Commentary on the Koran: Surah 38 (No. Q038)

Pickthall Translation; English Standard Version used unless otherwise noted.

Introduction

Sad. This surah takes its name from the first letter which stands alone as the First Verse. Tradition holds that the first ten verses were revealed when the leaders of the Qureysh tried to persuade Abu Talib to withdraw his protection of the Prophet. Others suggest it was when Abu Talib died. The former is considered the most probable. It is an early Surah of the Middle Beccan group.

The text in the first eleven verses contains reference to the fallen Host and their multiple demons and idols and draws attention to the inability of the Beccans and others to understand that there is only One True God.

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38.1. Sad. By the renowned Qur'an,

Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.

Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Refer to John 16:13 at ayat 27.2 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 27 (No. Q027) and 2Timothy 3:16-17 at ayat 30.30 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 30 (No. Q030).

38.2. Nay, but those who disbelieve are in false pride and schism.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

1Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,

38.3. How many a generation We destroyed before them, and they cried out when it was no longer the time for escape!

Refer to 1Corinthians 10:11 at ayat 29.15 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 29 (No. Q029).

Proverbs 6:15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.

Proverbs 1:27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.

Proverbs 29:1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.

Many generations were destroyed because they did not heed the warnings of their messengers to forsake their evil ways and return to the worship of the One True God. Surely man must realise the promised punishment will certainly be delivered from the historical stories laid down in Scripture as He who promised is faithful and man has no hope of escape.

38.4. And they marvel that a warner from among themselves hath come unto them, and the disbelievers say: This is a wizard, a charlatan.

Refer to 2Samuel 23:2 and 2Peter 1:21 at ayat 29.48 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 29 (No.Q029).

Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

John 8:48-49 The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" ⁴⁹Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.

Hosea 9:7 The days of punishment have come; the days of recompense have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool; the man of the spirit is mad, because of your great iniquity and great hatred.

38.5. Maketh he the gods One God? Lo! that is an astounding thing.

Refer to Isaiah 45:5 at ayat 27.44 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 27 (No. Q027).

Joel 2:27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

1Kings 8:23 and said, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;

38.6. The chiefs among them go about, exhorting: Go and be staunch to your gods! Lo! this is a thing designed.

38.7. We have not heard of this in later religion. This is naught but an invention.

38.8. Hath the reminder been unto him (alone) among us? Nay, but they are in doubt concerning My reminder; nay but they have not yet tasted My doom.

38.9. Or are theirs the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower?

38.10. Or is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them theirs? Then let them ascend by ropes!

38.11. A defeated host are (all) the factions that are there.

Refer to 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 at ayat 30.28 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 30 (No. Q030).

Isaiah 37:19 and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed.

2Peter 2:12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction,

Jeremiah 3:14-15 Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. ¹⁵And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

2Corinthians 6:2 For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

God is not calling everyone during this age. It is not for all people to understand at this time. It is not the day of salvation for everyone. They are blinded by the god of this age and the veil over their eyes and for some their understanding will only be lifted when they get their opportunity in the Second Resurrection. Some may be called at the last minute in the Last Days. Others will have to wait. They will be raised to physical life at that time to face the most intensive corrective training to lead them to repentance.

God is only calling those of the First Resurrection during this age. Their salvation is now. They are under training and judgment right now.

Refer to Lamentations 3:22-23 at ayat 27.64 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 27 (No. Q027).

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

The sequence of those who denied the Faith and the prophets.

38.12. The folk of Noah before them denied (their messenger) and (so did the tribe of) A'ad, and Pharaoh firmly planted,

38.13. And (the tribe of) Thamud, and the folk of Lot, and the dwellers in the wood: these were the factions.

38.14. Not one of them but did deny the messengers, therefor My doom was justified,

38.15. These wait for but one Shout, there will be no second thereto.

38.16. They say: Our Lord! Hasten on for us our fate before the Day of Reckoning.

Refer to Genesis 7:23 at ayat 29.15 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 29 (No.Q029).

Matthew 24:38-39 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, ³⁹and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

Refer to Genesis 19:24; 2Peter 2:6 and Jude 1:7 at ayat 29.35 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 29 (No.Q029).

Surah 69 ayat 6 to 7 Pickthall’s translation states regarding the tribe of A’ad:

“6. And as for A'ad, they were destroyed by a fierce roaring wind, 7. Which He imposed on them for seven long nights and eight long days so that thou mightest have seen men lying overthrown, as they were hollow trunks of palm- trees.”

It is believed that the folk of Thamud, by a loud thunder strike from the sky which was followed by a massive catastrophic earthquake, were buried in their houses and their buildings.

Ayats 12 to 16 above refer to the communities of people that refused the warnings of the messengers sent to them. They faced ruin and destruction because they heeded not the warnings and did not repent of their evil deeds. Their destruction came suddenly. It seems that they could not wait for their day of doom as they asked for it to come immediately. The Surah follows the texts of Surah 15 Al Hijr which is the former location of A’ad and Thamud adjacent to Becca and is a warning to the tribes surrounding it.

The text then refers to King David and his rule and his constant repentance, being a man after God’s own heart.

38.17. Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).

1Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.

Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'

Psalm 51 shows David’s state of mind after he realised that he had sinned.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

2Samuel 24:10 But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly."

38.18. Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise,

38.19. And the birds assembled; all were turning unto Him.

38.20. We made his kingdom strong and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.

1Samuel 16:18 One of the young men answered, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him."

1Samuel 18:14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.

2Samuel 5:12 And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

2Samuel 8:15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.

Read Psalm 148. All of the creation is urged to sing praise to the Almighty God.

38.21. And hath the story of the litigants come unto thee? How they climbed the wall into the royal chamber;

38.22. How they burst in upon David, and he was afraid of them. They said: Be not afraid! (We are) two litigants, one of whom hath wronged the other, therefor judge aright between us; be not unjust; and show us the fair way.

38.23. Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech.

38.24. (David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented.

38.25. So We forgave him that; and lo! he had access to Our presence and a happy journey's end.

Ayats 21 to 25 are a summary of the biblical account in 2Samuel chapter 12 verses 1 to 15. It was the prophet Nathan that represented the position put by God against David on the death of Uriah the Hittite and the adultery with Bathsheba.

38.26. (And it was said unto him): O David! Lo! We have set thee as a viceroy in the earth; therefor judge aright between mankind, and follow not desire that it beguile thee from the way of Allah. Lo! those who wander from the way of Allah have an awful doom, forasmuch as they forgot the Day of Reckoning.

See 2 Samuel 8:15 at ayat 38.20 above.

Psalm 101:7-8 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes. ⁸Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 30:17-18 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, ¹⁷I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.

2Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

38.27. And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in vain. That is the opinion of those who disbelieve. And woe unto those who disbelieve, from the Fire!

Genesis 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Psalm 119:68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.

Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Romans 1:21-23 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Claiming to be wise, they became fools, ²³and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

38.28. Shall We treat those who believe and do good works as those who spread corruption in the earth; or shall We treat the pious as the wicked?

2Corinthians 6:14-16 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? ¹⁵What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? ¹⁶What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

38.29. (This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect.

See Deuteronomy 29:29 at ayat 21.15 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 21 (No. Q021) and also 2Timothy 3:16-17 at ayat 30.30 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 30 (No. Q030).

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, ¹³and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?

Refer to Hosea 14:9 at ayat 28.51 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 28 (No. Q028).

The next sequence speaks of the appointment of Solomon to the throne of David.

38.30. And We bestowed on David, Solomon. How excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).

38.31. When there were shown to him at eventide lightfooted coursers

38.32. And he said: Lo! I have preferred the good things (of the world) to the remembrance of my Lord; till they were taken out of sight behind the curtain.

38.33. (Then he said): Bring them back to me, and fell to slashing (with his sword their) legs and necks.

38.34. And verily We tried Solomon, and set upon his throne a (mere) body. Then did he repent.

38.35. He said: My Lord! Forgive me and bestow on me sovereignty such as shall not belong to any after me. Lo! Thou art the Bestower.

38.36. So We made the wind subservient unto him, setting fair by his command whithersoever he intended.

38.37. And the unruly, every builder and diver (made We subservient),

38.38. And others linked together in chains,

38.39. (Saying): This is Our gift, so bestow thou, or withhold, without reckoning.

38.40. And lo! he hath favour with Us, and a happy journey's end.

So Solomon had repented and was restored to his position in the Kingdom of God in the First Resurrection.

1Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore,

1Kings 10:24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.

2Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.

1Kings 10:22 For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

2Chronicles 7:11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king's house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the LORD and in his own house he successfully accomplished.

1Kings 9:21 their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were unable to devote to destruction—these Solomon drafted to be slaves, and so they are to this day.

1Kings 4:21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Nehemiah 13:26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.

1Kings 11:9-13 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice ¹⁰and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded. ¹¹Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. ¹²Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. ¹³However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen."

1Kings 11:4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

1Kings 11:6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done.

1Kings 3:3 Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.

2Samuel 7:14-15 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, ¹⁵but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.

Solomon sinned many times just like all men do. All the exotic pagan women in his life, and his adversaries, Hadad of Edom, Rezon son of Eliada of Aram and Jeroboam son of Nebat, were thorns that caused him a lot of trouble. No doubt all his trials would have caused him to repent again and again and we see here he did repent and was restored.

The text then goes back to the first text of the Bible written by Moses when he was in Midian before the Exodus. That is the story of Job, son of Issachar son of Jacob.

38.41. And make mention (O Muhammad) of Our bondman Job, when he cried unto his Lord (saying): Lo! the devil doth afflict me with distress and torment.

38.42. (And it was said unto him): Strike the ground with thy foot. This (spring) is a cool bath and a refreshing drink.

38.43. And We bestowed on him (again) his household and therewith the like thereof, a mercy from Us, and a memorial for men of understanding.

38.44. And (it was said unto him): Take in thine hand a branch and smite therewith, and break not thine oath. Lo! We found him steadfast, how excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (to his Lord).

Job 1:12-22 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. ¹³Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, ¹⁴and there came a messenger to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, ¹⁵and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." ¹⁶While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." ¹⁷While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." ¹⁸While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, ¹⁹and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you." ²⁰Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. ²¹And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." ²²In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

Job 2:4-7 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. ⁵But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face." ⁶And the LORD said to Satan, he is in your hand; only spare his life." ⁷So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

Job 42:1-6 Then Job answered the LORD and said: ²"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ³'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ⁴'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' ⁵I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; ⁶therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

Job 42:10 And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

James 5:11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

1Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

This text forms the basis of the Beccan Surahs revealed after it to Surah XIV “Abraham” and on through the Surahs to the Surah XVII “The Children of Israel” and the destiny of the elect as “Those Who Set the Ranks” (Surah 37).

38.45. And make mention of Our bondmen, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of parts and vision.

38.46. Lo! We purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home (of the Hereafter).

38.47. Lo! in Our sight they are verily of the elect, the excellent.

38.48. And make mention of Ishmael and Elisha and Dhu'l-Kifl. All are of the chosen.

Dhu’l-Kifl is mentioned in Surah 21:86 “The Prophets” which is carried on from this introductory text of the Middle Beccan Surahs. Here it is actually Zul-Kifl and refers to the Hebrew prophets, and usually Ezekiel, although some tradition places him in Iraq. The name means the “Keeper of the Fold” and fits with the prophecies of Ezekiel in the Temple of the Restoration of Messiah in the Millennium. As explained in Surah 21 Dhu’l-Nun means the Keeper of the Fish and refers to Jonah.

Here the sequence goes on to Elisha, the assistant of Elijah, who is the prophet dealing with the world in the Last Days before the Messiah as we are told in Malachi 4:5-6.

Hebrews 11:9, 16 ⁹By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.

¹⁶ But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Genesis 17:11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

Genesis 17:23 then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.

Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

Romans 4:13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

The text then goes on to refer to the two Gardens of Eden or of Paradise of the First and the Second Resurrections.

38.49. This is a reminder. And lo! for those who ward off (evil) is a happy journey's end,

38.50. Gardens of Eden, whereof the gates are opened for them,

38.51. Wherein, reclining, they call for plenteous fruit and cool drink (that is) therein.

38.52. And with them are those of modest gaze, companions.

38.53. This it is that ye are promised for the Day of Reckoning.

38.54. Lo! this in truth is Our provision, which will never waste away.

38.55. This (is for the righteous). And lo! for the transgressors there with be an evil journey's end,

38.56. Hell, where they will burn, an evil resting-place.

38.57. Here is a boiling and an ice-cold draught, so let them taste it,

38.58. And other (torment) of the kind in pairs (the two extremes)!

38.59. Here is an army rushing blindly with you. (Those who are already in the Fire say): No word of welcome for them. Lo! they will roast at the Fire.

38.60. They say: Nay, but you (misleaders), for you there is no word of welcome. Ye prepared this for us (by your misleading). Now hapless is the plight.

38.61. They say: Our Lord! Whoever did prepare this for us, oh, give him double portion of the Fire!

38.62. And they say: What aileth us that we behold not men whom we were wont to count among the wicked?

38.63. Did we take them (wrongly) for a laughing-stock, or have our eyes missed them?

38.64. Lo! that is very truth: the wrangling of the dwellers in the Fire.

Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Refer also to Daniel 12:2 at ayat 30.57 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 30 (No. Q030).

The righteous will attain unto the First Resurrection which is the first Garden of Paradise and eternal life. The rest of humanity are sent to the Second Resurrection to come before the Messiah and the elect for the Great White Throne judgment and correction and reeducation. Those who refuse to repent over the 100 years of the Second Resurrection (cf. Isa. 65) are allowed to die and then placed in the Lake of Fire at the Second Death. They will be brought to mind no more.

Refer to Revelation 20:6 at ayat 29.59 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 29 (No.Q029).

Proverbs 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Read also Revelation 20:11-15 as quoted at ayat 17.15 in Commentary on the Koran: Surah 17 (No. Q017).

38.65. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I am only a warner, and there is no God save Allah, the One, the Absolute,

38.66. Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Mighty, the Pardoning.

38.67. Say: It is tremendous tidings

38.68. Whence ye turn away!

38.69. I had no knowledge of the Highest Chiefs when they disputed;

38.70. It is revealed unto me only that I may be a plain warner.

Here the servants of the church at Becca were simply messengers of God as prophets to turn the Arabs from sin.

Ezekiel 3:19 But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.

The messenger’s duty is to warn the people to whom he is sent. He has no power to bring about repentance. The people warned need to heed the warning and turn from their wicked ways. If they do not repent after hearing about the warning they will face the promised punishment when it is meted out according to God’s timing.

Refer to:

Daniel 9:9 at ayat 27.11 and Isaiah 45:5 at ayat 27.44 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 27 (No. Q027); Jude 1:25 at ayat 29.26 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 29 (No.Q029) and Psalm 24:1 at ayat 30.26 Commentary on Koran: Surah 30 (No. Q030).

The Morning Stars had been given some knowledge about which some were not pleased. The Prophet was informed that he was only a messenger and it states above that he was not aware about the contention among the elohim or sons of God termed “angels”. The major dispute concerned the creation of mankind in the physical creation. From the following ayats the physical creation was the basis of the rebellion.

38.71. When thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to create a mortal out of mire,

38.72. And when I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall down before him prostrate,

38.73. The angels fell down prostrate, every one,

38.74. Saving Iblis; he was scornful and became one of the disbelievers.

38.75. He said: O Iblis! What hindereth thee from falling prostrate before that which I have created with both My hands? Art thou too proud or art thou of the high exalted?

38.76. He said: I am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire, whilst him Thou didst create of clay.

38.77. He said: Go forth from hence, for lo! thou art outcast,

38.78. And lo! My curse is on thee till the Day of Judgment.

38.79. He said: My Lord! Reprieve me till the day when they are raised.

38.80. He said: Lo! thou art of those reprieved

38.81. Until the day of the time appointed.

38.82. He said: Then, by Thy might, I surely will beguile them every one,

38.83. Save Thy single-minded slaves among them.

38.84. He said: The Truth is, and the Truth I speak,

38.85. That I shall fill hell with thee and with such of them as follow thee, together.

The angels were informed about the impending creation of physical man. They were instructed to guide the human species. The loyal angelic Host agreed to do so but Satan and his minions refused to do so. Satan became an outcast and he was cursed till judgment day. Satan requested that his judgment be delayed until the day when humanity will be resurrected to physical life in the General Resurrection and his request was granted. So Satan was allowed time until the resurrection during which time Satan would get everyone to go astray other than the elect. The truth was that he and his followers would face punishment when the General Resurrection occurs. Soon Satan and his followers will be bound for a thousand years. Towards the end of the Millennium they will be released to foment the last rebellion. They will be reduced to a physical level and killed. They will then be resurrected in the Second or General Resurrection to face judgment, just like the physical humans they deceived during this current age. The elect will judge them all under Messiah at the direction of the One True God through the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 2:7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Hebrews 1:7 Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire."

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Revelation 20:1-3 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. ²And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, ³and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.

Revelation 20:7-10 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. ⁹And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, ¹⁰and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Read Revelation 20:11-15 as quoted at ayat 17.15 in Commentary on the Koran: Surah 17 (No. Q017).

38.86. Say (O Muhammad, unto mankind): I ask of you no fee for this, and I am no simulating.

38.87. Lo! it is naught else than a reminder for all peoples

38.88. And ye will come in time to know the truth thereof.

Refer to 2Peter 3:9 and Habakkuk 2:3 at ayat 30.60 Commentary on the Koran: Surah 30 (No. Q030).

The reward is the responsibility of the master.

Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

This was a preliminary study and warning for the newly expanding church at Becca. It formed the outline of the prophets and the judgment of the nations over the Plan of Salvation. The Beccans did not understand it then and do not understand it now.

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