Sūrat al-Burūj

Sūrah No. 85. Revealed in Makkah, 22 verses. The early Muslims faced a lot of pressure and torture from the disbelievers. Not everyone was strong enough to withstand it. This Sūrah strengthens the spirit of the believers and encourage them to stand firm.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

The Prophet a has said: Whoever recites this Sūrah will receive the reward of ten time the number of those who gather on Friday and those who gather on the day of ‘Arafah, and its recitations saves a person from fear and afflictions.

Note: Tafsīr Namūneh explains that this reward could be because one of the interpretations of verse

3 is that it is referring to Friday and the Day of ‘Arafah. And because the Sūrah talks about the steadfastness of previous believers in the face of great difficulties. Those who recite the Sūrah and apply it in their lives will receive this reward.

General synopsis of contents

1) Story of the people of the Ditch (vv. 1-9)

2) The result of the actions of the disbelievers and the believers (vv. 10-11)

3) A description of some qualities of Allah (vv. 12-16)

4) Mention of past peoples (vv. 17-20)

5) Greatness of the Quran (vv. 21-22)

Selected Lessons

1) Believers have always faced tortured at the hands of disbelievers.

2) People are troubled and discriminated against solely because of their faith.

3) Allah has qualities of majesty and beauty. He is Affectionate and Forgiving, but also severe in retribution.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 85:11- Indeed those who have faith and do righteous deeds—for them will be gardens with streams running in them. That is the supreme success.

2) 85:12-16 – Indeed your Lord’s striking is severe. It is indeed He who originates and brings back, and He is the All-forgiving, the All-affectionate, Lord of the Throne, the All-glorious, Doer of what He desires.

Activities for self-study

What are the qualities of the people who tortured the people of the Ditch? What made them do what they did? Connect it with the present-day troubles faced by Muslims around the world.