ism

1335
Joseph's perspicuous story. In xiv. 1 we read, "A Book revealed to lead out of darkness into light": the theme being
Abraham's prayer for man to be rescued from the darkness of false worship into the light of Unity. Here,in xv.1 we
read, "Ayats (or verses) of Revelation,-of a Qur-an that makes things clear (or perspicuous)": the theme being an
explanation of evil, and how Allah's Truth is protected from it. (15.1)
15:9 - We have without doubt sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from
corruption). 1944
1944 The purity of the text of the Qur-an through fourteen centuries is a foretaste of the eternal care with which Allah's
Truth is guarded through all ages. All corruptions, inventions, and accretions pass away, but Allah's pure and holy
Truth will never suffer eclipse even though the whole world mocked at it and were bent on destroying it. (15.9)
17:88 - Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this
Qur'an they could not produce the like thereof even if they backed up each other with help and
support. 22882289
2288 For the meaning of "Jinns", see n. 929 to vi. 100. (17.88)
2289 The proof of the Qur-an is in its own beauty and nature, and the circumstances in which it was promulgated. The
world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only revealed Book whose text stands
pure and uncorrupted today. Cf., for a similar challenge, ii. 23, x. 38, and xi. 13. (17.88)
18:1 - Praise be to Allah Who hath sent to His Servant the Book and hath allowed therein no
Crookedness: 23252326
2325 See n. 2324 to xvii. 111. The theme of the last Sura, that Allah is good and worthy of all praise from His creatures, to
whom He has granted a clear revelation, is continued in this Sura. The spirit of man makes gradual progress upwards,
through the grace and mercy of Allah. (18.1)
2326 Some people's idea of a Sacred Book is that it should be full of mysteries-dark corners, ambiguous expressions,
words so far removed from human speech that they cover anything or nothing. Pagan oracles were couched in
language which suggested one meaning to the hearer and claimed to have the very opposite meaning in the light of
events which actually happened subsequently. They were distinctly crooked, not straight. In the next verse the word
"Straight" (qaiyim) is used to characterize the Qur-an, in contrast to this word "crooked" ('iwaj). See also xix. 36 n.
2488. (18.1)
25:33 - And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best
explanation (thereof). 3089
3089 Divine knowledge is a fathomless ocean. But glimpses of it can be obtained by any individuals sincerely searching for
the Truth. Their progress will be in grades. If they ask questions, and answers are then furnished to them, they are
more likely to apprehend the Truth, as they have already explored the part of the territory in which they are interested.
In the same way, when concrete questions arise by the logic of events, and they are answered not only for the
occasion, but from a general stand-point, the teaching has a far greater chance of penetrating the human intelligence
and taking shape in practical conduct. And this is the usual way of instruction in the Qur-an. (25.33)
26:2 - These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear. 3138
3138 Cf. v. 17, and n. 716. The comparison of Allah's revelation with Light is continued. (26.2)
26:192 - Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds: 3223
26:193 - With it came down the Spirit of Faith and Truth 3224
3223 The hostile reception of some of the previous Messengers having been mentioned, the special characteristics of the
Qur-an are now referred to, to show (1) that it is true, and (2) that its rejection by the Makkan Pagans was of a piece
with previous experience in the history of man: vested interests resist Truth, but it conquers. (26.192)
3224 Ruh-ul-amin, the epithet of Gabriel, who came with the inspired Messages to the holy Prophet, is difficult to render in a
single epithet in translation. In n. 3187 to xxvi. 107 I have described some of the various shades of meaning attached
to the adjective Amin as applied to a Prophet. A further signification as attached to the Spirit of Inspiration is that it is
the very quintessence of Faith and Truth, unlike the lying spirits which delude men with falsehood. On the whole, I
think "the Spirit of Faith and Truth" will represent the original best here. (26.193)
27:1 - Ta Sin. These are verses of the Qur'an a Book that makes (things) clear; 3240
3240 See n. 3137 to xxvi. 1. (27.1)
27:2 - A Guide; and Glad Tidings for the Believers 3241
3241 Revelation is here presented in three aspects: (1) it explains things, the attributes of Allah, our own position, and the
world around; (2) it directs us to right conduct and keeps us from evil; and (3) to those who have Faith and accept its
guidance, it gives the good news of forgiveness, purification, and the achievement of salvation. (27.2)
Go to UP
1335