Tafseer Thursdays

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Welcome to BeQuranic! Since it’s Thursday, we continue our tradition of Tafsir Thursdays.

🔹 Introduction to Surah Ar-Rahman

When was it revealed?

📌 Mid to late Makkah period – addressing the Quraysh’s arrogance and denial of Allah’s favours.

Why is this Surah special?

🔹 The Surah begins with the name “Ar-Rahman”

🔹 Unlike most of Allah’s Asma’ul Husna (Beautiful Names) that appear in pairs, Ar-Rahman stands alone.

🔹 A whole ayah is dedicated to just “Ar-Rahman” – a clear signpost for deep reflection.

💡 Ar-Rahman is the most comprehensive name of Allah’s mercy – encompassing all creation, believers and non-believers alike.

📖 First Passage: A Reminder of Allah’s Favours (Ayahs 1-13)

Allah begins the Surah by listing His countless favours upon mankind:

1️⃣ The Quran (أَلرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَّمَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ)

2️⃣ The ability to communicate (عَلَّمَهُ ٱلْبَيَانَ)

3️⃣ The Sun & the Moon in precise order (ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ)

4️⃣ The stars & trees in submission (وَٱلنَّجْمُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَانِ)

5️⃣ The balance of justice (وَوَضَعَ ٱلْمِيزَانَ)

Allah then challenges humanity and jinn:

“Which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?”

🔹 This ayah (فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ) is repeated 31 times – urging deep reflection.

👥 Two Audiences: Humans & Jinn (Ayahs 14-16)

After addressing humanity, Allah expands the discussion to include the jinn:

Creation of Humans & Jinn

• Humans – created from clay (salsāl), dried and hardened like pottery.

• Jinn – created from smokeless fire (mārij min nār).

💡 Why is this important?

• Clay is simple & cheap – a reminder to stay humble.

• Fire is volatile & destructive – explaining why some jinn (like Iblis) are rebellious.

• Both are accountable before Allah – jinn are also required to follow the teachings of the Prophets.

📌 Who are the Shayateen (Devils)?

• Shaytan is not a species but a title for anyone who encourages evil.

• Shayateen can be from both humans & jinn (Qur’an 6:112).

• A person who promotes corruption unknowingly plays the role of Shaytan!

🌅 The Two Easts & Two Wests (Ayah 17)

🔹 رَبُّ ٱلْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ ٱلْمَغْرِبَيْنِ

🔹 “He is the Lord of the two easts and the two wests.”

💡 What does this mean?

• Mashriq (مشرق) means place of sunrise and Maghrib (مغرب) means place of sunset.

• The sun does not rise and set in the same place every day – it moves gradually between two extreme points each year.

• Allah highlights His control over the entire universe.