Surah Ar-Rum

Yaqin (certainty) in the Revelation.

Cycles of change. One of the themes that run throughout the Surah is the concept of the “cycles of change” which inevitably lead to certain point like wheels on a bus that lead us to a certain destination.

This Surah is a study of the Sunan (ways) of Allah in how He deals with nations and conflicts.

The discourse begins with the theme that the Romans have been overcome and the people believed that the empire is about to collapse, but the fact is that within a few years the tables will be turned and the vanquished will again become victorious.

This introductory theme contains the great truth that a person is only accustomed to seeing what is apparent and visible. Often, this habit can lead to misunderstandings and miscalculations. This is where a person is liable to make wrong judgements and what a great error to place your trust only upon that which is visible and apparent in this world.

Then, from the question of the conflict between Byzantium and Persia, the direction of the discourse turns to the theme of the Hereafter. Up to verse 27, Allah explains that the Hereafter is possible as well as rational and necessary. For man to have a stable and balanced system of life, it is necessary to live the present life based on faith in the Hereafter; otherwise one will continue to commit grievous errors as a result of placing trust only upon that which is dhahir (apparent). In this connection, the signs of the universe which have been presented as evidence to prove the doctrine of the Hereafter are precisely the same which support the doctrine of Monotheism (Tawhid). Therefore, from verse 28 onwards, the discourse turns to the affirmation of Monotheism and the refutation of polytheism (Shirk), and it is stressed that the natural way of life for a person is none else but to serve one God exclusively. Polytheism is opposed to the nature of the universe in the sense that there could only be One Creator and Lord presiding over it. Similarly, polytheism is averse to the innate nature of man and whenever man adopts this deviation, corruption appears.

In conclusion, a parable has been presented that just as the dead earth comes back to life by a shower of rain, so is the case with Allah giving life to the dead. When Allah sends a shower of His mercy in the form of Revelation and Prophethood, it also gives a new life to mankind and causes them to grow, develop and flourish.

Connection between the beginning and the ending of the Surah The promise of Allah is mentioned in the beginning and the end of the Surah. Allah says ُع َده “(It is) the promise of Allah.

Allah does not fail in His promise...” (30:6) and the last Ayat of the Surah ْ َ“ ﻓSo be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is true...”

(30:60). The prediction of what will happen to the Romans after their defeat to the Persian Empire is a way of demonstrating that He knows the future and the Believer should feel assured that if He promises something, He will, without doubt, fulfil His promise.