Explore Surah 14: Ibrahim (Abraham) with full text, introduction, and commentary. Discover its message of faith, gratitude, divine guidance, and the story of Prophet Ibrahim.
Surah 14: Ibrahim (Abraham)
Introduction
Surah Ibrahim is the 14th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It is named after the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), who is mentioned in the second half of the Surah. His heartfelt prayer for his descendants and for the city of Makkah is one of the most moving parts of this chapter. The Surah was revealed in Makkah and contains 52 verses. Like many Makki Surahs, it focuses on the basic principles of faith: belief in one God, the truth of the Qur’an, the mission of the prophets, the reality of the Hereafter, and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
This Surah begins by reminding us that the Qur’an was revealed to bring people out of darkness into light—with the permission of Allah. It tells the stories of earlier peoples who rejected their messengers and suffered for their arrogance and disbelief. These examples are not given as mere history, but as a warning to the people of Makkah who were also resisting the truth in the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
A strong message runs throughout the Surah: that gratitude leads to blessings, and denial leads to destruction. The words of Satan are quoted powerfully—he distances himself from the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment and admits that he only invited them, but they chose to follow him. This teaches us about personal responsibility and the deceptive nature of evil.
In the final section, the Surah brings a shift in tone with the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim. His prayer is filled with humility, hope, and concern for future generations. He prays for the safety of his children, for their faith, and for the people’s hearts to be drawn toward the sacred House. It’s a model of devotion, sincerity, and trust in Allah’s mercy.
The Surah ends with a dramatic reminder of the Day of Judgment, when the earth and heavens will be changed, and every soul will be repaid for what it earned. The final verse sums up the entire message: this is a message for all people—to recognize that there is only one God, and to reflect deeply.
Surah Ibrahim calls us to examine our relationship with Allah, to value His guidance, and to learn from the past. It urges us to be thankful, to pray sincerely, and to hold firmly to the light of faith.
Surah 14: Ibrahim (Abraham): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. Alif. Lam. Ra. This is a Book which We have sent down to you so that you may bring people out of darkness into light—with the permission of their Lord—to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.
2. Allah, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. How terrible will be the punishment for those who disbelieve!
3. They are the ones who prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter, and they turn others away from the path of Allah, trying to make it crooked. They are far astray.
4. We did not send any messenger except speaking in the language of his own people, so that he could make the message clear to them. Then Allah lets whom He wills go astray and guides whom He wills. And He is the Almighty, the Wise.
5. And We sent Moses with Our signs, saying, “Bring your people out of darkness into light, and remind them of the Days of Allah.” Surely in that are signs for every person who is patient and grateful.
6. And recall when Moses said to his people, “Remember Allah’s favor upon you when He rescued you from the people of Pharaoh, who used to afflict you with terrible torment—killing your sons and letting your women live. In that was a great test from your Lord.”
7. And when your Lord proclaimed: “If you are grateful, I will surely give you more. But if you are ungrateful, then My punishment is truly severe.”
8. And Moses said, “If you and everyone on earth were to be ungrateful, surely Allah is free of need, worthy of all praise.”
9. Has the news not reached you of those before you—the people of Noah, ‘Ad, and Thamud—and those after them? Only Allah knows their number. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs, but they put their hands over their mouths and said, “We reject what you are sent with, and we are in doubt about what you are calling us to.”
10. Their messengers said, “Can there be any doubt about Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? He is calling you so that He may forgive some of your sins and give you time until a fixed term.” They replied, “You are only humans like us. You want to turn us away from what our forefathers used to worship. So bring us a clear proof.”
11. Their messengers said to them, “Yes, we are only human beings like you, but Allah grants His favor to whom He wills among His servants. It is not for us to bring you a miracle except by Allah’s permission. And in Allah should the believers place their trust.”
12. “Why should we not put our trust in Allah, when He has already guided us to our path? We will definitely remain patient in the face of whatever harm you cause us. And in Allah alone let the faithful put their trust.”
13. The disbelievers said to their messengers, “We will certainly drive you out of our land, unless you return to our religion.” But their Lord revealed to the messengers: “We will surely destroy the wrongdoers.”
14. “And We will certainly make you live in the land after them. This reward is for those who fear standing before Me and fear My warning.”
15. They asked Allah for victory, and every arrogant tyrant was defeated.
16. Awaiting him is Hell, and he will be given foul water to drink.
17. He will try to sip it, but he won’t be able to swallow it. Death will come to him from every side, but he will not die. And ahead of him is even more severe punishment.
18. The example of those who disbelieve in their Lord is like ashes blown away by the wind on a stormy day. They will gain nothing from what they have done. That is being far astray.
19. Do you not see that Allah created the heavens and the earth with a purpose? If He wills, He can remove you and bring in a new creation.
20. And that is not difficult at all for Allah.
21. They will all appear before Allah, and the weak will say to the arrogant, “We used to follow you. Can you now protect us from Allah’s punishment in any way?” They will reply, “If Allah had guided us, we would have guided you. It is the same now whether we complain or remain patient—there is no escape for us.”
22. And Satan will say, when the matter is settled, “Allah gave you a true promise. I too gave you promises—but I broke them. I had no power over you, except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So don’t blame me—blame yourselves. I cannot help you, and you cannot help me. I reject your earlier act of associating me with Allah. Surely, the wrongdoers will have a painful punishment.”
23. But those who believed and did good deeds will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow. They will remain there forever by permission of their Lord. Their greeting there will be: “Peace!”
24. Have you not seen how Allah compares a good word to a good tree? Its root is firmly fixed, and its branches reach to the sky.
25. It gives its fruit at all times by the permission of its Lord. And Allah gives examples to people so that they may reflect.
26. But the example of a bad word is like a bad tree, uprooted from the earth—it has no stability.
27. Allah makes the believers firm with a solid word in this life and in the Hereafter. But He lets the wrongdoers go astray. Allah does what He wills.
28. Have you not seen those who traded the favor of Allah for disbelief and led their people into the home of destruction?
29. Hell—where they will burn. What a miserable place to live!
30. They set up equals to Allah to mislead people from His path. Say: “Enjoy yourselves now, for your final destination is the Fire.”
31. Tell My servants who believe to establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them—secretly and openly—before a Day comes in which there will be no trade and no friendship.
32. Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth, and He sends down rain from the sky and brings out fruits with it as provision for you. He made the ships sail for you in the sea by His command, and He made the rivers flow for you.
33. He made the sun and the moon, both constantly moving, work for you, and He made the night and the day for you as well.
34. He gave you everything you asked for. If you tried to count Allah’s favors, you could never count them all. Surely, mankind is extremely unjust and ungrateful.
35. And when Abraham said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) safe and keep me and my children away from worshipping idols.”
36. “My Lord, they (the idols) have misled many people. So whoever follows me is truly with me. And whoever disobeys me—You are still the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
37. “Our Lord, I have settled some of my children in a barren valley near Your Sacred House so that they may establish prayer. So make people’s hearts incline toward them, and provide for them from the fruits, so that they may be thankful.”
38. “Our Lord, surely You know what we hide and what we reveal. And nothing is hidden from Allah on earth or in the heavens.”
39. “Praise be to Allah, who has given me sons in old age—Isma’il and Ishaq. Surely, my Lord is the Hearer of all prayers.”
40. “My Lord, make me someone who establishes prayer, and make my children the same. Our Lord, accept my prayer.”
41. “Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day when the reckoning is established.”
42. Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when eyes will stare in horror,
43. Rushing forward with necks stretched, heads raised, their gaze not returning to them, and their hearts empty with fear.
44. Warn people of the Day when the punishment will come to them, and the wrongdoers will say, “Our Lord, delay us for a little while. We will answer Your call and follow the messengers!” But did you not swear before that you would never face such a Day?
45. You lived in the homes of those who wronged themselves, and it was made clear to you how We dealt with them. And We set clear examples for you.
46. They plotted their evil plans, but their plots are known to Allah. Even if their plots could move mountains, Allah has full control.
47. So do not think that Allah will break His promise to His messengers. Surely, Allah is Almighty and capable of revenge.
48. The Day when the earth will be changed to another earth, and the heavens too, and all will appear before Allah—the One, the Supreme.
49. And on that Day you will see the wicked bound together in chains,
50. Their garments made of pitch, and fire covering their faces.
51. This is so that Allah may repay every soul for what it has earned. Surely, Allah is swift in taking account.
52. This is a message for humanity. Let them take warning from it, and let them know that He is only One God. And let those with understanding be mindful. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Ibrahim is a Surah that quietly enters the heart and leaves a deep impression. It is not loud or dramatic in tone, but its message is powerful and sobering. From beginning to end, the Surah speaks about guidance and misguidance, gratitude and denial, truth and deception, reward and punishment. At its core, it is about choice—how people respond to the clear message of their Lord.
The Surah begins with a reminder that the Qur’an came to remove people from darkness and bring them into light. But people react differently. Some are grateful and follow the truth. Others reject it, prefer this world, and lead others astray. The Surah shows us, through examples from past nations, that the pattern has always been the same. Messengers come, people doubt, demand miracles, and mock the truth—until the punishment suddenly arrives and nothing can stop it.
One of the most meaningful lessons of this Surah is the idea that Allah’s guidance is not forced on anyone. It is given clearly, in each prophet’s own language, and it is up to the people to listen. There is no compulsion, but there is a consequence. The arrogant are warned, while the believers are reassured.
The verses about Satan on the Day of Judgment are especially striking. He will tell the people who followed him: “Don’t blame me—blame yourselves.” This scene breaks the illusion many people live under—that they can follow falsehood and blame someone else later. It’s a call to take responsibility for our choices now, before it’s too late.
What truly softens the heart in this Surah is the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim. His voice is humble, sincere, and full of love—for his children, for future believers, and for the city of Makkah. He doesn’t ask for power or wealth. He asks for safety, faith, prayer, and forgiveness. It shows us what a true believer values most. His duʿāʾ teaches us how to pray—not just for ourselves but for generations to come.
The Surah ends with a powerful vision of the Day of Judgment: people in chains, garments of pitch, fire covering their faces. It is terrifying, but the purpose is not to frighten blindly—it is to awaken hearts and minds before that day arrives. The last verse says it all: this message is for all of humanity. It is a call to realize that there is only one true God, and that only the wise will take heed.
Surah Ibrahim is a reminder that truth is always available, that guidance is a mercy, and that those who are truly grateful will be given even more by Allah. It asks us: Will we be among them? 0 0 0
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Surah Ibrahim: Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Ibrahim (Abraham)
Q. What is Surah Ibrahim about?
Surah Ibrahim highlights the mission of the prophets, the importance of gratitude to Allah, the consequences of disbelief, and the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s prayer for his descendants.
Q. How many verses are there in Surah Ibrahim?
Surah Ibrahim has 52 verses and is the 14th chapter of the Quran.
Q. Where was Surah Ibrahim revealed?
Most scholars agree it was revealed in Makkah, focusing on strengthening the faith of believers during hardship.
Q. Why is the surah named after Prophet Ibrahim?
It is named after Prophet Ibrahim because it recounts his supplication for his descendants and the sacred city of Makkah, emphasizing his role as a model of faith and submission.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah Ibrahim?
The Surah Ibrahim emphasizes divine guidance through revelation, gratitude versus ingratitude, the certainty of the Day of Judgment, and the prayers of Prophet Ibrahim.
Q. What lesson can Muslims learn from Surah Ibrahim?
Muslims learn to remain steadfast in faith, express gratitude for Allah’s blessings, and remember that disbelief leads to loss, while trust in Allah brings success.
Q. What is the famous prayer of Prophet Ibrahim mentioned in this surah?
He prayed for Makkah to be a place of safety, for his descendants to remain devoted to Allah, and for hearts of people to incline towards the sacred city. 0 0 0
The Storyteller’s Light – Surah Ibrahim
In the stillness of desert skies,
Where stars like lanterns softly rise,
Came words of truth, a guiding flame,
Revealed to hearts in Allah’s name.
“Remind them, O Prophet,” the angels say,
“Of nations gone, now swept away.
They mocked the truth, they turned aside,
And in their pride, their hearts denied.”
The Prophet calls with patient voice,
“Believe in Allah, make Him your choice.
This world will fade, the Day will come,
Where none can hide and none can run.”
Surah Ibrahim begins its song,
A tale of prophets brave and strong.
They faced rejection, scorn, and fear,
Yet held to faith, their path was clear.
Then comes the prayer of Ibrahim, sincere,
Words that echo from year to year:
“O Lord, I’ve left my family here,
In barren land, so dry, so bare.
Beside Your House, where worship grows,
Provide for them, as mercy flows.
Turn hearts toward them, make them kind,
With faith in You and love combined.
Grant peace to Makkah, safe and free,
A place of prayer eternally.”
The desert winds seem still to pause,
Hearing his faith, his noble cause.
A father’s plea, so pure, so true,
Answered by Allah, whose grace is due.
Surah Ibrahim shows the way,
To thank Allah both night and day.
For gratitude brings blessings near,
And lights the path through doubt and fear.
But those who turn, who close their eyes,
Will face regret when truth will rise.
Their power gone, their wealth in vain,
For disbelief brings endless pain.
The thunder rolls, the earth will quake,
When all must stand for judgment’s sake.
Each soul will see what it has done,
And face the justice of the One.
Yet mercy shines for hearts that prayed,
For those who trusted and obeyed.
Their gardens bloom with rivers wide,
Eternal peace with none denied.
So Surah Ibrahim tells its story,
Of faith, of patience, of Allah’s glory.
A timeless call for all to hear,
To walk with truth, sincere and clear. 0 0 0
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