Surah Al-A'raaf: Verse 1 - المص... - English

Commentary

An overview of the Surah shows that most of the subjects it deals with are related to Ma` ad (Return to the Hereafter) and Risalah (Prophethood). The former appear from the beginning of the Surah upto approximately the end of the sixth section. Then, from the eighth to the twenty first sections, there is a detailed description of past prophets, events about their communities, their reward and punishment and the punishment which overtook them.

Which was revealed in Makkah

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

((This is the) Book (the Qur'an) sent down unto you (O Muhammad)), from your Lord,

(so let not your breast be narrow therefrom,) meaning, having doubt about it according to Mujahid, Qatadah and As-Suddi. It was also said that the meaning here is: `do not hesitate to convey the Qur'an and warn with it,'

(Therefore be patient as did the Messengers of strong will) 46:35. Allah said here,

(that you warn thereby) meaning, `We sent down the Qur'an so that you may warn the disbelievers with it,'

(and a reminder unto the believers). Allah then said to the world,

(Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord) meaning, follow and imitate the unlettered Prophet , who brought you a Book that was revealed for you, from the Lord and master of everything.

(and follow not any Awliya', besides Him (Allah)) meaning, do not disregard what the Messenger brought you and follow something else, for in this case, you will be deviating from Allah's judgment to the decision of someone else. Allah's statement,

(Little do you remember!) is similar to,

(And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly)12:103, and;

(And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah's path)6:116, and,

(And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners unto Him)12:106.