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22. THE PILGRIMAGE

The Pilgrimage

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 1. O mankind! Fear your Fosterer. The quaking of the hour of doom is certainly a great thing. 2. The day you will see it, every mother giving suck will forget that which she suckled (i.e her child), and every pregnant woman will lay down her burden, and you will see mankind intoxicated though they will not be intoxicated, but the punishment of Allah will be severe. 3. And among mankind is he who disputes regarding Allah without knowledge and follows every rebellious devil. 4. It is written down about him (devil): whoever turns to him for friendship, he will certainly mislead him and he will guide him to the punishment of the blazing fire. 5. O mankind! If you are in doubt about the resurrection, then We certainly created you from the soil, then from the sperm, then from that which clings and hangs like a leech, then from (a thing like) chewed flesh in proportion and out of proportion { l }. (This description is given so) that We may make clear to you (the process of your birth). And We cause to stay in the wombs that which We will, till an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then (you grow) so as to reach your full strength (of maturity). And among you is he who is caused to die (young), and among you is he who is brought back to (that) worst part of life (i.e. old age), that (even) after having (had) knowledge, he does not know anything. And you see the earth barren, then when We send down water on it, it stirs and swells and puts forth every kind of beautiful growth.

6. That is because, Allah is the Reality, and it is He Who gives life to the dead and He certainly has power over everything. 7. And the hour of doom will come, there is no doubt about it, and Allah will certainly raise up those who are in the graves.

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8. And among mankind is he who disputes regarding Allah without knowledge and without guidance and without a book giving light, 9. turning away in pride that he may mislead (people) from the way of Allah, for him is disgrace in this world and on the day of resurrection We will make him taste the punishment of burning, 10. that is because of what your two hands have sent before and Allah is certainly not unjust to His servants. (R 1)

11. And among mankind is he who serves Allah (standing) on the verge, so that, if good befalls him he is satisfied with it but if a trial afflicts him he turns away his attention (from the service of Allah). He loses this world as well as the hereafter, that is a clear loss. 12. Besides Allah he prays to that which neither harms him nor benefits him, that is going far astray. 13. He prays to him whose harm is nearer than his benefit, evil is the guardian and evil is the friend. 14. Allah will certainly admit those who believe and do righteous works into gardens beneath which rivers flow. Allah certainly does what He intends. 15. One who thinks that Allah will not help him (Muhammed) in this world and the hereafter let him stretch (himself) through (some) means to the sky, then let him cut off (the means) then let him see whether this plot of his removes that which angers him. 16. And thus We have sent down the (Quran containing) clear signs, and Allah certainly guides whom He intends to. 17. Those who believe and those who are Jews and the Sabaeans and the Christians and the Magians and those who associate partners (with Allah), Allah will certainly judge between them

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on the day of resurrection, Allah is certainly a Witness over everything. 18. Did you not consider that whoever is in the skies and whoever is in the earth and the sun and the moon and the stars and the mountains and the trees and the moving creatures and many among mankind, certainly bow down to Allah (by obeying Him), and there are many on whom the punishment is due, and one whom Allah disgraces there is no one to give him honour, Allah certainly does what He wills. 19. These two disputants dispute regarding their Fosterer. So (as for) those who do not believe, garments will be cut for them from fire (and) boiling water will be poured over their heads,

20. whereby that which is there in their stomachs and (their) skins will be melted, 21. and for them are whips of iron,

22. whenever they will intend to go out from it due to the distress, they will be returned into it, and (it will be said), "Taste the punishment of burning." (R 2) 23. Allah will certainly admit those who believe and do righteous works into gardens beneath which rivers flow, they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold (and) pearls and their garments therein will be of silk.

24. And they are guided to (that which is) pleasingly good of (all) speech and they are guided to the path of the Praised One. 25. Those who do not believe and turn away (people) from the way of Allah and the Sacred Mosque which We have made equal for (all) mankind, for one who resides therein and for the visitor, and whoever has the intention of perversion (and of doing) injustice therein, We will certainly make him taste

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a painful punishment.

The Pilgrimage
(R3)

26. And (remember) when We had assigned to Ibrahim the place of the house (Kaaba and ordered) that, you do not associate with Me anything (as partner), and clean My house for those who walk around (it) and stand and bow down prostrating (in worship), 27. and announce among mankind about the Hajj, they will respond to you (by) coming on foot and on every lean/ hidden (means of travel), they will come from every latitude and longitude { 2 }, 28. that they may witness benefits for them, and mention the name of Allah during the known days on that which He has provided to them of the herbivorous cattle, then eat from it and feed the distressed poor. 29. Then let them complete the rites and let them fulfill their vows and let them go round the ancient house (Kaaba), 30. (let it be like) that. And whoever respects the sacred things of Allah, it is better for him with his Fosterer. And the cattle are made lawful to you except that which has been read to you. So avoid the uncleanliness of the idols and avoid false speech, 31. being upright for Allah without associating partners with Him. And whoever associates partners with Allah, it is as if he has fallen from the sky, then the birds snatch him away or the wind drops him in a far off place. 32. (It is like) that. And whoever respects the symbols of Allah, then certainly this (respect) is due to restraining the hearts (from evil). 33. There are benefits for you in them till an appointed term, then their place of sacrifice is near the ancient house (the Kaaba). (R4) 34. And for every community We have appointed rites of sacrifice that they may mention the name of Allah on that

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which He has provided them of the herbivorous cattle. And your God is One God therefore submit to Him and convey the good news to those who humble themselves, 35. who fear in their hearts when Allah is mentioned and who are patient on that which afflicts them and who establish worship (salat) and spend from that which We have provided them. 36. And the camels for sacrifice, We have made (them) among symbols of Allah for you, there is good for you in them. So mention the name of Allah (as) they line up (for sacrifice), then when they fall down on their sides eat from them and feed the one who is content and the one who begs. Thus We have subjected them to you that you may be grateful. 37. Neither their flesh nor their blood reaches Allah, but it is (the feeling of His) fear in you that reaches Him. Thus He has subjected them to you that you may regard Allah Great for having guided you, and convey the good news to the doers of good. 38. Allah will certainly repel (the enemies) from the believers. Allah certainly does not love one who is a betrayer, ungrateful. (R 5, P 16 )

39. Permission (to fight) is granted to those, against whom people fight, because they have certainly been dealt with unjustly, and Allah certainly has the power over helping those 40. who were driven out of their houses unjustly, only because they said, "Our Fosterer is Allah." And had Allah not repelled some people by others (then) cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques wherein Allah's name is remembered much, would have surely been pulled down. And Allah will definitely help him who helps Him, Allah is certainly Strong, Mighty.

41. Those who, if We establish them in the earth, would establish worship (salat) and give charity (zakat) and enjoin that which

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is recognized (as good) and forbid that which is not recognized (as good). And it is for Allah (to decide) the results of affairs.

42. And if they deny you, then before them, the people of Nuh and Aad and Samood had also denied, 43. along with the people of Ibrahim and people of Lut

44. and the inhabitants of Midian. And Musa was also denied; so I gave to the infidels time (for amending themselves) then caught them. Then how was My rejection (of them)?

45. So how many a town did We destroy while it was unjust, so it fell down on its roofs with (many a) deserted well and lofty palace reduced in size. 46. Then did they not travel in the earth so as to have hearts (minds) with which they could understand or ears with which they could hear? Then certainly, the eyes are not blind but the hearts, that are in the bosoms, are blind. 47. And they ask you to hasten on the punishment and Allah never goes against His promise, and a day with your Fosterer is certainly like a thousand years of what you number. 48. And how many a town is there to which I gave time (for amendment) while it was unjust, then I caught it and towards Me is the destination. (R6)

49. Say, "O mankind! I am a clear warner to you. 50. So for those who believe and do righteous works, there is protective forgiveness and an honoured provision. 51. And those who strive against Our signs to defeat (them), those are the inhabitants of the hell fire."

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52. And We did not send before you, any messenger or prophet, but when he desired (something) the devil put into his desire (some evil, as he normally does with human beings). Therefore Allah (first) wipes off that which the devil puts (into the desires of messengers and prophets and) then Allah establishes His signs (Divine communication), Allah is Knowing, Wise,

53. that He may make that which the devil puts in, a temptation for those in whose hearts is a disease and those whose hearts are hardened (and not for the messengers and prophets), and the unjust are certainly in deep opposition,

54. and that those who are given knowledge may know that the (Quran) is certainly the truth from your Fosterer (which has not been polluted in any way) so that they may believe therein and their hearts may humbly submit to Him. And Allah certainly guides those who believe, to the straight path.

55. And those who do not believe will not cease to be in doubt about it, till the hour of doom suddenly comes upon them or the punishment of the barren day comes upon them. 56. The kingdom on that day will be Allah's, He will judge between them. So those who believed and did righteous works will be in gardens of bliss. 57. And those who did not believe and denied Our signs, then for them there will be a disgraceful punishment. (R 7) 58. And those who migrated in the way of Allah then were killed or died, Allah will definitely provide them a good provision and Allah is certainly the Best of providers. 59. He will definitely make them enter an entry, with which they will be pleased and Allah is certainly Knowing, Clement (Kind). 60. (It will be like) that. And one who retaliates with the like

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of that with which he was made to suffer, then (if) he is oppressed, Allah will definitely help him. Allah is certainly Pardoning, Protectively Forgiving.

61. That is because Allah makes the night to enter into the day and He makes the day to enter into the night and Allah is certainly Hearing, Seeing.

62. That is because Allah is the Reality and that which they call upon besides Him, that is falsehood and because Allah, He is the High, the Great.

63. Did you not see that Allah sends down water from the sky so the earth becomes green? Allah is certainly Subtilely Informed. 64. Whatever is in the skies and whatever is in the earth is His, and Allah is certainly the Independent, the Praised. ( R 8 )

65. Did you not consider that Allah has subjected to your service that which is in the earth, and the ships sailing in the sea by His command, and He withholds the sky from falling on the earth, (the sky cannot fall down) without His permission? Allah is certainly full of pity and Merciful to mankind.

66. And He it is Who gave you life, then He will cause you to die, then He will (again) make you alive. Man is certainly ungrateful.

67. For every community We have appointed devotional rites which they are to perform, so let them not dispute with you about the affair, and invite (them) towards your Fosterer, you are certainly on right guidance.

68. And if they dispute with you then say, "Allah knows best

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about that which you all do.

The Pilgrimage

69. Allah will judge between you on the day of resurrection concerning that wherein you used to differ. 70. Did you not know that Allah knows that which is in the sky and the earth, that is certainly in a record, that is certainly easy for Allah?" 71. And they serve (worship) besides Allah, that for which He has not sent down any authority, and that about which they have no knowledge. And for those who are unjust there will be no helpers. 72. And when Our clear signs are read to them you can recognize rejection in the faces of those who do not believe, (as if) they are about to attack those who read Our signs to them. Say, "Shall I inform you of (something) worse than that? The fire ! Allah has promised it for those who do not believe, and it is an evil destination." ( R 9 )

73. O mankind! A similitude is set forth, so listen to it: those whom you pray to, besides Allah, certainly cannot create a fly (even) if they all get together for it, and if the fly snatches away something from them they cannot (even) take it back from it, weak are the seeker and the sought. 74. They have not estimated Allah with the estimation that is due to Him, Allah is certainly Strong, Mighty. 75. Allah chooses messengers from among the angels and (also) from among mankind, Allah is certainly Hearing, Seeing. 76. He knows that which is before them and that which is behind them, and all affairs are returned to Allah. 77. O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate and serve (worship) your Fosterer and do good that you may be successful.

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78. And strive in (the cause of) Allah with the striving that is due to His (cause). He has chosen you and He has not made any difficulty for you in religion, the religious dictates of your father Ibrahim, He had named you Muslims before and in this (too), that the messenger may be a witness over you (by keeping an eye on you all) and you may be witnesses over mankind (by keeping an eye on them). So establish worship (salat) and give charity (zakat) and hold fast to Allah. He is your Guardian and an Excellent Guardian and Excellent Helper. (R10, P17)

Summarized Commentary
Chapter 22 (Revealed at Madina)

Vs 12 Some of the happenings at the end of the world are described. Vs 34 The devil misleads and guides people to the punishment of hell making them argue about Allah (SWT) without knowledge. We should therefore base our argument about Allah (SWT) or any religious matter on the Quran and Hadees. Vs 5 1. Birth of Man: The smallest part of a living thing that can carry on a seperate existence is known as a cell. The outer boundary of a cell is a membrane within which is a clear viscid material called cytoplasm, floating in cytoplasm are a number of bodies, amongst the most important of which is the nucleus. Inside the nucleus are thread like bodies called chromosomes. The chromosomes contain a large number of particles called genes which are units of heredity, i.e. heredity is determined by genes that are handed down from one generation to another. There are genes that determine the physical characteristics of the off-spring such
Cell;

as colour of eyes, hair, skin etc. According to latest research reports there are genes that even determine and direct the behaviour of offspring and fix the lifespan. Some genes are known to be active while others suppressed.
Fertilization: The male reproductive cell is known as the sperm while the female reproductive cell egg, Life cycle begins with the fusion of these two cells, i.e. fertilization of the egg by a sperm which gives rise to a single cell known as the zygote (1). This zygote contains chromosomes and associated genes from both the father and the mother, i.e. it contains all the genetic information from both the parents and in the course of subsequent cell division uses this information to direct the differentiation of cells into tissues and organs and ultimately into a mature organism. If the genetic information received from parents is taped, its length will be 93 million miles. Developmental Stages of the Child In the Womb: The zygote passes through a series of develop-mental steps. The process called cleavage, is the first

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weeks after fertilization, the eyes are partly developed and the heart is already beating. Limb buds (hands and feet) appear in the fifth week, ears are elaborated at that time and the embryo now responds to mechanical stimuli by muscular contraction. Human form is vaguely recognizable eight weeks after fertilization when the embryo is about one inch long. From this stage on one speaks of foetus (4). Rather than an embryo. In man much of the skeleton is prepared in cartilage during embryonic stages, but this supports are then gradually replaced by bones in most of the skeleton. By the 12th week fingers are formed; the semi-circular canals in the ears are functional and the embryo moves jerkily but in balance, within its amniotic water pool. Eye lids are still fused yet the eye ball may rotate underneath. Five months i.e. (20 weeks) after fertilization, the foetus is about eight inches long and weighs about one pound and the facial features show signs of individual personality In the ensuing weeks breathing machinery develops rapidly. The foetus is now in perpetual drowsy state neither sleeping nor waking. In the eighth and ninth month wakefulness occurs increasingly. Arms and legs are moved frequently and the hands open and close. In nine months the microscopic fertilized egg has multiplied from one cell to 50,000 billion cells. Following verse of the Quran have a bearing on this subject: ....and He began the creation of man from wet clay. Then He made his progeny from something taken out of [he fluid which is weakened after vigour. Then He set him in equilibrium and breathed into him of His spirit, and made for you the ears and the eyes and the hearts; little is it that you give thanks. (Ch. 32. V. 7 to 9)
2. And We have created man from something taken out from wet clay. Then We made it (nutrients) sperm in a settling place, then We proportioned the sperm (into) that which clings

such step after fertilization. Cleavage involves a process of cell division without significant growth i.e. the zygote (single cell) divides into two, these two cells again into two each i.e. four, these four into [two each i.e. eight and so on. The one-celled zygote thus divides and subsequent cells continue to divide repeatedly while adhering to each other. At the end of cleavage the organism consist of a ball of many cells, not very much larger in aggregate than the original egg. However, each cell has received a complete set of genes during its creation by cell division and therefore has a full compliment of genetic information. By the time cleavage has produced several hundred cells, the zygote has typically become a hollow ball of cells the blastula (2) . The appearance of blastula signals the end of information distribution and job assignment stage of early zygote formation. During the next stage, gastrulation, the cells of zygote begin to grow and to differentiate into kinds of cells that are clearly different from one another. Cell multiplication of course continues. With the advent of tissue formation, the new organism henceforth carries the title of embryo (3). As the embryo continues to differentiate and develop, the middle layer (mesoderm) produces bones, muscles, heart and the circulatory system. It also produces organs of the excretory system and the reproductive system. The duct which develops early in the blastula becomes a cup-like cavity in the gastrula and ultimately develops into the alimentary canal with mouth at one end and anus at the other. The inside or endoderm lining of this cavity differentiates to produce gut, stomach and intestine as well as other glands and organs such as pancreas, liver and lungs. The ectoderm (outer) produces those cells (that will ultimately become skin, some of which will produce pigments and others hair. One region of the ectoderm forms a hollow tube that differentiates to become the nervous system. Three weeks after fertilization, the human embryo is about the size of a small nail head and three quarters of it is head structure. Four

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Vs 810 See Vs 3 4 above Vs 1113 Human nature is described: In prosperity people are satisfied but when tested through adverse circumstances they turn away from Allah (SWT) and pray to things which can neither harm them nor profit them. In fact there is harm in this act because it amounts to polytheism which is punishable. Vs 14 No one can stop Allah (SWT) from doing whatever He intends. Vs 15 The anger of some people cannot stop Allah (SWT) from helping Prophet Muhammed (PBH) or anyone else. Vs 16 The Quran contains clear signs of its Divine origin and Allah (SWT) guides to it whom He wills to. Vs 17 Allah (SWT) will pronounce His judgement regarding the mutual disputes of various communities, on the day of judgment. Vs 18 Everything in the universe including many human beings obey the orders of Allah (SWT). Those human beings who do not obey His orders will be punished. Vs 1922 The punishments of sinners in the life after death are described. Vs 2324 Those who are guided by Allah (SWT) believe in Him and do righteous works they will enjoy in paradise. The items mentioned here may be for women who would be sent to paradise. Vs 2537 Some details of Haj are given. Fijaja means wide or broad (21 : 31), therefore Fijjin may mean breadth and accordingly ameeqin would mean length. The word Azzamru means lean and Azzameer means hiding of something, hidden etc. Aeroplanes and ships not only appear lean from a height or a distance but the passengers are also not visible from a distance. This verse appears to predict that people will come for Hajj from all over the

and hangs like a leech, then We proportioned that which clings and hangs like a leech (into a thing tike) chewed flesh, then We proportioned (the thing like) chewed flesh into bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We proportioned it into another proportion (creation). So blessed be Allah, the Best of proportioners. (Ch. 23. Vs. 12-14)
3.

We certainly created man from a sperm mingled... (Ch. 76, V. 2) 4. ...He created you in the wombs of your mothers creation after creation in triple darkness... (Ch. 39. V. 6) He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He likes... (Ch. 3. V. 5.)
5.

Something taken out of the fluid could be the sperm, mingled sperm, the zygote, that which clings and hangs like a leech, the blastula, (the thing like) chewed flesh could mean the embryo in which bones develop and the later stage could be that referred to by scientists as the foetus. On this subject too, words that could be easily understood by a common man have been used, as in other cases where smoke was used for hydrogen and clay, mud etc. for atoms, molecules etc. Only the Creator could have described these hidden events so correctly 1400 years back an age of ignorance compared to the present state of scientific knowledge. This topic has been dealt with in detail in the following books: The Bible the Quran and Science. Maurice Bucaille 1977
1.

What is the origin of man. Maurice Bucaille 1983.

2.

Human Development as revealed in Quran and Hadis, Md. Alt Albar 1986.
3. 4.

The Developing Human, Keith L. Moores and Abdul Majeed Zandani 1983.

Vs 67 Allah (SWT) will raise the dead to life, He has power to do everything.

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to the whole of mankind. Therefore after his coming, all those who believe and act according to the message sent through him (i.e. the Quran) will be in paradise and those who act against it will be in hell. Vs 5254 The devil normally instigates evil into the desires of human beings. Allah (SWT) first wipes out these evil instigations from the desires of His messengers and then communicates His message. This information is being communicated because the learned may know that His message does not get mixed up with the evil instigations of the devil but remains pure. The evil instigations of the devil become a temptation only for those in whose hearts are diseases like, hypocrisy, polytheism, infidelity etc and whose hearts are hard i.e. they do not absorb the message of Allah (SWT). Vs 5557 See above Vs. 49 51. Vs 5859 Those who migrate= in the way of Allah (SWT) then if they are killed or die, they will be rewarded with paradise. Vs 6062 For example, the Meccan Muslims were tortured by the non Muslims before the conquest of Mecca, if they retaliate they are permitted to do so. But because of this retaliation of their if they are again suppressed, Allah (SWT) will help them because He maintains balance everywhere, even in the alternation of the day and night. He is the Truth and what they call upon besides Him is falsehood. Vs 6364 It is Allah (SWT) Who brings out vegetation through rain. Everything belongs to Him, He is Independent of everything and praised, knowing the minutest details of His whole creation. Vs 6566 Allah (SWT) enlists some of His gifts, but man is ungrateful. Vs 6770 We should invite people towards Allah (SWT). If they dispute then we should

world, from different latitudes and longitudes which geographically mean depths and widths, traveling by road, sea and air. Vs 38-41 Allah (SWT) helps believers, as they are His servants striving in His way. They are permitted to fight against those who fight them. If mutual conflicts, riots, wars etc. were not there people would have forgotten Allah (SWT) to the extent that they would have pulled down all the buildings where He is remembered. When true believers govern a country they implement the Quran and Hadees. Allah (SWT) will decide all the affairs. Vs 4246 Messengers who had come before Prophet Muhammed (PBH) were also denied and those who rejected were destroyed. Even after seeing this they deny, which shows that their hearts / minds are blind i.e. religious information is filtered out from their receptive powers therefore there is no religious response. Vs 47 Man is hasty by temperament, added to this, his days too are shorter than the days of Allah (SWT). One day with Allah (SWT) is equal to 1000 years on earth. On the planet Mercury one day is equal to 59 of our days i.e. Mercury rotates about its axis 59 times slower than the earth. It is possible that the rate of rotation of the body to which Allah (SWT) refers His time is very slow i.e. 1000 X 365.25 times slower than the earth. We have passed 1420 years after Hijrah but with Allah (SWT) it is hardly 1 days. All events in the universe, including its end and recreation probably take place according to the time of Allah (SWT) and not our local time which is of importance only to us and which may not have any importance in rest of the universe. Vs 48 Allah (SWT) gives time for amendment, inspite of that if a community does not set right its affair in accordance with His message, he destroys it and all return to Him. Vs 4951 Prophet Muhammed (PBH) was sent

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Vs 7576 All messengers right from Adam (PBH) to Muhammed (PBH) were human beings. The messengers sent to Maryam (PBH) were angels. 3:42. Allah (SWT) is Hearing, Seeing, He knows everything and all affairs will be referred to Him for judgment. Vs 7778 We are ordered to totally submit and surrender ourselves to Allah (SWT) for our own success and to strive in propagating Islam as Ibrahim (PBH) and Muhammed (PBH) did. We should project ourselves before mankind as exemplary characters as Prophet Muhammed (PBH) did before his companions 2:143. This we can do by offering Salat regularly which will keep us away from sin and shameful deeds 29:45, giving zakat which will keep the community economically balanced 59:7 and by holding fast to Allah (SWT) i.e. obeying all His orders given in the Quran, in the manner illustrated by prophet Muhammed (PBH).

tell them that He will pronounce His judgment on our disputes on the day of judgment. He knows everything which He has kept in a record. We keep things in records like books, cassettes, floppies etc, so it must be easier for our Creator to maintain such records. Vs 7172 The worship of things other than Allah (SWT) is not based on any knowledge. Such people reject the message of Allah (SWT) for which they will be punished. Vs 73 The false gods, people worship besides Allah (SWT) are so helpless, that leave alone their creating a fly, they cannot even recover anything taken away by a fly from them. Vs 74 We have not given that importance to Allah (SWT) in our lives which He deserves, He is the Strongest and the Mightiest, no one else is equal to Him.

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