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سُورَةُ الشَّمۡسِ

Surah Ash-Shams

The Sun · Surah 91 · 15 verses · Meccan

  1. 1

    بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ وَٱلشَّمْسِ وَضُحَىٰهَا

    Wash shamsi wa duhaa haa

    By the sun and its brightness

  2. 2

    وَٱلْقَمَرِ إِذَا تَلَىٰهَا

    Wal qamari izaa talaa haa

    And [by] the moon when it follows it

  3. 3

    وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا جَلَّىٰهَا

    Wannahaari izaa jallaa haa

    And [by] the day when it displays it

  4. 4

    وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَىٰهَا

    Wallaili izaa yaghshaa haa

    And [by] the night when it covers it

  5. 5

    وَٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا بَنَىٰهَا

    Wassamaaa'i wa maa banaahaa

    And [by] the sky and He who constructed it

  6. 6

    وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا طَحَىٰهَا

    Wal ardi wa maa tahaahaa

    And [by] the earth and He who spread it

  7. 7

    وَنَفْسٍۢ وَمَا سَوَّىٰهَا

    Wa nafsinw wa maa sawwaahaa

    And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it

  8. 8

    فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَىٰهَا

    Fa-alhamahaa fujoorahaa wa taqwaahaa

    And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness,

  9. 9

    قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا

    Qad aflaha man zakkaahaa

    He has succeeded who purifies it,

  10. 10

    وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّىٰهَا

    Wa qad khaaba man dassaahaa

    And he has failed who instills it [with corruption].

  11. 11

    كَذَّبَتْ ثَمُودُ بِطَغْوَىٰهَآ

    Kazzabat Samoodu bi taghwaahaaa

    Thamud denied [their prophet] by reason of their transgression,

  12. 12

    إِذِ ٱنۢبَعَثَ أَشْقَىٰهَا

    Izim ba'asa ashqaahaa

    When the most wretched of them was sent forth.

  13. 13

    فَقَالَ لَهُمْ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ نَاقَةَ ٱللَّهِ وَسُقْيَٰهَا

    Faqaala lahum Rasoolul laahi naaqatal laahi wa suqiyaahaa

    And the messenger of Allah [Salih] said to them, "[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allah or [prevent her from] her drink."

  14. 14

    فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَعَقَرُوهَا فَدَمْدَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ رَبُّهُم بِذَنۢبِهِمْ فَسَوَّىٰهَا

    Fakazzaboohu fa'aqaroohaa fadamdama 'alaihim Rabbuhum bizambihim fasaw waahaa

    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].

  15. 15

    وَلَا يَخَافُ عُقْبَٰهَا

    Wa laa yakhaafu'uqbaahaa

    And He does not fear the consequence thereof.

Arabic text, transliteration and translations (Saheeh International; Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih for Bahasa Melayu) via alquran.cloud. Recitation by Mishary Alafasy via Islamic Network.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Surah Ash-Shams

2. Key Themes and Lessons of Surah Ash-Shams

3. Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Surah Ash-Shams

4. How to Apply Surah Ash-Shams to Your Daily Life

5. Explore More Islamic Tools and Knowledge Hubs

1. Introduction to Surah Ash-Shams

Surah Ash-Shams is the ninety-first chapter of the Holy Quran and is one of the powerful Makkan surahs revealed during the early period of Islam. The name "Ash-Shams" means "The Sun," taken from the opening verse in which Allah swears by the sun and several other remarkable creations. Like many Makkan revelations, this surah focuses on strengthening faith, developing moral character, and reminding people of their accountability before Allah. Through a series of profound oaths, the surah directs attention to the signs of Allah in the universe and encourages believers to reflect on the purpose of life.

One of the most important themes in Surah Ash-Shams is the condition of the human soul. Allah explains that every person has been inspired with the understanding of right and wrong, and true success belongs to those who purify their souls. The surah also refers to the people of Thamud, who rejected the message of their prophet and suffered severe consequences for their disobedience. By combining lessons from nature, human psychology, and history, Surah Ash-Shams offers timeless guidance that remains relevant for Muslims in every generation.

2. Key Themes and Lessons of Surah Ash-Shams

Surah Ash-Shams contains several powerful lessons that encourage believers to strengthen their faith and character:

  • The greatness of Allah's creation: The surah begins with oaths by the sun, moon, day, night, sky, earth, and the human soul, reminding us of Allah's perfect design and power.
  • The importance of self-purification: A central message of Surah Ash-Shams is that true success comes from purifying the soul and striving for righteousness.
  • Personal accountability: Every individual has the ability to distinguish between good and evil and is responsible for the choices they make.
  • The danger of corruption and sin: The surah warns against allowing desires and wrongdoing to dominate one's life.
  • Lessons from the people of Thamud: Their rejection of divine guidance serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and disbelief.
  • The value of obedience to Allah: Those who follow Allah's commands and seek His pleasure are promised success in this life and the next.
  • Reflection and spiritual growth: The surah encourages believers to regularly evaluate their actions and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

3. Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Surah Ash-Shams

Reciting and studying Surah Ash-Shams can have a meaningful impact on a believer's spiritual development. The surah constantly reminds readers to examine their inner state and strive for sincerity, humility, and obedience. In a world filled with distractions, its message encourages Muslims to focus on spiritual purification and develop habits that bring them closer to Allah. The repeated emphasis on success through righteousness inspires believers to seek improvement in both worship and daily conduct.

Another benefit of learning Surah Ash-Shams is its ability to strengthen awareness of Allah's signs. The opening verses draw attention to the natural world and encourage reflection on creation as evidence of Allah's wisdom and authority. Reading the surah alongside trusted resources such as Quran.com can help deepen understanding of its meanings, translations, and explanations. Regular recitation also serves as a reminder that lasting success comes from nurturing a pure heart and remaining committed to the guidance of Allah.

4. How to Apply Surah Ash-Shams to Your Daily Life

The lessons of Surah Ash-Shams can be applied in practical ways throughout daily life. One of the best starting points is to make self-reflection a regular habit. Spend a few minutes each day reviewing your actions, intentions, and interactions with others. This practice helps identify areas for improvement and supports the process of spiritual purification emphasized in the surah.

Muslims can also apply the teachings of Surah Ash-Shams by strengthening their connection with prayer, seeking forgiveness frequently, and making sincere efforts to avoid harmful behavior. Setting personal goals for good character, honesty, patience, and kindness reflects the surah's message of nurturing the soul. Additionally, reflecting on the signs of Allah in nature can increase gratitude and strengthen faith.

Another practical lesson is to learn from the mistakes of past nations mentioned in the Quran. The story of Thamud reminds believers not to ignore divine guidance or become arrogant. By remaining humble, seeking knowledge, and following the teachings of Islam consistently, Muslims can work toward the success that Allah describes for those who purify their souls.

5. Explore More Islamic Tools and Knowledge Hubs

Now that you have taken the time to read and understand Surah Ash-Shams, we encourage you to continue your spiritual journey. Here at Masjid4All, we provide a variety of helpful, free community platforms to support your lifestyle: