Discover the divine wisdom of Surah 96: Al-Alaq (The Clot), a powerful Quranic chapter that inspires knowledge, faith, and the pursuit of truth as the foundation of spiritual growth.
Surah 96: Al-Alaq (The Clot)
Introduction
Surah Al-Alaq is the ninety-sixth chapter of the Holy Quran and is famously known as the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It consists of 19 verses and was revealed in Makkah. The Surah begins with the command to “Read” in the name of Allah, the Creator, who fashioned man from a clinging clot. It highlights Allah’s generosity in teaching humanity through the pen and knowledge that was previously unknown. The chapter warns against arrogance and self-sufficiency that lead to transgression. It describes a person who forbids a servant from praying and denies guidance, emphasizing that Allah’s watchful presence is constant. The Surah ends with a firm command to reject such oppressive behavior, to prostrate, and draw close to Allah through worship.
Surah 96: Al-Alaq (The Clot): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
(1) Read in the name of your Lord who created –
(2) Created man from a clinging clot.
(3) Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous –
(4) Who taught by the pen –
(5) Taught man that which he knew not.
(6) No! Indeed, man transgresses
(7) Because he sees himself self-sufficient.
(8) Indeed, to your Lord is the return.
(9) Have you seen the one who forbids
(10) A servant when he prays?
(11) Have you seen if he is upon guidance
(12) Or enjoins righteousness?
(13) Have you seen if he denies and turns away –
(14) Does he not know that Allah sees?
(15) No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock –
(16) A lying, sinning forelock.
(17) Then let him call his associates;
(18) We will call the angels of punishment.
(19) No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allah]. 0 0 0
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Comment
This Surah marks the beginning of the prophetic mission and emphasizes the importance of knowledge and learning in Islam. The command to “Read” symbolizes the start of intellectual awakening and spiritual growth. Allah’s act of creating man from a “clinging clot” reminds us of human humility and dependence on the Creator. The Surah also addresses human arrogance, cautioning that self-sufficiency leads to wrongdoing and that accountability to Allah is inevitable. The description of those who prevent others from worship reflects opposition faced by the Prophet and believers, warning that such behavior will be met with divine punishment. The concluding advice to prostrate and draw near highlights worship as the key means to resist evil and connect with Allah. Overall, this Surah combines themes of creation, knowledge, humility, accountability, and devotion. 0 0 0
Frequently Asked Questions on Al-‘Alaq (The Clot)
Q1. What is Surah 96: Al-‘Alaq (The Clot) about?
Ans: Surah Al-‘Alaq (The Clot) is about the creation of mankind from a clot, the importance of knowledge, the command to read in the name of Allah, and a warning against arrogance and denial of truth.
Q2. Why is Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) significant?
Ans: Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) is significant because it contains the very first revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), marking the beginning of prophethood and the message of Islam.
Q3. How many verses are in Surah Al-‘Alaq (The Clot)?
Ans: Surah Al-‘Alaq (The Clot) consists of 19 verses, which emphasize creation, knowledge, arrogance, and the accountability of mankind before Allah.
Q4. What lessons can we learn from Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot)?
Ans: From Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot), we learn the importance of seeking knowledge, humility before Allah, avoiding pride, and recognizing that true honor lies in worship and obedience to the Creator.
Q5. When was Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) revealed?
Ans: Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) was revealed in Makkah, and its first five verses were the very first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Q6. How can reciting Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) benefit a believer?
Ans: Reciting Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) reminds believers of their origin, encourages them to seek beneficial knowledge, nurtures humility, and strengthens their devotion to Allah.
