Sūrat al-Hijr, No. 15, Revealed in Makkah, 99 verses.
The name al-Hijr is from the story of the people of Prophet Sālih (a), the people of Thamūd who lived in a land called al-Hijr.
Sūrat al-Hijr
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
Whoever recites Sūrat al-HIjr will be given a reward ten times greater than the number of Muhājriūn and Ansār. Holy Prophet a
Note: Scholars suggest that such a reward can come from understanding and implementing the message of the Sūrah in one’s life and we pray to be granted the tawfīq.
General synopsis of contents
1) The Quran and the reaction of the disbelievers to it. (vv. 1-15)
2) Signs of Allah (swt) in creation. (vv. 16-25)
3) Creation of the human being and story of Iblis. (vv. 26-44)
4) Reward for the righteous. (vv. 45-50)
5) Stories of past Prophets (a). (vv. 51-84)
6) Warnings and Advice. (vv. 85-99)
Important Messages
1) Those who reject faith content themselves with fleeting pleasures of the world. (verse 3)
2) Allah ‘azza wajall has revealed the Quran and will protect it. (verse 9)
3) Those who do not want to believe will reject faith, whatever miracles you show to them. (vv. 14-15).
4) Allah (swt) is most Forgiving, but His punishment is also severe. (vv. 49-50)
5) The Heavens and the Earth have been created in Truth, and there will be accountability. (verse 85)
6) The Prophet a was grieved by those who mocked faith. (verse 97)
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 15:21 And there is not a thing but with Us are the treasures of it, and We do not send it down but in a known measure.
2) 15:23 Indeed it is We who give life and bring death and We are the inheritors.
3) 15:56 Who despairs of his Lord’s mercy except those gone astray?
4) 15:88 Do not strain your eyes after what We have given certain classes of them to enjoy, and do not grieve for them, and make yourself gentle to the believers.
5) 15:99 And worship your Lord until certainty comes to you.
Activities for self-study
1) Read the story of Iblis in verses 28-42. Write out the conversation that takes place. What are the qualities and attitude of Iblis revealed in these verses? What is his strategy to lead others astray as outlined in these verses? Who can be saved from it?
2) What are the different rewards in Heaven for the Muttaqūn as described in verses 45-48?
3) Choose one of the following stories to write out from the verses:
a) The angels visit Prophet Ibrāhīm (a) – vv. 51-60
b) The angels go to the people of Prophet Lūt (a) – vv. 61-74
c) People of the Rock (Thamūd) – vv. 80-84