Introduction
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The chapter was revealed in Mecca. While the
Prophet was speaking to some pagan notables, hoping to convert them, a blind
Muslim man came up to learn from him, but in his eagerness to attract them to
Islam, the Prophet frowned at him. The Prophet was reproached by God. In the
second section, there is condemnation of man’s ingratitude. People become
self-satisfied and forget their origin and final return to God.
Verses 1-10 A kind approach
Its first part is based on an incident which took place
in the early days of Islam. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of
God be upon him, was busy with a few Quraysh dignitaries, explaining to them
the Islamic message, when Ibn Umm Maktum, a poor blind man, interrupted him. Unaware
that the Prophet was busy, the blind man asked him repeatedly to teach him some
verses from the Quran. The Prophet was not very pleased at this interruption.
He frowned and turned away from Ibn Umm Maktum. Heaven intervened to say the
final word in this matter.
The chapter opens by criticizing the Prophet’s behavior
in this incident. It lays down clearly the values and principles upon which
Islamic society is founded and states the true nature of the message of Islam.
Verses 11-16 The message and virtue of the Quran
The Quran is a noble and honored message in every
respect. Its pages are purified and exalted, entrusted to ‘noble and devout’
angel ambassadors who convey God’s message to His Prophets who then convey it
to their people. It is also dignified. No one who pretends that he is
self-sufficient and will spurn the message of Islam need be approached with it.
Those who are sincere and seek to be purified will benefit from it.
Verses 17-32 Reflection and contemplation
Man’s ungrateful attitude towards God and his denial of
Him comes up for discussion. Here man is reminded of his humble origin, how
his life is made easy, how God determines his death and resurrection; and how,
after all this, he remains totally oblivious of God’s care and His complete
power over every stage of his existence, and fails to carry out His orders.
Next, man is invited to reflect upon his food and that
of his cattle, which is one of the great many things God has provided for him.
Absolute perfection of creation is obvious in the provision of food for man as
it is obvious in the creation, proportioning and development of man Himself. This
is the full story of man’s food, related here stage by stage. Let man reflect:
does he play any significant role in it? Can he determine or change its course?
The same hand which has brought him to life has brought forth the food which
sustains him.
Verses 33-42 When the deafening blast comes
This is the end of all delight and enjoyment. It fits
perfectly with the planning and designing which included every stage of man’s
development. The end portrayed here fits perfectly with the scene at the
beginning of the chapter which shows someone coming forward with zeal and with
a feeling of fear in his heart, and another who considers himself
self-sufficient and turns away from divine guidance. Here we have an
exposition of their standing in God’s view.
The verses here touch upon “the stunning blast” and its
fearful effects. The very sound of the words gives the impression of horror. It
makes people unaware of anything around them. Their faces, however, provide a
lucid account of what is happening to them. Some faces beam with happiness
overflowing with delight. They are hopeful and reassured because they feel
that their Lord is pleased with them. These people are spared the terror of
the stunning blast, so they can afford to smile and demonstrate their joy. Or
probably the smiles and manifestations of happiness are seen after these people
have realized the good end awaiting them. The faces of people devoid of faith,
who do not believe in God or in the divine message, will be covered with the
dust of sadness and misery, darkened with humiliation and depression. They
know what they have done in this life and they await their inevitable
punishment.
The fearfulness depicted in this scene strikes the soul,
and makes us realize that each of us is accountable for ourselves, and what
really matters is our beliefs and deeds and we will be recompensed accordingly.