It is We Who have sent down the Reminder[5], and it is We Who will preserve it[6].
[5] As a reminder for people.
[6] From distortion, alteration, addition, and omission. More than 1400 years have elapsed and not a single word of this Qur’an has been changed, although enemies have tried their utmost.
We have created man from sounding clay, made of aging mud[10].
[10] Salsāl: clay left to ferment and turn hard so that it clinks when tapped on. Hama’: transformed or blackened clay. Masnūn: the smell of which has turned foul or left for some time.
And the jinn[11] We created before that, from smokeless fire.
[11] The jinn: They are the creatures of Allah, who are different from humans. There are some among them who are righteous, while others are wicked. They are not humans or a species of humans.
When I have shaped him and breathed into him of My spirit[12], then fall down before him in prostration.”
[12] The spirit which Allah created for that body, not His own Spirit (as some mistakenly believe). Allah attributed it to Himself as a sign of honoring him, as in nāqat Allah (the she-camel of Allah).
When the messengers came to the household of Lot[29],
[29] Details of the first three nations destroyed are given in this and the following verses, which were en route of the famous trading journeys of the Qurayshites: the people of Prophet Lot, those of the thicket (the people of Shu‘ayb), and those of Hegra (Madā’in Sālih).
So travel with your household in the dark of night and go behind them; none of you should look back[31], and keep going to where you are commanded.”
[31] To be more persistent in their walk and strike some distance before dawn, or not to be frightened and traumatized by catching sight of the horrific punishment of their folks.
We have not created the heavens and earth and all that is between them except for a true purpose. The Hour is certainly coming, so bear with them graciously[42].
[42] This final passage puts things into perspective, addressing the Prophet (ﷺ) - that all people, including those who tormented him, will be justly held accountable for their deeds, and asking him to overlook their taunts and not censure them for it.
Do not look longingly at the pleasures We have given certain classes[44] of them[45], nor grieve over them[46], but lower your wing [in humility] to the believers[47].
[44] Azwāj: literally means pairs; here it means those who are alike in prosperity, as not all of them were rich and prosperous.
[45] So as to test them therein.
[46] The Prophet (ﷺ) felt sad that they would not believe and save themselves from Hellfire.
[47] The favor of the Qur’an far surpasses all other favors and worldly gains.
