Sūrat az-Zukhruf (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of our analysis of Sūrat az-Zukhruf (The Ornaments of Gold). For reference, here is the overall structure we’re discussing.

[D]/[D’] – Both sections speak about others attributing partners and children to Allah ﷻ. The first half of the sūrah touches more on the negative consequences behind making up these lies about Allah ﷻ. The second half is a simple statement around the Messenger ﷺ. Hypothetically, if Allah ﷻ had a child worthy of being called a god, then the Messenger ﷺ would have been the first to worship this hypothetical deity. The fact the Messenger ﷺ is not calling to any alternative gods is proof of their nonexistence.

[E]/[E’] – These two sections highlight those who dared to reject the ḥaqq (truth), i.e., revelation, after it came to them. The first section gives examples of those in this life rejecting the ḥaqq (truth) and the arguments they have for doing so. Their stubbornness is encapsulated in the case study of Prophet Ibrahim and his people. This section ends, “So we took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers,” but does not give the details of their punishment. The later section begins talking about the denizens of Hell begging for relief. The audience hears these āyāt and thinks, “What did they do to end up here?” The section ends, “We had certainly brought you al-ḥaqq (the truth), but most of you, lil-ḥaqq (to the truth), were averse,” which is a call back to the linked section from earlier in the sūrah. The ambiguity of their “retribution” is finally answered here.

[F]/[F’] – It begins with a description of worldly luxuries and wealth which entice the listener, but Allah ﷻ reminds us, “But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous.” The Hereafter is said to be better, but there is not description in this beginning section. Once we get to the linked section, we get a good idea of all the pleasures in store for us, with arguably the best thing said being, “There will be whatever the souls desire and the eyes delight in. And you will be there forever.”

To be continued in Part 3.