Surah Ghafir got its name from the second verse of this surah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) explains many of His divine attributes, including Ghafir (forgiving). Surah Ghafir is a Makki (Meccan) surah in juz (para) 24. It is the 40th surah of the Quran and comprises 85 verses. Surah Ghafir is also called 'Surah Al-Mu'min' because it tells the story of a true believer who concealed his identity and faith to protect Prophet Musa (Moses) during the Pharoah's reign.
The surah was revealed right after Surah Az-Zumar. During this time, Mecca and the rest of Arabia were enslaved by polytheism. Islam was new, and the enemies of Islam were abundant. Threatened by the growing influence of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Islam, the Quraysh and their supporters persecuted the Prophet (ﷺ) and new Muslims. Not only this, they were levying allegation on the authenticity of the Quran. This surah is a clear warning for the Quraysh and the disbelievers. The wrongdoings of those who stray from the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will be punished in this world and hereafter. The essence of surah Ghafir, however, is Allah's characteristic of forgiveness. The 3rd verse of the surah says that Allah is "غَافِرِ الذَّنْۢبِ وَقَابِلِ التَّوْبِ" meaning He is One "Who forgiveth sin and accepteth repentance."
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Surah Ghafir is sometimes also called "Surah Al-Mu'min", which refers to a believing person from the people of Pharaoh, whose story is described in detail in this Surah. Surah Ghafir was revealed immediately after Surah Az-Zumar, during the later phase of Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ life in Mecca. It was the time when the persecution, tyranny, and rejection of Prophethood by the Meccans were at their peak. Going further, the disbelievers of Quraysh had actually started conspiring to kill the Prophet. One such attempt is reported in history, when a disbeliever tried to kill the Prophet when he was praying. Although the attempt was foiled by Hazrat Abu Bakar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, it demonstrates the extent of opposition from the disbelieving Quraysh tribe.
Those were the circumstances when Surah Ghafir was revealed. The content of this Surah is mainly similar to the Meccan Surahs of that period. While the emphasis was on the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ (the concept of Tawheed) and reaffirmation of the reality of Prophethood and Divine revelations, this Surah describes some of the core attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ explicitly. At the very beginning of the Surah, Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ attributes are powerfully mentioned as “غَافِرِ الذَّنۡۢبِ – the forgiver of sin”, “قَابِلِ التَّوۡبِ – the acceptor of repentance”, “شَدِيۡدِ الۡعِقَابِ – severe in punishment”, and “ذِى الطَّوۡلِؕ - the holder of infinite bounty”, followed by the authoritative declaration that Only He is Worth Worship and that everyone has to return to Him. It was a sort of clear message for the disbelievers.
Then, in the middle of the Surah, the story of Al-Mu'min is narrated in some detail. Al-Mu'min denotes a believer among the Pharaoh's people. It is narrated that at a certain point in time, Pharaoh wanted to eliminate the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and put his plans in front of his Court. At this stage, a person, referred to in the Quran as "Al-Mu'min, opposed this plan and delivered a meaningful speech in the Court of Pharaoh. Pharaoh also held a bit of conversation with him, but Al-Mu'min kept on trying to convince the people of Pharaoh that they should not kill the Prophet, otherwise they would have to face severe final punishment by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as was the fate of some other previous nations. By narrating this story in detail, the disbelievers of Mecca were in fact warned against their ill-planned killing of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
So, the revelation of this Surah, in the backdrop of the prevalent circumstances in Mecca then, was a sort of lesson or warning to the disbelievers that if they plot a similar conspiracy against the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, as Pharaoh planned against the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, the fate of the Quraysh will also be the same as that of Pharaoh and his people. At the same time, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was encouraged to see that the opposition and tyranny he faced were similar to those faced by many previous Prophets. Still, they emerged victorious with the Help, Will, and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as truth always prevails over falsehood. On the other hand, those who recognized the truth but remained silent, waiting to see what transpired, are also admonished: when the disbelievers' plans are clear, they should not remain neutral; this is the right time to stand by the truth.
Surah Ghafir is a Makki Surah, revealed during the later phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stay in Mecca, most probably, immediately after the revelation of Surah Az-Zumar.
It is the 40th Surah of the Quran. It falls in Juzz (Para) 24. It follows Surah Az-Zumar and precedes Surah Fussilat. It is the 60th Surah in the order of revelation, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 40.
Surah Ghafir, like other Meccan Surahs of the Quran, is highly significant, particularly for the establishment and reaffirmation of core Islamic beliefs. Some of the significances are summarized here:
The third verse of this Surah mentions some of the core attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
It reminds us that while Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Forgives our sins through sincere repentance and His Mercy, one should always keep in mind His punishment for disbelief on the Day of Judgment.
Surah Ghafir teaches us that one should observe patience during the most adverse times of their life, while trusting Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and His Justice. When a person trusts in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, His mercy and blessings bring him out of the difficult phase of life. This trust is helpful when facing oppression, tyranny, and periods of intense moral pressure.
The story of Al-Mu'min, the believer from the people of Pharaoh, describes how to express the truth even in the most testing circumstances, and that too in front of the most powerful rulers like Pharaoh. It reflects wisdom, persuasion, and courage when placing one's viewpoint.
The Surah narrates the stories of previous nations, such as Ad and Thamud, who opposed the truth of their Prophets and continued to follow falsehood, but eventually they faced the consequences. Truth prevailed over falsehood, establishing a principle for future generations. The lesson, therefore, for us is that we should always follow the truth against falsehood.
The Surah describes and reaffirms the reality of the Day of Resurrection, when everyone will be held accountable. Based on what we have done in this worldly life, our fate will be decided in the form of punishment or rewards. It also reaffirms the reality of life after death.
Surah Ghafir is an open invitation for all people; Allah will forgive your sins and accept your tawba if you forsake your old gods, accept the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah does not wish to punish anyone; the aim is to give people multiple chances so they come to the correct realization and accept the true religion. Allah is explaining the truth to them by highlighting His quality of forgiveness so they are not afraid of retribution but instead come to Allah for a clean start.
Surah Ghafir discusses several key themes related to the challenges faced by early Muslims in Mecca. Let's break down the subject matter:
This surah was revealed when Muslims were facing a huge challenge. They were accusing Allah's message and mocking His preaching. Along with that, they were planning to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) brings peace to the hearts of believers by saying, "Only the unbelievers dispute the revelations of God. So do not let their activities in the land deceive you." (40:4).
By narrating the stories of people of the past, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) warned the nonbelievers. Previous civilizations rejected the Prophets sent to them by Allah and faced severe consequences for their deeds. In verse 5, He reminds people of the clan of Prophet Nuh (Noah) and their fate for going against the omnipotent Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The Surah emphasizes Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) absolute control over creation. It describes the wonders of the universe and reminds us of our insignificance compared to His vastness. This reinforces the importance of submitting to His will. In the beautiful words of Almighty, "Allah it is Who made the earth a dwelling place for you and made the sky a canopy, who shaped you -- and shaped you exceedingly well -- and gave you good things as sustenance. That is Allah, your Lord; blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Universe. He is the Ever-Living: there is no god but He. So, call upon Him, consecrating to Him all your devotion. All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the whole Universe." (Ghafir 64 & 65).
Believing in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) means asking Him for absolutely anything. Supplication is the only way to feel near to Allah. He is always listening and always responding. Surah Ghafir verse 60 emphasizes Muslims have full faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) as He always listens to the supplication made with a faithful heart. He says, "And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you."
Surah Ghafir also goes by the name of Surah Al Mu'min because it explains the story of a believer during the time of Prophet Musa and the Pharaoh. It narrates the story of the righteous believer who spoke out for the truth in the court of Pharaoh. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) advises mankind to stay on the right path by saying, "And a believing man from the family of Pharaoh who concealed his faith said, "Do you kill a man [merely] because he says, 'My Lord is Allah' while he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord? And if he should be lying, then upon him is [the consequence of] his lie; but if he should be truthful, there will strike you some of what he promises you. Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar." (40:28).
Surah Ghafir starts with 'Ha-Meem' and is thus considered one of the seven 'Ha-Meem Surahs.' Such surahs are called the essence of the Quran, and great rewards will be given to the readers.
Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever recites Ha Mim Al-Mu'min - up to - To Him is the return (40:1-3) and Ayat Al-Kursi when he reaches (gets up in) the morning, he will be protected by them until the evening. And whoever recites them when he reaches the evening, he will be protected by them until the morning." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2879).
This hadith explains that reciting verses of Surah Ghafir can give us Divine protection. In addition, surah Ghafir is a clear warning against arrogance. As the name of the surah indicates, this surah is an excellent choice if one wishes to seek Allah's forgiveness and offer repentance. In this surah Allah says that he will accept sincere apology, and thus reciting this surah is sure to intercede on your behalf. The surah teaches the virtues of patience, perseverance, and humility.
Correct recitation of the Quran with Tajweed is not only extremely important but also a sensitive matter, especially for those who are not well-versed in Arabic. Since these are the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, any mistake in pronouncing a Quranic word is not acceptable at all, as it may lead to a different meaning. In this context, 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 Ghafir, rather than read them.
MuslimandQuran provides the facility to listen to recitations by renowned Qaris. The entire Quran is available on our website and Mobile Application, recited by various renowned Qaris. You may select a Qari of your choice to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download our app MuslimandQuran to listen to any Surah, including Ghafir.
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. You can download any part of the Quran, including Ghafir, in PDF format for reading it later, at your convenience. Surah Ghafir can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Ghafir translates to “the Forgiver". In the context of Surah Ghafir, it refers to one of the core attributes of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as Forgiver of sins, when an individual repents sincerely.
Surah Ghafir has 85 verses.
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.
Surah Ghafir, also called Surah Al-Mu'min, is one of those Meccan Surahs that were revealed during the most difficult phase of the Prophet's life in Mecca. It was the last phase of his life in Mecca, before migration. It was a time when the oppression, opposition, and tyranny by the disbelievers were at their peak. Additionally, by that time, the disbelievers had started conspiring a plan to kill the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Under these circumstances, Surah Ghafir was revealed immediately after Surah Az-Zumar. Like other Meccan Surahs of that time, it also emphasizes the core beliefs in Islam, such as Tawheed, Prophethood, and the Day of Judgment. This Surah expressly defines some of the most important attributes of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, right at the beginning, in its 3rd verse, describing that He Forgives sins, Accepts repentance, His punishment is severe, and He Holds the ultimate Powers and Bounty. Side by side, the story of a believer from among the people of Pharaoh is mentioned in detail. This story encourages the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ that despite an ill plan of Pharaoh to kill the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, he could not do so as Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ turned down plans through the powerful speech of Al-Mu'min (a believer from the people of Pharaoh). So, the ill-plans of the Quraysh tribe will not be successful, and finally the Prophet and his followers will emerge victorious.