1 Oct, 2026
Quran 7:171(Ayah Al-A’raf)
And ˹remember˺ when We raised the mountain (Sinai) over them (the children of Israel) as if it were a cloud and they thought it would fall on them. ˹We said,˺ “Hold firmly to that ˹Scripture˺ which We have given you and observe its teachings so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.” Quran 7:171 Surah Al-A’raf (The Heights)
The Surah is named after the story of the men awaiting on the “Elevations” between Paradise and Hell. It comprises of 206 Ayat.
The verse refers to the time when the Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام) came back from the mount of Sinai with the book of Torah. They found therein many injunctions which they thought were difficult for them, to follow. They started showing their unwillingness for obeying those commandments. Allah commanded the Archangel Jibra'i1 (علیہ السلام) to raise the Mount of Sinai upon their town. The area of this town is reported to have been three square miles. When the mount of Sinai was hanged over their heads they fell down prostrating themselves out of fear and promised their obedience to the Law of Moses (the Torah). The future events, however, witnessed their deviation from the Law every now and again. No compulsion in Faith The above incident gives rise to a question. Why the Israelites were forced to make a promise of their obedience while the Holy Qur'an has declared لَا إِكْرَ‌اهَ فِي الدِّينِ "There is no compulsion in Faith?" (2:256) The answer is quite simple. None of the disbelievers has ever been forced to accept faith, nor any one is allowed to use force for this purpose. However, those who have already entered the covenant of faith out of their free will and, later, deviate from the commandments of Allah just for avoiding their commitments, shall essentially be forced to abide by the rules and regulations of the Law. In case of deviation from their duty they must be held liable to punishments prescribed by the Law. This is what exactly happened in this incident. They had already believed in Allah and in His Prophet and had entered the covenant of Faith. What they did was to deny from obeying the Law of the Torah and rightly were forced to fulfill their commitment.
۞ وَاِذۡ نَـتَقۡنَا الۡجَـبَلَ فَوۡقَهُمۡ كَاَنَّهٗ ظُلَّةٌ وَّظَنُّوۡۤا اَنَّهٗ وَاقِعٌ ۢ بِهِمۡ​ ۚ خُذُوۡا مَاۤ اٰتَيۡنٰكُمۡ بِقُوَّةٍ وَّاذۡكُرُوۡا مَا فِيۡهِ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُوۡنَ ‏ ١٧١
The basic theme of this Surah is Risalah, i.e. Allah’s message as it was sent through many messengers. Several Prophets and parts of their stories are mentioned to emphasize Prophets’ mission and their struggle with their people. The Surah tells us that Allah’s Prophets suffered for the cause of truth. Their enemies tried to harm them, but then Allah helped his prophets and defeated their enemies. The Surah emphasizes that the true message must be presented under all circumstances. After the Prophets it is the duty of the Believers to convey the message of Allah to all people.
انہیں وہ وقت بھی کچھ یاد ہے جبکہ ہم نے پہاڑ کو ہلا کر اُن پر اس طرح چھا دیا تھا کہ گویا وہ چھتری ہے اور یہ گمان کر رہے تھے کہ وہ ان پر آ پڑے گا اور اُس وقت ہم نے اُن سے کہا تھا کہ جو کتاب ہم تمہیں دے رہے ہیں اسے مضبوطی کے ساتھ تھامو اور جو کچھ اس میں لکھا ہے اسے یاد رکھو، توقع ہے کہ تم غلط روی سے بچے رہو گے۔
Sections:
The Qur’an is revealed to remind the believers and to warn humankind about the consequences of their actions. The judgment will indeed take place.
The story of Man’s creation and Satan’s opposition to Man.
Warning to the Children of Adam to be aware of Satan’s plots.
Allah’s messengers came to guide people.
The end of those who denied the message and those who accepted the message.
Cries of the wicked in the hellfire.
The righteous will prosper.
Some lessons from the story of Prophet Noah – peace be upon him.
Some lessons from the story of Prophet Hud- peace be upon him.
Some lessons from the story of Prophets Salih and Lot – peace be upon them.
Some lessons from the story of Prophet Shu’aib – peace be upon him.
Warnings against those who deny the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.
Prophet Moses -peace be upon him- and his encounter with Pharaoh of Egypt.
Pharaoh and his magicians were defeated.
Pharaoh continued in his persecution of the Israelites.
Some more signs were shown to Pharaoh and his people.
The Torah was given to Prophet Moses- peace be upon him.
Some Israelites started Calf worship.
The Torah and Injil speak about the coming of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Allah’s promise for those who will follow the last Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad is the Universal Prophet. Some among the people of Prophet Moses were guided by the truth and lived with justice.
Some Israelites transgressed Allah’s laws and they suffered the consequences.
The eternal covenant of Allah was taken from all human beings.
The coming of the Last Hour
Shirk has no logic. Ignore the wrongdoers, but invite to Allah with kindness. Listen to the Qur’an and always remember Allah.
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