🔹Introduction to Surah Ar-Ra’d:

“Alif-Lam-Mim-Ra. These are the verses of the Book; that which has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most of mankind do not believe.” (Surat Ar-Ra’d 13:1)

As the Qur’anic journey transitions from Surat Yusuf, which nurtured personal conviction and resilience, to Surat Ar-Ra’d, the terrain of da‘wah transforms into a theological and ideological battleground. Here, the confrontation is no longer personal—it is public, organized, and multi-faceted.

Surat Ar-Ra’d addresses the escalating ideological resistance facing the Muslim community. The challenge now comes from three distinct fronts:

1. The disbelievers (kuffar) who mock revelation and demand physical miracles.
2. The hypocrites (Munafiqun) who pretend allegiance while weakening internal unity.
3. The People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) who distort their scriptures and oppose the final messenger.

This chapter is not merely rebutting arguments—it is arming the da‘wah carriers with spiritual conviction, rational clarity, and the assurance that the Qur’an is the ultimate proof, even if rejected by the majority.

While many verses in Surat Ar-Ra’d resemble Makkan rhetoric—highlighting themes like divine power, the unseen, and the permanence of revelation—it also contains clear Madinan undertones, particularly in its conclusion where the testimony of the People of the Book affirms the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. This fusion positions Surat Ar-Ra’d as a transitional chapter—a divine bridge between ideological resistance and physical confrontation.

This transition is fully realized in Surat Ibrahim, where these ideological confrontations become embodied in real-world conflicts:

• TheBattle of Badr, where Quraysh sought to silence the message by force.
• TheExpulsion of Banu Qaynuqa, after their public dishonor of a Muslim woman.
• Uhud, where the disbelievers avenged Badr and the hypocrites abandoned the cause.
• TheSiege and expulsion of Banu al-Nadir, after their plot to assassinate the Prophet ﷺ.
• The Confederates (Surat Al-Ahzab), and theBetrayal of Banu Qurayzah, which exposed the depth of internal and external resistance.

Each of these events was a manifestation of ideological rejection turning into active opposition—and Surat Ar-Ra’d prepares the believers for this inevitable reality.

📌 In short, Surat Ar-Ra’d is a preparatory battlefield—arming the hearts and minds of believers for what lies ahead. It teaches us that divine revelation must be understood, proclaimed, and defended—even when facing rejection from the majority of mankind.

Theme I

The Battle Over Tawheed –

Establishing Certainty in Allah’s Authority

Introduction: The Battle Over Tawheed – Establishing Certainty in Allah’s Authority

اللَّهُ الَّذِي رَفَعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ بِغَيْرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوْنَهَا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى يُدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ يُفَصِّلُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُم بِلِقَاء رَبِّكُمْ تُوقِنُونَ

📖 “Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then He Istawa (rose above) the Throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon to continue running their courses for an appointed term. He regulates all affairs, explaining the Ayat in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:2)

At the heart of every ideological struggle in history lies the question of ultimate authority—who has the right to legislate, govern, and dictate the affairs of creation? Surah Ar-Ra’d decisively establishes that Allah alone is the Sovereign, governing the universe and human affairs with absolute wisdom and power. However, from the earliest civilizations to modern times, those who seek power and control have challenged, distorted, or outright denied this divine authority to justify their own rule.

This theme explores four key dimensions of Allah’s authority:

1. The Inherent Belief in Allah & Proof of His Lordship – Demonstrating that all of creation testifies to His existence and power.
2. The Distortion of Allah’s Attributes to Justify False Beliefs – Exposing how misguided groups manipulate Allah’s names and attributes to support their rejection of Tawheed.
3. The Consequences of Rejecting Allah’s Lordship vs. The Success of Embracing His Guidance – Highlighting the ultimate fate of those who deny divine authority versus those who submit to it.
4. Allah’s Ultimate Authority Over Fate & Destiny – Reinforcing that all events unfold according to His divine will, and no force can override His decree.

History repeatedly demonstrates that challenges to divine authority are not rooted in intellectual objections, but in the fear of losing control, power, and influence over people. The Quraysh rejected the Prophet ﷺ not because they doubted the truth of Islam, but because Tawheed dismantled their socio-political and economic dominance. Pharaoh opposed Musa (AS) because acknowledging Allah’s supremacy meant forfeiting his claim to divine rulership. In Madinah, the hypocrites and People of the Book resisted Islam because it disrupted their leadership and status.

This battle continues today, as secular ideologies, materialistic worldviews, and oppressive systems resist the authority of divine law. Tawheed is not just a theological concept; it is a revolutionary truth that challenges falsehood and liberates humanity from subjugation to anything besides Allah.

📌 Lesson: Before engaging in Da’wah and confronting falsehood, a Da’wah carrier must possess unwavering certainty in Allah’s absolute authority. Without this foundation, one cannot effectively challenge the manipulations of Allah’s attributes, expose the contradictions of false ideologies, or call people to the truth of Tawheed with conviction.

🔄 Surat Ar-Ra’d: A Ring-Style Revelation

In our explanation of Surat Ar-Ra’d, we will follow its unique ring-style composition—a literary structure where themes are presented in a symmetrical pattern, often returning to where they began. Rather than progressing linearly, Surat Ar-Ra’d unfolds in cycles, where key ideas such as Tawheed, divine power, rejection of truth, and the certainty of revelation reappear in layered forms. This circular rhythm not only reinforces the central message but also mirrors the persistent nature of da‘wah in the face of repeated resistance. By tracing the surah in this style, we aim to reveal its harmonic depth and theological precision, showing how each section echoes and amplifies the ones before and after it—leading to a climactic affirmation of faith, guidance, and divine justice.

🔸 Why This Theme is Foundational:

✔️ Every ideological battle begins with challenging authority. Example: The Quraysh resisted the message of Islam because it challenged their religious and political dominance over the Ka’bah and Makkah. Accepting Tawheed meant abandoning idol worship, which was a key source of power and income for them.

✔️ The disbelievers rejected Tawheed because it undermined their control over people.
Example: Fir ‘awn (Pharaoh) rejected the message of Prophet Musa because it threatened his absolute rule. He feared that acknowledging Allah’s supremacy would lead the people to defy his authority. This is why he called Musa a sorcerer and dismissed his miracles as illusions.

✔️ Allah establishes His Supreme Authority by pointing to the natural order of the universe.
Example: In Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:2-4), Allah reminds humanity that He is the One who raised the heavens, created rivers, and makes night and day alternate. These signs are meant to silence those who doubt His existence and authority, reinforcing that no one else has the power to control the universe.

📌 Reflection: History and scripture show that resisting divine truth is often rooted in fear of losing control and power. However, Allah’s authority is absolute, and no force can ultimately suppress the truth.

🔸 Historical Struggles Against Tawheed: Makkah & Madinah

✔ In Makkah: The Quraysh elevated their idols to challenge divine authority.
Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab, and other Quraysh leaders rejected Islam not because they believed in their idols, but because idol worship reinforced their tribal dominance and economic power. The Ka‘bah’s pagan pilgrimage industry was their primary source of influence.

✔ In Madinah: The Hypocrites manipulated religion for personal gain.
Figures like Abdullah ibn Ubayy outwardly accepted Islam but secretly opposed it. They feared losing their leadership, alliances, and influence, so they stirred division among Muslims while pretending to be believers.

✔ In Madinah: The People of the Book rejected Islam despite knowing its truth.
The Jewish tribes of Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayzah recognized Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the foretold Messenger in their scriptures. However, accepting Islam meant losing religious authority, so they chose to deny the truth despite knowing it.

📌 Reflection: Whether in Makkah or Madinah, the rejection of Islam was never due to a lack of evidence—it was about protecting power and status. The true test of faith is submitting to divine truth over worldly interests.

🔸 Relevance Today: The Battle Against Tawheed Continues

✔ Modern secularism, nationalism, and materialism resist Tawheed because it challenges established power structures.

Many governments promote secular ideologies to separate religion from governance, ensuring that divine authority has no role in law-making or societal values.

✔ Restricting Islamic expression is a modern challenge to Tawheed.

• Hijab bans prevent Muslim women from expressing their faith.
• Mosque restrictions limit worship and community growth.
• Islamic education limitations aim to erase religious consciousness.

✔ True empowerment comes from certainty in Allah’s sovereignty.
The global economic system is built on riba (usury), a direct challenge to Allah’s authority over financial matters. Despite the Qur’an’s clear prohibition, interest-based economies trap individuals and nations in endless debt. However, the growth of Islamic finance proves that submission to divine laws leads to true success.

📌 Lesson: Just as the Quraysh, hypocrites, and People of the Book resisted Tawheed to maintain power, today’s secular elites, financial institutions, and ideological movements attempt to challenge divine authority. Only those who are firmly grounded in Tawheed can navigate and resist these modern challenges.

Establishing Certainty in Allah’s Authority

At the core of all ideological struggles lies the question of who holds ultimate authority. Surat Ar-Ra’d establishes that Allah alone is the Sovereign, governing the universe and human affairs with absolute wisdom and control. However, throughout history, this divine authority has been challenged, distorted, or denied by those seeking to maintain power and control over people.

This theme explores four key dimensions of Allah’s authority:

1. The inherent belief in Allah & proof of His Lordship, demonstrating that everything in existence naturally testifies to His existence and power.
2. The challenge to false authorities & their helplessness, exposing how misguided groups attempt to distort Allah’s attributes to justify their rejection of Tawheed.
3. The helplessness of false gods vs. Allah’s supreme power, highlighting how powerless deities and ideologies crumble before the undeniable might of the Creator.
4. Allah’s ultimate authority over fate & destiny, reinforcing that all events unfold according to His divine will, while those who deny Him ultimately face destruction.

Understanding Allah’s authority is not just an academic exercise; it is a foundation for faith, guidance, and a means to confront falsehood. This battle between divine truth and human arrogance has played out in every era—from Quraysh and Pharaoh to modern secular ideologies—and will continue until the end of time.

1.   The Inherent Belief in Allah & Proof of His Lordship

Since belief in Allah is an inherent quality of human nature, denying His existence is impossible. The Qur’an affirms His Lordship by pointing to the natural order:

اللَّهُ الَّذِي رَفَعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ بِغَيْرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوْنَهَا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى يُدَبِّرُ الأَمْرَ يُفَصِّلُ الآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُم بِلِقَاء رَبِّكُمْ تُوقِنُونَ

📖 ”  Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then, He Istawa (rose above) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He has subjected the sun and the moon (to continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs, explaining the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:2)

🔹 The first set of verses (13:2-4) establishes Allah as the sole controller of creation, sustenance, and natural laws.

🔹 This leaves no room for partners in His authority—everything in existence testifies to His sovereignty.

🔹 The Quraysh and other disbelievers never denied Allah’s absolute Lordship (Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah)—they acknowledged Him as the sole Creator and Sustainer. However, they denied His exclusive right to worship (Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah), directing acts of devotion to other beings. Allah establishes that His worship is a necessity due to His Lordship.

قُلْ مَن رَّبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ قُلِ اللَّهُ قُلْ أَفَاتَّخَذْتُم مِّن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاء لاَ يَمْلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمْ نَفْعًا وَلاَ ضَرًّا قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الأَعْمَى وَالْبَصِيرُ أَمْ هَلْ تَسْتَوِي الظُّلُمَاتُ وَالنُّورُ أَمْ جَعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَاء خَلَقُواْ كَخَلْقِهِ فَتَشَابَهَ الْخَلْقُ عَلَيْهِمْ قُلِ اللَّهُ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُوَ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ

📖 “Say (O Muhammad ): ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?’ Say: ‘(It is) Allah.’ Say: ‘Have you then taken (for worship) Auliya’ (protectors, etc.) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves?’ Say: ‘Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign to Allah partners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the Creator of all things, He is the One, the Irresistible.'” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:16)

🔹 The rhetorical style of this verse effectively dismantles false claims by questioning the authority of Allah’s so-called associates. It follows a structured argument:

1. Affirmation of Allah’s Sovereignty– The verse first establishes that Allah alone is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, a fact even the polytheists would not dispute.

2. Challenge to the False Gods’ Power– It questions the worship of false deities that have no ability to benefit or harm themselves, let alone their followers.

3. Illustrating the Absurdity of Equating False Gods with the True God– The verse likens this misguidance to equating blindness with sight, or darkness with light, exposing the irrationality of their belief.

4. Questioning Their Justification– The verse asks if they claim their idols have created anything comparable to Allah’s creation, which would justify their reverence. Since their idols created nothing, their worship is baseless.

5. Seeking a Middle Ground – Realizing that their idols did not create anything, they appointed them as intermediaries between themselves and Allah, assigning them false authority and divine status.

6. Final Declaration of Tawheed– The verse concludes with an undeniable affirmation: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He alone holds absolute power.

📌 Reflection: The Qur’an exposes how people historically manipulated the concept of divine authority—either by equating false deities with Allah or by elevating intermediaries to a status of undue reverence. Tawheed nullifies all false claims, affirming that only Allah has absolute power over creation, sustenance, and judgment.

2.   The Distortion of Allah’s Attributes to Justify False Beliefs

Since outright rejection of Allah is impossible, those who opposed Tawheed resorted to distorting His names and attributes to justify their false beliefs and practices.

📖 “They do not appraise Allah with true appraisal. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:74)

🔸 Understanding the Rhetorical Style of Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:13) and Submission of Creation

Among the most profound verses that address Allah’s majesty and power is the very verse after which Surat Ar-Ra’d is named:

وَيُسَبِّحُ الرَّعْدُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَالْمَلائِكَةُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ وَيُرْسِلُ الصَّوَاعِقَ فَيُصِيبُ بِهَا مَن يَشَاء وَهُمْ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي اللَّهِ وَهُوَ شَدِيدُ الْمِحَالِ

📖 “And the thunder glorifies His praise, and so do the angels in awe of Him; and He sends the thunderbolts and strikes with them whom He wills, yet they dispute about Allah, and He is mighty in strength.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:13)

🔹 This verse highlights the contrast between creation’s absolute submission to Allah and mankind’s resistance. The thunder, angels, and all elements of nature continuously praise and submit to Allah, yet some humans, instead of harmonizing with the rest of creation, manipulate the understanding of Allah’s nature.

🔸 False worship is not merely a misdirection—it is an exercise in futility as in. 

لَهُ دَعْوَةُ الْحَقِّ وَالَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ لاَ يَسْتَجِيبُونَ لَهُم بِشَيْءٍ إِلاَّ كَبَاسِطِ كَفَّيْهِ إِلَى الْمَاء لِيَبْلُغَ فَاهُ وَمَا هُوَ بِبَالِغِهِ وَمَا دُعَاء الْكَافِرِينَ إِلاَّ فِي ضَلالٍ

📖 “For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e., none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke, answer them no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e., of no use).” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:14)

🔹 This verse presents a striking metaphor that dismantles false worship. It compares those who call upon deities besides Allah to someone stretching their hand toward water at the bottom of a deep well, hoping it will reach them—yet it never does. Just as such a person’s attempt is futile, so too is the invocation of false gods.

🔹 This rhetorical device highlights:

• Theabsolute authority of Allah in answering supplications.
• Thepowerlessness of false deities, which have no ability to respond or assist their worshippers.
• Theself-deception of idolaters, who persist in their futile invocations despite clear evidence of their idols’ helplessness.

📌 False worship is not merely a misdirection—it is an exercise in futility. Those who invoke others besides Allah are like a person reaching for an impossible source of relief, blind to the One who is truly capable of answering their call.

🔸 The Qur’an consistently emphasizes how all existence submits to Allah, as in:

وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَظِلالُهُم بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالآصَالِ

📖 And unto Allah (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons.” Quran (13:15)

Meanwhile, mankind, given free will, distorts the perception of Allah to suit their desires and agendas.

🔸 How Misguided Nations Have Distorted Allah’s Attributes as in:

قُلْ مَن رَّبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ قُلِ اللَّهُ قُلْ أَفَاتَّخَذْتُم مِّن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاء لاَ يَمْلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمْ نَفْعًا وَلاَ ضَرًّا

📖 “Say: ‘Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?’ Say: ‘Allah.’ Say: ‘Have you then taken (for worship) Auliya’ (protectors) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves?’” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:16)

🔸 Misguidance Regarding Perceiving Allah’s Names and Attributes as in:

The set of verses (13:8-18) highlights how misguided individuals and nations have historically altered Allah’s attributes to justify their resistance to divine authority. These distortions include:

✔ Misrepresenting Allah’s nature – The Jews attributed human-like weaknesses to Allah, such as claiming He “rested” after creation (Exodus 31:17), negating His infinite power.

✔ Elevating creation to divine status – The Christians deified Eesaa, assigning divine attributes to a messenger of Allah rather than acknowledging him as a servant of God.

✔ Attributing divine power to human institutions – Secular ideologies today place absolute authority in human hands, treating rulers, laws, and economic systems as if they dictate destiny—a direct challenge to Tawheed.

✔ Claiming Allah has offspring – Idol worshippers claimed that Allah had children (e.g., the Arabs who said the angels were Allah’s daughters), thus assigning divine lineage to creation.

🔸 A Distorted and Devious Understanding of Allah’s Names & Attributes

Rather than calling it “Modern Manipulations of Allah’s Names & Attributes,” the more appropriate term is “A Distorted and Devious Understanding of Allah’s Names and Attributes” by deviant sects. These distortions take different forms:

✔ Negating Allah’s Attributes – Some theological groups claim that Allah’s attributes, such as His speech or rising above the Throne, should be taken metaphorically, ultimately negating their true meaning.

✔ Anthropomorphism – Others depict Allah in human-like forms, contradicting the Qur’anic assertion that “There is nothing like unto Him”(42:11).

✔ Attributing Divine Qualities to Creation – Some ideologies exaggerate the status of saints and scholars, treating them as intermediaries between people and Allah or assuming they have divine control over fate.

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ

📖 “Allah! There is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the Ever-Living, Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep.”[1] 

🔹 Misrepresenting Allah’s attributes lead to major theological errors, ultimately corrupting faith.

🔸 The Illusion of False Deities in Modern Times

Just as past civilizations distorted Allah’s attributes, contemporary societies have created false deities in different forms. These include:

✔ Materialism & Wealth – Many people worship wealth and possessions, believing financial success determines their fate. They prioritize worldly gains over faith, assuming money can provide ultimate security, yet the Qur’an warns:

📖 “And know that your wealth and your children are but a trial, and that Allah has with Him a great reward.” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:28)

✔ Science Without Faith – Some elevate scientific reasoning above divine revelation, treating it as the sole source of truth while ignoring that science itself is a creation of Allah. The Qur’an reminds us:

📖 “They know what is apparent of the worldly life, but they, of the Hereafter, are unaware.” (Surah Ar-Rum 30:7)

Without faith, science can be used as a tool for misguidance, justifying immoral acts under the guise of “progress.”

✔ Political Systems – Many treats democracy, nationalism, and human ideologies as infallible, placing absolute trust in human legislation over divine law. However, the Qur’an warns against following systems that contradict divine guidance:

📖 “Then is it the judgment of [the time of] ignorance they desire? But who is better than Allah in judgment for a people who are certain [in faith]?” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:50)

📌 Reflection: The status quo relies on illusion and deception, but reality always confirms Allah’s supremacy. Every false system will ultimately collapse, and only Tawheed remains as the eternal truth.

🔸 Avoiding Discussion of Allah’s Names & Attributes for the Sake of Unity

Some claim that addressing Allah’s names and attributes should be avoided since it has been a source of disunity among Muslims. However, avoiding the discussion entirely opens the door to misguidance and distortion.

✔ Understanding Allah’s attributes correctly is essential for preserving pure Tawheed. The Qur’an repeatedly affirms Allah’s attributes and avoiding the topic out of fear of division is not a valid reason to ignore revelation.

✔ The Qur’an itself corrects misconceptions about Allah, guiding believers to a sound understanding of their Lord.

✔ True unity is found in clarity, not in ignoring important theological matters.

📌 Reflection: When people distort Allah’s attributes, they pave the way for false ideologies and misguided worship. This is why the Qur’an repeatedly corrects misconceptions and reaffirms Allah’s absolute supremacy over all creation. Instead of avoiding these discussions, we must educate ourselves and others with wisdom to preserve the pure understanding of Tawheed.

3.   The Consequences of Rejecting Allah’s Lordship vs. The Success of Embracing His Guidance

Allah is the absolute Master of the heavens and the earth, the Sole Controller of all affairs, and the ultimate Judge of human destiny. Those who submit to His supreme guidance are led to righteousness, peace, and eternal success, while those who turn away, following false deities and misguided leaders, are left in ruin and despair. Surah Ar-Ra’d vividly illustrates this contrast, emphasizing that Allah alone governs all creation and determines the fate of those who accept or reject His guidance.

📖 “For those who answered their Lord’s Call is Al-Husna (Paradise). But those who answered not His Call, if they had all that is in the earth together with its like, they would offer it in order to save themselves. For them, there will be the terrible reckoning. Their dwelling place will be Hell—an evil resting place.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:18)

🔹 This verse highlights Allah’s absolute authority over the final judgment of all beings:

1. Those who recognize Allah’s Lordship and obey His guidance attain peace in this world and Paradise in the Hereafter.
2. Those who deny His sovereignty and follow corrupt influences are left with regret and eternal punishment.

🔸 The Difference Between Recognizing Allah’s Lordship and Blindly Following Falsehood

أَفَمَن يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَبِّكَ الْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَى إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ الأَلْبَابِ

📖 “Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you (O Muhammad ﷺ) from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:19)

🔹 Allah alone is the source of truth. The one who recognizes His revelation sees the world with clarity, while those who reject it remain in blindness and ignorance. True understanding comes from acknowledging Allah’s Lordship and aligning one’s life with His divine will.

الَّذِينَ يُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ وَلاَ يَنقُضُونَ الْمِيثَاقَ

📖 “Those who fulfill the Covenant of Allah and break not the Mithaq (bond, treaty, covenant).” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:20)

🔹 True believers honor their covenant with Allah, submitting wholeheartedly to His decree, while the misguided break this divine trust, leading themselves to failure in both worlds.

وَالَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ وَيَخَافُونَ سُوءَ الْحِسَابِ

📖 “Those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e., good to relatives), fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:21)

🔹 The righteous recognize Allah as the true Sovereign and uphold the ties He has commanded to be maintained. They live in awareness of His judgment, whereas those who follow falsehood sow discord and corruption.

وَالَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ ابْتِغَاء وَجْهِ رَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُواْ الصَّلاةَ وَأَنفَقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلانِيَةً وَيَدْرَؤُونَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ السَّيِّئَةَ أُوْلَئِكَ لَهُمْ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ

📖 “And those who remain patient, seeking their Lord’s Countenance, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend from what We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and defend evil with good—for such there is a good end.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:22)

🔹 The guided are distinguished by their devotion to Allah as their Lord:
✔ Patience in trials for His sake.
✔ Steadfastness in prayer as an act of servitude to Him.
✔ Charity and generosity from the wealth He provides.
✔ Responding to evil with goodness, upholding the noble character He loves.

جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا وَمَنْ صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ وَالْمَلائِكَةُ يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن كُلِّ بَابٍ

📖 “Adn (Eden) Paradise, which they shall enter—along with their righteous fathers, wives, and offspring. And the angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying): ‘Peace be upon you for your patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!'” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:23-24)

🔹 Allah, in His supreme mercy, grants eternal success to those who remain devoted to Him. Unlike those who followed false leaders and lost everything, the true believers will be honored with family reunion in Paradise, blessed by Allah’s eternal peace.

🔸 The Fate of Those Who Reject Allah’s Lordship

وَالَّذِينَ يَنقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الأَرْضِ أُوْلَئِكَ لَهُمُ اللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ

📖 “And those who break the Covenant of Allah after its ratification, sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and spread mischief in the land—on them is the curse, and for them is the unhappy home (Hell).” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:25)

🔹 Those who deny Allah’s authority spread corruption instead of righteousness. Their actions bring upon them divine rejection and a miserable fate.

اللَّهُ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاء وَيَقْدِرُ وَفَرِحُواْ بِالْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا فِي الآخِرَةِ إِلاَّ مَتَاعٌ

📖 “Allah increases the provision for whom He wills, and restricts it for whom He wills, and they rejoice in the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and everlasting.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:26)

🔹 Allah alone controls provision and sustenance, giving and withholding as He wills. Many chase temporary worldly pleasures, blind to the reality that true success lies in seeking the eternal rewards He has promised.

🔸 Who Truly Governs All Affairs?

أَفَمَنْ هُوَ قَائِمٌ عَلَى كُلِّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ وَجَعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَاء قُلْ سَمُّوهُمْ أَمْ تُنَبِّئُونَهُ بِمَا لاَ يَعْلَمُ فِي الأَرْضِ أَم بِظَاهِرٍ مِّنَ الْقَوْلِ بَلْ زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مَكْرُهُمْ وَصُدُّواْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

📖 “Is then He (Allah) Who takes charge of every person and knows all that he has earned (like any other deities who know nothing)? Yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: ‘Name them! Or do you inform Him of something He does not know?’ Nay! To those who disbelieve, their plotting is made fair-seeming, and they have been hindered from the Right Path.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:33)

🔹 This verse exposes the falsehood of those who set up rivals to Allah. Can these so-called deities:

✔ Govern the universe and sustain life?

✔ Control the fate of their followers?
✔ Grant guidance or decree judgment?

لَّهُمْ عَذَابٌ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَلَعَذَابُ الآخِرَةِ أَشَقُّ وَمَا لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ

📖 “For them is a torment in this world, and certainly, harder is the torment of the Hereafter. And they have no protector against Allah.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:34)

🔹 The misguided will face suffering in both this world and the Hereafter, with no one to intercede for them against Allah’s decree.

مَّثَلُ الْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ أُكُلُهَا دَائِمٌ وَظِلُّهَا تِلْكَ عُقْبَى الَّذِينَ اتَّقَواْ وَّعُقْبَى الْكَافِرِينَ النَّارُ

📖 “The description of Paradise which the Muttaqun (pious) have been promised—rivers flowing beneath it, eternal provision, and eternal shade. This is the end of the righteous, while the end of the disbelievers is the Fire.”(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:35)

🔹 While false deities lead their followers to destruction, Allah, the Supreme Lord, leads His true believers to eternal peace and blessings.

وَالَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمِنَ الأَحْزَابِ مَن يُنكِرُ بَعْضَهُ قُلْ إِنَّمَا أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ وَلا أُشْرِكَ بِهِ إِلَيْهِ أَدْعُو وَإِلَيْهِ مَآبِ

📖 “Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice in what has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), but among the factions are those who reject a part of it. Say: ‘I am commanded only to worship Allah (Alone), and not to join partners with Him. To Him (Alone) I call, and to Him is my return.'” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:36)

🔹 Even among the People of the Book, those who recognize Allah’s Lordship rejoice in the truth, while others reject parts of revelation to maintain their worldly influence.

📌 Reflection:

✔ Allah is the Supreme Lord—rejecting His authority leads only to destruction.
✔ Divine guidance is the only path to peace and eternal success.
✔ True knowledge means recognizing Allah’s sovereignty, while falsehood blinds its followers.
✔ Ultimate success lies in sincere worship of Allah alone, not in fleeting worldly gains.

🚨 The greatest tragedy is not just disbelief—it is following a false path while assuming it leads to salvation, only to find it ending in eternal ruin. True success belongs to those who surrender to the Lord of the Worlds and follow His divine guidance.

4.   Allah’s Ultimate Authority Over Fate & Destiny

🔸 Allah’s Divine Knowledge and Absolute Control Over All Affairs

Allah’s sovereignty over the universe is established through His perfect knowledge, His divine decree, and His supreme will. Nothing happens except by His permission, and every event unfolds according to His predetermined plan. Allah’s knowledge encompasses:

1. The Past – Everything that has ever happened.
2. The Present – Everything occurring in real-time.
3. The Future – Everything that will come to pass.
4. The Hypothetical (What Ifs) – Every possible scenario that could have taken place under different circumstances.

📖 “Allah knows what every female bears, and by how much the wombs fall short (of their time or number) or exceed. Everything with Him is in (due) proportion.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:8)

🔹 This verse illustrates Allah’s absolute knowledge, even of matters hidden from human perception, such as the intricate details of pregnancy, miscarriage, or an extended term. Every matter in existence is precisely measured and determined by Him.

🔸 The Preserved Tablet (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz) and Allah’s Decree

Allah’s divine knowledge is recorded in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet), also known as Umm Al-Kitab (The Mother of the Book). Every event, every birth and death, every action of creation is written by Allah’s command. However, within His supreme authority, Allah chooses to either confirm, delay, or erase aspects of His decree.

يَمْحُو اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاء وَيُثْبِتُ وَعِندَهُ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ

📖 “Allah blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills). And with Him is the Mother of the Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:39)

🔹 This highlights a fundamental aspect of Allah’s decree: While everything is recorded in the Preserved Tablet, Allah, in His supreme wisdom, has the power to erase or affirm decrees as He wills, in accordance with His justice and mercy. This does not mean His knowledge changes; rather, it demonstrates His ongoing control over His creation.

🔸 The Process of Qadar (Divine Decree):

1. Knowledge (Al-‘Ilm) – Allah knows all things from eternity, including what will happen and what could have happened.
2. Writing (Al-Kita’bah) – Everything is recorded in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz.
3. Will (Al-Mashi’ah) – Nothing happens except by Allah’s will.
4. Creation (Al-Khalq) – Allah brings into existence everything He has decreed.

🔸 Allah’s Angels and the Implementation of His Decree

لَهُ مُعَقِّبَاتٌ مِّن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِ يَحْفَظُونَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوءًا فَلاَ مَرَدَّ لَهُ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِ مِن وَالٍ

📖 “For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11)

🔹 The Mu’aqqibat (Guardian Angels): Allah has appointed angels to protect people by His command, ensuring that nothing befalls them except what He has decreed.

🔹 The Law of Change: While Allah’s decree is absolute, He has decreed that the condition of a people will not change unless they take action to change themselves.

🔹 The Irrevocability of Allah’s Will: When Allah decides to bring about a punishment due to a people’s corruption, no force in existence can prevent it.

🔸 The Absolute Judgement of Allah Over Nations and Individuals

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا نَأْتِي الأَرْضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنْ أَطْرَافِهَا وَاللَّهُ يَحْكُمُ لاَ مُعَقِّبَ لِحُكْمِهِ وَهُوَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ

📖 “See they not that We gradually reduce the land (of disbelievers, by giving it to the believers, in war victories) from its outlying borders. And Allah judges, there is none to put back His Judgement and He is Swift at reckoning.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:41)

🔹 This verse emphasizes Allah’s control over history. The rise and fall of civilizations occur according to His will, and none can reverse His judgment.

🔹 Lessons from History: The fate of oppressive regimes such as Pharaoh’s Egypt, the fall of the Roman and Persian empires, and the collapse of modern tyrannical systems all serve as reminders of Allah’s supreme control.

🔸 The Grand Planning of Allah and the Futility of Human Plots

وَقَدْ مَكَرَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَلِلَّهِ الْمَكْرُ جَمِيعًا يَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ وَسَيَعْلَمُ الْكُفَّارُ لِمَنْ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ

📖 “And verily, those before them did devise plots, but all planning is Allah’s. He knows what every person earns, and the disbelievers will know who gets the good end (final destination).” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:42)

🔹 While people may devise plans, ultimate control belongs to Allah.
🔹 The failure of plots against Islam: Throughout history, many have tried to extinguish the light of Islam, yet Allah preserves His religion and makes it prevail.
🔹 Personal accountability: Every individual’s actions are known to Allah, and He will reward or punish accordingly.

🔸 Manifestations of Allah’s Supreme Authority Over Fate and Destiny:

✅ The Fall of Oppressive Regimes: No matter how powerful they appear; history shows that unjust rulers and corrupt nations always collapse.

✅ The Spread of Islam Despite Opposition: Despite ongoing attempts to suppress it, Islam continues to grow, fulfilling Allah’s promise.

✅ Natural Calamities as Divine Warnings: Earthquakes, floods, and other disasters remind humanity of its fragility and Allah’s supreme power.

📌 Reflection:

🔸 Allah’s authority is absolute, and nothing occurs outside His will.
🔸 Understanding Qadar (Divine Decree) strengthens faith and reliance on Allah.
🔸 Believers must strive for righteousness while trusting in Allah’s wisdom.
🔸 Nations that reject Allah’s guidance ultimately perish, while those who uphold Tawheed thrive.

🚨 The struggle between truth and falsehood is ongoing, but the ultimate victory belongs to those who firmly believe in Allah’s sovereignty and work tirelessly to establish His justice on earth.

May Allah grant us firm belief in His Qadar, submission to His divine will, and patience in His decrees. Ameen.

Conclusion: The Da’wah Carrier’s Role in This Battle

The struggle over Tawheed is not confined to history—it is an ongoing battle that plays out in every era. From the Quraysh in Makkah to modern secular elites, the resistance against divine authority stems from a desire to maintain control over people.

✔ In Makkah, the Quraysh upheld idol worship not because they believed in the power of their idols, but because it secured their political and economic dominance over the Ka‘bah.
✔ In Madinah, the hypocrites outwardly accepted Islam but resisted its implementation, fearing the loss of personal influence.
✔ Among the People of the Book, religious scholars knowingly rejected the truth because it meant relinquishing their supremacy.
✔ Today, secularism, nationalism, and materialism seek to displace divine authority, replacing it with human ideologies that prioritize worldly power over submission to Allah.

🔸 The Duty of a Da’wah Carrier

A caller to Tawheed must be equipped with certainty in Allah’s authority before engaging in the struggle against falsehood. This certainty is what empowered the Prophets, the early Muslims, and the revivalists throughout history to stand firm against opposition.

يَمْحُو اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاء وَيُثْبِتُ وَعِندَهُ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ

📖 “Allah blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills). And with Him is the Mother of the Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:39)

🚨 The Battle Over Tawheed is not just historical—it is an ongoing struggle. The ultimate victory belongs to those who firmly believe in Allah’s sovereignty, uphold His Deen, and work tirelessly to establish His justice on earth.

📌 Final Lesson: The call to Tawheed is not merely an invitation to worship Allah alone, but a challenge to every system, ideology, and power structure that seeks to rival His authority. Only those who are unwavering in their belief in Allah’s absolute dominion can successfully resist the tide of falsehood and guide others toward the truth.

May Allah make us among those who firmly uphold His Tawheed, strive for His cause with wisdom and patience, and remain steadfast in the face of opposition. Ameen.

[1] Quran (2:255)