Sūrat Saba

Sūrah Saba No. 34. Revealed in Makkah, 54 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites Sūrat Saba’ all the Prophets and Messengers will be his companions on the Day of Judgment and will shake hands with 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

1) The Sūrah begins with praise of Allah for His authority and Kingship both in the world and the Hereafter.

2) Discussions on the Day of Judgment.

3) Prophets Dāwūd (a) and Sulaymān (a). (vv. 10-14)

4) Story of the people of Saba’ (vv.15-19)

5) Injunctions to the disbelievers.

Selected Lessons

1) Nothing big or small escapes the knowledge of Allah (see v.3)

2) Few of Allah’s servants are grateful (v. 13)

3) The story of the people of Saba’ is an important lesson in the necessity of patience and gratitude.

4) Shaytān has no authority over us. He has been given the power to whisper to us to distinguish those who believe from those who are in doubt (v. 21)

5) The Holy Prophet a was sent as a bearer of good news and a warner for all of mankind (v. 28)

6) Those with wealth and power are often arrogant and reject the message of God (vv.34-35)

7) Thought and Reflection is an important part of the worship of Allah (v. 46)

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 34:1-2 – All praise belongs to Allah to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. To Him belongs all praise in the Hereafter, and He is the All- wise, the All-aware.  He knows whatever enters into the earth and whatever emerges from it, and whatever descends from the sky and whatever ascends into it, and He is the All-merciful, the All-forgiving.

Activities for self-study

Study the stories of Prophets Dāwūd (a) and Sulaymān (a) and the people of Saba (vv. 10-19). List the different blessings mentioned in these stories. What are the qualities emphasized in these stories?