“Read Surah Al-A’raf (The Heights), Chapter 7 of the Holy Quran, with text English translation, detailed introduction, and insightful commentary to understand its themes and guidance.”
Surah 7: Al-A’raf (The Heights)
Introduction
Surah Al-A’raf is the 7th chapter of the Holy Quran, consisting of 206 verses and revealed in Makkah. It takes its name from the word “Al-A’raf”, meaning “The Heights”, which refers to a barrier or elevated place mentioned in verses 46–48, where people of uncertain fate will wait on the Day of Judgment.
This surah is among the longest Meccan chapters, deeply focused on the themes of divine guidance, accountability, and the consequences of belief and disbelief. It powerfully reminds readers of past nations who denied their prophets—such as the peoples of Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, Shu’ayb, and Moses—and how they were destroyed because of their arrogance and rejection of God’s messages.
A central portion of the surah is dedicated to the story of Prophet Moses (Musa) and Pharaoh, highlighting the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood, belief and tyranny. The surah also addresses Adam and Iblis (Satan), illustrating the origin of human temptation and the importance of resisting satanic influence.
Surah Al-A’raf strongly emphasizes the oneness of God (Tawhid), the need to follow prophetic guidance, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. It warns against pride, heedlessness, and hypocrisy, while calling toward sincerity, patience, and obedience to Allah.
The tone of the surah is both reflective and confrontational—urging believers to remain firm in faith and warning disbelievers of their inevitable end. Its closing verses call on listeners to pay attention when the Quran is recited, to remember Allah in humility, and to worship Him sincerely. 0 0 0
Surah 7: Al-A’raf (The Heights): Text
In the Name of Allah—the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Alif, Lām, Mīm, Ṣād.
(These are letters whose full meaning is known only to Allah.)
2. This is a Book revealed to you—so let there be no doubt in your heart about it—that you may warn with it, and remind the believers.
3. Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow others besides Him as protectors. How little you reflect!
4. How many towns have We destroyed! Our punishment came upon them by night or while they were resting in the afternoon.
5. When Our punishment came upon them, all they could say was, “We were wrongdoers indeed.”
6. So We will surely question those to whom messengers were sent, and We will surely question the messengers too.
7. Then We will narrate to them everything with knowledge, for We were never absent.
8. The weighing on that Day will be just and true. So whoever’s scales are heavy with good deeds—it is they who will be successful.
9. But those whose scales are light—those are the ones who have ruined themselves, for they used to wrong Our signs.
10. And We gave you authority and means to live on earth, and We made for you ways to earn your livelihood. Yet how little you give thanks!
11. And surely We created you, then shaped you, then We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam,” and they all prostrated—except Iblis. He was not among those who bowed down.
12. Allah said, “What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?” He said, “I am better than him. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”
13. Allah said, “Then get down from here! It is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out! You are truly among the disgraced.”
14. He said, “Then give me time until the Day they are raised up.”
15. Allah said, “You are granted respite.”
16. He (Iblis) said, “Because You have led me astray, I will lie in wait for them on Your straight path.”
17.“Then I will come to them from the front and from behind, from their right and from their left. And You will not find most of them grateful.”
18. Allah said, “Get out of here, despised and banished! Whoever of them follows you—I will surely fill Hell with all of you together.”
19. “O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat from wherever you wish. But do not go near this tree, or you will be among the wrongdoers.”
20. Then Satan whispered to them, to expose what had been hidden of their shame, and he said, “Your Lord only forbade you from this tree so that you would not become angels or become immortal.”
21. And he swore to them, “Indeed, I am a sincere advisor to you.”
22. So he misled them by deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their shame became visible to them, and they began to cover themselves with leaves from Paradise. And their Lord called out to them, “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is your open enemy?”
23. They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. And if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will surely be among the losers.”
24. Allah said, “Go down, all of you, as enemies to one another. And you will have residence on earth and enjoyment for a time.”
25. He said, “Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth again.”
26. O children of Adam! We have given you clothing to cover your nakedness and as an adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best. That is one of the signs of Allah, so that they may be mindful.
27. O children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you as he did your parents out of Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to expose their shame. Truly, he and his tribe see you from where you cannot see them. We have made the devils allies of those who do not believe.
28. And when they commit an indecent act, they say, “We found our forefathers doing this, and Allah has commanded us to do it.” Say, “Allah does not command indecency. Do you say about Allah what you do not know?”
29. Say, “My Lord has commanded justice, and that you should set your face upright (toward Him) at every place of worship, and call upon Him, sincere in your religion. Just as He originated you, so you will return.”
30. A group He has guided, and another group deserved to go astray. They took devils as allies instead of Allah, and they think they are rightly guided.
31. O children of Adam! Wear your adornment at every place of prayer, and eat and drink—but do not be excessive. Surely, He does not love the extravagant.
32. Say, “Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good things of provision?” Say, “They are for those who believe during the worldly life, and will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection.” Thus We explain the signs for people who understand.
33. Say, “My Lord has only forbidden indecent acts—open and hidden—and sin, and unjust aggression, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and that you say about Allah what you do not know.”
34. For every nation there is a fixed time. When their time comes, they can neither delay it by a moment nor advance it.
35. O children of Adam! If messengers come to you from among yourselves, reciting My signs to you—then whoever becomes mindful and reforms himself—there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.
36. But those who deny Our signs and act arrogantly toward them—these will be the companions of the Fire, remaining in it forever.
37. Who does more wrong than the one who invents lies against Allah or denies His signs? They will get what was written for them, until Our messengers (angels of death) come to take their souls, saying, “Where are those you used to call upon besides Allah?” They will reply, “They have left us,” and they will admit that they were disbelievers.
38. He (Allah) will say, “Enter the Fire along with the groups of jinn and humans who went before you.” Every time a group enters, it will curse its sister group (that came before), until, when they have all entered, the last of them will say about the first, “Our Lord, these are the ones who led us astray, so give them double punishment in the Fire!” He will say, “For all is double, but you do not know.”
39. And the first of them will say to the last, “You were no better than us, so taste the punishment for what you used to do.”
40. Indeed, those who deny Our signs and behave arrogantly toward them—the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel passes through the eye of a needle. This is how We repay the criminals.
41. They will have a bed of Hell and coverings above them from it. This is how We repay the wrongdoers.
42. But those who believe and do good deeds—we do not burden any soul beyond its capacity—those are the people of Paradise, and they will live there forever.
43. We will remove whatever bitterness is in their hearts, and rivers will flow beneath them. And they will say, “Praise be to Allah, who has guided us to this. We would never have been guided if Allah had not guided us. The messengers of our Lord certainly came with the truth.” And it will be announced to them, “This is Paradise, which you have been made to inherit because of what you used to do.”
44. And the people of Paradise will call out to the people of the Fire: “We have certainly found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised to be true?” They will say, “Yes.” Then a caller will proclaim among them, “May the curse of Allah be upon the wrongdoers.”
45. Those who turned people away from the path of Allah and tried to make it crooked, and who denied the Hereafter.
46. And between the two groups will be a barrier, and on the heights (Al-A’raf) will be men who recognize everyone by their marks. They will call out to the people of Paradise, “Peace be upon you.” They have not yet entered it, but they long for it.
47. And when their eyes turn toward the people of the Fire, they will say, “Our Lord, do not place us among the wrongdoers.”
48. And the people of the heights will call to some men they recognize by their marks, saying, “Of no use to you was your gathering or your arrogance!”
49. “Are these the ones you swore Allah would never show mercy to?” (Now it is said to those people:) “Enter Paradise! There is no fear for you, nor will you grieve.”
50. And the people of the Fire will call out to the people of Paradise, “Pour upon us some water or whatever Allah has provided you with.” They will say, “Allah has forbidden them both to the disbelievers.”
51. Those who took their religion as a game and amusement, and were deceived by worldly life. So today We will forget them, just as they forgot the meeting of this Day of theirs, and rejected Our signs.
52. And We have certainly brought them a Book which We explained with knowledge—a guide and a mercy for those who believe.
53. Are they waiting for anything but its final fulfillment? The Day its fulfillment comes, those who neglected it before will say, “The messengers of our Lord certainly came with the truth. Are there any intercessors to intercede for us? Or can we be sent back, so that we may do deeds other than what we used to do?” They have truly ruined themselves, and what they invented has deserted them.
54. Surely your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then rose above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, chasing it rapidly. And He created the sun, the moon, and the stars—submitting to His command. His is the creation and the command. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
55. Call upon your Lord humbly and secretly. Surely, He does not love those who cross the limits.
56. And do not spread corruption on the earth after it has been set right. And call on Him with fear and hope. Surely, the mercy of Allah is near to those who do good.
57. And it is He who sends the winds as good news before His mercy (rain), until, when they carry heavy clouds, We drive them to a lifeless land, and send down rain upon it, and bring forth all kinds of fruits. This is how We bring forth the dead—so perhaps you will remember.
58. As for the good land, its vegetation comes out by the permission of its Lord; but that which is corrupt—nothing comes from it except with difficulty. This is how We explain the signs for people who give thanks.
59. Indeed, We sent Noah to his people. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no god other than Him. I truly fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.”
60. The leaders of his people said, “We see you in clear error.”
61. He said, “O my people! I am not in error. Rather, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.”
62. “I deliver to you the messages of my Lord and give you sincere advice, and I know from Allah what you do not know.”
63. “Do you wonder that a reminder has come to you from your Lord through a man from among yourselves, to warn you and that you may become mindful, and so you may receive mercy?”
64. But they denied him, so We saved him and those with him in the Ark, and We drowned those who rejected Our signs. They were a blind people.
65. And to the people of ‘Ād, We sent their brother Hūd. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no god other than Him. Will you not be mindful?”
66. The disbelieving leaders of his people said, “We see you as a fool, and we think you are a liar.”
67. He said, “O my people! There is no foolishness in me. I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.”
68. “I deliver to you the messages of my Lord and I am a trustworthy adviser to you.”
69. “Do you wonder that a reminder has come to you from your Lord through a man from among yourselves, to warn you? Remember how He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you greatly in stature. So remember the favors of Allah, so you may succeed.”
70. They said, “Have you come to us so that we would worship only Allah and abandon what our ancestors used to worship? Then bring us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful!”
71. He said, “You have already deserved punishment and anger from your Lord. Are you arguing with me about names that you and your fathers made up—names for which Allah has sent down no authority? Then wait! I too am waiting with you.”
72. So We saved him and those with him by Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who denied Our signs and were not believers.
73. And to the people of Thamūd, We sent their brother Ṣāliḥ. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no god other than Him. A clear proof has come to you from your Lord: this she-camel of Allah is a sign for you. So leave her to graze on Allah’s land, and do not harm her, or a painful punishment will seize you.”
74. “And remember when He made you successors after ‘Ād, and settled you in the land—you build palaces on its plains and carve homes out of the mountains. So remember Allah’s favors, and do not go about spreading corruption in the land.”
75. The arrogant leaders of his people said to the oppressed among them who believed, “Do you really believe that Ṣāliḥ is sent by his Lord?” They said, “Yes. We truly believe in what he has been sent with.”
76. The arrogant ones said, “We reject what you believe in.”
77. Then they cruelly slaughtered the she-camel and rebelled against the command of their Lord, and said, “O Ṣāliḥ! Bring us what you threaten us with, if you really are a messenger!”
78. So the earthquake seized them, and they were left lying lifeless in their homes.
79. Then he turned away from them and said, “O my people! I delivered to you the message of my Lord and gave you sincere advice, but you did not love those who give advice.”
80. And (remember) Lot—when he said to his people, “Do you commit such shameful acts as no one before you has ever done in all of creation?”
81. “You approach men with desire instead of women. You are truly a people who exceed all bounds.”
82. But the only answer of his people was to say, “Expel them from your town! These are people who want to remain pure!”
83. So We saved him and his family—except his wife; she was one of those who stayed behind.
84. And We rained down upon them a rain (of stones). So see what was the end of the criminals!
85. And to the people of Midian, We sent their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah—you have no god but Him. A clear sign has come to you from your Lord. So give full measure and weight, and do not cheat people of their goods. And do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set right. That is better for you, if you are truly believers.”
86. “And do not lie in wait on every path, threatening and turning people away from the path of Allah, especially those who believe in Him, trying to make it seem crooked. And remember when you were few and He multiplied you. And see what became of the corrupters!”
87. “And if a group among you has believed in what I have been sent with and another group has not believed, then be patient until Allah judges between us. He is the best of judges.”
88. The arrogant leaders of his people said, “O Shu‘ayb! We will certainly drive you and those who believe with you out of our town unless you return to our religion.” He said, “Even if we hate it?”
89. “We would be fabricating a lie against Allah if we returned to your way after Allah has saved us from it. It is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, wills. Our Lord encompasses all things in knowledge. In Him we put our trust. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the best of those who judge.”
90. The disbelieving leaders of his people said, “If you follow Shu‘ayb, then you will truly be losers.”
91. Then the earthquake seized them, and they were left lying lifeless in their homes.
92. Those who rejected Shu‘ayb became as though they had never lived there. Those who denied Shu‘ayb—it was they who were the losers.
93. So he turned away from them and said, “O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the messages of my Lord and given you sincere advice. How could I grieve for a disbelieving people?”
94. Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We afflicted its people with hardship and suffering, so that they might humble themselves.
95. Then We changed their hardship into ease, until they increased in number and said, “Hardship and prosperity both touched our fathers.” So We seized them suddenly while they were unaware.
96. Had the people of those towns believed and become mindful (of Allah), We would have certainly opened up for them blessings from the heavens and the earth. But they denied, so We seized them for what they used to earn.
97. Are the people of any town safe from Our punishment coming upon them by night while they are asleep?
98. Or do the people of any town feel secure that Our punishment will not come upon them in broad daylight while they are playing?
99. Do they feel secure against Allah’s plan? None feels secure from Allah’s plan except the losers.
100. Is it not a lesson to those who inherit the land after its former people that if We will, We can punish them for their sins and seal up their hearts, so they do not hear?
101. These are the towns whose stories We relate to you. Their messengers came to them with clear signs, but they would not believe in what they had already denied. This is how Allah seals the hearts of the disbelievers.
102. And We did not find most of them faithful to their covenant, but We found most of them to be rebellious.
103. Then after them, We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them. So see how was the end of the corrupt ones!
104. Moses said, “O Pharaoh! I am truly a messenger from the Lord of all the worlds.”
105. “It is only right for me to say nothing about Allah except the truth. I have come to you with a clear sign from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel go with me.”
106. Pharaoh said, “If you have brought a sign, then bring it—if you are telling the truth!”
107. So Moses threw his staff, and suddenly it became a real snake.
108. And he pulled out his hand—it appeared white and shining to the onlookers.
109. The chiefs of Pharaoh’s people said, “This is surely a skilled magician!”
110. “He wants to drive you out of your land! What do you suggest?”
111. They said, “Let him and his brother wait for a while, and send callers to every city.”
112 “To bring every skilled magician to you.”
113. So the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, “Will we have a reward if we are the winners?”
114. He said, “Yes—and you will certainly be among those close to me.”
115. They said, “O Moses! Will you throw first, or shall we throw?”
116. He said, “You throw.” And when they threw, they cast a spell on people’s eyes and struck fear into them, and they presented a great display of magic.
117. Then We inspired Moses: “Throw your staff.” And it devoured what they had faked.
118. So the truth was established, and what they had done was made false.
119. Thus they were defeated there and then, and became utterly humiliated.
120. And the magicians fell down in prostration.
121. They said, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds.”
122. “The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
123. Pharaoh said, “You believed in Him before I gave you permission? Surely, this is a plot you have planned in the city to drive out its people. But soon you will know the consequences.”
124. “I will certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, then I will crucify you all.”
125. They said, “We are returning to our Lord anyway.”
126. “And you are only taking revenge on us because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Our Lord, pour patience upon us and cause us to die as Muslims.”
127. The chiefs of Pharaoh’s people said, “Will you leave Moses and his people to spread corruption in the land and abandon you and your gods?” He said, “We will kill their sons and keep their women alive. We have full control over them!”
128. Moses said to his people, “Seek help through Allah and be patient. Surely, the earth belongs to Allah. He gives it in inheritance to whom He wills of His servants. And the end belongs to those who are mindful of Him.”
129. They said, “We were harmed before you came to us and after you came.” He said, “Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you successors in the land, so He may see how you act.”
130. And We afflicted Pharaoh’s people with years of drought and shortage of crops so that they might be reminded.
131. But when good came to them, they said, “This is ours.” And if a disaster struck them, they blamed Moses and those with him. Surely, their fate was with Allah, but most of them did not know.
132. They said, “Whatever sign you bring to us to charm us, we will not believe in you.”
133. So We sent upon them the flood, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood—clear signs—but they remained arrogant and were a sinful people.
134. Whenever a plague struck them, they said, “O Moses! Pray to your Lord for us, by the promise He has made with you. If you remove the plague from us, we will surely believe you and let the Children of Israel go with you.”
135. But when We removed the plague from them for a fixed term which they were to reach, they broke their promise.
136. So We took revenge on them and drowned them in the sea because they denied Our signs and were heedless of them.
137. And We made the oppressed people (the Israelites) inherit the eastern and western lands that We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of their patience. And We destroyed all that Pharaoh and his people had built and raised high.
138. And We brought the Children of Israel across the sea. Then they came upon a people devoted to idols. They said, “O Moses! Make for us a god like the gods they have.” He said, “You are truly an ignorant people!”
139. “What they are engaged in is doomed to destruction, and whatever they are doing is false.”
140. He said, “Should I seek for you a god other than Allah, while He has preferred you over all other peoples?”
141. And remember when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people, who were afflicting you with the worst torment—killing your sons and keeping your women alive. In that was a great trial from your Lord.
142. And We appointed for Moses thirty nights and completed them with ten more, so the time appointed by his Lord was forty nights. And Moses said to his brother Aaron, “Take my place among my people. Do what is right, and do not follow the way of the corrupt.”
143. And when Moses came at the appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My Lord, show Yourself to me, so that I may look at You.” Allah said, “You cannot bear to see Me. But look at the mountain—if it remains firm in its place, then you will be able to see Me.” Then when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it crumble to dust, and Moses fell unconscious. When he recovered, he said, “Glory be to You! I turn to You in repentance, and I am the first of the believers.”
144. Allah said, “O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and with My words. So take what I have given you and be grateful.”
145. And We wrote for him on the tablets guidance and explanation for all things. “So hold to them firmly and command your people to take the best of it. I will show you the home of the rebellious.”
146. I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant on the earth without right. Even if they see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the right path, they will not take it. But if they see the path of error, they will follow it. This is because they denied Our signs and were heedless of them.
147. But those who deny Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter—their deeds are worthless. Will they be repaid except for what they used to do?
148. Meanwhile, the people of Moses made, in his absence, a calf from their jewelry—just a lifeless body that made a sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them in any way? Yet they took it as a god and were wrongdoers.
149. And when they regretted it and realized they had gone astray, they said, “If our Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers.”
150. When Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, “How terribly you acted after I left! Did you rush ahead of your Lord’s command?” Then he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by the head, dragging him toward himself. Aaron said, “O son of my mother! The people overpowered me and nearly killed me. So do not make my enemies rejoice, and do not count me among the wrongdoing people.”
151. Moses said, “My Lord! Forgive me and my brother. And admit us into Your mercy, for You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
152. Surely those who took the calf (as a god) will be afflicted with their Lord’s wrath and disgrace in this worldly life. This is how We repay those who invent falsehood.
153. But those who commit evil, then repent and believe—your Lord is surely All-Forgiving, Most Merciful afterward.
154. When Moses’ anger calmed down, he picked up the tablets, and in their text was guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord.
155. And Moses chose seventy men from among his people for Our meeting. But when the earthquake seized them, he said, “My Lord! If You had willed, You could have destroyed them and me long before. Will You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? This is only a test from You. You let whom You will go astray and guide whom You will. You are our Guardian, so forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the best of those who forgive.”
156. “And write for us good in this world and in the Hereafter. Truly, we have turned to You.” Allah said, “I inflict My punishment on whom I will, but My mercy encompasses everything. I will write it for those who are mindful of Me, give zakah, and believe in Our revelations.”
157. Those who follow the Messenger—the unlettered Prophet—whom they find written about in the Torah and the Gospel with them. He commands them to do good and forbids them from evil, allows them what is lawful and forbids what is impure, and relieves them of their burdens and the shackles that were upon them. So those who believe in him, support him, help him, and follow the light sent down with him—it is they who will succeed.
158. Say, “O mankind! I am the Messenger of Allah to you all. To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. There is no god but Him. He gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger—the unlettered Prophet—who believes in Allah and His words. Follow him, so you may be rightly guided.”
159. Among the people of Moses, there is a group who guide with truth and act justly according to it.
160. We divided them into twelve tribes (as distinct) nations. And We inspired Moses when his people asked him for water, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then twelve springs gushed out from it. Every tribe knew its drinking place. And We shaded them with clouds and sent down manna and quails: “Eat of the good things We have provided you.” They did not wrong Us—but they wronged themselves.
161. And when it was said to them, “Live in this town, and eat from it wherever you wish, and say, ‘Relieve us of our burdens,’ and enter the gate humbly—we will forgive your sins and increase the reward for those who do good.”
162. But the wrongdoers among them changed the words they were told, so We sent upon them a punishment from the sky for their wrongdoing.
163. Ask them about the town that was by the sea, when they used to break the Sabbath—when fish would come to them openly on their Sabbath, but would not come to them on other days. Thus, We tested them for their defiance.
164. And when a group among them said, “Why do you advise a people whom Allah will destroy or punish severely?” They replied, “To be free from guilt before your Lord, and perhaps they may become mindful.”
165. So when they ignored what they had been reminded of, We saved those who warned against evil and seized the wrongdoers with a dreadful punishment for their rebelliousness.
166. When they arrogantly persisted in what they were forbidden from, We said to them, “Be despised apes!”
167. And remember when your Lord declared that He would send against them others who would afflict them with terrible punishment until the Day of Judgment. Surely, your Lord is swift in punishment, and surely He is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
168. And We scattered them through the earth in groups—some righteous, others far from it. And We tested them with good and bad, so that they might return (to the truth).
169.Then after them came successors who inherited the Scripture. They take the fleeting gains of this lower world, saying, “We will be forgiven.” And if similar gain came to them again, they would take it again. Was not the covenant of the Scripture taken from them that they would not say about Allah anything but the truth? And they studied what was in it. But the home of the Hereafter is better for those who are mindful—will you not understand?
170. But those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer—We will not let the reward of the righteous be lost.
171. And when We raised the mountain above them, as if it were a canopy, and they thought it would fall on them, We said, “Hold firmly to what We have given you and remember what is in it, so you may be mindful.”
172. And when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants, and made them bear witness against themselves, (saying), “Am I not your Lord?” They replied, “Yes, You are. We testify.” (This) was so that you would not say on the Day of Judgment, “We were unaware of this.”
173. Or say, “It was our ancestors who associated (others with Allah) before (us), and we were only their descendants. Will You then destroy us for what the false-doers did?”
174. And in this way We explain the signs, so that they may return (to the truth).
175. And recite to them the story of the one to whom We gave Our signs, but he detached himself from them, so Satan overtook him, and he became one of the misguided.
176. Had We willed, We could have elevated him through them, but he clung to the earth and followed his desires. So his example is like that of a dog: if you chase him, he pants; and if you leave him, he still pants. Such is the likeness of the people who deny Our signs. So relate these stories, so they may reflect.
177. What an evil example is that of the people who deny Our signs and wrong themselves.
178. Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. And whoever He lets go astray—it is they who are the losers.
179. And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and humankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle—no, even more astray. They are the heedless ones.
180. And to Allah belong the most beautiful names—so call upon Him by them. And leave those who abuse His names. They will be repaid for what they used to do.
181. And among those We created is a community that guides with truth and acts justly by it.
182. But those who deny Our signs—We will lead them gradually to destruction in ways they do not know.
183. And I will give them time. Surely, My plan is firm.
184. Do they not reflect? There is no madness in their companion (Muhammad). He is only a clear warner.
185. Have they not looked into the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah has created, and thought that perhaps their own end is near? Then in what message after this will they believe?
186. Whoever Allah allows to go astray—there is no guide for him. And He leaves them wandering blindly in their rebellion.
187. They ask you (O Prophet) about the Hour: “When will it come?” Say, “Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None can reveal its time except Him. It is heavy upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come to you except suddenly.” They ask you as if you were well-informed about it. Say, “Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most people do not know.”
188. Say, “I have no power to benefit or harm myself, except what Allah wills. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I would have gained much good and no harm would have touched me. I am only a warner and a bringer of good news for people who believe.”
189. It is He who created you from a single soul and made from it its mate, so he may find comfort in her. Then, when he covers her, she carries a light burden and continues with it. But when it becomes heavy, they both call upon Allah, their Lord, “If You give us a righteous child, we will surely be among the grateful.”
190. But when He gives them a righteous child, they associate partners with Him in what He has given them. Exalted is Allah above what they associate with Him.
191. Do they associate with Him those who create nothing and are themselves created?
192. And they cannot help them, nor can they help themselves.
193. If you call them to guidance, they do not follow you. It is the same whether you call them or remain silent.
194. Those you call upon besides Allah are only slaves like yourselves. So call upon them, and let them respond to you—if you are truthful.
195. Do they have feet to walk with? Or hands to strike with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say, “Call your ‘partners,’ then plot against me and give me no respite.”
196. “Indeed, my protector is Allah, who has revealed the Book, and He protects the righteous.”
197. Those you call on besides Him cannot help you, nor can they help themselves.
198. And if you call them to guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see.
199. Be gracious, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant.
200. And if a suggestion from Satan comes to you, then seek refuge in Allah. Surely, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
201. Indeed, those who are mindful (of Allah), when an evil thought from Satan touches them, they remember—and immediately they see clearly.
202. But their (devilish) brothers pull them deeper into error, and they never stop.
203. And when you do not bring them a sign, they say, “Why haven’t you made one up?” Say, “I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. These (verses) are insights from your Lord, and a guidance and mercy for people who believe.”
204. So when the Quran is recited, listen to it and pay attention, so that you may receive mercy.
205. And remember your Lord in yourself, humbly and in fear, without raising your voice—in the morning and in the evening—and do not be among the heedless.
206.Surely those who are with your Lord (the angels) are never too proud to worship Him. They glorify Him and prostrate to Him. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-A’raf is a majestic and deeply reflective chapter that takes the reader on a journey through the history of human guidance, the reality of divine testing, and the certainty of the Hereafter. It powerfully combines spiritual lessons, moral warnings, and historical narratives to show how God’s messages are consistently rejected by the arrogant and accepted by the humble.
One of the most striking features of this surah is how it connects the past, present, and future of human beings. It begins with a call to remember Allah’s words and follow His guidance, then recounts the story of Adam and Satan, revealing how disobedience and pride led to the fall of man. This becomes a mirror for all of humanity: each person must choose between humility and rebellion, between truth and temptation.
The surah’s retelling of the stories of ancient prophets is not just for information—it is a strong warning. Nations who rejected prophets like Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, and Shu’ayb were destroyed because of their arrogance, corruption, and disbelief. These are not just tales of the past; they reflect what happens whenever people ignore divine guidance and follow their desires.
The heart of the surah lies in the story of Moses and Pharaoh, which spans many verses. It illustrates the clash between truth and tyranny, the patience of the believer, and the stubbornness of those who deny clear signs. Moses emerges as a model of strong faith, while Pharaoh represents the ultimate failure of arrogance and injustice.
The mention of “Al-A’raf” (The Heights) introduces a powerful image of those who await judgment—neither sent immediately to Paradise nor Hell—showing that judgment is fair, detailed, and perfectly just. This calls the reader to think seriously about their own deeds and where they stand with Allah.
Toward the end, the surah becomes more personal and direct: it reminds believers to listen to the Quran with full attention, to remember Allah in humility, and to stay away from ignorance and pride. It urges us to be patient, to trust in Allah, and to know that success in this life and the next lies in obedience to Him.
Overall, Surah Al-A’raf is a deeply moving and spiritually rich chapter. It teaches that faith is not just belief—it is action, trust, and submission. It warns us that arrogance and heedlessness lead to ruin, while remembrance, humility, and gratitude lead to salvation. Its message is timeless: the truth is clear, the consequences are real, and the time to choose is now. 0 0 0
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Surah Al-A’raf (The Heights): Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions of Surah Al-A’raf (The Heights)
Q. What is Surah Al-A’raf in the Holy Quran?
Surah Al-A’raf is the 7th chapter of the Holy Quran. It is a long surah revealed in Makkah and emphasizes themes of guidance, the struggle between truth and falsehood, and the destiny of believers and disbelievers.
Q. Why is Surah Al-A’raf called “The Heights”?
The surah is named Al-A’raf (The Heights) because it mentions a place between Paradise and Hell where people will be stationed, awaiting their final judgment.
Q. How many verses are in Surah Al-A’raf (The Heights)?
Surah Al-A’raf contains 206 verses, making it one of the longer chapters of the Quran.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah Al-A’raf?
The main themes include the oneness of Allah, stories of past prophets, human accountability, the struggle between good and evil, and the final judgment on the Day of Resurrection.
Q. What lessons can Muslims learn from Surah Al-A’raf?
Muslims learn lessons of patience, trust in Allah, obedience to divine guidance, the dangers of arrogance and disobedience, and the importance of following the message of the prophets.
Q. Which prophets are mentioned in Surah Al-A’raf?
Prophets such as Nuh (Noah), Hud, Salih, Shu’ayb, Musa (Moses), and others are mentioned, highlighting their struggles in guiding their people.
Q. Is Surah Al-A’raf a Makki or Madani surah?
Surah Al-A’raf is a Makki surah, revealed before the Prophet Muhammad migrates to Madinah, focusing on faith, worship, and accountability.
Q. Why is Surah Al-A’raf important for Muslims?
It is important because it teaches believers to remain steadfast, avoid arrogance, learn from the stories of earlier nations, and prepare for the Hereafter.
Q. What does the word Al-A’raf mean in the Quran?
The word Al-A’raf means “The Heights” or “The Elevated Place.” It refers to a barrier between Paradise and Hell where certain people will stand on the Day of Judgment.
Q. What is the significance of Al-A’raf in Islamic teachings?
Al-A’raf highlights the concepts of accountability, divine justice, and the ultimate separation between the righteous and the wicked in the Hereafter.
Q. How does Surah Al-A’raf describe the dialogue between Heaven and Hell?
In Al-A’raf, the people of the Heights witness both Paradise and Hell, hearing voices from each side and realizing the importance of faith and obedience.
Q. Why should Muslims study Surah Al-A’raf carefully?
Studying Al-A’raf helps Muslims understand past nations’ mistakes, learn the importance of humility, and strengthen their preparation for the Hereafter.
Q. How is Al-A’raf connected with the stories of the prophets?
Al-A’raf includes stories of many prophets, such as Nuh, Hud, Salih, Shu’ayb, and Musa, to illustrate how different nations responded to divine guidance.
Q. What lessons does Al-A’raf teach about arrogance and humility?
Al-A’raf warns against arrogance, as shown in the story of Iblis who refused to bow to Adam. It teaches that humility and obedience to Allah lead to salvation.
Q. Is there a mention of Satan in Al-A’raf?
Yes, Al-A’raf recounts the story of Satan’s defiance when he refused to bow before Adam, marking the beginning of enmity between humans and Satan.
Q. How can reading Al-A’raf impact a believer’s life?
Reading Al-A’raf inspires believers to stay patient, avoid pride, follow prophetic teachings, and remember the reality of the Day of Judgment.0 0 0
The Call of Surah Al-A’raf: Lessons from The Heights
In Surah Al-A’raf, creation begins,
The tale of Adam, the struggle of sins.
Iblis in his pride refused to bow low,
Arrogance burning, his envy did show,
A warning to hearts of where pride leads within.
Surah Al-A’raf speaks loud of the call,
Prophets were sent with guidance for all.
Nuh faced rejection, his people denied,
Yet truth was upheld though the wicked defied,
Patience and trust lifted faith over fall.
In Surah Al-A’raf, the nations are named,
Ad and Thamud by their errors are shamed.
Hud called his people, yet pride closed their ears,
Salih spoke wisdom, but mockery appears,
The ruins remain as a lesson proclaimed.
Shu’ayb in Surah Al-A’raf warned with care,
Justice in trade, in dealings be fair.
But greed overcame and blinded their sight,
Punishment struck when they turned from the Light,
Reminders remain for all souls to beware.
The story of Musa in Surah Al-A’raf shines,
Pharaoh’s defiance broke Allah’s signs.
The sea was divided, the faithful were freed,
Yet still some faltered, consumed by their greed,
A mirror for mankind through all the lines.
In Surah Al-A’raf, the Heights stand tall,
Between Paradise gates and the fiery wall.
Some voices will plead, some faces will glow,
Judgment decides where each soul will go,
Mercy or loss will encompass them all.
The surah reminds us that truth must stay,
That prophets were sent to guide the way.
Arrogance blinds, but faith brings light,
Obedience saves on the Day of Might,
Surah Al-A’raf calls hearts to pray. 0 0 0
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