Sūrat al-Fussilat

Sūrah No. 41. Also known as Sūrat HāMīm Sajdah. Revealed in Makkah, 54 verses. It is second of the four Sūrahs which contain wājib sajdah. Other are Sūrah nos. 32, 53 and 96.

The Sūrah takes its name from the description of the Quran in verse 3 as a Book whose signs have been elaborated.

The Sūrah is the second of the Hawāmīm Sūrahs (those that begin with Hā-Mīm, Sūrah Nos. 40-46). According to the Holy Prophet a, the Hawāmīim are the crown of the Quran.

The main theme of this Sūrah is the truth of the Quran and the ineffectiveness of those who oppose it.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

There are reports that the Holy Prophet a would not sleep at night till he recited Sūrat al-Mulk and Sūrat HāMīm Sajdah.

Whoever recites Sūrat Hāmīm Sajdah will have a light on the Day of Judgment that will bring brightness and happiness to his eyes, and he will live in the world in a way which will be praised and envied by others.

Holy Prophet a. (From Tafsīr Majma‘ al Bayān).

Note: Tafsīr Namūneh says that the advice and awareness that the Sūrah gives creates an enlightenment that stays with the reciter both in this world and the hereafter.

General synopsis of contents

1) Discussion on the nature of the Quran

2) Stages of the creation of the heavens and the earth

3) An account of some of the past people

4) Stern warnings to those who reject faith through a discussion of their state on the Day of Judgment

5) Wisdom to guide towards attainment of certain virtues

Selected Lessons

1) Various parts of the human body will bear witness on the Day of Judgment (v. 20)

2) Wrong assumptions and misplaced thoughts about Allah X lead to ruin and loss in the hereafter (v. 23)

3) The angels are the companions of those who believe and are steadfast (vv. 30-31)

4) Repelling evil with good turns an enemy into a warm friend (v. 34)

Important Messages

1) The organs of the body have an awareness of our actions and hence will be able to bear witness on the Day of Judgement.

2) To invite others towards Allah is the best of speech.

3) Tolerance and a big heart are necessary for good and effective relationships with others.

4) Nature is the best classroom for learning about God.

5) The Quran is a manifestation of God’s wisdom and praiseworthiness.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 41:33 – Who has a better call than him who summons to Allah and acts righteously and says, ‘Indeed I am one of the Muslims’?

2) 41:36 – Should an incitement from Satan prompt you to ill feeling, seek the protection of Allah. Indeed, He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing.

3) 41:49 – Man is never tired of supplicating for good, and should any ill befall him, he becomes hopeless and despondent.

Activities for self-study

How is the Quran described in this Sūrah? List all the qualities mentioned about it and connect each quality to the role it plays in a believer’s life. How do the disbelievers react to the Quran?