Qaf (ق)

Surah Qaf (ق) is named after the letter ‘qāf,’ which opens the chapter and does not have any clear meaning. The ‘qāf’ here is one of the mysterious letters or ‘Muqatta’at’ of the Holy Quran. While some scholars try to attribute meanings to such letters, the general consensus is that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone knows what they signify.

This surah is in Juz 26 of the holy Quran and is the start of the last (seventh) manzil of the Quran. It is also the 50th chapter and contains 45 verses within 3 Rukus. The surah was revealed in Mecca before the hijrah or migration to Medina occurred. There isn’t any reliable source that shows how and when it came down. However, the subject matter shows that the revelation might have come during the fifth year of Prophethood. At this point, there was antagonism against the Muslims. However, things had not become so unbearable that they had to consider migration just yet. The verses in Surah Qaf are more about warning the disbelievers and stating the consequences of their actions. 

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Qaf (ق)

Surah Qaf holds an important position according to several authentic traditions. If we study this surah carefully, we can extract certain themes and essential lessons from it. Let’s discuss some of these below:

The Hereafter

When the Prophet (ﷺ) began spreading the word of Islam, people were very surprised to hear that there would be life after death. They had always placed too much importance on worldly life and didn’t realize that there would be an accounting of their actions. As a result, they deemed the Hereafter as an impossible thing that the human brain could not comprehend. They would say that when bodies have disintegrated, how can they be put together again?

In response, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ send down this message in Surah Qaf. Here, we have several signs that show the reality and possibility of life after death. The verses are mostly short sentences to enhance the understanding of the disbelievers. Moreover, the message clearly states that in spite of all the denials and doubt, the truth will never change. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is aware of each particle of each body. It requires just one signal from Him, and all the bodies will rise up as they were. 

Answering for Your Deeds

The surah also says that humans have to be answerable for their actions in this world. We have not been set free to do as we like but to act responsibly and according to Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ wishes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is aware of every act, word, and idea that is connected to us. Additionally, there are angels recording everything we say and do. This detail of our actions will be presented before Allah on the day of Judgment, and Allah will assign a person to hell or heaven based on the deeds of a human in the world. 

Realization on the Day of Qiyamah

When the Day of Judgement comes, one call will be enough to summon each body out of its grave. At that point, there will be no barrier to anyone’s vision, and everyone will see what they have been denying. Heaven, hell, and all consequences will become realities, with worldly life becoming a distant dream. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Qaf (ق)

Surah Qaf was revealed to show the disbelievers that they would be called to account for their deeds. There will be consequences to face in the Hereafter, whether they accept this truth or not. Today, we can remind ourselves of these lessons when reciting and studying this surah. Several authentic traditions tell us how the Prophet (ﷺ) would regularly recite this surah at various points. According to some sources, the recitation can soften the heart and bring a believer closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). 

One Hadith that mentions this surah is included in Sahih Muslims. It is narrated by ‘Ubaydullah ibn ‘Abdillah, who reported that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab asked Abu Waaqid al-Laythi: What did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite in [the prayer of Eid] al-Adha and al-Fitr? He said: He used to recite in them Surah Qaf and Surah Al-Qamar” [Muslim 891]

Another Hadith states that Umm Hishaam bint Haarithah ibn an-Nu‘maan said: ‘I only memorized Qaaf from the mouth of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he recited it in his khutbah every Friday.’ [Muslim 873]

One reason why the Prophet (ﷺ) chose to recite Surah Qaf so frequently was its warnings of death, resurrection, and accountability. Some state that reciting at least a part of Surah Qaf is necessary in each Khutbah. With this inclusion, every Muslim will get a reminder about the Hereafter. This way, we will be less likely to get caught up in worldly activities or snatch someone’s rights from them.