In the Shade of the Qur'an by Sayyid Qutb

This sūrah begins and ends with an address to the Prophet explaining his task and outlining the limits of his duties. It is not a mission of distress that has been imposed on him, nor is it an affliction which he has to endure. It is a mission of advocacy and admonition, giving good news and warning against wrongdoing. The ultimate judgement over people is exercised by God, the One, who has no partners, and who controls the whole universe, with all that appears of it and what remains hidden.

God is the One who is fully aware of all hearts’ secrets, and to whom all people prostrate. It is to Him that all people, obedient and sinners, refer. Hence, the Prophet should not be bothered by whoever chooses the path of unbelief. He should not be distressed over their denial of the truth.

Between the opening and the close, the sūrah relates the history of Moses from the point when he received his first revelations to the adoption by the Israelites of the calf as an object of worship. All is related here in full detail, especially the discourse between God and His servant Moses, the argument between Moses and Pharaoh, and the contest between Moses and the Egyptian sorcerers. Within the story, we see how God takes good care of Moses, whom He brought up the way He wanted. It was to Moses and his brother that He said: “Have no fear; for I shall be with you: I hear all and I see all.” (Verse 46)

Adam’s story is given in a short, quick account, highlighting the grace God bestowed on him after he committed his offence. It speaks of the guidance God gave him as also how He allowed his offspring to make their own free choice, whether to follow divine guidance or fall into error, after they were repeatedly warned.

This story is surrounded by scenes of the hereafter, which makes it sound as though it is a complement to what happened on high, right at the very beginning of human life. Thus God’s obedient servants will return to heaven, while those who disobey Him are destined for the fire, in confirmation of what was said to Adam at the time he descended to earth. Thus the sūrah is made of two parts: the first includes the opening address to the Prophet: “We did not bestow this Qur’ān on you from on high to cause you distress, but only as an admonition to the God-fearing.” (Verses 2-3) This is followed by the story of Moses, which is given as an example of the care God takes of those whom He chooses to convey His message to people. They will not suffer distress on account of their task, as they receive His care.

The second part of the sūrah provides some scenes of the Day of Judgement as well as Adam’s story. Both fit in well with the opening of the sūrah and the story of Moses. The end of the sūrah is thus similar to its beginning, providing a consistent and distinctive atmosphere.

The sūrah, however, is distinguished by a special, sublime and majestic air which touches our hearts. It generates a sense of reassurance and submission to God Almighty. This air is generated by the scene when God, the Most Merciful, makes His presence felt by His servant Moses in the sacred valley, and the long discourse in the deep silence of the night, when Moses is totally alone, except for his Lord’s presence. The whole universe responds to this long discourse. This is further amplified by the scene of God’s presence on the Day of Resurrection when all creatures are gathered: “All sounds will be hushed before the Most Merciful, and you will hear nothing but a faint sough in the air.” (Verse 108) “All faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Self- Subsisting Lord.” (Verse 111)

The rhythm of the whole sūrah employs the same beat, from start to finish, providing a pleasant, relaxing feeling that opens up to the universe. It is further enhanced by the choice of a long ‘a sound for verse endings, throughout the entire sūrah, excepting a small number of verses.