We listened to the entire recitation of Al-Shu’raa and Al-Naml.
In this commentary, Shaykh Amin explains how the former surah (naturally) feeds into the latter. The Quran addresses poets and their futile flights of fancy, eventually leading the audience into the world of military might under the reign of Sulayman (AS). Shaykh Amin’s rationale is simple and illuminating as he interprets these verses and lays out the conditions that must be meet by an artist. The take-away: show backbone and avenge injustice on the back of your art.
The most thought-provoking, introspective, and honestly, terrifying part of this lecture:
“… although the prophet Muhammad (S) is the most intellectual human being ever, he will never compose poetry. The answer to this question is right at the end of the surah…”
Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammad wa baarik wa sallim.