Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Ibrahīm (Abraham) | GRACE AND GRATITUDE
This is certainly inevitable, “On the day when the earth shall be changed into another
earth, as shall be the heavens.” (Verse 48) We do not know how this happens, nor are
we aware of the nature of the new earth or the new heavens, or their respective
positions. The statement only gives us an impression of God’s might and His ability
to change the earth and heavens. By contrast, the schemes the unbelievers devise are
all too weak.
Suddenly, we see this as though it has happened: “When all people stand before God,
the One who holds sway over all that exists.” (Verse 48) They realize that they are
exposed, without cover or screen to protect them. They are neither in their homes nor
in their graves. They stand in the open, in front of the Almighty. The emphasis here
is on God’s power which cannot be resisted, not even by the scheming of the mighty
tyrants which can almost make mountains move.
Then we are shown a scene of the humiliating suffering which stands in contrast
to their scheming and tyranny: “On that day you will see the guilty chained together in
fetters, wearing garments of black pitch, and their faces covered with flames.” (Verses 49-50)
The evil-doers are thus chained, each two together, and they are made to pass in
ranks. Their humiliation is again indicative of God’s might. In addition to their being
chained together, they wear dirty, black pitch garments that can easily catch fire. The
connotations here are humiliation and combustion as they draw near to the fire.
“Their faces [are] covered with flames.” It is all a scene of tyrants and schemers made
to suffer humiliation and burning in flames. All this is a reward for their arrogance in
this life. “God will requite each soul according to what it had done. God is indeed swift in
reckoning.” (Verse 51) All they have earned is their scheming and injustice. Its reward
is that they stand powerless, humiliated. The swiftness of God’s reckoning contrasts
with the scheming they thought would protect them, and ensure them victory.
Hence, they are dealt with swiftly to add to their humiliation.
Elimination of Pagan Concepts
The sūrah then ends with something similar to its opening, but it comes in the
form of an open and loud declaration, intended to inform all mankind: “This is a
message to all mankind. Let them be warned thereby, and let them know that He is the One
and Only God. Let those who have insight take heed.” (Verse 52) The essential purpose of
this message and the warning it contains is that people should know that “He is the
One and Only God.” This is the basic concept of this religion on which its code of
living is built.
What is required here is not that people should merely acquire such information.
The purpose is that they should conduct their lives on the basis of this knowledge. It
is that people should submit to God alone, since He is the One and only God. It is
239