JUZ TWENTY-ONE
The twenty-first juz begins at verse forty-six of Surah al-ʿAnkabut, contains all of Surah Rum, Surah Luqman, and Surah Sajdah, and ends at verse thirty of Surah al-Aḥzab. As we progress into the final third of the Qur’an, the surahs get shorter. The bulk of the surahs in this juz are Makkan surahs focused on the test of life, monotheism, and Islamic character. Surah al-Aḥzab is the only Madinan surah in this juz.
Surah al-ʿAnkabut closes with a powerful reminder about the importance of the inner jihad. “As for those who strive for Us, we will guide them in Our ways. God is with the doers of good.” We cannot expect guidance to the straight path without struggle along the way; the path to paradise is paved with trials.
A theme that runs throughout Surah al-Rum is the mention of the proofs for the existence of Allah. Allah calls on us throughout this surah to reflect on a variety of things we take for granted. These range from the universe to marriage, from human origins to the diversity of languages. In everything around us are signs of the existence of Allah.
This surah is also one of the strongest pieces of evidence that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was a true messenger. The surah was revealed at a time when the Roman Empire seemed to be on the brink of collapse. The Persians were taking over and it looked like the end of the Roman Empire. The opening verses of the surah predicted that within a few years, the Romans would be victorious, and the believers would also be victorious.134 A few years later, the Romans defeated the Persians and took back their lands. That same year, the Muslims were victorious at Badr.
Surah Luqman focuses on the story of Luqman The Wise and his advice to his son. Luqman was a wise man who was known to the Arabs. He was the subject of many of their anecdotes. In this surah, Allah reminds the Arabs that Luqman was also a monotheist and his advice to his son was the same as the message of Islam. The passage containing Luqman’s advice to his son should be studied by every parent as a great example of what we must focus on when teaching our children Islam. Luqman taught his son monotheism, humility, prayer, patience, and moderation.
We endowed Luqman with wisdom: “Give thanks to God.” Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for the benefit of his own soul. And whoever is unappreciative—God is Sufficient and Praiseworthy. When Luqman said to his son, as he advised him, “O my son, do not associate anything with God, for idolatry is a terrible wrong.”
We have entrusted the human being with the care of his parents. His mother carried him through hardship upon hardship, weaning him in two years. So, give thanks to Me, and your parents. To Me is the destination. But if they strive to have you associate with Me something of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. But keep them company in this life, in kindness, and follow the path of him who turns to Me. Then to Me is your return, and I will inform you of what you used to do.
“O my son, even if it were the weight of a mustard seed, in a rock, or the heavens, or on earth, God will bring it to light. God is Kind and Expert. O my son, observe the prayer, advocate righteousness, forbid evil, and be patient over what has befallen you. These are the most honorable traits. And do not treat people with arrogance, nor walk proudly on earth. God does not love the arrogant showoffs. And moderate your stride and lower your voice. The most repulsive of voices is the donkey’s voice.”
Surah al-Sajdah is another strong reminder about the oneness of Allah, and the signs of Allah that exist all around us. Throughout this surah, Allah reminds us about all of the powerful proofs of His Existence and calls on us to worship Him. The surah also includes another reminder that the believers will be tested and that those who reject the truth will cause them a lot of pain. It ends with a reminder that the ultimate victory is on the Last
Day, and that victory is for the believers.
And they say, “When is this victory if you are truthful?” Say, “On the day of victory, the faith of those who disbelieved will be of no avail to them, and they will not be granted respite.” So, turn away from them, and wait. They too are waiting.
After three short and powerful Makkan surahs, the next surah is a slightly longer Madinan surah. Surah al-Aḥzab was revealed after the battle of Aḥzab and reflects on lessons from this battle. A primary focus of this surah is the importance of obeying the Messenger. There are several passages throughout this surah about the greatness of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the importance of obeying him.
By Dr. Omar Suleiman & Sh. Ismail Kamdar
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