Surah 15: The Rocky Tract

Surah 15: The Rocky Tract - Overview

Verses	Description
15:1-25	God will guard His Truth, and is the Source of all things: He is Eternal
15:26-50	Man's lowly origin; his rank raised by the breathing of God's spirit into him; Gates of Evil are many, but the goal of Good is peace
15:51-84	God's Grace and Mercy are always first, but His Justice and Wrath will seize those who defy His Law
15:85-99	God's most glorious gift is the Qur'an; denounce sin, but be gentle and kind

Introduction

This is the last of the six Surahs of the Alif, Lam, Mim series (10-15). Its place in chronology is the late Makkan period, probably somewhere near the middle of that period. See Introduction to Surah 10, where will be found also an indication of the general subject matter of the whole series in the gradation of Qur'anic teaching.

The special subject matter of this Surah is the protection of God's Revelation and God's Truth. Evil arose from Pride and the warping of man's will, but God's Mercy is the antidote, as was proved in the case of Abraham and Lot, and might have been proved by the people of the Aykah and the Hijr if they had only attended to God's "Signs". The Qur'an, beginning with the Seven Oft-Repeated Verses, is the precious vehicle for the praises of God.

Summary

1- God will guard His Revelation, in spite of the cavils of the Unbelievers: God is the source of all things. He knows His own people, whom He will gather to Himself. (15:1-25)

Making All Things Clear [15:1-25] God's Truth makes all things clear, and He will guard it. But His Signs are not for those who mock. Who fails to see the majesty, beauty, order, and harmony blazoned in His Creation, and His goodness to all His creatures, in the heavens an on earth? With Him are the sources of all things, and He doth freely give His gifts in due measure. He holds the keys of Life and Death, and He will remain when all else passes away.

2- How Evil arose through the pride of Iblis, to whom a respite was granted for a period; but neither fear nor evil affect those who receive God's Message. (15:26-50)

The Gates of Evil [15:26-50] Man's origin was from dust, lowly; but his rank was raised above that of other creatures because God breathed into him His spirit. Jealousy and arrogance caused the fall of Iblis, the power of Evil; but no power has Evil over those sincere souls who worship God an seek His Way. Many are the gates of Evil, but Peace and dignified joy will be the goal of those whom the grace of God has made His own.

3- The Mercy of God to Abraham was conveyed by the same messengers that were sent to destroy the people of Lot for their unspeakable crimes; Evil brought its retribution also on the Companions of the Wood (Al Aykah) and the Rocky Tract (Al Hijr). (15:51-84)

Cleaning Up [15:51-84] God's Grace and Mercy are always first, but His Justice and Wrath will seize those who defy His Law. Even when the unspeakable crimes of the Cities of the Plain made their destruction inevitable, God's message of Mercy to mankind was sent to Abraham and of safety to Lot. The last remnants of sin will be cut off, and the Signs and Tokens thereof are plain for all to see. The proud Companions of the Wood and the builders of Rocky Fortresses were all swept away because of their sins.

4- The Qur'an and its Surahs teach you to celebrate God's praises, learn humility in worship, and serve God all your life. (15:85-99)

The Grand Design [15:85-99] But God's Creation doth bear witness to God's Design and Mercy. His Plan is sure. His gift of the glorious Qur'an is more than any worldly goods can be. So, while we denounce Sin openly, let us be gentle and kind, and adore and serve our Lord all our lives.