Overview (Verses 6 - 8)

Arrogance and Ingratitude

It is God, then, who creates, teaches and bestows His abundant bounties on man. This implies that man should acknowledge God’s benevolence and be grateful for it. But what actually happens is something different.

The second part of the surah deals with man’s transgression. “Indeed, man becomes grossly overweening, once he thinks himself self- sufficient. Surely to your Lord all must return.” (Verses 6-8) It is God who gives to man in abundance and makes him independent. He also creates and teaches him and extends to him His generous treatment. But men in general — except for those guarded by faith — are not thankful for their independence which is made possible by what they are given. They do not recognize the source of this grace, which is the same as the source of their creation, knowledge and livelihood. They behave arrogantly and transgress all limits instead of being dutiful and thankful.

The image of the transgressing, conceited person who has forgotten his origin is followed by a comment charged with an implicit warning: “Surely to your Lord all must return.” (Verse 8) Where can this proud and overweening person then turn?

At the same time a fundamental rule of the Islamic faith is emphasized. That is, all must refer to God in every matter, thought or action. He is the only resort and refuge. The good and the bad, the obedient and the sinner, the righteous and the wrongdoer, the rich and the poor, will all return to Him. Even the man who tyrannizes when he thinks himself independent will come to Him eventually.

Thus, the first two sections of the surah lay down the essential components of the Islamic ideological concept: creation, education and honour come from God alone, and to Him all will return: “Surely to your Lord all must return.” (Verse 8)