Surah 43: The Gold Adornments - Overview

Introduction

This is the fourth Surah of the Ha Mim series of seven Surahs. For their chronology and general them  see the Introduction to S.40.

This Surah deals with the contrasts between the real glory of Truth and Revelation and the false glitter of what people like to believe and worship. It cites the examples of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, as exposing the False and holding up the Truth. The keyword Zukhruf, God Adornments) occurs i verse 35, but the idea occurs all through the Surah.

Summary

1- The Book of Revelation makes things clear, even though the ignorant and foolish mock at it and ignore God's signs; it will last, while its rejecters will perish. (43:1-25)

God's Gracious Kindness [43:1-25] Revelation makes everlasting Truths clear; those who mock merely undo themselves. Consider the Signs of God's gracious kindness around you, and glorify Him: attribute not unworthy qualities nor any companions to the One True God. Seek Truth in worship more than mere ancestral ways, and shut not out Revelation's Light.

2- Abraham exposed the falsehood of traditional worship: the glitter and adornments of this world will not last; what was the end of Pharaoh in his arrogant fight with Moses? (43:26-56)

Lasting Gifts [43:26-56] If the Arabs hark back to ancestry, why not accept the Faith of Abraham the True? He joined not gods with God. Spiritual worth is measured by other things than gold or silver or the adornments of this world. These are but things of the hour. The lasting gifts are those of the Hereafter. If Israel goes back to Moses, how he was mocked by Pharaoh in his pride of power! Yet Pharaoh and his deluded people perished: so ends the pomp and power and vanity of this world!

3- Jesus was a servant of God, but his sectarian followers raised false disputations about him: all is known to God, Whose Truth will shine, in spite of unfaith. (43:57-89)

Way to the Garden of Bliss [43:57-89] If Christians go back to Jesus, he was but a man and a servant of God. He came to still the jarring sects, not to create a new one. He preached the One True God, his Lord. So give up disputing, and join in devotion to God. That is the Way to the Garden of Bliss, but the opposite leads to the Fire. Beware! the Truth has come, and God knows how you receive it. He is the Lord of power and mercy. The Truth must prevail: resist it not.