Tag Archives: Satan’s Arrogance & Humanity’s Test

Chapter 38/ Al Saad

Summary of the chapter & the links: 

1. Audio discussion of the chapter summary: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/5fef2fa2-8466-4fde-8ff7-2dfdcba7ac7e/audio

2. Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with English translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-38.html

3. Free app for complete Quran , translations in multiple world languages: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1118663303

4. Free app for complete Quran, recitation, multiple tafaseer, books of ahadees: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1006098149

Here is a concise summary of Surah Ṣād (Chapter 38) based exclusively on Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abul A’la Maududi:

📜 Introduction & Historical Context

  • Revelation: Revealed in Makkah during intense opposition to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), likely around the 4th–11th year of prophethood. The surah responds to Quraysh leaders’ rejection of Islamic monotheism (Tawhid) and their demand that the Prophet stop condemning their idols .
  • Trigger: Depicts a critical meeting where Quraysh chiefs (including Abu Jahl and Abu Sufyan) pressured Abu Talib to stop the Prophet’s preaching. When offered a compromise, the Prophet insisted on “Lā ilāha illallāh,” provoking their defiant departure .

Core Themes

  1. Arrogance of Disbelievers (Verses 1–11)
  • Opens with Allah swearing by the Quran as a divine reminder (Verse 1). The Quraysh’s rejection stems from “self-glory and opposition” (Verse 2), mocking the Prophet as a “magician” and “liar” for preaching monotheism (Verses 4–7) .
  • Warns that past nations (e.g., Noah, Aad, Pharaoh) were destroyed for similar arrogance, and the Quraysh will face divine punishment unless they repent (Verses 12–14) .
  1. Accountability of Prophets (Verses 17–48)
  • David (Dāwūd): Tested when two litigants entered his prayer chamber seeking judgment. Despite his wisdom, he realized partiality in his initial ruling and immediately repented. Allah forgave him, emphasizing that even prophets are accountable (Verses 17–26) .
  • Solomon (Sulaymān): Temporarily distracted by his prized horses, neglecting remembrance of Allah. After recognizing his error, he repented and was granted unparalleled kingdom and power over wind/jinn (Verses 30–40) .
  • Job (Ayyūb): Afflicted by Satan with severe illness but remained patient. Allah restored his health, family, and wealth, teaching him to fulfill an oath symbolically (striking his wife with grass blades) without literal harshness (Verses 41–44) .
  1. Eschatology: Dual Destinies (Verses 49–64)
  • Paradise: The righteous enter eternal gardens with open gates, enjoying fruits, drinks, and pure companions (Verses 49–54) .
  • Hell: Transgressors face boiling fluids, pus, and mutual blame. Leaders and followers will curse each other, realizing too late their misguidance (Verses 55–64) .
  1. Satan’s Arrogance & Humanity’s Test (Verses 65–88)
  • Iblis (Satan) refused Allah’s command to prostrate before Adam, boasting of his fiery origin over clay. Cursed and granted respite until Judgment Day, he vowed to mislead humanity except Allah’s sincere servants (Verses 71–85) .
  • The surah concludes affirming the Quran as a universal warning, with Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) tasked only with delivering this truth (Verses 87–88) .

💎 Key Takeaways from Tafheem-ul-Quran

  • Divine Justice: No one, not even prophets, is exempt from accountability. David and Solomon exemplify repentance after errors .
  • Historical Parallels: Quraysh’s defiance mirrors past destroyed nations and Satan’s pride, underscoring inevitable divine retribution .
  • Practical Lessons: True faith requires humility in repentance (like Solomon) and patience in trials (like Job). The surah validates Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) mission against Meccan skepticism .

“This is a reminder; the righteous will have a good return.” (Quran 38:49) .

Surah As-Sad (Chapter 38) of the Qur’an, as explained in Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Abul A’la Maududi, focuses on affirming the truth of the Qur’an, the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the consequences of accepting or rejecting divine guidance. Below is a summary based solely on the Tafheem-ul-Qur’an commentary:

  1. Affirmation of the Qur’an and Warning to Disbelievers (Verses 1-14):
    The surah opens with an oath by the Qur’an, described as “full of admonition,” emphasizing its divine origin and truth. It addresses the disbelief of the Makkan Quraysh, who rejected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) out of pride and arrogance, despite the clarity of his message. The surah warns them of the consequences faced by past nations (e.g., those of Noah, ‘Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh) who rejected their prophets, highlighting that divine punishment is inevitable for those who persist in denial.
  2. Story of Prophet David (Dawud) (Verses 15-26):
    The narrative of Prophet David illustrates divine favor and human accountability. David, endowed with kingship and wisdom, is tested when two litigants approach him with a dispute over sheep. His hasty judgment prompts reflection, and he seeks forgiveness from Allah for any oversight. This story underscores the importance of justice, humility, and repentance, even for a prophet, and serves as a lesson for leaders and believers to remain mindful of their responsibilities.
  3. Story of Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) (Verses 27-40):
    Solomon’s story highlights his wisdom, power, and gratitude to Allah. He is granted control over the wind, jinn, and animals, yet remains devoted to his Lord. When tested with a trial (the placement of a body on his throne), he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, reaffirming his reliance on divine mercy. The narrative contrasts his humility with the arrogance of the disbelievers, emphasizing that worldly power is a test and a trust from Allah.
  4. Story of Prophet Job (Ayyub) (Verses 41-44):
    Job’s story focuses on his patience and steadfastness during severe trials of illness and loss. He prays to Allah for relief, and Allah restores his health and family, doubling his blessings as a reward for his perseverance. This serves as an example for believers to remain patient and trust in Allah during hardships.
  5. Mention of Other Prophets and the Righteous (Verses 45-64):
    The surah briefly mentions Prophets Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, praising their excellence and devotion to Allah. It contrasts their righteousness with the fate of the disbelievers, who will face Hellfire, where they will argue among themselves, blaming their leaders for their misguidance. This section reinforces the rewards of faith and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
  6. Final Admonition and the Qur’an’s Purpose (Verses 65-88):
    The surah concludes by reaffirming the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission as a warner to humanity. It emphasizes the Qur’an’s role as a universal message of truth, not a source of personal gain for the Prophet. The disbelievers’ accusations against him are refuted, and they are warned of the Day of Judgment, where Allah’s justice will prevail. The surah ends with a declaration of Allah’s oneness and a call for patience in conveying the divine message.

Overall Message:
According to Tafheem-ul-Qur’an, Surah As-Sad emphasizes the authenticity of the Qur’an as divine revelation and the truth of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission. Through the stories of Prophets David, Solomon, and Job, it illustrates themes of divine favor, human accountability, repentance, and patience. The surah warns the Quraysh and all disbelievers of the consequences of rejecting the truth, drawing parallels with past nations, while encouraging believers to remain steadfast and trust in Allah’s ultimate justice.

This summary is derived exclusively from the Tafheem-ul-Qur’an commentary on Surah As-Sad, as available in the referenced sources.