Sura al-Rahman: Difference between revisions

Sura al-Rahman known as the bride of the [[Quran]] is the fifty fifth chapter of this holy book which is located in the twenty seventh [[Juz']]. The name of this Sura is one of the names of God, which is the first word of this chapter. There are disagreements about whether this Sura is [[Makki]] or [[Madani]]. The sixty forth verse of this Sura is the shortest verse in Quran, "Mudhammatan" (Densely shaded with dark green trees).

A large number of God's blessings in this world and in the [[Hereafter]] are mentioned in this chapter of Quran. Also the [[Resurrection]] and its features as well as evaluation of deeds. In this [[Sura]], after mentioning each blessing God asks His servants the question "Fabiayyi alai Rabbikuma tukhadhdhiban" (Then, O Jinns and men, which of your Rabb's favors will both of you deny?) which is repeated thirty one times in this chapter. Based on a narration from [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]], it is recommended to recite the phrase "La bishay'in min ila'ika Rabb ukhadhdhibu" (Oh God, I will not deny any of your favors.) after reciting this verse of Quran.

According to narrations if someone recites Sura al-Rahman, God will grant him/her the chance of being grateful to the blessings, he/she is given, and if he/she pass away in that night or day, he/she will be considered as a [[martyr]].

This chapter of Quran is called Al-Rahman because this Sura is started with this word which is one of the names of God. Ala' (the plural form of Ilay) which means blessings is the other name of this [[Sura]], because it mentions the blessings of God. Sura al-Rahman is known to be the "'Arus al-Qur'an" bride of [[Quran]]; this titles is given based on the narrations from [[Prophet Muhammad (s)]] and Shi'ite [[Imam]]s.

This chapter of Quran was the ninety seventh sura revealed to [[Prophet Muhammad (s)]]. It is the fifty fifth sura of Quran which is located in the twenty seventh [[Juz']]. There are disagreements about whether this sura is [[Makki]] or [[Madani]]. Muhammad Hadi Ma'rifat, a researcher in Quranic sciences believe that Al-Rahman is most probably a Madani Sura.

This sura has seventy eight verses, 352 words and 1648 letters. Al-Rahman is regarded one of the [[Mufassalat]] suras which have relatively short and numerous verses; its size is about half of a [[hizb]]. The sixty forth verse of this Sura is the shortest verse in Quran, "Mudhammatan" (Densely shaded with dark green trees).

A large number of God's blessings in this world and in the [[Hereafter]] are mentioned in sura al-Rahman, which represents the quality of being Rahman (the All-beneficent). The content of this chapter of Quran can be divided into three parts:

1. The gifts in this world: Blessings mentioned here includes teaching [[Quran]], creation of Human and [[Jinn]], creation of plants and trees, creation of skies, presence of rules, creation of earth and its characteristics, creation of fruits, flowers and scented herbs, two meeting salt and fresh seas and God's blessings in the seas. (verses 1 to 30)

 

2. The [[Resurrection]] Day: Mentioning the dissolution of this world and occurrence of the [[Resurrection]], features of the resurrection, assessment of deeds and punishment [of sinners]. (verses 30 and 31)

 

3. The gifts in the [[Hereafter]]: After mentioning punishment of disbelievers in [[Hell]] then blessings for believers are mentioned including the gardens, streams, fruits and beautiful and loyal damsels. (verses 31 to 78).

a. Teaching Quran

A number of exegetists believe this chapter of Quran was revealed in order to raise awareness of disbelievers of Quraysh about the word Al-Rahman (the All-Beneficent), as when the sixtieth verse of [[Sura Al-Furqan]] was revealed in which it ordered humans to prostate to "Al-Rahman God", the All-Beneficent, and they said what is and who is Rahman? Then God revealed Sura AL-Rahman to [[Prophet Muhammad (s)]]. Also based on a narration from [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]], some believe this chapter of [[Quran]] was revealed about [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]].

Sura Al-Rahman is one of the chapters of [[Quran]] which is highly regarded in public culture. This sura has social roles in Islamic countries including Iran and [[Pakistan]]. In Pakistan this sura is recited in wedding ceremonies and it is recited in mourning ceremonies of the departed ones in Iran; however some disagree with reciting it in mourning ceremonies.

This [[sura]] of Quran was also highly regarded by artists. For example the whole sura was woven on a carpet, each verse of this sura is woven with the verse "Fabi'ayyi ala'i Rabbikuma tukadhdhiban" (Then, O Jinns and men, which of your Rabb's favors will both of you deny?). The Quranic verse are written in beautiful and decorative calligraphy; also pictures related to each verse is woven near each verse. Hojjat Allah Khodayari, the artist from Tabriz, has finished weaving it in 1996. It is kept in the museum of Astan Quds Razavi.

According to a number of narrations if someone recites Sura al-Rahman, God will be merciful to his weaknesses and inabilities and he/she will have the chance of being grateful to His blessings. Also it is narrated to recites the phrase "La bishay'in min ila'ika Rabb ukhadhdhibu" (Oh God, I will not deny any of your favors) after reciting the verse "Fabi'ayyi ala'i Rabbikuma tukadhdhiban". If he/she pass away in that night or day, he/she will be considered as a [[martyr]]. It is recommended to recite this chapter of Quran in the [[prayer]]s after reciting [[Ziyara]] of [[Imam al-Rida (a)]]. Facilitation of harsh matters, healing of pain in eyes and having protection are among the merits of reciting sura al-Rahman.