Read Surah 45: Al-Jāthiyah (The Kneeling) with English translation and commentary. Discover its lessons on the signs of Allah in creation, the arrogance of deniers, the certainty of the Day of Judgment, and the fate of every nation kneeling before their Lord.
Surah 45: Al-Jāthiyah (The Kneeling)
Introduction
Surah Al-Jāthiyah is the 45th chapter of the Qur’an, revealed in Makkah. It consists of 37 verses and takes its name from the scene described in verse 28, where all nations are seen kneeling before Allah on the Day of Judgment, awaiting the verdict based on their deeds.
The Surah covers four main themes:
- The signs of Allah in creation — the heavens, the earth, the alternation of night and day, the winds, and the diversity of living beings are presented as proofs of God’s power and wisdom.
- The truth of revelation — the Qur’an is described as true guidance and mercy for those who believe, while warnings are issued to those who reject it.
- The history of past nations — especially the Children of Israel, is recalled to show how divine favor was given and later lost through arrogance and disobedience.
- The final accountability — a vivid picture of the Day of Judgment is given, with every nation kneeling before God, being handed their records, and facing the consequences of their choices.
This Surah reinforces that the worldly life is temporary, that human desires cannot replace divine truth, and that ultimate success lies in following God’s guidance. 0 0 0
Al-Jāthiyah (The Kneeling): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Ḥā-Mīm.
2. The revelation of this Book comes from Allah — the Almighty, the All-Wise.
3. Indeed, in the heavens and the earth are signs for those who truly believe.
4. And in your own creation, and in the creatures He has scattered on the earth, are signs for people who have certainty in faith.
5. And in the alternation of night and day, and in the provision that Allah sends down from the sky — giving life to the earth after it was dead — and in the change of the winds, are signs for people who use their reason.
6. These are the verses of Allah that We recite to you in truth. So, in what statement after Allah and His verses will they believe?
7. Woe to every sinful liar —
8. who hears the verses of Allah recited to him, yet persists arrogantly as if he had not heard them. So give him the news of a painful punishment.
9. When he learns something of Our verses, he makes a mockery of them. For such people there will be a humiliating punishment.
10. Ahead of them lies Hell. Whatever they have earned will be of no benefit to them, nor will the protectors they took besides Allah. They will have a terrible punishment.
`11. This Qur’an is true guidance. And those who reject the verses of their Lord will have the punishment of a painful torment.
12. It is Allah Who has subjected the sea for you, so that ships may sail upon it by His command, and so that you may seek His bounty, and perhaps you will give thanks.
13. And He has subjected for you all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth — all of it from Him. Surely, in this are signs for people who reflect.
14. Tell those who have believed to forgive those who do not expect the days of Allah — so that He may repay every people according to what they used to earn.
15. Whoever does good, it is for his own soul; and whoever does evil, it is against it. Then to your Lord you will all be returned.
16. And indeed, We gave the Children of Israel the Scripture, the judgment, and prophethood; We provided them with good things, and We favored them above all peoples.
17. And We gave them clear proofs in the matter of religion. But they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them — out of envy among themselves. Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.
18. Then We put you, [O Prophet], on a clear path in matters of religion; so follow it, and do not follow the desires of those who do not know.
19. Indeed, they can never protect you against Allah in the least. And truly, the wrongdoers are allies of one another, while Allah is the Protector of those who are mindful of Him.
20. This [Qur’an] is enlightenment for mankind, and guidance and mercy for people who have sure faith.
21. Or do those who commit evil deeds think that We will make them equal to those who believe and do righteous deeds — equal in their life and in their death? How badly they judge!
22. And Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth, so that every soul may be rewarded for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.
23. Have you seen the one who takes his own desires as his god? Allah has left him astray knowingly, sealed his hearing and his heart, and placed a cover on his vision. Who can guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?
24. And they say: “There is nothing but our worldly life — we die and we live, and nothing destroys us except time.” But they have no knowledge of that; they only guess.
25. And when Our clear verses are recited to them, their only argument is to say: “Bring back our forefathers, if what you say is true.”
26. Say: “It is Allah Who gives you life, then causes you to die, then gathers you together on the Day of Resurrection — about which there is no doubt. But most people do not know.”
27. To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And on the Day when the Hour arrives, that Day the falsifiers will be in total loss.
28. And you will see every nation kneeling down. Every nation will be called to its record: “Today you are recompensed for what you used to do.”
29. “This is Our record — it speaks about you in truth. Indeed, We wrote down all that you used to do.”
30. So those who believed and did righteous deeds — their Lord will admit them into His mercy. That is the clear success.
31. But to those who disbelieved, it will be said: “Were My verses not recited to you? But you acted arrogantly and became a sinful people.”
32. And when it was said, “Surely, the promise of Allah is true, and there is no doubt about the Hour,” you said: “We do not know what the Hour is; we think it is only a guess, and we are not convinced.”
33. And the evil consequences of what they did will appear to them, and what they used to mock will surround them.
34. And it will be said: “Today We will forget you, just as you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours. And your refuge is the Fire, and you will have no helpers.”
35. This is because you took the verses of Allah in mockery, and the worldly life deceived you. So today they will not be taken out from it, nor will they be allowed to make amends.
36. So praise belongs to Allah — Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of all the worlds.
37. And to Him belongs greatness in the heavens and the earth, and He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. 0 0 0
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Al-Jāthiyah: Comment
Surah Al-Jāthiyah speaks directly to the heart and mind. It invites people to look at the world around them — the sky, the earth, the seas, and the patterns of life — and see them as messages from God. The repeated mention of “signs for those who think” challenges us to use reason, not blind tradition or selfish desire, as the basis for our beliefs.
The Surah also warns against arrogance. Those who mock God’s verses and treat life as if it ends with death are reminded that a Day is coming when reality will be undeniable. The image of all nations kneeling is powerful — it shows that no one will stand in pride before the Creator when the truth is laid bare.
For believers, this Surah offers comfort: God’s guidance is a mercy, His justice is perfect, and the final victory belongs to those who remain steadfast in faith and good deeds. For deniers, it is a warning that ignoring divine truth today will lead to regret tomorrow.
In essence, Al-Jāthiyah calls us to humility, reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the ultimate meeting with our Lord. 0 0 0
Surah 45: Al-Jāthiyah: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Surah 45: Al-Jāthiyah about?
Ans: Surah 45: Al-Jāthiyah (The Kneeling) speaks about Allah’s signs in creation, the arrogance of those who reject faith, the reality of the Qur’an, and the Day when every nation will kneel before Allah for judgment.
Q2. Why is the Surah called Al-Jāthiyah (The Kneeling)?
Ans: The name Al-Jāthiyah comes from verse 28, describing the Day of Judgment when every nation will kneel in humility, awaiting their record of deeds.
Q3. How many verses are in Surah Al-Jāthiyah?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah contains 37 verses.
Q4. What does Surah Al-Jāthiyah say about the Qur’an?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah emphasizes that the Qur’an is a Book full of wisdom, revealed from Allah, and it contains guidance, mercy, and truth for those who reflect.
Q5. What signs of Allah are mentioned in Surah Al-Jāthiyah?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah points to the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the rain, the winds, and the blessings of the sea as signs of Allah’s power.
Q6. How does Surah Al-Jāthiyah describe those who reject faith?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah portrays the deniers as arrogant people who mock God’s signs, follow their desires, and are warned of disgrace in this world and punishment in the Hereafter.
Q7. What does Surah Al-Jāthiyah say about the Day of Judgment?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah describes the Day of Judgment as the Day when every nation will kneel, their deeds will be presented, and each soul will be repaid according to what it earned.
Q8. What warning does Surah Al-Jāthiyah give to arrogant people?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah warns that those who turn away from Allah’s guidance and reject His signs will be left to their desires and face severe punishment.
Q9. What hope does Surah Al-Jāthiyah give to believers?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah reassures believers that Allah’s guidance and mercy are for them, and on the Day of Judgment, they will be rewarded for their patience and righteousness.
Q10. Why is Surah Al-Jāthiyah important for Muslims today?
Ans: Surah Al-Jāthiyah is important because it reminds Muslims to reflect on Allah’s signs, remain humble, avoid arrogance, and prepare for the Day when all will kneel before their Lord. 0 0 0
