Al-Fajr (ٱلْفَجْر)

Surah Al-Fajr (الْفَجْر, Al-Fajar) is one of the short surahs in the last Juz of the Holy Quran. It's the 89th surah of the Quran and has 30 verses. The word 'Fajr' appears in the first verse and means 'Daybreak' or 'Dawn.' The surah starts with an oath upon the occurrence of Fajr, or the daybreak, which is one of the major signs from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎.

The short length, easy structure, and main message of the surah make it evident that it is a Makkan surah and was revealed before the Hijra. The surah warns idol worshippers and disbelievers by describing the acts of past tribes that led to their destruction. Some of these defining traits included an excessive love for wealth, looking down on the underprivileged, and arrogance about their blessings. Allah warns idol worshippers from following in the footsteps of these tribes unless they wish to meet the same fate.

After condemning the people who display such traits, the surah then gives good news to the people who stay on the straight and righteous path. These glad tidings are an important part of the message in Surah Fajr, as they reassure the Muslims who are facing persecution and oppression. It applies to the Muslims at the time as well as the Muslims suffering today.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Fajr (الْفَجْر)

Surah Al-Fajr and Al-Balad are frequently paired with each other. When we study these two together, they give us a unifying theme. Allah  (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ reminds us what happens to arrogant and cruel people and promises rewards for those who choose the true faith.

One major theme in Surah Fajr is the message we get for the Hereafter. By mentioning the destruction of previous tribes, we get the message of reward for good and punishment for evil. Here are some more themes covered in this surah:

Swearing oaths

There are several oaths in this surah, with the first one being upon Fajr or the Daybreak. Some of the other oaths are sworn on the last ten nights of Ramadan, the even and odd, and the night (as it fades). All of these are signs that there is a Creator ruling over the system of the universe and making it tick along perfectly. In the same way, it follows that people will have to account for their choices in this world. Oppression and cruelty cannot go unpunished; similarly, the people who believe will get their reward eventually.  

Historical examples

After taking these serious oaths, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) gives us certain examples from history. Examples of the oppression of the Pharaoh and the tribes of 'Ah and Thamud are mentioned. The events of their destruction are presented to us as a lesson on what can happen when people spread corruption in the lands and don't respect limits. The tribes mentioned here were physically and financially strong, as was the Pharaoh. The ways in which they were destroyed–by storms or through the parting of the Red Seas–highlight how an All-Powerful Force is behind the workings of everything in this world. 

Appraisal of human society

Next, the surah gives us an analysis of human standards and societal morals. More specifically, there is mention of the paganism rampant in Arab society back then. We may apply the same verses to the corrupt practices of modern society today, i.e., the way musicians and actors are idolized and praised. There is also special emphasis on how the Arabs placed a lot of importance on material wealth and usurped the rights of the orphans in their society. These two practices especially showed how the disbelievers had forgotten what true honor was. 

Accountability

Surah Fajr then gives us the message that we will be accountable for all our deeds in the Hereafter. If someone has usurped the rights of anyone in a weak position, they certainly won't get away with it. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Fajr (الْفَجْر)

Surah Al-Fajr has a range of virtues and benefits for those who recite and study it. First off, the verses help us achieve a higher level of understanding of the world around us. With all the oaths at the beginning of this surah, we get a sense of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ being present in everything. The messages here also help to remind Muslims about how there will be a time of reckoning for all their deeds. The surah provides moral and spiritual guidance for Muslims, warning them against negative habits like greed, usurping rights, arrogance, oppression, and much more. 

Here, Muslims also get a reminder about not being proud of their wealth or high status in society. The tribes of 'Ad and Thamud had great wealth, talent, and power. However, they could not remain in existence after defying the laws of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. This surah also emphasizes how important it is to care for orphans. There are several hadith that back up this rule, thereby encouraging people to be kind to the weak and to protect their rights. According to one Sahih Hadith:

"I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise (indicating the middle and index fingers)." [Sahih al-Bukhari 5304]

The verses in this surah show Muslims how it's essential to have social justice in a Muslim community. Every Muslim is enjoined to help the weak/needy and not take advantage of them. In this way, a Muslim society will get true unity and togetherness.