Surah Hud (Hud) 11 : 118

Overview (Verses 118 - 123)

Why Let Differences Occur

Then follows a comment on the fact that people have different inclinations and follow different ways. “Had your Lord so willed, He would have made all mankind one single community. As it is, they continue to differ, except those upon whom your Lord has bestowed His grace. And to this end He created them. The word of your Lord shall be fulfilled: ‘I shall certainly fill hell with jinn and humans all.’” (Verses 118-119)

God could have created all mankind in the same form and with the same aptitude. He could have made them copies of one original. This is, however, not the nature of the life God has chosen for this earth. He has willed to make man, to whom He has assigned the task of building the earth, a creature of varying inclinations and ways. It is God’s will that man should have the freedom to choose his own line, views, and his own way of life and to be responsible for the choices he makes. It is also God’s will that man should be rewarded for the choice he makes between good and evil. Whatever choice they make, people operate within the law God has set for His creation and according to His will that man should be able to choose freely.

It is, then, God’s will that mankind are not made of a single community. Hence, they are bound to differ. Their differences go as far as the basics of faith. Only those who are able to stick to the truth, which is one, by definition, are spared such differences. They, however, differ with the rest of mankind who have lost sight of the truth.

“The word of your Lord shall be fulfilled: ‘I shall certainly fill hell with jinn and humans all.’” (Verse 119) From this statement, we deduce that those who stick to the truth enjoy God’s grace and have a different end. Heaven will be full of them, in the same way as hell will be full of those who preferred error to the truth.

The sūrah concludes with an address to the Prophet, explaining the reason behind relating to him such accounts of the histories of earlier communities. It is to strengthen his heart and to provide a reminder for all believers. To those who reject the faith, he should say his final word, indicating the parting of his way from theirs and leaving them to wait for whatever fate God decides for them: “All that We relate to you of the histories of earlier messengers is a means by which We strengthen your heart. Through these [accounts] there has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for all believers. Say to those who will not believe: ‘Do whatever lies within your power, and so shall we. Wait if you will; we too are waiting.’ God alone knows whatever is hidden in the heavens and the earth. All authority over all matters belongs to Him alone. Worship Him, then, and place your trust in Him alone. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.” (Verses 120-123)

It is clear from these verses that the Prophet faced so much trouble from his people and their rejection of his call, and had to shoulder such a heavy burden in conveying his message particularly in respect of the unbelievers’ rejection of his call. Hence he needed to be comforted by God, despite his inexhaustible treasure of patience, perseverance and confidence in the truth.

“Through these [accounts] there has come to you the truth;” that is, in this sūrah. Whatever has been outlined in the sūrah of the nature of the Islamic faith and the histories of earlier prophets and messengers, and the operation of the divine laws, especially as they relate to the fulfilment of God’s promises and warnings, is true beyond any shadow of a doubt. “As well as an admonition and reminder for all believers.” (Verse 120) In such histories, the believers are warned against what befell earlier nations. They are reminded of God’s commandments and His laws.

However, those who are bent on rejecting the truth and do not believe can benefit nothing from such an admonition. There is only one attitude to take towards them, and that is a firm one indicating that there is no common ground between them and the believers. The Prophet is instructed to say to them what one of his prophet brothers, whose story is related in this sūrah said to his people before leaving them to their destiny: “Say to those who will not believe: Do whatever lies within your power, and so shall we. Wait if you will; we too are waiting.’” (Verses 121-122) What they are waiting for is known only to God: “God alone knows whatever is hidden in the heavens and the earth. All authority over all matters belongs to Him alone.” (Verse 123) Everything is in His hands, including the destiny of the Prophet, the believers and the unbelievers. All power and all authority belong to Him alone. He is, then, the One who deserves to be worshipped: “Worship Him, then, and place your trust in Him alone.” (Verse 123) He is the protector of His obedient servants and He alone can give them victory. Moreover, He is aware of everything that every person does, whether good or bad. To each and all He gives their just rewards: “Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.” (Verse 123)

Thus the sūrah concludes. It opened with the call to worship God alone, and to turn to Him in repentance, and concludes with the same message of submission. Worship God alone, seek His guidance and follow His instructions. In between, the sūrah dwelt at length on matters which relate to the universe, the human soul and the history of nations.

All, however, relate to one simple message. Thus the artistic coordination of the opening and the conclusion and the harmony between the stories related in the sūrah and the flow of its style, are coupled with the presence of an overall theme and a simple message which pervades the whole sūrah. We need only consider this to realize that the harmony which the Qur’ān exhibits is unparalleled. Had it been the word of someone other than God, this would not be a characteristic of the Qur’ān. Indeed, it would have suffered from a great deal of confusion.