Surah Name: Sad (سورة ص)
Translation: Sad (Named after the Arabic letter Ṣād)
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the Arabic letter "Ṣād" (ص), which appears at the beginning of the Surah.
Surah Number: 38
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 88
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Around the 5th to 6th year of Prophethood, or the 10th year according to some sources.
Historical Context
Surah Sad was revealed during a time of increasing opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his message. During this phase of the Makkan period, the call to Islamic monotheism clashed strongly with the polytheistic beliefs of the Quraysh elite. Prominent leaders such as Abu Jahl took active measures to stop the Prophet’s influence.
According to historical reports, when verses denying the existence of multiple gods were revealed, the Quraysh leaders approached Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle and protector, asking him to stop Muhammad (pbuh) from preaching. In response, the Prophet (pbuh) asked only one thing: that they declare “There is no god but Allah.” This infuriated the Quraysh, who mocked the idea of abandoning all their gods for a single deity. Their reaction is reflected in the opening verses of the Surah [1][2][3][4].
This confrontation likely took place either around the 5th or 6th year of Prophethood, or later around the 10th year, as some sources state it occurred during Abu Talib's final illness. During this period, the social and political pressure on the Prophet intensified. He and his followers experienced ridicule, slander, and isolation.
Despite this, Islam was gaining new followers, including some influential individuals like Umar ibn al-Khattab. The growing support for Islam among various social groups began to alarm the Quraysh, who saw it as a threat to their religious authority and economic interests, which were linked to the idol-worship of the Ka‘bah.
The Surah was revealed as a powerful message affirming the oneness of God and defending the role of prophethood against those who dismissed the Prophet as merely a poet or a madman. The Quraysh’s request to negotiate or compromise was firmly rejected, establishing that Islam's message was not open to alteration.
References:
[1] Musnad Ahmad, Vol I, pp. 227–228
[2] Tirmidhi, Tafsir, 38/1
[3] Al-Tabari, Tafsir, Vol XXIII, pp. 149–150
[4] Al-Wahidi, Asbab al-Nuzul, pp. 284
Main Themes
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Core Beliefs of Islam:
The surah highlights the three main principles of Islamic faith—Tawhid (belief in one God), Nubuwwah (belief in prophethood), and Akhirah (belief in the afterlife). These beliefs are explained through arguments and stories that invite people to reflect and accept the truth. -
Rejection and Mockery by the Disbelievers:
The disbelievers, especially the leaders of Quraysh, reject the message of Islam because it challenges their traditions and many gods. They mock the Prophet (pbuh), calling him a magician and a liar, and are surprised that all gods are reduced to one God. -
Stories of Past Prophets:
The surah gives examples from the lives of prophets like Dawud (David), Sulayman (Solomon), Ayyub (Job), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya‘qub (Jacob), Isma‘il (Ishmael), al-Yasa (Elisha), and Dhu’l-Kifl. These stories show the trials they faced, the rewards they gained, and how they remained faithful to Allah in both wealth and hardship. -
Divine Justice and the Afterlife:
The surah contrasts the rewards of Paradise for the righteous with the punishments of Hell for the wicked. It describes Heaven as a place of peace, honor, and blessings, and Hell as a place of regret and blame among evil-doers. -
Importance of the Quran:
The Quran is described as full of wisdom, warning, and valuable lessons. It is a revelation to be reflected upon, not just read. The Prophet (pbuh) is told to deliver this message with patience and not be saddened by rejection. -
Creation of Adam and the Role of Iblis:
The surah discusses the creation of Adam and the command for the angels to prostrate to him. Iblis refuses and becomes arrogant, showing the beginning of enmity between humans and Satan. It emphasizes the danger of pride and disobedience. -
Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Role:
The Prophet (pbuh) is reminded that he is only a warner. His mission is to convey the truth sincerely. He is told that, in time, people will understand that the Quran is indeed the divine truth. -
Final Warning and Reflection:
The surah ends by reminding all people that Allah alone is in control, and everything in the heavens and earth belongs to Him. It calls for humility, reflection, and acceptance of the divine message before it is too late.
Key Lessons from Surah Saad
- Belief in the oneness of Allah, prophethood, and the afterlife is central to guidance.
- Prophets like David, Solomon, and Job were tested by blessings and hardships, and their patience led to success.
- This world is not created without purpose; good and evil people will not be treated the same.
- Paradise is the reward for believers who respect Allah and follow His commands.
- Hell is for those who rebel and deny the truth, and they will blame one another in the afterlife.
- Satan refused to honor Adam out of arrogance, showing how pride leads to downfall.
- The Prophet (pbuh) asks for no payment; he only delivers a clear warning and message from Allah.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Saad
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Verse 4:
"Now, the pagans are astonished that a warner has come to them from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, “This is a magician, a total liar!"
The verse shows the disbelief and mockery of the people when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a man from among them, brought revelation. -
Verse 5:
"Has he reduced ˹all˺ the gods to One God? Indeed, this is something totally astonishing.”"
This highlights the reaction of the Quraish to the message of tawhid (oneness of God). -
Verse 17:
"Be patient ˹O Prophet˺ with what they say. And remember Our servant, David, the man of strength. Indeed, he ˹constantly˺ turned ˹to Allah˺."
A message of patience for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), using the example of Prophet Dawud. -
Verse 30:
"And We blessed David with Solomon—what an excellent servant ˹he was˺! Indeed, he ˹constantly˺ turned ˹to Allah˺."
Praise for Prophet Sulaiman as a righteous and devoted servant of Allah. -
Verse 41:
"And remember Our servant Job, when he cried out to his Lord, “Satan has afflicted me with distress and suffering.”"
Prophet Ayyub's example of patience and devotion amidst severe trials. -
Verse 49-50:
"This is ˹all˺ a reminder. And the righteous will certainly have an honourable destination: the Gardens of Eternity, whose gates will be open for them."
Description of Paradise prepared for those who fear Allah. -
Verse 55-56:
"That is that. And the transgressors will certainly have the worst destination: Hell, where they will burn. What an evil place to rest!"
Warning about Hell for those who reject the truth. -
Verse 71-72:
"˹Remember, O Prophet˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have fashioned him and had a spirit of My Own ˹creation˺ breathed into him, fall down in prostration to him.”'"
The creation of Adam and the command to the angels to show respect. -
Verse 75-76:
"Allah asked, “O Iblîs! What prevented you from prostrating to what I created with My Own Hands? Did you ˹just˺ become proud? Or have you always been arrogant?” He replied, “I am better than he is: You created me from fire and him from clay.”"
Iblis’s arrogant refusal to obey Allah’s command, claiming superiority over Adam. -
Verse 86:
"Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I do not ask you for any reward for this ˹Quran˺, nor do I pretend to be someone I am not."
The Prophet (pbuh) reminds people that he seeks no reward, delivering only what was revealed to him. -
Verse 87-88:
"It is only a reminder to the whole world. And you will certainly know its truth before long.”"
A final statement on the truth and inevitability of the Quranic message.
