Sūrat al-Qalam

Sūrat al-Qalam, No. 68. Revealed in the early Makkan period, 52 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites the Sūrah Nun-wal-Qalam Allah will give him the reward of (all) those who have perfected their manners. The Holy Prophet a

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) The outstanding characteristics of the Holy Prophet a

2) Despicable characteristics of those who reject faith.

3) The parable of the owners of the garden who were miserly and lost their harvest.

4) The Day of Judgement and facing the consequences of rejecting faith.

5) An invitation to be firm and steadfast

Selected Lessons

1) The Holy Prophet a was a role model for perfect manners.

2) Despicable characteristics cannot be found in those who have faith in Allah.

3) Wealth and abundance can bring pride and heedlessness.

4) Miserliness has negative consequences.

5) Remembering the Day of Judgement strengthens faith and sense of responsibility.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 68:4 – And indeed you possess a sublime character

2) 68:51 – And those who disbelieve would almost smite you with their eyes when they hear the reminder, and they say: Most surely, he is mad.

Activities for self-study

Read the parable of the owners of the garden in the Sūrah (vv. 17-33). Write a summary of the story. Identify the characteristics of the people in the story. What is an important message from the story?