The Second Period: An Introduction to Four Early Sūrahs of the Qurʾān
Overview
The second period in the revelation of the Qurʾān signifies the initial phase of Prophet Muḥammad’s (PBUH) public declaration of his prophethood and message. This period includes the revelation of four significant Sūrahs. Each of these chapters offers profound insights into the early message of Islam, emphasizing themes such as divine unity, the call to preach, and the challenges faced by the Prophet (PBUH).
Key Sūrahs of the Second Period
Sūratu ʾl-ʿAlaq (Chapter 96)
Title and Etymology: Sūratu’ l-ʿAlaq (سورة العلق) - The Chapter of Congealed Blood
- Arabic: العلق
- Turkish: Alak Suresi
Summary: Widely acknowledged as containing the first revelation received by the Prophet (PBUH), this Sūrah commands him to “recite” and reflects the beginning of his mission. It highlights the concepts of creation, learning, and the importance of knowledge.
Verses of Interest:
- “Recite in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clot (ʿAlaq).”
Takeaway: This Sūrah underscores the foundation of the Islamic emphasis on knowledge and enlightenment through divine guidance.
Sūratu ʾl-Ikhlāṣ (Chapter 112)
Title and Etymology: Sūratu’ l-Ikhlāṣ (سورة الإخلاص) - The Chapter of Sincerity or Purity
- Arabic: الإخلاص
- Turkish: İhlâs Suresi
Summary: A concise yet deeply profound chapter, it declares the absolute oneness of God (Tawhīd). It is highly esteemed among Muslims and recited regularly in daily prayers.
Key Verse:
- “Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
Takeaway: The Sūrah serves as an affirmation of monotheism, a central tenet of Islamic belief.
Sūratu ʾl-Muddathir (Chapter 74)
Title and Etymology: Sūratu’ l-Muddathir (سورة المدثر) - The Chapter of the Covered
- Arabic: المدثر
- Turkish: Müddessir Suresi
Summary: Instructing the Prophet (PBUH) to arise and warn, this Sūrah addresses the challenges of delivering the divine message, including facing opposition and mockery from disbelievers.
Verses of Interest:
- “O you who is covered! Arise and warn.”
Takeaway: The chapter reflects the duties of the Prophet (PBUH) and the inherent difficulties in spreading a divine message often met with resistance and disbelief.
Sūratu ʾl-Masad (Chapter 111)
Title and Etymology: Sūratu’ l-Masad (سورة المسد) - The Chapter of Palm Fiber (also known as Sūratu Tabbat, سورة تبت)
- Arabic: المسد / تبت
- Turkish: Tebbet Suresi
Summary: This Sūrah denounces Abū Lahab and his wife for their vehement opposition to the Prophet (PBUH), predicting their ruin and punishment in hellfire due to their antagonism.
Key Verses:
- “May the hands of Abū Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he. His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained.”
Takeaway: The Sūrah serves as a stern warning against arrogance and hostility towards divine guidance.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qurʾān” edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
- “The Qurʾān: A New Annotated Translation” by A.J. Droge
- “Qurʾān and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman’s Perspective” by Amina Wadud
- “Major Themes of the Qurʾān” by Fazlur Rahman
- “The Qurʾān: A Contemporary Understanding” by Abdullah Saeed
Conclusion
The Sūrahs from the second period of the Qurʾān’s revelation encapsulate the initial phase of Prophet Muḥammad’s prophetic mission, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, divine unity, the courage to preach, and the consequences of opposition to the divine message. These themes are foundational to understanding early Islamic theology and the historical context of the Prophet’s (PBUH) ministry.
Takeaways
- Sūratu ʾl-ʿAlaq emphasizes the importance of knowledge and learning.
- Sūratu ʾl-Ikhlāṣ is a core declaration of Islamic monotheism.
- Sūratu ʾl-Muddathir highlights the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission to warn and guide.
- Sūratu ʾl-Masad warns against the arrogance and hostility of disbelievers.
These Sūrahs provide invaluable insights into the core messages and challenges of early Islam.
