Surah Name: At-Tur (سورة الطور)
Translation: The Mount
Origin of name: The surah is named after the word "Tur" (meaning mountain), mentioned in the first verse, referring to Mount Sinai.
Surah Number: 52
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 49
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: During the second half of the Makkan period
Historical Context
Surah At-Tur was revealed during the later phase of the Makkan period, a time when the social and political environment was becoming increasingly hostile toward the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the early Muslim community.
During this stage, the division between belief and disbelief had become more apparent in society. The message of Islam had begun to resonate with individuals whose consciences were still intact, and they could distinguish between truth and falsehood. However, the Quraysh leaders, especially the powerful elite, remained in denial. They increased their opposition by mocking, accusing, and persecuting the Prophet and his followers. Some Muslims were tortured, while others were forced to flee to Abyssinia for safety.
Despite the dire circumstances, the surah emphasizes patience and trust in divine justice. It mirrors the historic role of earlier Makkī surahs, which encouraged responsibility, resilience, and spiritual connection with God. As in other surahs from this period, believers were reminded that ultimate judgment and accountability would come on the Day of Judgment.
At a time when the Prophet was being called a poet, soothsayer, or madman, Surah At-Tur reaffirms his divine mission and encourages him to persist in his calling, ignore the accusations, and maintain devotion through praise and remembrance of God. The broader goal was to reinforce the believers' spiritual endurance amid growing opposition and to trust in the promise of divine justice and support.
Main Themes
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The Certainty of Judgment Day:
The surah opens with powerful oaths (by the Mount Sinai, a written book, the sky, and the sea) to affirm that the Day of Judgment is real and unavoidable. Those who deny it will be thrown into Hell, while the righteous will live in peace and joy with their believing families in Paradise. -
Warning to Disbelievers:
The fate of those who reject the truth is described in vivid terms to awaken a sense of responsibility. It warns that denying Allah and mocking His messenger will bring severe consequences in the Hereafter. -
Rewards of the Righteous:
The surah describes the delights of Paradise for those who feared Allah. They will enjoy blessings, companionship, and peace, reflecting on how they lived their lives with awareness and faith even during worldly struggles. -
Rejection of False Accusations Against the Prophet:
Critics accused the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of being a poet, madman, or liar. The surah firmly rejects these claims and challenges the disbelievers to produce something like the Qur’an if they are truthful, which they cannot. -
Oneness and Power of Allah:
Through rhetorical questions, the surah shows that idols and false gods have no power to create or control anything. Only Allah is the Creator and Master of the universe, deserving of worship and obedience. -
Patience and Trust in Allah:
The Prophet is encouraged to be patient and continue his mission, regardless of the disbelievers’ mockery and rejection. He is reminded that he is under Allah’s protection and should continue praising and remembering Him. -
Responsibility:
Like many other Meccan surahs, At-Tur emphasizes each person’s responsibility for their faith and actions. True accountability comes in the Hereafter, and believers are called to live with this awareness. -
The Power of Faith in Difficult Times:
In a time of pressure and persecution, the surah provides comfort and strength to the Prophet and the believers by pointing to justice in the hereafter, where the suffering of the faithful will be replaced with eternal joy.
Key Lessons from Surah At-Tur
- The Day of Judgment is certain.
- Believers who fear accountability will be rewarded with Paradise and reunited with their families.
- Disbelievers will face humiliation, regret, and suffering in Hell.
- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) must stay strong even when mocked or accused; the truth will prevail.
- Only Allah creates and controls the universe; false gods have no power.
- The Quran is divine; no human can produce something like it.
- Patience, worship, and constant remembrance of Allah are the keys to strength.
- Those who reject the truth will be left to their own destruction.
- Believers should trust in Allah’s protection and stay firm in faith.
Notable Ayahs from Surah At-Tur
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Verse 1–2:
"By Mount Ṭûr! And by the Book written on open pages ˹for all to read˺! And by the ˹Sacred˺ House frequently visited! And by the canopy raised ˹high˺! And by the seas set on fire! Indeed, the punishment of your Lord will come to pass—none will avert it"
The surah begins with a series of powerful oaths, starting with Mount Sinai and a written record, emphasizing the seriousness of the coming message. -
Verse 11–16:
"Then woe on that Day to the deniers— those who amuse themselves with falsehood! ˹It is˺ the Day they will be fiercely shoved into the Fire of Hell. ˹They will be told,˺ “This is the Fire which you used to deny. Is this magic, or do you not see? Burn in it! It is the same whether you endure ˹it˺ patiently or not. You are only rewarded for what you used to do.”"
A vivid picture of the fate awaiting those who deny the truth. -
Verse 17–20:
Indeed, the righteous will be in Gardens and bliss, enjoying whatever their Lord will have granted them. And their Lord will have protected them from the torment of the Hellfire. ˹They will be told,˺ “Eat and drink happily for what you used to do.” They will be reclining on thrones, ˹neatly˺ lined up ˹facing each other˺. And We will pair them to maidens with gorgeous eyes."
Descriptions of the rewards provided to the believers in paradise. -
Verse 21:
"As for those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith, We will elevate their descendants to their rank, never discounting anything ˹of the reward˺ of their deeds. Every person will reap only what they sowed."
A beautiful promise that the families of believers will be reunited in the hereafter. -
Verse 29–30:
"So ˹continue to˺ remind ˹all, O Prophet˺. For you, by the grace of your Lord, are not a fortune-teller or a madman. Or do they say, “˹He is˺ a poet, for whom we ˹eagerly˺ await an ill-fate!”?”
Responding to the accusations made by disbelievers against the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). -
Verse 33–34:
"Or do they say, “He made this ˹Quran˺ up!”? In fact, they have no faith. Let them then produce something like it, if what they say is true!"
A challenge to the disbelievers to produce something equal to the Quran.
