The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

024 – Al Nur – The Light The opening verses of the chapter deal with morality and decency in a Muslim community alluding to the punishment for adultery and laying out the standards of evidence for finding a person guilty of the crime. It is followed by the gravity of false accusations and slander and the response of the community to baseless chit chat. Rules on dress and modesty are also mentioned. The title comes from verse 35 which is known as the light verse; a parable which symbolises divine light as a glass covered lamp in a niche which shines brightly and is let by a pure oil from a blessed olive tree, referring to the light of faith in a human being, which is activated by the divine guidance of the Qur'an and Prophetic teachings. Parables of a mirage, the darkness beneath the waves in the sea and lightning show the symbolism of darkness (an absence of light) to show the nature of the inner reality of the human being. A glimpse at hypocrisy and various rules on respect with regard to privacy in one's home follows. The chapter ends with the ownership of the kingdom by Allah and the certainty of accountability. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

023 – Al Mu'minun – The Believers The chapter begins by mentioning the qualities of one who truly believes. It then moves to a reflection on the creation of the human being from clay, recounting his development from a clot through to his death and resurrection. After several verses on the blessings of Divinity, the chapter transitions to guidance through past Messengers with a focus on Prophet Nuh, Musa, Harun & Isa (pbuh) and a mention of generations in between. Further qualities of those who believe is followed by the arrogance of those who deny Divinity and their mental cages. The sura concludes with a dua of asking for forgiveness and mercy.

022 – Al Hajj – The Pilgrimage The chapter begins with a warning of the destruction of the earth and the disorientation of the human being on the day of judgement compared to the life cycle of the human being. It continues to describe the three categories of human beings – believers, defiant rejectors and those on the verge. A parable of an extended rope to the sky representing Divine guidance and help follows with the example of one who is enraged cutting the rope only to fall. The chapter takes its name from the mention of Hajj in verse 27. The significance of Hajj is addressed with a reminder of the rituals and that their true value lies in God consciousness which reaches Allah and not the sacrificial meat or other physical aspects of Hajj. An important part of the chapter is the permission to defend against persecution ending with an exhortation to establish prayer, serve humanity and strive hard in order to succeed and gain Allah's help. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

021 – Al Ambiyaa – The Prophets The chapter begins with the various accusations directed to the Prophet and Divinity's response. A reminder that people before them had been destroyed for mocking Divine Guidance and could do nothing to ward of punishment. Human beings are reminded that all souls will taste death and will be accountable. After a brief mention of Musa and Harun, there is a longer account of Ibraheem when he broke the idols and the attempt of his people to burn him alive in retaliation. After mentioning Lut and Nuh, the chapter talks about Dawud and Sulayman. This is followed by the dua of Yunus in the belly of the whale and mentions of Ismail, Idrees, Zhulkifl, Zakariyya, Yahya & Maryam. The chapter continues with the signs of the end of the world and the coming of the Day of Judgement – the release of Yajuj and Majuj and the rolling of the skies. It ends with a statement that the Prophet is a mercy to the worlds and he is a warner of the consequences of defiant disobedience to Divinity and does not know when finality will occur. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

020 – Taahaa The chapter begins with a consolation to the Prophet (pbuh) and a mention of the most beautiful names (attributes) of Allah. It then leads to an account of the story of Prophet Musa (pbuh) recounting his encounter with Allah on Mount Sinai and the order to go to Firawn to free the Bani Israail. The conversation with Firawn and the magicians challenge and subsequent submission to Allah is followed by Firawn's drowning. Then the chapter transitions into the incident of Samiri and the golden calf in Prophet Musa's absence when his brother Harun was left in charge. The chapter then continues to discuss several aspects of the Day of Judgement and then recounts the story of Prophet Adam (pbuh). It then encourages the Prophet to be steadfast in the face of the Makkan's insults, to establish salaa and warns the Makkans regarding the inevitable end and accountability when they will come to know who is rightly guided. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

019 – Maryam – Mary The chapter begins with the answer to the prayer of Zakariyya and his vow of silence in the birth of Yahya. It continues with a detailed account of the Sayyida Maryam and the miraculous birth of Isa again repeating the theme of the silence of Sayyida Maryam and the speaking of the infant Isa in her arms. This is followed by concise narrations of the Idrees, Ibraheem, Ismail, Musa & Harun with a common thematic element of how each was moved to tears and fell into submission of Allah when His signs were recited. A warning of the consequences to those who deny Divinity except those who repent, believe and work righteously comes next with a strong rejection of those who deny accountability and ascribe a son to Allah. The chapter ends with a reward of love (guidance) to those who believe and do good deeds in comparison to the utter silence of the earlier generations destroyed by Divinity for their wrongdoing. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

018 – Al Kahf – The Cave The chapter begins with the assertion that the Qur'an is the strongest standing miracle that will not sway. It continues with the narrative of the inhabitants of the cave from which the chapter takes its name. They left their homes to escape religious persecution and were given Divine protection through a miraculous sleep. This is followed by a story of the owners of two gardens where one is afflicted because he is arrogant and does not express gratitude for blessings. The chapter then mentions the disobedience of Shaytaan when it came to obedience to Divinity. The Qur'an as that which contains every kind of parable for human beings follows after which is mentioned the narration of Prophet Musa and his encounter with Prophet Khidr who is kept alive by Allah beyond the range of normal human life. The chapter then narrates the story of Dhulqarnayn who journeys from east to west to establish religious sovereignty over the land. It closes with the Day of Judgement, Janna and Jahannam and finally the inexhaustibility of Divine words followed by a reminder that the Prophet is a human being to whom Divine revelation was sent. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

017 – Al Israa – The Night Journey The chapter takes its name from the first verse which refers to the night journey (israa) of the Prophet from Makka to Jerusalem from where the ascension (mi'raj) happened. The chapter is also referred to as Bani Israail as verses 4-8 discuss their historical destruction. The human being's need for instant gratification is followed by the Qur'anic version of the ten commandments. A warning against Shaitan, and believers are instructed to pray the mandatory prayers and the night prayer. There is a brief account of the creation of Prophet Adam as well as Prophet Musa's confrontation with Pharaoh and deliverance of the children of Israail. Finally the chapter discusses various qualities of the Qur'an; its revelation in portions and the awesomeness of the effects of its message for those who follow it and an order to call upon Divinity through His attributes. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

016 – Al Nahl – The Bee The chapter begins with the specific blessings Divinity has blessed human beings with. These include the benefits and uses of livestock, water, crops, vegetation, the sea and its bounties, celestial bodies, mountains, stream, stars and other landmarks that provide guidance for travel. It continues with the denial of those who covered up the truth of accountability and their arrogance towards the Prophet, accusing him of fabricating revelation. There are repeated warnings of punishment as a consequence. Verses 48-52 focus on the nature of all created beings to prostrate to Divinity with the shadow presented as a symbolic illustration that all creation ultimately submits to Allah. The chapter transitions into further reflections on nature such as water, milk, drinks from palm and grapes, bees & honey, the human being, birds… And parables to display the awesomeness of Allah followed by a comparison of those who are grateful versus those who are ungrateful and the consequences on the Day of Judgement. A focus on the character of Prophet Ibraheem (pbuh) follows as well as an exhortation to follow his creed. The chapter closes with instructions of how to call humanity to Divinity with wisdom, beautiful words, debating with what is better and responding with patience and restraint when wronged. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

015 – Al Hijr – The Rock The chapter begins with the actions of those who defiantly opposed the Prophet and the inevitability of Divine punishment. It responds to their demands of bringing angels saying that nothing the Prophet brought them would make them believe. After reflection on creation, the rebelliousness of those who opposed the Prophet is compared to the arrogance and refusal of shaytaan to obey Allah when asked to do sajda when Adam was created. The chapter then talks of the angels who visited Prophet Ibraheem and recounts the destruction of the people of Lut. A mention of the people of Ayka, to whom Prophet Shuayb was sent, is followed by a mention of the people of Hijr (Thamood) to whom Prophet Salih was sent and from which the chapter takes its name. It ends with consolation and encouragement to the Prophet not to grieve over his peoples' rejection of him as Allah is Sufficient as a validator for him and the Qur'an. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city