Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Al-Ĥijr | PROLOGUE
It is such insight that the newly-born Islamic movement requires. It is too early
now for the development of a system of government, and the drafting of a legal code.
Today, there is not a single state or community where the basic rule of human
transactions is God’s law and the Islamic code. The type of insight which gives birth
to a system of government and a legal code comes at the appropriate time. Its details
should fit the Muslim community that needs it, whenever it comes into existence,
and begins to face the practical problems that apply to it. Prior to this, producing
such a system and a code is no different from trying to plant seeds in the air and
hoping they will sprout.
The Nature of Opposition to Islam
The first major topic the sūrah tackles highlights the nature of those who reject this
faith of Islam, based on submission to God alone, and outlines their true motives for
so doing. It also describes the terrible fate that awaits such unbelievers. The sūrah
tackles this in several rounds, employing different subjects and techniques, such as
narrative, an exhibition of scenes of the universe and scenes of the Day of
Judgement, and directives and comments that either precede or follow the stories it
relates.
While the general atmosphere of Sūrah 13, Thunder, reminds us of Sūrah 6, Cattle,
the general atmosphere of this sūrah reminds us of Sūrah 7, The Heights. Both begin
with a serious warning, and the whole sūrah confirms it. The two sūrahs, however,
differ greatly in their method.
The warning at the beginning of Sūrah 7 is stated very clearly: “This is a book that
has been bestowed on you from on high — so do not entertain any doubt about it — in order
that you may warn people with its message, and admonish the believers. Follow what has
been sent down to you by your Lord, and follow no masters other than Him. How seldom do
you keep this in mind. How many a community have We destroyed, with Our punishment
falling upon them by night, or at midday while they were resting. And when Our
punishment fell upon them, all they could say was: ‘We have indeed been wrongdoers.’“ (7:
2-5) The sūrah then relates the story of Adam and Iblīs, following it to its conclusion
when human life on earth comes to an end and people return to their Lord where
the warnings given to them will be fulfilled. This is then followed by some scenes of
the universe, including images of the heavens and earth, night and day, the sun,
moon and stars, the wind, clouds, water and fruit. Thereafter, we are given the
stories of the Prophets Noah, Hūd, Şāliĥ, Lot, Shu`ayb and Moses, all of which
confirm the warning.
Here in this sūrah, the warning is given at the beginning, but it is given a
continuous air of mystery to enhance its effect in anticipation of the fearful destiny:
“These are the verses of the Book, a clear discourse. Little do those who disbelieve wish that
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