The Majestic Quran

39. Az-Zumar The Crowds This chapter was revealed in the middle Makkan period. It reinforces belief in the Oneness of God and the dreadful consequences of denying Him. Professor Sells eloquently captures the mood of that early time: What gives the early Makkan chapter’s their depth, psychological subtlety, texture and tone is the way the future is collapsed into the present; the way the day of reckoning is transferred from the fear and hope of a moment in the future to a sense of reckoning in the present moment. The centrality of the day of reckoning to the early revelations is based on a prophetic impulse to remind humanity of the moment of truth . 26 The graphic scenes of the Hereafter are presented in a variety of ways to emphasise the enormity and the terror of Judgement Day. Whilst the severity of Divine Punishment is stressed repeatedly in the chapter, verse 53 helps to dispel the pessimism of the sinners: “Say, ‘My servants who have wronged themselves, do not be hopeless of God’s kindness; indeed God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Kind’” (53). The chapter opens with a commanding reference to God’s Majesty, and questions how such a wonderful and generous Lord could be ignored and denied. God’s marvellous gifts are poured on us day and night: the air we breathe, the delightful foods we enjoy and the spouses that give us friendship and comfort. “If you are unthankful, then God has no need of you; He is not pleased with the ungratefulness of his servants. But if you are thankful, He will