Al-A'la (ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ)

Surah Al-A’la (الْأَعْلَىٰ) is the 87th surah of the Quran. As with many other surahs of the Quran, the name of Surah Al-A'la is derived from the first verse of the surah, سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْاَعْلَى (Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High). The Arabic word الْأَعْلَىٰ is translated as "The Highest" or "The Most High". This phrase is used in this surah to praise and glorify Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This surah is often grouped under the title "Al-Musabbihat." Musabbihat are those Surahs that start with a word of praise and glorification of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. These surahs begin with phrases such as "Sabbaha," "Yusabbihu," and "Subhana." Surah Al-A'la starts with the words Sabbaha (سَبِّحِ).

Surah Al-A’la is a Makki Surah. It is one of the earliest Surahs which were revealed on the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ during the earlier days of Islam. It appears in the 30th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. By revelation order, this surah comes at number 8. In the order of recitation, it is at the 87th place. Within the 30th Juzz, it is at number 10. It comprises 19 verses grouped in one Ruku. The total number of words in this surah is 72, with 296 letters. 

Themes And Subject Matter Of Surah Al-A'la (الْأَعْلَىٰ)

Like most Surahs revealed in the earlier days of Islam, the basic theme of Surah Al-A'la is Tawhid (Oneness of Allah). The surah starts with words of praise and glorification of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In the first five verses of this surah, the concept of monotheism is emphasized. It is said that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the most glorified and is the Highest of everything. So, He should not be remembered in such a way that reflects any sort of deficiency or weakness. Rather, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ should only be remembered with beautiful names as He is the Highest of all. In the next three verses, it is recalled that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ created everything in this world at its best so it can perform the duties for which each of these was created.  

Verses 9 and 10 are the words of consolation for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, saying he should not worry about remembering the words of the Quran, as it is by the Will Allah that you can remember it. Otherwise, you would have forgotten it if Allah desired so. After that, it is said to the Prophet that you will not be held responsible if anyone does not come to the right path. You only must convey to them the message of Allah and remind them of the outcome of their denial. Those who are not inclined to listen to the message of Allah should be left to their destiny and need not be pursued anymore. 

In the conclusive verses, the matter has been summed up with a declaration that success is only for the ones whose belief, morals, and deeds are pure and the ones who remember Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ and offer prayers. And those who are indulged in this world's life and are not considering the life hereafter, are definitely at a loss. In the last verse, it is reminded that this is the truth that was also expressed in the scriptures of the Prophets Ibrahim and Musa.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-A'la (الْأَعْلَىٰ)

Surah Al-A'la is one of those surahs of the Quran where the Oneness and the Greatness of Allah have been expressed in a beautiful and impressive style. 

Recitation of the Quranic verses in itself is a way of worship. At the same time, it also carries huge benefits and rewards, both in this life and the life hereafter. However, some of the verses and the surahs are known for some specific virtues and benefits, and so is Surah Al-A'la. 

• The first verse of the Surah Al-A'la says, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the "Highest", A'la. In the next verse, الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ فَسَوّٰى, it is said that He Created everything in best of the proportions. So, the recitation of these verses spiritually enlightens the faith and belief of a person. 

• It also reminds us of the Day of Judgment and the punishment of the disbelievers. It is said that the disbelievers are destined to be put in Hell, where they will neither live nor die. So, the reciters get an insight into the consequences of following the wrong path and the benefits of following the righteous path. 

• Recitation of this surah is believed to have a psychological impact on the reciter or the listener. It provides peace of mind and soul.

• This surah is said to be the favorite surah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. He used to recite it in the Jumah and Eid Prayers. So, the recitation of Surah Al-A'la in Prayers is also an act of following the Sunnah.