Overview - Surah 15: al-Hijr (The Valley of Stone)
The main theme of the Surah is divine guidance, and people's response. Allah's warns those who deny this message and as a reminder of these warnings, we have here the stories of Prophet Lot's people, Thamud and other groups.
Sections:
- Qur'an is the Books of Allah. He revealed it and He will guard it.
- Allah knows everything in the universe. He is the Creator of all.
- The creation of human being is from a very humble stuff, but Allah honored him and asked angels to bow down to Adam. Satan's response.
- Allah is very forgiving, but His punishment is also severe.
- Prophet Lot and Prophet Shu'aib's people.
- The People of Hijr and what happened to them. Qur'an and Surah al-Fatihah are special gifts of Allah. Allah will take care of those who ridicule His message
It is named ‘Hijr’ after the valley located between Madinah and Sham [Greater Syria], where the people of Salih, Thamud lived.
There are 99 Ayat in this Surah.
Overview
| Total Ayat | 99 |
| Total Words * | 655 |
| Root Words * | 210 |
| Unique Root Words * | 3 |
| Makki / Madani | Makki |
| Chronological Order* | 54th (according to Ibn Abbas) |
| Year of Revelation* | 9th year of Prophethood |
| Events during/before this Surah*
Boycott of Banu Hashim Yr 3, Boycott of Banu Hashim Yr 2, Boycott of Banu Hashim Yr 1, 2nd Migration to Abyssinia, Physical beating and torture of some Muslims - 1st Migration of Muslims to Abyssinia, Public Invitation to Islam - Persecution of Muslims; antagonism - ridicule - derision - accusation - abuse and false propaganda., Revelation begins - Private Invitation to Islam , Revelation begins - Private Invitation to Islam , Revelation begins - Private Invitation to Islam
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| Events during/after still to occur*
Death of Abu Talib - Death of Khadijah - Stoning at Ta'if - al-Isra wal Mi'raj - Night Journey,1st Pledge of Aqabah,2nd Pledge of Aqabah,,Migration from Makkah to Madinah - Building of Masjid Nabi in Madinah - Treaty with Jews of Madinah - Marriage of Prophet to Aishah,Change of Qiblah from Jerusalem to Makkah - Battle of Badr,Battle of Uhud,,Battle of Ahzab - Expedition of Banu Quraydhah,Treaty of Hudaiybiyah - Letters to Kings and Rulers,,Conquest of Makkah - Battle of Hunain,Hajj led by Abu Bakr - Expedition of Tabuk,Farewell Hajj by Prophet - Death of Prophet - End of Divine Revelation
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| Names of Prophets Mentioned
Lut, Ibrahim
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| Surah Index
Abraham, Angels, Angels (not sent to satisfy whims) , Astronomy (constellations) , Communications (overhearing the Host on high) , Death (those communities who have no revelation will not be destroyed) , Earth, Friends (avoid active disbelievers) , Future (learning of it through divination forbidden) , Hell, Humankind (creation of) , Humankind (creation of) (from clay), Humankind (creation of) (from dark transmuted slime), Iblis, Jinn, Jinn (created of fire) , Judgement (Day) , Lot, Madyan, Materialism (envy forbidden) , Mountains, Prayer (prostration) , Qur’an, Resurrection (of soul) , Revelation, Thamud, Thamud (rock dwellings) , Weather (rain) , Weather (wind) , Weather (wind) (to pollinate)
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Theme 1: Allah protects and preserves His Deen [religion]
Though the main topics of the Surah are :
a. warning to those who rejected his Message, opposed it tooth and nail and ridiculed him.
b. comfort and encouragement to the Prophet
It does not mean that this Surah does not contain admonition and instructions. As a matter of fact the Qur’an never confines itself to mere warning; rebuke and censure but resorts to precept in every suitable place. Accordingly this Surah contains brief arguments for Monotheism (Tawhid) on the one hand and admonition in the story of Adam and Satan on the other.
At the beginning and end of the surah there are profound statements about the Qur’an – 15:9 “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” And in 15:87 “And We have certainly given you, [O Muhammad], seven of the often repeated [verses] and the great Qur'an.”
Manuscripts / Inscriptions
764 H 1363 CE
764 H 1363 CE
1037-1194 CE
1037-1194 CE
1st Century Hijrah (7th Century CE)
1st Century Hijrah (7th Century CE)
Total Word Count per Ayat (shows how many words per Ayat) = 3* | ||
| # | Root Word | Frequency in Surah | Frequency in Qur'an |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | ق و ل | 25 | 1722 |
| 2. | ك و ن | 16 | 1390 |
| 3. | إِلَّا | 13 | 663 |
| 4. | ع ل م | 12 | 854 |
| 5. | ر ب ب | 9 | 980 |
| 6. | أ ت ي | 7 | 549 |
| 7. | ر س ل | 7 | 513 |
| 8. | ب ش ر | 7 | 123 |
| 9. | ن ز ل | 6 | 293 |
| 10. | خ ل ق | 6 | 261 |
| Root Word | Frequency in Surah |
Frequency in Qur'an |
|---|---|---|
| ق و ل | 25 | 1722 |
| ك و ن | 16 | 1390 |
| إِلَّا | 13 | 663 |
| ع ل م | 12 | 854 |
| ر ب ب | 9 | 980 |
| أ ت ي | 7 | 549 |
| ر س ل | 7 | 513 |
| ب ش ر | 7 | 123 |
| ن ز ل | 6 | 293 |
| خ ل ق | 6 | 261 |
“This surah was revealed in Makkah, after the revelation of Surah 12, Joseph. The time was a very critical one, falling as it did between the ‘year of sorrow’ when the Prophet lost his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib and the year when the Prophet migrated to Madinah. The surah thus reflects the needs and requirements of this difficult period.” [Ref: Qutb, Fi Dhilal]
“It is clear from its topics and style that the period of its revelation is similar to that of Surah 14: Ibraheem (Abraham) as two things are quite prominent in its background. Firstly, it appears from the repeated warnings in this Surah that despite the fact that the Prophet had been propagating the Message for many years his people in general had not shown any inclination towards its acceptance, nay they had become more and more obdurate and stubborn in their antagonism, enmity and ridicule with the passage of time. Secondly by that time the Prophet had begun to feel a little tired of making strenuous efforts to eradicate disbelief and opposition of his people. That is why God has consoled and comforted him over and over again by way of encouragement..” [Ref: Mawdudi]
- The Qur'an is a Divine Book.
- Allah protects His Book (15:9), the heavans (15:17), provisions, (15:21), water on earth (15:22), Adam and his children (15:39-40), Ibrahim and his nephew by saving them from the plots of their people, the Prophet Shuayb and finally the Prophet Muhammad (15:95) [verification of Ayat numbers required]
- On the Day of Judgement, the disbelievers will wish that they had become Muslims.
- Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of preserving and safeguarding Al-Qur'an.
- Admonition through the story of Adam's creation, prostration of the angels before him, and refusal of Shaitan to prostrate.
- The Prophet Ibrahim was given the good news of having a son by the same two angels who were assigned to destroy the nation of Lut.
- Al-Fatiha is also named, "seven verses worthy of oft-recitation."
- Divine order to proclaim the commandments of Allah publicly and turn away from the mushrikin.
Tafsir Zone
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Sayyid Qutb Overview (Verses 87 - 89) Closely linked to this great truth is the message preached by the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him), and the Qur’ān revealed to him: “We have given you seven oft-repeated verses and this sublime Qur’ān.” (Verse 87) The Arabic term, mathānī, translated here as ‘the oft-repeated verses’ refers to the opening sūrah, al- Fātiĥah, composed of seven short verses. This is the more probable meaning of the term, although some commentators maintain that it refers to the seven longest sūrahs of the Qur’ān. These seven verses are often repeated as they are required to be read in every prayer, and they extol God’s praises, which is a term derived from the same root as mathānī. The term, ‘this sublime Qur’ān’, refers to the rest of the Qur’ānic revelations. What is important to note here is that this statement comes immediately after mentioning the creation of the heavens and the earth on the basis of the truth and the certainty of the Last Hour. This suggests a very close link between the Qur’ān and the truth that forms the basis of the existence of the universe and the coming of the Last Hour. Indeed the Qur’ān is part of that truth, as it refers to the laws of creation, draws people’s attention to them, points out the signs God has placed in their own creation and in the expanse of the universe, and urges people to recognize and respond to these. Furthermore, it points out the reasons which make people follow right guidance or go astray, the destiny of the truth and falsehood, good and evil. It then belongs to the truth and helps to illuminate it. It is as well established as the truth that forms the basis for the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is also as constant as the laws of existence and is linked to them. The Qur’ān is by no means a fleeting incidence or something that is certain to disappear. It remains influential in the direction and conduct of human life, whatever liars may say, and long as the followers of falsehood may deride it. Indeed falsehood is the incidental element that is certain to disappear. The man who has been given these oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān which is derived from, and linked to, the great truth will not allow his eyes to hanker after some pleasures of this life that are certain to come to an end. Nor will he worry about the destiny of stray people or care about what happens to them. He continues to follow the way of truth: “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things We have granted to some among them, and do not grieve on their account, but spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers, and say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” (Verses 88-89) “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things...” Literally, the instruction given to the Prophet is that he must not stretch his eyes towards such enjoyments. Yet it is not the eye that is stretched, but rather the eyesight. However, the picturesque style of the Qur’ān depicts the eye itself as being stretched. It is a funny picture when we imagine it. What it means is that the Prophet should not care about the pleasures that God has allowed some people, men and women, to enjoy as part of the test they have to go through. He should not even give them much importance, or care what they do, or wish for something similar to what they enjoy. All this is of little consequence. He has the everlasting truth in those seven oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān. When the Prophet is in Distress This remark is sufficient to contrast the great truth and favours God’s Messenger has with the little enjoyment that glitters despite its being of little consequence. This is followed by a directive to the Prophet to ignore those lost in their worldly enjoyments and to care only for the believers. For these are the ones who follow the truth which he preaches, the truth which sustains the heavens and the earth and all that is in between. The other group follow falsehood which is incidental in the universe, not part of its design. “And do not grieve on their account.” (Verse 88) You must not trouble yourself over their miserable fate which is dictated by God’s justice and by the great truth. You should leave them to face the truth. On the other hand, the Prophet is told to show kindness to the believers. The Qur’ān expresses this sentence in a figurative way, telling the Prophet to “spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers.” (Verse 88) This is an image denoting gentle treatment and good care of the believers. The Prophet is also instructed to say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” This is the essential method of advocating the divine message. The warning is mentioned here on its own without adding the rejoinder of giving good and happy news. The warning is more suited here as the context mentions those who deride the truth, indulge in their worldly enjoyments and never contemplate the truth which is the basis of both the divine message and the existence of the universe. “And say: ‘I am indeed the plain warner.’“ (Verse 89) This is the word every messenger has said to his people, including those who remain from old communities to whom messengers were sent with a reminder similar to the one Muĥammad (peace be upon him) brought. Among such people in Arabia were some Christians and Jews who were not ready to accept the Qur’ān with complete submission. They accepted parts of it and rejected others, as their prejudice dictated. These are the ones whom God describes here as the ones who break [God’s revelation] into parts. Overview (Verses 87 - 89) Closely linked to this great truth is the message preached by the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him), and the Qur’ān revealed to him: “We have given you seven oft-repeated verses and this sublime Qur’ān.” (Verse 87) The Arabic term, mathānī, translated here as ‘the oft-repeated verses’ refers to the opening sūrah, al- Fātiĥah, composed of seven short verses. This is the more probable meaning of the term, although some commentators maintain that it refers to the seven longest sūrahs of the Qur’ān. These seven verses are often repeated as they are required to be read in every prayer, and they extol God’s praises, which is a term derived from the same root as mathānī. The term, ‘this sublime Qur’ān’, refers to the rest of the Qur’ānic revelations. What is important to note here is that this statement comes immediately after mentioning the creation of the heavens and the earth on the basis of the truth and the certainty of the Last Hour. This suggests a very close link between the Qur’ān and the truth that forms the basis of the existence of the universe and the coming of the Last Hour. Indeed the Qur’ān is part of that truth, as it refers to the laws of creation, draws people’s attention to them, points out the signs God has placed in their own creation and in the expanse of the universe, and urges people to recognize and respond to these. Furthermore, it points out the reasons which make people follow right guidance or go astray, the destiny of the truth and falsehood, good and evil. It then belongs to the truth and helps to illuminate it. It is as well established as the truth that forms the basis for the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is also as constant as the laws of existence and is linked to them. The Qur’ān is by no means a fleeting incidence or something that is certain to disappear. It remains influential in the direction and conduct of human life, whatever liars may say, and long as the followers of falsehood may deride it. Indeed falsehood is the incidental element that is certain to disappear. The man who has been given these oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān which is derived from, and linked to, the great truth will not allow his eyes to hanker after some pleasures of this life that are certain to come to an end. Nor will he worry about the destiny of stray people or care about what happens to them. He continues to follow the way of truth: “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things We have granted to some among them, and do not grieve on their account, but spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers, and say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” (Verses 88-89) “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things...” Literally, the instruction given to the Prophet is that he must not stretch his eyes towards such enjoyments. Yet it is not the eye that is stretched, but rather the eyesight. However, the picturesque style of the Qur’ān depicts the eye itself as being stretched. It is a funny picture when we imagine it. What it means is that the Prophet should not care about the pleasures that God has allowed some people, men and women, to enjoy as part of the test they have to go through. He should not even give them much importance, or care what they do, or wish for something similar to what they enjoy. All this is of little consequence. He has the everlasting truth in those seven oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān. When the Prophet is in Distress This remark is sufficient to contrast the great truth and favours God’s Messenger has with the little enjoyment that glitters despite its being of little consequence. This is followed by a directive to the Prophet to ignore those lost in their worldly enjoyments and to care only for the believers. For these are the ones who follow the truth which he preaches, the truth which sustains the heavens and the earth and all that is in between. The other group follow falsehood which is incidental in the universe, not part of its design. “And do not grieve on their account.” (Verse 88) You must not trouble yourself over their miserable fate which is dictated by God’s justice and by the great truth. You should leave them to face the truth. On the other hand, the Prophet is told to show kindness to the believers. The Qur’ān expresses this sentence in a figurative way, telling the Prophet to “spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers.” (Verse 88) This is an image denoting gentle treatment and good care of the believers. The Prophet is also instructed to say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” This is the essential method of advocating the divine message. The warning is mentioned here on its own without adding the rejoinder of giving good and happy news. The warning is more suited here as the context mentions those who deride the truth, indulge in their worldly enjoyments and never contemplate the truth which is the basis of both the divine message and the existence of the universe. “And say: ‘I am indeed the plain warner.’“ (Verse 89) This is the word every messenger has said to his people, including those who remain from old communities to whom messengers were sent with a reminder similar to the one Muĥammad (peace be upon him) brought. Among such people in Arabia were some Christians and Jews who were not ready to accept the Qur’ān with complete submission. They accepted parts of it and rejected others, as their prejudice dictated. These are the ones whom God describes here as the ones who break [God’s revelation] into parts. |
Ibn Kathir (English)
Sayyid Qutb
Sha'rawi
Al Jalalain
Mawdudi
الطبري - جامع البيان
ابن كثير - تفسير القرآن العظيم
القرطبي - الجامع لأحكام
البغوي - معالم التنزيل
ابن أبي حاتم الرازي - تفسير القرآن
ابن عاشور - التحرير والتنوير
ابن القيم - تفسير ابن قيّم
السيوطي - الدر المنثور
الشنقيطي - أضواء البيان
ابن الجوزي - زاد المسير
الآلوسي - روح المعاني
ابن عطية - المحرر الوجيز
الرازي - مفاتيح الغيب
أبو السعود - إرشاد العقل السليم
الزمخشري - الكشاف
البقاعي - نظم الدرر
الهداية إلى بلوغ النهاية — مكي ابن أبي طالب
القاسمي - محاسن التأويل
الماوردي - النكت والعيون
السعدي - تيسير الكريم الرحمن
عبد الرحمن الثعالبي - الجواهر الحسان
السمرقندي - بحر العلوم
أبو إسحاق الثعلبي - الكشف والبيان
الشوكاني - فتح القدير
النيسابوري - التفسير البسيط
أبو حيان - البحر المحيط
البيضاوي - أنوار التنزيل
النسفي - مدارك التنزيل
ابن جُزَيّ - التسهيل لعلوم التنزيل
علي الواحدي النيسابوري - الوجيز
السيوطي - تفسير الجلالين
المختصر في التفسير — مركز تفسير
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Overview (Verses 87 - 89) Closely linked to this great truth is the message preached by the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him), and the Qur’ān revealed to him: “We have given you seven oft-repeated verses and this sublime Qur’ān.” (Verse 87) The Arabic term, mathānī, translated here as ‘the oft-repeated verses’ refers to the opening sūrah, al- Fātiĥah, composed of seven short verses. This is the more probable meaning of the term, although some commentators maintain that it refers to the seven longest sūrahs of the Qur’ān. These seven verses are often repeated as they are required to be read in every prayer, and they extol God’s praises, which is a term derived from the same root as mathānī. The term, ‘this sublime Qur’ān’, refers to the rest of the Qur’ānic revelations. What is important to note here is that this statement comes immediately after mentioning the creation of the heavens and the earth on the basis of the truth and the certainty of the Last Hour. This suggests a very close link between the Qur’ān and the truth that forms the basis of the existence of the universe and the coming of the Last Hour. Indeed the Qur’ān is part of that truth, as it refers to the laws of creation, draws people’s attention to them, points out the signs God has placed in their own creation and in the expanse of the universe, and urges people to recognize and respond to these. Furthermore, it points out the reasons which make people follow right guidance or go astray, the destiny of the truth and falsehood, good and evil. It then belongs to the truth and helps to illuminate it. It is as well established as the truth that forms the basis for the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is also as constant as the laws of existence and is linked to them. The Qur’ān is by no means a fleeting incidence or something that is certain to disappear. It remains influential in the direction and conduct of human life, whatever liars may say, and long as the followers of falsehood may deride it. Indeed falsehood is the incidental element that is certain to disappear. The man who has been given these oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān which is derived from, and linked to, the great truth will not allow his eyes to hanker after some pleasures of this life that are certain to come to an end. Nor will he worry about the destiny of stray people or care about what happens to them. He continues to follow the way of truth: “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things We have granted to some among them, and do not grieve on their account, but spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers, and say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” (Verses 88-89) “Do not turn your eyes longingly to the good things...” Literally, the instruction given to the Prophet is that he must not stretch his eyes towards such enjoyments. Yet it is not the eye that is stretched, but rather the eyesight. However, the picturesque style of the Qur’ān depicts the eye itself as being stretched. It is a funny picture when we imagine it. What it means is that the Prophet should not care about the pleasures that God has allowed some people, men and women, to enjoy as part of the test they have to go through. He should not even give them much importance, or care what they do, or wish for something similar to what they enjoy. All this is of little consequence. He has the everlasting truth in those seven oft-repeated verses and the sublime Qur’ān. When the Prophet is in Distress This remark is sufficient to contrast the great truth and favours God’s Messenger has with the little enjoyment that glitters despite its being of little consequence. This is followed by a directive to the Prophet to ignore those lost in their worldly enjoyments and to care only for the believers. For these are the ones who follow the truth which he preaches, the truth which sustains the heavens and the earth and all that is in between. The other group follow falsehood which is incidental in the universe, not part of its design. “And do not grieve on their account.” (Verse 88) You must not trouble yourself over their miserable fate which is dictated by God’s justice and by the great truth. You should leave them to face the truth. On the other hand, the Prophet is told to show kindness to the believers. The Qur’ān expresses this sentence in a figurative way, telling the Prophet to “spread the wings of your tenderness over the believers.” (Verse 88) This is an image denoting gentle treatment and good care of the believers. The Prophet is also instructed to say: “I am indeed the plain warner.” This is the essential method of advocating the divine message. The warning is mentioned here on its own without adding the rejoinder of giving good and happy news. The warning is more suited here as the context mentions those who deride the truth, indulge in their worldly enjoyments and never contemplate the truth which is the basis of both the divine message and the existence of the universe. “And say: ‘I am indeed the plain warner.’“ (Verse 89) This is the word every messenger has said to his people, including those who remain from old communities to whom messengers were sent with a reminder similar to the one Muĥammad (peace be upon him) brought. Among such people in Arabia were some Christians and Jews who were not ready to accept the Qur’ān with complete submission. They accepted parts of it and rejected others, as their prejudice dictated. These are the ones whom God describes here as the ones who break [God’s revelation] into parts. |
- Surah 15. Al-Hijr - Saad al Ghamidi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvlchpsEhWw&list=PLhM2xiAUdw2cAqW_o3zZkbhJNw0bnaBZN&index=15
- Surah 15. Al-Hijr Mahmoud Khalil Al Hussary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MstV_Kbp9_4&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfMFWX22VZWOKpzjr-vH_BM&index=15
- Surah 15. Al-Hijr Muhammad Al Luhaydan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHnL6SvX4d4&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfKAYuQLRNAZomoezhfhRZe&index=15
- Idris Akbar Surah Hijr https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ6kdndUmpw
- Surah 15. Al-Hijr muhammad Minshawi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGOHF57JukM&list=PLxpAkjlGauHdUcO_uc-8F8J2NUQRDZjPG&index=15
