Surah Name: Fussilat (سورة فصّلت)
Translation: Explained in Detail
Origin of name: The name "Fussilat" is derived from the word in verse 3 that means "explained in detail", referring to the Qur'an being clearly spelled out for guidance. The Surah is also known by other names such as "Ha Mim as-Sajdah", due to its starting letters and the inclusion of a prostration verse, and "Surah al-Masabiḥ" or "Surah al-Aqwāt", referring to words found in verses 12 and 10 respectively.
Surah Number: 41
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 54
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Late Makkan period, shortly before the Hijrah, after revelation of Surah Isra [1]
Historical Context
Surah Fussilat was revealed during a crucial stage in the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh)mission in Makkah, a time when opposition from Quraysh was intense and increasingly hostile. This period was marked by a hardening stance from the Makkan elite, who not only rejected the Prophet’s message but also actively tried to block its spread and threatened him. They openly declared that they were resolutely following their own path regardless of the Prophet's (pbuh) efforts, as seen in verse 5.
Socially and politically, the Muslim minority faced growing isolation. The Quraysh leadership used both verbal assaults and economic pressures to suppress the message of Islam. In this environment, the revelation of a Surah affirming the truthfulness of the Qur’an and the Messengership of Muhammad (pbuh) served as a strong reassurance to the believers and a warning to the disbelievers.
The Surah also refers to specific incidents reflecting public attitudes in Makkah at the time. One reported incident involved three men near the Kaaba questioning whether Allah could hear their private and public conversations. This led to the revelation of verses 22–23, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from Allah, not even the whispers of the soul [2]. Another verse (40) referencing those cast into the Fire and those arriving safely on Judgment Day is said to have been revealed in relation to well-known figures such as Abu Jahl and Ammar ibn Yasir (or Abu Bakr according to another narration) [3].
The Quraysh's rejection of divine revelation and ridicule of the resurrection concept were strongly addressed in this Surah. It made clear that resistance to truth would lead to regret, especially in the afterlife. Yet, amidst stern warnings, the Surah also extended mercy by showing that the message was given for their benefit—a chance to be guided before it was too late.
References:
[1] Abdullah Mahmoud Shehata, Vol I, p. 347
[2] al-Bukhārī, “Tafsīr”, 41/2; Muslim, “Munāfiqīn”, 5; Tirmidhī, “Tafsīr”, 41/2; al-Suyūṭī, ad-Durr al-Manthūr, Vol VII, pp. 319
[3] al-Suyūṭī, ad-Durr al-Manthūr, Vol VII, pp. 330
Main Themes
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The Divine Origin of the Qur'an:
The surah begins by declaring that the Qur'an is not man-made, but a revelation from the Most Merciful, sent to warn and bring good news. It emphasizes that the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic and its messages are clearly explained. -
Warning the Disbelievers:
The main audience is the disbelievers of Mecca, who denied the Prophet (pbuh) and the Qur'an. They mocked the message and turned away arrogantly. The surah warns that rejecting the truth will lead to severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter. -
Signs of Allah’s Power in Creation:
Allah’s greatness is shown through examples from the natural world: the creation of the heavens and the earth, the order of the skies, the balance of the earth, and the rain that restores dead land. These are signs for those who reflect and believe. -
Proof of Resurrection and Accountability:
The surah presents arguments for the reality of life after death, showing that the same power that brings rain and revives the earth can also bring the dead back to life. Everyone will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. -
Punishment for Arrogance and Rejection:
Past nations like ‘Ad and Thamud are mentioned as examples of people who rejected their prophets and were destroyed. Arrogance, denial, and refusal to accept the truth led to their ruin. -
The Testimonies of Body Parts:
On the Day of Judgment, people’s own eyes, ears, and skin will testify against them, proving that their wrong actions were known and witnessed, even when they thought they were hidden. -
Response to the Qur'an:
Disbelievers are depicted as those who make noise during Qur'an recitation to block its message. In contrast, the believers respond with humility and faith, and they are promised paradise and angelic greetings. -
The Power of Good Character and Patience:
The surah encourages Muslims to respond to evil with good. It highlights that patience, forgiveness, and kindness can change enemies into close friends. Social peace is reached through these noble behaviors. -
The Qur'an as Guidance and Healing:
The Qur'an is described as a guide and healing for those who believe, but a barrier for those who reject it due to their arrogance and closed hearts. Its powerful effects depend on one’s sincerity and willingness to accept the truth. -
Moral Responsibility and Human Nature:
Every person is responsible for their own deeds. The surah describes human weaknesses like impatience, selfishness, and denial of blessings. It reminds people that right and wrong are clear, and choosing the path of truth brings safety. -
The Spread of Islam and the Promise of Truth:
Despite rejection and hostility, the surah assures that Allah’s religion will prevail. In time, people will see the signs of truth both within themselves and in the world around them. This is Allah’s promise, and He encompasses all things.
Key Lessons from Surah Fussilat
- The Quran is a clear, divine message from Allah meant to guide and warn humanity.
- Ignoring or rejecting Allah’s signs leads to personal loss and eternal punishment.
- Allah’s power and knowledge are displayed in the creation of the heavens and the earth.
- Every part of a person—ears, eyes, and skin—will testify to their deeds on the Day of Judgment.
- People choose to reject faith despite being warned; they are responsible for their own choices.
- Believers who say “Our Lord is Allah” and live righteously will receive peace and paradise.
- Responding to evil with kindness can turn enemies into close friends.
- True patience and moral strength are needed to maintain goodness in the face of wrong.
- Each person is accountable for their actions; no injustice exists in Allah’s judgment.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Fussilat
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Verse 3:
"˹It is˺ a Book whose verses are perfectly explained—a Quran in Arabic for people who know,"
Highlights the Quran's clear and detailed message in the Arabic language. -
Verse 5:
"They say, “Our hearts are veiled against what you are calling us to, there is deafness in our ears, and there is a barrier between us and you. So do ˹whatever you want˺ and so shall we!”"
Describes the stubbornness and rejection of the disbelievers towards the Prophet's (pbuh) call. -
Verse 11:
"Then He turned towards the heaven when it was ˹still like˺ smoke, saying to it and to the earth, ‘Submit, willingly or unwillingly.’ They both responded, ‘We submit willingly.’”
A powerful description of the creation of the heavens and the earth under Allah’s command. -
Verse 22:
"You did not ˹bother to˺ hide yourselves from your ears, eyes, and skin to prevent them from testifying against you. Rather, you assumed that Allah did not know much of what you used to do."
Emphasizes accountability in the Hereafter, even one’s own body will testify. -
Verse 26:
"The disbelievers advised ˹one another˺, “Do not listen to this Quran but drown it out so that you may prevail.”"
Shows the extreme measures disbelievers took to stop others from hearing the Quran. -
Verses 30-32:
"Surely those who say, “Our Lord is Allah,” and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, ˹saying,˺ “Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised. We are your supporters in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. There you will have whatever your souls desire, and there you will have whatever you ask for: an accommodation from the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹Lord˺."
Describes the reward and comfort offered to true believers at the time of death and in the Hereafter. -
Verse 33:
"And whose words are better than someone who calls ˹others˺ to Allah, does good, and says, “I am truly one of those who submit.”?"
Praises those who spread Allah’s message and live righteously. -
Verse 34:
"Good and evil cannot be equal. Respond ˹to evil˺ with what is best, then the one you are in a feud with will be like a close friend."
Encourages responding to evil with kindness, a key to social peace. -
Verse 44:
"Had We revealed it as a non-Arabic Quran, they would have certainly argued, “If only its verses were made clear ˹in our language˺. What! A non-Arabic revelation for an Arab audience!” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “It is a guide and a healing to the believers. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears and blindness to it ˹in their hearts˺. It is as if they are being called from a faraway place.”"
Affirms that the Quran is a source of guidance and healing for believers. -
Verse 46:
"Whoever does good, it is to their own benefit. And whoever does evil, it is to their own loss. Your Lord is never unjust to ˹His˺ creation."
Reinforces personal responsibility and Allah’s justice. -
Verse 53:
"We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Quran˺ is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things?"
A promise that Allah’s truth will be seen through reflection and observation.
Scientific Miracle in Surah Fussilat
- Verse 41:53:
“We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Qur’an˺ is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things?”
This verse invites reflection on the signs of Allah in the universe—many of which align remarkably with modern scientific discoveries.
The article linked below explores several Qur’anic verses that relate to the Big Bang, the expansion of the universe, and other cosmic phenomena—all of which point to a deeper truth revealed over 1400 years ago.
Dive into the details:
The Big Bang & the Expanding Universe in the Qur’an
