Chapter Al Burooj

Crimes against humanity won’t go unpunished
Story of believers burnt alive in the past and in present as we are witnessing.
Gods grip is severe so is HIS punishment

Fear GOD’S Grip which is harsh .. as HE warned .. choice is ours

Open the link to listen and read: https://quran.com/85/


Translation of Verses 10-22

(10) Indeed, those who persecute the believing men and women and then do not repent—for them is the punishment of Hell, and for them is the punishment of the Burning Fire.

(11) But those who believe and do righteous deeds—for them are Gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great success.

(12) Indeed, the grip of your Lord is severe.

(13) Indeed, it is He who originates [creation] and repeats.

(14) And He is the Forgiving, the Loving,

(15) The Lord of the Throne, the Glorious,

(16) The Doer of whatever He intends.

(17) Has there come to you the story of the hosts—

(18) Of Pharaoh and Thamud?

(19) But those who disbelieve are in [persistent] denial,

(20) While Allah encompasses them from all sides.

(21) Rather, it is a glorious Qur’an,

(22) In a Preserved Slate.


Explanation (Tafseer) of the Verses

Verses 10-11: Punishment for Persecutors & Reward for Believers

  • Persecution of Believers: These verses refer to the historical oppression faced by believers (like the People of the Ditch, mentioned earlier in the Surah).
  • Warning for Oppressors: Those who torture believers and do not repent will face Hellfire.
  • Promise for Believers: Those who have faith and do good deeds will be rewarded with Paradise (Jannah).

Verses 12-16: Allah’s Absolute Power & Mercy

  • Severe Punishment (v12): Allah’s retribution is harsh for those who oppose His commands.
  • Creator & Restorer (v13): Allah originates creation and brings it back (resurrection).
  • Attributes of Allah (v14-16): Despite His might, He is Forgiving (Al-Ghaffar) and Loving (Al-Wadud).
  • He is the Lord of the Throne (v15), signifying supreme authority.
  • He does whatever He wills (v16), showing His absolute power.

Verses 17-20: Historical Examples of Destruction

  • Pharaoh & Thamud (v18): These were powerful nations that rejected their prophets and were destroyed.
  • Disbelievers in Denial (v19): The Quraysh (and all disbelievers) continue to reject the truth despite clear signs.
  • Allah’s Encompassing Knowledge (v20): They cannot escape Allah’s plan; He is fully aware of their actions.

Verses 21-22: The Qur’an’s Divine Origin

  • Glorious Qur’an (v21): It is not poetry or human speech but a majestic revelation.
  • Preserved in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz (v22): The Qur’an’s original script is safeguarded in a Heavenly Tablet, protected from corruption.

Key Takeaways

  1. Divine Justice: Oppressors will face punishment, while believers will be rewarded.
  2. Allah’s Power & Mercy: He is severe in punishment but also forgiving and loving.
  3. Lessons from History: Nations like Pharaoh and Thamud were destroyed for rejecting truth.
  4. Qur’an’s Sanctity: It is a protected, divine revelation, not a human creation.

This passage serves as both a warning and a hope, urging reflection on Allah’s signs and the consequences of disbelief.

Would you like further clarification on any part?

Summary of Surah Al-Burooj (Chapter 85) from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

Surah Al-Burooj, the 85th chapter of the Qur’an, is a Makki surah with 22 verses. Revealed during a period of intense persecution of Muslims in Makkah, it aims to console believers facing oppression and warn disbelievers of the consequences of their actions. The surah’s title, “Al-Burooj,” refers to the “constellations” or “great stars” mentioned in the opening verse. Below is a summary based on Maududi’s Tafheem-ul-Qur’an:

Key Themes and Structure

  1. Divine Oaths (Verses 1–3)
    The surah begins with three oaths: by the sky with its constellations (burooj), the Promised Day (Day of Resurrection), and the witness and the witnessed. These oaths emphasize the grandeur of Allah’s creation and the certainty of the Day of Judgment, setting the tone for the surah’s message of accountability. Maududi explains that “burooj” likely refers to the glorious stars or planets, as interpreted by scholars like Ibn Abbas and Qatadah, though some suggest it could mean the zodiac signs.
  2. Condemnation of Persecutors (Verses 4–9)
    The surah curses the “People of the Ditch” (Ashab al-Ukhdud), who persecuted believers by burning them in pits of fire. Maududi notes that this likely refers to historical events, such as the persecution of Christians by Dhu Nuwas in Yemen or similar incidents, though the Qur’an keeps the reference general to highlight the universal lesson. The persecutors’ only grievance was the believers’ faith in Allah, the All-Mighty and Praiseworthy, who holds dominion over the heavens and earth and witnesses all deeds. These verses condemn tyranny and affirm divine justice.
  3. Punishment and Reward (Verses 10–11)
    Those who torture believing men and women without repenting will face the torment of Hell and a burning punishment. Conversely, believers who remain steadfast and perform righteous deeds are promised Paradise with gardens and flowing rivers, described as the supreme success. Maududi emphasizes the contrast between the fates of oppressors and the faithful, reinforcing hope for persecuted Muslims.
  4. Allah’s Power and Sovereignty (Verses 12–16)
    The surah underscores Allah’s severe grip and absolute authority. He is the Originator and Restorer of creation, the Forgiving and Loving, and the Lord of the Glorious Throne who accomplishes His will. Maududi explains that these verses remind believers that Allah’s power is unmatched, and no oppressor can escape His judgment, while His mercy remains open to the repentant.
  5. Lessons from History (Verses 17–20)
    The surah references the fate of Pharaoh and Thamud, powerful nations destroyed for rejecting Allah’s messengers. Maududi notes that this serves as a warning to the Makkan disbelievers, who boasted of their strength but are reminded that Allah’s encirclement is inescapable. These examples illustrate the consequences of denying divine guidance.
  6. The Qur’an’s Divine Status (Verses 21–22)
    The surah concludes by affirming the Qur’an’s divine origin, inscribed on the Preserved Tablet (Lauh Mahfuz), which is unchangeable and incorruptible. Maududi highlights that this rebuts the Makkan claim that the Qur’an was the work of devils or the Prophet’s invention, emphasizing its eternal truth and divine protection.

Main Messages

  • Consolation for Believers: The surah comforts persecuted Muslims by assuring them of divine justice and a great reward in Paradise if they remain steadfast.
  • Warning to Disbelievers: It warns oppressors of severe punishment, using historical examples to underscore the inevitability of Allah’s judgment.
  • Affirmation of Divine Power: Allah’s sovereignty, mercy, and justice are central, reminding all that He controls creation and destiny.
  • Qur’an’s Authority: The surah defends the Qur’an’s divine origin, urging the Makkan disbelievers to reflect on its message.

Context and Purpose

Revealed during a time when the Makkan Muslims faced brutal persecution, Surah Al-Burooj strengthens their resolve by highlighting the temporary nature of worldly trials and the eternal consequences of actions. Maududi notes that the surah’s vivid imagery (e.g., the sky’s constellations, the ditch of fire) and historical references serve to universalize its message, making it relevant to all times and places where believers face oppression.

This summary draws primarily from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an’s commentary, focusing on Maududi’s insights into the surah’s themes, context, and lessons.