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Sura 7: The Purgatory (Al-A`araf) Part 2

CENTER = Moses

103. After (those messengers,) we sent Moses with our signs to Pharaoh and his people, but they transgressed. Note the consequences for the wicked.

104. Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the universe.

*7:102 This life is our last chance to redeem ourselves, but most people are proven to be stubbornly rebellious and evil (see the INTRODUCTION).

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105. "It is incumbent upon me that I do not say about GOD except the truth. I come to you with a sign from your Lord; let the Children of Israel go."

106. He said, "If you have a sign, then produce it, if you are truthful."

107. He threw down his staff, and it turned into a tremendous serpent.

108. He took out his hand, and it was white to the beholders.

109. The leaders among Pharaoh's people said, "This is no more than a clever magician.

110. "He wants to take you out of your land; what do you recommend?"

111. They said, "Respite him and his brother, and send summoners to every city.

112. "Let them summon every experienced magician."

113. The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, "Do we get paid if we are the winners?"

114. He said, "Yes indeed; you will even become close to me."

115. They said, "O Moses, either you throw, or we are throwing."

116. He said, "You throw." When they threw, they tricked the people's eyes, intimidated them, and produced a great magic.

117. We then inspired Moses: "Throw down your staff," whereupon it swallowed whatever they fabricated.

CENTER = The Truth Recognized by the Experts

118. Thus, the truth prevailed, and what they did was nullified.

119. They were defeated then and there; they were humiliated.

120. The magicians fell prostrate.

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121. They said, "We believe in the Lord of the universe.

122. "The Lord of Moses and Aaron."

123. Pharaoh said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? This must be a conspiracy you schemed in the city, in order to take its people away. You will surely find out.

124. "I will cut your hands and feet on alternate sides, then I will crucify you all."

125. They said, "We will then return to our Lord.

126. "You persecute us simply because we believed in the proofs of our Lord when they came to us." "Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, and let us die as submitters."

127. The leaders among Pharaoh's people said, "Will you allow Moses and his people to corrupt the earth, and forsake you and your gods?" He said, "We will kill their sons, and spare their daughters. We are much more powerful than they are."

128. Moses said to his people, "Seek GOD's help, and steadfastly persevere. The earth belongs to GOD, and He grants it to whom- ever He chooses from among His servants. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous."

129. They said, "We were persecuted before you came to us, and after you came to us." He said, "Your Lord will annihilate your enemy and establish you on earth, then He will see how you behave."

CENTER = The Plagues

130. We then afflicted Pharaoh's people with drought, and shortage of crops, that they may take heed.

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131. When good omens came their way, they said, "We have deserved this," but when a hardship afflicted them, they blamed Moses and those with him. In fact, their omens are decided only by GOD, but most of them do not know.

132. They said, "No matter what kind of sign you show us, to dupe us with your magic, we will not believe."

CENTER = The Warnings Go Unheeded

133. Consequently, we sent upon them the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood-profound signs. But they maintained their arrogance. They were evil people.

134. Whenever a plague afflicted them, they said, "O Moses, implore your Lord-you are close to Him. If you relieve this plague, we will believe with you, and will send the Children of Israel with you."

135. Yet, when we relieved the plague for any length of time, they violated their pledge.

CENTER = The Inevitable Retribution

136. Consequently, we avenged their actions, and drowned them in the sea. That is because they rejected our signs, and were totally heedless thereof.

137. We let the oppressed people inherit the land, east and west, and we blessed it. The blessed commands of your Lord were thus fulfilled for the Children of Israel, to reward them for their steadfastness, and we annihilated the works of Pharaoh and his people and everything they harvested.

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CENTER = After All the Miracles

138. We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. When they passed by people who were worshiping statues, they said, "O Moses, make a god for us, like the gods they have." He said, "Indeed, you are ignorant people.

139. "These people are committing a blasphemy, for what they are doing is disastrous for them.

140. "Shall I seek for you other than GOD to be your god, when He has blessed you more than anyone else in the world?"

CENTER = Reminder to the Children of Israel

141. Recall that we delivered you from Pharaoh's people, who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, killing your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial for you from your Lord.

CENTER = Our World Cannot Stand the Physical Presence of God

142. We summoned Moses for thirty* nights, and completed them by adding ten.* Thus, the audience with his Lord lasted forty* nights. Moses said to his brother Aaron, "Stay here with my people, maintain righteousness, and do not follow the ways of the corruptors."

143. When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, "My Lord, let me look and see You." He said, "You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me." Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, "Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer."

FOOTS = *7:142 The manner in which these numbers are mentioned is significant. As detailed in Appendix 1, all the numbers mentioned in the Quran add up to 162146, 19x8534.

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144. He said, "O Moses, I have chosen you, out of all the people, with My messages and by speaking to you. Therefore, take what I have given you and be appreciative."

145. We wrote for him on the tablets all kinds of enlightenments and details of everything: "You shall uphold these teachings strongly, and exhort your people to uphold them- these are the best teachings. I will point out for you the fate of the wicked."

CENTER = Divine Intervention Keeps the Disbelievers in the Dark

146. I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof.

147. Those who reject our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are nullified. Are they requited only for what they committed?

CENTER = The Golden Calf

148. During his absence, Moses' people made from their jewelry the statue of a calf, complete with the sound of a calf.* Did they not see that it could not speak to them, or guide them in any path? They worshiped it, and thus turned wicked.

149. Finally, when they regretted their action, and realized that they had gone astray, they said, "Unless our Lord redeems us with His mercy, and forgives us, we will be losers."

*7:148 How the golden calf acquired the sound of a calf is explained in Footnote 20:96.

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150. When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, "What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?" He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother's head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, "Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people."

151. (Moses) said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful."

152. Surely, those who idolized the calf have incurred wrath from their Lord, and humiliation in this life. We thus requite the innovators.

153. As for those who committed sins, then repented thereafter and believed, your Lord-after this- is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

154. When Moses' anger subsided, he picked up the tablets, containing guidance and mercy for those who reverence their Lord.

155. Moses then selected seventy men from among his people, to come to our appointed audience. When the quake shook them, he said, "My Lord, You could have annihilated them in the past, together with me, if You so willed. Would You annihilate us for the deeds of those among us who are foolish? This must be the test that You have instituted for us. With it, You condemn whomever You will, and guide whomever You will. You are our Lord and Master, so forgive us, shower us with Your mercy; You are the best Forgiver.

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CENTER = Requirements For Attaining God's Mercy The Importance of Zakat

156. "And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat),* (3) believe in our revelations, and

157. "(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel.* He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."

158. Say, "O people, I am GOD's messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death." Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided.

CENTER = The Guided Jews

159. Among the followers of Moses there are those who guide in accordance with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.

FOOTS = *7:156 The importance of the obligatory charity (Zakat) cannot be over emphasized. As instituted in 6:141, Zakat must be given away upon receiving any income-2.5% of one's net income must be given to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien, in this order (see 2:215). *7:157 Muhammad is prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 and John 14:16-17 & 16:13.

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CENTER = Miracles in Sinai

160. We divided them into twelve tribal communities, and we inspired Moses when his people asked him for water: "Strike the rock with your staff," whereupon twelve springs gushed out therefrom. Thus, each community knew its water. And we shaded them with clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails: "Eat from the good things we provided for you." It is not us that they wronged; it is they who wronged their own souls.

CENTER = Rebellion Despite the Miracles

161. Recall that they were told, "Go into this town to live, and eat therefrom as you please, treat the people amicably, and enter the gate humbly. We will then forgive your transgressions. We will multiply the reward for the righteous."

162. But the evil ones among them substituted other commands for the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent upon them condemnation from the sky, because of their wickedness.

CENTER = Observing the Commandments Brings Prosperity

163. Remind them of the community by the sea, who desecrated the Sabbath. When they observed the Sabbath, the fish came to them abundantly. And when they violated the Sabbath, the fish did not come. We thus afflicted them, as a consequence of their transgression.

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CENTER = Mocking and Ridiculing God's Message

164. Recall that a group of them said, "Why should you preach to people whom GOD will surely annihilate or punish severely?" They answered, "Apologize to your Lord," that they might be saved.

165. When they disregarded what they were reminded of, we saved those who prohibited evil, and afflicted the wrongdoers with a terrible retribution for their wickedness.

166. When they continued to defy the commandments, we said to them, "Be you despicable apes."

167. Additionally, your Lord has decreed that He will raise up against them people who will inflict severe persecution upon them, until the Day of Resurrection. Your Lord is most efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is certainly the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

168. We scattered them among many communities throughout the land. Some of them were righteous, and some were less than righteous. We tested them with prosperity and hardship, that they may return.

169. Subsequent to them, He sub- stituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand?

170. Those who uphold the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), we never fail to recompense the pious.

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171. We raised the mountain above them like an umbrella, and they thought it was going to fall on them: "You shall uphold what we have given you, strongly, and remember the contents thereof, that you may be saved."

CENTER = We Are Born With Instinctive Knowledge About God*

172. Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this."

173. Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?"

174. We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.*

175. Recite for them the news of one who was given our proofs, but chose to disregard them. Consequently, the devil pursued him, until he became a strayer.

176. Had we willed, we could have elevated him therewith, but he insisted on sticking to the ground, and pursued his own opinions. Thus, he is like the dog; whether you pet him or scold him, he pants. Such is the example of people who reject our proofs. Narrate these narrations, that they may reflect.

177. Bad indeed is the example of people who reject our proofs; it is only their own souls that they wrong.

178. Whomever GOD guides is the truly guided one, and whomever He commits to straying, these are the losers.

*7:172 Thus, every human being is born with an instinctive knowledge about God. *7:174 This life is our last chance to return to God's Kingdom (See INTRODUCTION).

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CENTER = Satan Hypnotizes His Constituents

179. We have committed to Hell multitudes of jinns and humans. They have minds with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like animals; no, they are far worse-they are totally unaware.

180. To GOD belongs the most beautiful names; call upon Him therewith, and disregard those who distort His names. They will be requited for their sins.

181. Among our creations, there are those who guide with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.

182. As for those who reject our revelations, we lead them on without them ever realizing it.

183. I will even encourage them; My scheming is formidable.

184. Why do they not reflect upon their friend (the messenger)? He is not crazy. He is simply a profound warner.

185. Have they not looked at the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all the things GOD has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their life may be near? Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in?

186. Whomever GOD commits to straying, there is no way for anyone to guide him. He leaves them in their sins, blundering.

187. They ask you about the end of the world (the Hour),* and when it will come to pass. Say, "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord. Only He reveals its time.* Heavy it is, in the heavens and the earth. It will not come to you except suddenly."** They ask you as if you are in control thereof. Say, "The knowledge thereof is with GOD," but most people do not know.

FOOTS = *7:187 The right time to reveal this information was predestined to be 1980 A.D., through God's Messenger of the Covenant (See 15:87, 72:27, and Appendices 2 & 11). **7:187 The ``Hour'' comes ``suddenly'' only to the disbelievers (See Appendix 11).

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CENTER = Messengers Are Powerless; They Do Not Know the Future.

188. Say, "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe."

CENTER = Our Children Can be Idols

189. He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: "If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative."

190. But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership.

191. Is it not a fact that they are idolizing idols who create nothing, and are themselves created?

192. Idols that can neither help them, nor even help themselves?

193. When you invite them to the guidance, they do not follow you. Thus, it is the same for them whether you invite them, or remain silent.

194. The idols you invoke besides GOD are creatures like you. Go ahead and call upon them; let them respond to you, if you are right.

195. Do they have legs on which they walk? Do they have hands with which they defend themselves? Do they have eyes with which they see? Do they have ears with which they hear? Say, "Call upon your idols, and ask them to smite me without delay.

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196. "GOD is my only Lord and Master; the One who revealed this scripture. He protects the righteous.

197. "As for the idols you set up beside Him, they cannot help you, nor can they help themselves."

198. When you invite them to the guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see.

199. You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant.

200. When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient.

201. Those who are righteous, when- ever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers.

202. Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray.

203. If you do not produce a miracle that they demand, they say, "Why not ask for it?" Say, "I simply follow what is revealed to me from my Lord." These are enlightenments from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe.

204. When the Quran is recited, you shall listen to it and take heed, that you may attain mercy.

205. You shall remember your Lord within yourself, publicly, privately, and quietly, day and night; do not be unaware.*

206. Those at your Lord are never too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him and fall prostrate before Him.

FOOTS = *7:205 Your god is whoever or whatever occupies your mind most of the day. This explains the fact that most of those who do not  believe in Allah are destined for Hell (See 12:106, 23:84-90, and Appendix 27).

 

 

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