Theme of Juz Thirteen – Aqeedah

The thirteenth Juz comprises of Surah Ra’d and Surah Al-Ibrahim. Surah Ar-Ra’d is one of the few Surahs which the scholars dispute on whether it is Makkan or Madinan. This is because its themes are Makkan, yet we have a narration from Ibn Abbas saying that it is Madinan. (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi)

The theme of Surah Ra’d is similar to that of most Makkan Surahs, in that it revolves around the two main aspects of Aqeedah, belief in Allah and belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad   .

The Surah reminds us that in the world around us are ample signs of the existence of Allah and His Power. It also teaches us about Allah’s attributes of perfection by which we recognize and worship Him. We learn from this Surah that accepting Allah and submitting to Him is for our own benefit, and it is the only path to inner peace. “…and He guides those who turn to Him in repentance, those who belief and their hearts are at ease with the remembrance of Allah. Without doubt, It is only with the remembrance of Allah that hearts find peace.” (13: 27-28)

The world today is full of depression and anxiety, and people are looking everywhere for solutions and sources of peace, but we tend to ignore the one path that brings true inner peace. It is only through making Allah a part of our lives and living the way He wants us to that we can attain happiness, contentment and inner peace.

Surah Ibrahim is a Makkan Surah and so the theme is similar, once again focusing on aspects of Aqeedah. The Surah begins by mentioning the reason for the revelation of the Qur’an, “A book which I have revealed to you to remove people from darkness towards the light with the permission of your Lord, towards the path of The Most Mighty, Most Praised.” (14:1)

The Surah reminds of the prophets of the past and the tests they faced at the hands of oppressors and contains a very important verse to grant us patience in difficult times like the one we live in: “And do not think that Allah is unmindful of what the tyrants do. I am only delaying (their punishment) for a day when the eyes will be filled with fear.” (14:42)

The Surah gets its name from a passage containing one of the Duas of Prophet Ibrahim    The Duas of Prophet Ibrahim    mentioned throughout the Qur’an are beautiful and worth reflecting over.

Part of the Dua mentioned in this Surah includes: “My Lord, make me one of those who establish the Salah, and make such people from my progeny. Our Lord, accept the Dua.” (14:40)

The establishment of the Salah is the fundamental difference between the true believers and those who just claim to be Muslims, and so it is important that we strive to do so, and that we ask Allah for His assistance in doing so. Establishing Salah is not just about praying on time, but also includes praying properly with concentration and reflection. It is the Salah that connects us with Allah, keeps our faith from wavering and prevents us from falling into major sins.


Source: Themes of the Qur'an by Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kamdar