Explore Surah 37: As-Saffat (Those Ranged in Ranks) with clear English translation and insightful comments. Discover its themes of divine unity, the ranks of angels, stories of prophets, and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood.
Surah 37 – As-Saffat (Those Ranged in Ranks)
Introduction
Surah As-Saffat is the 37th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It contains 182 verses and was revealed in Makkah. The name As-Saffat means ‘Those Ranged in Ranks’, referring to the ranks of angels who are always ready to obey Allah’s commands. The Surah opens by mentioning these angels and highlights their role in glorifying Allah and carrying out His orders.
This Surah focuses on the central themes of Islamic belief: the Oneness of Allah, the truth of revelation, the reality of life after death, and the resurrection. It strongly challenges the false ideas held by the idolaters of Makkah, especially their beliefs about angels being the daughters of Allah or that Allah has children. The Surah clearly refutes these claims and calls them lies.
A major portion of the Surah recounts the stories of several prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Elijah, Lut, and Jonah (Yunus). These stories serve as powerful reminders of how earlier messengers were rejected by their people, yet Allah supported them and punished the deniers. The story of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son is also included as a beautiful example of faith and submission to Allah.
Another important section describes scenes from the Day of Judgment. The Surah paints a vivid picture of the punishment that awaits the disbelievers in Hell and the reward that will be given to the believers in Paradise. The contrast between these two outcomes is made clear to inspire faith and fear of Allah.
Surah As-Saffat ends by praising Allah, rejecting all false ideas about Him, and declaring that His chosen servants will always be victorious. 0 0 0
Surah 37: As-Saffat (Those Ranged in Ranks): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. By those (angels) who line up in ranks,
2. And those who drive away evil with force,
3. And those who recite the message,
4.Truly, your God is One,
4. Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between them, and Lord of the rising places of the sun.
5. We have adorned the lowest heaven with the beauty of stars,
7. And We have guarded it from every rebellious devil.
8. They cannot eavesdrop on the higher assembly, and are pelted from every side,
9. Driven away, and for them is an ongoing punishment.
10. But if any one of them manages to snatch a little (of the news), a burning flame chases him down.
11. So ask them: Were they more difficult to create, or what We have created? We created them from sticky clay.
12. Yet you are amazed, while they mock
13. And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.
14. And when they see a sign, they make fun of it,
15. And say, ‘This is nothing but obvious magic!
16. When we die and become dust and bones, will we really be raised again?
17. And so will our forefathers?’
18. Say, ‘Yes! And you will be humiliated.
19. It will be only a single blast, and suddenly they will be watching.
20. They will say, ‘Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!’
21. ‘This is the Day of Decision which you used to deny.’
22. ‘Gather together those who did wrong, along with their kinds and all they used to worship,
23. Besides Allah, and lead them to the path of Hell.
24. But stop them—they must be questioned.
25. What is wrong with you that you do not help one another?’
26. Instead, on that Day, they will completely surrender.
27. And they will turn to one another, questioning.
28. They will say, ‘It was you who used to come to us from the right side.’
29. The others will reply, ‘No! You yourselves were not believers.
30. We had no authority over you—you yourselves were a rebellious people.
31. So the word of our Lord has come true against us. We will definitely taste the punishment.
32. We misled you only because we ourselves were astray.’
33. So on that Day they will all share in the punishment.
34. This is how We deal with the wicked.
35. Truly, when it was said to them, ‘There is no god but Allah,’ they behaved arrogantly,
36. And said, ‘Should we give up our gods for a mad poet?’
37. No! He came with the truth and confirmed the previous messengers.
38, You will certainly taste the painful punishment,
39. And be repaid only for what you used to do.
40. But the sincere servants of Allah –
41. They will have a known reward –
42. Fruits, and they will be honored –
43. In gardens of delight –
44. Seated on thrones facing each other.
45. A cup will be passed around to them from a flowing spring –
46. White and delicious to those who drink it.
47. It will cause no harm, and they will not get drunk from it.
48. And with them will be women with modest gaze and beautiful eyes –
49. As if they were hidden pearls.
50. Then they will turn to one another, asking each other questions.
51. One of them will say, ‘I had a companion –
52. Who used to say, “Are you really among those who believe?”
53. “When we are dead and become dust and bones, will we really be brought to judgment?”’
54. He will say, ‘Would you like to look?’
55. Then he will look and see him in the middle of the Fire.
56. He will say, ‘By Allah! You almost ruined me!
57. Had it not been for the grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought there too!’
58. ‘Are we then not going to die –
59. Except for our first death – and we will never be punished?’
60. Truly, this is the great success!
61. For something like this, let those who strive, strive.
62. Is this better as a welcome, or the tree of Zaqqum?
63. We have made it a trial for the wrongdoers.
64. It is a tree that grows from the bottom of Hell.
65. Its fruits are like the heads of devils.
66. Truly, they will eat from it and fill their bellies with it.
67. Then they will have a boiling mixture of scalding water to drink on top of it.
68. Then surely their return will be to the Hellfire.
69. Indeed, they found their forefathers astray.
70. So they hurried to follow in their footsteps.
71. And indeed, most of the earlier generations went astray before them.
72. And We certainly sent warners among them.
73. So see what was the end of those who were warned –
74. Except for the chosen servants of Allah.
75. And indeed, Noah surely called upon Us, and how excellent were We to answer!
76. We saved him and his family from the great distress.
77. And We made his descendants the only survivors.
78. And We left for him a lasting name among later generations:
79. ‘Peace be upon Noah among all the worlds.’
80. This is how We reward those who do good.
81. He was indeed one of Our believing servants.
82. Then We drowned the rest.
83. And indeed, among his followers was Abraham.
84. When he came to his Lord with a sound heart.
85. He said to his father and his people, ‘What is it that you worship?’
86. ‘Is it false gods, instead of Allah, that you desire?’
87. ‘Then what do you think about the Lord of all the worlds?’
88. Then he looked up at the stars,
89. And said, ‘I am sick.’
90. So they turned away from him and left.
91. Then he turned to their gods and said, ‘Will you not eat?’
92. ‘What is wrong with you that you do not speak?’
93. Then he attacked them, striking them with his right hand.
94. So they came rushing toward him.
95. He said, ‘Do you worship what you carve with your own hands –
96. When Allah created you and all that you do?’
97. They said, ‘Build a fire and throw him into the blazing flames!’
98. They tried to outsmart him, but We made them the ones defeated.
99. And he said, ‘Indeed, I am going to my Lord, He will guide me.’
100. ‘My Lord! Bless me with a righteous child.’
101. So We gave him good news of a gentle and patient boy.
102. Then, when the boy reached the age to walk with him, he said, ‘O my son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my father! Do what you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, one of the steadfast.’
103. Then when they had both submitted themselves, and he laid him down on his forehead,
104. We called out to him, ‘O Abraham!’
105. ‘You have fulfilled the vision.’ This is how We reward those who do good.
106. Indeed, this was a clear test.
107. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.
108. And We left for him a lasting name among later generations:
109. ‘Peace be upon Abraham.’
110. This is how We reward those who do good.
111. Indeed, he was one of Our believing servants.
112. And We gave him good news of Isaac – a prophet, one of the righteous.
113. And We blessed him and Isaac. But among their descendants, some were righteous and some were clearly unjust to themselves.
114. And indeed, We showed favor to Moses and Aaron.
115. We saved them and their people from great distress.
116. And We helped them, so they were the ones who triumphed.
117. And We gave them the clear Scripture.
118. And We guided them to the straight path.
119. And We left for them a lasting name among later generations:
120. ‘Peace be upon Moses and Aaron.’
121. This is how We reward those who do good.
122. Indeed, they were both among Our believing servants.
123. And indeed, Elijah was one of the messengers.
124. He said to his people, ‘Will you not fear Allah?’
125. ‘Do you call upon Baal and abandon the Best of Creators—’
126. ‘Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?’
127. But they denied him, so they will certainly be brought for punishment,
128. Except for the chosen servants of Allah.
129. And We left for him a lasting name among later generations:
130. ‘Peace be upon Elijah.’
131. This is how We reward those who do good.
132. Indeed, he was one of Our believing servants.
133. And indeed, Lot was one of the messengers.
134. When We saved him and his entire family,
135. Except for an old woman who remained behind.
136. Then We destroyed the rest.
137. You pass by their ruins by day,
138. And by night. Will you not then reflect?
139. And indeed, Yunus (Jonah) was one of the messengers.
140. When he fled to the overloaded ship,
141. He cast lots and was among the losers.
142. Then a big fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy.
143. Had he not been of those who glorify Allah,
144. He would have certainly remained in its belly until the Day they are raised.
145. Then We cast him out onto the open shore while he was sick.
146. And We caused a plant of gourds to grow over him.
147. And We sent him to a hundred thousand people or more.
148. And they believed, so We allowed them to enjoy life for a while.
149. So ask them, does your Lord have daughters while they have sons?
150. Or did We create the angels as females while they were watching?
151. Surely it is out of their own lies that they say,
152. ‘Allah has children.’ They are truly liars!
153. Has He chosen daughters over sons?
154. What is the matter with you? How do you judge?
155. Will you not then reflect?
156. Or do you have a clear proof?
157. Then bring your scripture, if what you say is true.
158. And they have made a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they will be brought to account.
159. Glorified is Allah, far above what they describe!
160. Except the chosen servants of Allah.
161. Surely, neither you nor what you worship
162. Can mislead anyone,
163. Except the one who is destined to burn in the Fire.
164. The angels say: ‘There is not one among us who does not have a known place,’
165. ‘And surely, we are the ones who are arranged in ranks.’
166. ‘And we are those who glorify Allah.’
167. And surely, they used to say,
168. ‘If only we had a message from those before,’
169. ‘We would have been the chosen servants of Allah.’
170. But now they reject it, so they will soon know.
171. And Our word has already gone forth to Our servants, the messengers:
172. That they will certainly be helped,
173. And that Our forces will surely be victorious.
174. So turn away from them for a while.
175. And watch them, they too shall soon see.
176. Do they wish to hasten Our punishment?
177. But when it descends in their courtyard, evil will be the morning for those who were warned.
178. So turn away from them for a while,
179. And watch, for they too shall soon see.
180.Glorified is your Lord, the Lord of might, above what they attribute to Him.
181. And peace be upon the messengers.
182. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah As-Saffat is a powerful reminder of Allah’s greatness, the truth of prophethood, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. One of the Surah’s key features is its use of past examples to strengthen the message for the present. By telling the stories of earlier prophets, it shows that those who believe and stay patient will eventually be helped by Allah, no matter how difficult their trials.
The Surah is also very strong in its rejection of shirk (associating partners with Allah). It directly challenges the false beliefs of the Quraysh and anyone who claims that Allah has children or partners. By doing so, it calls people to worship Allah alone and to think carefully about what they believe.
The dialogue between the people of Paradise and Hell is especially touching. It shows how the people of Paradise will remember the warnings of this world and how they were saved by Allah’s mercy. At the same time, it shows the deep regret of those in Hell who rejected the truth in their worldly life. These scenes are meant to shake the heart and awaken the soul.
Another important lesson in the Surah is the reward of complete submission to Allah. The story of Abraham and his son teaches us that no sacrifice is too great when it comes to obeying Allah. It reminds us to be ready to submit to His will, trusting that He knows what is best.
Finally, the Surah ends with a strong message of hope. It promises victory to the messengers and their followers. It reminds us that Allah is in full control and that all glory belongs to Him. This should fill the believer with confidence, peace, and the motivation to continue on the straight path. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah As-Saffat
Q1. What is Surah As-Saffat about?
Ans: Surah As-Saffat is densely focused on the unity of Allah, the ranks of angels, the rejection of false gods, and stories of prophets that emphasize truth over falsehood.
Q2. Why is Surah 37 called As-Saffat?
Ans: Surah 37 is called As-Saffat because it densely describes the angels standing in ranks, devoutly obeying Allah’s command.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: Surah As-Saffat contains 182 verses, densely arranged with reminders of faith, divine oneness, and the destiny of believers and disbelievers.
Q4. What is the main theme of Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: The main theme of Surah As-Saffat densely revolves around tawhid (oneness of Allah), divine power, angelic ranks, prophetic guidance, and the triumph of truth.
Q5. Which prophets are mentioned in Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: Surah As-Saffat densely mentions Prophet Nuh, Ibrahim, Ishaq, Musa, Harun, Ilyas, Lut, and Yunus, highlighting their struggles and steadfastness.
Q6. What lessons can we learn from Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: The lessons of Surah As-Saffat are densely tied to sincerity in worship, patience in trials, rejecting falsehood, and relying on Allah’s help.
Q7. How does Surah As-Saffat describe the angels?
Ans: The angels are densely described in Surah As-Saffat as obedient beings, standing in perfect ranks and serving Allah’s divine commands.
Q8. What warning is given in Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: Surah As-Saffat densely warns against idolatry, arrogance, and denying Allah’s messengers, showing the eternal punishment awaiting disbelievers.
Q9. How does Surah As-Saffat talk about Paradise?
Ans: Paradise in Surah As-Saffat is densely portrayed with peace, joy, companionship, and blessings prepared for the righteous.
Q10. How is Hell described in Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: Hell is densely described in Surah As-Saffat as a blazing torment for those who reject Allah and mock the truth.
Q11. Why is the story of Prophet Ibrahim important in Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: The story of Prophet Ibrahim is densely important as it highlights his readiness to sacrifice his son for Allah, symbolizing faith, obedience, and submission.
Q12. What is the literary style of Surah As-Saffat?
Ans: The literary style of Surah As-Saffat is densely rhythmic, eloquent, and filled with vivid imagery that reinforces divine truths.
Q13. How does Surah As-Saffat emphasize Tawhid?
Ans: Surah As-Saffat densely emphasizes Tawhid by rejecting false gods, denying partners with Allah, and affirming His oneness in creation and command.
Q14. How does Surah As-Saffat connect with earlier revelations?
Ans: Surah As-Saffat densely connects with earlier revelations by recounting prophetic histories and reminding humanity of consistent divine guidance.
Q15. What is the significance of Surah As-Saffat for believers today?
Ans: For believers today, Surah As-Saffat is densely significant as it strengthens faith, encourages patience, and inspires trust in Allah’s ultimate justice. 0 0 0
Surah As-Saffat: The Ranks of Light
Densely the angels stand in rows,
Obedient hearts where pure faith flows,
Guardians of truth in ranks they rise,
Echoing praise that fills the skies.
Densely the verses call to one,
The Maker of stars, the Lord of sun,
No partner shares His boundless might,
He rules the heavens, day and night.
Densely the stories of prophets unfold,
Nuh and Ibrahim, steadfast and bold,
Their trials of faith, their voices clear,
Guiding the world with hope and fear.
Densely the gardens of peace are shown,
For those who believed, who made faith their own,
Joy everlasting, no grief, no pain,
Blessings unending in Allah’s domain.
Densely the fire is drawn in word,
For those who mocked, denied, and erred,
Chains of despair, regret that burns,
Justice delivered as each soul returns.
Densely the Surah calls us near,
To worship Allah with love and fear,
To stand in ranks with angels bright,
Firm in Tawhid, upholding His light. 0 0 0
