In the Shade of the Qur'an by Sayyid Qutb

Ha. Mim. This book is bestowed from on high by God, the Almighty, the Wise. We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them otherwise than in accordance with the truth, and for an appointed term. Yet the unbelievers ignore the warnings they have been given. (Verses 1-3)

As the surah opens it touches on the link between the letters of the Arabic language they speak and the Qur’an, a book composed of the same letters but unlike anything people say or write. This, in itself, is sufficient evidence to testify to the fact that the Qur’an is revealed from on high by God, the Almighty, the Wise. It also touches on the relationship between God’s recited book and the book of the universe we behold and which He made. Both books are made with the truth and according to careful planning. The fact that the Qur’an is bestowed from on high by the Almighty testifies to His power and absolute wisdom. Likewise, the creation of the universe is an act of truth: “ We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them otherwise than in accordance with the truth.” (Verse 3) It is subject to elaborate planning: “and for an appointed term.” (Verse 3) Thus, God’s purpose behind creation is fulfilled and all that He has willed through the process of creation is accomplished.

Both books are open, available to ears and eyes to contemplate. Each testifies to God’s power and wisdom, indicating His planning. Indeed the book of the universe affirms the truth of the revealed book and its promises and warnings. “Yet the unbelievers ignore the warnings they have been given.” (Verse 3) This is indeed most singular.

The revealed book states that the Godhead is One and that He is the Lord of everything, since He is the Creator who controls and determines all. The book of the universe also affirms this same truth:

its system, balance and harmony confirm that the Maker is the One who makes everything on the basis of comprehensive and unerring knowledge. Indeed, everything bears the same mark of the One Maker.

How can anyone then claim that there are deities other than Him?

What have such alleged deities created? What share do they have in the universe? “Say; Have you thought of those whom you invoke besides God?

Show me what part of the earth they have created, or which share of the heavens they own. Bring me a book revealed before this, or some other vestige of knowledge, if what you claim is true” (Verse 4)

Thus, God instructs His messenger to put before people the testimony of the book of the universe, as it admits no dispute and addresses human nature according to its own logic. “Show me what part of the earth they have created.” No one will ever say that such worshipped deities, be they statues made of stone, trees, jinn, angels or any other, ever created any part of the earth or anything that lives on earth. Human nature flies in the face of anyone making such a suggestion. “Or which share of the heavens they own?' (Verse 4) Nor will any human being claim that any worshipped deity has ever had any share in the creation of the heavens, or that they own any share in them. A glance at the sky is sufficient to fill our hearts with a clear sense of the Creators greatness and oneness, and to discard all deviant beliefs and absurdities. God, who bestowed the Qur’an from on high, knows the effect of contemplating the universe on people’s minds and hearts. Therefore, He directs us to look at the book of the universe and listen to its message.

Some people, however, make assertions that rely on neither proof nor evidence. The Qur’an does not allow them much leeway in this respect. Instead it requires that they provide evidence and proof in support of their claims and teaches them the method of proof putting before them a complete system of consideration, reflection and conclusion drawing: “Bring me a book revealed before this, or some other vestige of knowledge, if what you claim is true” (Verse 4) Thus, they have to rely either on a true book revealed by God, or a proved piece of evidence that has survived over time. All books revealed before the Quran emphatically assert the oneness of God, the Creator. None of them assigns even a shred of validity to the legends that speak of multiple deities, or suggests that they have any share in the creation of the earth or the ownership of the heavens. Nor is there any vestige of knowledge to support such absurd claims.

Thus the Qur’an puts before them the testimony of the universe, which is clear and decisive, discounts any claim that has no supporting evidence and teaches them the method of proof; all this in one verse using a small number of words, but with strong rhythm and sound argument.

The Qur’an also invites them to take an objective look at those beings alleged to be deities. It points to the obvious error behind such claims when these entities can neither respond to them nor show any awareness of them in this present life. Furthermore, they will stand against the unbelievers on the Day of Resurrection, denying all their claims:

Who is in greater error than one who invokes, instead of God, such as will not respond to him till the Day of Resurrection, and are not even conscious of being invoked? When all mankind are gathered [for judgement], these will be enemies to them and will disown their worship, (Verses 5-6)

Some of the unbelievers considered their idols to be deities, either in themselves or as statues representing the angels. Others worshipped trees while still others worshipped the angels directly or even Satan.

Yet none of these so-called deities respond to those invoking them, or at least make a useful response. Statues and trees give no response whatsoever, angels do not respond to anyone who associates partners with God, while the devils’ response is only one of whispering and leading people astray. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, when all are gathered before their Lord, all alleged deities disown their errant worshippers. Even Satan disowns them, as clearly stated in another surah'. “And when everything will have been decided, Satan will say:

"God has made you a true promise. I, too, made promises to you, but I did not keep them. Yet I had no power at all over you, except that I called you and you responded to me. Hence, do not now blame me, but blame yourselves. It is not for me to respond to your cries, nor for you to respond to mine. I have already disclaimed your associating me with God. "Indeed, for all wrongdoers there is grievous suffering in store” (14: 22)

Thus, after having explained to them the universal truth that rejects their claims, the Qur’an puts their own claims before their eyes, showing them what effect these claims have in this world and in the life to come. In both, the truth of God’s oneness is clearly seen as the book of the universe proves it. The idolaters should espouse this if they care about what happens to them in this life and in the life to come.

This strong denunciation of idolatry referred, at the time of Qur’anic revelation, to the deities worshipped by different communities during different periods of history. However, the Qur’anic statements in this case have a broader significance and farther application than the historical situation then pertaining. What error is greater than one creature invoking another instead of God, at any time and place? Every creature thus invoked, regardless of its identity and status, will not and cannot make any response to those who invoke it. It is God alone who does what He wants. Polytheism is not limited to the naive form practised by the idolaters of old. Many are those who associate with God partners from among people who have power, influence, wealth or position; they appeal to them for help. Yet these are also too weak to make any significant response to their appealers. None has any power to cause benefit or harm even to themselves. Appealing to them, placing hope in them and fearing them are all forms of subtle idolatry, which is unfortunately practised by many even though they do not recognize it as such.

The surah now discusses their attitude towards the Prophet and his true message, establishing the truth of revelation as it has already established the truth of God’s oneness:

Whenever Our revelations are recited to them in all their clarity, the unbelievers describe the truth when it is delivered to them: 'This is plain sorcery. ’ Do they say: 'He has invented it himself? Say: 'If I have invented it, you cannot be of the Least help to me against God.

He is fully aware of what you say amongst yourselves about it. Sufficient is He as a witness between me and you. He is Much-Forgiving, Ever- Merciful. Say: 'I am not the first of God's messengers. I do not know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is being revealed to me. I am only a plain warner. Say: 'Have you thought:

what if this Quran is really from God and you reject it? What if a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity [to earlier scriptures], and has believed in it while you glory in your arrogance? God does not guide wrongdoers.' The unbelievers say of those who believe: 'If this [message] were any good, these people would not have preceded us in accepting it. 'Since they refuse to be guided by it, they will always say, 'This is an ancient falsehood.' Yet before this the book of Moses was revealed as a guide and a [sign of God's] grace.

This book confirms it in the Arabic tongue, to warn the wrongdoers and to give good news to those who do good. (Verses 7-12)

The surah first rebukes them for the reception they gave to God’s revelations when it is given ‘in all clarity’, free of ambiguity, leaving no room for doubt. Besides, it presents the indisputable truth. Yet they describe this revelation as 'plain sorcery . As we all know, truth is vastly different from sorcery; the two cannot be confused or viewed in the same way. Thus the surah begins its discussion by refuting their ridiculous claims.

It then picks up on their other claim alleging that the Prophet had 'invented it. It states this in the form of a question, not a report, giving the impression that such a thing cannot be made or at least is unlikely to be made: "Do they say: 'He has invented it himself'?' (Verse 8) What a shameless claim! The Prophet is instructed to reply to them in all the politeness that fits his position as a prophet of God, reflecting his understanding of his Lord and his mission, as well as his knowledge of the true power and values in the universe: "Say: If I have invented it, you cannot be of the least help to me against God. He is fully aware of what you say amongst yourselves about it. Sufficient is He as a witness between me and you. He is Much-Forgiving, Ever-Merciful” (Verse 8)

Essentially, the Prophet is instructed to ask them: how, for whose interest and for what objective would I invent it? Would I invent it so that you can believe in and follow me? If this is the case, you cannot help me in the least against God. He will surely hold me to account.

What use would it be to me if you follow me, when you cannot give me the slightest support or protection when God punishes me for such invention?

This is a fit response from a Prophet who is instructed by God, and who recognizes no power in the universe other than His. Besides, it is a logical response which, when objectively considered, appears to the addressees to be truly valid. The Prophet makes this response and leaves them to God for judgement: “He is fully aware of what you say amongst yourselves about it” (Verse 8) He is a witness to all that they say and do, and this is enough to ensure a fair judgement: “Sufficient is He as a witness between me and you.” Yet, “He is Much-Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.” (Verse 8) He may treat you with compassion, bestow His grace on you and guide you, forgiving you your earlier error. It is a response, then, that combines warning with persuasion. It gently touches hearts and makes people realize that the matter is far too serious to be left to their absurdities.

Yet another argument is provided, this time drawing on realities.

Why do they reject the idea of a Divine message being given through revelation? Why are they so quick to denounce it as sorcery or as an invention, when there is nothing strange or unusual about it? “Say: I am not the first of God's messengers. I do not know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is being revealed to me. I am only a plain warner(Verse 9)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not a totally new phenomenon: he was one in a line of God’s messengers. His situation was the same as all messengers who preceded him. He was an ordinary human being whom God knew to be suited to deliver His message.

Therefore, He gave him His revelations and the Prophet carried out Gods orders. This is what a Divine message is like. When a messenger of God feels this bond, he does not ask God for proof, nor does he request anything special for himself; he simply moves on to deliver Gods message as it is revealed to him. “/ do not know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is being revealed to mt” He gets on with the task of delivering his message, not because of any knowledge he has of the realm that lies beyond human perception, nor because of any information given to him about what will happen to him, his people or his message. He simply follows instructions, trusting his Lord, submitting himself to Him. The future is unknown to him; its secrets are with his Lord and he does not seek to know them. He has all the reassurance he needs, and he realizes that the proper attitude for him is not to look beyond the limits of the mission he has been assigned: “lam only a plain warner.” 9)

Those advocates of Islam endowed with profound insight into its message follow in the footsteps of the Prophet and find the same reassurance. They carry on with their advocacy of the Divine message seeking neither personal gain nor self interest. They do not know what the future holds for it or for them. They do not ask their Lord for evidence; they have all the evidence they need in their hearts. Nor do they pray for any special favour; it is sufficient favour for them that they follow this line. They discharge their duty, and this is enough for them. They do not overstep the fine line God has demarcated for them.

The surah then puts before the unbelievers a witness who is close at hand and whose testimony is particularly relevant because he belongs to an earlier Divine religion whose followers are aware of the nature of revelation:

Say: 'Have you thought: what if this Quran is really from God and you reject it? What if a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity [to earlier scriptures], and has believed in it while you glory in your arrogance? God does not guide wrongdoers. 9

(Verse 10)

This verse may refer to one or more of the Jews who, knowing the nature of the Torah, recognized that the Qur’an had the same nature as earlier revealed books and, therefore, declared themselves believers in Islam. There are reports that it refers specifically to 'Abdullah ibn Sallam. However, this surah was revealed in Makkah, and ‘Abdullah ibn Sallam only adopted Islam when the Prophet later migrated to Madinah. Other reports suggest that this verse was revealed in Madinah, thus confirming that it refers to this particular individual. Still other reports suggest that the verse was revealed in Makkah and hence would not refer to him. It may also be that the verse refers to a different situation that took place when the Prophet was still advocating his message in Makkah, when a small number of followers of earlier Divine religions adopted Islam. This would have been particularly significant for the idolater Arabs. Hence, the Qur’an refers to it more than once, delivering a strong counter argument to those idolaters who rejected the Divine message without any basis.

The surah uses a special style in presenting its argument to them:

“Have you thought: what if this Quran is really from God and you reject it?...” (Verse 10) It aims to shake their stubborn rejection and raise a fear within them concerning the eventual result. Since there is a possibility that the Qur’an may really be from God, as Muhammad (peace be upon him) says, should they not take precautions lest their rejection of it brings them to a terrible end? Could all the warnings it provides come true? Would they not be better advised to reflect on the whole matter lest they leave themselves open to all that it warns them against? Taking such precautions is all the wiser, considering that one or more of the people of Divine faiths confirmed that the Qur’an is of the same nature as earlier revealed scriptures, and followed this by declaring their belief in it. By contrast, they, whose language the Qur’an speaks, persist with their rejection. This is indeed blatant wrongdoing as it suppresses the truth. It deserves God’s punishment: “God does not guide wrongdoers.” (Verse 10)

The surah continues to report what the pagan Arabs said about the Qur’an and Islam. It specifically mentions their arrogance as they try to show themselves as superior to the believers:

The unbelievers say of those who believe: If this [message] were any good, these people would not have preceded us in accepting it. 9 Since they refuse to be guided by it, they will always say, 'This is an ancient falsehood/ (Verse 11)

Among the earliest Muslims were those who were poor and weak in Makkan society. To the arrogant elders of the Quraysh, this was a point of weakness. They boasted: ‘had Islam been good, we would have been the first to recognize its goodness. Those others could not have preceded us in following it. Given our positions, knowledge and understanding, we are better equipped to determine what is good.’ Yet this was not so. What stopped them from accepting Islam was not any doubt that they had about it or that they did not recognize how good and sound it was, but rather the fact that they were too proud to follow Muhammad’s lead. They especially feared any loss of their social position or their economic privileges. Moreover they were proud of their ancestors and what they believed in. By contrast, those who were quick to respond to the call of Islam paid little attention to such considerations. Pride always prevents the arrogant from listening to the voice of sound nature; it precludes them from accepting the truth. Pride and arrogance always make people stubborn, urging them to seek hollow excuses and make false claims about the truth and its advocates. They will never acknowledge that they are wrong. Indeed, they put themselves at the centre of life, as if they were the pivot around which life itself turns: “Since they refuse to be guided by it, they will always say, 'This is an ancient falsehood. (Verse 11) Since they have not acknowledged the truth, then there must be something wrong with it. They could not make a mistake. They try to impress on the masses what they feel of their own infallibility! The case for revelation concludes with a reference to Moses’ scriptures:

Yet before this the book of Moses was revealed as a guide and a [sign of God's] grace. This book confirms it in the Arabic tongue, to warn the wrongdoers and to give good news to those who do good. (Verse 12)

The Qur’an repeatedly refers to its bond with earlier Divine books, particularly the one given to Moses, considering that the one given to Jesus was a complement to the Torah, which contains the basic faith and legislation. Hence, Moses’ book is defined as ‘a guide , or imam in Arabic, and described as 'grace'. Indeed, all Divine messages are signs of His grace bestowed on earth and its inhabitants, in every sense of the word. It is grace and mercy extended throughout this life and in the life to come. This present book, the Qur’an, “confirms it in the Arabic tongue” It confirms the original source that forms the basis of all Divine religions and also the Divine code of life advocated by all religions. It confirms the true direction shown to humanity to ensure that it remains in contact with its Lord. The reference to its being in Arabic serves to remind the Arabs of Gods favour in choosing them to be the bearers of His message to humanity and choosing their language for the Qur’an. The verse also speaks of the nature and function of the message: “ To warn the wrongdoers and to give good news to those who do good.” (Verse 12).

At the end of this first part, the surah describes the reward of those who do good, explaining the good news the Qur’an gives them, making clear its necessary condition, which is acknowledgement of God’s Lordship and its implementation in human life:

Those who say, ‘Our Lord is God, 'and follow the straight path shall have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve. They are the ones destined for paradise where they shall abide as a reward for what they do.

(Verses 13-14)

What is required of them is that they say: ‘Our Lord is God' These are not idle words; indeed, they represent more than belief. They embody a complete system that applies to every step, action and feeling in life. They set up a criterion to judge every thought, event, action, relation, bond and person. Our Lord is God: to Him do we address our worship, it is Him that we seek and it is on Him alone that we rely. Our Lord is God: no one else matters; all our hopes look up to Him, and we fear none but He. Our Lord is God: in every thought, judgement and action we seek His pleasure. Our Lord is God: His is the law we implement, and from Him alone we receive guidance. Our Lord is God: all our bonds with anyone or thing in the whole world are subject to our relation with Him.

“And follow the straight path.” (Verse 13) This is the next step that defines a straight line that we should follow with reassurance and steady feelings, entertaining neither doubts nor fears. Thus, actions and behaviour will always be in line with Gods code, avoiding pitfalls and resisting all temptations.

So, the statement,‘ Our Lord is God,' outlines a system, and following this system after having consciously chosen it is a higher grade still.

Those whom God guides to have both are indeed the best people.

Hence, they “shall have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve” (Verse 13) Why would they fear anything or grieve over anything when they have a system that leads to God and following it is the best assurance to be with Him?

“ They are the ones destined for paradise where they shall abide as a reward for what they do.” (Verse 14) The phrase for what they do' explains the meaning of the statement, 'our Lord is God' diligent following of the system it outlines. It tells us that there is a type of action that earns the reward of abiding in heaven. It is the type of action that results from this particular system and its conscientious implementation. Thus we realize that the words and phrases of faith in Islam are not mere statements to be made verbally. The basic statement, ‘I bear witness that there is no deity other than God’, denotes a complete system. If it remains no more than a statement, it cannot be the cornerstone of Islam, as it always should be.

Millions of people repeat this declaration today, but it remains no more than words they utter. It produces no effect on their lives. They continue to lead a life based on a system that is akin to paganism while they repeat a declaration that for them remains hollow. To say, ‘I bear witness that there is no deity other than God’, or our Lord is God’, is to denote a system of life. This must be clear in our minds so that we can identify this system and follow it.