The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

013 – Al Ra'd – The Thunder The chapter begins with the affirmation of the Divine origin of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet although most people did not believe in it. It also draws attention to the wonders of creation, all of which are dependent upon Allah including lightning and thunder from which the chapter takes its name. Divinity's response to the ludicrous requests of those who cover up the truth are addressed and an assertion that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change themselves. Futility of asking other than Allah is followed by a parable of water from the sky which churns up impurities that are discarded just like those discarded when metal ore is heated to illustrate the difference between truth and falsehood. No amount of ransom will be accepted at the Day of Judgement from those who break Allah's covenant of submitting to Him and cause corruption on the earth. An assertion that it is only the remembrance of Allah that brings tranquillity to the hearts follows. Finally the consequences for those who doubt accountability and deny Divine guidance is compared to the reward of those who are righteous and Allah being the best of planners and sufficient as a witness of the Divine source of revelation. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

014 – Ibraheem – Abraham The chapter begins with an assertion that Divine Guidance takes human being out of darkness into the light. There is a clear difference between those who are grateful and those who are ungrateful. The characteristics of those who defiantly oppose the messenger are cited in their loyalty to ancestral traditions and a preference for the life of the world. The painful nature of the consequence of their injustice and covering up of the truth is cited. The chapter highlights the innumerable favours of Divinity and His granting the human being whatever he needs and asks for. There is a focus on the duas of Prophet Ibraheem and his praise of Divinity. The chapter ends with a stark harsh warning of the consequences of injustice to those who cover up the truth concluding that the Qur'an is an effective, heart penetrating communique which asserts the oneness of Allah. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

012 – Yusuf – Joseph The most beautiful story of the Qur'an begins with a dream that Yusuf as a child narrates to his father Yaqub of 11 stars, the sun and the moon prostrating. His father tells him not to tell it to his brothers who are extremely jealous of him. The elder brothers plot to get rid of him and put him in a well. He is rescued by a caravan and sold as a slave to an Egyptian high-ranking minister. A scandal ensues when the minister's wife makes advances and accuses Yusuf of wrongdoing. He is imprisoned and later exonerated. The king appoints him in charge of the treasury when he interprets his dream of a long famine and recognises his awesomeness. The chapter continues with the return of his brothers during the famine and the eventual reuniting of the family of Yaqub, realising the childhood dream of Yusuf. It ends with an assertion of the lessons in the stories of the Qur'an. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

011 – Hud The chapter begins with the Prophet's call to the Makkans to the basis of faith and a warning to the punishment if they turn away. It addresses the difficulties the Prophet encountered in their rejection of resurrection, their animosity towards him, their outrageous demands and their accusations that the Qur'an was fabricated. It then transitions to recounting the stories of the Prophets and serves to console the Prophet in the Makkan environment, where there was growing hostility towards him, especially after the passing away of Abu Talib and Sayyid Khadija. It demonstrates how all the Prophets went through difficult trials but with perseverance and patience they were able to overcome those who opposed them. The chapter ends with the Prophet told that the stories were to strengthen his heart, warn the unjust and to persist in daily salaa. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

010 – Yunus – Jonah The chapter begins with confirming the divine origin of the Qur'an and admonishes the Makkans who accused the Prophet of fabricating it and being a magician. The chapter then asserts Allah as the Master who created with a purpose and only accepts intercessors with his permission. It admonishes those who cover up the truth telling them that they are the fabricators who deny their own nature which is to believe and submit to Divinity. The chapter describes how when affliction befalls those who cover up the truth and they are left with no one to turn to, they incline towards Divinity only to return to their old ways as soon as they are safe. There is then an emphasis on accountability and the certainty of meeting one's actions. The chapter then recounts the stories of Prophets Nuh and Musa and other previous Prophets. Unlike any of them the people of Prophet Yunus heeded his warning averted punishment. The chapter ends by asserting to the Makkans and thus to all human beings that it is never too late to accept the truth. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

009 – Al Tawbaa – The Repentance The chapter begins with a declaration of disassociation with those who covered up the truth and conduct of war and political relations during peacetime. It is followed by a criticism of the corruption of religious leaders. It continues with the exposure of the hypocrites in their excuses and dissension when it came to enlist for the military campaign of Tabuk. The distribution of sadaqa (alms, charity) follows which was disputed by the hypocrites and their efforts to establish a competing mosque in Madina to sabotage the work of the Prophet. The chapter ends with Divine reward for the efforts of those who obeyed the Prophet, the strengthening of eiman through the words of Divinity and the incredible compassion and care of the most understanding merciful Prophet.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

008 – Al Anfaal – Spoils of War The chapter begins with the just distribution of the spoils of war, the assistance of angels and the will of Allah in determining victory at the Battle of Badr, which is the major theme of this chapter. Verses 2-4 and 72-75 highlight the attributes of true believers and their recompense. Obedience to Allah and His Messenger and the behaviour of those who plotted against the Prophet is highlighted. Verse 41 focuses on khums The chapter continues with the challenges and trials of the Battle of Badr and guidelines for dealing with the captives as well as the observation of treatise. The last part of the chapter addresses the relationship between those who had migrated from Makka and those who assisted them in Madina, outlining their responsibilities towards each other. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

007 – Al A'raaf – The Heights The chapter begins with a reminder to follow Divine Guidance and a general warning about the consequences of failing to do so. It then recounts the story of Prophet Adam's creation, interaction with Shaytan in Janna and being sent to the Earth. Four admonitions to the children of Adam follow from the story. A warning about Jahannam for those who reject Divine Guidance. Good news for those who believe and do good is followed by a dialogue between the people of Janna and Jahannam, with a reference to the inhabitants of the heights (A'raaf). The chapter then transitions to the awesomeness of Allah, which serves as an introduction to the detailing of the destruction of earlier communities who rejected their Prophets (Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut & Shuayb). This is followed by a lengthy narrative about Prophet Musa from his confrontation with the magicians through to deliverance of the Mani Israail, receiving of the Tawraat and the mention of Muhammad in the Tawraat and Injeel. The chapter concludes with the universal covenant between Divinity and human beings, recognising Him as their Master and devotional practices including invoking Allah through His attributes (names), listening to the recitation of Qur'an and remembering Him morning and evening.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

007 – Al A'raaf – The Heights The chapter begins with a reminder to follow Divine Guidance and a general warning about the consequences of failing to do so. It then recounts the story of Prophet Adam's creation, interaction with Shaytan in Janna and being sent to the Earth. Four admonitions to the children of Adam follow from the story. A warning about Jahannam for those who reject Divine Guidance. Good news for those who believe and do good is followed by a dialogue between the people of Janna and Jahannam, with a reference to the inhabitants of the heights (A'raaf). The chapter then transitions to the awesomeness of Allah, which serves as an introduction to the detailing of the destruction of earlier communities who rejected their Prophets (Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut & Shuayb). This is followed by a lengthy narrative about Prophet Musa from his confrontation with the magicians through to deliverance of the Mani Israail, receiving of the Tawraat and the mention of Muhammad in the Tawraat and Injeel. The chapter concludes with the universal covenant between Divinity and human beings, recognising Him as their Master and devotional practices including invoking Allah through His attributes (names), listening to the recitation of Qur'an and remembering Him morning and evening.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

006 – Al An'aam – The Livestock The chapter begins with a powerful statement introducing Allah as the Universal Creator and His total power. The Makkans for not taking heed of the Prophet are rejected by Allah, after which He reminds them of the fate of previous generations who ignored divine messengers. He specifies His absolute knowledge of everything and being the One who delivers from distress. This consoles the Prophet in the face of the rejection by the Makkans. Prophet Ibraheem's discourse about worshipping anything other than Allah whether it be the stars, moon and sun is followed by reflection on Allah as the Creator and Giver of both life and death.A directive to eat meat on which Allah's name is mentioned (halal) is followed by a comparison of the consequences of belief in Divinity (security and peace) versus the humiliation and agitation suffered by those who cover up the truth. The chapter then addresses the innovative restrictions made up by the Makkans regarding the consumption of certain kinds of meats countering it with a simple set of dietary laws and a concise list of divine commands and prohibitions. Finally, it concludes with verses on monotheistic belief and utter devotion to Divinity in prayer, sacrifice, life and death.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city