Ash-Shu'ara (ٱلشُّعَرَاء)

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.

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Ash-Shu’ara was revealed at a very crucial phase of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. The majority of scholars hold that this Surah was revealed after Surahs At-Taha and Al-Waqiyah. It was a time when the disbelievers of Mecca had started mocking the Prophet and his followers. They were persistently demanding signs and miracles as proof of his Prophethood. By now, they had also begun accusing the Prophet of being a poet or sorcerer. On this pretext, they were not only rejecting his Prophethood. Still, they had started saying that no one from the elite and nobles of Meccan society had accepted him as a Prophet and that only some slaves and the poor were following him. They also rated all of them as "fools".

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was quite disturbed by the arrogant and aggressive attitude of the notables of the Quraysh tribe, in particular, and the disbelieving Meccans in general. That was the situational background of the revelation of Surah Ash-Shu’ara. The purpose of its revelation was mainly to console, support, and encourage the Prophet. With that aim, the Surah begins by affirming that the Quran's verses are clear signs. Going further, it narrates a clear and precise verdict by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, addressing the Prophet that he should not overstress himself, if the disbelievers are not listening to and accepting the Divine Message, since they will not be inclined to follow him, as the Prophet.

Thereafter, the Surah precisely describes the circumstances and difficulties, which the previous Prophets, such as Prophets Musa, Ibrahim, Nuh, Hud, Saleh, Lut, and Sho’ayb عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ had to face due to a similar denying attitude by their people. After narrating the mission of each of them and its outcome, it is categorically mentioned "Verily there are signs in this; yet many of them do not believe - Your Lord is surely mighty and merciful”. These two verses are repeated after narrating the circumstances of each of the previous Prophets.

By mentioning and repeating these specific verses after the stories of each previous Prophet, it is established by the Almighty Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ that, despite revealing clear and glaring signs, only a few of the people would believe, while the majority did not. So, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ should not worry and take undue burden, if most of the elite and nobles are not accepting the Divine Message. After that, at the end of the Surah, it is narrated that only the wrongdoers are those who follow the poets, whereas those who believe and commit good deeds and remember Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ will get rewards.

So, the precise purpose of revealing this Surah was to support the Prophet and free him from unnecessary stress caused by the disbelievers' attitude.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Ash-Shu’ara is a Makki Surah, revealed during the early to middle phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stay in Mecca, most probably in the 4^th year after his Prophethood.

Place in the Quran

It is the 26^th Surah of the Quran and is placed in Juzz (Para) 19. It comes after Surah Al-Furqan and before Surah An-Naml. It is the 47^th Surah in the order of revelation, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 26.

• Number of Verses: Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء) has 227 verses (Ayahs).
• Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Ash-Shu’ara is divided into 11 Rukus (sections). 

Significance of Ash-Shu’ara

Surah Ash-Shu’ara holds a significant status in the Quran, as it addresses the core issues that the Prophet was facing at that particular time, and more importantly, it narrates the stories of previous Prophets and the outcome of their efforts, which set examples for the Muslims on how they should remain steadfast in faith and truth.

Some of the most significant aspects of this Surah are as follows:

• Endorsement and Validation of the Truth and Reality of Revelations

In the very beginning of the Surah Ash-Shu’ara, it is categorically mentioned that the verses of the Quran are clear signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, confirming and validating it as the Divine Message. At the same time, this Surah also outrightly rejects the plea of the disbelievers, who accused the Prophet of being a poet or sorcerer, clarifying that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ reveals the verses of the Quran and that it is not poetry.

• Emotional Support and Encouragement For The Prophet

This Surah was revealed explicitly with a precise purpose of providing emotional support and consolation for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. In this context, the Prophet was provided relief from taking undue emotional pressure from the consistent rejection of his Prophethood by the disbelievers of Mecca. To support and console him, the Surah narrates explicitly the stories of some of the previous Prophets, whose people also rejected.

Still, eventually truth prevailed with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. The Surah repeatedly states that only some of their people accepted the Divine Message, whereas most did not believe in or follow their Prophets, despite Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ revealing clear signs. It implies that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ does not need any specific miracles to prove the truth of his Prophethood, as the disbelievers would not turn to become believers in any case.

• Narrating the Consequences of Rejection of Prophethood

The Surah describes the stories of previous Prophets and the fate of their disbelieving people, as follows:

• The disbelieving people of the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ were destroyed and drowned, while attempting to cross the sea, which was parted with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to give passage to the believers.
• The people of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, who rejected his Message, were drowned in the flood.
• The people of Ad were destroyed in a severe, violent windstorm.
•  A severe blast destroyed the disbelieving people of Thamud.
• The entire land of the people of the Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was turned over to them.

By giving these examples, the Quraysh and other disbelievers of Mecca were warned of the consequences they would be destined for if they continued rejecting the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

• The Quran Is A Miracle In Itself

Surah Ash-Shu’ara emphasizes that the Quran in itself is a Miracle, being the Words of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. It also reminds us that the Quran is not poetry; rather, it comprises clear Messages from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In the same context, the conduct of poets is also clarified, as they are followed mainly by the wrongdoers rather than the righteous.

The Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء)

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:

• Lessons of Encouragement for Believers: 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. 
• Tawheed: 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. 
• Warning for Nonbelievers: 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. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Ash-Shu'ara (الشُّعَرَاء)

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).

Listen to the Recitation of Ash-Shu’ara by Renowned Qaris

For those who have difficulty reciting the Quranic verses correctly, listening to an authentic reciter (Qari) can be a good way to learn how to read it correctly according to Tajweed. Correct recitation of the Quran, including Ash-Shu’ara, is critically important, as even a small mistake in pronouncing a Quranic word may lead to an entirely different meaning. Similarly, a non-Arabic speaker may find it difficult to pronounce some Quranic words correctly. Moreover, sometimes you may prefer to listen to the Quran rather than read it yourself. All these difficulties can be overcome by listening to a renowned Qari recite.

MuslimandQuran allows you to listen to the recitation of the Quran by renowned and authentic Qaris. We have uploaded recitations of the Quran by the famous reciters (Qaris). You can select a Qari per 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 Ash-Shu’ara.

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Ash-Shu’ara PDF

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