Surah Al-Hijr [15] | Overview, Themes, Lessons & More

Surah Name: Al-Hijr (سورة الحجر)
Translation: The Rocky Tract
Origin of Name: The Surah is named after the word "Hijr" mentioned in Ayah 80, which refers to the rocky city of the Thamud people. The name highlights the story of the people of Al-Hijr, who were destroyed despite their strong fortifications in the rocks.

Surah Number: 15
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 99

Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Revealed during the later years of the Prophet's Meccan period, around the time of increased persecution against Muslims, likely after Surah Ibrahim.

Historical Context

Surah Al-Hijr was revealed during the Meccan period when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the early Muslim community faced intense persecution and hardships. These were years of growing hostility from the Quraysh, making the Prophet's mission increasingly challenging. The surah is named after the mention of the region of Al-Hijr (verse 80), which refers to the area where the Thamud people lived. The Thamud, who defied Prophet Salih and were ultimately destroyed, stand as a warning to the disbelieving Quraysh.

The surah addresses the rejection and ridicule faced by the Prophet, affirming that such treatment was not unique to him, as past prophets also endured the same. The narrative emphasizes the divine protection of the Qur'an, ensuring that all attempts to alter or suppress it would fail. The surah recounts stories from history, including the arrogance of Iblis in refusing to bow to Adam, the destruction of the people of Lot, and the demise of the Thamud, as lessons for those denying the message of Islam.

This context underlines the certainty of Allah's power, the ultimate accountability of humans, and reassurance for the Prophet to remain steadfast in his mission despite the opposition. It also serves as a reminder of Allah's mercy for the obedient and His severe punishment for those who defy divine guidance.

Main Themes

• Divine Protection of the Quran:
  The surah emphasizes that the Quran is under Allah's protection, safeguarded from any alteration or harm. Any attempts to distort or eliminate it will inevitably fail. This serves as a reassurance for believers and a warning to disbelievers.

• Warnings Through Historical Narratives:
  The fates of past nations, such as the people of Hicr (the Thamud), Prophet Lut's community, and the people of Prophet Shu'ayb, are presented as stark warnings. These groups ignored their prophets, persisted in disobedience, and were ultimately destroyed despite their efforts to secure their lives or wealth.

• Creation and Humanity's Trials:
  The surah recounts the story of Adam's creation and Iblis's refusal to bow to him. This symbolizes arrogance and disobedience, traits that lead to divine condemnation.

• The Reality of Heaven and Hell:
  Vivid depictions of heaven and hell are presented. Heaven is described as a place where the pious enter in peace and security, with all resentment and hatred removed from their hearts. There, people sit facing one another on thrones, experiencing no fatigue or hardship, and remain in eternal bliss. In contrast, hell is portrayed as a place of punishment for disbelievers and sinners, with seven gates leading various groups to torment.

• Allah’s Supreme Authority:
  Powerfully emphasizing Allah’s mastery over creation, the surah highlights His control over natural phenomena, life, death, and the final gathering on the Day of Judgment. Despite the disbelief of some, Allah’s ultimate knowledge and justice are undeniable.

• Support and Guidance for the Prophet:
  The surah reassures Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the ridicule and rejection he faces are similar to what previous prophets endured. He is encouraged to stay steadfast in his mission, rely on Allah’s protection, and continue worshiping until his final moment.

• Submission and Worship:
  The ending of the surah calls all believers to glorify Allah, prostrate in submission, and worship Him persistently until death. This serves as a spiritual reminder of the ultimate purpose of life.

Key Messages/Lessons

• The Quran is divinely protected from tampering or distortion.
• Disbelievers who reject the truth will ultimately face dire consequences, as seen with ancient nations like the people of Ḥijr and the people of Lot.
• Human efforts and material achievements, like secure dwellings in mountains, cannot prevent divine punishment for disobedience.
• Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are vast, but His punishment is severe for those who continue in disbelief.
• Paradise is a place of eternal peace and brotherhood for the righteous, cleansed of hatred or malice.
• Believers should remain steadfast in their mission despite mockery or rejection from disbelievers.
• Prophets' messages are consistent, and rejecting them has always led to destruction.
• Worship and gratitude to Allah should continue until the certainty of death.

Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Hijr

• Verse 9:
  "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)."
  This verse assures the divine protection of the Qur'an from any alteration or distortion.

• Verse 26:
  "Indeed, We created man from sounding clay moulded from black mud."
  A reference to the humble origin of human creation.

• Verse 28-29:
  "˹Remember, O Prophet˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to create a human being from sounding clay moulded from black mud. So when I have fashioned him and had a spirit of My Own ˹creation˺ breathed into him, fall down in prostration to him.”"
  A recounting of the creation of Adam and the command given to the angels regarding him.

• Verse 32-34:
  "Allah asked, “O Iblîs! What is the matter with you that you did not join others in prostration?” He replied, “It is not for me to prostrate to a human You created from sounding clay moulded from black mud.” Allah commanded, “Then get out of Paradise, for you are truly cursed."
  A detailing of Iblis's arrogance and his refusal to obey Allah's command, leading to his expulsion.

• Verse 42:
  "you will certainly have no authority over My servants, except the deviant who follow you,"
  A declaration that Satan has no power over Allah's sincere servants.

• Verse 44:
  "It has seven gates, to each a group of them is designated."
  A description of Hell having seven gates, with each assigned to a group of sinners.

• Verse 80-84:
  "Indeed, the residents of the Stone Valley also denied the messengers. We gave them Our signs, but they turned away from them. They carved their homes in the mountains, feeling secure. But the ˹mighty˺ blast overtook them in the morning,"
  A recounting of the story of Thamud, whose arrogance and disbelief led to their destruction.

• Verse 87:
  "We have certainly granted you the seven often-repeated verses and the great Quran."
  A reference to Surah Al-Fatiha as the "seven oft-repeated verses" and acknowledgment of the grandeur of the Qur'an.

• Verse 98-99:
  "So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who ˹always˺ pray, and worship your Lord until the inevitable comes your way."
  A command to persist in worship and gratitude to Allah until death.

Scientific Miracle in Surah Al-Hijr

• Verse 22:
  "And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water (in abundance), though ye are not the guardians of its stores."

  This verse refers to the role of winds in fertilization and the subsequent formation of rain. The term "fecundating winds" highlights their critical function in carrying pollen and aiding in cloud formation—a phenomenon understood by modern science but revealed in the Qur'an over 1400 years ago.

  Learn more about this scientific miracle here: Fecundating Winds