۞ IT IS HE who has created you [all] out of one living entity, and out of it brought into being its mate, so that man might incline [with love] towards woman. And so, when he has embraced her, she conceives [what at first is] a light burden, and continues to bear it. Then, when she grows heavy [with child,] they both call unto God, their Sustainer, "If Thou indeed grant us a sound [child,] we shall most certainly be among the grateful!" 189 Yet when He gave both of them (the parents) a goodly child, they set up associates with Him, in return for what He had given them. Exalted be Allah above that they associate with Him. 190 Will they associate that which cannot create a thing while they are created? 191 Who can neither help them, nor help themselves? 192 It makes no difference whether you call on them or remain silent. If you call them to the right path, they will not follow you. 193 Surely those whom you call on besides Allah are in a state of subjugation like yourselves; therefore call on them, then let them answer you if you are truthful. 194 What, have they feet wherewith they walk, or have they hands wherewith they lay hold, or have they eyes wherewith they see, or have they ears wherewith they give ear? Say: 'Call you then to your associates; then try your guile on me, and give me no respite. 195 "Verily, my Wali (Protector, Supporter, and Helper, etc.) is Allah Who has revealed the Book (the Quran), and He protects (supports and helps) the righteous. 196 And those whom you invoke other than Allah, they can neither help themselves nor you. 197 And if ye (Muslims) call them to the guidance they hear not; and thou (Muhammad) seest them looking toward thee, but they see not. 198 Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don't punish them). 199 And if it should happen that a prompting from Satan stirs thee up [to blind anger,] seek refuge with God: behold, He is all-hearing, all-knowing. 200 Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see V. 2:2), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitan (Satan), they remember (Allah), and (indeed) they then see (aright). 201 But their brethren (the evil ones) plunge them deeper into error, and never relax (their efforts). 202 And when thou bringest them not a sign, they say, 'Why hast thou not chosen one?' Say: 'I follow only what is revealed to me from my Lord; this is clear testimony from your Lord, guidance, and mercy for a people of believers.' 203 So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 9, Pages 162-4] 204 Remember your Lord deep in your very soul, in all humility and awe, without raising your voice, morning and evening, do not be one of the heedless, 205 Verily those who are with thy Lord are not stiff-necked against His worship, and they hallow, and unto Him they prostrate themselves. ۩ 206
True are the words of Allah the Almighty.
End of Surah: A 'araaf (Al-A 'araaf). Sent down in Mecca after
S (Saad) before
Jinns (Al-Jinn)