There is a disagreement among writers of exegesis whether
this Surah was revealed in Makkah or Madinah because in the later part of the
Surah, Salat and Zakat has been discussed.
Allama Sayyied Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai preferred that the first part be
considered Makki and the later part as Madani.
There are 19 Ayahs of this Surah. It may be divided into two
parts; one part is addressed to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) himself about
praise of Allah and the duties of Prophet Hood. Seven Great Names of Allah are mentioned;
the other part deals with God fearing faithful and hard hearted unbelievers.
According to the
Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.): “Whoever recites this Surah, he will be rewarded
ten virtues for every word revealed on Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Musa, and
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.)”. One of the Companions of the Commander of the
Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) says that he performed prayers in the lead of Imam
Ali (a.s.), he always recited this Surah and said: “If you were aware of the
blessings of this Surah you would have read it ten times. As if you have their (Suhuf)
Holy Writ. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) loved this Surah” It may be noted
that maximum benefits may be accrued if we understand the contents of this
Surah and practice in our life!
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
(Muhammad), Glorify
the name of your Lord, the Most High, Who has created (all things), decreed
their destinies, and provided them with Guidance. It is He who has caused the
grass to grow, then caused it to wither away. We shall teach you (the Qur’an)
and you will not forget it unless Allah Wills it to be otherwise. He knows all
that is made public and all that remains hidden. We shall make all your tasks
easy. Therefore, keep on preaching as long as it is of benefit. Those who have
fear of Allah will benefit but the reprobate will turn away and suffer the heat
of the Great Fire wherein they neither live nor die. Lasting happiness will be
for those who purify themselves, remember the name of the Lord, and pray to
him. However, (the unbelievers) prefer the worldly life even though the life
hereafter will be better and will last forever. This is what is written in the
ancient heavenly Books, the Scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa.
This Surah is
normally recited in the Eid Congregations.
The Guidance referred above is Cosmogonic (Takwini). But
Allah has provided the Legal Guidance (Tashri’i) through Prophets and
Revelations. The famous Zoologist Cressy
Morrison in his “The Secret of Cosmogony of Man” has narrated many examples
of the birds that travel thousands of miles to migrate and after many months
retrace their passage and find their native habitast. Some of the birds like
bats find their way at night like radar systems. Different insects have
microscopic eyesight. Similarly, dogs have been given abnormal sense of
smelling to identify objects.
Purification referred to in Ayah 14 may point towards polytheism,
physical as well as spiritual purification.
Avoid all sinful acts and perform
virtuous deeds. It may also mean to pay Zakat Fitra to purify one’s wealth and
spirit.
It is stated in many
traditions that the love of the worldly life is the cause of all sins!
There is a Tradition
narrated by Abu Dharr that he asked the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) about the
number of prophets, he replied 124,000. He asked: “How many Messengers?” The
Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) replied: “three hundred thirteen. Four Prophets
among them were Arabs; Prophet Hud, Prophet Saleh, Prophet Shoaib, and your
Prophet.” Abu Dharr asked: “O Prophet of God! How many Books did Allah
revealed?” He (s.a.w.a.s.) replied: “One hundred and four books; ten books on
Adam, fifty books on Shees, thirty books on Idrees, ten on Ibrahim, Taurait on
Musa, Injeel on I’sa, Zubur on Daud and Furqan on the Prophet of Islam.”
The Infallible Imam
Zain-al-Abedin (a.s.) said: “Causes of sins were; disobedience by Shaitan,
greed caused Tak-e-Aula by Adam, jealousy, love of women, love of world, love
for power, love of comforts, love of superiority, love of wealth.”
Source used:
The Glorious Qur’an Translation by Ayatollah Nasir Makaram
Shirazi
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