520 Page Notes

50 Surah Qaf (continued)

Page 520 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

51 Surah Adh-Dhariyat

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 520 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Surah Qaf

Surah Qaf (Chapter 50), verses 36 through 45, concludes the Surah with a powerful call to reflect on history, the reality of resurrection, and the methodology of the Prophet (ﷺ). As with the earlier sections, the Sunnah provides both practical application and deeper theological context for these verses.

Key Themes and Traditions in the Sunnah

1. Glorifying Allah at Specific Times (Verses 39–40)

Verse 39 commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to bear with patience the denial of the disbelievers and to celebrate the praises of his Lord before sunrise and before sunset. Verse 40 further mentions the glorification of Allah during the night and at the "end of the prostrations" (adbar as-sujud).

• Sunnah Connection: Scholars of Tafsir frequently cite these verses when discussing the importance of the obligatory prayers.

  • Morning and Evening: The command to glorify Allah before sunrise and sunset is often associated with the Fajr (Dawn) and Asr (Afternoon) prayers.

  • After Prostrations: The phrase "at the end of the prostrations" is understood by many scholars, such as Mujahid, to refer to the tasbihat (glorifications) and dhikr prescribed to be recited after each of the five daily prayers. This aligns with numerous Ahadith where the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged specific supplications immediately following the Taslim (the conclusion of prayer).

2. The Power of the Quran as a Reminder (Verse 45)

The Surah concludes with: "We are well aware of what they say; and you are not required to force things on them. So exhort with the Quran all those who fear My warning."

• Prophetic Methodology: This verse establishes the core of the Prophetic mission—to be a warner and a conveyor of the message, not a dictator of belief. The Sunnah exemplifies this approach: the Prophet (ﷺ) remained patient in the face of mockery and intense opposition, focusing on the quality and sincerity of his Da'wah (call to Islam). He frequently reminded his companions that guidance is ultimately in the hands of Allah, and the believer's role is simply to convey the message clearly.

3. Recitation in Prayer

As noted in previous sections, the Sunnah establishes that the Prophet (ﷺ) frequently recited the entire Surah Qaf during the Friday Fajr prayer and in the Eid prayers. Because Surah Qaf concludes with such a strong focus on the resurrection and the final accounting (verses 41–44), its recitation served as a recurring, weekly sermon to the early Muslim community, ensuring they remained focused on the reality of the Hereafter.

Scholarly Perspective

The final verses are regarded as a "manual for patience" for the believer. By highlighting the destruction of nations stronger than the current deniers (verse 36), the Quran places human arrogance in perspective. The instruction to "exhort with the Quran" (verse 45) is interpreted by classical scholars as a mandate that the most effective way to reach the hearts of people is through the direct, eloquent, and truth-bearing language of the Quran itself.

References

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Commentary on Surah Qaf, specifically verses 39–40, discussing the connection to the five daily prayers.

• Sahih Muslim: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) practice of reciting Surah Qaf during Friday and Eid prayers (Hadith 872, 891).

• Maariful Qur'an: Insights regarding the tasbihat following prayer as referenced in verse 40.

Surah Adh-Dhariyat

Surah Adh-Dhariyat (Chapter 51), verses 1 through 6, begins with a series of oaths by natural phenomena, which are used to emphasize the truth of the resurrection and the final recompense of deeds.

Interpretation of the Verses (1–6)

These verses are characterized by qasam (oaths), a rhetorical device used in the Quran to draw attention to the majesty of Allah’s creation and to stress the certainty of the message that follows. In Islamic exegesis (tafsir), these verses are understood to refer to:

• Verse 1 (By those that scatter dust): Refers to the winds that lift and scatter dust particles.

• Verse 2 (Then by those that bear a load): Refers to the clouds that carry the heavy burden of rain.

• Verse 3 (Then by those that sail with ease): Refers to ships that glide smoothly through the sea.

• Verse 4 (Then by those that distribute [each] matter): Refers to the angels who are entrusted by Allah to distribute provisions, rain, and other divine decrees throughout the world.

The Purpose of the Oaths

The oaths conclude in verses 5 and 6 by affirming that the promise of resurrection and judgment is true and inevitable.

While there is no single, universally cited Marfu’ (directly attributed to the Prophet ﷺ) Hadith that provides a narrative context for the revelation of these specific verses, the consensus of classical scholars—drawing from the methodology of the Companions and early exegetes—is that these verses are meant to turn the listener's attention toward the observable order of the natural world. By reflecting on the precise, divinely orchestrated movement of winds, clouds, and ships, the believer is encouraged to acknowledge the power of the Creator, thereby making the concept of resurrection seem not only possible but entirely logical.

Scholarly Context

The use of qasam in these verses serves as a "persuasive and educational approach" intended to strengthen the faith of those who may have doubts regarding the afterlife (Fauzy et al., 2022). By invoking elements of creation that are essential to human life and sustenance, the Quran compels the listener to reflect on divine wisdom. This reflective approach is considered a central tenet of Quranic pedagogy, where natural phenomena are presented as signs (ayat) of the unseen truth of the hereafter.

References

• Fauzy, M. A., et al. (2022). The Use and Application of Aqsam Al-Qur'an. Jurnal Kajian Islam, 171–171.

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• Usmani, M. S. (n.d.). Ma'ariful Qur'an: A Comprehensive Commentary on the Holy Qur'an (Vol. 8, pp. 171–172). Kalamullah.com.