如我们已经解释过的，本章的中心主题是信士常常遭遇的考验与磨难。其目的在于借由只有坚定信仰者才能忍受的考验，把信士与伪信者区分开来。同时，也展示了那些反对信仰与信士的世俗势力，它们设置各种困难阻挡信仰的道路，而这些势力被显示为软弱而脆薄。经文确认，真主必将毁灭恶人，并支持那些在逆境中表现出坚忍与坚定的人。这与自努哈时代以来的所有前代启示相一致。这一点必将长存为真，因为它与宇宙本性中所体现的伟大真理，以及天启信息的统一性紧密相连。

As we have already explained, the central theme of the sūrah is the test and hardship often encountered by people of faith. The purpose is to distinguish believers from hypocrites through a test that can only be endured by those with firm belief. This is coupled with showing the earthly forces that oppose faith and believers and which place all types of difficulty in their way. These are seen to be weak and flimsy. It confirms that God will destroy the wicked and give support to those who show perseverance and steadfastness in the face of adversity. This is consistent with all past messages since Noah’s time. It will certainly remain true, as it is linked to the great truth reflected in the nature of the universe and in the unity of the divine message.

前一段经文以指示先知和信士们诵读启示给他的经典作结。他们还被命令经常谨守拜功，以此作为记念真主的方式，并且要敬畏那知晓他们一切所为的真主。

The previous passage of the sūrah ended with an instruction to the Prophet and the believers to recite the book that was revealed to him. They were further instructed to attend regularly to prayer as a method of God’s remembrance and to watch God who knows all that they do.

本篇最后一段延续了对本书的论述，以及它与过去所降经典之间的联系。经文命令信士，不得与先前启示的信众争辩，除非以最好的方式进行。这里唯一的例外，是指他们中间篡改经典、倾向拜偶像的不义者，那是明显的不义。信士还被进一步命令宣告他们信仰过去的一切使者和天启经典，因为它们是真实的，并且印证了降示给穆罕默德ﷺ的启示。

This final passage continues its discussion of this book, as also its link with books revealed in the past, with an instruction to the believers not to enter into debates with the people of earlier revelations except in accordance with what is best. The only exception made here refers to the wrongdoers among them who had altered their scriptures and leaned towards idolatry, which is flagrant wrongdoing. Believers are further instructed to declare their belief in all past messages and divine books, as they are true and confirm what was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

该章接着提到，一些先前启示的追随者信奉了这部最后的天启之书，而那些通过所派遣的先知而接受它的阿拉伯偶像崇拜者却予以否认。他们完全忽视了真主的大恩，即真主从他们当中选择了一位最后的使者。这位先知用真主的话语与他们交谈，而此前他既不会读，也不会写。

The sūrah then speaks about some of the followers of earlier revelations who believed in this final divine book, while the Arab idolaters who received it through the Prophet sent to them denied it. They were totally heedless of the great blessing God granted them by His choosing a final Messenger from among them. The Prophet speaks to them with God’s words while previously he could neither read nor write.

这本身就应当消除所有关于他是其作者的疑问。

不要与有经典的人争辩，除非以最善的方式，但那些不义者除外。你们要说："我们信仰已降示给我们的经典，也信仰已降示给你们的经典。我们的主和你们的主是同一位，我们只顺服于他。"（第46节）

Do not argue with the people of earlier revelations in other than the most kindly manner, except for those of them who are intent on wrongdoing, and say: ‘We believe in that which has been revealed to us, as well as that which has been revealed to you, for our God and your God is one. It is to Him that we submit ourselves.’ (Verse 46)

自努哈（Noah）以及此后的众使者直至最后一位先知穆罕默德ﷺ所传的神圣讯息，是同一个讯息。它出自同一位真主，目的只有一个：引导已经迷失的人类回归他们的主，并依照祂所制定的生活之道重新教化他们。信奉这些讯息中任何一种的信徒，与信奉其他所有讯息的信徒都是兄弟。他们共同构成一个崇拜独一真主的群体。纵观历代，人类被分为两大阵营：信士属于真主的阵营，拒绝者属于撒旦的阵营。这种区分超越时间与地域。每一代信士，都只是一条绵延数百年的长链上的一环。

The divine message preached by Noah and subsequent messengers until the last Prophet, Muhammad, (peace be upon them all), is one and the same message. It was given by one God for one purpose, which is to guide mankind, who have gone astray, back to their Lord and to re-educate them in accordance with the way of life He has laid down. Believers in any of these messages are brethren to the believers in all messages. They are all one community worshipping the One God. Mankind, throughout all generations, has been divided into two groups: the believers, who are God’s party, and the rejecters, who are Satan’s party. This division transcends time and place. Every generation of believers is merely one ring in a long chain stretching over many centuries.

这是构成伊斯兰教基础的伟大而崇高的真理。这一真理载于这节经文之中，它将人与人之间的关系置于远高于血缘、种族、民族或商业交换的层次之上，并赋予这些关系一个额外的维度：

This is the great, noble truth that forms the basis of Islam. It is laid down in this verse which puts human relations at a level much higher than that of blood, race, nationality, or commercial exchange. It gives these relations an additional dimension:

这种联系建立在一种超越种族、肤色、国籍、时间和地域的单一信仰之上，与真主的联结由此而生。如此一来，只剩下最牢固的纽带，那就是信仰。

that of a link with God based on a single faith that transcends race, colour, nationality, time and place. This leaves only the strongest tie, that of faith.

因此,穆斯林被教导说,除非以最好的方式,否则不要与先前启示的信众争辩:这意味着要阐明新启示的目的,并指出它与此前所有神圣启示之间的联系。它还强调接受神圣启示最终形式的重要性,这一形式与所有先前的启示完全一致,并依照神的知识,根据人们及其需要所适宜的方式补充它们。不过,有一种例外需要特别指出,即“他们中间那些行为不义的人”(第46节)。

Thus, Muslims are instructed not to argue with the people of earlier revelations except in accordance with what is best: which means explaining the purpose behind the new message and outlining the links between it and all earlier divine messages. It also stresses the importance of accepting the final form of the divine message which is in full agreement with all previous messages, complementing them in accordance with God’s knowledge of what suits people and their needs. There is, however, one exception to be singled out “those of them who are intent on wrongdoing.” (Verse 46)

他们说:“为何不曾有神迹从他的主降给他呢?”你说:“神迹只在真主的权能之中,我只是一个明白的警告者。”(第50节)

They say: ‘Why have no miraculous signs ever been bestowed upon him from on high by his Lord?’ Say: ‘Signs are in the power of God alone; I am only a plain warner.’ (Verse 50)

他们所要求的，是像先前的使者在人类尚处于幼年时所被赐予的那类神迹。这些神迹只作为对亲眼目睹它的那一代人和那一群体的最终证据。然而，这份最终的讯息则将这种证据提供给每一个接受其呼唤的人，直到人类生命的尽头。因此，它的神迹以《古兰经》经文的形式赐予，这是一部充满奇妙的神迹之书。它向每一代人敞开它的宝藏。它的经文对于那些被赋予真知的人的心来说是清晰的。当他们思考其中的经文时，便会意识到它们实际上是神迹的迹象，并认识到它们力量的源头。

What they want are miracles like those which earlier messengers were given when humanity was still in its infancy. These serve as final evidence only to the generation and community which sees them. This final message, however, provides such evidence to everyone who receives its call until the end of human life. Therefore, its miracle is given in the form of verses of the Qur’ān, a miraculous book which is full of wonders. It opens its treasures to all generations. It is made up of verses that are clear to the hearts of those gifted with real knowledge. As they reflect on its verses they realize that they are in fact miraculous signs and they recognize the source from which they derive their power.

“{说：神迹只在神的权能之中。}”（第50节）祂会按照自己的安排，在需要的时候降示神迹。先知或其他任何人，都不得就任何神迹的降示向神提出建议。先知告诉他们这一点，解释说，提出这样的建议不合他的品格与本性。“{我只是一个明白的警告者。}”（第50节）我阐明事理，传达我的使命，警告世人。当我完成了这些，我所被托付的任务便已完成。

“Say: Signs are in the power of God alone.” (Verse 50) He produces them when there is need according to His own plans. It is not for the Prophet or anyone else to make suggestions to God concerning the provision of any sign. The Prophet tells them this, explaining that it is alien to his manners and nature that he should make such a suggestion. “I am only a plain warner.” (Verse 50) I explain things, deliver my message and warn people. When I have done that, the task assigned to me has been fulfilled.

接下来该如何做，由真主决定。如此，信仰得以纯净呈现，不掺杂任何困惑与猜疑。使者的职责范围被明确界定，以免人们将其与真主的属性混淆。任何模糊之处都不允许遮蔽他的使命。先前的使命中正是出现过这样的模糊：人们所见的神迹与神话传说混为一谈，从而偏离了真理之道。

It is up to God to decide what to do next. Thus the faith is presented purely, free of any confusion and suspicion. The limits of God’s Messenger’s task are defined so that people do not become confused with God’s attributes. No ambiguity is allowed to blur his message. Such ambiguity occurred with earlier messages when the miracles shown to people became confused with myth and legend, leading to deviation from the path of truth.

那些要求有形神迹的人，并未真正体会真主通过《古兰经》赐予他们的大恩。真主从高处降下它，以引导他们。

Those people who demand physical miracles do not truly appreciate the great favour God has granted them with the Qur’ān. He bestowed this from on high so as to guide them:

该章继续讨论不信道者的所作所为。经文提到他们招致真主的惩罚，那时火狱逼近他们：

The sūrah continues its discussion of what the unbelievers do. It refers to their precipitation of God’s punishment, when hell draws close to them:

他们挑战你，要你加速他们的惩罚。诚然，若不是有一个定期，惩罚早已降临到他们身上。不过，它必定会突然降临到他们身上，而他们毫无察觉。他们挑战你，要你加速惩罚；但地狱必定会包围不信道者。［那将发生］在那一天，痛苦将从他们头上和脚下笼罩他们。那时［主］将说：“你们尝尝自己所作所为的报应吧。”（第53-55节）

They challenge you to hasten their punishment. Indeed, had not a term been set for it, that punishment would have already come upon them. Still, it will most certainly come upon them of a sudden, and they will be taken unawares. They challenge you to hasten the punishment; but indeed hell is bound to encompass the unbelievers. [That will be] on the day when suffering will overwhelm them from above them and from beneath their feet. He will then say: ‘Taste now [the result of] your own doings.’ (Verses 53-55)

不信道者听到了警告，却无法理解真主让他们有时间反思自己处境的智慧，因此他们向先知挑战，要求尽快降下对他们的惩罚。真主常常给予人们时间，使作恶者得以继续他们的邪恶与傲慢。他也考验信士，使他们的信仰与坚忍更加坚强。此外，那些在考验面前不能坚定不移的人，会离开信士的行列。真主还给予他们时间，使他们中那些心中有善、真主所知的人能够认识真理、改正自己的行为、接受真主的引导；否则，他们的后代可能成长为只崇拜真主的信士，尽管他们的父辈曾经迷误而偏离正道。或者，真主也可能为了祂自己的其他目的，让他们再多停留一段时间。

The unbelievers heard the warnings but could not understand God’s wisdom in allowing them time to consider their positions. Hence, they challenged the Prophet to hasten their punishment. God often allows people time so that the wrongdoers continue their wicked and arrogant ways. He also tests the believers so that they grow stronger in faith and perseverance. Moreover, those who cannot remain steadfast when exposed to a test abandon the believers’ ranks. He also allows them time so that those of them whom He knows to have goodness in their hearts recognize the truth, mend their ways and accept His guidance; or else, their own offspring may grow up as believers worshipping Him alone even though their fathers were errant and misguided. Or He may leave them a while for some other purpose of His.

然而,阿拉伯的多神教徒无法理解真主的意图和睿智的安排。因此,他们的挑战加速了自己的惩罚:"如果不是有一个定期,惩罚早已降临到他们头上了。"(第53节)在此,真主以惩罚威胁他们,惩罚将在其注定的时间降临,而且是在他们最意想不到的时候。这样,惩罚将出其不意地袭击他们,他们将无法逃脱:"然而,它必定会突然降临到他们身上,他们将毫无察觉。"(第53节)

The Arab idolaters, however, could not understand God’s purpose and wise planning. Hence their challenge hastening their own punishment: “Had not a term been set for it, that punishment would have already come upon them.” (Verse 53) At this point God threatens them with the punishment which will come upon them, at its set time, but when they least expect it. Thus, it will take them by surprise and they will not be able to escape it: “Still, it will most certainly come upon them of a sudden, and they will be taken unawares.” (Verse 53)

这一章将视线转向那些漫不经心的不信道者，他们身处这样的苦难场景之中：苦难从他们的头顶和脚下向他们袭来。接着，经文转向遭受不信道者迫害的信士，这些不信道者企图阻止他们崇拜真主。经文告诉他们，可以设法逃离迫害，以便能够真正地履行自己的信仰。这番话以一种动人心弦的慈爱口吻表达出来。

The sūrah leaves careless unbelievers in this scene of suffering, one which engulfs them from above and from under their feet. It moves on to address the believers who suffer persecution at the hands of the unbelievers, who aim to prevent them from worshipping God. It tells them to try to flee from persecution so that they can truly practise their faith. This is given in the form of a loving address that touches one’s heart:

{你们这些信道的仆人啊！我的大地是宽广的，你们应当唯独崇拜我。每个灵魂都要尝到死亡的滋味，然后你们都要归于我。信道并行善的人，我必使他们居于乐园中的高楼，其下有河流流过，他们永居其中。努力者的报酬是多么美好，他们坚忍不拔，并且信赖他们的主。多少有生命的动物不负担自己的给养啊！养活它们和你们的，是真主。他是全聪的，是全知的。}（第56-60节）

You servants of Mine who have believed! Spacious is My earth: worship Me alone, then. Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you all must return. Those who believe and do righteous deeds We shall certainly lodge in lofty mansions in paradise through which running waters flow, therein to abide. Excellent is the reward of those who strive, those who are patient in adversity and in their Lord place their trust. How many a living creature is there that does not bear its sustenance! It is God who provides for them and for you. He alone hears all and knows all. (Verses 56-60)

创造这些心灵、知晓它们全部情感、瞬息念头、感知与想法的主，以慈爱的口吻对它们说话，召唤它们为了信仰而迁徙："信道的众仆啊！"这些话一开始就让它们感受到自己真正的地位，将它们与其主联系在一起："我的众仆！"这是第一层关怀的触动，而第二层则体现在接下来的话语中："我的大地是广阔的。"你们是我的仆人，这是我的大地，它广阔无垠，足以从容地容纳你们。那么，是什么让你们留在一个充满敌意的地方，在那里因信仰而受压迫、遭迫害，无法自由地崇拜主？离开这狭隘而受限的地方，到我广阔的大地上另寻一处，享受崇拜的自由吧："我的大地是广阔的，故你们当唯独崇拜我。"（第56节）

The Creator of these hearts who knows all their feelings, fleeting thoughts, perceptions and ideas addresses them with love, inviting them to emigrate for the sake of their faith: “You servants of mine who have believed.” These words, right from the outset give them a feeling of their true status, linking them to their Lord: Servants of Mine!’ This is the first caring touch, while the second is felt in what comes next: “Spacious is My earth.” You are My servants, and this is My earth, which is spacious and can comfortably accommodate you. What keeps you, then, in a hostile place where you are oppressed and persecuted on account of your faith, and where you cannot worship God in freedom? Leave this narrow and restricted place and find somewhere else in My spacious earth, to enjoy freedom of worship: “Spacious is My earth: worship Me alone.” (Verse 56)

离开自己家园所带来的悲伤，是一个被邀请离开家乡之人心中最先涌起的感受。因此，这些话语强调了与真主的亲近，以及大地的广阔。既然整个大地都属于真主，那么最应当被热爱的地方，就是那个人能够自由地单独崇拜真主的地方。

Sorrow at leaving one’s own homeland is the first feeling which stirs in the mind of one who is invited to leave his home. Hence, these words stress closeness to God and the earth’s spaciousness. Since it is all God’s earth, then the place to be loved most is that where one enjoys freedom to worship God alone.

在与信士们简短地交谈一番之后，本章又回过头来指出不信道者立场与观念中的明显矛盾。他们承认，是真主创造了天地，使太阳和月亮为他们服务，降雨并使死去的大地重新复苏。他们也明白这一切意味着什么，即真主为他们提供给养，或丰或俭。当他们处于恐惧之中时，他们只求助于真主。然而尽管如此，他们仍然以物配主，迫害那些只崇拜真主的人，并试图使他们离弃正直的信仰。他们对真主的恩典视而不见。正是真主赐予他们安全的生活，让他们居住在神圣清真寺的周围，而他们自己却在那里犯下了宗教迫害的罪行。

Having completed a short round with the believers, the sūrah then picks up again the clear contradiction in the unbelievers’ position and concepts. They acknowledge that it is God who has created the heavens and the earth, made the sun and the moon subservient, causes rain and quickens the earth after it has been dead. They know what all this involves in providing sustenance for them, either in abundance or small measure. They turn to God alone for help when they are in a situation of fear. Yet in spite of all this, they associate partners with God, persecute those who worship Him alone and try to turn them away from their straightforward faith. They are oblivious to God’s grace. It is He who has given them a life of security in the neighbourhood of His Sacred Mosque where they themselves are guilty of religious oppression.

如果你问他们："是谁创造了天地，并使太阳和月亮服从（祂的法度）？"他们必定会回答：

If you were to ask them: ‘Who is it that has created the heavens and the earth, and made the sun and the moon subservient [to His laws]?’ they will be sure to answer:

"God."这些人的心思是多么的颠倒啊!确实是真主将充裕的给养赐予他所意欲的仆人,也为他所意欲的人限定给养。真主是全知万物的。假若你问他们:"谁从天空降下雨水,借以使已经枯死的大地复活?"他们必定回答:"是真主。"你说:"一切赞颂都只归真主!"可是他们大多不懂道理。 今世生活不过是游戏和娱乐。如果他们知道,后世的生活才是真正的生活。当他们乘船出海时,他们虔诚地专一信仰真主,祈求真主;但是,当真主把他们安全救上陆地后,他们又开始以物配主,由此忘恩负义地对待我所赐予他们的恩惠,并沉溺于今世的享乐。不久,他们就会知道[真相]。 难道他们没有看到,我使这圣地成为安全之所,而周围的人却被掳掠吗?他们还要信奉虚妄,否认真主的恩典吗?对真主捏造谎言,或者在真理降临到自己面前时加以否认的人,有谁比他更不义呢?难道地狱不是不信道者的归宿吗?(第61-68节)

‘God.’ How perverted, then, are their minds! It is indeed God who grants sustenance in abundance, or gives it in small measure, to whom He wills of His servants. God has full knowledge of everything. If you were to ask them: ‘Who is it that sends water from the skies, thus giving life to the earth after it had been lifeless?’ they will be sure to answer: ‘God.’ Say: All praise is due to God alone!’ Yet most of them are without reason. The life of this world is but amusement and play. It is the life to come that is the only true life, if they but knew it. When they embark on a ship, they call to God, sincere in their faith in Him alone; but as soon as He has brought them safe ashore, they begin to associate partners with Him, and thus they show their ingratitude for what We have given them, and go on enjoying their worldly life. Before long they will come to know [the truth]. Are they, then, not aware that We have set up a secure sanctuary while people are being snatched away from all around them? Will they, then, continue to believe in what is false and to deny God’s blessings? Who could be more wicked than one who invents lies against God, or denies the truth when it reaches him? Is not hell the proper abode for the unbelievers? (Verses 61-68)