Tafsir of Surah Ad-Duha and Others

Jul 15, 2024

Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Understanding the meaning of words in Arabic is crucial, even for those fluent in the language.
  • The focus is on words described as 'strange' which require searching for their meanings.

Surah Ad-Duha

  • Surah Ad-Duha is the first Surah in the group called Al-Mufassal.
  • Revealed in Mecca before Hijrah during an early prophetic period.
  • Revealed to console Prophet Muhammad after a period without revelation.

Key Themes

  1. Revelation and Comfort
    • Prophet didn't receive revelation for 3-4 days, leading to taunts from his opponents.
    • Surah revealed to console the Prophet and assure him of Allah's presence with him.
  2. Oath and Divine Assurance
    • Allah swears by ad-Duha (early morning time) and the night when it envelops to highlight their greatness.
    • Only Allah can swear by His creation; humans can only swear by Allah.
  3. Divine Promises
    • Allah has not abandoned the Prophet nor disliked him.
    • The Hereafter will be better for the Prophet than the current life.
    • Prophet will be rewarded until he is pleased, implying both worldly and eternal rewards.

Allah’s Favors to the Prophet

  1. Found him an orphan and provided care.
  2. Guided him when he was unaware of the Quran and the Deen.
  3. Enriched him, not just materially but with contentment and blessings.

Instructions to Believers

  1. Kindness to Orphans
    • Do not suppress or harm orphans; instead, treat them with mercy and kindness.
  2. Helping the Needy
    • Do not rebuke those who ask for help but address their needs with generosity.
    • Speak about Allah’s blessings and make them apparent.

Surah Ash-Sharh (Inshirah)

  • Reminder of Allah's favors and reassurances to the Prophet.

Key Themes

  1. Expansion of the Chest
    • Allah expanded the Prophet’s chest, filling it with guidance and enabling him to cope with hardships.
  2. Reputation and Relief
    • Allah removed the burden of sins and elevated the Prophet's status.
    • Every hardship is accompanied by ease, teaching patience and hope.
  3. Continuous Worship
    • Constantly engage in acts of worship and seek Allah’s pleasure.

Surah At-Tin

  • Begins with an oath by significant lands associated with divine revelations.

Key Themes

  1. Best Creation
    • Humans are created in the best form but can be reduced to the lowest if they disbelieve.
  2. Righteous Believers
    • Exception for those who believe and do righteous deeds; they will have endless rewards.
  3. Judgment and Justice
    • Affirmation of fair judgment by Allah, with no one being wronged.
    • Even animals will have justice served among them.

Key Reflection

  • Surah emphasizes differentiating the righteous from the transgressors and maintaining faith and good deeds.

Surah Al-‘Alaq

  • The first revelation given to the Prophet, stressing the importance of knowledge.

Key Themes

  1. Command to Read
    • Read in the name of Allah who created humans from a clot.
    • Emphasis on knowledge and the act of reading as a means of attaining guidance.
  2. Transgressors and Disbelievers
    • Disbelieving man, exemplified by Abu Jahl, prevents the Prophet from praying.
    • Emphasis on Allah's awareness and surveillance of all actions.

Divine Accountability

  • None can challenge Allah’s authority, and every action is recorded.
  • The one who prevents worship will face severe consequences from Allah.

Prostration and Nearness to Allah

  • Ends with a command to prostrate and come near to Allah, emphasizing the spiritual connection through worship.

Conclusion

Key Lessons

  1. Gratitude and Humility
    • Be grateful for Allah’s blessings and constantly strive to remember and worship Him.
  2. Patience and Perseverance
    • Hardships are accompanied by ease; maintain patience and continue faithful acts.
  3. Knowledge and Worship
    • A strong relationship with the Quran and knowledge enhances one’s worship and closeness to Allah.

Practical Applications

  • Treat orphans and the needy with kindness and respect.
  • Engage in continuous worship and seek Allah’s pleasure in all actions.
  • Reflect upon the creation and maintain humility and gratitude towards Allah’s blessings.