Sūrah 87
Sūrah al-Ā‘lā
Introduction to this pair
Both these sūrahs form a pair with regard to their topics.
The sūrahs address the Prophet (sws) as well as the leadership of the Quraysh, and it is evident from their topics that, like the previous sūrahs, they were also revealed in Makkah in the phase of open warning (indhār-i ‘ām) of Prophet Muḥammad’s (sws) preaching mission.
The theme of both sūrahs is to warn their addressees about the Day of Judgement. However, besides this, assurance is also sounded to its preacher and sorrow is expressed on the attitude of the addressees. The Prophet (sws) is assured in both sūrahs that he has no responsibility beyond reminding and cautioning the disbelievers. After that, it is up to the people to take heed, and up to God to deal with them for their defiance. The Prophet (sws) should not have any hesitancy in this.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful.
Glorify the name of your Lord [O Prophet], Who is the Most High; Who created, then perfected; Who set measure [for all things], then showed [them] the way [in accordance with it]; Who brought forth vegetation, then made it dense, lush green.
[In a similar manner, this Qur’ān will also gradually reach its culmination; then] soon We shall completely recite it to you so that you will not forget it, except what God pleases. He knows what is manifest before you [at this time] also and also what is hidden [from you]. In a similar way, We shall [also] gradually lead you [away from these difficulties] towards ease.
So, remind [them,] if reminding is beneficial. He who fears God will soon take heed, and only that most wretched person will evade it who will enter the Great Fire. Then he will neither die nor live in it.1
However, successful shall be he who spiritually purified [himself] and for this he remembered his Lord’s name, then prayed.
People! you do not have any sound argument. In fact, you give preference to worldly life even though the life to come is better and
more lasting also. [Then this is not even anything new:] it is found in the earlier scriptures as well, the scriptures of Abraham and Moses.