English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 39: Az-Zumar — The Companies (Revealed at Makkah: 8 sections, 75 verses)
Introduction:
The title of this chapter refers to two classes, the believers and the disbelievers (v. 71, 73). It begins by emphasizing sincere obedience to Allah and refers to those who obey and those who refuse to obey. Then it shows that the Quran is a perfect guidance whose rejectors will meet with punishment. Although this will not be averted from those who persist in rejection, yet the door of Divine mercy will remain open for even the greatest sinners who need not despair. At the end the chapter speaks of the coming of the judgment when each of the two companies is made to taste what it deserves. Chapters 34 to 39 form one group, belonging most probably to the middle period at Makkah.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- Obedience to Allah (Verses 39:1–39:9)
- Believers and Disbelievers (Verses 39:10–39:21)
- A Perfect Guidance (Verses 39:22–39:31)
- Rejectors will be Disgraced (Verses 39:32–39:41)
- Punishment cannot be Averted (Verses 39:42–39:52)
- Divine Mercy (Verses 39:53–39:63)
- The Final Judgment (Verses 39:64–39:70)
- Each Group meets with its Desert (Verses 39:71–39:75)