Dive into the timeless wisdom of Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars), Chapter 85 of the Holy Quran, which highlights God’s supreme power, the trials of believers, and the ultimate triumph of faith over oppression. A powerful message of strength, hope, and justice.
Surah 85: Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars)
Introduction
Surah Al-Buruj, meaning “The Mansions of the Stars”, is the eighty-fifth chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah. It consists of twenty-two verses and begins with a series of oaths by the majestic sky filled with constellations, the promised Day of Judgment, and the witness along with the witnessed.
The Surah then recalls the tragic story of Ashab al-Ukhdood — “the People of the Trench” — who cruelly burned believers alive simply because they believed in Allah, the Almighty and Praiseworthy. These verses highlight both the injustice faced by the faithful and the ultimate authority of Allah, the Owner of the heavens and the earth. The Surah warns the oppressors that, if they do not repent, they will face the punishment of Hell and the burning fire, while the believers who remain steadfast will gain the eternal reward of gardens beneath which rivers flow. It further reminds that Allah’s vengeance is severe, yet He is also Forgiving and Loving, and that He does whatever He wills. By recalling the destruction of Pharaoh and Thamud, the Surah emphasizes that Allah’s justice inevitably reaches those who deny and persist in wrongdoing.
The chapter concludes by affirming the majesty of the Quran, preserved forever in the protected Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz). 0 0 0
Surah 85: Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
(1) By the sky containing great constellations,
(2) And by the promised Day,
(3) And by the witness and the witnessed,
(4) Cursed were the people of the trench,
(5) The fire full of fuel,
(6) When they were sitting around it,
(7) And they were witnessing what they did to the believers,
(8) And they resented them for no reason except that they believed in Allah, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy,
(9) The One to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Witness over all things.
(10) Indeed, those who persecute the believing men and believing women and then do not repent — for them is the punishment of Hell, and for them is the punishment of burning.
(11) Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them are gardens beneath which rivers flow; that is the great success.
(12) Indeed, the vengeance of your Lord is severe.
(13) Indeed, it is He who originates creation and repeats it,
(14) And He is the Forgiving, the Loving,
(15) Owner of the Throne, the Glorious,
(16) Doer of whatever He wills.
(17) Has the story reached you of the hosts,
(18) Of Pharaoh and Thamud?
(19) But those who disbelieve persist in denial,
(20) And Allah encompasses them from behind.
(21) But this is a glorious Quran,
(22) In a preserved Tablet. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Al-Buruj delivers a timeless message about the resilience of faith in the face of oppression and the certainty of divine justice.
The image of the “People of the Trench” stands as a stark reminder that tyranny may seem powerful in the moment, but it cannot outlast the decree of Allah. This Surah teaches that persecution for the sake of belief is not new — it has occurred throughout history — but the outcome always favors the steadfast believers in the Hereafter. The pairing of Allah’s attributes — Al-‘Aziz (the Mighty) and Al-Hamid (the Praiseworthy) — with Al-Ghafoor (the Forgiving) and Al-Wadud (the Loving) reveals that His power is balanced with mercy and love for His faithful servants. The reference to Pharaoh and Thamud shows that no ruler or nation, however mighty, is beyond the reach of Allah’s justice.
The conclusion, highlighting the Quran’s preservation in the eternal Tablet, reassures believers that the message they hold is divine, protected, and will never be altered. This Surah, therefore, is both a warning to the oppressors and a comfort to the oppressed, reminding them that their faith and patience are not in vain. 0 0 0
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10 FAQs on Surah Al-Buruj
Q1. What is Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) about?
Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars), the 85th chapter of the Holy Quran, consists of 22 verses and was revealed in Makkah. It opens with an oath by the sky filled with constellations, emphasizing the greatness of God’s creation. The surah recounts the story of the “People of the Ditch” (Ashab al-Ukhdud), who were persecuted and burned for their faith in God. Through this story, Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) conveys the message that trials faced by believers are not in vain, for God is ever watchful, and the ultimate victory belongs to the faithful.
Q2. Why is the surah named Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars)?
The surah is named Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) because it begins with an oath by the heavens containing great constellations (buruj). The Arabic word buruj refers to lofty towers or positions, and in the context of the sky, it refers to the magnificent star formations. This name emphasizes the majesty of creation and serves as a reminder of God’s power and authority over the universe. Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) uses this imagery to draw attention to divine order, linking it with the moral lessons that follow.
Q3. What is the main theme of Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars)?
The main theme of Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) is the conflict between faith and oppression. It highlights the steadfastness of believers who endured severe persecution for their faith and the certainty of God’s justice against their oppressors. The surah reassures believers that no matter how powerful tyrants seem, God’s might is greater, and their punishment is inevitable. Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) also emphasizes God’s power, knowledge, and authority, reminding mankind that the final triumph belongs to truth and righteousness.
Q4. What lesson can we learn from the People of the Ditch mentioned in Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars)?
The story of the People of the Ditch in Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) teaches the lesson of patience, perseverance, and sacrifice in the face of oppression. These believers were burned alive for holding firm to their faith, yet their unwavering commitment became a symbol of courage and conviction. Their oppressors thought they had succeeded, but Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) makes it clear that God is all-seeing, and ultimate justice awaits the tyrants. The lesson is that true faith requires resilience and trust in God’s reward, even amid hardship.
Q5. How does Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) emphasize God’s power?
Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) emphasizes God’s power by swearing an oath on the majestic sky with its constellations, the Day of Judgment, and God Himself as the ultimate witness. It reminds mankind that while oppressors may seem strong, God is far mightier, capable of destroying entire nations. The surah affirms that God is both severe in punishment and rich in mercy. Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) assures believers that their struggles are seen and recorded, and that God’s authority extends over all creation, leaving no deed unnoticed.
Q6. What hope does Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) give to oppressed believers?
Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) gives hope to oppressed believers by reminding them that their suffering is not forgotten. The surah reassures them that Paradise awaits those who remain steadfast in faith, while their persecutors will face the fire of Hell. By recounting the story of the People of the Ditch, Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) conveys that even when believers face unimaginable trials, they are under God’s protection, and ultimate victory will be theirs. This message fills the heart with courage, hope, and patience.
Q7. What warning does Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) give to oppressors?
Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) warns oppressors that their cruelty will not go unpunished. Those who inflict harm on believers will face eternal torment in Hell. The surah emphasizes that God is fully aware of their deeds and that His justice cannot be escaped. The punishment of past nations that denied the truth is mentioned as a reminder. Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) thus warns tyrants that their worldly power is temporary, and divine retribution is certain.
Q8. How does Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) highlight the importance of faith?
Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) highlights the importance of faith by portraying the courage of believers who refused to renounce their belief in God despite severe persecution. Their unwavering commitment serves as a timeless example of true faith and conviction. The surah makes it clear that real success lies not in worldly safety but in holding firm to faith, which leads to eternal reward. Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) underscores that belief in God’s power, justice, and mercy is the foundation of a meaningful life.
Q9. What role does the imagery of stars and the sky play in Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars)?
The imagery of stars and the sky in Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) serves to magnify God’s greatness and the vastness of His creation. The constellations are presented as symbols of order, beauty, and divine power. By beginning the surah with this cosmic imagery, it sets the stage for the moral and spiritual lessons that follow. Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) connects the majesty of the heavens with God’s role as the ultimate overseer of justice, reminding humanity that nothing escapes His watchful eye.
Q10. How can Muslims apply the teachings of Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) in daily life?
Muslims can apply the teachings of Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars) by developing patience, resilience, and trust in God during times of hardship. The surah reminds believers to hold firm to their faith, even in the face of trials, knowing that God’s justice is certain. It encourages Muslims to avoid oppression in any form and instead stand for truth and justice. By reflecting on the story of the People of the Ditch and the vastness of creation, Muslims can strengthen their conviction that God is ever-watchful, and eternal reward awaits those who remain steadfast.
