Edition 21 of 114 Meccan Bureau 112 Verses

Quran Daily

Revelation. Reported. Truth.
الأنبياء
Al-Anbiya — Al-Anbiya
Force: Moderate Tone: Gentle Directness: Clear Urgency: Timeless Mood: MODERATE force, GENTLE tone, CLEAR address, TIMELESS tempo

The Playful Distraction: Hearing Only When Idle

People disregard divine admonitions, remaining in frivolity

Front Page

The Playful Distraction: Hearing Only When Idle

People disregard divine admonitions, remaining in frivolity
No fresh reminder comes to them from their Lord, but they listen to it playfully.
21:2
Multiple Correspondents Corroborate
en.sahih No mention comes to them anew from their Lord except that they listen to it while they are at play
en.arberry no Remembrance from their Lord comes to them lately renewed, but they listen to it yet playing,
en.maududi Whenever any fresh admonition comes to them from their Lord they barely heed it and remain immersed in play,
en.yusufali Never comes (aught) to them of a renewed Message from their Lord, but they listen to it as in jest,-
en.pickthall Never cometh there unto them a new reminder from their Lord but they listen to it while they play,
Scene Setting
SettingGeneric
MoodWarning
ScaleCommunal
TimeTimeless
highest Priority
When Doubt Demands Miracles
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
21:5
Cities of Destruction: A Call to Unshakable Faith
None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe?
21:6
Seeking the Light of the Scholars
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.
21:7
Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian 839–923 CE Amol, Iran → Baghdad, Iraq
Front Page

The Playful Distraction: Hearing Only When Idle

People disregard divine admonitions, remaining in frivolity
No fresh reminder comes to them from their Lord, but they listen to it playfully.
21:2
Multiple Correspondents Corroborate
en.sahihNo mention comes to them anew from their Lord except that they listen to it while they are at play
en.arberryno Remembrance from their Lord comes to them lately renewed, but they listen to it yet playing,
en.maududiWhenever any fresh admonition comes to them from their Lord they barely heed it and remain immersed in play,
en.yusufaliNever comes (aught) to them of a renewed Message from their Lord, but they listen to it as in jest,-
en.pickthallNever cometh there unto them a new reminder from their Lord but they listen to it while they play,
When Doubt Demands Miracles
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
21:5
Cities of Destruction: A Call to Unshakable Faith
None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe?
21:6
Seeking the Light of the Scholars
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.
21:7
Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian 839–923 CE Amol, Iran → Baghdad, Iraq
Breaking News
The Countdown to Judgment: Recognizing the Moment of Accountability
DisbelieversMankindMuhammadPeople of the Book
21:1
Mankind’s reckoning has drawn near, but they turn away heedlessly.
21:2
No fresh reminder comes to them from their Lord, but they listen to it playfully.
21:3 the wrong - doers
Their hearts distracted, the wrongdoers confer secretly, “Is this anything but a mortal like you? Will you take to sorcery, with open-eyes?”
21:4 the wrong - doers
He said, “My Lord knows what is said in the heaven and the earth; and He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
21:5 the wrong - doers
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
21:6
None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe?
21:7
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.
Their hearts distracted, the wrongdoers confer secretly, “Is this anything but a mortal like you? Will you take to sorcery, with open-eyes?”
— the wrong - doers 21:3
He said, “My Lord knows what is said in the heaven and the earth; and He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
— the wrong - doers 21:4
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
— the wrong - doers 21:5
Promise Fulfilled: The Reality of Divine Assurance
BelieversDisbelieversMankind
21:9
Then We fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them together with whomever We willed, and We destroyed the extravagant.
21:10
We have sent down to you a Book, containing your message. Do you not understand?
The Swift Flight of the Unrepentant
Disbelievers
21:12
Then, when they sensed Our might, they started running away from it.
21:13
Do not run, but come back to your luxuries, and to your homes, that you may be questioned.
21:14 the wrong - doers
They said, “Woe to us; we were unfair.”
21:15
This continued to be their cry, until We made them silent ashes.
They said, “Woe to us; we were unfair.”
— the wrong - doers 21:14
The Truth‑Strike: Dashing Falsehood
AngelsDisbelieversMankindMuhammadPolytheists
21:18
In fact, We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it crushes it, so it vanishes. Woe unto you, for what you describe.
21:19
To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth. Those near Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they waver.
21:20
They praise night and day, without ever tiring.
21:21
Or have they taken to themselves gods from the earth who resurrect?
21:22
If there were in them gods other than God, they would have gone to ruin. So glory be to God, Lord of the Throne, beyond what they allege.
21:23
He will not be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.
21:24 those who are in His ( very ) Presence
Or have they taken, besides Him, other gods? Say, “Bring your proof. This is a message for those with me, and a message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away.
21:25
We never sent a messenger before you without inspiring him that: “There is no god but I, so worship Me.”
21:26 those who are in His ( very ) Presence
And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken to himself a son.” Be He glorified; they are but honored servants.
21:27
They never speak before He has spoken, and they only act on His command.
21:28
He knows what is before them, and what is behind them; and they do not intercede except for him whom He approves; and they tremble in awe of Him.
21:29 those who are in His ( very ) Presence
And whoever of them says, “I am a god besides Him,” We will reward him with Hell. Thus We reward the wrongdoers.
21:30
Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were one mass, and We tore them apart? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not believe?
Or have they taken, besides Him, other gods? Say, “Bring your proof. This is a message for those with me, and a message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away.
— those who are in His ( very ) Presence 21:24
And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken to himself a son.” Be He glorified; they are but honored servants.
— those who are in His ( very ) Presence 21:26
And whoever of them says, “I am a god besides Him,” We will reward him with Hell. Thus We reward the wrongdoers.
— those who are in His ( very ) Presence 21:29
The Impermanence Ledger: A Reminder of Earthly Transience
DisbelieversMankindMuhammadPolytheists
21:34
We did not grant immortality to any human being before you. Should you die, are they then the immortal?
21:35
Every soul will taste death. We burden you with adversity and prosperity—a test. And to Us you will be returned.
21:36 Disbelievers
When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful.
21:37
The human being was created of haste. I will show you My signs, so do not seek to rush Me.
21:38 Disbelievers
And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?”
21:39
If those who disbelieve only knew, when they cannot keep the fire off their faces and off their backs, and they will not be helped.
21:40
In fact, it will come upon them suddenly, and bewilder them. They will not be able to repel it, and they will not be reprieved.
21:41
Messengers before you were also ridiculed, but those who jeered were surrounded by what they had ridiculed.
21:42 Disbelievers
Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord.
21:43
Or do they have gods who can defend them against Us? They cannot help themselves, nor will they be protected from Us.
21:44
We have given these enjoyments, and their ancestors, until time grew long upon them. Do they not see how We gradually reduce the land from its extremities? Are they then the victors?
21:45 the deaf
Say, “I am warning you through inspiration.” But the deaf cannot hear the call when they are being warned.
21:46 the deaf
And when a breath of your Lord’s punishment touches them, they say, “Woe to us, we were truly wicked.”
When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful.
— Disbelievers 21:36
And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?”
— Disbelievers 21:38
Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord.
— Disbelievers 21:42
Say, “I am warning you through inspiration.” But the deaf cannot hear the call when they are being warned.
— the deaf 21:45
And when a breath of your Lord’s punishment touches them, they say, “Woe to us, we were truly wicked.”
— the deaf 21:46
Guiding the Righteous: Lessons from Moses and Aaron
AyyubBelieversDawudDhul-KiflDisbelieversHarunIbrahimIdrisIsaIshaqIsmailJinnLutMankindMaryamMusaNuhPeople of LutPeople of NuhPolytheistsSulaymanYahyaYaqubYunusZakariya
21:48
We gave Moses and Aaron the Criterion, and illumination, and a reminder for the righteous.
21:49
Those who fear their Lord in private, and are apprehensive of the Hour.
21:50
This too is a blessed message that We revealed. Are you going to deny it?
21:51
We gave Abraham his integrity formerly, and We knew him well.
21:52 Ibrahim
When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?”
21:53 Us
They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.”
21:54 Ibrahim
He said, “You and your parents are in evident error.”
21:55 Us
They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you just playing?”
21:56 Ibrahim
He said, “Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that.
21:57 Allah
“By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away.”
21:58
So he reduced them into pieces, except for their biggest, that they may return to it.
21:59 Narrator
They said, “Who did this to our gods? He is certainly one of the wrongdoers.”
21:60 Ibrahim
They said, “We heard a youth mentioning them. He is called Abraham.”
21:61 Ibrahim
They said, “Bring him before the eyes of the people, so that they may witness.”
21:62 Ibrahim
They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?”
21:63 Us
He said, “But it was this biggest of them that did it. Ask them, if they can speak.”
21:64 Us
Then they turned to one another, and said, “You yourselves are the wrongdoers.”
21:65 Narrator
But they reverted to their old ideas: “You certainly know that these do not speak.”
21:66
He said, “Do you worship, instead of God, what can neither benefit you in anything, nor harm you?
21:67 Us
Fie on you, and on what you worship instead of God. Do you not understand?”
21:68 Us
They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if you are going to act.”
21:69 Us
We said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.”
21:70
They planned to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.
21:71
And We delivered him, and Lot, to the land that We blessed for all people.
21:72
And We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift; and each We made righteous.
21:73
And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us.
21:74
And Lot—We gave him judgment and knowledge, and We delivered him from the town that practiced the abominations. They were wicked and perverted people.
21:75
And We admitted him into Our mercy; for He was one of the righteous.
21:76
And Noah, when he called before. So We answered him, and delivered him and his family from the great disaster.
21:77
And We supported him against the people who rejected Our signs. They were an evil people, so We drowned them all.
21:78
And David and Solomon, when they gave judgment in the case of the field, when some people’s sheep wandered therein by night; and We were witnesses to their judgment.
21:79
And so We made Solomon understand it, and to each We gave wisdom and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains along with David to sing Our praises, and the birds as well—surely We did.
21:80
And We taught him the making of shields for you, to protect you from your violence. Are you, then, appreciative?
21:81
And to Solomon the stormy wind, blowing at His command towards the land that We have blessed. We are aware of everything.
21:82
And of the devils were some that dived for him, and performed other, lesser tasks. But We kept them restrained.
21:83 Narrator
And Job, when he cried out to his Lord: “Great harm has afflicted me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
21:84
So We answered him, lifted his suffering, and restored his family to him, and their like with them—a mercy from Us, and a reminder for the worshipers.
21:85
And Ishmael, and Enoch, and Ezekiel; each was one of the steadfast.
21:86
And We admitted them into Our mercy. They were among the righteous.
21:87 Narrator
And Jonah, when he stormed out in fury, thinking We had no power over him. But then He cried out in the darkness, “There is no god but You! Glory to You! I was one of the wrongdoers!”
21:88
So We answered him, and saved him from the affliction. Thus We save the faithful.
21:89 Zakariya
And Zechariah, when he called out to his Lord, “My Lord, do not leave me alone, even though you are the Best of heirs.”
21:90
So We answered him, and gave him John. And We cured his wife for him. They used to vie in doing righteous deeds, and used to call on Us in love and awe, and they used to humble themselves to Us.
21:91
And she who guarded her virginity. We breathed into her of Our spirit, and made her and her son a sign to the world.
21:92
This community of yours is one community, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.
21:93
But they splintered themselves into factions. They will all return to Us.
21:94
Whoever does righteous deeds, and is a believer, his effort will not be denied. We are writing it down for him.
When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?”
— Ibrahim 21:52
They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.”
— Us 21:53
He said, “You and your parents are in evident error.”
— Ibrahim 21:54
They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you just playing?”
— Us 21:55
He said, “Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that.
— Ibrahim 21:56
“By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away.”
— Allah 21:57
They said, “Who did this to our gods? He is certainly one of the wrongdoers.”
— Narrator 21:59
They said, “We heard a youth mentioning them. He is called Abraham.”
— Ibrahim 21:60
They said, “Bring him before the eyes of the people, so that they may witness.”
— Ibrahim 21:61
They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?”
— Ibrahim 21:62
He said, “But it was this biggest of them that did it. Ask them, if they can speak.”
— Us 21:63
Then they turned to one another, and said, “You yourselves are the wrongdoers.”
— Us 21:64
But they reverted to their old ideas: “You certainly know that these do not speak.”
— Narrator 21:65
Fie on you, and on what you worship instead of God. Do you not understand?”
— Us 21:67
They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if you are going to act.”
— Us 21:68
We said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.”
— Us 21:69
And Job, when he cried out to his Lord: “Great harm has afflicted me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
— Narrator 21:83
And Jonah, when he stormed out in fury, thinking We had no power over him. But then He cried out in the darkness, “There is no god but You! Glory to You! I was one of the wrongdoers!”
— Narrator 21:87
And Zechariah, when he called out to his Lord, “My Lord, do not leave me alone, even though you are the Best of heirs.”
— Zakariya 21:89
Unveiling the Last Barrier: Gog & Magog as a Call to Vigilance
AngelsBelieversDisbelievers
21:96
Until, when Gog and Magog are let loose, and they swarm down from every mound.
21:97 Disbelievers
The promise of truth has drawn near. The eyes of those who disbelieved will stare in horror: “Woe to us. We were oblivious to this. In fact, we were wrongdoers.”
21:98
You and what you worship besides God are fuel for Hell. You will descend into it.
21:99
Had these been gods, they would not have descended into it. All will abide in it.
21:100
In it they will wail. In it they will not hear.
21:101
As for those who deserved goodness from Us—these will be kept away from it.
21:102
They will not hear its hissing, and they will forever abide in what their hearts desire.
21:103 Angels
The Supreme Fear will not worry them, and the angels will receive them: “This is your Day which you were promised.”
The promise of truth has drawn near. The eyes of those who disbelieved will stare in horror: “Woe to us. We were oblivious to this. In fact, we were wrongdoers.”
— Disbelievers 21:97
The Supreme Fear will not worry them, and the angels will receive them: “This is your Day which you were promised.”
— Angels 21:103
Inheritance of Paradise: A Promise Made Manifest
BelieversDawudDisbelieversMankindMuhammadMusa
21:105 one Allah
We have written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that the earth will be inherited by My righteous servants.
21:106
Indeed, in this is a message for people who worship.
21:107
We did not send you except as mercy to mankind.
21:108 Allah
Say, “It is revealed to me that your God is One God. Are you going to submit?”
21:109
But if they turn away, say, “I have informed you sufficiently. Although I do not know whether what you are promised is near or far.”
21:110 Allah
He knows what is said openly, and He knows what you conceal.
21:111 Allah
“And I do not know whether it is perhaps a trial for you, and an enjoyment for a while.”
21:112
He said, “My Lord, judge with justice.” And, “Our Lord is the Gracious, Whose help is sought against what you allege.”
We have written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that the earth will be inherited by My righteous servants.
— one Allah 21:105
Say, “It is revealed to me that your God is One God. Are you going to submit?”
— Allah 21:108
He knows what is said openly, and He knows what you conceal.
— Allah 21:110
“And I do not know whether it is perhaps a trial for you, and an enjoyment for a while.”
— Allah 21:111
Ibn Kathir Ibn Kathir | Senior News Correspondent 1300–1373 CE Busra, Syria → Damascus
Divine Address
They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.”
21:53
The verse 21:53 confronts the danger of inheriting false worship. It reminds us that the family of Prophet Ibrahim was distinguished precisely because they abandoned the idolatrous practices of their
They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you just playing?”
21:55
The Qur’an’s narrative that the disbelievers thought the Prophet was joking (21:55) is not merely a historical anecdote but a theological reminder of the gravity of sincerity (ikhlas). Scholars such a
“By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away.”
21:57
This verse, recited by the Prophet (peace be upon him) after the people of Makkah turned away, underscores the prophetic duty to confront idolatry—both literal and metaphorical. Scholars such as Ibn K
He said, “But it was this biggest of them that did it. Ask them, if they can speak.”
21:63
This verse confronts the arrogance of those who demand a sign while refusing to provide any evidence themselves. The Prophet’s reply—"ask them if they can speak"—is a rhetorical reminder that the grea
Then they turned to one another, and said, “You yourselves are the wrongdoers.”
21:64
The verse from Surah Al‑Anbiya (21:64) records a community that, upon being warned of the consequences of their deeds, turned inward and accused themselves of being the wrongdoers. This self‑blame is
Fie on you, and on what you worship instead of God. Do you not understand?”
21:67
The verse, situated in Surah Al‑Anbiya, confronts the disbelievers who worship what is not Allah, warning that they are not truly using their intellect. In Islamic thought, ‘aql’ (reason) is a divine
They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if you are going to act.”
21:68
Verse 21:68 captures the Pharaoh’s audacious challenge to Moses: ‘Burn him and support your gods.’ It exposes the arrogance of a ruler who equates power with idol worship, and the mockery of those who
We said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.”
21:69
The verse that commands fire to become coolness is a profound illustration of Allah’s absolute dominion over all creation. In the Qur’an, God’s power is described as *Al‑Mu'azzam* (the one who subdues
Say, “It is revealed to me that your God is One God. Are you going to submit?”
21:108
The verse of Sur‑Al‑Haqq (21:108) is a clear reminder that the essence of Islam is the belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah (tawhid) and the consequent submission that defines a Muslim. The Prophet
He knows what is said openly, and He knows what you conceal.
21:110
The verse 21:110 underscores Allah’s complete knowledge—both of our outward words and the private thoughts that lie beneath them. Islamic scholarship, from al‑Ghazali’s *Ihya’ al‑Ummah* to Ibn Taymiyy
“And I do not know whether it is perhaps a trial for you, and an enjoyment for a while.”
21:111
The verse reminds us that even the Prophet Moses, with divine guidance, did not know whether the people would repent or persist in disbelief. This uncertainty is not a sign of weakness but genuine rel
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Bediuzzaman Said Nursi | Unseen Bureau Correspondent 1877–1960 CE Bitlis, Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
The Opposition Desk
Disbelievers
“When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful.”
21:36
Ridicule of the Unbelievers: A Call to Patient Resilience
Cross-refs: 2:220, 3:52, 3:99
Disbelievers
“And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?””
21:38
Answering the Skeptic: Strengthening Faith in Allah’s Promise
Cross-refs: 1, Ayah 6, 2:6, 2:7
Disbelievers
“Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord.”
21:42
Guarding Our Hearts: The Call to Constant Remembrance
Cross-refs: 2:38, 2:84, 2:126
Disbelievers
“The promise of truth has drawn near. The eyes of those who disbelieved will stare in horror: “Woe to us. We were oblivious to this. In fact, we were wrongdoers.””
21:97
The Moment of Reckoning: Eyes That See the Truth
Cross-refs: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3
Ibn Kathir Ibn Kathir | Senior News Correspondent 1300–1373 CE Busra, Syria → Damascus
Character Dossier
Allah
spiritual entity
Total mentions: 4187 In sura: 82 Dominant need: Transcendence
esteem
1.2
safety
3.2
physiological
0
transcendence
10
belonging love
1.0
self actualization
0.9
Angels divine command 6 verses
Ibrahim supplication 7 verses
Isa sender-messenger 1 verses
Nuh comprehensive supplication 3 verses
Dawud divine appointment 4 verses
First: Sura 1 · Last: Sura 114 · 112 suras
Disbelievers
group
Total mentions: 1145 In sura: 31 Dominant need: Transcendence
esteem
0
safety
0
physiological
0
transcendence
10
belonging love
0.2
self actualization
0.5
When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful.
21:36
And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?”
21:38
Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord.
21:42
First: Sura 1 · Last: Sura 113 · 94 suras
Ibrahim
prophet named
Total mentions: 175 In sura: 22 Dominant need: Transcendence
esteem
2.6
safety
2.4
physiological
0
transcendence
10
belonging love
1.7
self actualization
8.7
When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?”
21:52
He said, “You and your parents are in evident error.”
21:54
He said, “Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that.
21:56
Yaqub grandfather grandson 1 verses
Ishaq father-son 1 verses
Allah supplication 7 verses
Lut intercessor for 1 verses
Polytheists dissociation 14 verses
First: Sura 2 · Last: Sura 87 · 25 suras
Total characters in this sura: 29
Sayyid Qutb Sayyid Qutb | Literary & Scene Correspondent 1906–1966 CE Musha, Egypt → Cairo → Colorado, USA → Cairo
Witness Testimony
Us (7 statements)
They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.”
21:53
They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you just playing?”
21:55
He said, “But it was this biggest of them that did it. Ask them, if they can speak.”
21:63
Then they turned to one another, and said, “You yourselves are the wrongdoers.”
21:64
Fie on you, and on what you worship instead of God. Do you not understand?”
21:67
They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if you are going to act.”
21:68
We said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.”
21:69
Ibrahim prophet (6 statements)
When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?”
21:52
He said, “You and your parents are in evident error.”
21:54
He said, “Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that.
21:56
They said, “We heard a youth mentioning them. He is called Abraham.”
21:60
They said, “Bring him before the eyes of the people, so that they may witness.”
21:61
They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?”
21:62
the wrong - doers (4 statements)
Their hearts distracted, the wrongdoers confer secretly, “Is this anything but a mortal like you? Will you take to sorcery, with open-eyes?”
21:3
He said, “My Lord knows what is said in the heaven and the earth; and He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
21:4
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
21:5
They said, “Woe to us; we were unfair.”
21:14
Disbelievers group (4 statements)
When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful.
21:36
And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?”
21:38
Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord.
21:42
The promise of truth has drawn near. The eyes of those who disbelieved will stare in horror: “Woe to us. We were oblivious to this. In fact, we were wrongdoers.”
21:97
Allah spiritual entity (4 statements)
“By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away.”
21:57
Say, “It is revealed to me that your God is One God. Are you going to submit?”
21:108
He knows what is said openly, and He knows what you conceal.
21:110
“And I do not know whether it is perhaps a trial for you, and an enjoyment for a while.”
21:111
those who are in His ( very ) Presence (3 statements)
Or have they taken, besides Him, other gods? Say, “Bring your proof. This is a message for those with me, and a message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away.
21:24
And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken to himself a son.” Be He glorified; they are but honored servants.
21:26
And whoever of them says, “I am a god besides Him,” We will reward him with Hell. Thus We reward the wrongdoers.
21:29
the deaf (2 statements)
Say, “I am warning you through inspiration.” But the deaf cannot hear the call when they are being warned.
21:45
And when a breath of your Lord’s punishment touches them, they say, “Woe to us, we were truly wicked.”
21:46
Zakariya prophet (1 statements)
And Zechariah, when he called out to his Lord, “My Lord, do not leave me alone, even though you are the Best of heirs.”
21:89
Angels spiritual entity (1 statements)
The Supreme Fear will not worry them, and the angels will receive them: “This is your Day which you were promised.”
21:103
one Allah (1 statements)
We have written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that the earth will be inherited by My righteous servants.
21:105
33 total quotes from 10 speakers
Ibn Kathir Ibn Kathir | Senior News Correspondent 1300–1373 CE Busra, Syria → Damascus
The Consequence Column
Disbelievers
“When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful.”
21:36
Ridicule of the Unbelievers: A Call to Patient Resilience
Disbelievers
“And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?””
21:38
Answering the Skeptic: Strengthening Faith in Allah’s Promise
Disbelievers
“Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord.”
21:42
Guarding Our Hearts: The Call to Constant Remembrance
Disbelievers
“The promise of truth has drawn near. The eyes of those who disbelieved will stare in horror: “Woe to us. We were oblivious to this. In fact, we were wrongdoers.””
21:97
The Moment of Reckoning: Eyes That See the Truth
Ibn Khaldun Ibn Khaldun | War Correspondent & Political Analyst 1332–1406 CE Tunis, Tunisia → Cairo, Egypt
War Correspondent
Combatants: Allah, Disbelievers, Ibrahim, Polytheists, Muhammad Battle Verses: 20
21:3 The Quiet Defiance of the Skeptics
Generic · Tense · Intimate
21:12 The Swift Flight of the Unrepentant
Battlefield · Tense · Communal
21:36 Ridicule of the Unbelievers: A Call to Patient Resilience
City · Tense · Communal
21:38 Answering the Skeptic: Strengthening Faith in Allah’s Promise
Generic · Tense · Communal
21:40 The Sudden Storm of Judgment
Generic · Tense · Communal
21:44 The Unseen Cost of Temporary Comfort
Desert · Warning · Communal
21:46 The Whisper of Repentance
Battlefield · Tense · Communal
21:55 When the Prophet Is Accused of Jest: A Call for Authenticity
Generic · Tense · Communal
21:57 The Resolute Covenant: A Call to Stand Against Idolatry
Generic · Tense · Intimate
21:58 The Fragmented Whole: Remembering Our Return
Battlefield · Tense · Communal
21:59 When the Faithful Turn to False Gods: A Call to Authentic Witness
City · Tense · Communal
21:61 The Witness of Truth: Seeking Testimony Beyond the Crowd
Generic · Tense · Communal
21:62 Faith Under Fire: Responding to the Accusation of the Idol Worshippers
Palace · Tense · Communal
21:64 The Mirror of Self‑Accusation
Generic · Tense · Communal
21:65 The Echo of Falsehood: When the Unbelievers Deny the Prophet
Generic · Tense · Communal
Ibn Taymiyyah Ibn Taymiyyah | Opposition Desk Editor 1263–1328 CE Harran, Turkey → Damascus, Syria
Science & Cosmos
When Doubt Demands Miracles
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
21:5 — the wrong - doers
CreationKnowledge
The verse confronts the disbelievers’ demand for miracles, highlighting the Qur’an’s own status as a divine sign (ayat) and the Prophet’s role as a transmitter, not a miracle‑maker. Islamic...
Cities of Destruction: A Call to Unshakable Faith
None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe?
21:6
CreationKnowledge
The verse points to the prophets sent to various cities—Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, Shu'ayb, Musa, and others—whose people, despite repeated warnings, refused to believe and were ultimately destroyed....
Seeking the Light of the Scholars
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.
21:7
Knowledge
The verse 21:7 reminds us that Allah’s message has been entrusted to men before us—scholars, teachers, and those who received revelation. In Islamic thought, the chain of knowledge (ilm) is...
Purposeful Cosmos: Turning Cosmic Wonder into Intentional Living
We did not create the sky and the earth and what is between them for amusement.
21:16
CreationKnowledge
In verse 21:16, Allah reminds us that the heavens, earth, and everything between them were not fashioned for idle amusement but for a deliberate purpose. The Arabic term ‘lud’ (play) carries...
The Unshakable Sovereignty: Recognizing Divine Intent
If We wanted amusement, We could have found it within Us, were We to do so.
21:17
Knowledge
The verse of 21:17 reminds us that Allah’s decree is absolute; nothing can divert it. Classical scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Al‑Ghazali emphasize that human free will operates within the...
Unshackled Devotion: Worship Free from Arrogance
To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth. Those near Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they waver.
21:19
Creation
The verse reminds us that all creation is Allah’s, and those who are close to Him are not impeded by arrogance in their worship. Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah warn that kibr (arrogance) is a...
Renouncing the Idols of the Heart
If there were in them gods other than God, they would have gone to ruin. So glory be to God, Lord of the Throne, beyond what they allege.
21:22
Creation
This verse reminds us that the existence of any deity besides Allah would lead to their ruin, underscoring the absolute uniqueness (tawhid) of God. Classical scholars, such as Ibn Taymiyyah,...
The All-Knowing Guardian: Living in the Shadow of Divine Omniscience
He knows what is before them, and what is behind them; and they do not intercede except for him whom He approves; and they tremble in awe of Him.
21:28
Knowledge
This verse reminds us that Allah’s knowledge is absolute—present and future alike—while our intercession is limited to those He has approved. Theologians such as Ibn Qayyim and Al‑Ghazali...
Echoes of Mockery: The Consequence of Ridicule
Messengers before you were also ridiculed, but those who jeered were surrounded by what they had ridiculed.
21:41
CreationKnowledge
The Qur’an repeatedly reminds us that mocking the messengers is not merely a social faux‑pas but a divine test. In 21:41, Allah warns that those who ridicule prophets are ultimately "enveloped by...
Guiding the Righteous: Lessons from Moses and Aaron
We gave Moses and Aaron the Criterion, and illumination, and a reminder for the righteous.
21:48
Knowledge
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that Allah bestows guidance upon prophets—criterion (hujjah), light (nur), and reminder (tadbir)—as a model for all believers. In 21:48, Moses and Aaron receive a...
The Gift of Sound Judgment: Lessons from Abraham
We gave Abraham his integrity formerly, and We knew him well.
21:51
CreationKnowledge
Abraham (Ibrahim) exemplifies *hikmah*—a judgment that balances human intellect with divine insight. The Qur’an reminds us that Allah’s knowledge precedes and surpasses our own, a concept echoed...
The Call to Question the Idols of the Heart
When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?”
21:52 — Ibrahim
Knowledge
In 21:52 Prophet Ibrahim confronts the idolatry of his people, not merely the physical statues but the entire worldview that places anything above Allah. His question—"What are these statues to...
71 relevant verses
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Bediuzzaman Said Nursi | Unseen Bureau Correspondent 1877–1960 CE Bitlis, Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
The Unseen Bureau
The Playful Distraction: Hearing Only When Idle
No fresh reminder comes to them from their Lord, but they listen to it playfully.
21:2
Faith
The verse from Surah Al‑Anbiya (21:2) highlights a critical human tendency: to heed divine words only when circumstances allow leisure, ignoring them during moments of responsibility. Classical...
When Doubt Demands Miracles
And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.”
21:5 — the wrong - doers
Faith
The verse confronts the disbelievers’ demand for miracles, highlighting the Qur’an’s own status as a divine sign (ayat) and the Prophet’s role as a transmitter, not a miracle‑maker. Islamic...
Cities of Destruction: A Call to Unshakable Faith
None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe?
21:6
Faith
The verse points to the prophets sent to various cities—Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, Shu'ayb, Musa, and others—whose people, despite repeated warnings, refused to believe and were ultimately destroyed....
Seeking the Light of the Scholars
We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.
21:7
Faith
The verse 21:7 reminds us that Allah’s message has been entrusted to men before us—scholars, teachers, and those who received revelation. In Islamic thought, the chain of knowledge (ilm) is...
Promise Fulfilled: The Reality of Divine Assurance
Then We fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them together with whomever We willed, and We destroyed the extravagant.
21:9
Faith
Allah’s covenant with the Children of Israel, narrated in Surah Al‑Anbiya, serves as a paradigm of divine promise and accountability. Ibn Kathir explains that the promise—‘We shall save you and...
The Swift Flight of the Unrepentant
Then, when they sensed Our might, they started running away from it.
21:12
Faith
The verse of 21:12 paints a vivid picture: the inhabitants of the Fire, upon perceiving the severity of their punishment, fled in panic. Scholars such as Ibn Kathir explain that their flight...
When Falsehood Meets the Divine Verdict
This continued to be their cry, until We made them silent ashes.
21:15
AfterlifeFaith
This verse, referring to the people of Pharaoh, warns that any false declaration of power will not endure until Allah destroys it, mowed down like a harvest and extinguished like a fire. The...
Purposeful Cosmos: Turning Cosmic Wonder into Intentional Living
We did not create the sky and the earth and what is between them for amusement.
21:16
Faith
In verse 21:16, Allah reminds us that the heavens, earth, and everything between them were not fashioned for idle amusement but for a deliberate purpose. The Arabic term ‘lud’ (play) carries...
The Unshakable Sovereignty: Recognizing Divine Intent
If We wanted amusement, We could have found it within Us, were We to do so.
21:17
Faith
The verse of 21:17 reminds us that Allah’s decree is absolute; nothing can divert it. Classical scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Al‑Ghazali emphasize that human free will operates within the...
Unshackled Devotion: Worship Free from Arrogance
To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth. Those near Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they waver.
21:19
Faith
The verse reminds us that all creation is Allah’s, and those who are close to Him are not impeded by arrogance in their worship. Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah warn that kibr (arrogance) is a...
Renouncing the Idols of the Heart
If there were in them gods other than God, they would have gone to ruin. So glory be to God, Lord of the Throne, beyond what they allege.
21:22
Faith
This verse reminds us that the existence of any deity besides Allah would lead to their ruin, underscoring the absolute uniqueness (tawhid) of God. Classical scholars, such as Ibn Taymiyyah,...
The Unifying Call of Prophetic Revelation
We never sent a messenger before you without inspiring him that: “There is no god but I, so worship Me.”
21:25
Faith
This verse underscores the core of Islamic creed—Tawhid—and the continuity of divine revelation. Every prophet, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), was sent with the same command:...
103 relevant verses
Imam al-Ghazali Imam al-Ghazali | Editor-in-Chief 1058–1111 CE Tus, Iran → Baghdad → Damascus → Jerusalem
Diplomatic Wire
Isa ↔ Maryam — son_of
21:91
And she who guarded her virginity. We breathed into her of Our spirit, and made her and her son a sign to the world.
Ibrahim ↔ Yaqub — grandfather_grandson
21:72
And We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift; and each We made righteous.
Ibrahim ↔ Ishaq — father-son
21:72
And We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift; and each We made righteous.
Ishaq ↔ Yaqub — father_son
21:72
And We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift; and each We made righteous.
Yahya ↔ Zakariya — familial
21:90
So We answered him, and gave him John. And We cured his wife for him. They used to vie in doing righteous deeds, and used to call on Us in love and awe, and they used to humble themselves to Us.
Allah ↔ Angels — divine_command
21:19
To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth. Those near Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they waver.
21:20
They praise night and day, without ever tiring.
21:26 those who are in His ( very ) Presence:
And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken to himself a son.” Be He glorified; they are but honored servants.
21:27
They never speak before He has spoken, and they only act on His command.
21:28
He knows what is before them, and what is behind them; and they do not intercede except for him whom He approves; and they tremble in awe of Him.
Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian 839–923 CE Amol, Iran → Baghdad, Iraq
Faction Map
Allah spiritual entity 82 Disbelievers group 31 Ibrahim prophet 22 Polytheists group 20 Muhammad prophet 16 Believers group 10 Mankind group 9 Angels spiritual entity 7 Sulayman prophet 4 Dawud prophet 4 Lut prophet 3 Musa prophet 2 Ismail prophet 2 Yaqub prophet 2 Ishaq prophet 2
Isa Maryam son_of
Ibrahim Yaqub grandfather_grandson
Ibrahim Ishaq father-son
Ishaq Yaqub father_son
Yahya Zakariya familial
Allah Angels divine_command
Angels Believers protection
Allah Ibrahim supplication
Allah Isa sender-messenger
Allah Nuh comprehensive_supplication
Allah Dawud divine_appointment
Allah Musa command_mission
Allah Polytheists conditional_provision
Nuh People of Nuh disobedience
Allah People of Nuh rejected_and_punished
Harun Musa brother_prophets
Allah Harun divine_honor
Mankind Muhammad teacher
Ibrahim Lut intercessor_for
Allah People of Lut punisher-punished
Allah Lut savior-saved
Lut People of Lut warner-disputants
Allah Jinn faith
Allah Yaqub divine_mission
Muhammad Polytheists warner-warned
Ibrahim Polytheists dissociation
Allah Ishaq divine_mission
Dawud Sulayman father_son
Allah Sulayman divine_favor
Jinn Sulayman dominion_and_punishment
Allah Ayyub divine_mercy_and_praise
Idris Ismail prophetic_lineage
Dhul-Kifl Ismail prophetic_lineage
Dhul-Kifl Idris prophetic_lineage
Allah Ismail divine_ransom
Allah Idris guidance
Allah Dhul-Kifl guidance
Allah Yunus divine_election
Allah Zakariya guidance
Allah Yahya creation
Allah Maryam devotion_and_testimony
15 characters · 41 relationships
Ibn Taymiyyah Ibn Taymiyyah | Opposition Desk Editor 1263–1328 CE Harran, Turkey → Damascus, Syria
Audio Edition
112 segments
Us: 7 Allah: 4 Angels: 1 Ibrahim: 6 Narrator: 79 Zakariya: 1 the deaf: 2 one Allah: 1 Disbelievers: 4 the wrong - doers: 4 those who are in His ( very ) Presence: 3
21:1 Narrator Mankind’s reckoning has drawn near, but they turn away heedlessly.
21:2 Narrator No fresh reminder comes to them from their Lord, but they listen to it playfully.
21:3 the wrong - doers Quote Their hearts distracted, the wrongdoers confer secretly, “Is this anything but a mortal like you? Wi
21:4 the wrong - doers Quote He said, “My Lord knows what is said in the heaven and the earth; and He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
21:5 the wrong - doers Quote And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a
21:6 Narrator None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe?
21:7 Narrator We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not
21:8 Narrator We did not make them mere bodies that ate no food, nor were they immortal.
21:9 Narrator Then We fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them together with whomever We willed, and We de
21:10 Narrator We have sent down to you a Book, containing your message. Do you not understand?
Sayyid Qutb Sayyid Qutb | Literary & Scene Correspondent 1906–1966 CE Musha, Egypt → Cairo → Colorado, USA → Cairo
Editorial
FaithGuidanceKnowledgeProphetsCreation
The Playful Distraction: Hearing Only When Idle
The verse from Surah Al‑Anbiya (21:2) highlights a critical human tendency: to heed divine words only when circumstances allow leisure, ignoring them during moments of responsibility. Classical scholars, such as Ibn Kathir, interpret this as a warning that those who 'listen while they are at play' are those who detach their hearts from the Qur’an, allowing worldly distractions to dominate. The Qur’an itself repeatedly urges believers to 'listen' (Sūrah 7:2) and to 'heed' (Sūrah 2:168). The concept of 'Sunnat al‑Hudaa'—the habitual practice of listening to guidance—emerges from these verses, emphasizing that true worship involves continuous, conscious attention to Allah’s speech, not selective listening. By recognizing this pattern, we can cultivate a habit of active listening that permeates all aspects of life, transforming idle moments into opportunities for spiritual growth. 21:2
When Doubt Demands Miracles
The verse confronts the disbelievers’ demand for miracles, highlighting the Qur’an’s own status as a divine sign (ayat) and the Prophet’s role as a transmitter, not a miracle‑maker. Islamic scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah distinguish between signs—subtle, logical proofs embedded in the Qur’an—and muʿjizāt, supernatural wonders meant to confirm a messenger. The Qur’an itself is a sign of God’s existence and a miracle of linguistic and intellectual perfection, as Al‑Ghazali notes. Thus, faith should not hinge on external signs; rather, it should grow through internal conviction and recognition of God’s signs in creation and in the Qur’an. Rejecting the need for miracles guards against self‑deception and aligns with the Prophet’s mission to convey the message, not to perform wonders for proof. 21:5
Cities of Destruction: A Call to Unshakable Faith
The verse points to the prophets sent to various cities—Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, Shu'ayb, Musa, and others—whose people, despite repeated warnings, refused to believe and were ultimately destroyed. Ibn Kathir explains that the destruction was a test of faith and a reminder that belief alone, without righteous deeds, is insufficient. Al‑Tabari records that the people’s disbelief was not due to a lack of knowledge but to deliberate rejection. This passage warns believers that the same fate can befall future generations if they ignore divine signs. It reinforces the necessity of *tawakkul* (trust) coupled with *amal* (action), urging us to maintain vigilance, engage in constant remembrance, and act upon the guidance we receive. The lesson is that faith must be lived, not merely declared, lest we become like those cities that were destroyed for disbelief. 21:6
Seeking the Light of the Scholars
The verse 21:7 reminds us that Allah’s message has been entrusted to men before us—scholars, teachers, and those who received revelation. In Islamic thought, the chain of knowledge (ilm) is sacrosanct; scholars are the *mu’allim* who transmit the Qur’an’s meanings, as seen in the works of Al‑Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Al‑Qurtubi. Hadith literature further emphasizes this, e.g., the Prophet’s saying, “Seek knowledge even if it takes you to China.” Thus, the verse is not merely a directive but a safeguard against intellectual stagnation, urging believers to consult those who have studied the divine text. By doing so, we align ourselves with the tradition of *ilm al‑rasul* and ensure our understanding remains rooted in authentic revelation. 21:7
Promise Fulfilled: The Reality of Divine Assurance
Allah’s covenant with the Children of Israel, narrated in Surah Al‑Anbiya, serves as a paradigm of divine promise and accountability. Ibn Kathir explains that the promise—‘We shall save you and those whom We willed’—was fulfilled by the miraculous escape from Pharaoh, a tangible proof that God’s words are absolute. This narrative reinforces the principle of ‘Al‑Aman’ (security) and ‘Al‑Amanah’ (trustworthiness). For believers, the promise is twofold: the assurance of salvation for those who uphold faith and the warning that transgression invites destruction. Al‑Qur’an repeatedly links promise to action: those who persist in righteousness receive the promised reward, while those who deviate face divine retribution. This duality cultivates a balanced faith—trust in God’s promise, coupled with vigilance against disobedience. It also reminds us that promises are not mere rhetoric; they are commitments that demand moral responsibility. 21:9
Based on 5 verses
Muhammad Asad Muhammad Asad | Arabic Linguistics Consultant 1900–1992 CE Lviv, Austria-Hungary → Arabia → Pakistan → Spain
Word of the Edition
Faith
Appears 97 times (16.4% of themes)
592 total tag instances in this edition
Faith
97
Guidance
50
Prophets
48
Creation
45
Knowledge
43
Worship
39
Accountability
37
Community
34
Afterlife
31
Mercy
31
Unity
28
Patience
23
Repentance
20
Justice
14
Gratitude
12
Humility
10
Provision
10
Charity
8
Family
7
Covenant
5
21:1 The Countdown to Judgment: Recognizing the...
21:2 The Playful Distraction: Hearing Only When Idle
21:3 The Quiet Defiance of the Skeptics
Fakhr al-Din al-Razi Fakhr al-Din al-Razi | Science & Cosmos Correspondent 1149–1209 CE Ray, Iran → Herat, Afghanistan
Cross-Edition References
1, Ayah 6 42 citations The Countdown to Judgment: Recognizing the Moment of Accountability
2:6 42 citations The Countdown to Judgment: Recognizing the Moment of Accountability Edition 2
2:7 42 citations The Countdown to Judgment: Recognizing the Moment of Accountability Edition 2
2, Ayah 8 42 citations The Countdown to Judgment: Recognizing the Moment of Accountability
1:1 32 citations Seeking the Light of the Scholars Edition 1
1:2 32 citations Seeking the Light of the Scholars Edition 1
1:3 32 citations Seeking the Light of the Scholars Edition 1
1:4 32 citations Seeking the Light of the Scholars Edition 1
2:38 6 citations The Unavoidable Reckoning: A Call to Authentic Faith Edition 2
2:84 6 citations The Unavoidable Reckoning: A Call to Authentic Faith Edition 2
2:126 6 citations The Unavoidable Reckoning: A Call to Authentic Faith Edition 2
2:190 6 citations The Unavoidable Reckoning: A Call to Authentic Faith Edition 2
2:23 5 citations The Swift Flight of the Unrepentant Edition 2
2:191 5 citations The Swift Flight of the Unrepentant Edition 2
2:216 5 citations The Swift Flight of the Unrepentant Edition 2
20 total cross-references
Imam al-Qurtubi Imam al-Qurtubi | Senior Legal Analyst 1214–1273 CE Cordoba, Spain → Cairo, Egypt
Reader Action
Daily Actions
Whenever a new message from Allah reaches you—whether through the Qur’an, a sermon, or a personal intuition—pause your current activity and listen with full attention, regardless of whether you’re busy or free. 21:2
Today, challenge yourself to seek the Qur'an's inherent signs rather than external miracles, and remind yourself that true faith requires no extra proof. 21:5
When doubt or complacency visits, pause, recite the verse aloud, then write a one‑sentence pledge affirming your commitment to steadfast faith and righteous action. 21:6
Weekly Challenge
Guidance Listening Log: For seven days, whenever you encounter a new divine message—through Qur’an, Hadith, or an inner prompting—pause your current task, note the time, your activity, and your immediate reaction. At day's end, review the log to identify patterns of distraction vs. attentive listening. Aim to reduce the delay between hearing and acting by at least 50% by week’s end. 21:2
Duas
O Allah, You are the One who speaks; grant me a heart that listens in every circumstance, not only when I am at leisure. Help me to act upon Your words immediately, so that my life may reflect Your guidance at all times. 21:2
O Allah, remove from my heart the longing for signs that only confirm my doubts. Grant me the faith to trust in Your revelation, to recognize Your signs in the world, and to embrace the miracle of Your guidance without seeking extra proof. 21:5
Reflection
In what moments of my day have I only taken in divine guidance when I was free or idle, and how has that limited my growth and decision‑making?
Do I still expect miracles to confirm my faith, or have I begun to see the Qur'an itself as the ultimate sign? How does this shift affect my trust in the Prophet’s message?
Imam al-Ghazali Imam al-Ghazali | Editor-in-Chief 1058–1111 CE Tus, Iran → Baghdad → Damascus → Jerusalem
The Revelation Transcript
1 Mankind’s reckoning has drawn near, but they turn away heedlessly. 2 No fresh reminder comes to them from their Lord, but they listen to it playfully. 3 Their hearts distracted, the wrongdoers confer secretly, “Is this anything but a mortal like you? Will you take to sorcery, with open-eyes?” [the wrong - doers] 4 He said, “My Lord knows what is said in the heaven and the earth; and He is the Hearer, the Knower.” [the wrong - doers] 5 And they said, “A jumble of dreams,” and, “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet,” “let him bring us a sign, like those sent to the ancients.” [the wrong - doers] 6 None of the towns We destroyed before them had believed. Will they, then, believe? 7 We did not send before you except men, whom We inspired. Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know. 8 We did not make them mere bodies that ate no food, nor were they immortal. 9 Then We fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them together with whomever We willed, and We destroyed the extravagant. 10 We have sent down to you a Book, containing your message. Do you not understand? 11 How many a guilty town have We crushed, and established thereafter another people? 12 Then, when they sensed Our might, they started running away from it. 13 Do not run, but come back to your luxuries, and to your homes, that you may be questioned. 14 They said, “Woe to us; we were unfair.” [the wrong - doers] 15 This continued to be their cry, until We made them silent ashes. 16 We did not create the sky and the earth and what is between them for amusement. 17 If We wanted amusement, We could have found it within Us, were We to do so. 18 In fact, We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it crushes it, so it vanishes. Woe unto you, for what you describe. 19 To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth. Those near Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they waver. 20 They praise night and day, without ever tiring. 21 Or have they taken to themselves gods from the earth who resurrect? 22 If there were in them gods other than God, they would have gone to ruin. So glory be to God, Lord of the Throne, beyond what they allege. 23 He will not be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 24 Or have they taken, besides Him, other gods? Say, “Bring your proof. This is a message for those with me, and a message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away. [those who are in His ( very ) Presence] 25 We never sent a messenger before you without inspiring him that: “There is no god but I, so worship Me.” 26 And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken to himself a son.” Be He glorified; they are but honored servants. [those who are in His ( very ) Presence] 27 They never speak before He has spoken, and they only act on His command. 28 He knows what is before them, and what is behind them; and they do not intercede except for him whom He approves; and they tremble in awe of Him. 29 And whoever of them says, “I am a god besides Him,” We will reward him with Hell. Thus We reward the wrongdoers. [those who are in His ( very ) Presence] 30 Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were one mass, and We tore them apart? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not believe? 31 And We placed on earth stabilizers, lest it sways with them, and We placed therein signposts and passages, that they may be guided. 32 And We made the sky a protected ceiling; yet they turn away from its wonders. 33 It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in an orbit. 34 We did not grant immortality to any human being before you. Should you die, are they then the immortal? 35 Every soul will taste death. We burden you with adversity and prosperity—a test. And to Us you will be returned. 36 When those who disbelieve see you, they treat you only with ridicule: “Is this the one who mentions your gods?” And they reject the mention of the Merciful. [Disbelievers] 37 The human being was created of haste. I will show you My signs, so do not seek to rush Me. 38 And they say, “When will this promise come true, if you are truthful?” [Disbelievers] 39 If those who disbelieve only knew, when they cannot keep the fire off their faces and off their backs, and they will not be helped. 40 In fact, it will come upon them suddenly, and bewilder them. They will not be able to repel it, and they will not be reprieved. 41 Messengers before you were also ridiculed, but those who jeered were surrounded by what they had ridiculed. 42 Say, “Who guards you against the Merciful by night and by day?” But they turn away from the mention of their Lord. [Disbelievers] 43 Or do they have gods who can defend them against Us? They cannot help themselves, nor will they be protected from Us. 44 We have given these enjoyments, and their ancestors, until time grew long upon them. Do they not see how We gradually reduce the land from its extremities? Are they then the victors? 45 Say, “I am warning you through inspiration.” But the deaf cannot hear the call when they are being warned. [the deaf] 46 And when a breath of your Lord’s punishment touches them, they say, “Woe to us, we were truly wicked.” [the deaf] 47 We will set up the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so that no soul will suffer the least injustice. And even if it be the weight of a mustard-seed, We will bring it up. Sufficient are We as Reckoners. 48 We gave Moses and Aaron the Criterion, and illumination, and a reminder for the righteous. 49 Those who fear their Lord in private, and are apprehensive of the Hour. 50 This too is a blessed message that We revealed. Are you going to deny it? 51 We gave Abraham his integrity formerly, and We knew him well. 52 When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?” [Ibrahim] 53 They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.” [Us] 54 He said, “You and your parents are in evident error.” [Ibrahim] 55 They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you just playing?” [Us] 56 He said, “Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that. [Ibrahim] 57 “By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away.” [Allah] 58 So he reduced them into pieces, except for their biggest, that they may return to it. 59 They said, “Who did this to our gods? He is certainly one of the wrongdoers.” 60 They said, “We heard a youth mentioning them. He is called Abraham.” [Ibrahim] 61 They said, “Bring him before the eyes of the people, so that they may witness.” [Ibrahim] 62 They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?” [Ibrahim] 63 He said, “But it was this biggest of them that did it. Ask them, if they can speak.” [Us] 64 Then they turned to one another, and said, “You yourselves are the wrongdoers.” [Us] 65 But they reverted to their old ideas: “You certainly know that these do not speak.” 66 He said, “Do you worship, instead of God, what can neither benefit you in anything, nor harm you? 67 Fie on you, and on what you worship instead of God. Do you not understand?” [Us] 68 They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if you are going to act.” [Us] 69 We said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” [Us] 70 They planned to harm him, but We made them the worst losers. 71 And We delivered him, and Lot, to the land that We blessed for all people. 72 And We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift; and each We made righteous. 73 And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us. 74 And Lot—We gave him judgment and knowledge, and We delivered him from the town that practiced the abominations. They were wicked and perverted people. 75 And We admitted him into Our mercy; for He was one of the righteous. 76 And Noah, when he called before. So We answered him, and delivered him and his family from the great disaster. 77 And We supported him against the people who rejected Our signs. They were an evil people, so We drowned them all. 78 And David and Solomon, when they gave judgment in the case of the field, when some people’s sheep wandered therein by night; and We were witnesses to their judgment. 79 And so We made Solomon understand it, and to each We gave wisdom and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains along with David to sing Our praises, and the birds as well—surely We did. 80 And We taught him the making of shields for you, to protect you from your violence. Are you, then, appreciative? 81 And to Solomon the stormy wind, blowing at His command towards the land that We have blessed. We are aware of everything. 82 And of the devils were some that dived for him, and performed other, lesser tasks. But We kept them restrained. 83 And Job, when he cried out to his Lord: “Great harm has afflicted me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” 84 So We answered him, lifted his suffering, and restored his family to him, and their like with them—a mercy from Us, and a reminder for the worshipers. 85 And Ishmael, and Enoch, and Ezekiel; each was one of the steadfast. 86 And We admitted them into Our mercy. They were among the righteous. 87 And Jonah, when he stormed out in fury, thinking We had no power over him. But then He cried out in the darkness, “There is no god but You! Glory to You! I was one of the wrongdoers!” 88 So We answered him, and saved him from the affliction. Thus We save the faithful. 89 And Zechariah, when he called out to his Lord, “My Lord, do not leave me alone, even though you are the Best of heirs.” [Zakariya] 90 So We answered him, and gave him John. And We cured his wife for him. They used to vie in doing righteous deeds, and used to call on Us in love and awe, and they used to humble themselves to Us. 91 And she who guarded her virginity. We breathed into her of Our spirit, and made her and her son a sign to the world. 92 This community of yours is one community, and I am your Lord, so worship Me. 93 But they splintered themselves into factions. They will all return to Us. 94 Whoever does righteous deeds, and is a believer, his effort will not be denied. We are writing it down for him. 95 There is a ban on the town that We had destroyed—that they will not return. 96 Until, when Gog and Magog are let loose, and they swarm down from every mound. 97 The promise of truth has drawn near. The eyes of those who disbelieved will stare in horror: “Woe to us. We were oblivious to this. In fact, we were wrongdoers.” [Disbelievers] 98 You and what you worship besides God are fuel for Hell. You will descend into it. 99 Had these been gods, they would not have descended into it. All will abide in it. 100 In it they will wail. In it they will not hear. 101 As for those who deserved goodness from Us—these will be kept away from it. 102 They will not hear its hissing, and they will forever abide in what their hearts desire. 103 The Supreme Fear will not worry them, and the angels will receive them: “This is your Day which you were promised.” [Angels] 104 On the Day when We fold the heaven, like the folding of a book. Just as We began the first creation, We will repeat it—a promise binding on Us. We will act. 105 We have written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that the earth will be inherited by My righteous servants. [one Allah] 106 Indeed, in this is a message for people who worship. 107 We did not send you except as mercy to mankind. 108 Say, “It is revealed to me that your God is One God. Are you going to submit?” [Allah] 109 But if they turn away, say, “I have informed you sufficiently. Although I do not know whether what you are promised is near or far.” 110 He knows what is said openly, and He knows what you conceal. [Allah] 111 “And I do not know whether it is perhaps a trial for you, and an enjoyment for a while.” [Allah] 112 He said, “My Lord, judge with justice.” And, “Our Lord is the Gracious, Whose help is sought against what you allege.”
112 verses
Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian 839–923 CE Amol, Iran → Baghdad, Iraq