273. That is: Instead of following imaginary and superstitious innovations and living within the strait-jacket of baseless customs, you should accept those restrictions which have been really ordained by Allah, and for their being from Allah the certificate given by Quran is sufficient. These restrictions are not merely in the matter of food and drinks but they pertain to the entire intellectual and practical life, so that man’s thoughts may be clean and he should be able to pass a clean and disciplined life governed by a clean system of laws.

The commands that have been given here are not addressed to Muslims but to the idol-worshippers, therefore the demand for following them is not only for Muslims but also for the Non Muslims. In other words this demand of Quran is from every man that he should accept these command of his Lord and should become his obedient slave.

274. That is: ‘Shirk’ or polytheism is the first among the, haram or forbidden things, which gives an idea of the seriousness of this sin. For an explanation of Shirk, please see, Surah An-Nisa Note No.111.

275. The command for the kind treatment of the parents has been given in a positive way, so that it should be effective. It automatically signifies that ill-treatment of parents is forbidden.

276. One form of killing children among the Arabs was that they used to indulge in it on account of poverty. They thought that they were responsible for providing food to their children though the position of a father is nothing more than this that he is merely a guardian of the child, he is not a provider. provider is Allah alone. As for the state of being well of or other wise, it is also in Allah’s power, and in both the states a man is put to test.

Those, who have no faith in Allah’s power of making provision for every one, become panicky and indulge in trying to limit the number of children by wrong methods. The fact is that a child does not come to this world only with a belly to be filled, but he also brings with him two hands and two feet. This is the reason why we see that with the increase in the population the food resources and job opportunities also increase. Is this not an open proof of Allah’s power of providing for every one?

277. In the obscene things are included illegal sex, fornication, nudism, seeing nude pictures or films, indulging in romance, to hear or sing songs that provoke sexual excitement, singing and dancing by women, and smutty talk, and things like these. Among these, illegal sex is the most shameless act.

Merely committing the obscene act is not forbidden, but the restriction is even on going near it, that is to avoid things which provoke and promote obscenity. Man should be so much careful about it that not only outwardly but inwardly also he should avoid it. One should have so much control over. one’s self that wicked thoughts are not allowed to be generated, and the mind is not , allowed to take pleasure in fantasizing about it. This is the secret aspect of obscenity about which a warning has been given in the verse.

Imam Razi has mentioned a very important point in explaining this verse. Says he “When a man avoids sinning in the open, but does not avoid it in privacy or in secret, it means that his avoidance is not with a view to Allah’s obedience and worship, but because he is afraid of the reproaches of the people, and this thing is false, because for a person, who fears the reproaches of the people more than the punishment from Allah, there is a danger of his committing an act of disbelief. But a man who gives up sinning openly and secretly also, he provides a proof of the fact that he has given up sin only on account of his respect for Allah’s command, for fear of His punishment and for his love for His obedience;” – (At- Tafseerul Kabeer-Razi- Vol.13. P.233).

278. That is: Every human life is respectable. A person can be killed only when the Shariah has given the permission.

279. That is: If you use your intelligence, you will find these commands to be very reasonable, and you would understand that these are really the best guidance that can be given to mankind.

And do not approach the property (wealth) of an orphan, except to improve it until he attain the age of full maturity; give full measure and full weight, justly. We do not burden a soul more than what it can bear. And whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfil the covenant of Allah. In this way does Allah command you so that you may be reminded. (Al-Quran)

280. For explanation, please see Surah An- Nisa, Note No.17.

281. For explanation, please see Surah Mutaffafeen, Note No.1.

282. It is an important thing and a point of principle that has been mentioned here, which concerns the weights and measures, and also all other responsibilities. In the matter of weighing and measuring, the responsibility that has been placed is that man should use the correct measure and balance and should not weigh or measure less than what is right. However, if unwillingly some error occurs, then it is not objectionable. The same principle applies in the case of other responsibilities. Man should as far as possible try to fulfill his responsibilities in the right way. If inspite of his honest efforts, there is any deficiency, he will not be answerable. In other words, in the case of every responsibility, a man’s honesty of effort and his intention would be seen.

This is a guiding principle, for following which in the present day great obstructions are experienced by the followers of Islam on account of the non- Islamic society; and the restrictions of manmade laws are thwarting Muslims from following the laws of the Shariah. This guiding principle provides that if a man honestly tries to follow Allah’s commands, then to the extent to which he is unable to do on account of the circumstances, he will not be answerable to Allah, because every person is burdened to the extent of his strength.

283. Whatever words may emanate from the mouth, they should be truthful and just. Even if a near relative is concerned. one should not show partiality, but speak the truth, as demanded by justice.

284. That is: This is not a new lesson. Human nature knows this lesson from earlier times, and in the teachings of the prophets these things were included as basic principles. Therefore, these commands of Quran are a reminder of the lessons already learnt.

285. Straight path means the religion of Islam, which is the right path of Allah’s worship, and the invitation to follow which is being given by the prophet (Peace be upon him). Other paths mean paths that lead to disobeying Allah. whether they may be the paths of a religion or of secularism. either of disbelief or apostasy. Any path that would be Allah’s path. and the essential consequences of leaving the high way is to fall a prey to differences. We have seen that by refusing to follow the path of Islam the caravan of humanity has been divided and countless sects have come into existence. Therefore, the persons who have disrupted the humanity are these ‘communalists’ only and not the true followers of Islam, because the people who separate from the original human caravan which has been following the path of Islam from the beginning of humanity, and who form their own separate sects are those who have carved out new paths.

(For further explanation, please see Surah Baqarah Note No.309.)

286. The path of righteousness is that man should avoid the things which have been forbidden in these verses and should act on the things stressed upon for being followed.

The commands that ‘have been given above are ten and their position is that of the basic commands, without obeying which a man cannot be righteous.

The Bani Israil were also given ten commandments, mentioned in the Torah as under:

‘You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image;...you shall not bow down to them or serve them;. ..You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain;.. Remember the sabath day to keep it holy.... ‘Honour your father and your mother,... You shall not kill...You shall not commit adultery...You shall not steal... You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour!’ (Exo-dus 20)

Many of the commandments are common to both, but those given in Quran are more pervasive and clear cut.

287. The right way of finding what is lawful and what is forbidden for man is only the divine revelation, and with this revelation God has always been guiding mankind. Accordingly Allah had guided mankind through the faith of Ibrahim, and again He had given a detailed Book to Moosa, in which all the necessary instruction about religion were clearly mentioned.

Therefore, it is not correct to think that no provision was made by Allah to guide mankind in the matter of what is lawful and forbidden to him.

288. That is: All the instructions concerning religion and Shariah were presented clearly.