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Contemplating the Qur'ān: Day 13
Journey through Sūrah Ibrāhīm and Sūrah al-Ḥijr, exploring themes of gratitude, divine protection, and the unity of prophetic messages across generations.
Sūrah Ibrāhīm: From Darkness to Light
The Qur'ān was revealed to remove people from compounded darkness to the light of truth and monotheism. This Sūrah demonstrates the unity of the message brought by all messengers, who diligently moved people from the darkness of polytheism to the light of monotheism despite rejection.
Named in honor of Prophet Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him), the father of prophets who was a nation unto himself in preaching Islamic monotheism and demonstrating gratitude for blessings. The Sūrah speaks about prophets collectively with their nations throughout.
Core Message
"This is a great conveyance for humankind." (verse 52)
Constantly remember Allah and be grateful while establishing the responsibility to convey truth and warn those who turn away.
The Purpose of Divine Revelation
Al-Baqai asserts that the purpose of this Sūrah is monotheism and to clarify that this book is the ultimate means of communication with Allah, as it guarantees guidance to the path that leads to Him. This is signified by the story of Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him).
The Sūrah extends what was discussed in Sūrah Ar-Ra'd, clarifying what was summarized there and summarizing what it had clarified. Both discuss the Qur'ān and cosmic signs, the affirmation of resurrection, analogies for truth and falsehood, and the outcomes of disbelievers' plots.
Key Themes Across Both Sūrahs
Divine Guidance
The Qur'ān as the ultimate guide from darkness to light, revealed in Arabic for clear understanding
Prophetic Unity
All messengers shared the same mission: calling to monotheism and warning against polytheism
Gratitude & Remembrance
Constant remembrance of Allah and gratitude for His countless blessings
Divine Protection
Allah's preservation of His religion, His Book, and His faithful servants
Contemplation Insights: Pages 255-257
01
Seek Guidance in Confusion
Whenever confused about truth, promptly read the Qur'ān; perhaps Allah will guide you to righteousness
02
Remember Allah's Blessings
One means of calling to Allah is reminding people of His blessings, especially significant ones like victory or salvation
03
Expect Challenges
A caller aiming for change should expect significant challenges including expulsion, banishment, and harm
04
Trust in Divine Promise
Certainty in Allah's promise and good reliance on Him are among the most important duties of a caller to faith
The Promise of Victory
The callers and the righteous are promised victory and succession on the earth after they were weak and oppressed. This promise was realized for the Companions (Ṣaḥābah) and the Successors (Tābi'īn), may Allah be pleased with them.
Allah promises to increase His blessings for His servants' gratitude, while His warning is severe for those who are ungrateful. The disbelief of servants does not harm Allah at all, as their belief does not add anything to Him; He is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy by Himself.
The Word of Monotheism vs. Disbelief
The Good Tree
The word of monotheism is likened to a fruitful, high-branched, firmly rooted tree. It produces continuous good, remains steadfast through storms, and provides benefit to all who seek its shade.
This represents the believer whose faith is deeply rooted, whose actions reach high, and whose influence spreads wide, bringing benefit to themselves and others.
The Evil Tree
The word of disbelief is likened to the creeping bitter-apple tree, which does not rise to great height, does not produce anything sweet, and does not last.
This represents the disbeliever whose foundation is weak, whose actions bear no lasting fruit, and whose influence is ultimately uprooted and destroyed.
Satan's Confession on Judgment Day
The Sūrah shows that Satan is the greatest enemy of humankind—a weak, defeated liar who cannot protect himself or his followers on the Day of Judgment. Iblis confesses that Allah's promise is true, and the promise of Satan is nothing but lies.
The stance of the weak against the arrogant on the Day of Judgment teaches us not to compromise in matters of religion, urging us to follow the divine law, not individuals. Be patient in obedience and refrain from sins before a day comes when patience or panic will not avail.
Lessons from Prophet Ibrāhīm's Prayers
Security of the Land
Preserving the security of the country is one of the first wishes of the righteous and the callers to Allah, as seen in Ibrāhīm's prayer for Mecca
Fear of Shirk
No matter how elevated one's status in obedience, one should fear for oneself and offspring from both apparent and subtle forms of shirk
Continuous Need
Ibrāhīm's prayer indicates that no matter how exalted a person's status, he remains in need of Allah, Exalted be He
Faith Over Lineage
The relationship of faith and monotheism is more important than the ties of kinship and lineage
Contemplation Insights: Pages 258-261
Steadfastness is required in this life and the hereafter, and it is a grace from Allah. Whoever Allah makes steadfast in this world, He will make steadfast in the hereafter. Conversely, injustice by a servant is a reason for Allah's misguidance; thus, avoid injustice, especially against the vulnerable: women, orphans, servants, employees, and the poor.
Prayer and Zakat
The link between performing prayers and zakat with the mention of the Hereafter signifies these acts are among the means of salvation on that day
Worldly Pleasures
The wise recognize the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures, which are bound to perish, so they don't let them distract from the deeds of the Hereafter
Innumerable Blessings
You cannot enumerate Allah's blessings upon you, let alone be thankful for them, but let your tongue always be moist with remembrance and gratitude
The Day of Judgment
The Sūrah depicts spectacles of the Day of Judgment, where creation is panicked, fearful, weak, and terrified, with the Earth and the heavens changing. While an oppressor may be strong in his tyranny in this life, he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment fearful and panicked, with his heart shattered from fear.
The ancient ruins of punished nations serve as a reminder to people of the eradication punishment that befell nations before us. In one's lifetime in this world, one has the liberty to strive in obedience; for Allah will not provide another opportunity if resurrected on the Day of Judgment.
Sūrah al-Ḥijr: Divine Protection
Main Theme
Allah's protection of His religion through warning deniers of divine punishment and depicting destroyed nations
The Dhikr (Allah's remembrance, which is Islām as a whole) is safeguarded and those who safeguard it are safeguarded
Revealed approximately in the 54th order of revelation, between the year of sadness and the Hijrah. The Sūrah is named after the barrier (ḥijr), referring to the dwellings of Thamud, which is relevant because a barrier preserves what is inside it.
Most of the Sūrah discusses Allah's preservation of His religion and creation. Stubbornness and arrogance are shown as the greatest causes of disbelief, illustrated through the story of Ādam and Iblīs.
Eight Forms of Divine Preservation
The Book
Allah's preservation of His Book from change or alteration
The Heavens
Protection of the heavens from eavesdropping devils
Sustenance
Preservation of sustenance in divine treasuries
Rainwater
Preservation of rainwater on Earth
Believers
Protection of Adam and sincere believers from his progeny
Ibrāhīm
Protection of Ibrāhīm and his nephew when He destroyed their people
Prophets
Protection of Shu'ayb and Salih when He saved them and destroyed their people
The Messenger
Protection of the Messenger from those who mock him
The Clear Book
The Sūrah begins similarly to its predecessor, describing the clear book. The Holy Qur'ān perfectly encompasses all aspects, clarity, and explanation. It is described as "Dhikr" (remembrance), emphasizing its role in preserving faith and guiding believers.
Allah Almighty has taken upon Himself the preservation of the Holy Qur'ān from any change, alteration, addition, or omission until the Day of Judgment. This divine protection ensures the message remains pure and accessible to all generations.
Practical Applications from Pages 262-263
Avoid Distractions
Movies and entertainment on mobile devices distract from righteous deeds. "Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with false hope."
Divine Mercy
Among manifestations of Allah's mercy: humans may ask for punishment, yet Allah sends mercy instead
Punishment for Sins
Not benefiting from the Qur'ān upon hearing or reading it is a punishment due to sins
Reflections on Creation
A servant should reflect on the sky, its adornment, and use it to deduce the existence of its Creator. Allah made the stars as signs and decorations for those who look, beautifying the nearest heaven and making them what is thrown at the devils.
The earth is created flat and spread out to suit human life, stabilized with mountains so it doesn't shake with its inhabitants, and it contains various plants of known proportions according to wisdom and benefit. All sustenance and decrees are controlled by none but Allah; His treasuries are in His hands.
The Story of Ādam and Iblīs
Divine Honor
The command for angels to prostrate to Adam is an honor for humanity. All angels prostrated in a gesture of salute and honor, except Iblis who refused and was arrogant.
This story illustrates the initial manifestation of haughty rejection and serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and arrogance.
Limited Authority
Iblis has no authority over those whom Allah has guided and chosen; he cannot lead them into sin that prevents them from Allah's forgiveness.
Decorating distractions and prohibitions is one of Iblis's strongest weapons, but he has no power except over those who allow him.
Lessons from Prophet Lūt
1
Hospitality Etiquette
Teaching the etiquette of hosting guests with greetings and peace upon arrival
2
Never Despair
Those blessed with guidance and profound knowledge cannot succumb to despair from Allah's mercy. Good news may come after worldly means seem exhausted
3
Focus on Reform
Being occupied with reforming oneself, one's family, and those around can save from worldly and otherworldly calamities
4
Faith Over Kinship
Kinship and marriage ties hold no value without faith, as shown by Lūt's wife who remained behind
Guidance for Believers
A believer's gaze does not covet the adornments of the world when they have knowledge of the Lord Almighty. Those whom Allah loves are preoccupied with lasting righteous deeds instead of worldly adornments.
A believer should distance themselves from polytheists, not grieve if they do not believe, be close to believers, humble towards them, and love them even if they are poor. Strong construction and craftsmanship are of no avail when Allah's wrath descends.
Final Guidance: Pages 267 and Beyond
Proclaim the Truth
The importance of proclaiming the truth and clarifying it, especially when there is no persecution or the harms do not outweigh the benefits of speaking the truth
Remedies for Worry
Glorification, praise, and prayer are remedies for worries and sorrows, and ways out of crises and hardships. Glorification and prostration expand the chest and relieve distress
Worship Until Death
Muslims are required to continuously perform obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer, until death comes. "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death)."