In the Shade of the Qur'an by Sayyid Qutb

As a whole, this surah comes across as a superb symphony. From start to finish, a fine tune runs through its verbal structure, as well as its rhyming verse endings. This is especially apparent and deliberate at certain points, where a word is added or preferred to maintain the beat or the rhyme, in addition to how it enhances the meaning. One example is found in the two verses saying: “Have you considered al-Lat and al- (Uzza> and Manat, the third other?" (Verses 19-20) Had the second verse said, ‘and Manat, the third’, the metre would have been broken and the beat would not have been maintained. On the other hand, had it said, and Manat, the other one,’ the rhyme would not have been maintained. Each of the words used contributes to the meaning, but maintaining the metre and the rhyme is also deliberate. The same may be said where the word then is used in the verses: “Are you to have the male and He the female? That would then be an unfair division." (Verses 21-22) This word idhan, or then, is necessary to maintain the metre and the beat, but it also serves an artistic purpose.1

The beat in this surah is of a special musical type in which we note an easy variation and flow, particularly in the first and the last sections. Such variation and flow are in harmony with the images, lively shades and connotations we note in the opening section, as also with the meanings and superb touches in the closing section.

The opening provides images from the world on high where the events to which the surah refers take place. Further connotations are added by reference to the free movement of the trustworthy Spirit, the Angel Gabriel, as he appeared before the Prophet. All these images, scenes, connotations, movements and spiritual atmosphere interact with the tune and the beat in perfect harmony, mutually strengthening their effects. This imparts a special atmosphere to the whole surah, leaving a marked effect on its succeeding sections, until it concludes on a profoundly powerful note, one that is felt by every part of our souls and every cell in our bodies.

The theme the surah tackles is the one that pervades all surahs revealed in Makkah: faith and its major concepts consisting of revelation, God’s oneness and the hereafter. The surah tackles this from a particular angle emphasizing the truth of revelation and the solid foundation of faith as compared with the fallacy of idolatry, which lacks foundation.

The first section illustrates the truth and nature of revelation. It describes two scenes that confirm its actual process. This documents the fact that the Prophet received revelation from Gabriel, the angel, whom he saw, as also from the greatest signs of his Lord.

In the second section, the surah speaks of the unbelievers’ alleged deities, al-Lat, al-'Uzza and Manat. It also discusses their superstitions about the angels being God’s daughters. It states that the unbelievers rely on nothing but conjecture, which is devoid of truth. By contrast, the Prophet calls on them to believe in his message, which is certain to be true, with solid evidence.

The surah tells the Prophet in its third section that he should ignore those who turn away from God’s message, those who preoccupy themselves with this present world, knowing nothing beyond it. It also refers to the hereafter and what it provides of requital for people’s actions.

It mentions that God knows all beings, ever since He originated them from the earth and when they were still in their mothers’ wombs. Indeed, He knows them better than they know their own selves. Their requital will be based on this certain knowledge; it defines their destiny.

The fourth and final section speaks about the main themes of faith, which have remained the same since the earliest of the divine messages:

namely, individual responsibility, accurate reckoning, just reward, and the return of all creatures to their Lord who determines what happens to them as He wills. Added to this is a quick reference to the fate suffered by earlier communities that denied the divine message. The surah then concludes with a strong beat commanding all mankind to prostrate themselves before God and worship Him alone. Thus, the opening and the end provide a harmony of images, connotations, effects and musical tones.