Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

(invoking the name of Allah (SWT)), prostrating to Him (SWT), and ensuring that they
remain steadfast and consistent in their actions until the end of their life. Allah (SWT)
says, what can be translated as, “And worship your Lord until there comes unto
you the certainty (i.e. death).” (TMQ, 15:99).
The ayahs of preservation mentioned in the surah
The surah refers to Allah’s protection of several points, which include:
1. The Preservation of the Qur’an. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as,
“Verily, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and
surely, We will guard it (from corruption)” (TMQ, 15:9). Have you
forgotten that the Book that serves as your guide is preserved It confirms that
the One (SWT) who is able to preserve His Book is able to preserve His (SWT)
religion and those who follow and invite others to it.
2. The Preservation of the heaven from Iblis (Satan) by making it an enjoyable
sight for those who look at it. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as,
“And indeed, We have put the big stars in the heaven and We beautified
it for the beholders. And We have guarded it (near heaven) from every
outcast Shaitân (devil).” (TMQ, 15:16-18).
3. The Preservation of the earth. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as,
“And the earth We have spread out, and have placed therein firm
mountains, and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due
proportion.” (TMQ, 15:19). If the heavens and the earth have been protected
to this extent, what do you think is the extent to which Allah (SWT) has
protected His (SWT) Book and religion
4. The protection of rizq (sustenance) on this earth, “And the earth We have
spread out, and have placed therein firm mountains, and caused to grow
therein all kinds of things in due proportion. And We have provided
therein means of living, for you and for those whom you provide not
[moving (living) creatures, cattle, beasts, and other animals]. And there is
not a thing, but with Us are the stores thereof. And We send it not down
except in a known measure.” (TMQ, 15:19-21). Therefore, the Qur’an, the
earth, and the believers are all protected.
5. The protection of the believers from the Iblis as Allah (SWT) says what can be
translated as, “Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves,
except those who follow you of the Ghâwûn (Mushrikûn and those who go
astray, criminals, polytheists, and evil-doers).” (TMQ, 15:42).
6. It is further gratifying that the following ayahs, which gave glad tidings to the
believers informing them that they will enter paradise, point out the concept of
protection. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “(It will be said to
them): ‘Enter therein (Paradise), in peace and security.” (TMQ, 15:46),
and “No sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to
leave it.” (TMQ, 15:48).