Muhammad (مُحَمَّد)

Surah Muhammad (محمد) has 38 ayah and 4 Rukus. It is the 47th surah in the Holy Quran, and it’s named after the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Another name for this surah is Al-Qital, meaning Jihad, war, or fighting. This name, ‘Al-Qital,’ refers to the rules and regulations of armed struggles in Islam. Surah Muhammad talks about the Battle of Badr, the first large-scale confrontation between the Quraysh of Makkah (Mecca) and the Muslims of Arabia, who resided mainly in Medina. The battle occurred in the holy month of Ramadan, the second year after Hijrah, or the migration. 

With the revelation of this surah, it was made clear to Muslims that they had to fight and do battle when necessary. While no fighting had taken place until then, the surah was a signal to start preparing for war against those who harmed Muslims. The battle of Badr was a strategic battle to seize resources from the enemy to boost the morale of the Muslims in Medina, to avenge the persecutions of Muslims in Mecca by the Quraysh, and to deliver a financial and moral blow to the opponents of Islam. 

٤٧ - مُحَمَّد

47 - Muhammad

اَلَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا وَصَدُّوْا عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللہِ اَضَلَّ اَعْمَالَہُمْ۝۱
Allatheena kafaroo wasaddoo AAan sabeeli Allahi adalla aAAmalahum

English

Ahmed Ali

THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE and obstruct (others) from the way of God will have wasted their deeds.

1

وَالَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَاٰمَنُوْا بِمَا نُزِّلَ عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّہُوَالْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّہِمْ۝۰ۙ كَفَّرَ عَنْہُمْ سَـيِّاٰتِہِمْ وَاَصْلَحَ بَالَہُمْ۝۲
Waallatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati waamanoo bima nuzzila AAala muhammadin wahuwa alhaqqu min rabbihim kaffara AAanhum sayyiatihim waaslaha balahum

English

Ahmed Ali

But those who believe and do the right, and believe what has been revealed to Muhammad, which is the truth from their Lord, will have their faults condoned by Him and their state improved.

2

ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوا اتَّبَعُوا الْبَاطِلَ وَاَنَّ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّبَعُوا الْحَقَّ مِنْ رَّبِّہِمْ۝۰ۭ كَذٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللہُ لِلنَّاسِ اَمْثَالَہُمْ۝۳
Thalika bianna allatheena kafaroo ittabaAAoo albatila waanna allatheena amanoo ittabaAAoo alhaqqa min rabbihim kathalika yadribu Allahu lilnnasi amthalahum

English

Ahmed Ali

That is because those who refuse to believe only follow what is false; but those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. That is how God gives men precepts of wisdom.

3

فَاِذَا لَقِيْتُمُ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا فَضَرْبَ الرِّقَابِ۝۰ۭ حَتّٰۗي اِذَاۗ اَثْخَنْتُمُوْہُمْ فَشُدُّوا الْوَثَاقَ۝۰ۤۙ فَاِمَّا مَنًّۢا بَعْدُ وَاِمَّا فِدَاۗءً حَتّٰى تَضَعَ الْحَرْبُ اَوْزَارَہَا۝۰ۣۚۛذٰؔلِكَ۝۰ۭۛ وَلَوْ يَشَاۗءُ اللہُ لَانْتَصَرَ مِنْہُمْ وَلٰكِنْ لِّيَبْلُوَا۟ بَعْضَكُمْ بِبَعْـضٍ۝۰ۭ وَالَّذِيْنَ قُتِلُوْا فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللہِ فَلَنْ يُّضِلَّ اَعْمَالَہُمْ۝۴
Faitha laqeetumu allatheena kafaroo fadarba alrriqabi hatta itha athkhantumoohum fashuddoo alwathaqa faimma mannan baAAdu waimma fidaan hatta tadaAAa alharbu awzaraha thalika walaw yashao Allahu laintasara minhum walakin liyabluwa baAAdakum bibaAAdin waallatheena qutiloo fee sabeeli Allahi falan yudilla aAAmalahum

English

Ahmed Ali

So, when you clash with the unbelievers, smite their necks until you overpower them, then hold them in bondage. Then either free them graciously or after taking a ransom, until war shall have come to end. If God had pleased He could have punished them (Himself), but He wills to test some of you through some others. He will not allow the deeds of those who are killed in the cause of God to go waste.

4

سَيَہْدِيْہِمْ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَہُمْ۝۵ۚ
Sayahdeehim wayuslihu balahum

English

Ahmed Ali

He will show them the way, and better their state,

5

وَيُدْخِلُہُمُ الْجَــنَّۃَ عَرَّفَہَا لَہُمْ۝۶
Wayudkhiluhumu aljannata AAarrafaha lahum

English

Ahmed Ali

And will admit them into gardens with which he has acquainted them.

6

يٰۗاَيُّہَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْۗا اِنْ تَنْصُرُوا اللہَ يَنْصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ اَقْدَامَكُمْ۝۷
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo in tansuroo Allaha yansurkum wayuthabbit aqdamakum

English

Ahmed Ali

O you who believe, if you help (in the cause of) God He will surely come to your aid, and firmly plant your feet.

7

وَالَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا فَتَعْسًا لَّہُمْ وَاَضَلَّ اَعْمَالَہُمْ۝۸
Waallatheena kafaroo fataAAsan lahum waadalla aAAmalahum

English

Ahmed Ali

As for the unbelievers, they will suffer misfortunes, and their deeds will be rendered ineffective.

8

ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّہُمْ كَرِہُوْا مَاۗ اَنْزَلَ اللہُ فَاَحْبَطَ اَعْمَالَہُمْ۝۹
Thalika biannahum karihoo ma anzala Allahu faahbata aAAmalahum

English

Ahmed Ali

That is so as they were averse to what has been revealed by God, and their actions will be nullified.

9

اَفَلَمْ يَسِيْرُوْا فِي الْاَرْضِ فَيَنْظُرُوْا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَۃُ الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِہِمْ۝۰ۭ دَمَّرَ اللہُ عَلَيْہِمْ۝۰ۡوَلِلْكٰفِرِيْنَ اَمْثَالُہَا۝۱۰
Afalam yaseeroo fee alardi fayanthuroo kayfa kana AAaqibatu allatheena min qablihim dammara Allahu AAalayhim walilkafireena amthaluha

English

Ahmed Ali

Have they not journeyed in the land and seen the fate of those before them? Destroyed they were utterly by God; and a similar (fate) awaits the unbelievers.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Muhammad, also known as Surah Al-Qital (fighting), was revealed during the early phase of Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ life in Medina, after his migration from Mecca. It is believed that this Surah was revealed either before or immediately after the Battle of Badr. It was the time when the Prophet and his followers (Muslims of Mecca) had to leave their homes in Mecca in search of a peaceful and safer life in Medina. But the disbelievers of Mecca were still behind them, conspiring to exterminate Muslims once and for all.

Till that time, Muslims were restricted by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to show restraint and not retaliate at any level against the oppressions by Quraysh. Despite severe oppression by the disbelievers, the Prophet did not allow Muslims to fight with them. Instead, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commanded the Prophet and the Muslims to migrate to a safer place, where they can protect their lives and worship freely, without any fear. After Hijrat-e-Medina, the Prophet and his followers were trying to establish an Islamic State in Medina. On the other hand, the Quraysh of Mecca were not willing to let them settle peacefully.

Under these circumstances, Surah Muhammad was revealed, wherein Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commanded fighting (Al-Qital), also remembered as Jihad on Muslims, in order to protect their lives as well as their religion. Contrary to the earlier Meccan phase of the Prophetic mission, this time Muslims were not only allowed but, in fact, commanded to militarily protect themselves against the tyranny of the pagans. Muslims were ordered to get ready to sacrifice their lives in the protection of their faith. Although they were financially very vulnerable at that time, they were encouraged to even sacrifice their wealth to protect their faith and fight with the disbelievers.

Another specific purpose of sending down this Surah was to expose the dubious role of hypocrites of Medina, who apparently accepted Islam but were reluctant to take part in armed struggle against the disbelievers. The Surah categorically distinguished believers from hypocrites and disbelievers. 

So, the historical context of the revelation of Surah Muhammad can be summarized as follows:

  • It was aimed at enjoining Al-Qital (fighting or Jihad) on Muslims, for the protection of their lives and their faith.
  • Muslims were assured that they would have Divine support in their resolve against the pagans.
  • The suspicious character of hypocrites was to be exposed.
  • Rules of war were also commanded through this Surah.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Muhammad is a Madni Surah. It was revealed just around the Battle of Badr. Some historians argue that it was revealed immediately before the Battle, whereas others believe it was revealed just after the Battle of Badr.

Place in the Quran

Surah Muhammad is the 47th Surah of the Quran. It is placed in the 26th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Al-Ahqaf and before Surah Al-Fath. It is the 95th Surah in the order of revelation, whereas it is placed at number 47 in the sequence of recitation.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Muhammad has 38 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Muhammad is divided into 4 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Muhammad

Surah Muhammad holds great significance in the history of Islam, as it was revealed at a crucial stage, not just allowing but making it obligatory on Muslims to protect themselves and their faith (Islam) by force. They were commanded to fight in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, with their wealth, lives, and swords (weapons).

The significance of this Surah can be summarized as follows:

The Concept of Jihad (Fighting In the Way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ)

The main theme of this Surah is to make Jihad compulsory for Muslims, not only to save their lives but also to protect their faith, the religion of Islam. Moreover, they are also enjoined to fight in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, with swords (weapons), sacrificing their lives and wealth. It is also categorically mentioned that Jihad is not an aggression; it is an act of defending faith and justice. Likewise, it is also clarified that Jihad should always be conducted in obedience to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, with sincerity and without worldly benefits. 

Differentiation Between Believers and Disbelievers

Surah Muhammad categorically differentiates believers from disbelievers. The disbelievers are those who follow the falsehood, whereas believers always follow the truth, which is the right path, the path of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This has made a foundational difference between the truth and the falsehood, and the believers against the disbelievers.

Exposing the Suspicious Character of Hypocrites

This Surah explicitly exposes the suspicious character of hypocrites. Their character is defined as those who fear taking part in fighting in the way of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, their words do not match their actions, and they secretly dislike the Divine Commands. In the historical context, this Surah played a crucial role in protecting the Muslim community from internal collapse due to the hypocrites of Medina.

The Concept of Forgiveness and Promise of Place In Paradise

Surah Muhammad provides the greatest hope for the believers by promising them a place in paradise, with the condition that they must seek forgiveness and amend their behavior, in line with the teachings of Islam. This assurance was vital for strengthening the morale of Muslims during times of hardship and stress.

True Success Lies In Faith, Obedience, And Sacrifice

Surah Muhammad gives a stern warning against a materialistic approach to worldly benefits. It commands that the success of believers lies in remaining steadfast on true faith, displaying obedience to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and readiness to sacrifice in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Muhammad (مُحَمَّد):

The surah’s theme and subject matter is the preparation of war. The believers were instructed on how to conduct war and how to go into battle. The main topics include:

Assurance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)

In the beginning of Surah Muhammad (مُحَمَّد), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) makes it clear that there are two groups. One has accepted the truth and obeys Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), while the other rejects all the signs and messages that were sent to them. In fact, the non-believers of the Quraysh were making obstacles and hurdles in the way of Muslims who were trying to spread the truth. In Surah Muhammad, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is saying that He has nullified all the efforts of the non-believer group and will improve the situation of the believers. The Muslims are assured that their efforts and struggles will not be in vain. They will get rewards for staying on the True path both in this world and the hereafter. 

The Hypocrites in Madinah

This surah also talks about those who pretended to be Muslims but were not willing to fight when the command came down. They conspired with non-believers to avoid fighting at any cost. This surah comes with a warning to such people; it tells them that even the good deeds of the hypocrites are not accepted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Anyone who holds his own interests and safety in higher regard than the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will risk his or her faith and possibly get the same punishment. 

Motivation for the Muslims

At the Battle of Badr, the Quraysh had around a thousand men. The Muslims only had 313, but this surah told them that they shouldn’t lose hope due to having small numbers. They were not to show any weakness to the opposite side. At this time, they have to march out, place their trust in only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and clash with forces much larger than theirs. 

Spending Wealth in The Way of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)

Finally, this surah also invites Muslims to spend for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). While Muslims were not financially strong at this point, they needed to safeguard their faith and fight for it. To this end, they had to spend what economic resources they did have to prepare for war. Anyone who shirked this responsibility would risk facing punishment and bring about their own downfall. Allah promised reward for Muslims who spent in the way of Allah to promote and strengthen Islam. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Muhammad (مُحَمَّد)

A major theme of this surah is how the disbelievers and hypocrites will not be rewarded even for their positive deeds or actions until they surrender to the truth and accept that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the one true God and none are worthy of worship except Him. By reciting this surah, we remind ourselves of the Oneness of our Lord and that we need to stay faithful to get rewards in the hereafter. Some of the special benefits that we get from reciting Surah Muhammad include the following: 

Protection & Hope 

Surah Muhammad reassures Muslims that they are in the right and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will help them. Even if we are weak and ill-equipped at some point, this surah will keep us calm and hopeful. We may also use the message of Surah Muhammad to stay fearless, brave, and able to withstand any harm. 

Relief From Mental Illness

If someone is suffering from mental or psychological issues, they will gain some relief by reciting Surah Muhammad. If they reflect upon its meaning, the reassurance and hope in its messages may help to restore their calmness and a more normal mindset. Plus, the recitation and reflection might remove any doubts they have about being weak and without support. The surah tells them that they have the biggest support in their Lord, who will always help them if they accept the truth. 

Remaining Firm in Faith

Those who recite Surah Muhammad may also find it easier to remain firm in their faith and beliefs. The lessons and assurances can help us stay connected with our deen and with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Imam Jafar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is reported to have said: “The person who will recite surah Muhammad benefits him. The angels will pay salutation to his grave when he will die.”

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Muhammad by Renowned Qaris

Listening to authentic reciters (Qaris) is the best way to learn the correct recitation of the Quran with perfect pronunciation. Reading the Quran with correct pronunciation is critical, as even a slight deviation in pronunciation can change the meaning of the words. For non-Arabic speaking people, correct pronunciation is often more difficult. All these difficulties can be overcome by listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari. Moreover, someone may prefer to listen to the Quran rather than read it. 

At MuslimandQuran, we offer the option to listen to recitations by renowned Qaris. The recitations of famous and most authentic Qaris are available on our website and mobile app. 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 Muhammad.

The mobile application of the MuslimandQuran is available for both Android and iOS, which can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store, respectively, by clicking the links given below:

Surah Muhammad PDF

The MuslimandQuran website and mobile application provide the ability to read the Quran online. Although it is quite easy to read online, you can also download it as a PDF if you prefer to read it offline.

You can download Surah Muhammad 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 Muhammad to your device.

FAQs:

Muhammad is the title given to Surah Muhammad and refers to the name of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, which appears in the second verse of this Surah.   

Surah Muhammad has 38 verses.

There are no specific benefits associated with reciting Surah Muhammad, but reciting any Surah of the Quran is highly virtuous. However, Surah Muhammad enjoins Jihad on Muslims to protect their lives and faith against the oppressions of disbelievers. Hence, reciting Surah Muhammad encourages us to sacrifice our wealth and life in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.       

It can be recited anytime during the day or night because no specific time or occasion is associated with the recitation of Surah Muhammad.  

No, there is no specific Hadith about the virtues of Surah Muhammad.   

Yes, you can easily listen to it on any of your mobile devices or laptops, as all the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Muhammad, are available on the Mobile Application and website of the MuslimandQuran.

Surah Muhammad was revealed during the earlier stages of the Prophet’s life in Medina, after his migration from Mecca. It is widely believed that it was revealed around the time of the Battle of Badr, either before or immediately after it. Till that time, Muslims were not allowed to be involved in fighting with the disbelievers, despite severe oppressions by the Quraysh. Instead, Muslims were ordered to migrate to a safer place to protect themselves and peacefully live and worship there. But the situation worsened when the disbelievers of Mecca ventured to exterminate Muslims once and for all. At this stage, they needed to defend themselves against any invasion. Under these circumstances, Surah Muhammad was sent down, with the specific purpose of not only allowing Muslims to fight for the protection of their lives and faith, but in fact, fighting (Jihad) was made obligatory on them. It was the first occasion when fighting was commanded to Muslims by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Additionally, the hypocrisy of the hypocrites was exposed in this Surah. It also clarified the difference between truth and falsehood. The difference between believers and disbelievers was also mentioned in this Surah.