SURAH Al-Hijr gives us powerful lessons about the Quran, human nature, arrogance, Satan, the lives of Allah’s messengers, and consequences of rejecting the truth. It also teaches us how a believer should respond to difficulties, criticism and uncertainty. Allah begins by assuring us of the preservation of His Book: “Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed We will surely preserve it” (15:9). This is a reminder that the Quran is Allah’s preserved guidance for humanity. Our responsibility is not merely to recite it, but to understand its message and bring it practically into our lives.
Allah then reminds us that rejection of the truth is not something new. Earlier messengers were mocked and rejected by their people (15:10–13). This teaches us not to become discouraged when people refuse good advice or make fun of the truth. Our duty is to convey the message sincerely; guidance is in Allah’s hands. The Surah draws our attention to the signs of Allah in the heavens, the earth, mountains, vegetation, winds and rain (15:16–22). These ordinary things around us are extraordinary signs of Allah’s power, wisdom and mercy. We should learn to see creation as a reminder of its Creator. Allah reminds us that He gives life and causes death and that everything ultimately returns to Him (15:23–24). This should make us conscious that our life is temporary and that nothing about us is hidden from Allah.
The creation of Adam (AS) and the refusal of Iblis to obey Allah’s command provide one of the most important lessons of the Surah (15:26–33). When Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, Iblis refused because of his arrogance. He argued that he was superior because Allah had created him from smokeless fire, whereas Adam had been created from clay (15:26–27, 15:33). His downfall therefore began with pride and a false sense of superiority. This teaches us that judging ourselves to be better than others because of our origin, status, wealth, knowledge or any other worldly distinction is a dangerous form of arrogance. True superiority is not based on what we are made of or what we possess, but on obedience to Allah.
Iblis then declared his intention to mislead humanity (15:39–42). Yet Allah makes clear that Satan has no authority over His sincere servants. Satan can tempt us, but he cannot force us to sin. We must therefore recognize his whispers and seek Allah’s protection. Allah warns of Hell and its seven gates (15:43–44), but immediately follows this warning with the description of the righteous entering gardens and springs (15:45). This balance between fear and hope is an important characteristic of Quranic guidance. We should fear Allah’s punishment, but never despair of His mercy.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) teaches hospitality, generosity and trust in Allah. When the angels came to him as guests, he welcomed them and offered them food (15:51–52). They then gave him the extraordinary news of a son despite his old age (15:53–56). The lesson is that nothing is impossible for Allah, and a believer should never despair of His mercy. Allah then mentions the People of Al-Hijr, referring to the people of Thamud, who rejected the messengers and carved secure homes in the mountains (15:80–84). The Quran identifies Prophet Salih (AS) as their messenger elsewhere (7:73–79; 11:61–68). Their strong homes could not protect them from Allah’s punishment. The lesson is that wealth, power and physical security cannot save a society that persistently rejects Allah’s guidance. Towards the end, Allah reminds the Prophet (PBUH) of the great blessing He had given him in the Quran (15:87). He then instructs him not to be distracted by, or long for, the worldly possessions Allah had given to some people (15:88). Instead, he was instructed to “lower your wing” towards the believers — an expression of humility, gentleness and kindness. This teaches us not to constantly compare our lives with what others possess. Gratitude, contentment, humility and kindness are better qualities than envy and constant comparison.
Allah then instructs the Prophet (PBUH) to proclaim the message openly: “Therefore proclaim what you have been commanded” (15:94). At the same time, Allah assures him: “Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers” (15:95). This gives courage to anyone who faces criticism or ridicule while trying to do what is right. We should speak the truth with wisdom and sincerity and leave the outcome to Allah. Finally, Allah acknowledges the distress caused by people’s words and gives the remedy: “So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate” (15:97–98). When criticism, rejection or difficulties cause distress, the believer should turn towards Allah through His remembrance, praise and prayer rather than becoming overwhelmed by what people say. A believer is required to remain connected with Allah throughout life, until the very end. The central message of Surah Al-Hijr is to remain humble, avoid the arrogance of Iblis, recognize Satan’s attempts to mislead us, never despair of Allah’s mercy, resist moral corruption, avoid constant comparison with others, trust Allah’s promises, respond to criticism with patience and worship, and remain steadfast in obedience to Allah until the end of life.
—The writer is Fellow Chartered Accountant, based in Texas, USA.
