S76.SURATUL INSAN
NAME: The first ayah describes a stage in man’s life when he was nothing. This gives the name AL- INSAN (Man) to it. Its another well known name is ‘AL- DAHR’ (Time) as this word has appeared in the first ayah. As we have explained earlier, the names of the Surahs do not denote their subject matter but they are based on some significant words for recognition.
TIME OF REVELATION : It is Makkan and the subjects indicate its revelation in its initial stage.
CENTRAL THEME: Reward and Punishment in the Hereafter. But the aspect of Reward is highlighted so that people may become righteous getting inspired by the eternal benefits.
ORDER OF VERSES: Man’s creation and its aim has been described in Ayah 1 to 3. Ayat 4 declares a severe punishment for disbelievers.
Ayah 5 to 22 mention the great reward reserved for the righteous man.
Ayah 23 to 26 contain a guidance to the Holy Prophet regarding patience, prayer and praising (hallowing) Allah.
In ayah 27 and 28 there is a warning to those people who, dazed by the glitter of this worldly life, ignore their Hereafter.
In ayah 29 to 31 there is an inspiration for people to accept admonition so that they may taste God’s Graceful mercy.
There is also a severe warning of a painful torture to those who remain adamant on their denial.
76.SURATUL INSAN Ayah: 31
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1. Has there not come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing worth mentioning. 1
2. WE created man from a sperm mixed 2 So as to try him. Hence WE made him hearing and seeing. 3
3. WE have shown him the way 4 he may become grateful or ungrateful. 5
4. For the unbelievers, WE have prepared chains and yokes and a blazing fire. 6
5. The righteous 7 shall drink cups of wine blended with camphor.
6. It will be a fountain 8 wherefrom the slaves of Allah will drink9 and canalize it (wherever they wish). 10
7. They fulfill their vows 11 and fear a Day the calamity whereof will be spreading all-around.
8. and they feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the sake of HIS love. 12
9. (saying): we are feeding you only for the sake of Allah, we desire from you neither reward nor thanks.13
1. Ever since man is born on this planet he is displaying marvels of advancement and perfection. In other words this age of man’s arrival on earth is superior to all the past ages in the history of the universe. Now though man is proud of his worldly progress he never cares to ponder over his past as to what he was in the beginning and what God has made him today. There was a time when man was in the process of being moulded in human form from decomposed mud which was not a significant thing. Thereafter the creation of Adam, the line of his progeny was continued from semen which is a very lowly drop of water. Each and every body has passed from a stage in which he was not worth mention. Is this truth, about his past, not enough to remind man that it was the wonder of his Lord’s Might that turned an atom of earth into the shining sun?
2. The semen (sperm) in itself is an amalgamation of several moistures. From the standpoint of modern physiology one of the liquids is that one which contains spermatozoon which comes out of the testicles and gathers in seminal vesicles i.e. the second liquid. The third liquid is that of the prostate gland which creates certain smell in it and the fourth one is that which is created by the glands situated near the urethra and which make it glossy. The semen is made up of all these liquids. When it meets with the ovum in the womb it becomes fertilized causing pregnancy. Thus man’s life creation begins with the mixing of the male sperm and the female ovum (egg).
3. Man is created so that he may be tried. Therefore, he is given the faculties of seeing and hearing. These God-given powers have made him a responsible specie among the creation, and they have made him intelligent enough to distinguish between the good and the bad.
4. That is, WE made him aware of the path of guidance clearly both through the natural directions, and the universal signs spread all over the horizons as well as through the Revelation sent with the Messengers.
5. Now he is free either to be a thankful slave of Allah or be a thankless fellow. Since the aim was to try him, he was also given the freedom to be either a thankful believer or a thankless disbeliever.
6. Though the freedom to become disbeliever is given, those who choose to be so should remember that they have failed in their trial as submitting to their wishes, selected a wrong path to tread. Therefore, he will suffer a severe punishment in the Hereafter. They will be fastened with iron chains and shackles will be put on their necks. They will be hurled in blazing fire. How fearful torment for those who turn away from their Lord’s Guidance!
7. ‘Abraar’ is the plural of ‘Barrun’ which is derived from ‘Birr’ which means truth and obedience and loyalty. A person having these virtues is call ‘nek’ (righteous) in Urdu. A reference to the context of this ayah shows that by ‘abraar’ is meant those slaves of Allah who lived like HIS thankful and obedient servants and who, keeping in mind the Hereafter, remained righteous throughout their lives.
8.’Kafoor’ will be a spring in Paradise which should not be equated with the camphor available in this world. However, some idea about it can be gained by knowing that, in purity and coolness, it will be like camphor and its taste and smell will give a very pleasant delight to its drinkers. A few drops of it will be enough to make the heavenly drink delicious and hence it will be mixed with it.
9.’Ibadullah’ means selfless servants of God.
10. It will not be necessary that they should come to this spring to be benefited by it. No, it will be in their control to make such springs flow wherever they like.
11. ‘Nazr’ (vow) is a God-pleasing thing which a man may determine to do. For example, he may decide that if I get such and such bounty I will observe so many days’ fast for Allah’s pleasure. Or he may heartily intend to give away certain amount to poor on recovery from an illness. It is obligatory to fulfill such ‘nazr’ because, a word with Allah is a very important business and only its fulfill ness can be regarded as a proof of a man’s truth and righteousness.
Islam has not encouraged the practice of ‘nazr’ It is recorded in ‘Mughni’.
Had ‘nazr’ been a desired thing the holy prophet and his companions would have resorted to it.” (Al-Mughni, Vol. 9, p.l) And it is written in ‘Fiqhus Sunnah’ that:
“Though Islam has regarded ‘nazar’ (vow) as permissible yet it is not a ‘mustahab’ (desirable) thing. Ibne Umar says the holy prophet has forbidden ‘nazr’ and said that there is no good in it, of course, some wealth is being released from the clutches of a miser thereby.” (“Fiqhus Sunnah” Lis Sayed Saabiq, Vol.3,P.35)
Moreover, it is also a fact that there is little scope for ‘nazr’ after the compliance with religious orders, because, the main thing is the performance of Divine orders and also there is no limit for doing optional good deeds. Thereafter it is only putting oneself to extra difficulties if one takes upon himself further obligations. Therefore, Islam has not encouraged ‘nazr’ but it has emphatically commanded the fulfillment of that oath if at all taken.
It should be understood that ‘nazr’ (vow) is a kind of ‘Ibadat’ (worship) and hence it can be for ONLY ONE GOD. To make a ‘Minnat’(Nazr) in the name of anyone other than ALLAH is ‘Shirk’(polytheism) even if it is in the name of a Dev or Devi or a Peer or a Wali.
12. They help the poor just for their love for Allah. Feeding the needy is their first requirement. Hence it has been mentioned especially. Otherwise it is also an essential and good deed to clothe them, to house them if shelter less and also to take care of their health if ill.
In those days there were no regular prisons for the captives, where they could be fed regularly. Therefore, special emphasis has been put on encouragement to feed the captives and here no distinction has been made between a Muslim and a non-Muslim and criminal and a POW (prisoner of war). Morality and humanity demand that the pain of their hunger should be removed and food must be provided to them.
13. They are helping the helpless not with an eye on reward of any sort nor to get praise and thanks. They overlook such temptations and help them only to please Allah. The real ‘sadaqah’ is only that which is only for God’s pleasure without entertaining any desire for fame or reward. Even a slight appearance of an element of ‘riyaa’ (show business) rids the deed of every good.
There they will recline on couches they will feel neither excessive heat nor biting cold. Its shades will be bent upon them and its fruit-bunches will be hanging down.(Al-Quran)
10. (for) we fear from our Lord a Day which will be distressful and very hard. 14
11. So Allah protected them from the calamity of that Day and bestowed upon them freshness and joy. 15
12. and awarded them for their patience paradise and silken garment. 16
13. There they will recline on couches 17 they will feel neither excessive heat nor biting cold. 18
14. its shades will be bent upon them and19 its fruit-bunches will be hanging down.20
15. Before them, vessels of silver and 21 goblets of glass will take rounds.
16. glass made of silver 22 which they themselves will measure. 23
17. there, they will be served with cups of wine mixed with Zanjabeel (gingerflavoured).
18. that will be a spring 24 called Salsabeel 25
19. And There will go round about them boys ever-young 26 when you behold them you would imagine they are pearls scattered. 27
20. wherever you look you will find only blessings upon blessings and a great kingdom. 28
14. It means whatever good we do, we do it for improving our life in the Hereafter; that we tremble at the thought of that Day of calamities; we regarded it our highest success to be protected from that Day’s torment. That the Day of Resurrection will be sour-making means it will turn the faces of criminals sour.
15. Allah will protect the people having the aforesaid virtues from the calamity of the Day of Resurrection. They will have no worries. Their faces will be fresh and their hearts happy because they succeeded in the trial in which they were put during their worldly lives.
16. So Jannat (Paradise) is not a cheap thing. It requires patience and perseverance. A life in accord with Sharaee (religious) commands regarding righteousness is indeed painstaking and hard. But the doors to eternal heavenly happiness are opened up for those who pass out successfully from this examination.
Everything in Paradise will be of the highest quality including the dress which will be made of fine pure silk. Among the above-described heavenly bounties the description of dress is made first so as to say that the very first honour which will be granted to the people of the Paradise will be a dress of distinction.
17. These ayah give only a slight glimpse of the Paradise to make man realise how grand it will be and how pompously the righteous people will dwell therein! ‘This glimpse of the Paradise has been provided only by the Holy Quran and it is a distinctive feature of this Divine Book that it takes us to its tour while we are still in this world.
The people of the Paradise will be seated reclining on thrones and this shows their imperial way of living there.
18. That is, the atmosphere of Paradise will be extremely pleasing. There will be no trouble due to heat. Everything will be moderate.
19. Shades of heavenly trees will be spread upon them. This gives us an idea that Paradise will be a place of perfect peace and tranquility and rest and comfort.
20. The bunches of heavenly fruits will be hanging so near that it will be very easy to pluck them at will. No effort will have to be made to avail of it.
21. In ayah 71 of Surah Zukhruf there is a mention of golden utensils in Paradise. Here it is said that there will be silver vessels. This shows that both the kinds will be available there.
It should be known that Islam has prohibited the use of golden and silver vessels in this world. Such luxury is fit only for Paradise.
22. The cups will be made of glass and the glass of silver. In other words they will be made of high quality transparent silver. It will be the distinct quality of heavenly silver. No such silver is found in this world. By giving an idea of a thing which is not existing in this world, the holy Quran has arranged a wonderfully spiritual flight for the believers!
23. This means that probably the heavenly glasses will be adjustable. The people of the Paradise will themselves adjust them according to their need or desire.
24. Ginger is a good-smelling, warmth-giving thing. This gives us a little glimpse of the heavenly spring. Otherwise, the worldly ginger cannot be compared with the heavenly one. A little mixture of it will make a drink very delicious, and exhilarating.
25. The literal meaning of ‘Salsabeel’ is that which can go down the throat with ease, running smoothly. This name given to a spring of the Paradise indicates that its water will have no bitter taste and that it will go down the throat very easily and pleasantly.
Like other bounties of the Paradise we cannot correctly imagine the specialties of this spring also while still living in this world. Only those who will be fortunate enough to dwell in Paradise will be able to comprehend them perfectly.
26. This has been explained in Surah Toor, note: 22.
27. The handsomeness and the discipline of these boys will make them look like scattered pearls.
28. The bounties of Paradise will not be limited like those available in this world. On the contrary they will be limitless there. Everyone there will live like a king enjoying grand honour every where.
21. upon them will be green garments of fine silk and satin (thick silk) 29 they will be adorned with silver bracelets 30 and their LORD will give them the purest beverage. 31
22. This is your reward and your endeavour has been accepted. 32
23. (O Messenger!) 33 WE have revealed the Quran to you gradually. 34
24. So await your Lord’s decision 35 and obey not of them any sinner or ungrateful.36
25. Remember the Name of your Lord, morning and evening. 37
26. Also prostrate before Him during night38 and hallow (glorify) Him in long hours of night. 39
27. These people love a fast-gaining world and leave behind them a very Severe Day. 40
28. It is WE Who Have created them and fastened their limb-joints and WE may change their faces whenever WE will. 41
29. This is an admonition. So whoever may wish may take the path leading to His Lord. 42
30. And you cannot wish unless Allah wishes 43 Verily Allah is knowing the wise.
31. HE makes to enter His Mercy whomever He wills 44 and for the wrong doers HE has prepared a torment painful.45
29. This has been explained in Surah Kahf, note: 48.
30. It is mentioned in Surah Kahf that they will be made to wear golden bracelets. Here it is said that they will wear silver ones. It shows that both will be granted.
31. This is, so to say, a distinct Mercy of Allah that HE will give them a very special kind of drink in addition to the ones mentioned above. No one can imagine the taste and delight of this extremely pure drink.
32. That is, this is the reward and consequence of those good deeds which you did in the world. God appreciated your efforts. HE became pleased with it. This will be a very high kind of honour to be given to the people of the Paradise.
33. Now the address turns toward the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). Divine instructions are being given to him and, through him, to the Muslim [his followers].
34. For explanation please see Surah Bani Israil, note: 140.
35. That is, wait patiently and see what Almighty Allah does to the disbelievers.
36. ‘Aathim’ (offender) means the one who commits impermissible things and ‘Kufoora’ (thankless) means who does not appreciate the Divine bounties.
The meaning of this ayah is that a sinner will tell you to do only sinful deeds and the one who thankless will also deny God’s bounties. So do not be misled by the talks of such people nor submit to their pressure.
Here, though the address is to the Prophet, the original address is to his followers.
37. The commandment to remember Allah’s Good Name in the morning and in the evening is a general one. It means recite God’s Good Names, keeping their meanings in mind every morning and every evening. The best way of doing it is in the morning and evening prayers (Salat).
38. Since sajdah (prostration) is an important part of salat this word (sajdah) is used to indicate salat. What is said is that perform salat during night also.
39. In the beginning, the Holy Prophet was asked to hallow (glorify) Allah in a greater part of the night. Soon after it, it is asked in Surah ‘Muzzammil’ that a large part of night be spent in performing salat. For details please see Surah ‘Muzzammil’, notes 2 and 4.
40. That is, in the eyes of these deniers and disbelievers, the benefits of this world are so dear that they care the least for the Day of Resurrection, though that Day will be very tough one. Every offender will be carrying the load of his sins on his or her own head and will be terribly worried about his or her salvation.
41. When it is WE who have created him and fastened his body joints it is quite possible for US to erase their faces. How do they then forget their is LORD Creator? How and why they are proud of their present shape? Why do they not fear HIM?
Here, also keep in view the ayah 67 and note: 72 of Surah Yaaseen.
42. That is, this Quran is all in all an admonition by accepting which man can adopt the path leading to his Lord.
43. For explanation please see Surah Takveer, note: 30.
44. It is Allah who decides, as per His knowledge and strategy, as to who among His slaves should be admitted to His Mercy.
45. By wrongdoers is meant the deniers of the Unity of Allah (Tawheed), and the Hereafter. Their entire lives became deviated due to this denial and they lost the True Path. To give them a painful punishment is the demand of Divine wisdom and justice. Hence HE has prepared Hell.