Surah Al Shams: The Sun

In the Quranic order, Surah Al-Shams follows Surah Al-Balad, which highlights moral trials and the nature of human struggle. Surah Al-Shams complements this by emphasizing that true success comes through the purification of the soul. It echoes themes of personal responsibility and the consequences of moral choices, which are introduced earlier. Chronologically, Surah Al-Shams was revealed during the Meccan period, like the surrounding surahs, at a time when the focus was on establishing core beliefs, including accountability and the afterlife.

Revelation:

Though there is no specific event linked to its revelation, the surah is widely interpreted as addressing the moral state of the people of Mecca, reminding them of what had befallen nations before them when they disbelieved in Allah's message and transgressed. The surah references the fate of the people of Thamud, who were destroyed after rejecting Allah’s guidance and ignoring the warnings of Prophet Salih (AS) so as not to kill the she-camel they had asked for as a miraculous proof of Allah's existence. This serves as a historical example to reinforce the importance of moral purification and obedience to divine commands.

Translation:

• Verse 1: By the sun and its brightness (daylight),
• Verse 2: And by the moon when it follows it (reflecting the sun’s light),
• Verse 3: And by the day when it displays the sun's brightness,
• Verse 4: And by the night when it conceals it (the sun),
• Verse 5: And by the sky and Him who built it,
• Verse 6: And by the earth and Him who spread it out,
• Verse 7: And by the soul and He who proportioned it,
• Verse 8: And inspired it with (the discernment of) its wickedness and its righteousness,
• Verse 9: He has succeeded who purifies it (the soul),
• Verse 10: And he has failed who corrupts it,
• Verse 11: The people of Thamud denied (their prophet) in their transgression,
• Verse 12: When the most wicked of them was sent forth (to kill the she-camel),
• Verse 13: But the Messenger of Allah (Salih) said to them: "This is Allah’s she-camel; let her drink!"
• Verse 14: But they rejected him and hamstrung her, so their Lord destroyed them for their sin and leveled them to the ground,
• Verse 15: And He (Allah) does not fear the consequences of it (their destruction).
  
  

In Depth:

The surah begins with a series of oaths (verses 1-8), where Allah swears by the sun, the moon, the day, the night, the heavens, the earth, and the soul itself. These natural elements emphasize the divine order in the universe, setting the stage for discussing the human soul.

• Verses 1-8: Allah's oaths on the creation and the soul emphasize the dual capacity within humans to choose between good and evil. He has inspired the soul with the ability to discern between righteousness and corruption.
  
  
• Verses 9-10: The central theme of the surah is the purification of the soul. "He will indeed be successful who purifies it, and he will indeed fail who corrupts it." These verses highlight the importance of spiritual and moral refinement.
  
  
• Verses 11-15: The surah shifts to the example of the people of Thamud, who were destroyed after they rejected their prophet and committed transgressions, such as killing the she-camel sent as a sign from Allah. This serves as a stark warning about the consequences of ignoring divine guidance.

The Story of the people of Thamud:

The people of Thamud were an ancient Arab tribe known for their skill in carving homes out of mountains, living in what is now northern Arabia. They were sent the Prophet Salih by Allah to guide them to the truth of monotheism and away from their idol worship. The Thamud were initially prosperous and proud, but when Salih warned them about their disobedience and urged them to worship Allah alone, they demanded a miraculous sign to prove his prophethood. In response, Allah miraculously brought forth a massive, pregnant she-camel from a rock as a clear sign. This camel was both a test and a blessing for the Thamud, as she was allowed to drink from their water sources on alternating days. Despite this clear miracle, the Thamud leaders conspired to kill the she-camel out of arrogance and greed.

The killing of the she-camel marked the final act of disobedience that led to the downfall of the Thamud. Prophet Salih warned them of an impending punishment, but they persisted in their defiance. As a result, Allah sent a devastating earthquake and a thunderous blast that destroyed the entire tribe.

"But they rejected him and hamstrung her, so their Lord destroyed them for their sin and leveled them to the ground."
Surah Ash-Shams (91:14)

"And the shriek seized those who had wronged, and they became within their homes [corpses] fallen prone."
Surah Hud (11:67)

Their story is a cautionary tale about the consequences of rejecting divine guidance and signs, serving as a lesson on the importance of obedience to Allah. Their abandoned, stone-carved dwellings, known as Al-Hijr (Madain Salih), still stand as a reminder of their fate (Read more).