Surah Al-Hijr (الْحِجْر) is the 15th chapter of the Qur'an. Its name is derived from Al-Hijr, the rocky tract, mentioned in verse 15:80 of the Surah "The people of Al-Hijr denied Our apostles." It is situated in the 15th Parah/Juz of the Qur'an and consists of 99 verses (Ayah) divided into 6 Ruku (sections). It is after Surah Ibrahim and before Surah An-Nahl. It is collectively agreed upon to be a Makki surah by Islamic scholars.
Surah Al-Hijr was revealed during a period of intense struggle as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was facing increasing hostility and rejection from the Quraysh before Hijrah. The surah thus reflects the needs and requirements of this difficult period between the 'year of sorrow' when the Prophet lost his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abū Talib and the year when the Prophet migrated to Madinah. This surah begins with Huroof Al-Muqatta'at (Disjointed Letters), similar to Surah Ibrahim. The letters - Alif, Lam, Ra - are from among these special words. According to Ma'arif Al Quran, "We should firmly believe and have faith that whatever they mean or signify is true - but stay away from launching deeper investigations into their meanings".
١٥ - ٱلْحِجْر
15 - Al-Hijr
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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Ahmed Ali
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No specific event is associated with the revelation of Surah Al-Hijr, just like many other Meccan Surahs. Earlier Meccan Surahs generally deal with the establishment of basic concepts of Islam, such as Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ (Tawheed), Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, truthfulness of the Divine Revelations, and the reality of the Day of Resurrection, when everyone will have to face accountability. On the other hand, these Surahs are also meant to provide strength and encouragement to the Prophet and his followers against the severe persecutions from the disbelievers and influential Quraysh leaders.
Surah Al-Hijr is believed to have been revealed around the same time as Surah Ibrahim was revealed. It was the period when the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ had been repeatedly inviting the Meccans towards the Message of Islam. Although people had started to accept Islam, they were still very few in number. On the other hand, the persecution, opposition, and ridiculing attitude of the Quraysh was increasing day by day. So, Surah Al-Hijr was revealed not only to warn the disbelievers about the consequences of their behavior and denying the truthfulness of the Message of Islam, but it was also aimed at providing consolation and encouragement to the Prophet and his followers in the most unfavorable and difficult circumstances.
The disbelievers, the majority of whom were influential tribal elites of Quraysh, were continuously demanding miracles as proof of the truthfulness of the Divine revelations. In this context, the stories and examples of previous nations, such as the people of the Lut and Thamud, are referred to in this Surah, to establish that the truth always prevails over falsehood, by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, just at an appropriate time. By mentioning these stories, the Prophet and his followers are encouraged that the people of the previous nations had also faced a similar type of resistance and opposition by the disbelievers, but ultimately the truth prevailed with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ
Surah Al-Hijr is a Makki Surah. It was revealed during the middle phase of the Prophet’s stay in Mecca.
It is the 14th Surah of the Quran. The first verse of this Surah falls in the 13th Juzz (Para), whereas the rest of the Surah comes in the 14th Juzz. It comes after Surah Ibrahim and before Surah An-Nahl. In the order of revelation, it is the 54th Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 15.
Number of Verses: Surah Al-Hijr has 99 verses.
Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Hijr has 6 Rukus (sections).
Surah Al-Hijr has historical as well as religious significance, which can be summarized as follows:
In the 9th verse of this Surah, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commands that the Quran is sent down by Him and He will safeguard it. Therefore, this Surah, especially its 9th verse, forms the base of the Islamic belief that the Quran contains Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which cannot be distorted or altered by any means. In other words, it establishes the authenticity of the Quranic verses and, most significantly, it also confirms that no one can ever dare to make any alterations in it, as it is Divinely preserved.
Surah Al-Hijr was sent down at a time, most probably, during the middle phase of the Prophet's life in Mecca. During this period, the persecution and opposition by the Quraysh were not only at their peak, but at the same time, they had started mocking and rejecting him as being Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Messenger. The verses of this Surah provided a sort of emotional and spiritual strength to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. In this context, it is mentioned in this Surah that the previous Prophets also faced this type of mockery and rejection by their people, but the truth ultimately prevailed upon the falsehood by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
By narrating the examples of the previous Prophets and their nations, a message was also conveyed that although the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ and his followers are facing a tough time at the hands of the Quraysh leadership, they must observe patience (Sabr) and keep firm belief in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as He will finally bring them out of this difficult phase of their mission, and finally the Message of Islam is going to prevail.
In addition to consoling and encouraging the Prophet and his followers against the strictest opposition, a strict warning is also given to disbelievers, especially against their arrogant attitude. In this context, they are reminded about what happened to the people of Lut and Thamud, who arrogantly rejected their Prophets. Here, these nations are referred to as the “people who lived in Al-Hijr”, where Al-Hijr translates to “the Rocky Region” or “the Stone-land”. These nations were not arrogant but were also disobedient to their Prophets.
Narrating this example establishes that we should always obey the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ and avoid arrogance by displaying humbleness and humility. In short, Surah Al-Hijr is highly significant, as it reaffirms the basic concept of Islamic teachings, such as the truthfulness of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, the truthfulness of the Quranic verses, and the firm belief in the Day of Resurrection. It also warns the non-believers about their arrogant behavior towards the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
The central subject of Surah Al-Hijr (الْحِجْر), much like other Makki Surahs, is arguments for Tauhid (Monotheism) and reaffirming the Sovereignty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It warns those who rejected the message of Islam upon receiving it and comforts the Messenger (ﷺ). However, much like the rest of the Quran, it is not confined to mere warnings and does contain instructions for the believers.
Stories such as those of the dwellers of al-Hijr, the land between Madina and Syria, and the consequence of their rejection of Allah's apostles are used to warn and admonish those who reject the Prophet (ﷺ). The story of the creation of Adam and the disobedience of Satan contains admonition (Ayah 15:26 onwards). The topics and style indicate that the period of its revelation is the same as that of Surah Ibrahim. The pagans of Makkah were warned, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was reassured.
Another valuable subject in the verses of Surah Al-Hijr is that Allah protects and preserves His Deen [religion], specifically the Quran. This surah contains the well-known Ayah upon the preservation of the Quran by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
"We have sent down this Exposition, and We will guard it." (15:9).
Ibn Kathir says, "Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) stated that He is the One Who revealed the Dhikr to him, i.e., Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), which is the Qur'an, and He is protecting it from being changed or altered."
Several scholars also consider verse 15:87 of this surah to have been referring to Surah Al-Fatiha (Al Jalalain and Ibn Kathir). "We have given you seven oft-repeated verses and this sublime Qur'ān." (15:87). Regarding this particular verse, Ibn Kathir writes: "The Arabic term, mathānī, translated here as 'the oft-repeated verses' refers to the opening surah, al-Fatiha, composed of seven short verses. This is the more probable meaning of the term, although some commentators maintain that it refers to the seven longest surahs of the Qur'ān. These seven verses are often repeated as they are required to be read in every prayer, and they extol God's praises, which is a term derived from the same root as mathānī. The term, 'this sublime Qur'ān,' refers to the rest of the Qur’anic revelations."
Surah al-Hijr has profound lessons on how to direct one's actions and emotions in times of crisis. In Fi Zilal Al Quran, the commentator notes that "the surah directs the Prophet and the Muslim community in how best to deal with their practical problems, and how to stand firm in the face of the unbelievers' stubborn opposition. This, then, is the role and nature of the Qur'ān." With such clear signs with stories illustrated through the powerful verses of this surah, the role of the Quran in a Muslim's life is made even more apparent.
Reciting and understanding Surah Al-Hijr regularly can serve as a powerful reminder of Islam's core principles. The lessons of faith, perseverance, and complete submission to Allah strengthen the believers on the correct path. By reflecting on the stories of past communities that rejected the guidance sent down by Allah, believers can build resilience in their Emaan and remain steadfast, especially in times of hardship. Equipped with such knowledge from the Quran, paired with the context of Sunnah, Surah al-Hijr inspires Muslims to ground their faith and resilience in Islam.
Listening to the Quranic verses as recited by authentic reciters (Qari) is a good way to learn their correct pronunciation. Correct recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hijr, is highly important, as even a minor mistake in the correct pronunciation of a Quranic word may entirely lead to different meanings. Similarly, the correct pronunciation might be somewhat more difficult for a non-Arabic-speaking person. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari is helpful for those who want to learn how to read it correctly.
On the other hand, sometimes one may just prefer to listen to the Quran rather than read it. At Muslim and Quran, we have uploaded recitations of the Quran by the renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You just need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile app to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hijr.
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Al-Hijr can be translated as “the Stone-land” or “the Rocky Region”. It refers to the people of Thamud, who lived in this type of region, most likely the area between Medina and Tabuk in present-day Saudi Arabia.
Surah Al-Hijr has 99 verses.
Surah Al-Hijr can be recited anytime during the day or night. No specific time is associated with its recitation. No specific time is associated with or recommended for its recitation.
Yes, just like any other Surah of the Quran, recitation of Surah Al-Hijr may bring huge rewards not only in this world but also on the Day of Judgment.
Yes, anyone can benefit from reciting any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hijr. The Quran is not for any particular nation or generation. It is not specifically meant for Arabic-speaking people. However, it is better if we recite it while understanding its meanings.