“Read in the Name of Your Lord Who Created.”
(Part / Juz: 30, from Surah An-Naba to Surah An-Nas)

By: Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi
Coordinator Online DarulIfta& Lecturer at MMERC, Mumbai                              

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Surah An-Naba
Part 30 of the Qur’an begins with Surah An-Naba. This is a Makki Surah and contains 40 ayahs. In the first five ayahs of Surah An-Naba, the subject the Day of Judgment and resurrection are mentioned. Allah says: “About what are they (disbelievers) asking one another? About the great news -That over which they are in disagreement. Surely! They will soon come to know. Surely! They will soon come to know.”

In ayah17 and 18, regarding resurrection after death, Allah says: “Indeed, the Day of Judgement is an appointed time. The Day when the Horn is blown and you will come forth in crowds.”

“Ayahs 21 to 30 mention the Hell prepared for the disbelievers and describe the condition of its inhabitants. For example, Allah says: “Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait. It is the destination for the rebellious. They will remain in it for ages.”

Ayahs 31 to 37 mention the righteous people and the blessings they will receive in Paradise. Thus, ayah 31 says: “Indeed, the place of success is for the pious.”

At the end of the surah, it is mentioned that all matters ultimately return to Allah, and that the disbelievers will have to regret deeply in the end. Allah says in ayahs from 38 to the end of the surah:

“On the Day when the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows, they will not speak except the one whom the Most Merciful permits, and he will say what is correct. That is the True Day; therefore whoever wills may take the path towards his Lord. Indeed, We have warned you of an approaching punishment on the Day when a man will observe what his hands have put forth and the disbeliever will say, ‘Oh, I wish that I were dust!’”

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Surah An-Nazi‘at
Here begins Surah An-Nazi‘at. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 46 ayahs. The Surah presents a fundamental principle of Islamic belief and also describes the Day of Judgment and its horrors. It also mentions the reward for the righteous and the punishment for the wrongdoer.

In the first five ayahs, Allah swears by the angels who have been appointed to carry out various tasks. Allah says: “By those (angels) who extract (the souls of the disbelievers) with violence. And By those (angels) who gently take out (the souls of the believers), then glide swiftly (through the heavens)…”

Ayahs 6 to 14 describe the horrors of the Day of Judgment. Then, up to ayah 26, the story of Prophet Musa (as) and Pharaoh is mentioned.

Ayahs 27 to 33 point to the rebellious attitude of the disbelievers of Makkah. They are reminded that they are weaker than many of Allah’s creations. Allah says: “Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? Allah created it.”

Ayahs 34 to 41 describe the horrors of the Day of Judgment and the abode of the disbelievers. Allah says: “But when there comes the greatest Overwhelming Calamity. The Day when mankind will remember what he has done. And Hellfire will be exposed for all those who see. So as for he who transgressed, and preferred the life of the world. But as for he who feared to stand before his Lord and prevented the soul from desires. Then indeed, Paradise will be his refuge.”

Ayahs 42 to 46 mention those who considered the coming of the Day of Judgment impossible. Allah says: “They question you, (O prophet) about the Hour of Doom: ‘When shall it arrive’…It will arrive, on the Day when they see it, (they will feel) as if they had not remained (in the world or in the grave) except for an afternoon or its morning.”

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Surah ‘Abasa

Those Who Seek the Truth, Deserve Greater Attention

Here begins Surah ‘Abasa. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 42 ayahs. Ayahs 1 to 16 were revealed in connection with a particular incident.

The incident was that, one day, the Messenger of Allah (saws) was engaged in preaching Islam to some prominent leaders of the Quraish and was conversing with them. Meanwhile, one of his blind Companions, ‘Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (ra), came there. Since he was blind, he could not see whom the Prophet (saws) was speaking with. As soon as he arrived, he began requesting the Prophet (saws) to teach him something from what Allah had taught him.

The Prophet (saws) did not like his interruption during the conversation in this manner. Therefore, signs of displeasure appeared on his blessed face, and instead of responding to him, he continued his conversation with those leaders of the Quraish.

When those people had left, this Surah was revealed, in which Allah Alimighty expressed His displeasure with this approach. The fundamental lesson given here is that a person who sincerely seeks the truth, deserves greater attention and should be given time. In contrast, those who have no desire for the truth, should not be given preference by leaving those who sincerely seek it.

At the end of the Surah, the horrors of the Day of Judgment are described. It is stated that, out of fear and terror, a person will even flee from his close relatives. Allah says: “But when there comes the Deafening Noise. That Day a person will flee from his brother, and from his mother and his father. For every one of them, every person on that Day, will have enough matter to make him careless of others.”

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Surah At-Takwir

Evil Practice of Burying Infant Girls Alive

Surah At-Takwir begins here. It is a Makkan Surah and consists of 29 ayahs. This Surah discusses two major realities: the reality of the Day of Judgment and the reality of revelation and Prophethood. Both of these are essential matters of faith.

The first 14 ayahs of the Surah describe the conditions of the Day of Judgment and Hereafter. Allah says: “When the sun is wrapped up. And when the stars fall, dispersing. And when the mountains are removed…And when the girl who was buried alive is asked. For what sin she was killed.”

In the days of ignorance, one extremely cruel practice was that people considered daughters to be a source of disgrace and misfortune. Some tribes would bury a newborn girl alive out of shame when a daughter was born to them. On the Day of Judgment, that innocent girl will be brought forth and asked: “For what crime, were you killed?”

After this, up to ayah 25, the Surah discusses the reality of revelation and the qualities of the Prophet (saws).

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Surah Al-Infitar

Surah Al-Infitar begins here. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 19 ayahs. It describes the scenes of the Day of Judgment and mentions the conditions of the righteous and the wrongdoers on the Day of Resurrection.

The first five ayahs describe the events that will occur at the time of the Resurrection. Ayahs 6, 7, and 8 highlight man’s disobedience to Allah and his ingratitude for His countless blessings. Allah says: “O mankind, what has deceived you about your Lord, the most Generous, Who created you, proportioned you, and balanced you? In whatever form He willed has He assembled you.”

Ayahs 9 to 12 explain the reason behind disbelief and denial. They also mention the angels who remain with human beings to record their deeds. Allah says in ayahs from 10-12:

“And indeed there are some (angels) who watch over you. The honourable scribes. They know whatever you do.”

In the end, the horrors and severity of the Day of Judgment are described.

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Surah Al-Mutaffifin

Condemnation of Cheating in Measure and Weight

Surah Al-Mutaffifin begins here. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 36 ayahs. Up to ayah 6, the Surah strongly condemns those who cheat in measure and weight. Allah says in ayahs from 1-3:“Woe to defrauders. Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they give less.”

Up to ayah 17, the punishment that awaits the disbelievers and sinners is described. Ayah 7 says: “No! Indeed, the record of the sinners is in sijjeen.”

The word Sijjin literally means “a prison.” It is the name of a place where the souls of the disbelievers are kept after death, and their record of deeds is also kept there.Ayah 16 says:“Then indeed they have to enter hell.”

From there up to ayah 28, the righteous and God-fearing people are mentioned, along with the rewards they will receive. Allah says:“Indeed, the record of the righteous is in ‘illiyyun.”

The word ‘Illiyyun’ literally means “the highest places.” It is the name of a place where the souls of the believers are taken after death, and where their records of deeds are also kept.Ayah 22 says:“Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss.”

At the end of Surah al-Mutaffifin, Ayahs 29–32 describe that whenever the believers passed by the disbelievers, they would laugh at them, exchange mocking gestures, and make fun of them.

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Surah Al-Inshiqaq

Man Remains Engaged in Effort throughout Life
Surah Al-Inshiqaq begins here. It is a Makki Surah and consists of 25 ayahs. Up to ayah 5, the scenes of the Day of Judgment are described. Thereafter, the efforts of human beings are mentioned: throughout their lives, people remain engaged in one kind of effort or another. The righteous strive to do good, while the disobedient persist in wrongdoing. Their ultimate fate is then described. Allah says in ayahs 6 to 11:

“O mankind, indeed you are sriving hard toward your Lord and will meet it. Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy reckoning, and return to his family in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his back, he will cry out for death.”

At the end, the disbelievers are condemned for refusing to believe in Allah rightly.

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Surah Al-Buruj
Here Surah Al-Buruj begins. It is a Makki Surah and consists of 22 ayahs. In the opening ayahs, several things are sworn by, followed by a brief mention of the incident of the People of the Trench (Ashab al-Ukhdud). These were people from a previous nation whom the king had burned alive in trenches filled with fire as punishment for their faith.

In ayah 11, the righteous are given glad tidings. As Allah says:“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great success.”

It is then stated that just as Allah is Most Loving and Most Forgiving, His punishment and seizure are also extremely severe.

At the end of the Surah, the destruction of the people of Pharaoh and Thamud is mentioned.

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Surah At-Tariq
Here begins Surah At-Tariq. It is a Makki Surah consisting of 17 ayahs. Allah says in ayahs 4-7:“There is not a soul that does not have a vigilant angel over it. So let man observe from what he was created. He was created from a fluid, ejected, emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.”

This refers to the seminal fluid from which human beings are created. Its emergence from between the backbone and the ribs means that this central part of the human body is the source or origin associated with this fluid.

At the end of the Surah, the truth and authenticity of the Qur’an are affirmed.

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Surah At-Tariq
Here begins Surah Al-A‘la. It is a Makki Surah consisting of 19 ayahs. In its initialayahs, the attributes of Allah are mentioned. Allah says:“Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High, Who created and proportioned.”

The Surah then speaks about the Qur’an and revelation up to ayah 8. And the Prophet (saws) is given the assurance that Allah will preserve the Qur’an in his heart. Allah says in ayah 6:“We will make you recite, ([O prophet), and you will not forget.”

At the end of the Surah, success is promised to those who purify their hearts and engage in worship. It is also stated that this same teaching was found in the scriptures and religions given to Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Musa (as).

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Surah Al-Ghashiyah
Here begins Surah Al-Ghashiyah. It is a Makki Surah consisting of 26 ayahs. The initial ayahs describe the events of the Day of Judgment, its horrors, and the rewards and punishments that believers and disbelievers will receive.

From ayah 17 to 24, evidence of Allah’s Oneness and His Power is presented. Allah says in ayahs 17-20:“Do they not look at the camels – how they are created? And at the sky – how it is raised? And at the mountains – how they are erected? And at the earth – how it is spread out?”

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Surah Al-Ghashiyah
Here begins Surah Al-Fajr. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 30 ayahs. The initial ayahs mention some of the disobedient nations of the past upon whom Allah Almighty sent His punishment. This is followed by a description of Allah’s way of testing human beings through blessings, hardships, wealth, and poverty. Allah Almighty says in ayahs 15 and 16:

“And as for man, when his Lord tests him and thus He is generous to him and favors him, he says, ‘My Lord has honored me’. But when He tests him and restricts his provision, he says, ‘My Lord has humiliated me.’”

At the end, the fate of the believers and the disbelievers is described.

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Surah Al-Balad

We Have Created Man in Hardship
Here begins Surah Al-Balad. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 20 ayahs. In the initialayahs, Allah Almighty swears byMakkah and all of humanity and declares that He has created man in hardship. This means, human beings have been created in such a way that they remain engaged in one kind of struggle or another throughout their lives.

The arrogant wealthy people of Makkah are then warned that their wealth will be of no use to them in the Hereafter. In ayah 10, Allah says:“And We have shown him the two ways.”

This means that Allah Almighty has shown human beings both the path of good and the path of evil and has given them the choice to follow whichever path they wish. However, if they choose the path of evil, they will be punished.                                                                                                       

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Surah Ash-Shams
Here begins Surah Ash-Shams. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 15 ayahs. After swearing by seven things, Allah Almighty says:“And (Allah) inspired it (soul) what is right and what is wrong for it.He has succeeded who purifies it.”

The Surah then goes on to mention the rebellion and transgression of the people of Thamud.

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Surah Al-Layl
Here begins Surah Al-Layl. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 21 ayahs. At the beginning of the Surah, Allah Almighty swears by three things and then He says:“Indeed, your efforts are diverse.”

This means that people follow different paths: some believe in Allah while others do not; some perform righteous deeds while others engage in evil.

It is then stated that Allah will make the path easy for the one who spends wealth in charity, adopts piety, and affirms the truth. But as for the one who is miserly, does not fear Allah, and rejects the truth, Allah will make his path difficult.

In ayah 18, Allah says:“He who spends his wealth in order to purify himself.”

This means that through Zakat and charity, a person is purified from sins. However, it is essential that after giving charity, one should not remind the recipient of the favor or make them feel indebted. Rather, the sole purpose should be to seek the pleasure of Allah. This is also what is emphasized at the end of the Surah.

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Surah Ad-Duha
Here begins Surah Ad-Duha. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 11 ayahs. Allah Almighty says to prophet (saws):“Did He not find you an orphan, so provided you shelter? And He found you lost and guided (you). And He found you poor and made prosporpus.”

“Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter? And He found you unaware of the way (of sharia) and guided you, and He found you in need and made you self-sufficient.”

For example, through your partnership in trade with Hazrat Khadijah (ra), you earned a considerable amount of profit.

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Surah AlamNashrarh
Here begins Surah AlamNashrarh (Al-Inshirah). This is a Makki Surah and consists of 8 ayahs. Allah Almighty says:“(O Prophet) Did We not expand for you, your bossom? And We removed from you your burden. Which had weighed upon your back.”

In other words, at the beginning, the burden of prophethood caused the Prophet (saws) considerable worry. Allah Almighty then granted him such courage and strength that he began to carry out even the most difficult tasks with complete peace of mind.

In ayah 4, Allah Almighty says to the prophet(saws):“And Weraised high for you your repute.”

Allah Almighty has granted the blessed name of the Prophet (saws) such an exalted position that, in every part of the world, his blessed name is proclaimed alongside the name of Allah Almighty from mosques five times a day. Moreover, his blessed personality is mentioned throughout the world with immense love and respect, and remembering him is regarded as a great act of worship.

In ayahs 5 and 6, Allah Almighty consoles the Prophet (saws), saying: “Undoubtedly, along with the hardship there is ease.”

At the end of the Surah, the Prophet (saws) is instructed that when he has completed his duties of prophethood, he should devote himself wholeheartedly to worship and exert himself in devotion.

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Surah At-Tin
Here begins Surah At-Tin. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 8 ayahs. In Surah At-Tin, Allah Almighty swears by the fig, the olive, Mount Tur, and the city of Makkah, and declares that He created human beings in the finest form.

Look at each part of the human body and compare it with other living creatures or even inanimate things, and you will realize that Allah has made the entire human being a masterpiece of beauty and has maintained perfect balance and proportion in every part of the body. A human being does not have to crawl on the ground like a snake, nor does he have to walk on all fours and eat fodder with his mouth like cattle. Nor does he have to carry a trunk like an elephant instead of a nose. Allah has made human beings stand upright on two feet, so that, they can walk with balance and dignity. He has given them hands with which they can eat gracefully, and a tongue so that they can express what is in their hearts to others in the best manner. Their teeth and eyes, hair and nose, hands and feet, and neck—every part of the human body is adorned with beauty and perfectly suited to its place and function.

It is then stated that those who do not believe, will suffer a terrible condition in the Hereafter because they will be cast into Hell, regardless of how beautiful they may have been in this world. Those who believe, however, will be protected from this fate.

The last ayah says: “Is Allah not the Greatest Ruler of all the rulers?”

It is mentioned in Jami‘ At-Tirmidhi that when a person recites this Surah and reaches “Alaysa Allahu bi-ahkamil-hakimin” (Is Allah not the Greatest Ruler of all the rulers?), he should say:“Bala, waana ‘aladhalika min ash-shahidin.”
“Yes, indeed! And I am one of those who bear witness to it.”

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Surah Al-‘Alaq
Surah Al-‘Alaq is the first Surah of the Qur’an. This is a Makki surah and it consist of 19 ayahs. Allah says: “Read in the name of your Lord Who created (every thing). He created man from a clot of blood. Read, and your Lord is the most gracious, Who imparted knowledge by means of the pen. He taught man what he did not know.”

These first five ayahs of the Surah were the first revelation sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (saws) in the Cave of Hira. Before his prophethood, the Prophet (saws) would spend several days at a time in the cave in worship. One day, while he was there, Angel Jibril (as) came to him, embraced him firmly, and said, “Read.” The Prophet (saws) replied, “I cannot read.” This conversation took place three times. Then Angel Jibril (as) recited these five ayahs.

The Surah then mentions that when Abu Jahl tried to prevent the Prophet (saws) from offering prayer in the sacred mosque Baitullah, Allah declared that man becomes rebellious when he considers himself self-sufficient. The Prophet (saws) was then instructed to continue his worship, while Abu Jahl was strongly condemned for his opposition.

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Surah Al-Qadr

The Virtue of Laylat al-Qadr

Here begins Surah Al-Qadr, which is also a Makki Surah and it consists of 5 ayahs.

At the beginning of this Surah, Allah tells us that the Qur’an was revealed on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This means that the entire Qur’an was brought down from the Preserved Tablet (Lawh al-Mahfuz) on this night. Thereafter, Angel Jibril (as) gradually conveyed it to the Prophet (saws) over a period of twenty-three years. Another interpretation is that the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet (saws) first began on Laylat al-Qadr.

The Surah then describes the virtue and greatness of Laylat al-Qadr, stating that it is better than a thousand months. The meaning of ayahs 4 and 5 is that on this night, the angels descend to the earth. They descend for two purposes. First, they pray for mercy for those who are engaged in worship on this night. Second, as mentioned in the Qur’anic ayah, Allah entrusts the angels with the decrees and affairs of the coming year, so that they may carry them out at their appointed times. This is the meaning of “every matter” being sent down, as explained by the commentators of the Qur’an.

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Surah Al-Bayyinah
Here begins Surah Al-Bayyinah. This Surah is Makki and consists of 8 ayahs.

During the period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), the disbelievers—whether they were from among the People of the Book or idol worshippers—could not give up their disbelief until a clear proof came to them in the person of the Prophet Muhammad (saws). Thus, those who listened to the Prophet (saws) with an open heart and thought sincerely about his message, truly repented from their disbelief and embraced faith. However, those who were stubborn were deprived of this blessing.

The Surah then explains that the Prophet (saw) was sent as a Messenger to guide people through the Scripture. At the end, it describes the rewards for the believers and the punishment for the disbelievers.

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Surah Az-Zalzalah
Here begins Surah Az-Zalzalah. This Surah is Makki and consists of 8 ayahs.

At the beginning of the Surah, there is a description of the earth being shaken by a tremendous earthquake. When the Trumpet is blown for the first time, the earth will be shaken violently, causing huge rocks and mighty mountains to be reduced to pieces. The earth will cast out the dead and the treasures buried within it.

Ayahs 4 and 5 state that, by the command of Allah, the earth itself will bear witness to what everyone did upon it—whether good or evil.

The gist of the last three ayahys is that people will gather in small groups on the Field of Resurrection, and whatever good or evil deeds they performed in this world, even if they were as small as a particle, will be shown to them there.

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Surah Al-‘Adiyat
Here begins Surah Al-‘Adiyat. This Surah is Makki and consists of 11 ayahs.

At the beginning of the Surah, Allah swears by the horses. Horses have always held an important and esteemed position. Until the invention of motor vehicles, horses were regarded as the fastest means of transport, and they were especially useful in warfare. In this Surah, five qualities of horses are mentioned.

Wealth Is Not Evil in Itself                                                                                

After these oaths, Allah mentions two things, both of which are among the general weaknesses of human beings.

The first is ingratitude. A person can become so ungrateful that he even denies the favors of his Lord. Examples of such ingratitude can be found everywhere. For instance, a person enjoys the blessings of Allah but does not follow His commands.

The second is the love of wealth. Wealth itself is not an evil thing. In fact, Allah refers to wealth here as “khayr” (good), indicating that wealth is not bad in itself. However, allowing the love of wealth to dominate one’s heart is not good. It is this excessive love of wealth that can turn a person into a thief, robber, usurper, oppressor, or pleasure-seeker.

The final three ayahs state that after the Day of Resurrection takes place, the dead will be raised from their graves, and the secrets hidden in their hearts will be brought to light. Allah is fully aware of all these matters.

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Surah Al-Qari‘ah
Here begins Surah Al-Qari‘ah. This Surah is Makki and consists of 11 ayahs.

At the beginning of the Surah, the horrors of the Day of Resurrection are described. On that day, people will be like scattered moths, and the mountains will become like fluffed-up wool.

The Weighing of Deeds

From this point until the end of the Surah, the weighing of the good and bad deeds of people is mentioned, along with the reward or punishment which they will receive according to their deeds.

When the Qur’an mentioned that people’s deeds would be weighed, some people could not understand how deeds could be weighed. However, as science progressed, people came to understand that if the heat of the body can be measured, blood pressure can be measured, the speed of the wind can be measured, and heat and cold can be measured, then why should it be impossible for deeds to be weighed?

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Surah At-Takathur
Here begins Surah At-Takathur. This Surah is Makki and consists of 8 ayahs.

This Surah explains that people remain engaged in trying to compete with one another in acquiring wealth and status, and this pursuit continues until death. This greed and excessive desire of wealth are condemned, and it is stated that people will soon come to know the reality of what they were occupied with, while remaining heedless of the purpose for which they were created in this world.

At the end of the Surah, Allah states that people will be questioned about the blessings they were given. In other words, they will be held accountable for whether they used the blessings Allah bestowed upon them according to His commands or according to their own desires.                                                  

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Surah Al-‘Asr
Here begins Surah Al-‘Asr. This Surah is Makki and consists of three ayahs. In this Surah, Allah Almighty has described the true criteria of success and failure in an extremely concise and eloquent manner. Allah says:

“I swear by the Time, surely mankind is in loss, except those who believed and did righteous deeds, and advised each other to follow truth, and encourage each other to have patience.”

Encouraging one another to uphold the truth means calling one another towards the truth. Those who do not have faith, should be invited to believe, and those who do not perform righteous deeds should be encouraged to do so.

The fourth quality is Tawasibil-Sabr (encouraging one another to be patient). This means encouraging one another to endure the difficulties involved in obeying Allah’s commands and refraining from disobedience to Him.

The fact that the call to patience is mentioned immediately after the call to truth perhaps also indicates that the work of calling people towards the truth requires great patience. A person has to endure things that may go against his nature or cause him difficulty. Therefore, those who call people towards the truth, should make patience their way of dealing with such situations.

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Surah Al-Humazah

Who Will Be Cast into Al-Hutamah?

Here begins Surah Al-Humazah. This Surah is Makkiand consists of9 ayahs.

This Surah condemns those who constantly find faults with others, defame and ridicule people, and damage their honor through taunts and mockery. It also condemns the accumulating of wealth.

The word Humazah refers to finding fault with someone and speaking ill of them openly, while Lumazah refers to speaking ill of someone in a subtle or indirect manner. This may include backbiting someone behind their back or criticizing them through gestures, such as with the eyes.

There are two main reasons why people hoard wealth and refrain from spending it: greed and miserliness. In these ayahs, Allah forbids people from looking for the faults of others, exposing or talking about them, being excessively greedy for wealth, and then being miserly with it once they acquire it.

Allah states that such people will be cast into Al-Hutamah, which is one of the levels of Hell. The fire of Hell will crush and consume them. Although its effect will be felt throughout their bodies, it will particularly affect their hearts.

The manner in which they will be confined there is also described: great pillars of fire will be erected within it, and the people of Hell will remain among these pillars. After they are cast into it, it will be closed from the outside. It will be as though they have been placed inside a box of fire and sealed within it.

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Surah Al-Fil

Fate of Abraha’s Army through Birds

Here begins Surah Al-Fil. This Surah is Makki and consists of 5 ayahs. It mentions the People of the Elephant, who made an evil attempt to destroy the Ka‘bah. Allah destroyed them through small birds.

On the right side of the Red Sea lies Yemen, while on the opposite side, to the west, lies the African country of Abyssinia, known today as Ethiopia. At that time, idol worship and the worship of the stars were common in Yemen. However, following a particular incident, Abyssinia invaded Yemen. The Abyssinians were Christians, and they took control of the Arab land. As a result, Christianity spread widely throughout the region. Although some Arab tribes who practiced polytheism also lived there, the Christians held political control.

The King of Abyssinia appointed a man named Abraha as the governor of Yemen. He was a zealous Christian and wanted Christianity to become the dominant religion throughout the region. Therefore, he built a magnificent structure called Al-Qullaysin the Yemeni capital, Sana’a. It was actually a church. He believed that the greatest obstacle to the spread of Christianity was the Ka‘bah in Makkah, which was the central place of worship for the Arabs.

He wanted people to stop making pilgrimage to the Ka‘bah in Makkah and instead visit Al-Qullays in Sana’a. When the Arabs heard about this, they became extremely angry. At that time, some Arabs happened to be in Sana’a. To express their anger, they either defiled the building, according to some accounts, or set it on fire, according to certain historical reports. An investigation was carried out, and it was discovered that the act had been committed by someone from among those who used to make pilgrimage to the Ka‘bah.

Abraha became even more furious. He firmly resolved to destroy the Ka‘bah at all costs. Although Makkah had a population of only a few thousand at that time, Abraha prepared an army of around sixty thousand soldiers to ensure the success of his plan. The army also included a unit of ten or twelve elephants. Thus, the army marched towards the Hijaz located at the west of present-day Saudi Arabia.

Abraha’s main elephant was named Mahmud. Abraha intended to destroy the Ka‘bah and then return to Yemen. But eventually, a flock of small birds came flying from the direction of the sea. They were, in fact, Allah’s army confronting an army of elephants, horses, camels, and men. Each bird carried small stones in its beak and claws, about the size of chickpeas or lentils. They began dropping the stones upon the army. Many of those who were struck by the stones died immediately. Those who managed to escape and return to Yemen, developed painful sores and wounds all over their bodies, which eventually caused their deaths.

Abraha himself suffered a terrible fate. His body gradually deteriorated as his wounds worsened. His fingers fell off one by one, and when this once-powerful and courageous young commander finally returned to Yemen, he had become extremely thin, weak, and frail, resembling a tiny chick. Eventually, his chest split open and he died. Thus, the Lord of the Ka‘bah Himself protected His House.

Describing the fate of Abraha’s army, the Qur’an says that they became like “‘asfma’kul” — eaten-up straw.

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Surah Quraish
Here begins Surah Quraish. This Surah is Makki and consists of 4 ayahs.

This Surah mentions the favors that Allah bestowed upon the Quraish. Allah made the surrounding lands peaceful and secure for them. Since they lived in the city of the Baitullah (the House of Allah), even the criminals and troublemakers in the area would not disturb them.

They used to travel to Syria in winter and Yemen in summer for trade. At the end of the Surah, Allah commands them to worship the Lord of this House, who provided them with food when they were hungry and granted them security from fear.

While mentioning the blessings that the Quraish of Makkah enjoyed because of the Baitullah, Allah teaches them that the proper way to show gratitude for these blessings was to worship the Master of this House, rather than worshipping idols.

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Surah Al-Ma‘un
Here begins Surah Al-Ma‘un. This Makki surah and consists of 7 ayahs.

This Surah describes two types of people.The first are those disbelievers who completely deny the Hereafter and the Day of Resurrection. Their characteristics are described as follows: they reject the Day of Judgment, treat orphans harshly instead of fulfilling their rights, and do not encourage others to help the orphans.

The second group consists of those who outwardly profess faith and offer prayers, but are not true believers in their hearts; rather, they are hypocrites. Describing their characteristics, the Qur’an says that there is destruction for those who pray but are heedless of their prayers, perform prayer merely to show off before people, and even refuse to lend others the ordinary things they need in their daily lives.

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Surah Al-Kawthar
Here begins Surah Al-Kawthar. This Surah is Makki and consists of 3 ayahs.

In the first ayah, Allah mentions His great favor and blessing upon the Prophet (saws), saying: “Indeed, We have granted you Al-Kawthar.” Al-Kawthar refers to a river in Paradise.

The Prophet (saws) is then commanded to offer prayer and sacrifice solely to seek the pleasure of Allah.

The last ayah states: “Surely it is your enemy whose traces are cut off.”

This was, in fact, a response to the taunts of the disbelievers. They used to say that Muhammad (saws) had no male child and, therefore, after his death, neither would his lineage continue nor would he have any successor. They believed that, as a result, no one would remember him.

Allah responded by declaring that it would be the disbelievers themselves whose names would be forgotten and whose memory would disappear. The truth of this can be seen even today. There is hardly a moment, day or night, when some believers somewhere in the world are not sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet (saws)and bearing witness to his prophethood.

Today, for more than a billion Muslims around the world, the name of the Prophet (saws) is among the most beloved and honored names. If all those named Muhammad and Ahmad were counted, their number would perhaps reach many millions. On the other hand, no one today names their children after Abu Lahab, ‘Utbah, or ‘Uqbah. And if these names are mentioned, they are generally mentioned as negative examples—and even this is because of their connection with the Prophet (saws).

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Surah Al-Kafirun

For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.
Here begins Surah Al-Kafirun. This Surah is Makki and consists of 6 ayahs. It speaks about dissociating oneself from polytheism and false beliefs.

When the disbelievers of Makkah proposed to the Prophet (saws) that he should worship their gods for one year and they would worship his God for one year, this Surah was revealed. The Prophet (saws) was commanded to tell them that he was not to worship what they worshipped, nor were they worshippers of what he worshipped, and that their religion was for them and his religion was for him.

This Surah teaches religious tolerance in two ways. On the one hand, Muslims are taught not to unnecessarily interfere in the religious affairs of others. On the other hand, it teaches that tolerance does not mean abandoning our own identity or adopting the religious practices of others. True tolerance means remaining committed to one’s own faith and religious identity while refraining from interfering in the religious matters of people of other faiths.

At the very beginning of this Surah, the polytheists of Makkah are addressed as “Al-Kafirun” (the disbelievers). However, there is no report in the books of Tafsir, Hadith, or Seerah that they objected to being addressed by this term. This indicates that they did not consider the term Kafiroffensive. Actually, the word kafir refers to a person who does not believe in the Oneness of Allah or who is not a Muslim. Therefore, when someone who does not beleive in the Oneness of Allah is called a kafir, it is not intended as an insult; rather, it simply means a non-Muslim.Today, some non-Muslims feel that being called a “kafir” is insulting. However, in the Islamic terminology, referring to a person who does not beleive in the Oneness of Allah as a kafir, is not, in itself, intended as an insult.

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Surah An-Nasr
Here begins Surah An-Nasr. This Surah is Madani and consists of 3 ayahs. It was revealed on the occasion of the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wida‘). This Surah speaks about the conquest of Makkah.

In the eighth year after Hijrah, Allah Almighty granted the Muslims the victory of Makkah. Through this victory, Allah honored Islam, gave strength and dignity to the Muslims, and Islam spread widely. Thereafter, people began entering Islam in large groups. At the time of the conquest of Makkah, ten thousand Companions were with the Prophet (saws), and in less than two years, by the time of the Farewell Pilgrimage, the number of Companions had increased to more than one hundred thousand.

In the lastayah, the Prophet (saws) was commanded to glorify and praise Allah and seek His forgiveness for this great blessing. Allah says:

“Glorify your Lord with His praise and seek His forgiveness. Surely, He is Most Forgiving.”

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Surah Al-Lahab

The Destruction of Abu Lahab

Here begins Surah Al-Lahab. This Surah is Makki and consists of 5 ayahs. It describes the destruction and ruin of Abu Lahab, an enemy of Allah and His Messenger (saws).

Allah says:“Perish the hands of Abu Lahab, and perish he! His wealth and whatever he earned did not benefit him. He will soon enter a Fire full of flames.”

Abu Lahab was the uncle of the Prophet (saws). He persecuted the Prophet (saws) in many different ways. When the Prophet (saws) first gathered the members of his family at Mount Safa and invited them to Islam, Abu Lahab said, “May you perish! Is this why you have gathered us?” In response to this, this Surah was revealed.

Allah Almighty declared that Abu Lahab’s destruction had already occurred, meaning that his ruin was as certain as though it had already happened. Accordingly, seven days after the Battle of Badr, he was afflicted with a disease resembling plague, known as ‘Adasah. The Arabs believed that this disease was contagious and would not even touch a person suffering from it. Abu Lahab therefore died in this condition, and his body began to give off a terrible smell. Eventually, people buried him in a pit using pieces of wood to avoid touching his body.

Ayahs 4 and 5 mention Umm Jamil, the wife of Abu Lahab. The Qur’an says:“And his wife as well, the carrier of firewood. Around her neck, there is a well-twisted rope.”

She was equally involved with her husband in opposing and persecuting the Prophet (saws). According to some narrations, she used to place thorny branches in the Prophet’s path at night and harass him in various ways.

Although she belonged to a respectable family, she would carry bundles of firewood herself because of her miserliness and greeed of wealth. When she brought the firewood, she would tie it together with a rope made of palm fiber and then wrap the rope around her neck.

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Surah Al-Ikhlas

Who Is Allah?

Here begins Surah Al-Ikhlas. This Surah is Makki and consists of 5 ayahs. In this Surah, the attributes and qualities of Allah are described. Allah says:

“(O Prophet) Say, The truth is that Allah is One, Allah is aAbsolute and needs none. He neither begot anyone, nor was he begotten.”

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Surah Al-Falaq

When the Prophet (saws) Was Afflicted by Magic

Here begins Surah Al-Falaq. This Surah is Makki and consists of 5 ayahs. This Surah teaches that a person should always seek the protection of Allah and pray to Him for safety from all kinds of trials, evils, and harms in the world.

Allah says: “(O prophet) Say, .I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak from the evil of everything He has created, and from the evil of the dark night when it penetrates, and from the evil of the women who blow on the knots, and from the evil of an envier when he envies.”

This Surah and the following Surah An-Nas are known together as Al-Mu‘awwidhatain (the two Surahs for seeking Allah’s protection). Both Surahs were revealed when some Jews attempted to cast magic upon the Prophet (saws), and some effects of it became apparent to him.

In these Surahs, the Prophet (saws) was instructed to seek Allah’s protection from magic and its harmful effects through these words. Several Hadith reports establish that reciting these Surahs and using them for Ruqyah is an excellent means of seeking protection from the effects of magic. The Prophet (saws) would recite these Surahs before going to sleep, blow gently onto his blessed hands, and then wipe his hands over his entire body.

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Surah An-Nas
Surah An-Nas begins here. This is a Makki Surah and consists of 6 ayahs. According to the present order of the Qur’an, it is the last Surah of the Qur’an. However, according to the order of revelation, Surah An-Nasr is the last Surah to be revealed, while, according to most scholars, ayah 281 of Surah Al-Baqarah was the last ayah to be revealed.

This Surah also instructs us to seek protection from the evil whispers of humans and jinn. Allah Almighty says:

“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers into the hearts of mankind, whether he is from among the jinn or from among mankind.”

The Glorious Qur’an states in Surah Al-An‘am, ayah 112, that there are Satansamong both the jinn and human beings. The Satan from among the jinn is invisible and whispers evil thoughts into people’s hearts. However, the devils among human beings are visible, and they speak in such a way that, upon hearing them, various evil thoughts and whispers arise in a person’s heart. Therefore, in this ayah, human beings are taught to seek refuge from both kinds of whisperers.

Satan’s schemes are weak, and he does not have the power to force a person to commit a sin. Rather, this is a test for human beings.

Satan tries to mislead a person, but if he refuses to follow Satan’s temptations and seeks refuge in Allah Almighty, Satan can do him no harm.

Conclusion
The Glorious Qur’an begins with Surah Al-Fatihah, in which, after praising and glorifying Allah Almighty, a supplication is made to Him alone for guidance to the straight path. It concludes with Surah An-Nas, in which refuge is sought from the evil of Satan, because it teaches us how to overcome the obstacles that Satan may create in our way while following the straight path.

May Allah Almighty protect us all from the evil of both our inner self (nafs) and Satan, and keep us in His protection! Ameen, thummaAmeen.