1. Everything in the heavens and everything in the earth glorifies Allah, the King, the All-Pure – transcending all that is not appropriate to Him – the Almighty, the All-Wise in His kingdom and everything He does.

2. It is He who raised up among the unlettered people – meaning the Arabs who for the most part did not read or write – a Messenger – Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace – from them to recite His Signs (the Qur’an) to them, purify them of shirk, and teach them the Book (the Qur’an) and Wisdom (the rulings in it), even though before that they were clearly misguided.

3. And others of them – meaning others who will join them after them in precedence and excellence – who have not yet joined them. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. He is Mighty and Wise in His kingdom and work. This is a reference to the Tabi’un (the generation after the Companions). Singling them out for mention is enough to show clearly the excellence of the Companions among whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent. It puts them above all others to whom he has been sent and who have believed in him, among all of human beings and jinn until the Day of Rising; for each generation is better than the one after it.

4. That is Allah’s favour which He gives to whoever He wills – meaning Prophets or those mentioned together with them; Allah’s favour is indeed immense.

5. The likeness of those who were charged with the Torah – those who were obliged to act by it – but then have not upheld it – they have not acted by it, particularly regarding the description it contains of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, by not believing in him – is that of a donkey loaded with weighty tomes – because they are simply a burden to it and do not benefit it in anyway. How evil is the likeness of those who deny Allah’s Signs which confirm the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace! They are singled out for criticism. Allah does not guide wrongdoing people (unbelievers).

6. Say: ‘You Jews, if you claim to be the friends of Allah to the exclusion of all other people then wish for death, if you are telling the truth.’

7. But they will never ever wish for it – because of what they have done – meaning their rejection of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Allah knows the wrongdoers (the unbelievers).

8. Say: ‘Death, from which you are fleeing, will certainly catch up with you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible and He will inform you about what you did – and repay you for it.’

9. You who believe, when you are called to the prayer on the Day of Jumu‘a, hasten to the remembrance of Allah – meaning the prayer – and abandon trade: stop all business transactions. That is better for you if you only knew – so do it.

10. Then when the prayer is finished, spread through the earth – this command is in fact a dispensation – and seek Allah’s bounty (provision) and remember Allah much so that perhaps you may be successful. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was giving a khutba one Friday when a caravan arrived and drums were beaten to announce it, as was the custom. The people left the mosque and went out to the caravan, except for twelve men; and then this was revealed.

11. But when they see a chance of trade or entertainment they scatter off to it (trade) – because that is what they were seeking, not entertainment – and leave you standing there giving the khutba. Say: ‘What (reward) is with Allah is better for those who believe than trade or entertainment. Allah is the Best of Providers.’ “Providers” is in the plural because it is said, “A man provides for his dependants,” i.e. from Allah’s provision.