Explore Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara (The Poets) with English translation. Learn its powerful stories of prophets, lessons of faith, and warnings against disbelief.
Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara (The Poets)
Introduction
Surah Ash-Shu’ara is the 26th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Makkah and contains 227 verses. The name Ash-Shu’ara, which means The Poets, comes from the closing section of the Surah, where poets who speak without truth or responsibility are contrasted with those who believe in Allah and use their words for righteousness.
The Surah begins with a deep expression of the Prophet Muhammad’s sorrow over people who refused to believe in the truth, despite the clear signs. It then moves into a series of powerful stories from the lives of earlier prophets—Moses, Abraham, Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, and Shu‘aib—all of whom faced rejection by their people. Each story ends with the same message: “Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. And your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.”
The Surah shows how each messenger was sincere, patient, and called their people with wisdom. It also shows how arrogant and stubborn those people were—mocking their prophets and demanding miracles, but still refusing to believe.
Towards the end, the Surah shifts focus to the Qur’an itself, confirming that it is a revelation from Allah, brought down by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), and not something made up. It reminds that the Qur’an is not the work of devils or poets, but the speech of the Lord of the Worlds. The last verses warn against blindly following empty talk and praise those poets who believe, do good, and stand up for truth.
Overall, Surah Ash-Shu’ara is a message of truth versus falsehood, faith versus arrogance, and guidance versus misguidance. It is both a comfort for the Prophet and a warning to those who reject divine truth. 0 0 0
Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara (The Poets
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. Ṭā Sīn Mīm.
2. These are verses from the clear Book.
3. You may feel sorrowful because they do not become believers.
4. If We willed, We could send down a sign from the sky to them, and their necks would bow in submission to it.
5. But whenever a new reminder comes to them from the Most Merciful, they only turn away from it.
6.So they have denied the truth. But soon, the consequences of what they mocked will come to them.
7. Do they not look at the earth—how many good things We have caused to grow on it?
8. Surely, in this there is a sign, yet most of them do not believe.
9. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
10. And remember when your Lord called Moses, saying, ‘Go to the wrongdoing people—
11. The people of Pharaoh—will they not fear Me?’
12. Moses said, ‘My Lord, I fear they will reject me.’
13. ‘And my heart will be tight, and my tongue will not speak clearly—so send Aaron with me.’
14. ‘They also have a charge against me, and I fear they will kill me.’
15. Allah said, ‘No! Go both of you with Our signs. We will be with you, listening.’
16. ‘So go to Pharaoh and say, “We are messengers from the Lord of all worlds.”’
17. ‘Let the Children of Israel go with us.’
18. Pharaoh said, ‘Did we not raise you as a child among us? And did you not stay with us for many years of your life?’
19. ‘And then you committed that deed of yours—you were one of the ungrateful!’
20. Moses said, ‘I did it then when I was unaware.’
21. ‘So I fled from you when I feared you. But my Lord granted me wisdom and made me one of the messengers.’
22. ‘Is this the favour with which you now reproach me—that you enslaved the Children of Israel?’
23. Pharaoh said, ‘And what is the Lord of all worlds?’
24. Moses replied, ‘The Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything in between—if you are truly sure.’
25. Pharaoh said to those around him, ‘Did you hear that?’
26. Moses said, ‘He is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.’
27. Pharaoh said, ‘This messenger who has been sent to you is truly mad!’
28. Moses said, ‘He is the Lord of the east and the west and everything in between—if you have any sense.’
29. Pharaoh said, ‘If you take any god other than me, I will throw you into prison!’
30. Moses said, ‘Even if I bring you something clear?’
31. Pharaoh said, ‘Then bring it—if you are telling the truth.’
32. So Moses threw his staff, and suddenly it became a real serpent.
33. And he pulled out his hand, and it was shining white for everyone to see.
34. Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, ‘This man is surely a skilled magician.’
35. ‘He wants to drive you out of your land with his magic. So what do you advise?’
36. They said, ‘Delay him and his brother for a while, and send messengers to all cities,
37. To bring every skilled magician to you.’
38. So the magicians were gathered at an appointed time on a set day.
39. And it was said to the people, ‘Will you all gather together?’
40. ‘So that we may follow the magicians if they are the winners.’
41. When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, ‘Will we have a reward if we are the winners?’
42. He said, ‘Yes, and you will be among those close to me.’
43. Moses said to them, ‘Throw down whatever you are going to throw.’
44. So they threw down their ropes and staffs, and said, ‘By Pharaoh’s might, we will surely win!’
45. Then Moses threw his staff—and suddenly, it swallowed up all they had faked.
46. The magicians fell down in prostration.
47. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of all worlds—
48. The Lord of Moses and Aaron.’
49. Pharaoh said, ‘How dare you believe in Him before I give you permission! He must be your master who taught you magic. I will certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and crucify you all!’
50. They said, ‘No matter. We are returning to our Lord anyway.’
51. ‘We hope our Lord will forgive us our sins, for we were the first to believe.’
52. And We revealed to Moses, ‘Leave with My servants by night, for you will surely be pursued.’
53.Then Pharaoh sent messengers throughout the cities,
54. Saying, ‘These people are just a small group,
55. And they have made us angry,
56. But we are a large army, always alert.’
57. So We drove them out of gardens and springs,
58. And treasures and splendid dwellings—
59. So it was. And We gave all that as inheritance to the Children of Israel.
60. And they pursued them at sunrise.
61. When the two groups came face to face, the companions of Moses said, ‘We’re surely going to be caught!’
62. Moses said, ‘No! My Lord is with me. He will guide me.’
63. Then We revealed to Moses, ‘Strike the sea with your staff.’ So it parted, and each side became like a huge, solid mountain.
64. We brought the others there as well.
65. And We saved Moses and all those with him.
66. Then We drowned the rest.
67. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
68. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
69. Tell them the story of Abraham.
70. When he said to his father and his people, ‘What do you worship?’
71. They said, ‘We worship idols and remain devoted to them.’
72. He asked, ‘Do they hear you when you call on them?’
73. ‘Or do they benefit you or harm you?’
74. They said, ‘No, but this is what we found our forefathers doing.’
75. He said, ‘Have you really thought about what you have been worshipping—
76. You and your forefathers?
77. They are all enemies to me—except the Lord of the Worlds,
78. Who created me, and He alone guides me.
79. He is the One who gives me food and drink.
80. And when I am sick, He is the One who heals me.
81. And He is the One who will cause me to die and then bring me back to life.
82. And He is the One from whom I hope for forgiveness of my sins on the Day of Judgment.
83. My Lord, grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous.
84. And give me a good name and remembrance among those who come after me.
85. And make me one of those who will inherit the Garden of Bliss.
86. And forgive my father—he is truly one of those who are lost.
87. And do not disgrace me on the Day they are raised up,
88. The Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any use—
89. Except for the one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.
90. And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous.
91. And Hellfire will be made visible to those who were astray.
92. It will be said to them, ‘Where are those you used to worship,
93. Other than Allah? Can they help you or help themselves?’
94. Then they will be hurled into Hell—both they and those who misled them,
95. Along with all the soldiers of Satan.
96. There they will cry out in quarrelling:
97. ‘By Allah, we were clearly in error,
98. When we treated you (false gods) as equals with the Lord of the Worlds.’
99. ‘No one misled us except the criminals.’
100. ‘Now we have no one to intercede for us,
101. And no close friend.’
102. ‘If only we had a second chance, we would be among the believers!’
103. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
104. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
105. The people of Noah denied the messengers,
106. When their brother Noah said to them, ‘Will you not fear Allah?’
107. ‘I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.’
108. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
109. ‘I do not ask you for any reward. My reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.’
110. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
111. They said, ‘Should we believe in you, even though you are followed by the lowest among us?’
112. He said, ‘What knowledge do I have of what they used to do?’
113. ‘Their account is only with my Lord, if only you understood.’
114. ‘And I am not going to drive away the believers.’
115. ‘I am only a clear warner.’
116. They said, ‘Noah, if you do not stop, you will surely be stoned to death.’
117. He said, ‘My Lord, my people have denied me.’
118. ‘So judge between me and them clearly, and save me and the believers who are with me.’
119. So We saved him and those with him in the fully loaded Ark.
120.Then We drowned the rest afterwards.
121. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
122. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
123. The people of ‘Aad denied the messengers,
124. When their brother Hud said to them, ‘Will you not fear Allah?’
125. ‘I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.’
126. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
127. ‘I do not ask you for any reward. My reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.’
128. ‘Do you build great monuments on every hill just for show?’
129. ‘And do you build strong fortresses as if you will live forever?’
130. ‘And when you attack, you act like cruel tyrants?’
131. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
132. ‘And fear the One who has provided you with everything you know,’
133. ‘Who gave you flocks and children,’
134. ‘And gardens and springs.’
135. ‘I truly fear for you the punishment of a great day.’
136. They said, ‘It is the same to us whether you warn us or not.’
137. ‘These are nothing but old fables.’
138. ‘And we will never be punished.’
139. So they denied him, and We destroyed them. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
140. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
141. The people of Thamud denied the messengers,
142. When their brother Salih said to them, ‘Will you not fear Allah?’
143. ‘I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.’
144. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
145. ‘I do not ask you for any reward. My reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.’
146. ‘Will you be left to live in safety in what you have here,’
147. ‘Among gardens and springs,’
148. ‘And fields of crops and palm trees with soft, ripe fruit?’
149. ‘Carving homes in the mountains with great skill?’
150. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
151. ‘And do not obey those who go too far,’
152. ‘Those who cause corruption in the land and do not set things right.’
153. They said, ‘You are only under a spell,’
154. ‘You are just a human like us. So bring a sign, if you are truthful.’
155. He said, ‘Here is a she-camel. She has a right to drink, and you have a right to drink on your appointed day.’
156. ‘And do not harm her, or the punishment of a great day will seize you.’
157. But they killed her, and then were full of regret.
158. So the punishment overtook them. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
159. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
160. The people of Lot denied the messengers,
161. When their brother Lot said to them, ‘Will you not fear Allah?’
162. ‘I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.’
163. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
164. ‘I do not ask you for any reward. My reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.’
165. ‘Do you really approach males from among all creation,’
166. ‘And leave the wives your Lord has created for you? You are truly a people who cross all limits.’
167. They said, ‘If you do not stop, O Lot, you will surely be driven out.’
168. He said, ‘I truly hate what you do.’
169. ‘My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.’
170. So We saved him and all his family—
171. Except for an old woman who remained behind.
172. Then We destroyed the rest.
173. And We rained upon them a rain—how terrible was the rain that fell on those who were warned!
174. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
175. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
176. The people of the forest (Madyan) also denied the messengers,
177. When Shu‘aib said to them, ‘Will you not fear Allah?’
178. ‘I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.’
179. ‘So fear Allah and obey me.’
180. ‘I do not ask you for any reward. My reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.’
181. ‘Give full measure, and do not cheat.’
182. ‘Weigh with accurate scales.’
183. ‘And do not deprive people of their rights or spread corruption in the land.’
184. ‘And fear the One who created you and the earlier generations.’
185. They said, ‘You are clearly under a spell!’
186. ‘You are only a human like us, and we think you are lying.’
187. ‘Cause a piece of the sky to fall on us, if you are telling the truth!’
188. He said, ‘My Lord knows best what you are doing.’
189. But they rejected him, so the punishment of the Day of the Overwhelming Shade seized them. It was truly the punishment of a terrible day.
190. Surely in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe.
191. And indeed, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.
192. And truly, this Qur’an is a revelation from the Lord of all worlds.
193. The trustworthy Spirit (Gabriel) brought it down,
194. To your heart, so you would be one of the warners,
195. In a clear Arabic language.
196. And it is indeed mentioned in the earlier scriptures.
197. Is it not a sign for them that the scholars of the Children of Israel recognized it?
198. Even if We had sent it down to someone who was not an Arab,
199. And he recited it to them, they still would not have believed.
200. This is how We let it enter the hearts of the wicked.
201. They will not believe in it until they see the painful punishment,
202. Which will come to them suddenly, while they do not expect it.
203. Then they will say, ‘Can we be given more time?’
204. Do they really want to rush Our punishment?
205. Have you considered—if We let them enjoy life for years,
206. And then the punishment comes to them as they were promised,
207. Of what use will their past enjoyment be to them?
208. We never destroyed a town without sending warners to them,
209. To remind them. And We were never unjust.
210. It was not the devils who brought this Qur’an down—
211. It does not suit them, and they are not able to do so.
212. Indeed, they (the devils) are kept far away from hearing it.
213. So do not call upon any other god along with Allah, or you will be among those who are punished.
214. And warn your closest relatives,
215. And be gentle and humble with the believers who follow you.
216. But if they disobey you, say, ‘I am free of what you do.’
217. And put your trust in the Almighty, the Most Merciful—
218. The One who sees you when you stand (in prayer),
219. And sees your movements among those who prostrate.
220. Surely He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
221. Shall I tell you on whom the devils descend?
222. They descend upon every sinful liar.
223. They listen eagerly, but most of them are liars.
224. As for the poets—the misled follow them.
225. Do you not see how they wander aimlessly in every valley (of speech),
226. And say things they do not really do?
227. Except for those who believe, do good deeds, remember Allah often, and defend themselves after being wronged. And the wrongdoers will soon know to what place they will return. 0 0 0
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Comment
Surah Ash-Shu’ara is a powerful reminder that the truth always faces resistance. It shows us that even the greatest prophets—like Moses, Noah, Abraham, and others—were rejected and mocked by their people. Yet they remained patient, sincere, and committed to delivering Allah’s message. This Surah reminds the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and all believers, that rejection is part of the path of truth, but Allah’s support is always near. 0 0 0
One of the strongest messages in this Surah is that arrogance, pride, and blind loyalty to tradition can lead people to ignore even the clearest signs from Allah. Again and again, we see how nations were destroyed not because they didn’t hear the truth, but because they chose to deny it.
Another key lesson comes at the end: words have power. Poets and speakers can mislead people with flowery speech, but those who use their words for truth, remembrance of Allah, and justice—these are the ones praised by Allah. The Surah teaches us that speech should not be used for amusement or lies but for guidance and righteousness.
In short, Surah Ash-Shu’ara encourages believers to remain strong and firm in their mission, to trust in Allah, and not be discouraged by rejection. It also warns against following popular voices that lead away from faith and truth. The real honour belongs to those who believe, do good, and speak with purpose. 0 0 0
Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara
Q. What is Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara about?
Ans: Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara is about the stories of past prophets like Musa, Ibrahim, Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, and Shu‘ayb. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara emphasizes the struggles of prophets against rejection. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara highlights the victory of truth over falsehood.
Q. How many verses are in Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara?
Ans: Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara has 227 verses. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara is one of the longer Makkan chapters. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara carries a repeated refrain stressing that revelation is truth but most people do not believe.
Q. Why is Surah 26 called Ash-Shu’ara (The Poets)?
Ans: Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara is named after the poets mentioned at the end of the surah. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara contrasts false poets who mislead people with true revelation. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara defends the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as not being like them.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara?
Ans: The main themes of Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara include the truth of revelation, the rejection faced by prophets, and the consequences of disbelief. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara stresses faith in Allah. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara inspires patience and trust in divine justice.
Q. When was Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara revealed?
Ans: Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara was revealed in Makkah. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara came at a time when the Prophet (PBUH) faced strong opposition. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara gave comfort and reassurance to him and his followers.
Q. What is the significance of Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara for Muslims today?
Ans: Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara reminds Muslims to hold firm in faith. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara shows that prophets endured rejection yet remained steadfast. Surah 26: Ash-Shu’ara teaches that truth ultimately prevails. 0 0 0
The Message of Surah Ash-Shu’ara
In Makkah’s night a surah came,
Ash-Shu’ara, The Poets by name.
Its verses strong, its warnings clear,
A voice of truth for all to hear.
It told of Musa, bold and true,
Who faced Pharaoh with signs anew.
Though magic failed, Allah prevailed,
And tyrant pride at last was veiled.
It spoke of Ibrahim, full of trust,
Who broke the idols turned to dust.
He called his people, night and day,
Yet only few would walk his way.
It sang of Nuh, in endless rain,
Who bore rejection, scorn, and pain.
He built his ark while mockers jeered,
But truth was saved, while falsehood cleared.
It warned of Hud in desert land,
Who called ‘Ad with a guiding hand.
They turned away in pride so tall,
The storm of wrath consumed them all.
It told of Salih, kind and wise,
Who showed the camel as a sign.
His people struck it down with pride,
And in destruction they did reside.
It spoke of Lut, in city vile,
Where sins prevailed in every mile.
He called for purity, truth, and care,
But fire and stone were waiting there.
It told of Shu‘ayb, the man of trade,
Who warned of cheating when deals were made.
His people mocked, refused his plea,
And perished then in misery.
Each prophet’s story, verse by verse,
Reveals the fate of hearts perverse.
Yet every tale repeats the call:
Believe in Allah, the Lord of all.
At surah’s end, the poets came,
Who misled crowds with songs of blame.
But not the Prophet—his words are true,
Revealed by Allah, a light to you.
So Ash-Shu’ara, with voice profound,
Declares where truth and falsehood stand.
A surah strong, a guide so bright,
A shield of faith, a beam of light. 0 0 0
