Day 118 · Surah Hud Verses 1-12

Hud 1–12

Guarantee of sustenance for every creature and the purpose of life as a trial are taken as principle, then the Messenger is strengthened when opposition from Quraish causes his heart to be constricted.

• This surah opens with letters whose meaning was never explained by the Messenger or the Companions, so the majority of scholars refrain from interpreting them.
• Seeking forgiveness is mentioned as the key to a blessed and good life.
• The sustenance of every creature is guaranteed by Allah, so there is no reason for mankind to worry excessively.
• Disbelievers challenge the punishment when it is delayed, and regard blessing after hardship as purely the result of their own effort.
• When Quraish questions why wealth or accompanying angels were not sent down, the Messenger is reminded that his only duty is to convey the revelation.

Verse 1 begins with 3 letters from the Arabic alphabet (huruf al-hijā'), namely alif, lam, and ra. In the Qur'an there are 29 surahs that begin with a combination of several letters like this. No one knows their meaning except Allah alone. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) never explained their meaning. Similarly, the Companions of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to whom the Qur'an was first revealed never explained what they mean. Therefore, the majority of scholars do not dare interpret them. They only say: Allah alone knows their meaning.

Verses 1-5 explain that the Qur'an is very precise and detailed in its verses because it is revealed by Allah the All-Wise. Among its contents are the matter of Tawhīd, seeking forgiveness as the key to a blessed and good life, all mankind will return to Allah, and Allah knows hypocrisy and all the contents of the hearts of mankind.

Verses 6 and 7 explain two principles of faith or belief that must be firmly held by the believers:

1. Allah declares that He will certainly provide sustenance for every creature He created: mankind, animals, and so forth. Therefore, as creatures He has honored, we need not worry about sustenance; Allah will certainly guarantee it.
2. Allah is the Creator of the heavens and earth in six days or periods. The purpose of mankind being given the opportunity to live in the world or upon the earth is to test who among them lives according to His system and who does not. Therefore, there is no excuse for disbelievers not to believe in the Day of Resurrection or the Day of Judgment.

While verses 8-11 explain some characteristics of the disbelievers. Among them:

1. When Allah delays punishment for them, they challenge it.
2. When Allah grants blessing after hardship, they think it is the result of their effort and they boast about themselves. Yet if they believed, were patient, and did righteous deeds they would receive forgiveness and paradise. Therefore, the orientation of the believers' life is forgiveness and His paradise.

Verse 12 explains how severe the opposition of the disbelievers to the preaching of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was, so much so that he nearly abandoned some of the revelation to gain their support. The disbelieving Quraish questioned why Allah did not send down wealth or an accompanying angel. This statement caused the heart of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to become sad. Then Allah strengthened his heart by saying: Your duty is only to convey the revelation revealed to you. Allah takes care of everything.

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