这一章是麦加启示，尽管在某些版本的《古兰经》中说第12、17和114节是在麦地那降示的。纵观这几节经文在本章中的上下文，可以看出它们恰处于其应有的位置。很难想象本章从一开始就没有这些经文，或者说它们是后来才加进去的。此外，这些经文所论及的主题，实质上正是麦加启示所涉及的内容，即信仰，以及古莱氏人对信仰的态度，他们的态度如何影响先知ﷺ和他那一小群追随者，以及《古兰经》如何消除这些影响。

This sūrah is a Makkan revelation, despite that in some copies of the Qur’ān it is said that verses 12, 17 and 114 were revealed in Madinah. A glance at these verses within the context of the sūrah shows that they occur in their perfect settings. It is difficult to imagine that the sūrah was without these verses from the outset, or that they were added later on. Besides, these verses speak about subjects that are essentially part of what Makkan revelations address, namely faith and the Quraysh’s attitude to it, how their attitude affected the Prophet and his small band of followers, and how the Qur’ān dispelled these effects.

该章整体上是在第10章《尤努斯》之后启示的，而《尤努斯》又是在第17章《夜行》之后启示的。由此我们可以清楚地了解其启示的时间：正处于伊斯兰早期历史上一段非常艰难的时期之中。在此之前，先知的叔叔艾布·塔利卜和先知的妻子赫蒂彻相继去世。艾布·塔利卜曾保护先知免受不信道者的一切伤害，赫蒂彻的安慰与支持也给先知极大的帮助。他们的离世使不信道者变得更加大胆、更加严厉地反对伊斯兰，尤其是在先知夜行至耶路撒冷、从那里升天、然后在同一夜返回麦加之后。

The sūrah as a whole followed the revelation of Sūrah 10, Jonah, which succeeded Sūrah 17, The Night Journey. This gives us a clear idea of the timing of its revelation, in the middle of a very difficult period in the early history of Islam. It was preceded by the deaths of Abu Ţālib, the Prophet’s uncle who protected him against all harm from the unbelievers, and Khadījah, his wife whose comforting influence was of great help to the Prophet. Their deaths enabled the unbelievers to become bolder and harsher in their opposition, particularly after the Prophet’s night journey to Jerusalem, from where he ascended to heaven before returning to Makkah in the same night.

不信道者对这件事大肆嘲讽，以至于有些人甚至背弃了伊斯兰教。此外，先知思念赫蒂彻，他对她十分眷恋。ﷺ

The unbelievers ridiculed the event to such an extent that some people even renounced Islam. Furthermore, the Prophet missed Khadījah whom he loved dearly.

对他及其使命的敌意达到了最为激烈的程度。事实上,他为争取更多支持所作的努力收效甚微,几乎没有人来自麦加及其周边地区愿意皈依伊斯兰。这种情形一直持续到第一批安萨尔人接受伊斯兰,并在阿给白向先知ﷺ递交了他们的效忠誓约。

The hostility towards him and his message was at its fiercest. Indeed, his efforts to win more support yielded few results; almost no one from Makkah and its surrounding area being prepared to embrace Islam. This continued until the first group of the Anşār accepted Islam, delivering their pledges to the Prophet at `Aqabah.

伊本·伊斯哈格记载：

Ibn Isĥāq reports:

两位同年去世的人是哈迪understood... let me correct: 哈蒂贾·本特·胡韦利德和艾布·塔利卜在同一年去世。这对先知而言接连遭受了两次打击,因为哈蒂贾给予他真诚可靠的支持,倾听他的倾诉;而他的叔叔则是他的坚强后盾,给予他庇护并保障他的安全。这两件事都发生在他迁往麦地那的三年之前。

Both Khadījah hint Khuwaylid and Abū Ţālib died in the same year. This meant a succession of tragedies for the Prophet, because Khadījah provided him with honest and true support, and listened to his complaints, while his uncle was a mainstay of support, providing protection and ensuring his safety. Both events took place three years before his migration to Madinah.

在阿布·坦利卜去世之后,古莱什人能够给先知带来的麻烦,比他叔叔在世时所能造成的还要多。情况糟到这样的地步:有一个卑劣的人在街上拦住先知ﷺ,把尘土撒在他的头上。先知ﷺ回到家中,他的一个女儿一边哭泣,一边为他洗去头上的尘土。先知ﷺ对她说:"孩子,不要哭。真主必定会保护你的父亲。"他还不止一次说道:"在阿布·坦利卜去世之前,古莱什人对我造成的伤害并不大。"14

After Abū Ţālib’s death, the Quraysh were able to cause him more trouble than they could ever perpetrate during his uncle’s life.” Things were so bad for the Prophet that a wretched person stopped him on the street and threw dust over his head. The Prophet then went home and one of his daughters was crying as she washed the dirt off his head. The Prophet said to her: “Do not cry, child. God will certainly protect your father.” He remarked more than once: “The Quraysh could not cause me much harm before Abu Ţālib’s death.” 14

阿勒-马克里济说："先知在他们（指赫底彦和阿布·塔利卜）去世之后感到处境十分艰难，因此他把那一年称为悲痛之年。他常说：'在阿布·塔利卜去世之前，古莱什人不能对我造成太大的伤害。'事实上，阿布·塔利卜是他在自己部族中唯一的保护者。"

Al-Maqrīzī says: “The Prophet found things too hard after their deaths, and he called that year, the year of sorrow. He used to say: ‘The Quraysh could not do me much harm until Abū Ţālib had died.’ In fact, Abū Ţālib was his only protector in his own clan.

在这一时期,《尤努斯》章和《胡德》章相继降示,在第17章《夜行》和第25章《准则》之后。这些章节清楚地反映了古莱氏敌对的时间与程度。在本章中,也有先知ﷺ及其追随者所得到的安慰与保证。

It is during this period that the two sūrahs, Jonah and Hūd, were revealed, following Sūrah 17, The Night Journey, and Sūrah 25, The Criterion. All these sūrahs give a clear impression of the time and the extent of the Quraysh’s hostility. In this present sūrah we also have the reassurances given to the Prophet and his followers.

这些经文在敌意环绕的环境中，安慰他在孤独之中。

These comfort him in his loneliness in the midst of a hostile environment.

这一时期的氛围与整体环境在该章中以多种方式得到体现。其中之一是对神圣信仰在人类历史中发展进程的概括性回顾，从努哈（Noah）开始，直至最后的使者穆罕默德ﷺ。它清楚地表明，所有的启示都基于相同的根本原则：唯独顺服真主，崇拜祂而不以任何同等者配祂，并且在顺服与崇拜两方面，只遵循真主的使者所传达的指引。与此同时，还包含这样一种信念：今世只是一场考验，报酬只在后世给予。真主赋予人类在真理与谬误之间自由选择的权利，正是这场考验的根基。

The nature and general atmosphere of the period is reflected in the sūrah in different ways. One of these is a general review of the progress of divine faith in human history, starting with Noah and leading up to the last Messenger, the Prophet Muĥammad. It makes clear that all messages were based on the same fundamental principles: submission to God alone, worshipping Him without the association of any partners, and following only the guidance provided by God’s messengers in both submission and worship. These are coupled with the belief that this present life is only a test, with the reward given only in the life to come. Freedom of choice between truth and falsehood, which God has given to man, is the basis of this test.

先知被派遣为使者，并被赐予“一部经典，其经文精妙完善，并加以详细阐明，由全知全睿的主所降示给你。”（第1节）这部经典的基本内容是：

The Prophet was sent as a messenger and given “a book, with verses which have been perfected and distinctly spelled out, bestowed on you by One who is Wise, All-aware.” (Verse 1) The basic contents of this book are:

不要崇拜除真主以外的任何对象。我奉祂之命，向你们报喜和警告。你们应当向你们的主求饶，然后悔罪归依祂，祂就会在一定的期限内，让你们享受美好的生活，并将赏赐每一个有善行的人应得的报酬。但如果你们背弃，我为你们担心一个重大日子的刑罚。你们都将回归真主，祂对万物都有全能。（第2-4节）

Worship none but God. I come to you from Him as a warner and a bearer of glad tidings. Seek forgiveness of your Lord, and then turn towards Him in repentance, and He will grant you a goodly enjoyment of life for an appointed term. He will grant everyone with merit a full reward for his merit. But if you turn away, I dread for you the suffering of a great day. To God you shall all return, and He has power over all things. (Verses 2-4)

这绝非前所未有的信息。它与努哈（Noah）、胡德（Hūd）、萨利赫（Şāliĥ）、舒阿卢（Shu`ayb）、穆萨（Moses）以及许多其他先知所倡导的信息完全相同。

This was by no means an unprecedented message. It was the same as advocated by Noah, Hūd, Şāliĥ, Shu`ayb, Moses and many others.

我们确已派遣努哈到他的族人中，他说："我确是你们明白的警告者。你们应当崇拜真主，你们除他以外没有可崇拜的，我实在恐惧你们将遭受痛苦的日子的刑罚。"（第25-26节）

We sent forth Noah to his people: I have come to you with a plain warning. Worship none but God. I certainly fear that suffering should befall you on a grievous day.’ (Verses 25-26)

致阿德人，我派遣了他们的兄弟胡德。他说：我的族人啊！你们只崇拜真主，除他之外，你们没有别的神灵。你们确实是捏造谎言的人。我的族人啊，我不因传达此言而向你们索取报酬，我的报酬只在那创造我的主那里。难道你们不用理智吗？我的族人啊！你们应当向你们的主求饶，然后悔罪归依他，他会为你们降下丰沛的雨水，并增添你们的力量。你们不要像罪人那样背离而去。

To `Ād, We sent their brother Hūd. He said: My people! Worship God alone; you have no deity other than Him. You are indeed inventors of falsehood. No reward do I ask of you, my people, for this [message]. My reward rests with Him who brought me into being. Will you not, then, use your reason? My people! Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, and then turn to Him in repentance. He will cause the sky to rain abundance on you, and will add strength to your strength. Do not turn away as guilty criminals.’ (Verses 50-52)

再次说明，这一章反映了那一时期的特点：它描述了真主的使者们如何面对敌意、嘲讽、威胁以及身体上的伤害。他们都坚持了下来，坚信自己所传的是真理，并且确信真主的援助必定降临。今世的结果，乃至后世的结局，都印证了他们的信念：信士得以获救，而不信者则遭到毁灭。

Again the sūrah reflects the nature of the period as it describes God’s messengers’ attitudes to the hostility, ridicule, threats and physical harm they met. They all persevered, confident that what they preached was the truth, and that God’s support would inevitably be granted. The result in this life, and indeed in the life to come, confirmed their belief when the believers were saved while the unbelievers were destroyed.

在关于努哈（Noah）的叙述中，这一章描绘了这样一个场景：

In its account of Noah, the sūrah portrays this scene:

他的族人中不信道的首领们说:"我们看你不过是跟我们一样的凡人。我们看到跟随你的,只是我们中间最卑贱、思虑浅薄的人。我们认为你们并不比我们优越,实际上我们认为你们是骗子。" 努哈说:"我的族人啊!试想,如果我依据我主所赐的明证而立足,而他又以恩典赐我,而你们对此视而不见,难道我们能强迫你们接受,而你们却厌恶它吗?我的族人啊,我不为此向你们索取财物,我的报酬只在真主那里。我也不会赶走信道的人,他们必将会见他们的主,但我看你们是一群无知的人。我的族人啊,如果我赶走他们,谁来保护我免受真主的惩罚呢?你们难道不思考吗?我不对你们说,真主的宝库在我这里,也不说我知道幽玄,也不说我是天使,也不说你们所轻视的人,真主绝不会赐他们任何福利。真主最知道他们内心的情况。若是那样,我必定是不义的人。" 他们说:"努哈啊,你与我们争辩,而且争辩得太多了。如果你是诚实的人,那就把你用来威胁我们的降罚带给我们吧!" 他说:"只有真主愿意时才会降临到你们身上,你们是无法逃脱的。"

The notables of his people who disbelieved said: ‘We see you but a mortal man like ourselves. Nor can we see anyone following you except the most abject among us; those who are rash and undiscerning. We do not consider that you are in any way superior to us: indeed we think you are liars.’ Noah said: ‘Think, my people! If take my stand on a clear evidence from my Lord, and He has favoured me with grace from Himself to which you have remained blind, can we force it upon you when you are averse to it? And, my people, I ask of you no money in return; my reward rests with none but God. Nor will I drive away those who believe; they will surely meet their Lord, whereas in you I see people with no awareness [of right and wrong]. And, my people, who would protect me from God were I to drive them away? Will you not reflect? I do not say to you that God’s treasures are with me, or that I know what lies beyond the reach of human perception. Nor do I say: I am an angel. Nor do I say of those whom you eye with contempt that God will never grant them any good. God knows best what is in their hearts — for then I would indeed be a wrongdoer.’ Noah,’ they replied, you have argued with us, and argued to excess. Bring upon us that with which you have been threatening us, if you are a man of truth.’ He said: ‘Only God can bring it upon you, if He so wills. You cannot be immune.’ (Verses 27-33)

随后，这一章又描绘了洪水的景象：反对努哈的人都被淹没，而与他一同信道的人则全部得救。

Then a little later, the sūrah paints a picture of the floods and how those who opposed Noah were drowned while those who believed with him were all saved.

这些历史记载向先知表明，反对他所传信息的情况，与早先使者所遭遇的反对如出一辙。然而，他们都得到了真主的支持，并蒙受祂的眷顾。他被指示与那些拒绝他信息的人划清界限，正如早先的使者与自己的民众划清界限，坚守赐予他们的真理。

These historical accounts demonstrate to the Prophet that opposition to his message is echoed by the opposition earlier messengers received. But they all received God’s support and enjoyed His care. He is directed to separate himself from those who reject his message, in the same way as earlier messengers disassociated themselves from their own people, pursuing the truth that was given to them.

此外，这些历史记载本身就证明了先知宣称接受了神的启示与讯息。

Moreover, the histories given are, in themselves, proof of the Prophet’s claim to receive God’s message and revelations.

在《古兰经》关于努哈（Noah）历史的叙述结束之处，该章经文给出了这样的评述：

At the end of its account of Noah’s history, the sūrah provides this comment:

这些关于往昔之事的记述，我们现在启示给你。在此之前，你和你的民众都不知道这些。所以你要忍耐，因为善good的结局属于敬畏主的人。（第49节） Note: I should correct a slip above: "善good的" should be "善良的" in Chinese. Corrected translation: 这些关于往昔之事的记述，我们现在启示给你。在此之前，你和你的民众都不知道这些。所以你要忍耐，因为善果属于敬畏主的人。（第49节）

These accounts of things that have passed We now reveal to you. Neither you nor your people knew them before this. Be, then, patient in adversity; for the future belongs to those who are God-fearing. (Verse 49)

随着这一章（苏拉）接近尾声，接下来有相当长的一段评论。

As the sūrah draws to a close, fairly lengthy comments ensue:

这些是我们向你叙述的古代民族的部分故事。其中有些尚存，有些则已灭绝，如同被割倒的庄稼。我并没有亏待他们，是他们自己亏待了自己。当你的主的判决降临时，他们竟舍真主而祈求的那些神明，丝毫帮不了他们，反而只增加了他们的毁灭。当主惩罚那些执迷作恶的民族时，就是这样；他的惩罚确实严厉、痛苦。（第100-102节）

These are some of the accounts of past communities which We relate to you. Some still remain while others are extinct, like a field mown-down. No wrong did We do to them, but it was they who wronged themselves. Those deities of theirs which they were keen to invoke instead of God availed them nothing when your Lord’s judgement came to pass; they only added to their ruin. Such is your Lord’s punishment whenever He takes to task any community which is bent on evil-doing; His punishment is indeed grievous, severe. (Verses 100-102)

我确已将经典赐予穆萨，但其中也起了纷争。若非你的主早已有所前定，他们之间早就做出了裁决。他们对此仍深怀疑虑。你的主必定会向他们每一个人足额报偿其所作所为，他确实知悉他们所做的一切。 所以，你当遵照所受的命令端正地坚持下去，与那些同你一起归向主的人一道；你们谁都不可越轨。他确实洞察你们所做的一切。 不要倾向那些不义的人，以免火狱触及你们，那时除了真主，你们将没有任何保护者，也得不到任何援助。 你应当在白昼的两端，以及夜晚的部分时刻谨守拜功。善行确实能消除恶行。这是对有悟性者的提醒。 你应当忍耐，因为真主必不会使行善者的报酬落空。

Indeed, We gave the Scriptures to Moses, and there was strife over them. Had it not been for a decree that had already gone forth from your Lord, judgement would have been passed on them. Yet, they are in grave doubt concerning that. To each and all your Lord will surely give their full due for whatever they may have done. He is indeed aware of all that they do. Follow, then, the right course as you are bidden, together with those who, with you, have turned to Him; and let none of you transgress. Surely, He sees all that you do. Put no trust in those who do wrong, lest the fire touch you. You would, then, have none to protect you from God, nor would you find any help. Attend to your prayers at both ends of the day and in the early watches of the night. Surely, good deeds erase evil ones. This is a reminder for those who are thoughtful. And be patient in adversity; God does not fail to reward those who do good. (Verses 110-115)

在前一章《尤努斯》的序言中，我们写道：

In the Prologue to the preceding sūrah, Jonah, we wrote:

本书所讨论的最后一批麦加启示是第6章《牲畜》和第7章《高处》。虽然这两章在古兰经的编排中相邻，但在启示的时间顺序上，它们并不处于同一位置。在古兰经中，它们之后是第8章

The last Makkan revelations discussed in this work were Sūrahs 6 and 7, Cattle and The Heights. Although these two sūrahs are placed together in their Qur’ānic order, they did not have the same sequence in the chronological order of revelation. They are followed in the Qur’ān by Sūrahs 8

和9篇《战利品》与第10篇《忏悔》，它们体现了麦地那时期所降示的古兰经后期部分的特殊特征与主题。现在，我们有两部麦加时期的经章，即《优努斯》与《呼德》，它们在时间顺序与古兰经的编排中都处于相同的次序。我们注意到，这两部较早的麦加经章与本卷中的这两部经章，在主题与表达方式上都有显著的相似之处。第6篇《牲畜》着重阐述信仰的本质，以信仰正面对抗不信者，并驳斥一切错误的信念与习俗。另一方面，第7篇《高处》则谈论信仰在人类生活中的实际践行，以及它在历史不同时期与蒙昧（jāhiliyyah）的对抗。本卷中的两部经章《优努斯》与《呼德》也是如此。然而，第6篇有别于第10篇，其特点在于它极具力量的节奏、急促的韵律，以及场景与动态的精巧。

and 9, The Spoils of War and The Repentance, which feature the special characteristics and themes of the later part of the Qur’ān revealed in Madinah. Now, however, we have two Makkan sūrahs, Jonah and Hūd, which have the same sequence in both chronological order and Qur’ānic arrangement. We note a remarkable similarity between the two earlier Makkan sūrahs and the two present ones, both in subject matter and presentation. Sūrah 6, Cattle, concentrates on the essence of faith, confronting the unbelievers with it and refuting all erring beliefs and practices. Sūrah 7, The Heights, on the other hand, speaks about the practical implementation of faith in human life and its confrontation with jāhiliyyah during different periods of history. The same is true of the two sūrahs in this volume, Jonah and Hūd. However, Sūrah 6 is distinguished from Sūrah 10 by its very powerful rhythm, quick pulse and sophistication of scene and movement.

第10章则有着较为舒缓的节奏，场景与动作的推进也更为平顺流畅。第7章（《高处》）与第11章（《呼德》）在主题、表达方式和节奏上有很大的相似之处。尽管如此，《古兰经》中的每一章都有其自身的特点、独特之处和鲜明的属性。

Sūrah 10, on the other hand, has a more relaxed rhythm and easy flow of scene and movement. Sūrahs 7 and 11, The Heights and Hūd display great similarity in theme, presentation and rhythm. Nevertheless, every sūrah in the Qur’ān has its own character, special features and distinctive properties.

我们需要稍作展开说明。《尤努斯章》包含简短的历史叙述：先是对努哈（Nuh）的简略记载，接着泛指此后的众使者，然后相当详细地叙述穆萨（Musa），最后简要提及尤努斯（Yunus）。但这些历史叙述只是作为例证而给出，用以印证该章所着重阐明的基本信仰。

We need to elaborate a little here. Sūrah Jonah includes brief historical references, with a very short account of Noah, and a general reference to subsequent messengers, before giving a reasonably detailed account of Moses, and concluding with a brief reference to Jonah. But these historical accounts are given only as examples, confirming the basic beliefs the sūrah concentrates upon.

该章提供了强有力的激励，也发出了严厉的警告。对于积极回应、只服从真主的人，有今世与后世最美好之事的许诺。它应许了人类许多美好和有益之事。它也警告说，今世与后世的一切善事都可能失去，并威胁说，对于背弃天启信息的人，将有即刻或延后的惩罚。它还解释说，拒绝该信息之人的暴虐领袖，会将其追随者引向火狱作为回报。（参见第15-24、52、57、96-99节等。）

The sūrah provides strong incentives and gives stern warnings. There is the incentive of enjoying the best in this life and in the life to come for those who respond positively to the call to submit to God alone. It promises much of what is good and beneficial for humanity. It also warns against forfeiting all that is good in this life or in the hereafter, and threatens immediate or deferred punishment for those who turn their backs on the divine message. It explains that the tyrannical leaders of those who reject the message reward their followers by leading them to hell. (See verses 15-24, 52, 57, 96-99, etc.)

长篇的历史叙述证实了，在整个神圣信仰的进程中，奖励与警告都得以应验。它突出了不信者的毁灭与信士的获救。诺亚民被毁灭的洪水场景尤为震撼，正是在这里，本章的强有力的节奏达到了顶点。（参见第36-44节）

The long historical accounts confirm that both the incentives and warnings are fulfilled throughout the course of divine faith. It highlights the destruction of the unbelievers and the salvation of the believers. The flood scene that destroyed Noah’s people is particularly effective, and it is here that the sūrah’s powerful rhythm reaches its zenith. (See verses 36-44)

本章也描绘了人的灵魂面对带来恩典或降临磨难的事件时的反应。那些拒绝信仰、并以肆无忌惮的悖逆加速自身刑罚的人，被展示其必然的审判，他们失去安逸与享受时的悲痛，以及磨难解除、恩典再度降临时的傲慢。

The sūrah also portrays how the human soul responds to events that bring blessings or hardship. Those who reject the faith and who hasten their own punishment in reckless defiance are shown their inevitable judgement, their grief when they are deprived of their comforts and luxuries, and their arrogance when their hardship is lifted and blessings again come their way:

如果我们将他们的惩罚推迟到一个确定的期限，他们必定会说："是什么阻止了它？"当惩罚降临到他们身上的那一天，没有任何东西能使它离开他们，他们将被他们过去所嘲笑的事物所包围。事情就是这样：如果我们让人尝到我们的恩惠，然后又将它从他身上夺走，他就会变得极其绝望，彻底忘恩负义。如果在他遭受困苦之后，我们让他享受安逸和富足，他必定会说："一切苦难都已离我而去。"于是他变得欣喜若狂，自高自大。但那些在逆境中坚忍、并行善积德的人并非如此。他们将获得宽恕和丰厚的报酬。（第8-11节）

If We defer their suffering for a definite term, they are sure to say: ‘What is holding it back?’ On the day when it befalls them there will be nothing to avert it from them; and they shall be overwhelmed by that which they used to deride. And thus it is: if We let man taste some of Our grace, and then take it away from him, he becomes utterly in despair, totally ungrateful. And if We let him taste ease and plenty after hardship has visited him, he is sure to say: ‘Gone is all affliction from me,’ and he grows jubilant and boastful. Not so are the ones who are patient in adversity and do righteous deeds. They shall have forgiveness and a great reward. (Verses 8-11)