Surah al-Hijr (The Valley of Stone) 15 : 88

Overview (Verses 87 - 89)

Closely linked to this great truth is the message preached by the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him), and the Qur’ān revealed to him: “We have given you seven oft-repeated verses and this sublime Qur’ān.” (Verse 87) The Arabic term, mathānī, translated here as ‘the oft-repeated verses’ refers to the opening sūrah, al- Fātiĥah, composed of seven short verses. This is the more probable meaning of the term, although some commentators maintain that it refers to the seven longest sūrahs of the Qur’ān. These seven verses are often repeated as they are required to be read in every prayer, and they extol God’s praises, which is a term derived from the same root as mathānī. The term, ‘this sublime Qur’ān’, refers to the rest of the Qur’ānic revelations.

What is important to note here is that this statement comes immediately after mentioning the creation of the heavens and the earth on the basis of the truth and the certainty of the Last Hour. This suggests a very close link between the Qur’ān and the truth that forms the basis of the existence of the universe and the coming of the Last Hour. Indeed the Qur’ān is part of that truth, as it refers to the laws of creation, draws people’s attention to them, points out the signs God has placed in their own creation and in the expanse of the universe, and urges people to recognize and respond to these. Furthermore, it points out the reasons which make people follow right guidance or go astray, the destiny of the truth and falsehood, good and evil. It then belongs to the truth and helps to illuminate it. It is as well established as the truth that forms the basis for the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is also as constant as the laws of existence and is linked to them. The Qur’ān is by no means a fleeting incidence or something that is certain to disappear. It remains influential in the direction and conduct of human life, whatever liars may say, and long as the followers of falsehood may deride it. Indeed falsehood is the incidental element that is certain to disappear.

The man who has been given these oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān which is derived from, and linked to, the great truth will not allow his eyes to hanker after some pleasures of this life that are certain to come to an end. Nor will he worry about the destiny of stray people or care about what happens to them. He continues to follow the way of truth: “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things We have granted to some among them, and do not grieve on their account, but spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers, and say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” (Verses 88-89)

“Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things...” Literally, the instruction given to the Prophet is that he must not stretch his eyes towards such enjoyments. Yet it is not the eye that is stretched, but rather the eyesight. However, the picturesque style of the Qur’ān depicts the eye itself as being stretched. It is a funny picture when we imagine it. What it means is that the Prophet should not care about the pleasures that God has allowed some people, men and women, to enjoy as part of the test they have to go through. He should not even give them much importance, or care what they do, or wish for something similar to what they enjoy. All this is of little consequence. He has the everlasting truth in those seven oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān.

When the Prophet is in Distress

This remark is sufficient to contrast the great truth and favours God’s Messenger has with the little enjoyment that glitters despite its being of little consequence. This is followed by a directive to the Prophet to ignore those lost in their worldly enjoyments and to care only for the believers. For these are the ones who follow the truth which he preaches, the truth which sustains the heavens and the earth and all that is in between. The other group follow falsehood which is incidental in the universe, not part of its design.

“And do not grieve on their account.” (Verse 88) You must not trouble yourself over their miserable fate which is dictated by God’s justice and by the great truth. You should leave them to face the truth. On the other hand, the Prophet is told to show kindness to the believers. The Qur’ān expresses this sentence in a figurative way, telling the Prophet to “spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers.” (Verse 88) This is an image denoting gentle treatment and good care of the believers. The Prophet is also instructed to say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” This is the essential method of advocating the divine message. The warning is mentioned here on its own without adding the rejoinder of giving good and happy news. The warning is more suited here as the context mentions those who deride the truth, indulge in their worldly enjoyments and never contemplate the truth which is the basis of both the divine message and the existence of the universe.

“And say: ‘I am indeed the plain warner.’“ (Verse 89) This is the word every messenger has said to his people, including those who remain from old communities to whom messengers were sent with a reminder similar to the one Muĥammad (peace be upon him) brought. Among such people in Arabia were some Christians and Jews who were not ready to accept the Qur’ān with complete submission. They accepted parts of it and rejected others, as their prejudice dictated. These are the ones whom God describes here as the ones who break [God’s revelation] into parts.