Chapter 87 - 8
The Supreme (Surah Al-Ala)
(19 verses in total; revealed in early Makkan period)
This chapter begins to amplify God’s engagement with creation and guidance is a direct way as revelations continues to come in quick succession. Starting with God’s supreme attribute, this chapter expresses God’s direct involvement in creation, nature and the preservation of the divine revelations. Human beings are free to choose their pursuits and how they prioritize this life and the life to come.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
- God is supreme in the way God creates, guides and preserves
- Prophet is given assurance that things will become easier over time
- Prophet is asked to actively remind people, though some will accept while others will continue to reject – each having their consequences as a result
- This life should be lived in its own context but also in the context of the next life which is more grand and more permanent as has already been conveyed in revelations given to Abraham and Moses before this Qur’an
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy and the Endower of Mercy!
Glorify the essence1 of your Cherisher God
The Supreme (a’la)
Who creates and evolves
Who determines outcomes and creates pathways (v. 1-3)
Who brings out green herbage
Then reduces them to dry stubbles (v. 4)
We (God) will aid you in your recitation (of the Qur’an)
So, you will not forget
Except as God wills
God knows what is manifested
And what is hidden (v. 5-7)
We will facilitate your ways into ease
Therefore, remind (people)
There is benefit in such reminding
But only the conscientious2 will mind (v. 8-10)
While the most wicked will ignore
Who plunge into the great fire
Where they will neither die or live (v. 11-13)
Successful are those3
Who purify themselves
Remember the essence of their Cherisher God
Show devotion
But some prefer this life
Whereas the Hereafter is better
And lasts longer
These are in the scriptures from earlier generations
The scriptures of Abraham and Moses! (v. 14-19)
1The word used in “esma” which means name but I have rendered as “essence” since the 99 names of God are descriptive of God’s essential attributes or characteristics as conveyed in the Qur’an and in the Hadith.
2 The word used “yakhsha’e” has been translated in classical translation as one who is “afraid” of God; I believe a better rendering is one who is “conscientious” or “mindful”.
3The pronoun used is “he”; but I have rendered it as “they and them” to make it gender neutral unless a specific person is mentioned or contextually understood.
