Al-Anbiyâ' (Surah 21)
Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets)
Makki SurahIntroduction
Like the previous sûrah, this is another Meccan sûrah that aims at reassuring the Prophet (ﷺ) by reminding him of Allah’s grace and support to His prophets, including Abraham, Job, Jonah, Zachariah, and Jesus. The Prophet (ﷺ) is said to be sent as a mercy to the whole world (verse 107). Warnings of the horrors of Judgment Day are dispersed throughout the sûrah and are carried over to the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Indifference to the Truth
1. (The time of) people’s judgment has drawn near, yet they are heedlessly turning away. 2. Whatever new reminder comes to them from their Lord, they only listen to it jokingly, 3. with their hearts (totally) distracted. The evildoers would converse secretly, (saying,) “Is this (one) not human like yourselves? Would you fall for (this) witchcraft, even though you can (clearly) see?” 4. The Prophet responded, “My Lord (fully) knows every word spoken in the heavens and the earth. For He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” 5. Yet they say, “This (Quran) is a set of confused dreams! No, he has fabricated it! No, he must be a poet! So let him bring us a (tangible) sign like those (prophets) sent before.” 6. Not a (single) society We destroyed before them ever believed (after receiving the signs). Will these (pagans) then believe?
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 1-6
Human, Not Angelic Messengers
7. We did not send (messengers) before you (O Prophet) except mere men inspired by Us. If you (polytheists) do not know (this already), then ask those who have knowledge (of the Scriptures). 8. We did not give those messengers (supernatural) bodies that did not need food, nor were they immortal. 9. Then We fulfilled Our promise to them, saving them along with whoever We willed and destroying the transgressors.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 7-9
Reasoning with Meccan Pagans
10. We have surely revealed to you a Book, in which there is glory for you. Will you not then understand? 11. (Imagine) how many societies of wrongdoers We have destroyed, raising up other people after them! 12. When the wrongdoers sensed (the arrival of) Our torment, they started to run away from their cities. 13. (They were told,) “Do not run away! Return to your luxuries and your homes, so you may be questioned (about your fate).” 14. They cried, “Woe to us! We have surely been wrongdoers.” 15. They kept repeating their cry until We mowed them down, (leaving them) lifeless.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 10-15
Divine Amusement?
16. We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything in between for sport. 17. Had We intended to take (some) amusement, We could have found it in Our presence, if that had been Our Will. 18. In fact, We hurl the truth against falsehood, leaving it crushed, and it quickly vanishes. And woe be to you for what you claim! 19. To Him belong all those in the heavens and the earth. And those nearest to Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they tire. 20. They glorify (Him) day and night, never wavering.