THINK QURAN

This is an early Makkan surat; its central theme is resurrection. The story of Pharaoh highlights why some people don't believe, because of pride, selfishness and love of the world (15). The surat opens with five oaths - five descriptive, active participles that are enigmatic and unclear, making them difficult to translate. However, commentators have variously interpreted them as referring to warhorses, different winds, various stars, the souls of the righteous and the angels. The evidence invoked here leads to the conclusion, "You will certainly be resurrected."

One day, the Messenger ﷺ was preaching to the leaders of Makkah, hopeful they would accept his message. He was extremely concerned to bringing them into the fold of Islam, and saving them from the Hellfire. However, Abdullah ibn Umm-al Maktum, a blind Muslim, came unexpectedly and wanted the attention of the Prophet ﷺ, saying: "Messenger! Teach me what Allah has taught you." The Messenger ﷺ did not like this interruption and frowned at him, turning away from him and towards the Makkans leaders. 

The surat commented on this incident, and thereafter the Messenger ﷺ used to say to him, "You are the man for whom my Lord censured me." It is obvious that Abdullah was in error when he interrupted the Messenger ﷺ, who was conveying the Message. So why does the Quran censure him? A closer look at the passage reveals that the Quran wants to remove the Makkan leaders' misunderstanding; they thought Islam needed them. However, the Quran tells them they are wrong, Islam doesn't need them. On the other hand, it appreciates sincere people like the blind man. Whenever the Prophet ﷺ left Madinah, he would appoint Ibn Maktum as the governor. The Quran teaches respect and equality for the blind and disabled.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al Takwir. The central theme of this early Makkan surat is the truthfulness of the Majestic Quran and the validity of its teachings. It opens with twelve oaths, each signifying one of the cataclysmic events prior to the Day of Resurrection. In the second section, another set of oaths about the time of celestial bodies is presented. The Quran is keen to stress the truthfulness of the Messenger ﷺ and the source of his message, so it describes the power, authority and reliability of the Angel Jibreel responsible for bringing the Divine Message. Finally, it challenges its audience with this verse: “So where are you going?” (26).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al Infitar. This is an early Makkan surat. Its central theme is self-deception that turns a person away from Allah. After taking the oaths of the events leading to Judgement Day, a question is gently asked: “people, what deceived and misled you from your generous Lord?” (6). The qualities of the Lord Who created are recalled to prick the conscience. Humanity is warned: you are monitored by the Angels who record your every move. On Judgement Day, all will give an account.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Mutaffifin. This is a late Makkan surat, condemning cheating traders and shopkeepers who were dishonest in their dealings with others. This picture of a dishonest person isn’t limited to commercial transactions but is also relevant to people who are dishonest in other aspects of life, both in seventh-century Arabia and today.

The surat, interestingly, doesn’t mention the rope makers, tanners and perfume sellers working in Hijaz. Why does it single out the merchants, bankers and bookkeepers? Possibly because they have more opportunities to cheat, exploit the weak and perpetrate injustices. Recall the financial crisis of 2008, which affected economies around the world. Who was responsible for the that? Such injustices are committed by those who deny Judgment Day and feel they can swindle and cheat without consequence. “Don’t they believe they will be resurrected on a Grand Day?” (4-5).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Inshiqaq. This is a late Makkan surat, of which the central theme is the connection between actions and consequences. It opens by stressing the instinctive obedience of the inanimate; the Sky and the Earth. An indirect disapproval of the Makkans, who refused to obey their Lord despite having intelligence.

Working hard for one’s livelihood is a universal human value. However, to limit life to this is folly; the workaholic is being challenged in this surat. He is advised not to forget the Hereafter and the meeting with the Lord Who is the true Sustainer and Provider. However, those who work hard for their Hereafter are guaranteed progress: “You will develop stage by stage” (19).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Buruj. This Makkan surat marks the beginning of the second phase of the mission of the Prophet ﷺ, around the third year; the start of tensions. Its central theme is the support of the faithful. The surat opens with a series of oaths, “By the sky full of constellations.” A constellation is a recognisable group of stars which appear to be located close together in the sky, and form a picture of imaginary lines that connect them. Constellations are usually named after an animal, a character from mythology, or a common object. Muslim astronomers discovered several constellations and named them in Arabic, such as Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor. The story of the “diggers of the trench” (4) is recounted in the Hadith collection of Muslim, where the Jewish King of Yemen burnt the Christians of Najran in a trench. This story would have given reassurance to the believers, and a clear warning to the Quraysh, the persecutors.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain share his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Tariq. This is a Makkan surat a with the central theme about the truthfulness of Judgement Day. After taking the oath of the shining stars, people are reminded, "There is a keeper over you" (4). Those who denied the Judgement Day are invited to reflect on their humble beginnings. Where do you come from? The evidence from the shooting stars, the spurted semen and the blooming plants and flowers are perfect illustrations of Allah's ability to bring the living from the dead; a proof of resurrection. The next important question for the thoughtful is, "Where are we going?" A simple statement contains the answer: "Indeed Allah is fully able to return him to life" (8). Finally, the Makkans, who were busy insulting the beloved Messenger ﷺ are warned, "I too have a plan" (16). In the final verse, the Prophet ﷺ is gently instructed to relax.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-A’la. This is an early Makkan surat, its central theme is the role of the Majestic Quran and the Messenger ﷺ as reminders. By referring to the early Scriptures of Musa and Ibrahim, the Quran makes it clear that this is a continuation of the same mission of past prophets. What blinds humanity to this reality? The answer is the love of worldly life. These verses express contempt for love of the material world since it distracts people from their Lord.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Ghashiyah. This surat was revealed in the middle Makkan period. The three fundamental doctrines of Islam are emphasised. The Day of Judgement is introduced in an unusual manner: "Has the news of the Overwhelming Event reached you?" This is followed by a harrowing account of what will happen to the disbeliever who toiled, struggled and worked hard in his life but ignored Allah, and never thought about the Hereafter. This is contrasted with the fate of a believer who worked to please his Lord. Humanity is invited to enjoy the delights of Paradise, its elegant surroundings, its comforts and luxuries. The price is strong faith. To conclude, the surat comforts the Prophet ﷺ by telling him not to worry, since he cannot compel people to believe. His mission is to remind: "To Us is their final return, then it will be up to Us to call them to account" (25-26).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Fajr. The surat begins by taking four oaths to draw our attention: the dawn, the time when the first light appears, the ten sacred nights of the twelfth lunar month of Dhu’l-Hijja, the month of pilgrimage, and the mystery of odd and even numbers. The odd may hint to Allah, who is the One, the Unique and cannot be compared with anything. In contrast, the even reminds how creation is not singular or one, only Allah is One. The surat reassures the Messenger ﷺ after mentioning these awesome phenomena, what you face in Makkah is what earlier prophets faced, so be patient. Reference is made to the ancient cities of Iram in the Arabian desert, Petra in modern-day Jordan, and the splendid temples of ancient Egypt with their tall columns. The surat points out how humans are unthankful to their Lord. At the slight loss of wealth or pain, they grumble and become impatient. They are sternly warned and told to renounce their bad habits. However, those who are mindful of Allah are promised a welcome of utter bliss.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Balad. The mountain is a permanent feature of our landscape, an effective metaphor for the smallness of humans. The Majestic Quran uses the mountains to provide a dramatic setting: “Had We revealed this Quran on a mountain, you would have seen it humble itself and turn to dust out of fear of Allah” (Surat Al-Hashr: 21). The Prophet ﷺ lived in a city surrounded by black rugged mountains, so here is an oath of a city of mountains. The metaphor of the steep mountainous track describes the difficulties of life: a constant Jihad, “Every human We created experiences hardship.” This might refer both to people in general or to Usaid ibn Kalda, a famous wrestler. When he stood on a leather hide and men tried to pull it away from under his feet, it would tear into pieces, but he would not budge an inch.

Here Divine dislike is expressed for people who are deceived by their strength and influence. Usaid thought no one had power over him, not even the angel of death. The Quran warns against such delusions, life is symbolised by a steep path. Following the story of Usaid, this would imply this foolish man made no effort to obey the Lord, the steep path; he hadn’t gone beyond physical existence and failed to understand the higher purpose of life.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Shams. This early Makkan surat opens with ten oaths. The first four relate to the sun and the last six to the sky, the earth and the human soul. The purpose of these oaths is to support the claim, “Then He inspired it to follow either its vice or virtue” (8).

The central theme is developing human potential, either to be conscious of Allah or remain unaware of Him. “He inspired” means that the human conscience has been endowed with the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil. The one who develops the moral values, spiritual beliefs and social norms presented in the Quran will flourish, and the one who disregards them will inevitably fail.

This is further proved by reference to the tribe of Thamud. The Makkans often went past their ruins in the old city of Petra on the southern border of Jordan. They called it a “red rose city”. The surat points out that just as an individual may deny and ignore the Divine Commandments, similarly whole communities can deny the truth. They refused to listen to their prophet and that led to their ultimate destruction. They killed a she-camel; an outrage in Bedouin culture. This surat has a beautiful rhyme – “ha” at the end of each verse, making it lyrical and poetic.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Shams. This early Makkan surat opens with ten oaths. The first four relate to the sun and the last six to the sky, the earth and the human soul. The purpose of these oaths is to support the claim, “Then He inspired it to follow either its vice or virtue” (8).

The central theme is developing human potential, either to be conscious of Allah or remain unaware of Him. “He inspired” means that the human conscience has been endowed with the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil. The one who develops the moral values, spiritual beliefs and social norms presented in the Quran will flourish, and the one who disregards them will inevitably fail.

This is further proved by reference to the tribe of Thamud. The Makkans often went past their ruins in the old city of Petra on the southern border of Jordan. They called it a “red rose city”. The surat points out that just as an individual may deny and ignore the Divine Commandments, similarly whole communities can deny the truth. They refused to listen to their prophet and that led to their ultimate destruction. They killed a she-camel; an outrage in Bedouin culture. This surat has a beautiful rhyme – “ha” at the end of each verse, making it lyrical and poetic.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Layl. This is an early Makkan surat with the central theme of diversity in human endeavours, enterprises and efforts. However, the primary choice confronting people is between good or evil and practising moral values.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Layl. This is an early Makkan surat with the central theme of diversity in human endeavours, enterprises and efforts. However, the primary choice confronting people is between good or evil and practising moral values. The surat identifies righteous people as those who have three outstanding qualities:

1. Generosity
2. Mindfulness of Allah
3. Appreciation for good

The three inner dimensions of human life are mentioned: the moral, spiritual and social. As a reward for goodness, Allah says, "We shall soon make his work easy" (8). This is the Quranic hero, the champion and Beloved of Allah ﷺ. In contrast is the miserly, the forgetful, and the denier of good. For such a wretch, "We shall make his work hard" (10).

These two contrasting statements, "We shall make his work easy" and "We shall make his work hard," clearly show that Allah has given free will to humanity. However, He aids and supports those who wish to do good and hinders those who do wrong. Once a habit is developed that brings pleasure or material gains, many become comfortable with it and adopt it as a way of life. The same applies to being mindful of Allah. The more the worship, the easier the way to Allah.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Inshirah. This Makkan surat builds on the previous surat’s consolation of the Messenger ﷺ in a tone that displays friendship and love. The opening or expansion of the chest of the Prophet ﷺ occurred twice: once in his childhood and again at the start of the Night Journey (The Ascension). The Angel Jibreel عليه السلام carried out a remarkable procedure, in which the heart of the Prophet ﷺ was taken out, purified, filled with wisdom and put back in his noble chest. This miracle prepared it to be the container of Divine Revelation. The surat expresses the incredibly elevated position of the Messenger ﷺ, but despite this honour, he is told to strive enthusiastically in Allah’s worship.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Duha. This is an early Makkan surat. According to Imam Suyuti, there was a short period when the revelation stopped and the Messenger ﷺ did not preach, prompting the Makkans to say mockingly, "Your Satan has deserted you." The Messenger ﷺ was upset and the surat was revealed to reassure him. To cope with this stressful personal experience, he is given a four-point strategy to overcome stress and sorrow:

Get rid of negative thoughts, Be determined that you will succeed, Recall your past successes, Set yourself clear targets.

The basic message it contains is an amazing force field of energy, which can heal our anxieties. Furthermore, it gives a snapshot of the orphan life of the Messenger ﷺ, his dire poverty, deep spiritual experience, and marriage with a wonderful lady, Khadija the Great (Allah be pleased with Her).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Duha. This is an early Makkan surat. According to Imam Suyuti, there was a short period when the revelation stopped and the Messenger ﷺ did not preach, prompting the Makkans to say mockingly, "Your Satan has deserted you." The Messenger ﷺ was upset and the surat was revealed to reassure him. To cope with this stressful personal experience, he is given a four-point strategy to overcome stress and sorrow:

1. Get rid of negative thoughts
2. Be determined that you will succeed
3. Recall your past successes
4. Set yourself clear targets

The basic message it contains is an amazing force field of energy, which can heal our anxieties. Furthermore, it gives a snapshot of the orphan life of the Messenger ﷺ, his dire poverty, deep spiritual experience, and marriage with a wonderful lady, Khadija the Great (Allah be pleased with Her).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Tin. This Makkan surat opens with four oaths: two of the valuable trees and two of sacred places. These splendid symbols are used as a testimony to the truthfulness of its theme, the 'inherent goodness' of human nature, and how this is ruined. This vivid description of the splendour of Allah's creation and the nobility of humanity is an elegant piece of rhetoric. The reference to human nature being as the "most beautiful" is an important Quranic teaching, which offers hope in a world ravaged by wars and human greed. It refers to the upright and beautiful human figure, possessing beneficial intelligence, moral goodness and yearnings for the Divine. In other words, humans have the potential to be good, kind and generous, but can easily be ruined by disregarding faith in the Hereafter. This "most beautiful" nature can be easily damaged. The concept of Din (creed) or Judgement Day acts as a deterrent.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Qadr. This early Makkan surat praises the splendour of the night on which the Majestic Quran was revealed, a night in the blessed month of Ramadan. On this night of power, glory and splendour, the Majestic Quran was transferred from the Protected Tablet in the upper Heaven to the lower Heaven, from which it was gradually and in piecemeal fashion revealed to the Messenger ﷺ over a period of twenty-three years. This explains why this night is very special. Three things come down during the night:

1. Angels
2. Human destiny
3. Peace

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Zilzal. This is an early Madinan surat, its central theme is accountability on the Day of Resurrection. The surat opens with the advent of the Day of Resurrection, marked by a devastating Earthquake that will flatten the Earth; mountains will turn into rubble, and the seas will surge and merge as described elsewhere. However, the focus in this surat is Earth and what it will reveal of its history. The mindless human will spend his life without a thought for the Hereafter, indulging in evil. The surat reminds that on Judgement Day, he must stand before his Lord and give an account. It transplants you into another age, you're fired up and deeply inspired.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-‘Adiyat. This is a late Makkan surat that concisely describes the human condition of thanklessness. The Arabic is Kufr, a key theme in the Quran, as it often warns people of the dreadful consequences of human ingratitude. A kafir is an unthankful person, the one who fails to acknowledge the gifts of the Generous Lord. The kafir, the disbeliever, is condemned for this ingratitude. Hell is the only place that will cleanse humanity of the filth of this sin. The surat strongly condemns unthankfulness and reminds people of the Day when everything will be revealed and no secrets will remain.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Qari'ah. This is a Makkan surat that starts with a question about Judgement Day in order to open our eyes to the reality of it. It describes the momentous events of that Day and then points out the root of a successful life: good deeds, a guarantee for success. Those who lack good deeds will have "a blazing fire" prepared for them.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Takathur. This is a Makkan surat that concisely highlights human greed and obsession with material things. It is trying to shock that person who is deeply immersed in the love of the world. Therefore, particularly relevant for our affluent societies. It lays bare the fact that this diversion and distraction from the reality of the Hereafter cannot save us from dying and going into graves. The solution is simple: Believe in the Resurrection and Divine Justice. Such a moving revelation can awaken readers to the dangers of worldliness and forgetfulness of the Hereafter.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Asr. The short and pithy message of this Makkan surat is a moving description of those who are mindful. Imam Shafie (d.820 AH) expressed this eloquently when he said: "If people thought deeply just about this one surat, it would be enough for them". This is because it simply states the obvious as time passes, man is at loss, except those blessed ones who do four things:

1. Believe in Allah and His Messenger
2. Act righteously
3. Encourage each other to be truthful
4. Encourage each other to be patient

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Humazah. This is a Makkan surat that condemns people who have a negative attitude towards others and are obsessed with wealth. The belief that money can give them health, longevity, happiness and freedom from difficulties is a delusion. Many money-obsessed people are so out of touch with reality that they forget their mortality. The only fitting place for such people is what the surat calls "the Crusher" (al-Hutama), Hell, described as a vault of fire. That will be an agonising realisation of a wasted life.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Fil. This is an early Makkan surat, which reminds the people of Makkah how they were saved from the army of Abraha. He was a Yemenite Christian king, whose capital Sana housed a magnificent cathedral. The only rival to this cathedral in the Arabian Peninsula was the Kaaba in Makkah. Abraha was enthusiastic about spreading Christianity throughout the Arabian Peninsula, so Makkah was his natural target. He decided to attack it in 570 CE, but his plan went badly wrong, as described in this surat. This was also the year the Messenger ﷺ was born. The defeat of Abraha was a wonderful sign that marked the beginning of a new era of spiritual change and the coming of the Messenger ﷺ.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Quraysh. This Makkan surat highlights another favour given to the Quraysh: a good livelihood through trading. The Quraysh are reminded they can travel safely to Yemen with their caravans laden with expensive cargo during the winter months, and to Syria in the summer, and this is indeed a Divine favour on them.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Ma'un. This is an early Makkan surat that opens with a description of the character of a Qurayshi leader: unwilling to accept Judgement Day and its justice, unkind to the weak, indifferent to the welfare of the needy, and so mean-spirited that he doesn't lend even small tools or utensils to his neighbours. The Qurayshi leader hinted at could be Abu Lahab, the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, he was also the keeper of the Kaaba, taking care of its maintenance and income. Worship, which is supposed to be from the depths of one's heart, became a show rather than a symbol of the true faith and genuine longing for the Divine. The surat gives a powerful message that a person with such a wretched character can never give even "small kindnesses" (7).

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain share his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Kawthar. This is a Makkan surat, it was revealed when the Prophet ﷺ lost both of his baby sons, Qasim and Abdullah, the Qurayshi leaders, including Abu Lahab, were jubilant and called the Prophet Abtar; a pejorative term meaning cut off, i.e. sonless. In other words, the taunt was that the Prophet ﷺ had no surviving male heirs, therefore his mission and campaign would come to end with his demise. The Messenger ﷺ was naturally hurt by these callous comments, so Allah consoled His beloved Messenger ﷺ and promised him abundant success, bliss and never-ending Divine favours. The Kawthar, abundance could be his beautiful qualities, masses and masses of followers and the lake of sweet water on Judgement Day.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat Al-Kafirun. This surat was revealed in the middle Makkan period when a group of Qurayshi leaders came to the Messenger ﷺ with a proposal: “If you worship our idols for one year, we shall worship your God for one year. This way we will keep our people united.” The surat was revealed to reject this nonsensical proposal. It clearly condemns compromising with idolatry. True believers have never done so in the past; they will not do it now, nor in the future. The final verse: “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion,” (6) points to the fundamental human right of religion. Despite this uncompromising tone, the surat lays down the principle of a pluralistic, diverse society. It stresses freedom of religion and teaches about the coexistence of different religions and ideologies. Islam does not believe in destroying other religions; instead, it preaches living alongside others in a peaceful way.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat al-Nasr. This is a Madinan surat that forecasts the victory of Makkah and the ultimate success of the Messenger ﷺ, hinting his mission is nearly complete. According to some scholars, this was revealed on the occasion of the 'farewell pilgrimage', in the final year of the life of the Prophet ﷺ. It beautifully encapsulates the humble attitude of the Prophet ﷺ to worldly victories and successes: in times of affluence and power, we must be modest.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat al-Lahab. This is a Makkan surat about Abu Lahab, who was the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ but a bitter enemy. He had considerable influence in the city. One day, the Prophet ﷺ was preaching on Mount Safa near the Kaaba to an attentive crowd. He was inviting them to believe in one God and to accept him as the Messenger ﷺ. Abu Lahab could not contain himself and shouted, "Damn you! Is this what you wanted to tell us?" This surat, in contrast to other Quranic surats, was revealed to condemn his outrageous behaviour. In other places, the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims are instructed to be patient, but here Allah directly confronts this abuser of His beloved Messenger ﷺ, and by naming him, shames him. Unfortunately, Abu Lahab and his wife continued their animosity until the end. Here Allah is showing His support for the Messenger ﷺ and severely condemning his enemies. Abu Lahab's 'hands are broken' is an idiom for "his hands are paralysed so he will not be able to confront."

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat al Ikhlas. This Makkan surat succinctly summarises Quranic teachings about Tawhid, the Oneness of Allah and the core of Islamic faith: all power, glory and control are in the hands of the Almighty Lord. I have translated Al-Samad as “The Eternal”. He is the aim and goal of everything since He is the Master of all and the final refuge. Everything depends upon Him, but He is independent of all, and He is the final cause of all causes. The surat concisely conveys this message in four points: unique, Eternal, He is not a father nor a son. A brief but effective refutation of idolatry.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat al Falaq. This Surat describes four sources of possible physical and psychological harm; from creation, including visible creatures and the invisible; darkness and what is hidden in it; the witches and their witchcraft; and jealousy. Allah is the only true Protector Who can shield and prevent harm from them.

Listen to Dr Musharraf Hussain sharing his thoughts and analysis of Surat al Nas. This surah focuses on harm from our archenemy, Satan. This surah tells us how he tries to influence our hearts and minds. Protection lies in turning to Allah for refuge, shield and shelter.