Name of the Surah
This surah is called Al-Qalam because it begins with swearing by al-Qalam, namely, the pen whereby people write. Swearing by the pen indicates its high status as it has many great benefits. Surah Al-Qalam was revealed in Makkah. It contains fifty-two ayah.
Relationship between Surah Al-Mulk and Al-Qalam
Surah Al-Mulk comes before surah Al-Qalam according to the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf.
At the end of surah Al-Mulk, Allah, Exalted be He has warned the disbelievers of making their water sink away so that they cannot obtain it.
67:30 Say, ‘Tell me, if your water were to sink away, who then can bring you water, flowing.’
Surah Al-Qalam refers to another example confirming Allah’s perfect ability, namely, destroying the garden that its owner could not find any trace of it.
68:19 Then, a visitation from your Lord visited it while they were asleep.
68:20 Then, it became as if it were a dark night.
Surah Al-Mulk mentions some proofs affirming Allah’s perfect ability and knowledge, and confirms that the Day of Judgment will certainly take place. Moreover, the disbelievers are warned of Allah’s severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter and are commanded to believe in Allah’s Oneness and His Messengers. Then, surah Al-Qalam mentions that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] is free from all false accusations of the disbelievers, such as their claim that he is a madman or magician.
Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Qalam
• Surah Al-Qalam takes care of clarifying principles of the Islamic creed just like all surahs that are revealed in Makkah. It speaks about confirming the prophethood of Messenger Muhammad, the resurrection on the Day of Judgment, and the end of the believers and the disbelievers in Allah’s Oneness.
• Surah Al-Qalam begins by referring to the pen to affirm its rank and benefit and negates all false accusations of the disbelievers against Messenger Muhammad. It confirms that he is characterized by the greatest moral character.
68:1 Nun. By the pen and what they write,
68:2 You are not, by the Blessing of your Lord, a madman.
68:3 And verily for you will be a reward, never-ending.
68:4 And truly, you are of an exalted character.
• The surah refers to some base characteristics of the disbelievers and mentions that they fabricate lies against Messenger Muhammad.
68:8 Hence, do not obey the deniers.
68:9 They wish that you should compromise, then they would compromise.
68:10 And do not obey every mean swearer,
68:11 backbiter, going about with slander,
68:12 preventer of good, transgressor, sinful,
68:13 cruel, after all that ignoble.
• Surah Al-Qalam mentions an example that likens the disbelievers of Makkah to the owners of the garden, which was destroyed because its owners denied Allah’s blessing on them and were determined to prevent the needy from their rights.
68:17 Verily, We have tried them, as We tried the owners of the garden when they swore they would pluck its fruit in the morning.
68:18 And they made no reservation.
• Surah Al-Qalam compares the believers and the disbelievers. It also rebukes the disbelievers for their wrong judgments, refutes their groundless claims, establishes proofs against them, and reveals how their conditions will be on the Day of Judgment.
68:35 Shall We make those who submit like the evildoers?
68:36 What is the matter with you, how do you judge?
68:37 Or have you a book wherein you read,
68:38 and wherein you have what you choose?
• The surah warns the disbelievers of severe punishment for their disbelieving in the Quran.
68:44 Hence, leave Me with him, who disbelieves in this discourse. We shall gradually draw them from where they perceive not.
• Surah Al-Qalam is concluded with commanding Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] to be patient with the abuse of the disbelievers and warns him of boredom concerning conveying the Islamic message to people. It also mentions that the Quran is a reminder to all people.
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