Surah Az-Zukhruf is the 43rd surah of the Holy Quran. It has 89 verses with 7 ruku. This surah is a Makki surah and can be found in juz (para) 25. Surah Az-Zukhruf got its name from the word ‘Zukhruf’ in verse 35. This Arabic word can be translated to ‘Gold Ornaments’ or ‘The Embellishments.’ The surah was revealed in the same time period when Surah Ghafir, Surah Ash-shura, and Surah Fussilat were revealed. At this time, disbelievers were scheming to assassinate the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) revealed this surah as a declaration of monotheism and a warning to all the disbelievers.
Surah Az-Zukhruf questions the illogical beliefs of the nonbelievers. It gives them examples from nature to show the proof of the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the risalat of His Prophet (ﷺ). Disbelievers are warned of a harsh punishment in the afterlife for their wrongdoings. Conversely, in this surah, believers are promised the blessings of paradise for their faith and good deeds.
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Surah Az-Zukhruf is included in the group of “Ha-Meem” Surahs. All these Surahs were most probably revealed one after the other, during the mid-phase of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, in Mecca. The basic purpose of the revelation of these Surahs, including Surah Az-Zukhruf, is almost the same, emphasizing the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ (Tawheed), confirmation of the Prophethood, reality of the revelations (the Quran), and the concept of resurrection and accountability.
The period of revelation of Surah Az-Zukhruf is marked by consistent opposition and rejection of Prophethood by the leaders of the Quraysh. By that time, their opposition had reached the point where they were planning to attempt the assassination of the Prophet. Meanwhile, they were also raising baseless objections about the reality of revelations and Prophethood. They were not only arrogant about their social status and wealth but were also proud that they were following the religion and practices of their ancestors, instead of paying heed to the Message of Islam, as preached by the Prophet. They were also demanding signs as proof of the Prophethood. They raised the objection that if Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ wanted to send His Messenger, he would have been one of the most influential and wealthiest persons of the twin cities of Mecca and Ta’if. Moreover, he would have been accompanied by a large group of Angels, rather than by a person who is neither rich nor influential in Mecca.
In that context, Surah Az-Zukhruf was revealed, addressing the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, as well as the disbelievers of Quraysh. The examples of some of the previous Prophets, such as Prophet Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ, are narrated to establish that those who rejected the Divine Message had to face punishment by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. While it served as an encouragement and consolation for the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, it was also a loud and clear warning for the disbelievers. They were warned of the consequences of their arrogant attitude, describing the Day of Resurrection when the disbelievers will face the Hellfire, while the believers will have a permanent place in Paradise.
Surah Az-Zukhruf is a Makki Surah, most probably revealed during the same period as Surah Fussilat and Surah Ash-Shuara.
Surah Az-Zukhruf is the 43rd Surah, placed in the 25th Juzz (Para) of the Quran. It is placed after Surah Ash-Shuraa and before Surah Ad-Dukhan. It is the 63rd Surah in the order of revelation, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 43.
Surah Az-Zukhruf holds great significance in the historical context of its revelation and as a general source of spiritual guidance and strength.
As described in the 33rd verse of this Surah, worldly wealth and influential status are not a symbol or proof of Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ favor. In fact, wealth and status in this world are a kind of test for the beneficiaries. It is not a reward; the higher status in faith is the actual reward, reserved for those who follow the right path. Hence, the plea of the disbelievers was strongly refuted, that the Prophet should have been one of the wealthiest and most influential leaders of the Quraysh tribe. It is clarified that success only comes through firmness in faith, complete submission to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and preparing oneself for the Day of Resurrection and Accountability.
In the pretext of the disbelievers of Mecca that they were just following the religious practices of their ancestors, it is categorically described in the 22nd Verse of this Surah that people should rely on their personal intellect instead of just following their ancestral religion, especially when the true Message of Islam has reached them. Hence, this attitude of the disbelievers has also been refuted in this Surah.
A very common but false belief among the disbelievers of Mecca was that the Angels are daughters of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and that Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was the son of God. Both these false beliefs are strongly condemned and refuted in this Surah. The 59th verse of this Surah clearly mentions that the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was just a human and servant of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, who was sent to his people for their guidance. So, this Surah affirms the Prophethood of the Prophet Isa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, rejecting all exaggerations in religion.
At the time of the revelation of this Surah, the disbelievers of Mecca were not paying any heed to the Prophet's preaching, on one pretext or another. Hence, this Surah also served as a word of encouragement and consolation for the Prophet, reminding him that this is not a new situation; every previous Prophet had faced similar circumstances, but eventually the disbelievers were punished by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. So, the Prophet does not need to worry and be patient.
Surah Az-Zukhruf strongly refutes the false beliefs of polytheism, worship of Idols, and attribution of children to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Hence, regular recitation of this Surah strengthens one's firm belief in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, which is one of the core beliefs in Islam. It also reminds us that one should not indulge in worldly luxuries; instead, believers should always observe “taqwa”.
Surah Az-Zukhruf is a guide for Muslims to believe in one God. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the sole creator of the universe. None is comparable to Him, and there is no other deity worthy of worship. He is mighty and powerful and has no sons or daughters. Below are the key themes discussed in Surah Az-Zukhruf.
The crux of Surah Az-Zukhruf is the message of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah. The verses declare that there is no God but Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). He has no partners, and He is above and beyond anything disbelievers associate with Him. The surah criticizes the polytheistic practices of the Quraysh, the ruling tribe of Mecca at the time. It not only rejects the notion of associating partners with the Almighty but also assigning genders to angels.
In verse 45, Allah says, “And ask them – did any of the Noble Messengers We sent before you, appoint any other Gods except the Most Gracious, whom they used to worship?” Similarly, to criticize disbelievers, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) also commanded in verse 81, “Proclaim (O dear Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ), “If supposedly, the Most Gracious had an offspring* – I would be the first to worship!” (*Which is impossible).”
The ruling tribe in Mecca used to say that angels are daughters of Allah. To which Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) replied in verse 19, “And they appoint the angels, who are the bondmen of the Most Gracious, as females; were they present at the time of the angels’ creation? Their declaration will be now recorded, and they will be questioned.”
The surah consists of many stories of prophets like Moses. These stories serve as beautiful lessons for mankind. There is no righteous way except for the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). These stories remind us of people who didn’t follow their messengers and denied Allah, which led them to hell, where they will abide forever.
The first story is of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ when he denied his own father to follow in his footsteps. He went against his forefathers and embraced Islam. Thus, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) rewarded him. Similarly, Musa (Moses) عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was sent down to the clan of Pharoah with signs. However, Pharoah and his nation mocked Musa. Some believed him and were guided to a straight path, while others followed Pharoah and tasted Allah’s revenge. In verses 55 and 56, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says, “So when they made Us wrathful, We took revenge from them – We therefore drowned all of them. So, We made them a bygone fable and a lesson for the latter generations.”
Lastly, the story of Prophet Essa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ has been explained with a clear indication that he is the sign of the Day of Judgement. “And indeed Eisa (Jesus) is a sign of the Last Day, therefore do not ever doubt in the Last Day, and obey Me; this is the Straight Path.” (43:61)
The surah reminds believers of the importance of preparing for the afterlife. It compares worldly astonishments to the life of the Hereafter. If you have lived a life pleasing Allah, be prepared for paradise, but if you have disobeyed Him, your punishment is waiting. It serves as a constant reminder that the worldly life is temporary and a mere test.
In verse 74, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) gives a clear warning by saying, “Indeed the criminals will stay in the punishment of hell forever.”
Similarly, He gives good news to believers by saying, “And this is the Paradise which is bequeathed to you, because of your deeds.” (43:72)
The core message of Surah Az-Zukhruf offers benefits not only in this world but on the day of the Judgement, too. Verse 13 of Surah Az-Zukhruf is famously recited as a dua for protection while traveling. The verse and its meaning are given below:
سُبْحٰنَ الَّذِيْ سَخَّــرَ لَنَا ھٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَہٗ مُقْرِنِيْنَ وَاِنَّاۗ اِلٰى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُوْنَ-
(Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves
Reciting this surah day in and day out can open the gate to many blessings. Along with this, it will be a source of protection for you on the day of the judgment, as the people who are avid readers of the Quran will be protected.
Recitation of the Quran with correct pronunciation is a highly sensitive matter because these are the Words of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, that need to be pronounced with utmost correctness. Even a minor deviation from the correct pronunciation of any word in the Quran may lead to a different meaning, which is against the spirit of reciting the Quran. For a non-Arabic-speaking person, it becomes even more important. Listening to a recitation by an authentic reciter (Qari) might help overcome this difficulty. Similarly, sometimes one may just want to listen to the Quranic Surahs, including Surah Az-Zukhruf, instead of reading them.
MuslimandQuran bring this facility of listening to the recitation by renowned Qaris. These recitations are available on our website and mobile app. 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 Surah Az-Zukhruf.
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Surah Az-Zukhruf can be downloaded in PDF by following these simple steps:
Az-Zukhruf translates to “Gold Ornaments”. In the context of Surah Az-Zukhruf, this term is used to make it clear to believers that they should not indulge in worldly luxuries but always be prepared for the Day of Resurrection.
Surah Az-Zukhruf has 89 verses.
No specific benefits are associated with the recitation of Surah Az-Zukhruf. However, reciting Surah Az-Zukhruf may be helpful in strengthening core beliefs of Islam, such as Tawheed, the reality and truth of revelations (the Quran), the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Judgement, and final accountability. Similarly, reciting any Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Az-Zukhruf, is highly beneficial and brings huge rewards not only in this worldly life but also on the Day of Judgment.
No, there is no specific Hadith about Surah Az-Zukhruf.
Reading any of the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Az-Zukhruf, carries unlimited rewards. So, you can recite it whenever you like, anytime during the day or night, either daily or whenever you may prefer.