Surah 39. Az-Zumar
Malik Introduction
This Surah was revealed in the early stages before permission was granted to the Muslims, who were being persecuted, to migrate to Habash. Some traditions provide the explanation that this verse was sent down in respect of Sayyiduna Ja'far bin Abi Talib and his companions when they made up their mind to emigrate to Habash. (Ruh al-Maani, vol. XXII, p. 226).
- The mushrikin try to justify their worship of saints saying: "It brings us closer to Allah."
- On the Day of Judgement no one shall bear the burden of others.
- Believers who cannot practice their faith should migrate to other place where they can.
- The real losers are those who lose their souls and families on the Day of Judgement.
- No one can rescue the one against whom the sentence of punishment has been decreed.
- Al-Qur'an is consistent yet it repeats the teachings in different ways.
- Allah has cited every kind of example in Al-Qur'an so that people may learn a lesson.
- Who can be more wicked than the one who invents a lie against Allah.
- Those who have transgressed against their souls should not despair of Allah's mercy, they should repent while they can.
- On the Day of Judgement everyone's Book of Deeds shall be laid open and justice shall be done with all fairness.
The entire Surah is a most eloquent and effective address which was given before the emigration to Habash, in an environment filled with tyranny and persecution, ill-will and antagonism, in Makkah. The disbelievers are told that they should not pollute their worshipping of God with the worship of any other deity. The truth of Tawhid and the excellent results of accepting it, the falsehood of shirk and the evil consequences of following it, have been explained in a very forceful way so that the people might give up their wrong way of life and return to the mercy of their Rabb. The believers are also instructed, as to say: "If a place has become narrow for the worship and service of Allah, His earth is vast; you may emigrate to some other place in order to save your faith; Allah will reward you for your patience."
Maududi Introduction
The Surah derives its name from verse 71 and 73 in which the word zumar has occurred.
In verse 10 (wa ardullah-i-wasi atun: and Allah's earth is vast) there is abundant evidence that this Surah was sent down before the migration to Habash. Some traditions provide the explanation that this verse was sent down in respect of Hadrat Ja'far bin Abi Talib and his companions when they made up their mind to emigrate to Habash.(Ruh al-Maani, vol. XXII, p. 226).
The entire Surah is a most eloquent and effective address which was given some time before the emigration to Habash, in an environment filled with tyranny and persecution, ill-will and antagonism, at Makkah. It is a sermon whose addressees mainly are the unbelieving Quraish, although here and there the believers also have been addressed. In it the real aim of the invitation of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) had been enunciated, which is this: Man should adopt Allah's servitude sincerely, and should not pollute his God worship with the service of any other. Presenting this cardinal principle in different ways over and over again, the truth of Tauhid and the excellent results of accepting it, and the falsehood of shirk and the evil consequences of following it, have been explained in a most forceful way, and the people exhorted to give up their wrong way of life and return to the mercy of their Lord. In this very connection, the believers have been instructed, as if to say: "If a place has become narrow for the worship and service of Allah, His earth is vast: you may emigrate to some other place in order to save your faith: Allah will reward you for your patience." On the other hand, the Holy Prophet has been encouraged, so as to say: "Tell the disbelievers plainly that they may do whatever they like, but their persecutions and tyrannies will never deter you from the way of Islam; that they may go on doing their worst to obstruct your way, but you will continue to perform your mission in spite of the adverse conditions and circumstances."
Ayah Themes
1 to 9 - Mushrikin try to justify their worship to saints saying that it may bring us closer to Allah and On the Day of Judgement no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another
10 to 18 - Believers who cannot practice their faith (Islam) should migrate to other places where they can and The real losers are those who shall lose their souls and their families on the Day of Judgement
19 to 21 - No one can rescue the one against whom the sentence of punishment has been decreed
22 to 31 - AL-Quran is consistent in its verses yet repeats its teachings in different ways and Allah has cited every kind of parable in AL-Quran so that people may learn a lesson
32 to 41 - Who can be more wicked than the one who invent a lie against Allah? And If Allah intends to harm you, no one can save you and if He intends to bestow His blessings, no one can withhold
42 to 46 - It is Allah Who recall the souls of people upon their death and of the living people during their sleep
47 to 52 - If the wrong doers possess all the treasures of the earth and much more besides it, they will gladly offer it as a ransom to redeem themselves on the Day of Judgement
53 to 63 - Those who have transgressed against their souls should not despair of Allah's mercy, they should repent while they can
64 to 70 - Worship Allah and be among His thankful servants and On the Day of Judgement the Book of Deeds will be lai open and justice will be done with all fairness
71 to 75 - After Judgement unbelievers will driven to Hell and the righteous will be led to Paradise