About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

  –And by the fig, and the olive i.e. Bait al-Muqaddas, where fig and olive are produced in plenty and where Isa ( ) was sent as a messenger Ibn Kathir –

And by Mountain Sinai [where Musa ( ) talked to Allah].

And by this city of peace and security [Makkah, where Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was born].

Indeed, We created man in the best stature (i.e. all parts of human body are the most proportionate among all the creatures. Also Allah bestowed wisdom, various skills and powers to see and hear etc).

Then (in old age) We turn a person to the lowest of the low (in strength, understanding etc). (Or, then We will make the man the lowest low, due to his negligence of Allah’s guidance, and will put him in the lowest part of Hell).

Except those who believe and do good deeds. They shall have a non-ending reward (i.e. Paradise).

(O disbelievers!) Then what makes you deny the Day of Resurrection? (i.e. if Allah can make a powerful person to the lowest of the low, why cannot He resurrect? Yes, He can).

Is Allah not the Judge over all judges? (Yes, indeed. And there should be the Day of Resurrection to reward or punish with perfect justice).