Chapter 44 - 59
Smoke (Surah Al-Dhukhan)
(59 verses in total – revealed in the latter half of Middle Makkan period)
This chapter, full of punctuated and rhythmic short verses, calls attention to the Qur’an itself, human doubts about the Afterlife and a contrast of those who will reside in Paradise vs. in Hell based on their life-long pursuits for good vs. evil.
The key themes in this chapter are as follows:
· The Qur’an is a scripture from God to warn, to remind, to differentiate, to instruct and to shower God’s mercy
· People are asked to remove their doubts and reflect on life and death, on the world in which they live and die, and the resurrection that is sure to come to bring them to their ultimate reality and accountability
· Good and evil cannot be treated the same way – good people of faith will have generous mercy from God while the evil people who denied faith will live in humiliation and deprivation
· Again it is reminded that the Qur’an has been revealed in their language (Arabic in this case) so that people around the Prophet can comprehend the message easily, a standard practice for all prophets and their respective communities
In the name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Ha Meem!
The Book that explains and manifests!
Revealed on a blessed night by Us
As always to warn and caution (v. 1-3)
In it all matters are differentiated
With Wisdom!
And as an instruction from Us
As always by sending messengers (v. 4-5)
As a sign of God’s mercy
Truly God hears and knows!
God of the heavens and the earth
And what are in-between
If you only stop doubting
There is no god but God
Giver of life and death
God of your parents from the past (v. 6-8)
Yet you sport in doubt
Are you waiting for a day?
When the heaven darkens (with smoke)
Enveloping all of humankind
A day of painful reckoning
(your cry) “Our God, remove this reckoning –
We do believe!”
Really? Were you mindful? (v. 9-13)
A messenger has indeed arrived
To make things clear
But you refuse and taunt – “A madman – possessed and instructed.” (v. 13-14)
We will ease a little – but you are sure to return
To the day of greater confinement
The day to extract retribution! (v. 15-16)
Pharoah and his people – We put on trial
A noble messenger (Moses) came to them
“Give safe passage to the servants of God
I am but a faithful messenger to you
Avoid arrogance before God
I come with clear authority (from God)
I seek protection in my God and your God
If you are tempted to harm1 me
If you do not believe – leave me alone!” (v. 17-21)
(Moses) called out – “My God!
These people are evil!”
(God said) – “Leave by night with My servants
They will pursue you
Move past the sea being separated
Your pursuers will be drowned
Leaving behind their gardens and water fountains
Cornfields and lush places
Blissful things they enjoyed!” (v. 17-27)
Thus it was
Other people took over them
The heaven and the earth did not weep for them
They could not escape! (v. 28-29)
We did deliver the Children of Israel
From an enormity of sufferings
From Pharaoh – his arrogance and constant transgression!
Elevated them above others, knowingly
Gave them guidance, supported by blessings fully manifest! (v. 30-33)
These people (Makkhan) say,
“Our death is but one death
We will not be raised to life again
If you (Prophet) speak the truth – then bring our fathers back (from graves)!”
Do these people consider themselves better?
Than the people of Tubba2
Or those before them
But We destroyed them all – for their guilt! (v. 34-37)
We did not create the heavens and the earth
And all that is in-between
Without a purpose!
With truth did We create
But most people do not comprehend. (v. 38-39)
The Day of Decision
A contract with them all
When friends can’t avail friends, nor be helped
Except on whom God has mercy
God is the Mighty, the Merciful! (v. 40-42)
The tree of Zuqqum
Provision for the sinful
Burning their bellies – as if molten metal or boiling water
Seize them!
Throw them into the depth of Hell
Pour boiling water over their heads
Taste! Your claim for power and honor!
And your doubts! (v. 43-50)
Those who acted responsibly
Are secure in gardens and springs
Wearing fine silk and in good company
This is how it is – joined by beautiful and handsome mates!
Secure provisions as they desire
Never to taste death, except the first time
Protected from the torment of the Abyss
A grace from God
A grand achievement! (v. 51-57)
We have made the Qur’an easy to understand
In your own tongue – perhaps they will take heed
Wait then (Prophet) – they are waiting too! (v. 58-59)
1The word “rajama” have multiple meanings – to expel, to despise, even to stone - a form of punishment prevalent in those days
2People of Yemen – referring to a dynasty which ruled over Southern Arabia in ancient times
