Surahs Qadr - Bayyinah

Quranic Exegesis

INTRODUCTION

Both these surahs form a pair since they discuss the same subject. The first surah highlights the exalted status of the Quran while the second warns those who denied this Book of dire consequences.

Although the Surahs do not directly address someone, yet their words are directed at the leadership of the Quraish. However, the second surah is also directed at the People of the Book because of the objections they were implanting in the minds of the Quraish about the Prophethood of Muhammad (sws).

A look at the contents of the surahs shows that they were revealed in Mecca just before the Prophet's migration to Medina in the phase of Itmaam-i-Hujjat. In this phase of his mission, the Prophet (sws) was revealing the truth to them in its ultimate form after which they could have no excuse to deny it.

CENTRAL THEMES

The central theme of the first surah is to explain to the Quraish that the Quran which is being read out to them by the Prophet (sws) in the form of a Book is not the result of any inspiration of Satan or of his own fancy; on the contrary, it is a divine scripture which the Almighty had started to reveal it in a night in which great decisions are implemented in this Universe by the angels. Therefore, the Quraish should not consider the Quran an ordinary book. Their attitude towards it can cause eternal loss.

In the second surah, the central theme is to warn the Quraish and the People of the Book on their nonsensical demand that a book be given to them from the Almighty through some messenger who descend on them from the heavens reading it out to them and to warn them of their fate if they persist in this attitude. 

EXPLANATION OF THE SURAHS

Surah Qadr

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.

Indeed, We revealed1 this [Quran] in the night in which fates are decided2. And what do you know what this night of decisions is3? Better is the night of decisions than a thousand months4. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit5 by the permission of their Lord [with commands] in all affairs. (1-4)  

Peace6 it is till the rising of the dawn. (5)

Surah Bayyinah

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful.

Those among the People of the Book7 and the Idolators [of the Quraish] who have denied [the Quran] shall not desist from their stubbornness until [according to their wish] there comes to them a clear sign -- that is a messenger from Allah [descending from the heavens] reciting purified pages in which [are written] clear directives8 [for them]. (1-3)

The truth is that [those among them] who were given the Book [before] became divided only after such a clear sign9 had come to them10. And [in this Book also] they had been directed to worship Allah, obeying Him exclusively with sincere devotion and to establish prayers and to pay zakat11 [and the truth is that] this is the religion of the Upright Nation12. (4-5)