The meaning and analysis of verses 1 and 2 of Surah Al-Jumu’ah within the context of the Islamic system is an important topic. These verses praise Allah and describe the purpose of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission, which helps us understand the foundations of the Islamic system.
Meaning of the Verses:
Verse 1:
يُسَبِّحُ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ
“Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth exalts Allah, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
Expounding the words of the Quran “الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ” in light of Islamic teachings is very significant. These words describe the attributes of Allah, and detailing them helps us better understand His greatness and majesty.
- الْمَلِكِ (Al-Malik)
Meaning: Al-Malik means “The King.” This attribute denotes Allah’s complete and sovereign authority.
Explanation: Allah is the sole ruler of the universe. Nothing happens without His command. His dominion is over both the heavens and the earth, and over all creations and existences. His sovereignty is eternal, and He is the true Ruler.
Reference:
- Quran: “Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion” (Yasin: 83) “Exalted is He who holds in His hand the realm of all things.”
- Hadith: “Allah says: I am the King, I do what I will.” (Sahih Muslim)
- الْقُدُّوسِ (Al-Quddus)
Meaning: Al-Quddus means “The Pure.” This attribute denotes Allah’s purity and freedom from any imperfection.
Explanation: Allah is free from all kinds of weaknesses, defects, and flaws. He is above all physical, moral, and spiritual deficiencies. His being is the source of purity and sanctity.
Reference:
- Quran: “Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth exalts Allah, the Sovereign, the Pure.” (Al-Jumu’ah: 1)
- Hadith: “Subhan Rabbi al-Azim, Subhan Rabbi al-Ala” (Sahih Muslim) “Glory is to my Lord, the Great; Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
- الْعَزِيزِ (Al-Aziz)
Meaning: Al-Aziz means “The Mighty” or “The Exalted in Might.” This attribute denotes Allah’s power and strength.
Explanation: Allah is dominant over everything. His power and might are limitless. Nothing can withstand His power. He is the Mighty and His strength is unparalleled.
Reference:
- Quran: “And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (An-Nisa: 158)
- Hadith: “Allah says: I am Aziz, I am Powerful.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- الْحَكِيمِ (Al-Hakim)
Meaning: Al-Hakim means “The Wise.” This attribute denotes Allah’s wisdom and knowledge.
Explanation: Allah’s wisdom is infinite and perfect. Everything He does is full of wisdom. His decisions and actions are deeply wise, even if humans cannot fully comprehend them.
Reference:
- Quran: “Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.” (Yusuf: 100)
- Hadith: “Allah’s every action has wisdom.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Verse 2:
هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ
“It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom – although they were before in clear error.”
A detailed discussion of the verse “يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 2) explains the duties of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the purposes of his prophethood. Let’s understand these words in detail:
- يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ (Reciting to them His verses)
Meaning: This phrase indicates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recites the verses of the Quran to the people.
Explanation:
- Recitation of the Quran: The first duty of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to recite the verses of Allah to the people so they can hear Allah’s message. Recitation is not merely reading the verses aloud but also involves instilling their meaning in hearts and making people understand their depth.
- Source of Guidance: Through the recitation of the Quran, people receive guidance and are able to follow the right path.
Reference:
- Quran: “A Messenger from Allah, reciting purified scriptures.” (Al-Bayyinah: 2)
- وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ (And purifying them)
Meaning: This phrase indicates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) purifies the people.
Explanation:
- Purification of the Soul: The second duty of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to purify people’s hearts and actions. Purification means cleansing the heart, improving morals, and abstaining from evil deeds.
- Spiritual Training: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) improved people’s ethics and spirituality through his teachings and example.
Reference:
- Quran: “He has succeeded who purifies it.” (Ash-Shams: 9)
- وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ (And teaching them the Book)
Meaning: This phrase indicates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches the Quran to the people.
Explanation:
- Teaching the Quran: The third duty of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to teach people the Quran so they can understand Allah’s commandments and act upon them.
- Promotion of Knowledge: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) promoted knowledge and taught people so they could succeed in this world and the Hereafter.
Reference:
- Quran: “And We have revealed to you the Book as clarification for all things.” (An-Nahl: 89)
- وَالْحِكْمَةَ (And teaching them wisdom)
Meaning: This phrase indicates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches wisdom to the people.
Explanation:
- Teaching Wisdom: The fourth duty of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to teach people wisdom. Wisdom means making correct decisions, following the right path, and using knowledge and prudence.
- Guidance in Practical Life: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught people to make correct decisions and face difficulties with wisdom.
Reference:
- Quran: “And whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.” (Al-Baqarah: 269)
A Comprehensive Discussion on the Islamic System:
- Sovereignty of Allah:
These verses highlight the sovereignty of Allah. Allah is the master of the entire universe, and everything in it glorifies Him. This concept is the fundamental pillar of the Islamic system, emphasizing that Allah is the true ruler, and everything functions according to His will.
- Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
Allah sent the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a messenger among the illiterate people to recite His verses to them, purify them, and teach them the Book and wisdom. This was the primary purpose of the Prophet’s mission, which holds central importance in the formation of the Islamic system.
- Education and Purification:
Education and training hold special significance in the Islamic system. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught Muslims the Quran and imparted wisdom and knowledge to them. This education was not limited to religious matters but encompassed all aspects of life.
- Purification of the Soul: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) purified his companions, meaning he provided them with spiritual and moral training. In the Islamic system, the moral upbringing of individuals is of utmost importance to establish an exemplary society.
- Justice:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) implemented justice in the Islamic system. The teachings of Islam prioritize the protection of individual rights and the provision of justice. Everyone is given their due rights in the light of the Quran, and oppressors are punished for their injustices.
- Social System:
The Islamic system presents a complete and comprehensive social system that ensures the welfare of both individuals and society.
- Social Equality: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught social equality and abolished class distinctions. Islam rejects any form of discrimination based on color, race, language, or nationality.
- Economic System:
Islam provides a complete system of economic justice. The system of Zakat and charity is the foundation of the Islamic economic system, ensuring the fair distribution of wealth.
- Prohibition of Usury: Islam has prohibited usury because it leads to social and economic inequality.
- Political System:
In the Islamic system, the purpose of governance is to serve the people and protect their rights. The system of the caliphate was based on consultation and justice, operating in accordance with Islamic principles.
- Consultation: In Islam, decisions are made through consultation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consulted his companions and valued their opinions.
Conclusion
Analyzing the verses 1 and 2 of Surah Al-Jumu’ah helps us understand the foundations of the Islamic system. By understanding the attributes of Allah and the purposes of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission, we can establish a strong and perfect Islamic system. These verses inspire us to improve our lives and act upon Islamic teachings.
