Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

and predominant manner, which led to naming the surah ‘surah of balance and nonrecklessness’
after Hud.
For he told his tribe, when denial has become intense, in what Allah says what can be
translated as, “… He said, “Surely I call Allahto testimony and you bear
testimony that I am quit of whatever you associate (with Allah) (45) Apart from
Him; so (devise) plotting against me, altogether; thereafter do not respite me,”
(TMQ, 11:54-55). Have you ever seen such a strong and challenging statement
Besides that, there appears the resoluteness and rectitude of Hud (AS) on the righteous
path. Allah says what can be translated as, “Surely I have put my trust in Allah,
(Literally: I entrust “my self” to Allah) my Lord and your Lord; in no way is
there any beast whatever except that He is taking it by the forelock. Surely my
Lord is on a straight Path,” (TMQ, 11:56).
Then, “So, in case you turn away, then I have already proclaimed to you what I
have been sent with to you, and my Lord will make other people than you to
succeed you; and you will not harm Him anything. Surely my Lord is Ever-
Preserving over everything”, (TMQ, 11:57). Here appear non-recklessness and
non-violence.
These words have strongly encompassed all axes of the surah, which again are:
resoluteness, the absence of tyranny and recklessness, and familial leniency. The
responsibility falls back on all successors of Hud, from the persistence in missionary
activities, abolishing oppression, and steadfastness. For that reason, the Prophet
(SAWS) said: “Surat Hud has caused my aging”, and that was for the power of its
diction in rousing steadfastness on the path of Allah and His statute. Also, for the
power of Hud, as a role model in keeping the balance in steadfastness, without being
reckless or biased.
Remember the Hereafter as the Path of Equilibrium
Before the conclusion of the surah, come the ayahs (103-108) meaningful of the
hereafter to reassure the believers that this life, even if it involved a gloomy and
unjust reality, is not the provenance, and that the hereafter is what would fulfill the
divine justice. Hence, be patient with the dire realities of this life.
Allah says what can be translated as, “Surely in that is indeed a sign for him who
fears the torment of the Hereafter; that is a Day mankind is to be gathered to,
and that is a Day to be witnessed (103) And in no way do We defer it except to a
term (already) fixed (Literally: numbered) (104) The Day it comes up, no self will
speak except by His permission. So (some) of them are wretched, and (some)
happy (105) So, as for the ones who are wretched, then they will be in the Fire;
therein there will be for them groaning and sighing (106) Eternally therein
(abiding) so long as the heavens and the earth (endure), except whatever your
Lord decides; surely your Lord is The Sublime Performer of whatever He wills
(107) And as for the ones who are made happy, then they will be in the Garden,
eternally therein (abiding), so long as the heavens and the earth (endure), except
whatever your Lord decides: a gift uninterrupted.” (TMQ, 11:103-108).