488 Page Notes

42 Surah Ash-Shuraa (continued)

Page 488 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 488 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Page 488 of the Quran covers Surah Ash-Shura (42), Verses 45 through 51. This passage concludes the chapter by depicting the final state of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, the urgency of responding to divine guidance, and the exclusive, majestic methods by which Allah communicates with His creation.

1. Verses 45–46: The Humiliation of the Wrongdoers

"And you will see them exposed to the Fire, humbled from humiliation, looking from [behind] a covert glance..." (Quran 42:45)

These verses describe the state of the arrogant on the Day of Judgment. Having lived their lives in denial, they are rendered powerless and humiliated before the reality they once mocked.

• Reflective Context: The Sunnah emphasizes that the arrogance of this world will be met with absolute abasement in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad frequently prayed for protection from this state, teaching his companions: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from... the humiliation of the world and the punishment of the Hereafter." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5493).

• The "Stealthy Glance": Commentators like Ibn Kathir explain that this "covert glance" is the look of a person who is terrified, hiding their eyes in fear, yet unable to look away from the intensity of their reckoning.

2. Verse 47: The Urgency of Response

"Respond to your Lord before a Day comes from Allah that cannot be averted..." (Quran 42:47)

This is a call to immediate spiritual action, warning that once the "Day of Aversion" arrives, no excuses will be accepted.

• The Sunnah of Preparedness: The Prophet continuously urged his companions not to procrastinate in doing good. He said: "Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken by) fitnah (trials) which would be like a part of the dark night..." (Sahih Muslim 118). This verse serves as a foundational warning that one should not rely on the hope of future repentance when the time of death or the Hour is hidden.

3. Verse 48: The Role of the Prophet

"If then they turn aside, We have not sent you as a guardian over them. Your duty is only to convey [the Message]..." (Quran 42:48)

• Prophetic Comfort: The Prophet Muhammad often felt deep grief over the rejection of his people. This verse served as divine consolation, clarifying that his mission was to convey the message clearly, not to force hearts to believe. His Sunnah was to invite with wisdom and kindness, leaving the outcome to Allah.

4. Verses 49–50: Allah's Sovereign Will

"To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills..." (Quran 42:49-50)

• The Theology of Provision: These verses list the variations in human offspring—some given only sons, some only daughters, some both, and some made barren. The Prophet’s life reflects this: he was blessed with both sons and daughters, yet all his sons passed away in infancy. The Sunnah teaches that the believer accepts these variations as a matter of divine decree (Qadr), understanding that Allah’s wisdom is perfect, even when it exceeds human logic.

5. Verse 51: The Modalities of Divine Revelation

"And it is not for any human being that Allah should speak to him except by revelation, or from behind a partition, or that He sends a messenger to reveal, by His permission, what He wills..." (Quran 42:51)

This verse is a foundational text regarding Wahi (revelation).

• The Three Methods: Scholars note this verse classifies how Allah communicates with His chosen servants:

  1. Revelation (Wahi): Directly into the heart (inspiration).

  2. Behind a Partition: As Allah spoke to Prophet Musa (Moses).

  3. Sending a Messenger: Through an angel (like Jibril) who delivers the message.

• The Prophet’s Experience: When asked how revelation came to him, the Prophet Muhammad explained: "Sometimes it is (revealed) like the ringing of a bell, this form of revelation is the hardest on me and then this state passes after I have grasped what is inspired. Sometimes the Angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me and I grasp whatever he says." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2).