Chapter 45-60
Kneeling (Surah Al-Jathiah)
(37 verses in total; latter half of Middle Makkan)
This short chapter draws particular attention to those who deny God, deny Afterlife and refuse even to consider the possibility that a life made possible on this earth can be extended to another life, a repetition whose first instance has already occurred, and they are a witness to it by their own life and their existence on this planet.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
· The presence of the heavens and the earth, the diverse creations that exists in our purview, the day and the night, the winds that carries and follow directed paths – all these should be sufficient for a person to develop awareness of God and be mindful of the inherent purposefulness of life
· The deniers are cautioned about the consequences – a human trait already embedded in us that we hold each other accountable in our own construct of family and society. Why should our existence be any different?
· The believers are advised to have patience and not be discouraged by the deniers, their false and pretentious arguments and their hostilities, as God will overpower the deniers in due time
In the name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Ha Meem!
The revelation of this Book is from God – the Mighty, the Wise! Indeed, the presence of the heavens and the earth are evident enough for the believers, and so are your creation and the existence of living beings spread out – serve as evidence for those who are convinced. For the people with perception, there are signs in these – the alteration of the day and the night, the provisions that God bestows from the heavens, giving of life to the earth after their demise, and the changing directions of the wind. These are the messages from God that We recite to you with truth. What other narratives, besides what have already been given of God and God’s evidence, will they believe in? (v. 2-6)
Shame to all sinful liars – who hear the message of God conveyed to them, but persist in their false pride, as if they did not hear at all. Inform them then of severe consequences. When they hear of Our messages, they take them for making fun. For them is humiliating consequences – Hell awaits them. What they have achieved will be of no use, not even their deities who they call on besides God. Grievous consequences await them! This is part of the guidance – if you disbelieve in the messages from God, then you are faced with its dreadful consequences. (v. 7-11)
It is God Who has made the sea useful to you – that the ships may travel through by God’s command so that you may seek God’s bounty and be thankful. God has made all that is in the
heavens and all that is on the earth of use and benefit for you – all from God. In all these there are evidence for those who reflect! (v. 12-13)
Tell the believers that they should forgive those who fail to appreciate God’s days (of blessings) so that God may recompensate each community for what it does. Whoever do good, it is for themselves and whoever do evil, it is against themselves. In the end you will be brought back to your Sustainer God! (v. 14-15)
We blessed the Children of Israel with scripture, wisdom, prophethood, and good provisions. We also favored them over other nations. We conveyed to them clear instructions to manage their affairs. Yet, they did not differ among themselves until the knowledge came to them – they did so out of envy among themselves. God will judge their differences on the Day of Resurrection! (v. 16-17)
Now We (God) have established you on a course of actions and affairs – stay on it and do not follow the desires of the ignorant. They cannot help you against God – those who do evils are friends of one another while God befriends those who acts responsibly. This (revelation) provides insight for humankind and serves as a guidance and blessings for those who have conviction! (v. 18-20)
Do those who commit evils think that We will treat them the same as those who believe and do good - their living and their death being equal? How bad is their judgment! God created the heavens and the earth with truth and purpose such that every soul can be rewarded according to its deeds, and none will be treated unjustly. (v. 21-22)
Do you see those who take their desires as their gods? God leaves alone those who do wrong deliberately – their hearings and their hearts are sealed, and a covering placed over their eyes. How can you guide them without God? Will you not be mindful? (v. 23)
They say, “There is nothing beyond the life of this world – we live, and we die – nothing diminishes us except time.” Regarding this matter, they have no knowledge – they only follow their conjectures! When God’s messages are conveyed to them, they have no other argument than to say, “Bring back our forefathers, if you speak the truth.” Tell them, “It is God Who gives you life, causes you to die, and will gather you on the Day of Resurrection. There is no doubt in it, but most people are ignorant! (v. 24-26)
God’s dominion extends over the heavens and the earth. The day when the Hour will appear, that will be the day when those who perpetrated falsehood will be doomed. You will see every community kneeling down – being called to see their records. This day you will be rewarded according to your deeds. This is Our record that will speak in truth against you – We did record all that you did! (v. 27-29)
As for those who did believe and did good, God will admit them to mercy – a visible achievement! As for those who disbelieved – was not My message conveyed to you? But you acted with pride, and you were a wicked community. When it was conveyed to you, “The promise of God is true and the Hour – there is no doubt in it.”, you replied, “We do not know what this Hour is. We think it is just a conjecture and we are doubtful!” The evils of your deeds will thus become visible to you and things that you made fun of will surround you. It will be announced, “This day We forsake you, as you did neglect this day of yours. You will reside in fire, and you will not be helped. It is because you mocked at the message from God, and you were deceived by your earthly life.” On this day they will not be taken out of fire, and they will not be allowed to make amends. (v. 30-35)
So God be praised – God of the heavens, God of the earth and God of the universe! The true greatness in the heavens and the earth belongs to God – God is the Mighty, the Wise! (v. 36-37)
