Garments of Skin

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يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًۭا يُوَٰرِى سَوْءَٰتِكُمْ وَرِيشًۭا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ٢٦

O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you raiment to conceal your shame, and splendid vesture, but the raiment of restraint from evil, that is best. This is of the revelations of Allah, that they may remember.

— M. Pickthall

O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts) and as an adornment; and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth[1]).

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[1](V.26) It is said that the pagan Arabs in the Pre-Islâmic Period of Ignorance used to do Tawâf (going round) of the Ka‘bah in a naked state. So when Islâm became victorious and Makkah was conquered, the pagans and the polytheists were forbidden to enter Makkah, and none was allowed to do Tawâf of the Ka‘bah in a naked state.

يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ لَا يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ كَمَآ أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتِهِمَآ ۗ إِنَّهُۥ يَرَىٰكُمْ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُۥ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا تَرَوْنَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ ٢٧

O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden and tore off from them their robe (of innocence) that he might manifest their shame to them. Lo! he seeth you, he and his tribe, from whence ye see him not. Lo! We have made the devils protecting friends for those who believe not.

— M. Pickthall

O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitân (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwâ’ (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayâtin (devils) Auliyâ’ (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran 7:26-27] 

The Quran, Surah al-A'raf recounts the arrogance and deception of Satan with which he persuaded Adam and his wife to fall into sin. Then it informs us that clothing was bestowed upon the children of Adam, and the purpose of it. Then it warns the children of Adam to not to let Satan deceive us as he deceived our parents, 'ripping off' their clothing... 

Surah Ta Ha (Q20:118) informs us that Adam and his spouse were not naked originally. There was plenty in the Garden for them to never go naked or hungry. The Bible informs us that when their eyes opened (Genesis 3 7), they realised that they were naked. The Bible (Genesis 3 21) informs us that after their fall, Adam and his wife were provided with skin to cover their body. 

Surah al-Baqarah (Q2:36) informs us that Satan made Adam and his wife 'slip out' of what they were in. In an earlier post, I've explored the example of snails and slugs to understand what 'slipping out' means. Snails have a shell that they live in, attached to their bodies through muscles. Slugs are devolved snails, without shells, and covered with skin. 

Surah al-A'raf (Q7:23) informs us that they cried to their Rabb (Lord-Sustainer) that they had put their nafs in darkness, and prayed to be covered and for mercy (وَاِنۡ لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَـنَا وَتَرۡحَمۡنَا). 

So, what happened? Did they lose consciousness when they ate the forbidden fruit? During their unconsciousness, Satan ripped off their clothing? Was this clothing removable to begin with, like we have now, or was it growing upon the body, like a shell? When they regained consciousness, their natural clothing (لِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ) had been ripped off and they were in a terrible state, their hidden parts exposed? They started dressing their wounds, with the leaves of the tree? Then Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ covered them with skin, in response to their prayer for cover and mercy? They are granted skins to cover them? The skin that encloses our body is a sign of our devolution as a specie? From a highly advanced specie, we have devolved into very weak and vulnerable creatures? From 'اَحۡسَنِ تَقۡوِيۡمٍ‏' , we have become 'اَسۡفَلَ سَافِلِيۡنَۙ‏' (Q95:4-5)?  

The Quran uses the word julood (جُلُودُ) to describe the skin on the body. The triliteral root jīm lām dāl (ج ل د) occurs 13 times in the Quran. ...  Of these, nine times as the noun julūd (جُلُود): 

Screenshot from: corpus.quran.com

Regarding the Hereafter, the people who disbelieve / reject, it is stated: 

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارًۭا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَـٰهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًۭا ٥٦

Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allāh is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.

— Saheeh International

Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.

— M. Pickthall

[Al-Quran 4:56]

Regarding the skins of cattle, we read: 

وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۢ بُيُوتِكُمْ سَكَنًۭا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ بُيُوتًۭا تَسْتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوْمَ ظَعْنِكُمْ وَيَوْمَ إِقَامَتِكُمْ ۙ وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَآ أَثَـٰثًۭا وَمَتَـٰعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ ٨٠

And Allāh has made for you from your homes a place of rest and made for you from the hides of the animals tents which you find light on your day of travel and your day of encampment; and from their wool, fur and hair is furnishing and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.

— Saheeh International

And Allah hath given you in your houses an abode, and hath given you (also), of the hides of cattle, houses which ye find light (to carry) on the day of migration and on the day of pitching camp; and of their wool and their fur and their hair, caparison and comfort for a while.

— M. Pickthall

[Al-Quran 16:80]

Regarding the disbelievers, again it is stated in Surah al-Hajj: 

۞ هَـٰذَانِ خَصْمَانِ ٱخْتَصَمُوا۟ فِى رَبِّهِمْ ۖ فَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ قُطِّعَتْ لَهُمْ ثِيَابٌۭ مِّن نَّارٍۢ يُصَبُّ مِن فَوْقِ رُءُوسِهِمُ ٱلْحَمِيمُ ١٩

These[1] are two adversaries who have disputed over their Lord. But those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire. Poured upon their heads will be scalding water

[1]i.e., the believers and the disbelievers.

يُصْهَرُ بِهِۦ مَا فِى بُطُونِهِمْ وَٱلْجُلُودُ ٢٠

By which is melted that within their bellies and [their] skins.

وَلَهُم مَّقَـٰمِعُ مِنْ حَدِيدٍۢ ٢١

And for [striking] them are maces of iron.

كُلَّمَآ أَرَادُوٓا۟ أَن يَخْرُجُوا۟ مِنْهَا مِنْ غَمٍّ أُعِيدُوا۟ فِيهَا وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ ٢٢

Every time they want to get out of it [i.e., Hellfire] from anguish, they will be returned to it, and [it will be said], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!"

[Al-Quran 22:19-22, Translation:Saheeh International]

Regarding The Quran, in Surah az-Zumar, it is stated:

ٱللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَـٰبًۭا مُّتَشَـٰبِهًۭا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ ٢٣

˹It is˺ Allah ˹Who˺ has sent down the best message—a Book of perfect consistency and repeated lessons—which causes the skin ˹and hearts˺ of those who fear their Lord to tremble, then their skin and hearts soften at the mention of ˹the mercy of˺ Allah. That is the guidance of Allah, through which He guides whoever He wills. But whoever Allah leaves to stray will be left with no guide.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Allâh has sent down the Best Statement, a Book (this Qur’ân), its parts resembling each other (in goodness and truth) (and) oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allâh. That is the guidance of Allâh. He Guides therewith whom He wills; and whomever Allâh sends astray, for him there is no guide.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

أَفَمَن يَتَّقِى بِوَجْهِهِۦ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۚ وَقِيلَ لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ذُوقُوا۟ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْسِبُونَ ٢٤

Are those who will only have their ˹bare˺ faces to shield themselves from the awful torment on Judgment Day ˹better than those in Paradise˺? It will ˹then˺ be said to the wrongdoers: “Reap what you sowed!”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Is he then, who will confront with his face the awful torment on the Day of Resurrection (as he who enters peacefully in Paradise)? And it will be said to the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers): "Taste what you used to earn!"

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran 39:23-24]

Regarding the Day of Judgement, it is foretold: 

وَيَوْمَ يُحْشَرُ أَعْدَآءُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ ١٩

˹Consider˺ the Day ˹when˺ the enemies of Allah will be gathered for the Fire, all driven in ranks.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

And (remember) the Day that the enemies of Allâh will be gathered to the Fire, then they will be driven [(to the Fire), former ones being withheld till their later ones will join them].

— Al-Hilali & Khan

حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا مَا جَآءُوهَا شَهِدَ عَلَيْهِمْ سَمْعُهُمْ وَأَبْصَـٰرُهُمْ وَجُلُودُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ٢٠

When they reach it, their ears, eyes, and skin will testify against what they used to do.[1]

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] It is reported in Ibn Kathîr’s commentary that, on the Day of Judgment, the wicked will deny the evil deeds in their records—as a desperate attempt to escape the horrible punishment in Hell. They will be asked if they accept Allah, the angels, or even their own families and neighbours as witnesses, but they will refuse. So Allah will make their organs testify against them.

Till, when they reach it (Hell-fire), their hearing (ears) and their eyes, and their skins will testify against them as to what they used to do.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

وَقَالُوا۟ لِجُلُودِهِمْ لِمَ شَهِدتُّمْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنطَقَنَا ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنطَقَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍۢ وَهُوَ خَلَقَكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍۢ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ٢١

They will ask their skin ˹furiously˺, “Why have you testified against us?” It will say, “We have been made to speak by Allah, Who causes all things to speak. He ˹is the One Who˺ created you the first time, and to Him you were bound to return.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

And they will say to their skins, "Why do you testify against us?" They will say: "Allâh has caused us to speak as He causes all things to speak: and He created you the first time, and to Him you are made to return."

— Al-Hilali & Khan

وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَسْتَتِرُونَ أَن يَشْهَدَ عَلَيْكُمْ سَمْعُكُمْ وَلَآ أَبْصَـٰرُكُمْ وَلَا جُلُودُكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن ظَنَنتُمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَعْلَمُ كَثِيرًۭا مِّمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ ٢٢

You did not ˹bother to˺ hide yourselves from your ears, eyes, and skin to prevent them from testifying against you. Rather, you assumed that Allah did not know much of what you used to do.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

And you have not been hiding yourselves (in the world), lest your ears, and your eyes, and your skins should testify against you; but you thought that Allâh knew not much of what you were doing.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

وَذَٰلِكُمْ ظَنُّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى ظَنَنتُم بِرَبِّكُمْ أَرْدَىٰكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُم مِّنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ ٢٣

It was that ˹false˺ assumption you entertained about your Lord that has brought about your doom, so you have become losers.”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

And that thought of yours which you thought about your Lord, has brought you to destruction; and you have become (this Day) of those utterly lost!

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran 41:19-23]

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DRAFT

From 'اَحۡسَنِ تَقۡوِيۡمٍ‏' , to 'اَسۡفَلَ سَافِلِيۡنَۙ‏' (Q95:4-5)?  

The triliteral root ḥā sīn nūn (ح س ن) occurs 194 times in the Quran, in 12 derived forms. 

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The triliteral root sīn fā lām (س ف ل) occurs 10 times in the Quran, in three derived forms:

six times as the nominal asfal (أَسْفَل)

once as the noun suf'lā (سُّفْلَىٰ)

three times as the active participle sāfil (سَافِل) 

Screenshot from corpus.quran.com

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Surah al-A'raf, ... the narratives

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Q7:1-3

Surah al-A'raf begins with the general mention about prospering communities disbelieving, and eventually meeting their fate. When the punishment comes to them, they admit that they themselves were the zalimeen. 

Then it goes on to narrate some specific events: 

Adam & Iblis (Q7:11-27) 

The first narration begins with the creation of humans, giving them shape and form, and then the command to the angels to prostrate to Adam. They all prostrated except Iblis. He refused to obey the command of Allah. His arrogance is based on the material he has been created with. He believes the 'naar' he has been created with is better than 'teen' that Adam has been created with. For his arrogance, he gets expelled, degraded. He prays for reprieve until the Day of Resurrection. His prayer is granted. He blames Allah for the legal error he made, and states that he will surely sit on Allah's Straight Path in wait for humans, to hinder them from before, behind, right and left, and that most them won't be grateful. He is commanded to depart, reproached and expelled, and that whoever follows him, hell will be filled with them all. 

Adam and his wife were told to dwell (uskun) in the Garden, eat from whatever you will, but forbidden from even going near this tree, lest you become of those in the darkness (zalimeen). 

Shaitan whispered to them, to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said that their Lord had not forbidden this tree except that they become angels or become immortals. 

وَقَاسَمَهُمَاۤ اِنِّىۡ لَـكُمَا لَمِنَ النّٰصِحِيۡنَۙ‏ ٢١

He promised solemnly to them both, that he was to them both, from their sincere advisors. 

— Samiya Illias 

So, he misled them both through deception. So, when they both tasted from the tree, their hidden parts became manifest, and they began to cover / attach upon themselves the leaves of the Garden. And their Lord called out to them, 'didn't I forbid you from this tree? and tell you that Shaitan is your clear enemy?'   

قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ ٢٣

They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."

— Saheeh International

They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers."

— Al-Hilali & Khan

They said: 'Our Rabb (Lord-Sustainer), we have put our nafs in darkness (zlm), and if You do not cover us and if You do not have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers'.

— Samiya Illias

They were commanded to descend from there (The Garden) as enemies to each other, and that upon the Earth will be your place of dwelling and your means of livelihood for a time. There you will live, there you will die, and from there you will be resurrected. 

The next two ayaat inform Bani Adam that libas (clothing) has been bestowed upon them to hide their shame, and as an adornment. The libas-e-taqwa (their original natural clothing, which they lost by not keeping their duty to Allah) was better. That this is from the Signs of Allah, perhaps you will remember. The Bani Adam are warned to not to let Shaitan (Satan) put you in trial as he put your parents in trial, getting them expelled from The Garden, stripping off their libas (clothing) from them, to expose their concealed parts. Indeed, he (Satan) and his tribe watches you from where you cannot see them. Indeed, We have made the shayateen (satans) the allies of those who do not believe. 

...  

DRAFT 

Q7:53

Common Theme

Certainly Noah, Hud, Saleh, Lot, Shoaib, and Moses were sent to their people. Each called upon them to keep their taqwa (duty to Allah). The ruling class / chieftains / leaders (الۡمَلَاُ) of the nation rejected the message. Most of the people followed their leaders and adhered to their false religion. Very few hearkened to the Messenger of Allah. Eventually, they were punished for their crimes. 

Messenger Noah  & His People (Q7:59-64)

Certainly, We sent Noah to his people. He said, O my people, worship Allah, you have no other deity except him. I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous day. But the leaders of his people said, we surely see that you are surely misguided. He said, O my people, there is no misguidance in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I advise you, and I know from Allah what you do not know. Do you wonder that there has come to you reminder from your Lord, upon a man from among you, that he may warn you, and that you may keep your taqwa (duty to Allah), so you might receive mercy? But they rejected him, so We saved him and those with him, in a ship, and We drowned those who denied Our signs, indeed, they were a people blind. 

Messenger Hud  & The Aad (Q7:65-72)

And to the Aad, We sent their brother Hud. He said, O my people, worship Allah, you have no other god but Him. Then, will you not keep your taqwa (duty towards Allah)? Said the leaders who disbelieved from his people, Indeed we see you in foolishness, and indeed we think you are of the liars. He said, O my people, there is no foolishness in me, but I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am to you a trustworthy advisor. Do you wonder that there has come to you reminder from your Lord, upon a man from among you, that he may warn you, and remember He made you successors (khulafaa) after the people of Noah, and increased you in stature extensively. So, remember the favours of Allah, that you may succeed. They said, have you come to us so that we worship Allah alone, and leave what our fathers worshipped? Then bring to us what you promise, if you are truthful. He said, already has fallen upon you, from your Lord, impurity and anger. Do you dispute with me regarding the names you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority? Then wait, indeed, I am with you among those who wait. So, We saved him and those with him, through Our mercy, and cut the root of those who denied Our signs, and they were not believers. 

Messenger Saleh  & The Thamud (Q7:73-79)

And to the Thamud, their brother Saleh. He said, O my people, worship Allah, you have no other god but Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord: this is Allah's she-camel (naqatu-Allah), as a sign for you. So let her freely eat from Allah's land, and do not touch her with harm, lest seizes you a painful  punishment. And remember when He made you successors (khulafaa) after the Aad, and gave you  station in the Earth. And you choose palaces in the plains, and hew homes for yourselves in the mountains. So, remember the favours of Allah, and do not commit evil in the Earth, as corrupters. Said the leaders who were arrogant among their people to those who were weak who had believed among them, 'do you actually know that Saleh has been sent from your Lord?' they replied, 'indeed we, in that which he has been sent with, are believers'. Said those who were arrogant, 'indeed we, in that which you believe, are disbelievers'. So, they made barren (aqaru) the she-camel (naqata), defying the command of their Lord, and said, O Saleh, bring us what you promise us, if you are indeed from those sent. So, seized them the earthquake, so they became in their homes, fallen prone. So he turned away from them saying, O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the message of my Lord, and advised you, but you do not love the advisors. 

Messenger Lot  & his people (Q7:80-84)

And Lot, when said he to his people, 'do you commit such immorality (al-fahisha) that has preceded you with it no one in the worlds (al-aalameen)? you lust after men instead of women, you are indeed abusers (musrifoon).' And not responded his people except they said, 'expel them from your land, they are a people who remain pure'. So, we saved him and his family, except his woman, she was of those who got covered in or became dust (al-ghabireen), and We rained upon them a rain (or stones). So see what was the end of the criminals.    

Messenger Shoaib  & his people (Q7:85-93)

And to the Madyan, We sent their brother Shoaib. He said, O my people, worship Allah, you have no other god but Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. So give just measure (فَاَوۡفُوا الۡكَيۡلَ) and weight (وَالۡمِيۡزَانَ), and do not deprive people of their things (النَّاسَ اَشۡيَآءَهُمۡ), and do not spread corruption (تُفۡسِدُوۡا) in the Earth after it has been reformed (بَعۡدَ اِصۡلَاحِهَا​), that is better for you, if you should be believers. And do not sit on every path (صِرَاطٍ), threatening and hindering from Allah's Way (سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ), those who believe in Him, seeking to make it seem deviant. And remember when you were few, and He increased you. And see how was the end of the corrupters (عَاقِبَةُ الۡمُفۡسِدِيۡنَ‏). 

And if a group of you believes in what I am sent with, and a group does not believe, have patience till Allah judges between us, and He is the Best to decide (وَهُوَ خَيۡرُ الۡحٰكِمِيۡنَ‏). 

Said the leaders who were arrogant from his people, Certainly we will expel you, O Shoaib, and those with have believed, with you, from our town, or certainly you must return to our religious persuasion (مِلَّتِنَا​). He said, Even if we are unwilling? We would certainly be fabricating a lie Upon Allah if we return to your religious persuasion after Allah has saved us from it, and not it is for us to return to it unless if Wills Allah, He is our Lord, encompasses our Lord everything in His Knowledge, Upon Allah we put our trust, our Lord decide between us and our people with right (بِالۡحَـقِّ), and You are the Best to decide (خَيۡرُ الۡفٰتِحِيۡنَ‏).  

Said the leaders who disbelieved from his people, If you follow Shoaib, you will surely be losers. 

So, seized them the earthquake, so they became in their homes, fallen prone. Those who had falsified Shoaib were wiped out as if they had never flourished there, those who had falsified Shoaib, they were the losers. 

So he turned away from them, and said, O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the messages of my Lord, and advised you, so how can I grieve for a disbelieving people. 

Q7:101-102

...

Messenger Moses, the Pharaoh  & his chiefs (Q7:103-136)

Then, after them, We resurrected/ raised/ appointed/ sent (بَعَثۡنَا) Moses with Our Signs, towards Pharaoh and his religious rulers/ leaders (مَلَا۟ئِهٖ), but they dealt with Our Signs unjustly/ darkly (فَظَلَمُوۡا بِهَا​), so look how was the end/ penalty/ fate (عَاقِبَةُ) of the corrupters (الۡمُفۡسِدِيۡنَ‏). 

And Moses said, O Pharaoh, indeed I am a Messenger from the Lord-Sustainer of all the worlds. Obligated to say nothing about Allah except the truth, I have brought to you with clear evidence from your Lord-Sustainer, so send with me Bani Israel. 

He said, if you have brought a sign, then bring it forth, if you are of those who speak the truth. 

So, he threw his staff, and it became a serpent, evident. 

And he drew out his hand, so it was white for all to see. 

Said the chiefs of the people of Pharaoh, indeed this is a magician/ sorcerer, learned/ knowledgable. 

Who seeks to evict you from your land. So what do you instruct? 

They said, postpone/ delay him and his brother, and send in all the cities, gatherers 

To bring you every magician/ sorcerer, learned/ knowledgable. 

And came all the magicians/ sorcerers to Pharaoh, they said, indeed for us a reward if we overcome? 

He replied, Yes, and certainly you will be among those closest to me. 

They asked, O Moses, either you throw, or shall we be the first throwers? 

He said, throw. So when they threw, they enchanted the eyes of the people, and struck them with awe, and brought a magic (spell), mighty

Then We inspired Moses that throw your staff, so it it devoured that which they were faking.  

So was established reality, and vanished what they were doing. 

So they were overcome there, and returned degraded.  

And threw themselves down the magicians/ sorcerers, in prostration

They said, we believe in the Lord-Sustainer of the worlds

Lord-Sustainer of Moses and Aaron

Said Pharaoh, you believed in Him before I gave you permission! this is a plan which you have planned in the city, to evict those who live in it, so soon you will know.

Certainly I will cut-off your hands and feet, from opposite sides, then I will crucify you all. 

They said, Surely to our Lord-Sustainer we will return 

and not you take vengeance on us except that we have believed in the signs of our Lord-Sustainer when they came to us, Our Lord-Sustainer, pour upon us patience, and cause us to die Muslims.  

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...

Messenger Moses & the Bani Israel post-Exodus (Q7:137-171)

...

The Witnessing by the Bani Adam (Q7:172-174)

... 

The First Humans (Q7:189-190)

....

....

Humans & The Human Condition

 ...

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوۡا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِىۡ خَلَقَكُمۡ مِّنۡ نَّفۡسٍ وَّاحِدَةٍ وَّخَلَقَ مِنۡهَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيۡرًا وَّنِسَآءً​ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِىۡ تَسَآءَلُوۡنَ بِهٖ وَالۡاَرۡحَامَ​ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ رَقِيۡبًا‏ ١

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allāh, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allāh is ever, over you, an Observer.

— Saheeh International

O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom ye claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bore you). Lo! Allah hath been a watcher over you.

— M. Pickthall

[Al-Quran 4:1]

...

فَاَقِمۡ وَجۡهَكَ لِلدِّيۡنِ حَنِيۡفًا ​ؕ فِطۡرَتَ اللّٰهِ الَّتِىۡ فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيۡهَا ​ؕ لَا تَبۡدِيۡلَ لِخَـلۡقِ اللّٰهِ​ ؕ ذٰ لِكَ الدِّيۡنُ الۡقَيِّمُ ۙ  وَلٰـكِنَّ اَكۡثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُوۡنَ ۙ ‏ ٣٠

So stand facing the Deen-e-Hanif; the Fitrat of Allah upon which He has separated / natured humans; no change in the creation of Allah; that is the standing Deen (religion / law of recompense), but most humans do not know. 

[Al-Quran 30:30]

...

لَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا الۡاِنۡسَانَ فِىۡۤ اَحۡسَنِ تَقۡوِيۡمٍ‏ ٤ ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنٰهُ اَسۡفَلَ سَافِلِيۡنَۙ‏ ٥

4 Certainly, we created the human in the best of standing 

5 Then, we returned him to the lowest of the low

[Al-Quran 98:4-5]

... 

My learnings from Genesis 1 26-28: 

Humans were created to rule over the creatures of the Earth 

Humans were created by God, in His Likeness, He created them male and female  

Humans were created by God on the sixth day, the last of the six days of creation  

My learnings from The Quran: 

Allah created the first humans from a single Nafs (soul), and from them many humans were created through the natural process of human procreation, in the wombs of the female humans (Q4:1) 

All good and bad is from Allah, but all bad is actually due to our nafs (Q4:78-79) 

Allah created humans after His Own Fitrat (nature || separation from other creatures?) (Q30:30) 

Allah created Adam with His Own Two Hands (Q38:75) 

Humans were created in the best of standing (Q98:4) 

Humans were returned to the lowest of the low (Q98:5) 

Adam and his wife were tried with the forbidden tree in The Garden (Q2:35, Q7:20, Q20:120) 

Adam and his wife admitted that they had done Zulm (wrong / darkness) on their nafs (Q7:22-23) 

Adam and his wife lost their external cover and clothing (Q2:36, 7:22, 7:27, Q20:121) 

Bani Adam have inherited this loss (we are not naturally covered or clothed the way almost all other creatures are) 

Bani Adam have been provided clothing to cover their nakedness, and to adorn them (Q7:26) 

Fahishatan (nakedness / immorality) is not part of Allah's decrees. Allah never commands it (Q7:28) 

Qist (equitable justice) has been ordered by Allah. He has commanded sincerity to the Deen, and that we will be created as we were created originally (Q7:29) 

Bani Adam are commanded to adorn themselves with what beautifies them at every masjid (place / time of prostration), without indulging in israaf (excessiveness / wastefulness) (Q7:31-32) 

We, and our souls, are in pledge for what we earn (Q52:21, Q74:38) 

What is critical for us to understand from the above is that the human condition that we find ourselves in, prone to diseases and many other troubles and travails, internal and external, are due to our fallen nature. Allah does not hold the progeny of Adam responsible for the sin and consequent fall of Adam, but He does want us to take responsibility for our own actions, and thus willingly adhere to the Deen (Law of Recompense), so that when we are recreated by Allah in our original forms, we are allowed to enter the Gardens promised by Allah to all those who believe and do acts of reform. May we not be of those criminals who will be tried with the Tree of Zaqqum, which grows from the bottom of Hell. May we not be of those permanently removed from Allah's Mercy. 

Previous Learnings: 

Until The Camel Passes Through The Eye Of The Needle 

Rust Upon Their Hearts 

Lying Sinful Forelock 

Teleology: A purpose-built Universe? 

Divine Will and Human Free Will  

The First Humans 

Orientation: Right or Left 

Fuel of Hell: Humans and Stones 

World Hunger & Slavery 

World History & Future Implications 

Virgin Birth 

Adam's Attempt to Improve upon Allah's Creation 

Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays 

Days of Allah 

Long Life – Reversed in Creation 

Guarding the Womb 

Wronging the Nafs 

The Right Religion (Deen) 

Human: Body or Soul? 

Adam Facts 

The Hajj 

Lessons in Surah al-Kahf 

Disease  

Cure 

Death & The Pursuit of Immortality 

Humans: Extinct & Extant  

The Cursed Tree 

Tears of Joy 

The Same Religion (الدِّينِ) 

Prayer & Remembrance of God 

The Creation & Emergence of Species 

Jinn-Human Hybrids 

The Evil of the الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ 

To Forget the Meeting with Allah 

Acknowledging the Perfection of our Lord 

Natural Clothing 

The Case against the Bani Israel 

The Hikmat (الْحِكْمَةَ) 

Seeking the Face of Allah 

When Allah Comes 

Fate, Deeds, Omens & The Mercy of Allah 

Our Record in Our Neck 

The Devils among The Angels & The Khilafat of Adam 

Signs of Allah 

Gratitude Reminders 

Non-Living & Living 

The Torah & The Quran 

Polytheism: The Sin committed by The First Human Couple 

The Night: A Sign! 

... and Join Me with The Reformed 

Prayers - The Need for Allah's Help 

Their Descendants from Their Backs 

The Quran: Shifa & Guidance for The Believers 

Nafs 

The Hardware & The Software 

Shackles in The Neck 

Joseph's قَمِيصَ (Shirt / Jacket) 

No ilah but Allah لا إله إلا الله 

Q2 30-39 || Q12 

Q7 10-36 || Q12 

Q18 50-51 || Q12 

The Nafs of The Insaan 

Major Sins & True Repentance 

Abortions & Family Planning 

The Clothing that Covers 

Human Devolution  

Natural Biology of Procreation 

Pregnancies mentioned in The Quran 

Gullet / امْرِئٍ  

Nafs / نَفْسُ 

Ruh / رُوحُ 

Body / بَدَنِ / جَسَدًا / سَوْءَةَ 

Snails, Slugs & The Devolution of Adam 

Act(s) of Reform (عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ and عَمِلَ صَالِحًا) 

Soul Mates 

With His Hands 

The Example of The Mosquito 

The Death of The Soul 

Adam & Job 

...

Natural Clothing

Abstract 

We humans do not have a natural cover. Scriptures inform us that we have inherited this loss.  However, Allah has kindly provided us with clothes and other objects to help us cope with our present condition. 

Full Text 

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا

وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ 

ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

O Children (of) Adam! Verily We have sent down to you clothing, it covers your shame and (as) an adornment. 
But the clothing (of) التَّقْوَىٰ - that (is) best. 
That (is) from (the) Signs of Allah so that they may remember.

[Al-Quran 7:26] 

Almost all creatures are clothed in fur, feather, shell, or some other form of natural clothing. In the plant kingdom also, we find natural protection and beautification. We humans do not have a natural cover. Scriptures inform us that Adam and his wife lost it when they ate from the Forbidden Tree in The Garden. We have inherited this loss! However, Allah has kindly provided us with clothes and other objects to help us cope with our present condition.


Comfort & Protection 
Q7:26 informs us that the external clothes that we humans have been provided with are meant to perform two functions: cover our naked skin, and beautify us! The clothing (of) التَّقْوَىٰ was meant to be much more. To meet our other needs, we have been provided with external sources, such as  cattle and iron:

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا خَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّمَّا عَمِلَتْ أَيْدِينَا أَنْعَامًا فَهُمْ لَهَا مَالِكُونَ 

وَذَلَّلْنَاهَا لَهُمْ فَمِنْهَا رَكُوبُهُمْ وَمِنْهَا يَأْكُلُونَ

وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مَنَافِعُ وَمَشَارِبُ أَفَلَا يَشْكُرُونَ

Do not they see that We [We] created for them from what have made Our hands, cattle, then they [for them] (are the) owners?

And We have tamed them for them, so some of them - they ride them, and some of them they eat.

And for them therein (are) benefits and drinks, so (will) not they give thanks?

[Al-Quran 36:71-73]

Cattle are clothed in their natural clothing. We employ their natural clothing to serve a variety of functions, using it for shelter, comfort and protection:

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن بُيُوتِكُمْ سَكَنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ الْأَنْعَامِ بُيُوتًا تَسْتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوْمَ ظَعْنِكُمْ وَيَوْمَ إِقَامَتِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَا أَثَاثًا وَمَتَاعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَالًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ الْجِبَالِ أَكْنَانًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ الْحَرَّ وَسَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ يُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُسْلِمُونَ

And Allah (has) made for you [from] your homes a resting place, and made for you from the hides (of) the cattle tents, which you find light (on) the day (of) your travel and the day (of) your encampment; and from their wool and their fur and their hair (is) furnishing and a provision for a time.
And Allah (has) made for you from what He created, shades and (has) made for you from the mountains, shelters and (has) made for you garments to protect you (from) the heat and garments to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus He completes His Favor upon you so that you may submit.

[Al-Quran 16:80-81]

Iron is also a substance that has been sent to Earth:

لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ وَأَنزَلْنَا الْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

Certainly We sent Our Messengers with clear proofs and We sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance that may establish the people justice. And We sent down [the] iron, wherein (is) power mighty and benefits for the people, and so that Allah may make evident (he) who helps Him and His Messengers, unseen. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Strong All-Mighty.

[Al-Quran 57:25]

Iron was made pliable for the Prophet-King David. The coats of armour that he made from iron are specially mentioned:

وَعَلَّمْنَاهُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوسٍ لَّكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُم مِّن بَأْسِكُمْ فَهَلْ أَنتُمْ شَاكِرُونَ

And We taught him (the) making (of) coats of armor for you to protect you from your battle. Then will you (be) grateful?

[Al-Quran 21:80] 

May Allah grant us the piety to submit willingly with gratitude; and may Allah accept our repentance and restore for us the beautiful clothing promised to The People of The Gardens in The Hereafter.