ভূমিকা

The word ahqaf is used in the sense of curved sand hills piled up due to the action of the wind. The land of the people of ‘Ad was covered by sand hills, hence the designation of Ahqaf. The word appears in Verse 21 wherein the story of prophet Hud (Hod) and the people of ‘Ad are being mentioned. The Chapter is the last one among the seven Chapters beginning with detached or abbreviated letters HM followed by the revelation and significance of the Qur’an.

HM. 2. The revelation of [this] Book is from Allah, the Omnipotent, the All-Wise. 3. We created neither the heavens nor the earth nor all that is between them except with truth and for an appointed term. But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned. Seven Chapters, namely Ghafir ^1 , Fussilat ^2 , Shura ^3 , Zukhruf ^4 , Dukhan ^5 , Jathiya ^6 , and Ahqaf ^7 open with the detached letters HM and are well known as the Seven HMs.

The reiteration of “HM the revelation of [this] Book” in a series of recurrent Chapters bears testimony to the fact that fundamental and significant issues are to be reiterated. Divine Glory (‘Izza) is one of the attributes of Allah, His Book ^8 , His Messenger (S), and believers ^9 . Divine Creation is based on Wisdom and Truth.