Surah 27: The Ants - Overview

Introduction

This Surah is cognate in subject to the one preceding it and the two following it. Its chronological place is also in the same group of four, in the middle Makkan period.

Here there is much mystic symbolism. Wonders in the physical world are types of greater wonders in the spiritual world. The Fire, the White Hand, and the Rod, in the story of Moses; the speech of birds, the crowds of Jinns and men pitted against a humble ant, and the Hoopoe and the Queen of Sheba, in Solomon's story; the defeat of the plot of the nine wicked men in the story of Salih; and the crime of sin with open eyes in the story of Lut -- lead up to the lessons of true and false worship and the miracles of God's grace and revelation.

Summary

1- Wonderful in Revelation, like the Fire which Moses saw, which was a glimpse of God's Glory, and His Miracles, which searched out those who refused Faith in spite of the light they had received. (17:1-14)

Transforming Guidance [27:1-14] Revelation shows us a glimpse of the spiritual world, guides us in this life, and gives us the Hope of eternal Bliss in the Hereafter. It works a complete transformation in us, as it did with Moses when he saw the mystic Fire and was given the Signs with which to reclaim a people lost in superstition and sin, and proud of sin.

2- Solomon knew the speech of Birds and had hosts of Jinns and men; yet the wise ant had ample defense against them; the Hoopoe who was absent at his muster, was yet serving him: the Queen of Sheba had a kingdom, but it submitted with conviction to the Wisdom of Solomon and the Kingdom of God. (27:15-44)

Mystic Wisdom [27:15-44] No less were David and Solomon versed in knowledge and mystic wisdom. Even Solomon could appreciate the wisdom of the humble Ant. He used all his power and resources in extending the Kingdom of God. In wonderful ways did he lead the Queen of Sheba to the Light of the Faith of Unity, and confirmed her in pure worship, the worship of the Lord of the Worlds.

3- Fools ascribe ill-luck to godliness as in Salih's story, or fall into the lusts with their eyes open, as in Lut's story; but their plots and their rage will be foiled by God. (27:45-58)

Omens of Destruction  [27:45-58] In Salih's pure preaching the evil Thamud found omens of ill to themselves: in secret they plotted to take his life, and like cowards they made a league to cover their crime with lies. Lo! on themselves recoiled the plot: they perished in utter ruin. The men admonished by Lut were false to themselves: they insulted the nature given them by God, and mocked the Message of Purity. Lo! they were buried in a shower of brimstone!

4- God's glory and goodness are supreme over all Creation: Unfaith will yield to Faith in the final adjustment of values: so follow Revelation, serve God, and trust in Him. (27:59-93)

Manifest Goodness [27:59-93] God's goodness and mercy are manifest through all nature and in the heart and conscience of man. He alone knows all: our knowledge can at best be partial. Yet we can travel through space and time and see how Evil never prospered. God teaches us good, but how can we see if we make ourselves blind? At the end of all things shall we know how small is our state, but for God's Grace: let us bow to His Will and accept His true guidance; let us praise Him and trust Him--now and forever!