Surah 22: The Pilgrimage

Surah 22: The Pilgrimage - Overview

Verses	Description
22:1-25	Terrible will be the Judgment: dispute not; but see God's signs, and accept His Message
22:26-48	Symbols provide for spiritual growth; understand the meaning of Pilgrimage, Sacrifice, and Fighting for Truth
22:49-78	Repel evil; be witnesses for God among men

Introduction

We now come to a new series of four Surahs, dealing with the environments and methods contributing to our spiritual progress, as the last five Surahs dealt with the Messengers who came in various ways to proclaim the Truth and conquer evil. (See Introduction to Surah 17)

The subject matter of this particular Surah is concerned mainly with the spiritual implications of the Sacred House, the Pilgrimage, the Sacrifice, Striving and Fighting in defense of Truth when attacked, and other acts that make for Unselfishness and uproot Falsehood.

On the chronology of this Surah, opinion is divided. Some parts were probably revealed in the latter Makkan period, and some in Madinah. But the chronological question has no significance here.

Summary

Winning Against All Obstacles [22:1-25] Will not mankind take warning from the dreadful consequences of Evil clearly proclaimed to them? Will they dispute about God an the Life of the Future? They have only to look around and within them, and they will see vestiges of the Plan and Purpose of God. Let them not halt between Good and Evil: God's Message as well as His Messenger must win against all obstacles. Only the evil will be brought to shame and agony. The good -- whose speech is pure and conduct worthy of praise -- will have a meed of refinement, beauty and bliss.

2- Purity, Prayer, Humility, and Faith are implied in the Pilgrimage; in solemn Sacrifice we express our gratitude and reverence to God, and our desire to share food with our poorer brethren,; Striving and Fighting in defense of Truth when attacked are necessary as tests of self-sacrifice (22:26-48)

Symbols and Means [22:26-48] For our spiritual growth are provided symbols and means of expression in our ordinary lives. Such is the pilgrimage, meant to gather men and women from far and near to share in sacrifice, and prayer and praise, in an age-old center of worship. The sacrifices, too, are symbols of Piety of Heart, a longing to share with fellow men in the bounties of God. In the Fight for Truth is tested our purity of motive, unselfishness of aim, and devotion to Right at the cost of Self. Fearless must we fight: for Truth has often been flouted, but must finally win.

3- The promptings of Evil may hinder the work of God's Prophet, but that work must triumph, and the Mercy and Truth of God must be established; therefore serve God humbly, and He will protect and help you. (22:49-78)

Insidious Suggestions [22:49-78] The power of Evil is in insidious suggestions: they are only a trial to those whose breasts are inclined to evil, but Truth doth shine the nobler for the Believers, by the grace and guidance of God. Martyrs who give their all in the cause of God will find a provision ample and eternal. The finest and subtlest mysteries are but proofs of the goodness of God. Dispute not about rites and ceremonies: follow the Straight Way. Seek for worship the Only True God, and strive in His service, that ye may be witnesses among men to God's Truth, as the Prophet is a witness to you.