Surah Name: As-Saffat (سورة الصافّات)
Translation: Those who set in ranks
Origin of name: The name "As-Saffat" comes from the first verse, where the word refers to the angels or beings who line up in ranks to fulfill divine commands.
Surah Number: 37
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 182
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Shortly after the revelation of Surah Al-An'am, during the later phase of the Makkan period.
Historical Context
Surah As-Saffat was revealed in Makkah during a period of rising confrontation between the Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh leadership. This was a time when the Prophet had already begun to gather a community of believers, but they faced increasing resistance and mockery from the powerful elites in Makkah.
The message of Islam, especially the calls to monotheism and resurrection after death, directly challenged the social order and religious practices of the Quraysh. Their polytheistic beliefs and tribal customs were deeply ingrained, and the notion of a single God who would hold people accountable in the Hereafter disrupted their worldview and authority.
During this environment of opposition, ridicule, and psychological pressure, Surah As-Saffat reaffirmed the fundamental Islamic beliefs in the oneness of God (tawhid) and the reality of the afterlife. The Surah also brought comfort and reassurance to the Prophet by referencing earlier prophets—such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others—who had also faced denial and rejection but were eventually supported by God.
Main Themes
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The Oneness of God (Tawheed):
The surah strongly emphasizes that Allah is the one and only Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the entire universe. It begins by mentioning the orderly ranks of angels and uses oaths to declare Allah’s absolute unity, rejecting all forms of shirk (associating partners with Him). -
Belief in the Hereafter:
A major theme is the reality of the afterlife. The surah describes how disbelievers mock the idea of resurrection and the Quran itself, but in the end, they will regret their arrogance when they face punishment in Hell. On the other hand, believers are promised Paradise and its blessings. -
Stories of the Prophets:
The surah gives examples from the lives of past prophets such as Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Harun, Ilyas, Lut, and Yunus (peace be upon them). Each prophet’s story highlights their struggle to call people to tawheed and how they were ultimately supported by Allah, while their opponents were destroyed. -
Rejection and Mockery Faced by Prophets:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reminded that rejecting and mocking the divine message is not new. Previous prophets experienced the same, yet truth always prevailed. This gives hope and strength to continue the mission with patience. -
False Beliefs of the Disbelievers:
The surah addresses the irrational beliefs of the Quraysh, such as calling the angels daughters of Allah while detesting to have daughters themselves. It shows the contradictions in their thinking and warns them of the consequences of their disbelief. -
Promise of Victory for the Believers:
Allah promises that His messengers and their followers will be victorious. The plan of the disbelievers will fail, and truth will overcome falsehood. This reassures the Prophet and the believers during times of difficulty. -
Glorification of Allah and Peace on the Messengers:
The surah ends with the glorification of Allah’s greatness, peace upon the messengers, and praise for the Lord of all worlds. It reminds readers of Allah’s supreme position and the honor given to His chosen servants.
Key Lessons from Surah As-Saffat
- Allah is one and has no partners; believing in His oneness (tawhid) is the foundation of faith.
- The Day of Judgment is real, and everyone will be held accountable for their actions.
- Believers will be rewarded with Paradise, while those who deny the truth will face Hell.
- Arrogance, mocking the truth, and rejecting revelation bring destruction in the hereafter.
- Angels are servants of Allah and cannot be considered His daughters or equal to Him.
- Even if disbelievers unite in denial in this world, they will blame each other on Judgment Day, but it will be too late.
Notable Ayahs from Surah As-Saffat
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Verse 1-3:
"By those ˹angels˺ lined up in ranks, and those who diligently drive ˹the clouds˺, and those who recite the Reminder!"
An oath by the angels who perform their duties in perfect order, reflecting divine organization and power. -
Verse 10:
"But whoever manages to stealthily eavesdrop is ˹instantly˺ pursued by a piercing flare."
Describes how devils trying to listen to the heavenly realm are chased away by fire. -
Verse 24-25:
"And detain them, for they must be questioned.” ˹Then they will be asked,˺ “What is the matter with you that you can no longer help each other?"
Depicts scenes from the Day of Judgment, where wrongdoers are held to account. -
Verse 40-49:
"But not the chosen servants of Allah. They will have a known provision: fruits ˹of every type˺. And they will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss, facing each other on thrones. A drink ˹of pure wine˺ will be passed around to them from a flowing stream: crystal-white, delicious to drink. It will neither harm ˹them˺, nor will they be intoxicated by it. And with them will be maidens of modest gaze and gorgeous eyes, as if they were pristine pearls."
Provides vivid imagery of the pleasures that await the righteous in Paradise. -
Verse 75:
"Indeed, Noah cried out to Us, and how excellent are We in responding!"
Begins the story of Prophet Nuh and how Allah responded to his call. -
Verse 83:
"And indeed, one of those who followed his way was Abraham."
Establishes the connection between Prophet Ibrahim and earlier messages of monotheism. -
Verse 102-107:
"Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”… "
Recounts Prophet Ibrahim's dream of sacrificing his son and how Allah substituted it with a great sacrifice—commemorated in Eid al-Adha. -
Verse 164-166:
"˹The angels respond,˺ “There is not one of us without an assigned station ˹of worship˺. We are indeed the ones lined up in ranks ˹for Allah˺. And we are indeed the ones ˹constantly˺ glorifying ˹His praise˺."
Shows the obedience and orderliness of the angels in worshiping Allah. -
Verse 171-173:
"Our Word has already gone forth to Our servants, the messengers, that they would surely be helped, and that Our forces will certainly prevail."
A promise of divine support and ultimate victory for the prophets and the believers.
