Sūrah No. 30. Revealed in Makkah, 60 verses.
Sūrat al-Rūm
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
Whoever recites Sūrahs al-‘Ankabūt and al-Rūm on the twenty third night of the month of Ramadan he is, by Allah, from the people of Paradise. Imam Ja‘far al-Sādiq (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) Prediction of a victory over the Romans (vv. 2-6)
2) Questioning the mentality of those who reject faith (vv. 7-9)
3) The Day of Judgment (vv. 12-16)
4) The signs of Allah (vv. 20-28)
5) Nature of the human being (vv. 30-36)
6) State of the disbelievers (vv. 55-59)
Selected Lessons
1) Victory comes through the help of Allah.
2) Lessons and signs for the human being abound everywhere, in themselves, in history, and in the world around them.
3) There are certain timings which are auspicious for the glorification and worship of Allah. (vv. 17-18)
4) Belief and virtue are part of the instinct of the human being.
5) Corruption spreads on earth because of what human beings have done. (v. 41)
6) Human life goes through stages of weakness and strength. (v. 54)
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 30:5 – By Allah’s help. He helps whomever He wishes, and He is the Mighty, the Merciful
2) 30:38 – Give the relative his due, and the needy and the traveller That is better for those who seek Allah’s pleasure, and it is they who are successful.
3) 30:41 – Corruption has appeared in land and sea because of the doings of the people’s hands, that He may make them taste something of what they have done, so that they may come back
Activities for self-study
Study verses 20-25. List all the signs of Allah mentioned in these verses. Who are the people who understand these signs?