Sūrat al-Dahr

Sūrah No. 76. Revealed in Madīnah, 31 verses.

This Sūrah is also known as ‘al-Insān’ and ‘Hal atā’.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

According to a hadith of Imam Muhammad al-Bāqir (a) whoever recites Sūrat al-Insān on Thursday morning one of the rewards he will receive is to be with the Holy Prophet a on the Day of Judgment.

Note: Quranic Scholars say that the reward is connected to the contents of the Sūrah and requires that recitation be done with awareness, comprehension, reflection and having an intention of implementation.

General synopsis of contents

1) Creation of the human being (vv. 1-3)

2) The reward of the righteous (vv. 4-6, 11-22)

3) The story of the Ahlul Bayt (a) giving away food for three consecutive days to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner (vv. 8-10)

4) Remembrance of Allah and His authority over creation (vv. 23-31)

Selected Lessons

1) The human being has been shown the way and has been given the choice of being grateful or ungrateful.

2) Importance of selflessness from the story of the Ahlul Bayt and their charity.

3) Paradise has many pleasures in store for the believers.

4) Allah should be remembered morning and evening, and especially during a part of the night.

5) Human beings have freewill, but Allah is in ultimate control.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 76:3 – Indeed We have guided him to the way, be he grateful or ungrateful

2) 76:9 – We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We desire no reward from you nor thanks.

Activities for self-study

1) Study verses 7-10. List the qualities mentioned in these verses. How does verse 9 emphasize their selflessness.

2) What are the different rewards for the righteous mentioned in this Sūrah?