The Majestic Quran

96. Al-ʿAlaq The Clot of Blood The Messenger r used to take spiritual retreat in the cave of Hira, seven kilometres south-west of the Kaaba. Here, in the stillness and solitude of the Mountain of Light, far away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city, he had ample opportunity to meditate on his Lord and reflect on the waywardness of his fellow citizens. He loathed their idolatry, corrupt business practices, uncaring behaviour towards the poor and needy. It was during one such moment that the Holy Spirit, Gabriel , brought him the first revelation, comprising the first five verses of this chapter, commanding him to recite in God’s name. The second part of the chapter comes as a clear warning to all disbelievers, but in particular to one of his staunchest opponents, Abu Jahl, since he frequently mistreated the Messenger r verbally and physically. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring T 1 Recite in the name of your Lord Who created, 2 created humans from clustered germ-cells . 2 3 Recite! “Your Lord is the most Generous”, 4 Who taught with the Pen, 5 He taught humans what they didn’t know. A J 6 But humans go beyond boundaries of God , 7 considering themselves to be self-sufficient. 8 Yet the final return is to your Lord. 9 Have you seen the one who stops 10 a servant of Ours from praying? 11 Don’t you realise he is rightly guided, 12 and issues commands based on fear of God ? 13 Have you considered, when he denies the truth and turns away, 14 doesn’t he know God sees everything ? 15 No! If he doesn’t end this behaviour , We shall drag him by the forelock, 16 that lying and sinful forelock. 3 17 So let him