Surah 57: Iron - Overview

Introduction

We have now studied the contents of nearly nine-tenths of the Qur'an. We have found that the arrangement of the Surahs in the present Text is not haphazard, but that they follow a distinct logical order more helpful for study than the chronological order. The comprehensive scheme of building up the new Ummah or Brotherhood and its spiritual implications is now complete. The remaining tenth of the Qur'an may be roughly considered in two parts. The first contains ten Surahs (S.57 to S.66), all revealed in Madinah, and each dealing with some special point which needs emphasis in the social life of the Ummah. The second (S.67 to S.94) contains short Makkan lyrics, each dealing with some aspect of spiritual life, expressed in language of great mystic beauty.

The present Madinah Surah is chiefly concerned with spiritual humility and the avoidance of arrogance, and a warning that retirement from the world may not be the best way of seeking the good pleasure of God. Its probable date is after the Conquest of Makkah, A.H. 8.

Summary

1- God's Power and Knowledge extend to all things: follow His light direct, without doubt or fear or half-heartedness, but with humility, generous charity, and faith, and not in a life of isolation from the world. (57:1-29)

Seek His Good Pleasure [57:1-29] God is all-in-all: follow His Law and His Light, and obey His Prophet, who invites you to deeds of goodness and charity. Strive and spend your resources and yourselves in the Cause of God: He will grant you a Light to go before you and guide you to your Eternal Goal, where no Evil can enter. When success crowns your efforts, even then is the time to humble yourselves before God, in sincere witness to His Love. The pleasures here below are deceptive; be foremost in seeking God and His Good Pleasure; trust Him: be not like those who mistook mere renunciation of the world for God's service. God's Grace is for all: be your love and your service for all.