Aim to establish Islamic faith.

Byline: Sayyid Qutb 

In the Name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful 

By the (angels) ranged in ranks, who rebuke reproachfully and recite God's word most certainly your God is One, Lord of the heavens and the Earth and everything between them, Lord of all the points of sunrise.

(Ranged in Rank, Al-Saffat: 37: 1-5)

This Makkan Surah, like the one before it, is composed of short verses and is characterized by fast beats, successive scenes and a myriad of images. Indeed, the effect it produces is at times very intense. Like all Makkan revelations, its aim is to establish the Islamic faith firmly in people's hearts, purging it of any traces of idolatry and polytheism. In this respect, however, it addresses a particular form of polytheism which prevailed in Arabian society at the time, pausing long to expose its falsehood. All this is summed up in the allegation that God married the jinn, who subsequently gave Him the angels as His daughters.

The Surah attacks this superstition heavily, exposing its stupidity and lack of substance. Furthermore, because this topic is given prominence, the Surah begins by mentioning some types of angels: "By the (angels) ranged in ranks, who rebuke reproachfully, and recite God's word." (Verses 1-3) This is followed by mention of the devils and how they are targeted by piercing flames to prevent them from eavesdropping on those on high. Had they been in the position given them in ignorant superstitions, they would not have been chased in this way. The fruit of the tree growing in the midst of hell is likened to devils' heads. At the end, this superstition is strongly and decisively refuted: "Now ask the unbelievers if it be true that your Lord has daughters, while they would have sons? Or is it that We have created the angels female in their presence? Out of their falsehood they say: 'God has begotten children.' They are lying indeed." (Verses 149-152)

In addition to dealing with this particular form of idolatry, the Surah tackles the same issues of faith discussed in other Makkan Surahs. It confirms God's oneness, citing evidence from the universe: "Most certainly your God is One, Lord of the heavens and the Earth and everything between them, Lord of all the points of sunrise." (Verses 4-5) As it draws a scene of the Day of Judgment, it specifies that idolatry is the reason why those punished in the hereafter receive their punishment: "On that day, they all will share in the common suffering. Thus shall We deal with all the guilty ones." (Verses 33-34)

The Surah also speaks about resurrection, reckoning and reward. Referring to the idolaters' reaction when they are told that they will be brought back to life, it states that they say: "This is nothing but plain sorcery. What! After we have died and become mere dust and bones, shall we be raised back to life? And perhaps our forefathers?" (Verses 15-17) It follows this with a detailed scene of the Day of Judgment, full of images, movements, reactions and surprises.

Reference is also made to the question of revelation and the message, quoting the unbelievers as saying: "Are we to forsake our deities for the sake of a mad poet?" (Verse 36) It states the true nature of prophethood: "For certain, he has brought the truth, and confirmed the earlier messengers." (Verse 37)

As the Surah describes the attitude of the idolaters, how far astray they go, as well as their rejection of the truth, it mentions a series of earlier messengers: Noah, Abraham and his sons, Moses and Aaron, Elijah, Lot and Jonah. These accounts show clearly how God grants His grace to His messengers, how He supports them against their enemies and how He inflicts punishment on those who deny the truth: "Most of the people of old went astray before them; although We had sent them warners. Behold what happened in the end to those that had been warned. Not so God's true servants." (Verses 71-74) The story of Abraham and his son Ishmael, the sacrifice and the ransom, is given special prominence as it paints obedience and submission to God in their most profound form. Indeed, such submission equates with attaining the summit that can only be reached through pure faith, one which elevates people to a splendid horizon.

A wide range of effects accompany the presentation of different issues in the Surah. To mention but a few, we see the skies, stars, planets and piercing flames: "We have adorned the skies nearest to the earth with stars, and have made them secure against every rebellious devil." (Verse 6)

Special effects are also provided in the scenes that portray the Day of Judgment, its surprises and the strong reactions that ensue. These scenes are rather unique and this aspect will be highlighted later when we discuss those verses in detail.

Further effects are provided by the stories the Surah relates, most particularly that of Abraham and his son Ishmael as they proceed to give the sacrifice. Here, the effects are at their highest, strongly shaking our hearts.

The Surah is also characterized by its distinctive rhythm which is most suited to the images and scenes it portrays as also to the style it adopts and the meanings it wants to emphasize.

Copyright: Arab News 2003 All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company