Explore Surah 25: Al-Furqan (The Criterion) with English translation. Learn its message on truth, falsehood, divine signs, and guidance for a righteous life.
Surah 25: Al-Furqan (The Criterion)
Introduction
Surah Al-Furqan is the 25th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It contains 77 verses and was revealed in Makkah, during the early period of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission. The name Al-Furqan means The Criterion, which refers to the Qur’an itself—a divine book that clearly distinguishes between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.
This Surah begins by praising Allah, who sent down the Qur’an to guide all of humanity. It responds to the false accusations made by the disbelievers against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), such as calling him a liar, a poet, or a madman. It explains why the Qur’an was revealed gradually and not all at once—to strengthen the Prophet’s heart and to deal with events as they occurred.
Surah Al-Furqan gives strong warnings to those who reject faith and mock the message. It reminds people of the destruction of past nations who denied their prophets. At the same time, it offers hope to sinners who repent, assuring them that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Surah is its ending, where the qualities of ‘Ibad-ur-Rahman (the true servants of the Most Merciful) are described. These are humble, patient, prayerful, peaceful, and righteous people who are promised Paradise as their eternal home.
In short, Surah Al-Furqan is both a warning and a comfort. It invites reflection, repentance, and sincerity—and it shows that those who follow the guidance of the Qur’an are truly on the straight path.
Surah 25: Al-Furqan (The Criterion): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. Blessed is the One who sent down the Criterion (Quran) to His servant, so he may be a warner to the worlds.
2. He to whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He has never taken a son, nor does He have a partner in His rule. He created everything and measured it precisely.
3. Yet they have taken gods besides Him—gods that cannot create anything but are themselves created. They control neither harm nor benefit for themselves. They have no power over life or death or resurrection.
4. The disbelievers say, ‘This is nothing but a lie that he has made up, and others have helped him with it.’ They have come up with injustice and falsehood.
5. And they say, ‘Tales of the past that he has written down, which are dictated to him morning and evening.’
6. Say, ‘It is He who knows every secret in the heavens and the earth. He is Always Forgiving, Most Merciful.’
7. And they say, ‘What kind of messenger is this? He eats food and walks in the markets! Why was no angel sent down to be with him as a warner?’
8. ‘Or a treasure should have been given to him, or he should have had a garden from which he could eat!’ And the wrongdoers say, ‘You are only following a man who has been bewitched!’
9. Look at the kinds of accusations they make against you, but they have gone astray and cannot find a path.
10. Blessed is the One who, if He wills, can give you far better than all of that—gardens beneath which rivers flow, and palaces.
11. But they deny the Hour. And We have prepared a blazing fire for those who deny the Hour.
12. When the Fire sees them from a distance, they will hear its angry roar and boiling sound.
13. And when they are thrown into a narrow place inside it, chained together, they will cry out for death.
14. But they will be told, ‘Do not cry out for one death today—cry out for many deaths!’
15. Say, ‘Is that better, or the Garden of Eternity that has been promised to those who are mindful of Allah? It will be their reward and final destination.’
16. They will have whatever they wish in it, staying there forever. This is a promise your Lord will fulfill.
17. On the Day when He gathers them and all that they used to worship besides Allah, He will say, ‘Did you lead My servants astray, or did they stray from the path on their own?’
18. They will say, ‘Glory be to You! It was not right for us to take any protectors besides You. But You let them and their forefathers enjoy worldly life so long that they forgot the reminder and became a ruined people.’
19. So now they have denied you in what you say, and you cannot stop their punishment or get help. And whoever of you does wrong, We will make him taste a great punishment.
20. And We never sent any messengers before you who did not eat food and walk in the markets. And We made some of you a test for others. Will you be patient? And your Lord is always Watchful.
21. Those who do not expect to meet Us say, ‘Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?’ They have become arrogant about themselves and have crossed all bounds in pride.
22. On the Day they see the angels, there will be no good news for the wrongdoers that day, and they will cry out, ‘Keep away from us!’
23. And We will turn to the deeds they did and make them like scattered dust.
24. The people of Paradise will have the best place to settle and the finest resting place.
25. And on the Day the sky will split open with clouds, and the angels will be sent down in ranks,
26. True control on that Day will belong to the Most Merciful. And it will be a very hard day for the disbelievers.
27. On that Day, the wrongdoer will bite his hands and say, ‘Oh! If only I had taken the path with the Messenger!’
28. ‘Woe to me! I wish I had not taken so-and-so as a close friend.’
29. ‘He truly led me away from the Reminder after it had come to me. And Satan has always betrayed people.’
30. And the Messenger will say, ‘My Lord, my people have abandoned this Qur’an!’
31. And this is how We made enemies for every prophet from among the criminals. But your Lord is enough as a Guide and a Helper.
32. The disbelievers say, ‘Why was the Qur’an not sent down to him all at once?’ It was sent gradually so We could strengthen your heart with it. We revealed it in stages.
33. And whenever they bring you an argument, We bring you the truth and the best explanation.
34. Those who will be gathered to Hell on their faces—they are in the worst position and farthest from the right path.
35. We gave Moses the Scripture and appointed his brother Aaron as his helper.
36. Then We said, ‘Go together to the people who have denied Our signs.’ And in the end, We destroyed them completely.
37. And the people of Noah—when they rejected the messengers, We drowned them and made them a warning for others. And We have prepared a painful punishment for the wrongdoers.
38. And so it was with ‘Aad, Thamud, and the people of ar-Rass, and many generations between them.
39. To each of them We gave examples and then destroyed them completely.
40. And they have certainly passed by the town on which a terrible rain was poured—but still they do not take it seriously. Do they not expect to be raised again?
41. When they see you, they only mock you, saying, ‘Is this the one Allah has sent as a messenger?’
42. ‘He nearly misled us from our gods, if we had not been so devoted to them!’ But they will soon know, when they see the punishment, who is truly more astray from the path.
43. Have you seen the one who has taken his own desires as his god? Can you be responsible for guiding him?
44. Do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are just like cattle—no, even worse in their path.
45. Have you not seen how your Lord stretches the shadow? If He willed, He could have made it still. Then We made the sun its guide.
46. Then We gradually draw it back toward Us.
47. And it is He who made the night as a covering for you, and sleep for rest, and made the day for rising to work.
48. And it is He who sends the winds as good news before His mercy, and We send down pure water from the sky,
49. So that We may give life to a dead land with it, and provide it as a drink for countless animals and people.
50. And We certainly distribute it among them in different ways so they may remember, but most people only reject the truth.
51. Had We willed, We could have sent a warner to every town.
52. So do not obey the disbelievers, but struggle against them with this (Qur’an) in a great struggle.
53. And it is He who has released the two seas—one fresh and sweet, and the other salty and bitter—yet He placed a barrier between them, a boundary they cannot cross.
54. And it is He who created human beings from water and then made them relatives by blood and marriage. Your Lord is Most Powerful.
55. Still, they worship others besides Allah—things that can neither benefit them nor harm them. The disbeliever is always an ally against his own Lord.
56. And We have only sent you as a bearer of good news and a warner.
57. Say, ‘I do not ask you for any reward for it, except that whoever wants may take a path to his Lord.’
58. And put your trust in the Living One who never dies, and glorify His praise. He is fully aware of the sins of His servants.
59. He who created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in six days, then rose over the Throne—He is the Most Merciful. So ask about Him from someone who knows.
60. And when it is said to them, ‘Prostrate yourselves to the Most Merciful,’ they say, ‘Who is the Most Merciful? Should we prostrate to what you are telling us?’ And it only increases their hatred.
61. Blessed is the One who placed constellations in the sky, and placed in it a lamp and a shining moon.
62. And it is He who made the night and the day follow each other—for whoever wants to reflect or be thankful.
63. The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk on the earth with humility, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they respond with words of peace.
64. And those who spend part of the night worshipping their Lord—standing and prostrating.
65. And those who pray, ‘Our Lord, keep the punishment of Hell away from us. Its punishment is truly terrible.’
66. ‘Indeed, it is an evil place to settle and to remain.’
67. And those who, when they spend, are neither wasteful nor stingy, but stay between the two—balanced.
68. And those who do not call on any other god besides Allah, and do not kill a soul that Allah has forbidden—except with justice—and do not commit adultery. Whoever does any of these will face punishment.
69. The punishment will be doubled for them on the Day of Judgment, and they will remain in it in humiliation—
70. Except for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds. Allah will change their evil deeds into good, for Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
71. And whoever repents and does good deeds has truly turned back to Allah in sincere repentance.
72. And those who do not give false testimony, and when they pass by useless talk, they pass with dignity.
73. And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall before them deaf and blind.
74. And those who say, ‘Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and children a comfort to our eyes, and make us leaders for those who are mindful of You.’
75. These are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in Paradise for their patience. They will be greeted with peace and honour,
76. Staying there forever. What a wonderful home and place to rest!
77. Say, ‘You would not matter to my Lord were it not for your prayers. But you have denied the truth, so the punishment is coming, and it cannot be avoided.’ 0 0 0
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Comment
Surah Al-Furqan is a powerful and deeply meaningful chapter that highlights the Qur’an’s role as the ultimate standard for truth and guidance. It shows how the disbelievers doubted the message, mocked the Prophet, and demanded miracles, yet ignored the clear signs already before them. Through this, Allah teaches that arrogance and stubbornness—more than a lack of evidence—are what keep people away from the truth.
This Surah also beautifully balances warning with mercy. While it gives stern reminders of Hellfire and past punishments, it also offers hope: even those who committed the worst sins—like shirk, murder, and adultery—can be forgiven if they truly repent and change their ways.
The closing verses, describing the ‘Servants of the Most Merciful,’ serve as a practical guide for Muslims. These qualities—humility, patience, peacefulness, prayer, generosity, and sincerity—are the true measures of success in the sight of Allah. These verses remind us that faith is not only belief in the heart but must be reflected in behavior and character.
Surah Al-Furqan invites every person to ask themselves: Am I following the Furqan (the Criterion) in my life? Am I among the people of truth and light, or among those who ignore and mock it? 0 0 0
Surah 25: Al-Furqan: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 25: Al-Furqan
Q. What is the meaning of Surah 25: Al-Furqan?
Ans: Surah 25: Al-Furqan means The Criterion, and it highlights the distinction between truth and falsehood. it also emphasizes divine guidance for believers.
Q. How many verses are in Surah 25: Al-Furqan?
Ans: Surah 25: Al-Furqan contains 77 verses. It was revealed in Makkah, and it focuses on strengthening the faith of early Muslims.
Q. Why is Surah 25 called Al-Furqan?
Ans: Surah 25: Al-Furqan is called The Criterion because it sets the standard for separating truth from lies. It also establishes clear moral boundaries.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah 25: Al-Furqan?
Ans: The main themes of Surah Al-Furqan include divine revelation, the reality of judgment, and the qualities of true servants of Allah. It warns against disbelief, and Surah 25: Al-Furqan calls for righteous living.
Q. When was Surah 25: Al-Furqan revealed?
Ans: Surah 25: Al-Furqan was revealed in Makkah. It came during a period of opposition to Islam, and it provided reassurance to the Prophet (PBUH).
Q. What is the importance of Surah 25: Al-Furqan for Muslims?
Ans: Surah 25: Al-Furqan is important as it defines the difference between truth and falsehood. It guides believers in faith, and strengthens moral discipline. 0 0 0
The Light of the Criterion – Surah Al-Furqan
Revealed in truth, a book so clear,
Surah Al-Furqan draws hearts near.
It stands as Criterion, sharp and bright,
Separating falsehood from guiding light.
It calls mankind to see the signs,
In shifting stars and ordered lines.
The rivers flow, the seas divide,
Yet Allah’s wisdom rules each tide.
The night and day, they turn and blend,
A cycle vast that has no end.
Creation speaks, the heavens tell,
That Allah alone does all things well.
The doubters mock, the proud deride,
Calling it tales from ancient side.
But Surah Al-Furqan answers strong,
This is God’s word, to Him belongs.
It warns of Judgment, stern and fair,
Where none escape, and all must bear.
The scales of justice, firm and true,
Will weigh each soul for what they do.
The wicked face their darkened fate,
Who chose denial, pride, and hate.
But those who trust in Allah’s care,
Find mercy waiting, pure and rare.
It shows the Servants of the Most High,
Who walk in peace as years pass by.
When anger calls, they do not fight,
They answer wrong with words of light.
In prayer they bow, in night they weep,
While others turn to careless sleep.
Their hearts are soft, their hopes refined,
They seek Allah with soul and mind.
They shun the idols, lies, and crime,
Their path is pure through passing time.
They guard their oaths, their words are true,
Their steps are firm in all they do.
O seeker of truth, let this be known,
Surah Al-Furqan is mercy shown.
A guide, a lamp, a shining sign,
For every age, for all mankind.
So hold this book with faith sincere,
Its wisdom guards, its light is near.
The Criterion stands, both firm and tall,
A guide eternal, for one and all. 0 0 0
