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Chapter 27/ Al Naml

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Chapter 27 of Tafheem-ul-Quran is Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s exegesis (tafseer) of Surah An-Naml (The Ant), the 27th chapter of the Quran. This Makkan surah, with 93 verses, focuses on the themes of divine guidance, the stories of past prophets, the signs of Allah’s power, and warnings to disbelievers. Below is a summary of the key themes and messages based on Maududi’s interpretation:

Key Themes and Summary:

  1. The Quran as Guidance and Glad Tidings (Verses 1-6):
  • The surah begins by affirming the Quran as guidance and good news for believers. Maududi explains that its clear verses (Ta Seen) and divine origin provide spiritual clarity.
  • Disbelievers reject the Quran due to their arrogance, but Allah warns they will face punishment. Maududi emphasizes the Quran’s role as a criterion for truth.
  1. Story of Prophet Musa (Moses) (Verses 7-14):
  • The narrative of Musa’s encounter with the burning bush and his mission to confront Pharaoh is recounted. Maududi highlights Musa’s initial hesitation and Allah’s reassurance through miracles (e.g., the staff and shining hand).
  • Pharaoh and his elites rejected Musa’s signs, calling them magic, due to their pride. Maududi notes this as a lesson on the consequences of denying clear signs.
  1. Story of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) and the Ants (Verses 15-44):
  • Sulaiman, blessed with knowledge and control over winds, birds, and jinn, overhears an ant warning its colony about his army. Maududi interprets this as a sign of Sulaiman’s humility and wisdom in valuing all creatures.
  • The story of the Queen of Sheba (Saba) follows. Sulaiman invites her to submit to Allah, rejecting her sun-worshipping ways. Maududi explains her eventual acceptance of monotheism (Tawhid) after witnessing Sulaiman’s miracles (e.g., the glass floor mistaken for water) as a triumph of divine truth.
  • Maududi emphasizes Sulaiman’s gratitude to Allah and his just leadership as a model for believers.
  1. Stories of Prophets Salih and Lut (Lot) (Verses 45-58):
  • Prophet Salih was sent to the Thamud, who rejected his call to worship Allah and demanded miracles. They killed the she-camel, a divine sign, leading to their destruction. Maududi underscores their arrogance and ingratitude.
  • Prophet Lut warned his people against their immoral practices, but they mocked him. Allah destroyed them, saving Lut and his followers. Maududi highlights the recurring pattern of divine justice against defiant nations.
  1. Signs of Allah’s Power and Oneness (Verses 59-66):
  1. Warning to the Makkans and the Prophet’s Mission (Verses 67-93):
  • The surah lists signs of Allah’s creative power: rain, vegetation, the heavens, and human life. Maududi explains these as proofs of Allah’s oneness (Tawhid) and mercy, urging reflection.
  • Disbelievers question the Resurrection, but Allah affirms His ability to recreate life. Maududi stresses the certainty of the Hereafter and accountability.
  • The Makkans mock the idea of Resurrection, claiming their ancestors cannot be revived. Maududi explains that Allah refutes this by emphasizing His power to create and recreate.
  • The surah addresses the Prophet Muhammad’s role, reassuring him amid opposition. Maududi notes that his duty is to warn, not force belief, as guidance is Allah’s prerogative.
  • The disbelievers’ fate is sealed due to their rejection of clear signs, similar to past nations. Maududi connects this to the Makkans’ denial of the Quran.
  • The surah concludes with a call to glorify Allah, affirming His knowledge of the unseen and the truth of the Quran. Maududi interprets this as encouragement for the Prophet and believers to remain steadfast.

Central Message:

Maududi interprets Surah An-Naml as a Makkan revelation aimed at strengthening the Prophet Muhammad and his followers while warning the disbelieving Quraysh. Key points include:

  • The Quran is divine guidance, offering hope to believers and warning disbelievers.
  • Stories of prophets (Musa, Sulaiman, Salih, Lut) illustrate the universal message of Tawhid and the consequences of rejecting it.
  • Allah’s signs in nature and history are evidence of His power and oneness, urging reflection and submission.
  • The Prophet’s mission is to convey the message patiently, trusting Allah’s plan, despite opposition.
  • The surah emphasizes divine justice: believers are rewarded, while arrogant disbelievers face destruction, as seen in past nations and foretold for the Hereafter.

Notes:

  • Maududi’s exegesis in Tafheem-ul-Quran draws on Quranic context, hadith, and historical accounts to provide a detailed interpretation, particularly emphasizing the Makkan context of persecution.
  • The surah’s title, “The Ant,” reflects the anecdote about Sulaiman, highlighting humility and divine wisdom.

**

Here is a summary of Surah An-Naml (Chapter 27) from Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi:

Overview of Surah An-Naml

Surah An-Naml (The Ant) is the 27th chapter of the Quran, revealed in Mecca. It consists of 93 verses and derives its name from the mention of ants in verse 18, where an ant warns its colony about Prophet Solomon’s approaching army .

Key Themes and Structure

The surah is divided into two main discourses:

1. First Discourse (Verses 1–58)

  • Introduction: The Quran is described as a clear book (Kitabim Mubeen) offering guidance and glad tidings to believers who establish prayer, pay Zakat, and firmly believe in the Hereafter .
  • Warning to Disbelievers: Those who deny the Hereafter are deluded by their own misdeeds and will face severe punishment .
  • Stories of Prophets:
  • Moses (Musa): His encounter with Allah at the burning bush and the signs given to Pharaoh (e.g., the staff turning into a snake) .
  • Solomon (Sulayman): His miraculous kingdom, including control over jinn, men, and birds, and his interaction with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), who eventually accepts monotheism .
  • Queen of Sheba: A powerful ruler who initially worships the sun but submits to Allah after witnessing Solomon’s wisdom and miracles .

2. Second Discourse (Verses 59–93)

  • Call to Monotheism: The disbelievers of Mecca are challenged to reflect on the natural world as proof of Allah’s sovereignty .
  • Denial of the Hereafter: The root of their arrogance is their rejection of accountability, leading to moral corruption .
  • Day of Judgment: A vivid depiction of the Resurrection, where disbelievers will be speechless and face the consequences of their actions .
  • Final Warning: The Prophet’s role is only to deliver the message; judgment rests with Allah alone .

Lessons from Surah An-Naml

  1. Divine Guidance: The Quran is a source of clarity and mercy for those who submit to Allah .
  2. Consequences of Arrogance: Pharaoh and the people of Sheba serve as warnings against pride and stubbornness .
  3. Power of Submission: The Queen of Sheba’s transformation highlights the triumph of truth over falsehood .
  4. Universality of Prophethood: Stories of past prophets reinforce the continuity of Allah’s message .

For further details, you can refer to the full tafsir in Tafheem-ul-Quran .