XVI THE BEE—AL-NAHL. 301 [56] And they present to those (idols) of whose‘unreality you are not aware, offerings out of what We have provided them with for their sustenance. By God! They shall be called to account for the wrong use thty have made of it. [57] Mark! They look upon their goddesses as the veritable daughters of God! (How abominable the idea !). Transcendent in purity is He! And for themselves they would like to have what they desire (namely, sons“and not daughters) ! The Qur’an new draws attention to a social evil which was widespread among the Arabs of the Prophet’s time. The birth of a female child was looked upon by them as a source of disgrace to them. ‘So acutely did some of them feel this sense of disgrace and sorrow, that they at times went to the length of burying the newly born female child alive. They were ready to assign daughters to God in the form of angels, but felt ashamed to own any for themselves. On the advent of Islam in Arabia, this repugnant social custom was abolished, by placing the womenfolk on an equal footing with men, both socially and spiritually. [58] And when to anyone of them the tidings of the birth of a daughter is conveyed, dark shadows settle on his face and he is filled with grief. [59] He keepeth himself aloof because of this ill tidings (and he begins to think furiously whether) he shall keep it as a siga of disgrace, or bury it in the earth. Mark! How vile is their line of thought ! (60) Nay. they who do not believe in ‘the Hereafter (and think that they wil) notTHE TARJUMAN AL-QUR’AN CHaP. be called to account for burying a alive their daughters) be likened to whatever is evil, whereas God (Who has fixed such a Day of Reckoning) will have to be likened to whatever is loftiest, for, indeed He is Mighty, Wise. Drawing attention to the principle of respite implicit in * human activity atready- dealt with in several places in the earlier chapters, the Qur’dn points out that the conduct of mian can steady itself after he gets tired of its waywardness, only when he willingly accepts divine guidance as afforded to nim through revelation. SECTION 8: VERSES 61-65 {61} And if God were to punish men for their inequities, He would not leave on earth a living creature ! But (as it is His way), He giveth them a respite for an appropriate term; and when that hour comes, they shall not delay or advance it a moment. [62] Aad. what they loath to assign to themselves, do they assign to God ; _ Yet their tongues utter the lie tliat theirs will be a happy cad. But beyoad a doubt the Fire awaiteth them and . they shall be the first to reach it. [63} By God! We sent apostles to peoples gone before thee; but Satan made" their evil deeds seem fair to thezo, : He, (this very Satan), is their liege even today : SO @ grievous Chastisement awaiteth them ! [64] And We have not sent down the Book to thee save that thou mightest clear up to them what they wrangled about, and offer it as a guidance and a grace for those who believe.XVI THE BEE—AL-NAHL 303 [65] And God sendeth down water from _ the heavens and by it reviveth the earth after it hath teen dead (and dried up). Verily, in this lies a meaning for those who heed: - The following verses give a picture of some of the blessings of Providence bestowed on him. Even to a tiny creature such as 4 BEB does God afford to man what is of value to its health. SECTION 9: VERSES 66-70 (66]' Verily, even cattle can offer you food for reflection! Out of what there is in their bellies between dregs and blood, We _ Bive you to drink pure milk —a pleasant Geverage tor those that quaff it. [67] And likewise. from the fruit of the palm and the vine, you get wine and healthful nutriment. In this, verily, are signs for those who understand. [68] And thy Lord inspired the BEE: “Provide thyself with places to dwell in the mountains and in ‘the trees and in what men do build for thee: _ [69] “Then feed thou out of every kind of fruit and pursue assiduously the way of living prescribed for thee by the Lord.” From its belly cometh forth a liquid of diverse hues which serves as medicine for men. Verily, herein also is a.sign for those who reflect. It is upto map to appreciate the blessings conferred on him, in diverse forms and conduct his life in a manner deserv- ing of divine approval. He should endeavour to seek access to the means of subsistence and of comfort in life, and by way of thankfulness to God for the. provisions so afforded, he should partake of ther with those who have not bad the opportunity, or the ability to possess them for themselves.