Surah Ar-Ra‘d, Chapter 13

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(The Thunder, No. 13)
(Revealed in Mecca)
43 verses in 6 sections

The Content of Surah Ar-Ra‘d

As was mentioned aforetime, Meccan suras were revealed at the beginning of the call of the Prophet of Islam (S), when the hostile pagans seriously opposed to accept the Faith. Then these suras are mostly upon the issues of belief, specially invitation to Monotheism, struggling against idolatry, and proving the Resurrection.

While the Medinite suras, which were reveled after the expansion of Islam and the formation of the Islamic government, explain the Divine ordinances and religious social rules, according to the needs of the society.

This Surah, which is among the Meccan suras, also follows the same line. After making allusions to the legitimacy and greatness of the Qur’an, it refers to monotheism and states the secrets of creation which are the signs of the existence of the Pure Essence of Allah.

Then the Qur’an, in this Surah, discusses about Resurrection and the new life of mankind in Hereafter, as well as the Divine Court of Justice on the Reckoning Day. It completes this introduction of Monotheism and Resurrection by pointing to the responsibilities and duties of people.

Once again, it returns to the issue of Monotheism. Then it gives examples in order to make the right and wrong known. They are some manifest and sensible examples which are understandable for all.

In view of the fact that the ultimate worldly fruit of belief in Monotheism and Resurrection is the very constructive and practical programs, following these discussions, it invites people to; fulfilling the promise, union of kindred, patience and perseverance, spending out in charity secretly and openly, and leaving revenge.

And, finally, the content of this Surah guides people to search the depths of events in history through showing them the painful end of the disobedient nations in the past.

Thus, Surah Ar-Ra‘d begins with some verses concerning Faith and convictions, and ends with introducing the deeds and activities which are helpful in the formation of human character.