Surah Al-Buruj – Chapter 85 - 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-BURUJ – Chapter 85. If you consider it a piece of learning do comment at the bottom of the blog. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen). Please do write comments about this blog at its bottom.

English Translation:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. By the heaven holding the big stars. 2. And by the Promised Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). 3. And by the Witnessing day (i.e. Friday), and by the Witnessed day [ i.e. the day of ‘Arafat (Hajj) the ninth of Dhul- Hijjah]; 4. Cursed were the people of the Ditch (in the story of the Boy and the King). 5. Of fire fed with fuel, 6. When they sat by it (fire), 7. And they witnessed what they were doing against the believers (i.e. burning them). 8. And they had no fault except that they believed in Allah, the All- Mighty, Worthy of all Praise! 9. To Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness over everything. 10. Verily, those who put into trial the believing men and believing women (by torturing them and burning them), and then do not turn in repentance (to Allah), then they will have the torment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the burning Fire. 11. Verily, those who believe and do righteous good deeds, for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise). That is the great success. 12. Verily, (O Muhammad (saas) the Seizure (punishment) of your Lord is severe and painful. 13. Verily, He it is Who begins (punishment) and repeats (punishment in the Hereafter) (or originates the creation of everything, and then repeats it on the Day of Resurrection). 14. And He is Oft- Forgiving, full of love (towards the pious who are real true believers of Islamic Monotheism), 15. Owner of the throne, the Glorious, 16. (He is the) Doer of whatsoever He intends (or wills). 17. Has the story reached you of the hosts, 18. Of Fir‘aun  Pharaoh) and Thamûd? 19. Nay! The disbelievers (persisted) in denying (Prophet Muhammad (saas) and his Message of Islamic Monotheism). 20. And Allah encompasses them from behind! (i.e. all their deeds are within His Knowledge, and He will require them for their deeds). 21. Nay! This is a Glorious Qur’an, 22. (Inscribed) in Al- Lauh Al- Mahfûz (The Preserved Tablet)!

Introduction:

Surah Al-Buruj (chapter 85 of the Qur'an) was revealed in Makkah, it has 22 verses (Ayaats) with 109 words out of which 99 are unique words without repition and have 469 letters. It was revealed during the period of 616-618 AD approximately. The subject matter itself indicates that this Surah was sent down at Makkah in the period when persecution of the Muslims was at its climax and the disbelievers of Makkah were trying their utmost by tyranny and coercion to turn away the new converts from Islam & bring them back to their former religion of idol worship. The word "Al-Buruj" in the first verse is usually translated as 'stars', or more specifically, 'great stars'. The word Al-Buruj is the plural of Burj, which means fort or tower; something that can be seen from a distance. The name of the Surah is taken from the oath which occurred in the beginning verse. Surah Buruj is one of the chapters of the 30th part of the Quran. it begins with a few oaths and then indicates a group of people known as the People of Ukhdud who would persecute the believers by throwing them into ditches of fire. The verses go on to indicate the reason for their persecution and describe the punishment and rewards that await the disbelievers and believers and cite examples of the former. The chapter ends with a brief indication of the Quran and its attributes.

Background of the Surah:

The background is the pit incident, when a community of believers who lived before the advent of Islam, said to be Unitarian Christians, were faced by ruthless and tyrannical enemies who sought to force them away from their faith. The believers refused. The tyrants then lit a great fire in a pit they had dug, and threw them into it. The believers were thus burnt to death in front of large crowds that had gathered to witness this ghastly act of extermination. The tyrants sat by, amused by the believers’ sufferings.

Theme of the Surah:

Its theme is to warn the disbelievers of the evil consequences of the persecution and tyranny that they were perpetrating on the converts to Islam, and to console the believers, so as to say: "If you remain firm and steadfast against tyranny and coercion, you will be rewarded richly for it, and Allah will certainly avenge Himself on your persecutors on your behalf.

his Surah warns the disbelievers of the evil consequences of persecution and tyranny and consoles the believers that if they remain firm and steadfast against tyranny and coercion, they will be rewarded for it, and Allah Himself will avenge their persecutors. In this connection, the story of the people of the ditch (Ashab al-Ukhdud), who had burnt the believers to death by casting them into pits full of fire is related. By means of this story the believers and the disbelievers have been taught a few lessons:

·         That just as the people of the ditch became worthy of Allah's curse and punishment, the chiefs of Makkah are also becoming worthy of it.

·         That just as the believers at that time had willingly accepted to sacrifice their lives by being burnt to death in the pits of fire instead of turning away from their faith, so also should the believers now endure every persecution and never give up faith.

·         That Allah, to Whom belongs the Kingdom of the earth and heavens, is Praiseworthy and is watching what the two groups are striving for.

Therefore, the disbelievers will not only be punished in Hell for their disbelief but, in addition to that, they also will suffer punishment by fire as a fit recompense for their tyranny and cruelty. The believers who are firm in their belief and do good deeds will go to paradise. This indeed is the supreme success. Then the disbelievers are warned that Allah's grip is very severe. If they are proud of the strength of their hosts, they should know that the hosts of Pharaoh and Thamud were even stronger and more numerous. Therefore, they should learn a lesson from the fate these people of the past met. No one can escape Allah's jurisdiction and the Qur'an that they are belying is unchangeable: it is inscribed in the Preserved Tablet, which cannot be destroyed in any way.

The main lesson of Surah Al-Buruj:

On the whole, this is a Surah of resistant perseverance, and patience from the side of the believers against the persecutions of the enemies, amongst which the promise Allah's victory is found. The name of the Surah is taken from the oath which occurred in the beginning verse of the Surah.

 

Major Issue, Divine Law and Guidance of Surah:

Those who torture the believers will be given the punishment of conflagration on the Day of Judgement

He Who created you for the first time will bring you back to life again for accountability.

The Virtue in Studying This Surah

Ø  There is a tradition from the Prophet (S) for the virtue of this Surah which says: "Allah will give reward for the good-deeds ten times the number of all people gathered in 'Friday Prayer' and all people gathered on the day of 'Arafah (the ninth day of Zilhajj), to the person who studies this Surah. Its recitation saves man from fears.” These rewards fit in with the content of the Surah and it also confirms that these rewards belong to those who study the Surah, then contemplate on it and act accordingly.

Ø  Its recitation saves man from fears.”

Ø  Holy Prophet sallal laahu alaihi wasallam said that the one who recites this surah will be near the Prophets and Messengers on the Day of Judgement.

Ø  Reciting this Surah saves one from dangers and if recited before sleeping, one is kept under the protection of Allah (S.w.T.) for the whole night.

Ø  When trying to wean a baby (stop it from breastfeeding and start eating solid foods), Surah Buruj should be written and tied as a talisman around the baby’s neck.

Ø  Recitation of Surah Buruj is a cures piles.

Ø  One who recite Surah Al-Buruj is also kept safe from danger

Ø  Recite for safety from one who speaks evil.

 Benefits:

 Surah Buruj is a chapter of the Quran that contains many powerful verses about healing. It is full of blessings and virtues, and offers many benefits for those who recite it.

Below are some of the key benefits of Surah Buruj:

Ø  The recitation of Surah Buruj can heal physical and emotional illnesses.

Ø  It can protect us from harm and ward off evil spirits.

Ø  It can help us to find peace and solace in difficult times.

Ø  It is a source of strength and support for the believer.

Ø  Reciting Surat Buruj can help us to draw closer to Allah, increase our faith & understanding of Quran.

Ø  When you recite Surah Buruj, you are invoking the protection and healing of Allah. The verses of this surah are filled with blessings and healing properties, which can help protect you from harm and illness.

Ø  Reciting Surah Buruj benefits are also a means of acquiring Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. It is a way of seeking refuge in Allah from all forms of evil and harm.

Ø  The verses of this chapter are a reminder of the power and majesty of Allah. As you recite them, you come into His presence and receive His blessings.

Ø  Surat Buruj also brings healing to your heart and soul. It is a source of comfort in times of stress and anxiety, and it brings you closer to Allah.

Ø  Increase in faith and righteousness: The surah reminds us of the importance of following the guidance of the Quran and the Prophet (PBUH) and encourages us to be righteous.

Ø  Protection from the trials and tribulations of this life: The surah reminds us that ultimately, success is in the hands of God and that He will protect those who put their trust in Him.

Ø  Increase in knowledge: The surah reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge, and it is believed that reciting it will increase one’s knowledge and understanding of the faith.

Ø  Increase in blessings and rewards in the afterlife: The surah reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our actions in this life, as we will be held accountable for them in the hereafter.

Ø  Protection from Allah’s punishment: The surah speaks about the day of judgment, and it is believed that reciting it will protect one from Allah’s punishment on the day of judgment

Ø  Forgiveness of sins: It is believed that reciting Surah Al Buruj will lead to the forgiveness of one’s sins.

It is important to note that these benefits are based on Islamic tradition and belief, and may vary from person to person. The most important benefit of reciting any surah from the Quran is that it is a way of connecting to Allah and seeking His guidance and blessings. There are several wazaif (liturgical formulas) that are associated with Surah Al Buruj in Islamic tradition. Some of these include:

Ø  Reciting the surah 11 times every day after the morning prayer, and then blowing on one’s self, family, and wealth. This is believed to bring protection and increase wealth.

Ø  Reciting the surah 7 times after the evening prayer, and then blowing on one’s self, family, and wealth. This is believed to bring protection from the trials and tribulations of this life, and increase knowledge and understanding of the faith.

Ø  Reciting the surah 11 times every day before going to bed, and then blowing on one’s self, family, and wealth. This is believed to bring peace and protection in night.

Ø  Reciting the surah for 3 times after the evening prayer, and then blowing on one’s self, family, and wealth. This is believed to bring peace and protection.

Ø  Reciting the surah 41 times in the morning and evening after the Salah and then blowing on oneself and the family, it is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, protection from all problems, increase in knowledge, and forgiveness of sins.

It’s important to note that these are traditional practices, and reciting Quran with understanding and implementing it in daily life is more beneficial than just reciting it for specific benefits.

Summary of Surah Buruj

Surah Buruj begins with a few important oaths and continues with an indication to the People of the Ditches of Fire or ‘Ukhdud.’ Although it is not known exactly which group of people in history this refers to, the Quran goes on to describe the reason why these people were burning the believers, i.e. their belief. The verses then describe the punishment that awaits the groups who torture the believers and deny God. The chapter ends with a brief description of the Quran.

Thus, Surah Buruj serves as a timeless source of inspiration, offering solace, guidance, and spiritual strength to those who engage with its verses. Its narrative of resilience in the face of oppression resonates across time, reminding believers of the enduring power of faith. By incorporating the recitation and reflection of Surah Al-Buruj into one’s life, individuals can draw upon its benefits for spiritual growth, protection, and a deepened connection with the profound stories of faith encapsulated within the Holy Quran.

Researched & Compiled by:

OVAIS ASAD KHAN