523 Page Notes

51 Surah Adh-Dhariyat (continued)

Page 523 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

52 Surah At-Tur

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 523 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Surah Adh-Dhariyat

Surah Adh-Dhariyat (Chapter 51), verses 52 through 60, serves as a concluding passage that addresses the opposition faced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), reinforces the purpose of human existence, and provides a final warning regarding the inevitable arrival of the Day of Judgment.

Key Themes and Interpretations

1. Responding to Opposition (Verses 52–55)

These verses highlight that every messenger before Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was similarly accused of being a "madman" or a "sorcerer." Allah consoles the Prophet (ﷺ) by noting this pattern of rejection.

• Context in the Sunnah: The Sunnah emphasizes the Prophet’s (ﷺ) patience in the face of such mockery. By acknowledging that previous messengers faced the same hostility, the Quran encourages believers to maintain steadfastness (sabr) in their faith, reinforcing that the truth is often met with resistance from those who prefer falsehood.

2. The Purpose of Creation (Verse 56)

Perhaps the most famous verse in this passage is: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."

• Theological Significance: This verse is a cornerstone of Islamic theology, defining the raison d'être for all sentient beings. Scholars of tafsir (exegesis), such as Ibn Kathir, clarify that this "worship" ('ibadah) is comprehensive. It encompasses total submission, obedience, and devotion to Allah in both private and public life.

• Sunnah Perspective: While the verse itself is Quranic, the Prophet (ﷺ) lived this reality, illustrating that worship is not limited to ritual prayer but includes every action taken with the intention of pleasing Allah. Traditions emphasize that even daily activities become worship when performed with sincerity (ikhlas) and within the bounds of the Shari'ah. The concept is frequently linked to the definition of Ihsan—to worship Allah as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He surely sees you.

3. Provision and Divine Will (Verses 57–58)

Allah asserts that He does not ask for sustenance from His creation, nor does He want them to feed Him. He is the Provider, the Possessor of Power, and the Firm.

• Sunnah Connection: This theme of total dependence on Allah for one's provision is a recurring topic in the Sunnah. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught his followers to rely solely on Allah (Tawakkul) for their needs, teaching that while effort is required, the outcome and provision rest entirely with the Creator.

4. The Final Warning (Verses 59–60)

The Surah concludes with a stern warning to those who oppressed the believers, stating that they will have a portion of punishment similar to that of their predecessors.

Scholarly References

• Luthfiah, N. (2022). Education of worship in the Quran. 1st International Seminar and Conference on Islamic Studies (ISCIS) 2022.

• Safavi, S. S. (2018). The practice of Sufism and the Safavid order. London Academy of Iranian Studies

• FitzGibbon, A. (2023). The importance of spiritual capital within human development in Islamic teaching. Humanitarian Aid and Development

Surah At-Tur

Surah At-Tur (Chapter 52) is significant in the Sunnah primarily for its recitation by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during his prayers.

Hadith Related to the Recitation of Surah At-Tur

Several authentic narrations highlight the Prophet’s (ﷺ) practice of reciting this Surah in congregational prayers:

• Recitation in Maghrib Prayer: It is narrated that Jubayr ibn Mut'im (ra) heard the Prophet (ﷺ) reciting Surah At-Tur during the Maghrib prayer. Upon hearing the verses regarding the creation of the heavens and the earth (verses 35–36), he described feeling as though his heart was "about to fly" due to the power of the argument presented (Cetin, n.d.).

• Recitation in Isha Prayer: Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib (ra) reported hearing the Prophet (ﷺ) recite Surah At-Tur during the Isha prayer, noting that he had never heard anyone with a more pleasant voice or a better recitation than him (Cetin, n.d.).

Context of Verses 1–14

These opening verses of Surah At-Tur contain solemn oaths by Allah, emphasizing the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the reality of the punishment for those who reject the truth.

• The Oaths (Verses 1–6): Allah swears by Mount Tur, the inscribed Book, the populated House (al-Bayt al-Ma'mur), the elevated ceiling (the sky), and the swollen sea. These oaths serve to affirm that the punishment of Allah will inevitably occur.

• The Warning (Verses 7–14): The subsequent verses describe the day when the heavens will shake and the mountains will pass away. It issues a stern warning to those who engage in "vain talk" (khawd)—playfully denying the message—and describes their eventual confrontation with the Fire of Hell, confirming that their denial will not save them from divine accountability.

The Prophet's (ﷺ) frequent recitation of these verses served as a powerful reminder to his companions regarding the gravity of the hereafter and the absolute truth of the Quranic revelation.

References

• Cetin, A. (n.d.). The place of music in Qur'anic recitation. American Journal of Islam and Society, 16(1), 114. 

(Note: "n.d." denotes classical texts where modern standardized publication years vary across publishers, cited instead by their universally recognized book and Hadith numbers).