Juz 8: Al-Anʿām 111 to Al-Aʿrāf 87
Section 9 of 16 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
The Blessed Book and Complete Submission to Allah
Allah (swt) presents His Book as the comprehensive source of guidance, mercy, and blessing for humanity. In verses 154-155, Allah (swt) reminds us of the Book He gave to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), which was complete in every respect—containing guidance and mercy—so that people might believe in meeting their Lord.
The Qur'an that Allah (swt) revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) continues this divine guidance:
وَهَـٰذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
“This is a blessed book (the Qur'an) which We have revealed. So follow it and fear Allah, so that you may be blessed. (Al-An'am 6:155)”
Allah (swt) describes the Qur'an as "blessed" (mubārak). This blessing manifests in countless ways—it provides spiritual healing, intellectual illumination, moral guidance, and societal reformation. When we follow its teachings with taqwa (God-consciousness), we position ourselves to receive divine mercy. The conditional statement "so that you may be blessed" establishes a clear relationship between following the Book, maintaining taqwa, and receiving Allah's mercy.
The Qur'an came as the final revelation to ensure that humanity would not have any excuse on the Day of Judgment. Previously, people might have claimed they received no divine book or that revelation was limited to certain communities. With the Qur'an's revelation, such excuses become invalid:
أَن تَقُولُوا إِنَّمَا أُنزِلَ الْكِتَابُ عَلَىٰ طَائِفَتَيْنِ مِن قَبْلِنَا وَإِن كُنَّا عَن دِرَاسَتِهِمْ لَغَافِلِينَ
“Lest you should say, "The Book was sent down only upon two groups before us, and we were unaware of what they studied." (Al-An'am 6:156)”
The guidance in the Qur'an surpasses all earlier revelations in its comprehensiveness and clarity. It expounds on matters that pertain to both worldly success and salvation in the Hereafter. The Muslim community, therefore, has been entrusted with preserving and conveying this message to humanity at large.
As the surah nears its conclusion, Allah (swt) emphasizes complete submission to Him through one of the most profound declarations of faith:
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّـهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
“Say, "My prayer, my offering, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (Al-An'am 6:162)”
This comprehensive declaration encapsulates the essence of Islam—total dedication to Allah (swt). The verse teaches us that every aspect of our existence should be devoted to our Creator. Our salah (prayer), our nusuk (sacrifice or other acts of worship), our living, and even our dying—all should be oriented toward pleasing Allah (swt). This verse serves as a powerful response to those who doubt or mock the faith, providing believers with a firm foundation for their identity.
Allah (swt) further emphasizes the uniqueness of His lordship:
لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ۖ وَبِذَٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
“For Him there is no partner. And this is what I have been commanded, and I am the first of those who submit. (Al-An'am 6:163)”
The concluding verses of Surah Al-An'am reiterate the principle of individual accountability:
وَلَا تَكْسِبُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ إِلَّا عَلَيْهَا ۚ وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ
“No person earns anything but against himself, and no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another. (Al-An'am 6:164)”
This fundamental principle assures us that on the Day of Judgment, each soul will be accountable only for its own deeds. The verse offers both a warning and consolation—we cannot shift our spiritual responsibilities onto others, but neither will we be held responsible for others' sins.
The surah concludes with a reminder that our ultimate return is to Allah (swt), who will resolve all disputes and differences that existed among us regarding religious matters. While Allah (swt) is swift in punishment, He is also Most Forgiving and Merciful, leaving the door of repentance open for those who turn to Him.