Surah Al-Fajr [89], "The Dawn."
Chapter 89 of the Quran is called Surah Al-Fajr, which translates to "The Dawn." It is a Makkan chapter consisting of 30 verses. Here is a brief explanation of the verses in this chapter:
Verses 1-4:
"By the dawn and [by] the ten nights, and [by] the even [number] and the odd, and [by] the night when it passes, is there [not] in [all] that an oath [sufficient] for one of perception?"
These verses begin with a series of oaths, swearing by various elements of creation, such as the dawn, the ten nights (which some scholars interpret as the first ten days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah), the even and odd numbers, and the passing night. These oaths serve to capture the attention of the listener and emphasize the importance of the message that follows.
Verses 5-6:
"Do you not see how your Lord dealt with 'Aad - [with] Iram - who had lofty pillars, the likes of whom had never been created in the land?"
These verses mention the people of 'Aad, an ancient Arabian civilization known for their strength and arrogance. They are specifically identified with the city of Iram and their impressive structures. The mention of 'Aad serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who transgress the limits set by Allah and reject His guidance.
Verses 7-8:
"And [with] Samud, who carved out the rocks in the valley, and [with] Pharaoh, owner of the stakes?"
These verses mention the people of Samud and Pharaoh. The people of Samud were known for their skill in carving rocks and creating dwellings. Pharaoh, the tyrannical ruler of ancient Egypt, is described as the owner of the stakes, which were used to torture and punish his subjects. The mention of these historical figures highlights the lessons that can be learned from the past and the consequences faced by those who oppose the truth.
Verses 9-14:
"[All of] those who oppressed the servants of Allah, so they incurred His wrath. So, cursed were the people of Samud and the people of Pharaoh, and [all] those who disbelieved. Those are the ones upon whom Allah's curse has fallen from among the people of Noah and the people of Lot and the people of Madyan. And Moses was denied, so I prolonged enjoyment for the disbelievers; then I seized them, and how [terrible] was My reproach."
These verses highlight the divine punishment and wrath that befell those who oppressed the servants of Allah and rejected the messengers sent to them. The mention of various communities, including the people of Noah, Lot, and Madyan, underscores the universal nature of divine punishment and the continuity of the message throughout history.
Verses 15-20:
"And how [severe] were My punishment and warning. And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember? 'Aad denied; then how [severe] were My punishment and warning. Indeed, We sent upon them a screaming wind on a day of continuous misfortune. Extracting the people as if they were trunks of palm trees uprooted."
These verses highlight the severity of Allah's punishment and warning. They emphasize that the Quran has been made easy for remembrance and reflection, inviting individuals to ponder its message. The mention of the people of 'Aad and the punishment they faced through a devastating wind serves as a reminder of the consequences of disbelief and arrogance.
Verses 21-30:
"And how [severe] were My punishment and warning. Indeed, We have made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember? Samud denied the warning and said, 'Is it one human being among us that we should follow? Indeed, we would then be in error and madness.'"
These verses reiterate the severity of Allah's punishment and warning. They highlight the response of the people of Samud, who rejected the message of their prophet and dismissed him as a mere human being. Their refusal to heed the warning led them astray and resulted in their downfall.
The overall message of Surah Al-Fajr emphasizes the consequences faced by those who reject the truth, oppress others, and transgress the limits set by Allah. It serves as a reminder of the accountability in the sight of Allah and the need to reflect upon the lessons from past civilizations. The chapter also underscores the importance of heeding the Quran, which has been made easy for remembrance and guidance.
Here are some additional points about Surah Al-Fajr:
Verses 21-26:
These verses continue to highlight the response of the people of Samud to the warning they received. They arrogantly questioned the credibility and authority of their prophet, dismissing him as a single human being among them. They claimed that following him would lead them astray, labeling it as error and madness. This attitude of arrogance and disbelief ultimately led to their destruction.
Verses 27-30:
These verses serve as a conclusion to the chapter, reiterating the severity of Allah's punishment and warning. They emphasize that the Quran has been made easy for remembrance, inviting individuals to reflect upon its message and seek guidance. The repetition of the phrase "Is there any who will remember?" serves as a rhetorical question, urging the listeners to ponder and take heed.
Overall Themes:
Surah Al-Fajr addresses the consequences of arrogance, disbelief, and rejection of the truth. It draws attention to the past civilizations, specifically the people of 'Aad and Samud, who were known for their strength and prosperity but were ultimately destroyed due to their transgressions and refusal to follow the guidance of the prophets sent to them.
The chapter serves as a warning to the listeners about the perils of arrogance and disbelief, urging them to reflect upon the lessons from history and the divine punishment that befell previous nations. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the authority of the messengers of Allah and heeding their guidance.
Furthermore, Surah Al-Fajr highlights the clarity and accessibility of the Quran as a source of guidance. It emphasizes that the Quran has been made easy for remembrance, encouraging individuals to reflect upon its teachings and seek righteousness.
The underlying message of the chapter is the importance of humility, faith, and obedience to Allah's guidance in order to avoid the destructive consequences faced by those who reject the truth. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability in the sight of Allah and the need to reflect upon the lessons from past civilizations to ensure a righteous path in the present and future.
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