Ad-Dhuha (ٱلضُّحَىٰ)

Surah Ad-Dhuha (الضُّحَىٰ) is the 93rd chapter of the Quran, named after the morning brightness, a term referenced in its opening verse: "By the morning brightness." This surah is situated in the 30th Juz (Para) and consists of 11 verses (ayat) divided into 1 Ruku (section). It follows Surah Al-Lail and precedes Surah Ash-Sharh. It is categorized as a Makki Surah, which means it was revealed during the early stages of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) mission in Mecca.

The historical context of Surah Ad-Dhuha is closely linked to a period of emotional distress experienced by the Prophet (ﷺ). After Surah Al-Lail, Allah did not send a revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for 6 months. When the revelations stopped temporarily, the Prophet (ﷺ) was greatly worried and sad, leading to whispers and jeering from the opponents that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) had left or forsaken him. Surah Ad-Dhuha was a message of reassurance and solace for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ); Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) invoked an oath by the morning light that He has not left or forsaken His beloved Prophet. The comforting words and assurances of delivering divine assistance that the surah presented consoled and reassured the Prophet (ﷺ) and strengthened his belief in the plan and will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

 The surah is about divine care, gratitude, and long-term benefits, encouraging those who believe that after every hardship, there is ease. Another important feature of Surah Ad-Dhuha is the message of consolation as well as the fact that it addresses the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) directly, so the message appears here rather personal and tender from the side of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It is regularly recited by Muslims when they are in need of comfort and support, and therefore, it is mostly favoured as a message of comfort and hope.

The Theme of Surah Ad-Dhuha (الضُّحَىٰ)

Even though Surah Ad-Dhuha is a short surah, it deals with themes of immense magnitude, i.e., belief in Allah in the toughest circumstances and Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) benevolence. Below is a brief explanation of the main themes of the surah:

 1. Divine Reassurance and Support:

The main theme of the surah is to console and give hope to the Prophet (ﷺ) at a time when he was undergoing spiritual turmoil. It also focuses on the continuous support and concern of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in the face of adversities. The surah, in this way, comforts the Prophet (ﷺ) that his endeavour and all his sacrifices are worthy and visible to Almighty Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Although Allah Azzawajal is speaking directly to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), all Muslims take heart from these ayahs. Here, Allah's reassurances can be taken to mean all believers – that they should not grieve and be anxious during times of difficulty as their Lord and Creator will not forsake them even when all have. Allah is with us and has preordained a greater reward for us with which we will be well-pleased.

 2. Promise of Future Blessings: 

This surah brings hope and positivity with the promise of better things to come and blessings in the times ahead. It assures the Prophet (ﷺ) that all the difficulties that he had to go through would make way for prosperity and success. This theme fosters the spirit of hard work and endurance in the midst of challenges for all Muslims.

 3. The Significance of Patience and Perseverance: 

 The surah teaches patience and perseverance in difficult situations. It showcases how the Prophet (ﷺ) himself suffered from temporary suspension of revelations and how he patiently persevered through faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Thus, so should all Muslims behave in difficult circumstances. Trials and tribulations are a part of life, and Muslims should persevere with grace and with Tawakul Allalah.

 4. Hope and Optimism:

Everything in Surah Ad-Dhuha is full of hope and is one of the most comforting surahs of the Quran. It gives the believers confidence that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) has better plans and that every difficulty is succeeded by ease and blessings. It is a comforting theme when things get tough. 

5. Treatment of Orphans

Surah Ad-Dhuha also briefly discusses the treatment of orphans in Islam. Allah says:

فَاَمَّا الْيَتِيْمَ فَلَا تَقْہَرْ۝۹ۭ

Faamma alyateema fala taqhar

Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness (Ad-Duha, verse 9)

It teaches Muslims that they must always treat orphans with kindness. This is related to verse 6 of the surah in which Allah said to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

اَلَمْ يَجِدْكَ يَتِيْمًـا فَاٰوٰى۝۶۠

Alam yajidka yateeman faawa

Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was an orphan. Allah provided sustenance and care to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) through his grandfather, uncle, and his family despite being an orphan. In antiquity, orphans were mistreated, and families usurped their rights to property and even harmed them physically. Allah states in clear terms that in Islam, orphans are to be treated with kindness, and their rights should not be violated. 

In unravelling these themes, Surah Ad-Dhuha provides lessons on the state of human beings and the need to have faith and give thanks in the face of adversity.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Ad-Duha

There are countless blessings and spiritual gains associated with Surah Ad-Dhuha when one recites it or reflects on the meanings behind its verses. The themes of hope, consolation and God's mercy reflected in the surah transform it into a source of comfort and strength for the believers. 

Reciting Surah Ad-Dhuha is believed to bring about immense confidence in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His decisions. Praising Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for the ability to liberate His servants from the difficulties of life is further strengthened by the following verse of the surah, which goes to explain that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) never leaves His servants in the lurch. This message of divine support and being there when one is alone and discouraged helps to consolidate the experience of being spiritually connected to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

Studying the themes of Surah Ad-Dhuha assures people to be patient and persevere during hardships as they will be replaced with ease and sustenance in life. It also plays a role in building up personal character and strength to overcome life's adversities in hope and confidence. Conclusively, Surah Ad-Dhuha provides valuable spiritual lessons of hope, gratitude and compassion for the community. Thus, reciting it helps to reinforce the faith and move to the higher spiritual level of accepting the divine guidance and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and also as a reminder of organizational obligation and the importance of the welfare of citizens.