The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

114 – Al Naas – The Human Beings Sura Al Naas and Sura Al Falaq are known as Maudhatayn (The two protectors). Both were revealed simultaneously. Between Al Falaq and Al Naas there are 5 'sharrs' (evils – that which cause harm) from which protection is sought. Here the most deadly of them is mentioned – 'was waas' – subtle negative whisperings by the greatest of 'haasid's'  (jealous one) – Shaytan. There are 9 inner whispering that cause evil: greed, expectations, worldly desires, acquisition, affliction, pride, belittling others, desire for acknowledgement and admiration and stinginess. Refuge is sought from these in Allah, manifested in different ways – by having trust in Allah, remembering Allah and accountability, recognising less is more, seeing the good in a situation, having humanity, considering the honour of others and having humility and generosity.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

113 – Al Falaq – The Daybreak Sura Al Naas and Sura Al Falaq are known as Maudhatayn (The two protectors). Both were revealed simultaneously. Between Al Falaq and Al Naas there are 5 'sharrs' (evils – that which cause harm) from which protection is sought. This sura acknowledges Allah's power to bring light into the darkness and discusses seeking refuge in Him from the potential of the evil of creation, utter darkness (ignorance), 'blowing on knots' (sorcery) and from those who are jealous. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

112 – Al Ikhlaas – The Purity of Belief The constant question of 'who is Allah?' Is answered by saying that Allah is:  'Al-Ahad' – The Unique  'Al-Samad' – eternal One who does not father nor is fathered and  One who is  incomparable and has no equal.  The aim is to transcend the relative and submit and fall in love with The Absolute Reality. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

111 – Al Lahab – The Flame Abu Lahab, the father of flames, and his wife are used as an example of people who believed that they were independent of God, He had wealth, power, arrogance and a tongue as hot and sharp as flames.  They used this to torment the Prophet and destroyed themselves in the process, teaching that by starting a fire harassing others, one can find oneself in one's own   fire and neither wealth nor power will  assist. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

110 – Al Nasr – The Divine Help The chapter celebrates the unique conquest of Makka where there was no bloodshed, safety for all and the cleansing of the Ka'ba of its idols. The majority of the region's tribes had converted to Islam. The chapter therefore begins with the cleansing of the external house (The Ka'ba) and ends with a directive of how to celebrate this victory which can only be done with the purification of the internal house (the heart) with declaring His perfection, gratitude and praise of Divinity and seeking forgiveness.  We manifest the directive of this sura in the two prostrations in Salaa. In Sajda we declare His perfection with Sub-haan and express our gratitude and praise with His Hamd. In between the prostrations we ask for forgiveness through Istighfaar. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

109 – Al Kaafirun – Those Who Cover Up The whole chapter is a direct address to those who defiantly covered up the truth and rejected Divine guidance.  It was revealed in response to a proposal from the leaders of Makka, who approached the Prophet and offered a compromise of worshipping each others Gods in alternate years and/or to abandon his religion in exchange for wealth, women and position. The Quraysh did not reject the concept of a Divine Creator but they did not wish to be dictated by Divinity and wished to make up their own rules.  The Prophet went up to them and addressed them with this chapter, creating a unique identity based on religion (deen – that which one has based his life on). Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

108 – Al Kawthar – The Positive Abundance It was a fundamental Arab goal to have sons. Father and sons would raid other tribes. Fathers considered their daughters a burden because they could not fight and risked falling into enemy hands, which would tarnish the tribes honour. This mindset caused the Makkan men to assume that Islam would endure only in name after the Prophet's death as he had no son to protect his legacy.  The Prophet (pbuh) had a son called Ibraheem, born to Maria Qibtiyya who died when he was 18 months old. His two sons from Sayyida Khadija (Qasim & Tahir) had also died in infancy. Some people including his uncle Abu Lahab taunted him, calling him 'Abtar' which means an animal without a tail – one who had no succession.  The pain of losing his son was extenuated by those who celebrated saying his legacy would die with him. This chapter was revealed in reply to those who taunted the Prophet (pbuh) and gives consolation to him and expounds on the immense favours given to him which would be timeless and immeasurable. His succession and legacy  of the Ahlulbayt through Sayyida Fatima, the Qur'an and the stream of Kawthar in Janna. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

107 – Al Maa'un – The Smallest Act of Kindness The chapter takes its name from the word Maa'un in the last verse which means 'the plate upon which food is served' and in its broader sense any act of kindness, charity or assistance.  A narration states that Abu Sufyan was in the habit of slaughtering two camels every week. One day an orphan came asking him for something and he responded by hitting him with a stick. The chapter admonishes those who do not themselves feed the needy and those who encourage others not to either.  If they do pray or do good it is only to increase their reputation.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

106 – Al Quraysh – The Quraysh Al Quraysh is a Makki chapter which takes its name from the people of Makka. The first two verses are a reminder to the Quraysh of the blessings they have received from Divinity as a means of sustenance.  The last two verses provide the central theme of the chapter in submitting to Divinity from whom all prosperity and protection comes.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

105 – Al Feel – The Elephant The chapter takes its title from the discussion of the companions of the elephant whose destruction it relates.  The general who ruled Yemen named Abraha, had built an opulent  church in Sana'a in order to divert pilgrims from the Ka'ba in Makka. A narration states that a few members of the Quraysh had gone to Yemen and defiled the church.   When the the visitations to the Ka'ba were not abandoned, he sent an army with an elephant to destroy the Ka'ba. Divinity protected the Ka'ba by sending a swarm of birds that pelted the army destroying them.   This chapter and the next (Al Quraysh 106) are a pair which together are a warning to the Quraysh that they were protected not because of their status but because Allah wished to protect the Ka'ba and to make way for the coming of His final messenger. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

104 – Al Humazaa – The Backbiters The chapter takes its title from the condemnation of every slandering backbiter in the first verse.  It is  a personality trait of one who amasses wealth  and is overly concerned with others; finding flaws or making them up to cover his own weaknesses and insecurities.  The chapter ends with the punishment that awaits the one who destroys another character and integrity for personal gain. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

103 – Al 'Asr – The Time Time is the greatest evidence of loss and the witness of one's life works. Time is the object of the oath. The sura encapsulates success in three verses. Successful time management is described as: Having faith in Divinity. Manifesting the faith as good deeds (serving humanity). Counselling one another to the truth (the right thing to do). Counselling one another to persevere and patience (in standing for the truth). The word wa (which means 'and') between each of the 4 conditions denotes that all four are necessary for success. When the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) used to meet one another, they only departed until one of them recited Suratul  'Asr to the other and they bid peace upon one another. They did not want to forget or become heedless of the essential message of success. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

102 – Al Takaathur – The Negative Abundance The chapter takes its title from the first verse which begins with the distraction from reality that the competition of wanting more wealth and children does. Historically  it referred to the clans of the Quraysh who competing with each other even counted their dead to prove that they were greater in the size of their clans. The first two verses speak of the delusion of hoarding wealth whilst the remaining verses promise that those who persist in such behaviour will bear the consequences of the fire with certainty.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

101 – Al Qaariaah – The Calamity The chapter begins with the total chaos on the day of judgement starting with the disturbing noise of an explosion which will send shock waves. Human beings will be confused and dispersed like moths and all stability will be lost (metaphor of mountains becoming weightless like carded wool). The last six verses contrast the recompense of one whose scales are heavy with good deeds to the one whose scales are light.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

100 – Al 'Aadiyaat – The Competing Horses The sura begins with five oaths by various forms of charging horses which was an attention seeking scenario. Their passion was battle horses in battle just as today there is fast car racing.  The next three verses discuss the human being and his ingratitude towards Allah. The focus is that the  human being is motivated when it comes to competing in worldly endeavours but there is a lack of motivation in pursuing humanitarian and spiritual ventures. The last three verses warn that Allah is aware of all things and that on the day of judgement one will have to answer for what lies within one's chest.  Begins with one who doesn't care about consequences – ends with Divinity's  awareness of all intentions and actions. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

099 – Al Zilzaal – The Earthquake The chapter takes its name from the reference to the repeatedly violent shaking of the earth in the first verse after which it will expel all her burdens as ordered by Allah. The last three verses detail the final judgement in which every good and evil deed will be exposed.  The Prophet said; "Be aware of the sins that are belittled, for indeed they will be taken into account by Allah." Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

098 – Al Bayyina – The Clear Evidence The chapter begins with an assertion that those who covered up the truth will not stop opposing the Prophet until there was clear indisputable evidence.  Divinity responds with Bayyina (Undisputable clear evidence) which is a flawless  Prophet reciting Divine signs with such clarity that  there was no room for ambiguity. The chapter ends contrasting the fate of those who covered up the truth and opposed to the `prophet to those who believed.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

097 – Al Qadr – The Measure / Decree The sura focuses on the night of Qadr which is the inauguration of the revelation of the Qur'an when a speck of Divinity came down to the earth. The Qur'an was revealed on the night of Qadr as a whole to the Prophets heart (26:193,194)  and then piecemeal over the next 23 years as the occasion demanded. The magnitude of the Message, the Messenger and the Time of the message is immeasurable.  The night is  described to be better than an 1000 months which is figuratively better than a lifetime. The angelic forces bring limitless opportunities with the heart of the human being opening according to his capacity and his aspirations to reach his full potential. All affairs for the year are decreed on that night  and there is peace (a realisation of safety and serenity in both the worlds)  on this night until daybreak. It is said to be any odd night in  the last 10 days of Ramadhan, with greater emphasis on the 23rd night. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

096 – Al 'Alaq – The Clot Which Clings The chapter begins with the first five verses revealed to the Prophet through the angel Jibraail in the cave of Hira on the mountain of light where he used to go to meditate. This began the journey of the revelation of the Qur'an.  The chapter starts with an exhortation of reading, learning and writing for closeness to Allah is only achieved through knowledge and understanding. It continues  with the cause of rebelliousness which is arrogance and a lack of intellectual humility when approaching Divine words.  A historical example of one who perceived himself to be independent of Divinity follows with the consequences of his actions.  Finally the sura ends with the order to prostrate in total submission. This is an obligatory sajda of recitation (verse 19). Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

095 – Al Teen – The Fig Among the Arabs of that era, figs and olives held a distinguished and unique place. The fig tree and the olive tree are both known for their resilience. The chapter's first two oaths point out that these plants have the best 'taqweem' (best of moulds) to rise, be strong and grow in perfection. Mt Sinai and Makka in the next two oaths are the regions from where most of the Prophets (best of human beings). The conclusion to the oaths follows  in  that the human being has been created in the best of moulds (taqweem which connotes a state of growing, rising and perfection) but can descend to be the lowest except for those who believe and manifest their belief in serving humanity – a message similar to Suratul 'Asr (103). The reward is in proportion to the ascension. The chapter ends with reminder that Allah's 'hukm' is the law and order he has devised for human beings and we will reap what we sow. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

094 – Al Inshiraah – The Expansion The chapter is a continuation of Sura Al Dhuhaa (93) and  begins with a reminder of the blessing that Allah has bestowed upon the Prophet of strengthening him spiritually to be able to undertake the mammoth task of conveying the Divine message. This is followed by the reassurance that every difficulty is co joined with two eases and the command to continually strive in His way towards one's full potential.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

093 – Al Dhuhaa – The Early Morning Light The chapter begins with an oath on the soothing morning light akin to revelation. The next oath is about the stillness of the night when it comes alluding to the period of time when there was a pause in revelation which saddened the Prophet. The wife of Abu Lahab – Umm Jameela taunted him telling him that his God had forsaken him.  The chapter continues with an assertion from Divinity that He has not abandoned him nor is He unhappy  with him. It continues to remind the Prophet of Allah's limitless grace and support for him. The main theme of the chapter is consolation to the Prophet ending with an exhortation to care for the orphans, never to rebuke the one who asks and to proclaim Divine blessings.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

092 – Al Layl – The Night The first two oaths of the contrasting day and night allude to the third oath which draws our attention to the diverse deeds of the human being which are the sum total of our endeavours. The virtues of generosity, God consciousness and beauty of morals values facilitate ease whilst stinginess, a perception of independence of Divinity and rejection of righteousness leads to hardship.  The chapter clearly lays out two paths – good and evil and the free will and knowledge granted to human beings to make a choice. It ends with the consequences of these two diverse courses.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

091 – Al Shams – The Sun The chapter begins with  seven oaths; six phenomena to do with the Sun paving the way for the existence of the human being in the seventh. Allah swears by the sun's brightness, the moon that follows it, the day that reveals it, the night that hides it, the sky that holds it, the heavens and Earth, and the perfection and complexity of the soul. There is an ability to choose between good and evil. The soul can succeed through good and fail through evil. A historical example of the people of Thamud is given who rejected the truth  because of their arrogance. The whole community suffered as a consequence. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

090 – Al Balad – The City The chapter takes its title from 'This Land' –  with reference to the city of Makka – the focal point towards which all Muslims turn to (although it could refer to the earth in totality).  Then the best of cities is followed by an oath of the best of human beings – the Prophet as its resident.  Then every parent and child leads into the answer to the oath  that every human being is created in a state of  struggle and  hardship. It then reproaches the human being for failing to put his faculties and wealth to proper use by thinking that he is not accountable. He wastes his wealth and boasts about it. Divinity reminds him that he is watched,  This is followed by instructions as to how one should act describing the path as a steep difficult road entailing some of the challenges – to free one who is shackled, feeding on days of hunger, assisting orphans and the destitute. The chapter ends with a contrast between the companions of the right hand who advise to patience, perseverance, compassion and forgiveness  and the companions of the left who cover up this truth.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

089 – Al Fajr – The Dawn The chapter begins with a series of oath to reflect on starting with the dawn which denotes a beginning, followed by 10 nights without the definite Al and therefore could have several connotations. The even and the odd may refer to the merging of duality into one in the night prayer and finally the night when it departs suggesting that all creation is in constant motion and ignorance departs when we awaken to the dawn of reality. The destruction  of Aad, Thamud and Firawn because of their arrogance and corruption follows with a discussion of the tendency of the human being to relate wealth and ease to honour from Divinity. A rebuke to the stingy who  do  not honour the orphan, or encourage the feeding of the poor, eating the inheritance of others and loving wealth with excessive love. There follows the regret of the defiant rejectors of Divinity and finally an address to the tranquil soul who returns to His Master having reached his full potential and gains the acceptance and pleasure of Divinity with an invitation to enter into His Janna. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

088 – Al Ghaashiya – That Which Covers Entirely The chapter begins with a comparison of the torments suffered in the fire of those who rejected Divinity and accountability  to the bliss of the gardens enjoyed by those who submitted to Divinity. In essence a tour of Jahannam and Janna.  It then directs the reader to reflect on Allah's creation from the camel to the raising of the skies, stability of the mountains and spreading of the earth. The chapter concludes by reminding the Prophet that he is a warner and not responsible for those who defiantly refuse to accept Divine guidance. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

087 – Al A'laa – The Most High The chapter begins with an order to glorify (declare the perfection of ) Allah whilst reflecting on His Creative Ability and perfection and guidance for each human being to reach His full potential.  This is followed by an order to continuously remind the human being of purpose of life as it serves as a benefit. The chapter then continues to show the contrast between those who heed the Qur'an and those who don't concluding with a warning to those who prefer the world.  Finally, there is an affirmation of the timeless universal message of the Qur'an which is also found in previous revelations.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

086 – Al Taariq – The Brilliant Star The chapter begins with oaths on the sky and the brilliant laser sharp night star implying that that the sky is a witness and the night star both guidance and a witness akin to a camera in the sky. Within every soul is a beacon that emits light energy that penetrates everything. A reflection on the origin of the human being as he forgets his beginning continues to his return to Divinity and the exposure and testing of all secrets. 2 more oaths on the rain giving skies and the splitting of the earth leads into a final warning not to the the Quran lightly and an address to the Prophet to leave the rejectors of truth to Divinity to sort out.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

085 – Al Burooj – The Forts in the Heavens The chapter begins with a short series of oaths on the tall forts of angels in the skies who will come out row after row on the day of Qiyama. The axis of the chapter is verse 3 "I swear by the witness and the witnessed" which emphasises that everything is witnessed.  It summarises the core beliefs in Allah, angels, the Messengers, the Qur'an and the Day of Qiyama. All are witnesses and are witnessed at different times. It is followed by the story of the companions  of the pit who were from Yemen  who persecuted those who believed by throwing them into a pit of fire. Their crime was witnessed and will be dealt with justly. The consequence of Jahannam as a result of those who are unjust and do not repent is contrasted to  the recompense of Janna for those who believe and manifest their belief with righteous deeds. The awesome attributes of Divinity follow – The Originator, The Oft Forgiving, The Loving,  The Master of the Throne Who does what He wills. Then the story of Pharaoh and Thamud whose arrogance was ultimately destroyed. Finally, the gloriousness of the Qur'an preserved for eternity. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

084 – Al Inshiqaaq – The Tearing Apart The chapter begins with the cosmic chaos  that will transpire  on the day of Judgement from the tearing apart of the sky to the stretching of the earth which will empty itself of everything in it. All because they have no choice but to obey their Master (Creator). There is then a statement around which the chapter evolves that every human being will meet his striving.  The chapter then contrasts the reaction of those who will receive their book in their right hands and those who will receive it behind their backs on the day of Judgement.       This is followed by a series of oaths on the  twilight to the covering of the night to the stages of the moon alluding to the stages of life from non existence to life, death and resurrection.  The chapter ends with the disparity between the final end of those who reject Divine guidance to those who believe.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

083 – Al Mutaffifeen – The Cheaters The chapter takes its name from the first verse which refers to those who cheat. A Mutaffif is one who sneakily short changes others. More generally, it refers to those who demand that their rights be observed but are not willing to recognise the rights of others or those who see faults in others but not in themselves. Beginning with the condemnation of those who cheat because they reject accountability and mock Divine signs, the chapter then provides a contrast of the fate of the rebellious and the rewards of the God conscious.  It concludes with a discussion on the fate of those who mocked the Prophet and his followers.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

082 – Al Infitaar – The Tearing Lengthwise The chapter begins with the tearing or splitting of the sky as if it were gates, the shutting down of the stars, the boiling of the seas and the opening of the graves as the marks of the day of judgement. Like other chapters about the day of judgement, it is where the heavens and the earth are turned inside out.  This is followed by the statement that every soul will know what it has sent ahead and held back (what it prioritised in its life on earth). The chapter continues with an appeal from Divinity to the human being asking what deluded him from thinking that he was independent of Divinity. This is followed by a warning of accountability on the day of judgement.  The chapter ends with a statement that the will of Allah will prevail and the powerlessness of the human being.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

081 – Al Takweer – The Folding Over The chapter takes its name from the first verse which refers to the folding of the sun upon itself describing one of twelve graphic images of the occurrences of the day of judgement. It suggests an inversion of the apparent order of the creation of the world. The twelve signs lead to the declaration that every soul will know on that  day what it has presented (its life works and legacy). The second section of the chapter begins with three oaths on the stars, the night and the day alluding to the guidance of the revelation of the Qur'an through Jibraail and its effect on the human soul.  The chapter focuses  to the book of deeds and the book of guidance alluding to the success of life works being dependant on following Divine guidance. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

080 – Al 'Abasa – He Frowned The first ten verses refer to an incident regarding a blind man called Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum who was one of the first Muslims. He taught the Qur'an to many people and was a Muadhdhin. The Prophet, trying to protect the Muslims from harassment from the Quraysh elite, had a meeting with them to convince them to submit to Divinity. The blind man interrupted the meeting and the elite expressed their discomfort and Allah admonishes them. The chapter continues to the book of records written by the angels and the Qur'an as a powerful reminder. It then transitions into reflection on the bounties provided by Divinity and concludes with a reminder of the contrasting fate of those who believe versus those who defiantly rebel against Allah.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

079 – Al Naaziaat – Those who pull out with force The chapter begins with 5 oaths which refer  to amongst other things  the resistance  of the souls by angels at the time of death or the resistance of the soul when embarking upon a spiritual  journey to worldly attachments.  The subject of the oaths is the reality of the day of judgement whose description follows as a day when everything will shake, the hearts will be agitated, the eyes deprived of sleep and all humankind gathered. The arrogance and agitation of Pharaoh at seeing the miracles of Prophet Musa follows as an example of one who denied accountability. After a reflection on creation as evidence of Allah's ability to resurrect. The sura ends with focusing on the human beings remembrance of all his efforts and contrasting the fate of those who reject the truth to those who are God conscious. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

078 – Al Nabaa – The News The chapter begins with those who did not believe in resurrection. It continues by pointing out physical signs that should make the truth evident to those with intellect. It then discusses the condition of the Day of Resurrection referring to it as the Day of Decision when everything is exposed and each one of us will be reconstructed according to our intention and actions in the world. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

077 – Al Mursalaat – Those which are sent (winds) The chapter begins with oaths on the different aspects of winds – raging hurricanes to those which distribute provision and an oath on the angels who bring down revelation.. A reminder that Divinity controls life through the winds and enough of a sign to know that what has been promised will happen (the day of Judgement).  A graphic description follows with the first appearance of the phrase "Woe (destruction)  to those who deny the truth" which is repeated ten times affirming that the unjust of all generations will meet the same end. Reflection on creation as a sign of Allah's power is followed by the contrast of the fate of those who reject the truth to the rewards of the God conscious.  The chapter ends with a final warning to those who covered up the truth and refused to pray and believe. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

076 – Al Insaan – The Human Being The chapter takes its title from the mention of the human being in the first verse. It is also called "Hal Ataa' (Has there not come) from its first two words. Another couple of names are Al Dahr (Endless time) and Al Abraar (the Righteous) referring to its discussions on the recompense of the walking talking righteous.  It begins with the purpose of life being gratefulness followed by the consequences of being ungrateful. Then continues in verses 5-22 to describe the recompense of the walking talking righteous with the example of the family of Imam Ali, Sayyida Fatima, Imam Hasan, Imam Husayn and Fizza. Imam Hasan and Husayn were unwell and the Prophet suggested that Imam Ali make a vow and supplicate for their recovery. The whole family vowed to fast for three days. The family fasted the first day. Imam Ali for some barley which Fatima ground to flour and used a third to make bread. At the time of breaking the fast a needy person came to the door asking for food and they gave all they had breaking their fast with water. The following day an orphan came followed by a captive on the third day and they gave their bread and breaking their fasts with water. It is after this that these verses were revealed with Jibrail congratulating the Prophet about his family.  The chapter ends with the indication of the gradual manner of the revelation of the Qur'an, and instructions to the Prophet to be patient in the face of the opposition, not to take heed of the ungrateful, remembering Allah at every moment, and the night prayer.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

075 – Al Qiyama – The Day of Judgement The chapter begins with a negation of all philosophies about resurrection and an oath on the day of Qiyama (judgement, resurrection) focusing on painting a graphic picture of the day of resurrection. It rebukes those who deny Judgement and emphasises the preservation and clarity of the Qur'an is upon Divinity. The chapter ends with the inevitability of death with a detailed description of the last moments of human being and a reflection on his beginning and creation with a purpose. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

074 – Al Muddathir – The Covered One The chapter focuses on the task of the Prophet as a warner to those who denied revelation. It begins with the order from divinity to persevere in transmitting the awesomeness of the Creator regardless of opposition. The historical example of Waleed ibn Mugheera follows. He was well known for his eloquence, intelligence and wealthy status amongst the Arabs. He recognised the uniqueness and greatness of revelation but could not declare it for it would mean losing his status. His thinking, plotting and subsequent allegations is captured by Divinity. This is followed by oaths alluding to the light of revelation, removing the darkness of ignorance. The chapter ends with the conversation of the inmates of Jahannam with the inmates of Janna explaining why they found themselves in Jahannam. Divinity concludes by saying that they ran away from revelation like donkeys from a lion. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

073 – Al Muzzammil – The Wrapped One The chapter takes its name from the address to the Prophet by Divinity when he wrapped himself in his cloak in awe of the new revelations. It is a very early Makki chapter revealed straight after the first verses of Sura Al Alaq and Sura Al Qalam.  The first nine verses establish the awesomeness of the night vigil continuing to tell the Prophet not to worry about those who deny him as Allah will deal with them on the day of Accountability.  A graphic picture of the day of judgement follows with the shaking of the mountains and the tearing of the skies which would age children.  The last verse removes the obligation of the night vigil, enjoining amongst other things the establishing of salaa and giving zakaa.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

071 – Nuh – Noah Although the chapter is named after Prophet Nuh, it does not tell his entire story. What we glean from this chapter is that Allah instructs him to warn his people with the message that resonates throughout the Qur'an – Submit to Divinity and follow Divine guidance to achieve your full potential.  It urges them to forgiveness and reflection on creation.  The chapter then narrates Prophet Nuh's complaints about his people and ends with a dua for forgiveness.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

072 – Al Jinn – The Jinn Before the revelation of the Qur'an, the Jinn used to eavesdrop on snatches of information they heard in the lowest heavens between the angels. Suddenly they found that they could no longer intercept the messages, and found angels set as guards shooting meteorites at them if they went any way near. Distressed, they realised that it could only be as a result of a major event and searched the globe. A group heard the Prophet (pbuh) and realised that it was the revelation of the Qur'an and went back to their community to report their findings and complain about how they were deceived by their 'teacher' Iblees (Shaytan). The chapter continues with their account about themselves and a response from Divinity asking the Prophet to declare to them that he is the Prophet.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

070 – Al Ma'aarij – The Stairway The chapter begins with a rebuke to the one asked mockingly to hasten the punishment of retribution for covering up the truth. It follows with a description of the day of judgement for those who lacked humanity and hoarded wealth refusing to believe in accountability and then the three verses (19-21) which describe the hasty and grieving nature of the human being when afflicted with difficulty and his stinginess when good comes his way.  The next section describes the qualities of the righteous who will be in Janna and have been able to overcome their anxiousness. The chapter ends with the disgrace of those  who reject these qualities and accost the Prophet about Divine revelation. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

069 – Al Haaqqa – The Truth The sura begins with an oath on the undeniable reality which is a descriptive name of the day of judgement. A warning with the historical destruction  of the people of Aad & Thamud with relentless winds for seven nights and eight days follows. Pharaoh and the people of Prophet Nuh are also mentioned as a warning of the consequences of injustice and arrogance.  Aspects of the day of judgement are followed by a contrast of the fate of the people who receive their book of deeds in the right hand to those who receive it in their left hand. The chapter ends with an affirmation of the revealed nature of the Qur'an and an order to declare His perfection. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

068 – Al Qalam – The Pen The chapter begins with the letter 'nun' which may allude to the Divine pot of ink (energy, light)  with which the Divine pen inscribes the decree. It continues with an assertion that the Prophet is of the highest moral character.This is followed by a large section that lists the nature of those who cover up the truth and reject the Prophet.  The parable of the owners of the garden who lost their harvest because of their stinginess and selfishness follows. The chapter continues with challenges and a warning  to those who deny Divine guidance on the day of judgement, ending with an affirmation that the Prophet and the Qur'an are reminders for all.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

067 – Al Mulk – The Kingdom The chapter begins with the awesomeness of His Kingdom which guarantees increase beyond expectation for the one who has understood the purpose of life and death – prioritising the best of works (submitting to Divinity and manifesting it in serving humanity).  It transitions to a reflection on the seamlessness of the heavens and then continues to regret of those who denied the truth on the Day of Judgement. Thereafter the promise of forgiveness and Janna as the great reward to those who are God conscious. The chapter  concludes with rhetorical questions to those who questioned the Prophet about the end of time.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

066 – Al Tahreem – The Forbidden The chapter begins with an admonition to the Prophet not to forbid to himself that which Allah has allowed even if he made an oath to himself. A mention of the domestic situation in the household of the Prophet where his spouse divulged what he specifically asked her not to share with anyone else follows. The chapter then instructs those who believe to strive to protect themselves and their families from the fire and to repent. The final verses provide examples of women who believed and those who covered up the truth in stark contrast to the beliefs of their husbands.  The virtue of Sayyida Aasiya in comparison to the unjust arrogant Firawn and the betrayal of the wives of prophet Nuh and Lut in contrast to the righteousness of their husbands.   The chapter ends with the mention of Sayyida Maryam and her total trust in Divinity – the only woman mentioned in the Qur'an by name 34 times. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

065 – Al Talaaq – The Divorce The chapter is also known as Sura Al Nisaa Al Qusraa (the shorter sura regarding women). It begins with the details regarding the waiting period to be observed after divorce, and emphasises the order from Divinity of exercising compassion. An admonition to observe these laws follows by providing reminders of previous people who failed to follow Divine guidance.  The chapter ends with the mission of the Prophet to bring those who believe and obey Allah out fo the darkness of ignorance to the light of revelation so they may reach their full potential and the power and knowledge of Allah that encompasses all creation.  Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city