About Surah Ash-Shams

The twenty-sixth revelation confronts the materialism of early Makkah by anchoring human salvation entirely to the internal state of the soul. Known as Ash-Shams or "By the Sun and its Morning Brightness," the text strips away the local reliance on lineage and wealth, asserting that spiritual purification is the only true measure of success.

The passage opens with nine cosmic oaths, swearing by the sun, moon, day, night, heavens, and the earth as evidence of the Creator's power. From the vastness of this physical creation, the verses pivot to human consciousness, contrasting a purified soul with a corrupted one. Following this spiritual accountability, the focus shifts to history, recalling the arrogant nation of Thamūd who killed the she-camel after denying their messenger.

The destruction of this ancient society serves as a clear consequence for the polytheists. The Creator retains sole authority over both the universe and the human condition, establishing a severe final reality: He will destroy transgressors utterly, without a shred of hesitation or regret.

Surah 91 Juz 30 15 verses

Ash-Shams

The Sun Meccan

091

Surah Info Reflections Layers

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

By the sun in its morning brightness

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

and by the moon as it follows it,

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

by the day as it displays the sun’s glory

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

and by the night as it conceals it,

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

by the sky and how He built it

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

and by the earth and how He spread it,

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

by the soul and how He formed it

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

and inspired it [to know] its own rebellion and piety!

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

The one who purifies his soul succeeds

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

and the one who corrupts it fails.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

In their arrogant cruelty, the people of Thamud called [their messenger] a liar,

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

when the most wicked man among them rose [against him].

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

The messenger of God said to them, ‘[Leave] God’s camel to drink,’

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

but they called him a liar and hamstrung her. Their Lord destroyed them for their crime and levelled them.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

He did not hesitate to punish them.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

End of Ash-Shams

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