Ibraheem (إِبْرَاهِيم)

The 14th chapter of the Qur'an, Surah Ibraheem (إِبْرَاهِيم), is named after the verse mentioning the Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham) عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. It is the 13th Parah/Juz of the Qur'an and comprises 52 verses, divided into 7 Ruku. Just like many other surahs, the name of the surah is merely an indication. Though this surah has been named after Prophet Ibraheem, it does not deal with his life. The subjects that have been discussed in Surah Ibraheem revolve around the monotheistic message of the Prophets, especially that of the Prophet Ibraheem (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and thankfulness to Allah in reference to the blessings showered by Him.

Commentators have claimed that the whole surah was revealed in the last phase of the Makkan period due to the content of its verses. It was the period of Quraysh's persecution at its worst, and much like the disbelievers of the former Prophets bent on expelling the Believers from the city. Other interpreters, however, note the exception of some verses about which difference exists, whether they are Makki or Madani. (Ma'arif Al Quran) The Shaan e Nazool evidence suggests that the surah was revealed before the Hijrah and in Makkah, hence a Makki Surah. 

This surah is one of the 29 other surahs, starting with the Huroof Al-Muqatta'at. The letters, Alif-Lam-Ra, are part of the Huruf al-Muqatta'at, the Disjointed Letters (a careful approach is advised by the esteemed scholars of the past). In Ma'arif Al Quran, the great scholar Mufti Muhammad Shafi writes, "We should firmly believe and have faith that whatever they mean or signify is true- but stay away from launching deeper investigations into their meanings." 

١٤ - إِبْرَاهِيم

14 - Ibraheem

الۗرٰ۝۰ۣ كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰہُ اِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَي النُّوْرِ۝۰ۥۙ بِـاِذْنِ رَبِّھِمْ اِلٰي صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيْزِ الْحَمِيْدِ۝۱ۙ
Aliflamra kitabun anzalnahu ilayka litukhrija alnnasa mina alththulumati ila alnnoori biithni rabbihim ila sirati alAAazeezi alhameedi

English

Ahmed Ali

ALIF LAM RA. A Book We have sent down to you that you may lead men out of darkness into light, by their Lord's command, to the path of the mighty, the worthy of praise.

1

اللہِ الَّذِيْ لَہٗ مَا فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِي الْاَرْضِ۝۰ۭ وَوَيْلٌ لِّلْكٰفِرِيْنَ مِنْ عَذَابٍ شَدِيْدِۨ۝۲ۙ
Allahi allathee lahu ma fee alssamawati wama fee alardi wawaylun lilkafireena min AAathabin shadeedin

English

Ahmed Ali

God, to whom belongs all there is in the heavens and the earth. Woe to the unbelievers for the terrible punishment (that awaits).

2

الَّذِيْنَ يَسْتَحِبُّوْنَ الْحَيٰوۃَ الدُّنْيَا عَلَي الْاٰخِرَۃِ وَيَصُدُّوْنَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللہِ وَيَبْغُوْنَھَا عِوَجًا۝۰ۭ اُولٰۗىِٕكَ فِيْ ضَلٰلٍؚبَعِيْدٍ۝۳
Allatheena yastahibboona alhayata alddunya AAala alakhirati wayasuddoona AAan sabeeli Allahi wayabghoonaha AAiwajan olaika fee dalalin baAAeedin

English

Ahmed Ali

Those who hold the life of this world dearer than that of the next, who obstruct the path of God and seek obliquity in it, have wandered far into error.

3

وَمَاۗ اَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَّسُوْلٍ اِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِہٖ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَہُمْ۝۰ۭ فَيُضِلُّ اللہُ مَنْ يَّشَاۗءُ وَيَہْدِيْ مَنْ يَّشَاۗءُ۝۰ۭ وَہُوَالْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِيْمُ۝۴
Wama arsalna min rasoolin illa bilisani qawmihi liyubayyina lahum fayudillu Allahu man yashao wayahdee man yashao wahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu

English

Ahmed Ali

We never sent a messenger who did not speak the tongue of his people, that he may explain to them distinctly. God leads whosoever He wills astray, and shows whoever He wills the way: He is all-mighty and all-wise.

4

وَلَقَدْ اَرْسَلْنَا مُوْسٰى بِاٰيٰتِنَاۗ اَنْ اَخْرِجْ قَوْمَكَ مِنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَى النُّوْرِ۝۰ۥۙ وَذَكِّرْہُمْ بِاَيّٰىمِ اؘ۝۰ۭ اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيٰتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُوْرٍ۝۵
Walaqad arsalna moosa biayatina an akhrij qawmaka mina alththulumati ila alnnoori wathakkirhum biayyami Allahi inna fee thalika laayatin likulli sabbarin shakoorin

English

Ahmed Ali

Remember when We sent Moses with Our signs (We said): "Bring your people out of darkness into light, and remind them of the visitations of God. Indeed there are signs in this for every steadfast, thankful soul"

5

وَاِذْ قَالَ مُوْسٰى لِقَوْمِہِ اذْكُرُوْا نِعْمَۃَ اللہِ عَلَيْكُمْ اِذْ اَنْجٰىكُمْ مِّنْ اٰلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُوْمُوْنَكُمْ سُوْۗءَ الْعَذَابِ وَ يُذَبِّحُوْنَ اَبْنَاۗءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُوْنَ نِسَاۗءَكُمْ۝۰ۭ وَفِيْ ذٰلِكُمْ بَلَاۗءٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ عَظِيْمٌ۝۶ۧ
Waith qala moosa liqawmihi othkuroo niAAmata Allahi AAalaykum ith anjakum min ali firAAawna yasoomoonakum sooa alAAathabi wayuthabbihoona abnaakum wayastahyoona nisaakum wafee thalikum balaon min rabbikum AAatheemun

English

Ahmed Ali

So Moses said to his people: "Remember the favours of God when He saved you from the people of Pharaoh who afflicted you with oppression, slaying your sons but keeping alive your women, which was a great trial from your Lord."

6

وَاِذْ تَاَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَىِٕنْ شَكَرْتُمْ لَاَزِيْدَنَّكُمْ وَلَىِٕنْ كَفَرْتُمْ اِنَّ عَذَابِيْ لَشَدِيْدٌ۝۷
Waith taaththana rabbukum lain shakartum laazeedannakum walain kafartum inna AAathabee lashadeedun

English

Ahmed Ali

Remember, your Lord proclaimed: "I shall give you more if you are grateful; but if you are thankless then surely My punishment is very great."

7

وَقَالَ مُوْسٰۗى اِنْ تَكْفُرُوْۗا اَنْتُمْ وَمَنْ فِي الْاَرْضِ جَمِيْعًا۝۰ۙ فَاِنَّ اللہَ لَغَنِيٌّ حَمِيْدٌ۝۸
Waqala moosa in takfuroo antum waman fee alardi jameeAAan fainna Allaha laghaniyyun hameedun

English

Ahmed Ali

And Moses said: "What if you and all the people of the world deny, God is unconcerned and worthy of praise."

8

اَلَمْ يَاْتِكُمْ نَبَؤُا الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ قَوْمِ نُوْحٍ وَّعَادٍ وَّثَمُوْدَ۝۰ۥۭۛ وَالَّذِيْنَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِہِمْ۝۰ۭۛ لَا يَعْلَمُہُمْ اِلَّا اؙ۝۰ۭ جَاۗءَتْہُمْ رُسُلُہُمْ بِالْبَيِّنٰتِ فَرَدُّوْۗا اَيْدِيَہُمْ فِيْۗ اَفْوَاہِہِمْ وَقَالُوْۗا اِنَّا كَفَرْنَا بِمَاۗ اُرْسِلْتُمْ بِہٖ وَاِنَّا لَفِيْ شَكٍّ مِّمَّا تَدْعُوْنَنَاۗ اِلَيْہِ مُرِيْبٍ۝۹
Alam yatikum nabao allatheena min qablikum qawmi noohin waAAadin wathamooda waallatheena min baAAdihim la yaAAlamuhum illa Allahu jaathum rusuluhum bialbayyinati faraddoo aydiyahum fee afwahihim waqaloo inna kafarna bima orsiltum bihi wainna lafee shakkin mimma tadAAoonana ilayhi mureebun

English

Ahmed Ali

Has not the news of those before you, the people of Noah and 'Ad and Thamud, and those who came after them, come to you? None knows (about) them except God. Their apostles came to them with clear proofs, but they tried to silence them and said: "We do not believe in what you have been sent with, and we are in doubt of what you call us to, about which we are in disquiet.'

9

قَالَتْ رُسُلُہُمْ اَفِي اللہِ شَكٌّ فَاطِرِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ۝۰ۭ يَدْعُوْكُمْ لِيَغْفِرَ لَكُمْ مِّنْ ذُنُوْبِكُمْ وَيُؤَخِّرَكُمْ اِلٰۗى اَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى۝۰ۭ قَالُوْۗا اِنْ اَنْتُمْ اِلَّا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُنَا۝۰ۭ تُرِيْدُوْنَ اَنْ تَصُدُّوْنَا عَمَّا كَانَ يَعْبُدُ اٰبَاۗؤُنَا فَاْتُوْنَا بِسُلْطٰنٍ مُّبِيْنٍ۝۱۰
Qalat rusuluhum afee Allahi shakkun fatiri alssamawati waalardi yadAAookum liyaghfira lakum min thunoobikum wayuakhkhirakum ila ajalin musamman qaloo in antum illa basharun mithluna tureedoona an tasuddoona AAamma kana yaAAbudu abaona fatoona bisultanin mubeenin

English

Ahmed Ali

Said their apostles: "Can there be doubt about God, the originator of the heavens and the earth? He calls you to forgive some of your sins, and give you respite for a time ordained." They said: "You are only men like us, and yet you wish to turn us away from what our fathers worshipped. Bring to us then a clear proof."

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Ibrahim is among those Surahs of the Quran, which were sent down during the last phase of Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ life in Mecca, well before he migrated to Medina. Its subject matter resembles that of Surah Ar-Ra’d. The Surah was revealed at a time when the persecution and opposition of the Quraysh tribe were at their peak.

Like most of the Meccan Surahs, Surah Ibrahim serves as a reminder and admonition for the disbelievers. It is mentioned in this Surah that all the previous Prophets faced similar circumstances when their people rejected their teachings, but ultimately the disbelievers were caught by Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ punishment. Particularly, the story of the Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is mentioned in this Surah. Additionally, the example of all the previous Prophets as a whole is also mentioned in this Surah, including Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the people of Ad and Thamud, when they asked their Prophets to either return to the community or the community would expel them from their land. Similarly, the story of the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is also narrated with some details, from where the Surah takes its name.

Generally, the purpose of narrating the examples of the previous Prophets and the behavior of their nations was to establish the Final and Absolute Authority of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, as He is the only One Who is worth worshiping and that He is the One Who holds the Powers and Ability to punish those who disobey the Prophets sent to them. So, Surah Ibrahim addresses themes of Divine Guidance and Gratitude, while warning the disbelievers about the consequences of disbelief and disobedience of the Prophets.

Apart from that, the Surah also narrates some of the most essential supplications of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام about the City of Mecca and the Ka‘bah. It also includes his supplications about his descendants, reminding the Quraysh that they are his children but had turned away from his monotheistic legacy and are currently worshiping idols. Some of these supplications were later incorporated into Salah (prayers).

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Ibrahim is a Makki Surah, revealed during the last stage of the Prophet’s stay in Mecca, well before the Hijra to Madina.

Place in the Quran

It is the 14th Surah of the Quran, which is placed in the 13th Juzz (para). It appears after Surah Ar-Ra’d and before Surah Al-Hijr. In the order of revelation, it is the 72nd Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it comes at number 14.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Ibrahim has 52 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Ibrahim has 7 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Ibrahim

The theme of Surah Ibrahim includes Iman (faith), Shukr (gratitude), and the consequences of Kufr (disbelief). It also addresses the importance and role of the Prophets and the consequences of their disobedience. In general, the Surah serves as a reaffirmation of the concept of the Oneness of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and the final Judgment on the Day of Resurrection. It is one of those Surahs of the Quran that contains the mysterious words (Haroof-e-Muqatta’at).

The significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:

  • Reaffirmation of Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Guidance

The surah emphasizes the contrast between guidance and misguidance, the light and the darkness.  It is also a warning to the disbelievers about their fate, which will be similar to that of previous nations that rejected their Prophets and ultimately were punished by Divine Judgment. Hence, this Surah categorically establishes that the Quran is the final guidance, sent down to mankind to bring them out of ignorance, misguidance, and evil deeds.

  • The Supplications of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

Surah Ibrahim contains very important supplications of the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. The 35th verse of this Surah is a supplication that was recited by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ for the security of the city of Mecca and protection from idolatry. Verses 40 and 41 of Surah Ibrahim comprise a supplication that was later included in the regular prayer (salah).

Apart from that, by narrating the story of the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, the disbelievers of Mecca, the Quraysh tribe, are also reminded that they are his descendants but have drifted away from his teachings and are worshiping idols.

  • Emphasis on Gratitude

The Surah specifically states that gratitude always results in increasing Allah's blessings. On the other hand, the disadvantages or consequences of the ingratitude are also mentioned. Ingratitude results in Divine Punishment and clear loss to the disbelievers.

  • Warnings From History

By narrating the examples of the previous nations, such as Ad, Thamud, and the people of Prophets Nuh and Musa عَلَيْهِمَا ٱلسَّلَامُ, the disbelievers are strictly warned that if they continue to deny the truth, as communicated to them by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, they will have to face the same consequences. In this respect, the happenings on the Day of Judgement are also narrated, which describe how the disbelievers will be punished.

  • Consolation and Strength for Believers

At the time of the revelation of this Surah, the believers were facing extreme persecution by the Quraysh. This surah serves as a form of consolation for them. On the other hand, it provided great strength to the believers, and it continues to be a source of encouragement for Muslims.

The Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Ibraheem (إِبْرَاهِيم)

Surah Ibraheem starts by describing the Divine Revelations sent to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the same message that takes the men "out of darkness, into the light." This "guidance" is manifested in the stories of earlier Prophets, especially the account of Ibraheem عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Their descriptions emphasize the inevitable triumph of the Message of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, which was an essential message of hope for the downtrodden believers. The ayah in this surah primarily emphasizes Tauhid, the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, substantiated with accounts and reminiscences. 

Contemplation has been the very creed of Prophet Ibraheem with his consequent monotheistic belief in the One God, Tauhid. This concise but comprehensive surah has as its highlight the supplication by Prophet Ibraheem, recorded in verses 14:35-41. He prays to Allah for the safety and prosperity of his posterity and for them to remain steadfast in their faith.

This application is the expression of his utmost anxiety for his offspring and unconditional reliance upon Allah. Keeping in view this very sublime and memorable Dua of Sayyidna Ibraheem (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), this surah was so named Ibraheem (إْبْرَاهِيم). Verses 14:40 to 41 of the supplications are specifically adapted for routine supplication and prayers by the Muslims. Moreover, the very opposites of Shukr—that is, Kufr—serve to remind believers to be thankful to Allah for whatever is given to them and to beware of the ultimate end of being ungrateful. "Remember, your Lord proclaimed: 'I shall give you more if you are grateful, but if you are thankless then surely My punishment is very great.'" (14:7). 

Accountability in the Hereafter is then reminded to the believers and the disbelievers how every individual will answer for their deeds on the Day of Judgment. It is to exhort the believers to live lives of righteousness and to warn the rejecters of the consequences of their schemes. Several verses refer to the end of previous nations which rejected the prophets and the message of Allah as a warning to the disbelievers of Makkah. Some interpretations hold that the central theme is majorly a warning, such as 14:52, and "censure" to the disbelievers of Makkah who reject the Message of Islam and scheme to harm and defeat the mission of the Holy Prophet. The Mufassireen point out that such warnings dominate reproach over the increasing schemes of the infidels, as the latter had already been made in the preceding revelations. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Ibraheem 

The Surah Ibraheem is replete with lessons and guidelines for the reader of its verses and their reflector. These fleeting accounts of a large number of stories of the Prophets are powerful reminders of "the transitory and ephemeral nature of life on earth" with "the eternal and unchanging nature of Life after Death." Such riveting stories act to revive the faith, resistance, and strength of the believer to repel every possible onslaught from the world surrounding him.

Commentaries of tafsirs highlight essential lessons in faith and reliance on Allah in Surah Ibraheem. For Ibn Kathir, Ibraheem's supplication was specifically taught to the Muslims who intend to be steadfast for themselves and their children and families. Al-Tabari wants the believers to take time and reflect on life, most importantly, their relation with Allah, while he accounts for every detail of the blessings and warnings from Allah in this surah. 

Do recite and reflect on Surah Ibraheem frequently, as it serves as a constant reminder of faith and reliance upon Allah. The wisdom of the verses provides hope in adversity and opens the heart for forbearance.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Ibrahim by Renowned Qaris

Listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic reciter (Qari) is a good source of learning the correct pronunciation of the Quranic words, including Surah Ibrahim. Proper pronunciation is critical, as even a minor mistake in the correct pronunciation of a Quranic word may lead to an entirely different meaning. Likewise, the correct pronunciation is more difficult for a non-Arabic-speaking person. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari is highly beneficial for those reciters who want to learn how to read the Quran correctly.

Sometimes, one may prefer to listen to the Quran, rather than reading it. At MuslimandQuran, we have uploaded recitations of the Quran by the renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You can download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Ibrahim.

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Surah Ibrahim PDF

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FAQs:

Ibrahim is the name of a Prophet. Surah Ibrahim is named after him, as it contains his story. The Surah also includes some of the very important supplications recited by him.

Surah Ibrahim has 52 verses.

Like any other Surah of the Quran, its recitation brings huge rewards and benefits not only in this world but also on the Day of Resurrection. Generally, reciting Surah Ibrahim is beneficial as it reminds us of the importance of following the teachings of the Prophets and the consequences of rejecting them, as faced by previous nations. It also strengthens our faith and serves as a source of reaffirmation of our belief in monotheism. It reminds us of the Day of Judgment, when everyone will face final accountability based on their deeds in this world. It also shows us a glimpse of the situation and circumstances in hell, which will be the destination of the disbelievers.

There is no specific Hadith about Surah Ibrahim.

Yes, it is available online through the MuslimandQuran mobile application. Anyone can listen to it on their mobile devices or laptops.

Surah Ibrahim was revealed during the last stage of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stay in Mecca, well before he migrated to Medina. It was the time when the persecution and opposition by the Quraysh of Mecca were at their peak. The Prophet and his followers were passing through a hard time in Mecca. The historical background of the revelation of this Surah is almost the same as that of other Meccan Surahs of the same period. The purpose of its revelation was to admonish the disbelievers. By giving the examples of the previous Prophets, it is clarified that those who rejected their Prophets were put to severe punishment, such as the nations of the Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the people of Ad and Thamud. The disbelievers are therefore warned that if they continue to disobey and reject the Message of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, they will face similar consequences on the Day of Judgement.