This is the sixth Sura in the Medina series of short Suras which began with Sura 57.
The special theme here is the need for mutual contact in the Community for worship and understanding: For the spirit of the Message is for all, ignorant and learned, in order that they may be purified and may learn wisdom.
The date has no special significance: It may be placed in the early Medina period, say between A.H. 2 and 5.
Summary.-The Revelation has come among unlearned men, to teach purity and wisdom not only to them but to others, including those who may have an older Message but do not understand it: Meet solemnly for the Assembly (Friday) Prayer, and let not worldly interest deflect you therefrom. (Verses 1 to 11 and commentary C.241).
C.241-(Verses 1 to 11)-Allah's care for His creatures is universal. His Revelation is for all -- ignorant and lowly as well as learned and high placed, -- now and forever. None can arrogantly claim exclusive possession of Allah's gifts: If they do, search their hearts within, and you will find them afraid of Death and Judgment. Men of Faith! On the Day of Assembly, when you hear the call, hasten earnestly to answer it: Leave off business, and join in common worship and devotion. Then you may disperse about your ordinary business, but remember the Praises of Allah always: It is He alone that can provide for your every need, and His gifts are best.
62:1 SURA 62. Jumua, or the Assembly (Friday) Prayer. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of Allah, -- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
62:2 It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, -- although they had been, before, in manifest error; --
62:3 As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is Exalted in Might, Wise.
62:4 Such is the Bounty of Allah, which He bestows on whom He will: And Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty.
62:5 The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of people who falsify the Signs of Allah: And Allah guides not people who do wrong.
62:6 Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to Allah, to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desires for Death, if ye are truthful!"
62:7 But never will they express their desire (for Death), because of the (deeds) their hands have sent on before them! And Allah knows well those that do wrong!
62:8 Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: Then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: And He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!"
62:9 Section 2. O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew!
62:10 And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: And celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): That ye may prosper.
62:11 But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! And Allah is the Best to provide (for all needs)."
