Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn . The Only Owner of the Day of Recompense. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace , not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray .

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6: (Al- An 'am)- The Cattle

Number of Rukus-20
Number of verses-165

The Cattle or Sūrat al-Anʻām (Arabic: سورة الأنعام‎‎) is the sixth chapter of theQur'an. It is a Makkan sura and its main topics are monotheism,resurrection, heaven and hell.

The surah reports the story of the prophet Abraham,[Quran 6:74-80] who, by using his own reason, stops worshiping celestial bodies and turns towards Allah so that he could receive revelation.

It includes a version of the Mosaic Ten Commandments.

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Warns against hedonism:"What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the home in the hereafter, for those who are righteous."6:59 - teaches that none but Allah is Omniscient:"And with Him are the keys of the Invisible. None but He Knoweth them. And He Knoweth what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He Knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record."6:68 - commands avoiding vain conversations:"And when thou seest those who meddle with Our revelations, withdraw from them until they meddle with another topic. And if the devil cause thee to forget, sit not, after the remembrance, with the congregation of wrong-doers."6:73 - teaches about Allah's Omnipotence:"In the day when He Saith: Be! it is."6:151 - The Ten Commandments[1]

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This Surah takes its name from vv. 136, 138 and 139 in which some superstitious beliefs of the idolatrous Arabs concerning the lawfulness of some cattle (an'am) and the unlawfulness of some others have been refuted.

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•Period of Revelation

According to a tradition of Ibn Abbas, the whole of the Surah was revealed at one sitting at Makkah. Asma, a daughter of Yazid and a first cousin of Hadrat Mu'az-bin Jabl, says, "During the revelation of this Surah, the Holy Prophet was riding on a she-camel and I was holding her nose-string. The she-camel began to feel the weight so heavily that it seemed as if her bones would break under it." We also learn from other traditions that the Holy Prophet dictated the whole of the Surah the same night that it was revealed.

Its subject-matter clearly shows that it must have been revealed during the last year of the Holy Prophet's life at Makkah. The tradition of Asma, daughter of Yazid, also confirms this. As she belonged to the Ansar and embraced Islam after the migration of the Holy Prophet to Yathrib, her visit to the Holy Prophet at Makkah must have taken place during the last year of his life there. For before this, his relations with those people were not so intimate that a woman from there might have come to visit him at Makkah.

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•Occasion of Revelation

After determining the period of its revelation, it is easier to visualize the background of the Surah. Twelve years had passed since the Holy Prophet had been inviting the people to Islam. The antagonism and persecution by the Quraish had become most savage and brutal, and the majority of the Muslims had to leave their homes and migrate to Habash (Abyssinia). Above all, the two great supporters of the Holy Prophet. Abu Talib and Hadrat Khadijah, were no more to help and give strength to him. Thus he was deprived of all the worldly support. But in spite of this, he carried on his mission in the teeth of opposition. As a result of this, on the one hand, all the good people of Makkah and the surrounding clans gradually began to accept Islam ; on the other hand, the community as a whole, was bent upon obduracy and rejection. Therefore, if anyone showed any inclination towards Islam, he was subjected to taunts and derision, physical violence and social boycott. It was in these dark circumstances that a ray of hope gleamed from Yathrib, where Islam began to spread freely by the efforts of some influential people of Aus and Khazraj, who had embraced Islam at Makkah. This was a humble beginning in the march of Islam towards success and none could foresee at that time the great potentialities that lay hidden in it. For, to a casual observer, it appeared at that time as if Islam was merely a weak movement it had no material backing except the meager support of the Prophet's own family and of the few poor adherents of the Movement. Obviously the latter could not give much help because they themselves had been cast out by their own people who had become their enemies and were persecuting them.
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The Cattle

Indeed lost are they who have killed their children, from folly, without knowledge, and have forbidden that which Allah has provided for them, inventing a lie against Allah. They have indeed gone astray and were not guided.

And it is He Who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, and date-palms, and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof (itsZakat, according to Allah's Orders 1/10th or 1/20th) on the day of its harvest, and waste not by extravagance . Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance),

And of the cattle (are some) for burden (like camels etc.) and (some are) small (unable to carry burden like sheep, goats etc. for food, meat, milk, wool etc.). Eat of what Allah has provided for you, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Surely he is to you an open enemy.

Eight pairs; of the sheep two (male and female) , and of the goats two (male and female). Say: "Has He forbidden the two males or the two females, or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose? Inform me with knowledge if you are truthful."

And of the camels two (male and female), and of oxen two (male and female). Say: "Has He forbidden the two males or the two females or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose? Or were you present when Allah ordered you such a thing? Then who does more wrong than one who invents a lie against Allah, to lead mankind astray without knowledge. Certainly Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)."

Say (O Muhammad): "I find not in that which has been inspired to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytatah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork, etc.) for that surely is impure, or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols, etc., or on which Allah's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But whosoever is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, (for him) certainly, your Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

And unto those who are Jews, We forbade every (animal) with undivided hoof, and We forbade them the fat of the ox and the sheep except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone. Thus We recompensed them for their rebellion [committing crimes like murdering the Prophets, eating of Riba (usury), etc.]. And verily, We are Truthful.

If they (Jews) believe you (Muhammad) say you: "Your Lord is the Owner of Vast Mercy, and never will His Wrath be turned back from the people who are Mujrimun(criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.)."

Those who took partners (in worship) with Allah will say: "If Allah had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His Will)." Likewise belied those who were before them, (they argued falsely with Allah's Messengers), till they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: "Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow nothing but guess and you do nothing but lie."

Say: "With Allah is the perfect proof and argument, (i.e. the Oneness of Allah, the sending of His Messengers and His Holy Books, etc. to mankind), had He so willed, He would indeed have guided you all."

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Topic

These were the conditions, when this discourse was revealed. The main topics dealt with in this discourse may be divided under seven headings:

Refutation of shirk and invitation to the creed of Tauhid.

Enunciation of the doctrine of the "Life-after- death." and refutation of the wrong notion that there was nothing beyond this worldly life.

Refutation of the prevalent superstitions.

Enunciation of the fundamental moral principles for the building up of the Islamic Society.

Answers to the objections raised against the person of the Holy Prophet and his mission.

Comfort and encouragement to the Holy Prophet and his followers who were at, that time in a state of anxiety and despondency because of the apparent failure of the mission.

Admonition, warning and threats to the disbelievers and opponents to give up their apathy and haughtiness. It must, however, be noted that the above topics have not been dealt with one by one under separate headings, but the discourse goes on as a continuous whole and these topics come under discussion over and over again in new and different ways.

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Benefits

•Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) has said that if a person writes this Surah using musk or saffron and then drinks it (ie. puts the written Surah in water for its writing to dissolve) for six consecutive days, that person will be blessed abundantly and will be free from all problems and ailments. He will not loose his health or fall sick.

The 6th Holy Imam (a.s.) also said that this Surah must be accorded due respect as the name of Allah (S.w.T.) appears 70 times in it. If people knew the benefits of reciting this Surah, they would never leave it.

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Islamic Creed-

•This Surah mainly discusses the different aspects of the major articles of the Islamic Creed: Tauhid, Life-after-death, Prophethood and their practical application to human life. Side by side with this, it refutes the erroneous beliefs of the "opponents and answers their objections, warns and admonishes them and comforts the Holy Prophet and his followers, who were then suffering from persecution.

Of course, these themes have not been dealt with under separate heads but have been blended in an excellent manner.

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Lesson's-

•Don't Be Deceived By Blessings

In the previous ayaat, we studied the wisdom behind calamities that it is a mercy of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that He gives us a jolt before the Final Hour.

In ayah 44, He talks about what happens when people ignore His Signs or wake-up calls. He says,

When people forgot the messages that the prophets 'alayhim salaam brought or when they denied the messengers, difficulties were sent their way. The messengers had warned them that they if they do not believe then punishments would descend.

•The word nasu [نَسُواْ] is from the root letters noon-seen-ya and it means "to forsake, forget or neglect". The word fatahna [فَتَحْنَا] is from the root letters fa-ta-ha and it means "to open, grant or let out". The word abwab [أَبْوَاب] is the plural of baab which means "door".

When the people became negligent of what they were commanded to do, gates of provision were opened for them from wherever they wished. Every blessing of the world was made abundant for them such as wealth, children and provision.

Kulli shayin denotes that this also includes those blessings which the people were deprived of earlier. Like the people of Pharaoh were suffering from famine and drought. The doors of rain and food were closed upon them. Later they were showered continuously and abundantly. When they became delighted or boastful about what they have been given, they were suddenly seized with punishment.

•The word farihu [فَرِحُواْ] is from the root letters fa-ra-ha and it means "to be elated with greatness".

Punishments are often sent suddenly, when a person is not even thinking about or expecting them.

•The word mublisoon means dumbfounded, speechless or hopeless. When they were suddenly struck with punishment after being showered with abundant blessings, they went into depression.

A person should turn to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala instead of being in depression or living a hopeless life. A true believer cannot suffer from depression because he knows everything that's happening to him is coming from Allah. It has some blessing behind it which will be revealed after some time. A person should remain patient and stay connected with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala during all times.

Ayah 45

Next, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says,

•The word faquti'a [فَقُطِعَ] is from the root letters qaf-ta-ayn which means "to cut, severe, disunite or detach". The fa in the beginning is connective particle usually translated as "then" or "so". The word dabiru [دَابِرُ] is from the root letters dal-ba-raand it means "the end or root of something".

The root of the people that committed wrong was completely cut off. Such as pulling out weed from the ground nothing is left. The entire nation was wiped out.

Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala then ends the ayah with His praise. Why was this done? It is because whenever the wrongdoers, oppressors, and unjust people are visited by some punishment or calamity that is a blessing for the whole world for which people should be grateful to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

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– Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala sends punishments gradually. He gives minor punishments so that people will become humble. When people do not recognize the Signs, gates of abundant provisions are opened upon them, and then suddenly they are taken by bigger calamity.

– A person is tested by both good and bad times. Having blessings and being deprived of blessings both are trials from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Never should a person think, now I'm fine. Every stage of life is a test. Health and sickness, poverty and affluence, good and bad relationships are all tests. In Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 35, Allahsubhanahu wa ta'ala says, "Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned."

Hasan Al-Basri said, "Whomever Allah gives provision and he thinks that Allah is not testing him, has no wisdom. Whomever has little provision and thinks that Allah will not look at (provide for) him, has no wisdom."

A believer is hopeful and patient whether he has blessings or is deprived of blessings. He can never be disappointed with the decree of Allah.

– No one should be deceived by seeing the affluence of people and hasten to the conclusion that these were the people on the correct path and that their life was a model of success. One should never forget that among them there could be some of those disobedient ones who have been picked out to be seized with sudden and grave punishment.

– When life becomes easy and things become accessible, then a person should be fearful that perhaps this is a punishment upon me. Maybe, I did something wrong that Allah has made dunya so easy for me. He is going to strike me with a calamity soon.

This however does not mean that a person should be negative when he is being blessed rather should remain between fear and hope.

The Prophet salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When you see blessings and wealth raining upon someone – though he is deep in sin and disobedience – then, know that he is being lured into destruction [istidraj] that is, his affluence is an indicator of his being seized in punishment. (Narrated by Ahmad from 'Aqabah ibn 'Amir in tafseer ibn Katheer)

– This ayah contains severe warning against being overly happy, arrogant or boastful when a person is given some blessing of this world. A true believer will never ever be boastful or arrogant, rather he will become more humble to thank Allah, to worship Allah and to use those blessings to help the people of Allah.

– Punishment from Allah comes without warning, when one is fully engrossed in sin.

– Injustice is a cause of Allah's punishment. If a person is not punished for his oppression or injustice in dunya, he will certainly be dealt with in the Hereafter.

– We should not only say Alhumdulillah [all praise belongs to Allah] when we are given a blessing but also when a difficulty is removed.

We seek refuge with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala from such a blessing that leads to our destruction. May He allow us to remain humble and patient, hopeful and fearful at all times, aameen.

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Hadith's-

•THE EXCELLENCE OF SURAH AN'AAM

It is mentioned In the Hadeeth that when the Surah An'aam was revealed, Rasoolullah (Sall Allahu 'alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said Alhamdulillah/ah. And then he said: "By Allah, so many angels came to convey this Surah that the corners of the heavens became covered with their great numbers.

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•Ibn Katheer reports that Ayah 159 was revealed about the Jews and the Christians. Ibn 'Abbas radhiAllahu 'anhu commented about the Ayah that before Muhammad (salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam) was sent, the Jews and the Christians disputed and divided into sects. When Muhammad was sent, Allah revealed to him this Ayah.

It is also said that the Ayah is about the Mushrikeen who instead of worshipping Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala have divided up their worship between various gods.

Today, the Muslims are getting guidance from right and left. They are leaving the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, disputing among themselves and forming sects. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says,

It is apparent that this Ayah refers to all those who defy the religion of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, or revert from it. Allah sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth so that He makes it victorious and dominant above all religions. His Law is one and does not contain any contradiction or incongruity.

Therefore, those who dispute in the religion, and break up into sects then Allah has purified His Messenger from their ways. What is the correct religion? It was said inSurah al-Hajj Ayah 78, "[It is] the religion of your father, Ibraheem. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people."

All the Messengers have brought the same message of worshipping Allah alone without partners and adhering to the Law of the last Messenger. All other paths are types of misguidance, ignorance, sheer opinion and desires, and as such, the Messengers are free from them. All the previous nations were 'Muslims' then they deviated and became Jews, Christians and polytheists. They became so fond of what they have invented that they went out of the true Deen. Therefore, Allah subhanahu wa ta 'ala said to the Prophet Muhammad, "You are not [associated] with them in anything."

Here is a stern warning against making additions in established religion. According to Tafseer Mazhari, included here are the peoples of the past communities as well, those who had abandoned their basic religion and had added to it things on their own – and with them, there are the deviators and innovators of this Ummah too, who keep adding baseless things, on their own, into Islam.

About this, the Prophet salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "My Ummah will face the same conditions faced by the Bani Isra'eel. The kind of evil practices in which they got involved will also affect the people of my Ummah. The Bani Isra'eel had split into seventy two sects. My Ummah will break up into seventy three sects – all of them will go to Hell, except one." The Sahabahs asked about the group which would be so blessed with salvation. He said, "Maa ana 'alayhi wa ashabi." Meaning that on which I am and my Companions. [Reported by At-Tirmidhi and Abu Daw'oud from Ibn 'Umar]

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•Based on a narration from Al-'Irbad ibn Siriyah, Imam Ahmad, Abu Daw'oud, At-Tirmidhi and others have reported the Prophet said,

"Those who live after me will see many differences. Therefore, (I order you that) you should, abiding by my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my rightly guided successors strictly, keep doing what you do while adhering to nothing but these, avoid the temptation of falling for new methods because everything introduced anew into the religion is Bid'ah, and every Bid'ah is error and straying."

Then in Ayah 160 Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala mentioned His kindness in His decisions and His justice on the Day of Resurrection.

In the previous Ayah the punishments were stated for those who turn away from the straight path and the Sunnah of Rasoolullah. Now, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala mentions the procedure of reward and punishment in the Hereafter. It has been said that a person who does one good deed will get ten times more in return – and a person who commits one sin, the return for him will be equal to that one sin.

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•There are several ahadeeth that are in agreement with the apparent wording of this honorable Ayah. Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said about his Lord,

"Your Lord is Most Merciful. Whoever intends to perform a good deed and does not do it, it will be written for him as a good deed. If he performs it, it will be written for him as ten deeds, to seven hundred, to multifold. Whoever intends to commit an evil deed, but does not do it, it will be written for him as a good deed. If he commits it, it will be written for him as a sin, unless Allah erases it. Only those who deserve destruction will be destroyed by Allah."[Al-Bukhari, Muslim and An-Nasa'i also recorded this hadeeth]

While Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will recompense for a good deed ten times, seven hundred times or even more but for bad deed He will only recorded as one bad deen which too can be erased by true repentance and enthusiasm to do more good deed. This tells us how merciful Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is.

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