The Study Quran by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Author:Seyyed Hossein Nasr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015-09-13T16:00:00+00:00

25

The Criterion

al-Furqān

Most commentators consider al-Furqān to be a Makkan sūrah, although some believe that vv. 68–70 are from the Madinan period, while a minority consider most of the sūrah to be from the Madinan period and vv. 68–70 to be from the Makkan period (Q). It takes its name from the mention of the Criterion (al-Furqān) in the first verse, a word that could also be rendered “the Divide,” and which is also a name of the Quran.

Beginning with the disbelievers’ accusation that the Quran was taught by a human being to the Prophet or that he was simply rehearsing old legends (vv. 4–5), this sūrah goes on to elaborate on one of its main themes, namely, the inability of the Quraysh to accept Muhammad as a prophet because of his humanity. It lists their objections: he walks in the market like any other human being, is given no great treasure, and is not accompanied by an angel (vv. 7–10, 20–21). Moreover, the Quraysh wonder why the Quran was not sent down all at once, rather than being revealed gradually over years (v. 32), and part of their denial is manifest in their aversion to the use of the Divine Name al-Raḥmān (the Compassionate; vv. 59–60).

Several verses describe the horror of the disbelievers as they call out to be destroyed rather than suffer the punishment of the Fire and as they are rebuked and denied by the objects of their worship in this world (vv. 11–19, 22–29). Moses and Aaron, Noah, and the messengers sent to al-Rass are mentioned as previous examples of prophets who were rejected by their people (vv. 35–40). The latter part of the sūrah includes several verses that describe how the believers should conduct themselves in the face of vain talk and insults and addresses the true meaning of repentance and supplication to God (vv. 63–77).

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