Al-A'la (ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ)

Surah Al-A’la (الْأَعْلَىٰ) is the 87th surah of the Quran. As with many other surahs of the Quran, the name of Surah Al-A'la is derived from the first verse of the surah, سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْاَعْلَى (Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High). The Arabic word الْأَعْلَىٰ is translated as "The Highest" or "The Most High". This phrase is used in this surah to praise and glorify Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This surah is often grouped under the title "Al-Musabbihat." Musabbihat are those Surahs that start with a word of praise and glorification of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. These surahs begin with phrases such as "Sabbaha," "Yusabbihu," and "Subhana." Surah Al-A'la starts with the words Sabbaha (سَبِّحِ).

Surah Al-A’la is a Makki Surah. It is one of the earliest Surahs which were revealed on the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ during the earlier days of Islam. It appears in the 30th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. By revelation order, this surah comes at number 8. In the order of recitation, it is at the 87th place. Within the 30th Juzz, it is at number 10. It comprises 19 verses grouped in one Ruku. The total number of words in this surah is 72, with 296 letters. 

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-A’la is a Makki Surah, which was revealed in the very early phase of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. No specific event or occasion is associated with its revelation. Like most of the earlier Makki Surahs, Surah Al-A’la mainly deals with the core Islamic beliefs, such as Tawheed (Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and Aakhirah (Day of Qiyamah). In addition to these two subject matters, this Surah also deals with another important matter, which is related to preserving the Quran in the memory of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

The Surah starts with emphasizing the concept of monotheism or oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, known as Tawheed in Islamic terminology. In the very first verse of this Surah, it is addressed to the Prophet to glorify the name of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, Who is the Most High (الۡاَعۡلَىۙ‏), Who created this Universe in a perfect manner, and ordained everything in this Universe to function precisely for which these were created.

Then the Surah addresses the very important, rather a sensitive matter, preserving the Quran in the memory of the Prophet. This subject is discussed in three different Surahs of the Quran, firstly in this Surah, then in Surah Al-Qiyamah, and thirdly in Surah Ta’Ha. When the revelations started coming down frequently, and in the form of long Surahs, the Prophet became somewhat concerned about memorizing them. Through the revelation of this Surah (verses 6,7,8), the Prophet is advised not to worry about memorizing these revelations, as Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ will make it happen, and you will be able to memorize the Quran easily. The same subject was again emphasized in Surah Al-Qiyamah (verses 16 to 19), and again in Surah 114^th verse of Surah Ta’Ha. Hence, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ took the responsibility to preserve the Quran in the heart of the Prophet through the revelation of this Surah, as well as on the other two occasions.

Then in the next verses, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ addresses the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, not to worry about who follows your preaching and who does not. It is mentioned that the Prophet is not supposed to ensure that everyone accepts the Message of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, his duty is only to convey the Message. It is emphasized that the admonition should only be conveyed to those who are inclined to listen to it. And those who are not inclined to listen to the truth need not be admonished, as they will not pay heed to it. The Message of the Quran will only benefit those who fear Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, fear the consequences of evil, whereas those who avoid listening to and accepting it will themselves see their evil end.

In the last verses of this Surah, it is categorically mentioned that success is only for those who fear Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, adopt purity of belief, and are regular in prayers, whereas those who do not believe and avoid listening to the truth and do not accept Islam will face the consequences. It is also mentioned that truth is not only conveyed through the Quran, but it was also conveyed through the previous books revealed to the Prophets Ibrahim and Musa عَلَيْهِمَا ٱلسَّلَامُ, implying that believers should also have faith in the previous Prophets and Books revealed to them.   

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-A’la is a Makki Surah, revealed during the very early days of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

Place in the Quran

Surah Al-A’la is the 87^th Surah of the Quran, and is placed in the 30^th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Tariq and before Surah Al-Ghashiyah. It is the 8^th Surah in the order of revelation, and falls at number 87 in the sequence of recitation.

• Number of Verses: Surah Al-A’la has 19 verses.
• Number of Ruku (Sections): The verses of Surah Al-A’la are grouped into 1 Ruku (section).

Significance of Surah Al-A’la  

Surah Al-A’la is one of the earliest Surahs of the Quran, which comes at number 8 in the order of revelation. Accordingly, it deals with two of the core Islamic beliefs, Tawheed and the Day of Qiyamah. Hence, it holds great spiritual significance in Islamic teachings, some of which are summarized here:

• It urges believers to remember and name Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ as the "most high". It reminds us to praise and glorify Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which is one of the most important elements of true Islamic belief.
• The Surah also reminds us that it is only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, Who created this entire Universe, including the earth and heavens and everything in between them. It also reminds us that it is only the One Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, Who set the limitations and roles of every creation, including humans and other cosmic creations. Hence, the Surah plays an important role in strengthening our belief in the Absolute Powers and Authority of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
• Surah Al-A’la also describes a very sensitive and important matter: the preservation of the Quranic revelations. In the earlier phase of the Prophethood, the Prophet was somewhat worried about memorizing the Quranic revelations, especially when they started to come down more frequently. Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ takes the responsibility of preserving these revelations in the heart of the Prophet. Reflecting upon this narration strengthens our Iman (faith) in the truth of the Message conveyed through the Quran.
• The Surah strengthens our Iman on the Day of Qiyamah. It reminds us that this worldly life is just a matter of a few years, hence a temporary phase of the eternal life after death. Having an unwavering faith in the Day of Resurrection enables us to prepare ourselves for the Hereafter by strictly applying the Islamic beliefs in our worldly life.
• In the last verses of this Surah, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commands believers to believe in the truthfulness of the Quranic revelations as well as the earlier Divine Books, which were revealed to the previous Prophets Ibrahim and Musa عَلَيْهِمَا ٱلسَّلَامُ.  
• The Prophet used to recite this Surah in the Friday and Eid Prayers, as mentioned in Hadith 878a of Sahih Muslim (Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite on two 'Ids and in Friday prayer: " Glorify The name of Thy Lord, the Most High" (Surah lxxxvii.), and:" Has there come to thee the news of the overwhelming event" (lxxxviii.). And when the 'Id and Jumu'a combined on a day, he recites these two (surahs) in both the prayers. It reflects the special significance of this Surah.

Themes And Subject Matter Of Surah Al-A'la (الْأَعْلَىٰ)

Like most Surahs revealed in the earlier days of Islam, the basic theme of Surah Al-A'la is Tawhid (Oneness of Allah). The surah starts with words of praise and glorification of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In the first five verses of this surah, the concept of monotheism is emphasized. It is said that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the most glorified and is the Highest of everything. So, He should not be remembered in such a way that reflects any sort of deficiency or weakness. Rather, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ should only be remembered with beautiful names as He is the Highest of all. In the next three verses, it is recalled that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ created everything in this world at its best so it can perform the duties for which each of these was created.  

Verses 9 and 10 are the words of consolation for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, saying he should not worry about remembering the words of the Quran, as it is by the Will Allah that you can remember it. Otherwise, you would have forgotten it if Allah desired so. After that, it is said to the Prophet that you will not be held responsible if anyone does not come to the right path. You only must convey to them the message of Allah and remind them of the outcome of their denial. Those who are not inclined to listen to the message of Allah should be left to their destiny and need not be pursued anymore. 

In the conclusive verses, the matter has been summed up with a declaration that success is only for the ones whose belief, morals, and deeds are pure and the ones who remember Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ and offer prayers. And those who are indulged in this world's life and are not considering the life hereafter, are definitely at a loss. In the last verse, it is reminded that this is the truth that was also expressed in the scriptures of the Prophets Ibrahim and Musa.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-A'la (الْأَعْلَىٰ)

Surah Al-A'la is one of those surahs of the Quran where the Oneness and the Greatness of Allah have been expressed in a beautiful and impressive style. 

Recitation of the Quranic verses in itself is a way of worship. At the same time, it also carries huge benefits and rewards, both in this life and the life hereafter. However, some of the verses and the surahs are known for some specific virtues and benefits, and so is Surah Al-A'la. 

• The first verse of the Surah Al-A'la says, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the "Highest", A'la. In the next verse, الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ فَسَوّٰى, it is said that He Created everything in best of the proportions. So, the recitation of these verses spiritually enlightens the faith and belief of a person. 

• It also reminds us of the Day of Judgment and the punishment of the disbelievers. It is said that the disbelievers are destined to be put in Hell, where they will neither live nor die. So, the reciters get an insight into the consequences of following the wrong path and the benefits of following the righteous path. 

• Recitation of this surah is believed to have a psychological impact on the reciter or the listener. It provides peace of mind and soul.

• This surah is said to be the favorite surah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. He used to recite it in the Jumah and Eid Prayers. So, the recitation of Surah Al-A'la in Prayers is also an act of following the Sunnah. 

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-A’la by Renowned Qaris

Recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-A’la, with correct and precise pronunciation, is very important but at times, becomes somewhat difficult, especially for non-Arabic speaking people. It is a sensitive matter, because these are the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which need to be recited exactly the same way, as was taught by the Prophet. The sensitivity of this matter is also evident from the fact that even a slight deviation or mispronunciation of a Quranic word may lead to entirely different meanings. One of the best practical solutions to this sensitive problem is listening to the recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-A’la by renowned Qaris (reciters). Carefully listening to the recitation of authentic Qaris helps a lot in learning the correct pronunciation of difficult Quranic words. Above that, sometimes one may also like to just listen to the recitation of the Quran, instead of reading it.

The MuslimandQuran mobile app allows you to listen to the recitation of the Quran. The recitation of the Quran by renowned and authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, which you can listen to on your mobile devices or laptops at any time. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile app to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-A’la.

You can download our mobile app for both Android and iOS by clicking the links given below:

• Mobile Application for iOS
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Surah Al-A’la PDF

The MuslimandQuran mobile app provides the ability to read the Quran online. But if you are interested in reading it offline, you can also download any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-A’la, as a PDF.

You can download Surah Al-A’la in PDF by following these simple steps:

• Press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
• In the Destination dropdown menu, choose Save as PDF.
• Click Save to download Al-A’la to your device.

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