Explore the clear English translation of Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet), Chapter 47 of the Holy Quran, highlighting the contrast between believers and disbelievers, the call to faith, striving in Allah’s cause, and the rewards of righteousness.
Surah 47: Muhammad (The Prophet)
Muhammad: Introduction
Surah Muhammad is the 47th chapter of the Qur’an, revealed in Madinah after the migration of the Prophet. It contains 38 verses and addresses issues relevant to the early Muslim community, especially during the period of armed conflict with the Quraysh. The surah emphasizes the distinction between believers and disbelievers, the conditions of victory, and the spiritual consequences of one’s choices.
It is also known as Surah Al-Qital (“The Fighting”) because of its guidance regarding warfare, rules of engagement, and the moral and spiritual dimensions of struggle in Allah’s cause. At the same time, it stresses obedience, patience, reflection on the Qur’an, kindness to fellow believers, and the need to sacrifice wealth and life for the sake of faith. 0 0 0
Surah 47: Muhammad ( The Prophet): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Those who disbelieve and block others from the path of Allah — He will make their deeds go to waste.
2. But those who believe, do righteous deeds, and believe in what has been revealed to Muhammad — the truth from their Lord — He will remove their sins and improve their state.
3. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. This is how Allah lays out examples for people.
4. So when you meet those who disbelieve in battle, strike their necks until you have subdued them. Then bind them firmly; afterward, you may either release them as a favor or ransom them — until the war lays down its burdens. That is the command. If Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance on them Himself, but He lets it be so to test some of you by others. As for those who are killed in Allah’s cause, He will never make their deeds go to waste.
5. He will guide them and improve their condition.
6. And He will admit them into Paradise, which He has made known to them.
7. O you who believe! If you support Allah’s cause, He will support you and make your foothold firm.
8. But those who disbelieve — destruction is for them, and He will make their deeds worthless.
9. That is because they hated what Allah revealed, so He nullified their deeds.
10. Have they not traveled through the land and seen the outcome of those before them? Allah destroyed them, and a similar fate awaits the disbelievers.
11. This is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, while the disbelievers have no protector.
12. Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and do good deeds into Gardens beneath which rivers flow. But those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle do, and the Fire will be their final home.
13. How many cities, stronger than the one that expelled you, have We destroyed, and they had no helper.
14. Is the one who stands on clear evidence from his Lord like the one whose evil deeds seem fair to him and who follows his desires?
15. The description of Paradise promised to the righteous is that in it are rivers of water, unchanging in taste, rivers of milk whose taste never changes, rivers of wine delightful to drink, and rivers of purified honey. They will have all kinds of fruits and forgiveness from their Lord. Can they be compared to those who will dwell forever in the Fire and be given boiling water to drink that will tear apart their insides?
16. Among them are those who listen to you, but when they leave you, they say to those who were given knowledge, “What was it he just said?” They are the ones whose hearts Allah has sealed, and they follow only their desires.
17. But those who are guided — He increases them in guidance and gives them righteousness.
18. Are they waiting for the Hour to come upon them suddenly? Its signs have already come, so when it arrives, how will they benefit from their reminder?
19. So know that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and women. Allah knows your movements and your resting place.
20. Those who believe say, “Why is a surah not revealed?” But when a precise surah is revealed and fighting is mentioned in it, you see those with sickness in their hearts looking at you like someone fainting from death.
21. True obedience and good words would be better for them. When the matter is decided, it would be better for them if they were true to Allah.
22. So would you, if given power, spread corruption in the land and cut off your ties of kinship?
23. These are the ones Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their sight.
24. Will they not reflect on the Qur’an? Or are there locks upon their hearts?
25. Indeed, those who turn back after guidance has been made clear to them — Satan has enticed them and given them false hopes.
26. This is because they said to those who hate what Allah revealed, “We will obey you in some matters.” But Allah knows what they hide.
27. Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, striking their faces and their backs?
28. That is because they followed what angers Allah and hated what pleases Him — so He nullified their deeds.
29. Or do those with disease in their hearts think that Allah will not expose their malice?
30. If We willed, We could show them to you, and you would recognize them by their marks. And you will certainly recognize them by the tone of their speech. Allah knows all that you do.
31. And We will surely test you until We make clear those who strive among you and those who are patient, and We will test your deeds.
32. Indeed, those who disbelieve, hinder from the path of Allah, and oppose the Messenger after guidance has become clear — they will not harm Allah in the least, and He will render their deeds worthless.
33. O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and do not let your deeds be nullified.
34. Indeed, those who disbelieve, hinder from the path of Allah, and die as disbelievers — Allah will never forgive them.
35. So do not weaken and call for peace when you have the upper hand. Allah is with you, and He will never deprive you of the reward for your deeds.
36. The life of this world is only play and amusement. But if you believe and are mindful of Allah, He will grant you your rewards and will not ask you for all your wealth.
37. If He were to ask it of you and press you, you would withhold, and He would expose your resentment.
38. Here you are — invited to spend in the way of Allah — but among you are those who withhold. Whoever withholds is only withholding from himself. Allah is Free of need, while you are in need. If you turn away, He will replace you with another people, and they will not be like you. 0 0 0
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Surah Muhammad: Comment
Surah Muhammad draws a sharp contrast between two paths:
- Belief and obedience, which lead to divine support, forgiveness, and Paradise.
- Disbelief and obstruction, which lead to wasted deeds, humiliation, and the Fire.
The surah warns that rejecting divine guidance is not only an intellectual error but a moral and spiritual disease that blinds the heart. It repeatedly points out that worldly life is short and superficial, and that true success lies in striving for Allah’s pleasure, even at the cost of personal comfort.
One of its key themes is the principle of reciprocity with Allah:
“If you support Allah, He will support you and make your foothold firm.” (Verse 7)
This means that divine help is tied to faith, righteous action, and steadfastness.
The surah also gives a vivid picture of Paradise (verse 15), with pure rivers of water, milk, wine, and honey — symbols of eternal satisfaction — contrasted with the painful drink of boiling water in Hell.
A practical lesson for the believer is found in the last verse (38): no one is indispensable to Allah’s religion. If some turn away, Allah will replace them with others who will be better, more devoted, and more sincere. This is both a warning and a motivation to remain steadfast. 0 0 0
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 47: Muhammad
Q1. What is Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) in the Holy Quran?
Ans: Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) is the forty-seventh chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Madinah, which emphasizes faith in Allah, following the Prophet Muhammad, striving in the cause of Islam, and the ultimate triumph of believers.
Q2. Why is Surah 47 named Muhammad (The Prophet)?
Ans: Surah 47 is named Muhammad (The Prophet) because it directly mentions Prophet Muhammad by name, affirming his role as the Messenger of Allah and guiding mankind through the Quran.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet)?
Ans: Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) contains 38 verses revealed in Madinah, addressing issues of faith, hypocrisy, warfare, and the distinction between believers and disbelievers.
Q4. What is the main theme of Surah Muhammad (The Prophet)?
Ans: The main theme of Surah Muhammad (The Prophet) is the contrast between the believers who uphold faith and do good deeds, and the disbelievers who reject the truth, with emphasis on the ultimate victory of Islam.
Q5. What does Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) say about Jihad?
Ans: Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) encourages believers to strive in the path of Allah, defend the truth, and remain steadfast, while assuring them of divine support and reward for their sacrifices.
Q6. How does Surah Muhammad (The Prophet) describe the fate of disbelievers?
Ans: Surah Muhammad (The Prophet) describes that disbelievers who reject the Quran and oppose the Prophet will face destruction in this world and eternal punishment in the Hereafter.
Q7. What does Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) teach about hypocrisy?
Ans: Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) warns against hypocrisy, describing how hypocrites pretend to believe but lack sincerity, and how their deeds are void in the sight of Allah.
Q8. What reward does Surah Muhammad (The Prophet) promise to the believers?
Ans: Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) promises the believers forgiveness, guidance, and Paradise as a reward for their faith, patience, and striving in the cause of Allah.
Q9. What historical context is linked to Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet)?
Ans: Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet) was revealed in Madinah during a time of conflict between Muslims and disbelievers, strengthening the faith of believers and preparing them for trials in defense of Islam.
Q10. Where can I read the English translation of Surah 47 Muhammad (The Prophet)?
Ans: You can read the English translation of Surah Muhammad (The Prophet) in authentic Quran translations online or in print, which explain its message on faith, jihad, hypocrisy, and the ultimate victory of the believers.?
