An-Naml (The Ant)

91. “(O’ Muhammad say:) ‘I am commanded only to serve the Lord of this city, Who has made it sacred, and His are all things; and I am commanded that I should be of those who submit’.”

The holy Prophet (S) is under the command of Allah, the Almighty.

A leader must announce his severity and decisiveness to people and say to them that whether they believe or not he will continue his way. The day when Mecca was conquered by Muslims, the Messenger of Allah (S) arrived in Mecca and broke the idols therein.

Then he stood at the threshold of Ka‘bah and said:

“Verily Allah has respected Mecca (since the first day until the Hereafter).”1

This verse, addressing the Prophet of Islam (S), reiterates some facts. It implies that he (S) should tell the people that he does his duty whether the obstinate pagans believe or not.

The verse says:

“(O’ Muhammad say:) ‘I am commanded only to serve the Lord of this city…”

This sacred city (Mecca) is the secure sanctuary of Allah, and is the noblest point on the earth. It is the oldest temple of Monotheism.

Yes, The Prophet (S) is commanded to worship the Lord Who has made this city (Mecca) sacred, and He has appointed some specialities for it. He has assigned some particular respects, ordinances, and prohibitions for it that other cites in the world do not have them.

But do not consider that only this city belongs to Allah, because everything in the world of existence belongs to Him.

The verse continues saying:

“…Who has made it sacred, and His are all things…”

The second order that he (S) is commanded to fulfil is that he should absolutely submit the commandment of Allah, not other than it.

The verse says:

“…and I am commanded that I should be of those who submit’.”

Thus, the Prophet (S) states his two main missions which are ‘worshipping Allah, the One’, and ‘being absolute obedient to His commandment’.