forgot that whereof they had been reminded, We rescued those who
forbade wrong, and visited those who did wrong with dreadful punishment because they
were evil livers.
166
So when they took pride in that which they had been forbidden, We said unto them: Be
ye apes despised and loathed!
(not human but animal)
167
And (remember) when thy Lord proclaimed that He would raise against them till the
Day of Resurrection those who would lay on them a cruel torment. Lo! verily thy Lord
is swift in prosecution and lo! verify He is Forgiving, Merciful.
(has there ever been a time of peace in Isra’el?)
199
Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the
ignorant. (don’t make friends with pagans or Jewish people who want to fight Jibra’el
(as) as the revealing agent)
200
And if a slander from the advisory wound thee, then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is
Hearer, Knower.
(through friendship with pagans and others like Christians and Jews, falsehoods and
negativity could enter)
201
Lo! those who ward off (evil), when a glamour from the advisory troubleth them, they
do but remember (Allah's guidance) and behold them - seers!
(Jibra’el’s (as) messages cause baseer, seeing)
202
Their brethren plunge them further into error and cease not.
203
And when thou bringest not a verse for them they say: Why hast thou not chosen it? Say:
I follow only that which is inspired in me from my Lord. This (Qur'an) is insight from
your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for a people that believe.
(unbelievers think that Rasoolallaah (sal) is making up the message, when in fact it is
not with his control, but as God wills through Jibra’el (as), and they mocked him)
204
And when the Qur'an is recited, give ear to it and pay heed, that ye may obtain mercy.
(so when a sign from God comes, take it serious, and try to understand it)
205
And do thou [O Muhammad) remember thy Lord within thyself humbly and with awe,
below thy breath, at morn and evening. And be thou not of the neglectful.
(also Rasoolallaah (sal) gets a warning, as he has been tough on people and self satisfied
with his position, so comes this sajdah)
206
inna al-ladheena ibadah ar-Rabbika laa yastekbiroon ‘an ibaaditihi wa
yusabihuunahu wa lahu yasjuduun (sajadah)
Indeed – the ones (who) love/worship/serve the LORD (are) not overly prideful upon
their love/worship/service and they praise/glorify/extol Him and to Him (is)
prostration/submission (alone)
Lo! those who are with thy Lord are not too proud to do Him service, but they praise
Him and adore Him. (Pickthal)
Commentary:
Yuseph Ali’s note says that the common understanding was multi fold. Rasoolallaah
SAL was not to embrace any kind of compromise to the exact word of Jibra’el, yet
being human he had faults and stresses from trying to persuade and correct the various
belief systems that were trying to enjoin compromise and dilute the Revelation. So the
ayats given before demonsrated compromise, both in Christianity and Judaism and
paganism. So the prostration came to solidify his SAL resolve.
The reason I used Pickthall is that he conveyed the natural understanding of the Arabic
lanquage in his time (modern). Although he re arranges the English for poetic purpose.
Since the ayats are poetic, memory and speaking and poetry was highly respected, as the
society was illiterate. Pickthall tries to give a sense of majesty and linguistic control
and memory that the society embodied as an inseparable part of the way that the
Recitation was given originally. It is accepted that the English language can not satisfy
all the qualities that the Recitation has in its original form. This is why scholars always
teach Muslims Arabic language and poetry and memorization. Indeed, even today a
preserver (hafith) of the Recitation is a sought after conclusion to one’s studies in
Islamic knowledge (‘ilm).
I tend to be interlinear or extremely literal in translation. Each translation has strong
points, like Yuseph Ali follows the grammatical structure, and others try to amplify
meanings in modern language. Of course there is no substitute for the Arabic, because
you get words and grammar and poetry correctly, especially from memory.
Of course many of the original meanings are lost even to Arabic, but even in the time of
Rasoolallaah (sal), he allowed the recitation in 7 dialectic forms. This was because of
different tribe’s pronunciation, even in the time of the Prophet(sal). Even to this day, if
some of the 7 dialects are recited, the meanings are so different that the listeners
object or question the recitation.
A condition of the mission was to never be bent or provoked to satanic qualities.
Rasoolallaah(sal) was given ayats that enjoined him to be mild and entreating to the new
faith. He SAL was to have forbearance in all manner of bitterness and attack. Hadith
support the mission was to give encouragement rather than condemnation. These are the
“2 slippers” of the Qur’an. One must be encouragement and kindness in the face of
adversity. The other is the warning to a core of people who would never change, and
would fight the establishment the mission. Rasoolallaah’s (sal) manner was of kindness
and trust, and that was why he SAL was called as Al-Ameen.
Point two is that the mission should remain simple, not girded in debate and
controversy. Because he (sal) would not compromise and debate and withdrew when
people came to argue, is given great credit. This attribute that he (sal) was simple,
unchanging, and friendly to all until being provoked by compromise, was indicated for
the rapid spread of Islam through the tribes and beyond.
Point three is that Rasoolallaah (sal) knew there would be people that would never
accept the mission. He SAL was not to bother with that, and simply serve up the
warning. Some of these people were even from his immediate tribe and family, like Abu
Lahab, a cousin, and others in the tribe of Quraysh.
Near the prostration are personal warnings to Rasoolallaah (sal). It was an internal
ability to recognize a satanic attack on the inside. It was one of his (sal) duties to
convey this internal discernment to his believers. It was made certain to him (sal) that
only calmness and cool headed thinking, feeling, and actions would spread the mission.
Some say it was a warning to him (sal), because of all the strife around him, he was
thinking of using lower motivations. The ayat came and that is the sajadah, that he (sal)
discard those qualities. The ayats, listened to in quiet and respect (#204) would develop
the proper result that was brought by Jibra’el (as), and result in the mission being
accomplished.
Glossary:
Ibadah = love, worship, serve, admire.
Yastakbiroon = form X, in the ongoing process of being stubborn, prideful.
Yusabihuna = subhana, we praise, extol, ask, seek, recognize, perceive
Yasjudoon = prostrate, submit, accept the conditions, accept a reprove.
Tafseer: (Maududi)
Islamicity.com/Quransearch/ Back Top Next
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