At its core,
Al-Buruj is a punishment story that employs intense appeals to
emotion. Distinct elements such as oath formulations, external
referencing, juxtapositional statements, and ring compositions
altogether work to enable such appeals. Ultimately, these elements,
which define both Al-Buruj and Meccan suras, collectively work to
strengthen faith in and compel further adoption of the Quranic
message.
Like most Meccan suras, Al-Buruj begins with an oath formula.
By the sky with its towering constellations, by the promised Day,
by the Witness and that which is witnessed (85:1-3). Typical of
these oaths, it begins by invoking the grandeur of nature. The oath
incorporates a transcendental element as well, swearing by the
promised Day, or the day in which
Godjudges the
actions of human. These types of affirmations play a strategic role
in establishing a foundation that attests to the credibility of
revelation, which therefore explains their abundance in Meccan
suras. Ernst explains that these emphatic formulas of
assertion...call to witness various extraordinary entities, both
natural and supernatural, to underline the truth of the revelation
(Ernst 51). Therefore, oath
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The Quran
includes vivid depictions of the end-times and apocalyptic
landscapes in its punishment stories, and Al-Buruj is no exception.
On the surface, Al-Buruj is about how early Muslims were tortured
by non-believers and burned in a trench (85:3-5). Though, one
should recognize that the focus of this
surais not on the
physical brutalization of believers per se, but rather Gods
general response to those that harm believers and dismiss
revelation. For these individuals, the torment of Hell and
burning awaits them in the afterlife (85:10). Conversely, Gardens
graced with flowing streams are promised to those that remain
steadfast in their faith
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