Surah 24 - Verse 1-1 (Verse by Verse)
(24:1) This is a surah which We have revealed, and which We have made obligatory; We have revealed in it clear instructions1 so that you may take heed.
1. The opening verse persistently stresses 'We'. The purpose behind this is to vehemently emphasize that this surah was revealed by 'Us' [i.e. by God] rather than anyone else. Hence, it ought not to be taken lightly, as something coming from one who lacks power and authority. It should be appreciated that He Who has revealed this surah is One Who holds everyone's lives in His grip, Who is so overwhelmingly powerful that no one can go beyond His control.
It is further clarified in the later part of the verse that whatever has been said in this surah is not in the nature of 'recommendations' or 'suggestions', that may or may not be followed by a person, depending on his own will. They are, instead, categorical commands which must be followed. If someone believes in and wants to submit himself to God, it is imperative that he acts in conformity with these commands. Furthermore, far from being ambiguous, these commands are couched in terms which are both clear and categorical. As a result, it is not justifiable to make excuses and contend that since the injunctions were incomprehensible it was not possible to act upon them.
This preamble is followed by the commands themselves. The preamble seems to underscore how important the commands are in the sight of God. It is pertinent to point out here that no other surah of the Qur'an has such a forceful preamble.