Day Nineteen: Surah al-Furqan

by Kareem Elsayed

Surat al-Furqan

This is a Makkan surah revealed approximately the same time as Surat al-Mu’minoon. The surah deals with the doubts and objections of the Quraysh to the prophethood of Muhammad (SAAWS). It also describes the attributes of `Ibad ur-Rahman (the servants of the Most Merciful), and their noble attributes, juxtaposing their character with the one who rejects the call to the worship of ar-Rahman (SWT).

Initially, Allah (SWT) mentions many of the doubts and objections that the disbelievers had to the message that the Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) was preaching. Many of the ayat in the beginning of the surah have the phrase “they say” or “the transgressors say”. Interrestingly, Allah (SWT) responds to them only after instructing the Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) to:

“And [mention] the Day He will gather them and that which they worship besides Allah … (17)”

Among the ayat discussing this Day, is a terrifying verse indicating the desire of the Hellfire to consume and punish the disbelievers and the transgressors.

“When the Hellfire sees them from a distant place, they will hear its fury and roaring. (12)”

Allah (SWT) also mentions one of the regrets of the transgressors on that Day: the friends they kept. This should remind the believer to asses his social circles and ponder if their friends will be source of regret or a source of joy on that day:

“And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, “Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. (27-28)”

To conclude this passage, Allah (SWT) succinctly describes the condition of that Day:

“True sovereignty, that Day, is for the Most Merciful. And it will be upon the disbelievers a difficult Day. (26”)

Allah (SWT) also mentions a complaint of the Messenger (SAAWS) regarding the abandonment of the Qur’an. Alhamdulillah many of us have developed a relationship with the Qur’an by now in Ramadan. How long will that last?

“And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] abandoned.” (30)”

Here, Allah (SWT) mentions a very important ayah explaining Allah (SWT)’s Wisdom in revealing the Qur’an piece by piece. Additionally, each verse came down to address a certain situation, creating a deep personal relationship between the Sahaba and the Qur’an.

“And those who disbelieve say, “Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?” Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly. (32)”

Finally, Allah (SWT) addresses the doubts and objections of the disbelievers, saying:

“And they do not come to you with an argument except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation.(33)”

Allah (SWT) also mentions in this surah one of the scientific miracles of the Qur’an. Isn’t it remarkable how salty and fresh bodies of water never mix? This sign was mentioned by Allah (SWT) in this surah!

“And it is He who has released [simultaneously] the two seas, one fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and He placed between them a barrier and prohibiting partition. (53)”

Finally, Allah (SWT) concludes the surah by beautifully describing the attributes of `ibad ur-Rahman. They are those who have balanced good akhlaq (character) with devoted worship. They deal with people with wisdom, avoiding sins of the tongue while being vigilant in the observance of night prayers, spending for the sake of Allah (SWT), and repentance. They are constantly beseeching Almighty Allah (SWT) for the bounties of this life, and the next. These are the servants of ar-Rahman…we ask Allah (SWT) to make us among them!