Surah Ar-Ra'd (English meaning: The Thunder) is the 13th chapter of the Qur'an. Its name is derived from the mention of thunder in verse 13:13: "And the thunder exalts [Allah] with praise of Him – and the angels [as well] from fear of Him." Surah Ar-Ra'd is situated in the 13th Parah/Juz of the Qur'an and consists of 43 verses (ayat) divided into 6 Ruku (sections). It is placed after Surah Yusuf and before Surah Ibrahim. While there is some disagreement between the schools of thought, most scholars collectively consider the Surah to be a Makki Surah.
Surah Ar-Ra'd was revealed in the late Makkan Period during a period of time when the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers faced extreme opposition and persecution from the Quraish tribe. One notable incident related to the revelation of this Surah involves the Quraysh leaders challenging the Prophet to bring a miracle or a sign to prove his prophethood. In response, Surah Ar-Ra'd highlights the miracles and signs already present in the natural world, such as the thunder and lightning, as evidence of God's power and the truth of His revelation.
The Surah mainly focuses on the Omnipotence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) through natural phenomena with clear and vivid descriptions of thunder and lightning which are seen as signs of Allah's powers and a stark reminder of His presence and control over the universe. Thunder symbolizes God's awe-inspiring power and serves as a natural phenomenon that evokes fear and respect and reminds humans of God's might and power as well as the reality of the Day of Judgment. The Surah also defends the authenticity of the Quran and reaffirms the divine origin of the revelation while challenging the disbelievers to produce something similar.
١٣ - ٱلرَّعْد
13 - Ar-Ra'd
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Surah Ar-Ra’d is widely believed to have been revealed during the last phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stay in Mecca, just before the historical Hijrat e Medina. As such, there is no specific event or occasion associated with its revelation. Most of the Quran Scholars agree that it was revealed during the same period as Surah Yunus, Surah Hud, and Surah Al-A’raf were sent down, because the subject and theme of all four Surahs are almost the same. The purpose of the revelation of Surah Ar-Ra’d was to address some core issues that the Prophet and his followers were facing at that point in time.
The disbelievers of Mecca, the Quraysh, were straight away denying the truth of the Message of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as conveyed to them by the Prophet. Instead, they demanded that if it is the Message of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, the Prophet must prove it through a miracle. Surah Ar-Ra’d addresses the doubts and denial of the disbelievers, who were not only opposing the Prophet but were also showing arrogance, claiming that the Quran was not sufficient evidence that it is a divine revelation. They asked for physical miracles by way of moving the mountains, resurrecting the dead, and bringing the sky down. In fact, some of the believers were also impressed by these demands, in response to which Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ that He is capable of doing that (as mentioned in the 31st verse of this Surah), but even then, the disbelieving people will not be satisfied and would certainly invent another excuse.
Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commanded in this Surah that it is not His way to impress disbelievers through miracles. Even if miracles are sent down, the disbelievers would come up with something else. The Quran itself is the greatest miracle, containing guidance, truth, and wisdom far superior to the physical signs. It is also mentioned in this Surah that guidance is only granted by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Surah Ar-Ra’d is a Makki Surah, revealed most probably anytime during the last phase of the Prophet's stay in Mecca, just before the migration to Medina. On the other hand, some of the scholars are of the view that it was revealed in Medina. However, the subject and theme of the Surah strongly suggest that it was revealed in Mecca, just before the migration.
It is the 13th Surah of the Quran and appears in Juzz (para) number 13. It is placed after Surah Yusuf and before Surah Ibrahim. It is the 96th Surah in the order of revelation, whereas it is placed at number 13 in the sequence of recitation.
The significance of Surah Ar-Ra’d can be summarized as follows:
Like most of the Meccan Surahs, Surah Ar-Ra’d also reaffirms the Oneness of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, the concept more popularly referred to as Tauhid, in Islamic teachings. It is categorically mentioned in this Surah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the One Who has the Authority and Control over the entire Universe, including the earth and the heavens. He is the Only One Who controls the natural forces like thunder and lightning. It also rejects idol worship, as was the practice of the Quraysh. It emphasizes that only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is worth worship.
The disbelievers were demanding physical miracles as evidence of the Quran being the Divine Book and the Message of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as conveyed by the Prophet being the truth. Surah Ar-Ra’d addressed this core issue by saying, sending miracles is not difficult for Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as He is Capable of doing that, but even then, the disbelievers will not come to the right path. Instead, it is mentioned that the Quran itself is the greatest of Miracles. It is a continuous source of guidance and wisdom for all of mankind till the Day of Judgement.
This Surah was revealed in the backdrop of hostilities and strong opposition from the disbelievers of Quraysh, with the advice for the believers to stay firm on their faith. The Surah also emphasizes upon the believers to only rely on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and be patient, despite the most unfavorable conditions, as the truth is going to prevail soon. Simultaneously, the disbelievers are reminded that all their deeds are being recorded and everyone will have to face the accountability on the Day of Judgement. In fact, the reminder of the Day of Judgement is for all of mankind, not only for the disbelievers but also for the believers for generations to come.
The true believers are encouraged to display faith and obedience. They are mentioned as those who keep complete and unwavering faith in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Those are the ones who establish prayer, give zakat, and keep strong ties with relatives. Hence, the Surah clearly defines the qualities of a true believer.
The Surah symbolizes Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ absolute Power, by mentioning Ar-Ra’d (the Thunder). It is a reminder that all Powers of Nature Glorify only Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, though some of the humans still deny His Majesty.
Surah Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder) covers several profound themes and subject matters and emphasizes the power and sovereignty of Allah, the signs of His creation, and the consequences of belief and disbelief. Here are the key themes:
Surah Ar-Ra’d places emphasis on the concept of the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) i.e., Tawhid. The surah begins with a powerful description of thunder, a natural phenomenon that is a reminder of Allah as the Creator and the Master of this universe as well as the Heavens and the Earth, and He alone controls it all. This is a sure sign of a Creator that He can produce and control thunder, a force of immense power and destruction.
Surah Ar-Ra'd does not stop at highlighting Allah's (SWT) power through thunder and continues to tress on the fact that only Allah (SWT) can make these phenomena happen. It encourages contemplation on the various natural phenomena, such as the rain bringing life after drought, the alternation of day and night, and the balance and perfect harmony in the universe. These are seen as signs pointing towards the existence of a Creator with immense wisdom and design, as the beauty and order in nature are seen as evidence of Allah's (SWT) grandeur.
The surah responds to the arguments used by the disbelievers of Mecca, as the Quraish doubted the message of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Quran itself. The surah responds in several ways:
Another predominant theme in the surah is reward and punishment. It provides consolation to those who follow the religion and a wake-up call to the believers and non-believers who are far from the teachings of Allah. The surah then seeks to bring the blessings felt in this life into perspective, including food, progeny, and guidance, as well as the reward promised in paradise. It informs the disbelievers of the wrath that awaits them after they deny the message of Allah (SWT) and reminds the believers of the reward they are to gain after facing Hellfire. It gives strict warnings to the disbelievers and good tidings to the believers.
The surah recognizes the ordeal of those who believed in the Oneness of Allah in a society that was largely inclined towards idol worshipping. It provides comfort to those who are suffering persecution and reassures the audience that prior prophets dealt with hardships as well, but they did not waver in their beliefs. The surah strongly emphasizes the importance of patience and reliance on Allah, as ultimately, Allah (SWT) will reward those who remain steadfast in their faith.
Surah Ar-Ra'd is a source of strength and revelation to the believers. Descriptions of the nature of Allah (SWT) and His greatness, which include thunder and lightning that remind the people of His greatness (13:13), are common indications of His power. The surah provides comfort and a message of reassurance for those who seek the assistance of Allah (SWT). The Quran itself affirms, "And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out" (Quran 65:2).
In addition, Surah Ar-Ra'd encourages believers to ponder the wonders of nature, from the growth of vegetation (13:4) to the extreme power of lightning (13:13). Such reflection enhances the understanding of the divine attributes of creation as well as the understanding of the guidance offered by Allah (SWT) through the Quran. In terms of moral and spiritual advice, lessons can be learned from the fates of believers and disbelievers as depicted in the surah by the comparison made in verses (13:18-25).
The surah offers valuable moral and spiritual guidance. Finally, the immense rewards promised for reciting and contemplating the Quran extend to Surah Ar-Ra'd. The surah's emphasis on the afterlife and accountability (13:16-17) reminds believers of the eternal rewards awaiting them for their faith and righteous deeds.
The recitation of the Quran by an authentic reciter (Qari) is a rich source of learning the correct pronunciation of the Quranic words, including Surah Ar-Ra’d. Correct pronunciation is quite a sensitive matter; even a minor mistake in the correct pronunciation of a Quranic word may entirely change its meaning. Correct pronunciation might be somewhat more difficult for a non-Arabic-speaking person. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari is highly beneficial for those reciters who want to learn how to correctly read the Quran.
Similarly, sometimes one may just like to listen to the Quran, instead of reading it. At MuslimandQuran, we have uploaded recitations of the Quran by the renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You just need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Ar-Ra’d.
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It is quite easy to read the Quran directly on the website and mobile application of MuslimandQuran. However, if you like to read it offline, at your convenience, MuslimandQuran also provides this facility. You can just download Surah Ar-Ra’d in PDF for reading later.
Surah Ar-Ra’d can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Ar-Ra’d translates to “Thunder”. This word refers to the name of the 13th Surah of the Quran, Surah Ar-Ra’d, which appears in its 13th verse.
Surah Ar-Ra’d has 43 verses.
No specific benefits are associated with the recitation of Surah Ar-Ra’d. However, like any other Surah of the Quran, its recitation brings huge rewards and benefits not only in this world but also on the Day of Resurrection. Generally, the recitation of Surah Ar-Ra’d is beneficial as it reminds us of the importance of remaining firm in faith. It also reminds us that everyone will have to face accountability on the Day of Judgement. It also outlines the qualities of a true believer, hence its recitation guides us to follow the righteous path.
There is no specific Hadith about Surah Ar-Ra’d.
Yes, just like any other Surah of the Quran, recitation of Surah Ar-Ra’d may bring huge rewards.