The Majestic Quran

25. Al-Furqan The Benchmark for Right and Wrong This Makkan chapter provides powerful arguments for the Oneness of God ( Tawhid ), the communication of His Message ( Risalah ), and life after death ( Akhirah ). These three fundamental beliefs were most at odds with the pagan beliefs. It opens by declaring the power and might of the exalted Lord, the Controller of the universe. In Makkah, the Messenger r was constantly criticised. The Makkans accused him of lying, puzzled why the Quran was revealed gradually, rather than all at once, and emphasised that it was merely stories of the ancient people. Similarly, they targeted his person: why would a messenger of God be a mere mortal? The chapter answers them, and warns them of the dire consequences of rejecting faith. The Messenger r is reassured: “Do you think you can be a guardian for the one who makes a god of his desires?” (43). The chapter then turns to the natural world, and points out the amazing creative power of God seen in nature: the shadow, the nightfall, the rain, fresh and seawater, blood and marriage relatives, the constellations, the sun and the moon: “a sign for anyone who wants to be reminded of God’s power or wants to be thankful ” (62). An excellent example of the Quran’s two-pronged approach to answering the disbelievers’ criticism: the first is an argumentative approach – an emotional appeal where disbelievers are threatened and warned of their rebellion and mischief. Stories of past communities are told and retold to stress the consequences of their disbelief. The second Quranic approach is a rational, scientific approach drawing attention to God’s creative power. These