Saad | The Letter “Saad”
[38:1] Saad. I swear by the Qur‘an, (the book) containing advice, (this is true,)
[38:2] but those who disbelieve are (involved) in false pride and opposition.
[38:3] How many a generation have We destroyed before them, so they cried out (for mercy), while no time was left for having any refuge.
[38:4] They (the pagans) wonder that a warner has come to them from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, ‘This is a magician, a sheer liar.
[38:5] Has he (not) turned all the gods into a single God? It is a very strange thing indeed’.
[38:6] And the leaders among them walked out saying (to their followers), ‘Walk away (from the Prophet,) and stay firm on (adhering to) your gods. This (call of the Prophet) is surely something designed (for his personal benefit).
[38:7] We never heard of it in the classical faith (of ours). This is nothing but a false invention.
[38:8] Is it (believable) that the message of advice has been sent down to him (alone) from among all of us?’ The fact is that they are in doubt about My message; rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.
[38:9] Do they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the Bountiful?
[38:10] Or do they have the ownership of the heavens and the earth and what lies between them? Then let them ascend (to the sky) by ropes.
[38:11] What is there (in Makkah) is just a host of the (opposing) groups that have to be defeated.
[38:12] Even before them, the people of Nuh and Ad and Firaun (Pharaoh), the man of stakes,
[38:13] and Thamud and the people of Lut and the people of Aaikah have rejected (the messengers). They were the (strong) groups.
[38:14] All of them did nothing but declare the messengers as liars; hence, My punishment became due.
[38:15] And these people are waiting for nothing but for a single Cry (the sound of the Trumpet to be blown on Doomsday) that will have no pause.
[38:16] And they say, ‘O our Lord, give us our share (of the punishment) sooner, before the Day of Reckoning’.
[38:17] Bear patiently with what they say, and remember Our servant Dawud, the man of might. Surely he was ever-turning to Allah.
[38:18] We had subjugated the mountains to join him (in) making tasbiH (i.e. pronouncing Allah‘s purity) at evening and sunrise,
[38:19] and the birds as well, mustered together. All were turning to Allah with him.
[38:20] And We made his kingdom strong, and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.
[38:21] Has there come to you the story of the litigants, when they entered the sanctuary by climbing over the wall?
[38:22] When they entered upon Dawud, and he was scared of them, they said, Be not scared. We are two litigants; one of us has wronged the other, so decide between us with truth, and do not cross the limits, and guide us to the right path.
[38:23] This is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have a single ewe; still he said, ‘Give it into my charge. And he overpowered me in speech’.
[38:24] He (Dawud) said, ‘He has certainly wronged you by demanding your ewe to be added to his ewe. Many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and very few they are’. And Dawud realized that We had put him to a test, so he prayed to his Lord for forgiveness, and bowing down, he fell in prostration and turned (to Allah).
[38:25] So We forgave him that (lapse), and surely he has a place of nearness in Our presence, and an excellent resort.
[38:26] O Dawud, We have made you a vicegerent on earth, so judge between people with truth, and do not follow the selfish desire, lest it should lead you astray from Allah‘s path. Surely those who go astray from Allah‘s path will have a severe punishment because they had forgotten the Day of Reckoning.
[38:27] We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them in vain. That is the thinking of those who disbelieve. So, woe to the disbelievers because of the Fire (they have to face).
[38:28] Shall We make those who believe and do righteous deeds equal to those who commit mischief on the earth? Or shall We make the God-fearing equal to the sinners?
[38:29] This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you so that they deliberate in its verses, and so that the men of understanding may heed to advise.
[38:30] And We blessed Dawud with Sulaiman. He was an excellent servant (of Allah). Surely, he was great in turning (to Us, in penitence and praise).
[38:31] (Worth remembering is the incident) when the swift horses of high breeding were presented before him in the evening.
[38:32] He said, ‘I held the love of the good things (i.e. these horses) because of the remembrance of my Lord’. until it went behind the veil.
[38:33] (Then he said,). ‘Bring them back to me’, and he started passing his hands over the shanks and the necks (of the horses).
[38:34] And indeed We tested Sulaiman while We threw on his throne a body after which he turned (to Us).
[38:35] He said, ‘O my Lord, forgive me, and bless me with a kingdom that will not be available to anyone after me. Surely, You are the Bountiful’.
[38:36] Then We subjugated the wind for him that blew smoothly on his command to wherever he wished,
[38:37] and (We subjugated to him) the devils (among Jinns), all builders and divers,
[38:38] and many others held in chains.
[38:39] This is Our gift. So, do a favor (to someone) or withhold (it), with no (requirement to give) account.
[38:40] He has a place of nearness in Our presence, and an excellent end.
[38:41] And remember Our servant, Ayyub – when he called his Lord saying, The Shaitan (Satan) has inflicted weariness and pain upon me…
[38:42] (Allah said to him,). ‘Strike (the ground) with your foot: Here is cool water to bathe, and a drink!’
[38:43] And We let him have his family and the like of them besides, as a mercy from Us, and a reminder for the people of understanding.
[38:44] And (We said to him,). Take (a bundle of) thin twigs in your hand, and strike with it, and do not violate your oath. Surely, We found him very enduring. He was really an excellent servant. Surely, he was great in turning (to Us, in penitence and praise).
[38:45] And remember Our servants – Ibrahim and Ishaq and Yaqub – the men of strength and the men of vision.
[38:46] We chose them for a trait of remembering the (eternal) Home (in the Hereafter).
[38:47] And surely they are, in Our sight, among the chosen, the best of the righteous.
[38:48] And remember Ismail and Al-Yasa and Dhul-Kifl. Each one of them was among the best of the righteous.
[38:49] This is a reminder (of what has passed). And surely the God-fearing will have the best place to return:
[38:50] – everlasting gardens, with (their) doors opened for them.
[38:51] They will be relaxing in it, calling there for plenteous fruits and drinks;
[38:52] and in their company there will be females restricting their glances (to their husbands, and) of matching ages.
[38:53] This is what you are being promised for the Day of Reckoning.
[38:54] Surely, that is a provision provided by Us, to which there is no end.
[38:55] Having said this, the transgressors will surely have the evilest place to return:
[38:56] the Jahannam, in which they will enter. So, how evil is that place to rest?
[38:57] Let them taste this: hot water and pus,
[38:58] and other things similar to it of various kinds.
[38:59] (When the leaders of the infidels will see their followers entering the Hell after them, they will say to each other,). This is a multitude rushing into (the Hell) with you – they are not welcome – they are to burn in the Fire.
[38:60] They (the followers) will say (to their leaders). ‘No, it is you who are not welcome; you are the ones who brought this upon us’. So, how evil is the place to stay (forever)!
[38:61] They (the followers) will say, ‘Our Lord, whoever has brought this on us, do increase his punishment twofold in the Fire’.
[38:62] And they (the infidels) will say, What is the matter with us that we do not see those men (here in Hell) whom we used to count amongst the worst? (i.e the Muslims whom the infidels used to treat as the worst people among them)
[38:63] Had we taken them as a laughing-stock (unjustly), or have our eyes missed them?
[38:64] That is going to happen definitely, that is, the mutual quarrel of the people of the Fire.
[38:65] Say, ‘I am only a warner, and there is no god but Allah, the One, the All-Dominant,
[38:66] the Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the Mighty, the Very-Forgiving’.
[38:67] Say, ‘It is a great news
[38:68] to which you are averse.
[38:69] I had no knowledge of the Heavenly Beings when they were debating (about the creation of ‘Adam).
[38:70] Revelation is sent to me only because I am a plain warner.
[38:71] When your Lord said to the angels, I am going to create man from clay.
[38:72] So, once I make him perfectly and breath My spirit into him, you must fall down in prostration before him’.
[38:73] Then, the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together –
[38:74] except Iblis (Satan). He waxed proud and became one of the disbelievers.
[38:75] He (Allah) said, ‘O Iblis, what did prevent you from prostrating yourself before what I created with My hands? Did you wax proud or were you among the lofty ones?’
[38:76] He said, ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay’.
[38:77] He said, ‘Then, get out from here, for you are accursed,
[38:78] and on you shall remain My curse till the Day of Judgment’.
[38:79] He said, ‘O my Lord, then give me respite till the day they are raised again’.
[38:80] He said, ‘Then, you have been given respite,
[38:81] until the Day of the Appointed Time’.
[38:82] He said, ‘Then, I swear by Your Might, that I will definitely lead them astray, all of them –
[38:83] except Your chosen servants among them’.
[38:84] He (Allah) said, ‘Then, the truth is and it is (always) the truth that I speak
[38:85] that I will definitely fill the Jahannam with you and with those who will follow you from among them, all together’.
[38:86] Say ‘(O Prophet to the unbelievers,). I do not demand from you any fee for it, nor am I from among those who make up things artificially.
[38:87] It is nothing but a piece of advice for all the world.
[38:88] And you will come to know its reality after a while’.
[38:1] Saad. I swear by the Qur‘an, (the book) containing advice, (this is true,)
[38:2] but those who disbelieve are (involved) in false pride and opposition.
[38:3] How many a generation have We destroyed before them, so they cried out (for mercy), while no time was left for having any refuge.
[38:4] They (the pagans) wonder that a warner has come to them from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, ‘This is a magician, a sheer liar.
[38:5] Has he (not) turned all the gods into a single God? It is a very strange thing indeed’.
[38:6] And the leaders among them walked out saying (to their followers), ‘Walk away (from the Prophet,) and stay firm on (adhering to) your gods. This (call of the Prophet) is surely something designed (for his personal benefit).
[38:7] We never heard of it in the classical faith (of ours). This is nothing but a false invention.
[38:8] Is it (believable) that the message of advice has been sent down to him (alone) from among all of us?’ The fact is that they are in doubt about My message; rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.
[38:9] Do they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the Bountiful?
[38:10] Or do they have the ownership of the heavens and the earth and what lies between them? Then let them ascend (to the sky) by ropes.
[38:11] What is there (in Makkah) is just a host of the (opposing) groups that have to be defeated.
[38:12] Even before them, the people of Nuh and Ad and Firaun (Pharaoh), the man of stakes,
[38:13] and Thamud and the people of Lut and the people of Aaikah have rejected (the messengers). They were the (strong) groups.
[38:14] All of them did nothing but declare the messengers as liars; hence, My punishment became due.
[38:15] And these people are waiting for nothing but for a single Cry (the sound of the Trumpet to be blown on Doomsday) that will have no pause.
[38:16] And they say, ‘O our Lord, give us our share (of the punishment) sooner, before the Day of Reckoning’.
[38:17] Bear patiently with what they say, and remember Our servant Dawud, the man of might. Surely he was ever-turning to Allah.
[38:18] We had subjugated the mountains to join him (in) making tasbiH (i.e. pronouncing Allah‘s purity) at evening and sunrise,
[38:19] and the birds as well, mustered together. All were turning to Allah with him.
[38:20] And We made his kingdom strong, and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.
[38:21] Has there come to you the story of the litigants, when they entered the sanctuary by climbing over the wall?
[38:22] When they entered upon Dawud, and he was scared of them, they said, Be not scared. We are two litigants; one of us has wronged the other, so decide between us with truth, and do not cross the limits, and guide us to the right path.
[38:23] This is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have a single ewe; still he said, ‘Give it into my charge. And he overpowered me in speech’.
[38:24] He (Dawud) said, ‘He has certainly wronged you by demanding your ewe to be added to his ewe. Many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and very few they are’. And Dawud realized that We had put him to a test, so he prayed to his Lord for forgiveness, and bowing down, he fell in prostration and turned (to Allah).
[38:25] So We forgave him that (lapse), and surely he has a place of nearness in Our presence, and an excellent resort.
[38:26] O Dawud, We have made you a vicegerent on earth, so judge between people with truth, and do not follow the selfish desire, lest it should lead you astray from Allah‘s path. Surely those who go astray from Allah‘s path will have a severe punishment because they had forgotten the Day of Reckoning.
[38:27] We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them in vain. That is the thinking of those who disbelieve. So, woe to the disbelievers because of the Fire (they have to face).
[38:28] Shall We make those who believe and do righteous deeds equal to those who commit mischief on the earth? Or shall We make the God-fearing equal to the sinners?
[38:29] This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you so that they deliberate in its verses, and so that the men of understanding may heed to advise.
[38:30] And We blessed Dawud with Sulaiman. He was an excellent servant (of Allah). Surely, he was great in turning (to Us, in penitence and praise).
[38:31] (Worth remembering is the incident) when the swift horses of high breeding were presented before him in the evening.
[38:32] He said, ‘I held the love of the good things (i.e. these horses) because of the remembrance of my Lord’. until it went behind the veil.
[38:33] (Then he said,). ‘Bring them back to me’, and he started passing his hands over the shanks and the necks (of the horses).
[38:34] And indeed We tested Sulaiman while We threw on his throne a body after which he turned (to Us).
[38:35] He said, ‘O my Lord, forgive me, and bless me with a kingdom that will not be available to anyone after me. Surely, You are the Bountiful’.
[38:36] Then We subjugated the wind for him that blew smoothly on his command to wherever he wished,
[38:37] and (We subjugated to him) the devils (among Jinns), all builders and divers,
[38:38] and many others held in chains.
[38:39] This is Our gift. So, do a favor (to someone) or withhold (it), with no (requirement to give) account.
[38:40] He has a place of nearness in Our presence, and an excellent end.
[38:41] And remember Our servant, Ayyub – when he called his Lord saying, The Shaitan (Satan) has inflicted weariness and pain upon me…
[38:42] (Allah said to him,). ‘Strike (the ground) with your foot: Here is cool water to bathe, and a drink!’
[38:43] And We let him have his family and the like of them besides, as a mercy from Us, and a reminder for the people of understanding.
[38:44] And (We said to him,). Take (a bundle of) thin twigs in your hand, and strike with it, and do not violate your oath. Surely, We found him very enduring. He was really an excellent servant. Surely, he was great in turning (to Us, in penitence and praise).
[38:45] And remember Our servants – Ibrahim and Ishaq and Yaqub – the men of strength and the men of vision.
[38:46] We chose them for a trait of remembering the (eternal) Home (in the Hereafter).
[38:47] And surely they are, in Our sight, among the chosen, the best of the righteous.
[38:48] And remember Ismail and Al-Yasa and Dhul-Kifl. Each one of them was among the best of the righteous.
[38:49] This is a reminder (of what has passed). And surely the God-fearing will have the best place to return:
[38:50] – everlasting gardens, with (their) doors opened for them.
[38:51] They will be relaxing in it, calling there for plenteous fruits and drinks;
[38:52] and in their company there will be females restricting their glances (to their husbands, and) of matching ages.
[38:53] This is what you are being promised for the Day of Reckoning.
[38:54] Surely, that is a provision provided by Us, to which there is no end.
[38:55] Having said this, the transgressors will surely have the evilest place to return:
[38:56] the Jahannam, in which they will enter. So, how evil is that place to rest?
[38:57] Let them taste this: hot water and pus,
[38:58] and other things similar to it of various kinds.
[38:59] (When the leaders of the infidels will see their followers entering the Hell after them, they will say to each other,). This is a multitude rushing into (the Hell) with you – they are not welcome – they are to burn in the Fire.
[38:60] They (the followers) will say (to their leaders). ‘No, it is you who are not welcome; you are the ones who brought this upon us’. So, how evil is the place to stay (forever)!
[38:61] They (the followers) will say, ‘Our Lord, whoever has brought this on us, do increase his punishment twofold in the Fire’.
[38:62] And they (the infidels) will say, What is the matter with us that we do not see those men (here in Hell) whom we used to count amongst the worst? (i.e the Muslims whom the infidels used to treat as the worst people among them)
[38:63] Had we taken them as a laughing-stock (unjustly), or have our eyes missed them?
[38:64] That is going to happen definitely, that is, the mutual quarrel of the people of the Fire.
[38:65] Say, ‘I am only a warner, and there is no god but Allah, the One, the All-Dominant,
[38:66] the Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the Mighty, the Very-Forgiving’.
[38:67] Say, ‘It is a great news
[38:68] to which you are averse.
[38:69] I had no knowledge of the Heavenly Beings when they were debating (about the creation of ‘Adam).
[38:70] Revelation is sent to me only because I am a plain warner.
[38:71] When your Lord said to the angels, I am going to create man from clay.
[38:72] So, once I make him perfectly and breath My spirit into him, you must fall down in prostration before him’.
[38:73] Then, the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together –
[38:74] except Iblis (Satan). He waxed proud and became one of the disbelievers.
[38:75] He (Allah) said, ‘O Iblis, what did prevent you from prostrating yourself before what I created with My hands? Did you wax proud or were you among the lofty ones?’
[38:76] He said, ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay’.
[38:77] He said, ‘Then, get out from here, for you are accursed,
[38:78] and on you shall remain My curse till the Day of Judgment’.
[38:79] He said, ‘O my Lord, then give me respite till the day they are raised again’.
[38:80] He said, ‘Then, you have been given respite,
[38:81] until the Day of the Appointed Time’.
[38:82] He said, ‘Then, I swear by Your Might, that I will definitely lead them astray, all of them –
[38:83] except Your chosen servants among them’.
[38:84] He (Allah) said, ‘Then, the truth is and it is (always) the truth that I speak
[38:85] that I will definitely fill the Jahannam with you and with those who will follow you from among them, all together’.
[38:86] Say ‘(O Prophet to the unbelievers,). I do not demand from you any fee for it, nor am I from among those who make up things artificially.
[38:87] It is nothing but a piece of advice for all the world.
[38:88] And you will come to know its reality after a while’.
Tafsir
Overview of Surah Saad
- Title and Position: Surah Saad is the 38th chapter of the Quran. The title “Saad” is derived from the Arabic letter “ص” (Saad), which opens this surah.
- Verses and Structure: This surah contains 88 verses. It is characterized by its strong narrative style, focusing on historical and prophetic accounts.
- Themes and Messages: The central themes include the power and wisdom of God, the reality of the resurrection, and the stories of various prophets. It emphasizes the importance of patience, faith, and trust in God.
- Significance in Islamic Discourse: Surah Saad is significant for its detailed narratives about prophets like David, Solomon, Job, and others, offering moral and spiritual lessons.
Detailed Explanation
- Affirmation of God’s Sovereignty: The surah begins with an affirmation of God’s sovereignty and wisdom, emphasizing His ability to create and govern the universe.
- Stories of Prophets: It recounts the stories of several prophets, including David, Solomon, and Job, illustrating their trials, divine blessings, and their unwavering faith in God.
- David and Solomon’s Narratives: The surah gives a detailed account of Prophets David and Solomon, highlighting their wisdom, judgment, and governance, as well as their devotion to God.
- Job’s Story of Patience: The story of Prophet Job is particularly noted for its emphasis on patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the face of hardship.
- Exhortation to the Prophet Muhammad: Surah Saad also addresses Prophet Muhammad, offering consolation, encouragement, and guidance in his mission.
FAQs
- What is the significance of the letter “Saad” in Surah Saad?
- The letter “Saad” is one of several Arabic letters that open certain chapters of the Quran. Its specific significance is a matter of scholarly interpretation, often seen as emphasizing the mysterious and profound nature of the Quran.
- How does Surah Saad contribute to understanding Islamic teachings?
- It contributes by providing insights into the lives of prophets, the nature of trials and faith, and the importance of patience and trust in God.
- What lessons are derived from the stories of Prophets David and Solomon in Surah Saad?
- Their stories teach about wisdom, justice, humility, and the importance of being grateful and devoted to God.
- How does Surah Saad address the challenges faced by Prophet Muhammad?
- It offers solace and support to Prophet Muhammad, drawing parallels with the experiences of past prophets and reassuring him of God’s guidance and support.
- The letter “Saad” is one of several Arabic letters that open certain chapters of the Quran. Its specific significance is a matter of scholarly interpretation, often seen as emphasizing the mysterious and profound nature of the Quran.
- It contributes by providing insights into the lives of prophets, the nature of trials and faith, and the importance of patience and trust in God.
- Their stories teach about wisdom, justice, humility, and the importance of being grateful and devoted to God.
- It offers solace and support to Prophet Muhammad, drawing parallels with the experiences of past prophets and reassuring him of God’s guidance and support.
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