Surah Name: Al-Masad (سورة المسد)
Translation: The Palm Fiber / Flames
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the word "Masad" in the final verse, which refers to twisted fiber. It is also known as Surah "Tebbat," derived from the first word of the Surah.
Surah Number: 111
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 5
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Early Makkan period, shortly after Surah Al-Fatiha
Historical Context
Surah Al-Masad was revealed in the early days of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission, during the Makkan period when he first began calling people openly to Islam. This was a time of strong opposition, particularly from his own tribe, Quraysh, and even members of his close family.
One significant event that led to the revelation of this Surah was the Prophet’s public call to his relatives to accept Islam, following the command from Allah in Surah Ash-Shuara (26:214) to warn close kin. The Prophet climbed Mount Safa and called the Quraysh together, warning them about the consequences of disbelief, in the same way someone would warn of an approaching enemy. Among those gathered was his uncle, Abu Lahab, who responded angrily and mocked the Prophet by saying, "May you perish! Did you gather us for this?"
Surah Al-Masad was revealed immediately after this incident, directly condemning Abu Lahab and his wife for their hostility toward the Prophet. Abu Lahab, whose real name was Abu Utbah Abd al-‘Uzza, was a powerful figure in Meccan society and head of the Hashimi clan after the Prophet's grandfather. Despite his status and power, he became a staunch enemy of Islam, using his influence to attack and humiliate the Prophet and block the spread of the message. [1-3]
Abu Lahab’s wife, Umm Jamil (Arwa bint Harb), joined her husband in harming the Prophet, including laying thorns on his path. The Surah mentions her with ropes of palm-fiber around her neck carrying firewood in hell.
Abu Mansur al-Maturidi makes the following commentary on this matter: In Surah al-Lahab, there is a three-fold proof that the Noble Messenger is a true prophet. First, in this surah—one of the earliest revealed—it is proclaimed that Abu Lahab and his wife would enter Hell; indeed, Abu Lahab, who died approximately ten years later, died in a state of disbelief. Second, at a time when Islam had very few followers, such severe language was used against a figure like Abu Lahab, the leader of the Banu Hashim; this could only have been possible through God’s protection of His prophet. Third, despite the Messenger of Allah being an exceptionally polite and gentle individual, such a harsh tone was employed here, which is a requirement of the principle that one must never yield to anyone in matters of religion. [4,5]
References:
[1] Musnad Ahmad, I, pp. 281, 307
[2] Sahih Bukhari, “Tafsir”, 111
[3] Tirmidhi, “Tafsir”, 111
[4] Al-Maturidi, Ayat wa Suwar, p. 94
[5] Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Tafsir al-Kabir, vol. 30, p. 168
Main Themes of Surah Al-Masad
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Condemnation of Abu Lahab and His Wife:
The surah strongly condemns Abu Lahab, the uncle of the Prophet, and his wife for their harsh opposition to Islam. It declares that both of them will be among the people of Hell, showing that family ties cannot save someone from punishment if they reject the truth. The surah also proves the truth of the Prophet’s message by making a clear prophecy about the fate of Abu Lahab and his wife, which came true exactly as stated, even though they had many years to try to prove it wrong. -
Wealth and Status Cannot Save:
The surah teaches that material wealth, power, and children are of no use if a person rejects faith. Abu Lahab's wealth and influence could not protect him from the fate of Hell, which is a warning to all who put trust in worldly things over submission to Allah.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Masad
- Rejecting the truth and opposing the Prophet leads to destruction in this life and the next.
- Wealth and children cannot save a person from Allah’s punishment.
- Divine knowledge proves true over time, as seen in Abu Lahab’s final fate.
- Being related to the Prophet does not guarantee success without faith.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Masad
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Verse 1:
"May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and he ˹himself˺ perish!"
This verse begins with a harsh condemnation of Abu Lahab for opposing the message of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). -
Verse 2:
"Neither his wealth nor ˹worldly˺ gains will benefit him."
A clear statement that worldly possessions and status cannot save one from Allah’s punishment if they reject the truth. -
Verse 3:
"He will burn in a flaming Fire,"
A warning of severe punishment in Hell for Abu Lahab due to his disbelief and opposition. -
Verse 4:
"and ˹so will˺ his wife, the carrier of ˹thorny˺ kindling,"
Refers to the wife of Abu Lahab who supported his hostility by placing thornes in the Prophet’s path. -
Verse 5:
"around her neck will be a rope of palm-fibre."
A description of her punishment in the Hereafter.
