Al-Hijr (ٱلْحِجْر)

Surah Al-Hijr (الْحِجْر) is the 15th chapter of the Qur'an. Its name is derived from Al-Hijr, the rocky tract, mentioned in verse 15:80 of the Surah "The people of Al-Hijr denied Our apostles." It is situated in the 14th Parah/Juz of the Qur'an and consists of 99 verses (Ayah) divided into 6 Ruku (sections). It is after Surah Ibrahim and before Surah An-Nahl. It is collectively agreed upon to be a Makki surah by Islamic scholars. 

Surah Al-Hijr was revealed during a period of intense struggle as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was facing increasing hostility and rejection from the Quraysh before Hijrah. The surah thus reflects the needs and requirements of this difficult period between the 'year of sorrow' when the Prophet lost his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abū Talib and the year when the Prophet migrated to Madinah. This surah begins with Huroof Al-Muqatta'at (Disjointed Letters), similar to Surah Ibrahim. The letters - Alif, Lam, Ra - are from among these special words. According to Ma'arif Al Quran, "We should firmly believe and have faith that whatever they mean or signify is true - but stay away from launching deeper investigations into their meanings".

The Theme of Al-Hijr (الْحِجْر): The Miracle of Quran 

The central subject of Surah Al-Hijr (الْحِجْر), much like other Makki Surahs, are arguments for Tauhid (Monotheism) and reaffirming the Sovereignty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It warns those who rejected the message of Islam upon receiving it and comforts the Messenger (ﷺ). However, much like the rest of the Quran, it is not confined to mere warnings and does contain instructions for the believers. 

Stories such as those of the dwellers of al-Hijr, the land between Madina and Syria, and the consequence of their rejection of Allah's apostles are used to warn and admonish those who were rejecting the Prophet (ﷺ). The story of the creation of Adam and the disobedience of Satan contains admonition (Ayah 15:26 onwards). The topics and style indicate that the period of its revelation is the same as that of Surah Ibrahim. The pagans of Makkah were warned, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was reassured. 

Another valuable subject in the verses of Surah Al-Hijr is that Allah protects and preserves His Deen [religion], specifically the Quran. This surah contains the well-known Ayah upon the preservation of the Quran by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

"We have sent down this Exposition, and We will guard it." (15:9).

Ibn Kathir says, "Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) stated that He is the One Who revealed the Dhikr to him, i.e., Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), which is the Qur'an, and He is protecting it from being changed or altered." 

The verse 15:87 of this surah is also considered by several scholars to have been referring to Surah Fatihah (Al Jalalain and Ibn Kathir). "We have given you seven oft-repeated verses and this sublime Qur'ān." (15:87). Regarding this particular verse, Ibn Kathir writes: "The Arabic term, mathānī, translated here as 'the oft-repeated verses' refers to the opening surah, al- Fatihah, composed of seven short verses. This is the more probable meaning of the term, although some commentators maintain that it refers to the seven longest surahs of the Qur'ān. These seven verses are often repeated as they are required to be read in every prayer, and they extol God's praises, which is a term derived from the same root as mathānī. The term, 'this sublime Qur'ān,' refers to the rest of the Qur’anic revelations."

The Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Hijr (الْحِجْر) 

Surah al-Hijr has profound lessons on how to direct one's actions and emotions in times of crisis. In Fi Zilal Al Quran, the commentator notes that "the surah directs the Prophet and the Muslim community in how best to deal with their practical problems, and how to stand firm in the face of the unbelievers' stubborn opposition. This, then, is the role and nature of the Qur'ān." With such clear signs with stories illustrated through the powerful verses of this surah, the role of the Quran in a Muslim's life is made even more apparent.

Reciting and understanding Surah Al-Hijr frequently can serve as an influential reminder of the core principles of Islam. The lessons of faith, perseverance, and complete submission to Allah strengthen the believers on the correct path. With the help of reflection upon the stories of the past communities who rejected the guidance sent down by Allah, believers can build resilience in their Emaan and remain steadfast, especially in times of hardship. Equipped with such knowledge from the Quran, paired with the context of Sunnah, Surah al-Hijr inspires Muslims to ground their faith and resilience in Islam.