Sūrat al-Fātir

Sūrah No. 35. Revealed in Makkah, 45 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

The Sūrah is also known as Sūrat al-Malā’ikah, from the first verse that talks about angels. Whoever recites Sūrat al-Malā’ikah three doors of the doors of Heaven will invite him on the Day of Judgment, to enter from whichever door he wishes – Holy Prophet a

Tafsīr Namūneh mentions that since each door of Heaven symbolizes a belief or action, this could refer to the three beliefs of Tawhid, Nubuwwah and Qiyāmah emphasized in these verses.

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

The central theme of the Sūrah is the greatness and Lordship of Allah.

The Sūrah includes:

1) Signs of the Oneness of God as the only Creator and Provider (vv. 1-3, 13-17, 27-28 …)

2) Human creation and growth towards perfection (vv.10-11)

3) Analogies to show the difference between faith and disbelief (vv. 19-23)

4) Role of Prophethood (vv. 23-25)

5) Rewards and punishment of the Hereafter (vv.33-37)

Selected Lessons

1) There are many signs around us of the Lordship and nurturing qualities of Allah.

2) The world and shaytān deceive us and take us away from Allah.

3) Sometimes human beings see their evil actions as good (see v. 8)

4) All honor belongs only to Allah (see v. 10)

5) Belief and disbelief are opposites.

6) Rewards of the Hereafter will remove all negative emotions from the inhabitants.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 35:10 – Whoever seeks honour should know that honour entirely belongs to Allah.

2) 35:15 – O mankind! You are the ones who stand in need of Allah, and Allah—He is the All-sufficient, the All-praised.

Activities for self-study

1) List all the signs of Allah mentioned in the Sūrah – about the various elements of nature, the human being . . .

2) Two verses of the Sūrah address all of mankind, beginning with ‘O mankind’. What do these verses state?