Night 20
Surah 28: Al-Qasas (“Stories”) Verses 1-88
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: In the previous two surahs, Allah SWT references the story of the Prophet Musa AS. In Surat Al-Qasas, Allah SWT tells the story of Musa in great detail.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Summary of the Surah: From among all of the prophets, the Prophet Musa AS is mentioned the most in the Qur’an. Surat Al-Qasas is unique because it tells the story of Musa AS in great detail. The surah discusses the battle between truth and falsehood and the struggle between oppression and justice. The surah also talks about the oneness of Allah SWT, prophethood, and the correct creed. There are many similarities between the story of Musa AS and the story of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS. For example, both prophets were accused of using magic. In Surat Al-Qasas, Allah SWT warns the people of the Prophet Muhammad not to take the same path as the pharaoh. Allah SWT also stresses that guidance comes from Allah alone. Right after that, Allah SWT tells the story of Qaroon, a man from the community of Musa, to compare him with the pharaoh. The pharaoh was someone who was deluded by his power, and Qaroon was someone who was deluded by his wealth and knowledge. The surah ends by highlighting two important principles. The first is that the reward of the hereafter will only be given to those who don’t act arrogantly or spread mischief on earth. The second is that belief in Allah SWT and the Day of Judgment is the only way to achieve eternal happiness. At the end of Surat Al-Qasas, Allah SWT reveals to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS that the victory will come and that he will one day return to Mecca.
Description of verses:
1-6 Giving victory to the weak
7-14 Musa AS in the river after his birth and the prophecy of his prophethood
15-21 The story of how Musa AS killed a man by mistake and fled from Egypt
22-28 Musa’s arrival in Madyan and his marriage
29-32 Musa’s return to Egypt and the beginning of his prophethood
33-43 The prophethood of Haroon; the pharaoh’s denial of the truth and the punishment for his stubbornness and rejection
44-47 The need for sending messengers and the message of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS
48-51 The denial of the people in Mecca of the Qur’an and the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS
52-55 The belief of some sects of the People of the Book
56-61 Allah’s response to the disbelievers who denied the truth
62-67 On the Day of Judgment, those who associated partners will Allah SWT will be asked to present those partners and seek help from them
68-75 The greatness of Allah SWT
76-82 The story of Qaroon
83-88 Allah SWT promises the Prophet Muhammad SAWS that victory will come and that he will return to Mecca
Surah 29: Al-Ankabut (“The Spider”) Verses 1-69
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Qasas and Surat Al- Ankabut share the themes of truth and falsehood and oppression and justice. Surat Al-Qasas tells the story of the pharaoh and how he oppressed the believers, and Surat Al-Ankabut tells the story of the people of Quraish and how they oppressed the believers. Also, both surahs end by highlighting the reward of the righteous.
Significance of the name: This surah is called Al-Ankabut because in it, Allah SWT compares disbelief to a spider’s web.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Ankabut discusses trials and the fact that every human being will be tested. It highlights the trials and tribulations that the prophets faced and the fact that their trials were much more difficult. In Surat Al-Ankabut, Allah gives permission to the believers to migrate in order to practice their religion. Finally, Allah SWT discusses the reward of the believers who were patient.
Description of verses:
1-7 Testing people and their reward
8-13 The steadfastness of the believers and the threat to the disbelievers and the hypocrites
14-15 The story of Nuh AS
16-27 The story of Ibrahim AS; Lut’s belief in Ibrahim AS
28-35 The story of Lut AS
36-40 Hud AS, Salih AS, and Musa AS with their people
41-43 The similarity between worshipping idols and a spider’s web
44-45 The creation of the heavens and the earth; reciting the Qur’an and performing prayer
46-49 The way of speaking to the People of the Book
50-55 The demands of the disbelievers
56-60 The permission to migrate due to religious persecution
61-63 Allah SWT is the Creator and the Provider
64-69 The reality of life
Night 19
Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara (“The Poets”) Verses 1-227
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Furqan touches upon the stories of many prophets, and Surat As-Shu’ara elaborates on these stories. Also, these two Surahs have similar endings. Surat Al-Furqan threatens those who deny the prophethood and describes the qualities of the true believers, and Surat Ash-Shu’ara also threatens those who oppose the messengers and praises the believing poets.
Place of revelation: Mecca: This Surah was revealed in order to refute the claim of the polytheists that the Prophet Muhammad SAWS was a poet.
Virtue of the Surah: According to Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib, the Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, “Allah SWT gave me the first seven long Surahs in place of the Torah, the next twenty in place of the Gospel, the Surahs that begin with ‘Ta sin’ in place of the Psalms, and the Surahs that begin with ‘Ha mim’ and the short Surahs as a special favor. No prophet before me has ever recited these Surahs.” Surat Ash-Shu’ara is one of the Surahs that begins with “Ta sin…”
Summary of the Surah: Surat Ash-Shu’ara talks about the creed (the existence of Allah SWT, belief in the Day of Judgment and the resurrection, etc.). It threatens those who reject their messengers and gives glad tidings to those who follow the messengers. Surat As-Shu’ara was revealed as a comfort to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS because it illustrates the hardships that other prophets faced before him.
Description of verses:
1-9 The polytheists and their disbelief in the Qur’an, Allah SWT’s warning to them, and affirmation of the oneness of Allah SWT
10-68 The story of Musa AS and Harun AS with the pharaoh
69-104 The Prophet Ibrahim AS, his du’a, and a description of the Day of Judgment
105-122 The story of Nuh AS
123-140 The story of Hud AS
141-159 The story of Saleh AS
160-175 The story of Lut AS
176-191 The story of Shu’aib AS
192-227T he fact that the Qur’an came to warn the polytheists and give glad tidings to the believers, the manners of one who calls to the way of Allah SWT and his responsibilities, and refuting the claim of the polytheists that the Prophet SAWS was a poet
Surah 27: An-Naml (“The Ant”) Verses 1-93
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Both Surat Ash-Shu’ara and Surat An-Naml relate stories of previous prophets. Also, both Surahs give descriptions of the Qur’an.
Place of revelation: Mecca: Surat Ash-Shu’ara, Surat An-Naml, and Surat Al-Qasas were revealed directly after one another.
Summary of the Surah: This Surah was called “The Ant” because of the story of the ant who called out to his fellow ants to take refuge so that Sulaiman AS and his soldiers would not step on them. This Surah talks about the aqeeda (evidence of the existence and the oneness of Allah SWT, the prophethood, and the resurrection). It also tells the stories of a few prophets and their struggles. Surat An-Naml ends by classifying people into two groups, the successful and the losers.
Description of verses:
1-6 The message of the Qur’an
7-14 The story of the first time that Allah SWT spoke to Musa AS
15-44 The story of Sulaiman AS (the blessings of Allah SWT upon him, the soldiers of Sulaiman AS, the story of the ant, the story of the hoopoe, and the story of the Queen of Sheba)
45-53 The story of Saleh AS
54-58 The story of Lut AS
59-81 Signs of the oneness and the might of Allah SWT, the fact that the knowledge of the unseen belongs to Allah SWT, the polytheists’ denial of the resurrection, and affirmation of the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS
82-93 Signs of the Last Day (the beast, the blowing of the trumpet, and the destruction of the mountains) and busying oneself with worshipping Allah SWT, praising Him, and reciting His book
Night 18
Surah 23: Al-Mu’minun (“The Believers”) Verses 1-118
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Haj ends with a few commands that have benefits in this world and the next, and Surat Al-Mu’minun begins with a list of qualities that cause a person to be successful in this life and the next.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Virtue of the Surah: Umar Ibn Al-Khattab said “Once we were in the presence of the Prophet SAWS when the revelation came down upon Him, and we heard a beautiful sound, similar to the humming of bees. We waited an hour, and after that he faced the Qibla and raised his hands and started to make dua’. He SAWS said:
‘Allahumma zidna wa la tanqusna, wa akrimna wa la tuhinna, wa a’atina wa la tahrimna wa athirna wa la tu’thir ‘alayna, wa ardhina wardha ‘anna. O Allah! Increase us (in Your blessings) and do not decrease us, honor us and do not disgrace us, bestow upon us (from Your bounties) and do not deprive us, give us preference over others and not others over us, and make us satisfied and be pleased with us.’
Then he SAWS said, ‘Ten verses (of Surat Al-Mu’minun) were revealed to me now. Whoever abides by these verses, he shall enter jannah. These are: Successful indeed are the believers…(until the completion of these ayat, 1-11).’” (Ahmad) Sayyida Aisha was once asked: “What was the character of the Prophet SAWS?” She replied: “His character was the Qur’an,” and then she recited these first ten verses of Surat Al-Mu’minun and said that his character was like these qualities. (Muslim)
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Mu’minun outlines the foundations of the religion. The Surah begins by highlighting the attributes of the believers, then it speaks about the existence of Allah SWT, His oneness, and the signs of His Might in the universe. Surat Al-Mu’minun also relates the stories of a few prophets and emphasizes the ease of the religion. Finally, it describes the day of resurrection.
Description of verses:
1-11 The qualities of the believers
12-22 Signs of the existence of Allah SWT and His Might (His creation of man and the heavens, sending down rain, and subjecting animals to man)
23-30 The story of Nuh AS
31-41 The story of Hud AS
42-56 Highlights of the stories of Saleh AS, Lut AS, Shu’aib AS, Musa AS, Harun AS, ‘Isa AS and Maryam, and how their people denied the truth they were sent with
57-118 The qualities of those who hasten to good things, the rejection of the deeds of the disbelievers and the polytheists of Quraish and the reasons for that rejection, the blessings of Allah SWT upon His servants, the denial of the polytheists of the reckoning and evidence that the reckoning will take place, the impossibility of attributing a child to Allah SWT, instructions to the Prophet SAWS, the hope of the dying person to go back to life in order to do better, details about the reckoning, and scolding those who forgot the primary purpose of their creation
Surah 24: An-Nur (“The Light”) Verses 1-64
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: In Surat Al-Mu’minun, Allah SWT describes the believers as people who protect their private parts, and in Surat An-Nur, He explains the the penalty for those who don’t protect their private parts.
Place of revelation: Madina
Virtue of the Surah: The Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, “Teach your men Surat Al-Ma’idah and your women Surat An-Nur.” Al-Harith Ibn Midrib said, “Umar wrote to us, ‘Learn Surat An-Nisa, Surat Al-Ahzab, and Surat An Nur.’”
Summary of the Surah: The main themes of Surat An-Nur are family law and social ethics.
Description of verses:
1-10 The penalty of adultery, slander, and falsely accusing one’s spouse without witnesses
11-26 The story of “Al-Ifk” (the false accusation of the Prophet’s wife Aisha and the declaration of her innocence)
27-34 Asking permission to enter someone’s house and its etiquette, the command of lowering the gaze, the hijab, marrying free spouses, freeing slaves and the prohibition of forcing someone to commit adultery
35-54 The fact that Allah SWT is the light of the heavens and the earth and that the believers receive their guidance from Allah, he status of the disbelievers in this life and their loss in the next life, the practical evidence of the existence of Allah SWT, the prohibition of following falsehood after the truth was made clear, and the obedience of the believers to Allah SWT
55-64 The promise of Allah SWT to the believers, the fundamentals of the umma of faith, asking permission to enter others private rooms inside the house, the permissibility of eating at certain relatives’ houses without seeking permission, the etiquette of being with the Prophet SAWS
Surah 25: Al-Furqan (“The Criterion”) Verses 1-77
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: There are a few connections between Surat An-Nur and Surat Al-Furqan. First, Surat An-Nur ends by showing that everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah SWT, and Surat Al-Furqan begins by, praising Allah SWT, the One to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Also, both of these Surahs talk about the creation of Allah SWT, the signs of Allah SWT in His creation, and the struggle between truth and falsehood.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Furqan talks about the oneness of Allah SWT, the prophethood, and the Day of Judgment. It also gives evidence of the existence of Allah SWT and relates the stories of a few prophets.
Description of verses:
1-19 The revelation of the Qur’an, the existence of Allah SWT, the false claims of the polytheists about the Qur’an, their denial of the Day of Judgment, their status and the status of what they worshipped beside Allah on the Day of Judgment
20-34 The fact that the prophets are human beings, the request of the polytheists to see Allah SWT or the angels in order to believe. the horrible nature of the Day of Judgment
34-77 Highlights of the stories of some prophets (including Musa AS, Harun AS, Nuh AS, and Lut AS), the stories of Ad, Thamud, and the Companions of the Ras, and how the polytheists mocked the Prophet SAWS, five signs of Allah and His oneness, the ignorance of the disbelievers, and the qualities of the Most Merciful
Night 17
Surah 21: Al-Anbya (“The Prophets”) Verses 1-112
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surah Taha tells the story of the Prophet Musa AS in detail. Surat Al-Anbya tells the stories of sixteen prophets and messengers. There are a few connections between these two Surahs. Both Surahs contain the themes of false hope and the nearness of the Hour. Another shared theme between these two Surahs is not getting caught up in the distraction of this life and working for the next life.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Virtues of the Surah: Al-Bukhari recorded that Abdul-Rahman bin Yazid said that Abdullah said, “Banu Isra’il, Al-Kahf, Maryam, Taha and Al-Anbya – they are among the earliest and most beautiful Surahs, and they are my treasure.’’ When Surat Al-Anbya was revealed, some people asked Amir ibn Rabia, “Have you asked the Prophet Muhammad about this Surah?” He replied, “This Surah caused us to forget everything about the life of this world” (because of the themes of the Surah).
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Anyba outlines the fundamentals of Islamic creed (the oneness of Allah SWT, the prophethood, and the concept of reward and punishment). The Surah begins with a description of the Day of Judgment, then it tells the stories of several prophets. It highlights the reasons why the polytheists rejected the Prophet Muhammad SAWS. It also touches on the signs of the Last Day and Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog). Finally, Surat Al-Anbya ends by explaining that the Prophet Muhammad SAWS was sent as a mercy to mankind.
Description of verses:
1-47 The heedlessness of people about the Day of Judgment, the fact that the prophets were human beings, Allah SWT fulfilling His promise to the prophets, taking lessons from previous nations that were destroyed, a reminder of the wonders of the creation, scolding the polytheists and confirming the oneness of Allah SWT, the death of all creations and the suddenness of the Day of Judgment, Allah’s protection over man, and the justice of the reckoning
48-73 Highlights of the story of Musa AS and the story of Ibrahim AS (his invitation to worship One god, the discussion between him and his people after he destroyed their idols, and how Allah SWT protected him from the fire)
74-91 The story of Lut AS, highlights of the story of Nuh AS, highlights from the story of Dawud AS and Sulaiman AS, the story of Ayyub AS, and the stories of Ismail AS, Idris AS, Dhul Kifl AS, Yunus AS, Zakariyya AS, and Yahya AS
92-112 The fact that all divine messages revealed to the prophets are one, the status of the believers and the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, and the fact that the Prophet Muhammad SAWS was sent as a mercy to mankind
Surah 22: Al-Haj (“The Pilgrimage”) Verses 1-78
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Anbya talks about the Day of Judgment and warns the disbelievers that they will face punishment in the hereafter. The first 24 verses of Surat Al-Haj focus on a similar theme.
Place of revelation: Mecca, and Madina: Al ‘Azizi said about Surat Al-Haj, “It is one of the wonders of the Qur’an; it was revealed during the day and during the night, in times of travel and times of residence, in Mecca and Madina, and in times of war and times of peace.”
Summary of the Surah: The primary theme of these Surah is the pilgrimage and its rituals. The first permission for Muslims to retaliate in self defense was granted in Surat Al-Hajj. Part of the Surah also discusses matters of creed, such as the Day of Judgment and belief in one God.
Description of verses:
1-4 The command to have taqwa and a description of the Day of Judgment
5-24 The stages of development of the fetus in the womb, the status of people who argue without knowledge or guidance, those who have trouble with their faith, the pious believers, the aid of Allah SWT to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, the judgment of Allah SWT between nations, the fact that everything in the creation prostrates to Allah SWT, and the reward of the believers and the disbelievers
25-37 How the polytheists were preventing people from entering the Sacred Mosque, the command of Allah SWT to Ibrahim AS to call people to perform pilgrimage, glorifying the rituals of Allah SWT, and mentioning the name of Allah SWT when slaughtering animals
38-78 The first permission of jihad in Islam, taking lessons from previous nations, the mission of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, protecting the revelation from the devils (the story of the cranes), the promise of Allah SWT to grant victory to the believers, signs of the might of Allah SWT, the fact that each nation has its own legislations, challenging the disbelievers to create something as small as a fly, and commands to follow the religion of Ibrahim AS
Night 16
Surah 19: Maryam (“Mary”) Verses 1-98
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Both Surat Al-Kahf and Surah Maryam contain very interesting stories and miracles of Allah SWT. Surat Al-Kahf tells the story of the Companions of the Cave, the story of Musa and Al-Khidr, and the story of Dhul Qarnayn. Surah Maryam tells two stories that are miracles of Allah SWT: the story of the birth of Yahya AS, which was a miracle since Zakariyya AS was old and his wife was barren, and the story of the birth of ‘Isa AS.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Significance and objectives of the Surah: During the first migration to Abyssinia, Ja’far recited verses from Surah Maryam in the presence of An-Najashi (the king of Abyssinia). The king wept and said, “That which was revealed to Jesus and that which you just recited come from the same source.” The primary theme of Surah Maryam is the existence and the oneness of Allah SWT.
Description of verses:
1-15 Zakariyya AS making du’a to have a child and receiving the glad tiding that he would have a child, Allah SWT granting Yahya AS wisdom and prophethood from a young age, and the story of Yahya AS
16-40 The story of Maryam, her pregnancy, the birth of ‘Isa AS, the prophecy of ‘Isa AS while he was still in the womb, the miracles of ‘Isa AS, the departure of ‘Isa AS, the trinity and the Christians’ debate about ‘Isa AS
41-53 The story of Ibrahim AS discussing idol worshipping with his father and some highlights of the story of Musa AS
54-65 The stories of Ismail AS and Idris AS, some of the characteristics of the prophets, descriptions of those who came after the prophets but didn’t follow the teachings of the prophets, their punishment, the description of those who repented from among them, and the fact that the revelation of Allah comes by the command of Allah SWT
66-98 The polytheists and their denial of the resurrection, their insults, the fact that the idols of the polytheists will testify against them on the Last Day, the response to the one who attributed a child to Allah, Allah’s love for the believers, and the destruction of the criminals
Surah 20: Taha (“Taha”) Verses 1-135
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surah Taha was revealed directly after Surah Maryam. In Surah Maryam, Allah SWT mentions ten prophets and highlights the story of Musa AS. In Surah Taha, he tells the story of Musa AS in detail.
Place of revelation: Mecca: Some scholars say that “Taha” is a name of the Prophet SAWS.
Significance of the Surah: Omar ibn Al Khattab heard the first few verses of Surah Taha being recited at his sister’s house, and this is what opened his heart to Islam.
Summary of the Surah: The primary themes of Surah Taha are the oneness of Allah SWT, the prophethood, and the resurrection.
Description of verses:
1-8 The fact that the Qur’an is the reason for happiness and some of the attributes of Allah SWT
9-98 The story of Musa AS in detail (such as Musa AS speaking with Allah SWT, Musa AS preaching to the pharaoh about the oneness of Allah SWT, the drowning of the pharaoh, the Children of Israel worshipping the calf, and more)
99-135 The goal of relating stories in the Qur’an, the status of the earth, the mountains, and people on the Day of Judgment, the significance of the Qur’an being revealed in Arabic language, the threat of the Qur’an to those who do not believe in it, the story of Adam AS in jannah and his exit from jannah, learning lessons from previous nations, patience despite the polytheists’ harmful actions, the polytheists’ request to bring a sign from Allah and the Qur’an scolding them for their request
Night 15
Surah 17: Al-Isra (“The Night Journey”) Verses 1-111
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: There are a few connections between Surat An-Nahl and Surat Al-Isra. Surat An-Nahl ends by talking about the sabbath and its sacredness for the Jews, and Surat Al-Isra contains legislations for the Jews. Also, in Surat An-Nahl, Allah SWT commanded the Prophet SAWS to have patience despite the troubles that the Quraish were causing him, and in Surat Al-Isra, Allah SWT honors the Prophet and rewards him for his patience by granting him the honor of the Night Journey. Another connection between these two Surahs is that in both of them, Allah SWT mentions a lot of His blessings and favors upon mankind. Finally, in Surat An-Nahl, Allah SWT explains how to benefit from His creations (such as crops and animals), and in Surat Al-Isra, Allah SWT explains how to benefit from social relationships (for example, relationships with one’s parents, the poor, and the orphans) and how to fulfill the rights of these groups.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Significance of the name: This Surah is called “Al-Isra” after the miracle of the Night Journey. Another title of this Surah is “Banu Israil” because it tells the story of the Children of Israel and how they became scattered into groups on earth. Virtue of the Surah: It was narrated by Sayidda Aisha that the Prophet SAWS used to recite Surat Al-Isra and Surat Az-Zumar every night.
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Isra tells the story of the Night Journey. Other important themes in this Surah are gratitude and ingratitude, social relations, morality, and the oneness and the existence of Allah SWT.
Description of verses:
1-8 The Night Journey, the revelation of the Torah, and the state of the Children of Israel throughout history
9-39 The goals of the Qur’an, a reminder of the blessings of Allah, the reward of those who are only concerned about this life and those who are concerned about the next life, foundations on which an Islamic society is built, worshipping Allah SWT alone, establishing a strong family, and giving everyone in the society his right
40-60 The fact that Allah SWT has no partners or children, the fact that reciting the Qur’an protects from evil, the denial of the resurrection by the polytheists, and debating with others using the best manners
61-109 The story of Adam AS with Iblis, the blessings of Allah SWT upon mankind, the status of people with their leaders on the Day of Judgment. the plotting of the polytheists about the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, commands and instructions to the Prophet SAWS, the miracle of the Qur’an, the proposal of the polytheists to send down one of six signs and their denial of resurrection, and the nine signs of Musa AS
110-111 Invoking Allah SWT using His Most Beautiful Names
Surah 18: Al-Kahf (“The Cave”) Verses 1-110
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Isra begins by glorifying Allah SWT, and Surat Al-Kahf begins by praising Allah SWT. Another connection between these two Surahs is that they both contain answers to the questions of the Jews about the Companions of the Cave, Dhul Qarnayn, and the soul. Allah SWT answered one question at the end of Surat Al-Isra and the other two questions in Surat Al-Kahf.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Virtue of the Surah: Abu Darda’ said that the Prophet SAWS said, “Whoever reads the last ten verses of Surat Al-Kahf will be protected from the trial the dajjal (antichrist).” The sunnah is to recite it on Thursday night and Friday. The Prophet SAWS said, “Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday will have a light between this Friday and the next.”
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Kahf is one of five Surahs that begin with “Al hamdulillah.” The dominant theme of this Surah is trials and tribulations, such as the tribulation of faith, the tribulation of money, the tribulation of knowledge, and the tribulation of power
1-8 Praising and glorifying Allah SWT and the goals of the Qur’an
9-26 The story of the Companions of the Cave
27-31 Commands to the Prophet SAWS and the believers to recite the Qur’an, to be patient, and not to exclude the poor
32-46 The story of the companion of the two gardens and the metaphor of the life of this world
47-59 Showing the records of people on the Day of Judgment, the story of the angels bowing down to Adam AS, the mission of the messengers, the aggression of those who deny the messengers and the reason for delaying their punishment
60-82 The story of Musa AS and Al-Khidr
83-99 The story of Dhul Qarnayn
100-110 The punishment of the disbelievers and the reward of the believers
Night 14
Surah 15: Al-Hijr (“The Rocky Tract”) Verses 1-99
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surah Ibrahim and Surat Al-Hijr both start with descriptions of the Qur’an. They also share similar content. They both relate stories of previous prophets to comfort the Prophet Muhammad SAWS (because of the persecution he was facing from his people) and to remind him of the victory of Allah SWT. Both of these Surahs give descriptions of the heavens and the earth. As for their endings, Surah Ibrahim ends with a description of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, and Surat Al-Hijr ends with a description of how the disbelievers will feel remorse and grief seeing the sinners among the Muslims being freed from the hell fire and going to paradise.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Summary of the Surah: This Surah outlines the creed. It presents evidence of the unity and the oneness of Allah SWT, describes the Day of Judgment and the state of the believers and the disbelievers on that day, and relates some of the stories of previous prophets. It also describes the favors of Allah SWT on the Prophet Muhammad SAWS.
Description of verses:
1-44 The description of the Qur’an, the scolding of the disbelievers and the sinners, some of the false claims of the polytheists about the Prophet SAWS and the response of the Qur’an to these claims, some signs of the might of Allah SWT (the heavens and the earth, the rain, the wind, life and death, knowledge, and the resurrection), the beginning of the creation, the command to the angels to bow down to Adam AS and the refusal of Iblis to do so
45-99 The reward of the people of taqwa on the Day of Judgment, the concepts of forgiveness and punishment, the story of the guests of Ibrahim AS and the destruction of the people of Lut AS, the story of Prophet Shu’aib AS and the Thamud, and the favors of Allah SWT on the Prophet Muhammad SAWS
Surah 16: An-Nahl (“The Bee”) Verses 1-128
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: beginning of Surat An-Nahl are very connected. The end of Surat Al-Hijr and the Surat Al-Hijr ends with a description of the resurrection and the questioning of Allah SWT about what people used to do in life, and Surat An-Nahl begins by saying that the Event ordained by Allah (the Day of Judgment) will come to pass.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Summary of the Surah: Surat An-Nahl is called “The Bee” because it talks about how Allah SWT inspired the bee to drink nectar and produce honey, which has healing properties for people. This Surah outlines matters of creed, such as the oneness of Allah SWT, the resurrection, and the revelations. This Surah also talks about the numerous blessings of Allah SWT for mankind and reminds people to be grateful, warning them of the consequences of being ungrateful. Surat An-Nahl highlights an important part of the job of the prophets, which is witnessing for or against their people on the Day of Judgment. Additionally, Surat An-Nahl talks about fulfilling covenants and the halal and the haram in terms of food. In it, Allah SWT warns us against issuing fatwahs without proof. Surat An-Nahl ends by praising the Prophet Ibrahim AS because of his firm position regarding the oneness of Allah SWT. It orders the Prophet Muhammad SAWS to follow the way of Ibrahim AS and to call people to the way of Allah SWT using wisdom and good preaching.
Description of verses:
1-23 Affirmation of the revelation and the resurrection and signs of the existence and the oneness of Allah SWT
24-62 The description of the arrogant people and their denial of the revelation and the prophethood, the qualities of the people of taqwa and their belief in the revelation and the prophethood, Allah SWT threatening the disbelievers because of their arrogance, their stubbornness, their persistence in following falsehood, their false claim about the destiny, and their denial of the resurrection, the reward of the pilgrims who migrated from Mecca to Madina, an explanation of the mission of the Prophet SAWS, and a discussion of the creed of the polytheists and their wicked deeds
63-96 The signs of the divine power of Allah SWT, the oneness of Allah SWT, and a demonstration of His blessings upon people, signs of Allah SWT in the creation and the lives of people, the metaphor of idols, Allah’s creation of man and birds and His knowledge about them, signs of the oneness of Allah SWT, the state of the polytheists on the Day of Judgment, the calling of witnesses against the polytheists on the Day of Judgment, their severe punishment, and the way that their idols will disown them on that day
97-128 The most complete verse in the Qur’an in terms of good and evil, the fulfilling of covenants, the concepts of guidance and misguidance, the most complete verse to men and women in terms of encouraging volunteer work and good deeds, abrogation, the significance of the Qur’an being revealed in Arabic language, the apostates from Islam, the pilgrims, the consequences of ingratitude, the halal and the haram in terms of food, the Prophet Ibrahim AS and the command to follow his way, the sacredness of the sabbath for the Jews, the foundation of inviting people to the religion, and patience in times of calamity
Night 13
Surah 12: Yusuf (“Joseph”) Verses 53-111
Description of verses:
53-111 Yusuf AS being appointed as the Finance Minister of Egypt, the interactions between Yusuf AS and his brothers when they came to Egypt seeking food, his request for them to bring his brother Benyamin to him, the negotiation between the brothers and their father to let Benyamin come with them, the advice of the Prophet Yaqub AS to his children on how to enter Egypt, Yusuf AS revealing himself to his brother and planning to keep him in Egypt with him, the serious discussion between the Prophet Yaqub AS and his children about the staged robbery, Prophet Yaqub AS going blind from his sorrow over his lost sons, Yusuf’s brothers returning to Egypt, discovering his true identity, admitting their fault, and asking Yusuf AS to forgive them, the Prophet Yaqub AS smelling Yusuf’s scent on his shirt and regaining his eyesight, the Prophet Yaqub AS and Yusuf’s whole family traveling to Egypt to reunite with him, Allah SWT fulfilling his promise to Yusuf AS, the du’a of the Prophet Yusuf AS in which he showed gratitude to Allah SWT and asked Him for a good end to his life, the affirmation of the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, a reflection on the signs of Allah SWT, an invitation to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS to the oneness of Allah SWT, and the purpose of relating stories in the Qur’an
Surah 13: Ar-Ra’d (“The Thunder”) Verses 1-43
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Both Surah Yusuf and Surat Ar-Ra’d relate stories of previous prophets and emphasize the oneness and the might of Allah SWT.
Place of revelation: Madina
Summary of the Surah: Surat Ar-Ra’d is called “The Thunder” because in it Allah SWT talks about signs of His Power such as thunder, lightning, storms, and rain. Water and rain give life, while thunder and storms are forces of destruction, so the juxtaposition of these signs inspire awe in the believers. Surat Ar-Ra’d presents many signs of the existence of Allah SWT in His creation. This Surah also affirms the resurrection, the reward and the punishment of the hereafter, and the fact that the prophets are human beings.
Description of verses:
1-16 The truth of the Qur’an, the Power of Allah SWT, the denial of the resurrection by the polytheists, some demonstrations of the knowledge of Allah SWT, the sovereignty of Allah and His might, and the position of the believers and the disbelievers regarding the oneness of Allah
17-29 The metaphor of truth and falsehood, the descriptions of the successful believers and their reward, the description of the losers and their punishment, and the fact that provision and guidance come from Allah SWT
30-43 The Prophet Muhammad SAWS and his message, the greatness of the Quran and the absolute might of Allah SWT, the position of the People of the Book on the prophet’s prophethood, and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS
Surah 14: Ibrahim (“Abraham”) Verses 1-52
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surah Ibrahim is an extension of Surat Ar-Ra’d. Both Surahs speak about the Qur’an and the signs of Allah SWT in His creation, and both Surahs give metaphors of truth and falsehood.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Summary of the Surah: Surah Ibrahim was called “Ibrahim” because it tells part of the story of the Prophet Ibrahim AS, including his life in Mecca, his relationship with the Arabs, and the construction of the foundation of Kaaba. This Surah affirms the fundamentals of creed, such as belief in one god, belief in the messengers, belief in the resurrection, and the concept of reward and punishment.
Description of verses:
1-18 The purpose of sending the Qur’an, the scolding of the disbelievers, the mission of the prophet Musa AS and his advice to his people, some of the tales of previous prophets and their people, and the threat to the disbelievers because of their
19-52 Evidence of the oneness of Allah SWT, His existence, and His power to bring bodies back to life, the conversation between the Shaytan and his followers on the Day of Judgment, the metaphor of the good word and the evil word, ingratitude, associating partners with Allah SWT, the command of Allah SWT to the believers to pray and give alms, signs of the existence and the oneness of Allah SWT in the creation, the du’a of Ibrahim AS, Allah’s threat to the oppressors, signs of the Last Day, and evidence that the call to account will take place
Night 12
Surah 11: Hud (“Hud”) Verses 1-123
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Both Surah Yunus and Surah Hud tell the stories of the previous generations of prophets and the opposition they faced from their people.
Place of revelation: Mecca: Once Abu Bakr said to the Prophet SAWS, “Ya rasulAllah, I see a few gray hairs on your head.” The Prophet SAWS replied, “Hud and its sisters caused me to have gray hair” (because of the severe threats of Allah SWT to the disbelievers in these Surahs). Abu Bakr asked, “What are its sisters?” He SAWS replied, “Al-Waqi’ah, Al-Mursalat, An-Naba, and At-Takweer.”
Virtue of the Surah: The Prophet SAWS said, “Recite Surah Hud on the day of jumu’ah. He SAWS also said, “Whoever recites Surah Hud will be given ten extra rewards.”
Summary of the Surah: Surah Hud talks about the Oneness of Allah, belief in the Last Day, and belief in the resurrection. A dominant theme of this Surah is that truth always prevails over falsehood. Surat Hud tells the stories of many prophets, including Nuh AS, Hud AS, Saleh AS, Ibrahim AS, Lut AS, Shu’aib AS, and Musa AS.
Description of verses:
1-24 Belief in the oneness of Allah SWT, belief in the resurrection, Allah’s knowledge and power, the responses of the believers and the disbelievers during times of blessing and times of trial, the request of the polytheists of Mecca to the Prophet SAWS to bring down a treasure or an angel as proof of his prophethood, the fact that a person who is only concerned with this life will not get the reward of the next life, and the believers and the disbelievers and the reward of each
25-49 The story of Nuh AS (building the ark, the flood) and the lessons we should learn from it
50-60 The story of Hud AS
61-68 The story of Saleh AS
69-76 The story of Ibrahim AS
77-83 The story of Lut AS
84-95 The story of Shu’aib AS
96-99 The story of Musa AS and the Pharaoh
100-123 The purpose and the goals of relating stories in the Quran, the reminder of the punishment, steadfastness with the commands of Allah SWT, the commands of prayer and patience, the reason for destroying previous nations who did not believe, the practical goals of sending the prophets and the command to worship and put our trust in Allah SWT
Surah 12: Yusuf (“Joseph”) Verses 1-52
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surah Hud and Surah Yusuf share a similar theme. They both emphasize the oneness of Allah SWT. Also, they both tell the stories of previous prophets as reminders that history will repeat itself if people do not turn to Allah SWT in repentance for their disbelief. In the Qur’an, Allah SWT relates the stories of previous prophets (such as Hud AS, Musa AS, Saleh AS, and others) in different places and different ways for different purposes. However, what is significant about the story of Yusuf AS is that it is only told once in Surah Yusuf.
Place of revelation: Mecca: There are a few opinions about the reason for the revelation of Surah Yusuf. One opinion is that the Jews asked the Prophet Muhammad SAWS about the Prophet Yusuf AS, and so the Surah was revealed. Others believe that the Surah was revealed to the Prophet SAWS in Mecca after the death of his uncle and his wife Khadijah when the persecution became severe, and so Allah SWT wanted to comfort him, encourage him to be patient, and remind him that Allah SWT always grants victory to His righteous servants.
Summary of the Surah: This Surah relates the story of the Prophet Yusuf AS in detail. The Surah teaches perseverance and that the promise of Allah SWT is true.
Description of verses:
1-6 The dream of Yusuf AS
7-18 Yusuf AS and his brothers and their plot
19-20 The caravan discovering Yusuf AS in the well and selling him into slavery
21-22 Yusuf AS and the king of Egypt and receiving the prophethood
23-35 Yusuf AS and the wife of Al-‘Aziz, her seduction and her plot to throw him in prison
36-42 Yusuf’s time in prison, calling the prisoners to way of Allah SWT and interpreting their dreams
43-52 The king’s dream, Yusuf’s interpretation of it and the declaration of Yusuf’s innocence
Night 11
Surah 9: At-Tawbah (“The Repentance”) Verses 93-129
Description of verses:
93-105 The excuses and lies of the hypocrites about why they stayed behind from the expedition of Tabuk, the disbelief of the bedouins and their hypocrisy, the categories of people in Madina and the surrounding area, the acceptance of the repentance of the hypocrites and the encouragement to the hypocrites to give sadaqa and do good deeds to show their sincere repentance
106 The three people who stayed behind from Tabuk and repented sincerely
107-127 The masjid of the hypocrites and the masjid of the believers, the characteristics of the true believers, the oft-repenting and the rightly guided, asking forgiveness for polytheists and its conditions, tawbah and the story of the three people who remained behind and their truthfulness (note that Allah SWT mentioned them in ayah 106, then he mentioned the hypocrites, then he came back to them again in order to distinguish them from the hypocrites), the ruling of jihad on the people of Madina and the bedouins and its reward, the fact that seeking sacred knowledge is mandatory like jihad, and the response of the hypocrites to the newly revealed Qur’an verses
128-129 Some of the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and how he SAWS is merciful and kind to the believers
Surah 10: Yunus (“Jonah”) Verses 1-109
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat At-Tawbah ends with a description of the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, and Surah Yunus begins by removing any doubt about the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and what was revealed to him. Also, both of these Surahs contain the theme of repentance.
Place of revelation: Mecca
Significance of the name: This Surah is named after the Prophet Yunus AS and contains his story, which is very interesting both because of what happened to him (being swallowed by the whale) and what happened to his people (how they were the only people to be forgiven after they repented and believed in Prophet Yunus AS).
Summary of the Surah: Surah Yunus speaks about the divine revelations, the attributes of Allah SWT, the stories of some prophets and the response of the polytheists to the Qur’an and their denial of the resurrection. Surah Yunus emphasizes the oneness of Allah SWT.
Description of verses:
1-2 Affirmation of the prophethood of the Prophet SAWS and the revelation
3-6 The fact that Allah SWT is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and so everyone must worship Him, affirmation of the resurrection and the final reward, and signs of the might of Allah SWT in the universe (the alternation between the day and the night, the sun and the moon)
7-10 The believers and the disbelievers and the reward of each
11-14 Calling upon Allah SWT during times of trial and forgetting about Him during times of blessing and how Allah destroys oppressive nations and gives power to others after them
15-24 The request of the polytheists to change the Qur’an or produce a new one, the worship of idols and the claim of the idol worshippers that their idols will intercede for them, the fact that mankind was one nation, the request of the disbelievers for a sign from the sky to prove that the Prophet Muhammad is true, the constant plotting, stubbornness and unfairness of the disbelievers, and the example of the life of this world and how Allah SWT has the power to destroy it
25-70 The incentive of achieving jannah, the condition of the rightly guided and the misguided in the hereafter, how the partners that people associated with Allah SWT will disown them on the Last Day, the affirmation of the oneness of Allah and the resurrection, how the Qur’an praised and honored Allah and challenged the Arabs, the polytheists who believed in the Qur’an and those who didn’t, the punishment of the polytheists in this life and the next, the objectives of the Qur’an, the polytheists’ lies about the prohibitions of Allah, how the knowledge of Allah SWT encompasses everything, the friends of Allah SWT and their characteristics and reward, how all honor and power belongs to Allah SWT, and the prohibition of associating partners with Allah
71-109 The stories of the Prophet Nuh AS and his people, the Prophet Musa AS and the pharaoh, and the Prophet Yunus AS and his people, and the invitation to follow the religion of truth and reject polytheism