JUZ THIRTY
The final juz of the Qur’an contains thirty-seven surahs; most of these are Makkan surahs focused on various aspects of aqidah. The short surahs of the Qur’an that are commonly memorized are compiled in this juz. Due to the high number of surahs in this juz, most of these surahs’ themes will be summarized in one or two sentences each.
Surah al-Nabaʾ is like a summary of the juz covering all the themes found throughout it. Surah al-Nabaʾ teaches us that this is an important delivery of news with consequences in both worlds. The next surah, an-Naziʿat, teaches us how Pharaoh rejected this message and was punished for it. Later in the juz, Surah al-Buruj gives us the story of people who embraced this message and were tortured for it in this world.
Allah tells us that the great news is the Last Day which is the focal point of this juz. On that day, everyone will get what they deserve. The righteous will have what they earned, and the disbelievers will have what they earned. Many surahs in this juz discuss the rewards and punishments on that day.
In this surah, Allah refers to the last day as Yawm al-Fasl (Day of Sorting) and shows us how everything is perfectly sorted in this world, leading to the conclusion that Allah will sort things perfectly on the Last Day.
Surah al-Naziʿat reminds us of the story of Musa and Pharaoh in a powerful rhythmic manner. Surah ʿAbasah teaches us not to ignore the weak while focusing on the arrogant oppressors. Our message should reach everyone, especially those whose hearts are open to hearing it.
Surah al-Takwir and Surah al-Infitar discuss details about the Last Day. Surah al-Mutaffifin discusses the importance of ethics in business, and not cheating. It also covers the consequences of poor business ethics on the Last Day. Surah al-Inshiqaq discusses the tearing up of this world at the end of time.
Surah al-Buruj reminds us of the story of the oppressed people of the past. Surah al-Tariq reminds us that they plan and Allah plans, but His plan will prevail. Surah al-Aʿla and Surah al-Ghashiyah remind us that the next life is better than this world.
Surah al-Fajr reminds us about the Last Day and the good ending of the righteous believer. Surah al-Balad is a reminder about Allah’s favors and how to use them in a way that is pleasing to Him. Surah al-Shams and Surah al-Layl discuss the perfection of day and night, and various contrasts in Allah’s creation. Surah al-Duḥ´a and Surah al-Shahr discuss hope and optimism. Every surah in this juz discusses the proofs of Allah, death,
and the afterlife.
Surah al-Tin is a reminder that we are responsible for our deeds on the Last Day. Surah al-ʿAlaq calls on us to read, reflect, and follow the message. Surah al-Qadar highlights the virtues of Laylat al-Qadar (The Night of Power). Surah al-Bayyinah explains the necessity of embracing the true religion. Surah al-Zilzal, Surah al-ʿAdiyat, and Surah al-Qariʿah all
describe the Last Day in poetic visuals.
Surah al-Takathur is a reminder against materialism. Surah al-ʿAsr is a reminder that our time on earth is limited. Surah al-Fil and Surah al-Quraysh focus on Allah’s blessings to the Quraysh. Surah al-Maʿun reminds us that the small deeds also matter. Surah al-Kawthar reminds us of the high status of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.
The last few surahs starting with Kafirun are in a specific order. Kafirun confirms the negation part of the kalimah; i.e., the rejection of polytheism. Surah Ikhlas is the confirmation part of the kalimah; i.e., the confirmation of monotheism.
Surah al-Nasr discusses the improbable victory of the believers, and Surah al-Masad discusses the humiliation of the one who rejected this message. These two surahs are in between the surahs of tawḥid showing the consequences of belief and disbelief.
The Qur’an ends with the two protectors which we use to ask Allah for protection from the trials of this world and the next. The closing surahs are a reminder that we are constantly tested and need to ask Allah for protection daily. The Qur’an began with a duʿa for guidance (Surah al-Fatiḥah), and ends with a duʿa for protection from misguidance (Surah al-Nas). The Qur’an itself is guidance for those who are conscious of Allah, and
our guidance lies entirely in understanding, reflecting on, and living by the teachings of the Qur’an.
May Allah make us from the people of the Qur’an, grant us proper understanding of it, and forgive us our shortcomings.
By Dr. Omar Suleiman & Sh. Ismail Kamdar
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