Juz 14
al-Hijr
This Makkan surah focuses on guidance to humanity via divine revelation throughout history as well as the place of the Qur'an among scripture and world literature.
- The revelation you read are but verses of Book that clarifies matters (1), despite peoples opposition to revelation (6-8) Allah has revealed the dhikr /Reminder and Allah will be its preserver (9)
- People before have undermined and mocked the messengers and the message their message; why do people not heed the lessons from history and realize that they are on this world only for a short while? (11-13)
- Behold the sky; Allah has made it a mansion for the constellations of stars which adorn the firmament (16); the earth containing firm mountains appears spread out [despite it being oval] ; the wind assists in precipitation for rain and in pollination of plants; ?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ that the Creator of all this brought you into existence and will eventually gather you for accountability (17-25)
- Reference to human creation and to the arrogance of Iblis (26-39 ); as a human beings, follow not the arrogant and ignorant way of Iblis who opposed your common ancestor [Adam] and disobeyed the Creator (40-42)
- Allah is absolutely Just; Most Forgiving, Most Merciful; whose punishment is indeed most grievous (49-50)
- Reference to those who opposed the prophets including the opposers of Prophets Ibrahim, Lut, the ashab-ul ?¢‚ǨÀúaykah /people of the wood = ashabu madyan /people of Madyan [to whom Shu'aib/Jethro was sent] , ashab-ul hijr /people of the rock = the Thamud people [to whom Saleh was sent] (51-54)
- Allah is the Creator and the Ultimate Guide whose guidance is available in the revelation; glorify Him until that certain moment of death arrives (85-99)
This Makkan surah, revealed after some of the persecuted Muslims Muslims sought refuge in Abyssinia, focuses on awakening people to the realities of creation, the need for revelation, importance of adhering to divine guidance; the needfor implementing justice and good ness and the significance of da'wah /inviting others to the path of righteousness,
- Death, the Hereafter and Accountability on the Day of Accountability must eventually come. Reflect on human creation and natural phenomenon, the ni'am/favors of Allah and realize that if you try to number Allah's bounties you would never be able to calculate them. (1-19)
- The righteous know that doing good in this world leads to what is best for the eternity of the Hereafter (30-31)
- All prophets (38) in essence conveyed the same basic message --- OBEDIENCE TO ALLAH AND SHUNNING ALL WRONGFULNESS
- Each people will be held accountable (45-51)(61)(84-89)
- The nonsensical nature of idolatry; attributing daughters to Allah, yet burying their own daughters alive (62)
- Reflect on nature in operation, the unique ability of the bee to produce honey which is nutritious and medicinal even for human beings (65-71)
- Allah knows all secrets, every level of the unknown and granted human beings the faculties of hearing, sight, emotion and intellect; He has facilitated life for human beings, animals and plants on earth; how do you observe all of these bounties of Allah yet remain ungrateful and disbelieving (78-83)
- Indulge neither in social mischief nor ideological corruption, reflect on the day when all be gathered for accountability (85-88).
- Revelation is intended to clarify matters, be a source of guidance, an embodiment of mercy and conveyor of glad tidings (89)
- The epitome of the Islamic faith in action is conveyed in the admonition of Allah to enjoin ?¢‚ǨÀúadl /justice, ihsaan /goodness; kindness to [all beginning with] one's near and dear ones, prevention of fahshaa' /vulgarity, munkar /distasteful acts, baghy /transgression and injustice (90)
- Fulfill your obligations and do not be deceptive or treacherous; nor let money make you deviate from your principles (91-95)
- Remember that what is with Allah is far better and eternal whereas this world is temporary. Allah will reward the patient ones, doers of good; whether male or female, with the good life and the appropriate reward according to the best of their deeds (95-97), so too those who strive, escape persecution and patiently persevere (110)
- Engage the Qur'an with respect and propriety and know that it is means of attaining spirituality, a guide and a glad tiding for those who submit. Shame on those who doubt the revelation and those who deny it (98-109)
- Eat and drink of the good, wholesome and healthy provision Allah has made available to you on earth and avoid the unlawful and impure. If one is driven by necessity and not by desire to imbibe what is forbidden then Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful. Do not declare the unlawful as lawful, rather repent and do what is right (114-117)
- Prophet Abraham was a model for all people, upright, genuine and pure; believing, grateful and one who conveyed and manifested the truth (120-123)
- Invite others to the way of Allah with wisdom and good exhortation, and deliberate with them only in the best possible manner. Be of those who are patient, pious and righteous. (125-128)