IN the very single digit year of my life my beloved father planted a seed in my mind, unbeknownst to me, that he was hopeful will germinate. This was achieved not by compulsions of parental instructions but more by observation of his daily habit of Recitation of the Holy Quran in the wee hours of the morning. I learnt from his routine that the way to begin the day is to recite the Holy Quran. He asked me or merely indicated, I cannot recall, to recite every single day, Surah Fajr (Day-Break). This surah is a compendium of ‘ Guidance’ that invites by illustration the human attitude towards wealth and trails, it narrates the end of those who were arrogant and also offers assurance of Divine Justice.
This Surah (chapter- 89) is one of the earliest revelations; considered by many as being within the first ten surahs, in chronological order. The Surah was meant to be a warning for the Quraysh of Mecca, who like other belligerent nations/tribes/civilizations in rejection of the ‘ Eternal and Final Message ‘ was persecuting our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) and his (PBUH) then a small band of Companions. Surah Fajr comprises five interrelated themes: a Divine Oath and call to reflection (1–5); the fate of arrogant nations (6–14); the test of wealth and poverty (15–20); the reality of the Hereafter (21–26); and the tranquil soul (27–30). It is both a warning to the ungrateful and a promise to the righteous on the Day of Reckoning.
Abdullah Yusuf Ali in his introduction to the surah says: “ Its mystic meaning is suggested by contrasts—Contrasts in nature and in man’s long history”. He further writes, “ Man is easily coveted by contrasts in his own fortunes, and yet he does not learn the lesson of forbearance and kindness to others, and the final elevation of goodness in the Hereafter “.The initial verses point towards four striking contrasts. The first and foremost is the glorious mystery of the ‘ Day Break’ — how the darkness of night is outstripped by the light of the day. This alternation of night and day gives insight into beauty and terror; of hope and inspiration and of continuing darkness or continuing light , depending upon what deeds have been sent forth.
Ten Nights are generally believed to be the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, signifying days of intense spiritual devotion. Although, Maulana Asad in his commentary about this verse says the Ten Nights are a reference to the last “ Ashra” of Ramadan. “By the even and the odd (contrasted),verse -3 indicates the duality of Creation. And finally the invitation to reflect upon the wisdom of His Creation: “ Is there (not) in these an adjuration (or evidence) for those who understand “(verse – 5).
Thereafter Allah (SWT) reminds the Quraysh about the fate of arrogant nations. The first mention is the people of ‘Ad, proud of their towering structures in Iram (verses 6–8). Next are the Thamud, who carved temples and tombs from solid rock (verse 9). The last mention is Pharaoh, powerful and arrogant. The common thread between these nations was arrogance, power and injustice. Allah, the Guardian Lord Who keeps a close watch, destroyed them, each with a different chastisement (verses 13–14). These verses warned the Quraysh that any nation straying from Allah and His Message faces destruction.
Thereafter the verses focus on those who fail to recognize His Blessings. When bestowed with wealth, man says, “My Lord has honoured me,” and when hardship descends, “My Lord has humiliated me.” Allah SWT reminds the ungrateful: “Nay, nay! But you honour not the orphans!” (verse 17). He further admonishes those who ignore the hungry and poor, greedily consume inheritances, devour the property of orphans and the weak, and cling to wealth, unwilling to share the Bounties from Divinity; for man wrongfully loves wealth (verses 15–20). Such people will face extreme retribution on the Dau of Judgment when : “ Nay ! When the earth is pounded to powder; And your Lord Comes , and His angels, rank upon rank and Hell that Day is brought forth —- on that Day will man remember but how will that remembrance profit him?” (verses 21-23).
The arrogant and the selfish that ‘ Day’ will be filled with deep regrets — they shall cry out. “Ah! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my (future) life.” Such will face chastisement, such as none ( else) can inflict” ( verse – 25). The verses 21- 26 pivot upon the Day of Judgment , while verses 27- 30, which are the concluding verses , are the climax of the Surah—— the verses offer to the Righteous a comforting message: “ O tranquil Soul , return to your Lord , well pleased and pleasing to Him. And enter among my servants. And enter my Paradise” (verses 28- 30) . Subhan Allah, this Self then returns as “ Nafs-e-Mutmanih) …a stage of Supreme Felicity.
The key learning points to pay attention are: Reflect upon the mystery and wisdom Creation; do not ever be arrogant; look after those who are Orphans, weak, deprived and oppressed; do not come near an inheritance with intent to devour; encourage self and others to feed the poor and hungry and abandon the lust and love for wealth and power. In return for these acts of Nobility, mankind (Believers) are assured of a place in God’s Paradise, where He is pleased with the Righteous and the Righteous are pleased with Gratitude to their Lord. May Allah Subhanahu Tala guide us all towards greater rectitude in our lives. Ameen.
—The writer is Senior Banker & Freelance Contributor.
