Surah 44: The Smoke - Overview

Introduction

For the chronology and the general theme of the Surahs of the Ha Mim series of which this is the fifth, see the Introduction to S.40.

The theme of this particular Surah is how worldly pride and power are humbled in the dust if they resist spiritual forces, and how Evil and Good find their true setting in the Hereafter.

The title word Dukhan occurs in verse 10. It means smoke or mist, and may refer to a drought or famine, as explained in the notes to that verse.

Summary

1- Revelation explains clearly  how worldly pride and arrogance may come to naught, even at long odds, against spiritual truths. (44:1-29

Power Misused [44:1-29] Blest is the night in which God's Message comes down, as a Mercy to men, to warn them against Evil. How fractious of men to ignore or suppress such warnings! Proud Pharaoh and his Chiefs did resist God's authority, but their sins rebounded on themselves: they were swallowed up by the sea; and their tilth, their gardens, their noble fanes and buildings, and all the advantages of which they boasted passed to other hands. Not a tear was shed over them in heaven or earth. Thus ends the tale of power misused.

2- A people may be given all blessings and may fail in its trust, as did Israel: will the Quraysh learn the lesson of Good and Evil? (44:30-59)

Give Good Heed [44:30-59] So with the Children of Israel: granted gifts and favors, they became arrogant and fell. Can the Quraysh escape the doom for sin? We created the world for just ends. The Day will come when good and evil will be sorted out; each will meet the fruits of its own deeds. Give good heed to the Message revealed, and wait and watch.