Surah 37: Those Ranged in Ranks

Surah 37: Those Ranged in Ranks - Overview

Verses	Description
37:1-74	We must work in disciplined ranks to repel Evil, for God is One; we must choose between Good and Evil, with their consequences in the Hereafter
37:75-138	The Prophets of God were flouted and persecuted, but God's Purpose always won, and they receive the blessings of posterity
37:139-182	Ascribe not to God things derogatory to Him: the ranks of angels and righteous men stand firm in His service

Introduction

As explained in the Introduction to S.34, this is the fourth of a series of Surahs in which the mysteries of the spiritual world are manifested in different ways, tending to the defeat and the final extirpation of Evil. The defeat of Evil is throughout connected with Revelation, and here the ranged fight is illustrated by a reference to the angels in heaven and to the earlier Prophets in our earthly history, from Noah to Jonah. In chronology, this Surah belongs to the early middle Makkan period.

Summary

1- Through all the mysteries of the heavens and the earth, there is a sorting out of the evil against the good: their final destination contrasted (37:1-74)

Personal Responsibility [37:1-74] God is One, the Source and Center of all affairs, and we must work in discipline, harmony, and unity to put down the Evil. The Hereafter is sure, when personal responsibility will be enforced. For the true and sincere servants of God, there will be the highest Bliss, unmixed and everlasting; for those who defy God's Law there will be the deepest enduring Misery. Which will men choose?

2- Peace and victory came to Noah, Abraham, Moses and Aaron, Ilyas and Lut, in their conflict with Evil. (37:75-138)

Destruction of Evil [37:75-138] The Prophets of God formed a series that worked in God's service to instruct their fellow-men. In case of distress God helped and delivered them. Men did flout and persecute them, but they carried out their mission with constancy; and God's Purpose always won, to the destruction of Evil. So was it in the story of Noah and the Flood, of Abraham the True, of Isma'il ready for self-sacrifice, of Isaac the righteous, of Moses and Aaron, of Elias and Lot: all men of Faith, who receive the blessings of posterity and peace and Salutation from God Most Gracious.

3- So was it with Johan when he glorified God. But men will ascribe to God what it unworthy of Him. God's Prophets strive for His glory, and shall be victorious. (37:139-182)

Standing Firm in His Service [37:139-182] So was it also with Jonah; he had his trials, but God had mercy on him. And his mission was successful. How can men ascribe to God qualities and relations derogatory to His nature? High is He above all creatures. The ranks of angels and messengers stand firm in His service. Evil is sure to be overcome. So Praise and Glory to God, the Lord of Honor and Power, and Peace to His messengers!