RENAISSANCE SEPTEMBER 2021

7 Monthly Renaissance September 2021 Qur’ ā nic Exegesis S ū rah al-Naml (1) Am ī n A ḥ san I ṣ l āḥī Theme and Relationship with the Previous S ū rah In the previous s ū rah , it was explained that the Qur’ ā n was neither the work of a poet nor that of a soothsayer; in fact, it had been revealed by the Almighty; those who did not want to believe in it were making fun of it; their demand was that only when they observed what the Qur’ ā n was warning them of would they believe in it; on the other hand, God wanted them to seek a lesson from the history of the Messengers and those who denied them, instead of demanding to see the punishment. Now in this s ū rah , it is explained that God has revealed this Book for guidance and for delivering glad tidings; yet only those will believe in it whose hearts harbour the fear of the Hereafter. Those who are engrossed in the luxuries and comforts of this life will not be able to give up these pursuits. Their foul deeds have been made to appear fair to them. Such is the extent of this that no warning or reminding can influence them. In the previous s ū rah , the discussion was based on the two attributes of God: ‘Az ī z (the mighty) and Ra ḥī m (the merciful). I have already explained all aspects of these attributes. In this s ū rah , the discussion is based on two other attributes of God: Ḥ ak ī m (wise) and ‘Al ī m (knowledgeable). The implication is that the Qur’ ā n has been revealed by the wise and the knowledgeable God. Hence whatever He will do will be based on wisdom and knowledge. The Prophet (sws) and his companions should trust in the wise and knowledgeable God that He will make them succeed. Analysis of Meanings Verses (1-6): The introduction of this s ū rah is similar to that of S ū rah Baqarah. It is explained in it that this Qur’ ā n in itself is a clear Book that appeals to the intellect and emotions of people.