Al-Qalam (ٱلْقَلَم)

Surah Al-Qalam is the 68th surah in the Quran and belongs to the 29th Juz, which is the second last Juz of the Quran. The surah was revealed in Makkah (Mecca) before the hijra, specifically in the first or second year of prophethood. This period of time was challenging for the Prophet (ﷺ) as the people of Mecca were creating hurdles and hardships for the Prophet and the followers of Islam. The surah is also known as Surah Nun, as it starts with ‘Nun’ (ن), the Arabic letter referred to as Muqatta’at. No one knows the meaning and purpose of these disjointed letters that appear at the start of some of the verses. Scholars are united in their belief that Allah and His Prophet (ﷺ) know the meaning of these letters, and Muslims should not seek to find the meaning. 

Surah Al-Qalam consists of 52 verses divided into just 2 Rukus, focusing on the nobility of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his character. It highlights the struggles of Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble character, the importance of gratitude, maintaining humility, and standing with divine justice. The surah encourages the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers to maintain steadfastness in faith and declares their rewards in the life hereafter.

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-Qalam is one of the earliest revealed Surahs. It was revealed in Mecca during the early days of Prophethood. The consensus is that it was revealed after Surah Al-Alaq, Surah Al-Muddassir, and Surah Al-Muzammil. However, some historians and Quran commentators hold that the first seven verses of Surah Al-Qalam were revealed immediately after the first revelation, i.e., after Surah Al-Alaq. In any case, the theme and subject of this Surah suggest that it was revealed in the earlier phase of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, to refute the accusations of disbelievers. Immediately after the declaration of Prophethood by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, the majority of Meccans started commenting that he was under the influence of some magical forces. Some others were also of the same view but with a sense of sympathy for him, thinking that he might have gone insane.

With that historical background, it is widely believed that the first part of this Surah was revealed to address this situation and to encourage the Prophet to continue with his mission. After addressing this issue, the Surah then addresses the tyrannical activities of some of the notables of the Quraysh tribe. Although the Surah does not disclose the names of any of those, it is widely believed that one of them was Al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, who was a wealthy, arrogant, and influential person of Mecca. He was also known for habitual but wrongful swearing and backbiting. He is also involved in defamation of the Prophet. The Surah also addresses such issues created by Mughirah and other such persons.

Then, the Surah narrates the story of a group of people who owned a garden but did not have faith in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. The story narrates that at a particular time, when they thought the fruit had ripened in their garden, they planned to harvest it secretly, early in the morning, without letting the poor know about it. Meanwhile, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ commanded the destruction of their garden to teach them a lesson. So, when they reached their garden the next morning, there was nothing for them to harvest. One of them, who was relatively a wise person, reminded them that he used to ask them to believe in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Then they realized their mistake and repented. The purpose of narrating this story was to remind and admonish the disbelievers of Mecca to mend their attitude, or they will also face similar consequences.

Then, the Surah briefly narrates the story of the Prophet Yunus عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, who made a minor mistake and was swallowed alive by a fish on the Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. However, when he realized his mistake and sincerely repented, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ forgave him, and he came out of the belly of the fish. By narrating both these examples, the Surah establishes that on the one hand, people must obey and have firm belief in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, but if they have made mistakes, they must repent sincerely so the punishment can be taken back.

Then, at the end of the Surah, like most of the Meccan Surahs, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was consoled and encouraged, with the advice to continue his Prophetic mission with patience and firm belief in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-Qalam is a Makki Surah, most probably revealed in the 1^st or 2^nd year after the Prophethood. It is widely believed to have been revealed after Surah Al-Mudassir and Surah Al-Muzammil, while some others believe that it was sent down immediately after Surah Al-Alaq.

Place in the Quran

Surah Al-Qalam is the 68^th Surah, which is placed in the 29^th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. It comes after Surah Al-Mulk and before Surah Al-Haqqah. It is the 2^nd Surah in the order of revelation, and comes at number 68 in the sequence of recitation.

• Number of Verses: Surah Al-Qalam has 52 verses.
• Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Qalam is divided into 2 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Qalam  

Surah Al-Qalam was revealed at a very crucial time during the early days of the Prophethood; hence, it holds great religious and spiritual significance in Islam. Some of the key significances of this Surah are summarized here:

• When the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ declared his Prophethood and that he had received divine revelations, the Meccans said that he had gone mad or was under the influence of ill spirits. Some of them accused him straight away, whereas some others sincerely thought (according to their vision) that he needed sympathy to come out of this phase. The Surah was sent down to strongly defend the integrity and sanity of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Hence, this Surah played a significant role in supporting the Prophet and the believers, declaring that the accusations of the disbelievers were baseless.
• This Surah also reaffirmed the great moral character of the Prophet, highlighting that character holds a key place in Islamic teachings. This Surah presents the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ as a role model for Muslims. They are urged to follow his character to become a true believer.
• The Surah warns believers as well as disbelievers to avoid arrogance. The arrogant behavior of some of the wealthy and influential persons of that era is categorically condemned in this Surah. It gives a lesson that worldly social status and wealth do not matter; what matters is your character.
• Like other earlier Meccan Surahs, Surah Al-Qalam also emphasizes the final accountability on the Day of Judgment, reminding us to follow the righteous way of Islam. The Surah presents a comparison between the believers and disbelievers, narrating a scenario when the disbelievers will beg for another chance on the Day of Judgment, but they will get it. This Surah clearly emphasizes that final justice will definitely be dispensed on the Day of Judgement.
• The Surah emphasizes the importance and need for patience, even in the worst of the circumstances, as the Prophet and his followers were facing during the earlier days of Islam. The Prophet was encouraged and advised in this Surah to be patient and continue the Prophetic mission without any fear. It is a lesson and guiding principle for Muslims to never give up, remain steadfast, and wait patiently for the outcome.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Qalam (ٱلْقَلَم)

Surah Al Qalam was revealed early in the time when Muhammad (ﷺ) was facing challenges from the Kufaar, and the opposition was greater than the number of believers. The nonbelievers of Mecca ridiculed the Prophet and his followers. They mocked Islam and created hardships for him in his life in Mecca. Their steadfast ignorance and their arrogance were cause for great sadness and discontent for the Prophet (ﷺ). In this situation, Allah sent down surah Al-Qalam, which assured the Prophet that his struggle in the path of Allah was not without reward.

Allah assures His bellowed Prophet that,

“Thou art not, by the Grace of thy Lord, mad or possessed (verse 1).”

Allah further promises His beloved Prophet,

“Nay, verily for thee is a Reward unfailing (verse 2).

And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character (verse 3).”

Next, Allah Azzawajjal promises that soon, the nonbelievers will see with their own eyes whether they were the mad ones or you. Allah will make it evident to them that their path was the false one and your path, O Muhammad, is righteous. Allah further reassures Prophet Muhammad and asks him not to pay attention to the mocking and ridicule of the nonbelievers, for they are ignorant and content in their ignorance.

Allah says,

“Heed not the type of despicable men- ready with oaths (verse 10).”

And goes on to describe the qualities of these ignorant men whose hearts have turned to stone when receiving the message of Allah. 

Like all the Makki Surahs, Surah Qalam was also revealed as rejecting the opponents of Islam. Allah declared in the surah about the highest moral character of Muhammad (ﷺ) and that the Almighty stands with His Prophet. The surah encourages Muhammad (ﷺ) to stay patient and remain committed to spreading the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) highlights the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and learning and warns those who mock Islam, live arrogantly, and turn away from the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The surah warns those who deny the truth and mock Muhammad (ﷺ), whom Allah has sent down on them as His messenger. The surah also highlights the consequences faced by previous people who denied the truth and mocked their Prophet (ﷺ). 

To show that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) sees everything and does not support those who harm others. He mentions the story of a group of garden owners who selfishly kept their harvest from the poor people, saving everything for themselves. As a punishment for their greed, their garden was destroyed completely, leaving nothing behind. This serves as a powerful lesson for everyone to give charity and help those in need. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) also describes the reality of the Day of Judgement, where everyone will be held accountable for their actions in this world and will face the consequences. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Qalam (ٱلْقَلَم)

Surah Al-Qalam guides the believers about the qualities of Rasool Allah (ﷺ), his teachings, and how he faced those who opposed him during the early days of his Prophethood period. It reminds us to always send salat on our Prophet (ﷺ), who worked tirelessly to spread the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

Surah Al-Qalam teaches us the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and moral behavior encouraging us to live our life according to the will of Allah to receive His blessings and rewards. The surah also highlights the importance of charity, focusing on spending in the way of Allah with a promise that it will only increase our wealth. Allah shares the story of people whose garden was because of their selfishness, warning us of the consequences of not following Allah’s commands and keeping the wealth for oneself rather than giving it to the needy. The surah serves as a great source of positivity for Muslims, increasing their spiritual well-being and a reminder to wrongdoers of the consequences they will face for their actions. 

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-Qalam by Renowned Qaris

Recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qalam, is a highly virtuous act of worship, but at the same time, it is quite a sensitive matter. Correct pronunciation of the Quranic words is crucially important, especially for non-Arabic speaking persons. Even a slight deviation or mistake in correctly reading a Quranic word may lead to an entirely different meaning. Listening to the recitation of authentic Qaris (reciters) is the best way to learn the correct way of reciting the Quran. Additionally, sometimes you may just like to listen to the Quran instead of reading it yourself.

The official website and mobile app of MuslimandQuran provide the best solution to this sensitive matter. The recitation of the Quran by the most authentic Qaris is available on our website and mobile application, where you can listen to it on your mobile devices or laptops whenever you like. 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 Mobile Application of the MuslimandQuran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qalam.

The mobile application of the MuslimandQuran is available for both Android and iOS, which can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store, respectively, by clicking the links given below:

• Mobile Application for iOS
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Surah Al-Qalam PDF

The facility of reading the Quran online is readily available on the mobile app and website Muslim and Quran. It also provides the facility of reading the Quran offline. To read the Quran offline, you can download it in PDF for reading it later, at any time convenient for you.

You can download Surah Al-Qalam 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-Qalam to your device.

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