Juz 27 Takeaway: The Truth About This Life

Juz 27 of the Holy Quran begins with the end of Surah Adh-Dhariyat (The Winds That Scatter). The juz then continues with the mentions of Surah At-Tur (The Mount), Surah An-Najm (The Star, The Unfolding), Surah Al-Qamar (The Moon), Surah Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Surah Al-Waqi’ah (The Event), and it concludes with Surah Al-Hadid (The Iron).

A common takeaway that I have noticed as we continue towards the end of the Quran is that the reminder of what happens to the righteous, the disbelievers, the event of the Day of Judgment, the consequences of being ignorant and refusing to obey God are being mentioned at a more frequent pace, and almost in an urgent tone of voice.

To me, it felt as if after reading the Quran in its entirety, if an individual is not able to take major takeaways, at the very least God wants them to understand that the truth is now in front of them, and there should remain no reason as to why an individual chooses to remain ignorant to God’s miracles and His lessons. 

Calling upon people to the straight path

This chapter of the Quran was revealed in Makkah, during the Prophet (SAWW)’s fifth year within this city. It was sent down by God as a result of the increased objections and accusations targeted against the messenger of God. The Mount of Tur is also significant because this has been the appointed place where the Torah was revealed to Moses (Musa).

Here are some verses that have stood out to me: 

1. “As for those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith, We will elevate their descendants to their rank, never discounting anything of the reward of their deeds. Every person will reap only what they sowed.” — Quran (52:21)
2. “They will pass around to each other a drink of pure wine, which leads to no idle talk or sinfulness.” — Quran (52:23)
3. “If they were to see a deadly piece of the sky fall down upon them, still they would say, “This is just a pile of clouds.” So leave them until they face their Day in which they will be struck dead — the Day their scheming will be of no benefit to them whatsoever, nor will they be helped.” — Quran (52:44-46)
4. “So be patient with your Lord’s decree, for you are truly under Our watchful Eyes. And glorify the praises of your Lord when you rise.” — Quran (52:48)

As I mentioned earlier in the reflection, as we near the conclusion of the Quran, it seems as if the urgency of calling people towards the right path becomes a lot more urgent, and the outcomes of what happens to a believer/disbeliever on the Day of Judgment. Within the first verse, God speaks about how the believers, if they spend their life in submission to their Creator, their children will be rewarded at the rank of their parents on the Day of Judgment, and God will not take away anything good that is meant for them. He further emphasizes how just His judgment is that each person will be rewarded/punished for only the things that they have done intentionally. 

Within the second verse, I found it interesting how the term “wine” is used as a reward for those in Paradise to share and enjoy, but it is not the kind of wine that will lead to any form of intoxication or sin. In my reflection, I believe this is one of those verses of the Quran that a person must be vigilant in interpreting or discussing, as it’s critical that such a term is not taken out of context and interpreted incorrectly. I’ve had many discourses with non-Muslims about what the contents of the Quran are, and a common question they have is about this verse where they’re puzzled on why wine is prohibited in the religion, but the term itself is mentioned within the Quran. 

Verses 44-46 I found unique where once again God has reminded us that those who choose to remain ignorant, will remain ignorant, and in situations like these, we should leave it up to Him as on the Day of Judgment, their disbelieving thoughts will be of no help to them, and they will be punished severely by their Creator. 

Verses about patience are ones that always speak to me because of how frequently God has spoken about this characteristic within the Quran. It’s so highly recommended, and appreciated, yet incredibly difficult to master. Our creator clearly mentions in the Quran that He’s always watching over us, to have faith in Him and use that as a point to remain strong, yet it is this very dunya that often makes it so hard for us to believe in this very fact. The trials, the tribulations, the tears we shed, the heartbreak we experience, and the experiences we have, often rips us away from this very reminder that God wants us to implement within our daily lives. 

Improving your iman even if you err and sin

According to scholars, this is the first chapter of the Quran that was publicly recited by the Prophet (SAWW) before a group of people that comprised both Muslims and non-Muslims. It was also within this chapter, that during its recitation, the Prophet (SAWW) fell down into prostration. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) has stated that “one who always recites Surah al-Najm every day and night is recognized amongst people as a meritorious person and God Almighty will forgive his sins and will win popularity amongst people.”

Here are some verses that have stood out to me: 

1. “These idols are mere names that you and your forefathers have made up — a practice Allah has never authorized. They follow nothing but inherited assumptions and whatever their souls desire, although true guidance has already come to them from their Lord.” — Quran (53:23)
2. “Those who avoid major sins and shameful deeds, despite stumbling on minor sins. Surely your Lord is infinite in forgiveness. He knew well what would become of you as He created you from the earth and while you were still fetuses in the wombs of your mothers. So do not falsely elevate yourselves. He knows best who is truly righteous.” – Quran (53:32)

Verse 23 of this chapter is one that further goes hand-in-hand with a saying of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) where the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (SAWW) emphasize how important it is to learn your religion and not inherit it. The reason is that the things you may sponge and follow upon from those before you may be things that God has never instilled within His religion, He may not even appreciate the practices that you’re doing, and it is yet another form of deviation from your Creator when He has already informed to you what pleases and displeases Him. 

The second verse is one that I think communities globally need to reflect upon this Ramadan. This idea is that only God can judge, God’s forgiveness is the most blessed thing we have, and He knows what your destiny holds. We have all been in situations where we have committed a mistake.

After all, we are human, this world was designed for mistakes, trial, and error. What has made this world difficult to live in for many people is the idea that once you make a mistake, that’s it. You’re unforgivable, your journey ends there, and depending on the mistake you’ve made, whether in public or in private, people begin to think that they have a higher status than you because they’ve never committed the same mistake (or so they claim).

The worst thing we can do to each other, especially within Muslim communities, is to become the reason why we do not believe in the mercy of God anymore. Our Creator tells us that if you try your best to avoid repeating mistakes, and if you accidentally commit a sin, turn to Him, repent to Him for surely He will grant us His forgiveness; however, which higher power has given us the authority to decide whom God will forgive and will not forgive.

The Day of Judgment

This chapter of the Quran was revealed in the city of Makkah, and the “event” or “inevitable” that this surah speaks about is the Day of Judgment. Further, Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) has said, “Whoever recites Surah al-Waqi’ah every Friday night, God Almighty will like him and will make him be loved by all people. He will never suffer hardships, poverty, destitution, and other worldly afflictions. He will be amongst the friends of the Commander of the Faithful (Ameer ul Momineen), Imam Ali (as).”

Here are some verses that have stood out to me: 

1. “You will all be divided into three groups: the people of the right, how blessed will they be; the people of the left, how miserable will they be; and the foremost in faith will be the foremost in Paradise.” — Quran (56:7-10)
2. “They will be in scorching heat and boiling water, in the shade of black smoke, neither cool nor refreshing.” — Quran (56:42-44)
3. “They used to ask mockingly, “When we are dead and reduced to dust and bones, will we really be resurrected?” — Quran (56:47)
4. “Why then are you helpless when the soul of a dying person reaches their throat, while you are looking on? And We are nearer to such a person than you, but you cannot see.” — Quran (56:83-85)

When analyzing these verses of the Quran, we see that God is giving us an explicit image of what Judgment Day will look like for us. First, we will be categorized on our faith and our deeds, this, in my opinion, is yet another way to show people who the believers are and who have willingly remained ignorant throughout their time on earth. These descriptions of “scorching heart,” “boiling water,” and “black smoke” are essentially wake-up calls for us to ponder on and wake ourselves up before it is too late. 

True believers versus hypocrites

This surah, which is the 57th chapter of the Quran, is within the period between the Battle of Uhud and the Truce of Hudeybiah. During this time, Islam was in a critical situation where the religion was being attacked by the disbelievers, and some Muslims were becoming entranced by the luxuries of the Arab powers. Not only did Islam require defense from its believers, but also any sort of financial support. 

1. “Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and donate from what He has entrusted you with. So those of you who believe and donate will have a mighty reward.” — Quran (57:7)
2. “He is the One Who sends down clear revelations to His servant to bring you out of darkness and into light. For indeed Allah is Ever Gracious and Most Merciful to you.” — Quran (57:9)
3. “On that Day hypocrite men and women will beg the believers, “Wait for us so that we may have some of your light.” It will be said mockingly, “Go back to the world and seek a light there!” Then a separating wall with a gate will be erected between them. On the near side will be grace and on the far side will be torment.” — Quran (57:13)
4. “Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plans dry up and you see them wither, they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.” — Quran (57:20)

The verses from the Quran cited here emphasize the fundamental Islamic principles of faith, charity, divine guidance, and the transient nature of worldly life. Verse 7 discusses the importance of believing in God and His Messenger, and of giving charity from the wealth that God has entrusted to individuals. It conveys the idea that true belief is not just saying you believe in something, but you have to show that through your actions, such as charity. This verse, when a reader analyzes it, shows us that we Muslims have to contribute positively to our communities and support those in need, reflecting a faith that is filled with good deeds. 

Verses 9 and 13, further elaborate on the themes of divine guidance and the distinction between true believers and hypocrites. Through divine revelations, believers are guided from darkness to light, symbolizing a journey from ignorance to knowledge and righteousness. This journey is not only personal but also communal, as the believers are distinguished by their adherence to divine guidance. The metaphor of light in these verses symbolizes guidance and truth, which the hypocrites lack. The vivid imagery of a separating wall in verse 57:3 illustrates the ultimate separation between those who genuinely follow divine guidance and those who do not, underscoring the consequences of one’s actions and beliefs. Finally, verse 57:20, offers a poignant reflection on the nature of worldly life, likening it to fleeting moments of pleasure and competition, which ultimately lead to nothing enduring. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual values and the hereafter over the temporary beauty of worldly life, guiding believers towards a life of meaning and purpose aligned with divine will. 

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