Theme of Juz Fourteen - Imaan

The fourteenth Juz comprises of two Makkan Surahs, Surah Al-Hijr and Surah An-Nahl and so the themes of this Juz revolve around issues of faith (Imaan), and the beliefs of Islam.

Surah Al-Hijr focuses on issues of faith like the belief in the Qur’an being the preserved word of Allah and contains the famous verse: “Indeed We have revealed the message, and Indeed We will preserve it.” (15:9) This verse is the strongest evidence that the message of Islam (Qur’an, Sunnah and their correct understand) will be preserved and will always be available to those who seek it.

Another important verse in this Surah explains the balance between hope and fear of Allah: “Inform My servants that I am Most Forgiving, Most Merciful and that My punishment is definitely a painful punishment.” (15:48-49) This verse makes it clear that Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy cannot be used as an excuse to sin, as His forgiveness is for those who strive to please Him, not those who willingly rebel against Him.

The Surah contains a reminder of two important stories; Satan’s refusal to bow to Adam   and the destruction of the people of Prophet Lut  . The first is a clear reminder of who our enemy is: “He said, ‘My Lord, as You have let me stray, I will beautify for them the earth and deceive them all, except for your sincere worshippers.” (15:39-40)

The story of Lut contains the only verse in the entire Qur’an in which Allah takes an oath on the life of Prophet Muhammad  . Describing the level of immorality that this nation reached, Allah says: “By your life, definitely they were lost in their (lustful) intoxication.” (15:72) This verse teaches us how unrestrained and deviant lust intoxicates the mind, which is the direction the modern world is heading in.

Surah An-Nahl also focuses on issues of faith with a special focus on the signs of Allah in His Creation. All around us are evidences of the existence and power of Allah, and these signs must be reflected on. Mention is made of the how Allah guides the bees to produce honey, and how He placed milk for us in cows and made them food for us to eat as well, and we are told to reflect on these creations.

Reminders can be found in this Surah of other issues of faith, like the reward of Paradise for the believers, the reminder that Shaytaan is trying to lead us astray, the importance of following the Qur’an and the messenger; and a reminder of the Last Day and the Judgment.

Towards the end of the Surah, there is a verse which lists some of the important principles of Islamic law: “Indeed Allah commands you with justice, righteousness and spending on relatives, and prohibits immorality, sin and oppression. He admonishes you, so that you may reflect.” (16:90)

After listing all the important beliefs of Islam in this Surah, it ends by reminding us that this message is meant to be shared with mankind and not just kept to ourselves. The obligation of Dawah is found in one of the closing verses of this Surah and Juz: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and gentle preaching, and discuss with them in the best manner.” (16:125)

This verse makes Dawah an obligation on anybody who understands Islam and accepts it as the true religion of Allah. Yet at the same time, it demands that this Dawah must be done with wisdom and gentleness, and should not be aggressive or harsh. This is the way of the final Prophet    and his followers.


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