This is the third sūrah of the sixth group of the Qur’ān
which begins with Sūrah Qāf. It can be divided into the following three
sections:
Section I (1-16)
This section forms the introductory part of the sūrah. The
headstrong and obstinate people of Quraysh have been severely warned by citing
certain historical and universal facts as evidence that the punishment about
which they have been informed is certain to come. They should not hasten it and
if they will not change their attitude, it shall definitely alight and no one
shall be able to avert it. The next few verses draw a vivid picture of the Day
this torment shall waylay them, with a brief description of the dreadful fate of
those who had denied it.
Section II (17-28)
A portrayal of the favours of the life of bliss the
believers shall be blessed with in contrast with that of the unbelievers is
made. A special favour which has been highlightened here is that the Almighty
shall unite those who brought up their children according to the teachings of
Islam with their children even if these children are not entitled to this high
level as regards their own deeds. For this union, those who deserve a high rank
and level shall not be demoted, instead the people deserving a lower rank and
level shall be promoted to higher ones. Basically, the fate of a person shall be
decided according to this deeds; therefore, neither a reduction shall take place
in a person’s deeds nor a faithless person shall be able to enter Paradise;
indeed, the Almighty’s blessings shall be for the believers.
Section III (29-49)
In the concluding part of the sūrah, the Prophet (sws) has
been comforted that he should not pay any heed to the excuse the disbelievers
are ‘inventing’ to deny his Prophethood. Ignoring their attitude, he should keep
on discharging his duty of reminding people of the truth so that those who are
mindful are able to adopt the right path and those who insist on remaining on
the wrong path have no excuse but defiance to remain so.
In the twelfth verse, the attitude of the adverseries of
indulging in pleasantries and toying with the truth has been referred to. Here
they are dealt with in detail and silenced on this issue.
The rebellious people have been warned that very soon the
time will come when all their schemes shall be shattered, and before the torment
of the Final Day they shall encounter another torment in this world also.
The Prophet (sws) has been comforted that he should
patiently await his Lord’s decision, and should be aware that he is under the
direct protection of the Almighty.
He should augment this patience through prayers,
especially the night and early morning ones.
(Translated from Islahi’s “Taddabur-i-Qur’ān”) ---Shehzad
Saleem |