Surah Ash-Shura, the 42nd chapter of the Quran, takes its name from the word 'shura', meaning consultation, in verse 38. This surah is in the 25th juz (para) and contains 53 verses with 5 ruku. It is a Makki surah and was revealed to the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) as the 62nd surah. This surah is a guiding light emphasizing the importance of counseling and making decisions accordingly.
Revealed in Mecca during the mid phase of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) mission, Surah Ash-Shura (الشُّورَى) serves as a source of guidance and comfort for believers facing persecution. It reaffirms the core principles of Islam, emphasizing the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the universality of the message conveyed through previous prophets. This surah is part of seven surahs of the Quran that start with 'Ha-Meem.' It unfolds the reasons why the Quran was sent down and why the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) was sent as a messenger.
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Surah Ash-Shura was revealed immediately after Surah Fussilat. The majority of scholars hold that, in view of the subject matter, it is a continuation of Surah Fussilat. In fact, both these Surahs complement each other. The main purpose of the revelation of this Surah was to further consolidate and reaffirm the core beliefs of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the concept of the Hereafter, the reality of revelations and Prophethood, and accountability on the Day of Judgement.
The period during which Surah Ash-Shura was revealed was a time when Muslims were in smaller numbers and were being persecuted by the Quraysh. On the other hand, despite repeated preaching by the Prophet, disbelievers were consistently rejecting his Prophethood and the reality of the revelations, on one excuse or another. While their opposition was increasing with every passing day, the leaders of the Quraysh also tried to bribe the Prophet, offering him huge wealth and extreme powers to lead the Quraysh tribe. But the Prophet kept on inviting the disbelievers to the Message of Islam. These were the circumstances that necessitated the revelation of Surah Ash-Shura and other "ha-meem” Surahs.
The main purpose of the revelation of this Surah includes:
Simultaneously, the Prophet is also commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ that those who reject the Message of Islam will continue to do so. It is also emphasized that final Authority and Command is only with Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, so the Prophet needs not worry about the opposition by the disbelievers. The Prophet is therefore encouraged to keep inviting them to Islam, but do not force them to accept it; leave the outcome to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Surah Ash-Shura is a Makki Surah, most probably revealed immediately after Surah Fussilat. However, some scholars are of the view that verses 23, 24, 25, and 27 were revealed in Medina.
Surah Ash-Shura is the 42nd Surah, placed in the 25th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. It follows Surah Fussilat and precedes Surah Az-Zukhruf. As per the order of revelation, it is the 62nd Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 42.
Surah Ash-Shura is highly significant in Islam in many ways. Some of its significances are summarized here:
As mentioned in the 13th verse, Surah Ash-Shura clarifies that the Message of Islam is not new; it is the same religion conveyed through previous Prophets, such as Prophet Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This Surah emphasizes that Islam is not a new concept; it continues the concept of Tawheed as preached by all previous Prophets. Hence, the unity of religion (Islam) is comprehensively established through this Surah. Reciting it repeatedly clarifies this fundamental belief in Islam.
This Surah is remembered for its introduction and emphasis on mutual consultation among the Umma (Muslim Community) in the settlement of various affairs. In this context, the term used in this Surah is "Shura", which also becomes its name for reference.
The concept of mutual consultation, or shura, further defines the basic Islamic principles of collective decision-making through open consultation among the community. It further implies that once a decision is made, the entire community must accept it, and the leadership must be held accountable. It also states that collective decisions made after consultation are based on justice and promote social harmony and cooperation within the community.
The Surah defines a basic principle of Islamic justice. While retribution is clearly permitted and declared lawful, forgiveness and mercy are also encouraged. Hence, a balance must be struck when dispensing justice. The Islamic way of justice is neither oppression nor extreme revenge. It is clarified in this Surah that those who forgive and make reconciliation will be heavily rewarded by Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, though they have the right to take revenge, as mentioned in the 40th verse of this Surah.
The Surah also clarifies the truth and reality of the revelations. It is described in this Surah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ conveys His Message through His Messengers (the Prophets), not by speaking directly to anyone. Hence, all misconceptions about the Divine revelations are refuted in this Surah, thereby establishing the truth and reality of the Quran as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. In simple words, this Surah establishes the authenticity of the Quran.
The Surah was revealed in a situation where the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ had been consistently inviting the disbelievers to the Message of Islam, but they were not paying heed to it; they were rejecting and opposing the Prophethood. The Surah made it clear that the duty of the Prophet is just to keep inviting the disbelievers to the Message of Islam, whereas Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Holds the ultimate Authority and Command to bless anyone with the Guidance. This served as a sort of consolation and encouragement for the Prophet.
As guidance, Surah Ash-Shura emerges as an inspiration with a profound wisdom sent by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It strengthens the concept of Tawheed, as Allah is the only power in the entire universe. Furthermore, this surah makes it clear to the readers that the right way to make decisions is through consultation.
Tawheed is the core theme of Islam, and Surah Ash-Shura emphasizes it. Allah has dominancy over everything, be it rocks or living beings. There is no one who can be compared to Him. Verse 4 defines Allah's control over everything. He says, "To Him only belongs all whatever is in the heavens and all whatever is in the earth; and He is the Supreme, the Greatest."
Throughout the surah, polytheism is criticized by giving examples of how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has the absolute power to control anything. Just like in verse 33, Allah says, "If He wills, He can calm the winds so the ships remain still on the sea surface; indeed, in this are signs for every greatly enduring, grateful person."
Disbelievers at the time had many misconceptions about angels. Some even considered them deities. This surah dispels these misconceptions and sheds light on the role of angels and mentions them as the creation of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) rather than being deities. In verse 5, The all-powerful Lord clears the air by saying, "The heavens nearly split apart from above – and the angels say the Purity of their Lord while praising Him, and seek forgiveness for those on earth; pay heed! Indeed, Allah only is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful."
Not only that, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) beautifully pointed out that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was a messenger sent down. "And this is how We sent the divine revelation to you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – a life-giving thing, by Our command; neither did you know the Book nor the detailed commands of religion, but We have made this Qur'an a light by which We guide whomever We will from Our bondmen, and indeed you surely do guide to the Straight Path." (42:52)
The name of this surah was derived from the word 'shura' in verse 38. This surah poses importance on the value of consultation as the decisions made after properly discussing everything are better. Verse 38 says, "And those who obeyed the command of their Lord and kept the prayer established; and whose affairs are with mutual consultation; and who spend in Our cause from what We have bestowed upon them."
Throughout the surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) demonstrates His omnipotence. He is a fair judge, and His decree is the final decision made for anyone. He possesses the power to punish or forgive someone. In verse 25, Allah reveals that to Him belongs all the power; if He wills, He forgives, and if He wills, He punishes. "And it is He Who accepts repentance from His bondmen, and pardons sins, and knows all your deeds."
He is one true ruler, deciding whether you get a reward in this world or in hereafter. His command is inevitable. A human should blindly trust Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in all matters. He has the knowledge, power, and supremacy to do whatever He wills. In verse 47, The Almighty advises, "Obey your Lord before the advent of a Day from Allah, which cannot be averted; you will not have any refuge on that day, nor will you be able to deny."
Reciting Surah Ash-Shura (الشُّورَى) is a source of forgiveness from Allah Almighty. By virtue of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), whoever keeps reading this surah will be in the safe shield, and no harm can touch him except for what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has pre-determined. People usually recite this surah as a source of protection from calamity whenever they're travelling. On the day of resurrection, this surah will be a cause of Allah's forgiveness and blessing.
Surah Ash-Shura encourages Muslims to place their trust in Allah and practice patience (sabr) even in difficult times. Reciting this surah reminds us that Allah has the power over every creation. He is the Lord of fate and destiny, and if we place our trust in Him and be patient, our affairs will be sorted to our benefit. Reciting any part of the Quran brings blessings and rewards. Abu Umama said he heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say, "Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It." (Sahih Muslim, Book 6 Hadith 302). Thus, reciting surah Ash-Shura, which is a part of the Quran, will ensure that the Quran acts as an intermediary for us on the day of Judgment.
Correct recitation of the Quran is a highly sensitive matter. These are the Words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, that need to be pronounced with utmost correctness, as even a minor mistake in reciting a word may lead to a different meaning, which is not acceptable. It is even more important for those who are not well-versed in Arabic. Listening to a recitation by an authentic reciter (Qari) may be extremely helpful in overcoming this difficulty. Similarly, one may sometimes prefer to listen to the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Ash-Shura, rather than read them.
MuslimandQuran provides the facility to listen to recitations by renowned Qaris. These recitations are available on our website and mobile app. You may select a Qari of your choice to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Ash-Shura.
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Reading the Quran directly on the MuslimandQuran website and mobile application is straightforward, but you can also download it as a PDF if you prefer to read it offline.
Surah Ash-Shura can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Ash-Shura translates to “mutual consultation. In the context of Surah Ash-Shura, it refers to the Islamic principle of consultation and making collective decisions.
Surah Ash-Shura has 53 verses.
Although no specific benefits are associated with the recitation of Surah Ash-Shura, reciting any of the Quranic Surahs may bring enormous benefits. However, reciting Surah Ash-Shura may help strengthen core Islamic beliefs, such as Tawheed, the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Judgement, and final accountability. Similarly, reciting any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Ash-Shura, is highly beneficial and yields substantial rewards not only in this worldly life but also on the Day of Judgment.
No, there is no specific Hadith about Surah Ash-Shura.