Al-Ahqaf (الأحقاف, al-aḥqāf) contains thirty-five verses and four Rukus. It is the 46th Quranic Surah and is the last one to start with ‘Hāʼ Mīm.’ It is located in Juz 26. The word ‘Ahqaf’ may be translated into ‘Dunes,’ ‘Winding Sand Tracts,’ or ‘Wind-Curved Sandhills.’ Verse 10 of this surah is believed to be Madni, with the rest being revealed in Makkah. Verses 29-32 mention an event when some jinns came and heard some Quranic recitation. According to historians, such an incident took place when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was on the journey back from Ta’if and going to Mecca. From there, we may derive that the surah was revealed around the 10th or 11th year of the Prophethood. This surah discusses the signs of Allah and his oneness in nature and all creation, the consequences of denying the true religion, stories of past nations, and proof of divine revelation.
English
Ahmed Ali
2
English
Ahmed Ali
3
English
Ahmed Ali
4
English
Ahmed Ali
5
English
Ahmed Ali
6
English
Ahmed Ali
7
English
Ahmed Ali
8
English
Ahmed Ali
9
English
Ahmed Ali
10
Surah Al-Ahqaf was revealed in Mecca around 3 years prior to the Prophet's migration to Medina. The Surah is related to the events that occurred in the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ life in the 10th year of his Prophethood, in Mecca. Historically, this year is known as the "year of sorrow" for the Prophet. By that time, the persecution by the Quraysh had reached an extreme. They forced Banu Hashim and other followers of the Prophet to take refuge in a valley, known as "Shi'b Abi Talib". The Prophet, along with his family and companions, was confined to this valley for three years. The leaders of Quraysh blocked this valley from all sides, so no food supplies could reach it from any source.
After three years, the ban was lifted. Soon after that, Hazrat Abu Talib, the most caring uncle of the Prophet, died. He was the greatest moral, tribal, and physical support for the Prophet. A few months later, the most beloved wife of the Prophet, Hazrat Khadeeja رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا, also left this world. The Prophet was, therefore, left without the moral and physical support of these two most loving personalities. Hence, he often remembered this year as the "year of sorrow".
After these events, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ faced some of the most disturbing and distressed times of his life. He therefore decided to travel to Ta’if, a nearby town, to spread the Message of Islam to its inhabitants. But the people of Ta’if did not pay any heed to his invitation; they threw stones at him while he was on his way back to Mecca. He was seriously injured as a result of this attack on him. As reported in authentic Hadith collections, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ sent down Angel Jibril with the Command that the Angel of Mountains would crush the people of Ta’if between two mountains, if the Prophet desired so. But the Prophet did not agree and hoped that one day, the people of Ta’if would embrace Islam.
When he came back to Mecca one night, the Prophet was reciting the Quran during prayer, and a group of Jinn listened to it as they passed by. The Jinn were impressed and embraced Islam. They also preached it among their tribe. This event is mentioned in verses 29-32 of Surah Al-Ahqaf.
These were the events and circumstances that resulted in the revelation of this Surah. In general, the circumstances in Mecca at that time were quite testing for the Prophet and his followers, due to the extreme persecution by Quraysh, the event of “Shi'b Abi Talib”, and his visit to Ta’if. Like other Meccan Surahs, this Surah also emphasizes basic Islamic beliefs, such as Tawheed, the reality of revelation and Prophethood, and the Day of Resurrection and Accountability.
Surah Al-Ahqaf is a Makki Surah. It was revealed in the latter part of the 10th or earlier part of the 11th year of Prophethood, around three years before the Prophet's migration to Medina.
Surah Al-Ahqaf is the 46th Surah of the Quran, placed in the 26th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Jathiyah and before Surah Muhammad. As per the order of revelation, it is the 66th Surah, which is placed at number 45 in the sequence of recitation.
Surah Al-Ahqaf, like most Meccan Surahs, has great significance, especially in emphasizing and establishing core Islamic beliefs. Simultaneously, it also holds spiritual and moral significance, in addition to encouragement and consolation for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
This Surah is also included in the “Ha-Meem” group of Surahs, known for emphasizing the concept of Tawheed, the basic theology of Islam. The Surah, in the very beginning, strongly refutes and condemns associating partners with Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ (Shirk). Going further, it challenges the disbelievers to give a reference from any earlier book or on the strength of an inherited knowledge to support their polytheistic beliefs. It is also explained that Only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has created this universe, the earth and heavens, and everything between them.
The disbelievers were continuously in a state of denial about the reality of life hereafter and accountability on the Day of Judgement. They were consistently rejecting these realities. This Surah categorically condemns their denial while emphasizing that the Day of Resurrection and Accountability is inevitable. Everyone will face final accountability for their deeds in this world.
Surah Al-Ahqaf gives a strong message to believers to be kind to their parents. The role and importance of mothers are specifically described in this Surah, including their role in giving birth to and raising a child to manhood. It has been made obligatory for mankind to give due respect to their parents. Those who fulfill this responsibility towards their parents will be rewarded on the Day of Judgement, whereas the destiny of those who do not do so is the Hellfire.
This Surah is believed to have been revealed during the last phase of the Prophet’s life in Mecca. This was the most difficult and sorrowful phase of the personal life of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, often remembered by him as the "year of sorrow". While relating the circumstances of some of the previous Prophets who faced similar difficulties, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was encouraged to continue his mission. The event of jinn listening to the recitation of the Quran by the Prophet and entering the group of believers, also provides a word of consolation for the Prophet in the context that if, for the time being, the Meccans are not paying heed to his preaching, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has made jinn to become his followers.
There are quite a few topics in this surah, including warning for disbelievers. There are warnings for those who do not accept the Holy Quran. Allah clearly denies the allegations of the nonbelievers that the Quran is a forgery or a book of sorcery (verses 8 and 9). He openly challenges the nonbelievers and asks them to bring a book or any piece of knowledge they may have that rivals the Quran. On the other hand, Allah promises rewards for Muslims who believe in the word of Allah. Another major message here is that Muslims should deal with their parents with kindness (verse 15). It is also recommended that we obey our parents as long as their commands are not against the teachings of Islam.
The name of the surah, denoting sand dunes, is taken from its mention of the ‘Ad tribe. These were the people who lived among the sand dunes and were very proud of their physical strength plus worldly achievements. They had also gone astray, worshipping idols and rejecting the message from Prophet Hud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The verses mention the warnings given to this tribe while also using them as an example of what happens when people reject Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) message. With the example of this tribe, these verses show how prophets faced difficulties in the past. It’s a reassurance for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who also faced a range of obstacles and oppression while trying to guide the Quraysh and other people in Mecca.
There are several parallels drawn between the people of ‘Ad and the Quraysh of Makkah. Both people displayed arrogance, pride, and rigidness when they were presented with the Truth. The destruction of ‘Ad presents a lesson to those who think that they are free from any accountability. They also followed their forefathers blindly and refused to consider any other way of living.
Summary Of the Main Topics Covered in Surah Al-Ahqaf:
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has the power to do anything for us, while idols and false gods cannot even help themselves.
People will get rewards for treating their parents kindly and compassionately. Neglect or rudeness will make them eligible for punishment.
Idols cannot save anyone from Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) wrath or punishment
The Quran was also revealed as guidance and warning for the jinns as well as the humans. A group of jinns came to listen to the recitation of their Quran and returned to their people as warners themselves.
The people who do believe in the Truth will be rewarded. They will have no need to fear or grieve but be happy in the Hereafter.
Nonbelievers will get their part of happiness, luxury, and strength in this world, but their arrogance will only earn them eternal punishment in the Hereafter.
We can find quite a few virtues and benefits while studying Surah Al-Ahqaf. Unfortunately, most of the virtues people speak of do not have a strong Hadith source. Still, there are several sayings from knowledgeable people regarding various benefits linked to the recitation of Surah Al-Ahqaf. For one, Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq reportedly stated that anyone who recites this surah daily will stay safe from dangers in both worlds. The same benefit may also apply when a Muslim recites Surah Al-Ahqaf on Fridays.
One weak source states that the Prophet (ﷺ) said that the reward of this surah’s recitation is 10 times greater than the creatures on Earth. Along with the reward, this surah’s reciters may get the same number of sins forgiven. Some more (weak) sources highlight the lessons presented in Surah Al-Ahqaf. The gist is that its reciters may get great honor, become influential speakers, and be able to sway people with their words. Other benefits include a better memory and protection from harm. Of course, all these benefits will only take place if Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) wills and allows it.
Listening to the recitation of authentic reciters (Qaris) is one of the best ways to learn how to recite the Quranic words, with perfect pronunciation. Correctly pronouncing the Quranic words is highly important because any deviation or mistake can altogether alter the theme and meaning of the verses. For those whose native language is not Arabic, correct pronunciation is often more difficult. All these difficulties can be overcome by listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari. Moreover, someone may prefer listening to the Quran rather than reading it.
At MuslimandQuran, we offer the ability to listen to the recitation by renowned Qaris. The recitations of famous and most authentic Qaris are available on our website and mobile app. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the Mobile Application of the MuslimandQuran to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Ahqaf.
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:
The facility to read the Quran is available on the MuslimandQuran websites and mobile applications. Though it is easy to read online, you can also download it as a PDF if you prefer to read it offline. Surah Al-Ahqaf can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Al-Ahqaf translates to “wind-curved sandhills”. In the context of Surah Al-Ahqaf, it refers to the deserted place in the Arabian Peninsula, where the ancient nation of Ad lived.
Surah Al-Ahqaf has 35 verses.
While there are no specific benefits associated with reciting Surah Al-Ahqaf, it does confer rewards because reciting any Surah of the Quran is highly virtuous. However, reciting Surah Al-Ahqaf may also help strengthen one’s faith in Tawaheed (monotheism) and in the Day of Resurrection and Accountability. Hence, reciting Surah Al-Ahqaf is not only beneficial in strengthening our faith but may also bring huge rewards on the Day of Judgement.
No, there is no specific Hadith about Surah Al-Ahqaf.
Yes, you can easily listen to it on any of your mobile devices or laptops, as all the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Ahqaf, are available on the MuslimandQuran mobile application and website.
Reading any of the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Ahqaf, carries unlimited rewards. So, you can recite it whenever you like, anytime during the day or night, either daily or whenever you may prefer. However, there are no specific rewards associated with the recitation of Surah Al-Ahqaf.
The Quran is for the guidance and benefit of everyone in the world. It is not for a specific Arabic-speaking people. Anyone who recites any of the surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Ahqaf, will get the same benefits, irrespective of their native language. However, it is better for us to understand the meanings of the Quranic verses to gain the maximum benefit and guidance.