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 33. 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 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.