Al-A'la — The Most High
Surah Al-A'la is chapter 87 of the Noble Quran, revealed in Makki containing 19 verses.
سَبِّحِ ٱسۡمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلۡأَعۡلَى
Sabbihi isma rabbika alaAAla
Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High
ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ فَسَوَّىٰ
Allathee khalaqa fasawwa
Who created and proportioned
وَٱلَّذِي قَدَّرَ فَهَدَىٰ
Waallathee qaddara fahada
And who destined and [then] guided
وَٱلَّذِيٓ أَخۡرَجَ ٱلۡمَرۡعَىٰ
Waallathee akhraja almarAAa
And who brings out the pasture
فَجَعَلَهُۥ غُثَآءً أَحۡوَىٰ
FajaAAalahu ghuthaan ahwa
And [then] makes it black stubble
سَنُقۡرِئُكَ فَلَا تَنسَىٰٓ
Sanuqrioka fala tansa
We will make you recite, [O Muhammad], and you will not forget
إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُۚ إِنَّهُۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلۡجَهۡرَ وَمَا يَخۡفَىٰ
Illa ma shaa Allahu innahu yaAAlamu aljahra wama yakhfa
Except what Allah should will. Indeed, He knows what is declared and what is hidden
وَنُيَسِّرُكَ لِلۡيُسۡرَىٰ
Wanuyassiruka lilyusra
And We will ease you toward ease
فَذَكِّرۡ إِن نَّفَعَتِ ٱلذِّكۡرَىٰ
Fathakkir in nafaAAati alththikra
So remind, if the reminder should benefit
سَيَذَّكَّرُ مَن يَخۡشَىٰ
Sayaththakkaru man yakhsha
He who fears [Allah] will be reminded
وَيَتَجَنَّبُهَا ٱلۡأَشۡقَى
Wayatajannabuha alashqa
But the wretched one will avoid it
ٱلَّذِي يَصۡلَى ٱلنَّارَ ٱلۡكُبۡرَىٰ
Allathee yasla alnnara alkubra
[He] who will [enter and] burn in the greatest Fire
ثُمَّ لَا يَمُوتُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَحۡيَىٰ
Thumma la yamootu feeha wala yahya
Neither dying therein nor living
قَدۡ أَفۡلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ
Qad aflaha man tazakka
He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself
وَذَكَرَ ٱسۡمَ رَبِّهِۦ فَصَلَّىٰ
Wathakara isma rabbihi fasalla
And mentions the name of his Lord and prays
بَلۡ تُؤۡثِرُونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
Bal tuthiroona alhayata alddunya
But you prefer the worldly life
وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةُ خَيۡرٞ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ
Waalakhiratu khayrun waabqa
While the Hereafter is better and more enduring
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَفِي ٱلصُّحُفِ ٱلۡأُولَىٰ
Inna hatha lafee alssuhufi aloola
Indeed, this is in the former scriptures
صُحُفِ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ
Suhufi ibraheema wamoosa
The scriptures of Abraham and Moses
Overview
Surah Al-A'la (The Most High) consists of 19 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 Al-A'la 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 Al-A'la 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 Al-A'la?
Surah Al-A'la emphasizes monotheism, righteous living, accountability before Allah, and seeking divine guidance.
Where was Surah Al-A'la revealed?
It was revealed in Makki and contains 19 verses.
Authentic References
Sahih al-Bukhari · Sahih Muslim · Tafsir Ibn Kathir
