Chapter 15 - 83
The Rocky Plain (Surah Al-Hijr)
(99 verses in total; (late Makkan and last of surah starting with Alif lam ra)
In the name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Alif, Laam, Ra! These are the verses (signs) of the book – The self-evident Quran. Those who disbelieve, may at times wish that they were Muslims (had submitted). Leave them alone to their consumption and enjoyment, and let their false hope deceive them, but soon they will come to know. Never did We (God) destroy a town (and its people) but according to terms already made known – no community can advance their term or delay it. They (even) say, “You are, to whom this revelation is sent, is indeed without a sound mind. Why don’t you bring an angel if you speak the truth?” (God’s reply), “We do not send angels except with truth (to execute commands) and when We do so, there will be no respite.” (v. 1-8)
Indeed, We have revealed this Reminder (the Qur’an) and We are its Guardian. We had sent (messengers) to many communities before your time and never there was a messenger who came and was not made fun of. This is how we let it (disbelief) infiltrate into the hearts of the guilty – they develop no faith, even though the examples of their predecessors are in front of them. Even if We open up a gate to heaven and they climb to ascend, they will still say, “Our eyes have been deluded and we have been bewitched.” (v. 9-15)
Indeed, we established constellations in the sky and beautified them for the viewers. We guard them from the Devil (Satan) who is an outcast, except he who steals a hearing, and a burning meteorite pursues him. (v. 16-18)
The earth – We made it to spread out, placed therein firm mountains and caused every suitable thing to grow on it – thereby, providing on it means of livelihood for you and for others whom you do not provide for. None but We [God] have its treasures, and We do not send them down except with a known measure. We send the wind fertilizing and then send down water from the clouds to provide you with drinks while you are not the keepers of its storage. (v. 19-22)
Indeed, We give you life and cause your death and We are the proper heirs. We know, who among you, advance forward, and We know who lag behind. Surely, your Sustainer God will gather them all together. Truly, God is Wise, Knowing! (v. 23-25)
Indeed, We created humankind of dried clay, made out of molded mud, while the jinn, We created beforehand, out of intense fire. (v. 26-27)
(Recall) when your Cherisher God said to the angels, “I am going to create a mortal out of dried clay, made from molded mud. So once I have made him complete and breathed into him My Spirit (ruhi), bow down before him and prostrate.” So the angels – all together – made prostration, except Iblis. He refused to be with those who prostrated. (v. 28-31)
God said, “What is the reason that you are not those who made prostration?” Iblis replied, “I am not going to bow down to a mortal whom You had made out of dry clay, with molded mud.”
God said, “Then depart from here, as an outcast, driven away. There will be disgrace for you till the Day of Judgement!” Iblis said, “My Lord, give me respite till the day they are resurrected.” God said, “Surely, you are one of those who are given respites, till the Day of the Known Moment!”[1] (v. 32-38) Iblis said, “My Lord, as You had judged me erring, I shall certainly make things seem fair (contrary to their true nature) to them on this earth and cause them to deviate (from your guidance), except those of your servants, who are pure.” God said, “This is the proper way with Me. Of My servants, you have no power over them, except those who deviate and follow you. Hell is the promised destination for them all, it has seven gates, each gate has an appointed portion of them.” (v. 39-44)
Those who are Responsible are in the gardens and fountains – “enter in peace and security” – We shall take out any rancor that lies in their hearts, as brothers and sisters, sitting on couches, facing one another. No weariness will afflict them there and they will not be removed from there. Inform my servants that I am the Forgiving, the Merciful, and My chastisements are severe! (v. 45-50)
Narrate to them about the guests of Abraham – when they came to visit him, they said, “Peace!” He replied, “We are afraid of you.” They said, “Don’t be afraid. We are here to give you the good news of a boy, possessing knowledge.” He said, “Do you give me the good news when old age had taken hold of me? What kind of good news is this?” They said, “We give you the good news with truth; so, don’t be among those who despair.” He replied, “Who loses hope in the mercy of his Sustainer God, except those who are astray?” (v. 51-56)
He then asked, “What is your mission, O messengers!” They said, “We have been sent to guilty people, except the family of Lot. We shall save them all, except his wife. We have determined that she is to remain with those who will perish” (v. 57-60)
When the messengers (angels) came to Lot, he said, “You are strangers.” They said, “No, we have come to you (to inform) about the issue they had disputed. We have come to you with the truth, and we are truthful. Travel with your followers during the night and you stay with them from behind and do not let anyone turn around but go to where you are commanded.” Thus We informed him of this decree – that the very foundation of these people will be destroyed in the morning. (v. 61-66)
The people of the town converged on the house, rejoicing. Lot said to them, “These are my guests. So do not disgrace me (in their presence). Act responsibly regarding Allah and do not shame (yourselves)!” They replied, “Did we not forbid you from all people?” He replied, “Here are my daughters instead, if you must.” By your life (O Prophet), these people were blindly wandering on in their drunkenness (of their evils). By sunrise, the tremor (saihat) overtook them – We turned it (their dwellings) upside down and We rained on them stones of baked clay. In this there is a lesson for those who can discern, and it still stands by a roadside. For the believers, this is surely a sign! (v. 68-77)
The inhabitants of the grove were also unjust. So We inflicted retributions on them and they too are on the side of an open highway. So did the rock-dwellers who rejected the messengers. We convey Our messages to them but they used to turn away. They felt secure in their houses, hewed on the mountainside. So the tremor overtook them in the morning and their accomplishments could avail nothing. (v. 78-84)
We (God) did not create the heavens, the earth and whatsoever is in between, except with truth. Indeed, the Hour[2] is coming – therefore, bear with graceful forbearance. Surely, your Sustainer God – is the Creator, the Knower! Certainly, We have gifted you with the seven oft-repeated verses and the Grand Qur’an! (v. 85-87)
Do not take pain (strain your eyes) at what We had given to certain classes of them to enjoy and do not grieve for them (either), rather, make yourself gentle and considerate (lower your wings) to the believers! (v. 88)
Say, “I am indeed an explicit warner.” As We had revealed to those who took the oaths and those who divided the Qur’an into parts, all will be questioned by your Sustainer God as to what they did. Therefore, declare vigorously what you have commanded and turn away from the polytheists.
Surely, We (God) are sufficient against those who mock you – they set up other idols with Allah; soon, they will come to know. We are fully aware that your heart pains at what they say. (v. 89-97)
Therefore, celebrate the praise of your Sustainer God. Be among those who submit to God and continue to serve your Sustainer God till certainty[3] comes to you. (v. 98-99)
1 “waktul Ma’lum” – time known (to God) or will be unmistakably recognized by the viewer once it is executed, referring to the Day of Resurrection!
2 The Hour - day of judgment or death or a decisive event in one’s life.
3 “Yakin” – certainty – conviction or sense of reality that sometimes unfolds as life events bring you close to such reality and conviction.
