Surat Al-An’am

A Reminder of Tawheed

 

Lecture (16): Divine Wisdom Unveiled:

The Enlightening Journey Through Surat Al-An'am

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The Magnificent Revelation: Surat Al-An’am Revealed in Mecca:

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, said: “Surat Al-An’am was revealed in Mecca in its entirety at night, accompanied by seventy thousand angels, who were extolling Allah’s greatness around it.[1]

 

Ibn Abbas’s statement provides a rich and vivid portrayal of the revelation of Surat Al-An’am. Let’s delve deeper into its significance:

 

  1. Meccan Revelation: Confirming its revelation in Makkah, Ibn Abbas aligns Surat Al-An’am with the early period of Islam’s propagation. Meccan revelations often emphasized core principles of faith, including monotheism, prophethood, and accountability before Allah. Understanding Surat Al-An’am as a Meccan revelation contextualizes its themes within the broader struggle of early Muslims in Mecca against polytheism and societal injustices.

 

  1. Night Revelation: The revelation at night adds a layer of symbolism and significance. Nighttime, characterized by serenity and solitude, provides an ideal backdrop for spiritual reflection and absorption of divine truths. It suggests an intimate and profound engagement with the message of the Surah, emphasizing its importance in guiding believers through darkness and uncertainty.

 

  1. Revealed All at Once: Ibn Abbas’s assertion that Surat Al-An’am was revealed all at once underscores the unity and coherence of its message. This suggests that the Surah was entirely revealed in a single instance rather than progressively over time. Such revelation would facilitate a comprehensive understanding of its themes and allow for a holistic approach to its teachings.

 

  1. Accompanied by Angels: The presence of seventy thousand angels during the revelation underscores the divine endorsement and sanctity of Surat Al-An’am. As celestial beings, angels symbolize purity, obedience, and reverence towards Allah. Their presence signifies divine approval and support for the message conveyed in the Surah, amplifying its significance and impact.

 

  1. Extolling Allah’s Greatness: The imagery of angels surrounding the revelation and glorifying Allah highlights the majesty and magnificence of God’s words. Their continuous praise is a testament to the exalted nature of the Quranic revelation and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and worshiping Allah alone.

 

In summary, Ibn Abbas’s narration paints a compelling picture of Surat Al-An’am’s revelation, depicting it as a moment of divine grandeur and significance. The combination of its Meccan origin, nighttime revelation, and angelic presence underscores the profound spiritual import and timeless relevance of the Surah’s message for believers throughout history.

 

Divine Praises: Unveiling Allah’s Lordship through the Quran

The Quran, with its profound wisdom, begins five chapters with “Al-Hamdullillah” (All Praise to Allah), each a testament to the multifaceted lordship of Allah. These surahs are not just verses; they are gateways to understanding and loving Allah deeper, each carrying a unique message that inspires awe, gratitude, and a deeper connection with the Creator.

 

Surat Al-Fatihah: Surat Al-Fatihah commences with the profound declaration “Al-Hamdullillah Rabu al-Aalameen,” setting the stage for an immersive exploration into the breadth of Allah’s lordship over every realm of existence. This opening verse is a comprehensive homage to Allah, acknowledging His supremacy, mercy, and the unique position as the Sustainer of the world. It serves not just as an introduction but as a foundational pillar, capturing the core tenets of the Islamic faith:

  • unwavering monotheism
  • the necessity of divine guidance
  • the human soul’s intrinsic desire to tread the path laid out by its Creator

 

Regarded as the essence of the Quran’s message, Surat Al-Fatihah is a microcosm of the divine discourse, offering a condensed yet powerful overview of the spiritual journey one embarks upon through the Quran. It speaks directly to the heart, invoking a sense of closeness to Allah by acknowledging His unparalleled grace and the indescribable comfort of submitting to His will. This chapter, often called “The Opening,” acts as a gateway into the profound spiritual landscape of the Quran, inviting believers to step into a space of reflection, prayer, and connection with Allah.

 

Within its few verses, Al-Fatihah encapsulates the dynamic relationship between the Creator and His creation. It highlights the indispensable need for Allah’s guidance, portraying Him as the merciful benefactor and the ultimate judge, laying the groundwork for the believer’s journey towards understanding and living according to divine will. As such, Al-Fatihah is not just a chapter to be recited but a heartfelt declaration of faith, an earnest supplication for guidance, and a poignant reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and sovereignty. It stands as the epitome of spiritual communion, embodying the quintessence of worship, guidance, and the ceaseless quest for divine proximity and righteousness.

 

Surat Al-An’am delves deeper into the narrative of divine creation, resonating with the inaugural Revelation to Prophet Muhammad, “Read in the name of your Lord who created,” and presents a compelling call to recognize Allah’s unparalleled role as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This chapter serves as a vivid reminder of Allah’s unmatched power and wisdom, urging humanity to transition from the shadows of ignorance into the luminosity of knowledge and belief. It unfolds the splendor of the universe as a testament to Allah’s creativity, inviting reflection on every element of creation as a sign pointing to the divine.

 

In this surah, Allah clearly demarcates two distinct paths humanity can choose in response to the realization of His lordship: the path of darkness, chosen by those who turn away from divine signs, enveloped in denial and ingratitude, and the path of light, chosen by those who, guided by their innate recognition of Allah’s sovereignty, seek His guidance and grace. This bifurcation underscores the ongoing struggle between faith and disbelief, enlightenment and ignorance.

 

Al-An’am is a chapter that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Allah’s creative prowess and challenges mankind to ponder their existence and the universe around them. It calls on individuals to awaken their inherent belief and intuition, aligning themselves with the world’s natural order, which inherently glorifies its Creator. Through this reflection, the surah aims to inspire a profound appreciation for Allah’s lordship and foster a sense of responsibility and devotion among believers.

 

This surah, thus, is not merely an exposition on the marvels of divine creation but a guidance for humanity, outlining the choices before them: To either embrace the truth of Allah’s lordship by acknowledging His infinite blessings and earnestly choose His guidance or to select the path of denial, thereby risking a departure from the very purpose of their creation. It is a clarion call to recognize the signs of Allah’s majesty in the world around us, leading us toward a path illuminated by faith, wisdom, and an unyielding connection to our Creator.

 

Surat Al-Kahf begins with a profound declaration of gratitude and praise, “All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has sent down to His slave the Book,” placing the spotlight on Allah’s sovereign legislative power manifest through the Quran. This divine scripture is presented not merely as a text but as a guiding light that offers spiritual enlightenment and a legal framework for life. It is a testament to Allah’s absolute authority over His creation, underscoring His role as the ultimate lawgiver. This aspect of divine lordship is central to understanding the Quran’s place in guiding human conduct and morality.

 

Within this surah, Allah is affirmed as the supreme ruler and legislator, a fundamental aspect of His lordship that permeates the fabric of creation. The narrative underscores the resistance faced by prophets when declaring Allah’s sole right to legislate. In the context of Surat Al-Kahf, this resistance is mirrored in the historical stance of the Meccan disbelievers who, while recognizing Allah as the Creator and sovereign, rejected His authority to determine the lawful and the unlawful, leading to the emergence of arbitrary superstitions and practices.

 

This challenge is not confined to the past; it resonates with contemporary issues where acknowledgment of Allah’s creative power does not always extend to acceptance of His legislative authority. In historical and modern contexts, the surah illustrates a human tendency to accept divine sovereignty in creation but resist divine commandments, reflecting a selective approach to faith that omits complete submission to Allah’s will.

 

Surat Al-Kahf, therefore, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of embracing Allah’s guidance in its entirety, recognizing Him not only as the creator and sovereign but also as the sole legislator. It invites believers to reflect on the Quran as a holistic guide encompassing every aspect of life, urging them to align their lives with Allah’s commandments. It aims to inspire a deeper, more comprehensive faith that acknowledges and submits to Allah’s complete lordship over creation and command.

 

Surat Saba opens with a declaration of divine sovereignty, “All Praise to Allah, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and everything on the earth,” laying bare the vastness of Allah’s dominion and the immeasurable blessings that suffuse our existence. This surah serves as a poignant reminder to humankind, urging us to move beyond our often-negligent acknowledgment of these blessings to a deeper, more profound appreciation of Allah’s endless bounties.

The verses encapsulate a profound truth: Allah reigns supreme over the cosmos, regardless of human recognition or obedience to His legislations. This unchanging reality underscores His absolute kingship and sovereignty across the universe. 

 

The surah eloquently communicates that our choice to adhere to Allah’s commandments has direct implications in this life and the hereafter. It suggests that true acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty is inherently linked to compliance with His divine laws, leading to the ultimate expression of praise and gratitude towards Him in the afterlife.

 

Moreover, the surah acknowledges Allah’s omniscience, emphasizing His all-encompassing knowledge of every occurrence within His creation. This recognition invites believers to reflect on the perfection of Allah’s wisdom and the meticulous care with which He governs the universe, inspiring a heartfelt response of gratitude and reverence.

 

Surat Saba calls upon us to live with a conscious awareness of Allah’s omnipotence and to align our lives with His divine will. It highlights the significance of embracing Allah’s guidance and commandments to achieve true fulfillment and gratitude. By doing so, we honor Allah’s sovereign role in our lives and position ourselves to be among those who will praise Him eternally in the Hereafter for the guidance He bestowed upon us. This surah, therefore, is not just a reflection on divine kingship but a roadmap for living in harmony with the ultimate truth of Allah’s lordship.

 

 

Surat Fatir profoundly acknowledges the divine: “All praise is due to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth.” This highlights the natural, intuitive recognition of Allah`s lordship embedded in every soul and the inherent state of submission that pervades all creation. This submission is not a matter of choice for the rest of creation, as Allah inherently originates them to fulfill their role within His cosmic system.

 

The surah further delves into the role of angels as divine messengers, bridging the gap between the heavens and the earth. These celestial beings play a crucial role in reinforcing the message of truth to human souls, especially when the natural disposition (Fitrah) towards recognizing and submitting Allah’s lordship is clouded or corrupted by external influences. Additionally, angels execute divine commands, which may include delivering messages of guidance to humanity or enacting Allah’s retribution upon those who flagrantly disrupt the cosmic order and deny His sovereignty.

 

By emphasizing Allah’s creative prowess and the meticulous organization of the universe, Surat Fatir calls upon humans to reflect upon the magnificence of creation as a pathway to recognizing Allah’s omnipotence and mercy. It encourages a life of righteousness in harmony with the divine will, reminding us of the importance of realigning our corrupted Fitrah through adherence to divine guidance as revealed in the Quran.

 

Therefore, this surah celebrates Allah’s lordship and the marvels of His creation and underscores the dynamic relationship between the Creator, His messengers, and creation. It invites us to reawaken our innate disposition to recognize Allah’s supremacy and urges us to live a conscientious life that mirrors universal submission to His will. In doing so, Surat Fatir inspires a deeper connection with Allah, fostering a sense of awe and gratitude for His endless bounties and guiding us towards righteousness and divine compliance.

 

The five chapters that commence with the praise of Allah present a rich, interconnected narrative of divine sovereignty, guiding believers through the complexities of faith and existence. Beginning with “Al-Hamdullillah,” they frame our understanding of the world through gratitude and recognition of Allah’s boundless mercy and authority. These surahs are not merely chapters; they are invitations to embark on a spiritual journey that transcends the mere act of worship to encompass every facet of life.

 

Through their verses, we are called to reflect on the grandeur of Allah’s creation, the precision of His command, and the depth of His guidance. This journey through the Quranic discourse fosters a profound love for Allah, deepening our appreciation of His lordship and nurturing a soul attuned to the rhythms of divine will. As we navigate the paths outlined in these chapters, we are guided towards a life that celebrates the full spectrum of Allah’s lordship, marked by a steadfast commitment to His teachings and a heartfelt gratitude that enriches every moment of our existence. In understanding and internalizing the messages of these surahs, we draw closer to Allah and illuminate the path for others, embodying the essence of faith, hope, and eternal love for our Creator.

Echoes of ‘Say’: Embodying the Divine Command in Surat Al-An’am: The verb “قل” (Say) appears in the Quran 332 times, as documented in [The Indexed Dictionary of the Words of the Holy Quran: 571]. It is mentioned across half of the Quranic chapters, that is, in 57 Surahs, with varying occurrences. Its most frequent appearance is in Surat Al-An’am (44 times), followed by Surat Yunus (24 times), and then Surat Al-Imran (23 times).

This frequent directive underscores a divine responsibility: to articulate Allah’s speech as it is, without deviation or personal interpretation. It reminds believers of the message’s purity and their duty to uphold it, as highlighted by the verse, “And We have indeed made the Quran easy to remember; so, is there anyone who will remember?” [Al-Qamar: 17].

 

This divine commission is not about coercion but about conveying with sincerity and truth, as Allah instructed His Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: “Say, ‘I do not possess for myself any benefit or harm except as Allah wills…'” [Al-A’raf: 188]. This embodies the essence of our mission: to be precise messengers, not manipulators of divine will.

 

Yet, in the face of such a clear command, we must reflect on our adherence to this duty. The Prophet, peace be upon him, encouraged, “Convey from me, even if it is a verse…” [Bukhari], highlighting the importance of spreading the message, regardless of its length or perceived significance.

 

Moreover, this command serves as a foundational tool in addressing public objections and Islamophobia, equipping us to counter falsehoods and clarify misconceptions about Islam’s teachings.

 

In today’s digital age, the means to fulfill this command are vast and varied. Whether through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp or more comprehensive networks offering programs and discussions named “Say,” each believer is called to contribute according to their ability and resources.

 

We are reminded not to be deterred by the diversions of modern wickedness, which seek to captivate and mislead. Despite the prevalence of distraction and distortion, our collective mission remains clear: to convey the light of Allah’s message to all. The question stands: Will we rise to fulfill this command, or will we falter in the face of opportunity? The divine call for response echoes, awaiting our action in a world desperately needing guidance.

 

Divine Accountability: Leaders vs. Followers (22:3-10)

When addressing the dichotomy between followers and leaders in their response to divine messages, it’s noted that followers are dissuaded by their leaders from heeding the message, thereby being given a chance to listen and engage indirectly; leaders exhibit a more deliberate stance of resistance. Unlike followers who might be led astray out of ignorance or influence, leaders confront the message with a predetermined rejection. This distinction is crucial, as Allah’s approach to engaging with these two groups varies significantly, with leaders facing direct accountability without the intermediary step of debate, a pattern notably presented at the beginning of Surat Al-Hajj.

 

The Disputer’s Folly (Verses 3-4): These verses speak to the nature of some humans who, lacking actual knowledge, dispute Allah’s existence and follow the path laid out by rebellious devils, leading only to misguidance and eventual punishment.

 

The Marvel of Creation (Verses 5-7): These verses remind us of Allah’s omnipotence and the reality of resurrection. They detail the stages of human creation and the natural cycle of life and death. Through these signs, Allah aims to clarify doubts about the Resurrection, emphasizing His truth and the certainty of the Hour.

 

The Arrogance of Dispute (Verses 8-9): These verses highlight the arrogance of those who argue about Allah without true guidance. They depict the spiritual and worldly consequences of such pride: misguidance in this life and torment in the hereafter.

 

Divine Justice (Verse 10): This verse assures that individuals’ outcomes are the result of their own deeds, reaffirming Allah’s Justice and dispelling notions of undue harshness on His part.

 

Through this detailed engagement with followers and leaders in their stance towards divine guidance, Allah elucidates the stark contrast between their respective approaches and the ensuing consequences. While followers might be led astray, there remains a window for guidance; leaders who knowingly reject and dispute Allah’s signs emphasize immediate accountability and the inevitable Justice awaiting them in the hereafter, underscoring the gravity of their deliberate defiance.

 

Conditional Faith: The Peril of Worldly Desires (22:11-13)

In Surat Al-Hajj, verses 11-13 depict a category of individuals whose commitment to faith is conditional and primarily motivated by worldly gains. This group engages in worship with an underlying intent to secure temporal benefits, treating their devotion to Allah as a means to an end rather than an end. Their faith is depicted as precarious, standing on the brink of abandonment at the slightest inconvenience or trial.

 

The Fair-weather Believer (Verse 11): This verse introduces a person who worships Allah on uncertain terms, their faith wavering on the edge of doubt. Their contentment with their faith is contingent upon receiving immediate material or personal benefits. However, their superficial commitment quickly dissolves when faced with trials or hardships, leading them to revert to disbelief. This action results in a profound loss, not just in the material sense but, more critically, in the spiritual realm, forfeiting the potential rewards of both this world and the Hereafter.

 

The Futile Invocation (Verse 12): It further elaborates on the futility of their actions, as they invoke entities besides Allah that neither harm nor benefit them. This practice is described as a significant deviation from the path of true faith, illustrating a profound misunderstanding of where true power and providence lie.

 

The Misguided Allegiance (Verse 13): The narrative concludes by highlighting the irony of their misplaced reliance, where they seek assistance from sources that are more likely to bring harm than benefit. This misplaced trust is critiqued as misguided and harmful, portraying these entities as unworthy protectors and companions.

 

Together, these verses vividly portray individuals whose faith is swayed by the pursuit of worldly gains. They illustrate the instability and ultimate loss inherent in such a conditional approach to worship. Their story is cautionary, emphasizing the importance of sincere and steadfast faith, irrespective of temporal circumstances.

 

Signs, Judgment, and Divine Sovereignty: The Messenger’s Role

In the journey of conveying Allah’s message, messengers often face challengers and skeptics demanding physical signs or the immediate execution of divine punishment. This scenario is not new and has been a recurring theme throughout the history of prophecy. Surat Al-An’am, among other chapters of the Quran, provides insight into how the Messenger is instructed to navigate these demands, emphasizing the distinction between a messenger’s role and Allah’s sovereignty.

 

Understanding the Demands for Signs and Expedited Judgment:

q  Demands for Physical Signs: Certain opponents of the message, in their skepticism, ask for tangible, physical signs as proof of the truthfulness of the message. Their demands stem from a place of disbelief and a challenge to the divine message’s authenticity.

 

q  Requests for Expedited Punishment: Another facet of their challenge is the request for the immediate implementation of divine punishment. This demand is often made either as a taunt, underestimating Allah’s power, or out of a misguided attempt to test the messenger’s truthfulness.

The Messenger’s Response: Adherence and Humility:

q  Clarifying the Role: The Messenger is guided to respond to these demands with humility and clarity about his role. He is neither the master of the unseen nor possesses the power to bring about divine signs or punishment at will. His mission is to convey the message faithfully, adhering to the revelations received from Allah.

 

q  Emphasizing Human Limitation: In dealing with such requests, the Messenger underscores the human limitations that all messengers share—they are servants of Allah, guided by His command, and without any power to alter divine will. This response is a lesson in humility and submission to Allah’s sovereignty, illustrating that the timeline and manifestation of signs and judgment belong exclusively to Allah.

 

q  Allah’s Sovereignty and Decision: The ultimate decision to send signs or execute judgment rests with Allah alone. His wisdom encompasses all, and His timing is perfect. The verses remind both the messenger and the believers that Allah’s decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of the universe and the hearts of all beings. Allah’s signs are all around for those who reflect, and His judgment is always just and timely.

 

This section highlights the importance of recognizing the messenger’s role as a humble conveyor of the divine message, devoid of any personal power to manifest signs or hasten divine judgment. It also reaffirms the sovereignty of Allah over all matters, encouraging a deeper reflection on the nature of faith and the significance of patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom. For the believers and the callers to Islam, this narrative provides a framework for understanding and responding to challenges posed by skeptics, ensuring that their faith and efforts are rooted in humility and adherence to divine guidance.

Understanding Tawheed in Surat Al-An’am: A Call to Pure Monotheism Ibn Abbas said, “If you wish to know the ignorance of the Arabs, then read what is above verse one hundred and thirty in Surat Al-An’am: ‘Indeed, those who killed their children foolishly, without knowledge, and prohibited what Allah had provided for them, inventing a lie against Allah… to His saying: they have gone astray and were not guided.'” Verses (136-140) [2]

Abdullah ibn Abbas, a revered figure in Islamic scholarship, offers profound insight into understanding the depth of ignorance that prevailed among the Arabs before Islam, specifically through his commentary on Surat Al-An’am. He directs us to the verses above one hundred and thirty to illustrate how the pre-Islamic Arabs engaged in practices deeply rooted in ignorance, such as infanticide and the arbitrary prohibition of what Allah had provided, fabricating falsehoods against Him. These actions highlight a significant deviation from the path of guidance and wisdom.

 

Surat Al-An’am, despite its title, which translates to “The Cattle,” delves into the essence of Tawheed (Monotheism), addressing the comprehensive lordship of Allah. This choice of name for the Surah is not arbitrary but deeply symbolic, reflecting the Surah’s intent to confront and rectify the misconceptions surrounding divine lordship, names, attributes, and the rightful worship of Allah.

 

The Surah presents a vivid depiction of how the Arabs, despite acknowledging Allah’s lordship in creation, egregiously erred in recognizing His exclusive rights to worship and legislation. They ascribed to Allah offspring and partners, such as angels and idols named Al-Lat and Al-Uza, in clear violation of the principles of Tawheed. Furthermore, they usurped Allah’s authority by instituting prohibitions on certain animals based on baseless superstitions and customs, showcasing a profound misunderstanding of Allah’s sovereignty and the sanctity of His divine legislation.

 

In essence, Surat Al-An’am serves as a critical examination of the deviations that had crept into Arab society, highlighting the importance of adhering to the unadulterated principles of Monotheism. It challenges the followers of the revelation to reevaluate their beliefs and practices, urging them towards a pure understanding of Tawheed, free from the shackles of ignorance and innovation. This Surah thus is a testament to the Qur’an’s role as a clarifier of truth, guiding humanity back to the rightful worship of Allah alone and the observance of His laws as the ultimate expression of His lordship over creation.

 

In our contemporary secular landscape, a concerning trend has emerged where certain individuals masquerading as scholars subtly endorse practices antithetical to the core principles of Islam. They legitimize the veneration of saints, graves, and various ideologies and practices starkly divergent from the teachings of pure Monotheism (Tawheed) emphasized in Surat Al-An’am. This tacit approval not only distorts the essence of Islamic worship but also sows seeds of division within the Ummah. The consequence of deviating from the foundational tenets of Islam, as highlighted by these so-called scholarly endorsements, is a compounded weakness that afflicts the Muslim community. Such divisions dilute the strength and unity of the Ummah, undermining its ability to uphold the values of Tawheed and weakening its stance against challenges. This trend underscores the urgent need for a recommitment to the principles of Tawheed, as elucidated in Surat Al-An’am, to preserve the integrity and vitality of the Muslim community in the face of secular pressures.

 

Objectives and Key Themes of Surat Al-An’am

Surat Al-An’am, a chapter deeply entrenched in the principles of Islamic Monotheism, outlines its objectives and teachings through structured arguments, narratives, and divine commandments. The surah aims to:

q  Establish the Islamic Creed: It focuses on making known the Oneness of Allah, affirming the truthfulness of His Messenger, and the certainty of the Day of Resurrection, thereby inviting people to worship Allah alone.

q  Engage with Skeptics: It offers a robust defense against the polytheists, deniers of the resurrection, and various innovators, meticulously addressing and refuting their doubts.

 

The Surah is centered around three primary areas:

1.    Flawed Perceptions about Allah and Idolatry

q  Monotheism and Rejection of Idolatry: The surah strongly advocates for the exclusive worship of Allah and presents irrefutable evidence of His Oneness.

q  Evidence of Allah’s Oneness: The signs of the natural world and reasoned arguments affirm Allah’s unparalleled sovereignty.

q  Narratives About Past Nations and Prophets: Sharing stories of previous communities and their prophets to draw lessons on the consequences of denying truth and the path of righteousness.

q  Warnings Against Satanic Influences: By highlighting the deceptive tactics employed by Satan to mislead humanity.

q  Superiority by Piety: It establishes that piety, not ancestry or race, determines one’s standing before Allah.

q  Commanding to Turn Away from Polytheists: Instructs believers to distance themselves from those who stubbornly reject the message of Monotheism.

2.    Denying the Revelation of Books, Messengers

q  Admonishment and Threat to Deniers: The surah warns those who deny the divine revelations, underscoring the critical role of the Quran and its messengers in guiding humanity.

q  The Role of Messengers and Prophethood Clarification: It clarifies the mission of prophets and the essence of their message, emphasizing the Quran’s role as a beacon of guidance.

q  Importance of Quranic Revelation: It positions the Quran as the ultimate guide for the believers, with specific verses highlighting respect for sacred signs and rites.

q  Prohibition of Engaging with Mockers: It advises believers to avoid sitting with those who mock divine revelations, reinforcing the importance of respecting the sacred.

q  Dietary Laws and Divine Commandments: Outlines lawful (Halal) and unlawful (Haram) foods, emphasizing principles of justice, ethical conduct, and avoiding major sins.

3.    Denying the Day of Resurrection

q  Rejection of Resurrection: Addresses skepticism around the Afterlife, affirming the inevitability of resurrection and divine justice.

q  Certainty of the Afterlife: Stresses the absolute certainty of the Day of Judgment and the accountability of each soul.

q  Divine Knowledge and the Unseen: Discusses Allah’s exclusive knowledge of the unseen, showcasing His omnipotence and wisdom as a direct counter to the denial of the resurrection.

This structured presentation of Surat Al-An’am’s themes not only consolidates its core objectives but also facilitates a deeper understanding of its comprehensive message, harmonizing Islam’s creed with the practical aspects of faith, ethics, and the afterlife.

 


[1] Al-Qassim ibn Salam, The Virtues of the Quran, p. 240; Ibn Al-Durais, The Virtues of the Quran, 196; Al-Tabarani, 12/215 (12930). Ibn Hajar classified it as good in The Results of Thoughts, 3/227, and Ahmad Shakir authenticated its chain of narration in The Mainstay of Tafsir, 1/761.

[2] Sahih Al-Bukhari # 3524