Sūrat al-Rahmān

Sūrah No. 55. Revealed in Makkah, 78 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

This Sūrah has been referred to in hadith as Bride of the Quran.

Whoever recites the Sūrat al-Rahmān Allah has mercy on his weakness [in thanking Him] and he has fulfilled the right of gratitude towards Allah’s favours on him- 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

The central theme of the Sūrah is spiritual and material blessings of Allah X on the human being. The verse So which of your Lord’s bounties will you both deny? is repeated 31 times in the Sūrah. It is recommended to respond to this sentence by saying ‘None of your bounties my Lord do I deny’.

The Sūrah includes:

1) Blessings of Allah in creating the human being and the world for him (vv. 1-13)

2) How human beings and Jinn were created (vv. 14-15)

3) Signs of Allah on the earth (vv. 17-30)

4) The Day of Judgment (vv. 37-41)

5) Rewards of the Hereafter (vv. 46-76)

Selected Lessons

1) Human beings have been blessed greatly with favours from Allah in physical creation as well as spiritual boons.

2) Two important training mentioned in the Sūrah is teaching of the Quran and teaching man the mode of expression and communication.

3) Allah has kept a balance of equity, and we should not transgress that balance.

4) Both the Human and Jinn have responsibilities and are accountable for their actions.

5) The heavens and earth show signs of Allah’s glory.

6) Rewards of the Hereafter have been vividly conveyed in the Quran.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

55:29 – All those who are in the heavens and the earth ask of Him; every moment He is in a state (of glory).

Activities for self-study

List all the benefits of creation mentioned in this Sūrah. Divide them into those relating to the human being, the earth, worldly systems etc. How can you be more cognizant of these benefits and connect them to the verses of the Sūrah?