Saba (سَبَأ)

Surah Saba (سَبَأ) is the 34th Surah of the Holy Quran, located in Juz (para) 22. This Surah consists of 54 verses (ayahs) which are divided into 6 Rukus. The name of the Surah Saba translates to “Sheba” in English, which was an ancient Kingdom. This is a Makki surah that discusses the life events of Solomon and David. This Surah also tells a story about the people of Sheba and the challenges they faced due to disobedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. Surah Saba warns the disbelievers and reminds them about the promises related to the Day of Judgment.

The surah starts with a praise for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, highlighting His knowledge and dominion over everything that exists. It then criticizes the denials of the disbelievers regarding resurrection and the Hereafter. The stories of Prophets David and Solomon are given prominence, highlighting their gratitude and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. The tale of the people of Sheba serves as a warning about the dangers of arrogance and ingratitude. Throughout, the surah emphasizes monotheism, thankfulness, and contemplation of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ signs, calling upon believers to hold fast to faith and righteousness.

٣٤ - سَبَأ

34 - Saba

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلہِ الَّذِيْ لَہٗ مَا فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِي الْاَرْضِ وَلَہُ الْحَمْدُ فِي الْاٰخِرَۃِ۝۰ۭ وَہُوَالْحَكِيْمُ الْخَبِيْرُ۝۱
Alhamdu lillahi allathee lahu ma fee alssamawati wama fee alardi walahu alhamdu fee alakhirati wahuwa alhakeemu alkhabeeru

English

Ahmed Ali

ALL PRAISE BE to God to whom belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth, and His the praise in the world to come. He is all-wise and all-knowing.

1

يَعْلَمُ مَا يَـلِجُ فِي الْاَرْضِ وَمَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْہَا وَمَا يَنْزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَاۗءِ وَمَا يَعْرُجُ فِيْہَا۝۰ۭ وَہُوَالرَّحِيْمُ الْغَفُوْرُ۝۲
YaAAlamu ma yaliju fee alardi wama yakhruju minha wama yanzilu mina alssamai wama yaAAruju feeha wahuwa alrraheemu alghafooru

English

Ahmed Ali

He knows whatever goes into the earth and whatsoever issues from it, whatsoever comes down from the sky, and whatsoever goes up to it. He is all-merciful, all-forgiving.

2

وَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا لَا تَاْتِيْنَا السَّاعَۃُ۝۰ۭ قُلْ بَلٰى وَرَبِّيْ لَتَاْتِيَنَّكُمْ۝۰ۙ عٰلِمِ الْغَيْبِ۝۰ۚ لَا يَعْزُبُ عَنْہُ مِثْـقَالُ ذَرَّۃٍ فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَلَا فِي الْاَرْضِ وَلَاۗ اَصْغَرُ مِنْ ذٰلِكَ وَلَاۗ اَكْبَرُ اِلَّا فِيْ كِتٰبٍ مُّبِيْنٍ۝۳ۤۙ
Waqala allatheena kafaroo la tateena alssaAAatu qul bala warabbee latatiyannakum AAalimi alghaybi la yaAAzubu AAanhu mithqalu tharratin fee alssamawati wala fee alardi wala asgharu min thalika wala akbaru illa fee kitabin mubeenin

English

Ahmed Ali

The unbelievers say: "There is no coming of the Hour for us." Say: "Why not? By my Lord, the knower of the unknown, it will certainly come for you. Not even an atom's weight in the heavens and the earth, or something smaller or greater than it, is hidden from Him, and which is not recorded in the all-too-manifest Book,

3

لِّيَجْزِيَ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ۝۰ۭ اُولٰۗىِٕكَ لَہُمْ مَّغْفِرَۃٌ وَّرِزْقٌ كَرِيْمٌ۝۴
Liyajziya allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati olaika lahum maghfiratun warizqun kareemun

English

Ahmed Ali

In order that He may recompense those who have believed and done the right. For them will be forgiveness and worthy sustenance.

4

وَالَّذِيْنَ سَعَوْ فِيْۗ اٰيٰتِنَا مُعٰجِزِيْنَ اُولٰۗىِٕكَ لَہُمْ عَذَابٌ مِّنْ رِّجْزٍ اَلِــيْمٌ۝۵
Waallatheena saAAaw fee ayatina muAAajizeena olaika lahum AAathabun min rijzin aleemin

English

Ahmed Ali

As for those who try to subvert Our signs, there is a punishment of painful torment.

5

وَيَرَى الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوا الْعِلْمَ الَّذِيْۗ اُنْزِلَ اِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ ہُوَالْحَقَّ۝۰ۙ وَيَہْدِيْۗ اِلٰى صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيْزِ الْحَمِيْدِ۝۶
Wayara allatheena ootoo alAAilma allathee onzila ilayka min rabbika huwa alhaqqa wayahdee ila sirati alAAazeezi alhameedi

English

Ahmed Ali

Those who have been given knowledge realise what has been revealed by the Lord is the truth, and leads to the path of the mighty and praiseworthy (God).

6

وَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا ہَلْ نَدُلُّكُمْ عَلٰي رَجُلٍ يُّنَبِّئُكُمْ اِذَا مُزِّقْتُمْ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ۝۰ۙ اِنَّكُمْ لَفِيْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيْدٍ۝۷ۚ
Waqala allatheena kafaroo hal nadullukum AAala rajulin yunabbiokum itha muzziqtum kulla mumazzaqin innakum lafee khalqin jadeedin

English

Ahmed Ali

The disbelievers say: "Shall we tell you of a man who prophesies that when you are reduced to particles and vanished in the dust, you will become a new creation

7

اَفْتَرٰى عَلَي اللہِ كَذِبًا اَمْ بِہٖ جِنَّۃٌ۝۰ۭ بَلِ الَّذِيْنَ لَا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِالْاٰخِرَۃِ فِي الْعَذَابِ وَالضَّلٰلِ الْبَعِيْدِ۝۸
Aftara AAala Allahi kathiban am bihi jinnatun bali allatheena la yuminoona bialakhirati fee alAAathabi waalddalali albaAAeedi

English

Ahmed Ali

Has he fabricated a lie about God, or is he possessed?" Not so; but those who believe not in the Hereafter are themselves afflicted and far astray.

8

اَفَلَمْ يَرَوْا اِلٰى مَا بَيْنَ اَيْدِيْہِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَہُمْ مِّنَ السَّمَاۗءِ وَالْاَرْضِ۝۰ۭ اِنْ نَّشَاْ نَخْسِفْ بِہِمُ الْاَرْضَ اَوْ نُسْقِطْ عَلَيْہِمْ كِسَفًا مِّنَ السَّمَاۗءِ۝۰ۭ اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيَۃً لِّكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيْبٍ۝۹ۧ
Afalam yaraw ila ma bayna aydeehim wama khalfahum mina alssamai waalardi in nasha nakhsif bihimu alarda aw nusqit AAalayhim kisafan mina alssamai inna fee thalika laayatan likulli AAabdin muneebin

English

Ahmed Ali

Do they not see what is before them and what is behind them of the heavens and the earth? We could cleave the earth and sink them, if We pleased, or drop a fragment of the sky upon them. There is surely a sign in this for every penitent creature.

9

وَلَقَدْ اٰتَيْنَا دَاوٗدَ مِنَّا فَضْلًا۝۰ۭ يٰجِبَالُ اَوِّبِيْ مَعَہٗ وَالطَّيْرَ۝۰ۚ وَاَلَنَّا لَہُ الْحَدِيْدَ۝۱۰ۙ
Walaqad atayna dawooda minna fadlan ya jibalu awwibee maAAahu waalttayra waalanna lahu alhadeeda

English

Ahmed Ali

We favoured David with excellence, (and commanded): "O Jibal and Tair, glorify the greatness of God with him." And We made iron pliable for him.

10

Surah Saba Asbab al-Nuzul (Historical Background & Context)

Surah Saba (Quran Chapter 34) was revealed during the time of Prophet Muhammad when he was in Mecca. During his time in Mecca, many individuals in Mecca did not have faith in a single God and ridiculed the concept of life after death. They found it unbelievable that individuals were to be revived and accounted for. They also found it difficult to accept the fact that an ordinary human like Prophet Muhammad might be Allah’s messenger. This surah was sent to dispel their mistrust and warn them of their stubbornness.

To convey Allah’s message clearly, Surah Saba narrates two significant stories. First, it mentions the Prophets David and Solomon. Although they were kings and had incredible power, they were always grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and remained humble. This was an obvious sign of guidance to the arrogant people of Mecca.

The second story that the surah narrates is the history of the people of Sheba, which was an ancient kingdom. The people of Sheba were extremely wealthy and resided in a wonderful land with magnificent dams for water. But they turned ungrateful and rejected Allah’s message. Because of this, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ sent a devastating flood towards them, which destroyed their land and scattered them. This was a strict warning to the Meccans that if they continued to turn away from Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ word and be ungrateful, they too would face similar consequences as the people of Sheba.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Saba

Surah Saba (سَبَأ) is a particularly special surah in the Quran, and it has great significance. One of the most important aspects is that it is one of five surahs that begin with the expression "Alhamdulillah," or "All praise is for Allah." This opening itself creates a sense of gratitude and acknowledgment of Allah’s immense power and bounty, which is a central theme throughout the whole surah. This constant emphasis on thankfulness from the beginning indicates just how much we must appreciate what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ provides us.

The surah is also renowned for recounting two stories that are completely different from each other. One is about the great Prophets David and Solomon, who were always grateful and humble despite having power. The second is the story of the people of Saba, who were prosperous but became ungrateful and were destroyed in the end. These two stories are a strong reminder that thankfulness is important, and real value is through our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, not money or power.

Apart from these stories, Surah Saba firmly emphasizes the Day of Judgment and resurrection. It directly responds to the people of Mecca who questioned these concepts. This repeated reminder of Allah’s knowledge and justice makes us reflect on our behavior so we can stand strong on Judgment Day. Thus, Surah Saba is a lesson to us that earthly domination is not permanent, and our decisions carry long-term implications. Gratitude, humility, and belief in the hereafter are its most significant lessons.

In Surah Saba (سَبَأ), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ talks about several important things, trying to get the believers on the right path. The theme of Surah Saba is as follows:

  • The Reality of the Hereafter and His Knowledge (Verses 1-6)

The surah begins with praise and glorification of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, and it tells us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ knows all the things that go into the earth, what comes out of it, what goes down from heaven, and what goes up to heaven. In this, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is conveying a message to those who do not have faith in the Day of Judgment. It informs them explicitly that this Day will indeed arrive. This means that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ will give rewards and punishments to the believers on the Judgment Day based on their deeds.

وَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا لَا تَاْتِيْنَا السَّاعَۃُ۝۰ۭ قُلْ بَلٰى وَرَبِّيْ لَتَاْتِيَنَّكُمْ۝۰ۙ عٰلِمِ الْغَيْبِ۝۰ۚ لَا يَعْزُبُ عَنْہُ مِثْـقَالُ ذَرَّۃٍ فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَلَا فِي الْاَرْضِ وَلَاۗ اَصْغَرُ مِنْ ذٰلِكَ وَلَاۗ اَكْبَرُ اِلَّا فِيْ كِتٰبٍ مُّبِيْنٍ۝۳ۤۙ

“The unbelievers say: "There is no coming of the Hour for us." Say: "Why not? By my Lord, the knower of the unknown, it will certainly come for you. Not even an atom's weight in the heavens and the earth, or something smaller or greater than it, is hidden from Him, and which is not recorded in the all-too-manifest Book”. Quran (34:3)

  • Story of Blessings upon Prophets David and Solomon (Verses 7-14)

These verses tell how the disbelievers mock and mistrust the concept of the Day of Judgement and resurrection, and they make fun of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ tells us through these verses that those who don't believe His words will be punished severely. In the later part of the verses, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ gave examples of blessings that He sent upon the Prophet David and Solomon.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ blessed David by softening the iron so he could make armor. Whereas, Solomon had his authority on the jinn (spirits) to work for him. This was the power sent by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ as a result of their gratitude and obedience. This proves that all the power a man has is given by Allah, and He is the control of everything.

وَلَقَدْ اٰتَيْنَا دَاوٗدَ مِنَّا فَضْلًا۝۰ۭ يٰجِبَالُ اَوِّبِيْ مَعَہٗ وَالطَّيْرَ۝۰ۚ وَاَلَنَّا لَہُ الْحَدِيْدَ۝۱۰ۙ

“We favoured David with excellence, (and commanded): "O Jibal and Tair, glorify the greatness of God with him." And We made iron pliable for him”. Quran (34:10)

  • The People of Sheba: Story of Gratitude and Ingratitude (Verses 15-21)

This is a very significant part of the Surah as it tells the story of the people of Sheba who lived peacefully in a fertile land that had beautiful dams. They had all the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, but they got arrogant and unthankful for the blessings. Due to this behavior of ingratitude, they were punished by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ in a way that the flood destroyed their beautiful land, including the gardens and dams. This reminds believers and teaches them to be grateful for what they have and to thank Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ for his countless blessings.

فَقَالُوْا رَبَّنَا بٰعِدْ بَيْنَ اَسْفَارِنَا وَظَلَمُوْۗا اَنْفُسَہُمْ فَجَعَلْنٰہُمْ اَحَادِيْثَ وَمَزَّقْنٰہُمْ كُلَّ مُمَــزَّقٍ۝۰ۭ اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيٰتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُوْرٍ۝۱۹

“But they said: "O Lord, make the distance between the stages of our journeys longer;" but (by doing so) they wronged themselves. So We turned them into bygone tales, and dispersed them, scattered in all directions. Surely there are signs in this for those who endeavour and are grateful”. Quran (34:19)

  • Concept of Monotheism and Consequences of Disbelievers (Verses 22-33)

The surah firmly denies the concept of idol worship or anything else apart from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. It says that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is the sole provider and ruler of everything, and He is the only one in power. It adds that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the last messenger to all humankind, delivering the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. The people who do not believe in the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ will be held accountable for their deeds on the day of Resurrection.

  • Human Choice, Accountability and Warnings (Verses 34-54)

This section talks about how in the history of the world, every nation that was blessed with wealth and power ultimately turned against Allah's messengers. It explains that having wealth will not make a human being closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, but their good deeds will. The surah also tackles the false accusations against the Prophet (ﷺ) by the disbelievers and challenges them to point out any flaw in his message. It concludes by stating that if the disbelievers continue to reject the truth, they will be punished.

The last two verses call upon the disbelievers to be truthful and realize that the Prophet (ﷺ) is not insane but a designated messenger of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. It stresses that the truth has arrived, and falsehood will not be able to counter it. It threatens that when punishment arrives, the disbelievers will have no way to go, and their repentance will be of no use.

فَالْيَوْمَ لَا يَمْلِكُ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ نَّفْعًا وَّلَا ضَرًّا۝۰ۭ وَنَقُوْلُ لِلَّذِيْنَ ظَلَمُوْا ذُوْقُوْا عَذَابَ النَّارِ الَّتِيْ كُنْتُمْ بِہَا تُكَذِّبُوْنَ۝۴۲

“That day you will have no power to profit or harm each other; and We shall say to the sinners: ‘Taste the punishment of Fire which you had denied.’" Quran (34:42)

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Saba

There are many virtues and benefits of reciting Surah Saba. A few of them are as follows:

  • Divine Protection and Night Recitation

Reciting Surah Saba (سَبَأ), particularly along with Surah Fatir at night, is said to put the reciter under the protection of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ until morning. This is advised to provide protection and spiritual security at night.

  • Strengthening Faith in Allah

Reading Surah Saba (سَبَأ) strengthens your faith in Allah's wisdom and power. It illustrates how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ governs all things and has knowledge of every detail. It makes you have more faith in Him and dispels any doubts concerning His capability of doing anything, such as resurrecting people.

  • Developing Gratitude

One of the most important advantages is learning to be grateful. The surah compares grateful prophets with ungrateful nations, such as the Saba people. It teaches us to be grateful for the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and remain humble because all good things are from Him and can be taken away if we are ungrateful.

  • Learning from Past Lessons

The events in Surah Saba (سَبَأ), particularly regarding the Saba people, provide us with essential lessons. By observing how earlier nations were blessed or destroyed depending on their deeds, we can learn a lot. It keeps us from repeating similar mistakes and learning about the implications of following good or evil.

  • Emotional and Spiritual Well-being

Daily recitation of Surah Saba (سَبَأ) is reported to calm and soothe the heart, bringing one closer to a spiritual experience and sense of belonging. It promotes introspection regarding life's blessings, reducing stress levels, and developing a positive state of mind.

Listen to Surah Saba Recitations by Renowned Qaris

You can listen to the complete recitation of Surah Saba on the Muslim and Quran website. Here is a list of renowned Qaris whose recitation of Surah Saba is available online:

  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad
  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary
  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq Al-Minshawi
  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Yasser Al-Dosari
  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Raad Muhammad Al Kurdi
  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Sami Al Hasan
  • Surah Saba Recitation by Sheikh Mansour Mohiuddin

Download Surah Saba PDF

You can now download Surah Saba (سَبَأ) PDF to recite it when offline. This makes it easy to incorporate it into your daily life without the need for the internet. The MuslimandQuran website is a reliable source to recite the Holy Quran, whether online or offline. You can simply choose the “save as PDF” option on the menu and save it to your device:

  • Press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
  • In the Destination dropdown menu, choose Save as PDF.
  • Click Save to download Surah Yusuf to your device.

FAQs:

Surah Saba (سَبَأ) translates in English as “Sheba,” which is the name of an ancient kingdom. This Surah covers the story of the consequences that the people of Sheba faced due to their arrogance and ingratitude.

There are countless benefits of reciting Surah Saba, like protection during day and night. This Surah creates a sense of emotional and spiritual well-being in people who recite it. It also promotes gratitude and thankfulness while teaching believers about the divine power and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎.

There are no proper hadiths present about Surah Saba. However, there are many advantages of reciting this Surah.

Yes, there are many sources available to listen to Surah Saba online. The Muslim and Quran website provides many audio files available in different Qaris for you to choose from according to your preference.

Yes, non-Arabic speakers can also benefit from Surah Saba by reading the translation or Tafsir. They can understand the deep meaning that is conveyed in this Surah and apply the teachings in their daily life to earn maximum rewards.

Surah Saba (سَبَأ) was revealed when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced mistrust from people who did not believe in his message from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. They questioned monotheism and showed disbelief about the concept of resurrection and the Day of Judgement.