What chapter(s) and verses are included in Juz’ 25?:

The twenty-fifth juz’ of the Qur’an starts near the end of Surah Fussilat (Chapter 41). It continues through Surah Ash-Shura, Surah Az-Zukhruf, Surah Ad-Dukhan, and Surah Al-Jathiya.

When were the verses of this juz’ revealed?:

These chapters were revealed in Makkah, during the period when the small Muslim community was being tormented by the more powerful pagans.

Select Quotations:

• "The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrong-doing, and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice. For such there will be a penalty grievous. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs" (42:42-43).
• "Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah. It is for Him to recompense, for good or ill, each people according to what they have earned. If any one does a righteous deed, it ensures to the benefit of his own soul; if he does evil, it works against his own soul. In the end, you will all be brought back to your Lord" (45:14-15).

What is the main theme of this juz’?:

In the final verses of Surah Fussilat, Allah points out that when people face hardship, they are quick to call out to Allah for help. But when they are successful, they attribute this to their own efforts and do not give thanks to the Almighty.

Surah Ash-Shura continues to supplement the previous chapter, reinforcing the argument that the message the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought was not a new one. He was not seeking fame or personal gain, and was not claiming to be the Judge who determines people's destinies. Every person must bear their own burden. He was merely a messenger of truth, as many others had come before, humbly asking people to use their minds and think carefully about matters of faith.

The following three Surahs continue in the same vein, at a time when the pagan leaders of Makkah conspired to get rid of Muhammad once and for all. They were holding meetings, debating plans, and even conspired to murder the Prophet at one point. Allah harshly criticizes their stubbornness and ignorance, and compares their plots to those of Pharoah. Several times, Allah admonishes that the Quran was even revealed in Arabic, their own language, in order for it to be easy for them to understand. The pagans of Makkah claimed to believe in Allah, but also adhered to ancient superstitions and shirk.

Allah emphasizes that everything is designed in a certain way, with a certain plan in mind. The universe did not happen by accident, and they should only look around them for evidence of His majesty. Yet the pagans continued to demand proof of Muhammad's claims, such as: "Raise our forefathers back to life now, if you claim that Allah will raise us up again!" (44:36). Allah advised the Muslims to be patient, turn away from the ignorant and wish them "Peace" (43:89). The time will come when we will all know the Truth.