Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

what can be translated as, “Indeed in case you thank (Him), indeed I will definitely
increase you” (TMQ, 14:7).
Allah (SWT )has made a general rule and a divine promise to whoever thanks Him for
His generous blessings; “And as your Lord has notified (you), “Indeed in case you
thank (Him), indeed I will definitely increase you and indeed in case you
disbelieve, surely My torment is indeed strict” (TMQ, 14:7).
Though the ayah applies to whom Allah-endowed His blessings, its occurrence
amongst those ayahs dealing with the blessing of belief underscores the significance
of thanking Allah for the blessing of belief in particular. In so doing, Allah will grant
us more of this particular blessing. Else, Allah is Ever-Affluent and will surely
dispense with the worlds. Allah says what can be translated as, “And Mûsa (Moses)
said, “In case you disbelieve, you and whoever is in the earth altogether, then
surely Allah is indeed Ever-Affluent, (Literally: Ever-Rich) Ever-Praiseworthy”
(TMQ, 14:8).
The messages of Prophets
Next, the ayahs tackle the issue of the confrontation between the believers and
disbelievers. Unlike other Surahs addressing each Prophet’s issue with his people,
this surah does not deal with each and every Prophet because the objective here
centers around the blessing of belief and the affliction of disbelief. This surah deals
with the Prophets as a whole along with their respective peoples. For instance, Allah
says what can be translated as, “Their Messengers said to them…” (TMQ 14:11);
“And the ones who disbelieved said to their Messengers…” (TMQ 14:13); as well
as “Their Messengers said, “Is there any doubt regarding Allah, The Originator
(Literally: Renderer; i.e., creator) of the heavens and the earth He calls you that
He may forgive you (some) of your guilty deeds...” (TMQ, 14:10).
Have you ever mulled over the significance of this blessing Allah the Mightyand the
Compeller is calling on you in order to absolve your from your sins, yet He can
dispense with you.
Observe the Prophets’ repeated emphasis that their knowledge of, and belief in Allah
(SWT ) represent His greatest bestowments ever. Allah says what can be translated as,
“…but Allah bestows His Bounty to whomever He decides of His bondmen…”
(TMQ, 14:11).
Blessings and afflictions
References to various blessings and afflictions recur in the surah: Allah says what can
be translated as, “And indeed We will definitely make you to dwell (in) the land
even after them; that (is) for him who fears My station and fears My threat”
(TMQ, 14:14).
In contrast, Allah (SWT ) strongly warns of His afflictions in other ayahs. He says
what can be translated as, “Beyond him (is) Hell, (i.e., Hell awaits every stubborn
potentate after his life) and he is given to drink of festering water, Which he
gulps and almost cannot find it palatable; (i.e., He is barely able to drink it) and