Tag Archives: Divine criteria btwn Truth & Falsehood

Islamic knowledge

Chapter 25/ Al Furqan

Divine standard of distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Audio link for the summary

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/d40cef05-374e-4238-860a-c3270159c4a7/audio

Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-25.html

Here is a detailed summary of Chapter 25 (Surah Al-Furqan) from Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi:

Overview of Surah Al-Furqan

Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion) is the 25th chapter of the Quran, revealed in Mecca. It addresses the challenges faced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the rejection of the Quran by disbelievers, while also highlighting Allah’s signs, the purpose of revelation, and the characteristics of true believers. The surah is named after “Al-Furqan” (The Criterion), referring to the Quran as the divine standard distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Key Themes and Verses

1. The Disbelievers’ Objections and Allah’s Response (25:1–11)

  • The disbelievers mocked the Prophet (PBUH), asking:
  • “Why does this Messenger eat food and walk in the markets?” (25:7)
  • “Why was the Quran not sent down all at once?” (25:32)
  • Allah responds:
  • The Quran is revealed gradually for wisdom and reflection.
  • Prophets before Muhammad (PBUH) were also human, yet they were chosen to deliver divine guidance.
  • The disbelievers’ demands for miracles (e.g., angels descending) are rejected—Allah sends signs for those who reflect.

2. The Fate of Previous Disbelieving Nations (25:12–19)

  • Examples of past nations (e.g., the people of Noah, ‘Ad, Thamud) who rejected their prophets and faced destruction.
  • On the Day of Judgment, the disbelievers will regret their arrogance but will be left speechless when questioned by Allah.

3. The Traits of the True Servants of Allah (25:63–77)

  • “Ibadur-Rahman” (Servants of the Most Merciful) are described with qualities such as:
  • Humility in walking and speaking (25:63).
  • Patience in the face of ignorance (25:72).
  • Avoiding falsehood and frivolity (25:72).
  • Praying for righteous families and leadership among the pious (25:74).
  • Their reward: Paradise (Jannah) with eternal peace and honor (25:75–76).

4. The Quran as a Reminder and Warning (25:30–34)

  • The Prophet (PBUH) will lament on Judgment Day that his people abandoned the Quran (25:30).
  • The disbelievers’ arguments are weak—Allah could have sent angels or a prophet who did not eat, but He chose a human messenger for relatability.

5. Allah’s Signs in Creation (25:45–54)

  • Reflecting on natural phenomena:
  • The alternation of day and night (25:47).
  • The creation of water, plants, and all living beings (25:48–54).
  • These signs are proof of Allah’s power, yet many reject them.

6. The Final Call to Reflection (25:55–62)

  • Despite Allah’s blessings, many worship false gods who cannot benefit or harm them.
  • The surah ends by praising Allah as the Creator and Sustainer, urging people to turn to Him in gratitude and worship.

Conclusion

Surah Al-Furqan reaffirms the Quran as the ultimate criterion between truth and falsehood, answers the disbelievers’ objections, and paints a vivid picture of the righteous believers (Ibadur-Rahman). It combines warnings for the rejecters with hopeful reminders for the faithful, encouraging reflection on Allah’s signs in the universe.

Surah Al-Furqan (Chapter 25) of the Quran, as explained in Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, is a Meccan surah with 77 verses, addressing the doubts and objections raised by the disbelievers against the Quran and the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Below is a summary of its key themes and messages:

  1. Divine Revelation and Prophethood: The surah begins by affirming the Quran as a blessed revelation from Allah, the Most Beneficent, sent through His servant, Prophet Muhammad, to guide and warn humanity. It refutes the disbelievers’ claims that the Prophet fabricated the Quran, emphasizing that it is a divine criterion (Al-Furqan) to distinguish truth from falsehood.
  2. Rejection of Polytheism: The surah condemns polytheism, highlighting the irrationality of associating partners with Allah, who alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It challenges the disbelievers’ demand for miraculous signs, such as angels descending or seeing Allah directly, labeling their arrogance and disbelief as leading to severe consequences on the Day of Judgment.
  3. Prophets and Their Struggles: The surah recounts the stories of previous prophets (e.g., Noah, Moses, and others) who faced similar rejection and mockery from their people. It emphasizes that Allah’s messengers were human, sent to convey His message, and their steadfastness serves as an example for believers. The disbelievers’ accusations against the Prophet Muhammad echo those made against earlier prophets.
  4. Power and Mercy of Allah: The surah describes Allah’s supreme power over creation, from the heavens and earth to the natural phenomena like rain and day-night cycles. It underscores His mercy in providing guidance through the Quran and His justice in punishing those who reject it.
  5. Characteristics of True Believers: The chapter concludes by outlining the qualities of Allah’s righteous servants (Ibad-ur-Rahman), including humility, patience, devotion in worship, moderation in spending, and seeking forgiveness. These traits contrast with the arrogance and disobedience of the disbelievers, serving as a model for Muslims to emulate.
  6. Day of Judgment: The surah warns of the Day of Judgment, when the disbelievers will face regret for their denial, and their false deities will offer no help. It stresses the inevitability of accountability and the consequences of rejecting the truth.

In essence, Surah Al-Furqan addresses the skepticism of the disbelievers, affirms the divine origin of the Quran, and encourages believers to remain steadfast while highlighting the moral and spiritual qualities of true servants of Allah.

For a detailed exegesis, you can refer to Tafheem-ul-Quran directly at resources like englishtafsir.com.