Surah Fussilat (فُصِّلَت), also known as ‘Ha-Meem Sajdah,’ is the 41st surah of the holy Quran. This surah is spread across 2 juz (paras), i.e., 24th and 25th. The first 46 verses are in the 24th juz (para), while the 25th juz (para) contains verses from 47 to 54. It is a Makki surah and was revealed before the Prophet (ﷺ) migrated to Medina. This surah contains 6 ruku and 1 sajdah (al-tilawah) on the very 38th verse.
Fussilat, meaning "Explained in Detail," lives up to its title by presenting clear and detailed verses. It confronts the prevailing polytheism of the Quraysh tribe, urging them to embrace the truth of one God, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). This surah unveils the power and sovereignty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The gut-wrenching stories of the past communities that denied Allah’s messages are eye-openers for the readers. But Surah Fussilat does not focus on warnings to the nonbelievers. It serves as a beacon of hope for the righteous, giving them good news of glad timings. It reminds those seeking the right path that the Quran is the source of guidance and healing.
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Surah Fussilat (فُصِّلَت) was revealed in the sixth year of Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, during the period when Hazrat Hamza رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ had embraced Islam. By that time, the opposition from the disbelievers of Quraysh was increasing day by day. Earlier accounts state that the revelation of Surah Fussilat concerns a conversation between the Prophet and one of the prominent leaders of Quraysh, namely Utbah Ibn Rabi’ah, while the Prophet was sitting in Masjid Al-Haram. Utbah, in an effort to stop the Prophet from spreading the message of Islam, offered certain lucrative incentives to him. Utbah said, " If you want wealth, we can make you the richest person in Mecca. If you wish, we can also make you our chief or even our King. He also offered the Prophet that if you are under the influence of a magician or sorcerer, we can help you come out of this through the best of treatment at our own expense. But he must stop inviting people to Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ message.
The Prophet listened to Utbah with patience and then responded with a recitation of Surah Fussilat. Upon hearing the verses of this Surah, Utbah was impressed. The Prophet recited the Surah up to the 38th verse (verse of prostration) of this Surah and prostrated himself and concluded by saying, "This is my reply to your offers. Utbah was deeply impressed by the verses of this Surah and returned to his people, convinced by their authenticity. He said to the leaders of Quraysh not to interfere with the Prophet, as the Quranic verses would definitely have an impact on the Arabian people. However, rather than considering Utbah's viewpoint, Quraysh continued to oppose and reject the Prophet's prophethood.
In a broader context, Surah Fussilat was revealed at a time when circumstances were becoming increasingly unfavorable for the Muslims, leading to the first Muslim migration to Habshah. At that stage, this Surah was revealed with a clear and detailed message about Islam. The context of its revelation also emphasizes Tawheed (Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the life after death (the concept of resurrection), and accountability on the Day of Judgement. This Surah clearly and sufficiently describes various natural phenomena as the Signs, Authority, and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which include the earth, sky, moon, the difference between day and night, and so on. On the other hand, it also offered consolation to the Prophet and his followers. In short, it describes the Divine Message, clearly, precisely, and with every detail, as the name Fussilat suggests. (Fussilat translates to “explained in detail” or “Clearly Explained”).
Surah Fussilat is a Makki Surah, revealed during the middle to later phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stay in Mecca, when Hazrat Hamza رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ had embraced Islam.
It is the 41st Surah of the Quran. It falls in Juzz (Para) 24 and 25. It is placed after Surah Ghafir and before Surah Ash-Shuraa. It is the 61st Surah in the order of revelation, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 41.
Like most of the Makki Surahs, especially those revealed during the early to middle phase of the Prophet's life after Prophethood, Surah Fussilat holds great significance in teaching the basics of Islam, such as Tawheed, the truth of Prophethood, the reality of the Quranic revelations, life after death, and accountability on the Day of Judgement. Some of the core significances of this Surah are explained here.
This Surah holds a special significance, as at the very beginning it is mentioned that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has revealed the Quran in Arabic so the people (of Arabia) may understand it clearly. It is also mentioned at the start of the Surah that the Quran is "explained in detail". It implies that, being explained in detail and that too in Arabic, the native language of Meccans, the Quran and the Divine Message are clear, well-explained, and more importantly, understandable and accessible to everyone, hence there is nothing mysterious in it.
Surah Fussilat provides evidence from natural phenomena and Creations, as signs of the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. By narrating examples, such as the creation of the earth, the moon, and heaven, it is established that all this was created by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Similarly, the Authority and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is proven by the division of days and nights. Going further, various natural phenomena are described in this Surah as signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Like other Meccan Surahs, examples of previous nations, such as the people of Ad and Thamud, are given in Surah Fussilat, who also rejected and disobeyed their Prophets and eventually had to face severe punishment by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. By giving these examples, Quraysh and other disbelievers are warned and reminded that if they continue to reject the Quran and Prophethood, their destiny would be the same, like the people of Ad and Thamud. They will not only face the consequences in this world but also on the Day of Resurrection.
The Surah describes the scenario on the Day of Resurrection and final accountability, based on the wrongful acts of disbelievers, and what they have done in their worldly life. Their body parts will witness and evidence their wrong deeds on the Day of Judgement. The disbelievers will regret their sins, but the chance of repentance will have already been exhausted with the end of their life on this earth. Contrary to that, the believers will be rewarded on the Day of Judgement with eternal life in Paradise. Hence, the concept of accountability is explained in detail, being one of the core beliefs in Islam, which the disbelievers continuously deny.
Since the disbelievers were consistently rejecting the Message of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, despite repeated invitation by the Prophet, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ reassures the Prophet in this Surah that his duty is to convey the Divine Message clearly, hence he needs not to worry anymore. The Prophet is doing his duty, whereas the guidance is in the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This serves as a word of consolation for the Prophet and his followers, encouraging them to keep spreading the Message of Islam and leave the results on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Surah Fussilat unfolds a compelling message of believing in one God and criticizing polytheism. Throughout the surah, the reader is reminded of the day of judgment and the stories of prophets that came before Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). These narrations explain with examples the rewards Allah bestows on those who stand firm in the path of Allah. Key themes of Surah Fussilat are as follows:
This surah was revealed at a time when nonbelievers were spreading false information about Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Polytheism was at its peak, and people were worshipping many false idols. Surah Fussilat reinforces the concept of Tawheed. Verse 6 is a clear message to everyone, “Say, O [Muhammad (ﷺ)], "I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so, take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." And woe to those who associate others with Allah.”
The surah invites reflection on the wonders of creation, from the natural world to human development. These signs are presented as evidence of Allah Almighty’s power, wisdom, and unique design. Verse 9 showcases the power and design of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to create the earth, mountains, and sky by saying, “Say “What! You disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two days, and you appoint equals to Him? He is the Lord of The Creation!”
Surah Fussilat is a warning for the disbelievers. It foretells them that they will have to face the consequences of their sins on the day of judgment. Allah says in Surah Fussilat, “Indeed those who distort Our verses are not hidden from Us; so, is one who is cast into the fire better, or one who comes in safety on the Day of Resurrection? Do whatever you wish! He is indeed seeing your deeds.” (41:40). This verse beautifully explains that each person is responsible for his or her course, and they will be fairly judged on the final day!
The surah is full of stories of prophets, including Hud, who was sent to the Banu A’ad, Musa (Moses), sent to the Bani Israel, and Salih, who was sent down to the Thamud. From the stories, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) shares valuable lessons for mankind. Verse 13 is a reminder for people who choose to go astray. “Then, if they turn away, say, “I warn you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt which came upon A’ad and Thamud.”
It is important to remember that every human has to bear the result of their own deeds. The outcome of a good deed is paradise, while that of a bad one is hellfire. In Surah Fussilat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) explains this, “And the good deed and the evil deed will never be equal; O listener! Repel the evil deed with a good one, thereupon the one between whom and you was enmity will become like a close friend.” (41:34). Similarly, in verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) reminds us all that “Whoever does good deeds, so it is for his own good, and whoever commits evil, so it is for his own harm, and your Lord does not at all oppress the bondmen.”
Surah Fussilat has significance for every Muslim as it is called ‘the fruit of the Quran’. Reciting Surah Fussilat can be a source of forgiveness. Narrated Abu Hurairah:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever recites Ha Mim Ad-Dukhan during the night, in the morning seventy thousand angels seek forgiveness for him." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2888)
This surah has been nominated as a war cry against an enemy, which means it should be recited in the face of trouble. In Sunan Abi Dawud 2597, Narrated A man who heard the Prophet (ﷺ):
Al-Muhallab ibn Abu Sufrah said: A man who heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: If the enemy attacks you at night, let your war cry be Ha-Mim. They will not be helped.
The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite this surah in prostration (sajdah), which signifies that it should be recited during salah for added benefits.
Recitation of Surah Fussilat is highly virtuous and beneficial as follows:
Reciting the Quran correctly is a sensitive matter, as even a minor mistake in pronouncing a word may lead to a different meaning. It is even more important for those who are not well-versed in Arabic. To overcome this difficulty, listening to a recitation by an authentic reciter (Qari) may be highly beneficial. Moreover, one may sometimes prefer to listen to the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Fussilat, 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 Fussilat.
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:
Although reading the Quran directly on the MuslimandQuran website and mobile application is straightforward, you can also download it as a PDF if you prefer to read it offline.
Surah Fussilat can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Fussilat translates to “explained in detail" or “made clear”. In the context of Surah Fussilat, the term refers to Quranic verses that are clear and explained in detail in Arabic, so that everyone can understand them.
There are no specific benefits associated with the recitation of Surah Fussilat. However, reciting it so often strengthens core beliefs of Islam, such as Tawheed, the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Judgement, and final accountability. Reciting it also helps and protects us from misguidance and arrogance. Likewise, recitation of any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Fussilat, is highly beneficial and may yield substantial rewards not only in this worldly life but also on the Day of Judgment.
No specific time or occasion is associated with the recitation of Surah Fussilat. It can be recited at any time during the day or night.
Yes, you can easily listen to it on any mobile device or laptop, as all Surahs of the Quran are available on the MuslimandQuran mobile application and website.