Surah al-Rad and Ibrahim

These 2 Surahs that come after each other are quite similar in meaning and flow. The ending of each Aya(verse) almost rhymes with each other in these 2 Surahs. They have a very nice flow to the ear when you hear or read them. In addition to that, both Surahs are spiritually uplifting. They speak of Allah's power, His might, His favors, His creation on earth, in the sky, and all around us. They have extremely deep analogies and parables that one can ponder about for hours, and receive various meanings. The verses in both Surahs describe who will be the winners and who will be the losers on the final day of judgement.

But one interesting note I would like to point out is a verse in Surah Al-rad(which comes before Ibrahim). Allah says in verse 19 of Al-rad:
أَفَمَن يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ الْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَىٰ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
Is he who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth like the one who is blind? Only those of understanding will heed.

Here God mentions that only people of understanding will take heed. He refers to them in Arabic as أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ. Who are these people? Well, the next 3 verses describe their honorable characteristics very well. After reading about them, one will give these people a high status. May God make us from أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ. Ameen.

Now in concluding this Surah and then reading the next, Surah Ibrahim, you can make an interesting connection. The very last verse of Surah Ibrahim then concludes with mentioning these very same people: أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ! As if reminding us of them as a final conclusion. This time Allah says in verse 52 of Ibrahim:
هَٰذَا بَلَاغٌ لِّلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنذَرُوا بِهِ وَلِيَعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
This (Quran) is a Message for mankind, in order that they may be warned by, and that they may know that He is the only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed.

This last verse of Ibrahim helped tie my thoughts to the Surah before it, as if they are one in meaning, because of their profound analogies and spiritual depth. Read these 2 surahs consecutively for yourself and God-willing you will see the same and even more.