Table of Contents

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

(The Thunder, No. 13)

(Revealed in Mecca)

43 verses in 6 sections

As was mentioned aforetime, Meccan suras were revealed at the beginning of the call of the Prophet of Islam (S), when the hostile pagans seriously opposed to accept the Faith. Then these suras are mostly upon the issues of belief, specially invitation to Monotheism, struggling against idolatry, and proving the Resurrection.

While the Medinite suras, which were reveled after the expansion of Islam and the formation of the Islamic government, explain the Divine ordinances and religious social rules, according to the needs of the society.

This Surah, which is among the Meccan suras, also follows the same line. After making allusions to the legitimacy and greatness of the Qur’an, it refers to monotheism and states the secrets of creation which are the signs of the existence of the Pure Essence of Allah.

Then the Qur’an, in this Surah, discusses about Resurrection and the new life of mankind in Hereafter, as well as the Divine Court of Justice on the Reckoning Day. It completes this introduction of Monotheism and Resurrection by pointing to the responsibilities and duties of people.

Once again, it returns to the issue of Monotheism. Then it gives examples in order to make the right and wrong known. They are some manifest and sensible examples which are understandable for all.

In view of the fact that the ultimate worldly fruit of belief in Monotheism and Resurrection is the very constructive and practical programs, following these discussions, it invites people to; fulfilling the promise, union of kindred, patience and perseverance, spending out in charity secretly and openly, and leaving revenge.

And, finally, the content of this Surah guides people to search the depths of events in history through showing them the painful end of the disobedient nations in the past.

Thus, Surah Ar-Ra‘d begins with some verses concerning Faith and convictions, and ends with introducing the deeds and activities which are helpful in the formation of human character.

Section 1: Signs of Allah in Nature

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Surah Ar-Ra‘d - Verse 1

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ‌ المر تِلْكَ آياتُ الْكِتابِ وَ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ الْحَقُّ وَ لكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لا يُؤْمِنُونَ (1)

In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

1. “Alif ‘A’, Lam ‘L’, Mim ‘M’, Ra ‘R’. These are the verses of the Book; and that which has been revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth, but most people do not believe.”

At the beginning of this Holy Surah, again we have the abbreviated letters which are found in 29 suras of the Qur’an. The abbreviated letters here are a combination of ‘Alif ’, ‘Lam’, and ‘Mim’, which has occurred at the beginning of several suras, while ‘Alif’ ‘Lam’ and ‘Ra’ are mentioned at the beginning of some other suras.

Thus, in fact, this Surah is the only Surah that begins with ‘Alif, ‘Lam’, ‘Mim’, and ‘Ra’.

In view of the fact that the particular abbreviated letters at the beginning of every Surah seem to have a direct connection with the content of that Surah, it is probable that the present combination of the abbreviated letters at the beginning of Surah Ar-Ra‘d indicate that the content of this Surah consists of the contents of both group of suras which begin with ‘Alif, Lam, Mim’ and ‘Alif, Lam, Ra’. A careful attention over the contents of these suras also testifies this idea.

Since there have been talked upon the abbreviated letters of the Qur’an stated at the beginning of suras Al-Baqarah, ‘Al-i-‘Imran and Al-’A‘raf, their repetition is not so necessary here again.

The first verse, on the dignity of the Qur’an, says:

“…These are the verses of the Book; and that which has been revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth…”

There is no room for any doubt to be seen in it, because it is the statement of the objective facts of the world of creation, and its relation with humankind.

It is a truth that the Qur’an has not been mixed with falsehood. That is why the signs of its legitimacy is found even in its appearance so that there in no need of further reasoning.

Yet, the ignorant and empty-headed persons, who form the majority of people, do not believe in the revelations.

It says:

“…but most people do not believe.”