The Majestic Quran

54. Al-Qamar The Moon One night on the plains of Mina outside Makkah, the Prophet r was with a group of Quraysh, and they demanded a miracle: “split the moon in two parts, and we’ll believe”. Abdullah ibn Masood reports that the Prophet r raised his hands and pointed at the moon with his index finger, and lo and behold, it split into two parts. The Makkans were stunned, and the Prophet r called out to each one of them by their names: you have now seen the miracle with your eyes, so be a witness. Unfortunately, instead of believing they retorted, “This is a powerful magic” (2). The miracle of splitting of the moon took place in the seventh year of the mission of the Prophet r . The Makkans are warned about the dire consequences of their stubbornness, disbelief and foolishness. The stories of four ancient people are presented to drive the point home; those who oppose God’s prophets always lose. Each story ends with the refrain, “How terrible were My punishment and warnings? We made the Quran easy to learn, so will anyone pay attention?” In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring M 1 The Final Hou r 23 is drawing near and the moon has split into two. 2 And after seeing the miracle they turned away saying, “This is a powerful magic.” 3 They denied and followed their whims. For every action produces a specific outcome. 4 The reports of ancient people have come to them containing lessons 5 with far-reaching wisdom, but those warnings didn’t benefit them. 6 Messenger, turn away from them, one Day a caller will call them to something terrible; 7 with eyes lowered they will exit