Overview - Surah 14: Ibrahim (Abraham )
The basic theme of the Surah is Allah's guidance through His prophets. The purpose of this guidance is to take the people from darkness to light. Many people in the past had doubts about their prophets.They laughed at them and they threatened to kill them or expel them from their towns. However, the lasting word is the "good word." The Surah also mentions Prophet Ibrahim's prayer when he established the city of Makkah.
Sections:
- The purpose of the Qur'an is to lead humankind to light.
- Prophets and their people.
- Non-believers threatened the Prophets, but Allah's promise to the Prophets.
- Satan misleads the disbelievers in this world, but in the hereafter he would leave them in the lurch.
- The ingratitude of people
- Prophet Ibrahim's prayer for Makkah, for its people and for his own children
- Allah is aware of what the wrongdoers are doing, their respite and end.
The Surah derives its name from Ibrahim, the father of all prophets who came after him.
There are 52 ayat in this Surah.
Overview
Total Ayat | 52 |
Total Words * | 830 |
Root Words * | 234 |
Unique Root Words * | 4 |
Makki / Madani | Makki |
Chronological Order* | 72nd (according to Ibn Abbas) |
Year of Revelation* | 11th year of Prophethood |
Events during/before this Surah*
1st Pledge of Aqabah, Death of Abu Talib - Death of Khadijah - Stoning at Ta'if - al-Isra wal Mi'raj - Night Journey, Boycott of Banu Hashim Yr 3, Boycott of Banu Hashim Yr 2, Boycott of Banu Hashim Yr 1, 2nd Migration to Abyssinia, Physical beating and torture of some Muslims - 1st Migration of Muslims to Abyssinia, Public Invitation to Islam - Persecution of Muslims; antagonism - ridicule - derision - accusation - abuse and false propaganda., Revelation begins - Private Invitation to Islam , Revelation begins - Private Invitation to Islam , Revelation begins - Private Invitation to Islam
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Events during/after still to occur*
2nd Pledge of Aqabah,,Migration from Makkah to Madinah - Building of Masjid Nabi in Madinah - Treaty with Jews of Madinah - Marriage of Prophet to Aishah,Change of Qiblah from Jerusalem to Makkah - Battle of Badr,Battle of Uhud,,Battle of Ahzab - Expedition of Banu Quraydhah,Treaty of Hudaiybiyah - Letters to Kings and Rulers,,Conquest of Makkah - Battle of Hunain,Hajj led by Abu Bakr - Expedition of Tabuk,Farewell Hajj by Prophet - Death of Prophet - End of Divine Revelation
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Names of Prophets Mentioned
Nuh, Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, Musa
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Surah Index
Abraham, God (replaces humans with another) , Astronomy (celestial mechanics) (solar and lunar orbits), Charity, Commandments (general religious) , Disbelievers, Earth (changed into another earth) , Earth (rotation of) , Hell, History (study it) , Hydrology, Iblis, Isaac, Ishmael, Judgement (Day) , Ka’bah, Moses, Noah, Pharaoh, Prayer (of Abraham) , Prophet (prophecy in language of target population) , Prophet (purpose of) , Revelation, Sea, Ships, Thamud, Weather (rain) , Weather (wind)
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Theme 1: The fundamental message of all prophets is the same.
Theme 2: Allah, ‘He is the one who takes people out of the various levels darknesses into the Light through revelation.’
Its subject matter, namely faith, revelation and the divine message, God’s Oneness, resurrection, reckoning and reward permeate Makkan surahs. Just as every surah in the Qur’an has its distinctive character, this surah adopts a unique approach in presenting its material, with highlights and shading that accentuate the principles and issues it tackles. These may not be different from the principles and issues other surahs illustrate, but they are tackled here from a different angle so as to generate special effect and emphasis. Furthermore, certain aspects are added and others omitted, giving the reader and the listener the overall impression that they deal with new issues and principles. [Ref: Qutb, Fi Dhilal]
- The general ambience of the Surah derives from its name, Ibrahim, the father of all prophets who came after him. He was a blessed man, most grateful to God, most clement, tender-hearted, and devout. All the connotations of these attributes are felt throughout this Surah, in its main issues, general approach, mode of expression as also in its rhythm.
The surah begins with an outline of the mission of God’s Messenger and the book revealed to him: “This is a book which We have bestowed on you from on high so that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light, to the path of the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due.” It concludes with the same point, highlighting the truth of God’s oneness which is at the heart of the divine message: “This is a message to all mankind. Let them be warned thereby, and let them know that He is the One and only God. Let those who are endowed with insight take heed.”
Manuscripts / Inscriptions
8th Century AH
1141 AH 1763 CE
17th Century
18th Century
17th Century
3rd /4th Century Hijrah
1st Century Hijrah (7th Century CE)
1st Century Hijrah
Surah Yunus, Hud, Yusuf and now Ibrahim begin the Surah with the letters Alif Lam Ra. The following surah, al-Hijr will also begin with the same letters.
Total Word Count per Ayat (shows how many words per Ayat) = 4* | ||
# | Root Word | Frequency in Surah | Frequency in Qur'an |
---|---|---|---|
1. | أ ل ه | 38 | 2851 |
2. | ر ب ب | 17 | 980 |
3. | ٱلَّذِى | 15 | 1464 |
4. | ق و ل | 15 | 1722 |
5. | إِلَىٰ | 12 | 742 |
6. | أ ر ض | 11 | 461 |
7. | ر س ل | 10 | 513 |
8. | ق و م | 10 | 660 |
9. | ظ ل م | 9 | 315 |
10. | س م و | 9 | 381 |
Root Word | Frequency in Surah |
Frequency in Qur'an |
---|---|---|
أ ل ه | 38 | 2851 |
ر ب ب | 17 | 980 |
ٱلَّذِى | 15 | 1464 |
ق و ل | 15 | 1722 |
إِلَىٰ | 12 | 742 |
أ ر ض | 11 | 461 |
ر س ل | 10 | 513 |
ق و م | 10 | 660 |
ظ ل م | 9 | 315 |
س م و | 9 | 381 |
It appears from the tone of this Surah that it belongs to a group of Surahs which were revealed during the last stages of the Makkan period. For instance ayah 13: “And those who disbelieved said to their messengers, “We will surely drive you out of our land, or you must return to our religion.” So their Lord inspired to them, “We will surely destroy the wrongdoers.” clearly indicates that the persecution of the Muslims was most intense at the time of the revelation of this Surah and that the people of Makkah were bent on expelling the Muslims, just like the disbelievers of the former Prophets.
- Allah never sent a Rasool [Messenger] for the guidance of a nation except one who spoke the language of those people.
- If every human being becomes a disbeliever, it makes no difference to Allah.
- The message of all Prophets and Messengers was the same.
- Allah increases his blessings if a person shows gratitude.
- Allah has based the creation of the heavens and the earth on Truth.
- Shaitan has no power except to seduce human beings.
- Greeting in paradise will be "Assalam-u-Alaikum" which means: "peace be upon you."
- A quotation from the prayers of the Prophet Ibrahim which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made a part of Muslims' daily Salah (prayers).
Tafsir Zone
Overview (Verses 1 - 3) From Darkness into Light “Alif. Lām. Rā. This is a book which We have bestowed on you from on high.” (Verse 1) This book which consists of words made up of letters like these is one which you certainly have not authored. It has been revealed to you for a definite purpose, “so that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light.” (Verse 1) Your role is to take mankind out of the depths of darkness into which they have sunk, the darkness of superstition, conflicting systems and traditions; the darkness of believing in alleged deities, and false concepts, values and standards. You are to bring them, i.e. all of mankind, into the real light which removes all darkness. Not only does this light dispel all darkness from people’s consciences and minds, it also affects their lives generally, setting for them new values and traditions. Faith based on God’s oneness is a light that shines within the human heart, to make the whole human being shine as well. Man is created out of cold clay in which God has blown of His spirit. Should he abandon the light of this breath of spirit, he turns back into dark clay, and becomes a mass of flesh and blood like an animal. It is indeed the flesh and blood alone that are made of the earth’s clay. It is with this breath from God’s spirit that light spreads over it. Then faith makes it appear in its full glory. With it the mass of flesh and blood blooms. Faith is a light that illuminates the soul so that it can see the way leading to God, clear without any confusion caused by superstition or desires, and without any misleading fancy or greed. When the human soul sees the way so clearly ahead of it, it proceeds with steady steps, and without hesitation. The light of faith illuminates the whole of life, making all mankind equal servants of God, united together by their bond of faith. They submit themselves to none other than God, which means that they are never divided into slaves and tyrants. With the universe around them they establish a bond based on knowledge of the great law that sets the whole universe and all its forces into operation. This brings them peace with the universe and with all creatures that live in it. Faith is the light of justice, freedom and knowledge. It is the light of a bond with God based on compassion. It is a bond that gives us reassurance of God’s justice, grace and wisdom in situations of ease and hardship. Such reassurance requires that we adopt an attitude of patience in adversity and gratitude in happier circumstances. It also adds the light of understanding that adverse situations occur for a definite purpose. Believing in God alone as the Supreme Lord is not merely a personal faith that fills one’s conscience and spreads light over one’s soul. It is a complete code of living based on the concept of total submission to God alone, discarding all claims of lordship by other creatures, and rejecting any attempt that gives such creatures any form of sovereignty. This code of living fits completely with human nature so as to satisfy all its needs and fill it with happiness, light and reassurance. It is also so stable that it protects people against the sort of upheaval experienced by societies that submit to the sovereignty claimed by others and who follow systems devised by them in politics, government, economics, social structure, morals and social behaviour, as well as in customs and traditions. Furthermore, this code of living preserves and promotes human potential. It prevents people from glorifying and singing the praises of despots. Indeed this short phrase, “so that you may bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light,” covers profound truths relevant to the human mind, as also practical day to day living. It is impossible for human language to do more than point to these horizons. “So that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light.” God’s Messenger cannot do more than deliver the divine message, and his role is merely to explain it. As for the bringing of mankind out of darkness into light, this is done by God’s leave, and according to the laws He has willed to set in operation. The Prophet is only His Messenger. “So that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light, to the path of the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due.” (Verse 1) The phrase, ‘the path of the Almighty,’ means His way and law which governs the whole universe, and the code which governs life. Linguistically speaking, it is used here as a substitute for ‘light’. This means that the ‘light’ guides to ‘the path of the Almighty’, or that the light is His path. The second meaning is however stronger and richer. The light that illuminates the human soul is the light that illuminates the whole universe. It is the way, the law and the code of living. A soul which lives in this light will never be in error, or entertain misconceptions, or opt for wrong behaviour. It follows the straight path, “the path of the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due.” He is the One who has absolute power in the universe, and who is praised by all creatures. His might is highlighted here as a threat to the unbelievers, while the fact that He is worthy of praise is mentioned as a reminder to those who express gratitude to Him. Then follow some of God’s attributes. He is notably mentioned as the One to whom everything in the heavens and on earth belong, who is in need of no one, and who controls the universe and all creatures therein: “God, to whom all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth belongs.” (Verse 2) Whoever, then, comes out of darkness into light and follows guidance does well. The sūrah does not mention anything about such a person here. Instead, it goes on to warn the unbelievers against woeful suffering. This is inflicted on them as a result of their rejection of the greatest blessing God has bestowed on humanity, that is, sending them a Messenger whose task is to bring them out of darkness into light. That is an act of God’s grace for which we cannot show enough gratitude. Yet some people reject it outright. Hence, “woe to the unbelievers; for theirs will be a severe suffering.” (Verse 2) The sūrah then mentions a quality that tells us the reason for their rejection of the blessing God bestows on mankind through His noble Messenger: “These are the ones who love the life of this world preferring it to the life to come, and who turn others away from God’s path and try to make it appear crooked. They have gone far astray.” (Verse 3) Giving preference to the life of this world puts a person in a position of conflict with the requirements of faith, and on a collision course with the ‘path of God’. The situation is reversed when preference is given to the life to come. For then, this life is set on the right course. People enjoy it with moderation, always keen to earn God’s pleasure. Hence there is no conflict between their preference for the life to come and their enjoyment of this life and the pleasures it offers. Those who turn their minds and hearts towards ensuring a happy outcome in the hereafter do not lose the pleasures of this world, as some people with faulty concepts imagine. In Islam, a happy life in this world is a prelude to a happy future life. The fulfilment of man’s task as God’s vicegerent on earth requires building a happy life. In Islam, there is no denunciation or renunciation of any aspect of this life as people wait for the hereafter. What Islam requires is that life should prosper with truth, justice and sound behaviour by people who seek God’s pleasure and a happy life in the hereafter. This is the Islamic outlook. Those who choose the life of this world in preference to the hereafter cannot monopolize the resources of this world, exploiting, cheating and oppressing people to serve their own interests in a society where the light of faith shines and people follow God’s guidance. Hence they turn themselves and others away from God’s path and try to make it appear crooked, devoid of truth and justice. It is only when they have done this, and managed to lead themselves away from the straight path of God and justice that they resort to their oppressive ways, cheating people and persuading them to share in their corruption. It is only in this way that they can get what they want of self- aggrandisement, taking for themselves most of the resources God has placed on earth, and behaving arrogantly towards others. People then submit to their authority without resistance. The way of life advocated by faith protects human life against the selfishness and greed of those who are preoccupied with the life of this world in preference to the life to come. Under this way of life no one person or group can monopolize the earth’s wealth and resources. |
Ibn Kathir (English)
Sayyid Qutb
Sha'rawi
Al Jalalain
Mawdudi
الطبري - جامع البيان
ابن كثير - تفسير القرآن العظيم
القرطبي - الجامع لأحكام
البغوي - معالم التنزيل
ابن أبي حاتم الرازي - تفسير القرآن
ابن عاشور - التحرير والتنوير
ابن القيم - تفسير ابن قيّم
السيوطي - الدر المنثور
الشنقيطي - أضواء البيان
ابن الجوزي - زاد المسير
الآلوسي - روح المعاني
ابن عطية - المحرر الوجيز
الرازي - مفاتيح الغيب
أبو السعود - إرشاد العقل السليم
الزمخشري - الكشاف
البقاعي - نظم الدرر
الهداية إلى بلوغ النهاية — مكي ابن أبي طالب
القاسمي - محاسن التأويل
الماوردي - النكت والعيون
السعدي - تيسير الكريم الرحمن
عبد الرحمن الثعالبي - الجواهر الحسان
السمرقندي - بحر العلوم
أبو إسحاق الثعلبي - الكشف والبيان
الشوكاني - فتح القدير
النيسابوري - التفسير البسيط
أبو حيان - البحر المحيط
البيضاوي - أنوار التنزيل
النسفي - مدارك التنزيل
ابن جُزَيّ - التسهيل لعلوم التنزيل
علي الواحدي النيسابوري - الوجيز
السيوطي - تفسير الجلالين
المختصر في التفسير — مركز تفسير
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Overview (Verses 1 - 3) From Darkness into Light “Alif. Lām. Rā. This is a book which We have bestowed on you from on high.” (Verse 1) This book which consists of words made up of letters like these is one which you certainly have not authored. It has been revealed to you for a definite purpose, “so that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light.” (Verse 1) Your role is to take mankind out of the depths of darkness into which they have sunk, the darkness of superstition, conflicting systems and traditions; the darkness of believing in alleged deities, and false concepts, values and standards. You are to bring them, i.e. all of mankind, into the real light which removes all darkness. Not only does this light dispel all darkness from people’s consciences and minds, it also affects their lives generally, setting for them new values and traditions. Faith based on God’s oneness is a light that shines within the human heart, to make the whole human being shine as well. Man is created out of cold clay in which God has blown of His spirit. Should he abandon the light of this breath of spirit, he turns back into dark clay, and becomes a mass of flesh and blood like an animal. It is indeed the flesh and blood alone that are made of the earth’s clay. It is with this breath from God’s spirit that light spreads over it. Then faith makes it appear in its full glory. With it the mass of flesh and blood blooms. Faith is a light that illuminates the soul so that it can see the way leading to God, clear without any confusion caused by superstition or desires, and without any misleading fancy or greed. When the human soul sees the way so clearly ahead of it, it proceeds with steady steps, and without hesitation. The light of faith illuminates the whole of life, making all mankind equal servants of God, united together by their bond of faith. They submit themselves to none other than God, which means that they are never divided into slaves and tyrants. With the universe around them they establish a bond based on knowledge of the great law that sets the whole universe and all its forces into operation. This brings them peace with the universe and with all creatures that live in it. Faith is the light of justice, freedom and knowledge. It is the light of a bond with God based on compassion. It is a bond that gives us reassurance of God’s justice, grace and wisdom in situations of ease and hardship. Such reassurance requires that we adopt an attitude of patience in adversity and gratitude in happier circumstances. It also adds the light of understanding that adverse situations occur for a definite purpose. Believing in God alone as the Supreme Lord is not merely a personal faith that fills one’s conscience and spreads light over one’s soul. It is a complete code of living based on the concept of total submission to God alone, discarding all claims of lordship by other creatures, and rejecting any attempt that gives such creatures any form of sovereignty. This code of living fits completely with human nature so as to satisfy all its needs and fill it with happiness, light and reassurance. It is also so stable that it protects people against the sort of upheaval experienced by societies that submit to the sovereignty claimed by others and who follow systems devised by them in politics, government, economics, social structure, morals and social behaviour, as well as in customs and traditions. Furthermore, this code of living preserves and promotes human potential. It prevents people from glorifying and singing the praises of despots. Indeed this short phrase, “so that you may bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light,” covers profound truths relevant to the human mind, as also practical day to day living. It is impossible for human language to do more than point to these horizons. “So that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light.” God’s Messenger cannot do more than deliver the divine message, and his role is merely to explain it. As for the bringing of mankind out of darkness into light, this is done by God’s leave, and according to the laws He has willed to set in operation. The Prophet is only His Messenger. “So that you might bring forth all mankind, by their Lord’s leave, from darkness into the light, to the path of the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due.” (Verse 1) The phrase, ‘the path of the Almighty,’ means His way and law which governs the whole universe, and the code which governs life. Linguistically speaking, it is used here as a substitute for ‘light’. This means that the ‘light’ guides to ‘the path of the Almighty’, or that the light is His path. The second meaning is however stronger and richer. The light that illuminates the human soul is the light that illuminates the whole universe. It is the way, the law and the code of living. A soul which lives in this light will never be in error, or entertain misconceptions, or opt for wrong behaviour. It follows the straight path, “the path of the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due.” He is the One who has absolute power in the universe, and who is praised by all creatures. His might is highlighted here as a threat to the unbelievers, while the fact that He is worthy of praise is mentioned as a reminder to those who express gratitude to Him. Then follow some of God’s attributes. He is notably mentioned as the One to whom everything in the heavens and on earth belong, who is in need of no one, and who controls the universe and all creatures therein: “God, to whom all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth belongs.” (Verse 2) Whoever, then, comes out of darkness into light and follows guidance does well. The sūrah does not mention anything about such a person here. Instead, it goes on to warn the unbelievers against woeful suffering. This is inflicted on them as a result of their rejection of the greatest blessing God has bestowed on humanity, that is, sending them a Messenger whose task is to bring them out of darkness into light. That is an act of God’s grace for which we cannot show enough gratitude. Yet some people reject it outright. Hence, “woe to the unbelievers; for theirs will be a severe suffering.” (Verse 2) The sūrah then mentions a quality that tells us the reason for their rejection of the blessing God bestows on mankind through His noble Messenger: “These are the ones who love the life of this world preferring it to the life to come, and who turn others away from God’s path and try to make it appear crooked. They have gone far astray.” (Verse 3) Giving preference to the life of this world puts a person in a position of conflict with the requirements of faith, and on a collision course with the ‘path of God’. The situation is reversed when preference is given to the life to come. For then, this life is set on the right course. People enjoy it with moderation, always keen to earn God’s pleasure. Hence there is no conflict between their preference for the life to come and their enjoyment of this life and the pleasures it offers. Those who turn their minds and hearts towards ensuring a happy outcome in the hereafter do not lose the pleasures of this world, as some people with faulty concepts imagine. In Islam, a happy life in this world is a prelude to a happy future life. The fulfilment of man’s task as God’s vicegerent on earth requires building a happy life. In Islam, there is no denunciation or renunciation of any aspect of this life as people wait for the hereafter. What Islam requires is that life should prosper with truth, justice and sound behaviour by people who seek God’s pleasure and a happy life in the hereafter. This is the Islamic outlook. Those who choose the life of this world in preference to the hereafter cannot monopolize the resources of this world, exploiting, cheating and oppressing people to serve their own interests in a society where the light of faith shines and people follow God’s guidance. Hence they turn themselves and others away from God’s path and try to make it appear crooked, devoid of truth and justice. It is only when they have done this, and managed to lead themselves away from the straight path of God and justice that they resort to their oppressive ways, cheating people and persuading them to share in their corruption. It is only in this way that they can get what they want of self- aggrandisement, taking for themselves most of the resources God has placed on earth, and behaving arrogantly towards others. People then submit to their authority without resistance. The way of life advocated by faith protects human life against the selfishness and greed of those who are preoccupied with the life of this world in preference to the life to come. Under this way of life no one person or group can monopolize the earth’s wealth and resources. |
- Surah 14. Ibrahim - Saad al Ghamidi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPRsz_Iw8bU&index=14&list=PLhM2xiAUdw2cAqW_o3zZkbhJNw0bnaBZN
- Surah 14. Ibrahim Mahmoud Khalil Al Hussary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxZbof59L1o&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfMFWX22VZWOKpzjr-vH_BM&index=14
- Surah 14. Ibrahim Muhammad Al Luhaydan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovTJIzV3Kno&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfKAYuQLRNAZomoezhfhRZe&index=14
- Surah Ibrahim Idris Akbar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocfxEeDdwlc
- Surah 14. Ibrahim muhammad Minshawi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGwOA_GK3Gk&index=14&list=PLxpAkjlGauHdUcO_uc-8F8J2NUQRDZjPG