๏ Read in the name of your lord, the one who created. (1) Created the people – al-insān from a precarious state. (2) Read! And your lord is generous, (3) the one who taught with the pen, (4) taught al-insān what he knew not. (5) But no! Indeed, al-insān surely transgresses. (6) That he sees himself self-sufficient. (7) Indeed, to your lord is the return. (8)
Have you seen the one who forbids, (9) a servant when he prays? (10) Have you seen if he is on the guidance? (11) Or he commands with righteousness? (12) Have you seen if he denies and turns away? (13) Does he not know that God sees? (14) But no, surely if he does not desist, We will certainly drag him by the forelock. (15) A forelock lying, sinful! (16) Then let him call his assembly. (17) We will call al-zabāniyat – those pushed away! (18) But no! Never obey him. And be humble and draw near. (19) ๏
— al-ʿalaq, 96/1-18
ʿalaq (ʿayn-lām-qāf) of verse 2 relates to that which is hung, or suspended.
The opening passage reminds people they were once in a precarious condition. God built them up by granting them knowledge. People tend to forget this generosity and how they achieved this knowledge (which is mentioned in the next chapter). They become deluded into believing they are self-sufficient. This arrogance leads to transgressions mentioned in the next passage.
A false sense of self-sufficiency makes people prevent others from establishing a connection with God. We’re invited to consider their behaviour. Are they on guidance? Do they call to what is right? What happens when you advise them, do they turn away? If these people do not desist they will face the consequences.
al-zabāniyat (zāy-bā-nūn) comes from the word zabn, meaning the act of pushing away.
The transgressors will call those who agree with them to make their case. God will call on all those who they pushed away, al-zabāniyat, in response.
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