Sūrah ar-Rūm (Part 2)
Final part of observations on the organization, structure and coherence of Sūrah ar-Rūm
Last week we began our observations of the structure of Sūrah ar-Rūm (The Byzantines).1
This week we will continue and complete the second half of the connections in this ring structure.2
Connections
[E]/[E’]
Allah ﷻ begins [E] talking about mankind’s creation and their ability to spread and increase their numbers through marriage (and the subsequent children). [E’] similarly speaks of an increase, but his an immoral increase of wealth through usury.
Many āyāt in [E] end saying, “No doubt, in that are signs (inna fī dhālika la-āyātin)…” for people who think, for all beings, and for a people who listen. [E’] also has an āyah ending, “no doubt in that are signs (inna fī dhālika la-āyātin)” for people who believe.
Finally, both sections mention Allah’s provision. Allah ﷻ first says that He made daytime a means of pursuing His favor (i.e., His sustenance). And in the latter section Allah ﷻ complements this statement saying, “He expands sustenance for whomever He wills, and He also restricts it.” In other words, we pursue our livelihoods, but Allah ﷻ is the One ultimately in control of what we earn.
[F]/[F’]
Allah ﷻ tells us of the lightning He sends down as a sign for us. It both indicates fear (fires, the sound of thunder that comes with it, etc) and hope (for rain).
In the correlated passage, Allah ﷻ tells us of the incorrect attitude of disbelievers. When disaster strikes, they fear for their lives and turn to Allah ﷻ only to turn back away when things get good again. Similarly, when their life is good, but they’re struck by a little misfortune (due to their own doing), they suddenly fall into despair. They have an improper balance of fear and hope.
[G]/[G’]
Allah ﷻ informs us that He is the one who “holds (taqūm)” the sky and earth in place. Their positioning and stability is from the divine order of Allah ﷻ.
In the matching passage, Allah ﷻ tells us to “establish (‘aqim)” ourselves wholeheartedly to His religion, for His religion is the “upright (al-qayyim)” way of life. Finally, we are reminded to “establish (‘aqīmū)” prayer in addition to other praiseworthy actions. In this way, humans have a choice to be inline with Allah’s divine commands.
[H]
At the center of this sūrah is a summary of Allah’s Oneness, His absolute control, and the example of those who would dare to associate partners with Him. Allah ﷻ explains His signs (the āyāt referenced over and over in the previous sections) for people who think. The one who reflects on all that comes before and after the center of this sūrah can have no doubt that Allah ﷻ is the only One worthy of worship and obedience.
والله أعلم - And Allah knows best
Sources
I mistakenly said last week that this surah is best known for the prophecy in the opening ayat. A friend correctly reminded me that this surah is actually best known for being recited at weddings :)
Sura al-Room. The Gold Mine Initiative. (2018, June 5). Retrieved 2021, from https://tgminitiative.blogspot.com/2018/06/symmetry-in-sura-al-room.html