080- ABASA
THE FROWNED
ʿAbasa is an early Makkan sūrah that takes its name from the first sūrah’s word. It is also known as al-Ṣākhkhah, “The Piercing Cry,” in reference to v. 33, or as al-Safrah, “The Scribes,” in reference to v. 15 (Āl). Some maintain that it is related to the previous sūrah by the manner in which the first ten verses reinforce the message of 79:45, Thou art but a warner for whosoever fears it (Āl), counseling the Prophet not to spend his time seeking to guide those who are indifferent, when there are those waiting who wish to be guided. These first ten verses refer to a famous incident in the early history of Islam. ʿĀʾishah, the wife of the Prophet, reported that this sūrah was revealed about ʿAbd Allāh ibn Umm Maktūm, a blind man, who went to the Prophet and kept saying, “O Messenger of God, guide me,” while the Prophet was speaking to the leaders of the idolaters. The Prophet frowned and kept avoiding him, turning to the others (IK, Q). The verses are then said to have been revealed as a rebuke to the Prophet for preaching to those who had no interest in God’s message, while turning away from one who sought guidance.
ʿAbd Allāh ibn Umm Maktūm was among the first to embrace Islam. He is known for his devotion to the Prophet and the Quran. After the revelation of this sūrah, it is said that the Prophet would greet him by saying, “Welcome to him on whose account my Lord rebuked me”. Ibn Umm Maktūm was one of the first two people to migrate to Madinah, where he taught the Quran to many people. Along with Bilāl ibn Rabāh alḤabashī (d. ca. 20/642), Ibn Umm Maktūm would give the call to prayer (adhān) in Madinah. In later years, the Prophet would at times leave Madinah in his care when he left the city. It is also said that 4:95 was revealed regarding the particular case of Ibn Umm Maktūm, who was excused from going on military expeditions on account of his blindness. Nonetheless, he was not content with staying behind when an expedition was in progress and determined that no campaign should pass him by. He requested a role on the battlefield, saying, “Place me between two rows and give me the standard. I will carry it for you and protect it, for I am blind and cannot run away.” After the Battle of Qādisiyyah in 14/636, he was found dead on the battlefield still clutching the standard of the Muslims.
After the verses addressing the case of Ibn Umm Maktūm (vv. 1–10), the sūrah alludes to a book written by the angels (vv. 11–16). It then transitions into a discussion of humanity’s ingratitude (vv. 17–22), followed by enjoinders to recall the bounties provided by God (vv. 23–32) and concluding with a reminder of the disparate ends of believers and disbelievers on the Day of Judgment (vv. 33–42).
(source: “The Study Quran” a new translation and commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr)
Comments
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.