Explore Surah 44: Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) with English translation and commentary. Understand its warnings about the Day of Judgment, the “smoke” sign, the story of Pharaoh, and the eternal reward of Paradise for the righteous.
Surah 44: Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke)
Introduction
Surah Ad-Dukhan is a Makkan surah with 59 verses. The name “Ad-Dukhan” means “The Smoke”, referring to the smoke that will cover the sky as a sign of Allah’s punishment. The surah speaks about the reality of the Qur’an, the truth of the Day of Judgment, and the fate of the believers and the disbelievers.
It begins by affirming the Qur’an’s divine origin, revealed during a blessed night (generally understood to be Laylat al-Qadr). The surah warns of a great punishment and uses historical examples like Pharaoh and the people before him to remind people of Allah’s power and justice. The surah also vividly contrasts the horrors awaiting the wicked with the delights prepared for the righteous.
The main themes are:
- The Qur’an is from Allah and a guide for humanity.
- Signs of Allah’s power and warnings of the Day of Judgment.
- Punishment of past nations who rejected the truth.
- The contrast between Hell and Paradise in the afterlife. 0 0 0
Surah 44 – Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Ḥā-Mīm.
2. By the clear Book,
3. Indeed, We sent it down in a blessed night — for We are ever warning.
4. On that night, every matter of wisdom is made distinct,
5. as a command from Us. Surely, We are the One Who sends messengers.
6. As a mercy from your Lord — He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing —
7. the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them — if you would only be certain.
8. There is no god except Him. He gives life and causes death — your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.
9. But they are in doubt, playing about.
10. So watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke,
11. covering the people. This will be a painful punishment.
12. They will cry: “Our Lord! Remove this torment from us, indeed we will believe.”
13. How can they take heed now, when a clear messenger had already come to them?
14. Then they turned away from him and said, “He is taught by others — he is insane.”
15. Indeed, We will remove the punishment a little, but you will surely return (to disbelief).
16. The Day We will seize them with the greatest seizure — indeed, We will take full vengeance.
17. And indeed, We tried before them the people of Pharaoh, and there came to them a noble messenger,
18. saying: “Hand over to me the servants of Allah. Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger.”
19. “And do not exalt yourselves against Allah. Indeed, I bring you a clear proof.”
20. “And I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord, lest you stone me.”
21. “But if you do not believe in me, then keep away from me.”
22. Then he called upon his Lord: “These are a guilty people.”
23. (Allah said:) “Then travel with My servants by night. Indeed, you will be followed.”
24. “And leave the sea parted, for they are an army to be drowned.”
25. How many gardens and springs did they leave behind,
26. and crops, and splendid places,
27. and comforts in which they enjoyed themselves.
28. Thus it was — and We made another people inherit them.
29. And the heaven and earth did not weep over them, nor were they given any respite.
30. And We saved the Children of Israel from the humiliating torment,
31. from Pharaoh. Indeed, he was an arrogant tyrant.
32. And We chose them knowingly above all the worlds.
33. And We gave them signs in which there was a clear test.
34. Indeed, these (people) say,
35. “There is nothing but our first death, and we will not be resurrected.”
36. “Then bring back our forefathers, if you are truthful.”
37. Are they better, or the people of Tubba‘ and those before them? We destroyed them, for they were truly guilty.
38. And We did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in play.
39. We created them only in truth, but most of them do not know.
40. Indeed, the Day of Decision is the appointed time for them all.
41. The Day when no close relative will avail another in the least, nor will they be helped —
42. except those on whom Allah has mercy. Indeed, He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.
43. Indeed, the tree of Zaqqūm
44. will be the food of the sinful.
45. Like molten brass, it will boil in the belly,
46. like the boiling of scalding water.
47. (It will be said:) “Seize him and drag him into the midst of the blazing Fire.”
48. “Then pour over his head the torment of boiling water.”
49. (It will be said:) “Taste this! Indeed, you were the mighty, the noble.”
50. “Indeed, this is what you used to doubt.”
51. Indeed, the righteous will be in a secure place,
52. amid gardens and springs,
53. wearing fine silk and brocade, facing each other.
54. So it will be. And We will pair them with companions with beautiful, wide eyes.
55. They will call for every kind of fruit in peace and security.
56. They will not taste death therein, except the first death (in the world), and He will protect them from the torment of Hell.
57. As a bounty from your Lord. That is the supreme success.
58. Indeed, We have made it (the Qur’an) easy in your language, so that they may take heed.
59. So wait — indeed, they too are waiting. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Ad-Dukhan is both a warning and a comfort. For the disbelievers of Makkah, it warns of events they cannot escape — whether in this world (like famine, battles, and the “smoke”) or in the Hereafter (Hellfire and the tree of Zaqqūm). For the believers, it is a reassurance that their patience and faith will be rewarded with peace, security, and eternal joy.
The surah’s style is powerful and vivid. It uses short, impactful verses and strong imagery — the smoke covering the sky, the boiling of molten brass in the stomachs of sinners, and the luxurious gardens of Paradise — to awaken hearts.
The reference to the Night of the Qur’an’s revelation connects divine guidance with human responsibility. It reminds us that Allah’s message is clear, but we must choose to respond to it before it is too late. The historical examples of Pharaoh and others show that arrogance and denial always lead to destruction, no matter how powerful a person or nation seems.
In essence, Surah Ad-Dukhan teaches that life is serious, the Qur’an is a mercy, and the Hereafter is real. It calls people to humble themselves before their Creator and prepare for the Day of Decision. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 44: Ad-Dukhan
Q1. What is Surah 44: Ad-Dukhan about?
Ans: Surah 44: Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) speaks about the Qur’an’s revelation, the coming of a great smoke as a sign, the punishment of disbelievers, and the eternal bliss of the righteous.
Q2. Why is the Surah named Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke)?
Ans: The name Ad-Dukhan comes from the mention of a “smoke” that will appear as a warning sign from Allah, symbolizing divine punishment for the disbelievers.
Q3. How many verses are in Surah Ad-Dukhan?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan contains 59 verses.
Q4. What does Surah Ad-Dukhan say about the Qur’an?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan highlights that the Qur’an was revealed on a blessed night, as a clear message from Allah to guide people and warn them about the consequences of disbelief.
Q5. What is the “smoke” mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan?
Ans: The “smoke” in Surah Ad-Dukhan is a sign of Allah’s punishment that overwhelms people, making them plead for relief, but their arrogance keeps them from true belief.
Q6. What lesson does Surah Ad-Dukhan give from the story of Pharaoh?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan recalls how Pharaoh and his people rejected Prophet Moses and were destroyed, serving as a warning to all who deny God’s messengers.
Q7. What does Surah Ad-Dukhan say about the Day of Judgment?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan warns that the Day of Judgment is certain, when the heavens and earth will be shaken, and every soul will be judged for its deeds.
Q8. What reward is promised to the believers in Surah Ad-Dukhan?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan promises believers gardens of Paradise, safety from fear, delicious fruits, and the company of spouses in peace and joy.
Q9. How does Surah Ad-Dukhan describe the fate of the wrongdoers?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan describes the punishment of the wrongdoers as scorching torment, with boiling water and bitter food, as a result of their arrogance.
Q10. Why is Surah Ad-Dukhan important for Muslims today?
Ans: Surah Ad-Dukhan is important because it reminds Muslims of the reality of divine warnings, the certainty of the Hereafter, and the need to hold firmly to the Qur’an for guidance. 0 0 0
