Discover the uplifting power of Surah Al-Ala (The Most High), Chapter 87 of the Holy Quran, a divine masterpiece that inspires purity, remembrance, and success. A radiant guide to hope, spiritual growth, and eternal triumph.
Surah 87: Al-Ala (The Most High)
Introduction
Surah Al-Ala, meaning “The Most High”, is the eighty-seventh chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah. It consists of nineteen short yet eloquent verses that glorify Allah’s supreme perfection, creative power, and guidance. The Surah begins with the command to glorify the name of Allah, the Most High — the One who creates in perfect proportion, decrees destinies, guides His creation, and causes life to flourish before reducing it to withered remains. It assures the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that Allah will enable him to recite the revelation without forgetting, except what Allah wills in His divine wisdom, and that Allah knows what is open and what is hidden. The Surah promises to make the Prophet’s path easy and instructs him to continue reminding people, for those who fear Allah will benefit, while those most wretched will turn away. The chapter describes the fate of the wicked in the blazing Fire and the success of those who purify themselves, remember Allah, and pray. It closes by contrasting the fleeting nature of worldly life with the enduring value of the Hereafter and affirms that this message is consistent with the earlier Scriptures revealed to Abraham and Moses.
Surah 87: Al-Ala (The Most High): Text
(1) Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High,
(2) Who created and proportioned,
(3) And Who determined and guided,
(4) And Who brings forth the pasture,
(5) Then turns it into dark, withered stubble.
(6) We will make you recite, so you will not forget,
(7) Except what Allah wills. Indeed, He knows what is apparent and what is hidden.
(8) And We will ease you toward ease.
(9) So remind, if the reminder benefits.
(10) He who fears will remember,
(11) But the most wretched will avoid it,
(12) He who will burn in the great Fire,
(13) Wherein he will neither die nor live.
(14) He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself,
(15) And remembers the name of his Lord and prays.
(16) But you prefer the worldly life,
(17) While the Hereafter is better and more lasting.
(18) Indeed, this is in the former Scriptures,
(19) The Scriptures of Abraham and Moses. 0 0 0
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Comment
Surah Al-A‘la is a reminder of Allah’s absolute perfection and His careful design of creation. It teaches that glorifying Allah is not merely a verbal act, but an acknowledgment of His authority over creation, destiny, and guidance. The verses encourage trust in Allah’s support, especially in the task of conveying His message, assuring the Prophet that his mission will be made smooth. The Surah draws a sharp contrast between two types of people: those who remember Allah, purify themselves, and succeed; and those who reject the truth, preferring the fleeting attractions of this life over the eternal reward of the Hereafter. The reminder that this message is the same as that in the Scriptures of Abraham and Moses reinforces the unity of divine revelation across time. Overall, the Surah calls believers to focus on purification, worship, and remembrance of Allah, while warning against becoming absorbed in temporary worldly pleasures at the cost of eternal success. 0 0 0
FAQs on Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High)
Q1. What is Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) about?
Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) is the 87th chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah, with 19 verses. It glorifies Allah as the Most High, who created, perfected, and proportioned everything. The surah calls for remembering God, purifying oneself, and prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly gains. It assures believers that those who seek purity, remember Allah, and follow divine guidance will succeed. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) is a profound reminder of God’s greatness and humanity’s duty to worship Him with sincerity.
Q2. Why is the surah named Al-Ala (The Most High)?
The surah is called Al-Ala (The Most High) because it begins with the command: “Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.” This title reflects God’s supreme position, beyond comparison, and above all creation. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) emphasizes His perfection in creation, guidance, and destiny. By beginning with this exaltation, the surah sets the tone for worship, gratitude, and reverence toward Allah, reminding believers to always elevate Him in remembrance and obedience.
Q3. What is the main theme of Surah Al-Ala (The Most High)?
The main theme of Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) is the glorification of Allah and the call to purify oneself for success in this life and the Hereafter. It contrasts worldly life, which is temporary and fleeting, with the eternal reward of the Hereafter. The surah teaches that true success lies in remembrance of Allah, purification of the soul, and adherence to divine guidance. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) reassures believers that the Hereafter is better and everlasting compared to worldly pursuits.
Q4. How does Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) describe Allah’s attributes?
Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) describes Allah as the One who created, fashioned, and perfected all things. He brings forth vegetation, causes it to flourish, and then wither into stubble, highlighting His power over life and death. The surah also shows Allah’s role as the One who ordains destiny and provides guidance. These attributes emphasize His absolute greatness, authority, and wisdom, urging believers to glorify Him as the Most High above all else.
Q5. What does Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) say about purification and success?
Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) highlights purification as the path to success. It states that those who purify themselves, remember Allah’s name, and perform prayer will achieve true prosperity. Purification here refers to both physical and spiritual cleansing—purifying the body, intentions, heart, and actions from sins and hypocrisy. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) teaches that success is not measured by wealth or status, but by faith, sincerity, and preparation for the everlasting life of the Hereafter.
Q6. How does Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) contrast this world and the Hereafter?
Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) describes the worldly life as fleeting and short-lived, much like vegetation that grows, flourishes, and then dries up. In contrast, the Hereafter is presented as better and everlasting. This comparison highlights the temporary nature of material pursuits and the importance of prioritizing eternal rewards. The surah encourages believers to detach from excessive love of worldly pleasures and to focus on deeds that ensure eternal success in the Hereafter.
Q7. How does Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) connect with Prophet Muhammad’s mission?
Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) reassures the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that Allah will make him recite the Quran and he will not forget it, except what Allah wills. This divine promise provided comfort and confidence to the Prophet in his mission. The surah also emphasizes that the Prophet’s role is to remind, while the acceptance of guidance rests with Allah’s will. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) thus strengthens the Prophet’s resolve in delivering the message of truth.
Q8. What role does remembrance of Allah play in Surah Al-Ala (The Most High)?
Remembrance of Allah is central in Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High). It teaches that success is linked to remembering Allah’s name and glorifying Him through prayer and worship. By keeping Allah constantly in one’s thoughts, a believer strengthens faith, purifies the soul, and finds peace. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) shows that remembrance is not only ritualistic but also a way of life—guiding actions, intentions, and priorities.
Q9. How is Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) used in Islamic practice?
Surah Al-Ala (The Most High) is often recited in daily prayers, especially in Friday prayers and Eid prayers, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Its recitation brings a sense of humility and reflection, reminding worshippers of Allah’s greatness and the fleeting nature of worldly life. Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High) serves as both a spiritual reminder and a guide for living with faith, purity, and hope in the Hereafter.
Q10. What practical lessons can Muslims take from Surah Al-A‘la (The Most High)?
Muslims can take several lessons from Surah Al-Ala (The Most High): always glorify Allah, recognize His power in creation, strive for purification of the heart and body, and prioritize the Hereafter over worldly temptations. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in worship, to remember Allah in all aspects of life, and to trust in His guidance. The surah also calls for gratitude, humility, and focus on eternal success, making it a timeless source of inspiration.
