Surahs Teen - Alaq

 

Quranic Exegesis

 

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SURAHS

Both these surahs form a pair since they discuss the same subject. The law of retribution which is validated by the first surah is used to warn a leading chief of the Quraish in the second one. He is informed that if he does not mend his ways, he shall become a victim of this unchanging law.

 

ADDRESSEES OF THE SURAHS

Both the surahs address the Prophet (sws); however, a little deliberation shows that the actual target of this address are the leaders of the Quraish whose defiant and rebellious attitude was now crossing the limits.

 

PERIOD OF THEIR REVELATION

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 Surah Teen is to verify the law of retribution and to warn the Quraish on its basis that the truth has now been disclosed to them in its ultimate form and nothing but stubborness and obstinacy on their part can deny it.

In Surah Alaq, the central theme revolves around a note of severe warning and threat to an eminent leader of the Quraish that if even after being taught through the Quran he persists in his arrogance, the only result would be that very soon the guards of the Almighty shall drag him to the raging pit of Hell and none of his comrades will be able to help him.

 

EXPLANATION OF THE SURAHS

 

Surah Teen1

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

The mount of Figs2 and the mount of Olives3 bear witness and [so does] the mount of Sinai4 and this secure city5 of [yours] that We have created man in the best of moulds [as regards his purpose]. Then, We reverted him to the lowest [state] when/as he himself wanted to become low. Save those who accepted faith and did righteous deeds. For them shall be a reward unending6.

Now [O Prophet!] what is it that denys you about the Day of Judgement7? [Ask them] is not Allah the best of Judges8?

 

 

Surah Alaq

 

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

Read out to them [O Prophet!] in the name of your Lord9 who created --- created man from a clot of congealed blood10. Read out to them and the fact is that your Lord is the nost Bounteous11 who taught [this Quran] by the pen12 [in which] He gave man that knowledge which he knew not13. (1-5)

[Whatever vain talk they indulge in against it is baseless O Prophet!] Certainly not: Verily man is rebellious as he considers himself self-sufficient [in wealth]14. [Let him think so] for verily to His Lord will he [one day] return15. (6-8)

Have you seen him who forbids a servant16 [of Allah] when he prays. Just consider if this [servant] of [Ours] is on the right path or urges [others] to piety then17 ... ! Just see if this [wretched] person denied and turned away then18 ... ! Does he not know that Allah is observing [him]? (9-14)

[This is nothing], Certainly not! [O Prophet!] if he desists not We shall drag him by the forelock, a lying sinful forelock. Then let him call his help-mates. We shall summon Our guards19. (15-18)

Certainly not! heed him not and bow down in prostration and draw near [Me]20. (19)