SURAHS DHUHAA - ALAM NASHRAH (93-94)
Quranic Exegesis
INTRODUCTION
These two surahs form a pair since they discuss the same subject. The Prophet (sws) is the addressee of both the surahs and has been comforted and solaced in them. A study of their contents shows that they were revealed in Mecca in the phase of `Inzaar-i-Aam' (general admonition). In this phase of his mission, the Prophet (sws) was discharging his duty of warning the Quraish in general of the dire consequences of their defiant attitude.
CENTRAL THEME
Both the surahs have the same central theme: they comfort and assure the Prophet (sws) on the hardships he was encountering during the phase of `Inzaar-i-Aam' and give him glad tidings of great success in the future.
SUBJECT ANALYSIS
Surah Dhuhaa
By citing the dark night and the bright day as evidence, the Prophet (sws) is assured that just as the material characteristics of this world need the interaction of the night and day for their manifestation, human nature reaches its pinnacle after passing through the test periods of grief and joy. The difficulties he is facing in his mission are only to train and develop him. This does not at all mean that his Lord has abandoned him or is angry with him. He should rest assured that in the coming future he shall succeed in his mission and shall be pleased with the results.
Evidence is presented on the above stated premise from the various phases of the Prophet's life and some of the favours, material as well as spiritual, of the Almighty on the Prophet (sws) are mentioned.
An explanation is given of the way to fulfil the responsibilities these favours impose and in this manner a subtle reference is made to the attitude of the Quraish who had become arrogant and defiant after receiving the favours of their Lord.
Surah Alam Nashrah
Evidence is presented from the various favours received by the Prophet (sws) from the Almighty in the various phases of his mission on the fact that the difficulties he is facing in this phase of his mission shall certainly come to an end.
With reference to the above mentioned premise, glad tidings are given to the Prophet (sws) that a period of great ease and comfort awaits him after this phase of hardship and affliction.
An indication is made of the completion of the great mission he had been assigned by the Almighty and of the direction he was given to prepare himself for the final meeting with the Almighty.
Explanation
Surah Dhuhaa1
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.
The day bears witness when it brightens and the night when it spreads its darkness [that sorrow and joy are also needed to train and discipline a person2. So O Prophet!] your Lord has neither abandoned you nor is he displeased with you3 and the days to come shall be a lot better for you than these initial ones. Very soon shall your Lord give you [so much that] you shall be pleased4.
Did He not find you an orphan and gave you shelter5? And found you wandering and guided you6? and found you in need and [gave you the contentment of heart and thus] enriched you7? So, treat not the orphan with harshness8 and scold not the one who asks9 and proclaim this favour [of Guidance] the Lord has given you10.
Surah Alam Nashrah11
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.
Have We not opened up your heart for you12? and relieved you of the burden which weighed your back13? and for your sake exalted your fame14?
Therefore, with this difficulty [which you are now facing O Prophet!] there is a great ease [which awaits you]15. With this difficulty, there is a great ease [which awaits you]16.
So, when you are free [from this task], labour hard [in worship] and seek your Lord with all fervour17.