Surah Naml Tafsir The Ant |
Written by Nuraz |
Salaam (WRWB). Imagine you being the Queen and one day someone comes knocking on the door. It’s some random person that tells you of some random religion. Making it out of his way, next to your guards. He tells you, as the Queen of the entire village is to be punished by a Creator. He claims that there is something above you that is more powerful. How would you respond to this man? This is one of the stories of Surah Naml.
Surah Naml literally means “the Ant.” Just as how Surah Baqarah means “the Cow”, or how Surah Fil is named after “the Elephant.” Surah Naml is the 27th Chapter of the Quran, and it contains 93 ayats. It is a Makki Surah that emphasizes on the signs of Allah (SWT) and faith, containing some of the most popular miracles of the entire Quran. It shows us the beauty of Allah (SWT)’s creation and also why is considered to be the Greatest in his creations, comparing himself to the other deities that people believe in. Allah (SWT) also warns the disbelievers in the Surah, emphasizing their insanity and hypocrisy and how their fate lies in the Day of Judgement. Now let us get to the actual meaning.
بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Meaning - In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. (27:0)
طسٓۚ تِلۡكَ ءَايَٰتُ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ وَكِتَابٖ مُّبِينٍ
Meaning - Ta, Seen. These are the verses of the Qur’an and a clear Book. (27:1)
هُدٗى وَبُشۡرَىٰ لِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ
Meaning - As guidance and good tidings for the believers. (27:2)
ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَهُم بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ هُمۡ يُوقِنُونَ
Meaning - Who establish prayer and give zakah, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. (27:3)
First of all this Surah begins with a cutting letter in “Taa” and “Seen.” This verse expands on the clear proof that the Quran is indeed a clear book. There will never be another Quran, as this is the Quran that has been sent to the believers in a clear fashion.
It talks about the guidance of a believer, how they should do good deeds, which are both qualities of the Muhsin (righteous people). It is those people who strive for the cause of Allah (SWT). The same people who are to give zakat and pray their Salaah as part of it. Praying Salaah with full concentration and all of its pillars. Giving zakat with the intention and heart in doing so. It is those that will obtain glad tidings as a reward, as Allah (SWT) mentions here.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ زَيَّنَّا لَهُمۡ أَعۡمَٰلَهُمۡ فَهُمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ
Meaning - Indeed, for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have made pleasing to them their deeds, so they wander blindly. (27:4)
أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَهُمۡ سُوٓءُ ٱلۡعَذَابِ وَهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ هُمُ ٱلۡأَخۡسَرُونَ
Meaning - Those are the ones for whom there will be the worst of punishment, and in the Hereafter they are the greatest losers. (27:5)
وَإِنَّكَ لَتُلَقَّى ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ مِن لَّدُنۡ حَكِيمٍ عَلِيمٍ
Meaning - And indeed, [O Muhammad], you receive the Qur’an from one Wise and Knowing. (27:6)
But for those who do not believe in this last day, they will be the great losers in the Hereafter and will be punished on the Day of Judgement. They were the opposite of what a “Muhsin” was and were great losers. It is those who don’t believe in the Last Day and more importantly don’t believe in Allah (SWT). The 6th verse talks to the Prophet (PBUH), as Allah (SWT) knows and hears everything that the Prophet (PBUH) does. And that the Quran had been given to spread the message of Allah (SWT), and is not like any other poem or any other book.
إِذۡ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِأَهۡلِهِۦٓ إِنِّيٓ ءَانَسۡتُ نَارٗا سَـَٔاتِيكُم مِّنۡهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوۡ ءَاتِيكُم بِشِهَابٖ قَبَسٖ لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَصۡطَلُونَ
Meaning - [Mention] when Moses said to his family, “Indeed, I have perceived a fire. I will bring you information or will bring you a burning torch that you may warm yourselves with.” (27:7)
فَلَمَّا جَآءَهَا نُودِيَ أَنۢ بُورِكَ مَن فِي ٱلنَّارِ وَمَنۡ حَوۡلَهَا وَسُبۡحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ
Meaning - But when he came to it, he was called, “Blessed is whoever is at the fire and whoever is around it. And exalted is Allah, Lord of the worlds. (27:8)
يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ
Meaning - O Moses, indeed it is I – Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (27:9)
Musa (AS) sees from a distance the Blazing Fire. He approaches the bush that did not burn yet. Allah (SWT) shows him the signs of the burning bush. A sign of clear faith and prophethood of Musa (AS) from Allah (SWT) directly. Allah (SWT) is all Knowing, choosing Musa (AS) to become His Messenger as the best option to send the message. Keep in mind that Musa (AS) is the Ulul-Azm (one of the best Messengers of Allah (SWT). It is a sign of faith to Allah (SWT) the clarity of the message. It is a light of faith to Musa (AS) that Allah (SWT) is the lord.
The next verses talk about an infamous miracle, the staff turning into a snake.
وَأَلۡقِ عَصَاكَۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهَا تَهۡتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَآنّٞ وَلَّىٰ مُدۡبِرٗا وَلَمۡ يُعَقِّبۡۚ يَٰمُوسَىٰ لَا تَخَفۡ إِنِّي لَا يَخَافُ لَدَيَّ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلُونَ
Meaning -And [he was told], “Throw down your staff.” But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [Allah said], “O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear. (27:10)
إِلَّا مَن ظَلَمَ ثُمَّ بَدَّلَ حُسۡنَۢا بَعۡدَ سُوٓءٖ فَإِنِّي غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ
Meaning - Otherwise, he who wrongs, then substitutes good after evil – indeed, I am Forgiving and Merciful. (27:11)
Musa (AS) was in a state of fear when the snake was created from the staff by the will of Allah (SWT). And as the snake was moving, hissing and doing things that an actual snake does, Musa (AS) flees backward (returning back for a brief period of time). But Allah (SWT) said that Musa (AS) shouldn’t be scared of him. As he is one of the closest to Allah (SWT), and he should feel a sense of security, rather than freedom. This is also a sign of prophethood to Musa (AS), and shows the power Allah (SWT) can hold with his creations.
But the people who should fear are those who do wrongful actions on a level of consistency. What they should do is to seek repentance of Allah (SWT) as Allah (SWT) is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful.
وَأَدۡخِلۡ يَدَكَ فِي جَيۡبِكَ تَخۡرُجۡ بَيۡضَآءَ مِنۡ غَيۡرِ سُوٓءٖۖ فِي تِسۡعِ ءَايَٰتٍ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَقَوۡمِهِۦٓۚ إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ قَوۡمٗا فَٰسِقِينَ
Meaning - And put your hand into the opening of your garment [at the breast]; it will come out white without disease. [These are] among the nine signs [you will take] to Pharaoh and his people. Indeed, they have been defiantly disobedient.” (27:12)
Allah (SWT) has opened the eyes of Musa (AS) as anything that comes out of him will be righteous and so there is no disease within Musa (AS). Because he is appointed as the Messenger Of Allah (SWT). The turning of snakes from the staff is one of the 9 signs of prophethood to go to these wicked people who worship multiple gods, idols, and spirits. They for the longest of times have disobeyed Allah (SWT). Musa (AS)’s is to give these the message of Allah (SWT).
فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ ءَايَٰتُنَا مُبۡصِرَةٗ قَالُواْ هَٰذَا سِحۡرٞ مُّبِينٞ
Meaning - But when they came to our visible signs, they said, “This is obvious magic.” (27:13)
وَجَحَدُواْ بِهَا وَٱسۡتَيۡقَنَتۡهَآ أَنفُسُهُمۡ ظُلۡمٗا وَعُلُوّٗاۚ فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ
Meaning - And they rejected them, while their [inner] selves were convinced thereof, out of injustice and haughtiness. So see how the corruption ended. (27:14)
When Musa (AS) had come to spread the message to these already disobedient people, the results, by no means, were change worthy.
These people had rejected the signs of Allah (SWT) possessing seeds of arrogance and wickedness in their hearts. Just like the Qurayesh these people followed their own truths rather than withholding and following Allah (SWT). They reject the truth, and turn their heads the other way when hearing the message of Allah (SWT) through Musa (AS). And Allah (SWT) tells us to look at the situation that they had ended up in.
وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيۡمَٰنَ عِلۡمٗاۖ وَقَالَا ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي فَضَّلَنَا عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٖ مِّنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ
Meaning - And We had certainly given David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, “Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.” (27:15)
وَوَرِثَ سُلَيۡمَٰنُ دَاوُۥدَۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ عُلِّمۡنَا مَنطِقَ ٱلطَّيۡرِ وَأُوتِينَا مِن كُلِّ شَيۡءٍۖ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلۡفَضۡلُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ
Meaning - And Solomon inherited David. He said, “O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is an evident bounty.” (27:16)
وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيۡمَٰنَ جُنُودُهُۥ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ وَٱلطَّيۡرِ فَهُمۡ يُوزَعُونَ
Meaning - And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows. (27:17)
In this verse Allah (SWT) mentions about the devoted servants of him, in Dawood (AS) and Suleyman (AS). Both were given blessings and knowledge by the decree of Allah (SWT). They were chosen as Messengers, Prophets by Allah (SWT). Do keep in mind that they aren’t of the status of Ulul-Azm.
Then from verse 16, Allah (SWT) highlights Suleyman (AS) (the son of Dawood (AS), given many blessings. Such as talking to the birds. As well as having his own army of jinns. These are some of the many blessings that Suleyman (AS). And is a lesson for us. That despite Suleyman (AS) and Dawood (AS) being so powerful and obtaining many blessings from Allah (SWT), they had never forgotten to thank Allah (SWT), praise Allah (SWT), and be grateful for him, to what he has given them. Something we as humans lack, especially at times of despair.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوۡاْ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمۡلِ قَالَتۡ نَمۡلَةٞ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمۡلُ ٱدۡخُلُواْ مَسَٰكِنَكُمۡ لَا يَحۡطِمَنَّكُمۡ سُلَيۡمَٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُۥ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
Meaning - Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, “O ants, enter your dwellings so that you will not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.” (27:18)
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكٗا مِّن قَوۡلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوۡزِعۡنِيٓ أَنۡ أَشۡكُرَ نِعۡمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِيٓ أَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَيَّ وَأَنۡ أَعۡمَلَ صَٰلِحٗا تَرۡضَىٰهُ وَأَدۡخِلۡنِي بِرَحۡمَتِكَ فِي عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
Meaning - So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.” (27:19)
These verses talk about the ants meeting Suleyman (AS) and his army. (Note that Suleyman (AS) has the ability to understand the animals; having animal communication) They see him and his army marching, so the ants warn the other ants to move away so that they don’t get crushed by Suleyman (AS) and his army. Note that the army of Suleyman (AS) wasn’t just men. It was with jinn, birds, and men, and this is one of the many blessings that Allah (SWT) has given Suleyman (AS).
So Suleyman (AS) here chuckles and recognizes the beauty of the creations and how just a tiny ant can be so intelligent of a creation. He had made dua to Allah (SWT) to make him amongst the righteous, being grateful to him, and bestowing mercy upon him and his parents.
وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيۡرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِيَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلۡهُدۡهُدَ أَمۡ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَآئِبِينَ
Meaning - And he took attendance of the birds and said, “Why do I not see the hoopoe – or is he among the absent? (27:20)
لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُۥ عَذَابٗا شَدِيدًا أَوۡ لَأَاْذۡبَحَنَّهُۥٓ أَوۡ لَيَأۡتِيَنِّي بِسُلۡطَٰنٖ مُّبِينٖ
Meaning - I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization.” (27:21)
Next up comes the story of Queen Sheba and how Suleyman (AS) invites her to Islam.
Suleyman (AS) whilst managing his troops, asks for the hoopoe bird, which was a special type of bird during that time. These types of birds have charming, soothing calls as well long beaks and a distinct “crown” head shape. Suleyman (AS) finds it missing amongst his army. So he asks, “Where is the hoopoe bird?” He further provides a catch, that if this bird does not have a proper excuse, Suleyman (AS) will punish him and slaughter him.
فَمَكَثَ غَيۡرَ بَعِيدٖ فَقَالَ أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمۡ تُحِطۡ بِهِۦ وَجِئۡتُكَ مِن سَبَإِۭ بِنَبَإٖ يَقِينٍ
Meaning - But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, “I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news. (27:22)
إِنِّي وَجَدتُّ ٱمۡرَأَةٗ تَمۡلِكُهُمۡ وَأُوتِيَتۡ مِن كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ وَلَهَا عَرۡشٌ عَظِيمٞ
Meaning - Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne. (27:23)
وَجَدتُّهَا وَقَوۡمَهَا يَسۡجُدُونَ لِلشَّمۡسِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ أَعۡمَٰلَهُمۡ فَصَدَّهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ فَهُمۡ لَا يَهۡتَدُونَ
Meaning - I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided. (27:24)
أَلَّاۤ يَسۡجُدُواْۤ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي يُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡخَبۡءَ فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُخۡفُونَ وَمَا تُعۡلِنُونَ
Meaning - [And] so they do not prostrate to Allah, who brings forth what is hidden within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. (27:25)
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ۩
Meaning - Allah – there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne.” (27:26)
Suleyman (AS) had animal communication and jinn communication given from Allah (SWT), making all of this possible. The hoopoe doesn’t go away for too long. And he comes to Suleyman (AS), analyzing the kingdom of Saba for him. This bird tells Suleyman (AS) how their queen Sheba had been disobeying Allah (SWT) and worshipping other things like the Sun. Shaytaan’s whispers had made it look normal for them to the point where disobedience is a common act that runs in the tribe. They don’t prostrate to Allah (SWT), and instead prostrate to the Sun.
The hoopoe closes off with declaring Allah (SWT) as the all knowing. Allah (SWT) knows of things that are hidden and not hidden from the human eye. There is nothing that will stop Allah (SWT) and he is paired with no other deity, Allah (SWT) rules in his great throne alone. And so Suleyman (AS) is fascinated to hear the news, and begins his mission of dawah to the tribe. As well as to meet with the queen.
The 26th ayat of Surah Naml is a sajdah ayat, one out of 14 (15 if you include the one in Surah Hajj)
۞قَالَ سَنَنظُرُ أَصَدَقۡتَ أَمۡ كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰذِبِينَ
Meaning - [Solomon] said, “We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars. (27:27)
ٱذۡهَب بِّكِتَٰبِي هَٰذَا فَأَلۡقِهۡ إِلَيۡهِمۡ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّ عَنۡهُمۡ فَٱنظُرۡ مَاذَا يَرۡجِعُونَ
Meaning - Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return.” (27:28)
قَالَتۡ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ إِنِّيٓ أُلۡقِيَ إِلَيَّ كِتَٰبٞ كَرِيمٌ
Meaning - She said, “O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter. (27:29)
إِنَّهُۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَٰنَ وَإِنَّهُۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Meaning - Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: ‘In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. (27:30)
أَلَّا تَعۡلُواْ عَلَيَّ وَأۡتُونِي مُسۡلِمِينَ
Meaning - Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].’ “ (27:31)
Suleyman (AS) confronts the Hoopoe Bird, and he sends him to deliver the letter of Suleyman (AS) to the Queen of this tribe.
Once the queen of this tribe had been given this letter, she opened it. Reading of Suleyman (AS), and also starting off with the name of his Lord. Also note that this is also the Surah that is known to have 2 Bismillahs. Like every other Surah, Surah Naml begins with Bismillah. But in Ayat 30 comes another Bismillah.
The letter not only contains that, but also it contains Bismillah. As it is encouraged for us to say it in such cases. The letter mentions for the Queen of Sheba to convert to Islam with open arms, rather than approaching so in an arrogant tone.
قَالَتۡ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَفۡتُونِي فِيٓ أَمۡرِي مَا كُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡهَدُونِ
Meaning - She said, “O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me.” (27:32)
قَالُواْ نَحۡنُ أُوْلُواْ قُوَّةٖ وَأُوْلُواْ بَأۡسٖ شَدِيدٖ وَٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِلَيۡكِ فَٱنظُرِي مَاذَا تَأۡمُرِينَ
Meaning - They said, “We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command.” (27:33)
قَالَتۡ إِنَّ ٱلۡمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُواْ قَرۡيَةً أَفۡسَدُوهَا وَجَعَلُوٓاْ أَعِزَّةَ أَهۡلِهَآ أَذِلَّةٗۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَفۡعَلُونَ
Meaning - She said, “Indeed kings – when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honor of its people humbled. And thus do they do. (27:34)
وَإِنِّي مُرۡسِلَةٌ إِلَيۡهِم بِهَدِيَّةٖ فَنَاظِرَةُۢ بِمَ يَرۡجِعُ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلُونَ
Meaning - But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers will return.” (27:35)
In response to this letter of Suleyman (AS), the Queen of Sheba gathers her men and seniors to discuss the matter. She asked them whether we should obey and respond to him, or disobey and mock him.
Her guards, men, and seniors all replied about boasting themselves. Suggesting that if there was a fight that would’ve broken out, they could handle such fighting. But at the same time they also had acknowledged the fact that the Queen had more wisdom in her choice, so they were to pursue what she had desired. But as advice she had told them that it was better not to fight. Giving the example of how nations crumble and fumble their wealth. And at the end of the day from fighting they will be humbled. Given that Suleyman (AS) was a king, the Queen of Sheba knew it was best not to fight him, not knowing what to expect. So instead she gifts Suleyman (AS) to understand and see how he would react.
فَلَمَّا جَآءَ سُلَيۡمَٰنَ قَالَ أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٖ فَمَآ ءَاتَىٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٞ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَىٰكُمۚ بَلۡ أَنتُم بِهَدِيَّتِكُمۡ تَفۡرَحُونَ
Meaning - So when they came to Solomon, he said, “Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift. (27:36)
ٱرۡجِعۡ إِلَيۡهِمۡ فَلَنَأۡتِيَنَّهُم بِجُنُودٖ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُم بِهَا وَلَنُخۡرِجَنَّهُم مِّنۡهَآ أَذِلَّةٗ وَهُمۡ صَٰغِرُونَ
Meaning - Return to them, for we will surely come to them with soldiers that they will be powerless to encounter, and we will surely expel them therefrom in humiliation, and they will be debased.” (27:37)
Suleyman (AS)’s response to the gifts was in a rejecting tone. The gifts are not necessarily mentioned but it may be precious stones and wealth. Suleyman (AS) does not insist on being manipulated by these people. And he refers back to Allah (SWT) as the only one to give him his wealth, and that no matter what wealth resides in this world, the wealth that comes from Allah (SWT) will always be infinitely better. He denies this gift.
This can be a lesson that we can learn from this story. Is that there is no price tag to describe the wealth of Allah (SWT). Some fortune can be the best in this world. Just know that they will never compete with what Allah (SWT) gives. Another lesson we can learn is to prevent corruption, in denying bribes. Suleyman (AS) is the Messenger of Allah (SWT), spreading dawah and the message of Allah (SWT). Just like him, no pieces of gold, no amount of wealth should stop in doing the actions and causes that please Allah (SWT).
Suleyman (AS) tells his army of jinns, birds, and men to come with him to her castle directly. As he is scared of none of her army. And once the truth is presented to them they will be in a state of humiliation.
قَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَيُّكُمۡ يَأۡتِينِي بِعَرۡشِهَا قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتُونِي مُسۡلِمِينَ
Meaning - [Solomon] said, “O assembly [of jinn], which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?” (27:38)
قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَۖ وَإِنِّي عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِيٌّ أَمِينٞ
Meaning - A powerful one from among the jinn said, “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.” (27:39)
قَالَ ٱلَّذِي عِندَهُۥ عِلۡمٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُۥ قَالَ هَٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّي لِيَبۡلُوَنِيٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُۖ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّي غَنِيّٞ كَرِيمٞ
Meaning - Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, “I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.” And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, “This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.” (27:40)
قَالَ نَكِّرُواْ لَهَا عَرۡشَهَا نَنظُرۡ أَتَهۡتَدِيٓ أَمۡ تَكُونُ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَهۡتَدُونَ
Meaning - He said, “Disguise her throne; we will see whether she will be guided [to truth] or will be of those who are not guided.” (27:41)
Suleyman (AS) needed to devise a plan to convince the Queen of Sheba to convert to Islam. So he had assembled an army of Jinn to acquire her throne.
A strong jinn had requested to take the throne, claiming that he would bring the throne with ease and efficiency. This jinn was very powerful and active. He also claims that he is the perfect jinn for this job.
Some key context when considering this ayat is that the village of Saba is measured in 4 months of travel away (2 months to go and to come back). Yes Suleyman (AS) had the power of the wind to travel by his own hands, but his plan required great stealth and less fighting. It is said that this is all taking place in Ash-Shaam (Greater Syria).
There was one close companion from Suleyman (AS)’s army that claimed that he could bring the Queen’s throne in a blink of an eye. And so Suleyman (AS) was to receive this throne before his Jinn was to collect it for him. Calling upon Allah (SWT) (in his name) to bring the throne. And it had been placed right in front of Suleyman (AS) in a blink of an eye. This is one of the many miracles of Allah (SWT). As 4 months of travel looked like 10 seconds in the blink of an eye
But instead of celebrating, he had never forgotten to thank Allah (SWT) for giving him blessings. He had also recognized that with his dominion, his kingdom, his wealth had all been nothing but a trial from Allah (SWT). And he had explained that the gratitude of someone towards Allah (SWT) doesn’t impact Allah (SWT). Rather doing so purified us as Muslims and took blessings. As Allah (SWT) in no need for anyone’s gratitude.
He finally commands his army to give her a decoy throne, so that he can confront her without realizing her real throne is gone. So that he and his army can approach her easier and to test her intelligence.
فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡ قِيلَ أَهَٰكَذَا عَرۡشُكِۖ قَالَتۡ كَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَۚ وَأُوتِينَا ٱلۡعِلۡمَ مِن قَبۡلِهَا وَكُنَّا مُسۡلِمِينَ
Meaning - So when she arrived, it was said [to her], “Is your throne like this?” She said, “[It is] as though it was it.” [Solomon said], “And we were given knowledge before her, and we have been Muslims [in submission to Allah]. (27:42)
وَصَدَّهَا مَا كَانَت تَّعۡبُدُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّهَا كَانَتۡ مِن قَوۡمٖ كَٰفِرِينَ
Meaning - And that which she was worshipping other than Allah had averted her [from submission to Him]. Indeed, she was from a disbelieving people.” (27:43)
قِيلَ لَهَا ٱدۡخُلِي ٱلصَّرۡحَۖ فَلَمَّا رَأَتۡهُ حَسِبَتۡهُ لُجَّةٗ وَكَشَفَتۡ عَن سَاقَيۡهَاۚ قَالَ إِنَّهُۥ صَرۡحٞ مُّمَرَّدٞ مِّن قَوَارِيرَۗ قَالَتۡ رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمۡتُ نَفۡسِي وَأَسۡلَمۡتُ مَعَ سُلَيۡمَٰنَ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ
Meaning - She was told, “Enter the palace.” But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water and uncovered her shins [to wade through]. He said, “Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass.” She said, “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (27:44)
Suleyman (AS) approaches the Queen of Sheba and asks her validation of whether this was her throne or not. She responds in yes but also she had calculated whether the throne was different or not. But she had never said both thrones were similar. This goes to show her intelligence. Suleyman (AS) was impressed because of her Mercure thinking. How would she have known that the throne has been duplicated especially considering how superstitious those times had been like.
She then had converted to Islam, because of how she had been informed of Suleyman (AS)’s power and army. And also how Suleyman (AS) had collected the throne from such a far distance. And she recognizes her faults as she had disbelieved Allah (SWT).
Suleyman (AS) then invites her to his palace. And the Queen of Sheba was in a state of awe in how Suleyman (AS)’s palace had looked like. Having flowing rivers, stainless and precious looking glass. Upon seeing this the Queen of Sheba had asked Allah (SWT) for forgiveness, claiming that she had submitted her faith alongside Suleyman (AS) to the path of Allah (SWT), and how he is the Lord and Creator.
This marks an end to the story of Suleyman (AS) and his Dawah to the giving of the Queen of Sheba. We can learn from this story,
→ No matter how crazy the feat, Allah (SWT) can always bring any miracle (hence the bringing of the throne to Suleyman (AS)
→ It is never too late to convert to the religion of Islam, as even the Queen of Sheba had converted. Despite her previous worshipping in the past. This shows Allah (SWT)’s mercy.
→ Islam brings us in a state of humility and devotion to Allah (SWT). As even a Queen and King in nothing compared to Allah (SWT)
→ Always be grateful to Allah (SWT), just as Suleyman (AS) was grateful to Allah (SWT). (It was the first thing when receiving the throne and any bounty of Allah (SWT)
To recap the event of Suleyman (AS) giving Dawah to the Queen of Sheba
Suleyman (AS) finds out the news from the hoopoe bird
From what the hoopoe bird had recorded from Suleyman (AS), he tells the hoopoe bird to send Suleyman (AS)’s letter to the Queen of Sheba. This was because of how their village was practicing the worship of the Sun.
The Queen of Sheba receives the message, and attempts to bribe Suleyman (AS)
The Queen of Sheba receives the invitation of Islam,, from Suleyman (AS)’s letter, which had infamously said Bismillah making this Surah have two surahs. So she had gathered her men to conjure a plan about how we should respond to the letter. Eventually she had attempted to send Suleyman (AS) riches (maybe precious stones or jewelry) to see how Suleyman (AS) would respond, as they had known of his kingship at this time, and she feared that Suleyman (AS) would destroy them if he had entered their territory.
Suleyman (AS) rejects, glorifies Allah (SWT) and instead commands his army to bring the throne of the Queen of Sheba
It was a miracle from Allah (SWT) to bring the throne in a matter of seconds. As if Suleyman (AS) was to go to their village it would take approximately 4 months of travel. Also note that Suleyman (AS) never forgot to thank his Creator for giving him all the blessings he has received, something we as Muslims should learn from this story.
He approaches the Queen of Sheba, and eventually the Queen of Sheba accepts Islam
By the showing of her throne Suleyman (AS) tests the Queen of Sheba whether she would respond in a wise manner. The Queen of Sheba didn’t validate and she had known that there was a catch to the duplicated throne of Suleyman (AS). And so Suleyman (AS) had been impressed by the way the Queen of Sheba had responded, as especially in that time there was no way from that far your throne can just be replicated like that.
Despite her disbelieving roots, Suleyman (AS) invited her to his palace. While there, she had seen Suleyman (AS)’s castle being full of stainless, expensive glass, and full of flowing rivers. Upon seeing this, she asks for Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and converts to Islam. Which tells us the lesson of how it is never too late to come back to Islam, and Islam is not just for the peasants or people, but is also for the kings and queens as well.
Now the next part of this Surah talks about another story, about the people of Thamud and how Allah (SWT) punishes them for their disobedience.
وَلَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَآ إِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمۡ صَٰلِحًا أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَإِذَا هُمۡ فَرِيقَانِ يَخۡتَصِمُونَ
Meaning - And We had certainly sent to Thamud their brother Salih, [saying], “Worship Allah,” and at once they were two conflicting parties. (27:45)
قَالَ يَٰقَوۡمِ لِمَ تَسۡتَعۡجِلُونَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ قَبۡلَ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِۖ لَوۡلَا تَسۡتَغۡفِرُونَ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُرۡحَمُونَ
Meaning - He said, “O my people, why are you impatient for evil instead of good? Why do you not seek forgiveness from Allah so that you may receive mercy?” (27:46)
قَالُواْ ٱطَّيَّرۡنَا بِكَ وَبِمَن مَّعَكَۚ قَالَ طَـٰٓئِرُكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِۖ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٞ تُفۡتَنُونَ
Meaning - They said, “We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you.” He said, “Your omen is with Allah. Rather, you are a person being tested.” (27:47)
وَكَانَ فِي ٱلۡمَدِينَةِ تِسۡعَةُ رَهۡطٖ يُفۡسِدُونَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا يُصۡلِحُونَ
Meaning - And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs]. (27:48)
Salih (AS) had been appointed as the Messenger of Allah (SWT), to spread his message in the village of Thamud which was a disbelieving nation at the time. And once Salih (AS) had attempted to spread the message of Allah (SWT), the people and him had a great division between their conflict of interest.
Salih (AS) had told these people to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT), warning them in the process. And to abandon their disobeying ways of Allah (SWT). Insteading of investing in his disbelief they should try to turn to Allah (SWT). He had wanted that pursuing worldly desires meant nothing and they should turn to Allah (SWT).
But the people had felt a bad omen (aura) around Salih (AS) and those who had followed him. But Salih (AS) had told them that they are being tested by Allah (SWT), and told them the answer. Imagine knowing an answer to a question of the test and then failing. Surely you deserve a great punishment for that. (In this case it is the nation of Thamud)
There were 9 chiefs from the village of Thamud trying to plot against Salih (AS), attempting to harm him because of this bad omen he had possessed. They were focused on this rather than actually fixing the problems of their nations, spreading corruption. This showed the wickedness of the people of Thamud.
قَالُواْ تَقَاسَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ لَنُبَيِّتَنَّهُۥ وَأَهۡلَهُۥ ثُمَّ لَنَقُولَنَّ لِوَلِيِّهِۦ مَا شَهِدۡنَا مَهۡلِكَ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ
Meaning - They said, “Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, ‘We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.’ “ (27:49)
وَمَكَرُواْ مَكۡرٗا وَمَكَرۡنَا مَكۡرٗا وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
Meaning - And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. (27:50)
فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ مَكۡرِهِمۡ أَنَّا دَمَّرۡنَٰهُمۡ وَقَوۡمَهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ
Meaning - Then look at the outcome of their plan – that We destroyed them and their people, all. (27:51)
فَتِلۡكَ بُيُوتُهُمۡ خَاوِيَةَۢ بِمَا ظَلَمُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَةٗ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَعۡلَمُونَ
Meaning - So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed, that is a sign for people who know. (27:52)
وَأَنجَيۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَكَانُواْ يَتَّقُونَ
Meaning - And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah. (27:53)
The chiefs of Thamud had tried to make up a plan to kill Salih (AS), keeping it away from the people. They had pledged an oath to do so. Allah (SWT) too had a plan (a punishment) in store for the true wickedness of these people. The wrongdoers faced a big punishment from Allah (SWT), a desolated house (a destroyed house, with roofs collapsing on the house), a sign for those who had disbelieved.
As for Salih (AS) and those who had followed him and practiced on Allah (SWT)’s message (had a belief) were too spared. As the entire nation of Thamud would be wiped out.
There is another example of the people of Lut (AS). Where infamously his people were known for being homosexual. And Allah (SWT) had said Lut (AS) to spread the message of Allah (SWT), and to make them forfeit their horrendous acts and turn back to Allah (SWT).
وَلُوطًا إِذۡ قَالَ لِقَوۡمِهِۦٓ أَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلۡفَٰحِشَةَ وَأَنتُمۡ تُبۡصِرُونَ
Meaning - And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, “Do you commit immorality while you are seeing? (27:54)
أَئِنَّكُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَهۡوَةٗ مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٞ تَجۡهَلُونَ
Meaning - Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly.” (27:55)
–JUZ 20–
۞فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوۡمِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓاْ أَخۡرِجُوٓاْ ءَالَ لُوطٖ مِّن قَرۡيَتِكُمۡۖ إِنَّهُمۡ أُنَاسٞ يَتَطَهَّرُونَ
Meaning - But the answer of his people was not except that they said, “Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure.” (27:56)
Lut (AS) had told his people to wake their eyes up and see what they are doing. (These people had committed acts of homosexuality). While they are aware of it, why are they committing the sins that they do? Lut (AS) further tells them about the ignorance behind their actions. As ayat 55 mentions, these people are more invested (or in other words attracted) to men instead of women, defying the nature of humans as a whole.
But these people had responded in a harsh manner, just like Thamud. The people of Lut (AS) had told him to leave the village. Attempting to banish Lut (AS) from their village and exile somewhere else. As this was called for their peace. (Trying to clear any dirty stains on their sink, as they wanted to do their homosexuality acts with no distraction). Even Lut (AS)’s own wife had plotted against, showing the reality of this dark situation. And of course with this action being done, Allah (SWT) had prepared for them a great punishment.
فَأَنجَيۡنَٰهُ وَأَهۡلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱمۡرَأَتَهُۥ قَدَّرۡنَٰهَا مِنَ ٱلۡغَٰبِرِينَ
Meaning - So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; We destined her to be of those who remained behind. (27:57)
وَأَمۡطَرۡنَا عَلَيۡهِم مَّطَرٗاۖ فَسَآءَ مَطَرُ ٱلۡمُنذَرِينَ
Meaning - And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. (27:58)
Lut (AS) was instructed by Allah (SWT) to leave with his family in the night leaving his wife behind. This was because his wife was a huge ambassador to this corruption of their people. Fully denying the message of Islam, Allah (SWT) had decreed for her to stay behind.
And the punishment that Allah (SWT) gave Lut (AS)’s wife and the people living in this nation were to be hammered and sprayed down by a meteor shower of falling stones. Think of rain but except when replaced with stones. Justifying the rain to those who were warned and clearly engaged in evil, disobeying Allah (SWT)’s messenger as well as Allah (SWT) as a whole. Instead of worshiping him and him alone, they had focused more on pursuing their own worldly habits and their own desires (in this case fulfilling desires of homosexuality).
This gives us a warning. A warning that shows what had happened to the past nations who had disbelieved Allah (SWT). This should make us install fear in our hearts and turn back to Allah (SWT) and obey him.
قُلِ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ وَسَلَٰمٌ عَلَىٰ عِبَادِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱصۡطَفَىٰٓۗ ءَآللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ أَمَّا يُشۡرِكُونَ
Meaning - Say, [O Muhammad], “Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants whom He has chosen. Is Allah better or what do they associate with Him?” (27:59)
أَمَّنۡ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَأَنزَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءٗ فَأَنۢبَتۡنَا بِهِۦ حَدَآئِقَ ذَاتَ بَهۡجَةٖ مَّا كَانَ لَكُمۡ أَن تُنۢبِتُواْ شَجَرَهَآۗ أَءِلَٰهٞ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ قَوۡمٞ يَعۡدِلُونَ
Meaning - [More precisely], is He [not best] who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you rain from the sky, causing to grow thereby gardens of joyful beauty which you could not [otherwise] have grown the trees thereof? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but they are a people who ascribe equals [to Him]. (27:60)
The verses commands the Prophet (PBUH) to praise Allah (SWT) and to peace upon the servants of Allah (SWT). And from verses 60-66 primarily, Allah (SWT), “Am-man”, a proposed rhetorical question to the rationalists, the polytheists, and the idol worshippers that go against the roots of Islam and he is trying to describe himself as how he is perfect is and how he instills nature as his perfect creation, disproving these people further. As perfect Allah (SWT) is and the nature that he has created, like the Heavens, the Trees, and the rain coming out from the Sky. Asking those who disbelieve him, whether there was another deity beside Allah (SWT). Of course the answer to this question is no, but the people who disbelief suggest that the answer is that there is, in fact, a deity that is equal to Allah (SWT).
أَمَّن جَعَلَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ قَرَارٗا وَجَعَلَ خِلَٰلَهَآ أَنۡهَٰرٗا وَجَعَلَ لَهَا رَوَٰسِيَ وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَ ٱلۡبَحۡرَيۡنِ حَاجِزًاۗ أَءِلَٰهٞ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِۚ بَلۡ أَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ
Meaning - Is He [not best] who made the earth a stable ground and placed within it rivers and made for it firmly set mountains and placed between the two seas a barrier? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but most of them do not know. (27:61)
أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلۡمُضۡطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكۡشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجۡعَلُكُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ أَءِلَٰهٞ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِۚ قَلِيلٗا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ
Meaning - Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember. (27:62)
أَمَّن يَهۡدِيكُمۡ فِي ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ وَمَن يُرۡسِلُ ٱلرِّيَٰحَ بُشۡرَۢا بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡ رَحۡمَتِهِۦٓۗ أَءِلَٰهٞ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِۚ تَعَٰلَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا يُشۡرِكُونَ
Meaning - Is He [not best] who guides you through the darknesses of the land and sea and who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy? Is there a deity with Allah? High is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. (27:63)
أَمَّن يَبۡدَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ وَمَن يَرۡزُقُكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ أَءِلَٰهٞ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِۚ قُلۡ هَاتُواْ بُرۡهَٰنَكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ صَٰدِقِينَ
Meaning - Is He [not best] who begins creation and then repeats it and who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Say, “Produce your proof, if you should be truthful.” (27:64)
قُل لَّا يَعۡلَمُ مَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلۡغَيۡبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُۚ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ أَيَّانَ يُبۡعَثُونَ
Meaning - Say, “None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected.” (27:65)
بَلِ ٱدَّـٰرَكَ عِلۡمُهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ فِي شَكّٖ مِّنۡهَاۖ بَلۡ هُم مِّنۡهَا عَمُونَ
Meaning - Rather, their knowledge is arrested concerning the Hereafter. Rather, they are in doubt about it. Rather, they are, concerning it, blind. (27:66)
Allah (SWT) explains the absolute perfection in his creation, showing to these people how Allah (SWT) is the perfectionist of his creations, and how only it is he that is able to do this.
Ayat 61 → Allah (SWT) mentions about the making of the ground (potentially the crust of Earth) and how Allah (SWT) had put within the ground, various amounts of rivers and mountains as well as making the water of these rivers flowing, putting barriers and complexity in his creations. And it is because of these creations that enable these people to cultivate and plant their agricultural desires. Allah (SWT) closes this ayat of by exposing the flaw of these idols. Proving that they are useless compared to him. As he asks; can the idols do what Allah (SWT) does, can any other “deity-like” creator make these types of creations? (in the eyes of these people).
Ayat 62 → Allah (SWT) further talks about how when someone is in distress and when they call to Allah (SWT), does Allah (SWT) not have mercy upon his creations? Giving them a sort of freedom and a feeling of pleasure to be here, residing on this Earth? These people are the people that do not remember these blessings given by Allah (SWT).
Ayat 63 → Allah (SWT) shows the way through the evil and darkness that is planted in the land. Showing the guidance of Allah (SWT), and the Mercy and Love that he has for his creations. Further sending the nature and blessing of wind as glad tidings to these people, and also sends wind through the rain showers from the clouds.
Ayat 64 → Allah (SWT) explains the way he sustains the life of his creations. Implying that not only as he had made life in this world, but will repeat this life on the Day of Judgement and the Afterlife. Allah (SWT) asks if there is still a deity-like figure that is equivalent to him? Further questioning these people to give him proof of (an example) a Creator that is like him (in their belief), that does the things that Allah (SWT) does.
Ayat 65 & 66 → Instead of practicing the faith of Islam, they turn in with sort of a blind eye and practice their own faith. Verifying that only Allah (SWT) is knowledgeable of what remains in the Earth and the Heavens, and how every creation of his will stand on that day.
It is the same day in which these people will be questioned about their faith, but they will be in a state of doubt and in confusion about this Day having literally no knowledge as to what the purpose of this day is. They will arise from their graves to their resurrection in the Day of Judgement, and in it they will have no prior knowledge as to what this day is.
Overall the ayats 60-66 truly question the fake reality of what the disbelievers actually see, and Allah (SWT) questions them on why they associate partners. As there is no other deity except Allah (SWT), and every one of his creations are to believe him and worship him, alone.
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَءِذَا كُنَّا تُرَٰبٗا وَءَابَآؤُنَآ أَئِنَّا لَمُخۡرَجُونَ
Meaning - And those who disbelieve say, “When we have become dust as well as our forefathers, will we indeed be brought out [of the graves]? (27:67)
لَقَدۡ وُعِدۡنَا هَٰذَا نَحۡنُ وَءَابَآؤُنَا مِن قَبۡلُ إِنۡ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ
Meaning - We have been promised this, we and our forefathers, before. This is not but legends of the former peoples.” (27:68)
The disbelievers when they have died and put in their graves, will be in a state of agony and utmost confusion, about whether or not they will become dust particles just like their ancestors (forefathers). These are the same people who deny the Quran and put it in a state of mockery, calling the Quran just some fable or legends of the people of the past. And because of their denial of the Quran, this makes them deny the existence of an Afterlife. As they think that they have been promised their souls to be connected with the souls of their ancestors and their loved ones who had died in the past.
But despite them being warned about the Quran, and the Message of Allah (SWT), they deny and then are to be punished on the Day of Judgement because of their ignorance towards that particular message. These people think that the Day of Judgement does not exist, so when the Day actually comes, their hearts will be anxious and in a state of fear. As they have no idea what is happening in front of their eyes, losing not only in the Dunya (The Earth) but also in the Akirah (The Afterlife)
قُلۡ سِيرُواْ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ
Meaning - Say, [O Muhammad], “Travel through the land and observe how the end of the criminals ended.” (27:69)
وَلَا تَحۡزَنۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا تَكُن فِي ضَيۡقٖ مِّمَّا يَمۡكُرُونَ
Meaning - And grieve not over them or be in distress from what they conspire. (27:70)
وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَٰذَا ٱلۡوَعۡدُ إِن كُنتُمۡ صَٰدِقِينَ
Meaning - And they say, “When is [the fulfillment of] this promise, if you should be truthful?” (27:71)
قُلۡ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ رَدِفَ لَكُم بَعۡضُ ٱلَّذِي تَسۡتَعۡجِلُونَ
Meaning - Say, “Perhaps it is close behind you – some of that for which you are impatient. (27:72)
Allah (SWT) tells the Prophet (PBUH) to not grieve over the disbelievers as they had never followed the message of Allah (SWT), and sought consumption of wrongdoing sealed within their hearts. There should be no remorse for these people.
As for their entire lives these people have put the Quran in a mockery, asking when will this truth be true? This question is a symbol of foolery and pure stupidity of these people. As Allah (SWT) had already decreed for these people to be punished. Their mockery and rejection of the truth causes them to be in this position (committing shirk and doing the wrongdoing in which they do in this world). So Allah (SWT) instructs the Prophet (PBUH) to respond to them about how their punishments lie around the corner and them impatiently waiting for their fate may have their punishment close by.
They shouldn’t be so sure for what they believe in as their punishment in the Akhirah remains very close by. And that their punishments will soon be into effect.
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو فَضۡلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡكُرُونَ
Meaning - And indeed, your Lord is full of bounty for the people, but most of them do not show gratitude.” (27:73)
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمۡ وَمَا يُعۡلِنُونَ
Meaning - And indeed, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they declare. (27:74)
وَمَا مِنۡ غَآئِبَةٖ فِي ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا فِي كِتَٰبٖ مُّبِينٍ
Meaning - And there is nothing concealed within heaven and the earth except that it is in a clear Register. (27:75)
Allah (SWT) shows his mercy here. Allah (SWT) is with open arms (full of bounty/mercy) to these people. But these people instead turn their heads and voice the other direction calling out to not only their Gods but do not show any gratefulness towards Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) is all aware of what desire and declaration lies amongst these peoples hearts. Allah (SWT) all clear registers (knowledge) about everything that lies between the Heavens and the Earth. There is nothing hidden from him and he is All Knowing.
إِنَّ هَٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ يَقُصُّ عَلَىٰ بَنِيٓ إِسۡرَـٰٓءِيلَ أَكۡثَرَ ٱلَّذِي هُمۡ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ
Meaning - Indeed, this Qur’an relates to the Children of Israel most of that over which they disagree. (27:76)
وَإِنَّهُۥ لَهُدٗى وَرَحۡمَةٞ لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ
Meaning - And indeed, it is guidance and mercy for the believers. (27:77)
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَقۡضِي بَيۡنَهُم بِحُكۡمِهِۦۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ
Meaning - Indeed, your Lord will judge between them by His [wise] judgement. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. (27:78)
فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَى ٱلۡحَقِّ ٱلۡمُبِينِ
Meaning - So rely upon Allah; indeed, you are upon the clear truth. (27:79)
The Quran clarifies the disputes and conflicts that Children of Israel disagree upon. The Quran is given to the believers as a guidance, blessings, and a form of mercy from Allah (SWT). And it is with the Quran that the believers are given success, and are driven to the right path. This will further lead to triumph in the Akirah. Allah (SWT) contains a record for each individual as they will be judged based on what Allah (SWT) knows of them. (As he knows everything that is concealed within them)
So if you rely upon Allah (SWT) to follow the Quran and the message of him spread through the Prophet (PBUH) then you are destined for success in the Akirah and for the truth and the straight path.
إِنَّكَ لَا تُسۡمِعُ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ وَلَا تُسۡمِعُ ٱلصُّمَّ ٱلدُّعَآءَ إِذَا وَلَّوۡاْ مُدۡبِرِينَ
Meaning - Indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they have turned their backs retreating. (27:80)
وَمَآ أَنتَ بِهَٰدِي ٱلۡعُمۡيِ عَن ضَلَٰلَتِهِمۡۖ إِن تُسۡمِعُ إِلَّا مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَهُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ
Meaning - And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make those who believe in Our verses so they are Muslims [submitting to Allah]. (27:81)
۞وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةٗ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ
Meaning - And when the word befalls them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them, [saying] that the people were, of Our verses, not certain [in faith]. (27:82)
Allah (SWT) speaks to the Prophet (PBUH) regarding the spreading of the message and commandments of Allah (SWT) to the dead. The dead meaning they are spiritually lifeless. Their hearts are completely dead as they have no pleasure in listening to the religion of Islam.
It is these types of people with their dead hearts who will turn their backs against the religion of Islam. And their hearts are locked off from the guidance that is being present to them. It is only those who possess belief and implicate their practice with Taqwa (remembrance of Allah (SWT) that will be able to receive the message from the Prophet (PBUH). These are the eventual victors and triumphants of the Akirah. While these dead hearted people will be in a state of confusion (like in awe) when the Day of Judgement comes to them. Just as how Allah (SWT) describes the disbelievers to be. And Allah (SWT) brings the Day of Judgement again in the following ayats.
وَيَوۡمَ نَحۡشُرُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٖ فَوۡجٗا مِّمَّن يُكَذِّبُ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَهُمۡ يُوزَعُونَ
Meaning - And [warn of] the Day when We will gather from every nation a company of those who deny Our signs, and they will be [driven] in rows (27:83)
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُو قَالَ أَكَذَّبۡتُم بِـَٔايَٰتِي وَلَمۡ تُحِيطُواْ بِهَا عِلۡمًا أَمَّاذَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ
Meaning - Until, when they arrive [at the place of Judgement], He will say, “Did you deny My signs while you encompassed them not in knowledge, or what [was it that] you were doing?” (27:84)
وَوَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡهِم بِمَا ظَلَمُواْ فَهُمۡ لَا يَنطِقُونَ
Meaning - And the decree will befall them for the wrong they did, and they will not [be able to] speak. (27:85)
Allah (SWT) tells the Prophet (PBUH) to warn these people. As the disbelievers from all the nations will be assembled on the day of Judgement in rows. Keep in mind that these are the same people that denied the message of the Quran, rejected the signs of Allah (SWT), having unhealthy (dead-like) hearts that encompass no spiritual vision, and turned their backs on the religion of Islam. By the decree of Allah (SWT) for the wrong that they did, these people will not be able to speak.
Because of their lack of knowledge on this day, how their deities and gods that they had believed can never help them, and their ignorance towards Allah (SWT), his Messengers, and the Message of the Quran will make them have no argument to prove in which they were right. It will be obvious to them that they are amongst the wrongful and there are no changing positions. What is done after you die from the Dunya is done. So make sure you ask and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) before it is too late.
أَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ أَنَّا جَعَلۡنَا ٱلَّيۡلَ لِيَسۡكُنُواْ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبۡصِرًاۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّقَوۡمٖ يُؤۡمِنُونَ
Meaning - Do they not see that We made the night that they may rest therein and the day giving sight? Indeed, there are signs for people who believe. (27:86)
وَيَوۡمَ يُنفَخُ فِي ٱلصُّورِ فَفَزِعَ مَن فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُۚ وَكُلٌّ أَتَوۡهُ دَٰخِرِينَ
Meaning - And [warn of] the Day the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be terrified except whom Allah wills. And all will come to Him humbled. (27:87)
وَتَرَى ٱلۡجِبَالَ تَحۡسَبُهَا جَامِدَةٗ وَهِيَ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ ٱلسَّحَابِۚ صُنۡعَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَتۡقَنَ كُلَّ شَيۡءٍۚ إِنَّهُۥ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَفۡعَلُونَ
Meaning - And you see the mountains, thinking them rigid, while they will pass as the passing of clouds. [It is] the work of Allah, who perfected all things. Indeed, He is Acquainted with that which you do. (27:88)
Allah (SWT) explains the day and night cycle with perfection. As the night was made for the people to rest and the day was to give people sight. Or in other words you do your work during the day and then you rest during the night and repeat. This is a blessing given from Allah (SWT) and yet another sign as to why you should believe in him with full sincerity and faith.
As far as the blowing of the trumpet goes, once it is blown by Israfil (AS), the Day of Judgement will officially begin. And those who had disbelieved and focused on other things, and did not have Allah (SWT) in their minds during the Dunya will tremble. They will come to him with full vulnerability and humbled in front of Allah (SWT). This was because of what wickedness they had possessed during the world, as this Surah had mentioned before. But those who had followed the message of Allah (SWT) and persisted to continue their good doings will receive glad tidings and blessings on the Day of Judgement. (the opposite to those who had disbelieved)
The Mountains in nature are very strong and rigid, and known for their ferociousness. But in the Day of Judgement these mountains that we had known for to be strong and rigid, will move like passing clouds. Another example of the perfecting of Allah (SWT)’s creations.
مَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُۥ خَيۡرٞ مِّنۡهَا وَهُم مِّن فَزَعٖ يَوۡمَئِذٍ ءَامِنُونَ
Meaning - Whoever comes [at Judgement] with a good deed will have better than it, and they, from the terror of that Day, will be safe. (27:89)
وَمَن جَآءَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ فَكُبَّتۡ وُجُوهُهُمۡ فِي ٱلنَّارِ هَلۡ تُجۡزَوۡنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ
Meaning - And whoever comes with an evil deed – their faces will be overturned into the Fire, [and it will be said], “Are you recompensed except for what you used to do?” (27:90)
In the Day of Judgement as we know as two different sides. It is repeated here. As whoever had done good and remained steadfast with Allah (SWT) in this world, doing good acts and following the commandments of Allah (SWT) will receive glad tidings, blessings, and Jannah in the Akirah.
While those who had done wrong actions whilst knowing the warnings and grave punishments of the past nations that have come by it, will suffer. They will all burn in the blazing fire, getting what they deserve. Allah (SWT) is angry with these people, as these people contain sickness within their corrupted hearts. They have no opening in their hearts of Islam (to do it and to act upon it)
We as Muslims should strive and try our best to achieve the side of Jannah, for it is better for us. As our decision does not affect Allah (SWT) whatsoever, as Allah (SWT) is free of anybody’s needs.
إِنَّمَآ أُمِرۡتُ أَنۡ أَعۡبُدَ رَبَّ هَٰذِهِ ٱلۡبَلۡدَةِ ٱلَّذِي حَرَّمَهَا وَلَهُۥ كُلُّ شَيۡءٖۖ وَأُمِرۡتُ أَنۡ أَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ
Meaning - [Say, O Muhammad], “I have only been commanded to worship the Lord of this city, who made it sacred and to whom [belongs] all things. And I am commanded to be of the Muslims [those who submit to Allah] (27:91)
وَأَنۡ أَتۡلُوَاْ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَۖ فَمَنِ ٱهۡتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهۡتَدِي لِنَفۡسِهِۦۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنذِرِينَ
Meaning - And to recite the Qur’an.” And whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] himself; and whoever strays – say, “I am only [one] of the warners.” (27:92)
وَقُلِ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ سَيُرِيكُمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ فَتَعۡرِفُونَهَاۚ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعۡمَلُونَ
Meaning - And say, “[All] praise is [due] to Allah. He will show you His signs, and you will recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do.” (27:93)
Allah (SWT) comforts the Prophet (PBUH) and tells him to the people that this is the sacred city of Makkah. And Allah (SWT) has made it sacred just like Madinah (Yathrib) and Jerusalem. Allah (SWT) tells the Prophet (PBUH) to also tell the people that he is amongst the Muslims. And as Muslims, everyone should recite the Quran. Being guided or getting guidance from the Quran is for the benefit of themselves, because Allah (SWT) is free of anybody’s need. Rather we need him as his creations.
Allah (SWT) commands the Prophet (PBUH) to tell the strays that this statement that I’m making is just a warning for what is to come. Some stray people (disbelievers) may take and invite the Message of Islam into their lives, while others may stay stray until the day they die. Making them suffer on the Day of Judgement.
Whether you disbelieve or not, Allah (SWT) will show the signs and you shall recognize them. As Allah (SWT) is worthy and deserving of all praise and Allah (SWT) knows what’s hidden and unhidden amongst us.
To recap Surah Naml as a whole, I will divide each part into segments (in terms of the ayats)
Ayats 1-6 → Talks about the Quran being guidance for the believers and how acting upon it will bring it glad tiding for the believers in the Hereafter. (also tying also prayer and giving zakat).
Ayats 7-14 → Discusses about Musa (AS) and the confrontation of Fir’aun and the 9 signs of Islam. This portion of Surah Naml also talks about the miracle of casting the snake from the staff, showing how the people of Fir’aun (Fir’aun + his followers) were to be punished for their ignorance.
Ayats 15-19 → Assures about the blessings of the lineage between Suleyman (AS) and Dawood (AS) and how with all those blessings had never forgotten to glorify and be grateful to Allah (SWT). Also includes the name of the Surah (Naml) and the story of the ants.
Ayats 20-44 → Regards about the story of Suleyman (AS) and how he had invited the Queen of Sheba to Islam. Mentions about the Hoopoe Bird giving the message back and front between the two parties (Of the Queen of Sheba and Suleyman (AS). As in the portion of this chapter of the Quran, comes the miracle of the moving throne being at Suleyman (AS)’s disposal in a matter of seconds, completing what’s to be many months long travel. Eventually after Suleyman (AS) had confronted the Queen of Sheba, she had converted to Islam, to worship Allah (SWT) and abandoned her disobeying ways.
Ayats 45-53 → Talks about the people of Thamud and Salih (AS). How the people of Thamud were to be punished because of the disrespect and disobedience to not only towards Allah (SWT), but also his Messenger Salih (AS). And with the decree of Allah (SWT), as punishment he destroyed their nation with a singular blast.
Ayats 54-58 → Proposes the story of Lut (AS) and the homosexuals that he had to confront with the message of Allah (SWT). It further shows how corrupt the mindset of these people were, as just like the people of Thamud, these people wanted to assassinate and banish the Messenger of Allah (SWT). Amongst these followers had included his wife. And they were to be punished with a meteor shower destroying their entire nation
Ayats 59-66 → Shows the beauty of the creation of Allah (SWT), as he in this segment, questions the rationalists, disbelievers, and polytheists on their god and how they fare and compare to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) exposes their hypocrisy within these ayats, showcasing how he rules alone as One.
Ayats 67-93 → Showcases and emphasizes the disbelievers primarily being put in the Day of Judgement and how they will suffer. Allah (SWT) also provides us with how these people will live during the world, and how none of the warnings (The Messengers of Allah (SWT), Signs of Allah (SWT), and the Quran) do not phase these corrupt people whatsoever. None of their deities, forefathers, and belief will save them during that day as they will be put forth in front of the eyes of Allah (SWT), being resurrected from the graves. Allah (SWT) then closes off the Surah with the warning to both believers and disbelievers to follow the signs of Allah (SWT) and to worship him, further commanding the Prophet (PBUH) to spread the message in Islam in the sacred city of Madinah.
Overall this Surah shows the power of Allah (SWT) and signs of him, his oneness and his greatness. This Surah alone contains many infamous miracles of Islam, whether it was the miracle of the moving throne in Suleyman (AS)’s story or the miracle of the staff turning to a conscious snake. We can learn to worship Allah (SWT), as Allah (SWT) mentions the previous Nations (of Fir’aun’s, the village of Thamud, and the village of Lut (AS); village full of homosexuals) had been punished and destroyed by Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) forgive our past sins. Salaam (WRWB)