About Surah Al-A'la

As revelation descended rapidly in the early Makkan period, the Prophet grew anxious about his ability to retain the exact words. Arriving eighth in the order of descent, this text—also known as Sūrat Sabbiḥ after its opening command to glorify—was sent down to soothe that concern, promising him the miracle of effortless memorization.

The nineteen verses open by establishing Allah's sole authority over the ordered system of creation. The text then pivots to direct consolation, assuring the Prophet he will recite and not forget. Using the revival of dead nature as proof of the Resurrection, the argument contrasts those who choose worldly life with the pious who achieve salvation by purifying their souls and observing prayer.

The final lines broaden the scope of this immediate reassurance. The closing ayahs affirm that these principles are the exact enduring truths found in the ancient scriptures of Prophets Abraham and Moses—a weighty conclusion for a text the Prophet customarily recited during both Friday and ‘Eid congregational prayers.

Surah 87 Juz 30 19 verses

Al-A'la

The Most High Meccan

087

Surah Info Reflections Layers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

[Prophet], glorify the name of your Lord the Most High,

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who created [all things] in due proportion;

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who determined their destinies and guided them;

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who brought out the green pasture

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then made it dark debris.

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[Prophet], We shall teach you [the Quran] and you will not forget––

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unless God wishes; He knows both what is open and what is hidden––

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We shall show you the easy way.

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So remind, if reminding will help.

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Those who stand in awe of God will heed the reminder,

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but it will be ignored by the most wicked,

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who will enter the Great Fire,

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where they will neither die nor live.

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Prosperous are those who purify themselves,

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remember the name of their Lord, and pray.

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Yet you [people] prefer the life of this world,

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even though the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

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All this is in the earlier scriptures,

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the scriptures of Abraham and Moses.

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End of Al-A'la

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