Surah Yaseen

The heart of the Quran, Surah Yaseen (يٰسٓ), also spelled as Yasin or Ya-Sin, is the 36th surah (chapter) of the Quran. Surah Yaseen is a Makki surah (Meccan surah), revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the last days of his stay in Mecca. However, a majority of scholars believe that verse 45 of Surah Yaseen is a Madni verse because it was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) in Medina after hijrah. Surah Yaseen is one of the most commonly recited and virtuous surahs of the Holy Quran. Often referred to as the 'Heart of the Quran,' Surah Yaseen presents a summary of the fundamentals of Islam, i.e., the oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ (Tauheed, or monotheism), the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and firm belief in the Day of Judgement (Aakhirah) or "life hereafter."

Surah Yaseen (يٰسٓ) is named after the first two letters (Arabic), "Ya" and "Sin" (يٰسۗ) of the first verse of the surah. These disjointed letters are Huroof-e-Muqatta'at (مُقَطَّعَات), the mysterious words. According to interpretations by different scholars, the meanings of these two letters might be "O humans," whereas the consensus of the majority of the Scholars is that Allah knows best about what these two letters refer to and humans should not strive to find their meaning.

Surah Yaseen - Asbab al-Nuzul (Context and Historical Background)

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had been spreading the word of Allah since 610 CE, since the first ayah of the Quran was revealed to him. Despite his consistent efforts, the Quraysh of Mecca were not willing to believe in the oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). During the last days of the Prophet's stay in Mecca, before migration to Medina in 622 CE, Surah Yaseen was revealed to him. Thus, the constant denial of the Quraysh about Tauheed and the day of resurrection were the asbab al-nuzul, shaan-e-nazool, or context of this Surah. The purpose and message of the surah was to persuade the non-believers about the concept of Tauheed (Monotheism) and the day of resurrection with examples of previous tribes who disobeyed the messengers of Allah.

One incident linked to the Nuzul of Surah Yaseen is the denial of Qurashite leaders, such as Ubayy ibn Khalaf, who mocked the verses of the Quran and came to the Prophet with the crushed bones of deceased animals and said who would bring these bones to life? Allah responded with the verse: "He Who created them the first time will bring them back to life, for He has full knowledge of every creation."(Surah Yaseen, 36:79).

The surah warns the Meccans of the consequences of not believing in the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) while inspiring the believers to stand firm on true faith. Accordingly, the entire Surah is focused on Tauheed (Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ), reality of the Akhirah (Day of Judgement), prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and consequences of not believing the messenger of Allah. Simultaneously, it also consoles the believers and the Prophet. It encourages them to stand firm on the cause of Allah and to not give in to despair.

Significance of Surah Yaseen

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) termed Surah Yaseen as "Heart of the Quran." It is also a common belief that if a person recites Surah Yasin, he will get the reward as if he has recited the whole Quran 10 times. Hadith number 2887 of Jami Tirmidhi speaks about it as under:

Narrated Anas: the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Indeed for everything, there is a heart, and the Qur'an's heart is Ya Sin. Whoever recites Ya Sin, then for its recitation, Allah writes for him that he recited the Qur'an ten times."

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Yaseen

The main theme of Surah Yaseen revolves around the basics of Islam, the importance of the word of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), the day of resurrection, and the truth about Heaven and Hell. The Surah warns the disbelievers about the consequences of refuting the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It talks about the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the various signs that are present for mankind to appreciate the existence of a Creator.

Surah Yaseen also comforts the believers and gives them greetings of paradise for facing hardship, tyranny, and extreme oppression by the disbelievers. It is a reassurance from Allah tabarak wa ta'ala to the faithful that they are on the right path and will be rewarded by Allah in the hereafter. It also describes the ultimate punishment for those who refute the existence of Allah Azzawajal.

The main theme of the Surah Yaseen or Surah Yasin is educating people about the three core beliefs of Islamic theology: the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), and the day of resurrection. These subject matters are explained in this surah by narrating examples from nature.

The Surah maintains the absolute sovereignty and power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and how His oneness and magnificence can be seen in His creations. The Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, more commonly referred to as Tauheed, is mentioned in this Surah by quoting signs from the universe, such as the cycle of the appearance of the moon, which starts like a thin twig and then becomes a full moon. It is argued that it is only possible by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

About the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), it is argued that his preaching is not for any personal motives; rather, it is for the people so they can come to the right path. Despite all odds and hardships, the Prophet is consistently inviting the people to the right path. So, it is in the interest of the people to follow his preaching. 

Similarly, the day of resurrection is also mentioned as giving signs from nature, the universe, and above all, the people's own birth, existence, and death. People are reminded of how they were born, grew old, and then died. People were arguing that when we die, how it would be possible for us to resurrect. Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Commands that He has created you, and He is the Only One Who will revive you again on the Day of Judgement, and you will be held accountable for what you have done in your life in this world. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Yaseen

Surah Yaseen carries numerous benefits and is one of the most memorized and recited Surahs of the Holy Quran. The recitation of this Surah forgives the sins of its reader, elevates their ranks, provides them with spiritual guidance, keeps them away from sins and on the right path, and saves them from the torments of the grave.

Although reciting any part of the Quran is highly beneficial and carries huge rewards, some of the surahs and verses have certain specific virtues associated with them. Surah Yasin is also one of such surahs of the Quran:

• Reciting Surah Yaseen once is rewarded as if one has recited the whole Quran ten times. Narrated Anas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Indeed, for everything, there is a heart, and the Qur'an's heart is Ya Sin. Whoever recites Ya Sin, then for its recitation, Allah writes for him that he recited the Qur'an ten times." - Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2887.
• Recitation Surah Yaseen on the deathbed reminds the dying person of their faith and provides relief from the pain and fear of death. Narrated Ma'qil ibn Yasar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Recite Surah Ya-Sin over your dying men. This is the version of Ibn al-Ala'" - Sunan Abi Dawud 3121.
• Consistent recitation of Surah Yaseen results in forgiveness of sins. On the other hand, a consistent reciter of this surah remains protected from committing sins and wrongdoings.
• It provides relief from sickness.
• Making dua after reciting Surah Yaseen is considered a source for the fulfilment of duas and needs.
• It is believed that if a person recites Surah Yaseen during the night and then dies, their rewards will be the same as if they have been martyred.
• Reciting any part of the Quran during the month of Ramadan is highly beneficial. Likewise, reciting Surah Yaseen during the month of Ramadan carries special benefits and is considered to be highly virtuous.
• Reciting Surah Yaseen for people who have passed away is highly recommended by scholars, as it protects the deceased persons from punishment and torment.
• Regular recitation of Surah Yaseen is helpful in reminding us of the core beliefs, like the oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and the day of resurrection. It refreshes and strengthens our faith.
• Starting the day with recitation of Surah Yaseen, keeping in mind its meanings, will be helpful to follow the righteous way of life for the entire day.

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Yaseen by Renowned Qaris

Recitation of the Quran correctly is crucial, as any wrong pronunciation may change the meanings of the Quranic expressions. Similarly, it is also very important for the reciter of the Quran to learn where to take a pause and where to keep reciting without any break. Hence, reading the Quran with Tajweed is important. The Quran comprises the words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, so it needs to be recited exactly in the same way it was revealed.

You can easily learn how to read a particular verse of the Quran by listening to the recitation of an authentic and renowned Qari. Sometimes, you may also like to listen to the Quran instead of reciting it yourself. At Muslim and Quran, we offer this option. The recitation of the Quran, including Surah Yaseen, by different Qaris is available on our mobile application. You can listen to the recitation rendered by your favorite Qaris by selecting them from the available list of Qaris. This helps you to listen as well as learn the correct pronunciation of various Quranic words.

The mobile application of Muslim and Quran is available for both, Android and iOS, available on Google Play and App Store, respectively. You can download the application by clicking the links given here:

• Mobile Application for iOS
• Mobile Application for Android

Surah Yaseen PDF

Reading the Surahs of the Quran is quite easy on the official website and mobile application of Muslim and Quran. It also offers the option of downloading any of the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Yaseen. You can read it online directly on our website or mobile application. You can also download it in PDF for reading offline or taking a print of the desired Surah.

FAQs: