Surah Name: Ash-Shura (سورة الشورى)
Translation: The Consultation
Origin of name: The Surah is named "Ash-Shura" after the word mentioned in verse 38, referring to "consultation," a characteristic of the believers highlighted in that verse.
Surah Number: 42
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 53
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Second half of the Makkan period, after the revelation of Surah Fussilat, 10 years after the beginning of Prophethood.
Historical Context
Surah Ash-Shura was revealed in Makkah during a stage when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had been receiving revelation for a decade. Despite the powerful messages of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s (pbuh) persistent efforts, the majority of the Makkan society continued to show resistance.
This was a period of social tension, especially for the early Muslim community. Muslims were facing ridicule, social isolation, and economic pressure from the Quraysh elite, who saw Islam as a threat to their religious traditions and social dominance. The Prophet’s (pbuh) message had challenged their idols, their power, and their way of life.
The revelation of Surah Ash-Shura came during these increasingly hostile circumstances. Its tone reflects both gentleness and warning. It emphasized key foundational themes like the oneness of God, Prophethood, and the reality of the afterlife—central beliefs that the Makkan pagans continued to reject.
Instead of harsh condemnation, this surah uses a compassionate and reflective tone, aiming to touch hearts and prompt thought among its listeners. Yet, for those who stubbornly resisted, the surah does not hold back from mentioning the consequences of denial, using vivid reminders from life's own experiences—both joyful and painful—as lessons.
Main Themes
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Oneness of Allah (Tawhid):
The surah emphasizes that Allah alone has the ultimate power and authority over all creation. He determines all matters and no one shares His divinity. This belief is central to faith and guidance. -
Prophethood (Nubuwwah):
It highlights that all previous prophets received revelation from the same source—Allah—and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a continuation of that chain. The message of Islam is consistent with earlier revelations. -
Belief in the Hereafter:
The surah stresses belief in the afterlife, reminding people of the final Day when everyone will be accountable. The reality of resurrection is presented with seriousness to encourage people to prepare for it. -
Divine Revelation and Guidance:
Revelation is shown as a mercy from Allah, given to lead people from darkness to light. Despite the clear truth, many still reject God's message, but the Prophet (pbuh) is told to continue his mission with patience and compassion. -
Unity in Religion:
The surah mentions that Allah gave one faith to all prophets, and it encourages believers to stay united in religion. Disputes in religion came only after knowledge, due to jealousy and pride. -
Consultation and Justice:
The surah is named after verse 38, which praises those who run their affairs with mutual consultation (shura). This shows Islamic values of justice, cooperation, and collective decision-making. -
Patience and Compassion in Preaching:
Despite resistance from disbelievers, the Prophet (pbuh) is told to deliver the message gently. The tone of the surah is caring and brotherly, presenting the truth alongside a call to reflect and return to Allah. -
Signs in Creation and Life’s Trials:
The surah invites people to observe the signs of Allah in the universe and within their personal experiences. Life's ups and downs are reminders of human dependence on Allah and the need to seek His guidance.
Key Lessons from Surah Ash-Shura
- Revelation is a gift from Allah to guide people through His chosen messengers.
- The core beliefs of Islam are belief in Allah, prophets, and the afterlife.
- The message of Islam is shared with mercy, kindness, and patience.
- Life’s ups and downs are tests from Allah and reminders of His power.
- Justice, consultation, and mutual decision-making are valued in Islam.
- The Prophet’s duty is to deliver the message; guidance is in Allah’s hands.
- Final judgment belongs to Allah, who will reward or punish with perfect justice.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Ash-Shura
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Verse 11:
"˹He is˺ the Originator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you spouses from among yourselves, and ˹made˺ mates for cattle ˹as well˺—multiplying you ˹both˺. There is nothing like Him, for He ˹alone˺ is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing."
An important verse affirming Allah’s uniqueness and perfect attributes. -
Verse 13:
"He has ordained for you ˹believers˺ the Way which He decreed for Noah, and what We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ and what We decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, ˹commanding:˺ “Uphold the faith, and make no divisions in it.” What you call the polytheists to is unbearable for them. Allah chooses for Himself whoever He wills, and guides to Himself whoever turns ˹to Him˺."
A call to unity in faith, showing that the core message is the same in all revelations. -
Verse 20:
"Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We will increase their harvest. And whoever desires ˹only˺ the harvest of this world, We will give them some of it, but they will have no share in the Hereafter."
A reminder about the difference between seeking worldly benefits and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. -
Verse 23:
"That ˹reward˺ is the good news which Allah gives to His servants who believe and do good. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I do not ask you for a reward for this ˹message˺—only honour for ˹our˺ kinship.” Whoever earns a good deed, We will increase it in goodness for them. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative.'"
Emphasizing that the Prophet (pbuh) does not seek material gain. -
Verse 30:
"Whatever affliction befalls you is because of what your own hands have committed. And He pardons much."
A powerful verse about personal accountability and divine mercy. -
Verse 38:
"Those who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and donate from what We have provided for them;…"
This verse praises the believers who use consultation (shura) in decision-making. -
Verse 52:
"And so We have sent to you ˹O Prophet˺ a revelation by Our command. You did not know of ˹this˺ Book and faith ˹before˺. But We have made it a light, by which We guide whoever We will of Our servants. And you are truly leading ˹all˺ to the Straight Path"
A verse highlighting the divine origin of the Quran and its role as guidance.
