Sūrat al-Qamar

Sūrah No. 54. Revealed in the early Makkan period, 55 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites Sūrah Iqarabatis sa’a every other day will be raised on the Day of Judgment with his face [shining] like the full moon – Holy Prophet a

Note: The shining face will be the result of inner faith acquired through the recitation of the Sūrah. 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 Day of Judgment and those who deny it (vv. 1-8)

2) An account of the people of Prophet Nūh (a) (vv. 9-16)

3) The people of Ad (vv. 18-21)

4) The people of Thamūd (vv. 23-31)

5) The people of Prophet Lūt (a) (vv. 33-39)

6) The people of Fir‘awn (vv. 41-45)

7) God’s decree and accountability (vv. 49-53)

Selected Lessons

1) The description of the Day of Judgement is a strong warning to those who pay heed.

2) The account of the past peoples shows the result of stubbornness and rejection of faith. History is an important teacher.

3) The verse “Certainly We have made the Quran simple for the sake of admonishment. So is there anyone who will be admonished?” is repeated four times in the Sūrah. It shows that Quranic verses have the power to awaken receptive hearts.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 54:17 – Certainly We have made the Quran simple for the sake of admonishment. So is there anyone who will be admonished?

2) 54:49 – Indeed We have created everything in a measure.

Activities for self-study

a) Read the description of the Day of Judgment (vv. 6-8). Also read the section in Sermon 83 of Nahjul Balāgha where Imam talks about the Day of Judgment. Describe the state of the people on that day.

b) Reflect on one of the stories from history mentioned in the Sūrah. What were the qualities of the people? How was Allah’s punishment unleashed on them?