Surah Al-Qalam: God Swears by Pen And What It Writes
Al-Qalam is the name of the Quran’s 68th chapter, which has 52 verses and is in the 29th Juz. It is Makki and the second chapter revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The name of the Surah comes from the word al-Qalam (pen) in the first verse in which God swears by the “pen and that which they write (therewith)”.
In his Al-Mizan Exegesis of the Quran, Allameh Tabatabei says these are not referring to any specific pen or any specific thing being written but they refer to any pen and any writing. So the pen and what it writes are among the main divine blessings that God swears by just as God swears by other blessings in the Quran such as the sun, the moon, day and night, and even fig and olive.
The purpose of this Surah is describing the attributes of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and emphasizing his sublime moral characteristics, as well as the improper characteristics of the disbelievers and enemies of the Prophet (PBUH).
It also narrates the story of the owners of garden, warns the Musrikeen (polytheists) reminds of the Day of Judgment and the punishments awaiting disbelievers, orders the Prophet (PBUH) to remain steadfast against disbelievers and bans following them.
The chapter gives assurance to the Prophet (PBUH) after they made unfounded accusations against him. The Surah bans following the Mushrikeen or being their companion.
The Surah beings with God swearing by the pen and writing. The second verse rejects the accusations made by the enemies of Islam against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and highlights how God describes the Prophet (PBUH).
The Surah also talks about giving time to disbelievers and oppressors, which is ultimately to their detriment.
Then there is the story of the owners of garden and what happened to them after they forgot God and plunged into sins and corruption.
It is the story of a number of wealthy people who had a lush garden in Yemen. The garden first belonged to an old man who used parts of its produce and gave the rest to the needy. After his death, his sons decided to keep all of the produce and deprive the needy of the benefits. Due to their stinginess, a lightning hit the garden and a fire broke out, destroying everything.
One of the brothers invited others to remember God and they regretted their behavior and repented.
