Sūrah No. 43, Revealed in Makkah, 89 verses.
It takes its name from the mention of Zukhruf – gold ornaments – in verse 35.
Sūrat al-Zukhruf
Merits of reciting the Sūrah
Whoever recites Sūrat al-Zukhruf will be from those who will be told on the day of Judgment, ‘O My servants, there will be no fear on you today nor grief, enter Heaven without any accounting’.
The Holy Prophet a (From Tafsīr Majma‘ al-Bayān)
Note: Scholars suggest that the reward is achieved by those who recite this with comprehension, reflection and intending to follow the Divine message.
General synopsis of contents
1) Importance of the Quran and Prophet-hood and the behavior of the disbelievers towards him.
2) Signs of Tawhid.
3) Repudiation of polytheism and false beliefs about the angels.
4) Narrations from the stories of past Prophets.
5) Descriptions of the rewards and punishment in the Hereafter.
6) Misguided values that led to unfounded demands from the Prophet 1.
7) Advice and warnings for people to take heed.
Important Messages
1) Those who disbelieve try to justify and excuse their behaviour. (v. 20)
2) The pride of the affluent ones makes them reject the message of God. (v. 23)
3) People made demands from the Prophet 1 about the Quran, according to their values. (v. 31)
4) There will be intense regret on the Day of Judgment. (v. 38)
5) Allah sends down difficulties on people so that they turn to God. But once the difficulties go away people return to their old ways. (v. 48-50)
6) There are lessons in history for generations that follow. (v. 56)
7) Friends will turn into enemies on the Day of Judgment, except those who are God
conscious. (v. 67)
8) Many people do not think of the responsibility and accountability of their actions. (v. 80)
9) People waste their time in false discourses and play while in this world. (v. 83)
Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.
1) 43:32 – Is it they who dispense the mercy of your Lord?
2) 43:32 – and your Lord’s mercy is better than what they amass.
3) 43:40- Can you, then, make the deaf hear or guide the blind and those who are in manifest error?
4) 43:62 – Do not let Shaytān bar you [from the way of Allah]. Indeed, he is your manifest enemy.
5) 43:76 – We are not unjust to them, but they themselves were unjust.
6) 43:89- So disregard them, and say, ‘Peace!’ Soon they will know.
Activities for self-study
1) Study verses 9-13. What signs of Allah are mentioned in these verses? What conclusion is derived from observing some of these signs?
2) Illustrate, or visualize, verse 33-35. What is the message in these verses?
3) What happens to those who turn away from the remembrance of Allah? See verses 36-39.
4) Study verses 51-53. What do they tell you about Fir‘awn’s attitude? List some of his
qualities as described in these verses.
5) What was Prophet ‘Īsa’s message to his people? See verses 63-64.
6) Verses 68-73 describe the joys of Paradise. List or illustrate the rewards mentioned.
7) Verses 74-77 describe the inmates of Hell. What are some things they will face as
described here?