The Koran (Al-Qur'an)

This Medinan surah (or chapter) recounts the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, a pivotal moment in Islamic history. Initially seen as a setback, the treaty is revealed as a divine triumph that facilitated peace and future victories for the Muslim community. The Prophet Muhammad and his followers are assured that their obedience and patience were divinely guided. God’s tranquility descended upon the believers, strengthening their faith and unity. The treaty established a 10-year truce with Mecca, allowing safe pilgrimage and laying the groundwork for Islam’s expansion.

The chapter highlights God’s promises of forgiveness, reward, and Paradise for the faithful, contrasting this with condemnation of hypocrites and idolaters who harbor malice. Believers are praised for their loyalty and steadfastness, while desert Arabs who failed to join the pilgrimage are chastised for their excuses and lack of faith. The chapter ends with a description of the Prophet’s followers as steadfast, compassionate, and united—they are likened to a well-nurtured crop. Their dedication serves as both a blessing to the faithful and a source of frustration for disbelievers.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) provides guidance on interpersonal conduct, emphasizing respect for the Prophet and unity among believers. It instructs individuals to avoid raising their voices or being presumptuous in the Prophet’s presence, warning that such behavior may nullify good deeds. Believers are urged to verify information from unreliable sources to prevent unintended harm. God commends those who love faith and detest sin, highlighting that true guidance comes from Him.

The chapter advocates for reconciling disputes among believers and reminds them of their shared brotherhood. It condemns mockery, offensive nicknames, and backbiting, likening gossip to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother. Emphasizing human equality, the surah asserts that the most honorable individuals are those who are most mindful of God. Desert Arabs claiming faith are advised to adopt true belief beyond mere verbal declarations. The surah concludes by highlighting God’s knowledge of all actions and reminding believers of His favor in guiding them to faith.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) emphasizes the inevitability of the Resurrection and the Day of Judgment, addressing doubts about life after death. Using creation as evidence, it highlights God’s power to revive the dead, as demonstrated by nature’s cycles and the vastness of the heavens. Past nations who rejected their prophets, such as Noah’s people and Pharaoh’s followers, are cited as warnings to the disbelievers.

On the Day of Judgment, angels will escort individuals to face their deeds, which are recorded meticulously. The disbelievers will be hurled into Hell for their arrogance and misdeeds, while the righteous are promised eternal bliss in Paradise, filled with peace and divine rewards. The surah concludes by reassuring the Prophet to persist in his message, urging humanity to reflect on the Qur’an as a clear reminder and prepare for their ultimate accountability before God.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) draws from natural phenomena, such as winds and rainfall, to affirm the reality of the Resurrection. Disbelievers are warned of the Day of Judgment, where their denial will lead to punishment. The righteous, however, will dwell in Paradise, rewarded for their worship, charity, and prayers. The chapter uses examples of creation—plants, water, and human life—as evidence of God’s power.

The chapter recounts the stories of Abraham hosting angelic guests, Lot’s community, and the destruction of ‘Ad and Thamud as reminders of the consequences of defying God’s messengers. It reaffirms that humanity’s purpose is to worship God alone, emphasizing His self-sufficiency and power over creation. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, while the Prophet is reminded to persist in delivering the divine message, which benefits those willing to heed its warnings.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) opens with oaths—by Mount Sinai, a written scripture, the much-visited House, and the ever-filled ocean—underscoring the certainty of the Resurrection and divine judgment. Disbelievers are warned of their fate: Hell’s unrelenting torment for their denial and idle ridicule of divine messages. By contrast, the righteous will enjoy eternal bliss in Paradise, where they will be provided with every delight and reunite with their families who shared their faith.

The surah reassures the Prophet Muhammad of the truth of his mission, refuting accusations of madness or sorcery. It highlights God’s sovereignty over creation, reminding disbelievers of their inability to produce anything comparable to the Qur’an. The powerlessness of mankind is emphasized by rhetorical questions about their role in creating the heavens and earth. The surah ends with a call for the Prophet to remain patient, glorify God at all times, and trust in divine judgment.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) defends the divine origin of the Prophet’s revelations, emphasizing that he does not speak from desire but receives knowledge directly through the Angel Gabriel. It recounts the Prophet’s vision during the Night Journey, describing his encounter with majestic signs. Disbelievers are criticized for worshiping idols such as al-Lat, al-’Uzza, and Manat, rejecting them as baseless inventions of human whims.

The surah highlights fundamental messages: No soul bears the burden of another, individuals will be judged by their deeds, and only God controls life, death, and resurrection. Past nations, including the people of Noah, ‘Ad, and Thamud, faced divine retribution for rejecting their divine messengers. The surah closes by urging humility, reflection, and submission to God, warning of the imminent Day of Judgment and calling all to bow in worship and gratitude.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) warns of the impending Day of Judgment, which will be marked by cosmic events such as the splitting of the moon. Disbelievers are chastised for dismissing divine signs as sorcery and following their desires despite clear warnings. The surah recounts the fates of past nations—like Noah’s people, ‘Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh—who all faced destruction for rejecting their prophets. Each narrative serves as a lesson that is punctuated by a refrain that asks listeners to “take heed.”

The surah contrasts the destinies of believers and disbelievers. While the righteous enjoy eternal peace and blessings in Paradise, the wicked endure scorching winds, boiling water, and eternal despair in Hell. It concludes by reminding readers that all deeds are recorded and that God’s justice will ultimately prevail over all.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) highlights God’s countless blessings in creation and contrasts them with the horrors of Hell and the delights of Paradise. It is characterized by the refrain “Which, then, of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?” addressing both mankind and jinn. The surah describes God’s mastery over nature, including the balance of the universe, the sun and moon, the seas, and the bounty of fruits and plants.

It describes two levels of Paradise: The higher level offers luxurious gardens, flowing springs, abundant fruits, and companions of unmatched beauty for the best of believers; the lower level provides similar delights for the ordinary faithful. Disbelievers, however, face the torment of Hell, symbolized by scalding water and blazing fire. The surah concludes by calling humanity to reflect on God’s majesty and power, urging gratitude and submission as the path to eternal joy.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) depicts the Day of Judgment, dividing humanity into three groups: those brought near to God (the foremost believers), those on the right (ordinary believers), and those on the left (disbelievers). The righteous are promised unparalleled rewards in Paradise, including pure drink, abundant fruits, and beautiful companions. In contrast, disbelievers will face scorching winds, black smoke, and boiling water in Hell.

The chapter presents creation as evidence of God’s power to bring about the Resurrection. The processes of agriculture, rainfall, and fire are invoked as signs of divine control. It emphasizes that humans have no authority over life or death, underscoring their dependence on God. It ends with a powerful affirmation of the Qur’an’s divine origin and a call for humanity to glorify God and prepare for the Day of Judgment.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) calls believers to spend money in God’s cause and uphold justice, emphasizing that wealth and life are temporary while faith and righteous deeds lead to eternal reward. The chapter takes its name from iron, which is described as both a tool for human benefit and a symbol of strength and accountability. It highlights God’s omniscience, His creation of the heavens and earth, and His intimate knowledge of human hearts.

Believers are urged to support God’s messengers, follow divine guidance, and avoid the mistakes of past communities who rejected their prophets. Hypocrites are warned of their futile attempts to deceive God, and the faithful are reassured of divine mercy and reward. The surah also mentions Noah, Abraham, and Jesus, emphasizing their roles in delivering God’s message. It concludes with a call to humility, generosity, and steadfastness, urging believers to strive for the eternal bounty of God’s grace.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) addresses a pre-Islamic divorce practice where a husband declared his wife to be like his mother’s back, leaving her in a state of marital limbo. It abolishes this custom, deeming it invalid, and prescribes expiation—such as freeing a slave or fasting—for reconciliation. It begins with the case of a woman who presented her complaint to the Prophet, affirming that God hears the concerns of the oppressed.

The surah emphasizes God’s omnipresence, stating that no conversation or action is hidden from Him. It warns against engaging in secret discussions that promote sin and hostility, associating such behavior with Satan’s schemes. Instead, believers are encouraged to hold righteous and mindful conversations. Additionally, believers are instructed to give charity before consulting the Prophet, highlighting the importance of sincerity and selflessness.

The surah concludes by contrasting the hypocrites, who use lies and false oaths to obstruct God’s way, with the steadfast believers who remain loyal to God and His messenger. It assures the faithful of ultimate victory and warns the disbelievers of humiliation and punishment both in this world and the next.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) addresses the expulsion of the Jewish tribe, Banu al-Nadir, from Medina, after they violated their treaty with the Prophet and plotted against him. It reminds the believers that the victory over the Banu al-Nadir was solely God’s doing, as they were expelled despite their seemingly impregnable fortifications. God caused panic in their hearts, leading them to destroy their homes themselves. The surah emphasizes that such events are a sign for those who reflect and reminds the faithful of God’s sovereignty over all outcomes. The chapter also establishes rules for distributing the gains from such victories, stressing that they should not merely circulate among the wealthy but benefit the community, including the poor, orphans, and travelers.

The hypocrites, who had promised to support the Banu al-Nadir but abandoned them when confronted, are exposed as deceitful and fearful. The surah ends with a description of God’s greatness, urging believers to be mindful of Him and reflect on His creation. It highlights the Quran’s transformative power, which is capable of humbling even a mighty mountain.

This Medinan surah (or chapter), revealed after the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, instructs the believers on dealing with women who emigrated from Mecca to Medina to join the Muslim community. It advises testing their faith to ensure their sincerity; if they are found to be true believers, they must not be returned to the disbelievers. Similarly, it addresses the resolution of marital ties between believers and disbelievers, requiring fair treatment and compensation for dowries.

The surah emphasizes the proper alignment of loyalties, forbidding believers from forming alliances with God’s enemies, even if they are close relatives. Abraham is presented as a model of unwavering loyalty to God, demonstrating enmity toward falsehood while praying for his father, who remained a disbeliever. The surah also reassures believers that God may create affection even between former enemies, as He is merciful and powerful.

The surah concludes with instructions for believing women pledging allegiance to the Prophet, detailing their commitments to monotheism, righteousness, and obedience. It reminds the believers of the futility of allying with those opposed to God and reassures them of His infinite mercy and guidance.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) calls believers to unity and steadfastness in supporting God’s cause. It criticizes those who fail to act on their words, warning that such behavior is hateful to God. It praises those who fight in God’s cause with discipline and solidarity, comparing them to a solidly constructed building.

Moses and Jesus are cited as examples of prophets who faced resistance from their people. Moses confronted his people’s defiance, despite their knowledge of his divine mission, while Jesus foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad (referred to as Ahmad). The surah denounces the disbelievers’ rejection of the truth, asserting that their attempts to extinguish God’s light will ultimately fail.

Believers are promised forgiveness, paradise, and divine aid if they strive in God’s cause with their wealth and lives. The surah concludes by urging the faithful to be like Jesus’s disciples, who declared their commitment to God’s mission. It assures the believers that, with God’s support, they will emerge victorious over their adversaries.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) emphasizes the importance of congregational prayer on Fridays, instructing believers to promptly attend the call to prayer and prioritize it over trade or worldly distractions. Once the prayer concludes, they are encouraged to return to their pursuits while remembering God frequently.

The surah reminds believers of God’s favor in sending a messenger to guide them from ignorance to spiritual growth. It criticizes those who, despite being entrusted with divine guidance, fail to act upon it, likening them to donkeys burdened with books they do not read. The Jews are specifically admonished for their claims of being God’s chosen people while neglecting their responsibilities.

The surah concludes by addressing those distracted by material gains during prayer, reminding them that what God offers is far superior to worldly wealth. It underscores the importance of prioritizing faith and worship over fleeting pleasures.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) exposes the deceitful behavior of hypocrites who outwardly profess faith but secretly oppose the Prophet and the Muslim community. It begins by highlighting their insincere declarations of faith and their use of false oaths to obstruct others from God’s path. The surah portrays them as empty and self-serving, comparing them to propped-up timbers devoid of substance.

The hypocrites’ arrogance is condemned, especially their refusal to seek the Prophet’s forgiveness and their false claims about their dominance over the believers. The surah affirms that true power belongs to God, His Messenger, and the faithful.

Believers are warned not to let their wealth or children distract them from God’s remembrance. They are urged to spend in His cause before death overtakes them. The chapter ends with a reminder that when death arrives, there will be no reprieve, and individuals will face the consequences of their deeds.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) reflects on the Day of Judgment, described as the “Day of Mutual Neglect” (64:9), when people will be preoccupied with their own fate. It opens by affirming God’s control over the heavens and earth, His power to create and sustain, and His intimate knowledge of all things.

The surah warns disbelievers by recounting the fate of past nations who rejected divine guidance, emphasizing that denial of the Resurrection will not save them. Believers are encouraged to have faith, obey God, and trust in His promises of eternal reward in paradise.

It acknowledges the trials that believers face, including challenges within their own families, urging forgiveness and understanding. It calls for steadfastness, generosity, and mindfulness of God, assuring believers that their sacrifices will be rewarded. The surah concludes by affirming God’s omniscience and His unmatched power to fulfill His promises.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) outlines rules for divorce, emphasizing fairness, respect, and adherence to God’s limits. It instructs believers to ensure that the waiting period (iddah) is properly observed, during which divorced women should not be driven out of their homes unless they commit grave offenses. The surah stresses reconciliation and provides guidelines for honorable separation when reconciliation is not possible.

The surah also addresses maintenance for pregnant women and nursing mothers, urging mutual consultation and fairness. It underscores God’s provision for those who trust in Him and abide by His commands, assuring believers that He will bring ease after hardship.

This Medinan surah (or chapter) begins with an incident involving the Prophet, who prohibited something lawful to please his wives. The surah reminds believers that God provides people with a means to release themselves from unwise oaths and advises the Prophet’s wives to seek repentance for their actions.

Believers are urged to guard themselves and their families against hellfire by leading righteous lives and being sincere in their repentance. The surah stresses the importance of striving against disbelievers and hypocrites while remaining steadfast in faith.

It concludes with examples of disbelieving women, such as the wives of Noah and Lot, and believing women, such as Pharaoh’s wife and Mary, the mother of Jesus. These examples highlight the significance of individual faith and righteousness, regardless of external circumstances.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) emphasizes God’s absolute authority over creation and the inevitability of human accountability. It opens by praising God, the Creator of life and death, who tests human beings to reveal the best of their deeds. It highlights the perfection of God’s creation, urging humans to reflect on the heavens and earth to recognize His power and wisdom.

It then describes the punishment awaiting those who defy God, including the torment of Hell, whose fiery rage will be overwhelming. It contrasts this with the great reward of forgiveness and Paradise for those who fear God, even in His unseen presence. God’s intimate knowledge of human thoughts and actions is underscored, affirming His justice.

Believers are reminded of God’s provisions on earth and His ability to take them away. The surah warns disbelievers of their arrogance, urging them to consider their vulnerability in the face of divine power. The closing verses call humanity to reflect on their dependence on God and to recognize His ultimate control over their sustenance and destiny.

This early Meccan surah (or chapter) opens with an oath by the pen and what it records, affirming the Prophet’s sanity and righteousness against accusations of madness. It assures him of an eternal reward and validates his exemplary character, contrasting his integrity with the arrogance and dishonesty of his opponents.

The surah recounts the cautionary tale of the owners of a garden who refused to share its produce with the poor. Their selfishness led to divine retribution, leaving their garden barren. The story serves as a metaphor for human arrogance and the consequences of ignoring God’s commands.

Believers are urged to reflect on the signs of God’s justice and mercy. The disbelievers’ denial of the truth is condemned, and their futile attempts to suppress God’s light are dismissed. The surah concludes with a call for patience and perseverance, reminding the Prophet of the steadfastness of earlier messengers and assuring him of eventual vindication.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) describes the consequences of denying the Day of Judgment, contrasting the fates of the righteous and the wicked. It opens by questioning the reality of the Day of Judgment, or the “Inevitable Hour,” emphasizing its undeniable and cataclysmic arrival. Historical examples, such as the destruction of Thamud, ʽAd, Pharaoh, and other sinful communities, highlight the severity of God’s retribution.

The surah describes the terrifying events of that day, including the sounding of the trumpet, the upheaval of the earth and sky, and the angels bearing the throne of God. On that day, individuals will receive their records, determining their eternal fate. Those given their records in their right hand will rejoice in the pleasures of paradise, while those receiving them in their left will face torment in the blazing fire.

The closing verses affirm the truth of the Qur’an as a divine revelation and refute accusations of fabrication or poetry. The Prophet Muhammad is reassured of God’s support and is called to glorify the Almighty.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) begins with a disbeliever mockingly demanding the punishment of the Hereafter. The surah responds by emphasizing God’s power and the inevitability of the Day of Judgment, described as a day lasting 50,000 years. It warns of the dire consequences awaiting the wicked, including a raging flame that strips away the skin.

The nature of humanity is addressed, highlighting human anxiety and self-centeredness in the face of fortune and misfortune. In contrast, the surah praises the virtues of the faithful, who are constant in prayer, generous to the needy, believe in the Last Day, and fulfill trusts and pledges. These qualities are rewarded with eternal bliss in paradise.

The disbelievers’ arrogance and dismissal of the Resurrection are condemned. The surah concludes by warning them of their impending reckoning, urging reflection on their creation and the reality of divine justice.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) recounts the story of Noah as a message of encouragement to the Prophet and a warning to his opponents. Noah’s plea to his people emphasizes God’s forgiveness and the blessings of obedience. He warns them of the dire consequences of rejecting the truth.

Noah laments the persistent arrogance of his people, describing their refusal to heed his calls to repentance, their reliance on wealth, and their devotion to idols. He appeals to their sense of gratitude for God’s creation, citing the heavens, the earth, and the stages of human development as evidence of divine power.

Despite his efforts, Noah’s people remain defiant, leading him to pray for their destruction. The surah concludes with Noah’s plea for forgiveness for the believers and ruin for the evildoers, serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

This Meccan surah (or chapter) details the testimony of a group of jinn who, after hearing the Qur’an, recognize its truth and submit to God. They express their awe at its guidance and reject past misconceptions about God, including the belief that He had a spouse or child. The jinn recount their experiences of misguidance and their realization of God’s authority.

The surah emphasizes that places of worship are for God alone and warns against associating partners with Him. It highlights the limitations of human and jinn knowledge, affirming that only God knows the unseen. The Prophet is reminded of his role as a messenger tasked solely with delivering God’s message.

The surah closes by emphasizing God’s control over the Day of Judgment, asserting that no one can escape His decree or overpower His will. It serves as a reminder of the truth of divine revelation and the necessity of obedience to God and His messenger.