SURAH zilzaal:
1. When the earth is shaken to her utmost convulsion, 2. And the earth throws up her burdens, 3.
And man cries out: ‘What is the matter with her?’, 4. On that day will she declare her tidings: 5. For
that your Lord will have given her inspiration. 6. On that day will men proceed in companies sorted
out, to be shown their deeds. 7. Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good see it!
8. And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.
a. Briefly describe the main theme in this passage.
b. Briefly explain how this passage presents its theme in a distinctive way.
Main theme:
This surah talks about some major Muslim beliefs. Firstly, it tells us that this world is temporary
and a day will come when this whole system will be destroyed. It is mentioned in many other places
like Qaria’h and Takweer. It means that this world is a place of trials and it is not created to last
forever. This surah also strengthens our faith in Allah’s greatness as He is maintaining the world
now and He is able to destroy it with a single command. Lastly it emphasizes on reward and
punishment. “So, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be heavy he will be in the life of bliss
and he whose balance (of good deeds) will be light he will be in the bottom less pit.” It is clearly
mentioned in the Quran that whatever a person commits in this life, he will face the consequences
of his deeds in hereafter.
Importance of the theme:
This passage reminds us about the end of this world and our real destination. We are given
life as a trial and we are answerable to Allah about our deeds. We must not underestimate even
slightest good or bad deeds as Allah will weigh the deeds and weight depends on intentions. The
people will be brought in groups on the day of judgement so we should try to spend our life among
the pious ones. A believer’s focus should be on the second life and he must not be engrossed
completely in the worldly pleasures. We must fear from the day when we will be gathered for
accountability. The negligence of this belief leads a person towards a sinful life. Surah Al-Zilzaal
is a warning for people to give up their lives of sins, and be obedient to Allah.
SURAH Baqarah (30 – 37):
30. Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ They said: ‘Will You
place there one who will make mischief there and shed blood? – whilst we celebrate your praises
and glorify your holy (name)?’ He said: ‘I know what you do not know.’ 31. And He taught Adam
the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: ‘Tell me the names of
these if you are right.’ 32. They said: ‘Glory to You, of knowledge we have none, save what You
have taught us: In truth it is You who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.’ 33. He said: ‘Adam!
Tell them their names.’ When he had told them, Allah said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the secrets
of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?’ 34. And behold, We said
to the angels: ‘Bow down to Adam’. And they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was
haughty: he was of those who reject faith. 35. We said: ‘Adam! You and your wife dwell in the
Garden; and eat of the bountiful things in it as You wish. But do not approach this tree, or you will
run into harm and transgression.’ 36. Then Satan made them slip from there, and got them out of
what they had been in. We said: ‘Go down, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your
dwelling-place and your means of livelihood, for a time.’ 37. Then Adam learnt from his Lord words
of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is often-returning, most merciful.
a. Briefly describe the main theme in this passage.
b. Briefly explain how this passage presents its theme in a distinctive way.
Main theme:
In this passage the creation of Hazrat Adam (a.s) is discussed. It strengthens our faith in
prophethood. Allah made the man on earth His messenger for the guidance of mankind since
beginning. It strengthens our faith in Allah’s authority over all creations as He made Adam and
ordered jinn and angels to prostrate in front of him in respect. It also makes clear that superiority of
man is based on the knowledge gifted to him by Allah and that angels are given limited knowledge.
Satan due to jealousy ignored Allah’s command and turned to be an enemy of man forever. Being
a human Adam (a.s) did a mistake but Allah is merciful who forgave him when he turned to Him in
repentance.
Importance of the theme:
This passage reminds mankind their position on earth. Allah has appointed the true believers
as His vicegerent on earth. They have to implement the law of Allah on themselves and in the entire
world. They have to make efforts for it which includes the different forms of Jihad. They should
also acquire knowledge of the word of Allah to maintain their superiority over other creations. We
should remain loyal to Allah and must reject the evil ideas of Satan. We must obey Allah as only in
this way we can get into Paradise from where Adam (a.s) was sent down. In case of any
disobedience, we should immediately turn to Allah saying: “O our Lord we wronged our souls
and if you don’t forgive us and show mercy then surely, we will be among the losers.”
