By Huda Shaka`
Surat Al Ahqaf (chapter 46)
The Ahqaf (mentioned in verse 21 of the chapter) are the long and winding tracts of sandhills, characteristic of the country of the people of Aad (the people of Prophet Hud, peace be upon him).
The surah is thought to be a Makkan one, based on the events mentioned in verses 29-31.
Summary: All creation has a purpose behind it, which must be fulfilled. Truth and Revelation will be vindicated. The righteous should wait in patience and constancy.
Key themes:
- All creation has a just purpose which must be fulfilled:
We did not create the heavens and earth and what is between them except in truth and [for] a specified term. But those who disbelieve, from that of which they are warned, are turning away. [46:3]
But he who does not respond to the Caller of Allah will not cause failure [to Him] upon earth, and he will not have besides Him any protectors. Those are in manifest error.” [46:32]
- Refuting false arguments of the disbelievers:
Or do they say, “He has invented it?” Say, “If I have invented it, you will not possess for me [the power of protection] from Allah at all. He is most knowing of that in which you are involved. Sufficient is He as Witness between me and you, and He is the Forgiving the Merciful. [46:8]
- A believers duty is to be patient with the disbelievers and remain firm on the Path:
Indeed, those who have said, “Our Lord is Allah” and then remained on a right course – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. [46:13]
So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient for them. It will be – on the Day they see that which they are promised – as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour of a day. [This is] notification. And will [any] be destroyed except the defiantly disobedient people? [46:35]
- The story of Aad and their arguing with the Truth, which led to their destruction:
They said, “Have you come to delude us away from our gods? Then bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the truthful.” He said, “Knowledge [of its time] is only with Allah, and I convey to you that with which I was sent; but I see you [to be] a people behaving ignorantly.” And when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, “This is a cloud bringing us rain!” Rather, it is that for which you were impatient: a wind, within it a painful punishment, [46:22-24]
- The message of Islam is to humans and Jinn. Those who believe will be forgiven and protected from Allah’s punishment. The verses narrate the story of the Jinn listening to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, reciting Quran, on his journey back from Taif to Makkah.
And [mention, O Muhammad], when We directed to you a few of the jinn, listening to the Qur’an. And when they attended it, they said, “Listen quietly.” And when it was concluded, they went back to their people as warners. They said, “O our people, indeed we have heard a [recited] Book revealed after Moses confirming what was before it which guides to the truth and to a straight path. O our people, respond to the Messenger of Allah and believe in him; Allah will forgive for you your sins and protect you from a painful punishment. [46:29-31]
Sources:
- The Meaning of the Quran, Sayed Abul Ala Mawdudi
- The Meaning of the Holy Quran, Abdullah Yusuf Ali
- Sahih International
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Surahs 47 and 48
Both Chapters were revealed in Medina; however, they speak about two different contexts and times. An overview is given of each first followed by a brief conclusion.
Surah Muhammad (Chapter 47)
It is also referred to as Surah “al-Qital” (the fighting) which is the central theme of the surah, clearly flowing throughout it. Even its quick and assertive pace lends itself to the theme of war.
The surah is thought to be revealed after the Battle of Badr, but before the Battle of the Confederates; i.e. in a time of war when, after 15 years of bearing hardship from the non-believers, the Muslims were ordered to defend Islam against the attacks of the idolaters and also face the internal hypocrites and enemies.
The chapter begins with a clear declaration of war against the idolaters:
“Those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allah – He will waste their deeds.” [47:1]
This is followed by a clear command to the Muslims to fight in the way of Allah:
“So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]…” [47:4]
And a promise of victory for the believers:
“O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.” [47:7]
“That is because Allah is the Protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector.” [47:11]
The surah moves on to discuss the issue of hypocrites amongst the Muslims, again with assertiveness and harsh admonition:
“…And when the matter [of fighting] was determined, if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? Those [who do so] are the ones that Allah has cursed, so He deafened them and blinded their vision.” [47:20-22]
“Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs? That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked [what earns] His pleasure, so He rendered worthless their deeds.” [47:27-28]
The surah then goes back to threatening the idolaters and enemies of Islam:
“Indeed, those who disbelieved and averted [people] from the path of Allah and opposed the Messenger after guidance had become clear to them – never will they harm Allah at all, and He will render worthless their deeds.” [47:32]
The final message is to the believers: strongly encouraging them to fight and spend in the way of Allah, and threatening them if they turn away:
“So do not weaken and call for peace while you are superior; and Allah is with you and will never deprive you of [the reward of] your deeds.” [47:35]
“…And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allah is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.” [47: 38]
Surah al-Fath – the Victory (Chapter 48)
Immediately following Surah Muhammad in order, but almost three years apart in chronology; this is another Madani chapter. However, it has a different theme from the earlier: a theme of victory and tranquility.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described this surah as being more beloved to him than this life and all that it contains.
It is worth noting that the victory referred to in this chapter is not one which came at the end of a war, but rather, one which came as a result of a peace treaty: the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. This treaty ended years of fighting with Quraysh and its allies, and ushered in an era of peace during which Islam spread widely in the Arabian Peninsula.
Initially, some Muslims were reluctant about the treaty, because it did not allow them to enter Makkah immediately. However, this chapter, revealed on the journey back to Madinah, leaves no doubt that the treaty was indeed a victory.
“Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear conquest. That Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path. And [that] Allah may aid you with a mighty victory.” [48:1-3]
“Allah has promised you much booty that you will take [in the future] and has hastened for you this [victory] and withheld the hands of people from you – that it may be a sign for the believers and [that] He may guide you to a straight path.” [48: 20]
The surah describes the favors bestowed on the believers, in this world and the next, for remaining faithful and steadfast:
“It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they would increase in faith along with their [present] faith…” [48:4]
“[And] that He may admit the believing men and the believing women to gardens beneath which rivers flow to abide therein eternally and remove from them their misdeeds” [48:5]
“Certainly was Allah pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muhammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest” [48: 18-19]
“But Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and imposed upon them the word of righteousness, and they were more deserving of it and worthy of it. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.” [48:26]
The surah also addresses the issue of those who held back from joining the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) on his journey, showing how they should be responded to in the future:
“Those who remained behind will say when you set out toward the war booty to take it, “Let us follow you.” They wish to change the words of Allah . Say, “Never will you follow us. Thus did Allah say before”” [48:15]
Towards the end of the surah, there are two wonderful glad tidings for the believers:
“…You will surely enter al-Masjid al-haram, if Allah wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened, not fearing [anyone]…” [48:27]
“It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion…” [48:28]
The surah ends with a beautiful verse providing snap shots capturing the true believers’ virtues, actions, thoughts, and features based on previous descriptions in the Torah and Gospel. Those are the believers who accompanied the Prophet through all the hardships and trials and whom the Prophet described as “the best of those on Earth”:
“…and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers – so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers.” [48:29]
Comparison of the two Surahs:
The tone and approach of Surah al-Fath is very different than those of Surah Muhammad. Surah al-Fath is addressing a Muslim community which has matured in faith, fought many battles, and who is now completely content and in harmony with the teachings of Islam. Therefore, they are no longer in need for much incentives for jihad or assertive reminders of duties towards Islam. Rather, that community was in need for tranquility and calming which is the core of Surah al-Fath. This maturity over 3 years shows the effect of Quranic and Prophetic disciplining.
This is also a lesson for those working with people and communities. Do not be discouraged or angered by the weakness and many faults of the community, which are due to effects of the environment and historical baggage. Although they may seem deeply rooted at the beginning, with perseverance, patience and wisdom, the faults can fade away from the hearts and make way for the divine light.
Source: In the Shade of the Quran, Sayyed Qutb
