Quran: Introduction: Surah Az Zumar

From: http://www.parvez-video.com/islam_divine_quran_troops.asp

It is a 39th surah of the Holy Quran in order. Surah Az Zumar "In The form of groups" was revealed in Mecca, Arabia on Muhammad (peace be upon him) the last Prophet and Messenger of God (Allah) Almighty .The surah has taken its title from verse 73. The subject of the surah describes that this Divine Code is revealed from Allah Almighty who wields supremacy over everything and runs the entire universe according to His plan. (O Rasool!) We have revealed to you this Code of Laws in a perfect manner. It will bring out positive and constructive results.The thing to do now is leave everything aside and follow it with complete devotion. who had lived according to the Divine Laws will be led in groups towards 'Jannat' and when they arrive they will find its gates open and the keepers would greet them saying, Peace be upon you. Abide herein and enjoy the pleasantries of life.The total number of verse in this surah are 75.


Summary of Surah explanation not translation : verse 1-75

1: This Divine Code is revealed from Allah Almighty who wields supremacy over everything and runs the entire universe according to His plan.

2: (O Rasool!) We have revealed to you this Code of Laws in a perfect manner. It will bring out positive and constructive results. The thing to do now is leave everything aside and follow it with complete devotion.

3: Proclaim that obedience is due only to Allah's Laws. The people who leave Allah Almighty aside and take to following (worshipping) other 'protectors', in the pretext that these would help bring them close to Almighty , are in gross error. (In fact to achieve proximity to Allah, all that is needed is to follow the Code of Laws given by Him, without any intermediaries whatsoever ~ 5:35; 17:57).In any case, people have adopted many different ways. Now Allah Almighty the Almighty (through this Quran) will settle all the disputed matters. (He will tell that) Whosoever attributes false things to Allah Almighty or conceals what has been revealed by Us, will never be able to reach his destination.

4: (The erroneous belief that intermediaries were needed to attain proximity to Allah, also produced the false notion that in order to be near Him, there is no better way than approaching Him through His progeny. The Christian concept that Jesus is Allah's son is based on this notion). Tell them that if Allah Almighty wanted to have a son He could have directly chosen anyone from amongst His creations. (What was the need for going through the trouble of obtaining the child through a woman's womb?) Verily He is far above requiring the assistance of a son. He alone is Almighty and holds absolute control over all forces.

5: He created the heavens and the earth in true and perfect proportions, to bring out positive and constrictive results. He made the earth revolve in such a manner that the night blankets the day and the day covers the night. He has made the sun and the moon subservient to His Laws. Each heavenly body follows a set course, up to a limited time. All this is happening according to the Laws of Allah, Who has absolute control and supremacy and has the provisions for protecting everything. (So why should He have a son).

6: He initiated your creation from a single living cell (6:79) and then caused it to split into two parts, one becoming the male and the other female. He also created eight types of cattle (namely camel, cow, sheep and goats, all in pairs ~ 6:144-145). When you are still in the mothers womb, He fashions you, inculcating creative changes in different stages. These changes constitute one act of creation after another; and all this takes place (not in one but) under three veils3 of darkness. This then is your Allah, according to Whose Laws of Rabubiyyat your development and nourishment take place. He alone wields total authority and power in the universe. No one else has such power or authority. (In leaving Him aside) Just reflect on where are you going? (After leaving God's Laws, is there another way).

7: (In view of the above facts, wisdom and rationale should demand that you obey only the Divine Laws, but) Your rejection of these laws brings no harm to Allah; only you shall suffer. He does not need your obedience. If you follow your self-made laws, your way of life will not be that which has been ordained by Him for your development. If you follow the Divine Laws, then you are following the course which He has approved for your development. (Therefore it is entirely up to you to either obey and follow His Laws for your own benefit or to reject them and suffer the consequences. It should also be clearly understood that according to His Laws of Mukafat) Everyone has to bear the burden and consequences of one's own deeds, not anyone else's. Every step of yours takes you towards His Law of Mukafat, and you cannot escape its ambit. Accordingly, you are bound to face the result of every action of yours. And this refers not only to those actions which you do openly, but also to the thoughts and intentions which pass through the depths of your hearts. __________________________________________________________________ ^ 3 The veils of darkness are the external skin, the womb and the placenta that holds the baby. Even the placenta itself is in 2 layers, and if these are counted as two, the womb could be the third layer.

8: Man, however, is strange. When he is afflicted he cries out to Allah Almighty from the depth of his heart. But as soon as he obtains comfort, he forgets all the cries with which he had implored the Almighty , and starts claiming that the affliction was removed by so and so. Thus not only does he himself go astray, he misleads others too. Just tell them, "By denying the Divine Laws, you can derive as much benefit as you like for a while, but ultimately all this will come down to ashes".

9: (While there is one who leads his life in the manner mentioned afore, in contrast) There is a person who very earnestly follows Divine Laws and has dedicated all his abilities for the Divine Order. He is busy doing so all day long and (if the situation so warrants) he continues standing and prostrating in obedience during the night. He does all this not only for his immediate gains, but he is also mindful of future life. He is extremely cautious that there should be no lapse in this regard. It is his desire that the Divine System of Rahmat and Rabubiyyat should reach every one. Ask them if the two, namely those who have the knowledge of this reality (about the aim and objective of life) and those who are unaware of it, ever be alike? Only those who utilize their wisdom and rationale can derive benefit from these admonitions (but not those who only follow their own desires).

10: Tell them (that the Almighty says), "O you people who are convinced of these realities, you should (fully) guard the Laws of your Rabb. Remember that for people who lead their lives in a righteous manner; there are many pleasantries in this life (as well in the hereafter). Therefore try to live a life in this way. If you do not find a favourable environment in one particular place, then look for another). Allah's earth is wide open (but do not sit down and give up so easily. Be steadfast for) Allah Almighty will reward you beyond your reckoning for this fortitude and steadfastness".

11: Tell them, "(You can do whatever you like but) I have been commanded to obey the Divine Laws in such a way that it does not imply any obedience to others.

12: "And I have been commanded to be the first amongst those who submit to the Divine Laws. (In other words my task is not only to deliver the sermons, but as a first step to become subservient to these laws and thereafter, to invite others to follow and form a group of like minded people)".

13: And tell them that, Allah's Law of Mukafat is such that (in terms of consequences no one is spared or given any sort of concession; and let alone others) if even I were to disobey these laws, I too will be unable to escape the chastisement on the Great Day (of Decisions). (If this is my own position, then how can I save others from facing the consequences. No one can help in this regard).

14: "Therefore, I obey only the Divine Laws with full devotion (and you too had better do so).

15: "My point of view is very clear. If you want to obey some other authority besides Allah Almighty you can do so; but only you will suffer. Remember! The true losers shall be those who together with their companions, bring losses upon themselves in their future life. Indeed such a loss is most obvious".

16: This unpleasant life would be such that a scorching fire would blaze above them, and they will also burn from a similar fire from underneath. This is the widespread destruction about which Allah Almighty warns His subjects. He tells them that in order to remain safe from this destruction, they should come within the protection provided by His Laws.

17: These are the glad tidings for people who avoid obeying non-divine powers and who turn only to Divine Laws at every step.

18: These glad tidings are for those who listen to the Quran very attentively, (understand it) and then follow the injunctions which are well suited and practicable in view of the issues under consideration. (This is what is referred to as pondering on the Quran ~ 7:145; 39:55). These are the people who tread the way specified by Allah Almighty and they are the ones endowed with insight and understanding. (The people who ponder on the Quran and its light use their own intellect).

19: As per Divine Laws, the end result for the one who goes against this will be nothing, but destruction. No one can save him from that doom.

20: As they go ahead in widespread development, all the pleasantries of an elevated life are available to the people who follow the Laws of their Rabb and lead their lives according to His Law of Rabubiyyat. They continue to achieve more as they evolve higher and higher and attain an ever rising status. Since the edifice of their life is based on very sound foundations, there will be no shortage in the flow of His bounties to them. This is the final and unalterable result of Allah's Law of Rabubiyyat. Nothing can happen contrary to it.

21: (Everyday you can observe how Allah's Law of Rabubiyyat works. For example) Allah Almighty sends down rain from the clouds and then causes it to flow on the earth (as rivulets, brooks and springs). This helps the growth of various crops. Then the crops ripen, dry up and crumble away (thus separating the grain and the husk). For those who are rational and wise, there is lot of food for thought in the Law of Rabubiyyat.

22: (After reflecting on these matters one's heart opens up to accept Divine Laws). Hence, can you equate the one whose heart is opened up for Islam and who spends his life in the light of Wahi endowed by his Rabb, with one whose heart has hardened and become too stiff to accept the Divine Laws? The latter are most obviously lost in error, and for them there is doom and destruction.

23: Allah Almighty the Almighty has revealed this Wahi which is perfect in beauty and balance. Everyone of its parts juxtaposes perfectly with the other and it is fully consistent within itself. No differences or contradictions can be found therein. Furtheremore, its contents are explained by pairing its statements with antonyms, for example light and darkness and life and death. Such comparison make the matters more clear and obvious. Also, the repetition of (some) verses over and over, also makes their meaning more clear. In this way the Book presents its own exposition (15:87). People who ponder over the Quran in this manner and comprehend the results of doing anything contrary to its teachings, shiver at the very thought of how destructive this would be. However, they do not become disheartened because of this. Instead their hearts become mellower and more receptive to obeying the Divine Laws. Thus, this is the Divine Code which provides correct guidance to every one who seeks it. However, no one can take the person who adopts a way of life against the Wahi, to the desired goal. (Always remember a wrong path can never lead any one to the right destination).

24: Consider a person who (instead of making the Divine Law his protective shield) makes himself the protective shield. How can he be saved? This would surely be an error. On that Day of Decisions, all those who have rebelled against the Divine Laws, will be asked to taste the fruit of their own deeds. No one will be able to save them from this chastisement.

25: Many earlier nations had also belied the Divine Laws. Accordingly, doom and destruction befell them from sources which they could not perceive.

26: Although in this life they suffered disgrace and humiliation according to Allah's Law, a much severer punishment awaits them in the life hereafter. If only they (who deny the truth) knew it.

27: In this Quran We thus propound various kinds of parables and historical episodes so that such people may contemplate.

28: It is for this purpose that We have revealed the Quran in a language (Arabic) which is precise and expounds all things clearly; and is free from perplexities, crookedness, ambiguities and doubts. This is so that they may clearly understand it and escape the pitfalls of life.

29: How much peace and tranquility is obtained by a man (if he follows the laws of Unitary God) can be understood from one example. Consider a person who is a common servant to several masters who in turn are short sighted and at variance with each other due to bad temper. (Can you imagine the plight of such a servant?) Can the state of mind of these two be deemed equal? Also, compare him to a man serving only one master. (Think of the plight of) One person has to either obey different masters or follow his own emotions which are in conflict with each other; while the other has to obey only the Divine Code, wherein there is no ambiguity, doubt or psychological conflict or anxiety. Say, which of these two is leading a peaceful life (12:39).This, then is the Divine Code! It most certainly deserves all Hamd (praise) and by following this Code all issues or controversies of life are sorted out straightway. However, most people (do not use their intellect) do not understand this fact (that real and lasting happiness, can be achieved by following the Laws of one Allah Almighty only).

30: Anyway, there is no need to quarrel with these people. You have to die and they too are bound to die one day.

31: On the Day of Judgment, all your disputes will be presented and settled as per the Laws of your Rabb. The results of the deeds themselves will declare who was right and who was wrong. (The pragmatic test is the best way to prove or disprove any claim).

32: The reality that no one can be more zalim than the one who attributed his own opinion to Allah Almighty and further denied the truth when it was placed before him, will confront them on that day. It will also be explicitly clear that Jahannum is the proper abode for those who reject the Divine Laws.

33: On the contrary, those who presented the truth as well as confirmed it will remain safe from the destructive results of following the erroneous way of life.

34: Those who lead a virtuous and a balanced life shall have all that they wish for from their Rabb's Law of Mukafat. Obviously they would only yearn for that which is justifiable and proper according to the Divine Law.

35: Their good deeds will efface from their record the wrongs that they had ever done (by mistake); and reward them in accordance with the best that they have done (in life).

36: These people frighten you that their deities, religious leaders and chieftains will harm you because you oppose them. Tell them that there is no reason for me to be afraid. Allah Almighty alone is enough as a guard for His subjects. (Infact these people do not want to use their intellect; they blindly follow either self interests or their ancestors. The Divine Law is that the one who adopts such an attitude and sticks to old prejudices and stubbornness, can never find the straight path of life. Obviously) No one can bring back to the right path those who follow such a course.

37: On the other hand, a person who uses his intellect as well as wisdom and adopts the path as indicated by the Divine Code, cannot be lead astray. (All this happens according to Allah's Law of Mukafat. Nothing can happen against it. This is because it is the law of God). He is all-powerful and exercises His might to ensure the correct outcome of everyone's deeds.

38: If you ask them about the creator of the heavens and the earth, they will say, "Surely it is Allah" (29/61). Ask them: if Allah Almighty is the creator and owner of the entire universe, then how can the deities that you invoke possess such power to offset any harm Allah Almighty wants to do to me (according to his Law of Mukafat)? Or if He wants to (according to the same Law) bestow His blessings on me, can they withhold it.Ask them that if this is the situation, would it not be factually correct to say that Allah Almighty is enough for my protection? (I have full faith and trust in His Law of Mukafat). All those who have trust, place it in him alone.

39-40: Tell them that (in order to see how the Law of Mukafat brings out its results) they should do all that they want to according to their programme, whereas I will do my work according to my programme. The result will indicate who will become inflicted with ignominy and ever lasting suffering which cannot be reversed; and that is complete destruction. (6:136; 11:93-121; 20:135; 39:39).

41: (You should challenge them with confidence because) The claims of the Divine Code that has been revealed to you are based on facts; and its purpose is for the benefit of entire humanity. Whosoever lives by it will benefit from it, while the one who adopts an erroneous way of life by ignoring it will only harm himself. (Now it is up to them to choose their course of life). You have not been made responsible for them (to force them on to the right path).

42: (One can exercise his choice and discretion only when he is conscious. When his consciousness is suspended or becomes dormant, he simply cannot make decisions. This is observed in every day life. For example) In the state of sleep the conscious mind stops functioning; but when one wakes up, it starts functioning again. (As such the conscious state was temporarily suspended). However in case of death, the conscious and physical body are permanently dislodged (or as far as this worldly life is concerned, it is finally taken away). In both these cases the consciousness does not function and therefore choice or discretion cannot be utilized. (The situation is similar to one's moral life. When one is overpowered by his emotions or follows something blindly, his mind becomes practically ineffective. Under such circumstances if he is neither stubborn nor prejudiced, there is still a possibility that his conscience could take him to the right course. On the other hand if he remains stubborn and stiffens further, then his mind becomes redundant and there is no possibility of re-awakening. These are the people about whom it is said that their minds or centers of consciousness are sealed - 2:7).In these facts there are clear signs for those who want to reach the truth by thinking and utilizing their intellect.

43: In the light of the above explanations, just imagine the state of people who are so ignorant and superstitious that in adverse times, they leave Allah Almighty and seek the help of idols carved with their own hands and their own imagined deities. They do so despite it being obvious that they have neither any power whatsoever, nor any intellect or mental capability. (How can they be regarded as people who possess vision and consciousness).

44: Tell them that the quality of being useful to people in difficult times belongs exclusively to Allah's Law. It is the Law of that Allah Almighty Who has absolute control over the entire universe. No human being is outside the ambit of His Law of Mukafat. Every step brings one nearer to Allah Almighty and eventually everybody shall revert to Him.

45: However, people who do not believe in Allah's Law of Mukafat and life hereafter become extremely upset when told that supremacy and authority belongs to Allah Almighty alone; and that no one has any share in it. On the other hand when those who consider others besides God as being capable of intercession are mentioned, they begin to rejoice (17:46; 18:57; 40:12).

46: (In spite of their resentment and opposition) You should continue proclaiming that, "O Allah! You are the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and know everything that which is beyond human perceptions as well as all that he can see. It is You alone Who appropriately decides in matters on which people differ. (This is because human knowledge is limited and Yours is unlimited).

47: (You should continue pursuing your mission and not worry about the reaction of these people). On the Day of Judgment, even if these people offer all the wealth of this earth, or twice as much, in ransom to get away from the destructive consequences of their deeds, they will be unable to escape the terrible suffering. They can never imagine how much, as per the Divine Law of Mukafat would confront them.

48: As such, all the chaos that their deeds had created will become visible to them and the doom they used to ridicule will surround them from all sides (79:36).

49: Man's plight is such that when he is in trouble he cries out for our help and when We bestow a favour on him, he claims that to be the result of his own wisdom and craft! This however, is clearly a sign of his ignorance and stupidity. (Where is the Law? And what has God got to do with it?) But most people do not understand this. (Whatever human beings earn is partly due to labour, while the rest is due to reasons and elements provided by God free of cost. The foundation of man's self made way of life is based on the wrong assertion that whatever one earns is purely due to his own skill. And that accordingly, God's Laws should not be party to its utilization).

50: (This is not something new being said for the first time). Similar beliefs were also held by earlier people. (Capitalists in every era have given such excuses in support of their system - 28:78). However when the destructive consequences of their wrong ideology confronted them, their skills and craft could not help them.

51: The disorder and chaos created by their erroneous deeds overtook them (Whatever happened to these earlier people can also happen to those who at present are on the course of oppression). The destructive results of their evil deeds are bound to confront them. They will neither be able to defeat nor avoid Our Law of Mukafat.

52: They should know that the restriction or abundance of wealth takes place according to Allah's Law; The wealth for those who follow His Law increases while for those who negate it, it becomes restricted (20/124). In this, for those who negate it while for those who want there are many signs to understand the ultimate reality. However, only those who believe in the truthfulness of the laws can benefit from these signs.

53: Therefore tell My subjects that those who have committed excesses against themselves by opposing Our Laws, should not be disappointed. This is because their situation, which has worsened due to the going against Our Laws, can be improved again by following them. This Law can not only make good the damage done by previous lapses but it also provides sustenance for further growth. Twofold opportunities are provided in this way. On the one hand protection against destructive elements; and on the other further nourishment of one's 'self'.

54: Therefore, you should turn towards the Divine Laws and submit before them. But do not cause any more delay, as when the time of respite is over and the hour of Judgment comes, there will be no one who can help you.

55: Before that oncoming suffering suddenly overtakes you (without you being aware of it), you should follow the Law revealed by your Rabb. In all matters, you should carefully examine the clause of the Divine Law that is most appropriate for that particular situation, and accordingly act upon it. (39:18).

56: We are repeating this warning again and again lest anyone may say, "Alas, in sheer ignorance I failed to properly evaluate the Divine Law of Mukafat and took it lightly".

57: Or he may say, "Had I received guidance from Allah Almighty the Almighty , I too could have been amongst the Muttaqeen".

58: Or lest, on seeing the on-coming suffering he may say, "Had the course of life been reversed just once, I could also have done a lot of good work".

59: (As has been mentioned, We have been repeatedly warning them so that) At that time they will be told, "Yes indeed, Our Laws had been repeatedly conveyed to you, but you belied and rebelled against them; and refused to accept them.

60: On the Day of Decisions you will see all those who attributed falsehoods to Allah. How disgraced they will be! Jahannum will be the abode for these haughty and arrogant people.

61: Allah Almighty will bless the people who successfully lived according to Divine Code. Neither will any harm come to them; nor will they feel any grief.

62: (All this will happen according to Allah's Law of creation and evolution because) He is the creator of all things (and He knows the developmental potentialities of everything); and He ensures that everything becomes what it ought to be. That is why He also keeps a watch over everything.

63: He has complete authority and control over everything in the universe. People who contravene His Laws will be the losers. (It is just not possible that one can obtain positive results in spite of opposing His Laws. This would amount to defeating God, which is not possible).

64: Ask them, "Do you want me to leave obedience to Allah's Laws and obey other beings? How stupid and ignorant you are (to expect me to do such a thing)".

65: In the past also We have sent revelations through different Rasool. Now you are being sent the revelation. (Let alone others). Even if you were to obey others in addition to Allah, all your deeds would go to waste and you would be amongst the losers (6:15; 10:16).

66: Therefore, you should obey Allah's Laws only. Accordingly your deeds will produce fruitful results.

67: In fact, they have not been able to properly gauge the role and true position of Allah Almighty (6:92; 22:75). (That is why they believe that His Law should apply only to the outer universe and that human affairs should function according to man-made laws. This is the practical form of shirk that has been referred to above). However this would not be the situation when the Quranic revolutionary order is established.[1] The duality of control, that is one in the outer universe and the other in human society, would no longer exist. Allah Almighty 's Laws would be in operation in both the spheres. At that time the duality of control would end as on one hand He would have control of the earth; while on the other that of heavens. Allah Almighty the Almighty is far above this shirk. (He is sublimely exalted above anything to which they may ascribe a share of His Divinity - 21:20-23; 43:84).

68: When the first trumpet of this Revolution is sounded, everyone in the heavens and on earth would be shocked with panic; except those who as per Allah's Law of Mashiyyat2 did not let their senses swoon (27:87). Then, at the time of the second sounding of the trumpet, they will all stand up and see for themselves the Divine Rabubiyat unveiled (83:6).

69: At that time the Earth (the human society) will glow with the effulgence of Allah's Law of Rabubiyyat and every matter would be decided according to the Divine Code. In this way the (perfect) order for which Anbia had been sent and the Momineen had stood witness to, would be established and completed. All human affairs would be decided with justice and no one will be wronged or given less than his due.

70: Every person shall receive the full recompense of his deeds. Nobody's deed shall remain obscured.

71: Those who had denied and rebelled against the Divine Laws would be driven in groups towards Jahannum and the moment they arrive there, its gates will be opened and their keepers will ask them, "Did not the Rusul of God come to you? Were they not from amongst you and did they not convey to you the Divine Laws and cautioned you to remember that one day you will have to face the consequences of what you do?" Their answer will be affirmative (6:13). In this way the Divine Law, according to which human beings are requited for their misdeeds, will become a stark reality which the people who had denied it will see it with their own eyes.

72: They will be told, "Enter the doors of Jahannum and see for yourself how vile and terrible the abode of those who arrogantly rebel against Divine Laws is".

73: On the contrary, those who had lived according to the Divine Laws will be led in groups towards 'Jannat'; and when they arrive they will find its gates open and the keepers would greet them saying, "Peace be upon you. Abide herein and enjoy the pleasantries of life".

74: On seeing the wonderful outcome of their deeds, they will spontaneously proclaim (from the depths of their hearts), "Indeed worthy of all 'Hamd' is Allah's Law of Mukafat, according to which all promises are fulfilled and which bestowed on us the land; and gave us the freedom to dwell thereon and manage it (24:55; 33:27)". The reward for those who do righteous deeds is indeed excellent.

75: And all heavenly forces will be surrounding Allah's seat of authority and will be active in making His system of Rabubiyyat worthy of all Hamd and appreciation. At that time all human affairs will be decided with (perfect) justice and Allah's universal order of Rabubiyyat will come into force in such an outstanding manner that everyone will spontaneously cry out, "Most certainly all 'Hamd' is for Allah Almighty the Almighty , Who is the sustainer and Rabb of all the worlds.------------------------------------------------------------


[1] Life after death (in the hereafter), resurrection and Jamat Jahannum are realities in which we firmly believe. Nobody can claim to be a Muslim without this belief. However, the Quran also tells us that that the Law of Mukafat becomes operative from life in this world. The pattern of the society established in accordance with the Divine Law would be similar to that in the hereafter; i.e. every matter would be decided justly and the result of every deed would be accurate - pleasant results of virtuous deeds, destructive results of evil deeds. In view of this reality, what has been said from Verses 67 to the end can also be taken to mean the Quranic Revolution in this world; and also pertain to resurrection (after death). We have taken the former meaning, particularly because Verse 74 mentions inheritance of land. It would be more appropriate to take their meaning as conquests in this world.