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Surah 14 Ibrahim

Good to get some idea about the chapter we are going to read…like perspective, geopolitics at the time, struggles of that time and time immemorial ongoing conflicts.

Following link for complete chapter, translated, explained in details:

https://islamicstudies.info/reference.php?sura=14

Useful site for collection of books for reading, listening, downloading books:

https://www.australianislamiclibrary.org/

Introduction to Surah Ibrahim from Tafheem-ul-Quran

Surah Ibrahim is a Meccan Surah, revealed in the later stages of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission in Mecca, during a period of intense persecution and hardship for the nascent Muslim community.

Maududi’s introduction establishes that this Surah serves as a powerful source of consolation and encouragement for the Prophet (pbuh) and the believers. Its central purpose is to reassure them that their experience of rejection and suffering is not unique but is the established and timeless pattern for all who call people to the truth.

Key Points of the Introduction:

  1. Central Theme – The Trials of Da’wah: The core theme of the Surah is the frustration and opposition faced by the messengers of Allah when they invite their people to Tawheed (monotheism). It aims to comfort the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by showing him that every single prophet, including the great Patriarch Ibrahim (Abraham), faced ridicule, denial, and persecution from their own people. This was meant to strengthen his resolve and reassure him that he was on the correct and well-trodden path of prophethood.
  2. The Mission of the Messengers: The Surah clearly outlines the fundamental and consistent message of all prophets:
    • To bring people out of the darkness of polytheism and ignorance into the light of faith and knowledge.
    • To warn them of the consequences of ingratitude (kufr) and rebellion against Allah.
      Despite the clarity of this message, the nations persistently rejected it due to arrogance and attachment to the traditions of their forefathers.
  3. The Parable of the Good and Evil Word: A pivotal concept in the Surah is the profound parable that contrasts the “good word” and the “evil word” (Ayat 24-26).
    • The Good Word (the creed of Tawheed – La ilaha illallah) is like a strong, deep-rooted tree that provides stable and lasting benefits to people.
    • The Evil Word (the creed of Shirk/polytheism) is like a weak, shallow-rooted tree that is easily uprooted and offers no stability or benefit.
      This parable encapsulates the entire struggle between truth and falsehood, assuring the believers of their ultimate stability and success.
  4. The Inevitability of Divine Law: The Surah emphasizes that the laws of Allah governing the rise and fall of nations are unwavering. Allah does not destroy a nation until it has been given a clear warning and has consciously chosen to reject it. The destruction of past civilizations like those of ‘Ad and Thamud is cited as a stark reminder of this eternal law.
  5. The Connection to Ibrahim (AS): The Surah is named after Prophet Ibrahim because it contains some of his profound prayers (mentioned towards the end), which are exceptional for their comprehensiveness and depth. These prayers for the well-being of himself, his progeny, and the future community of believers in Mecca serve as a spiritual link, connecting his foundational mission to the final mission of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

In essence, Maududi introduces Surah Ibrahim as a divine discourse on the sociology of religious rejection. It provides a moral and historical framework for understanding the challenges of the Da’wah mission, offering solace through the lessons of the past and unwavering hope through the timeless parables of ultimate truth and falsehood. It is a surah that consoles the caller and warns the rejecter, all within the framework of Allah’s unchanging laws.