quran chapter 8

094 – Al Inshiraah – The Expansion

The chapter is a continuation of Sura Al Dhuhaa (93) and  begins with a reminder of the blessing that Allah has bestowed upon the Prophet of strengthening him spiritually to be able to undertake the mammoth task of conveying the Divine message. This is followed by the reassurance that every difficulty is co joined with two eases and the command to continually strive in His way towards one’s full potential. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

061 – Al Saff – The Rows

This chapter is one of the Musabbihaat and thus begins with the declaration of perfection (flawlessness) and emphasises the importance of discipline in every aspect of life, giving the example of fighting in his way like a wall (organised and unified in his cause)

The chapter continues with a brief mention of the opposition encountered by Prophet Musa (pbuh) and Prophet Isa (pbuh). The condemnation of those who covered up the truth and opposed Divine Guidance leads to the formula of success and its rewards being belief in Allah and His Messenger and striving with oneself and one’s property to reach one’s full potential. The chapter ends with an encouragement to be like the disciples of Prophet Isa (pbuh).

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

055 – Al Rahmaan – The Merciful

This is the only chapter that begins with a Divine Name and addresses both human beings and the jinn. The chapter is early Madani and/or late Makki and the audience is therefore a combination of the stubborn Makkans who required continuous repetition and the hypocrites who only accepted Islam as lip service. 

The first section discusses the nature of the The All Compassionate as the Teacher, Creator and the One who assists to articulate speech. It then transitions into reflection of Divine blessings in the world, which is followed by a graphic description of the Day of Qiyama and the fate of the deniers of truth.

The chapter then looks at the two levels of Janna for those who are God conscious and grateful and ends with the concept that the attribute of Al Rahmaan empowers an  increase beyond expectation.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

018 – Al Kahf – The Cave

The chapter begins with the assertion that the Qur’an is the strongest standing miracle that will not sway. It continues with the narrative of the inhabitants of the cave from which the chapter takes its name. They left their homes to escape religious persecution and were given Divine protection through a miraculous sleep. 

This is followed by a story of the owners of two gardens where one is afflicted because he is arrogant and does not express gratitude for blessings. 

The chapter then mentions the disobedience of Shaytaan when it came to obedience to Divinity. 

The Qur’an as that which contains every kind of parable for human beings follows after which is mentioned the narration of Prophet Musa and his encounter with Prophet Khidr who is kept alive by Allah beyond the range of normal human life. 

The chapter then narrates the story of Dhulqarnayn who journeys from east to west to establish religious sovereignty over the land. 

It closes with the Day of Judgement, Janna and Jahannam and finally the inexhaustibility of Divine words followed by a reminder that the Prophet is a human being to whom Divine revelation was sent. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

017 – Al Israa – The Night Journey

The chapter takes its name from the first verse which refers to the night journey (israa) of the Prophet from Makka to Jerusalem from where the ascension (mi’raj) happened.  The chapter is also referred to as Bani Israail as verses 4-8 discuss their historical destruction. 

The human being’s need for instant gratification is followed by the Qur’anic version of the ten commandments.  A warning against Shaitan, and believers are instructed to pray the mandatory prayers and the night  prayer.   There is a brief account of the creation of Prophet Adam as well as Prophet Musa’s confrontation with Pharaoh and deliverance of the children of Israail. 

Finally the chapter discusses various qualities of the Qur’an; its revelation in portions and the awesomeness of the effects of  its message for those who follow it and an order to call upon Divinity through His attributes. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

016 – Al Nahl – The Bee

The chapter begins with the specific blessings Divinity has blessed human beings with. These include the benefits and uses of livestock, water, crops, vegetation, the sea and its bounties, celestial bodies, mountains, stream, stars and other landmarks that provide guidance for travel. It continues with the denial of those who covered up the truth of accountability and their arrogance towards the Prophet, accusing him of fabricating revelation. There are repeated warnings of punishment as a consequence.

Verses 48-52 focus on the nature of all created beings to prostrate to Divinity with the shadow presented as a symbolic illustration that all creation ultimately submits to Allah.  The chapter transitions into further reflections on nature such as water, milk, drinks from palm and grapes, bees & honey, the human being, birds… And parables to display the awesomeness of Allah followed by a comparison of those who are grateful versus those who are ungrateful and the consequences on the Day of Judgement.  A focus on the character of Prophet Ibraheem (pbuh) follows as well as an exhortation to follow his creed.

The chapter closes with instructions of how to call humanity to Divinity with wisdom, beautiful words, debating with what is better and responding with patience and restraint when wronged. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

015 – Al Hijr – The Rock

The chapter begins with the actions of those who defiantly opposed the Prophet and the inevitability of Divine punishment. It responds to their demands of bringing angels saying that nothing the Prophet brought them would make them believe. After reflection on creation, the rebelliousness of those who opposed the Prophet is compared to the arrogance and refusal of shaytaan to obey Allah when asked to do sajda when Adam was created. 

The chapter then talks of the angels who visited Prophet Ibraheem and recounts the destruction of the people of Lut. A mention of the people of Ayka, to whom Prophet Shuayb was sent, is followed by a mention of the people of Hijr (Thamood) to whom Prophet Salih was sent and from which the chapter takes its name. 

It ends with consolation and encouragement to the Prophet not to grieve over his peoples’ rejection of him as Allah is Sufficient as a validator for him and the Qur’an. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city