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68

Al-Qalam

The Pen

Verses

52

Revelation Period

Makkan

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Background Info

  • When & Where: Revealed in Mecca, considered one of the very earliest chapters (some scholars say the second revelation after Surah Al-Alaq).
  • The Situation: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had just begun his public preaching. The leaders of Quraysh reacted with hostility, mocking him and accusing him of being possessed or insane (majnun).
  • The Need: To defend the Prophet's (PBUH) character and the divine nature of his message right at the outset, refute the personal attacks against him, warn the arrogant detractors, and reassure and strengthen the Prophet (PBUH).
  • Purpose of the Chapter: To affirm the Prophet's (PBUH) high moral standard and sanity, confirm the Quran as divine revelation, warn the wealthy and arrogant Meccans through the parable of the 'Companions of the Garden' who lost their blessings due to arrogance and stinginess, and counsel the Prophet (PBUH) to be patient and not like Prophet Yunus (Jonah) in his impatience.
  • In short: Al-Qalam is a very early Meccan chapter defending the Prophet (PBUH) against accusations of madness, affirming his message, warning the arrogant opposition, and urging patience.

Core Message

To affirm and defend the high status and noble character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) against the disbelievers' accusations, while warning the detractors of consequences through a parable and descriptions of the Day of Judgment, and urging the Prophet (PBUH) towards patience.

Summary

This Surah begins with a powerful oath by the Pen and the written word, immediately defending the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) against claims of madness. Allah testifies to the Prophet's sublime moral character and promises him an unfailing reward . It starkly contrasts the Prophet's guidance with the misguidance of his opponents, warning them of a future reckoning where the truth will be clear .

The Surah then describes the characteristics of the stubborn deniers – those who are slanderers, hinderers of good, transgressors, and arrogant . It presents the illustrative parable of the "Owners of the Garden" (Ashab al-Jannah) who planned to selfishly hoard their produce but found their garden destroyed by divine decree overnight. Their story serves as a potent warning against ingratitude, arrogance, and neglecting the rights of the poor .

Finally, the Surah contrasts the reward of the pious (Gardens of Bliss) with the state of the wicked on the Day of Judgment, emphasizing their helplessness and regret . It counsels the Prophet (PBUH) to bear the accusations with patience, reminding him not to be like Prophet Yunus (AS) in his initial impatience, and concludes by affirming that the Quran is a vital reminder for all humankind, even as the disbelievers try to undermine the Prophet with their hostile stares and accusations .

Reason for the Name

Named after the oath Allah takes by the "Pen" (Al-Qalam) and what is written, mentioned in the very first verse . This highlights the significance of knowledge, writing, and the divine record.

Unique Features

  • Starts with the single Arabic letter "Nun" and the unique oath by "The Pen".
  • Contains the explicit divine declaration of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) "great moral character" .
  • Features the distinct and detailed parable of the "Owners of the Garden" (Ashab al-Jannah).
  • Its early revelation highlights the immediate challenges and defense associated with the Prophetic mission.

Themes

  • Divine defense of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
  • The importance of knowledge and the written word
  • High moral character vs. base traits ,
  • Arrogance, greed, and ingratitude (exemplified by the Garden Owners)
  • Consequences of disbelief and wrongdoing , ,
  • Patience and steadfastness in the face of adversity
  • The Quran as a universal message and reminder
  • Accountability on the Day of Judgment

Key Verses

  • "Nūn. By the pen and what they write!" - Significance: An oath emphasizing the value of the pen, writing, knowledge, and divine revelation.
  • "And indeed, you (O Muhammad) are of a great moral character." - Significance: A direct divine testimony affirming the Prophet's (PBUH) exceptional character against insults.
  • The Parable of the Owners of the Garden - Significance: A narrative warning against arrogance, stinginess, failing to acknowledge Allah's blessings, and neglecting the poor.
  • "So be patient for the decision of your Lord, [O Muhammad], and be not like the companion of the fish [Yunus] when he called out while he was distressed." - Significance: An instruction for patience, drawing a lesson from Prophet Yunus (AS).
  • "And it [the Quran] is not but a reminder to the worlds." - Significance: Highlights the universal scope and purpose of the Quranic message.

Stories

  • The Parable of the Owners of the Garden (Ashab al-Jannah) : Tells of inheritors who conspired to deny the poor their share of the harvest, leading to the destruction of their garden as a divine punishment and lesson.
  • Reference to Prophet Yunus (AS) (Companion of the Fish) : Briefly mentioned to illustrate the importance of patience and seeking Allah's forgiveness.

Personalities

  • Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The primary addressee, defended by Allah , praised for his character , and instructed to be patient .
  • Prophet Yunus (AS) (Sahib al-Hut / Companion of the Fish): His experience serves as a point of reference for patience .
  • The Owners of the Garden (Ashab al-Jannah): Anonymous figures whose story serves as a warning .

Practical Guidance

  • Emulate the high moral standard of the Prophet (PBUH) .
  • Be grateful for Allah's blessings and share them with the needy, avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance and greed shown by the Garden Owners .
  • Cultivate patience and perseverance, especially when facing difficulties or hostility for upholding truth .
  • Avoid negative traits like backbiting, slander, and hindering good deeds .
  • Recognize the Quran as a divine reminder meant for personal and communal guidance .
  • Reflect on accountability in the Hereafter as a motivation for righteous conduct.

Points of Reflection

  • How can the story of the Garden Owners serve as a check against my own potential heedlessness or selfishness regarding wealth and blessings?
  • In what ways does Allah's direct praise of the Prophet's character strengthen my conviction in his message?
  • When facing challenges, how can I apply the lesson of patience derived from the instruction given to the Prophet (PBUH) ?

Connection to Chapters

  • Follows Surah Al-Mulk (67), which details Allah's absolute sovereignty and power over creation. Al-Qalam (68) builds on this by defending Allah's chosen Messenger and warning those who deny His signs and dominion.
  • Precedes Surah Al-Haqqah (69), which focuses heavily on the reality and events of the Day of Judgment (The Inevitable Reality). Al-Qalam sets the stage by contrasting the fates of the righteous and wicked and warning of accountability, themes that Al-Haqqah elaborates on with powerful imagery.