Surah Fatir is the thirty-fifth Surah of the Holy Quran and gets its name from the word ‘Fatir’ in the first verse. The term ‘Fatir’ means ‘The Creator’ or ‘The Originator’, highlighting Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) authority as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. It was revealed in Makkah, making it a Makki surah. Surah Fatir contains 45 verses and is located in Juz 22 of the Quran. Surah Fatir is the fifth and the last of the hamidat surahs (beginning with the praise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Surah Fatir stresses Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) unmatched authority, the significance of thankfulness, the consequences of ingratitude, and the final rewards in the Hereafter. It reminds believers to gain knowledge, practice patience, and trust in Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) forgiveness. Simultaneously, it warns the non-believers about their negative behavior towards Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Overall, Surah Fatir strongly reminds us of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Majesty, the importance of thankfulness, and the truth of the Hereafter. It encourages us to be patient during difficult times and request His guidance in everything. Surah Fatir strengthens belief and motivates us to prioritize success in the Hereafter over temporary material riches and benefits.
Another name for Surah Fatir is ‘Al-Malaika’ (Angels), which also appears in the first verse mentioning Angels, their abilities, and how they carry out different tasks on Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) command.
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Surah Fatir is a Maki surah, which means it was revealed before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Madinah. Although Surah Fatir does not reference any particular event, it is thought to have been revealed in reaction to the overall climate of resistance and skepticism that the Prophet (ﷺ) faced during the mid-Makki era.
The themes discussed and highlighted within the surah suggest that it was revealed during a time of extreme opposition and resistance to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) mission in Makkah. This period saw the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers facing intense persecution from those who rejected Islam and the Prophet’s (ﷺ) teachings. Hostility had intensified and all kinds of schemes were being employed to hinder the Prophet’s (ﷺ) mission.
Surah Fatir warns against this rejection and resistance that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers had to endure throughout this period. It highlights the importance of accepting Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Sovereignty, condemning shaitan, and fearing punishment for following the wrong path.
Surah Fatir helps and motivates believers to become steadfast and enhance their faith as they develop inner peace. It strongly reminds us of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Glory and Strength. It repeatedly highlights the importance of Tauhid in Islam and the consequences of disbelief and ignorance. Surah Fatir warns believers against the false hopes and urges of shaitan and the importance of always seeking refuge in Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Guidance and Mercy.
In addition, Surah Fatir serves as a reassurance for the Prophet (ﷺ), telling him that as long as he faithfully fulfills his mission, he will not be responsible for those who remain astray and refuse to accept Islam’s teachings. He has also been asked not to waste time and energy on those who bother him and to focus his attention on the believers and followers who are willing to listen to him.
The central themes of Surah Fatir are the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), the Afterlife, and the fight against idol worship. It discusses Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) ability to create, the significance of being thankful, and the repercussions of rejecting faith. Surah Fatir also addresses the temporary nature of this life and motivates believers to prepare for the Hereafter.
Moreover, the Surah talks about these ideas in detail:
Surah Fatir motivates believers to strengthen their faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It motivates them to do good actions since these are important for achieving forgiveness and receiving a significant reward. Reciting and absorbing the meaning of Surah Fatir also helps believers stand firm in their faith and fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), His punishment.
In addition, Surah Fatir helps develop inner peace and reduces anxiety and stress. This is because it reassures believers of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) power and forgiveness. It reminds them of the Day of Judgment and that all their actions have consequences, so they must seek repentance and aim for righteousness.
It is reported in Majma' Al-Bayan (vol. 8, p. 624) that those who recite Sura Fatir will be offered three gates of Heaven on the Day of Judgement and they will be allowed to enter through any gate they choose.
Additionally, it is mentioned by Imam al-Sadiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Nur al-Thaqalayn (vol. 4, p. 345) that if a person recites Sura Fatir and Surah Saba at night, they will receive Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) protection. If these surahs are recited during the day, they will remain unharmed and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will bless them in this world and the Hereafter beyond their imagination.
You can listen to Surah Fatir by some reknowned Qaris:
You can download the full Surah Fatir PDF online and save it to your devices by following these steps:
The term ‘Fatir’ means ‘The Creator’ or ‘The Originator’ in context to Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) authority as the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
Surah Fatir has 45 verses.
Reciting and reflecting on Surah Fatir can promote spiritual growth, increase gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and help develop a better understanding of His wisdom and plans.
You can recite Surah Fatir at any time. However, most people prefer to recite it in the early morning or in solitude due to its calming effects and spiritual uplifting qualities.
Reciting Surah Fatir daily will incur the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and result in a deeper and stronger connection with Him.
Surah Fatir was revealed in response to the resistance and skepticism that the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers faced during the mid-Makki era. It warns against the rejection and resistance faced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and highlights the importance of turning towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), condemning shaitan, and fearing His punishment.