The Great Importance Of Surah At-Tin (The Fig)
The basic purpose behind sending Prophets among nations by Allah SWT had always been identical, i.e. to bring people towards remembrance of One God and prepare themselves for eternal life through living a righteous life. The Last Messenger of the Creator of the universe, Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ holds distinction among rest of His Apostle having the honor of being a role model for entire mankind till the Day of Judgment. He (PBUH) was also given the Final Heavenly Manuscript, the Holy Quran consisting of Surahs (Chapters) which serve as a great means of guidance and enlightenment in man`s life.
The early revelations of Allah SWT upon the Holy Prophet ﷺ were mainly about Tawheed (Oneness of God), following the guidelines of His Messenger ﷺ, emphasis on virtuous existence in this world and knowing about the life hereafter. One of such Surahs of Furqan e Hameed is Surah At-Tin which was disclosed in Makkah. It contains 8 Ayats in total which are mentioned below:
“By the fig and the olive, and [by] Mount Sinai, and [by] this secure city (Makkah), We have certainly created man in the best of stature; Then We return him to the lowest of the low. Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted. So what yet causes you to deny the Recompense? Is not Allah the most Just of judges?” [Quran, 95: 1-8]
The basic theme of the Quranic Chapter is the Ultimate Ruling of Allah SWT regarding human`s fate in the hereafter. There will be great bounties and rewards of the Almighty Lord for the moral persons and punishment for the wicked ones. The justice will be served in the most perfect manner as there is no better Evaluator than the God, the Exalted Himself.
Now let us discuss the main constituents of Surah At-Tin in detail:
i) Swearing Of Allah By Fig, Olive, Sinai and Makkah
In the first three verses, the Almighty Lord starts the conversation with His servants by swearing on the names of the fruits of Fig and Olive, the mountain of Sinai and the Holy and Protected City of Makkah.
There have been some differences among the past great religious scholars regarding the true context of God taking an Oath by Fig and Olive. Some say that they are mentioned because of their tremendous amount of benefits for human health. Others regard Tin being the Mosque built by Prophet Nuh A.S (Noah) on Mount Judi and Zaytun relates to “Bait al-Maqdis” (Jerusalem), which were recognized by the Arabs at that time for abundance of these fruits.
Then comes the Sinai Mount, upon which Allah SWT used to converse with Prophet Musa A.S (Moses). And in the end, the Most Gracious has sworn by the name of Makkah, which got the greatest tribute having hosted the Last Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ.
The purpose behind swearing by these virtuous objects and places was to emphasize on the later teachings and their greater implications on one`s life.
ii) Creating Human In The Best Way
Among all the formations and living beings on earth, humans are by far the most intelligent and highly gifted life forms due to their abilities. The Creator of All says in the Holy Quran:
“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” [Quran, 17: 70]
Hence, Allah SWT describes His unmatched Creation, i.e. human being who has unbelievable aptitude. Due to its unparalleled talents and capabilities, the Almighty Lord has regarded it as the most excellent and much preferred making of all.
iii) Lowering Of Status Of A human
The awarding of mental power to human being also demands from it to understand its true reason of existence and live its life according to the commandments of Allah SWT. But not all of them are steadfast on their religious and moral beliefs, and many of them are lead astray by satanic influences towards a miserable life of immorality and impiety.
“No! [But] indeed, man transgresses, because he sees himself self-sufficient.” [Quran, 96: 6-7]
In the above mentioned Ayats, the Almighty Lord has indicated towards the ungrateful and forgetting temperament of a human as it starts worsening its standing by adopting disobedience due to its proud nature.
“Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire – You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.” [Quran, 3: 192]
Hence, the verse of Surah At-Tin under discussion eventually leads towards final destination of the wrongdoers, i.e. the lower levels of hell in the hereafter.
iv) Elevation Of Status and Great Rewards For The Righteous Ones
Among human beings, there are also believers who approve and firmly adhere to the Instructions of Allah SWT and His Messenger ﷺ. They have been regarded as very high in position near the Almighty Lord, Who has promised a great incentive for them in the hereafter in the shape of Jannah (Paradise).
And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far, [It will be said], “This is what you were promised – for every returner [to Allah] and keeper [of His covenant], Who feared the Most Merciful unseen and came with a heart returning [in repentance]. Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity.” [Quran, 50: 31-34]
Therefore, the virtuous ones will not be left alone in the afterlife as the Most Gracious has prepared the undying life of complete tranquility and blessings in Heaven.
v) Fair Judgment Of The Judge Of The Judges
The life on earth is based on some definite laws and regulations which everyone is required to follow. The courts of law have been made to bring sinful people to justice and make them accountable for their wrongdoings. Same will be the case in the hereafter when Allah SWT will distinguish between the rightful and wrongful persons based on their way of life in the human race.
“Then will We treat the Muslims like the criminals? What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge?” [Quran, 68: 35-36]
This shows that just like in this world the wicked people will get their return in the form of a severe punishment. On the other hand, the self-righteous ones will be rewarded in the form of great bounties by the Almighty Lord. The last two Ayats of Surah At-Tin relate to the same theme of justice that will be served by the Creator of the universe, Who is indeed the Best Judge of all.
In short, Surah At-Tin is a short, yet highly comprehensive Chapter of the Holy Quran which Glorifies Allah SWT and lets one know about the implications of eternal life in the hereafter.
