SURAH AL-ALAQ Chapter: 96

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of surahs of the Quran, in an effort to understand these surahs in an easy way. Today's effort is on SURAH AL-ALAQ Chapter: 96, hope going through it will be a learning journey for all of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen).

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth.(1) Createth man from a clot.(2) Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous,(3) -Who teacheth by the pen,(4) Teacheth man that which he knew not.(5) Nay, but verily man is rebellious (6) That he thinketh himself independent! (7) Lo! unto thy Lord is the return. (8) Hast thou seen him who dissuadeth (9) A slave when he prayeth? (10) Hast thou seen if he relieth on the guidance (of Allah) (11) Or enjoineth piety? (12) Hast thou seen if he denieth (Allah's guidance) and is froward? (13) Is he then unaware that Allah seeth(14) Nay, but if he cease not We will seize him by the forelock –(15) The lying, sinful forelock – (16) Then let him call upon his henchmen!(17) We will call the guards of hell.(18) Nay, Obey not thou him. But prostrate thyself, and draw near (unto Allah (19)

What is special about Surah Al Alaq?

Surah Al-Alaq holds a significant place in Islamic history as it contains the first verses ever revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Surah was revealed during a pivotal moment when the Prophet was meditating in the Cave of Hira, located near Mecca. This surah speaks about God as the creator of man, the one who manages his affairs, & teaches him things he did not know. The first five verses of this surah were received by Muhammad. while on a retreat in cave Hira, just outside the city of Mecca between 610 - 614 AD. Order of revelation is 1.

Surah Al-Alaq (Arabic text: العلق) is the 96th chapter of the Quran in Juzz 30^th. The Surah has 288 letters, 72 words with 55 unique words without repetition. The surah titled in English means “The Clot” and it consists of 19 verses (Ayats) ... العلق Al-Alaq. “The Clot”. This surah is one of the four surahs, known as ‘Azā’im (عَزائِم) that contains a verse that provokes a compulsory sajdah (سَجدَة: prostration). Surah ‘Alaq talks about:

Ø  Creation of man from a clinging mass

Ø  God as the teacher of man by the pen

Ø  Man’s ignorance before being taught by God

Ø  Man’s rebellion against God and thinking himself of being needless

Ø  Man’s return to God in the afterlife and hereafter

Ø  The one who prevents the Prophet from worshipping God and God punishing him

SUMMARY:

It is said that while Muhammad was on retreat in the Cave of Hira, at Jabal al-Nour near Mecca, the angel Gabriel appeared before him and commanded him to "Read!". He responded, "But I cannot read!". Then the angel Gabriel embraced him tightly and revealed to him the first lines, "Read: In the name of your Lord Who created, (1) Created man from a clot. (2) Read: And your Lord is the Most Generous, (3) Who taught by the pen, (4) Taught man that which he knew not."[2] (Bukhari 4953). First, this Surah addresses the holy Prophet (S) and commands him to read or proclaim (the Message). Then, it refers to the creation of Man out of a mere clot. Al-'Alaq is the name of the 96th surah which consists of 19 verses. The first five verses are the first revelations that the Prophet Muhammad received. This surah emphasizes the personal growth of human beings. How we gain knowledge through reading, writing, and memorization.

Moral lesson of Surah Al Alaq is Obeying Allah Alone. We are completely dependent upon Allah for everything. Naturally, because of this, we would worship only Allah. In the last ayah Allah tells the prophet Muhammad (SAW) not to listen to Abu-Jahl. He tells Muhammad (SAW) to worship and obey Allah alone

About Surah Al-Alaq:

The very first verses revealed on Holy Prophet are of Surah Alaq. It is composed of 19 verses but only 5 verses were revealed in the beginning in Cave Hira, Makkah. In the recent Quranic order, it is the 96thsurah present in the 30th chapter of Holy Qur’an. It is also known as Surah Iqra (read), as Muhammad was told “Recite in the name of your Lord who created” by angel Jibraeel.

The very first verse of Surah al Alaq stresses perusing and understanding the importance of the Holy Quran with the help of the Most Merciful, Allah Almighty. It has two fundamental orders in it: as a matter of first importance, to read and gain knowledge of Quran Majeed. Besides, ask Allah SWT to manage one to put the procured data into correct use and that is just conceivable with the Help of the Creator of the Universe.

Verses 1-5 are known to be the first ever revealed of the Qurʾān. The Prophet (ﷺ) was retreating at a cave in the outskirts of Mecca when the angel Gabriel appeared to him, squeezing him tightly and ordering him to read. Since the Prophet (ﷺ) was unlettered, he responded, "I cannot read." Ultimately, Gabriel taught him: "Read in the Name of your Lord "

The second part of thee Surah (from 6-19) was revealed when the Holy Messenger of Allāh began to perform the Prayer in the Islamic way in the Ka'bah and Abu Jahl threatened and tried to prevent him from this. It so happened that after his appointment to Prophet hood even before he could start preaching Islam openly, he began to perform the Prayer in the precincts of the Ka'bah in the way Allāh taught him; and from this the Quraish felt for the first time that he had adopted a new religion. The other people were watching it with curiosity, but Abu Jahl in his arrogance and pride threatened the Holy Prophet and forbade him to worship in that way in the Ka'bah.

Benefits of Surah Al-Alaq:

Ø  Initiation of Good Deeds. (Seeking Divine Blessings, Connection with Faith, Reminder of Purpose and Intention.)

Ø  Preservation of Knowledge. (Active Pursuit of Knowledge, Respect for Knowledge, Utilization for Betterment.)

Ø  Encouragement for Prostration. (Submission and Humility, Devotion and Spiritual Connection, Increased Engagement with the Quran)

Ø  Closeness to Allah During Prostration. (Intimate Spiritual Moment, Ideal for Supplication, Complete Surrender.)

Ø  Promotion of Righteousness. (Moral Compass, Ethical Conduct.)

Ø  Awareness of Allah's Omniscience. (Sense of Accountability, Consciousness of God’s Presence.)

Ø  Emphasis on Humility. (Fostering Humility, Discouraging Arrogance, Promoting Empathy.)

Lessons from Surah Al-'Alaq

Ø  When reading, start with taking the name of Allah. So too when doing anything else.

Ø  The pen is one of the fundamental modes of teaching.

Ø  Allah is the one who truly teaches humans.

Ø  Does the human not know that Allah is ever watching?

Why does Allah mention the pen in Surah Al Alaq?

Sayyidna Qatadah (رح) stated that Pen is a great Divine gift. If Allah had not granted man the art and skill of writing with pen, it would not have been possible for him to preserve or protect the religion in its pristine form, nor would it have been possible for him to conduct his worldly affairs in the proper manner.

Reasons for Revelation:

Surah Al-Alaq holds a significant place in Islamic history as it contains the first verses ever revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Surah was revealed during a pivotal moment when the Prophet was meditating in the Cave of Hira, located near Mecca. Reasons behind it’s revelation are:

1.    Commencement of Prophet hood: The initial verses of Surah Al-Alaq marked the beginning of Muhammad’s (SAW) prophet hood. These verses were the first divine words received by the Prophet, signifying the start of the revelation process and his mission as the last prophet.

2.    Emphasis on Knowledge and Learning: The Surah highlights the importance of knowledge, learning, and education. With the command “Read” or “Recite” (Iqra), it emphasizes the value of acquiring and disseminating knowledge, which is fundamental to understanding and practicing the faith.

3.    Affirmation of Monotheism: The Surah reaffirms the concept of Tawhid (monotheism), urging believers to recognize and worship Allah as the sole creator and sustainer of the universe.

4.    Reminder of Human Creation: By mentioning the creation of humans from a “clinging substance” or “clot,” the Surah reminds believers of their humble origins and dependence on Allah, fostering a sense of humility and gratitude.

5.    Condemnation of Arrogance: The Surah addresses human arrogance and pride, particularly in those who deny the truth and oppose the message of Islam. It serves as a warning against haughtiness and the rejection of divine guidance.

Benefits of Surah Al-Alaq:

Ø  Whoever recites it, it is as if they have recited the entire Quran ten times.

Ø  Whoever recites it three times in one night, Allah rewards them as if they fasted for a month and prayed during its nights.

Ø  Whoever recites it before sleep will be protected from the torment of the grave.

Ø  Whoever recites it will enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of Hellfire.

Ø  It is one of the best surahs for warding off Satan and evil spirits.

Ø  It is equivalent to one-fourth of the Quran and is better than the world and everything in it.

Ø  Whoso recites this surah and dies thereafter on the same day, he dies like a martyr and would have all the facilities a martyr, who had fought along with the Holy Prophet, has.

Ø  Whoso recites this surah would inshallah receive the reward given for reciting the whole Quran, and given to a warrior who fights in the cause of Allah.

Ø  Whoso recites this surah while travelling on a ship Allah would not let him drown if such a situation develops on the sea or river.

Ø  Whoso recites this surah over his storehouse or warehouse Allah would keep it safe from every kind of calamity, theft & pilferage; & if it is a treasure or safe his wealth and belonging would remain safe in it.

Ø  If a man recites this surah before going on a journey he would inshallah remain safe from calamities, hardships and worries during the journey.

Conclusion:

In Short, Surah 'Alaq, also known as Iqra', the 96th surah of the Quran that God revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Mecca in the cave of Hira', speaks about God as the creator of man, the one who manages his affairs, and teaches him things he did not know. The Surah refers to every obedient believer calling men to follow the path of Allah and to every tyrant who forbids prayer, threatens to punish the believers and act conceitedly. The concluding Divine instruction is therefore, "No, never obey him, but prostrate yourself and draw closer to Allah.

 

Researched & Compiled by:  

 OVAIS ASAD KHAN