Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62:1-8 - Quran Translation Commentary

2. It is HE Who raised among the unlettered ones² a Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His ayah, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom.³ Before that they were in error manifest.⁴

3. And (his messenger ship) in this (unlettered folk) is also for the others who have not yet joined them.⁵ And Allah is the Mighty, the Wise One.

4. This is the grace of Allah; which HE bestows upon whom HE will.⁶ And Allah is of the mighty grace.

5. The likeness of those to whom the burden of Taurat was entrusted and then they bore it not is as the likeness of the ass carrying a load of books.⁷ Evil is the likeness of the people who denied the ayah of Allah.⁸ And Allah does not guide such wrong doing people.

6. Say: O you who became Jews! ⁹ if you think that of all others, you alone are Allah’s favoured, then long for death if you are truthful, in your claim.¹⁰

7. But they will never long for it because of the deeds done by them.¹¹ And Allah knows well the wrong-doers.

8. Tell (them): the death from which you flee shall surely come to you.¹² Thereafter you will be presented before the One Who is the Knower of the seen and the unseen. HE will tell you all that you were doing.

Commentary

1. The explanation of these attributes has been given in Surah Hashr. Their mention has been made in these preliminary ayat so that people may get the correct introduction of the One Who sent this prophet and they may fully understand that this prophet has come with a Message from the Lord Sovereign of the universe. Therefore, it is necessary and compulsory to put faith in him. Allah is the Holy One and hence there can never be any error in His decisions. Therefore, the man selected by Him for His messenger ship is the most appropriate for this position, and his decision is entirely correct and most wise.

2. Please see Surah Aal-e- Imran, note 29 for the explanation of the word ‘Ummi’ (unlettered) and also Surah Aaraf, note 224 as well as Surah Ankaboot, note 91.

3. For clarification please see Surah Baqarah, note 149.

4. Before the arrival of this prophet, these Arabs who had been ‘ummi’ or unlettered and who did not have Divine Book were in total ignorance. But Allah favoured them and raised from among them a Messenger for their guidance who is a manifestation of the prayer of Ibrahim and the prophecy of Isa (peace be on both of them) and whose greatness is such that, despite being unlettered, he recites the Divine verses revealed to him which enlighten human hearts with the radiance of Faith. He trains these unlettered people so thoroughly that their lives become bright and they cultivate the best of virtues. He teaches them the Book of Allah so perfectly that they become its torchbearers. He Spills so many pearls of wisdom that their bags begin to overflow. Therefore, the prophethood of this prophet is beyond all doubts and his dispatch to the world is God’s great favour upon all. Not to appreciate him is a very big loss.

5. This is a good tiding that the circle of the followers of this holy prophet will go on expanding and other Arab tribes will also join them. This prophecy of the Holy Quran came true and all the Arab tribes became Muslim even during the life time of the holy prophet (peace be upon him).

It should be remembered that though the holy prophet was raised among the unlettered folk of the Arab land, his guidance, as explained by the holy Quran, was not limited only to the Arabs but it was for the Arabs and non-Arabs, the unlettered as well as for the People of the Book. It was not only for his time. It is for all ages and periods until Dooms Day.

6. It is a special favour to the unlettered Arabs that Almighty Allah raised from them such a great prophet. This ayah also hints that the Jews did not like that any prophet may arrive in any community except their own. But Divine Messengership does not depend on their wish. It is God’s Grace which HE may grant to whomsoever HE will. What right anyone has to take any objection?!

7. ’Sifr’ (plural: Asfar) means ‘book’ in both Arabic and Hebrew. The religious language of the Jews is Hebrew and they knew the word ‘Asfar’ which was being used to mean Torah. Therefore, this word was more appropriate to draw the attention of Jews toward their own religious scriptures.

The ignorance and the inaction of the Jews who were having Taurat with them has been compared with the burden of books on an ass. The animal does not know what a precious treasure is laden on its back. Similar is the condition of the Jews who did not appreciate the value of a Divine Book like Taurat... Had they appreciated it they would, today, also appreciate the Holy Quran, because, the revealer of both these scripture is Almighty Allah.

The example given here is very eloquent and it also applies to those Muslims who, despite having the bountiful Quran, did not appreciate it. They neither studied it nor acted according to it.

8. As a consequence of this senselessness of the Jews they are denying the Quran which also has been sent down by Almighty Allah.

9. The point is that the religion given to Bani Israil was Islam. But, afterwards, they made changes in it and instead of calling themselves ‘Muslim, they preferred to be called by the name’Jew’.

10. The Jews used to claim that they and they alone, and none else, were the favorites of Allah. But the hollowness of this claim became obvious when the Quran said: then long for death, because, for God’s friends there is Paradise. So when you are sure of being the people of the paradise, you should look at the Hereafter and not be mad after worldly things. But what you desire is a very very long life in this world ! (Surah Baqarah, Ayah:96) and cowardice has become your attribute. This attitude of yours itself contradicts your claim.

O You who believe! When you are summoned to ‘Jumua’ (Friday) prayers (when Azan is pronounced) hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave aside business. That is better for you if you know. Then when the prayer is ended disperse in the land and seek Allah’s grace. And remember Allah much, that you may succeed.(Al-Quran)

11. Their lives are full of sins. Therefore, inspite of their claim of being the favorite of Allah, there is a pinch in their hearts that they may be chastised by God in the Hereafter due to their misdeeds. Hence they prefer this world to the Hereafter and their desire is to continue the enjoyment in this world only.

The Jews could not accept this challenge of Quran that they should desire death. This falsified their claim and also testified to the truth of the holy Quran.

12. That is, there is no escape from death. You are bound to confront it. Why then do you shirk your responsibilities for fear of death?