Shukrani kwa Mungu kwa yale anayotujaalia huhuisha sura yote. Mungu anazihesabu neema Zake, ambazo Anampa kila binadamu, waumini na wasioamini, wema na wasio wema, wamchao Mungu na wanaodhulumu. Hakika Mungu ni Mwenye huruma na rehema kubwa anapowapa neema kama hizo wasioamini, wasiotii na wadhalimu, kama anavyowapa waumini wanaojitahidi katika njia Yake. Ni wajibu wao kuwa wenye shukrani. Hapa rehema ya Mungu inaonyeshwa ikienea katika upeo mpana kabisa, ndani ya taswira ya ulimwengu mzima: "Ni Mungu aliyeumba mbingu na ardhi, na anateremsha maji kutoka mawinguni ambayo kwayo anatoa matunda kuwa riziki yenu. Amekutiishieni majahazi yanayopita baharini kwa amri Yake, na amekutiishieni mito kwa manufaa yenu. Na kwa manufaa yenu amekutiishieni jua na mwezi, vinavyoendelea na mizunguko yake kwa bidii; na amekutiishieni usiku na mchana. Naye anakupeni kila kitu mnachomwomba. Mkijaribu kuhesabu neema za Mungu, hamtaweza kuzihesabu. Lakini binadamu ni mwenye kudumu katika dhulma, mwenye kukataa shukrani kwa ukaidi." (Aya 32-34)
Gratitude to God for what He bestows on us animates the whole sūrah. God enumerates His favours, which He grants to all mankind, believers and unbelievers, righteous or unrighteous, God-fearing and wrongdoers. God is most certainly compassionate and merciful when He grants such favours to unbelievers, disobedients and wrongdoers in the same way as He grants them to the faithful who strive for His cause. It is their place that they should be grateful. Here God’s grace is shown extending across the widest horizon, within a framework of universal imagery: “It is God who has created the heavens and the earth, and who sends down water from the sky with which He brings forth fruits for your sustenance. He has placed under your service ships which by His leave sail through the sea, and He has made the rivers subservient to [His law] for your benefit. And for your benefit He has made the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses, subservient to [His law]; and has made the night and the day subservient to [His law]. And He gives you of everything you ask of Him. Should you try to count God’s blessings, you will never be able to compute them. Yet man is persistent in wrongdoing, stubbornly ungrateful.” (Verses 32-34)
Hakika, kutuma mitume kwa wanadamu ni neema sawa, ikiwa si kubwa zaidi: "Hiki ni Kitabu tulichokuteremshia kutoka juu ili uwatoe watu wote gizani kuwapeleka kwenye nuru, kwa idhini ya Mola wao." (Aya ya 1) Nuru labda ndiyo neema tukufu zaidi ya Mwenyezi Mungu katika ulimwengu, lakini nuru inayotajwa katika aya hii ni nuru kubwa kuliko zote, inayomulika ndani ya nafsi zetu zote na kuufanya ulimwengu unaotuzunguka kung'aa. Jukumu hilo hilo alipewa Musa pamoja na watu wake, na kwa kweli mitume wote, kama inavyofafanuliwa wazi katika sura hii. Pia tunaona neema katika maneno wanayosema mitume wa Mwenyezi Mungu: "Anakuiteni ili awasamehe dhambi zenu." (Aya ya 10)
Indeed, sending messengers to mankind is an equal, if not greater favour: “This is a book which We have bestowed on you from on high so that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light.” (Verse 1) Light is perhaps God’s most majestic favour in the universe, but the light referred to in this verse is the greatest light that shines through our whole beings and which makes the world around us shine. The same task was assigned to Moses with his people, and indeed to all messengers, as clearly explained in the sūrah. We also note a favour in what God’s messengers say: “He calls you, so that He may forgive you your sins.” (Verse 10)
Ukweli kwamba watu wanaitwa kwenye msamaha ni neema kubwa, karibu sawa na neema ya nuru.
That people are called to forgiveness is a great favour almost equal to that of light.
Ndani ya muktadha wa neema za Mungu, Musa anawakumbusha watu wake yale ambayo Mungu aliwapa: "Musa aliwaambia watu wake: 'Kumbukeni neema za Mungu alizowapa pale alipowaokoa kutoka kwa watu wa Firauni, waliokuwa wakiwatesa kwa adhabu kali, wakiwachinja wana wenu na kuwaacha hai wanawake wenu. Hilo lilikuwa jaribio kubwa kutoka kwa Mola wenu.'" (Aya ya 6)
Na ndani ya muktadha huo huo, sura inataja ahadi ya Mungu kwa Mitume Wake: "Mola wao aliwafunulia Mitume Wake: Hakika tutawaangamiza wanaodhulumu, na hakika tutawafanya nyinyi kuishi katika ardhi baada ya wao kwenda zao. Hii [ninayoahidi] ni kwa wote wanaomcha Mimi na wanaoogopa maonyo Yangu.'" (Aya ya 13-14)
Hii pia inapaswa kuhesabiwa miongoni mwa neema kubwa nyingi za Mungu.
Within the context of God’s favours, Moses reminds his people of what God bestowed on them: “Moses said to his people: ‘Remember the blessings God bestowed on you when He saved you from Pharaohs people who afflicted you with grievous torment, slaughtered your sons and spared [only] your women. That was indeed an awesome trial from your Lord.” (Verse 6) And within the same context, the sūrah mentions God’s promise to His messengers: “Their Lord revealed this to His messengers: Most certainly shall We destroy the wrongdoers, and most certainly shall We cause you to dwell in the land long after they are gone. This [I promise] to all who stand in awe of My presence, and stand in awe of My warnings.’“ (Verses 13-14) Again, this should be counted among God’s many great favours.
Sura hii pia inasisitiza kwamba neema za Mwenyezi Mungu huongezeka watu wanaposhukuru: "Na Mola wenu Mlezi alitangaza: Mkishukuru, bila shaka nitawazidishia; lakini mkikufuru, basi adhabu yangu ni kali sana."' (Aya ya 7) Inaweka wazi kwamba Mwenyezi Mungu hana haja ya shukrani, wala ya shukrani zao, wala ya wale wanaozitoa. "Na Musa akasema:
The sūrah also highlights the fact that God’s favours are increased when people are grateful: “For your Lord had declared: If you are grateful, I shall certainly give you more; but if you are ungrateful, then My punishment shall be severe indeed.’“ (Verse 7) It makes clear that God is in no need of gratitude, thanks or those who give them. “And Moses said:
Na kama wewe na kila aliyeko duniani mtamkataa Mungu, [jueni kwamba] Mungu bila shaka ni Mwenye kujitosheleza, Anayestahiki kusifiwa kila sifa.’“ (Aya ya 8) Sura hii inaeleza kwamba kwa ujumla binadamu hamshukuru Mungu ipasavyo kwa neema anazompa. “Kama mkijaribu kuhesabu neema za Mungu, hamtaweza kuzihesabu. Lakini binadamu anaendelea kufanya maovu, mkaidi katika kukufuru.” (Aya ya 34) Hata hivyo, wale wanaotafakari ishara ambazo Mungu ameziweka kila mahali karibu nao, na wenye busara, watasimama imara wakati wa dhiki na kushukuru kwa neema na baraka: “Hakika katika haya zipo ishara kwa kila mwenye subira katika dhiki na mwenye shukrani nyingi [kwa Mungu].” (Aya ya 5)
If you and whoever lives on earth were to deny God, [know that] God is indeed Self-Sufficient, worthy of all praise.’“ (Verse 8) The sūrah explains that generally man does not show proper gratitude for the favours God bestows on him. “Should you try to count God’s blessings, you will never be able to compute them. Yet man is persistent in wrongdoing, stubbornly ungrateful.” (Verse 34) However, those who reflect on the signs God has placed all around them, and show insight, will persevere in the face of adversity and show gratitude for favours and blessings: “Surely in this there are signs for everyone who is patient in adversity and deeply grateful [to God].” (Verse 5)
Subira katika dhiki na shukrani zote mbili zinaonyeshwa na Ibrahim katika hali ya unyenyekevu mbele ya Mwenyezi Mungu, kupitia dua aliyoielekeza karibu na Msikiti Mtukufu huko Makka. Dua hiyo imejaa sifa na shukrani kwa Mwenyezi Mungu.
Both patience in adversity and gratitude are expressed by Abraham in a position of humility before God, expressed in a prayer addressed near the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. It overflows with praise and gratitude to God:
Ibrahimu alisema: "Mola wangu, fanya nchi hii kuwa salama, na uniepushe mimi na watoto wangu kamwe na kuabudu sanamu. Mola wangu, hakika zimewapotosha watu wengi."
Abraham said: ‘My Lord. Make this land secure, and preserve me and my children from ever worshipping idols. My Lord, they have indeed led many people astray.
Basi, yeyote anayenifuata, huyo ni wangu. Na yeyote anayeniasi, hakika Wewe ni Mwingi wa kusamehe, Mwenye kurehemu.
Mola wetu, nimewaweka baadhi ya kizazi changu katika bonde lisilo na mimea, karibu na Nyumba Yako Takatifu, ili wasimamishe Swala. Basi, ifanye mioyo ya watu iwaelekee, na uwaruzuku matunda, ili wapate kushukuru.
Mola wetu, hakika Wewe unajua yaliyofichika na yaliyo dhahiri. Hakuna chochote, duniani wala mbinguni, kilicho fichikana kwa Mwenyezi Mungu.
Sifa njema ni za Mwenyezi Mungu, ambaye amenipa, katika uzee wangu, Ismail na Isaka. Hakika Mola wangu ni Mwenye kusikia dua.
Mola wangu, nifanye mimi na baadhi ya kizazi changu tuwe wenye kusimamisha Swala. Mola wetu, pokea dua yangu.
Mola wetu, nisamehe mimi na wazazi wangu, na waumini wote, Siku ya kusimama hesabu.
Hence, he who follows me belongs to me. As for him who disobeys me, well, You are truly Much-Forgiving, Merciful. Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House, so that they may establish regular prayers. So, cause You people’s hearts to incline towards them, and provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks. Our Lord, You certainly know all that we conceal and all that we bring into the open: for nothing whatever, on earth or in heaven, can be hidden from God. All praise is due to God who has given me, in my old age, Ishmael and Isaac. Surely my Lord hears all prayers. My Lord, cause me and [some of] my offspring to establish regular prayers. My Lord, accept my prayer. Our Lord, grant Your forgiveness to me and my parents, and all the believers on the Day when the reckoning will come to pass.’ (Verses 35-41)
Kwa sababu neema na baraka za Mwenyezi Mungu, shukrani kwa neema hizo, na kinyume chake, kukataa neema hizo, vimeenea katika sura hii, maoni mengi yaliyo mwishoni mwa aya yanaendana na hilo. Kwa mfano: "wapatie matunda, ili wapate kushukuru." (Aya ya 37) "Hakika katika hilo kuna ishara kwa kila mwenye subira katika dhiki na mwenye shukrani nyingi [kwa Mungu]." (Aya ya 5) "Je, hukuwaona wale waliobadilisha neema za Mungu kwa kufuru na kuwaingiza watu wao katika Nyumba ya Maangamizi." (Aya ya 28) "Kumbukeni neema za Mungu alizowaneemesha." (Aya ya 6) "Sifa zote ni za Mungu aliyenipa, katika uzee wangu, Ismaili na Isaka." (Aya ya 39)
Because God’s favours and blessings, gratitude for them and, by contrast, their denial permeate the sūrah, many comments at the end of verses fit with this. For example: “provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks.” (Verse 37) “Surely in this there are signs for everyone who is patient in adversity and deeply grateful [to God].” (Verse 5) “Have you not seen those who have exchanged God’s blessings for unbelief and landed their people in the House of Perdition.” (Verse 28) “Remember the blessings God bestowed on you.” (Verse 6) “All praise is due to God who has given me, in my old age, Ishmael and Isaac.” (Verse 39)
Wakati manabii wanapojibu pingamizi za wasioamini kwamba wao ni binadamu tu, wanasema: "Sisi si chochote ila ni wanadamu kama nyinyi. Lakini Mwenyezi Mungu huwaneemesha rehema zake amtakaye miongoni mwa waja wake." (Aya ya 11)
Hivyo, neema ya Mungu imeangaziwa ili ilingane na hali ya jumla ya sura hii, ambayo imejaa vipengele vya neema, rehema, fadhila na shukrani upande mmoja, na kutokushukuru upande mwingine. Kwa njia hii, usemi wa maneno unapatana na sura nzima, ili kukamilisha mbinu ya kisanii ya Qur'ani.
When the prophets answer the unbelievers’ objections that they, i.e. the prophets, are only human, they say: “We are indeed but mortals like yourselves. But God bestows His grace on whomever He wills of His servants.” (Verse 11) Thus, God’s grace is highlighted to fit with the general atmosphere of the sūrah, which radiates with aspects of grace, mercy, favour and gratitude on the one side and ingratitude on the other. Thus, verbal expression is brought in harmony with the sūrah as a whole to perfect the Qur’ānic artistic method.
Sura hii inaweza kugawanywa katika sehemu mbili kuu: ya kwanza inaeleza asili ya ujumbe wa Mungu na mjumbe anayeupeleka, ikionyesha vita kati ya jamii yao na wale wanaokataa ujumbe huo. Inatoa maoni juu ya haya yote, ikitoa mifano ya maneno mema na maneno maovu. Sehemu nyingine inazungumzia neema ambazo Mungu huwapa wanadamu, ikieleza wale wanaoonyesha kutokushukuru kwa kiburi, na waumini wanaoonyesha shukrani zao. Mfano wa kwanza kabisa wa wale wa mwisho ni Ibrahimu. Inaeleza hatima ya wakosaji wanaokataa neema za Mungu kwa mfululizo wa picha zenye nguvu na hai kabisa za Siku ya Hukumu. Hivyo, hitimisho la sura linapatana na mwanzo wake: "Huu ni ujumbe kwa wanadamu wote."
The sūrah can be divided into two main passages: the first explains the nature of the divine message and the messenger delivering it, portraying the battle between their community and those who deny the message. It comments on all this, giving examples of good and evil words. The other passage speaks of the favours God grants to mankind, describing those who display an arrogant ingratitude and the believers who express their gratitude. The first perfect example of the latter is Abraham. It describes the fate of the wrongdoers who deny God’s favours in a series of most powerful and lively images of the Day of Judgement. Thus, the conclusion of the sūrah is brought into harmony with its opening: “This is a message to all mankind.
Waonywe kwa hilo, na wajue kwamba Yeye ndiye Mungu Mmoja na wa pekee. Na wakumbuke wale wenye akili kutafakari.” (Aya ya 52)
Let them be warned thereby, and let them know that He is the One and Only God. Let those who are endowed with insight take heed.” (Verse 52)