The Majestic Quran

The central theme of the chapter is the fundamental doctrines of Islam: Tawhid (oneness of God) , Risalah (prophethood) and Akhirah (hereafter) . The chapter opens with an introduction to the Quran: “ This is a revelation from the Kind, the Caring; a book whose verses are clearly explained, an Arabic Quran for a people who have knowledge; it gives good news and warnings” (2–4). It then explains why the disbelievers are unable to listen and benefit from the Quran: they have locked minds and are intolerant. To open their mind, they are told to look at the wonderful signs of God’s Majesty in nature. The power, wisdom, kindness, providence, organisation and management evident in the vast universe is a testimony that this is no drama or play of an imagined god, but the handiwork of the Almighty and the Knower. The Quraysh are warned if they do not stop their mockery and rudeness they will face dire consequences like previous nations. The chapter refutes recurrent objections against Tawhid , the Oneness of God, such as questions about how dead bones can be raised to life, and how a man can be God’s messenger. The early Makkan Chapters are conversational and speak directly to the listeners, each listener is asked to think, reflect and interrogate himself, for example it poses questions like, “Say: “Consider this,” or “Haven’t you seen” or “Haven’t you heard”. This is a powerful teaching style where facts and figures aren’t being taught but critical thinking is being encouraged and awareness of the Reality is being raised. The Quraysh once asked, “What is the need for a new revelation when the Quran already accepts the Psalms and the Gospels as divine revelations?” The Quran answered: “We gave Moses the Book, but disagreement arose about it too” (45). The Messenger r is reassured, he has a lofty, pure, beneficial, life-changing message, and if the ignorant fail to listen, then his response should be gentle.