The Most High

87 Al A'la, Meccan Period

    This is one of the earliest chapters of the Qur’an to be revealed.  Verses 6-7 even make mention of the fact that Muhammad was unused to getting these supernatural messages, as thus was afraid he would forget them or mix them up.  He is reassured here and in two other chapters of the Qur’an (20:114, 75:16-19) that he need not worry about it, for God will attune his mind and cause him to remember.  Then Muhammad is comforted and told he will gain peace of mind eventually, a sure sign that Muhammad was under stress from the vindictive persecution of his people.  The truth of his message is given continuity with previous prophets in the mention of Moses and Abraham.

  In the Name of Allah,
the Compassionate Source of All Mercy.

     Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High, [1] (1) Who creates and completes (all things,) (2) determines (their length,) and directs (them to their end). (3) He’s the One Who brings out the lush green pastures, (4) and He’s the One Who reduces them to scrub.  (5)

     We will teach you (this message,) and you won’t forget anything (6) unless God wants you to, for He knows what’s out in the open and what’s hidden away.  (7) 

     We’ll soon make your path (towards peace of mind) an easy one. (8)  So remind (people,) for it may be to their benefit. (9) Whoever fears (displeasing their Lord) will understand, (10) while the miserable wretch will scoff.  (11)  But the fierce blaze is enough for him (12) where there’s neither death nor life.  (13)

     And so the one who tries to improve himself shall prosper. (14) They remember the Name of their Lord and pray. [2]  (15)  But no!  It seems that (most of) you still prefer the life of this world, (16) even though the next life is better and more lasting. (17) Yet (this truth) was revealed in scrolls before (18) - in the Scrolls of Abraham and of Moses.  (19)