Day 352 · Surah Al-'Alaq Verses 1-19

Al-'Alaq 1–19

The first revelation received by the Messenger establishes the principle of learning based on sincerity, then Abu Jahal is presented as an example of one who thinks he does not need Allah because of his wealth.

• The first five verses are the first revelation which establishes the principle of correct learning for the formation of a believer's character.
• Learning based on sincerity and studying the greatness of Allah in the process of human creation and the universe will produce faith to the degree of certainty.
• Knowledge is mentioned as evidence of Allah's mercy, for without His teaching mankind could not possibly learn anything.
• One who does not seek knowledge for Allah tends to challenge Him because he feels he does not need Him, especially if his wealth is abundant, yet he will surely return to Him.
• Abu Jahal forbade the Messenger to pray and preach while thinking his actions could not be seen, while the Messenger is commanded to continue praying and increase in prostration.

Verses 1-5 are the first revelation received by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). These five verses explain the principle of correct learning that will form the character of a believer. Knowledge based on sincerity to Allah and studying the greatness of Allah in the process of human creation (embryology) and also the universe will produce faith up to the degree of certainty. Knowledge is one of the proofs of Allah's great mercy upon mankind. Without Allah teaching mankind, they could not possibly learn.

Verses 6-19 of Surah Al-'Alaq explain that mankind who do not wish to seek knowledge for Allah and do not understand Allah's greatness will challenge Allah because they see themselves as not needing Allah, especially if their wealth is abundant. Yet they will surely return to Allah.

Abu Jahal is presented as a case example raised by Allah in this Surah. He threatened and forbade the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to pray and preach to Allah. Abu Jahal presumed Allah did not see his evil. If he does not stop hurting and fighting the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah will seize his soul from the forelock through the angel Zabaniayah. Allah forbids Him to follow the desires of Abu Jahal and to continue praying and increase in prostration to Allah.

Loading the full version…