SURAH AL-BAYYINAH – Chapter-98

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of surahs of the Quran, in an effort to understand these surahs in an easy way. Today's effort is on SURAH AL-BAYYINAH–Chapter-98, hope going through it will be a learning journey for all of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen).

English Translation:

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Those who disbelieve from among the People of the Book and the polytheists will not dissipate until clear proof comes to them.(1) A Messenger from God Indeed, they are pages purified (2) in which are valuable books (3) and those who were given the Book did not disperse except after clear proof had come to them (4) And they were not commanded except To worship God, the one who has the religion, the religion, and the ritual of the good The books and the two participants in the fire of Hell are the two of them in it The best of creation. (7) Their reward is with their Lord, the Gardens of Eden, beneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein forever - contentment Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him - that is for him who fears his Lord (8)

Introduction:

Surah Bayyinah or Lam Yakun or Qayyimah as it is also referred to, is the 98th chapter of the Quran present in Juzz 30, it has 8 ayats (verses), ninety-four words, and 404 letters and is a response to the disbelievers claim that if clear proof came to them they would accept the truth. These ayahs were revealed shortly after Muhammed started to pray publicly, as many people questioned his actions. However, as the verses indicate this did not happen. The theme of Surah al-Bayyinah is the reaction of the Ahl al-Kitāb (People of the Book, Jews and Christians) and the pagans to the proofs of Islam. In this Surah, Allah informs us that these groups split up upon hearing the message and seeing the evidences. Bayyinah means Evidence, The Proof, The Clear Sign, The Evidence of the Truth.

Revelation of Surah:

Where Surah Al-Bayyinah was revealed, at Makkah or Madinah, is disputed. Some commentators say it is a Makki revelation according to most scholars; others say it is a Madani revelation according to most scholars. Ibn Az Zubair and Ata bin Yasar hold the view that it is Madani. The reason for the revelation of Surah Al-Bayyinah was that the Jews and Christians were in a state of profound darkness due to their ignorance of what they should have believed in and followed from the laws of their prophets, except for those whom Allah protected from deviating.

At the beginning of the Surah, Allah mentioned that these groups differed and many of them disbelieved after they received the Bayyinah (clear proofs) of Islam. Allah did not just send down revelation claiming that Islam is the truth. The revelation came with clear evidence that it is from Allah. It is this evidence that separates Islam from false religion.

Lesson of the Surah Bayyinah:

Asking the Prophet as an example in calling and reaching Allah Almighty. The Muslim realizes that the spread of corruption on earth requires a new calling, a preacher with knowledge. The Muslim realizes that deviating from the right path is not only ignorance. Surah al-Bayyinah characterizes the animus of the unbelieving people of the book and their incredulity as to the truth of Islam and the prophet hood of prophet Muhammad (s). According to this surah, such people as well as polytheists are the worst of the creatures, who should be punished by the fire of the hell. In this Surah, Allah informs us that these groups split up upon hearing the message and seeing the evidences. A group became believers; whom Allah calls the best of creation in this Surah. While others rejected the message and disbelieved, so Allah called them the worst of creation. Allah ends the Surah with a promise of punishment for the disbelievers and reward in Paradise for the believers.in short, lessons learned from Surah Al-Bayyinah are:

Ø  A Muslim should be proud that the Prophet (PBUH) is the clear argument.

Ø  Taking the Prophet as an example in calling and reaching Allah Almighty.

Ø  The Muslim realizes that the spread of corruption on earth requires a new calling, a preacher with knowledge.

Ø  The Muslim realizes that deviating from the right path is not only ignorance. Rather, it is the result of being tempted by the knowledge.

Ø  The need for a Muslim to be interested in being in the category of the best of the wilderness.

Ø  Knowing that the basic rule of the Islamic religion is the devotion of religion to Allah Almighty.

Ø  A Muslim must be humble to those who are inferior to him, and follow the example of the Prophet.

Surah Bayyinah important:

Surah Al-Bayyinah is one of the greatest surahs in the Quran, known for its profound and detailed content that addresses important issues related to faith, division, and guidance. This surah is considered a valuable source that directs Muslims towards a better understanding of Islam and achieving closeness to Allah.

In this surah Aleah has divided its creation into best and worst as the word ‘bariyyah’ (بریة) refers to creatures.

The Worst of Creation in Surah Bayyinah:

The proof and argument for being the worst of people is that a Prophet and book is sent to a person and he understands the reality but remains stubbornly on his own path due to his arrogance.  The blessing of guidance is the greatest of Divine blessings and therefore, disbelief in that is the greatest disbelief.

The Best of Creation in Surah Bayyinah:

The best of creatures are those who are internally believers and monotheists and are apparently and externally good-doers. In these verses good has been confined to the believers just as evil has been confined to the disbelievers. This is shown through the use of the pronoun ‘hum’ (هم) in both the verses. If it had not been so the verse would have read as: they are the worst (or best), but others can be too. But now it indicates that they (only) are the worst (and the best). The best of creatures are eternally in Heavens that are eternal

The Virtue in Studying Surah Bayyinah

Ø  On the virtue in reciting this Surah, there is a tradition from the holy Prophet (S) who has said: "If people knew how blissful this Surah is (Bayyinah), they would leave their property & family to learn it”.

Ø  Someone from the' Khaza'ih’ people asked: "O Messenger of Allah! What is the reward for reciting it?".

He (S) answered: "Neither a hypocrite nor those in whose hearts contain doubt about Allah recite it. By Allah, the near-stationed angels have been reciting it from the time the heavens and the earth were created and do not languish in its recitation.

Ø  There will be no servant who recites it at night but that Allah sends angels who protect him in his Faith and his present life and that seek forgiveness and mercy for him; and when on the day he recites it, he will be rewarded as much as what the day sheds light upon and what the night darkens.”

Benefits of Reciting Surah Bayyinah

Ø  Regarding the benefits of reciting this chapter, the Prophet (PBUH) narrates that one who recites it will be besides the best of God’s creation in terms of place & condition on Qiyamah.

Ø  Another hadith from him says: “Had people known what merits it contains, they would have left their families and wealth aside and learned it.”

Ø  Jafar bin Muhammad al-Sadiq (peace be on him) narrates that those who recite this chapter will be free from shirk (polytheism), admitted into the Prophet’s creed and given an easy trial by God.

Ø  Increase in Knowledge. Surah Al Bayyinah provides a wealth of knowledge that is not merely academic but deeply spiritual and practical.

Ø  Understanding of Ignorance. The Surah elucidates the concept of willful ignorance. Despite the presence of clear signs and guidance from Allah through various prophets and divine books, some individuals choose to remain in denial.

Ø  Recitation as Dua. Reciting Surah Al Bayyinah with understanding and reflection can serve as a powerful dua, helping individuals stay away from sins and cultivate a character that is pleasing to Allah.

Ø  Warning Against Heathenism. Heathenism, or the rejection of the divine, is strongly condemned in Surah Al Bayyinah. Heathens not only deny the existence of Allah but also reject the concept of divinity altogether. This form of disbelief is considered one of the gravest sins, attracting severe punishment both in this life and the hereafter.

Ø  Dua Against Shirk. Surah Al Bayyinah contains verses that warn against the dangers of shirk, providing a clear understanding of its various forms. Regular recitation of these verses can serve as a protection against committing shirk, keeping the believer alert and conscious of maintaining Tawhid, the oneness of Allah.

Ø  Increases Taqwa. Surah Al Bayyinah helps cultivate this sense of Taqwa by making individuals reflect on their actions and intentions. With increased Taqwa, believers are more likely to engage in good deeds and abstain from wrongdoing

Summary of Surah Bayyinah:

The chapter starts off with talking about God’s clear proof of guidance over the people through the person of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) and how the disbelievers refused to accept the truth even after they had seen the clear proof. Surah Bayyinah’s verses also show that Islam is a universal religion for all people and that God has always even before Islam, guided the people and sent down Divine Books, teachings and Prophets for them. The chapter ends with introducing who the best and worst of people are and indicating the blessings and rewards that await the best of creations.

Researched & Compiled by:    

Ovais Asad Khan