Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

Surat Ibrahim (Abraham)
The Objective of the Surah: The Blessings of Belief and the Afflictions of
Disbelief
When asked, “What is the greatest blessing endowed by Allah”, many people would
refer to mundane affairs such as their spouse, children, home, or money. On the other
hand, when asked about the worst affliction undergone, they would mention worldly
problems such as loss of money, or ruined business. To remove such misconceptions,
Allah points out in Surat Ibrahim (AS) “Abraham” that the greatest blessing ever is the
blessing of belief in Allah, and the worst affliction is disbelief and estrangement from
Allah (SWT).
Is darkness identical to light
The surah constantly juxtaposes truth and untruth, believers and disbelievers, as well
as light and darkness. The opening of the surah unmistakably bears this meaning,
“Alif, Lam, Mîm, Ra (These are the names of letters of the Arabic alphabet, and
only Allah knows their meaning here). A Book We have sent down to you that
you may bring mankind out of the darkness (es) to the light by the permission of
their Lord, to the path of The Ever- Mighty, The Ever-Praiseworthy” (TMQ,
14:1). It is as if man is being asked to observe the darkness and light, to ponder over
Allah’s (SWT) blessing, and to opt for either of them.
Two-sided day
By referring to the story of Prophet Musa (AS) “Moses” in the fifth ayah, Allah
further accentuates the same meaning, , “And indeed We already sent Mûsa
(Moses) with Our signs (saying), “Bring out your people out of darkness (es) to
the light and remind them of the Days of Allah. Surely in that are signs indeed
for everyone (who is) most patient, constantly thankful” (TMQ, 14:5).
What could be the relationship between the Days of Allah and being patient and
thankful The Days of Allah were those days on which Allah had perished those who
were unjust to their respective peoples, and spared those who were righteous. Thus, it
was a blessing endowed upon the believers and an affliction for the disbelievers. A
believer should learn his lesson from those days of learning to be patient, enduring, as
well as more thankful for the generous blessing of belief, “Surely in that are signs
indeed for everyone (who is) most patient, constantly thankful” (TMQ, 14:5).
As commanded by Allah, Prophet Musa (AS) went about conveying Allah's message
to his people constantly reminding them of His greatest blessings to them, “And as
Mûsa said to his people, “Remember the favor of Allah upon you as He delivered
you from the house of Firaawn, (Pharaoh) (who were) marking you out for
odious torment, constantly slaying your sons and (sparing) alive your women;
and in these (acts) was a tremendous trial from your Lord” (TMQ, 14:6).
The path of Allah (SWT) is both, a blessing and an honor and any other path brings
but belittlement and humiliation. Prophet Musa (AS) clearly says in Allah’s words