Exalting the Perfection of Allah
The surah begins with a command:"Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High." (Qur’an 87:1)
This opening verse sets the tone for the surah, inviting believers to glorify Allah with reverence and acknowledgment of His majesty. The phrase "the Most High" (Al-Ala) signifies Allah's supreme and unparalleled status. It reminds us that no matter how great or exalted anything in this world may seem, Allah remains above all. This glorification is not limited to verbal praise; it extends to every action and thought that aligns with His divine will.
In our daily lives, we are often consumed by worldly matters, and we might forget the greatness of Allah. This verse is a call to realign our focus and recognize that everything in creation points to the Creator’s perfection. By constantly exalting Allah, we develop humility, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of our role as His servants.
Allah’s Perfection in Creation
The next few verses describe Allah’s creative power and His perfect design:"Who created and proportioned,
And who destined and [then] guided." (Qur’an 87:2-3)
These verses invite us to reflect on the intricate balance and order in the universe. Every creature and every element of existence is precisely measured and proportioned. From the smallest atom to the vast expanse of the galaxies, everything operates according to a divinely ordained plan.
Not only does Allah create with perfection, but He also provides guidance to His creation. This guidance is evident in nature, where every creature instinctively knows its purpose and role. For humanity, Allah's guidance comes through revelation, teaching us how to navigate the complexities of life in accordance with His will.
As believers, these verses inspire awe and gratitude. They remind us to trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that His knowledge encompasses everything, and His guidance is always for our benefit.
The Temporary Nature of This World
The surah then shifts focus to the fleeting nature of worldly life:"And We will make you recite, [O Muhammad], and you will not forget,
Except what Allah should will. Indeed, He knows what is declared and what is hidden." (Qur’an 87:6-7)
These verses address the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) directly, reassuring him of Allah’s support in preserving the message of the Qur’an. However, they also carry a universal message: Allah’s knowledge is complete, encompassing both the seen and the unseen. Nothing escapes His awareness, and everything unfolds according to His wisdom.
This reminder encourages believers to focus on eternal truths rather than transient distractions. The material world, with all its allure, is temporary. True success lies in seeking Allah’s pleasure and preparing for the hereafter.
The Contrast of Outcomes
Toward the end, the surah highlights the contrasting fates of those who heed Allah’s guidance and those who reject it:"He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself,
And mentions the name of his Lord and prays.
But you prefer the worldly life,
While the Hereafter is better and more enduring." (Qur’an 87:14-17)
Success, as defined by Allah, is not measured by wealth, status, or power but by spiritual purity and devotion. Purifying oneself involves cleansing the heart of pride, envy, and other vices while cultivating faith, humility, and righteousness. This process is closely tied to worship, remembrance of Allah, and adherence to His commandments.
The surah critiques humanity’s tendency to prioritize the worldly life over the eternal hereafter. While the world offers fleeting pleasures, the hereafter is everlasting. This contrast serves as a wake-up call for believers to re-evaluate their priorities and invest in what truly matters.
The Timeless Message of the Scriptures
The surah concludes by referencing the continuity of divine guidance:"Indeed, this is in the former scriptures,
The scriptures of Abraham and Moses." (Qur’an 87:18-19)
This closing emphasizes that the message of Surah Al-Ala is not new; it is part of a timeless tradition of divine revelation. The values of glorifying Allah, following His guidance, and prioritizing the hereafter have been central to all revealed religions.
For believers, this serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity’s spiritual history. It also reinforces the universality of the Qur’anic message, which transcends time and place.
Lessons from Surah Al-Ala
Surah Al-Ala offers several profound lessons for reflection:- Exaltation of Allah: Constantly glorifying Allah helps us maintain a sense of humility and gratitude, reminding us of our dependence on Him.
- Recognition of Divine Perfection: Reflecting on Allah’s creation fosters awe and trust in His wisdom and plan.
- Focus on the Eternal: Prioritizing the hereafter over worldly pursuits aligns our actions with what truly matters.
- Purification and Worship: Success in life lies in purifying the soul, remembering Allah, and engaging in regular worship.
- Timeless Guidance: The principles of faith and devotion are universal and have been conveyed through all prophets.
In a world filled with distractions, Surah Al-Ala calls us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our Creator. It invites us to embrace a life of purpose, grounded in faith and directed toward eternal success. By internalizing its message, we can navigate life’s challenges with clarity and steadfastness, always striving to fulfill our ultimate purpose: to worship Allah and attain His pleasure.
