English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 42: Ash-Shura — Counsel (Revealed at Makkah: 5 sections, 53 verses)
Introduction:
This chapter is known as Counsel, from the command in v. 38 to Muslims to decide their affairs by counsel among themselves. Chapters 40 to 46 form one group; see the introductory note to chapter 40. The subjects discussed in this chapter, in sequence, are that Divine mercy is predominant over all the other attributes of God, so that His warning is an act of mercy, Divine judgment comes to settle differences, God’s dealing with people is always just and no nation is destroyed unjustly, so that even the unjust are given respite, and finally that the Quran, being a revelation, guides to the right way.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- Divine Mercy in Giving Warning (Verses 42:1–42:9)
- Judgment is Given (Verses 42:10–42:19)
- Allah’s Dealing is Just (Verses 42:20–42:29)
- Believers should be Patient (Verses 42:30–42:43)
- Revelation Guides Aright (Verses 42:44–42:53)