Unveil the majestic power of Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn), a soul-stirring chapter of the Quran that awakens hearts with hope, wisdom, and an urgent reminder of justice on the Day of Reckoning.
Surah 89: Al-Fajr (The Dawn)
Introduction
Surah Al-Fajr, meaning “The Dawn,” is the eighty-ninth chapter of the Holy Quran and consists of 30 verses. It was revealed in Makkah and focuses on awakening human hearts to reflect on the consequences of moral actions and the certainty of the Hereafter.
The chapter opens with oaths by natural and historical signs—dawn, the sacred ten nights, the even and the odd, and the departing night—drawing attention to the passage of time and the divine order in creation. It reminds people of the fate of past nations such as ‘Ād, Thamūd, and Pharaoh, who were destroyed for their arrogance and corruption. The Surah addresses the human tendency to equate worldly wealth with divine favor, warning that real honor lies in moral responsibility and compassion. It ends with a moving invitation to the righteous soul to return to its Lord, satisfied and pleasing, and to enter the eternal bliss of Paradise. 0 0 0
Surah 89: Al-Fajr (The Dawn): Text
(1) By the dawn,
(2) And by ten nights,
(3) And by the even and the odd,
(4) And by the night as it passes,
(5) Is there in this an oath for one of understanding?
(6) Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with ‘Ād,
(7) The people of Iram, with lofty pillars,
(8) The like of which was never created in the land,
(9) And with Thamūd, who carved out rocks in the valley,
(10) And with Pharaoh, the one of mighty power,
(11) Those who transgressed in the lands,
(12) And spread much corruption therein,
(13) So your Lord poured upon them a scourge (whip) of punishment.
(14) Surely your Lord is ever watchful.
(15) As for man, when his Lord tests him and honors him and blesses him, he says, “My Lord has honored me.”
(16) But when He tests him and restricts his provision, he says, “My Lord has humiliated me.”
(17) No! But you do not honor the orphan,
(18) And you do not encourage one another to feed the poor,
(19) And you consume inheritance greedily,
(20) And you love wealth with immense love.
(21) No! When the earth is pounded to dust, completely leveled,
(22) And your Lord comes, and the angels, rank upon rank,
(23) And Hell is brought forth on that Day—on that Day man will remember, but how will remembrance benefit him?
(24) They will say: I wish I had done good deeds for my life after death!
(25) So on that Day none can punish as He punishes,
(26) And none can bind as He binds.
(27) O reassured soul,
(28) Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing,
(29) So enter among My servants,
(30) And enter My Paradise. 0 0 0
Note:
(1) ‘ten nights’ refers to first ten night of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, which are considered very blessed in Islam — especially because they include the days of Hajj and the Day of Arafah.
(2) ‘the last ten nights’ refer to the last ten nights of Ramadan (which include Laylat al-Qadr).
Comment
Surah Al-Fajr teaches that the rise of dawn is a symbol of new beginnings and the certainty of divine justice. The examples of mighty nations that were destroyed despite their strength show that no worldly power can prevent the decree of Allah. It warns against selfishness, greed, and neglect of the poor and orphaned, highlighting that such moral failures lead to ultimate loss. The contrast between the human perception of honor and humiliation and the divine perspective is central: wealth is a test, not a guarantee of status before Allah. The final verses are deeply spiritual, offering the image of the tranquil soul welcomed by Allah into eternal peace. This ending serves both as a reassurance for the believers and a reminder to prepare for that moment by living a life of faith, justice, and compassion. 0 0 0
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FAQs on Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn)
Q1. What is Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) about?
Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) is the 89th chapter of the Quran, revealed in Makkah with 30 verses. It begins with an oath by the dawn and other significant times, emphasizing Allah’s authority over time and creation. The surah recalls the destruction of arrogant nations like ‘Ād, Thamūd, and Pharaoh who rejected Allah’s guidance. It contrasts their downfall with the eternal success of the righteous, and it concludes with a beautiful invitation to the soul that is content and at peace to enter Paradise.
Q2. Why is the surah named Al-Fajr (The Dawn)?
The name Al-Fajr means “The Dawn,” symbolizing a new beginning, light after darkness, and the certainty of Allah’s decree. Dawn represents renewal, guidance, and the inevitable arrival of truth. In Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn), the reference to dawn also symbolizes the coming of judgment and the triumph of righteousness after oppression.
Q3. What lessons does Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) teach about past nations?
Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) recounts the fate of ‘Ād, known for their strength, Thamūd, who carved homes into mountains, and Pharaoh, who was oppressive and tyrannical. Despite their power, wealth, and arrogance, all were destroyed when they defied Allah. This lesson warns humanity against pride and injustice while reminding believers that Allah’s justice is inevitable.
Q4. How does Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) describe human nature toward wealth?
The surah describes how humans often misinterpret trials and blessings. When Allah grants wealth, they think they are favored, but when He withholds it, they feel neglected. Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) clarifies that wealth is not a sign of divine approval; rather, it is a test. True success lies in gratitude, humility, and generosity, not in material possessions.
Q5. What does Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) say about the Day of Judgment?
Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) provides a vivid picture of the Day of Judgment. It portrays the earth shaking, people standing before their Lord, and every soul being fully aware of its deeds. On that Day, worldly power and wealth will vanish, leaving only faith and good actions as a person’s true wealth. It is a reminder that ultimate accountability awaits all humans.
Q6. What is the significance of the closing verses of Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn)?
The closing verses are among the most comforting in the Quran. Allah addresses the soul at peace (nafs al-mutma’innah), saying: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My servants and enter My Paradise.” This powerful message gives hope and reassurance that those who remain faithful will be welcomed with eternal peace and joy in the Hereafter.
Q7. How does Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) connect justice with faith?
The surah strongly links justice with faith. It condemns those who oppress the weak, neglect the orphan, and withhold charity. It reminds believers that righteousness is not only about worship but also about treating others with fairness, compassion, and kindness. Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) emphasizes that injustice and arrogance lead to destruction, while humility and care for others bring eternal reward.
Q8. Why does Allah swear by the dawn and other times in the opening verses?
In the Quran, Allah swears by aspects of His creation to draw attention to their significance. By swearing by the dawn, the ten nights (often linked to the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah), the even and odd, and the night as it passes, Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) highlights the importance of time, cycles, and divine wisdom. These oaths remind believers of the sacredness of time and the need to use it wisely before the Day of Judgment arrives.
Q9. How is Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) used in Islamic practice?
Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) is often recited in daily prayers and holds special significance for reflection on justice, accountability, and spiritual peace. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged remembering the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which some scholars connect to the “ten nights” mentioned in this surah. It serves as a reminder to maximize acts of worship and charity during blessed times.
Q10. What inspiration can modern readers draw from Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn)?
For modern readers, Surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) is a timeless reminder of humility, justice, and the importance of using wealth and power responsibly. It teaches that material success is temporary, while spiritual success is everlasting. The surah also inspires resilience, showing that even when oppression seems dominant, dawn eventually arrives—symbolizing hope, renewal, and the triumph of truth.
