Ash-Shams — The Sun
Surah Ash-Shams is chapter 91 of the Noble Quran, revealed in Makki containing 15 verses.
وَٱلشَّمۡسِ وَضُحَىٰهَا
Waalshshamsi waduhaha
By the sun and its brightness
وَٱلۡقَمَرِ إِذَا تَلَىٰهَا
Waalqamari itha talaha
And [by] the moon when it follows it
وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا جَلَّىٰهَا
Waalnnahari itha jallaha
And [by] the day when it displays it
وَٱلَّيۡلِ إِذَا يَغۡشَىٰهَا
Waallayli itha yaghshaha
And [by] the night when it covers it
وَٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا بَنَىٰهَا
Waalssamai wama banaha
And [by] the sky and He who constructed it
وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا طَحَىٰهَا
Waalardi wama tahaha
And [by] the earth and He who spread it
وَنَفۡسٖ وَمَا سَوَّىٰهَا
Wanafsin wama sawwaha
And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it
فَأَلۡهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقۡوَىٰهَا
Faalhamaha fujooraha wataqwaha
And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness
قَدۡ أَفۡلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا
Qad aflaha man zakkaha
He has succeeded who purifies it
وَقَدۡ خَابَ مَن دَسَّىٰهَا
Waqad khaba man dassaha
And he has failed who instills it [with corruption]
كَذَّبَتۡ ثَمُودُ بِطَغۡوَىٰهَآ
Kaththabat thamoodu bitaghwaha
Thamud denied [their prophet] by reason of their transgression
إِذِ ٱنۢبَعَثَ أَشۡقَىٰهَا
Ithi inbaAAatha ashqaha
When the most wretched of them was sent forth
فَقَالَ لَهُمۡ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ نَاقَةَ ٱللَّهِ وَسُقۡيَٰهَا
Faqala lahum rasoolu Allahi naqata Allahi wasuqyaha
And the messenger of Allah [Salih] said to them, "[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allah or [prevent her from] her drink
فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَعَقَرُوهَا فَدَمۡدَمَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ رَبُّهُم بِذَنۢبِهِمۡ فَسَوَّىٰهَا
Fakaththaboohu faAAaqarooha fadamdama AAalayhim rabbuhum bithanbihim fasawwaha
But they denied him and hamstrung her. So their Lord brought down upon them destruction for their sin and made it equal [upon all of them]
وَلَا يَخَافُ عُقۡبَٰهَا
Wala yakhafu AAuqbaha
And He does not fear the consequence thereof
Overview
Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun) consists of 15 verses. It covers foundational aspects of Islamic belief, moral rectitude, spiritual reflection, and obedience to Allah. Scholars emphasize its continuous recitation for spiritual growth, guidance, and divine protection.
Historical Background
Revealed in Makki during a crucial phase of Prophethood, Surah Ash-Shams addressed specific circumstances facing the early Muslim community, offering solace, timeless wisdom, and divine instruction.
Main Themes
- Affirmation of Tawheed and divine wisdom
- Reflections on creation, life, and the Hereafter
- Lessons from past righteous servants and prophets
- Ethical conduct and devotion in daily life
Benefits of Recitation
- Brings tranquility, blessings, and divine protection
- Increases comprehension of Quranic wisdom
- Source of light and guidance on the Straight Path
Virtues
- Reciting Surah Ash-Shams earns 10 rewards for every single letter read according to authentic Hadith.
- Regular recitation strengthens faith and protects against spiritual heedlessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Surah Ash-Shams?
Surah Ash-Shams emphasizes monotheism, righteous living, accountability before Allah, and seeking divine guidance.
Where was Surah Ash-Shams revealed?
It was revealed in Makki and contains 15 verses.
Authentic References
Sahih al-Bukhari · Sahih Muslim · Tafsir Ibn Kathir