Surah Kahf - A Makkan Surah

Surah Kahf - A Makkan Surah

The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in a span of 23 years. The Surahs or verses revealed in Makkah, Taif & areas outside of Makkah are known as Makkan Surahs. The Makkan phase lasted for about 13 years in which the Prophets (peace be upon him) prime task was to invite & call people towards Islam. The rest of the Surahs & verses revealed after he migrated to Medina in 622 C.E are known as Madinan Surahs.

The Knowledge about Makkan & Madinan surahs is one of the important branches of Ulum-ul-Qur’an. It is particularly important for the understanding & interpretation of the respective verses[1]. Surah Kahf which is the 18^th chapter of the Qur’an was revealed in Makkah. One can deduce from its subject matter & style that it is Makkan.

Theme

Makkan Surahs have short verses, catchy rhymes & a very strong rhythm. Surah Kahf follows the same theme. This pattern was, in order to catch the attention of those who opposed the message of Islam. It is fast paced; the verses are short & follows a strong rhythm.

Tawhid

Makkan Surahs were revealed at a time when people were in a state of disbelief. People knew there was a God they believed in but had idols as intermediaries whom they used to worship & made supplications to[2]. Makkan Surahs therefore carried a fundamental message about Tawhid. These surahs talk about the Oneness of Allah (swt) in his dominion, attributes & worship.

In Surah Kahf one can see in verse 4 that Allah (swt) is warning those who claim that Allah (swt) has taken a son. Ibn Ishaq hold that this verse is referring to the pagan Arabs who used to call the angels daughters of Allah(swt) & worship them. This is to warn them about associating partners with Allah(swt). In verse 5 their claim of Allah (swt) having a son or daughter is repulsed by saying that what comes out of their mouth is a lie which their forefathers believed and has been passed on through the generations. The pagans of Makkah held on strongly to the idols & things that their ancestors worshipped.

“And to warn those who say, Allah has taken a son. They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.”[3]

In Verse 26, the Surah again highlights another aspect of tawhid. Allah (swt) is the knower of the seen & the unseen. He sees all things & hears all things. Meaning that not only is His knowledge absolute, it encompasses everything & no one shares with Him in this knowledge. He is the only protector that we have & no one else beside him can protect us.

The Unseen

The early part of revelation speaks about the unseen. About the wonders & rewards of paradise to encourage people to do good deeds. It speaks about the torment of hell in order to discourage people from doing bad deeds. Such descriptions were also aimed at scaring the disbelievers into reconsidering their position before it became too late.[4]

In Verse 29 of Surah Kahf Allah (swt) mentions the fire of hell prepared for the wrongdoers. The walls of which will surround them each side as thick as a journey of 40 years & will be served with festering water which will be difficult to sip. It will rip apart their bowels & burn their skins. In Verse 30-31 Allah (swt) encourages believers of doing righteous deeds for a handsome  reward & the subsequent verses promises them of paradise, its bracelets, its garments etc.

The People of the Old

Makkan Surahs are known for mentioning historical examples of earlier civilizations like A’d, Thamud etc[5]. Surah Kahf narrates the story of the people of the Cave or known as the sleepers of the Cave. In verses 9-21, Allah (swt) has narrated the story of the Ashab Al Kahf. The story is about young people who believe in the Oneness of Allah; again one can see how the aspect of Tawhid is being highlighted. These young people make migration from their land towards the cave to protect themselves from trials & tribulations & from fear of being persecuted by the King of their time. In the Makkan period the Muslims had to undergo persecution & torture at the hands of the disbelievers & this narrative served to inspire them to be righteous and patient and to have faith in Allah’s (swt) deliverance.

In Verse 32-44, Allah(swt) narrates us a story from the past about two brothers, one who spent his wealth in the path of Allah(swt) & the other  who was arrogant & haughty about his wealth.  Many of the Messengers were rejected on the basis of wealth & children. When the arrogant individual enters his garden, his arrogance makes him proclaim that none of what he possessed would ever perish & that the final day would never come and even if it did, he would surely find a reward better than what he already had. This relates directly to the leaders of Pagan Makkah. They were proud of their wealth & status over the poor & weak Muslims, they were inconsiderate of their oppressive behavior and deemed themselves to be righteous and deserving .[6]

In Verses 60-82, the story of Musa(a.s) & Khidr(a.s) is narrated in great detail and following verses share the story of the great ruler Dhul Qarnain who travelled from east to west & helped the people against a tyranny without desire for any compensation. Again one can see that the Surah narrates stories from the past.

Eeman- Faith

Madinan Surahs are full of legislations as they were revealed when the Muslim community was being established in Madina. In the Makkan phase the Muslims were weak, they were going through difficult times thus the Surahs are full of encouragements & eeman boosting words from Allah (swt). Such verses instill the fear of Allah (Swt) within the hearts, being aware of His presence & knowledge of all things. They also carry advice about being patient, perseverant and doing righteous deeds[7]. In Verse 28 Allah (swt) advises us to be patient with the believing people. To be patient in trials and calamities, in abstaining from wrong actions, in worshipping Allah and following His commands. This verse also encourages us to stay with those are righteous whether they are poor or of lowly status, in accompanying them there are uncountable benefits.

Resurrection

Makkan Surahs also talk about Allah (swt) establishing the day of judgment. In the story of the Ashab al Kahf, one reason why they were made to wake up after sleeping for 309 years was to make the people of that time believe and also the people in Makkah. To make them have belief in the fact that Allah (swt) can give life, give death & can resurrect you at any point in time again. Also in Verse 37 of the Surah, the verse mentions how Allah (swt) creates us when we are nothing. He created us from dust & sperm drop & fashioned us into a human being.

Conclusion

Madinan Surahs were revealed at a time when the Muslim state was being consolidated. These Surahs are longer & have detailed legislations & laws regarding the economy, spiritual state of a muslim, social laws etc. These Surahs now talk about jihad. The reason why jihad was not permitted in Makkah was because the Muslims were a minority & fighting might have lead to the wiping out of the Muslims. Another reason was to instill in Muslims the most important quality of having patience. These Surahs also talk about hypocrites. In Makkah the Muslims were being persecuted & no one dared even pretend to be a Muslim because of the severe consequences therefore there is no mention of hypocrites in Makkan Surahs.

Surah Kahf is a Makkan Surah as it is short, fast paced, shorter verses, has a rhythm that it follows. It mentions the story of the people of the cave, Dhul Qarnain, the men with the grapevines, the story of Musa (a.s) & Khidr (a.s) etc. It mentions the rewards that the believers are bound to get in the Paradise to instill hope in the heart. Alongside paradise Allah (swt) mentions the punishments that one will be destined for their disbelief by abiding for eternally in the hellfire to instill fear. Makkan Surahs were revealed at a time when Muslims were facing a difficult time therefore the Surahs do not focus on the laws & legislations rather they talk about fear, hope & the fundamentals of Tawhid.

---

[1] (Denffer)

[2] (Philips)

[3] (www.Quran.com, 18:4-5)

[4] (Philips, Usool at-Tafseer, Pg 153)

[5] (Philips, Usool at-Tafseer, Pg 155)

[6] (Philips, Tafseer, Surah Kahf)

[7] (Philips, Usool at-Tafseer, page 155)

Surah Yaaseen- (36:37-40)

In the light of the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the statements of the Companions and the scholars, compilation of a commentary of aayah number 37 to 40 of Soorah Yaaseen. 

Surah Yaaseen is the 36^th chapter of the Qur’an. It was entirely revealed in Makkah except the 12^th verse which was revealed in Madina. Just like all the Makkan Surahs aim to lay the foundation of Faith & Tawheed so does Surah Yaaseen. It starts with the letters Yaa & Seen, known as Huroof Muqataat (the disjointed letters).

Virtues of Surah Yaaseen

Surah Yaaseen is most popularly read by Muslims due to its virtues but none of these virtues have been narrated through authentic chains of narration. Either the narrations are weak, strange or fabricated. Therefore none of these should be considered.

“Whoever enters a graveyard and recites Soorah YaaSeen, Allaah will reduce his sins that day and he will have good deeds for every letter from it.”[1]

Commentary

In the verses beginning verse 33 Allah(subhanao’tala) talks about the different signs that are surrounding us. How Allah(subhanao’tala) revives the dead earth & brings forward from it grain & fruits from for us to eat. This is a clear sign for those who reflect, that if Allah(subhanao’tala) can revive that dead land that shows no signs then He can also bring the dead back to life.

“Indeed, He who has given it life to the earth is the Giver of Life to the dead.”[2]

Then the Surah mentions Allah(subhanao’tala) signs in the palmtrees & grapevines. One can truly reflect by looking at the diversity in Allahs creation. Both producing dates & grapes something that the human hand cannot create.

Then the Surah talks about how Allah(subhanao’tala) has created everything in pairs. Whether human beings, plants, fruits, crops or animals. If we only reflect on these plans, creations & diversities of Allah(subhanao’tala) it will only strengthen our Imaan’s further & make those who disbelieve to think.

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.”[3]

Commentary

Verse 37

Another sign for them is the night: We strip the daylight from it, and they are plunged in darkness[4]

Among the signs of the might & power of Allah(subhanao’tala) are the night & day, & the sun and moon.[5] In verse 37, Allah(subhanao’tala) talks about how we are experiencing the daylight caused by the Sun & then the very same day is plunged into darkness.

“And a sign for them is the night. We withdraw there from the day.”[6]

In Tafsir Ibn Kathir, they have used the word withdraw. The day withdraws meaning that the day is taken away, it goes away & the night which is one of the signs of Allah(subhanao’tala) appears leaving the people in darkness[7].

“He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly.”[8]

In this Verse the term ‘Naslakh’ means to peel off. With the gradual removal of the day the night appears. The day is gradually taken away so that humans & other living creatures have enough time finding suitable place of rest[9]. As the earth is rotating on its axis that part of the earth that faces the sun experiences the day, as the rotation of the earth changes that very part of the earth is stripped off the day so as to plunge it into darkness. Thus, the way Allah(subhanao’tala) has worded this verse accurately describes the reality.[10]

Verse 38

The sun also runs its set course: that is laid down by the will of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.[11]

Then Verse 38 mentions the magnanimous creation of Allah(subhanao’tala), the Sun. Previously, it was held that the sun stays in its position but turns around its axis, but it has recently been confirmed that it moves in a single direction in the great universal space[12]. The term Mustaqarr means ‘settling place’ and the sun has an appointed place & time where its course will end. Modern astronomy confirms that the solar system is indeed moving in space towards a point situated in the constellation of Hercules (alpha lyrae) whose exact location has been precisely calculated and given the name “the solar apex.[13]

Wherever the sun is it keeps on moving day & night, never slowing down or stopping, it is always beneath the throne. Another view that one can deduce from this verse is that the suns appointed time will come to an end on the day of resurrection, when the sun will halt & be rolled up.[14]

This is verily the decree of the Almighty & All knowing Allah(subhanao’tala) which if He allows to happen cannot be stopped & if he doesn’t allow to happen you cannot make it happen. He has set the planets in motion & only He knows about their movements & when they are supposed to seize or stop.

“[He is] the cleaver of daybreak and has made the night for rest and the sun and moon for calculation. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.[15]”

The Sun is not only the sign of Allah(subhanao’tala) but also a blessing for the humanity. It allows us to calculate the days & the time.

Verse 39

And for the moon We have determined phases until it finally becomes like an old date stalk.

One can see the magnanimity of Allah(subhanao’tala) in the creation of the Moon. We can calculate the passing of the months by way of the size & day of the moon. In the beginning it is a hair line crescent, increases in size in the middle of the month until it again decreases in size like an old date stalk & disappears at the end of the month. The humans have a similar cycle, they are born weak, then they gain strength & beauty & then again become weak in their old age.

Just as night & day are known by the sun, the passing of the months is known by the moon.

“They ask you about the crescent moons. Say: "These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage”[16]

Verse 40

Neither the sun can overtake the moon, nor can the night outrun the day. Each floats in its own orbit.[17]

When the sun is shining the night cannot overtake the day until it gradually moves away. In the same manner the sun cannot suddenly appear at night causing it to be day. The word night is used here & not moon because the moon does not bring about the night.

Mujahid said, "Each of them has a limit which it does not transgress or fall short of. When the time of one comes, the other goes away, and when the time for one to prevail comes, the time of the other ceases.''

He also said, that there is no gap between night and day; each of them follows the other with no interval, because they have been subjugated and are both constantly pursuing one another.[18]

The Sun & moon both swim in their own orbits. We cannot use the word float for that would mean that they don’t use their own motion or movement whereas both orbit & revolve on their own axis. Every planet & star has its own orbit that it follows accurately.

Conclusion

Verily, man is in no need of Angels or God himself descending on the earth. We are surrounded by the creations of Allah(subhanao’tala), & each one of his creation is a sign. We need to reflect on how everything has been created following a set pattern & with precise measurement. May it be the Sun or its orbit, the Moon & its sizes, the earth & how its produce comes forth or how the night overtakes the day plunging us into darkness. If only we can contemplate on these 4 verses, it will only strengthen us in the faith we have in Allah (subhanao’tala) & will be a source of Imaan for those who don’t believe.

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”[19]

---

[1] (Daeef Al Jami as Sagheer, no 5606)

[2] (www.Quran.com)

[3] (www.Quran.com (. )

[4] (Qutb)

[5] (Kathir)

[6] (Kathir, www.qtafsir.com)

[7] (Kathir, www.qtafsir.com)

[8] (www.Quran.com (. )

[9] (Philips)

[10] (Qutb)

[11] (Qutb)

[12] (Qutb)

[13] (Philips)

[14] (Kathir, www.qtafsir.com)

[15] (www.Quran.com (. )

[16] (Ibn Kathir)

[17] (Qutb)

[18] (Kathir, www.qtafsir.com)

[19] (www.Quran.com (. )

Importance & Etiquettes of Seeking Knowledge

Knowledge is one of the most important principles for the success of an Islamic awakening. The essay focuses on the importance of knowledge and the etiquette of seeking knowledge.

The Prophet (pbuh) was one of the most perfect daee’s that one can imitate & follow. He invited everyone to the way of Allah (swt), to the way of goodness with the knowledge & wisdom that Allah (swt) bestowed upon him. He never said irrational, irrelevant or baseless things to anyone. The guidance he called everyone towards was by way of his wisdom & revelation given to him by Allah (swt).

Abu Hamid al-Ghazzali (r.a) said:

“Know that intention (niyyah), will (iradah), and goal (qasd) are various terms that all mean the same thing, and it is a description of the state of the heart when it is a source for two things: knowledge and action.”[1]

When we use the term knowledge here it means the Islamic knowledge. Knowledge about the Shariah should be derived from the Qur’an & Sunnah. One cannot derive or invent matters pertaining to the Shariah from his heart, mind or logic. Dawah or Islamic awakening should be based on these two sources for it to be a guided mission & to reap the benefits of one’s efforts. If you call people towards Islam based on ignorance, it will only do more harm than good.

“And Allah has revealed to you the Book and wisdom and has taught you that which you did not know. And ever has the favor of Allah upon you been great.”[2]

Dawah without Knowledge

Dawah which is backed by zeal & passion but is bereft of knowledge is bound to be misguided, fraught & full of deviation. The Prophet (pbuh) also warned us about a time when scholars will pass away & only the ignorant leaders will remain, who will rule without knowledge, misguiding themselves & others.[3]

We are only bound & obliged to pass on the knowledge that we possess. We should pass on those teachings of Islam to other that have been authentically narrated from the Prophet (pbuh).

“Convey from me, even if it is a single verse.”[4]

Dawah with Knowledge

The Caller calling towards Islam should have sound knowledge based on the Quran & Sunnah. He should know the things that are allowed, prohibited & those that come under the heading of the doubtful. This is important in order to avoid making halaal what is haraam & vice versa.

He must also have knowledge about the person he is inviting towards Islam. He should know about his attitude, his background, his religious background, his religious inclination etc. When the Prophet (pbuh) send Muaz(r.a) to Yemen he said to him:

“Indeed you are going to a nation from the people of the Book.”[5]

The Prophet (pbuh) said this to him so that he should know about the people he was being send to & so that he would appropriately invite them to Islam knowing their background. A Da’ee should not enter into an argument before knowing about the person he is going to be debating or talking to. This is to make sure that he is prepared beforehand & not caught due to lack of knowledge at any stage.

A Da’ee should also have knowledge as to how to give Dawah. He should know when to say & what to say. He should know the art of debating, art of listening & the art of restraining oneself from being overzealous or angry. He should know how to give Dawah in the most beautiful manner with wisdom & patience.

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.”[6]

Excellence of Knowledge

One should be equipped with knowledge, for verily if one has access to beneficial knowledge then it is good not only for himself but also for others whom he can guide, direct & advise.

"Are those who possess knowledge equal to those who do not know?"[7]

Allah (swt) has mentioned about the learned & those endowed with knowledge as the ones who truly fear Him.

“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge”[8]

Some of the Salaf said, “Knowledge is not narrating a great deal but knowledge is the fear of Allah[9]”.

“It is only the learned amongst His servants who truly fear Allah.”[10]

Allah (swt) also addresses the people whom He blessed with the beneficial knowledge but due to their arrogance they could not derive the benefits out of it.

“The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.”[11]

Beneficial Knowledge leads to Fear of Allah (swt)

When one has knowledge of the attributes of Allah (swt) & how we are surrounded by His creation & magnificent signs. Then we are bound to understand Him & accept Him as our Lord. It allows us to have hope in His Mercy, to have Fear of His anger & disobeying Him, being content with His decree & bearing the trials that we face with patience.[12]

We as Muslims should be familiar with the teachings of the Shariah; this enables us to be closer to our Creator. We are able to know His commandments & thus we know the things that make Him happy & the ones that invite His wrath. By gaining knowledge we can become better Muslims by improving our inner intentions, by curing the diseases of the hearts & by performing all the actions that make Allah(swt) content with us & we content with His mercy & Qadr.

“Be mindful of Allah, He will be mindful of you. Be mindful of Allah & you will find Him in front of you. Know Allah in times of ease & He will know you in times of hardship.”[13]

Signs of Beneficial Knowledge

A person who has knowledge but has pride & arrogance in his heart & he seeks to be on the top in this world. Such a person wants to show off his knowledge, defeat the scholars in debate & argues with those who don’t know to attract attention towards himself[14]. Regarding such a person who seeks knowledge for the mentioned intentions the Prophet(pbuh) said:

“For him is the fire! The fire!”[15]

The true people of knowledge do not wish for any high position or status, they dislike themselves being praised & they do not like act arrogantly towards anyone. Another sign of the true people of knowledge is that when they gain more knowledge they increase in humility before Allah(swt) & don’t boast about their knowledge.

Etiquettes of Seeking Knowledge

To attain & acquire knowledge is the obligation on every Muslim male & female. In order to reap the maximum benefits out of the knowledge learnt one must study the etiquettes of seeking & gaining knowledge.

We should purify our intentions (Niy’ah) only for the sake of Allah(swt) in seeking knowledge because our ultimate reward is with Him alone. If we gain it to seek his pleasure then the reward is ours but if we do it to gain status in this world then our reward is restricted only in this life.

“Indeed actions are by intentions.”[16]

We should purify ourselves inwardly & outwardly from acts that are against the Qur’an & Sunnah. We should not get involved in practicing any bid’ah or innovations & we should try to hold on fast to the commandments of Allah(swt).

The student of knowledge should also abstain from other acts which are not permitted in Islam particularly useless talk, immaturity, excessive laughter, giggling, excessive joking etc. One can laugh & giggle but to a certain level which does not make him seem like a low esteemed childish person.[17]

In order to reap the benefits from the knowledge gained we should abstain from sins for they extinguish the light of knowledge in our hearts. One should know when gaining knowledge that sins are like a deadly poison.

Ibn al-Qayyim (r.a) said: “And sins leave ugly, despicable, and harmful effects to the heart and body in this world and the next that none know except Allah. From them is that one is prevented from knowledge, as knowledge is a light that Allah places into the heart, and sins put out this light.”

We must free our hearts for gaining knowledge &removing the obstacles that hinder it. As a student of knowledge he should have a desire for the hereafter & what is with Allah (swt). We should try to utilize our times, our energy & the young should utilize their youth.

Ibn al-Qayyim (r.a) said: “Getting what you want depends on cutting off habits and attachment to anything else.

We should try to eat moderately & only eat that which is halal & earned from a halal source. This enables a person to understand knowledge in more depth. And he should be cautious, which means that if doesn’t know whether something is halaal or haraam, he should stay away from the  doubtful.

The student of knowledge should eat, sleep & speak moderately & as seldom as possible. Sleep should be reduced to a level that does not hurt the persons mind & body. The student of knowledge should protect his tongue from that which does not concern him, falsehood etc.

Socialization should be restricted & the right type of friends should be made who can assist you in gaining the eternal reward in the hereafter. We should respect our teachers & establish the best manners with them. One should also respect the books of knowledge that he possesses & they should be kept with respect.

Conclusion

We should try to seek Islamic Knowledge that will bring us closer towards our Lord. We should try to maintain & follow all the etiquettes that a student of knowledge ought to follow in order to reap the maximum benefits from the knowledge being gained. We should also remember that it is by the Mercy of Allah(swt) that He enabled us to gain this knowledge & he has made us go forward on this path to tread upon. Sincere dua (prayer) should be made to Allah (swt) to enable us to seek knowledge that makes him happy & to stay away from the evils that Allah (swt) detests & dislikes.

“Allah! I take refuge with You from knowledge that does not benefit; from a heart that has no fear; from a soul that is never content; & from an invocation (dawah) that is not responded to.”[18]

---

[1] (Raslan)

[2] (www.Quran.com, (4:113))

[3] (Uthaymeen)

[4] (Bukhari)

[5] (Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, 1395)

[6] (www.Quran.com, (16:125))

[7] (Quran, (39:9))

[8] (Quran, (3:18))

[9] (Rajab)

[10] (Quran, (35:28))

[11] (Quran, (62:5))

[12] (Rajab, Excellence of Knowledge, pg55)

[13] (Ahmad, no2669)

[14] (Rajab, Excellence of Knowledge, pg60)

[15] (Ibn Majah, no254)

[16] (Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, no2529)

[17] (Raslan, The manners of the knowledge seeker, Pg 12)

[18] (Muslim)