Sūrah 67
Sūrah al-Mulk
Introduction to this pair
Both these sūrahs form a pair with regard to their topics. In the first sūrah, the Quraysh are warned of the Day of Judgement, while in the second one, they are warned of the punishment which a people necessarily face if they deny their messenger.
Though the Prophet Muḥammad (sws) is also addressed at various places in these sūrahs, at all places the discourse is actually directed at the leaders of the Quraysh.
It is evident from the topics of these sūrahs that they were revealed in Makkah during the phase of warning (indhār) of Prophet Muḥammad’s (sws) preaching mission.
The theme of Sūrah al-Mulk is to explain to the Quraysh that the way this world has come into existence and the purpose behind it show that it will necessarily culminate on the Day of Judgement. Therefore, by disregarding this day they should not take themselves to the point when they will have no option but to confess their crimes and face its consequences. They should be fearful of the Lord Who can seize them even now in any way and at any time.
The arguments in this sūrah have been mainly drawn from the manifestations and signs of the Almighty’s mercy, power and providence that every person can behold around him.
The theme of Sūrah al-Qalam is to warn the leaders of the Quraysh to not adopt a rebellious and arrogant attitude towards the Book of God and His Prophet (sws). This warning is sounded by comparing the Book presented by the Prophet (sws) and his character with the character of the Quraysh leaders and their presumptive notions. They are told that all their good times, treasured possessions and estates that they take pride in are vulnerable to punishment. They should act sensibly for they have nothing to say. They are indulging in idle talk only because they are being given respite by the Almighty: it shall not be long before His decree arrives.
At the end of the sūrah, the Prophet (sws) is directed to patiently wait for this decree.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful.
Very exalted and very Benevolent is the [Lord] in Whose hands is the dominion [of the world,] and He has power over all things. [He] Who created death and life to test you as to which of you does better deeds. And He is also Mighty and Forgiving.
[He] Who created seven heavens one above the other. You will not find any fault in the creation of the Most Gracious. Then look again: can you see any flaw? Then look again and again. Your sight will come back to you worn out and overcome.
[Do you not see that] We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and We have made these lamps a means of bombardment on the devils. And We have also prepared for them the torment of the blazing fire. Those who have denied their Lord, there is [similarly] the punishment of Hell and what an evil abode it is!
When they are cast into it, they shall hear it roaring and it shall be seething. It will seem as if it is bursting with rage. Every time a multitude is cast into it, its keepers will ask: “Did no warner come to you?” “Yes, a warner did certainly come to us,” they will reply “but we rejected him and said: ‘God has not sent down anything.’ [We said:] ‘You people are only in grave error.’” And they will say: “If only we had listened or used our intellect, we would not have been among these dwellers of Hell today.” In this way, they will confess their sin; so, now cursed be these companions of Hell.
On the other hand, for those who fear the Lord even without seeing Him, there is forgiveness also and a great reward too. [O People!] Whether you speak secretly or openly, He has knowledge of even that which is in the hearts. Would even He not know Who has created? Whereas He is Very Discerning and Well-Acquainted.
[Very Exalted and very Benevolent;] He Who has made the earth an obedient camel; so, now walk about in its shoulders and eat from your Lord’s subsistence and [remember that one day] you will be raised up before Him.
Are you not afraid of Him Who is in the heavens that He may thrust you in the earth? Then you would suddenly see it start off unrestrained. Or are you not afraid of Him Who is in the heavens that He may send upon you a stone-hurling wind? So, now you shall know how My warning is! Those who were before them had also similarly denied; so, [you saw] how terrible was my curse.
[They do not think.] Have these people not seen birds [flying] above them with wings outstretched and they [in a similar manner] also draw them in? None except the Most Gracious is holding them. Indeed, He keeps a watch on all things.
Or speak up [if you demand to see the torment:] “Which army do you have to help you against the Most Gracious?” In reality, these disbelievers are in mere deception. Or speak up then: “Who will give you sustenance if He withholds His sustenance?” No [they are aware that there is no one.] Yet they persist in rebellion, and in showing aversion to the truth.
So, is he who walks with his face bent down be more guided or he who walks upright on a straight path? [Alas!] Tell them: It is He Who has raised you up [as human beings] and made for you ears, eyes and hearts [so that you may understand the truth]. Yet seldom are you grateful. Tell them: It is He who has sown you in the earth. [He will surely reap what He has sown,] and [for this] towards Him you shall be gathered.
They say: “When will this promise be fulfilled if you are truthful?” Tell them: Its knowledge is only with God; I am but an open warner. [This is what they say now,] but when they see it drawing near, the faces of these disbelievers will turn gloomy and it shall be said to them: “This is what you had been asking for.”
[What fear could they have of it? O Prophet! They await the turn of fortunes for you.] Ask them: Have you ever thought that if God destroys me and my companions or has mercy on us [what will you gain?
Tell us:] “Who shall save the disbelievers from a painful doom?”
Say: [We are making no claims for ourselves. Yes! definitely] He is the Most Gracious. We have believed in Him and in Him we have put our trust. So, soon you will know who is in manifest error. Tell them: Have you ever thought that if this water of yours sinks down into the earth, who will then bring out for you unsullied springs of water?1