Surah Al-Shams (The Sun), the 91st chapter of the Quran, is a powerful Meccan surah that carries profound lessons and vivid imagery, emphasizing the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of human actions. Comprising fifteen verses, it uses a series of oaths by natural elements to underscore the importance of its message.
The surah starts with oaths by the sun, moon, day, night, sky, earth, and human soul, which highlight the significance of divine creation and its inherent order, drawing attention to the moral and ethical lessons conveyed in the subsequent verses. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the significance, virtues and historical context of Surah Al-Shams, as well as some key lessons we can learn from it.
Historical Context and Reasons for Revelation
Revealed during the Meccan period, Surah Al-Shams is believed to have been revealed after Surah Al-Qadr and before Surah Al-Buruj, during a time of intense persecution of Muslims. This period saw the migration of some companions to Abyssinia and the miraculous incident of Isra and Mi’raj. The surah serves as a continuation of themes explored in Surah Al-Balad, which discusses the fate of different groups based on their actions and attitudes.
The surah begins with oaths taken by various natural phenomena: the sun and its brightness, the moon, the day, the night, the sky, the earth, and the human soul. These oaths are not merely for emphasis but to draw attention to the significance of creation and its divine order, reflecting the balance between light and darkness, good and evil.
– By the Sun and its brightness (وَٱلشَّمۡسِ وَضُحَىٰهَا)
– By the Moon as it follows it (وَٱلۡقَمَرِ إِذَا تَلَىٰهَا)
– By the Day as it reveals it (وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا جَلَّىٰهَا)
– By the Night as it conceals it (وَٱللَّيۡلِ إِذَا يَغۡشَىٰهَا)
– By the Sky and He who constructed it (وَٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا بَنَىٰهَا)
– By the Earth and He who spread it (وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا طَحَىٰهَا)
– By the Soul and He who proportioned it (وَنَفۡسٖ وَمَا سَوَّىٰهَا)
These oaths highlight the magnificence of Allah’s creation, drawing attention to the natural order and the profound interconnectedness of the universe. They serve as a powerful prelude to the surah’s core message, which focuses on the inherent knowledge of right and wrong within every human soul.
By invoking these elements, the surah emphasizes that just as there is a clear distinction between day and night, there is a clear moral compass within each person. This compass guides individuals towards righteousness, and the consequences of nurturing or corrupting it are profound, affecting both personal destiny and the wider community.
Virtues and Merits of Surah Al-Shams
Inclusion in the Seven Long Surahs
Surah Al-Shams is included in the group known as the Seven Long Surahs (As-Sab’ At-Tiwal). These surahs highlight the comprehensive nature of the Quran’s guidance, as they cover a wide range of topics and themes that are essential for the moral and spiritual development of individuals and communities. The inclusion of Surah Al-Shams in this group aligns with the Prophet’s SAW emphasis on the importance of these profound teachings. It reflects the surah’s significance in providing a deep, reflective insight into the human condition and the divine order.
Emphasis on the Day of Resurrection
One of the most striking aspects of Surah Al-Shams is its vivid portrayal of the Day of Judgment. The surah encourages believers to reflect on their actions and the inevitable final reckoning that awaits all human beings. By drawing attention to the events of the Day of Resurrection, the surah serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of worldly life and the enduring significance of spiritual and moral integrity. This focus on the Day of Judgment reinforces the Quranic theme of accountability and the ultimate justice that will prevail in the hereafter.
Key Verses and Lessons
Verses 7-10: “And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it [with corruption].”
These verses emphasize that every human soul is endowed with an innate understanding of good and evil. This inherent moral compass is a divine gift, guiding individuals to distinguish between righteous and wrongful actions. Success in life, both spiritually and morally, lies in actively purifying and nurturing this inherent righteousness through good deeds, self-discipline, and adherence to ethical principles.
Conversely, failure arises when individuals allow corruption, vice, and immoral tendencies to dominate their behavior, leading to spiritual decay and negative consequences both in this life and the hereafter. The surah thus underscores the importance of constant self-awareness and moral vigilance.
– Verses 11-15: “Thamud denied [their prophet] by reason of their transgression, When the most wretched of them was sent forth. And the messenger of Allah [Saleh] said to them, “[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allah or [prevent her from] her drink.” But they denied him and hamstrung her. So their Lord brought down upon them destruction for their sin and made it equal [upon all of them].And He does not fear the consequence thereof.”
These verses recount the story of the Thamud people and their prophet, Saleh. Despite being given a clear sign through the miraculous she-camel, the Thamud transgressed and killed the animal, bringing about their destruction. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying divine guidance and engaging in wrongdoing.
Significance and Contemporary Lessons
Surah Al-Shams offers timeless lessons that are highly relevant in today’s world:
1. Self-Purification: The surah underscores the importance of self-purification (tazkiyah). In a world often swayed by materialism and moral ambiguity, this surah calls for introspection and the cultivation of virtues such as honesty, compassion, and justice.
2. Accountability: The story of the Thamud people serves as a powerful reminder that actions have consequences. In contemporary terms, this could be seen as a call to ethical living and social responsibility.
3. Divine Signs: The repeated references to natural elements highlight the importance of observing and reflecting on the world around us. In an era of scientific advancement, these verses encourage a harmonious relationship between faith and reason, urging believers to see the divine in the natural order.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Shams, with its vivid imagery and profound message, calls upon humanity to recognize the signs of Allah SWT in the universe and within themselves. It emphasizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, the importance of self-purification, and the inevitable consequences of our actions. By reflecting on this surah, believers can find guidance and inspiration to lead lives rooted in righteousness and moral integrity, striving for success in this world and the hereafter.