In this series, we will explore the Quranic meaning of victory and the way to achieve it.
- Quran is alive:
Taking a deep dive into Surah Al-Rum (The Romans) during this time and age gives the meticulous reader the impression that the Surah is being revealed in the twenty first Century CE rather than in the Seventh Century CE. This impression supports the fact that Quran is alive and capable of responding to the questions and challenges raised at any time or place from the time of its revelation till the Day of Judgment.
What are the objective conditions that led to the above conclusion?
Let us examine the geopolitical conditions of the world at the time of the revelation of Surah Al-Rum as well as the social and political dynamics that prevailed in Mekka where the Surah was revealed.
There was clearly a power race between two large civilizations: The Roman and the Persian Empires. The two Empires controlled the world for over eleven hundred years. The Roman Empire reigned over Syria and Palestine and to the West over Constantinople and Rome. The Persian Empire reigned over the Near East, mainly today’s Iraq and Iran. Arabia was not of interest to either one because of its harsh climate and the scarcity of its resources. They managed threats arising from Arabia through their Arab proxies: The Romans supported their Arab Allies to the North and West, Banu Ghassan; and the Persians supported their Arab Allies to the East and South, Banu Lakhm.
Starting in the year 54 BC, the two Empires fought each other for 600 years leading to the destruction of towns, fortifications, and provinces. The last war they fought was in the Seventh Century CE between 602 and 628.
The Hegira of the Prophet (PBUH) took place in 622 CE according to historical records and archeological findings. Surah Al-Rum was revealed in Mekka in 615, seven years before Hegira. The revelation of the Surah took place during the third part of the Meccan period and conveyed the news that the Romans have been defeated in Syria and Palestine
“The Romans have been defeated. In the nearest land.” [30:2-3]
The social and political conditions were not better in Mekka. The conflict between the Prophet (PBUH) and his small group of followers on one side and the elites of Mekka had reached a critical point. The believers were harassed, tortured, driven out of their homes, and even executed. The risk was higher for the weak in the society like women, the poor, and the enslaved. The oligarchy of Mekka plotted even against the Prophet (PBUH) himself to restrain him, to kill him, and to evict him. Quran recorded their attempts: “And remember when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you, or kill you, or evict you.” [8:30]
Injustice and corruption prevailed not only in Mekka but spread to involve the whole world in the land and in the sea. The Surah summarized the world conditions and the state of those responsible for these conditions.
“But those who unjustly follow their desires without knowledge.” [30:29]
“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by what the hands of people have earned.” [30:41].
The conditions today are very similar. Only the names and the geography have changed but the terminology of East and West persists. The polarization between the East and the West still exists. The economic gap between the world powers and the rest of the world did not change. The intellectuals who are overwhelmed by the power of present superpowers believe that the survival of poor countries depends on their allegiance to one of these superpowers.
When we read Surah Al-Rum and study our present conditions, we should not wonder that Quran is alive and addresses only people who are alive.
“It is not but a message and a clear Quran. To warn whoever is alive.” [36:69-70]
By Dr. Walid Khayr