ADHIKR

This Surath got the name Ahqaaf (the Sand hill) from the 21st verse, which speaks about the warning given by the brother of Aad to his people. This Surath contains verses revealed in the tenth year after Muhammad was selected as the Messenger of Allah. It warns that whoever invokes anyone besides Allah will not receive any response until the Day of Judgement, whereas on the Day when all are summoned for Judgement, they will become enemies to one another. It is stated in this Surath that Adhikr—the Mercy—, which testifies to all previous Books revealed from the Lord, should be taken as the Guide. With It, the wrongdoers must be warned, and It is glad tidings for the Muhsins who live under the Light of Adhikr. It is also warned that Allah does not guide the wrongdoers who hide Adhikr—the Great Witness. The prayer of believers who have completed forty years of age is explained. Children who mockingly reject the warning of believing parents regarding resurrection will be losers in the Hereafter, along with mankind and the Jinn who passed before them. Those who repudiate the verses of the Lord’s Book will not benefit from their hearing, sight, or intelligence in any way. Thus, they will be overtaken by what they used to mock.

This Surath also reminds of the event when a group from the Jinn (Sprite) came to hear the Lord’s Book from Messenger Muhammad, then returned to their people as warners. The scene of the disbelievers being presented before the Fire in the Hereafter is described, where they are asked, “Is this the Truth?” and they reply, “Yes, Our Lord, it is the Truth.” Then it will be said, “Taste it, because you were hiding the verses.” This Surath, containing 35 verses, ends with the question, “Will anyone be destroyed except the transgressing people?”