Surah al-`Alaq (The Clinging Substance) 96 : 19

Overview (Verses 9 - 19)

The third section of this s9ort surah tackles a particularly appalling form of tyranny. Its description in the inimitable Qur’anic style fills us with wonder and dismay that it should take place at all. “Look at the one who tries to prevent a servant of God from praying! Think: does he follow the right guidance and enjoin [others to be] Godfearing? Think: if he denies the truth and turns his back, does he not realize that God sees all?” (Verses 9-14)

Our dismay is enhanced by the manner of expression which takes the form of address and conversation, using short sentences that follow in rapid succession. The effect can hardly ever be produced by ordinary written language. ‘Look at’ this ghastly business actually taking place! “Look at the one who tries to prevent a servant of God from praying.” (Verses 9-10) Have you seen this repulsive sight? Have you realized how repugnance is doubled by the fact that the person being prevented from his prayers is in fact following divine guidance. He merely enjoins righteousness and piety, yet he is discouraged and told to desist!

Yet the transgressor outdoes himself by taking a still more abhorrent stand, “Think: if he denies the truth and turns his back.” (Verse 13) The closing note is one of implicit warning, similar to that of the previous paragraph, “Does he not realize that God sees all?” (Verse 14) He sees everything: the denial of truth, the turning away from it, as well as the prevention of believers from offering their prayers. Since God sees all, something must be done on the basis of what He sees. This is the implicit warning.Thus, we have a scene of tyranny trying to suppress the call of faith and obedience to God. This is followed immediately by a stern warning stated explicitly this time: “Nay, if he does not desist, We will most certainly drag him by his forelock, his lying, sinful forelock. Then let him call his henchmen. We will call the guards of hell.” (Verses 15-18) The Arabic term, lanasfa`n, used for ‘drag’ has a marked violence about it. The dragging is by the forelock, the part of the head raised high by every conceited tyrant. It undoubtedly deserves to be hit violently: “His lying, sinful forelock!” The tyrant may think of calling his clan and supporters to come to his aid: “Then let him call his henchmen.” On the other side, “We will call the guards of hell,” and they are powerful and ruthless. The outcome of the battle is never in doubt.

In the light of this frightening destiny for the unbelievers, the surah concludes with an instruction to God’s obedient servants to persevere and follow the path of faith: “No, pay no heed to him, but prostrate yourself and draw closer to God.” (Verse 19) Do not obey this tyrant who tries to stop you from offering your devotion and conveying your message. Prostrate yourself before your Lord and bring yourself closer to Him through worship and obedience. As for the tyrant, leave him to the guards of hell who are sure to mete out to him what he deserves.

Some authentic reports say that the surah, with the exception of the first part, refers to Abu Jahl who once passed by the Prophet while he was praying at Maqam Ibrahim, close to the Ka`bah. He turned to him and said, ‘Muhammad, have I not ordered you to stop these practices?’ He also added some warning to the Prophet who gave him a stern reply. This was possibly the time when the Prophet seized Abu Jahl by the collar and warned him of his impending doom. Abu Jahl said, ‘Muhammad, what do you threaten me with? I am sure I have the largest following in this valley.’ Hence, the revelation, ‘Let him call his henchmen.’ Ibn `Abbas, the Prophet’s learned Companion, said in comment: “Had he called them, the angels charged with meting out punishment would have taken him away there and then.”

The surah, however, is general in its significance. It refers to every obedient believer calling men to follow the path of God and to every tyrant who forbids prayer, threatens the believers and acts arrogantly. The concluding divine instruction is therefore: “No, pay no heed to him, but prostrate yourself and draw closer to God.” (Verse 19)