Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

SŪRAH 15
Al-Ĥijr
Prologue
Proper Understanding Required
This sūrah was revealed in Makkah, after the revelation of Sūrah 12, Joseph. The
time was a very critical one, falling as it did between the ‘year of sorrow’ when the
Prophet lost his wife Khadījah and his uncle Abū Ţālib and the year when the
Prophet migrated to Madinah. The sūrah thus reflects the needs and requirements of
this difficult period. For specifics about this crucial time please refer to the Prologues
of Sūrahs Jonah and Hūd, in Volume IX, and Sūrah Joseph in this volume.
In particular, the sūrah directs the Prophet and the Muslim community in how best
to deal with their practical problems, and how to stand firm in the face of the
unbelievers’ stubborn opposition. This then is the role and nature of the Qur’ān.
At this critical juncture, the message of Islam was making little progress because
of the unwavering resistance of the Quraysh, the Arabian tribe residing in Makkah,
and whose leadership was recognized by the rest of Arabia. Their persecution of the
Prophet and his followers was now at its zenith. Hence, the Qur’ān warns and
threatens these pagan Arabs, portraying as it does the fate of earlier communities
which denied God’s messages and opposed His messengers. It reveals to the Prophet
the real reasons behind their determined opposition. Essentially it had nothing to do
with the truth of his message and much to do with their stubbornness which could
not be moderated even as a result of seeing God’s clear signs. Hence, the sūrah
consoles the Prophet. It directs him to hold fast to the truth he has and to confront
with it all those who reject it. He is also instructed to remain patient in adversity,
conveying his message to mankind with determination.
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