Surah Ad-Dukhan (Arabic: سورة الدخان) got its name from verse 10, where the word ‘Dukhan’ is mentioned. The smoke refers to the mist or smoke that the disbelievers began to hallucinate as a result of intense hunger due to the famine sent down by Allah Azzwajal to punish the disbelievers. The meaning of Dukhan is ‘The Smoke.’ Surah Ad-Dukhan is the 44th chapter or surah of the Quran and has 59 verses and 3 rukus. It is a Makki surah found in the 25th juz (para) and starts with ‘ha-meem.’
Surah Ad-Dukhan (الدُّخَان) is a powerful revelation with a profound message. The Quraysh rejected the message of Islam and persecuted the Prophet Muhammad. He beseeched Allah for help, and in response, a terrible famine took over Mecca. The famine lasted for several years, and matters worsened so much so that the Quraysh and people of Mecca began to hallucinate. The Quraysh chiefs, including Abdullah bin Mas'ud and Abu Sufyan, came to the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) to ask him to pray to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to end this calamity. The Prophet Muhammad, being rehmah for all creations, made dua to Allah to end the famine. At that time, this surah was revealed. Allah Azzwajal promised that He would end the famine but also foretold that the disbelievers would go back to their ways. In verse 15, Allah says, “We shall indeed remove the Penalty for a while, (but) truly ye will revert (to your ways).”
Surah Ad-Dukhan explains Allah’s glory and warns disbelievers who forge lies about the authenticity of the Quran. This powerful chapter serves as a stark warning for those who deny the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and a reminder of His absolute power over all creation. The surah also highlights the love Allah has for His Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
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Surah Ad-Dukhan compels readers to be prepared for the day of judgment. Allah’s decisions are inevitable; He writes destinies that no power on Earth can change except when He wills. The themes and subject matter of surah Ad-Dukhan are discussed in detail below:
Meccan disbelievers spread lies about the authenticity of the Quran. They said that the Quran was fabricated by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). So, Almighty revealed this surah in which He clearly explains when the Quran was sent down. It was a blessed night known as ‘Laylat Ul Qadr.’ In verse 3, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) discloses “We have indeed sent it down in a blessed night – indeed it is We Who warn.” Allah alleviates all doubts and refutes all claims by saying that the Quran is from Allah. It is not written by any man. It is the word of Allah sent down upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), so he gives Allah’s message to all creation.
The disbelievers of Mecca rejected the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and persecuted the Prophet (ﷺ). This surah is a direct warning to them that hellfire awaits them in the hereafter. This surah describes what happens to the people who go astray. Verses 10 and 11 explain the outcome of people who transgress. A severe punishment is waiting for them, and Hell will be the place they’ll have to abide in forever. “So, you await the day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke. Which will envelop the people; this is a painful punishment.”
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the Lord of the lords. He created this universe and everything that is present in it. There is nothing that goes against what Allah has already decided. Even if a leaf falls from a tree, He orders that. He is the sole creator and Sustainer of this universe, and this surah emphasizes His omnipotence. The all-powerful Allah says in verse 8, “There is no worship except for Him – He gives life and causes death; your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.”
Pharoah was among the most loathsome disbelievers whose life and death were made a lesson for all to come. Surah Ad-Dukhan showcases the banter between Prophet Moses عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and Pharaoh. With this, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) reminded everyone of what happens to disbelievers. It serves as a reminder of Allah's power to deliver the righteous and punish the wicked. “And leave the sea as it is, parted in several places; indeed, that army will be drowned.” (44:24). This verse summarizes the consequences that the Pharoah and his followers had to face. Allah drowned them as punishment for their refusal to listen to Prophet Musa and submit to one Allah. Allah warns the disbelievers of Mecca that as Allah drowned the Pharoah, so will He send down punishment on you for refusing the message of Allah and persecuting your Prophet.
The man was created to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Every act that we do takes us towards Allah or away from Him. It is to prepare us for the final day on which our acts will be fairly judged. This surah explains the importance of the hereafter, where believers will be in a good place, and Hell will be the final destination of disbelievers. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) discloses that a cursed tree of Zaqqum will be the food of sinners, which will fill their bellies. On the other hand, the pious people will be living in paradise, and they’ll have whatever they want to eat. The last 20 verses of Surah Ad-Dukhan talk about the day of resurrection in an eye-opening way.
Surah Ad-Dukhan (الدُّخَان) carries a multitude of benefits and virtues for its readers. Firstly, reciting the surah paves the way to Allah’s forgiveness.
Narrated Abu Hurairah that 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 hadith informs Muslims to recite surah Ad-Dukhan before sleeping every night as it will compel 70,000 angels to ask forgiveness from Allah on your behalf. Thus, this surah offers protection from the punishment of sins and wrongdoings and facilitates Allah’s forgiveness.
In another hadith in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2889, Surah Ad-Dukhan was mentioned as a source of Allah’s forgiveness. Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever recites Ha Mum Ad-Dukhan during Friday night, he shall be forgiven."
The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite this surah during maghrib prayer, too, which highlights its significance. Since the surah alleviated the penalty of famine for the Meccans, it is also recited for the alleviation of difficulties. Allah will remove difficulties that we are facing if we recite surah Ad-Dukhan with pure intentions.
Surah Ad-Dukhan is a powerful reminder of the consequences of rejecting the divine message, as well as the mercy and guidance found in the Qur'an. It speaks of historical punishments, divine signs, and the final judgment, calling believers to turn toward Allah. Reciting this surah is believed to bring protection, forgiveness, and blessings, particularly when done on the night of Friday.