Connection with Previous Surahs and Chronological Order:
Surah Abasa follows Surah An-Nazi'at in the Qur'an and is part of a series of surahs that focus on eschatological themes, particularly the Day of Judgment. Both Surah An-Nazi'at and Surah Abasa highlight the consequences of disbelief and the accountability awaiting mankind in the afterlife.
The surah also aligns thematically with other early Meccan surahs, such as Surah Takwir and Surah Mursalat, which emphasize the inevitable end of the world and the moral responsibility humans hold towards one another.
Revelation:
A poor blind man entered the gathering of the Prophet ﷺ and sat next to a rich man. The rich man gathered his cloak away from the poor man in repulsion, and the Prophet ﷺ noticed this and said, "O rich man! Were you afraid of the poor man's poverty infecting you, or were you afraid that your wealth might infect him?" The rich man was taken with regret and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I am willing to give him half of my wealth." The Prophet ﷺ said, "Do you accept, O poor man?" The poor man replied, "No, O Messenger of Allah." The Prophet ﷺ asked why, and the poor man said, "I fear that arrogance may enter me as it entered him."
This emphasizes that the message was meant as a lesson for all, particularly those who hold positions of influence, reminding them of the importance of humility and equality in dealings with others, especially those who are less privileged.
While this isn't the common belief as the reason for the surah's revelation. The alternative version suggests that the Prophet ﷺ turned away from a poor blind man who interrupted his speech with one of the Quraysh leaders, seeking guidance.
We agree with former as it is based on the understanding that the Prophet’s ﷺ noble character was beyond such reproach with everything that had been already taught to him by Allah ﷻ, and that it would be inconsistent with his prophetic conduct to act in a dismissive manner toward a disabled believer seeking guidance.
Translation:
- Verse 1: He frowned and turned away,
- Verse 2: Because the blind man came to him.
- Verse 3: But what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps he might be purified,
- Verse 4: Or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him?
- Verse 5: As for he who thinks himself without need,
- Verse 6: you are anxious to pursue him,
- Verse 7: And not upon you [is any blame] if he will not be purified.
- Verse 8: But as for he who came to you striving [for knowledge],
- Verse 9: While he fears [Allah ﷻ],
- Verse 10: you were unmindful of him.
- Verse 11: No! Indeed, they [i.e., the verses] are a reminder;
- Verse 12: So whoever wills may remember it.
- Verse 13: [It is recorded] in honored sheets,
- Verse 14: Exalted and purified,
- Verse 15: [Carried] by the hands of messenger-angels,
- Verse 16: Noble and dutiful.
- Verse 17: Cursed is man; how disbelieving is he!
- Verse 18: From what substance did He create him?
- Verse 19: From a sperm-drop He created him and destined for him;
- Verse 20: Then He eased the way for him;
- Verse 21: Then He causes his death and provides a grave for him.
- Verse 22: Then when He wills, He will resurrect him.
- Verse 23: No! Man has not yet accomplished what He commanded him.
- Verse 24: Then let mankind look at his food—
- Verse 25: How We poured down water in torrents,
- Verse 26: Then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts],
- Verse 27: And caused to grow within it grain,
- Verse 28: And grapes and herbage,
- Verse 29: And olive and palm trees,
- Verse 30: And gardens of dense shrubbery,
- Verse 31: And fruit and grass—
- Verse 32: [As] enjoyment for you and your grazing livestock.
- Verse 33: But when there comes the Deafening Blast
- Verse 34: On the Day a man will flee from his brother
- Verse 35: And his mother and his father
- Verse 36: And his wife and his children,
- Verse 37: For every man, that Day, will be a matter adequate for him.
- Verse 38: [Some] faces, that Day, will be bright—
- Verse 39: Laughing, rejoicing at good news.
- Verse 40: And [other] faces, that Day, will have upon them dust.
- Verse 41: Blackness will cover them.
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Verse 42: Those are the disbelievers, the wicked ones.
In Depth:
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Verses 1-4: These verses recount the incident involving Ibn Umm Maktum and the rich man mentioned earlier.
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Verses 5-10: These verses highlight the importance of giving attention to those who sincerely seek guidance, rather than prioritizing those who may be indifferent, as the Prophet ﷺ, caring as he is, was trying to convey Allah's ﷻ message to as many people as he could, fearing for the fate of the disbelievers in the afterlife. These verses serve as a gentle reminder to the Prophet ﷺ to not overburden himself with those who will not listen, but rather focus on those who are truly keen on seeking knowledge.
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Verses 11-16: Allah ﷻ emphasizes the Qur'an’s exalted status, preserved in "honored pages" written by noble scribes. This section serves to remind the Prophet ﷺ and the believers that the Qur'an holds ultimate authority.
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Verses 17-32: These verses shift focus to Allah’s ﷻ creation, urging mankind to reflect on the blessings of food, water, and vegetation. Humans are reminded of their ungratefulness despite the abundant provision they receive from Allah ﷻ, and they are called to recognize the power of the Creator.
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Verses 33-42: The surah concludes with a vivid depiction of the Day of Judgment. On that day, every person will be preoccupied with their own fate. Faces will either be radiant with joy or covered in dust and gloom, reflecting the stark contrast between the righteous and the disbelievers.
Conclusion:
Surah Abasa teaches humility, empathy, and the need to prioritize spiritual seekers over worldly interests. The moral lessons in this surah are invaluable for believers striving to emulate the Prophet’s ﷺ character in their treatment of others, especially the less privileged. The same message is told in Surah Al-Tawbah, where Allah ﷻ states that He does not hold those who are less abundant in terms of wealth accountable for the lack of it."There is not upon the weak or upon the ill or upon those who do not find anything to spend any discomfort [i.e., guilt] when they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger. There is not upon the doers of good any cause [for blame]. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Nor (is there any blame) on those who, when they came to you so that you might provide them with a carrier (that they could ride for Jihad) and you said (to them), “I find no carrier to give to you”, went back with their eyes flowing with tears in grief, because they had nothing to spend.
The cause [for blame] is only upon those who ask permission of you while they are rich. They are satisfied to be with those who stay behind, and Allah has sealed over their hearts, so they do not know."
(Surah Al-Tawbah 91-93)
In summary, Surah Abasa delivers crucial guidance on how to interact with sincerity and fairness, emphasizing that Allah ﷻ values the faith in our hearts rather than material or social status. It ties seamlessly with its neighboring surahs in conveying the themes of human accountability, divine justice, and the moral responsibilities of believers.
Translation and Pronunciation:
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