Sublime & Profound: The Message Conveyed in Surah Rahman

The Holy Quran has 114 Surahs and for ease of reading, it is divided into 30 parts. It was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the angel Gabriel over a period spanning 23 years, beginning in 610 CE in Makkah and Medina and ending with Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) death in 632 CE. The Quran covers many topics, mainly the oneness of God, the importance of worship, the afterlife, and the creation of the universe. It explains how generations of yore disregarded the Prophets sent by Allah to them (with some exceptions) and how they subsequently met their doom. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is the last Prophet sent to humanity and the Holy Quran is the last revelation sent to mankind. Allah has ensured that the message of the Quran will remain pure and intact and will not be tainted or destroyed until the end of time. In Surah Hijr (15:9) of the Quran it states,

“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).”

This verse is a testament to the divine promise that the Quran will remain unchanged and preserved in its original form, as it has remained for the last 14 centuries. Surah Ar-Rahman, or Surah Rahman, is the 55th chapter of the Quran and is titled “The Most Beneficent”. The chapter contains 78 verses, and most scholars agree that it is a Makki Surah (revealed in the holy city of Makkah). It describes Allah’s creation, blessings, and punishments, as well as His supreme sovereign and dominion. The title can be translated as “The Most Gracious”, “The All Merciful”, “The Lord of Mercy”, or “The Mercy-Giving”. The divine appellation “Ar-Rahman” also appears in the opening formula that precedes every Surah except Surah 9. Ar-Rahman is also one of the 99 names of Allah. The immense beauty of Surah Rahman lies in its rhythm and cadence that has a profound impact on the believer’s mind, especially if its read and understood with depth and meaning. Its rhythmic structure and captivating verses have a wealth of meaning despite its brevity and they leave a long-lasting influence on the mind of the reader. The Surah constantly steers our minds towards reflecting upon Allah’s benevolence. Since this Surah begins with the Merciful attribute of Allah Almighty, the readers find that this Surah dwells more on rewards to the believers than punishment to the nonbelievers and the disbelievers. In the beginning, the Surah is addressed directly to humanity, the ‘viceregents’ of the earth, (from among them the Messengers of Allah have been raised, and through them the Divine Books have been revealed), but from verse 13 onward both men and jinn are addressed together. Prominent Muslim scholar Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi in his book Tafhim al-Qur’an (The Meaning of the Qur’an) points out that, “This is the only Surah of the Qur’an in which, besides men, the jinn too have been directly addressed, and both men and jinn have been made to realize the wonders of Allah’s power, His countless blessings, their own helplessness and accountability before Him, and have been warned of the evil consequences of His disobedience and made aware of the best results of His obedience.”  The Surah highlights various blessings bestowed by Allah and delineates the wonders of Allah’s creation, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, and the oceans. The Surah also emphasizes the transitory nature of worldly possessions and clearly states the inevitability of death. It entreats with mankind to seek Allah’s forgiveness and be eternally grateful for the blessings granted to them. It proves the pinnacle of Allah’s power and His ultimate dominion over the universe and beyond. It constantly stresses that human beings have to give accountability for their actions and they will receive reward or punishment for their deeds, as Allah will see fit. Readers find Surah Rahman deeply eloquent because of the captivating verse which is the centerpiece of the Surah and that is repeated within it 31 times – “Fa bi ala e-Rabbi kuma fi kathiban”- which when translated means – “So which of the favors of your Lord will you then deny?”  The frequent reiteration of these lines interspersed within the Surah keep reminding the believer to be cognizant of Allah’s innumerable favors and bounties, which we should never make light of or ignore. Abu Jafr ibn Jarir said, “The Prophet (PBUH) went to the companions and recited Surah Rahman and they were awed and silent. He told them that when he recited it to the jinn they gave a fitting response. He said when he recited the verses, ‘And which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?’ The Jinn responded by saying ‘There is nothing among your bounties that we can deny, all praises belong to Allah.’”. Blessings gained from Reading Surah Rahman Reciting any Surah from the Holy Quran can always benefit a believer and bring peace to a troubled soul. So too does recitation of Surah Rahman, which can bring spiritual peace and tranquility to the heart. The rhythmic flow of its verses can help calm the mind, as we connect with the divine presence of Allah. It can also be a powerful remedy for stress and anxiety, providing solace in times of distress. This beautiful surah and its recitation can heal our spirit in times of despair, fulfill our needs, repel negative feelings, help us to gain blessings, and can bring peace into our troubled life. Its recitation and pondering over its meanings bring us closer to Allah, opens our eyes to the truth, and acknowledges the good fortunes that we have in life. Therefore, reading it assists in removing many questions that cloud our mind’s judgement, eventually leading to the tranquility of our soul. The Message in Surah Rahman: The Surah begins with the reassuring message that Allah favors humanity, and therefore He revealed the Qur’an to His servants in benevolence. His mercy is for His creation, hence He made memorizing and understanding the Quran easy for mankind. (Ibn Kathir1-4) Verses 1-25 The Surah elaborates upon the idea of Allah’s divine plan regarding the well ordained and calculated cycle of the sun and the moon, and the smooth succession of the day and night. All these are marvels granted to us by Allah that are extremely precise and balanced. These ideas have been explained in other Surahs of the Quran as well, such as,

“Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the moving creatures, and many of the people?” [Surah Al Hajj 22:18]

“It is not permitted for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.” [Surah Yasin 36:40]

In the next verses, mankind is encouraged to observe fairness in all their transactions, especially those involving weights and measures, as this is sacrosanct with the message Allah has conveyed. In Surah Ash Shura Allah states,

“Give full measure and do not be of those who cause loss And weigh with an even balance.” [Surah Ash Shuara 26:181-182]

Allah further mentions that he has laid out the earth for the creation, and has created grain, husks, palm trees and fruits for all those living upon the earth. Ibn Kathir says, “The meanings here, and Allah knows best, are the various crops that produce straw, such as wheat and barley, and Rayhan are the leaves that grow on the stems.” (Ibn Kathir Verses 11-12) Then the line which gives this Surah its unique identity is introduced here for the first time – “Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?” (Verse 13) Allah tells us of the distinctive creation of mankind and jinn from clay and from smokeless fire respectively, and that He is the Lord of the two sunrises and sunsets. Elsewhere in the Quran it is mentioned,

“So, I swear by the Lord of all the points of sunrise and sunset….” [Surah Al Maarij 70:40]

“The Lord of the east and the west; there is no deity except Him. So take Him as a Disposer of your affairs.” [Surah Al Muzzammil 73:9]

The Surah now mentions the barrier between the two seas of fresh and salty water – so distinctive that, by Allah’s will, neither of them merge. Regarding Allah’s statement, ‘meeting together’, Ibn Zayd said, “He prevents them from meeting by the dividing barrier He placed between them to separate them.”’ (Ibn Kathir)

“And it is He Who has let free the two seas: one palatable and sweet, and the other salty and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them.” [Surah Al Furqan 25:53]

It is from this sea that mankind can get amazing precious jewels, such as pearls and corals. The Surah specifies that the ships sail on mountainous waves, and Allah can carry them and their cargo to safety or destroy them as He wishes. “‘And His are Al-Jawar Al-Munsha’at,’ meaning the ships that float…” (Ibn Kathir) Humans are reminded to constantly reflect on these favors because without Allah’s mercy we would be devoid of these bountiful blessings, many of which humans disregard as they feel they are entitled to have these blessings. Verses 26-55 Allah unequivocally states that eventually all beings on earth will perish and only Allah will remain in His Majesty and Honor.

“There is no deity except Him. Everything will perish, save His face.” [Surah Al Qasas 28:88]

Further it is stated that it is Allah’s authority that settles all matters between heaven and earth and no one can pass beyond the realms of heaven and earth except with the divine permission of Allah Almighty. Meaning, “You will never be able to escape Allah’s orders and decrees, because it encompasses you….”  (Ibn Kathir Verse 33) Mankind and Jinn are cautioned that they could face Allah’s wrath if they do not adhere to the commandments of Allah. Simultaneously, the Surah gives reassurance to those who do good, have faith in Allah and His book – which serves as a significant indicator of Allah’s countless blessings and mercies upon men of good deed.

“And those who earned evil deeds, the recompense of an evil deed is the like thereof, and humiliating disgrace will cover them. No defender will they have from Allah. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” [Surah Yunus 10:27]

Ibn Kathir says, “The day the heavens will be split asunder, the actions of mankind and jinn will be known by their ‘marks’…. special marks that distinguish them. This will be in contrast to the marks that distinguish the believers… the light that appeared on parts of their body that they washed will performing ablution.”

“And (remember) the Day when the heaven shall be rent asunder with emergent clouds, and the angels will be sent down, with a grand descending.” [Surah Al Furqan 25:25]

Qatadah said, “On that day they will be questioned and then their mouths will be sealed and their hands and feet will reveal what they used to do.” (Ibn Kathir Verse 40) Here the disbelievers are given dire warnings, as Allah describes hell as a place of fire and hamim a drink like molten copper. The sinners will be seized by their forehead and feet and thrown into the fire. (Ibn Kathir Verses 43-44)

“When the neck collars will be rounded over their necks, and the chains, they shall be dragged along, in the hamim, then they will be burned in the Fire.” [Surah Ghafir 40:71-72]

As for the upstanding believers, paradise is described eloquently as the place where there will be gardens with the choicest fruits to eat, and beds with silk brocades for the righteous to recline on. Hasan Al Basri has stated that the two springs of water are called Tasnim and Salsabeel. (Ibn Kathir Verse 50)

“As for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from unlawful inclination, then indeed Paradise will be his refuge….” [Surah An Naziat 79:40-41]

Ibn Kathir says, “Therein, there are delights that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard and no heart has ever imagined.’” (Ibn Kathir Verse 53)  Verses 56-78 Those who have taqwa are promised the magnificent gardens of Paradise, which are described here as lush and green with water gushing from springs. These gardens are for those who restrained himself from desires and did not indulge nor prefer this worldly life. Ibn Kathir says, “Allah declares that in the Hereafter, all that is good and righteous is the only befitting reward for those who do good deeds in this life, and these are tremendous blessings that cannot be earned merely by good deeds, but by Allah’s favor and bounty.” He also says, “Verily, the first group that will enter Paradise will look like the moon when it is full, and the next batch will be as radiant as the radiant star in the sky.” (Ibn Kathir) Abu Musa said, “There are two gardens made of gold for the near believers (muqarribin) and two gardens of silver for those on the right (ashab al-yameen).” Ibn Kathir says, “The two gardens are lower in virtue and in status than the two before them.” Some of the delectable fruits mentioned here are date palms and pomegranates. Ibn Kathir says, “There will be khayrat hisan – which are various types of good and delightful things in these two gardens in Paradise, according to Qatadah.” (Ibn Kathir -54) Mention is made in these verses of the qasirat at-tarf or virtuous females, who are “untouched” by men and jinn, and they will be companions to the believers in Paradise. They are compared to rubies and pearls, and they will be serving the upright believing servants of Allah. Ibn Kathir says, “These qasirat at-tarf, will be chaste females, restraining their glances, desiring none except their husbands, seeing them as the most beautiful men in Paradise.” (Ibn Kathir Verse 56) This was said by Ibn Abbas, Qatadah, Ata’ Al-Khurasani and Ibn Zayd. These fair and beautiful women move among the pavilions, which in turn, are decorated with green cushions (rafraf) and paved with rich carpets, and the couches will be covered with istabrakh, a thick silk brocade, according to Ikrimah, Ad-Dahhak and Qatadah. The Prophet (PBUH) said that,

“Verily, in Paradise the believer will have a tent made of a hollow pearl, the length thereof being sixty miles.” (Muslim)

The Surah ends by praising Allah, the Almighty and Exalted – termed Dhil Jalal Wal Ikram. Ibn Kathir says, “It indicates that He is Worthy of being revered, and thus, never defied; and always obeyed, and thus, never disobeyed.” Abdullah bin Abbas said that Dhil Jalal wal Ikram means, “The Owner of greatness and pride.” The Surah highlights the importance of navigating life’s challenges with implicit trust in Allah, acknowledging that He is the ultimate guide for the entire creation. It encourages the believers to embark on life’s journey with faith, seeking Allah’s mercy and protection. The repetition of, “Then which of your Lord’s favors would you deny?” throughout the surah underscores the significance of gratitude and the uncountable blessings bestowed upon humanity by Allah, and how we must ponder over these benedictions and constantly express our reverence and gratitude to Allah by firstly valuing these favors and concurrently making use of them wisely and justly. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (ra) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said,

“Everything has an adornment, and the adornment of the Quran is Surah Rahman.”