Al-'Alaq — The Clot
Surah Al-'Alaq is chapter 96 of the Noble Quran, revealed in Makki containing 19 verses.
ٱقۡرَأۡ بِٱسۡمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ
Iqra biismi rabbika allathee khalaqa
Recite in the name of your Lord who created
خَلَقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِنۡ عَلَقٍ
Khalaqa alinsana min AAalaqin
Created man from a clinging substance
ٱقۡرَأۡ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلۡأَكۡرَمُ
Iqra warabbuka alakramu
Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous
ٱلَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِٱلۡقَلَمِ
Allathee AAallama bialqalami
Who taught by the pen
عَلَّمَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مَا لَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ
AAallama alinsana ma lam yaAAlam
Taught man that which he knew not
كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ
Kalla inna alinsana layatgha
No! [But] indeed, man transgresses
أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ
An raahu istaghna
Because he sees himself self-sufficient
إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلرُّجۡعَىٰٓ
Inna ila rabbika alrrujAAa
Indeed, to your Lord is the return
أَرَءَيۡتَ ٱلَّذِي يَنۡهَىٰ
Araayta allathee yanha
Have you seen the one who forbids
عَبۡدًا إِذَا صَلَّىٰٓ
AAabdan itha salla
A servant when he prays
أَرَءَيۡتَ إِن كَانَ عَلَى ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ
Araayta in kana AAala alhuda
Have you seen if he is upon guidance
أَوۡ أَمَرَ بِٱلتَّقۡوَىٰٓ
Aw amara bialttaqwa
Or enjoins righteousness
أَرَءَيۡتَ إِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰٓ
Araayta in kaththaba watawalla
Have you seen if he denies and turns away
أَلَمۡ يَعۡلَم بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرَىٰ
Alam yaAAlam bianna Allaha yara
Does he not know that Allah sees
كَلَّا لَئِن لَّمۡ يَنتَهِ لَنَسۡفَعَۢا بِٱلنَّاصِيَةِ
Kalla lain lam yantahi lanasfaAAan bialnnasiyati
No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock
نَاصِيَةٖ كَٰذِبَةٍ خَاطِئَةٖ
Nasiyatin kathibatin khatiatin
A lying, sinning forelock
فَلۡيَدۡعُ نَادِيَهُۥ
FalyadAAu nadiyahu
Then let him call his associates
سَنَدۡعُ ٱلزَّبَانِيَةَ
SanadAAu alzzabaniyata
We will call the angels of Hell
كَلَّا لَا تُطِعۡهُ وَٱسۡجُدۡۤ وَٱقۡتَرِب۩
Kalla la tutiAAhu waosjud waiqtarib
No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allah]
Overview
Surah Al-'Alaq (The Clot) 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-'Alaq 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-'Alaq 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-'Alaq?
Surah Al-'Alaq emphasizes monotheism, righteous living, accountability before Allah, and seeking divine guidance.
Where was Surah Al-'Alaq revealed?
It was revealed in Makki and contains 19 verses.
Authentic References
Sahih al-Bukhari · Sahih Muslim · Tafsir Ibn Kathir