SURAH (96) AL-ALAQ (AYA 1 to 19)

Sura (96) AL-ALAQ (The Clot) Aya 1 to 19 verses in 1 Section

Revealed at Makka

SECTION 1

The Prophet commissioned to preach.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad commanded to read or to convey the message of Islam i.e., Surrender of the self to the Creator Lor Cherisher of the Universe who taught man what he know not.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ 

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ {96:1}

[Q96:1] Iqra bismi Rab bikal lazee khalaq 
[Q96:1] Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists),

THE POPULAR REPORT OF THE COMMENTATORS IS THAT THIS SURAH OR THE FIRST FIVE (5) VERSES OF IT WERE THE FIRST REVELATIONS RECEIVED BY THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH & HF) THROUGH THE MESSENGER ANGEL GABRIEL IN THE CAVE OF HIRA. Formely the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) used to receive dreams and the voices while he was alone in lonely places and did not see the speaker.

IN THE FORTIETH YEAR OF HIS LIFE ON THE 27^TH NIGHT OF THE MONTH OF RAJAB when the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) was busy in his meditation and prayers in the cave on the Mount Hira, in deep silence and the calm atmosphere, all of a sudden he heard a voice calling him by name and a flood of light broke in upon him with dazzling splendour.

     He composedly beheld a human form approaching. It was the Messenger Angel Gabriel, who, coming quite near, held a silken scroll before him and asked him to read what was written thereon. He felt his mind fully illumined with the Divine Light and his eyes opened to the writing on the scroll and he recited the first five verses of this Surah.

     When he had finished the recitation, the Angel announced “O’ Muhammad! Verily thou art the Apostle of ALLAH (SWT) and I am His Angel Gabriel!” The address with the designation was the signal to start the ministry. The Angel saying this disappeared.

     Besides the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) getting charged with the reading of the Word of ALLAH (SWT), his memory was divinely conditioned with retention and what he recited only once, before the Angel, remained graven on his heart.

     Returning home the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) who was now to start his mission as the Apostle of ALLAH (SWT), preaching the Gospel of the divine Unity and inviting the erring humanity to the right path of worshipping none but the One and the Only True ALLAH (SWT), the Creater Lord of the Universe, and to mould the human life according to the divinely prescribed code of morals.

     He first informed his righteous wife Khadija of his receiving the heavenly commission and his being charged with the ministry. Khadija immediately believed in what the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) said and along with Khadija the young Ali was the first to join the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) in the faith. THUS these two were the first followers of the Last Apostle of the Lord.

The story of the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) getting fright-stricken, returning home trembling, Khadija consoling him, his being taken like a frightened child to be consoled by Waraqa bin Naufil, are all mere stories of some jewish fabrications against the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf).

THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH & HF) says “I was the Apostle of ALLAH (SWT) when Adam was still amidst water and the clay”. BESIDES the one who was destined to be the Last Apostle or the Final Warner AND his advent was prophesied in all the ancient scriptures, COULD NEVER have been in the least perturbed at meeting the Angel.

ALL SUCH STORIES about the personality of the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) are fabricated with such dramatic art the even many among the Muslims have been deluded, to themselves relate them.

ì  The word ‘Iqra’ means ‘Read’, ‘Recite or proclaim’.

NOW THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH & HF) WAS IN DIRECT COMMUNION WITH ALLAH (SWT) THROUGH THE MESSENGER ANGEL GABRIEL, CHARGED WITH THE OPEN DECLARATION OF HIS MINISTRY TO MANKIND AS A WHOLE.

v  NOTE: ALLAH (SWT) IS INTRODUCED TO MAN, FIRST WITH HIS ATTRIBUTE OF ‘Ruboobiyat’, i.e., Fostering. A Fosterer continues his careful patronage until the person attains the ability to manage his own affairs and reaches the goal of his life. THEREFORE ALLAH (SWT)’s care is always with the man until he attains salvation.

It is also announced to man that His Ceator is none but ALLAH (SWT), Who being the ‘Rab’ did not create him and left him to himself but takes care of him.

‘Rab’ has been mentioned in relation to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf). Since the ‘Rab’, is the ‘Rab’ of one and all in the universe, the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) is a representative not only of mankind but the Creation of ALLAH (SWT), as a whole.

Ø  Now the messages which were conveyed through the previous apostles were meant for the particular units of the human race and for the particular ages (Math. 15:22-26). BUT the message now given to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf), is a Universal Message for the human race as a whole, in every part of the globe and for all times.

Ø  He, the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf), is the Vicegerent of ALLAH (SWT) on earth and it was this fact that was announced to the angels when ALLAH (SWT) willed to create Adam that He intended to appoint a Vicegerent of His, in the earth. (See Qur’an verse 2:30).

Ø  The vicegerent mentioned by ALLAH (SWT), was not Adam but the One, ALLAH (SWT) intended to create in the seed of Adam, i.e., the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ALLAHuma sali ala Muhammad wa ala ali Muhammad) whom He willed to be the Guide for the human race as a whole (see verses 4:70, 34:28 and as His Mercy for the worlds. See verses 33:48 and 34:28).

According to Majmaul Bayan, the particle ‘Ba’ here is superfluous---THUS the actual meaning would be ‘Read the name of Thy Lord’ AND NOT ‘Read in the name of Thy Lord’ THEN the meaning would be the same as given in verse 17:110.

THE FIRST FIVE VERSES OF THIS CHAPTER, are generally considered to be the first part of Qur’an revealed to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf). There are several stories about the way and manner which the Angel Gabriel brought these verses and the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf)’s reaction to the first appreance of Gabriel wth the revelation, including reference to Waraqa ibne Naufil---and the giving assurance to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) or to Khadija that what was experience was certainly divine are the mixture of some facts with wishful imagination of those who were far from appreciating the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf)’s commissioned to deliver the last Word of ALLAH (SWT) to mankind, given briefly by ALI, MENTIONED IN NAHJUL-BALAAGHAH, DISCREDITS ALL THESE STORIES.

©  The Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf)  was under the divine care, being taught and trained, since his birth he was fully alive to the task of the ministry which awaited him, blest with Divine Light and guidance in all aspects of his life.

©  Not only the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) was aware of the whole situation, even the young disciple Ali who used to follow the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf), since his birth, would experience the light of revelation and would sense the task which his Master was about about to be commissioned with.

©  There was no question of the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) being surprised, fearing or doubting or shivering or in need of Khadija’s or Waqara’s consolation or certification.

©  The very verses itself ‘Iqra’ implies that he was in the Know of all the names of ALLAH (SWT) and that they implied the various aspects by the creation and legislation. In short, he was in the Know of the Book of ALLAH (SWT). He was just ordered to read.

©  Otherwise it is not reasonable to order a person who cannot read, --- to read. Refer verses 20:114---75:16-19. In the third verse again repeats the order to read---and in verses 4 and 5 expressively says that ALLAH (SWT) has taught by the means of the divines, Pen---taught man whatever he did not know, and if this is read with verses 55:1-4, it becomes clear that the person who was sent to represent the universal grace (as the Rahmatun lil-Aalameen) for all the words was already taught by Rahman simultaneously with the creation.

Thus ‘Be’that’ or ‘Be’sat’ does not mean the beginning of his prophethood---BUT IT means the beginning of his ministry. Otherwise he was the prophet when Adam was yet to be made.

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(96:1) Recite *1 in the name of your Lord *2 Who created, *3

*1 As we have explained in the Introduction, when the Angel said to the Holy Prophet, "Read", the latter replied, "I cannot read!"" THIS INDICATES THAT THE ANGEL HAD PRESENTED THESE WORDS OF THE REVELATION BEFORE HIM IN THE WRITTEN FORM and had asked him to read them. For if the Angel had meant that he should repeat what he recited, he should not have replied, saying "I cannot read!" 
*2 "Read in the name of your Lord": Bismillah and read. This shows that the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) even before the coming down of this Revelation regarded and acknowledged Allah alone as his Lord. That is why there was no need to ask who his Lord was, but it was said: "Read in the name of your Lord."
*3 Only the word khalaqa (created) 'has been used absolutely, and the object of creation has not been mentioned. This automatically gives the meaning: "Read in the name of the Lord, Who is the Creator, Who created the whole universe and everything in it."

خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ {96:2}

[Q96:2] Khalaqal insaana min 'alaq 
[Q96:2] Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).

As said in Chapter Muminun the origin of man is lowly BUT [1] he is endowed with wisdom, [2] spirit and [3] guidance TO REACH THE HIGHEST INTELLECTUAL AND SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS.

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(96:2) created man from a clot of congealed blood. *4

*4 After making mention generally of the creation of the universe, mention has been made of man in particular, saying how Allah made him a perfect tnan starting his creation from an insignificant and humble state. 'Alaq is plural of 'alaqah, which means congealed blood. This is the primary state of the embryo which appears a few days after conception. Then it assumes the form of a lump of flesh, then afterwards it gradually takes human shape. (For details, see AI-Hajj: 5 and the corresponding E.N.'s 5 to 7). 

اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ {96:3}

[Q96:3] Iqra wa Rab bukal akram 
[Q96:3] Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,

Here ‘iqra’ means proclaim --- [1] proclaim the truth, [2] the message of ALLAH (SWT), AND [3] invite mankind to follow the religion of ALLAH (SWT), Islam.

ì  THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH & HF) HAS BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO START HIS MINISTRY OPENLY.

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(96:3) Recite: and your Lord is Most Generous,

الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ {96:4}

[Q96:4] Al lazee 'allama bil qalam 
[Q96:4] Who has taught (the writing) by the pen [the first person to write was Prophet Idrees (Enoch)],

Qalam (pen) is a symbol. See Qalam 68:1.

Ì  PEN implies [*] reading, [*] writing, [*] books, [*] study and [*] research.

KNOWLEDGE refers to the laws governing the [*] physical phenomenon, [*] self-realization and [*] know-how of the spiritual world.

The words READ, RECITE, PROCLAIM, TEACH and PEN refer to the [a] duty of making public, [b] displaying, [c] depicting or explaining the message of ALLAH (SWT) in heraldic terms.

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(96:4) Who taught by the pen, *5

*5 That is, "It is a great favour of Allah that starting man's creation from a most insignificant state He made him possessor of knowledge which is the noblest attribute of creation, and He made him not only possessor of knowledge but also taught him the art of writing by the use of pen, which became the means of propagation, progress, dissemination and preservation of knowledge on a large scale. Had He not given man the knowledge of the art of pen and writing (by inspiration) his intellectual faculty would have stagnated, and it would have had no opportunity to develop, expand and become a means of transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next and make future progress. 

عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ {96:5}

[Q96:5] 'Al lamal insaana ma lam y'alam 
[Q96:5] Has taught man that which he knew not.

This verse refers to the growth of knowledge in man whose origin is humble BUT he learns more and more day by day by means of faculties granted to him by ALLAH (SWT).

WITH THE GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE, PARTICULARLY IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM, HIS CONSCIOUSNESS AND AWARENESS DEVELOP. See Kahf 18:65; Naim 53:3 to 5; Dahr 76:3.

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(96:5) taught man what he did not know. *6

*6 That is, Man originally was absolutely illiterate. Whatever of knowledge he obtained, he obtained it as a gift from Allah. Whatever doors of knowledge at any stage did Allah will to open for man, they went on opining up before him. This same thing has been expressed in the verse of the Throne, thus: "And the people cannot comprehend anything of His knowledge save what He Himself may please to reveal." (Al-Baqarah: 255). Whatever man looks upon as his own scientific discovery was, in fact, unknown to him before. Allah gave him its knowledge whenever He willed without his realizing that Allah by His grace had blessed him with the knowledge of it.
These verses were the very first to be revealed to the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace), as is stated in the Hadith reported by Hadrat `A'ishah. This first experience was so intense and tremendous that the Holy Prophet could not bear it any more. Therefore, at that time he was only made aware that the Being Whom he already knew and acknowledged as his Lord and Sustainer was in direct communion with him, had started sending down Revelations to him, and had appointed him as His Prophet. Then after an intermission the opening verses of Surah al-Muddaththir were revealed in which he was told what mission he had to perform after his appointment to Prophethood. (For explanation, see Introduction to Al-Muddaththir)

كَلَّا إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَيَطْغَىٰ {96:6}

[Q96:6] Kallaa innal insaana layatghaa 
[Q96:6] Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in disbelief and evil deed, etc.).

THE ABILITY **TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE and **OTHER HUMAN FACULTIES ARE THE GIFTS OF ALLAH (SWT), BUT MAN, in his inordinate vanity and insolence, mistakes the performance of these gifts for his own achievements. MAN IS REMINDED OF HIS LOWLY ORIGIN AND HIS RESPONSIBILITY WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNS TO HIS LORD. These verses are applicable generally to perverse disbelievers who not only rebel against ALLAH (SWT)'s law, but also prevent others from following it. In particular these verses refer to Abu Jahl, an inveterate enemy of Islam, who used to insult and persecute the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) and those who followed his teaching.

v  In VERSE 10 "he (who) prays" refers to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf).

MAN'S INSOLENCE LEADS TO SELF-DESTRUCTION THROUGH SELF-MISLEADING AND FALSE DIRECTIONS TO OTHERS. Abu Jahls, in every age, destroy themselves by **belying the truth and by **not following the right guidance. Often Shaytan appears in the form of Abu Jahl’s, so not to be misled by the disguised beguiler, the true believer must examine the claim of the leadership of every candidate before accepting him as his guide or Imam.

THE FORELOCK is on the forehead, and is thus symbolical of the summit of the man's power and dignity. To be dragged by it is to surer the lowest degree of disgrace. ALLAH (SWT) is watching Abu Jahls’ in all times. They will be dragged by their forelocks and will be thrown in the fire of hell on the Day of Judgment.

"A lying, sinful forelock" is the description of Abu Jahl who had the full support of the pagan Quraysh, but they could not, all combined, prevent the onward march of the divine mission led by the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf), though they did all they could to check it.

All the combined forces of evil, though they had worldly possessions at their disposal, and though they seemed to be successful for a time, could not stand against the party of ALLAH (SWT). The forces at His command subdue evil and protect His party. The righteous believer has no fear. He disregards all the forces of evil, bows down in adoration to ALLAH (SWT) only and seeks His nearness and pleasure at all events. HIS HUMILITY AND SURRENDER to ALLAH (SWT) keep him safe from insolent rebellion and bring him near to Him.

©  Sajdah is compulsory after reciting or listening to verse 19

NOTE: Verses from VERSE 6 downward are of much later period BUT the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) ordered to be put here AND this is the best proof that the arrangement was not chronological consideration. There is no single tradition to show, to present this chapter as misarranged.

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(96:6) Nay, *7 surely man transgresses;

*7 That is, man should never adopt an attitude of ignorance and rebellion against the Bountiful God Who has been so generous to him

أَنْ رَآهُ اسْتَغْنَىٰ {96:7}

[Q96:7] Ar-ra aahus taghnaa 
[Q96:7] Because he considers himself self-sufficient.

 (see commentary for verse 6)

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(96:7) for he believes himself to be self-sufficient. *8

*8 That is, when the man has attained wealth, honour and rank and whatever else he desired to attain in the world, he becomes rebellious instead of being grateful and transgresses the boundaries of servitude to Allah. 

إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ الرُّجْعَىٰ {96:8}

[Q96:8] Inna ilaa Rabbikar ruj‘aa 
[Q96:8] Surely! Unto your Lord is the return.

 (see commentary for verse 6)

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(96:8) Surely to your Lord is your return. *9

*9 That is, "Whatever he might have attained in the world, which makes him behave arrogantly and rebelliously, in the end he has to return to your Lord. Then he will realize what fate awaits him in consequence of his such attitude and behaviour."

أَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي يَنْهَىٰ {96:9}

[Q96:9] Ara-aital lazee yanhaa.
[Q96:9] Have you (O Muhammad (pbuh & hp)) seen him (i.e. Abu Jahl) who prevents,

 (see commentary for verse 6)

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(96:9) Did you see him who forbids

عَبْدًا إِذَا صَلَّىٰ {96:10}

[Q96:10] 'Abdan iza sallaa
[Q96:10] A slave (Muhammad (pbuh & hp)) when he prays?

"He (who) prays" refers to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf).

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(96:10) a servant (of Allah) when he prays? *10

*10 "A Servant": the Holy Messenger of Allah himself. The Holy Prophet has been mentioned by this epithet at several places in the Qur'an. For example, "Glory be to Him Who transported His servant one night from the Masjid alHaram to the distant Temple." (Bani Isra'il: 1); "All praise is for Allah Who has sent down this Book to His servant." (AI-Kahf: 1); "And that when the servant of Allah stood up to pray, the people got ready to assault him." (Al-Jinn: 19). This shows that it is a special style of love by which Allah makes mention of His Messenger Muhammad (upon whom be His peace and blessings) in His Book. Besides, it also shows that AIlah after appointing His Messenger to Prophethood had taught him the method of performing the Prayer. There is no mention of this method anywhere in the Qur'an, saying: "O Prophet, perform the Prayer in this and this way." Hence, this is another proof that the Revelation sent down to the Holy Prophet did not only consist of what has been recorded in the Qur'an, but besides this, other things also were taught to him by revelation, which are not recorded in the Qur'an.

أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ كَانَ عَلَى الْهُدَىٰ {96:11}

[Q96:11] Ara-aita in kana 'alal hudaa
[Q96:11] Tell me, if he (Muhammad (pbuh & hp)) is on the guidance (of Allah)?

 (see commentary for verse 6)

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(96:11) Did you consider: what if he is on the Right Way,

أَوْ أَمَرَ بِالتَّقْوَىٰ {96:12}

[Q96:12] Au amara bit taqwaa. 
[Q96:12] Or enjoins piety?

 (see commentary for verse 6)

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(96:12) and enjoins piety?

أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ {96:13}

[Q96:13] Ara-aita in kaz zaba wa ta wallaa.
[Q96:13] Tell me if he (the disbeliever, Abu Jahl) denies (the truth, i.e. this Qur'an), and turns away?

With the consideration enjoined in the two verses above, HERE IT IS SAID, THAT MAN MUST ALWAYS BE ON THE GUARD AGAINST THE CROOKED MINDS WHO MISLEAD OTHERS.

ä  The great Muslim mystic Rumi says: - i.e., “Often times Satan appears in human form. Thus one should not give his hand (surrender) into the hand of every one that appears to be human.”

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(96:13) Did you consider: what if he gives the lie (to the Truth) and turns away (from it)?

أَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَرَىٰ {96:14}

[Q96:14] Alam y'alam bi-annaL Lahaa yaraa. 
[Q96:14] Knows he not that Allah does see (what he does)?

DOES NOT MAN KNOW THAT ALLAH (SWT) IS EVER VIGILANT AND *SEES and *KNOW HIS DEEDS and *HIS MOTIVES? Man should always be conscious and mindful of ALLAH (SWT)’s presence and his being seen by his Lord.

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(96:14) Does he not know that Allah sees everything? *11

*11 The audience here apparently is every just man, who is being asked: Have you watched the act of the person who prevents a Servant from God's worship? What do you think: if the Servant be rightly guided, or warning the people to fear God and refrain from evil, and this forbidden be denying the Truth and turning away from it, what will his act be like? Could this man adopt such an attitude had he known that Allah is watching the man who is exhorting others to piety as well as him who is denying the truth and turning away from it? Allah's watching the oppressor and his wrongdoing and the oppressed and his misery by itself implies that He will punish the oppressor and redress the grievances of the wronged and down-trodden person. 

كَلَّا لَئِنْ لَمْ يَنْتَهِ لَنَسْفَعًا بِالنَّاصِيَةِ {96:15}

[Q96:15] Kalla la illam yantahi la nasfa'am bin nasiyah
[Q96:15]  Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases not, We will catch him by the forelock,

This prophecy was fulfilled even in this life at (battle of) Badr where Abu Jahl was smitten on his forehead. But the warning here is about the punishment, Abu Jahl will receive in the life hereafter on the Day of the Final Judgment.

§   The other instance which is said about Abu Jahl’s earning this punishment for him was ---THAT ONCE Abu Jahl met the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) and warned him for offering prayers in the Islamic way and threatehed him saying that he had the great number of leading personalities of the people on his side.

This verse was revealed saying that if Abu Jahl does not desist from his disbelief and the aggressive and wicked ways, on the Day of Judgment he will be dragged by his forelock and thrown in the flaming hell-fire.

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(96:15) No indeed; *12 if he does not desist, We shall drag him by the forelock;

*12 That is, the person who threatens that he would trample the neck of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) down when he performed the Prayer, would never be able to do so.

نَاصِيَةٍ كَاذِبَةٍ خَاطِئَةٍ {96:16}

[Q96:16] Naasiyatin kaazi batin khaatiah 
[Q96:16] A lying, sinful forelock!

This is the description of the qualities of the man Abu Jahl. The parts of his body are taken for his personality.

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(96:16) by the lying forelock steeped in sin. *13

*13 "The forelock" here implies the person with the forelock. 

فَلْيَدْعُ نَادِيَهُ {96:17}

[Q96:17] Fal yad‘u naadiyah 
[Q96:17] Then, let him call upon his council (of helpers),

When Abu Jahl will be receiving the return for his disbelief and wickedness, i.e., when on the Day of Judgment he will committed to the hell-fire, let him then call his council of assembly to his aid, i.e., his council will be of no avail to him then.

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(96:17) So let him summon his helpmates; *14

*14 As we have explained in the Introduction, when the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) rebuked Abu Jahl on his foolish behaviour, he had retorted: "O Muhammad, on what strength do you threaten me? By God, my supporters in this valley far exceed yours in number." At this it is being said: "Let him call his band of supporters." 

سَنَدْعُ الزَّبَانِيَةَ {96:18}

[Q96:18] Sanad 'uz zabaaniyah 
[Q96:18] We will call the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!

Abu Jahl will be not be able to call anyone to his help nor will anyone of his council be able to be of any avail to him. ON THE OTHER hand, angels will be called to execute the punishment to him.

v  THOUGH THE REFERENCE is to Abu Jahl and the address is to the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf), in fact the Holy Prophet (pbuh & hf) was not the one to have been even in the least affected or influence by Abu Jahl threats in having his own way.

IT IS A COMMAND TO MANKIND never to adhere or care for such threats or any evil influences in the execution of the prescribed duties, particularly in the matter of paying obeisance to the Lord but to go on with the prayerful way of getting nearer and nearer to the Lord, earning his pleasure.

The recital of this verse must be followed by a ‘Sijdah’, i.e., prostration which is compulsory for each reciter and everyone who listens to the recital.

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(96:18) We too shall summon the guards of Hell. *15

*15 According to the explanation given by Qatadah, the word zabaniyah in the original, is used for the police in Arabic idiom, and zaban actually means to push away. The kings too kept armed attendants who would push out the one with whom the king was annoyed and angry. Therefore, what Allah means is: "Let him call his supporters; We too shall summon Our Police, i.e. the angels of torment, to deal with him and his supporters." 

كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ وَاسْجُدْ وَاقْتَرِبْ ۩ {96:19}

[Q96:19] Kalla; la tuti'hu wasjud waqtarib 
[Q96:19] Nay! (O Muhammad (pbuh & hp))! Do not obey him (Abu Jahl). Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah!

According to the school of Ahlul-Bait ‘Sajdah’ is ‘Wajib’ only in 4 places [1] Alif, Lam, Sajdah [2] Ha Meem, Sajdah [3] ‘An-Najm’ and [4] ‘Iqra’ AND in the other places, it is optional.

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(96:19) No, not at all. Never obey him. But prostrate yourself and become nigh (to your Lord). *16

*16 "Sajdah" (prostration) here implies the Prayer, so as to say: "O Prophet, continue to perform your Prayer fearlessly as you have been in the past, and seek your Lord's presence through it." In the Sahih of Muslim and other books of Hadith there is a tradition from Hadrat Abu Huraira to the effect: "The servant is nearest to his Lord when he is in the state of prostration", and in Muslim there is also a tradition from Hadrat Abu Hurairah that when the Holy Prophet recited this verse, he performed a sajdah of recital.

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