The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 709
CHAPTER 35 FĂŢIR (Revealed before Hijrah) Title, Date of Revelation and Context The Surah takes its title from the Divine attribute Fățir, (Originator) mentioned in the second verse. This attribute sheds some light on the subject matter of the Surah, viz. that God has implanted in the human soul an irresistible hankering after Him, and that, being the Maker and Originator of the heavens and the earth, He has made adequate provision, not only for man's physical needs but for his moral and spiritual needs as well, and that this provision has been fully made in the Quran. The Divine attribute 'Originator' may also imply a reference to the new order that was to come about through the teaching of the Quran and the example of the Holy Prophet. The Surah was revealed at Mecca, probably at the time at which its predecessor was revealed. Towards the end of the preceding Surah it was stated that when Divine punishment overtakes disbelievers and they find no way out of it, they begin to make loud professions of faith. But in reality their hearts are devoid of all belief because they possess no mental affinity with it. They have rejected the Message of the Holy Prophet outright without giving it serious consideration and now that punishment has descended upon them they have begun loudly to proclaim their faith. The present Surah begins with the subject that from time immemorial the Great and Wise God has been sending teachings for the guidance of man. He chooses angels as mediums for the revelation of His will and for the conveyance of His teachings. These teachings differ in importance and scope, and, therefore, the angels who bring them, also differ in their God-given powers and attributes. Some of them have two wings, others have three and so on in an ascending order. The wings of angels represent their inherent powers and qualities and also the Divine attributes they manifest. The Quran is the last, the greatest, and most important of all revealed Scriptures, therefore, its revelation was naturally attended with angels having the largest number of wings. Further, in the preceding Surah, Muslims were told that like the Israelites they will be given wealth, power, prosperity and prestige and that if in the heyday of their glory and greatness they consigned God to oblivion and abandoned themselves to a life of luxury and ease they will draw upon their heads His wrath as did the Israelites before them. In the present Surah they are promised honour and eminence through the Quran whose commandments they should not fail to observe. 2623