Read Surah 61: As-Saff (The Ranks) with English translation and comments. Discover its call for unity, sincerity in faith, and striving in Allah’s cause.
Surah 61: As-Saff (The Ranks)
Introduction
Surah As-Saff, meaning ‘The Ranks’ or ‘The Battle Array,’ is a Madinan chapter consisting of 14 verses. It encourages believers to be sincere in their faith and actions, especially when striving in the cause of Allah. The Surah highlights the importance of unity, honesty, and fighting for justice. It reminds Muslims of the example set by earlier prophets like Moses and Jesus, who faced opposition but remained steadfast. The chapter also warns against hypocrisy and urges believers to support Allah and His Messenger with true dedication, promising great reward both in this life and the Hereafter. 0 0 0
Surah 61: As-Saff (The Ranks): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
2. O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not do?
3. Most hateful it is with Allah that you say what you do not do.
4. Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in rows as if they were a solid structure.
5. And when Moses said to his people, “O my people! Why do you harm me while you know that I am the Messenger of Allah to you?” But when they deviated, Allah caused their hearts to deviate. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.
6. And when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, “O children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah to you confirming what was before me of the Torah and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.” But when he came to them with clear proofs, they said, “This is obvious magic.”
7. And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah while being invited to Islam? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
8. They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light even though the disbelievers dislike it.
9. It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although the polytheists dislike it.
10 O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful punishment?
11. That you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you only knew.
12. He will forgive you your sins and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Paradise. That is the great success.
13. And what is the matter with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppression, and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper”?
14. Those who believe, fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject faith fight in the cause of Taghut. So fight against the allies of Satan. Indeed, the plot of Satan is weak. Whoever helps Allah and His Messenger, Allah will surely help him in this world and the Hereafter and will grant him a mighty reward. 0 0 0
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Comment
This Surah emphasizes the importance of sincere commitment to faith, both in words and actions. It warns believers not to say things they do not do, pointing out the harm of hypocrisy. The reference to ‘ranks’ symbolizes the strength of a united community working together firmly for a just cause. The Surah also encourages Muslims to fight against injustice and support the oppressed, reflecting a universal message of standing for truth. Finally, it assures believers that Allah will aid and reward those who sincerely strive in His path, giving hope and motivation to remain steadfast in difficult times. 0 0 0
10 Detailed FAQs on Surah As-Saff
Q: What is Surah As-Saff about?
A: Surah As-Saff emphasizes unity, sincerity, and striving in the path of Allah. It warns against hypocrisy, encourages discipline among believers, and highlights the honor of supporting Allah’s message sincerely.
Q: Why is Surah As-Saff called “The Ranks”?
A: The name “As-Saff” comes from the image of believers standing in disciplined ranks, like a solid structure, united in their mission of upholding truth and justice.
Q: How many verses are in Surah As-Saff and where was it revealed?
A: Surah As-Saff contains 14 verses and was revealed in Madinah. It addresses the Muslim community with reminders about sincerity, discipline, and striving for Allah’s cause.
Q: What warning does Surah As-Saff give against hypocrisy?
A: The Surah warns against those who say what they do not do. This form of hypocrisy weakens faith and community strength, and the Surah stresses that words must be matched with sincere action.
Q: How does Surah As-Saff encourage believers to strive in Allah’s path?
A: Believers are called to fight for the truth with unity and courage, promising them forgiveness, Paradise, and divine help if they strive with their wealth and lives sincerely.
Q: What does Surah As-Saff say about Prophet Musa and Prophet Isa?
A: Prophet Musa’s people are criticized for disobeying him, while Prophet Isa is honored for confirming the Torah and giving glad tidings of Prophet Muhammad’s coming. This shows the continuity of divine messages and the rejection faced by previous prophets.
Q: How does Surah As-Saff describe the mission of Prophet Muhammad?
A: The Surah highlights that Prophet Muhammad was sent with guidance and the true religion to prevail over all falsehood, even if disbelievers resist it.
Q: What is the “best trade” mentioned in Surah As-Saff?
A: The Surah describes striving in Allah’s path as a profitable trade—sacrificing wealth and life for faith in return for forgiveness, Paradise, and eternal success.
Q: What lesson does Surah As-Saff teach about unity?
A: Unity is portrayed as strength; when believers stand in disciplined ranks, they resemble a solid wall, unshakable against enemies.
Q: How can Surah As-Saff guide Muslims today?
A: Surah As-Saff inspires Muslims to be sincere, disciplined, and united in their faith, avoiding hypocrisy and working together to uphold truth and justice in society.
