Monday, June 21, 2010

Sura 14 - Abraham

Date, Context and Theme

This sura continues the theme of explaining and exploring why the Meccans are still rejecting Muhammad and the word of Allah. The main crime in this sura that of thanklessness. In spite of this rejection Muhammad is told,
So think not that Allah will fail to keep His promise to His messengers. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong). 14:47

Structure

vv. 1-4 Introduces the Qur’an, Allah, the Muslim life and Muhammad.
Vv. 5-8 Moses and the Exodus and the people still thankless.
vv. 9- 23 The experience of all the prophets. Thanklessness. Rejected but in the end victorious and receive the land.
Vv. 24-27 Parable about Allah’s word and how people receive it.
Vv. 28- 30 Look at the unbelievers: thankless, false religion, live for this world,
vv. 31-41 Allah is for the believers. Abraham is the example: thankful and asking for help to establish worship
vv. 42-52 All people will have to face Allah and then it will be too late.

What I found interesting.

1. The mystery letters. I have not mentioned the mystery letters yet. These are a group of letters at the beginning of some suras.
Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto thee (Muhammad) that thereby thou mayst bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of the Mighty, the Owner of Praise, 14:1

No one knows what these letters are for. Some Muslims believe that this mysterious element to the Qur’an proves it miracle from Allah.

2. Abraham - Again we see that Muhammad’s concerns are made Abraham’s concerns.
My Lord! Make me to establish proper worship, and some of my posterity (also); our Lord! and accept my prayer. 14:40

3. There is still the issue of why Muhammad does not give a sign.
Their messengers said: Can there be doubt concerning Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? He calleth you that He may forgive you your sins and reprieve you unto an appointed term. They said: Ye are but mortals like us, who would fain turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring some clear warrant. 14:10

4. Here is another prayer of intercession by a prophet.
Our Lord! Forgive me (Abraham) and my parents and believers on the day when the account is cast. 14:41

5. Here is a good glimpse into Qur’an eschatology.
On the day when the earth will be changed to other than the earth, and the heavens (also will be changed) and they will come forth unto Allah, the One, the Almighty, 14:48

3 comments:

  1. Visit Submission.org or Masjidtuscon.org for an explanation for the so called mystery letters.
    As they percieved to be a mathematical miracle/component of the Quran

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