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Al-Bayyinah | The Clear Proof

With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.

[98:1] Those who disbelieved from among the People of the Book and the polytheists were not (expected) to desist (from their wrong beliefs) unless
there comes to them a clear proof,

[98:2] a messenger from Allah who recites the purified scrolls.

[98:3] containing (right and) straight writings.

[98:4] And those who were given the Book did not disagree but after the clear proof came to them,

[98:5] while they were not ordered but to worship Allah, making their submission exclusive for him with no deviation, and to establish Salah and pay Zakah. That is the way of the straight religion.

[98:6] Surely those who disbelieved from among the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Jahannam, in which they will be living forever. Those are the worst of all human beings.

[98:7] As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, they are the best of all human beings.

[98:8] Their reward, with their Lord, is gardens of eternity beneath which rivers flow, in which they will be abiding forever. Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him. That (reward) is for him who has awe of his Lord.

Tafsir

Overview of Surah Al-Bayyinah

  1. Title and Position: Surah Al-Bayyinah is the 98th chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Bayyinah” translates to “The Clear Proof” or “The Evidence,” referring to the clear message and proof of Islam brought by the Prophet Muhammad.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 8 verses. It emphasizes the distinction between those who follow the truth revealed in the Quran and those who reject it, outlining the consequences for both groups.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the concept of true monotheism, the simplicity and clarity of the Islamic message, the role of the Prophet Muhammad as a bearer of clear proof, and the differentiation between the followers of truth and the disbelievers.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Bayyinah is significant for its concise yet powerful depiction of the core Islamic creed, the universality of its message, and the emphasis on rational belief and moral accountability.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Division of Humanity: The surah categorizes humanity into two groups—those who believe and do righteous deeds, and those who reject the truth—highlighting the clear distinction based on belief and action.
  2. The Clear Proof: It underscores the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad as a bearer of clear proof, bringing a scripture that is straightforward, serving as guidance for humanity.
  3. Consequences of Disbelief: The surah describes the unfortunate state of those who refuse to accept the truth, despite clear evidence, outlining the severe consequences they face in the hereafter.
  4. The Ideal Worship: It delineates the characteristics of true believers, emphasizing worship of God alone, performing prayer, and giving charity, as the essence of righteous living.
  5. Universal Message: Al-Bayyinah reaffirms the universal nature of Islam’s message, calling upon all of humanity to embrace the clear proof and guidance provided by the Quran.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah Al-Bayyinah named “The Clear Proof”?
    • The surah is named “Al-Bayyinah” because it centers on the theme of the clear and undeniable proof brought by the Prophet Muhammad, which distinguishes truth from falsehood.
  2. What does the surah say about the unity of religious messages?
    • The surah implies that the core message of all previous scriptures aligns with the Quran’s teachings, focusing on monotheism, righteous deeds, and adherence to divine guidance.
  3. How does Surah Al-Bayyinah define true believers?
    • True believers are defined as those who uphold the oneness of God, engage in regular prayer, and give charity, embodying the essence of Islamic practice and morality.
  4. What is the significance of the clear distinction made in the surah between believers and disbelievers?
    • The distinction underscores the importance of making informed, conscious choices in matters of belief, highlighting the consequences of one’s decisions in this life and the hereafter.

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