CHAPTER 80, ABASA (HE FROWNED)
Description: The 80th chapter of the Quran is named when the Prophet Muhmmad frowned at a poor, blind man.
Introduction
Chapter-80.jpgThe chapter was revealed in Mecca. While the Prophet was speaking to some pagan notables, hoping to convert them, a blind Muslim man came up to learn from him, but in his eagerness to attract them to Islam, the Prophet frowned at him. The Prophet was reproached by God. In the second section, there is condemnation of man’s ingratitude. People become self-satisfied and forget their origin and final return to God.
Verses 1-10 A kind approach
Its first part is based on an incident which took place in the early days of Islam. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was busy with a few Quraysh dignitaries, explaining to them the Islamic message, when Ibn Umm Maktum, a poor blind man, interrupted him. Unaware that the Prophet was busy, the blind man asked him repeatedly to teach him some verses from the Quran. The Prophet was not very pleased at this interruption. He frowned and turned away from Ibn Umm Maktum. Heaven intervened to say the final word in this matter.
The chapter opens by criticizing the Prophet’s behavior in this incident. It lays down clearly the values and principles upon which Islamic society is founded and states the true nature of the message of Islam.
Verses 11-16 The message and virtue of the Quran
The Quran is a noble and honored message in every respect. Its pages are purified and exalted, entrusted to ‘noble and devout’ angel ambassadors who convey God’s message to His Prophets who then convey it to their people. It is also dignified. No one who pretends that he is self-sufficient and will spurn the message of Islam need be approached with it. Those who are sincere and seek to be purified will benefit from it.
Verses 17-32 Reflection and contemplation
Man’s ungrateful attitude towards God and his denial of Him comes up for discussion. Here man is reminded of his humble origin, how his life is made easy, how God determines his death and resurrection; and how, after all this, he remains totally oblivious of God’s care and His complete power over every stage of his existence, and fails to carry out His orders.
Next, man is invited to reflect upon his food and that of his cattle, which is one of the great many things God has provided for him. Absolute perfection of creation is obvious in the provision of food for man as it is obvious in the creation, proportioning and development of man Himself. This is the full story of man’s food, related here stage by stage. Let man reflect: does he play any significant role in it? Can he determine or change its course? The same hand which has brought him to life has brought forth the food which sustains him.
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