Surah Shu'ara

Surah Shu'ara is a Makkan surah that was revealed to the Prophet at a time that he (Peace be upon him) begin to feel disappointment in the Pagans lack of interest in Islam. In fact, with each step that he tried to take forward in preaching, the Pagans pushed back that much more. They continued this until they became fond of witnessing the distress of the beloved Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) and his followers. The first few verses of the surah serve as a source of comfort to the Muslims. It reassures them that the Book of Allah is the Truth and that Allah is one who will resolves matters with those who reject faith.

Allah swt reminds Prophet Muhammad of the struggles of the Prophets that came before him. In verse 10, He begins the story of Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) who had great hesitation about going to Pharaoh alone and calling him to the Path of Allah. He asked for a partner and was granted his brother, Haroon. He reminds Prophet Muhammad of the fear Musa (May Allah be pleased with him felt) ahd and Allah responded to Musa by saying, "We are with you and We listen to you call." This should be a reminder to all of us as well, that Allah swt does not abandon the servant who is following His command. Though we do not hear it directly from Him we must keep that knowledge in our hearts. Allah swt also gives us the reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's struggle to call his people to Islam. The story of Prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) was one that Allah swt commanded Prophet Muhammad to recite to his Ummah so they would practice the same sincerity towards Allah and worship non other than Him. Prophet Ibrahim voiced his dislike of the idols publicly. He did not concern himself with the how his people would react. In verses 77-89 Prophet Ibrahim tells them of the greatness of Allah swt. We should contemplate and thank Allah for these things each day of our lives, for guidance, for food and drink, cures from our illnesses, and willingness to forgive. In verses 83-89, Prophet Ibrahim made dua for himself and for his father, an idol worshipper. Though his father rejected the foundations of Prophet Ibrahim's belief, he still was kind and gentle with him. We should remember this in all of our interactions, that though we may not agree, we must speak with others in a kind and respectable manner. Allah swt also provides examples from the stories of Nuh, Lut and the people of Ad and Thamud.

The name of the surah is Shu'ara, Poets. It was revealed in a place where poetry was an art and a favorite past time. Much of the poetry was abandoned by the Muslims as they did not fit into the principles of the Islamic faith. However, for the poetry that did, the Muslims enjoyed joining in. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself took part in these gatherings. This shows us that the Muslims enjoyed poetry as a way of promoting the principles and values of the religion. We should take from this that it is permissible for use various media to promote positive values and morals. We must be very cautious to not allow these forms of media to be a source of engaging in anything that is displeasing to Allah swt. This is especially important for our youth and children as they are more easily influenced by their environment. It is important to remember that what comes out of a person is a representation of what is in their heart, but the heart is only changed by what is put inside of it.

O our Lord! Bestow wisdom on us and join us with the righteous and make us among the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss. [Shu'ara 83, 85]