Surah As-Saffat (Arabic: الصافات) is the 37th surah of the Holy Quran. It is a Makki surah containing 182 verses and is named after the term ‘As-Saffat’ that comes in the first verse. The meaning of As-Saffat is ‘those who set the ranks’ or ‘those who arrange in rows’, referring to the Angels. Surah As-Saffat relates the steadfast dedication of the Angels in executing Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) commands to perseverance for the believers.
The main focus of Surah As-Saffat is the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the final punishment of the disbelievers. It also talks about many other concepts like belief, submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and the ultimate victory of the righteous. It discusses Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) commandments and contains the stories of different prophets. Lastly, it highlights the outcomes of rejecting Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) guidance.
٣٧ - ٱلصَّافَّات
37 - As-Saffat
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Surah As-Saffat was revealed during the middle Makkan period. During this time, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions faced extremely challenging circumstances due to the strong opposition from the Quraish tribe against his message of Islam. Surah As-Saffat strictly warns the non-believers of Makkah about their disrespectful attitude and mockery of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) message of monotheism. They have also been condemned for their complete refusal to accept his Prophethood claim.
However, what makes Surah As-Saffat significant are the stories of various prophets mentioned in it. These stories convey their messages, struggles, and the consequences faced by their people. Each story is a lesson that focuses on the importance of accepting faith and the punishment of disbelief. These stories also highlight the infinite Mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى):
Another important educational and historical mention is of the virtuous life of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was prepared to sacrifice his only son the moment Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) commanded him to do so. This contained an important lesson for the unbelieving Quraish who boasted of their blood relation with Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
In addition, the mention of this event strengthened the faith of the believers in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and His Messenger (ﷺ). They learned about the true spirit of Islam and how a genuine believer should be willing to make sacrifices for Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) pleasure.
Moreover, Surah As-Saffat consoles the faithful that they must not lose heart over the trials and challenges they are facing. They are reassured that, ultimately, they will achieve victory. In contrast, those who spread falsehood might seem to be in control, but they would be defeated by the Muslims – and this was proved right a few years later when Islam was indeed victorious.
Lastly, Surah As-Saffat talks about the importance of standing united in rows and unity during devotion. This is to motivate believers to come together in the pursuit of goodness.
As we have talked about previously, Surah As-Saffat centers around the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the ultimate punishment for non-believers. In addition, it talks about:
Surah As-Saffat starts by mentioning the angels who are carefully organized in rows. These angels handle different duties like condemning evil and reciting Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) message. This introduction emphasizes the precision with which divine orders are carried out in the world.
Surah As-Saffat also encourages followers to think about the complex nature of the universe. It mentions the heavenly bodies and how the night and day change. It also talks about how the birds soar through the huge skies. These phenomena indicate Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) creative power and encourage believers to acknowledge His supremacy and appreciate His numerous blessings.
Surah As-Saffat is filled with ethical lessons. These include patience, persistence, and steadfastness. These lessons are taken from the stories of the prophets mentioned in the Surah. Moreover, the outcome of disbelievers who rejected the Prophet's acts as a warning against pride and disbelief.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had to deal with extreme resistance and difficulties throughout his journey. Surah As-Saffat comforts him by narrating the stories of the earlier prophets in similar circumstances. The Surah assures him that the previous prophets received Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) support and ultimately triumphed, and he will also conquer his difficulties with heavenly help.
The Surah clearly describes the Day of Judgment. It explains the process of resurrection and how we will be revived from the dead so that our actions in this world can be evaluated. The virtuous will be granted paradise and the evildoers will face the consequences of their deeds. This prompts believers to live their lives virtuously and look forward to the reward in the Afterlife.
Reading Surah As-Saffat with genuine intention and comprehension protects from disasters and misfortune. The Surah is said to have a protective quality and safeguards the reciter from danger. Moreover, the recitation of Surah As-Saffat while contemplating its meaning draws divine favor and benefits.
It is stated in Majma‘-ul-Bayan that Imam Sadiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said: “Whoever recites Surah As-Saffat every Friday, he will be saved from every pollution and disease, and every contamination will be removed from his worldly life, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will provide him with the most abundant sustenance and He does not afflict him, his children and his body with the harms of the cursed Satan and the hostile haughty ones.
And if he dies on that day or night, Allah will cause him to die as a martyr, and He will raise him among martyrs, and He will set him in the same grade with the martyrs in Paradise.”
Moreover, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) grants plentiful provisions to those who recite Surah As-Saffat, fulfilling their earthly requirements. The surah also motivates believers through the stories of prophets and their people, encouraging them to stay on the righteous path.
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As-Saffat means ‘those who set the ranks’ or ‘those who arrange in rows’, talking about the Angels.
Surah As-Saffat is the 37th chapter of the Holy Quran and contains 182 verses.
Reciting Surah As-Saffat is believed to provide protection from danger and illness, increase sustenance, and defend the body, children, and property against the evil of shaitan.
It is recommended to recite Surah As-Saffat on Fridays to benefit from its protective attributes. However, it can be recited at any time, day or night.