SURAH AL-FAJR - Chapter: 89 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-FAJR Chapter. 89, 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).

English Translation:

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

1.By the dawn 2. And [by] ten nights 3. And [by] the even [number] and the odd 4. And [by] the night when it passes, 5. Is there [not] in [all] that an oath [sufficient] for one of perception? 6. Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with ‘Aad – 7.  [With] Iram – who had lofty pillars, 8. The likes of whom had never been created in the land? 9. And [with] Thamud, who carved out the rocks in the valley? 10.And [with] Pharaoh, owner of the stakes? – 11.  [All of] whom oppressed within the lands 12. And increased therein the corruption. 13.So your Lord poured upon them a scourge of punishment. 14. Indeed, your Lord is in observation. 15.And as for man, when his Lord tries him and [thus] is generous to him and favors him, he says, “My Lord has honored me.” 16. But when He tries him and restricts his provision, he says, “My Lord has humiliated me.” 17. No! But you do not honor the orphan 18. And you do not encourage one another to feed the poor. 19. And you consume inheritance, devouring [it] altogether, 20. And you love wealth with immense love. 21. No! When the earth has been leveled – pounded and crushed – 22. And your Lord has come and the angels, rank upon rank, 23. And brought [within view], that Day, is Hell – that Day, man will remember, but what good to him will be the remembrance? 24. He will say, “Oh, I wish I had sent ahead [some good] for my life.” 25. So on that Day, none will punish [as severely] as His punishment, 26. And none will bind [as severely] as His binding [of the evildoers]. 27. [To the righteous it will be said], “O reassured soul, 28. Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], 29. And enter among My [righteous] servants 30. And enter My Paradise.”

Introduction:

Al-Fajr (Arabic: الفجر, "The Dawn", "Daybreak") is the eighty-ninth chapter (surah) of the Quran, with 30 verses (Ayats), 584 letters, 139 words with 114 unique words without any repetition, The Surah was revealed between the period of 615-618 AD in Mecca. The surah describes destruction of disbelieving peoples: The Ancient Egyptians, the people of Iram of the Pillars, and Mada'in Saleh. Allah takes an oath by the time of Fajr which is particularly interesting. Fajr time signals the start of a new day. It signifies the time when birds and animals wake up, and so do those who want to seek the pleasure of their Lord. Some scholars have said that this oath refers to Islam. Allah then continues to take three more oaths, 2. by the Ten Nights 3. by the even and the odd, 4. by the passing night.

The Prophet ( ﷺ ) is reassured in this Meccan surah that the Arab pagans are not immune to the torments that befell 'Âd, Thamûd, and Pharaoh. A reference is made to the wicked who fail to be grateful in prosperity and patient in adversity. The evildoers will be regretful on Judgment Day, whereas the righteous will be honoured. Those who withhold Allah’s bounties are criticized in this Surah (verses 17-20)

Why was Surah Al Fajr revealed?

This Surah was revealed during the period when persecution of the new converts to Islam had begun in Makkah. The admonition for social welfare through the examples of prior nations. What should be avoided to do real social welfare? The Day of Judgement will be too late to heed the admonition. It condemns those who love wealth and look with disdain upon the poor and orphans. Righteous people are promised Paradise – the final verse says "And enter you My Paradise!".

Surah Al-Fajr Main Theme:

The theme of this Surah is to affirm the rewards and punishments in the Hereafter through swearing oaths by the dawn, the ten nights, the even and the odd, and the departing night, the disbelievers are told that these things are a symbol of the regularity that exists in the night and day, and swearing oaths by these the question has been asked: "Even after witnessing this wise system established by God, do you still need any other evidence to show that it is not beyond the power of that God Who has brought about this system to establish the Hereafter?" Reasoning is then given from man's own history. The evil end of 'Ad, Thamud and Pharaoh are cited as examples showing that when they transgressed and spread corruption in the land, Allah laid upon them the scourge of His chastisement. This is proof of the fact that the system of the universe is not being run by deaf and blind forces, but by a Wise Ruler, the demand of Whose wisdom and justice is continuously visible in man's own history.

After this, an appraisal of human society is made criticizing the materialistic attitude of people; they overlook the morality of good and evil; they regard only the achievement of worldly wealth, rank and position, or the absence of it, as the criterion of honor or disgrace; and have forgotten that neither riches are a reward nor poverty a punishment, but that Allah is trying man in both conditions to see what attitude he adopts when blessed with wealth and how he behaves when afflicted by poverty. This discourse is concluded with the assertion that accountability shall certainly be held and it will be held on the Day when the Divine Court will be established. At that time, the deniers of the judgement will be regretful, but their regrets will not save them from Allah's punishment. As for the people who have accepted the truth, which the Heavenly books and the Prophets are presenting to the world, Allah will be pleased with them and they will be well pleased with the rewards bestowed by Allah. They will be called upon to join the righteous and enter paradise.

In short it’s theme revolves around following important points

·         Faith and Gratitude

·         Warning against Arrogance and Disbelief

·         Transience of Worldly Affairs

·         Divine Justice and Retribution

·         Patience and Perseverance

·         Hope and Optimism

·         Trust in Divine Decree

·         Reflection on the Signs of Allah

Major Issues, Divine Laws and Guidance of the Surah:

Ø  The admonition for social welfare through the examples of prior nations

Ø  What should be avoided to do real social welfare?

Ø  The Day of Judgement will be too late to heed the admonition.

Benefits and Virtues & Teaching of Reciting Surah Al-Fajr

Surah Al-Fajr holds immense spiritual significance in Islam, and its regular recitation is accompanied by numerous blessings and virtues. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of reciting this chapter and highlighted its benefits for believers. Here are some of the virtues associated with reciting Surah Al-Fajr:

1.      Blessings and Barakah: Reciting Surah Al-Fajr brings blessings and barakah (divine blessings) into one’s life. It is believed that the dawn is a time of divine mercy and blessing, and reciting this chapter during this time amplifies its spiritual benefits.

2.      Protection from Evil: Surah Al-Fajr is said to offer protection from evil forces and negative influences. Its verses serve as a shield against spiritual and worldly harm, providing believers with divine protection and guidance.

3.      Spiritual Elevation: Regular recitation quran of Surah Al-Fajr elevates one’s spiritual state and strengthens their connection with Allah. Its profound messages inspire humility, gratitude, and piety, leading to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

4.      Forgiveness of Sins: Surah Al-Fajr serves as a means of seeking forgiveness for past sins and shortcomings. By reciting this chapter with sincerity and humility, believers can seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, purifying their hearts and souls.

5.      Increased Provision and Blessings: Reciting Surah Al-Fajr is believed to attract Allah’s blessings and increase one’s provision (rizq). It fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment, leading to abundance and prosperity in both spiritual and worldly matters.

6.      Reward in the Hereafter: The rewards for reciting Surah Al-Fajr extend beyond this worldly life. Believers who recite this chapter with sincerity and devotion will be rewarded abundantly in the Hereafter, with eternal blessings and paradise awaiting them.

7.      The last third of the night is the time for prayers to be answered. One should take advantage of this opportunity and pray Tahajjud and supplicate to God Almighty for whatever good he wants in this world and the hereafter; perhaps Allah Almighty will respond to him.

8.      When believers learn of God’s punishment of previous nations that disobeyed Him, they are committed to obeying God. Allah also punishes sinners in this life before punishing them in the afterlife.

9.      The believer must be patient when afflicted. He should be thankful to God Almighty in times of prosperity.

10.  Verses 17 and 18 urge us to honor the orphan and help those in need.

11.  Verse 24 encourages us to do good deeds and abstain from sins in worldly life so that we do not regret our actions in the afterlife.

12.  The verses teach us that God is severe in punishment for those who disobey Him and that He is the Most Merciful of those who obey Him and are patient in worshiping Him.

13.  Enhanced Mindfulness and Self-Reflection:

14.  Moral and Ethical Reinforcement: It reinforces and underscores the critical importance of maintaining good character and ethical behavior in all circumstances and situations.

15.  Stress Reduction: Surah Al-Fajr induce and promote a state of relaxation and calmness in readers.

16.  Cognitive Enhancement: Regular and consistent recitation of Surah Al-Fajr can positively influence and enhance cognitive functions in individuals.

Researched & Compiled By: 

OVAIS ASAD KHAN