Surah Al-Jathiya is the 45th chapter in the Holy Quran. It consists of 37 verses within 4 Rukus and was revealed in Makkah. However, some scholars maintain that verse 14 was revealed in Medina. The surah starts with the Muqattat letters “Hāʼ Mīm,” one of seven Quranic chapters to do so. The word ‘Jathiya’ translates to ‘kneeling’. It can also mean ‘kneeling down’ and ‘hobbling.’ This surah can be found in Juz 25 of the Quran. The message in this surah consists of different signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) that humans can reflect upon. It also discusses various punishments as a result of denying God in spite of seeing all these signs. This is also the only surah to mention the word ‘Sharia,’ a term that we now use for Islamic law. Due to this, another name for this surah is Surah Al-Sharia.
The name of this surah, Al-Jathiya, comes from its 28h verse. It mentions how every community will kneel or be ‘on its knees’ on the Day of Qiyamah. Another name for this Surah is Al-Dahr, or ‘The Time,’ after a word in the 24th verse. While we are not sure about the exact period of the revelation of Al-Jathiya, the topics signify that it came directly after the revelation of Surah Ad-Dukhan. The two Surahs are very similar in subject matter.
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Surah Al-Jathiyah is included in the group of Surahs remembered as “Ha-Meem” Surahs. It closely resembles its subject and theme with Surah Ad-Dukhan. Both of these Surahs are commonly grouped as "twin Surahs". Although no specific event or occasion is associated with the revelation of Surah Al-Jathiyah, it is widely believed among historians and scholars that it was revealed during the latter part of the mid-phase of the Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ mission in Mecca, sometimes after Surah Ad-Dukhan.
That was a period when the disbelievers of Mecca had intensified their opposition and oppressive activities against the Prophet and his followers. Like other Meccan surahs of that time, Surah Al-Jathiyah mainly emphasizes the core beliefs of Islam, such as Tawheed (Monotheism), the reality of Prophethood, life after death, and accountability on the Day of Judgement. The situation on the Day of Judgement is explicitly mentioned in this Surah, where everyone will "kneel" and face the consequences of their deeds, good or bad. Those with good will be rewarded, and those with bad deeds will be punished on the Day of Judgement. But the disbelievers continued to reject and oppose these beliefs.
The main purpose of the revelation of Surah Al-Jahthiyah was to emphasize the core beliefs of Islam, for which glaring examples are quoted as signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, such as the creation of the earth and skies, cycles of days and nights, creation of everything in this universe (humans and animals), and the ships sailing in the oceans. Similarly, natural phenomena such as wind and rain were also mentioned as signs and the Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. At the same time, the arrogant beliefs of the leaders of Quraysh were also strongly condemned, stating that they were only denying and opposing the revelations because they conflicted with their authority and status.
Surah Al-Jathiyah is a Makki Surah, believed to have been revealed after Surah Ad-Dukhan, most probably in the latter period of the mid-phase of the Prophet’s mission in Mecca.
Surah Al-Jathiyah is the 45th Surah. It is placed in the 25th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. It comes after Surah Ad-Dukhan and before Surah Al-Ahqaf. As per the order of revelation, it is the 65th Surah, which is placed at number 45 in the sequence of recitation.
Number of Verses: Surah Al-Jathiyah has 37 verses.
Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Jathiyah is divided into 4 Rukus (sections).
Surah Al-Jathiyah primarily describes rather than establishes the major concepts and beliefs of Islam. Hence, it is one of the most relevant Surahs of the Quran, where the basic Islamic concepts are authoritatively described, supported with evidence and examples of various Creations of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and natural Phenomena that can be observed by anyone. These include:
Surah Al-Jathiyah reminds mankind that the Universe, including this world, earth, heavens, and everything in between, is created by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as the disbelievers used to demand signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In the very beginning of this Surah, the example of earth and heavens is quoted as the clear signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In this context, the importance of this Sura is that it provides signs of Existence, Powers, and Authority of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, from the Creations and natural phenomena, everyone can easily observe, without any doubt. Going forward, the signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ are also emphasized by giving examples of alternation between days and nights, sailing ships in oceans, and rainfall. It is established that these signs are sufficient for those who believe.
The hereafter (resurrection) and the final accountability on the Day of Judgement are among the core beliefs of Islam. The disbelievers of Mecca were straightaway denying the reality and truth of these basic concepts. In this context, this Surah provides a definitive description of these realities. It describes in detail the scenario of the Day of Qiyamah (Day of Judgement), when the entire mankind will kneel before Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, but their destination will depend entirely on the deeds they have committed in their worldly life. Everyone will receive rewards and punishments based on what they have done. This scenario was shown in this Surah to remind the disbelievers of their arrogant attitude and of their denial of the reality of life hereafter and of final accountability. Irrespective of this, this scenario is also a reminder for the disbelievers of every generation, past or future, until the Day of Qiyamah (the Day of Judgement) falls.
In short, the significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:
This surah was revealed to answer many of the doubts of the disbelievers in Mecca at the time. These people were mostly polytheists and did not believe in Tawhid or the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The verses in this surah bring a warning against such attitudes and give signs to prove Tawhid.
Some of the signs that this surah talks about include the human body, the earth, the heavens, and many more. The verses also point out that anyone can easily find evidence that testifies to the Oneness of God, but many choose to ignore them. The beauty of creation, the rainfall, the way crops grow, and the huge variety of living creatures all provide testimony that there is God and only one God. However, if someone wants to stay doubtful and reject these signs, they will not be convinced even with all the logic and reasoning in the world.
The verses then emphasize how everything in the universe is serving humans. While man is far from being the strongest of all creation, he is still able to manipulate and exploit the world’s resources for his comfort and benefit. All these resources did not come into being by accident, nor could nature work so smoothly if several deities were running it. If one uses their intellect, they will soon realize that there is God and He is One. He alone is worthy of worship, and He will decide what happens.
After showing the signs, the verses then warn the disbelievers and rebuke them for mocking the Muslims. The disbelievers were also arrogant and stubborn, insisting upon resisting the message of the Quran.
The verses mention that the children of Israel had been given the True message before. They were also given a lot of importance but eventually failed to value this blessing. They disassembled their religion, changed the rulings, and lost their standing. Now, there is a new and final guidance code that shows the one true religion to mankind. Anyone who obeys this message will become worthy of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) mercy.
There are several points of wisdom and guidance in Surah Al-Jathiya. When we recite and study this surah, we get to reflect upon the many signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The verses also remind us of the dire consequence of rejecting the existence and Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The surah also reminds us about the reality of the Day of Judgement. By reading about this day and what will happen then, we gain an understanding of what our lives should be like. In a nutshell, we should live our lives according to what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) wishes. There will be several other goals that demand our attention, such as careers, family, etc. While it’s important to follow these paths as well, the ultimate path we take should be according to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). If we don’t stay on the righteous path, we will pay for it in the next life.
Surah Al-Jathiyah also reminds us of the previous religions and nations that either changed their religions or denied the messages sent to them. By reading their stories, Muslims are warned against not believing. Regularly reciting this surah will help us reflect on the world around us. We will be more able to appreciate Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) creation. Finally, these reminders will help a Muslim gain a higher level of piety and taqwa.
Recitation of the Quran with correct pronunciation is crucial. Since it comprises the Words of Allahسُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, it is extremely important to recite it exactly the same way, as these were revealed. Any mistake in correct recitation, even a minor deviation from the correct pronunciation of any word, may lead to a different meaning, which is against the spirit of recitation of the Quran. For a non-Arabic-speaking person, it becomes even more critical. The best and relatively easy way to overcome these difficulties is to listen to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic reciter (Qari). Likewise, sometimes one may prefer to listen to the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Al-Jathiyah, rather than read them.
MuslimandQuran provides the ability to listen to the recitation of renowned Qaris, easily within your reach. The recitations of renowned 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 MuslimandQuran mobile app to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Jathiyah.
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-Jathiyah can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Al-Jathiyah translates to "kneeling" or "on their knees". In the context of Surah Al-Jathiyah, it refers to the scenario on the Day of Judgement, when all mankind will kneel before Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for final accountability.
Surah Al-Jathiyah has 37 verses.
No, there is no specific Hadith about Surah Al-Jathiyah.
Yes, you can easily listen to it on any of your mobile devices or laptops, as all the Surahs of the Quran are available on the Mobile Application and website of the Muslim and Quran.
Surah Al-Jathiyah was revealed adjacently after Surah Ad-Dukhan. Both these Surahs are also considered to be twin Surahs, as both describe the same subject. It is included in the group of Surahs, remembered as “Ha-meem" Surahs. Although no authentic historical reference is available about the exact time of its revelations, it is widely believed by scholars, based on the subject and theme, that it was most probably revealed during the latter part of the mid-phase of the Prophet's mission in Mecca. It was the time when the disbelievers, specifically the leaders of Quraysh, were persisting in their stance of rejecting and opposing the reality of revelations and the Prophethood. They were demanding clear signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In that context, this Surah emphasizes the basic Islamic concepts of Tawheed (Monotheism), the Prophethood, the Hereafter (resurrection), the Day of Judgement, and final accountability. It also provided clear and most relevant signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, in the shape of His Creations, such as the earth, heavens, and everything in between. The signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ are also quoted from the natural phenomena like rainfall, and the rotational cycle of the occurrence of the Days and Nights. Most importantly, the disbelievers were also shown a picture of the Day of Resurrection, when everyone will kneel down in the Court of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, where their destiny will be decided on the basis of what they had done in their worldly life, whether good or bad. Those with more wrongdoings in their account will be punished, whereas those with an account having more good deeds on their credit will be rewarded with a permanent place in paradise.