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1333<br />

mother of the Book"; (2) the part which is not entirely clear. It is very fascinating to take up the latter, and exercise our<br />

ingenuity about its meaning, but it refers to such profound matters that are beyond human language and though<br />

people of wisdom may get some light from it, no one should be dogmatic, as the final meaning is known to Allah<br />

alone. The Commentators usually understand the verses "of established meaning" (muhkam) to refer to the<br />

categorical orders of the Shariat (or the Law), which are plain to everyone's understanding. But perhaps the meaning<br />

is wider: the "mother of the Book" must include the very foundation on which all Law rests, the essence of Allah's<br />

Message, as distinguished from the various illustrative parables, allegories, and ordinances. (3.7)<br />

348 One reading, rejected by the majority of Commentators, but accepted by Mujahid and others, would not make a break<br />

at the point here marked Waq Lazim, but would run the two sentences together. In that case the construction would<br />

run: "No one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firm in knowledge. They say", etc. (3.7)<br />

2:41 - And believe in what I reveal confirming the revelation which is with you and be not the first to<br />

reject faith therein nor sell My Signs for a small price: and fear Me and Me alone. 59<br />

59 You receive revelations before: now comes one confirming it: its first appeal should be to you: are you to be the first to<br />

reject it? And reject it for what? God's Signs are worth more than all your paltry considerations. And the standard of<br />

duty and righteousness is to be taken from God, and not from priests and customs. (2.41)<br />

6:92 - And this is a Book which We have revealed bringing blessings and confirming (the<br />

revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around<br />

her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book) and they are constant in<br />

guarding their prayers. 912913914<br />

912 Mubarak: blessed, as having received God's blessing; bringer of blessings to others, as having been blessed by God.<br />

God's highest blessing is the Guidance and Light which the Book brings to us, and which brings us nearer to Him.<br />

(6.92)<br />

913 Mother of Cities: Mecca, now the Qibla and Centre of Islam. If this verse was (like the greater part of the Chapter)<br />

revealed in Mecca before the Hijrat, and before Mecca was made the Qibla of Islam, Mecca was nonetheless the<br />

Mother of Cities, being traditionally associated with Abraham and with Adam and Eve (see ii. 125, and n. 217 to ii.<br />

197). All round Mecca: would mean, the whole world if we look upon Mecca as the centre. (6.92)<br />

914 An earnest study of the Qur-an is true worship; so is Prayer, and so are all deeds of goodness and charity. (6.92)<br />

10:37 - This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a<br />

confirmation of (revelations) that went before it and a fuller explanation of the Book wherein<br />

there is no doubt from the Lord of the Worlds. 1429<br />

1429 The Book: Cf. iii. 23 and n. 366. Allah's revelation throughout the ages is one. The Qur-an<br />

confirms, fulfils, completes, and further explains the one true revelation, which has been sent<br />

by the One True God in all ages. (10.37)<br />

2:23 - And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then<br />

produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides<br />

Allah if your (doubts) are true. 42<br />

42 How do we know that there is revelation, and that is from God? Here is a concrete test. The Teacher of God's Truth<br />

has placed before you many Suras. Can you produce one like it? If there is any one besides God, who can inspire<br />

spiritual truth in such noble language, produce your evidence. Or is it that your doubts are merely argumentative,<br />

refractory, against your own inner light, or conscience? All true revelation is itself a miracle, and stands on its own<br />

merits. (2.23)<br />

10:1 - Alif Lam Ra. These are the Ayats of the Book of Wisdom. 13811382<br />

1382 Ayat = Signs, or Verses of the Qur-an. Here both meanings are to be understood. Each verse is a nugget of wisdom.<br />

And in the verses immediately following, e.g., x. 3-6, examples are given of the wonders of Allah's material Creation. If<br />

the starry heavens impress us with their sublimity as signs of Allah's wisdom and power, how much more wonderful is<br />

it that He should speak to lowly man through His Messengers, in man's language, so that he can understand? (10.1)<br />

10:38 - Or do they say "He forged it"? Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it and call (to your aid)<br />

anyone you can besides Allah if it be ye speak the truth!" 1430<br />

1430 Cf. ii. 23 and n. 42. (10.38)<br />

11:1 - Alif Lam Ra. (This is) a Book with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning)<br />

further explained in detail from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things):<br />

14921493<br />

1492 For the meaning of these Letters, see App. I. (11.1)<br />

1493 See n. 347 to iii. 7. Every basic principle is included in Allah's Revelation, and it is further illustrated and explained in<br />

detail. (11.1)<br />

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