Surah64

This is something of a transitional chapter that was revealed just after the Migration to Medina in the year 622. For this reason, it resembles a Meccan chapter in its subject matter, though its address of hardships in verses 11-18 show that its ultimate purpose was to provide the desperate Muslim refugees with some words of advice on how to view their plight - and also on how to rise above it. It cannot be underappreciated how difficult it is for someone to leave their home and city under a barrage of persecution, and it was extremely arduous and stressful upon the Muslim faithful. Under the cover of darkness, the Prophet looked back upon Mecca as he was about to leave for good and he said, “You’re the most beloved to God among all of God’s lands, and you’re the most beloved to me among all of God’s lands. If it wasn’t for the idol-worshippers driving me away from you, I would never have left you.” (Ibn Kathir)

Everything within the heavens and on earth reflects the glory of God. All dominion and praise belongs to Him, for He has power over everything. (1) He’s the One Who created each of you, and among you there are some who reject (God) and some who believe, and He’s watching everything you do. (2) He created the heavens and the earth for a true purpose, and He shaped you and made your shapes beautiful, and to Him is the journey’s end. (3)

He knows all about whatever is within the heavens and on the earth, and He knows what you hide and show, for God knows the secrets of the heart. (4)

Have you heard the news of the faithless who came before you? They tasted the consequences of their deeds and suffered a severe punishment. (5) That’s because whenever messengers went to them with clear evidence (of the truth,) they scoffed, “How can a mere mortal show us the way?” So they rejected (the message) and turned away, though God had no need of them, for God is in need of none and is already being praised. (6)

The faithless assume that they’re never going to be resurrected. Tell them, “By my Lord you’re going to be resurrected, and you’ll be made to understand (the meaning of) your deeds, and that’s easy for God to do.” (7)

So believe in God and His Messenger, and in the light that We’ve sent down, for God is well informed of everything you do. (8)

The Day when He gathers you all together will be a Day of Varied Fortune. [1] Whoever believed in God and did what was morally right will have their shortcomings erased by Him, and He’ll admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow [2] and there they’ll remain – and that’s the ultimate success! (9) But whoever rejected (the truth) and denied Our (revealed) verses will be Inmates of the Fire, and in it they’ll remain – and that’s the worst possible destination! (10)

No catastrophe can ever happen except with God’s permission. Whoever believes in God, He will guide their heart, for God knows about everything. [3] (11) So obey God and obey His Messenger, though if anyone turns aside, it’s only the duty of Our Messenger to convey the revelation clearly. (12) God: there is no god but He, and in Him should the faithful believe. (13)

All you who believe! [4] There are potential adversaries for you among your spouses and children, so watch out! [5] But if you overlook (their faults,) gloss over (their shortcomings,) and forgive them, (know that) God is forgiving and merciful. (14) Your wealth and your children may be a test for you, but the greatest reward is in God’s presence. (15) Be mindful (of your duty) to God to the best of your ability, [6] listen and obey, and spend in charity for your own good. Whoever saves themselves from the greed of their own souls will be victorious. (16)

If you lend to God a beautiful loan, He will double it (to your benefit) and forgive you (your sins,) for God is appreciative and forbearing. (17) He knows what’s beyond human perception, as well as what’s plainly visible, (for He is) the Powerful and Wise. (18)

[1] Ibn ‘Abbas (d. 687) said, “This is one of the names of the Day of Judgment, and that’s because the People of Paradise will have an advantage over the People of the Fire.” (At-Tabari)

[2] ‘Umar ibn al Khattab (d. 644), the second Caliph of the Islamic Empire, once remarked, “Take an account of yourself before an accounting is taken of you.”

[3] The Prophet said, “How excellent is a believer’s situation! Unlike all others, there is good in everything he does. If he is prosperous, he thanks God, which is good, and if misfortune befalls him, he endures it with perseverance, and that is also good for him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

[4] This passage (14-16) was revealed to address the situation of people who converted to Islam in Mecca and who wanted to migrate to Medina, but their wives and children refused to let them. Later when they finally did migrate with their families, they found that those who had preceded them had gained much more knowledge of the religion. Such people then spent much more of their time in the mosque, or doing charity or other good deeds. Their families would then berate them and complain and make them feel guilty for going out and learning, preaching, teaching, etc… The Muslims are advised to be patient and to forgive them, however. In a wider sense, this is a general advice to be patient with one’s family when they seem to grate on one’s nerves. It may be just a test for us to see if we are truly patient and wise.

[5] The Prophet was giving a speech one day when suddenly his two very young grandchildren, Hassan and Husayn, came stumbling and tripping into the gathering wearing red shirts. The Prophet left the pulpit and scooped them both up in his arms. Then he quoted this verse and said, “I saw these two boys walking and tripping and could not be patient until I stopped my speech and picked them up.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

[6] The Prophet said, “Whenever I order you to do something, do as much of it as you can, and whatever I forbid you from, then avoid it.” (Bukhari, Muslim)