SURAH AL-A'LA : CHAPTER 87 - JUZZ 30

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of all the Surahs of Holy Quran. An effort to make each of these Surahs understandable in an easy way. Today's effort is SURAH AL-A'LA - Chapter. 87, hope going through it will be a learning experience for each one of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen).

1. Glorify the name of thy Guardian-Lord Most High,  2. Who hath created, and further, given order and proportion;   3. Who hath ordained laws. And granted guidance;  4. And Who bringeth out the (green and luscious) pasture,  5. And then doth make it (but) swarthy stubble.   6. By degrees shall We teach thee to declare (the Message), so thou shalt not forget,  7. Except as Allah wills: For He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden.  8. And We will make it easy for thee (to follow) the simple (Path).  9. Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer).  10. The admonition will be received by those who fear ((Allah)):  11. But it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,  12. Who will enter the Great Fire,  13. In which they will then neither die nor live.   14. But those will prosper who purify themselves,  15. And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer.  16. Day (behold), ye prefer the life of this world;  17. But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.  18. And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation), 19. The Books of Abraham and Moses.

Introduction:

Al-Aʻlā (Arabic: الأعلى, lit. 'The Most High, Glory To Your Lord In The Highest'). Surah Al-A'la is a Makkan Surah, meaning it was revealed in Makkah during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the 87th Surah in the order of the Quran and consists of 19 (nineteen) verses, (Ayats) with 72 words, 67 totasl unique words without repititon and 296 letters. This is a Makkan surah & was revealed in the holy city of Makkah i.e., before Prophet ﷺ migrated to the city of Medina, approaximately during 613 – 615 AD. The first 7 Āyāt (verses) were revealed during the first years of Makkan life. One of the companions of Ali said that he prayed twenty consecutive nights behind him and he did not recite any Surah, except Surah A'la. Surat Al-A'lā is among the most recited suras in the Jummah and Witr prayers.

Al-A'la describes the Islamic view of existence, the Oneness of Allah, and Divine revelation, additionally mentioning rewards and punishments. Mankind often hides things from each other and from themselves as well. The sura reminds its readers that Allah knows the things that are declared and things that lie hidden. The final verse of this Sura affirms that a similar message was also revealed to Abraham and Moses in the scriptures. It’s main theme is emphasis that Surah Al-A'la is a comprehensive chapter of the Quran which encompasses the fundamentals of faith and the conditions of monotheism. It presents evidence of Allah's power and His unique oneness. It also affirms the prophethood of Muhammad (PNUH) through the revelation settled in his heart.

Period of Revelation

This Surah is one of the earliest Surahs revealed at Makkah, and the words: "We shall enable you to recite, then you shall never forget" of verse 6 also indicates that it was sent down in the period when the Prophet (pbuh) was not yet fully accustomed to receiving Revelation and, at the times Revelation came down, he feared he might forget the words.

Main Message of Surah:

Al-A'la describes the Islamic view of existence, the Oneness of Allah, and Divine revelation, additionally mentioning rewards and punishments. Mankind often hides things from each other and from themselves as well.

Major Issues, Divine Laws and Guidance in Surah:

Ø  Tawhid: Allah is Almighty, always glorify Him.

Ø  Allah has taken the responsibility off of Holy Prophet's memorization of the Qur'an by assuring him that he will not forget any portion of it.

Ø  Those who heed Allah's reminders will be successful in the Hereafter.

Theme of Suarah:

In the first verse, the doctrine of Tawhid is compressed into a single sentence, saying that Allah's name should be glorified and exalted and He should not be remembered by any name which might reflect a deficiency, fault, weakness, or likeness with created beings.

Then, the Prophet (pbuh) is told: "You are not responsible to bring everyone on to the right path; your only duty is to convey the message, and the simplest way of conveying the message is to admonish him who is inclined to listen to the admonition and accept it, and the one who is not inclined to it, should not be pursued. The one who fears the evil consequences of deviation and falsehood, will listen to the truth and accept it, and the wretched one who avoids listening to and accepting it, will himself see his evil end."

In conclusion, it is said that success is only for those who adopt purity of belief, morals and deed, and remember the name of their Lord and perform the Prayer. On the contrary however, most people are wholly lost in seeking the ease, benefits and pleasures of this worldly life, instead of endeavoring for their well being in the hereafter. The world is transitory and the Hereafter everlasting, and the blessings of the Hereafter are far better than the blessings of this world. This truth has not been expressed only in the Qur'an, but also in the books of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses).

Lessons of Surah:

Ø  Glorify Allāh frequently (Tasbīḥ). 

Ø  Allāh knows what is apparent and what is concealed. 

Ø  Remind people when the reminder will be beneficial. 

Ø  Successful is that person who has purified his heart, remembered Allāh and established ṣalāh. 

Ø  The Hereafter is better and more lasting than this temporary world, so working for it would be more logical.

Benefits of Surah:

Surah Al-Ala, describes the Islamic view of existence, the Oneness of Allah, and Divine revelation, mentioning rewards and punishments. The sura highlights that Allah knows both declared and hidden things. It is often recited in Jummah and Witr prayers and begins with the glorification of Allah. It’s benefits includes:

1. Spiritual Enlightenment

Surah Al-Ala is a profound source of spiritual enlightenment. It emphasizes:

a)      Recognition of Allah’s Greatness:

b) Appreciation of Creation: It draws attention to the intricacies of the world around us, urging believers to reflect upon the wonders of creation.

2. Reminder of the Hereafter

The Surah provides vivid imagery of the Day of Judgment:

Accountability: It reminds believers that they will be held accountable for their deeds, both good and bad.

Eternal Consequences: The Surah underscores the eternal nature of the Hereafter, where souls will either find eternal peace or face repercussions.

3. Psychological Peace

The rhythmic verses of Surah Al-Ala have therapeutic effects:

Alleviating Stress: The profound meanings embedded within the Surah can help dispel anxieties and worries.

Connection with the Divine: Reciting the Surah fosters a deeper connection with Allah.

4. Benefits of Regular Recitation

Engaging with Surah Al-Ala on a regular basis offers:

Protection: Many scholars believe that regular recitation serves as a shield against evil forces and harm.

Strengthened Faith: The Surah’s teachings can bolster one’s iman (faith), drawing the reciter closer to Allah.

5. Understanding the Creation

Surah Al-Ala offers insights into the marvels of creation:

Celestial Bodies: The Surah alludes to the heavens, stars, and other celestial entities, emphasizing their role in the grand scheme of creation.

Earthly Wonders: It also touches upon the wonders of the earth, from mountains to rivers, highlighting their significance and purpose.“And the earth and Him Who spread it.” – [Surah Al-Ala, Verse 12]

Summary of Surah Al Ala:

Al-A'la describes the Islamic view of existence, the Oneness of Allah, and Divine revelation, additionally mentioning rewards and punishments. Mankind often hides things from each other and from themselves as well. The sura reminds its readers that Allah knows the things that are declared and things that lie hidden. Surah A‘la starts by a discussion regarding the Glorification of God and what it means as well as a couple of attributes of God. The verses then go on to give examples of manifestations of the attribute of Lordship in this chapter. The verses then go on to discuss the Quran and its preservation and how God helps the Prophet (peace be on him and his household) to do this, some of the Prophet’s duties of Prophet-hood and the Quran being a reminder. This is followed by a short look into the fate of the evil-doers in the Hereafter and the position of it in comparison to the world.

Supplication

Ø  Lord! Clear our hearts from 'the love of the world’, the source of all vice.

Ø  O Lord! Always guide us on all routes to the path of development.

Ø  O Lord! You know the manifest and what is hidden, forgive us of our apparent and hidden sins with your Grace.

Researched & compiled by: 

OVAIS ASAD KHAN