RationalWiki:Annotated Qur'an/Sad

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Annotated Qur'an
Sura 38: Sad
Word-by-word translation
Alternate translations and related tafsirs
Alternate translations
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Qur'an 38:1[edit]

Saad. By the renowned Quran.

Qur'an 38:1 Notes[edit]

Just so you know...this sura is samed after the arabic letter "saad" which is an emphatic "s" sound, sort of like of like if you were dramatically emphasising the word "such" in the sentence "This is such bullshit".

Qur'an 38:2[edit]

Those who disbelieve are steeped in arrogance and defiance.

Qur'an 38:2 Notes[edit]

Only two verses into the this sura and it is already insulting people who don't believe the drivel in this book.

Qur'an 38:3[edit]

How many generations have We destroyed before them? They cried out when it was too late to escape.

Qur'an 38:3 Notes[edit]

This is supposed to represent all of the people that the compassionate and merciful Allah killed like just about every human in the flood and entire towns including children. Are you scared yet?

Qur'an 38:4[edit]

And they marveled that a warner has come to them from among them. The disbelievers said, “This is a lying magician.”

Qur'an 38:4 Notes[edit]

A warner is the belief that Islam should control everything, not just your beliefs, but every facet of life (including non-believers to a large extent).

Qur'an 38:5[edit]

“Did he turn all the gods into one God? This is something strange.”

Qur'an 38:5 Notes[edit]

As though believing in one God is any less absurd than believing in a bunch of them LOL

Qur'an 38:6[edit]

The notables among them announced: “Go on, and hold fast to your gods. This is something planned.

Qur'an 38:6 Notes[edit]

People believing in silly nonsense mocking others who believe in silly nonsense.

Qur'an 38:7[edit]

We never heard of this in the former faith. This is nothing but a fabrication.

Qur'an 38:7 Notes[edit]

Someone calls out the prophet for making up his religion.

Qur'an 38:8[edit]

Was the message sent down to him, out of all of us?” In fact, they are doubtful of My warning. In fact, they have not yet tasted My punishment.

Qur'an 38:8 Notes[edit]

More threats from the merciful Allah

Qur'an 38:9[edit]

Or do they possess the treasuries of the mercy of your Lord—the Majestic, the Giver?

Qur'an 38:9 Notes[edit]

Mercy? I mean come on...just one verse before they are threatening you with horror for not believing.

Qur'an 38:10[edit]

Or do they possess the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend the ropes.

Qur'an 38:10 Notes[edit]

The Quran is mostly a really dark and scary book.

Qur'an 38:11[edit]

An army of confederates will be defeated there.

Qur'an 38:11 Notes[edit]

This is actually historically accurate in Muhammeds time (he did destroy a lot of non-believers)

Qur'an 38:12[edit]

Before them the people of Noah denied the truth; as did Aad, and Pharaoh of the Stakes.

Qur'an 38:12 Notes[edit]

But this is a total made up story.

Qur'an 38:13[edit]

And Thamood, and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the Woods—these were the confederates.

Qur'an 38:13 Notes[edit]

More fiction.

Qur'an 38:14[edit]

None of them but denied the messengers, so My retribution was deserved.

Qur'an 38:14 Notes[edit]

And these made up stories are supposed to make you shit your pants in fear of the consequences of not believing in the religion Muhammed made up.

Qur'an 38:15[edit]

These can expect only a single scream, from which there is no recovery.

Qur'an 38:15 Notes[edit]

This book is so morbid sometimes

Qur'an 38:16[edit]

And they say, “Our Lord, hasten Your writ upon us, before the Day of Account.”

Qur'an 38:16 Notes[edit]

The day of account is another way to refer to the apocalypse when the compassionate and forgiving Allah rains horror down on humanity and casts millions into eternal torture.

Qur'an 38:17[edit]

Be patient in the face of what they say, and mention Our servant David, the resourceful. He was obedient.

Qur'an 38:17 Notes[edit]

A recycled character from the Old Testament

Qur'an 38:18[edit]

We committed the mountains to glorify with him, in the evening and at daybreak.

Qur'an 38:18 Notes[edit]

Allah apparently picked his favourite Kings and interfered with worldly affairs to give him advantages (putting into question the whole idea of free will)

Qur'an 38:19[edit]

And the birds, gathered together. All obedient to him.

Qur'an 38:19 Notes[edit]

Sounds a bit like a disney film

Qur'an 38:20[edit]

And We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.

Qur'an 38:20 Notes[edit]

More interference with worldly affairs

Qur'an 38:21[edit]

Has the story of the two disputants reached you? When they scaled the sanctuary?

Qur'an 38:21 Notes[edit]

A tenth generation account of a story we cannot confirm even happened

Qur'an 38:22[edit]

When they entered upon David, and he was startled by them. They said, “Do not fear. Two disputants; one of us has wronged the other; so judge between us fairly, and do not be biased, and guide us to the straight way.”

Qur'an 38:22 Notes[edit]

Because yes, this is how humans talk and deal with disputes.

Qur'an 38:23[edit]

“This brother of mine has ninety nine ewes, and I have one ewe, and he said, ‘Entrust it to me,’ and he pressured me with words.”

Qur'an 38:23 Notes[edit]

I don't know anyone who has owned an ewe.

Qur'an 38:24[edit]

He said, “He has done you wrong by asking your ewe in addition to his ewes. Many partners take advantage of one another, except those who believe and do good deeds, but these are so few.” David realized that We were testing him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell down to his knees, and repented.

Qur'an 38:24 Notes[edit]

Just like real life

Qur'an 38:25[edit]

So We forgave him that. And for him is nearness to Us, and a good place of return.

Qur'an 38:25 Notes[edit]

Allah seems to be extremely selective in his forgiveness.

Qur'an 38:26[edit]

“O David, We made you a ruler in the land, so judge between the people with justice, and do not follow desire, lest it diverts you from God’s path. Those who stray from God’s path will have a painful punishment, for having ignored the Day of Account.”

Qur'an 38:26 Notes[edit]

There is a lot to unpack here. Allah interferes with worldly affairs putting into question the idea of free will, gives humans endless desire but tells us not to follow it, refers to Allah's path which must be all of the things this book tells you to do which includes many highly conflicting commands and then threatens you with eternal punishment if you don't. That's quite a wollop in one single verse.

Qur'an 38:27[edit]

We did not create the heaven and the earth and everything between them in vain. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve—so woe to those who disbelieve because of the Fire.

Qur'an 38:27 Notes[edit]

No. You've given no proof that you created anything. Where is the evidence?

Qur'an 38:28[edit]

Or are We to treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like those who make trouble on earth? Or are We to treat the pious like the shameless?

Qur'an 38:28 Notes[edit]

This is assuming that those who believe do righteous things, when we can show prisons in Muslim countries full of people who clearly did unrighteous deeds.

Qur'an 38:29[edit]

A blessed Book that We sent down to you, that they may ponder its Verses, and for those with intelligence to take heed.

Qur'an 38:29 Notes[edit]

A rational intelligent person should see right through this nonsense if they aren't under any pressure to do otherwise.

Qur'an 38:30[edit]

And We granted David, Solomon, an excellent servant. He was penitent.

Qur'an 38:30 Notes[edit]

More Old Testament recycling.

Qur'an 38:31[edit]

When the beautiful horses were paraded before him in the evening.

Qur'an 38:31 Notes[edit]

Who isn't tempted by a hot horse?

Qur'an 38:32[edit]

He said, “I have preferred the love of niceties to the remembrance of my Lord—until it disappeared behind the veil.

Qur'an 38:32 Notes[edit]

Feelings are bad when they interfere with obsessing every single thought you have with a made up deity.

Qur'an 38:33[edit]

Bring them back to me.” And he began caressing their legs and necks.

Qur'an 38:33 Notes[edit]

Erotic.

Qur'an 38:34[edit]

We tested Solomon, and placed a body on his throne; then he repented.

Qur'an 38:34 Notes[edit]

If Allah knows absolutely everything about everyone then he doesn't need to test them...am I wrong?

Qur'an 38:35[edit]

He said, “My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingdom never to be attained by anyone after me. You are the Giver.”

Qur'an 38:35 Notes[edit]

But does this made up deity in the sky give anything other than confusion?

Qur'an 38:36[edit]

So We placed the wind at his service, blowing gently by his command, wherever he directed.

Qur'an 38:36 Notes[edit]

Sounds like sorcery no?

Qur'an 38:37[edit]

And the demons—every builder and diver.

Qur'an 38:37 Notes[edit]

Why would Allah put demons under Solomon's control? This is getting really weird.

Qur'an 38:38[edit]

And others fettered in chains.

Qur'an 38:38 Notes[edit]

Slavery.

Qur'an 38:39[edit]

“This is Our gift; so give generously, or withhold; without account.”

Qur'an 38:39 Notes[edit]

Allah is gifting demons and slaves?

Qur'an 38:40[edit]

For him is nearness to Us, and a beautiful resort.

Qur'an 38:40 Notes[edit]

Oh dear lord are we getting into Job now?

Qur'an 38:41[edit]

And mention Our servant Job, when he called out to his Lord, “Satan has afflicted me with hardship and pain.”

Qur'an 38:41 Notes[edit]

I don't understand why Muhammed would be inspired by the Job story.

Qur'an 38:42[edit]

“Stamp with your foot—here is cool water to wash with, and to drink.”

Qur'an 38:42 Notes[edit]

Maybe instead of giving Job small remedies he could have just, you know, not let Satan torture him?

Qur'an 38:43[edit]

And We restored his family for him, and their like with them; as a mercy from Us, and a lesson for those who possess insight.

Qur'an 38:43 Notes[edit]

I don't see anything merciful in inflicting horror on someone and then giving back what you took from them.

Qur'an 38:44[edit]

“Take with your hand a bundle, and strike with it, and do not break your oath.” We found him patient. What an excellent servant! He was obedient.

Qur'an 38:44 Notes[edit]

And that is the story of monotheistic religion. Be obedient to this nonsense.

Qur'an 38:45[edit]

And mention Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—endowed with ability and vision.

Qur'an 38:45 Notes[edit]

Feels like a sort of "hilights" from the Old Testament.

Qur'an 38:46[edit]

We distinguished them with a distinct quality: the remembrance of the Home.

Qur'an 38:46 Notes[edit]

These historical characters were virtuous because Allah interfered with worldly affairs and made them so. So what is the point of free will?

Qur'an 38:47[edit]

To Us they are among the chosen, the outstanding.

Qur'an 38:47 Notes[edit]

Quranic hero worshipping

Qur'an 38:48[edit]

And mention Ishmael, Elisha, and Ezekiel; all are among the outstanding.

Qur'an 38:48 Notes[edit]

More highlights from the Old Testament

Qur'an 38:49[edit]

This is a reminder. The devout will have a good place of return.

Qur'an 38:49 Notes[edit]

It really is astounding to me how easy it was to bribe millions of converts with the promise of an afterlife for which there was no evidence.

Qur'an 38:50[edit]

The Gardens of Eden, with their doors wide-open for them.

Qur'an 38:50 Notes[edit]

This fictitious place sounds really nice.

Qur'an 38:51[edit]

Relaxing therein, and calling for abundant fruit and beverage.

Qur'an 38:51 Notes[edit]

It sounds like an all inclusive resort in the Carribean.

Qur'an 38:52[edit]

With them will be attendants with modest gaze, of same age.

Qur'an 38:52 Notes[edit]

And interestingly, all of the perks that a straight Arabian male would happen to have been interested in.

Qur'an 38:53[edit]

This is what you are promised for the Day of Account.

Qur'an 38:53 Notes[edit]

You know they say when something is too good to be true....

Qur'an 38:54[edit]

Such is Our bounty, inexhaustible.

Qur'an 38:54 Notes[edit]

...that such claims are likely snake-oil salesmanship.

Qur'an 38:55[edit]

All This. But the transgressors will have a miserable return.

Qur'an 38:55 Notes[edit]

Okay we are going back to terrifying those into believing this nonsense

Qur'an 38:56[edit]

Hell; in which they will roast; what a miserable abode!

Qur'an 38:56 Notes[edit]

Gruesome stuff no?

Qur'an 38:57[edit]

All this. Let them taste it—boiling and bitter cold.

Qur'an 38:57 Notes[edit]

Quite a contradiction huh?

Qur'an 38:58[edit]

And similar torments of diverse kinds.

Qur'an 38:58 Notes[edit]

How did people not see through this?

Qur'an 38:59[edit]

“This is a crowd rushing headlong with you.” There is no welcome for them. They will be scorched by the Fire.

Qur'an 38:59 Notes[edit]

Ouch

Qur'an 38:60[edit]

They will say, “But it is you! There is no welcome for you! It is you who brought it upon us! What a miserable end!”

Qur'an 38:60 Notes[edit]

All of that for just not believing in something?

Qur'an 38:61[edit]

They will say, “Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us, give him double torment in the Fire.”

Qur'an 38:61 Notes[edit]

I guess you just picked the wrong religion. Ooooops.

Qur'an 38:62[edit]

And they will say, “What is it with us that we do not see men we used to count among the wicked?

Qur'an 38:62 Notes[edit]

This refers to the absence of Muslims in hell

Qur'an 38:63[edit]

Did we take them for mockery, or have our eyes swerved from them?

Qur'an 38:63 Notes[edit]

I guess they feel foolish now

Qur'an 38:64[edit]

This is certainly true—the feuding of the people of the Fire.

Qur'an 38:64 Notes[edit]

Is it true or is this just a claim?

Qur'an 38:65[edit]

Say, “I am only a warner, and there is no god except God—the One, the Conqueror.

Qur'an 38:65 Notes[edit]

If I repeat this enough times will it become true?

Qur'an 38:66[edit]

The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; the Mighty, the Forgiver.”

Qur'an 38:66 Notes[edit]

Does Allah forgive if he sends millions to eternal torment?

Qur'an 38:67[edit]

Say, “It is a message of great importance.

Qur'an 38:67 Notes[edit]

I'd rather not say that.

Qur'an 38:68[edit]

From which you are turning away.

Qur'an 38:68 Notes[edit]

This refers to believing in other gods.

Qur'an 38:69[edit]

I have no knowledge of the Highest Assembly as they dispute.

Qur'an 38:69 Notes[edit]

I don't think anyone has any knowledge of any of this!

Qur'an 38:70[edit]

It is only revealed to me that I am a clear warner.”

Qur'an 38:70 Notes[edit]

The prophet claims to have heard God speaking to him in his head in a cave. What stands Muhammed apart from the thousands of others who made this claim, is that he used this as an excuse to lead a violent war and imposing his made up religion on others.

Qur'an 38:71[edit]

Your Lord said to the angels, “I am creating a human being from clay.

Qur'an 38:71 Notes[edit]

Oh is that how humans were created? That's disappointing.

Qur'an 38:72[edit]

When I have formed him, and breathed into him of My spirit, fall prostrate before him.

Qur'an 38:72 Notes[edit]

So Allah has a mouth and can breathe?

Qur'an 38:73[edit]

So the angels fell prostrate, all of them.

Qur'an 38:73 Notes[edit]

Kind of sad that an all powerful being would create small beings just so they can worship him. Talk about insecure.

Qur'an 38:74[edit]

Except for Satan. He was too proud, and one of the faithless.

Qur'an 38:74 Notes[edit]

You mean the being that Allah created with the qualities of pride?

Qur'an 38:75[edit]

He said, “O Satan, what prevented you from prostrating before what I created with My Own hands? Are you too proud, or were you one of the exalted?”

Qur'an 38:75 Notes[edit]

Why would Allah ask this? Allah knows everything.

Qur'an 38:76[edit]

He said, “I am better than he; You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”

Qur'an 38:76 Notes[edit]

Sounds like a pretty far fetched story.

Qur'an 38:77[edit]

He said, “Then get out of here! You are an outcast!

Qur'an 38:77 Notes[edit]

I thought Allah was forgiving and merficul!

Qur'an 38:78[edit]

And My curse will be upon you until the Day of Judgment.”

Qur'an 38:78 Notes[edit]

That is a pretty disproportionate penalty for disagreeing with Allah. Can Allah simply not take a sliver of criticism?

Qur'an 38:79[edit]

He said, “Lord, defer me until the Day they are resurrected.”

Qur'an 38:79 Notes[edit]

A reasonable request.

Qur'an 38:80[edit]

He said, “You are one of those deferred.

Qur'an 38:80 Notes[edit]

Oh wow...is that an actual little bit of that mercy they say Allah has?

Qur'an 38:81[edit]

Until the Day of the Time Appointed.”

Qur'an 38:81 Notes[edit]

Well that must be a relief for Satan.

Qur'an 38:82[edit]

He said, “By Your majesty, I will seduce them all.

Qur'an 38:82 Notes[edit]

So Allah creates a being with the qualities he know will tempt his other creations into doing things Allah doesn't want them to do and will penalise them for doing it?

Qur'an 38:83[edit]

Except for your loyal servants among them.”

Qur'an 38:83 Notes[edit]

Ahhhh. I see...except the people who follow the nonsense of this book. Huh.

Qur'an 38:84[edit]

He said, “The truth is, and I say the truth.

Qur'an 38:84 Notes[edit]

Uh oh.

Qur'an 38:85[edit]

He said, “The truth is, and I say the truth.

Qur'an 38:85 Notes[edit]

Huh?

Qur'an 38:86[edit]

I will fill Hell with you, and with every one of them who follows you.”

Qur'an 38:86 Notes[edit]

Again...where is this mercy, forgiveness and compassion?

Qur'an 38:87[edit]

Say, “I ask of you no wage for this, and I am not a pretender.

Qur'an 38:87 Notes[edit]

For those of you who are totally confused, this is the prophet speaking. He is telling Allah he wants no reward for his work (despite the fact that he gained immense power, wealth and benefits from doing all this).

Qur'an 38:88[edit]

It is but a reminder to mankind.

Qur'an 38:88 Notes[edit]

We are referring to this book of nonsense.

Qur'an 38:89[edit]

And you will know its message after a while.”

Qur'an 38:89 Notes[edit]

Once the prophet has finished making up the rest of his religion.