Commentary on the Koran: Surah 111 (No. Q111)

Christian Churches of God

No. Q111

Commentary on the Koran: Surah 111 “The Palm Fibre”

(Edition 1.5 20180602-20201229)

An Early Beccan Surah naming a dedicated persecutor of the Prophet from his own family.

Christian Churches of God

PO Box 369, WODEN ACT 2606, AUSTRALIA

E-mail: secretary@ccg.org

(Copyright ©2018, 2020 Wade Cox and Alan Brach)

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Commentary on the Koran: Surah 111 “The Palm Fibre”

Pickthall Translation; Bible Quotes are from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.

Introduction

Al-Masad takes its name from a word in the last verse. It is the only Surah in the entire Koran where an opponent of the Prophet is denounced by name and he is referred to as Abu Lahab or the “Father of Flames”.

Abdul-‘Uzzå, a relative of the Prophet and a first cousin of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, was apparently known by the name of Abu Lahab i.e. the Father of Flames because of his ruddy complexion or his fierce temper. He and his wife harbored hostility towards the Prophet and were the thorns in his life. They are cursed because of their deeds and thoughts. His wife participated in his hostile moves against Islam.

He is reported to have died soon after hearing of the defeat of the Qureysh at the battle of Badr.

The wife here is stated to be a wood carrier or as bearer of fuel which would mean she added fuel to the tales between people to involve them in slander. She must have been involved in the spreading of false reports against the Prophet.

She is said to have been strangled by the very rope she used to bring the thorny bushes from the woods which were placed in the paths used by the Prophet.

The necklace of jewellery she wore symbolically became a rope of twisted fibre that ended her life.

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111.1. The power of Abu Lahab will perish, and he will perish.

111.2. His wealth and gains will not exempt him.

111.3. He will be plunged in flaming Fire,

111.4. And his wife, the wood-carrier,

111.5. Will have upon her neck a halter of palm-fibre.

Surah 26 verses 88-89 say:

“The day when wealth and sons avail not (any man) Save him who bringeth unto Allah a whole heart.”

Acts 5:38-39 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; ³⁹but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,

Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Leviticus 19:16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.

Psalm 101:5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.

Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.

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