Saba’ – Qaf

34. Surah Saba’ (سَبَأ)

Sheba

The Surah answers some of the objections raised by the non-believers about Tawhid, Risalah and Akhirah.  It also speaks about Prophets David and Solomon and the Queen of Sheba to remind people about the consequences of evils as well as righteousness.This is a Makki Surah revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him- sometime in the early or middle Makkan period about 7- 8 years before the Hijrah.  It has 54 verses in 6 sections.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The Day of Judgment will surely come.
  2. Allah’s favors on Prophets David and Solomon.  Allah’s judgment on the people of Saba’.
  3. Shirk will be of no use on the Day of Judgment. Prophet Muhammad is sent for all people.
  4. The wrong leaders will leave their followers on the Day of Judgment, the discussion of their mutual recrimination.
  5. Material riches do not necessarily bring you closer to Allah.
  6. The truth will prosper.

35. Surah Fatir(فَاطِر)

The Originator

In this Surah Allah warns the non-believers on their negative attitude towards Islam and Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him.  The basic message is also explained to them.This is a Makki Surah revealed sometimes in the middle period of Prophet’s residence in Makkah.  This Surah has 45 verses in 5 sections.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Allah’s creative power and His angels.  None can stop the mercy of Allah. Be aware of Satan.
  2. The success of the truth over falsehood will surely come.
  3. Allah has power to remove you and bring another group in your place.  Every people had a Warner.
  4. The true believers in Allah.
  5. Allah’s plan cannot be changed or altered.  Allah gives time to people to repent.

36. Surah Yasin(يس)

Yasin (a name of Muhammad)

This is a Makki Surah revealed sometime in the middle Makkan period.  It has 83 verses in 5 sections.

The Surah explains some of the basic beliefs of Islam, especially the belief in life after death and the Akhirah.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The truth of the Qur’an and the truth of Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him.
  2. Allah’s messengers were sent to other people.  The response of those to whom the prophets were sent and the result of their denial.
  3. Allah’s signs in nature to remind about the day of Resurrection.
  4. The scenes of the day of Resurrection.
  5. Reminders about death and the Day of Judgment.

37. Surah al-Saffat(ٱلصَّافَّات)
Those Who Set The Ranks, Drawn Up In Ranks, Those Ranged in Ranks

It is a Makki Surah and it was revealed sometime in the middle Makkan period.  It has 182 verses in 5 sections.

The Surah speaks about the unity of Allah in very strong terms.  It talks about the teachings of various prophets of Allah.  All of them preached the same message.  It gives warnings to the non-believers that their plots against the message of Islam will not work.  The truth will prevail.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The Lord of the heaven and earth is one God.  The mockers at the Prophet of God will one day see the truth.  The Day of Judgment will dawn suddenly.
  2. The guilty shall be punished and virtuous will be rewarded.
  3. Allah delivered Prophet Noah from his enemies.  Prophet Ibrahim’s encounter with idolatry.  The test of Prophet Ibrahim. His willingness to sacrifice his son.
  4. How Allah delivered Prophets Moses, Aaron, Elias and Lot and punished their enemies.
  5. How Prophet Yunus was delivered from the belly of the whale. Angels are not Allah’s daughters; they are Allah’s servants.  Allah’s messengers will succeed.

38. Surah Saad(ص)
Ṣād

This is a Makki Surah.  It was revealed around the time of first Hijrah to Ebyssinia about 5 year of Prophethood.  It has 88 verses in 5 sections.

The Surah talks about the basic message of all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.  They came to preach Tawhid. The Prophet suffered and went through a lot of hardship in presenting Allah’s message.  Their enemies attacked them and persecuted them, but then finally it was the truth that prevailed and falsehood was defeated.  Power and riches all come from Allah.  Some people become arrogant when they have power.  But Allah gave the examples of David and Solomon who were great prophets as well as powerful kings. They obey Allah. Their riches did not corrupt them.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Warnings to the disbelievers.  The arguments of the disbelievers against the Qur’an and the Prophet. The defeat of the disbelievers.
  2. Remember Allah’s servant Prophet David.  Allah’s blessings upon him.  He was tested and he turned to Allah.
  3. Allah’s blessings upon Prophet Solomon.  He was also tested, but he repented and was forgiven by Allah.
  4. Allah tested Prophet Job and he was rewarded for his patience.  Remember Allah’s servants: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Elisha and Zulkifl.  The warnings for the wicked.
  5. There is only one God.  The great message.  Allah created Adam, but Iblis became his enemy.  He vowed to mislead human beings.  Allah’s curse came upon him and upon those who follow him.

39. Surah al-Zumar(ٱلزُّمَر)
The Crowds, The Troops, Throngs

This is a Makki Surah.  It was revealed most probably sometime before the Hijrah of Abyssinia.  It has 75 verses in 8 sections.

The Surah talks about the true religion. It is to serve Allah sincerely and to avoid Shirk.  Tawhid brings the blessings of Allah, while Shirk has terrible consequences.  The Believers are told not to despair and lose heart.  If it is difficult for them to practice their religion in one place, they can migrate from that land.  The unbelievers are told that they can do whatever they wish, but they cannot turn the Believers away from the path of faith.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. To Allah belongs the pure and sincere religion. The principle of Tawhid and its benefits.  The evil of Shirk and its consequences.
  2. The reward of those who are steadfast in their faith.
  3. The perfect guidance of the Qur’an.  It is straight without any crookedness.
  4. Allah is sufficient for the Prophet.  The rejecters will be abased.
  5. The futility of Shirk and its evil consequences.
  6. Allah’s mercy is available for all.
  7. Ye ignorant people, do you invite me to worship someone other than Allah?  The Judgment of Allah.
  8. The reward of Believers and the punishment of the unbelievers.

40. Surah al-Mu’min(المُؤْمِن)

The Forgiver/The Believer

These are Surahs of Da’wah, inviting people to believe in Allah, take advantage of the mercy of Allah.  There is solace and comfort in these Surahs for the Believers who were persecuted because of their faith and they are given the good news that the truth will prevail.This is a Makki Surah.  There are seven Surahs (al-Mu’min, HaMim al-Sajdah, al-Shura, al-Zukhruf, al-Dukhan, al-Jathiyah, al-Ahqaf) that begin with the word “HaMim”.  Thus these seven Surahs are also called “al-Hawamim”.  All these are Makki Surahs and they were revealed one after another after the previous Surah al-Zumar, in the middle Makkan period before the Hijrah to Abyssinia. This Surah has 85 verses in 9 sections.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The Qur’an is from Allah who is both Merciful and Severe in Punishment. Warnings to the non-believers and comfort to the believers.
  2. The failure of the disbelievers.  The Day of Judgment belongs to Allah.
  3. A lesson from the history of Prophet Moses -peace be upon him. Even the mighty Pharaoh and his army could not help him against the wrath of Allah.
  4. A Believer from the Pharaoh’s people declared his faith.  His conversation with his people.
  5. The false leaders will take their people to hell.
  6. Allah helps the Prophets and their followers.
  7. The Glory of Allah. Allah has power over life and death.
  8. The fate of the un-believers will be bad.
  9. Take lessons from the past history.  After the judgment comes, repentance makes no difference.

41. Surah HaMim al-Sajdah(حم سجدة)

In Detail

This is a Makki Surah.  See the introduction to the previous Surah.  This Surah has 54 verses in 6 sections.

The subject matter of this Surah is Da’wah. It invites to the truth, gives warnings to those who reject the truth, and tells us that the appeal to the truth is within our nature.  It tells us also that the Believers receive strength from Allah’s revelation.  The revelation gives life to those who were spiritually and morally dead at one time.  The Surah contains both good news and warnings.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Invitation to the truth of the Qur’an.  The Qur’an is a book that explains everything.
  2. Allah created the heaven and earth.  Warnings to those who turn away from Allah.
  3. Those who deny Allah, their own body will witness against them.
  4. The disbelievers’ plan to suppress the message of the Qur’an will fail.  Allah gives strength to the Believers.
  5. The best people are those who invite to Allah.  The effect of the revelation on the Believers. The signs of Allah.
  6. Allah gives time to people to repent.  What good or evil you do is for and against your own selves.  The truth will gradually succeed.

42. Surah al-Shura(الشُّورَى)

The Consultations

This is a Makki Surah and it belongs to the group of seven HaMim Surahs that were revealed one after another in the middle Makkan period. This Surah has 53 verses in 5 sections.

The Surah emphasizes that the message of the Qur’an is from Allah Who revealed similar messages to other Prophets and Messengers.  The religion of Allah has been the same throughout history.  If Allah wanted He would have made all people into one Ummah, but He has given freedom to people to make their own choice by their free will. Allah will judge all people on the Day of Judgment. In the Surah it is also mentioned that the followers of this message are those who avoid major sins and who manage their affairs with mutual consultation.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Allah revealed His message to His Prophets.  The purpose of revelation is to warn people about the Day of Judgment.  Had Allah willed, He would have forced all people into one Ummah, but the wrong-does will see the consequences of their deeds.
  2. The judgment is in the hand of Allah. He gave the same religion to all His Prophets. Muslims must invite people to Allah.
  3. Allah deals justly with all people. Allah accepts the repentance.  Allah’s mercy is manifest in the universe.
  4. Believers should avoid sins, be patient, work with each other in consultation and practice forgiveness.
  5. The Prophet guides to the right path, the path of Allah.

43. Surah al-Zukhruf(الزُّخْرُف)

The Gold Adornment

This is a Makki Surah and it is fourth in number among the group of Surahs that begin with the word HaMim.  It was revealed in the middle Makkan period. It has 89 verses in 7 sections.

The Surah tells us that the revelation is a mercy from Allah. Allah chooses whosoever He wills to give His revelation.  The worldly goods and riches do not necessarily mean that a person is best in the sight of Allah.  The real value comes from following the truth and righteousness.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. This revelation is given to people in Arabic so that they may understand. The revelation is a mercy from Allah.
  2. Shirk and blind following of ancestors are major problems of non-believers.
  3. Allah chooses the Prophets and Messengers according to His wisdom. The worldly riches do not mean much in the sight of Allah.
  4. Those who forget Allah come under the influence of the Satan.
  5. Pharaoh’s response to Prophet Moses.  Allah’s punishment came against Pharaoh and his people.
  6. Jesus’ Message was also changed by some of his people.
  7. The Believers will succeed in the Hereafter.

44. Surah al-Dukhan(الدخَان)

The Smoke

This is a Makki Surah and it is fifth in the number of Surahs that begin with HaMim.  It has 59 verses in 3 sections.

The Surah warns about the punishment of Allah. When the punishment will come then no one can avert it.  The division between the righteous and wicked in the Hereafter will be the final decision of Allah.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The Qur’an is the book of warning.
  2. The Day of Judgment is a certainty.
  3. Allah will punish the wrongdoers and He shall reward the righteous.

45. Surah al-Jathiyah(الجَاثيَة)

The Kneeling

This is a Makki Surah and it is the sixth among the Surahs that begin with HaMim.  It has 37 verses in 4 sections.

The Surah warns those who deny the Divine truth.  It talks about human arrogance and sinfulness. The judgment of Allah will cover all the people.  The nations will stand before him in the kneeling condition.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Allah’s signs are all over in the universe and in our own soul. Those who deny the revelation of God will see punishment of Allah.
  2. Follow the clear path of truth.
  3. Some people have made their desires their god.  They also deny the Hereafter.
  4. People will stand before Allah on their knees.  Their record of deeds will be presented to them.

46. Surah al-Ahqaf(الأحْقاف)

The Curved-Sand Hills

This is a Makki Surah. It is the 7th in the group of Surahs that begin with HaMim and it was revealed in the middle Makkan period.  This Surah has 35 verses in 4 sections.

The Surah gives warnings to those who deny the truth. When Allah’s punishment comes then neither the sea, nor the dry land can protect.  There is a reference in this Surah to the people of ‘Ad and Allah’s punishment for their sins.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Allah sent down the Qur’an and He has created the heaven and earth.  The gods of Shirk have created nothing.  Is there any proof for Shirk? The truth of this revelation is manifest.
  2. The Qur’an verifies the previous revelations.
  3. The fate of ‘Ad.
  4. Warnings to those who deny the truth.  A group of Jinn accept the message.  Be patient in giving the message of Allah.

47.  Surah Muhammad(محَمَّد)

The Prophet Muhammad

This is a Madani Surah and it was most probably revealed in the first year of Hijrah before the battle of Badr.  This Surah has 38 verses in 4 sections.

The Surah talks about the real struggle that will take place between the truth and falsehood.  In this struggle the truth will be victorious and the falsehood and its votaries will be utterly defeated.  The separation will take place between those who believe and those who will deny the truth.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Those who believe in Prophet Muhammad their sins are removed and their condition will improve.  The opponents of the truth will perish.
  2. Good news for the Believers. The Prophet is asked to pray for the Believers.
  3. The weak hearted and the blind are not able to see the truth.
  4. The real success.  Do not be intimidated, stand firm and struggle for the cause of Allah.

48.  Surah al-Fath(الفَتْح)

The Victory

This is a Madani Surah. According to Sayyidna ‘Umar -may Allah be pleased with him- this Surah was revealed when Muslims were returning from the Hudaibiyah.  The Treaty of Hudaibiyah took place in the 6th year of Hijrah. This Surah has 29 verses in 4 sections.

The Surah talks about the moral and physical victory of Islam over the forces of unbelief.  The hypocrites and disbelievers will be disappointed with this victory.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. The victory that came through the Treaty of Peace at Hudaibiyah.
  2. The hypocrites and their false excuses.
  3. Allah is pleased with the Believers who are with the Prophet.  Allah’s promises for the Believers.
  4. Ultimate triumph of Islam.

49.  Surah al-Hujurat(الحُجرَات)

The Dwellings

This is a Madani Surah.  It was revealed around the 9th year of Hijrah when a large number of people entered in Islam.  Many delegations were also coming to visit Madinah to meet the Prophet -peace be upon him- and to learn about Islam.  The Surah has 18 verses in 2 sections.

The purpose of the Surah is to give Muslims teachings about the social manners.  How to respect their leader the Prophet -peace be upon him- and how to deal with each other.  It has comprehensive guidelines to make a peaceful and harmonious society.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Respect of the Prophet.  Proper manner of dealing with reports.  Relations among the Believers.
  2. Moral and ethical teachings to keep group harmony and solidarity. Relations with groups and tribes.  Faith is a favor of Allah to the Believers.

50.  Surah Qaf(ق)

Arabic Alphabet

This is a Makki Surah.  This and the following six Surahs belong to the early Makkan period.  This Surah has 45 verses in 3 sections.

The Surah emphasizes the theme of resurrection and the ultimate success of those who have faith in Allah and His Prophets.

Introduction to the Sections

  1. Nature points out to the Resurrection.
  2. Allah is closer to us than our life-vein. The death, the end of the world, and the Resurrection.
  3. The Final judgment.