Al-Hijr

Background Info

• When & Where: Revealed in Mecca, likely during the middle or later Meccan period.
• The Situation: The polytheists continued to mock the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), demand that angels be sent down, express impatience for punishment, and doubt the Quran's divine origin. Believers faced psychological pressure.
• The Need: To reassure the Prophet and believers of divine protection for the message (the Quran) and to warn the mockers by reminding them of the fate of previous nations who behaved similarly. To encourage patience and perseverance.
• Purpose of the Chapter: Strongly affirms the divine preservation of the Quran ("Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian"). It narrates the destruction of the people of Lot and the inhabitants of Al-Hijr (Thamud, the people of Salih) as stark warnings. It mentions the creation of jinn from fire and humans from clay, and Iblis's arrogance. It commands the Prophet to proclaim the message openly while turning away from the stubborn polytheists.
• In short: Revealed in Mecca, Surah Al-Hijr guarantees the Quran's divine protection, warns mockers by citing the destruction of past peoples like those of Al-Hijr, and advises the Prophet on dealing with persistent opposition.

Core Message

To warn against the rejection of divine revelation and messengers by highlighting the consequences faced by past nations, affirming the absolute protection of the Quran, and offering comfort and strength to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the believers.

Summary

Surah Al-Hijr begins by addressing the regrets the disbelievers will eventually have 15:2-3 and emphasizing that every community has an appointed term 15:4-5. It powerfully declares Allah's absolute protection of the Quran from any corruption 15:9. The narrative then delves into the creation of humankind from clay and Jinn from smokeless fire, focusing significantly on Iblis's arrogant refusal to prostrate to Adam (AS) based on his perceived superiority 15:26-43. This story underscores the dangers of pride and disobedience.

The Surah recounts historical examples of divine judgment: the angels visit Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with news of a son (Ishaq AS) and inform him of their mission to destroy the people of Prophet Lut (AS) for their transgressions 15:51-77. It then specifically mentions the destruction of the "Companions of the Rocky Tract" (Ashab al-Hijr / Thamud), who were skilled builders but ultimately rejected truth 15:80-84. These stories serve as potent warnings.

The chapter concludes by consoling Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reminding him of the great gift of the "Seven Oft-Repeated Verses" (Surah Al-Fatihah) and the Quran, instructing him to proclaim the message openly, turn away from the ignorant mockers, remain patient, and dedicate himself to the worship of Allah until the end of his life 15:87-99.

Reason for the Name

Named after the "Companions of the Rocky Tract" (Ashab al-Hijr), mentioned in verses 15:80-84. These were the people of Thamud (associated with Prophet Salih AS), who carved dwellings out of mountains and were destroyed for rejecting their Prophet.

Unique Features

Contains the explicit verse guaranteeing the Quran's preservation 15:9. It is named after Ashab al-Hijr, whose story is mentioned concisely. It highlights the gift of "Seven Oft-Repeated Verses" (Al-Fatihah) specifically alongside the Quran 15:87. The creation narrative places strong emphasis on Iblis's reasoning for refusal.

Themes

• Divine protection of the Quran 15:9
• Creation, Arrogance, and Obedience (Adam & Iblis) 15:26-43
• Consequences of Rejecting Prophets (Warnings to Quraysh)
• Historical examples of destruction (People of Lut, Ashab al-Hijr) 15:57-84
• Allah's Power, Mercy, and Justice 15:49-50
• Certainty of Resurrection and Judgment
• Comfort, patience, and guidance for the Prophet (PBUH) 15:85-99
• The significance of Al-Fatihah and the Quran 15:87
• Continuous worship and certainty (Yaqeen) 15:99

Key Verses

• 15:9: "Indeed, it is We Who sent down the Reminder (the Quran), and indeed, We will be its guardian." - Significance: A foundational verse affirming the divine preservation and incorruptibility of the Quran.
• 15:28-33: The dialogue concerning Iblis's refusal to prostrate to Adam. - Significance: Highlights the destructive nature of arrogance, racism (judging based on origin - fire vs. clay), and disobedience to Allah's command.
• 15:49-50: "Inform My servants, [O Muhammad], that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful. And that it is My punishment which is the painful punishment." - Significance: Balances the understanding of Allah's boundless mercy with the reality of His severe justice for persistent defiance.
• 15:87: "And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often-repeated [verses] (Al-Fatihah) and the great Qur'an." - Significance: Emphasizes the immense value and status of Surah Al-Fatihah and the entire Quran as divine gifts.
• 15:99: "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death)." - Significance: A command for lifelong devotion, perseverance in worship, and remembrance of Allah until one's last breath.

Stories

• Creation of Adam (AS) and the Jinn; Iblis's refusal to prostrate 15:26-43.
• Angels visiting Ibrahim (AS) with glad tidings and news of Lut's people's destruction 15:51-60.
• Destruction of the people of Lut (AS) for their immorality 15:61-77.
• Destruction of the Companions of the Rocky Tract (Ashab al-Hijr / Thamud) for rejecting their Prophet (Salih AS) 15:80-84.

Personalities

• Adam (AS): The first human, created from clay; angels prostrated to him by Allah's command. His story here highlights obedience vs. disobedience 15:26-33.
• Iblis (Satan): A Jinn who refused Allah's command out of arrogance; cursed and serves as a primary example of pride leading to eternal damnation 15:30-43.
• Ibrahim (AS): Visited by angel-messengers, received glad tidings of a son (Ishaq) despite old age, showed concern for Lut's people 15:51-56.
• Lut (AS): Prophet whose people were destroyed; he and his believing family (except his wife) were saved 15:57-77.
• Ashab al-Hijr (Companions of the Rocky Tract): The people of Thamud (Prophet Salih AS's people, though Salih is not named in this chapter); known for carving homes in mountains, destroyed for their disbelief 15:80-84.
• Muhammad (PBUH): Directly addressed throughout the latter part, comforted, reassured, commanded to proclaim the message, be patient, and worship (e.g., 15:87, 94, 99).

Practical Guidance

• Humility: Recognize that arrogance and pride (like Iblis's) are paths to ruin; true honor lies in obeying Allah.
• Trust in Allah's Word: Have full confidence that the Quran is preserved by Allah and is the ultimate source of guidance.
• Learn from History: Understand that rejecting divine guidance has severe consequences, as seen in the fates of past nations.
• Value the Quran & Al-Fatihah: Appreciate these gifts from Allah and engage with them regularly for guidance and spiritual nourishment.
• Patience in Dawah & Life: When facing mockery or opposition for faith, practice patience, focus on those receptive, and turn away from the ignorant without compromising the message.
• Consistency in Worship: Strive for lifelong devotion to Allah, remembering Him and fulfilling obligations until death.
• Balanced Understanding: Recognize both Allah's infinite Mercy (seeking it always) and His Justice (avoiding His wrath).

Points of Reflection

• How can the story of Iblis's justification for disobedience 15:33 serve as a personal check against hidden arrogance or prejudice in my own heart?
• Considering Allah guarantees the Quran's protection 15:9, what is my personal responsibility towards understanding, applying, and sharing its message?
• How can I implement the command to "Worship your Lord until certainty comes" 15:99 in my daily life, ensuring consistency beyond moments of high motivation?

Connection to Chapters

• Preceded by Surah Ibrahim (14): Surah Ibrahim also deals extensively with prophethood, warnings to disbelievers (especially the Quraysh), the story of Ibrahim (AS), and the contrast between gratitude and disbelief. Al-Hijr continues these themes, adding further historical examples (Lut, Ashab al-Hijr) and the significant declaration about the Quran's protection.
• Followed by Surah An-Nahl (16): While Al-Hijr focuses heavily on warnings and past nations, An-Nahl ("The Bee") shifts towards elaborating on Allah's numerous blessings and signs in creation as proofs of His divinity and reasons for gratitude, though it also contains warnings. The sequence moves from historical/theological warnings towards contemplation of Allah's power and grace in the natural world.