THINK QURAN

This is an early Makkan surat; its central theme is resurrection. The story of Pharaoh highlights why some people don't believe, because of pride, selfishness and love of the world (15). The surat opens with five oaths - five descriptive, active participles that are enigmatic and unclear, making them difficult to translate. However, commentators have variously interpreted them as referring to warhorses, different winds, various stars, the souls of the righteous and the angels. The evidence invoked here leads to the conclusion, "You will certainly be resurrected."

One day, the Messenger ﷺ was preaching to the leaders of Makkah, hopeful they would accept his message. He was extremely concerned to bringing them into the fold of Islam, and saving them from the Hellfire. However, Abdullah ibn Umm-al Maktum, a blind Muslim, came unexpectedly and wanted the attention of the Prophet ﷺ, saying: "Messenger! Teach me what Allah has taught you." The Messenger ﷺ did not like this interruption and frowned at him, turning away from him and towards the Makkans leaders.  The surat commented on this incident, and thereafter the Messenger ﷺ used to say to him, "You are the man for whom my Lord censured me." It is obvious that Abdullah was in error when he interrupted the Messenger ﷺ, who was conveying the Message. So why does the Quran censure him? A closer look at the passage reveals that the Quran wants to remove the Makkan leaders' misunderstanding; they thought Islam needed them. However, the Quran tells them they are wrong, Islam doesn't need them. On the other hand, it appreciates sincere people like the blind man. Whenever the Prophet ﷺ left Madinah, he would appoint Ibn Maktum as the governor. The Quran teaches respect and equality for the blind and disabled.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al Takwir. The central theme of this early Makkan surat is the truthfulness of the Majestic Quran and the validity of its teachings. It opens with twelve oaths, each signifying one of the cataclysmic events prior to the Day of Resurrection. In the second section, another set of oaths about the time of celestial bodies is presented. The Quran is keen to stress the truthfulness of the Messenger ﷺ and the source of his message, so it describes the power, authority and reliability of the Angel Jibreel responsible for bringing the Divine Message. Finally, it challenges its audience with this verse: “So where are you going?” (26).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al Infitar. This is an early Makkan surat. Its central theme is self-deception that turns a person away from Allah. After taking the oaths of the events leading to Judgement Day, a question is gently asked: “people, what deceived and misled you from your generous Lord?” (6). The qualities of the Lord Who created are recalled to prick the conscience. Humanity is warned: you are monitored by the Angels who record your every move. On Judgement Day, all will give an account.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Mutaffifin. This is a late Makkan surat, condemning cheating traders and shopkeepers who were dishonest in their dealings with others. This picture of a dishonest person isn’t limited to commercial transactions but is also relevant to people who are dishonest in other aspects of life, both in seventh-century Arabia and today. The surat, interestingly, doesn’t mention the rope makers, tanners and perfume sellers working in Hijaz. Why does it single out the merchants, bankers and bookkeepers? Possibly because they have more opportunities to cheat, exploit the weak and perpetrate injustices. Recall the financial crisis of 2008, which affected economies around the world. Who was responsible for the that? Such injustices are committed by those who deny Judgment Day and feel they can swindle and cheat without consequence. “Don’t they believe they will be resurrected on a Grand Day?” (4-5).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Inshiqaq. This is a late Makkan surat, of which the central theme is the connection between actions and consequences. It opens by stressing the instinctive obedience of the inanimate; the Sky and the Earth. An indirect disapproval of the Makkans, who refused to obey their Lord despite having intelligence. Working hard for one’s livelihood is a universal human value. However, to limit life to this is folly; the workaholic is being challenged in this surat. He is advised not to forget the Hereafter and the meeting with the Lord Who is the true Sustainer and Provider. However, those who work hard for their Hereafter are guaranteed progress: “You will develop stage by stage” (19).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Buruj. This Makkan surat marks the beginning of the second phase of the mission of the Prophet ﷺ, around the third year; the start of tensions. Its central theme is the support of the faithful. The surat opens with a series of oaths, “By the sky full of constellations.” A constellation is a recognisable group of stars which appear to be located close together in the sky, and form a picture of imaginary lines that connect them. Constellations are usually named after an animal, a character from mythology, or a common object. Muslim astronomers discovered several constellations and named them in Arabic, such as Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor. The story of the “diggers of the trench” (4) is recounted in the Hadith collection of Muslim, where the Jewish King of Yemen burnt the Christians of Najran in a trench. This story would have given reassurance to the believers, and a clear warning to the Quraysh, the persecutors.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain share his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Tariq. This is a Makkan surat a with the central theme about the truthfulness of Judgement Day. After taking the oath of the shining stars, people are reminded, "There is a keeper over you" (4). Those who denied the Judgement Day are invited to reflect on their humble beginnings. Where do you come from? The evidence from the shooting stars, the spurted semen and the blooming plants and flowers are perfect illustrations of Allah's ability to bring the living from the dead; a proof of resurrection. The next important question for the thoughtful is, "Where are we going?" A simple statement contains the answer: "Indeed Allah is fully able to return him to life" (8). Finally, the Makkans, who were busy insulting the beloved Messenger ﷺ are warned, "I too have a plan" (16). In the final verse, the Prophet ﷺ is gently instructed to relax.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-A’la. This is an early Makkan surat, its central theme is the role of the Majestic Quran and the Messenger ﷺ as reminders. By referring to the early Scriptures of Musa and Ibrahim, the Quran makes it clear that this is a continuation of the same mission of past prophets. What blinds humanity to this reality? The answer is the love of worldly life. These verses express contempt for love of the material world since it distracts people from their Lord.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Ghashiyah. This surat was revealed in the middle Makkan period. The three fundamental doctrines of Islam are emphasised. The Day of Judgement is introduced in an unusual manner: "Has the news of the Overwhelming Event reached you?" This is followed by a harrowing account of what will happen to the disbeliever who toiled, struggled and worked hard in his life but ignored Allah, and never thought about the Hereafter. This is contrasted with the fate of a believer who worked to please his Lord. Humanity is invited to enjoy the delights of Paradise, its elegant surroundings, its comforts and luxuries. The price is strong faith. To conclude, the surat comforts the Prophet ﷺ by telling him not to worry, since he cannot compel people to believe. His mission is to remind: "To Us is their final return, then it will be up to Us to call them to account" (25-26).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Fajr. The surat begins by taking four oaths to draw our attention: the dawn, the time when the first light appears, the ten sacred nights of the twelfth lunar month of Dhu’l-Hijja, the month of pilgrimage, and the mystery of odd and even numbers. The odd may hint to Allah, who is the One, the Unique and cannot be compared with anything. In contrast, the even reminds how creation is not singular or one, only Allah is One. The surat reassures the Messenger ﷺ after mentioning these awesome phenomena, what you face in Makkah is what earlier prophets faced, so be patient. Reference is made to the ancient cities of Iram in the Arabian desert, Petra in modern-day Jordan, and the splendid temples of ancient Egypt with their tall columns. The surat points out how humans are unthankful to their Lord. At the slight loss of wealth or pain, they grumble and become impatient. They are sternly warned and told to renounce their bad habits. However, those who are mindful of Allah are promised a welcome of utter bliss.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Shams. This early Makkan surat opens with ten oaths. The first four relate to the sun and the last six to the sky, the earth and the human soul. The purpose of these oaths is to support the claim, “Then He inspired it to follow either its vice or virtue” (8). The central theme is developing human potential, either to be conscious of Allah or remain unaware of Him. “He inspired” means that the human conscience has been endowed with the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil. The one who develops the moral values, spiritual beliefs and social norms presented in the Quran will flourish, and the one who disregards them will inevitably fail. This is further proved by reference to the tribe of Thamud. The Makkans often went past their ruins in the old city of Petra on the southern border of Jordan. They called it a “red rose city”. The surat points out that just as an individual may deny and ignore the Divine Commandments, similarly whole communities can deny the truth. They refused to listen to their prophet and that led to their ultimate destruction. They killed a she-camel; an outrage in Bedouin culture. This surat has a beautiful rhyme – “ha” at the end of each verse, making it lyrical and poetic.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Layl. This is an early Makkan surat with the central theme of diversity in human endeavours, enterprises and efforts. However, the primary choice confronting people is between good or evil and practising moral values.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Layl. This is an early Makkan surat with the central theme of diversity in human endeavours, enterprises and efforts. However, the primary choice confronting people is between good or evil and practising moral values. The surat identifies righteous people as those who have three outstanding qualities: Generosity Mindfulness of Allah Appreciation for good The three inner dimensions of human life are mentioned: the moral, spiritual and social. As a reward for goodness, Allah says, "We shall soon make his work easy" (8). This is the Quranic hero, the champion and Beloved of Allah ﷺ. In contrast is the miserly, the forgetful, and the denier of good. For such a wretch, "We shall make his work hard" (10). These two contrasting statements, "We shall make his work easy" and "We shall make his work hard," clearly show that Allah has given free will to humanity. However, He aids and supports those who wish to do good and hinders those who do wrong. Once a habit is developed that brings pleasure or material gains, many become comfortable with it and adopt it as a way of life. The same applies to being mindful of Allah. The more the worship, the easier the way to Allah.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Inshirah. This Makkan surat builds on the previous surat’s consolation of the Messenger ﷺ in a tone that displays friendship and love. The opening or expansion of the chest of the Prophet ﷺ occurred twice: once in his childhood and again at the start of the Night Journey (The Ascension). The Angel Jibreel عليه السلام carried out a remarkable procedure, in which the heart of the Prophet ﷺ was taken out, purified, filled with wisdom and put back in his noble chest. This miracle prepared it to be the container of Divine Revelation. The surat expresses the incredibly elevated position of the Messenger ﷺ, but despite this honour, he is told to strive enthusiastically in Allah’s worship.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Duha. This is an early Makkan surat. According to Imam Suyuti, there was a short period when the revelation stopped and the Messenger ﷺ did not preach, prompting the Makkans to say mockingly, "Your Satan has deserted you." The Messenger ﷺ was upset and the surat was revealed to reassure him. To cope with this stressful personal experience, he is given a four-point strategy to overcome stress and sorrow: Get rid of negative thoughts, Be determined that you will succeed, Recall your past successes, Set yourself clear targets. The basic message it contains is an amazing force field of energy, which can heal our anxieties. Furthermore, it gives a snapshot of the orphan life of the Messenger ﷺ, his dire poverty, deep spiritual experience, and marriage with a wonderful lady, Khadija the Great (Allah be pleased with Her).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Duha. This is an early Makkan surat. According to Imam Suyuti, there was a short period when the revelation stopped and the Messenger ﷺ did not preach, prompting the Makkans to say mockingly, "Your Satan has deserted you." The Messenger ﷺ was upset and the surat was revealed to reassure him. To cope with this stressful personal experience, he is given a four-point strategy to overcome stress and sorrow: Get rid of negative thoughts Be determined that you will succeed Recall your past successes Set yourself clear targets The basic message it contains is an amazing force field of energy, which can heal our anxieties. Furthermore, it gives a snapshot of the orphan life of the Messenger ﷺ, his dire poverty, deep spiritual experience, and marriage with a wonderful lady, Khadija the Great (Allah be pleased with Her).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Tin. This Makkan surat opens with four oaths: two of the valuable trees and two of sacred places. These splendid symbols are used as a testimony to the truthfulness of its theme, the 'inherent goodness' of human nature, and how this is ruined. This vivid description of the splendour of Allah's creation and the nobility of humanity is an elegant piece of rhetoric. The reference to human nature being as the "most beautiful" is an important Quranic teaching, which offers hope in a world ravaged by wars and human greed. It refers to the upright and beautiful human figure, possessing beneficial intelligence, moral goodness and yearnings for the Divine. In other words, humans have the potential to be good, kind and generous, but can easily be ruined by disregarding faith in the Hereafter. This "most beautiful" nature can be easily damaged. The concept of Din (creed) or Judgement Day acts as a deterrent.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-‘Adiyat. This is a late Makkan surat that concisely describes the human condition of thanklessness. The Arabic is Kufr, a key theme in the Quran, as it often warns people of the dreadful consequences of human ingratitude. A kafir is an unthankful person, the one who fails to acknowledge the gifts of the Generous Lord. The kafir, the disbeliever, is condemned for this ingratitude. Hell is the only place that will cleanse humanity of the filth of this sin. The surat strongly condemns unthankfulness and reminds people of the Day when everything will be revealed and no secrets will remain.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Takathur. This is a Makkan surat that concisely highlights human greed and obsession with material things. It is trying to shock that person who is deeply immersed in the love of the world. Therefore, particularly relevant for our affluent societies. It lays bare the fact that this diversion and distraction from the reality of the Hereafter cannot save us from dying and going into graves. The solution is simple: Believe in the Resurrection and Divine Justice. Such a moving revelation can awaken readers to the dangers of worldliness and forgetfulness of the Hereafter.