The Quran Cannot Be Withstood by Mountains

Mountains as a Symbol of Strength

Mountains stand tall and firm, symbolizing the strength of Allah’s creation that is difficult to shake. However, in Surah Al-Hashr verse 21, Allah SWT presents a terrifying depiction: no matter how strong and high a mountain is, when confronted with the Quran, it will humble itself in full submission and shatter into pieces out of fear of Allah.

This parable reveals the reality that physical strength alone is incapable of bearing the greatness of divine revelation; rather, only humans, perfected with the dimensions of Allahu Ahad, Allahu Somad through the manifestations of Malik and Rabb, are capable of receiving and carrying the trust of the Quran.

Through this writing, I invite reflection not only on the magnitude of Allah SWT’s revelation but also on the noble responsibility bestowed upon us as human beings.

The Word of Allah in Surah Al-Hashr Verse 21

In Surah Al-Hashr verse 21, Allah SWT says:

لَوْ أَنْزَلْنَا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ لَرَأَيْتَهُ خَاشِعًا مُتَصَدِّعًا مِنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

"Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and breaking apart out of fear of Allah. And these examples We present to mankind so that they may reflect."

(Surah Al-Hashr 59:21)

The Symbolism of Mountains

Linguistically, this verse begins with the word "لو" (if), which is a conditional term that conveys a hypothetical scenario, presented for deep reflection. The Quran specifically chooses the word "جبل" (mountain) because a mountain represents something solid, strong, stable, and not easily destroyed. The mountain is selected as the symbol of supreme physical strength in the universe.

From a doctrinal perspective, Allah SWT also emphasizes in other verses the strength and firmness of mountains as the clearest example of material strength in the world:

In Surah An-Naba’ verse 7, Allah SWT says:

وَالْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا

"And the mountains as pegs." (Surah An-Naba’: 7)

This verse affirms that mountains function like pegs or anchors, firmly securing the earth. However, in Surah Al-Hashr verse 21, it is emphasized that despite the immense material strength of mountains, they are still incapable of bearing the weight of the Quran’s revelation if it were sent down upon them. This is because mountains possess only the physical aspect (governed by Malik) but lack the spiritual aspect (governed by Rabb).

Humans as Caliphs and Bearers of Revelation

In contrast, humans, as caliphs on earth, possess both the Malik (physical) and Rabb (spiritual) aspects within themselves. Therefore, the Quran can only be borne by humans because the Rabb aspect within their hearts enables them to carry the spiritual burden of the Quran itself.

This is further emphasized by the words "خاشعًا" (humbled) and "متصدعًا" (shattered), indicating that even the mightiest mountain would collapse because it is incapable of withstanding the essence of the Quranic soul.

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

Certainly, the verses related to the position of mountains and the Quran remind us of how the power of Allah’s spirit far exceeds mere physical strength. Mountains, which symbolize material greatness in the universe, are powerless to bear it, whereas humans, endowed with the combined dimensions of “Allahu Ahad, Allahu Somad” through the aspects of Malik and Rabb, are able to shoulder the trust of the Quran. Thus, the superiority of humans over other creatures lies in their ability to absorb and internalize the words of divine revelation.

The emphasis on "خاشعًا متصدعًا" (humbled and shattered) is not mere rhetoric; rather, it affirms that no material strength can match the majesty of Allah’s words. Therefore, as His servants, we must deeply reflect upon these verses by respecting, understanding, and embracing the Quran as it deserves. Only in this way can we truly harness the spiritual strength contained within the Quran while fulfilling our responsibility as caliphs on earth to uphold the truth and seek His pleasure.

InsyaAllah, the living revelation of the Quran in our hearts will provide us with guiding light, divine direction, and protection in every trial we face—be it in this world, in the grave, or on the Day of Judgment.