Surah at-Tur (The Mount) 52 : 47

Overview

(Verses 45 - 49)

Perfect Contrast

At this point, the surah instructs the Prophet to leave them alone. They will certainly face the day mentioned at the beginning of the surah and the severe punishment it will bring them. He is to remain steadfast in the face of whatever is determined by his Lord who bestows His care on him. He is to glorify his Lord when he wakes up early in the morning, in the depths of the night and at the time when the stars disappear:

Leave them, then, until they face the day when they will be thunderstruck; the day when none of their scheming will be of any avail to them, when they will receive no support. Closer at hand more suffering awaits the wrongdoers, but most of them are not aware of it. So, await in patience your Lord's judgement; for you are under Our watchful eyes. Extol your Lord's limitless glory and praise when you rise, and extol His glory at night, and at the time when the stars retreat. (Verses 45-49)

This final passage begins with a clear warning against what will happen on that frightening day when the trumpet is first blown and they are all totally stunned. This takes place shortly before the resurrection, when nothing will be of benefit and no help can be expected from any quarter. If, in this life, they are able to scheme and take action, nothing can stave off what will happen on that day. However, they will also endure another type of suffering before that. This is left unspecified, but it is certain to happen: "Closer at hand more suffering awaits the wrongdoers, but most of them are not aware of it." (Verse 47)

Thus this long and determined attack is concluded, bringing the unbelievers face to face with the severe punishments that await them, one close at hand and the other to occur later. The surah then speaks to the Prophet who was the target of their false accusations. He is instructed to face such adversity with patience. He is to remain steadfast, continuing his efforts to advocate God's message, and to leave the decision to God who determines whatever He will: "So, await in patience your Lord's judgement." (Verse 48)

Yet this directive is coupled with a confirmation of God's kindly care. Such loving care is certain to remove all hardship that the Prophet may have to face. Thus, perseverance in the face of adversity becomes acceptable, and even welcome, since it is the means to such compassionate care: " For you are under Our watchful eyes." (Verse 48) This expression is unique, describing a position that has never been attained by any human being. Nowhere else in the Qur'an is this expression used, even though some similar expressions of overflowing care are used.

Moses, for example, is told: "Know that I have chosen you. Listen, then, to what is being revealed." (20: 13) "I lavished My love on you, so that you may be reared under My watchful eye." (20: 39) "I have chosen you for Myself" (20: 41) All these expressions speak of highly exalted positions, but Muhammad (peace be upon him) is given an even higher distinction with this unique expression: "For you are under Our watchful eyes." (Verse 48) This statement implies a unique aspect of friendliness and care. It imparts unparalleled connotations that no human expression can adequately describe. Therefore, we will not attempt any more than this reference to the fact.

Finally, the way to maintain this close contact is outlined: "Extol your Lord's limitless glory and praise when you rise, and extol His glory at night, and at the time when the stars retreat." (Verses 48-49) Thus, throughout the day, as one wakes up, during the night, at the time when stars begin to disappear at dawn, there is a clear chance to enjoy such friendly care. Glorifying God imparts strength, friendliness and the chance of a heartfelt address to God Almighty. All this stems from a dearly loving heart!