85. Buroof

Syed Abu-Ala' Maududi's Chapter Introductions to the Quran



Name

The Sura is so designated after the word al buruj appearing in the first verse.

Period of Revelation

The subject matter itself indicates that this Sura was sent down at Makkah in the period when persecution of the Muslims was at its climax and the disbelievers of Makkah were trying their utmost by tyranny and coercion to turn away the new converts from Islam.

Theme and Subject Matter

Its theme is to warn the disbelievers of the evil consequences of the persecution and tyranny that they were perpetrating on the converts to Islam and to console the believers so as to say: "If you remain firm and steadfast against tyranny and coercion you will be rewarded richly for it and Allah will certainly avenge Himself on your persecutors on your behalf" In this connection first of all the story of the people of the ditch (ashab al-ukhdud) had been related who had burnt the believers to death by casting them into pits full of fire. By means of this story the believers and the disbelievers have been taught a few lessons. First that just as the people of the ditch became worthy of Allah's curse and punishment so are the chiefs of Makkah also becoming worthy of it. Second that just as the believers at that time had willingly accepted to sacrifice their lives by being burnt to death in the pits of fire instead of turning away from the faith so also the believers now should endure every persecution but should never give up the faith. Third that Gods acknowledging Whom displeases the disbelievers and is urged on by the believers is Dominant and Master of the Kingdom of the earth and heavens; He is self-praiseworthy and is watching what the two groups are striving for. Therefore it is certain that the disbelievers will not only be punished in Hell for their disbelief but more than that they too will suffer punishment by fire as a fit recompense for their tyranny and cruelties. Likewise this also is certain that those who believe and follow up their belief with good deeds should go to Paradise and this indeed is the supreme success. Then the disbelievers have been warned so as to say: "God's grip is very severe. If you are proud of the strength of your hosts you should know that the hosts of Pharaoh and Thamud were even stronger and more numerous. Therefore you should learn a lesson from the fate they met. God's power has so encompassed you that you cannot escape His encirclement and the Qur'an that you are bent upon belying is unchangeable: it is inscribed in the Preserved Tablet which cannot be corrupted in any way."





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