English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)

by Maulana Muhammad Ali

Chapter 40: Al-Mumin — The Believer (Revealed at Makkah: 9 sections, 85 verses)

Introduction:

The title of this chapter is taken from the mention of a believer in Moses from among Pharaoh’s people (v. 28) who pleaded for Moses when Pharaoh wanted to kill him. Chapters 40 to 46 form a group all beginning with the letters Ḥā Mīm, and belong to the middle period at Makkah when persecution of Muslims had begun. These chapters offer solace to Muslims, warn their persecutors and foretell the triumph of truth over opposition. This chapter begins with the mention of the Divine plan for the protection of the faithful and goes on to speak of the eventual failure of the opponents. This warning is illustrated from the history of Moses. The chapter then reiterates that prophets of God and believers in them are always helped against their opponents, it mentions that nothing is impossible before the power of Allah and warns the disbelievers that their opposition to the truth will end in failure.

List of Sections (Rukus):

  1. Protection of the Faithful (Verses 40:1–40:9)
  2. Failure of Opponents (Verses 40:10–40:20)
  3. A Warning in Moses’ History (Verses 40:21–40:27)
  4. A Believer of Pharaoh’s People (Verses 40:28–40:37)
  5. The End of Pharaoh’s People (Verses 40:38–40:50)
  6. Messengers Receive Divine Help (Verses 40:51–40:60)
  7. The Power of Allah (Verses 40:61–40:68)
  8. The End of Opposition (Verses 40:69–40:78)
  9. The End of Opposition (Verses 40:79–40:85)

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