Ash-Shu'ara (Arabic: الشُّعَرَاء, translation: the poets) is the 26th chapter of the Quran. It is a Meccan or Makki Surah, signifying that it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) before his migration (Hijra) to Medina. The name of the Surah, Ash-Shu'ara, is taken from the end of the surah, from verse number 224. In this verse, Allah Azzawajal addresses poets who spread falsehoods through poetry. It highlights the importance of words and their influence on shaping mindsets. In addition, the surah emphasizes the importance of poets and their influence on society.
Surah Ash-Shu'ara is categorized as Al-Tuwal, i.e., a long surah, because it has 227 verses. This surah is from the early Meccan period when the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his companions encountered fierce hostility and persecution from the Quraysh tribe and the inhabitants of Mecca. Surah Ash-Shu'ara emphasized the foundations of faith (Tawheed), the Oneness of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the stories of previous prophets, and the Day of Judgment. The surah was specially sent for the disbelievers of Makkah who were obstinately rejecting the message of Islam regardless of clear signs and warnings.
Poetry was an essential part of the Arab society in pre-Islamic Arabia. Poetry was used for self-glorification, for the glorification of respectful figures in society, to honor someone who has achieved success or renown in some way, tribal glorification, satire, and even as motivation for troops before battle. Poets were well-respected all over Arabia for their command of the language, and their words held significant sway over the society. When the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) began spreading the message of Allah, some deviant Shu'ara narrated poetry to ridicule the Prophet, his message, and his companions. In Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء), Allah Azzawajal addresses these deviators (al-ghāwūn), declaring them and their followers "those straying in evil."
Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء) covers two Paras (Juz) of the Quran. Beginning at the 19th Para (Juz) and continuing through the 20th Para (Juz).
Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء) has 227 verses (Ayahs).
Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء) consists of 11 Ruku' (sections). The surah (الشُّعَرَاء) addresses specific themes, historical narratives of prophets, warnings to disbelievers, and encouragement to believers in each Ruku. In the beginning, it affirms about Quran being the divine revelation and starts with the stories of Prophets (Musa), Abraham (Ibrahim) and Lut (عليه السلام). The surah continues by emphasizing the Oneness of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and the consequences of disbelief.
In the 3rd Ruku, Prophet Noah (Nuh) and Hud (عليه السلام) are mentioned and the punishments that were given to the disbelievers of their times. Stories of the prophets Salih and Shu'ayb (عليه السلام) and the miracles of Musa (عليه السلام) against the Pharaoh.
The 6th Ruku commands to take lessons from these stories and give up mockery against the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), 7th, 8th, and 9th Ruku focus on the consequences that the previous nations faced for rejecting their prophets.
Ruku 10th and 11th are encouragements to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and the believers to stay steadfast and keep their faith strong, for they are on the right path.
٢٦ - ٱلشُّعَرَاء
26 - Ash-Shu'ara
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The surah speaks about the Quraysh's many schemes for discrediting the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), including false accusations, the use of mocking, and trying to undermine his message through poetry. It emphasized the persistent pattern of hostility suffered by all prophets by establishing comparisons with the experiences of prophets such as Moses, Abraham, Noah, and others as well as the inevitable demise of those who reject the divine word. The surah came as a warning for the Quraysh, and they would face a similar destiny if they continued to reject Islam's message. The major themes of the surah are:
The surah inspired and strengthened the early Muslims. It reassured them that their battles were part of a bigger divine purpose and that they were following in the footsteps of prior righteous societies. Allah سبحانه وتعالى justice in dealing with disbelievers is highlighted in this surah, and His mercy towards the believers is evident.
Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء) revolves around the theme of Tawheed, Oneness of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and the stories of Prophets, which should be taken as lessons. It depicts the divine retribution meted out to nations that continued in doubt and transgression, such as the destruction of communities like 'Ad, Thamud, and the people of Lut (عليه السلام). The surah emphasizes the foolishness of worshipping false gods and the consequences of departing from the path of Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
Lastly, it addresses the poets of Arabs to fulfil their ethical duty and to stop spreading falsehood about the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم). It declares poets who use their words to spread falsehoods instead of doing constructive work evil. It also warns the followers of these poets to reflect on their actions and come towards the true religion.
Reflecting upon Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء) offers several virtues and benefits to those reciting and studying it. The surah is a collection of stories from past Prophets that strengthen faith by displaying their firm monotheistic assurance and trust in Allah's plan. Thus, reciting Surah Ash-Shu'ara inspires believers to be patient and perseverant in the face of adversity, just like the prophets who faced suffering but remained steadfast in the way of Allah. Recitation of surah Ash-Shu'ara is also said to provide protection from harm and misguidance. Finally, there is a great reward for reciting any part of the Quran. According to a Sahih hadith, Abu Umamah reported: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, "Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection." (Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book 6, Hadith 1874).