Surah 15. Al-Hijr
Malik Introduction
This Surah was revealed at about the same time as that of Surah Ibrahim, which was during the last period of the Prophet's residence at Makkah. It appears from the repeated warnings in this Surah that the people in general had not accepted the Message; rather, they had become more obdurate and stubborn in their antagonism, enmity, and ridicule.
- The Qur'an is a Divine Book.
- On the Day of Judgement, the disbelievers will wish that they had become Muslims.
- Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of preserving and safeguarding Al-Qur'an.
- Admonition through the story of Adam's creation, prostration of the angels before him, and refusal of Shaitan to prostrate.
- The Prophet Ibrahim was given the good news of having a son by the same two angels who were assigned to destroy the nation of Lut.
- Al-Fatiha is also named, "seven verses worthy of oft-recitation."
- Divine order to proclaim the commandments of Allah publicly and turn away from the mushrikin.
This Surah also contains brief arguments for Tawhid on the one hand, and admonition to the disbelievers on the other.
Maududi Introduction
Name This Surah takes its name from v. 80.
It is clear from its topics and style that the period of its revelation is about the same as that of Surah Ibrahim, for two things are quite prominent in its background. First, it appears from the repeated warnings in this Surah that in spite of the fact that the Holy Prophet had been propagating the Message for many years, his people in general had not shown any inclination towards its acceptance; nay, they had become more and more obdurate and stubborn in their antagonism, enmity and ridicule with the passage of time. Secondly, by that time the Holy Prophet had begun to feel a little tired of making strenuous efforts to eradicate disbelief and opposition of his people. That is why Allah has consoled and comforted him over and over again by way of encouragement.
Though the main topics of the surah are:
- warning to those who rejected his Message, opposed it tooth and nail, and ridiculed him, and
- comfort and encouragement to the Holy Prophet,
it does not mean that this Surah does not contain admonition and instructions. As a matter of fact, the Quran never confines itself to mere warning; rebuke and censure, but resorts to precept in every suitable place. Accordingly, this Surah contains brief arguments for Tauhid on the one hand, and admonition in the story of Adam and Satan on the other.
Ayah Themes
1 to 1 - Al-Quran is the Divine Book
2 to 15 - On the Day of Judgement, the unbelievers will wish that they were Muslims and Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of preserving Al-Quran
16 to 25 - Allah created and decorated the heavens and also created everything suitable for human life on earth
26 to 44 - Story of Adam's creation; prostration of the angels before him and the refusal of Shaitan to prostrate and Shaitan and his followers are destined for hell
45 to 50 - The righteous will be awarded paradise
51 to 60 - Prophet Ibrahim is given the good news of a son by two angels
61 to 79 - The same angels came to Prophet Lut and executed Allah's decree of stoning to death the nation of homosexuals
80 to 86 - Punishment to the people of Hijr for their disbelief
87 to 99 - Al-Fatiha is also called, "Seven verses worthy of oft-recitation" And Proclaim the commandments of Allah publicly and turn away from the Mushrikin