Yusuf Ali
It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, (saying): "If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful."
Discussion arose as to the words ‘ nafsin waahidah’ – which has a female essence – wahidah
The recently published Tafseer Hassan Thurabi stated that the essence of Adam is from a female substance, and after Adam was created, only then Even was shaped from Adam’s rib.
In Genesis, it was stated that the substance from which Adam was created also created Eve – hence Adam can relate to Even and Eve can relate to Adam. ( answering queries as to why God didn’t create Eve from dust). The creation of Eve from Adam’s rib means that God created woman with an equal status in creation to man, and was created to complement and in some ways to complete man in the integral union of marriage. Woman was created to complement man and to complete man in the integral union of marriage. Woman was created to be “beside” man, not beneath or above him.
Essence of this Verse - Allah reminds the community of Rasulullah SAW of their creation. (7:189) The Quraisy at that time, they supplicated to the one Creator – Allah. They knew that there was only One God. And when the wife is pregnant, when they needed God during the formation of the baby and they knew that only He can perfect the creation of the child, they dedicate all prayers and supplications only to Him.
Yusuf Ali
But when He giveth them a goodly child, they ascribe to others a share in the gift they have received: but Allah is exalted high above the partners they ascribe to Him.
Prof stated - when the child is born, they would then divert their dedication and seek Rezeki for the children-either in the form of wealth or success- from their idols.
Yusuf Ali
Do they indeed ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing, but are themselves created?
Some of these people would even go to the extent of ‘presenting’ of committing the children to the temples. Some would give names such as Abd Uzza ( ie. the servant of Uzza) or Abd Latta to their children. Thus in the creation of their children, they were committed to Tauhid. But after the child is born perfect and good, they comitted Syirik. Here, Allah Taala reminds the Quraisy how ungrateful they are.
Yusuf Ali
No aid can they give them, nor can they aid themselves!
Yusuf Ali
If ye call them to guidance, they will not obey: For you it is the same whether ye call them or ye hold your peace!
(7:192) These idols can never help us. Allah Taala reminded the Quraisy at that time, that these idols they were submitting themselves to, can never help them. The Quraisy at that time were very big on the idea of victory. The theme of the time was Victorious, to be triumphant over the enemy and all who exerted their aggression towards them. Hence, they want their children to always be victorious, never to be in want in the face of potential enemies. They turned to their idols for a promise of victory.
Yusuf Ali
Verily those whom ye call upon besides Allah are servants like unto you: Call upon them, and let them listen to your prayer, if ye are (indeed) truthful!
Yusuf Ali
Have they feet to walk with? Or hands to lay hold with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say: "Call your 'god-partners', scheme (your worst) against me, and give me no respite!
A reminder to the Musyrikin that these idols they are submitting themselves to will never answer their calls when you call upon them. As an example, see the statue of Murugan for Hindus in the Batu Caves. They are shaped into human forms, and the Murugan statue has eyes that are shaped to appear as if they are looking at you. Hence, when you look at them, it gives the eyes the impression that they are looking at you. But in this ayat, Allah Taala challenges the Quraisy to call upon the statues they have shaped and formed and seek them to listen to their prayers. They never can, hence why are the Quraisy taking these idols as their deities?
Yusuf Ali
"For my Protector is Allah, Who revealed the Book (from time to time), and He will choose and befriend the righteous.
Allah Taala told Rasulullah to declare to all that Allah is the Creator of the earth and the heavens. The Musyrikin at that time, it’s not that they don’t believe in the Oneness of Allah, they do, that is why they sought Allah’s help in the first place when they are seeking the perfection of the child in the womb. Hencethan than , they do accept God, the Creator. But in the day to day activities, they mundane stuff, they do not relate to the Creator directly, they commit syirik by seeking help from deities and giving their submission to others apart from Allah. They are convinced that Allah the Creator is not approachable. Hence they also fall into depression and devastation when these deities (or people that they seek help from refuse to assist them) cannot help them. Allah sends this ayat to remind the Quraisy not to fall into despair. (and a clear reminder to us too).
Yusuf Ali
"But those ye call upon besides Him, are unable to help you, and indeed to help themselves."
Yusuf Ali
If thou callest them to guidance, they hear not. Thou wilt see them looking at thee, but they see not.
See again the notes Murugan and how these deities are shaped to look as if they seeing and hearing (ears are also shaped into these statues).
Prof shared – he once spoke to several of his students who said to him that -
Yusuf Ali
Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant.
