The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

094 – Al Inshiraah – The Expansion The chapter is a continuation of Sura Al Dhuhaa (93) and begins with a reminder of the blessing that Allah has bestowed upon the Prophet of strengthening him spiritually to be able to undertake the mammoth task of conveying the Divine message. This is followed by the reassurance that every difficulty is co joined with two eases and the command to continually strive in His way towards one's full potential. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

093 – Al Dhuhaa – The Early Morning Light The chapter begins with an oath on the soothing morning light akin to revelation. The next oath is about the stillness of the night when it comes alluding to the period of time when there was a pause in revelation which saddened the Prophet. The wife of Abu Lahab – Umm Jameela taunted him telling him that his God had forsaken him. The chapter continues with an assertion from Divinity that He has not abandoned him nor is He unhappy with him. It continues to remind the Prophet of Allah's limitless grace and support for him. The main theme of the chapter is consolation to the Prophet ending with an exhortation to care for the orphans, never to rebuke the one who asks and to proclaim Divine blessings. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

092 – Al Layl – The Night The first two oaths of the contrasting day and night allude to the third oath which draws our attention to the diverse deeds of the human being which are the sum total of our endeavours. The virtues of generosity, God consciousness and beauty of morals values facilitate ease whilst stinginess, a perception of independence of Divinity and rejection of righteousness leads to hardship. The chapter clearly lays out two paths – good and evil and the free will and knowledge granted to human beings to make a choice. It ends with the consequences of these two diverse courses. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

091 – Al Shams – The Sun The chapter begins with seven oaths; six phenomena to do with the Sun paving the way for the existence of the human being in the seventh. Allah swears by the sun's brightness, the moon that follows it, the day that reveals it, the night that hides it, the sky that holds it, the heavens and Earth, and the perfection and complexity of the soul. There is an ability to choose between good and evil. The soul can succeed through good and fail through evil. A historical example of the people of Thamud is given who rejected the truth because of their arrogance. The whole community suffered as a consequence. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

090 – Al Balad – The City The chapter takes its title from 'This Land' – with reference to the city of Makka – the focal point towards which all Muslims turn to (although it could refer to the earth in totality). Then the best of cities is followed by an oath of the best of human beings – the Prophet as its resident. Then every parent and child leads into the answer to the oath that every human being is created in a state of struggle and hardship. It then reproaches the human being for failing to put his faculties and wealth to proper use by thinking that he is not accountable. He wastes his wealth and boasts about it. Divinity reminds him that he is watched, This is followed by instructions as to how one should act describing the path as a steep difficult road entailing some of the challenges – to free one who is shackled, feeding on days of hunger, assisting orphans and the destitute. The chapter ends with a contrast between the companions of the right hand who advise to patience, perseverance, compassion and forgiveness and the companions of the left who cover up this truth. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

089 – Al Fajr – The Dawn The chapter begins with a series of oath to reflect on starting with the dawn which denotes a beginning, followed by 10 nights without the definite Al and therefore could have several connotations. The even and the odd may refer to the merging of duality into one in the night prayer and finally the night when it departs suggesting that all creation is in constant motion and ignorance departs when we awaken to the dawn of reality. The destruction of Aad, Thamud and Firawn because of their arrogance and corruption follows with a discussion of the tendency of the human being to relate wealth and ease to honour from Divinity. A rebuke to the stingy who do not honour the orphan, or encourage the feeding of the poor, eating the inheritance of others and loving wealth with excessive love. There follows the regret of the defiant rejectors of Divinity and finally an address to the tranquil soul who returns to His Master having reached his full potential and gains the acceptance and pleasure of Divinity with an invitation to enter into His Janna. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

088 – Al Ghaashiya – That Which Covers Entirely The chapter begins with a comparison of the torments suffered in the fire of those who rejected Divinity and accountability to the bliss of the gardens enjoyed by those who submitted to Divinity. In essence a tour of Jahannam and Janna. It then directs the reader to reflect on Allah's creation from the camel to the raising of the skies, stability of the mountains and spreading of the earth. The chapter concludes by reminding the Prophet that he is a warner and not responsible for those who defiantly refuse to accept Divine guidance. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

087 – Al A'laa – The Most High The chapter begins with an order to glorify (declare the perfection of ) Allah whilst reflecting on His Creative Ability and perfection and guidance for each human being to reach His full potential. This is followed by an order to continuously remind the human being of purpose of life as it serves as a benefit. The chapter then continues to show the contrast between those who heed the Qur'an and those who don't concluding with a warning to those who prefer the world. Finally, there is an affirmation of the timeless universal message of the Qur'an which is also found in previous revelations. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

086 – Al Taariq – The Brilliant Star The chapter begins with oaths on the sky and the brilliant laser sharp night star implying that that the sky is a witness and the night star both guidance and a witness akin to a camera in the sky. Within every soul is a beacon that emits light energy that penetrates everything. A reflection on the origin of the human being as he forgets his beginning continues to his return to Divinity and the exposure and testing of all secrets. 2 more oaths on the rain giving skies and the splitting of the earth leads into a final warning not to the the Quran lightly and an address to the Prophet to leave the rejectors of truth to Divinity to sort out. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

085 – Al Burooj – The Forts in the Heavens The chapter begins with a short series of oaths on the tall forts of angels in the skies who will come out row after row on the day of Qiyama. The axis of the chapter is verse 3 "I swear by the witness and the witnessed" which emphasises that everything is witnessed. It summarises the core beliefs in Allah, angels, the Messengers, the Qur'an and the Day of Qiyama. All are witnesses and are witnessed at different times. It is followed by the story of the companions of the pit who were from Yemen who persecuted those who believed by throwing them into a pit of fire. Their crime was witnessed and will be dealt with justly. The consequence of Jahannam as a result of those who are unjust and do not repent is contrasted to the recompense of Janna for those who believe and manifest their belief with righteous deeds. The awesome attributes of Divinity follow – The Originator, The Oft Forgiving, The Loving, The Master of the Throne Who does what He wills. Then the story of Pharaoh and Thamud whose arrogance was ultimately destroyed. Finally, the gloriousness of the Qur'an preserved for eternity. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city