The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 3) — Page 126
CH. 11 is made up of two Arabic words has two بادی The word الرأي and به HŪD possible derivations. It may be derived from (bad'a) which means, he or it began or he or it came into existence. ụ means, he began with it; he made it to be the first. Or the word may be derived from (of which the aorist is ) which means, it appeared or it showed itself. According to these two different roots the word would mean: (1) that which or he who is first or that which or he who begins; (2) that which or he who appears. And the word ( means sight or perception or opinion. So the compound expression _ Goç would mean: (1) at first thought or on the first opinion; (2) at the appearance of opinion or according to the appearance of opinion, which may mean either inconsiderately or insincerely (Lane, under by & ly). Commentary: (to The Arabic expression all outward appearance) is capable of three interpretations according to the rules of Arabic grammar. First, it may be taken as referring to the words (and we see). In this case, the verse would mean that the followers of Noah appear to us to be the meanest of us at first thought or on the first opinion, i. e. so far as our opinion is concerned we consider them to be mean. If, however, there is any hidden good in them, it may be known to Noah only. Secondly, the expression may be taken to refer to the words (the meanest of us). In this case the verse would mean that the followers of Noah were apparently low and mean. PT. 12 Thirdly, the expression may be taken as qualifying the words (have followed thee). In this case the verse would mean that those who have accepted Noah have done so only outwardly or without proper thinking i. e. their faith was either insincere or inconsiderate, being based on mere cursory thinking. اراذلنا بادى الرأى To sum up, the words mean: (1) the followers of Noah are mean to all outward appearance; or (2) their faith in Noah is insincere; or (3) their faith is the result of only superficial thinking. to The words, We see in thee nothing but a man like ourselves, mean, "There is nothing extraordinary in outward appearance your distinguish you from us. You are just a human being like any other mortal. When therefore, there is nothing extraordinary in your outward appearance, how should we know that inwardly you have been endowed with exceptional powers which have helped you to gain access to Divine presence, while we cannot ?" This is the common objection raised by the opponents of the Prophets. The enemies of Noah purported to say that if he possessed some special inward power from God, that ought to have caused some difference in his outward appearance and as a result of it he should have acquired knowledge of some worldly sciences also, but they saw no evidence of this. How could they then believe that his internal powers were different from, and superior to, theirs. In support of this argument the 1334