The Majestic Quran

7. Al-Aʿraf The Heights A late Makkan chapter, revealed possibly a year before the Hijrah and after Chapter Al-An‘am . It deals with the three basic beliefs of Islam, presenting proofs from nature, stories from human history, and evidence from the human condition and experience. Simultaneously, it rejects false beliefs and provides an authoritative critique of idolatry and erroneous behaviour. Concepts, images, stories and powerful metaphors are presented to make the meaning clear, such that it touches the heart and mind. The Quranic sentence is not the same as sentences in our writings that have clearly defined subject, verb and object sequences. Instead, it is diverse and complex, reflecting the complexity of nature and the world around us. It does not talk in past, present and future sequences either, often flips from past to future, from the present to the past, and vice versa, sometimes with one foot in the present and the other in the future; reflecting the timeless nature of the Almighty Creator. The stories of the prophets Noah, Saleh, Hud, Lot, Jethro and Moses are a reassurance for the Messenger r and the Muslims and warning for the Idolaters. In all these cases the prophets were rejected, condemned, and even killed. However, they continued their mission: teaching, preaching and mentoring rebellious people. Finally, the divine punishment destroyed them. The chapter opens with a powerful description of the Quran as the guidance, and a reminder that should be heeded. Otherwise, the consequences would be devastating. By relating the story of Adam and Satan, the Quran is alluding to the causes of human failure to