Unlock the powerful wisdom of Surah 91 Ash-Shams (The Sun) – a radiant chapter of the Quran that inspires purity, guidance, and success for the soul. Discover its meaning, lessons, and spiritual benefits in simple words.
Surah 91: Ash-Shams (The Sun)
Introduction
Surah Ash-Shams is the 91st chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah, consisting of 15 verses. It is one of the most emphatic chapters in the Quran, beginning with a series of powerful oaths — by the sun, the moon, the day, the night, the sky, the earth, and the human soul. Each oath draws attention to the precise balance and order in creation, reminding us of Allah’s supreme power and wisdom. The Surah then highlights the moral compass placed within every human being: the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. True success, it declares, lies in purifying the soul, while failure comes from corrupting it. As a historical warning, the Surah recalls the story of the Thamud people who defied their prophet, Saleh, by killing the she-camel — a clear sign from Allah — and were destroyed as a result. The ending shows Allah’s absolute authority, unafraid of any consequences for executing His justice.
Surah 91: Ash-Shams (The Sun): Text
(1) By the sun and its brightness –
(2) And by the moon when it follows it –
(3) And by the day when it reveals it –
(4) And by the night when it covers it –
(5) And by the sky and the One Who built it –
(6) And by the earth and the One Who spread it –
(7) And by the soul and the One Who proportioned it –
(8) And inspired it with what is wrong for it and what is right for it –
(9) Successful indeed is the one who purifies it –
(10) And failed indeed is the one who corrupts it –
(11) Thamud denied [the truth] in their transgression –
(12) When the most wicked among them rose up –
(13) Then the Messenger of Allah said to them, “This is the she-camel of Allah; let her drink.” –
(14) But they denied him and hamstrung her. So their Lord crushed them for their sin and leveled them to the ground –
(15) And He does not fear its consequences. 0 0 0
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Comment
This Surah serves as a mirror for every human soul. It teaches that life’s real test is not just in external achievements but in internal purification — cleansing the heart from arrogance, greed, and wrongdoing. Allah has already equipped every soul with the knowledge of right and wrong, leaving no excuse for moral negligence. The repeated oaths underline the seriousness of this truth. The reference to the Thamud people is a reminder that rejecting divine guidance and acting in arrogance leads to certain ruin, no matter how strong or advanced a nation might be. The message is direct: if you want real success, purify your soul; if you let it be polluted by sin, you choose your own failure. 0 0 0
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah 91 Ash-Shams
Q1. What is Surah 91 Ash-Shams (The Sun) about?
Ans: Surah 91 Ash-Shams (The Sun) is about the contrast between righteousness and corruption, emphasizing how success lies in purifying the soul and failure in neglecting it.
Q2. Why is Surah 91 called Ash-Shams (The Sun)?
Ans: Surah 91 is called Ash-Shams (The Sun) because it begins with an oath by the sun and its brilliance, highlighting divine signs that reflect truth and guidance.
Q3. What are the main lessons of the Surah?
Ans: The main lessons of the Surah include self-purification, the importance of moral choices, and the reminder that righteousness leads to prosperity while corruption leads to loss.
Q4. How many verses are in Surah 91 Ash-Shams (The Sun)?
Ans: Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun) contains 15 verses, each filled with deep wisdom and spiritual guidance.
Q5. What benefits come from reciting the Surah?
Ans: Reciting the Surah brings spiritual clarity, strengthens faith, and motivates believers to choose righteousness over wrongdoing.
Q6. How does Surah 91 inspire self-purification?
Ans: Surah inspires self-purification by declaring that true success belongs to those who cleanse their soul from sins and nourish it with good deeds.
Q7. What is the historical context of Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun)?
Ans: Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun) was revealed in Makkah and serves as a reminder to the Quraysh of the fate of past nations who rejected truth, encouraging moral reflection. 0 0 0
