Al-Qalam (ٱلْقَلَم)

Surah Al-Qalam is the 68th surah in the Quran and belongs to the 29th Juz, which is the second last Juz of the Quran. The surah was revealed in Makkah (Mecca) before the hijra, specifically in the first or second year of prophethood. This period of time was challenging for the Prophet (ﷺ) as the people of Mecca were creating hurdles and hardships for the Prophet and the followers of Islam. The surah is also known as Surah Nun, as it starts with ‘Nun’ (ن), the Arabic letter referred to as Muqatta’at. No one knows the meaning and purpose of these disjointed letters that appear at the start of some of the verses. Scholars are united in their belief that Allah and His Prophet (ﷺ) know the meaning of these letters, and Muslims should not seek to find the meaning. 

Surah Al-Qalam consists of 52 verses divided into just 2 Rukus, focusing on the nobility of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his character. It highlights the struggles of Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble character, the importance of gratitude, maintaining humility, and standing with divine justice. The surah encourages the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers to maintain steadfastness in faith and declares their rewards in the life hereafter.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Qalam (ٱلْقَلَم)

Surah Al Qalam was revealed early in the time when Muhammad (ﷺ) was facing challenges from the Kufaar, and the opposition was greater than the number of believers. The nonbelievers of Mecca ridiculed the Prophet and his followers. They mocked Islam and created hardships for him in his life in Mecca. Their steadfast ignorance and their arrogance were cause for great sadness and discontent for the Prophet (ﷺ). In this situation, Allah sent down surah Al-Qalam, which assured the Prophet that his struggle in the path of Allah was not without reward.

Allah assures His bellowed Prophet that,

“Thou art not, by the Grace of thy Lord, mad or possessed (verse 1).”

Allah further promises His beloved Prophet,

“Nay, verily for thee is a Reward unfailing (verse 2).

And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character (verse 3).”

Next, Allah Azzawajjal promises that soon, the nonbelievers will see with their own eyes whether they were the mad ones or you. Allah will make it evident to them that their path was the false one and your path, O Muhammad, is righteous. Allah further reassures Prophet Muhammad and asks him not to pay attention to the mocking and ridicule of the nonbelievers, for they are ignorant and content in their ignorance.

Allah says,

“Heed not the type of despicable men- ready with oaths (verse 10).”

And goes on to describe the qualities of these ignorant men whose hearts have turned to stone when receiving the message of Allah. 

Like all the Makki Surahs, Surah Qalam was also revealed as rejecting the opponents of Islam. Allah declared in the surah about the highest moral character of Muhammad (ﷺ) and that the Almighty stands with His Prophet. The surah encourages Muhammad (ﷺ) to stay patient and remain committed to spreading the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) highlights the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and learning and warns those who mock Islam, live arrogantly, and turn away from the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The surah warns those who deny the truth and mock Muhammad (ﷺ), whom Allah has sent down on them as His messenger. The surah also highlights the consequences faced by previous people who denied the truth and mocked their Prophet (ﷺ). 

To show that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) sees everything and does not support those who harm others. He mentions the story of a group of garden owners who selfishly kept their harvest from the poor people, saving everything for themselves. As a punishment for their greed, their garden was destroyed completely, leaving nothing behind. This serves as a powerful lesson for everyone to give charity and help those in need. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) also describes the reality of the Day of Judgement, where everyone will be held accountable for their actions in this world and will face the consequences. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Qalam (ٱلْقَلَم)

Surah Al-Qalam guides the believers about the qualities of Rasool Allah (ﷺ), his teachings, and how he faced those who opposed him during the early days of his Prophethood period. It reminds us to always send salat on our Prophet (ﷺ), who worked tirelessly to spread the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

Surah Al-Qalam teaches us the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and moral behavior encouraging us to live our life according to the will of Allah to receive His blessings and rewards. The surah also highlights the importance of charity, focusing on spending in the way of Allah with a promise that it will only increase our wealth. Allah shares the story of people whose garden was because of their selfishness, warning us of the consequences of not following Allah’s commands and keeping the wealth for oneself rather than giving it to the needy. The surah serves as a great source of positivity for Muslims, increasing their spiritual well-being and a reminder to wrongdoers of the consequences they will face for their actions.