Summary of Chapter 14 (Ibrahim)

The theme of this chapter is gratefulness. Throughout the surah, the ungrateful are condemned, and the grateful commended. The act of Shukr is not simply saying: “Thank god!” Rather, one shows appreciation by sharing his bounties with others. The idea that everything we temporarily own and the means through which we earned it, ultimately belongs to God.  “Live simply, so that others could simply live.”

This verse summarizes the theme of the chapter: And God gives you all that you would be asking It for. If you count the blessings of God’s provision, never will you be able to enumerate them. Indeed, the human being is persistent in wrongdoing, stubbornly ingrate. 14:34

Prophets mentioned: Musa, Nooh, Hood, Salih, Ibrahim.

Unique aspects:

- the only chapter with shaitan’s promise (14:22)

- the only chapter with the tree/ideology comparison (14:24-27)

Passage 1 (Verse 1-4) Breakdown:

The sole purpose of this book is to bring people out of darkness, towards light. However, when we observe Muslims around us, they use the Quran to recite it without trying to understand it’s message; they recite specific Chapters to seek mercy for the dead; they attach other books to it, declaring the Quran on its own is “too hard to understand for the average guy.” Unfortunately, it usually only comes out of its glittery covering in Ramadan.

Is it then any wonder that the Muslims find themselves in such a big turmoil when they have practically abandoned the Quran? But wait, these people are defined in the very same passage! They seem to have an overflowing love for the worldly life, without trying to invest in the Afterlife. They hinder people from the straight path of Allah by making it seem crooked! This is termed as the farthest wandering!

For this very reason, God had never sent a messenger who did not speak the language of his people, so that they could clearly comprehend the message and most importantly, implement it!

Passage 2 (V5-8) Breakdown:

Previously, God had sent Musa to bring out his people from “Darkness” towards “Light” by preaching them about the “Era of God” which is when Its laws are implemented. To contrast this, he reminded them of the tyranny rule of Firaun in which he chastised people. If they were to be thankful by implementing this system, they would receive abundance. However, if they rejected it by following a parallel system, disasters would fall upon them for their disobedience (Just like the system of Firaun). Musa concluded his lecture by informing them that God is absolutely free of want. Rejection of this system would ultimately be their own loss.

Passage 3 (V9-17) Breakdown:

Arguments and characteristics of the disbelievers are described in this passage. Nooh, Hood, Salih, and other messengers after them brought clear explanations to their people.

Passage 4 (V18-34) Breakdown:

Those who are ungrateful to their Sustainer suffer a terrible loss. Their deeds are like ashes that the wind blows away on a stormy day. It is the farthest wandering – This links back to 14:3.

On the day of judgement, everyone would be marshaled before God. Those who had disabled their minds and had given into blind following would ask their leaders if they could avert some of their punishment, as they were only following them! Shaitan, moreover, would condemn his association with god on that Day. He had no power over human beings, he only incited negative feelings and people responded to them.

God uses trees as metaphors. This gives us a hint on not to interpret Adam’s narration literally!

God has subjected many things to our service and gives us whatever we devote our energies to. But, man is stubbornly ingrate. He fails to recognize the numerous blessings that surround his life.

Passage 5 (V35-41) Breakdown:

Ibrahim’s narration: He prayed for himself and his family to be saved from infidelity by coming under God’s protection and that they could establish Salat. Moreover, he thanked God for bestowing Ismael and Ishaq in his old age.

Passage 6 (V42-52) Breakdown:

Never think that God is unaware of what the oppressors do. Its laws are designed in such a way that allows people to amend themselves. However, those who don’t change their ways would plead to God on the Day of Judgement to grant them one more chance. These people were part of institutions which were bent on harming other people even though several examples were cited to them about the previous communities! But, they in their pompous arrogance had made up their minds that there could be no decline for them!

Therefore, do not think that God fails its messengers in its promise. The good ideology (14:24) would always prevail.