Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Tafsir Surah an-Naml



Surah an-Naml reminds the believers of the good tidings of faith in Allah’s book and makes the unbelievers aware of the Hereafter through the realities of the universe. This Surah consists of two main discourses: the first is directed to those who accept the Qur’an as it presents the realities of the universe and the hereafter. Such people can benefit from the guidance of the Quran and become worthy of the promises made in it. The second discourse is directed to those who disbelieve in the Hereafter. On the outset attention is drawn to the universe in order to question them about the glaring realities.Four stories from the past have been retold in order to understand their trails and tribulations in their struggle towards belief, which are:

  • The Story of Musa (as) and Pharaoh
  • The People of Thamud
  • The People of Lot (as)
  • The Story of Sulayman (as) and Queen of Sheba (it is the only time this story is related in the Qur’an)

The greatest hindrance for mankind in following His Book, is the denial of the Hereafter. This Surah seeks to remind the believers to the follow up their belief with obedience and submission in their practical lives.
“Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.” [12: 111]