This chapter is in the third level of summary chapters in Quran (starting from An-Naba till the end). Its twin is the following chapter, Al-Infitar. Both these chapters link patterns of destruction with the coming of judgement and revelation. This coheres with the story of musa and firaun. As such, this chapter may be a mirror of that process.   The pattern of destruction here is the folding up of the sun, which symbolizes the destruction of the system of... Read more

  This chapter comes straight after Surah Nuh, Chapter 71. In Ch 71, we are shown the nuh strategy of building the ark which acts as a protective space for those who entered it (71/28). Ch 72, Al-Jinn follows this theme by showing us the people required to build the ark.   Vs 1 opens with the nafarun min al-jinn. The word ‘nafarun’ refers to movement (anfiru is to travel, 4/94). The jinn are the people of movement and highly... Read more

The last chapter in the tasbeeh block. Like At-Talaq (its twin which directly precedes) , it focuses on the spiritual leadership of the nabi personality. These two chapter effectively complement the rest of the tasbih block which gives more of a believer’s perspective.   Ch 66 opens with the a call to the nabi not to forbid himself what has been made available for him, seeking to please his companions. Instructions are then given to the companions about managing confidential... Read more

  This is one of chapters of the tasbih block (comprising Ch 57-66), the block of chapters which focus on the action plan of the system of peace and justice. Ch 61 (As-Saff) is the end chapter of the ‘sabbaha’ level of this block, comprising Ch 57-61. After this is the ‘yusabbihu’ block comprising Ch 62-64.   Ch 61 begins the ‘sabbaha’ (causing work harmoniously) towards Allah. All systems of god work toward this condition. Vs 2-4 gives a basic... Read more

  This chapter is possibly the science of revelation, that is, how revelation is received, measured and applied in Quran. The first thing to note is that the word ‘quran’ itself is nowhere present in this chapter. Traditionalists merely assumed it is talking about Quran and the Prophet who is also not mentioned.   53/1-15 tells us what happens during revelation. Vs 1 talks about the star which is symbolic for the events in our lives (stars give guidance like... Read more

  Here is another chapter which shows the reality-based nature of Quranic application. It does so by interweaving the subject of Quran with practical aspects of human life.   This chapter begins with talking about the descent from ar-rahmaan ar-raheem (41/2) This echoes the formula of verse zero which shows its referring to the chapter formations as well as Quran itself. Each of these is a kitaab (41/3) and is confirmed by the fact that the pages contain many kitabs... Read more

This chapter gives a general blueprint of the messengers’ role. It begins with Quran itself. Ya seen indicates a constancy and a seeking. (36/1). It then declares that the Quran is decisive (36/2). In other words, through ya seen, we may attain that decisiveness. When this happens, the Reader is one of those who carry the message and is on the straight and establishing path (36/3-4). This will warn those whose parents were not warned before. The sayings of the messenger... Read more

This chapter is a hard chapter after a relatively soft one, Al-Mu’minoon. This means that it contains more instructions and little metaphors and stories. An-Nur begins with social laws governing society such as reneging on relationships, accusations, privacy (24/1-34). 24/35 is called ‘ayatun noor’ (verse of the light) and shows the light of Allah (which is Allah himself) that shines over human society. This light is brought forth by a society which is following natural laws. 24/36-37 talks about such... Read more

This chapter focuses on the messenger personalities and the presentness of the messenger. It begins with the ever inching closeness with the hour and the renewed dhikr. Dhikr is a prominent feature of this chapter and refers various levels of vivification. For example, 21/10 refer to the vivification of the self. 21/25 formulates the essential message of the messengers which that there is no god but ‘I’, showing the intimate relationship with Allah. The consequence of this is ‘so serve... Read more

Chapter 20 (Taha) is the first chapter whose sole emphasis is on musa. While Ch 7 does give emphasis to him, Ch 20 does not contain any other narratives and also narrates his story almost from beginning to end. This chapter starts with Quran and its utilization. It tells us that any reading of Quran should not cause rifts (shaqiya), it should give a reminder and should be reflective of Allah’s names. Why is Quran mentioned here? Because musa as... Read more