Al-Alaq (ٱلْعَلَق)

Surah Al-‘Alaq is the first Surah revealed to Muhammad (ﷺ).  It is the 96th Surah found in the last Juz of the Quran. The Surah has only one Ruku and 19 verses, the earliest verses revealed upon Muhammad (ﷺ). Al-Alaq, which means “The Clot” or “The Embryo,” highlights the creation of humankind from a clot of blood. This Surah marked the beginning of the Prophetic journey of Muhammad (ﷺ), marking the initiation of Quranic revelation.

Surah Al-Alaq is a small Surah that was not revealed in one go. The first five verses were the earliest Surah revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ), and the rest of the 14 verses were revealed three years later.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Alaq

Before Prophethood, Rasool Allah (ﷺ) often spends nights in Cave Hira, on the mountains of Jabal an-Nour, for worship. One night, when Muhammad (ﷺ) was worshipping in Cave Hira, Allah sent His angel Gabriel عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ with the revelation of the first five verses that say:

“READ In The name of your Lord who created.” (Quran 96:1)

“Created man from an embryo; (Quran 96:2)

“Read, for your Lord is most beneficent” (Quran 96:3)

“Who taught by the pen.” (Quran 96:4)

“Taught man what he did not know.” (Quran 96:5)

This Surah initiates the Prophetic journey of Muhammad (ﷺ) and highlights the creation of man and the command to read in the name of Allah. The Surah describes the importance of knowledge and warns against being arrogant and crossing limits set by Allah. The Surah defines the relationship of Allah with His creations and encourages us to worship Allah alone and strengthen our bond with our Creator. It guides us about the Day of Judgment and how anyone who disobeys Allah and opposes His commandments will attain Hell. 

The Surah supports the Prophet (ﷺ), as it was revealed when the Prophet (ﷺ) faced the opposition of the people of Makkah. The Surah provides glad tidings to Rasool Allah (ﷺ) and sends a message to him that Allah is sufficient for His Prophet and that he should continue his mission with complete confidence and trust in Allah.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Alaq

Surah Al-Alaq was revealed before the Hijrah period on different occasions. The first five verses were revealed to start the mission of Muhammad (ﷺ), and the next verses from 6 to 10 were revealed when Muhammad (ﷺ) faced intense opposition from the people of Quraysh, who mocked him for being a fortune teller. Verses 11 to 19 were sent down when Muhammad (ﷺ) confronted the Mushriks, who doubted Allah’s power to bring the dead back to life. Verses 20 to 25 were revealed when the people of Quraysh tried to harm our Prophet (ﷺ) physically and mentally.

Narrated by Yahya (R.A):

“I asked Aba Salama, “Which Surah of the Qur’an was revealed first?” He replied, “O you, wrapped up’ (Al-Muddaththir).” I said, “I have been informed that it was, ‘Read, in the Name of your Lord who created (i.e. Surat Al-Alaq) (Sahih Bukhari 4924, Book 65)

Surah Alaq highlights Allah's miracles, especially His creation of humankind. Allah explains how He created humans from blood, emphasizing our transformation from tiny clots into strong adults. He tells us how He brings us to this world, nourishes us, and strengthens our muscles and bones. But those who do not believe in Allah's miracles turn their backs and stand against the messages sent by Allah through His Prophets. All such disbelievers will enter Hell, which is a horrible place for a human to live.

Allah sent down the verses of Surah Al Alaq to remind humankind to avoid arrogance and encourage us to be humble and submissive to Allah. It is our duty to show gratitude to the Lord, as it brings rewards and spiritual benefits in both the worldly life and the life hereafter.