Surah Name: Al-Furqan (سورة الفرقان)
Translation: The Criterion
Origin of name: The surah takes its name from the word "Al-Furqan" mentioned in the first verse, which means "the criterion" — referring to the Qur’an as the divine guide that separates truth from falsehood.
Surah Number: 25
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 77
Makki or Madani: Makki (with verses 68, 69, and 70 possibly revealed in Madinah according to some reports)
Approximate Time of Revelation: Around the 10th year of the Prophethood, prior to the Isra and Mi'raj event [1]
Historical Context
Surah Al-Furqan was revealed during the final years of the Prophet Muhammad's mission in Makkah, a time of increased social and political hostility against him and his followers. During this period, the Quraysh leadership had intensified their efforts to isolate the Muslims. One of the most prominent actions taken was a full social boycott, where Makkans and outsiders were forbidden from interacting with the Prophet or his followers in an attempt to stifle the message of Islam.
After the Prophet's difficult and painful journey to Ta’if, where he was rejected and mistreated, he returned to Makkah with little support from the surrounding tribes. Soon after, Surah Al-Furqan was revealed, along with Surahs Jinn, Ya-Sin, and Isra in close succession. This places the revelation of Surah Al-Furqan shortly before the miraculous night journey (Isra and Mi’raj), around the 10th year of the Prophethood [1].
During this time, the opposition from the Quraysh took a new form. Instead of only boycotts and rejection, they began a widespread defamation campaign against the Prophet himself. They spread accusations that he was insane, a liar, or that he fabricated the Qur’an. They dismissed divine revelation as nothing more than ancient stories and legends. All of this was aimed at discrediting the Prophet in the eyes of the people.
This surah was revealed in response to these attacks. It defended the Prophet Muhammad’s mission, legitimacy, and human nature. It aimed to reinforce the truth of revelation and highlight the irrationality and arrogance of the disbelievers. The surah also references earlier nations who rejected their prophets and were destroyed — a clear warning to the Quraysh if they continued in their disbelief.
The overall context of the surah reflects a period when the Muslim community was small, oppressed, and in need of reassurance amidst increasing adversities. Surah Al-Furqan came at a time when hope and clarity were needed, both to strengthen the believers and to confront the persistent denial of the disbelievers.
References:
[1] Abdullah Mahmoud Shehata, Vol I, p. 259.
Main Themes
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The Qur'an as the Criterion (Furqān):
The surah emphasizes the Qur'an as the Furqān, meaning the criterion that distinguishes truth from falsehood. It confirms Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) divine mission to guide all humanity. -
Rejection of Idol Worship and False Beliefs:
The surah rebukes the polytheists for associating partners with Allah, highlighting the power and supremacy of the One True God. It criticizes their worship of powerless idols and their false excuses for rejecting faith. -
Refutation of Objections Against the Prophet:
The disbelievers of Makkah raised doubts about Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) human nature, expecting a prophet to be supernatural. The surah responds by explaining that previous prophets were also humans, emphasizing that divine revelation, not physical miracles, is the proof of true prophethood. -
The Nature of Revelation and Gradual Guidance:
The Qur'an was revealed in stages to allow Muslims to internalize its teachings. This gradual revelation aimed to strengthen faith and provide guidance suitable to real-life circumstances. -
Lessons from Past Nations:
The surah references past communities that denied their prophets, showing how they were ultimately destroyed. This serves as a warning to the Quraysh that rejecting the truth leads to downfall. -
Divine Signs in the Universe:
By pointing to natural phenomena—like the alternation of day and night, the movement of the sun and moon, and the creation of life—the surah demonstrates Allah's power, reinforcing His sole authority over existence. -
Characteristics of the True Servants of Allah (Rahmān's Servants):
The surah concludes with a detailed description of righteous believers, highlighting their humility, patience, devotion, moderation, sincerity, and commitment to justice. They serve as a model for the ideal behavior of a Muslim. -
Contrast Between Believers and Disbelievers:
The surah contrasts the arrogant rejection of the disbelievers with the noble character of the believers, urging mankind to choose the right path for ultimate success in the Hereafter.
Key Messages/Lessons
- The Quran is a criterion that separates truth from falsehood.
- Prophethood is determined by Allah, not human expectations.
- Rejecting the truth due to arrogance leads to misguidance.
- The Quran’s gradual revelation was purposeful for deeper understanding.
- Previous nations faced destruction for denying their prophets.
- Trusting in Allah brings stability despite opposition.
- True believers show humility, patience, and moral integrity.
- Ignoring divine guidance leads to regret and punishment.
- Worship and humility are keys to success in this life and the afterlife.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Furqan
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Verse 1:
"Blessed is He who sent down the criterion to His servant, that it may be an admonition to all creatures."
This verse praises Allah for revealing the Quran, which distinguishes between truth and falsehood. -
Verse 4:
"The disbelievers say, “This ˹Quran˺ is nothing but a fabrication which he made up with the help of others.” Their claim is totally unjustified and untrue!"
A response to the accusations of disbelievers who claimed that the Prophet fabricated the Quran. -
Verse 7:
"And they say ˹mockingly˺, “What kind of messenger is this who eats food and goes about in market-places ˹for a living˺? If only an angel had been sent down with him to be his co-warner,"
The verse mentions the objections of the disbelievers regarding the human nature of the Prophet Muhammad. -
Verse 20:
"We never sent any messenger before you ˹O Prophet˺, who did not eat food and go about in market-places. We have made some of you a trial for others. Will you ˹not then˺ be patient? And your Lord is All-Seeing."
This answers the objections of the disbelievers by stating that all previous prophets were human. -
Verse 25:
"˹Watch for˺ the Day the heavens will burst with clouds, and the angels will be sent down in successive ranks."
A depiction of the events of the Day of Judgment. -
Verse 32:
"The disbelievers say, “If only the Quran had been sent down to him all at once!” ˹We have sent it˺ as such ˹in stages˺ so We may reassure your heart with it. And We have revealed it at a deliberate pace."
The Quran was revealed gradually to strengthen the believers. -
Verse 63:
"The ˹true˺ servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the foolish address them ˹improperly˺, they only respond with peace."
A description of the noble character of believers. -
Verse 68-70:
"˹They are˺ those who do not invoke any other god besides Allah, nor take a ˹human˺ life—made sacred by Allah—except with ˹legal˺ right,1 nor commit fornication. And whoever does ˹any of˺ this will face the penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Judgment, and they will remain in it forever, in disgrace. As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
A declaration of severe consequences for major sins, along with Allah's mercy for those who repent. -
Verse 77:
"Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “You ˹all˺ would not ˹even˺ matter to my Lord were it not for your faith ˹in Him˺. But now you ˹disbelievers˺ have denied ˹the truth˺, so the torment is bound to come."
A statement emphasizing the importance of worship and supplication to Allah.
