Surah Hud (Hud) 11 : 114

Overview (Verses 112 - 115)

A Needed Reminder

The assurance is thus given that God’s laws will not fail, whether they relate to His creation, the religion He has revealed, or to His promises and warnings. Believers and advocates of Islam must, therefore, follow it strictly without deviation or change. “Follow, then, the right course as you are bidden, together with those who, with you, have turned to Him; and let none of you transgress. Surely, He sees all that you do. Put no trust in those who do wrong, lest the fire touch you. You would, then, have none to protect you from God, nor would you find any help. Attend to your prayers at both ends of the day and in the early watches of the night. Surely, good deeds erase evil ones. This is a reminder for those who are thoughtful. And be patient in adversity; God does not fail to reward those who do good.” (Verses 112-115)

These instructions are given to the Prophet and to those with him who have turned to God in repentance. “Follow, then, the right course as you are bidden.” (Verse 112) The Prophet felt the power behind the order detailing these tasks and how awesome a responsibility it was. He is reported to have said: “This sūrah, Hūd, has made me grow grey.” Here, he is commanded to follow the right path without any deviation. This requires him to always be alert, careful, watchful, and aware of his path. He was to be in full control of his feelings, for these can lead to deviation, major or otherwise.

It is worth noting here that this order to keep to the right course is followed by a negative injunction. The Prophet and his followers are not warned against complacency or slackening, but are warned against excess and transgression.

This is because the order to follow the right course may cause people to be over- alert and may lead to exaggeration, which, in turn, transforms this naturally easy religion into one that is difficult to follow. God wants the religion He has revealed to remain as it is. He wants the believers to follow the right path without exaggeration or excessive rigidity.

“Surely, He sees all that you do.” (Verse 112) The use of the verb ‘see’ is very apt here, where good and sound judgement are called into action. “Put no trust in those who do wrong, lest the fire touch you. You would, then, have none to protect you from God, nor would you find any help.” (Verse 113) Do not incline towards or have any trust in tyrants who oppress and subjugate others by their sheer force, making them submit to false gods. If you trust them, or incline towards them, you are endorsing the great evil they practise, and you become party to it. Such deviation would bring about the punishment of hell and leave you without God’s support or protection.

Following the right path during such times may be very hard. Indeed, believers may need to have something to comfort them. God, therefore, guides His Messenger and the believers to what gives them the greatest comfort: ‘Attend to your prayers at both ends of the day and in the early watches of the night.” (Verse 114) God knows that this is the source of comfort when every other source fails.

Prayers strengthen the believer’s spirit, and sustain his heart and will to fulfil difficult duties. They also establish a bond between the hearts of afflicted believers and their merciful Lord, who is near and who responds to prayers. Prayers help to overcome loneliness and isolation in the face of a powerful, tyrannical society.

The verse here mentions the two ends of the day, meaning the morning and the evening, and some watches of the night. These times cover all the obligatory prayers, without specifying their number. The number and the exact timing are specified by the traditions of the Prophet.

The order to attend to prayers is followed by the statement that good does away with evil. This is a general statement which includes all good deeds. Prayer is one of the best deeds any person can do, hence it is one of the best actions for erasing sin and error. “This is a reminder for those who are thoughtful.” (Verse 114) Prayer is, in essence, a method of remembering God, and being thoughtful of Him. Hence, this comment is very apt here.

To follow the right course and to maintain it requires patience. Similarly, awaiting the time God has set for the fulfilment of His promises and warnings requires patience. Hence, these orders are followed by another one: “And be patient in adversity; God does not fail to reward those who do good.” (Verse 115) To follow the right course is to do good; and to pray at the appointed times is to do good. Moreover, to be patient and to persevere against the unbelievers’ schemes is to do good. God will certainly reward those who do good.