The Fig
Fig, olive, Sinai and a secure land introduce a reflection on human creation and decline. Distinguish the opening images from the statement they precede. A teacher can help explore the interpretations of their relationship.
Based on Quran 95:1–5. Original study prompt, not a complete tafsir. Compare the passage ↗English Translation - Noor International Center · QuranEnc.com · v1.1.2 ↗
Issued by Noor International Center. Publisher footnotes appear with their verses.
بِّسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ وَٱلتِّينِ وَٱلزَّيْتُونِ
(1) By the fig and the olive[1947]
وَطُورِ سِينِينَ
(2) And [by] Mount Sinai
وَهَٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ ٱلْأَمِينِ
(3) And [by] this secure city [i.e., Makkah],
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ فِىٓ أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍۢ
(4) We have certainly created man in the best of stature;[1948]
ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَٰهُ أَسْفَلَ سَٰفِلِينَ
(5) Then We return him to the lowest of the low,[1949]
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُونٍۢ
(6) Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted.
فَمَا يُكَذِّبُكَ بَعْدُ بِٱلدِّينِ
(7) So what yet causes you to deny the Recompense?[1950]
أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَحْكَمِ ٱلْحَٰكِمِينَ
(8) Is not Allāh the most just of judges?