At-Teen (ٱلتِّين)

 

Surah At-Teen (التِّينِ) is the 95th chapter of the Quran, which is named after "the fig," a term that is referenced in its opening verse:' By the fig and the olive.' This surah belongs to the 30th part (Juz) of the Quran and includes 8 verses (ayah) that are grouped into one Ruku (section). It comes after Surah Al-Inshirah and is succeeded by Surah Al-Alaq. It is a Makki Surah, therefore, was revealed in the first stages of the Prophet's (ﷺ) life in Mecca. In comparison to other Surahs, little information is known about the historical context of Surah At-Teen. It mainly discusses human dignity, repercussions of deeds, rewards for those on the right path, and accountability for one's actions. Due to the content of the ayah, which is oaths and divine creation, it could have been sent down at any time when the Prophet (ﷺ) was facing opposition from the mushrikeen of Mecca and his efforts to deliver Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) message, authority, and wisdom were being met with antagonism.

٩٥ - ٱلتِّين

95 - At-Teen

وَالتِّيْنِ وَالزَّيْتُوْنِ۝۱ۙ
Waaltteeni waalzzaytooni

English

Ahmed Ali

I CALL TO witness the Fig and the Olive,

1

وَطُوْرِ سِيْنِيْنَ۝۲ۙ
Watoori seeneena

English

Ahmed Ali

The Mount Sinai,

2

وَہٰذَا الْبَلَدِ الْاَمِيْنِ۝۳ۙ
Wahatha albaladi alameeni

English

Ahmed Ali

And this Soil Secure,

3

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ فِيْۗ اَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيْمٍ۝۴ۡ
Laqad khalaqna alinsana fee ahsani taqweemin

English

Ahmed Ali

That We created man of finest possibilities,

4

ثُمَّ رَدَدْنٰہُ اَسْفَلَ سٰفِلِيْنَ۝۵ۙ
Thumma radadnahu asfala safileena

English

Ahmed Ali

Then brought him down to the lowest of the low,

5

اِلَّا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ فَلَہُمْ اَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُوْنٍ۝۶ۭ
Illa allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati falahum ajrun ghayru mamnoonin

English

Ahmed Ali

Except those who believe and do the right, for whom there is reward undiminished.

6

فَمَا يُكَذِّبُكَ بَعْدُ بِالدِّيْنِ۝۷ۭ
Fama yukaththibuka baAAdu bialddeeni

English

Ahmed Ali

Who should then make you deny the Judgement after this?

7

اَلَيْسَ اللہُ بِاَحْكَمِ الْحٰكِمِيْنَ۝۸ۧ
Alaysa Allahu biahkami alhakimeena

English

Ahmed Ali

Is not God the most equitable of all judges?

8

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah At-Tin was revealed during the early phase of the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, in Mecca. It is one of the short Surahs of the Quran but comprehensively addresses an important matter about the creation of humankind and their rewards and punishments on the Day of Judgment.

Like many other earlier Meccan Surahs, Surah At-Tin also starts with different oaths, which in fact refer to some of the most revered and prominent Prophets. These oaths include:

  • At-Tin, which translates to fig. It refers to the area where fig trees were in abundance, and this valley is known as the habitat of the people of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ.
  • The second oath is taken on Zaitoon, which translates to Olive. It refers to the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Olive trees were found in abundance in the present-day Jerusalem and Palestine, where the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ lived.
  • Then the Surah takes an oath on Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai is associated with the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, where he was blessed with direct talk with Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
  • After that, the Surah takes an oath on the Holy and Secure City of Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was born and lived there during the early phase of his Prophethood, spanning over 13 years.

These oaths hold great symbolic significance because they refer to the Creation of humankind, which is described in the next verses of this Surah. The Surah declares that humankind was created in the perfect form, but due to their wrongful and evil deeds, they will be sent to the lowest of the lowest part of Hell on the Day of Resurrection, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds. The oaths taken on the habitats of the most prominent and highly respected Prophets symbolize the examples of righteous people, who will be rewarded heavily on the Day of Judgment, with a permanent place in Paradise.

Concluding the discourse of the Surah, the disbelievers are questioned about how they can deny the justice of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, who dispenses the best of the best justice. It refers to the Divine justice on the Day of Resurrection, when everyone will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds in this world.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah At-Tin is a Makki Surah, revealed during the very early days of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

Place in the Quran

Surah At-Tin is the 95th Surah of the Quran, and is placed in the 30th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Inshirah and before Surah At-Alaq. It is the 28th Surah in the order of revelation, and falls at number 95 in the sequence of recitation.

  • Number of Verses: Surah At-Tin has 8 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): The verses of Surah At-Tin are grouped into 1 Ruku (section).

Significance of Surah At-Tin  

Surah At-Tin, like other Surahs of the Quran, holds great spiritual significance. Some of the significances are summarized here:

  • Surah At-Tin powerfully describes the creation and dignity of humankind, mentioning that they were created in the best and perfect form. This declaration is made after taking an oath on the habitats of the four most respected and prominent Prophets, including Prophets Nuh, Isa, and Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. It shows how important the creation of humankind is.
  • The Surah reminds us that although humans were created in the best form, they will be sent to the lowest of the lowest place in Hell, due to their wrongful and evil deeds. But those who do righteous deeds in this world will be placed in Paradise. It urges us to follow the righteous way of life.
  • The Surah mentions the rewards and punishments, which will be dispensed on the Day of Resurrection, entirely based on what an individual has performed in his worldly life.
  • Surah At-Tin describes the Divine Justice in a brief but comprehensive manner, just in a few words. The criterion is quite clear: those doing wrongful deeds will be punished, and those who have done righteous deeds will be rewarded on the Day of Judgment. It is categorically mentioned in the last verse of the Surah that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the best of the best Judges.
  • The Surah invites us to reflect upon the perfect justice to be dispensed on the Day of Resurrection, indirectly urging that one should remain firm on faith (Iman) and continue living a righteous life in this world.

The Theme and Subject Matter of Surah At-Teen (التِّينِ)

Surah At-Teen offers a deeper understanding of human nature, morality, and divine judgment, encapsulating essential principles and values in Islam. Here are the key themes:

1. Divine Creation and Human Purpose

The subject of the surah is invoked through the swearing on the fig tree, the olive tree, mount Sinai, and what is termed as the best creation of Allah, which is humankind. These oaths bring the proclamation of the making of mankind in the best of form (95:4) and the importance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and creation and the role of mankind in the creation of the cosmos. 

2. Accountability and Hereafter

The surah warns of the consequences of moral failure, indicating that those who deviate from the path of righteousness can be reduced to the lowest of the low (95:5)  and also compares the path of those who seek to repent and turn to righteousness with the path of sinners who are destined to perish. 

3. The Significance of Free Will

The surah also highlights the idea of predestination, informing people have the freedom to choose between what is right and wrong. This has a sheer implication that people are cost-bearers of the choices and decisions they make.

4. Divine Judgment

The surah concludes with a sombre note by invoking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) retribution upon mankind (95:7). It is a reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the best of the judges, and all things are in His custody. This can simply be a reminder that when one feels like doing something, he/she should really take a second thought because, in the end, accountability will be done before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

Virtues and Benefits of Surah At-Teen (التِّينِ)

Surah At-Teen has a certain impact that brings about a change in one's conception and approach to life. The surah also deals with the creation of Adam and divine guidance so that the believers can ponder over what has been bestowed upon them. The creation and wisdom of a message entails the right attitude of honor and admiration for Allah's creation and urges its followers to respect the worth that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has put in man. In this way, people are not consumed in immoral behaviors and should turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for assistance in every aspect of their lives. 

Surah At-Teen encourages the believers to be accountable and responsible as this surah moves on to give more examples of sin to the people. It assists the believers in thinking over their actions and may probably alter their conduct in accordance with the will of Allah. Most of the verses in the surah are related to the supreme sovereignty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the concept of the ultimate justice of Allah. This brings comfort to the believers in understanding that they will be compensated for their hard work and efforts that they take to practice right conduct and ensure that everyone is given their deserved punishment as the final judgment will be in the hand of the best judge. 

It can also create a feeling of responsibility, as noted in Surah At-Teen, and instructs those who believe to follow Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in all aspects of their lives. It also encourages active steps towards creating a proper way of life according to Islamic principles and being an active contributor to society.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah At-Tin by Renowned Qaris

The correct recitation according to Tajweed is critically important, especially for those who are not familiar with the sensitivity of the Arabic language. Arabic is an elaborate language, where meanings might change with a slight variation in how a word is pronounced. The Quran comprises the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which need to be read exactly as taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. But that becomes a bit difficult for many Muslims, sometimes even for Arabic-speaking people. Additionally, many Muslims may also like to listen to the recitation of the Quran, instead of reading it on their own.

The best practical solution to all these issues is to listen to the recitation of the Quran, as recited by authentic and renowned Qaris (reciters). It is one of the best ways to learn the correct recitation of difficult words of the Quran, including Surah At-Tin. Consistently listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari helps listeners pronounce Quranic words correctly with Tajweed. It also facilitates those who just want to listen to the Quran, instead of reading it themselves.   

The MuslimandQuran mobile app facilitates you to listen to the recitation of the Quran. Recitations by renowned and authentic Qaris are available on our website and mobile application, and you can listen to them on your mobile devices or laptops easily, whenever you like. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah At-Tin.

You can download our mobile app for both Android and iOS by clicking the links given below:

Surah At-Tin PDF

The MuslimandQuran mobile app provides the facility to read the Quran online. But if you are interested in reading it offline, you can also download any Surah of the Quran, including Surah At-Tin, as a PDF.

You can download Surah At-Tin in PDF by following these simple steps:

  • Press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
  • In the Destination dropdown menu, choose Save as PDF.
  • Click Save to download At-Tin to your device.

 

FAQs:

At-Tin translates to “fig”. In the context of Surah At-Tin, it refers to the habitat where fig trees were in abundance, where the people of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ lived. It is included in the four powerful oaths; this Surah is used to describe that humankind was created in the perfect form.

Surah At-Tin has 8 verses.

No specific benefits are associated with reciting Surah At-Tin. However, recitation of any of the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah At-Tin, brings huge rewards. The rewards of reciting this Surah may increase if we understand its meanings and subject matter.

Surah At-Tin or any other Surah of the Quran can be recited at any time during the day or night. No specific time is recommended by scholars, nor has it been mentioned in any authentic Hadith, for recitation of this Surah. However, according to a strong tradition, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ often recited this Surah in Isha Prayer, which can be followed as a Sunnah, to get double rewards.

Yes, Hadith 7546 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite this Surah in the Isha Prayer.

Yes, all Surahs of the Quran, including Surah At-Tin, are available on the website and mobile application of "Muslim and Quran". You can listen to it by visiting the website or logging into the Muslim and Quran mobile app.

No special rewards are associated with the daily recitation of Surah At-Tin. However, reciting the Quran, including Surah At-Tin, brings huge rewards, irrespective of the time and frequency of recitation. So, you can recite this Surah whenever you may like, not necessarily on a daily basis.

The Quran is for the entire mankind; not restricted to any specific nation or language. So, a non-Arabic speaker will get the same benefit as an Arabic-speaking person will get.