Eternal Words 96- Sura 'Alaq (The Clot) Introduction
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In the Name of Allah,the Beneficent,the Merciful
Sura 'Alaq
(The Clot)
No. 96 (19 Verses)
Contents of Sura:
It is commonly known among the commentators that this Sura is the first Sura that was revealed to the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) of Islam. The contents of the Sura also confirm this idea. Some have said that the first Sura is Sura Fatihah, or perhaps Sura Muddaththir, but, again, this is contrary to what is commonly thought.
First, this Sura addresses the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and commands him to read or proclaim (the Message).
Then, it refers to the creation of Man out of a mere clot. Further, it refers to the development of Man, who is taught from the bounty and by the Grace of Allah; the soul in him reaching out to knowledge sublime, and the instrument of it, the sanctified Pen.
Thereafter, it speaks about ungrateful Man, and that despite all the blessings and graciousness that Allah bestows on him, he rebels.
Following this, it points to the painful chastisement of those who cause a hindrance on the road to guidance and righteous deeds.
Then, the Sura ends with a command to prostration, and of drawing closer to Allah.
The Virtue ot Studying this Sura:
On the virtue of reciting this Sura, there is a tradition from Imam Sadiq (p.b.u.h.) who said: "He who recites Sura 'Alaq on a day or a night and passes away on the same day or night, at the time of the Day of Juagment, he will be considered as a martyr and Allah will raise him to life again as a martyr and He will resurrect him as one who has fought the holy war, on the way of Allah, in the presence of the Messenger of Allah."(1)
Because of the different words used at the beginning, this Sura is called 'Alaq, Iqra', or Qalam.
(1) Tafsir-i-Borhan, vol. 4 ,p. 478.
