Surah 55: The Most Gracious - Overview

Introduction

The majority of Commentators consider this an early Makkan Surah, though some consider at least a part of it as dating from Madinah. The greater part of it is undoubtedly early Makkan.

It is highly poetical and most sublime, and the refrain "Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?" is interspersed 31 times among its 78 verses. (R)

It is the sixth of the series of seven dealing with Revelation, the favors of God, and the Hereafter: see Introduction to S.50.

Here the special theme is indicated by the refrain. The rhyme in most cases is in the Dual grammatical form, and the Argument implies that though things are created in pairs, there is an underlying Unity, through the Creator, in the favors which He bestows, and in the goal to which they are marching.

Summary

1- God Most Gracious has sent Revelation, one of His greatest favors to man; His creation is in pairs, well-balanced; all created things receive His favors, but they will all pass away, and only God will endure through the ages. (55:1-34)

Which of God's Favors Will You Deny? [55:1-34] God's Creatures! Which favors of God will ye deny? Most Gracious is God, Who reveals Himself in the Qur'an, in man's Intelligence, and in the nature around man. Balance and Justice, Goodness and Care, are the Laws of His Worlds. Created from clay, man can yet comprehend the Lord of the Easts and the Wests, Him Who sustains all His creatures, Him Who bestows the Jewels of Life and Faith, Him Who abides when all else perisheth, Him Whose Eternity is the Hope of man's Future, the Lord Everlasting of Justice and Glory and Bounty and Honor! Which, then, of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

2- Ultimately all evil shall return to its destination, as well as all Good, but ever blessed is the name of God, Lord of Glory, Honor and Bounty. (55:35-78)

The Telltale Mark [55:35-78] Let not Evil think that it will escape Justice: its telltale Mark is on those who follow it, and it must meet its Reward in the final adjustment. But the Good, the Righteous, must reach their Fulfillment in the the Gardens of Bliss, where every Delight will be theirs in Beauty and Dignity. How can such Delights be pictured in words? In symbols subjective let each take his choice. For Good can there be any Reward other than Good? Beautiful sights and sounds, delicious fruits to nourish the soul, and Companionship where Grace is mingled with Love, may figure forth our Bliss.