This is one of the earliest of the Meccan Suras, being usually placed eighth in chronological order, and immediately after Sura 81. The argument is that Allah has made man capable of progress by ordered steps, and by His Revelation will lead him still higher to purification and perfection.
C.267-(Verses 1 to 19)-Wonderful are the ways of Allah in creation, and the love with which He guides His creatures' destinies, gives them the means by which to strive for maturity by ordered steps, and reach the end most fitted for their natures. His Law is just and easy, and His Grace is ever ready to help: Let us look to the Eternal Goal, with hearts and souls of Purity, and glorify His name: For in this changing, fleeting world, His Word is always true, and will remain, through all the ages, ever the same.
87:1 SURA 87. Ala, or The Most High. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Glorify the name of thy Guardian Lord Most High,
87:2 Who hath created and further, given order and proportion;
87:3 Who hath ordained laws. And granted guidance;
87:4 And Who bringeth out the (green and luscious) pasture,
87:5 And then doth make it (but) swarthy stubble.
87:6 By degrees shall We teach thee to declare (the Message), so thou shalt not forget,
87:7 Except as Allah wills: For He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden.
87:8 And We will make it easy for thee (to follow) the simple (Path).
87:9 Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer).
87:10 The admonition will be received by those who fear (Allah):
87:11 But it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,
87:12 Who will enter the Great Fire,
87:13 In which they will then neither die nor live.
87:14 But those will prosper who purify themselves,
87:15 And glorify the name of their Guardian Lord, and (lift their hearts) in Prayer.
87:16 Nay (behold), ye prefer the life of this world;
87:17 But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.
87:18 And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelations), --
