176 Page Notes

07 Surah Al-Araf (continued)

Page 176 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

7:196

7:197

7:198

7:199

7:200

7:201

7:202

7:203

7:204

7:205

7:206

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 176 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Page 176 of the Quran marks the final page of Surah Al-A'raf (Chapter 7), covering verses 196 through 206.

This concluding section functions as a deeply comforting and practical guide for the believer, focusing on divine protection, how to handle anger and the whispers of Satan, the immense spiritual benefits of listening closely to the Quran, and concluding with a physical act of devotion—the first Prostration of Recitation (Sajdah al-Tilawah) in the Quranic order.

1. Hadiths Related to Verse 199 (The Character of the Prophet)

"Take what is given freely (show forgiveness), enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant."

This verse is widely celebrated by classical scholars as a comprehensive summary of excellent manners and social intelligence.

The Ultimate Standard of Forgiveness

When this verse was revealed, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) asked the Angel Gabriel to explain its practical application. The prophetic tradition illustrates how he embodied this by reconciling with those who cut him off.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir (citing a well-known Murasarah tradition from Ash-Sha'bi):

When this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "What is this, O Gabriel?" Gabriel replied: "Indeed, Allah commands you to forge ties with those who cut you off, to give to those who deprive you, and to forgive those who wrong you."

Practical Application in Daily Life

The Prophet's wife, Aisha, noted that this verse guided the Prophet’s entire baseline behavior. He fundamentally refused to fight fire with fire when dealing with harsh or uneducated people.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 65, Hadith 4643:

Narrated Hisham from his father (Urwah): Aisha said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) never took revenge for his own sake in any matter, unless a divine command of Allah was violated, in which case he would take revenge for the sake of Allah."

2. Hadiths Related to Verses 200–201 (Whispers of Satan and Seeking Refuge)

"And if an evil whisper comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing. Indeed, those who fear Allah — when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight."

These verses provide an immediate psychological defense mechanism against negative thoughts, sudden rage, or temptations.

The Cure for Anger

The Sunnah provides a vivid, real-world case study of this verse being applied to cure someone consumed by blinding rage.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 78, Hadith 6115:

Sulayman ibn Surad reported: "Two men abused each other in the presence of the Prophet (ﷺ) while we were sitting with him. One of them was abusing the other while his face was red with anger. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'I know a word which, if he were to say it, what he feels would leave him. If he said: "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the outcast" (A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem), what he feels would leave him.'"

3. Hadiths Related to Verse 204 (Etiquette of the Quran)

"So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy."

This verse establishes the communal and individual obligation to grant the Quran silence and deep focus when it is actively being recited.

Finding Peace in Gathering

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that fulfilling this specific Quranic command by gathering to silently listen and study results in an immediate spiritual downpour of tranquility.

Sahih Muslim, Book 48, Hadith 38:

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "No people gather in one of the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, but that tranquility (Sakinah) descends upon them, mercy envelops them, the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those near Him."

4. Hadiths Related to Verse 206 (The Prostration of Recitation)

"Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate."

The very last verse of Surah Al-A'raf describes the angels, who tirelessly praise Allah and bow down before Him. Because this verse commands and praises prostration, it is the first Sajdah al-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation) in the Quran. It is Sunnah for both the reciter and the listener to drop to their knees and perform a single prostration upon hearing it.

The Spiritual Defeat of Satan

The Sunnah explains that when a believer performs this physical act of humility, it directly torments Satan, reminding him of his own ultimate failure when he arrogantly refused to prostrate.

Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 144:

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "When the son of Adam recites a verse of prostration and then prostrates, Satan withdraws weeping, saying: 'Woe to me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate and he prostrated, so for him is Paradise. I was commanded to prostrate but I refused, so for me is the Hellfire.'"