| Verses | Description |
| 38:1-26 | Self-glory and Separation, Envy and Suspicion, lead to Evil; spiritual power more potent than worldly power; David's case |
| 38:27-64 | Solomon and other men of power and vision never forgot Allah: all should strive to win the final Bliss |
| 38:65-88 | Gospel of Unity is the true cure for Evil: no power has Evil over God's servants sincere and true |
For the place of this Surah in the series of six, dealing with some of the mysteries of the spiritual world, see Introduction to S.34.
This Surah, both in chronology and subject matter, is cognate to S.37, and carries forward the same argument. But here the emphasis is laid on the working of earthly power when combined with spiritual power, and it is pointed out how much more significant (and real) spiritual power is. For this reason the illustrative stories are mainly those of David and Solomon who were kings as well as prophets, and a parallel is suggested with the unfolding public life of our Holy Prophet.
1- Worldly and evil men are surprised at the renewal of Truth and Righteousness but righteousness has more power than worldly strength, as is seen in the story of kings like Daid, who had both. (38:1-26)
Roots of Evil [38:1-26] Self-glory and Separation, these are among the roots of Evil, also Envy and Suspicion. Not all the combinations of Evil can for a moment reverse God's Purpose or His Justice. David, endowed with worldly Power and the Virtues had yet to purge himself of the thought of Self-glory, which he did; and thus he became one of those nearest to God.
2- So also Solomon loved the Lord more than worldly power, which may be good but may be misused by evil men; so also Job and other men of power and insight, chose the path of final bliss rather than final misery. (38:27-64)
Patience and Constancy [38:27-64] For just ends was the world created. Solomon, in the midst of his worldly power and glory, never forgot God, or Job, in the midst of afflictions; nor other men of Power and Vision, whose patience and constancy brought them nearer to God. So should all the righteous strive to win the final Bliss, for truly grievous are the woes of Evil in the final Account.
3- So also in the case of the final Messenger; his Gospel of Unity must triumph over all jealousy and Arrogance in God's good time. (38:65-88)
True Cure for Evil [38:65-88] The Gospel of Unity is the true cure for Evil; for it gives the good news of God's Power Supreme, and His Mercy and Forgiveness again and again. It warns us to avoid Evil, for Evil arose from selfish Pride and Rebellion. No power has it over God's servants, sincere and true, while Revelation comes as a gift to all God's Creation.