Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 90

Key Words and Their Meanings:

• Al-Muqtasimeen (الْمُقْتَسِمِينَ): Those who divided or apportioned something among themselves. In this context, it refers to those who divided the scriptures, believing in parts and rejecting other parts, or those who swore oaths together to oppose the truth.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse continues the address to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), following the command to proclaim openly the message of truth. The meaning is: "And warn them, O Prophet, that they may be struck by a punishment similar to what We sent down upon those who divided the scriptures into portions—believing in some parts and rejecting others." These were the Jews, Christians, and others who took the revealed books and accepted only what suited their desires while denying the rest. They made pacts and swore oaths to reject the messengers and oppose the truth. The verse serves as a stern warning to the Quraysh and all who follow in their footsteps: if they persist in denying the message of Islam and dividing the revelation—accepting what they like and rejecting what they dislike—they risk incurring the same divine punishment that befell those before them.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

This verse carries a profound lesson for every soul: Allah’s way is consistent and just. Those who approach divine revelation with selectivity—embracing parts while discarding others—are treading a dangerous path. The Quran is not a buffet to pick from; it is a complete guidance for life, a mercy and a light. When a person accepts the Quran wholly, with sincerity and submission, they open the door to peace in this world and salvation in the next. But when one splits it, following what suits their whims and ignoring what challenges them, they inherit the legacy of those who came before and faced the consequences.

Dear reader, let this verse inspire you to embrace the Quran in its entirety. Do not be among those who divide the truth. Instead, be among those who say, "We hear and we obey." For in that obedience lies the sweetness of faith, the protection of Allah, and the ultimate success. The Quran is not a burden—it is a healing for the hearts, a guide out of darkness, and a treasure that never diminishes. Take it wholly, and you will find a life of purpose and a hereafter of eternal bliss.