Surah 41.37 (Surah Fussilat)

Question 1

What is the main theme of this surah?

Answer 1

• This verse of Surah Fussilat discusses the theme of Allah in Himself. It is directing attention to the concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God) by saying that God creates and controls everything; in this verse specifically the sun and the moon.
• Celestial bodies and the cycle of nature on earth are the signs of God’s power for mankind and help them to identify our true Lord and His presence. The Quran says, “Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of Night and Day – there are indeed signs for men of wisdom.”
• The order of the sun and the moon shows that God alone should be praised and worshipped and nothing should be associated with Him. It is a negation of paganism; the sun and moon are not to be worshipped.

Question 2

What is the importance of this surah?

Answer 2

• This passage is important in daily lives of Muslims because it creates a strong link with God so Muslims do not look up to anything/anyone else, famous people, money, etc., and they worship only Him.
• It stops them from committing shirk by making them realise that all created things are not permanent.
• God’s signs invite Muslims to observe their environment and ponder over His signs. It creates awe and wonder to help get closer to Him.
• Muslims in their daily lives learn from this passage that God administers all affairs. Thus, they consider themselves humble servants of God and turn to Him for salvation through prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship.