The surah
can be divided into the following three sections.
Section I (1-14)
The Prophet
(sws) is directed to stand regularly to pray by night and to recite in
slow measured tones the Quran in this tahajjud prayer. This shall soothe
and strengthen his mind and soul and enable him to bear the heavy burden
of responsibilities, which shall be entrusted to him during the course
of his mission of Prophethood. In the day time also, there is an opportunity
for him to glorify the praises of his Lord, so he should keep in remembrance
the name of his Lord and devote himself to Him wholeheartedly; He is the
Lord of the east and the west and so he should entrust all his matters
to Him. With patience should he ignore the nonsensical acts of his enemies
and leave their matter to Allah, who is enough to take account from them.
Section II (15-19)
The Quraish
are warned that just as the Almighty had sent the Prophet Moses (sws) to
the pharoah to bear witness to the truth before him, He has also sent towards
them a Prophet. They should keep in mind that the fate of the pharoah and
his nation and if they also adopt the attitude the pharoah had adopted,
their fate will be no different. They should remember the dreadful Day
when the children will become grey-haired---the Day with whose burden the
sky is cleaving asunder. The Quran is an admonition which is meant to remind
people of this great event. Therefore, he, who wants his own well being,
should remain on the right path, otherwise he should get ready to face
dire consequences.
Section III (20)
The last verse
of this surah was revealed in Medinah. In it, the directives of the tahajjud
(late night prayers) mentioned at the beginning of the surah have been
modified---being reduced in their extent. However, with this reduction
certain other alternatives have been suggested which would be helpful in
achieving the real purpose in the new circumstances which have arisen.
(Translated from Islahi's "Tadabbur-i-Quran")
-- Shehzad Saleem
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