THE MEANING OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN If you do not have RealPlayer (version 5.0), download it free:
The Arabic word Surah is loosely translated as chapter and Ayah as verse for the English readers who are unfamiliar with Qura'nic concepts. The Ayah (plural Ayat) means a sign. Those who have read the meaning of the Qur'an thoroughly and have had time to reflect upon them appreciate the word ayah as it is truly a sign from Allah (SWT), the lord of the universe, the absolute. In the English translation and the RealAudio narration, the terms 'those who surrendered to Allah' and 'the religion of the surrender to Allah' are used. The revealed Arabic words of the Qur'an for these translated words are 'Muslim' and 'Al-Islam'. Many other words that have been translated for the convenience of English readers are: Maryam (Mary), 'Isa or Easa (Jesus), Zakariya (Zachariah), Yahya (John), Musa (Moses), Haroon (Aaron), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqoob (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Dawood (David), Sulaiman (Soloman), and Ayyub (Job), peace be upon them, and many others. Refer to the index in the first reference cited below for more details. The Qur'an speaks in the first person, i.e., Allah's commandments to its creation. The Qur'an also uses the royal "We" for Allah's commandments. The main theme of the Qur'an and all previous revelations has been the absolute oneness of Allah, the creator and sustainer of the universe, who is without partner(s). Allah (Glory be to Him) did not beget nor was He begotten. The Qur'anic verses address people in a variety of ways depending on the context. It says "O mankind" and "O people" in a general sense addressing to all people, and in other instances "O believers" for those who have already accepted the message of Qur'an.
The Qur'an is the direct Word of Allah and it does not contain a single alphabet from anyone, even Prophet Muhammad. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad are contained in separate compilations known as Hadith, and include his deeds, lifestyle, explanations and decisions on a variety of issues. The Qur'an and Hadith form the foundation of daily life of a practicing Muslim. The
Qur'an has not changed by even an alphabet since its revelation fourteen centuries ago. Allah (SWT) has promised in the Qur'an that He will preserve it to the end of time. It is also for this reason there is no need for any new prophet or revelation (guidance) to come to humankind. The Qur'an is read in Arabic with great emphasis on the accuracy of recitation, including the recognition of diacritical marks and places where one pauses momentarily or stops. "The Holy Qur'an," Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, 1934. (Latest Publisher: Amana Publications, Beltsville, MD, USA; Title: "The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an," 1992). A pocket edition of Yusuf Ali's translation is also available in contemporary English.
"The Meaning of the Glorious Koran," An Explanatory Translation by Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall, a Mentor Book Publication. (Also available as: "The Meaning of the Glorious Koran," by Marmaduke Pickthall, Dorset Press, N.Y. and several Islamic book publishers; Published by several publishers since 1930). Note: The Mentor publication (451 MJ1529 195) contains a few errors/omissions, e.g., in Surah 72: the last part of Verse 2 should read "we ascribe no partner unto our Lord", and Surah 68: Verse 22 should read "straight" road instead of "beaten" road. In case of any doubt, the reader is advised to check with a copy from an Islamic publisher and also check with an Islamic scholar for the meaning directly from the Arabic original.
Pickthall writes in his foreward of 1930: "...The Qur'an cannot be translated.... The book is here rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language. But the result is not the Glorious Qur'an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to present the meaning of the Qur'an-and peradventure something of the charm in English. It can never take the place of the Qur'an in Arabic, nor is it meant to do so. ..."
For the serious readers of the meaning of the Qur'an in English, it is recommended that it should be read along with a good commentary to comprehend the essential meaning and scope of verses. Either Yusuf Ali's or Maududi's commentaries are a good starting point. The former presents the meaning Ayah (verse) by Ayah with footnotes and includes a detailed index of the topics mentioned in the Qur'an, while the latter presents commentaries for each Surah (chapter) of the Qur'an. LINKS Articles on The Holy Qur'an
Copyright © 1998 Dr. A. Zahoor
Last Updated: May 18, 1998. (http://www.oocities.org/Athens/Academy/9263/acmk2.htm)
If an audio clip does not play or gives timeout error, then you will need to make adjustments under view/preferences menu of the RealPlayer. If the problem persists, then you may also have to 'clear the memory cache' in the options/network preferences menu of your browser.
Files
Terms of Use: The RealAudio files are provided for personal listening use. These files should not be copied or transmitted by any means whatsoever to any one. Commercial use is strictly prohibited.
SURAH 52 - 72
(contents in brief)
Surah 52
At-Tur (The Mount): By the Mount, And a Scripture inscribed. On fine parchment unrolled...Lo! the doom of thy Lord will surely come to pass; There is none that can ward it off. On the day when the heaven will heave with (awful) heaving... Lo! those who kept their duty dwell in gardens and delight... Therefor warn (men, O Muhammad). By the grace of Allah thou art neither soothsayer nor madman. Or say they: he is a poet... And in the night time also hymn His praise, and at the setting of the stars.
Surah 53
An-Najm (The Star): By the Star when it setteth, Your comrade erreth not, nor is deceived; Nor doth he speak of his own desire. It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, Which one of mighty powers hath taught him... And verily he saw him, yet another time....The eye turned not aside nor yet was overbold. Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord... Those who avoid enormities of sin and abominations, save the unwilled offences (for them) lo! thy Lord is of vast mercy...
Surah 54
Al-Qamar (The Moon): The hour drew nigh and the moon was rent in twain. And if they behold a portent they turn away and say: Prolonged illusion... With downcast eyes, they come forth from the graves as they were locusts spread abroad... The folk of Noah denied before them....Then opened We the gates of heaven with pouring water And caused the earth to gush forth springs... And in truth We have made the Qur'an easy to remember; but is there any that remembered?...Lo! We sent upon them one Shout, and they became as the dry twigs (rejected by) the builder of a cattle fold... And every small and great thing is recorded. Lo! the righteous will dwell among gardens and rivers, Firmly established in the favor of a Mighty King.
Surah 55
Ar-Rahman (The Beneficent): Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny? The question is generally believed to be addressed to mankind and the Jinn. The Beneficent hath made known the Quran... He created man of clay like the potter's, and the Jinn did He create of smokeless fire... We shall dispose of you, O ye two dependents (man and jinn). O company of jinn and men, if ye have power to penetrate all regions of the heavens and the earth; then penetrate them! Ye will never penetrate them save with Our sanction... There will be sent, against you both, heat of fire and flash of brass, and ye will not escape.
Surah 56
Al-Waqi'a (The Event): When the event befalleth. There is no denying that it will befall Abasing (some), exalting (others); When the earth is shaken with a shock And the hills are ground to powder So that they become a scattered dust, And ye will be three kinds:....(First) those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand? And (then) those on the left hand; what of those on the left hand? And the foremost in the race, the foremost in the race... That this is indeed a noble Qur'an In a Book kept hidden Which none toucheth save the purified, A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds...
Surah 57
Al-Hadid (Iron): All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifieth Allah and He is the Mighty, the Wise... Lo! those who give alms, both men and women, and lend unto Allah a goodly loan, it will be doubled for them....and the martyrs are with their Lord; they have their reward and their light... and He revealed iron, wherein is mighty power and (many) uses for mankind... That the People of the Scripture may know that they control naught of the bounty of Allah.
Surah 58
Al-Mujadilah (She That Disputeth): Allah hath heard the saying of her that disputeth with thee (Muhammad) concerning her husband, and complaineth unto Allah...O ye who believe! when ye hold conference together, confer not together for crime and wrongdoing and disobedience toward the messenger, but confer together for righteousness and pity, and keep your duty, toward Allah, unto whom ye will be gathered...
Surah 59
Al-Hashr (Exile): If We had caused this Qur'an to descend upon a mountain, thou (O Muhammad) verily hadst seen it humbled, rent asunder by the fear of Allah... He is Allah, than whom there is no other God, the Knower of the invisible and the visible. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. He is Allah, than whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord the Holy One, Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him). He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names...
Surah 60
Al-Mumtahana (She That Is To Be Examined): O ye who believe! Choose not My enemy and your enemy for friends. Do ye give them friendship when they disbelieve in that truth which hath come unto you, driving out the messenger and you because ye believe in Allah, your Lord?... If they have the upper hand of you, they will be your foes, and will stretch out their hands and their tongues toward you with evil (intent), and they long for you to disbelieve... Allah forbids you not those who warred not against you on account of religion and drove you not out from your homes, that ye should show them kindness and deal justly with them. Lo! Allah loveth the just dealers...
Surah 61
As-Saff (The Ranks): Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light however much the disbelievers are averse. He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it conqueror of all religion however much idolaters may be averse... O ye who believe! Be Allah's helpers, even as Jesus son of Mary said unto the disciples: Who are my helpers for Allah? They said: We are Allah's helpers...
Surah 62
Al-Jum'ah (The Congregation): The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books... And when the prayer is ended, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah's bounty, and remember Allah much, that ye may be successful...
Surah 63
Al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites): When the hypocrites come unto thee (O Muhammad)... They make their faith a pretext that they may turn (men) from the way of Allah. Verily evil is that which they are wont to do... O ye who believe! Let not your wealth nor your children distract you from remembrance of Allah. Those who do so, they are the losers...
Surah 64
At-Tagabun (Mutual Disillusion): No calamity befalleth save by Allah's leave. And whosoever believeth in Allah, He guideth his heart... Obey Allah and obey His messenger... O ye who believe! Lo! among your wives and your children there are enemies for you, therefor beware of them. And if ye efface and overlook and forgive, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful...
Surah 65
At-Talaq (Divorce): O Prophet! When ye (men) put away women, put them away for their (legal) period and reckon the period, and keep your duty to Allah, your Lord. Expel them not from their houses nor let them go forth unless they commit open immorality... Then, when they have reached their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah... And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him... Lodge them where ye dwell, according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them. And if they are with child, then spend for them till they bring forth their burden... Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof...
Surah 66
At-Tahrim (Banning): O Prophet! Why bannest thou that which Allah hath made lawful for thee, seeking to please thy wives?.... and if ye aid one another against him (Muhammad) then lo! Allah, even He, is his protecting Friend, and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers; and furthermore the angels are his helpers. It may happen that his Lord, if he divorce you, will give him in your stead wives better than you, submissive to Allah, believing, pious, penitent, inclined to fasting, widows and maids...
Surah 67
Al-Mulk (The Sovereignty): Blessed is He in Whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is Able to do all things....Thou (Muhammad) canst see no fault in the Beneficent One's creation; then look again: Canst thou see any rifts? Then look again and yet again, thy sight will return unto thee weakened and made dim... And keep your opinion secret or proclaim it, lo! He is Knower of all that is in the breasts... He it is Who gave you being, and hath assigned unto you ears and eyes and hearts. Small thanks give ye!
Surah 68
Al-Qalam (The Pen): Nun. By the pen and that which they write therewith, Thou art not, for thy Lord's favor unto thee, a madman. And lo! thine verily will he a reward unfailing. And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature. And thou wilt see and they will see which of you is the demented... Neither obey thou each feeble oath monger, Detractor, spreader abroad of slanders, Hinderer of the good, transgressor, malefactor Greedy therewithal, intrusive... Leave Me to deal with those who give the lie to this pronouncement. We shall lead them on by steps from whence they know not. Yet I bear with them, for lo! My scheme is firm...
Surah 69
Al-Haqqah (The Reality): The Reality! What is the Reality? Ah, what will convey unto thee what the reality is! (The tribes of) Thamud and Aad disbelieved in the judgment to come... And Pharaoh and those before him, and the communities that were destroyed... And when the trumpet shall sound one blast And the earth with the mountains shall be lifted up and crushed with one crash, Then, on that day will the Event befall. And the heaven will split asunder, for that day it will be frail....On that day ye will be exposed; not a secret of you will be hidden... And if he had invented false sayings concerning Us, We assuredly had taken him by the right hand And then severed his life artery, And not one of you could have held Us off from him... And lo! We know that some among you will deny it. And lo! it is indeed an anguish for the disbelievers. And lo! it is absolute truth. So glorify the name of thy Tremendous Lord.
Surah 70
Al-Ma'arij (The Ascending Stairways): From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. Lo! they behold it afar off While We behold it nigh: The day when the sky will become as molten copper, And the hills become as flakes of wool... Lo! man was created anxious, Fretful when evil befalleth him And, when good befalleth him, grudging... So let them chat and play until they meet their Day which they are promised...
Surah 71
Nuh (Noah): Lo! We sent Noah unto his people (saying): Warn thy people ere the painful doom come unto them... He said: My Lord! Lo! I have called unto my people night and day But all my calling doth but add to their repugnance; And lo! whenever I call unto them that Thou mayest pardon them they thrust their fingers in their ears and cover themselves with their garments and persist (in their refusal) and magnify themselves in pride... What aileth you that ye hope not toward Allah for dignity When He created you by (divers) stages?... And Noah said: My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers in the land. If Thou shouldst leave them, they will mislead Thy slaves and will beget none save lewd ingrates...
Surah 72
Al-Jinn (The Jinn): Say (O Muhammad): It is revealed unto me that a company of the Jinn gave ear, and they said: Lo! it is a marvellous Qur'an, Which guideth unto righteousness, so we believe in it and we ascribe unto our Lord no partner... And the Jinn who had listened to the Qur'an said: We had sought the heaven but had found it filled with strong warders and meteors. And we used to sit on places high therein to listen. But he who listened now findeth a flame in wait for him... And among us there are righteous folk and among us there are far from that. We are sects having different rules... And there are among us some who have surrendered to Allah and there are among us some who are unjust...
Back to Audio Index Page
Many More...
More Audio Clips: Allah (SWT), Belief, Supplication, Commandments, Legislation, Mary, Jesus, Zachariah, Yahya and Prophets (pbut), Hajj, Jum'ah, Ar-Rahman, Jinn, Early Surahs...
Surah 73 - Surah 114
Many More Audio Clips: Early Surahs, Short Surahs...
More...
More Audio Clips
Allah: Allah is the proper name in Arabic for The One and Only God, The Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It is used by the Arab Christians and Jews for the God (Eloh-im in Hebrew; 'Allaha' in Aramaic, the mother tongue of Jesus, pbuh). The word Allah does not have a plural or gender. Allah does not have any associate or partner, and He does not beget nor was He begotten. The abbreviation 'SWT' usually follows when Allah is mentioned, and it means 'Glory Be To Him.'
The Qur'an was revealed in pure Arabic to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) over a period of twenty-three years ending in 632 A.D., the year he passed away. The first revelation was only five verses, the first five verses of Chapter 96. Among the very early revelations are Surah 73, 74, 80, 81, 93 and 97. The revelations were sent by Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (SWT), the creator and sustainer of the universe, and transmitted to him by the Archangel Jibril (as) (Gabriel). The revelations he received were sometimes a few verses, a part of a chapter or the whole chapter. Some revelations came down in response to an inquiry by the nonbelievers. The ordering of the Qur'an is not the same as the revelations. Archangel Jibril (as) taught the ordering of Ayat and Surahs (refer to Surah 75) as he transmitted the revelations to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The first ten surahs revealed in chronological order are 96, 68, 73, 74, 1, 111, 81, 87, 92 and 89.
All Rights Reserved