[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 23

২৩. আল্লাহ উত্তম বাণী তথা কিতাব নাযিল করেছেন, যা সামঞ্জস্যপূর্ণ, পূনঃ পূনঃ পঠিত। এতে তাদের লোম কাঁটা দিয়ে উঠে চামড়ার উপর, যারা তাদের পালনকর্তাকে ভয় করে, এরপর তাদের চামড়া ও অন্তর আল্লাহর স্মরণে বিনম্র হয়। এটাই আল্লাহর পথ নির্দেশ, এর মাধ্যমে আল্লাহ যাকে ইচ্ছা পথ প্রদর্শন করেন। আর আল্লাহ যাকে গোমরাহ করেন, তার কোন পথপ্রদর্শক নেই।

Ayat 23. Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur’an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah. He Guides there with whom He pleases and whomever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 23. Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah. He guides there with whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide. Is Mutashabih here to be understood in the same sense as in 3:7? The better opinion is that there is a slightly different shade of meaning here, as suggested by the context. In the earlier passages, it was opposed to Muhkam: here it is contrasted or compared to Mathani the root meaning is: 'having something similar; working by analogy or allegory, or parable; having its parts consistent with each other'. The last meaning I adopt here. The Qur'an was revealed in parts at different times. And yet its parts all conform to each other. There is no contradiction or inconsistency anywhere. Matham: Cf. 15:87, where we have translated "oft-repeated": "The seven oft repeated (verses)". Here the meaning is similar, but the context gives a different color to it, as is seen in the translation. The skin is the outer integument of the body. It receives the first shock from the impact of anything unusual, and it trembles and its hair stands on end under excitement. So in spiritual matters the first stimulation from Allah's Message is external. Those who receive Faith do it as it were with tremor and not with apathy. But the next stage is that it penetrates their outer nature and goes right into their hearts. Their whole nature is "softened" to receive the beneficent Message, and it transforms them through and through. "Whom He pleases" and "leaves to stray" are explained fully in to 16:93. See also 14:4.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said,  "When a group of people assemble for the remembrance of Allah, the angels surround them (with their wings), (Allah's) mercy envelops them, Sakinah, or tranquility descends upon them and Allah makes a mention of them before those who are near Him.'' [Muslim Book 35, Chapter 11, Hadith # 6518].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 23. Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur’an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth" This Hadith also highlights the merits of remembrance of Allah and the high grades of the people indulging in it.

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 22

২২. আল্লাহ যার বক্ষ ইসলামের জন্যে উম্মুক্ত করে দিয়েছেন, অতঃপর সে তার পালনকর্তার পক্ষ থেকে আগত আলোর মাঝে রয়েছে। (সে কি তার সমান, যে এরূপ নয়) যাদের অন্তর আল্লাহ স্মরণের ব্যাপারে কঠোর, তাদের জন্যে দূর্ভোগ। তারা সুস্পষ্ঠ গোমরাহীতে রয়েছে।

Ayat 22. Is he whose breast Allah has opened to Islam, so that he is in light from His Lord (as he who is non-submissive)? So, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah! They are in plain error!

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 22. Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam, so that he has received Enlightenment from Allah, (no better than one hard-hearted)? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating the praises of Allah. They are manifestly wandering (in error)! Those who listen to Allah's Message find at each stage Allah's Grace helping them more and more to expand their spiritual understanding and to receive Allah's light, so that they travel farther and farther to their Goal in the Path of Truth and Righteousness. They are not to be compared to those who shut out Allah's Light from their hearts. Just as there is spiritual progress for those who seek Allah, so there is more and more spiritual retrogression for those who close their hearts to Allah. Their hearts get hardened, and they allow less and less Allah's Grace to penetrate within. But it is obvious that they flounder on the Way, and cannot walk with the firm steps of those of assured Faith.

Hazrat Abu Musa Al-Ashari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "The similitude of one who remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.''  [Muslim Book 04, Chapter 121, Hadith # 1706]

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 22. “Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah! They are in plain error! “Lack of remembrance of Allah is akin to death. When a person dies, he is unable to do anything. Similarly, a person who does not remember Allah goes so far from Him that he cannot do anything which can benefit him.

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 21

২১. তুমি কি দেখনি যে, আল্লাহ আকাশ থেকে পানি বর্ষণ করেছেন, অতঃপর সে পানি যমীনের ঝর্ণাসমূহে প্রবাহিত করেছেন, এরপর তদ্দ্বারা বিভিন্ন রঙের ফসল উৎপন্ন করেন, অতঃপর তা শুকিয়ে যায়, ফলে তোমরা তা পীতবর্ণ দেখতে পাও। এরপর আল্লাহ তাকে খড়-কুটায় পরিণত করে দেন। নিশ্চয় এতে বুদ্ধিমানদের জন্যে উপদেশ রয়েছে।

Ayat 21. See you not, that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and causes it to penetrate the earth, (and then makes it to spring up) as water-springs and afterward thereby produces crops of different colors, and afterward they wither and you see them turn yellow, then He makes them dry and broken pieces. Verily, in this, is a Reminder for men of understanding.

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 21. Sees thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, therewith, produce of various colors: then it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then He makes it dry up and crumble away. Truly, in this, is a message of remembrance to men of understanding. The circuit of water, by which the rain falls from the clouds, is absorbed through the earth, and flows through rivers or underground streams to the sea, where it again rises as vapors and forms clouds, was explained in 25:53. Here our attention is drawn to one portion of the process. The rain fructifies the soil and the seeds. Produce of various kinds is raised. The harvest ripens and is gathered in. The plants wither, dry up, and crumble away. Men and animals are fed. And the circuit starts again in another season.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah[SAWW](PBUH) said,  Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) was passing through the bazaar with his Companions on his both sides, when he saw a dead skinny lamb. He held its ear and said, "Who of you would like to have it for a dirham". They replied, "We do not like to get it for nothing, and what shall we do with it?". Then he (PBUH) asked, "Would you like to have it for nothing?". They replied, "Had it been alive, it would have been defective because it is skinny; but when dead it is of no use". Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Truly, the world is more contemptible to Allah than this (the dead lamb) is to you". [Muslim Book 42, Chapter 01, Hadith # 7059].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 21 “Verily, in this, is a Reminder for men of understanding” This Hadith also shows the futility of this world for which one struggles so madly throughout his life. It is also an indication that the Prophet  [SAWW](PBUH) used to seize the right opportunities to guide and teach his followers. 

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 20

২০. কিন্তু যারা তাদের পালনকর্তাকে ভয় করে, তাদের জন্যে নির্মিত রয়েছে প্রাসাদের উপর প্রাসাদ। এগুলোর তলদেশে নদী প্রবাহিত। আল্লাহ প্রতিশ্রুতি দিয়েছেন। আল্লাহ প্রতিশ্রুতির খেলাফ করেন না।

Ayat 20. But those who fear Allah and keep their duty to their Lord (Allah), for them are built lofty rooms; one above another under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise). (This is) the Promise of Allah: and Allah does not fail in (His) Promise.

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 20. But it is for those who fear their Lord. That lofty mansions, one above another, have been built: beneath them flow rivers (of delight): (such is) the Promise of Allah. Never doubt Allah fail in (His) promise. Cf. 29:58, and 34:37. The idea of heaven here is that of a Home of sublimity and beauty, with a picturesque outlook, such as we would describe in this life by the type of a palace by gently-flowing streams. The mansions will also suggest generous space and architectural beauty, tiers upon tiers piled one upon another. Mi 'ad: the time, place and manner of the fulfilment of a Promise. Allah's promise will be fulfilled in all particulars better than we can possibly imagine.

Hazrat Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "In Jannah the believer will have a tent made of a single hollowed pearl of which the length will be sixty miles in the sky. The believer will have his wives with him and he will visit them and they will not be able to see one another.'' [Al-Bukhari Book 04, Chapter 54, Hadith # 466].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 20 “those who fear Allah and keep their duty to their Lord (Allah), for them are built lofty rooms;" This Hadith highlights the merits of pious and Allah's gift to them a tent made of a single hollowed pearl, these bounties will be other than there huge palaces in Paradise that also shows expansiveness and vastness of the Paradise.

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 17-19

১৭. যারা শয়তানী শক্তির পূজা-অর্চনা থেকে দূরে থাকে এবং আল্লাহ অভিমুখী হয়, তাদের জন্যে রয়েছে সুসংবাদ। অতএব, সুসংবাদ দিন আমার বান্দাদেরকে।

১৮. যারা মনোনিবেশ সহকারে কথা শুনে, অতঃপর যা উত্তম, তার অনুসরণ করে। তাদেরকেই আল্লাহ সৎপথ প্রদর্শন করেন এবং তারাই বুদ্ধিমান।

১৯. যার জন্যে শাস্তির হুকুম অবধারিত হয়ে গেছে আপনি কি সে জাহান্নামীকে মুক্ত করতে পারবেন?

Ayat 17. Those who avoid At-Taghut (false deities) by not worshipping them and turn to Allah in repentance, for them are glad tidings; so announce the good news to My servants,

Ayat 18. Those who listen to the Word [good advice La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and Islamic Monotheism, etc.] and follow the best thereof (i.e. worship Allah Alone, repent to Him and avoid Taghut, etc.) those are (the ones) whom Allah has guided and those are men of understanding (like Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail, Salman Al-Farisi and Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari).

Ayat 19. Is, then one against whom the Word of punishment justified (equal to the one who avoids evil). Will you rescue him who is in the Fire?

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 17. There is always the danger that Evil may seize us even if we approach it out of mere curiosity. If we take an interest in it we may become its worshippers or slaves. The wise man eschews it altogether, and so he enrolls among the Servants of Allah, and gets the good news of His Mercy and Good Pleasure. Ayat 18. Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding. The commentators construe this clause in two alternative ways. {1) if "word" be taken as any word, the clause would mean that good men listen to all that is said and choose the best of it. (2) If "word" be taken to mean Allah's Word, it would mean that they should listen reverently to it, and where permissive and alternative courses are allowed for those who are not strong enough to follow the higher course, those "endued with understanding" should prefer to attempt the higher course of conduct. For example, it is permitted (within limits) to punish those who wrong us, but the nobler course is to repel evil with good (23:96), we should try to follow the nobler course. I prefer the latter construction: it accords better with my interpretation of the last verse: Ayat 19. Is, then, one against whom the decree of Punishment is justly due (equal to one who eschews Evil)? Wouldst thou, then, deliver one (who is) in the Fire? If a man is already steeped in sin and has rejected Allah's Grace, how can we expect Revelation to work in his soul?

Hazrat Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah  [SAWW] (PBUH) said, "The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.'' He  [SAWW](PBUH) illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands. [Al-Bukhari Volume 3, Book 43, Number Hadith 626)

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 18. Those who listen to the Word [good adviceLa ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and Islamic Monotheism, etc.] and follow the best thereof (i.e. worship Allah Alone, repent to Him and avoid Taghut, etc.) This Hadith enjoins unity in the Muslim community, each member of which is like a brick, which, when they are all combined, lend strength to each other. Similarly, Muslims are like hands and arms, which physically joined together, are bound to co-operate with one another.

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 16

১৬. তাদের জন্যে উপর দিক থেকে এবং নীচের দিক থেকে আগুনের মেঘমালা থাকবে। এ শাস্তি দ্বারা আল্লাহ তাঁর বান্দাদেরকে সতর্ক করেন যে, হে আমার বান্দাগণ, আমাকে ভয় কর।

Ayat 16. They (rebellious) shall have coverings of Fire (in hell), above them and covering (of Fire) beneath them; with this Allah does frighten His servants: "O My servants, therefore fear Me!"

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 16. The consequences of Sin when Judgment comes are aptly figured by Layers upon Layers of Fire, which hem in the sinners above and below. It is also suggested that the Layers, though of Fire, have something dark in them—the scorching quality of Sin. But Allah does not leave mankind without warning. Man has been granted a limited amount of free will, and in order to help him in its right use, all the consequences of his action are clearly explained to him. To those who will listen to Reason are given arguments which can be apprehended by their own intelligence; to those who are swayed by affections and emotions, an appeal is made in the name of the Love of Allah; to those who understand nothing but fear, the warning is conveyed by a portrayal of the dreadful consequences of wrongdoing,

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah[SAWW](PBUH) said,  "The (Hell) Fire is surrounded with all kinds of desires and passions, while Jannah is surrounded with adversities.''

[Muslim Book 40, Chapter 01, Hadith # 6779].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 16. “Allah does frighten His servants: "O Myservants, therefore fear Me!” The way to Hell is littered with these evils. When a person crosses them, it is an indication that he has entered into Hell. On the other side exists a series of grief’s and calamities, Islamic injunctions and obligations (the compliance with which is often irksome for man) impede his way to Jannah. When a person endures them with patience he, in fact, overcomes those obstacles and becomes eligible for Jannah. 

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 15

১৫. অতএব, তোমরা আল্লাহর পরিবর্তে যার ইচ্ছা তার এবাদত কর। বলুন, কেয়ামতের দিন তারাই বেশী ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হবে, যারা নিজেদের ও পরিবারবর্গের তরফ থেকে ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হবে।  জেনে রাখ, এটাই সুস্পষ্ট ক্ষতি।

Ayat 15. So worship what you like besides Him. Say (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH) : "The losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection. Verily, that will be a manifest loss!"

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 15. "Serve ye what ye will besides him." Say: "Truly, those in loss are those who lose their own souls and their people on the Day of Judgment: Ah! that is indeed the (real and) evident Loss! This is not a command or permission but a reproach and warning. The address of the Prophet of Allah may be paraphrased thus: 'Whatever happens I will follow the command of Allah. He has revealed Himself, and I know that He is One, supreme over all creatures. Him alone will I serve. Is there any so ignorant as to seek anyone else? Let him do so and see the results. The loss will be his own. For he falls from Grace into Evil. The cult of Evil results in the destruction of all that is best and most valuable in us, as well as poisons all the affections which link us to our families, and people, in the Final Adjustment, which we call the Day of Judgment.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When this Verse was revealed: "And warn your tribe (O Muhammad [SAWW](PBUH) of near kindred". (26:214) Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) called the Quraysh; when they gathered, he said to them: "O sons of `Abd Shams; O sons of Kaab bin Lu'ai, rescue yourselves from the Fire! O sons of Murrah bin Kaab, rescue yourselves from the Fire! O sons of `Abd Manaf, rescue yourselves from the Fire! O sons of `Abdul-Muttalib, rescue yourselves from the Fire! O Fatimah, rescue yourself from the Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything except that I would sustain relationship with you". [Muslim Book 01, Chapter 87, Hadith # 399].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 15. “"The losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection. 1. This Hadith tells us that lineage in the Hereafter will not help anybody. So much so that even one's relationship with Messenger of Allah (PBUH) shall not carry any weight on that day. The only thing that will then help in salvation will be one's good deeds. People for whom the Prophet (PBUH) and pious men will intercede will be believers with some sins in their account and not the disbelievers devoid of Faith and good actions. Neither will anybody intercede for the infidels, nor will the infidels find salvation. 2. In preaching religion, priority must be given to one's own close relatives. They deserve it more than anyone else, and for this reason Divine injunction should be first of all conveyed to them. 3. Even if a Muslim's relatives are pagans and polytheists, their rights of kinsmen and the demands of "maintaining the ties of kinship'' enjoined by Islam must be fulfilled. The first and foremost demand of their rights is that they should be invited to the right path so that they will be saved from Hell-fire.

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 13-14

১৩. বলুন, আমি আমার পালনকর্তার অবাধ্য হলে এক মহাদিবসের শাস্তির ভয় করি। 
১৪. বলুন, আমি নিষ্ঠার সাথে আল্লাহ তা’আলারই এবাদত করি।

Ayat 13. Say (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH): "Verily, if I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day."

Ayat 14. Say (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH)  "Allah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship."

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 13 and 14. Say: (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH) "I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day. But we have other interests in life than religion and Allah." My Creator is the one and only Power whose protection I seek; and I strive to be first in the race." Enjoy the good things of this life; it is short." The Hereafter is more real to me, and promises the true fulfilment of all desire; happiness or affliction comes not from the fleeting pettiness’s or illusions of this life, but from the power and wisdom of Allah." What evidence is there for all this?" "my living Teacher awakens that voice; and there is the Book of Inspiration. Allah is one, and there is none other besides.” The worst penalty in a spiritual sense is the Displeasure of Allah, just as the highest achievement, the fulfilment of all desire, is the attainment of Allah's Good Pleasure: Ayat 14. Say: "It is Allah I serve, with my sincere (and exclusive) devotion. We might have an imaginary objector saying: "Why go back to the past?" The answer is: "Well travel through the world, and see whether it is not true that virtue and godliness exalt a nation, and the opposite are causes of ruin. Both the past and the present prove this."

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah[SAWW](PBUH) said,  "Follow the Right Path of Faith strictly, and be steadfast; and keep in mind that none of you can achieve salvation through his (good) actions.'' Someone asked, "Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?'' He [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Not even me, unless Allah grants me His Mercy and Grace". [Muslim Book 39, Chapter 15, Hadith # 6762].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat “, if I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day” This Hadith tells us that although the importance of Faith and its practice is beyond any shadow of doubt, because this is the only way to attain His Favors and Blessings, but one should not entirely depend upon practice only because any shortcoming (which one does not even know) can ruin a good deed. It is, therefore, essential that we also pray that our good deeds are accepted by Allah and that He grants us His Infinite Mercy and sincerity because even the greatest noble deed is invalid without it.

[39].Surah Al-Zumar [The Groups]: Ayat 11-12

১১. বলুন, আমি নিষ্ঠার সাথে আল্লাহর এবাদত করতে আদিষ্ট হয়েছি।

১২. আরও আদিষ্ট হয়েছি, সর্ব প্রথম নির্দেশ পালনকারী হওয়ার জন্যে।

Ayat 11. Say (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH): "Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only and not to show off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship;

Ayat 12. "And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allah (in Islam) as Muslims."

Tafseer of Surah Al Zumar Ayat 11 & 12. Say: "Verily, I am commanded to serve Allah with sincere devotion; 12.”And I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah in Islam.“The first" need not necessarily be chronological: it may also refer to the first rank in zeal, and in readiness to suffer for the Cause leave the forefather fabricated disbelieves and false idols.

Hazrat Abu Ayub Khalid bin Zaid Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) and said, "Direct me to a deed which will admit me to Jannah and take me away from the Fire". The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Worship Allah and associate no partner with Him, perform As-Salat, pay Zakat, and maintain the ties of kinship". [Muslim Book 01, Chapter 05, Hadith # 013].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Zumar Ayat 11. "Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah (Alone)” This Hadith indicates the actions which constitute the means to attain Jannah and salvation from Hell. Thus, it makes evident that Jannah cannot be achieved by wishful thinking. One cannot get it without Faith and good deeds. In the absence of these two factors, intercession of any person will be of no avail.