The Qur’an

Translation of the Qur’an

1. Al-Fatiha – The Opening

Panorama of Jerusalem old cityThe opening verse of the Qur’an is extremely important to practicing Muslims and are a prayer that forms the core of the both obligatory and non-obligatory prayers. It states that God is the source of all good and that he should be praised before appreciating anything of his creation.

2. Al-Baqara – The Cow

This is the longest chapter or the Qur’an and contains 286 verses. It begins by explaining that the Qur’an is never to be doubted. This chapter condemns the non-believers and describes how Allah has control over everything including the choice to not believe in Allah. He has sealed their heats and their hearing and this is a punishment for them. It is also believed to reference the Jewish scholars excepting bribed to alter scripture which is a dual sin.

3. Aal-E-Imran – The family of ‘Imran, The house of ‘Imran

This chapter describes how the Christian and Jewish people are following a false religion. It invites them towards the truth and refutes their false beliefs, including the blasphemous ideologies concerning Sayyidina Isa and Ibrahim. It also reiterates that the Christian and Jewish scriptures have been corrupted as they don’t agree with the Qur’an.

4. An-Nisa – Women

The An-Nisa chapter addresses concerns about woman, inheritance, marriage laws and how to deal with children. It also states that as good Muslims you should fight for the vulnerable in War and rescue them from their oppressors. The role of woman can be interpreted in many different ways from this chapter depending on the stance you take. It states that men and woman were created from a single sole.

5. Al-Maeda – The Table, The table spread.

This chapter contains instructions about cultural and political life of Muslims. It states that Drinking and Gambling have been outlawed and punishment for rebellion, disturbance of peace and theft have been specified.

6. Al-Anaam – Cattle, Livestock

This Chapter states that the disbelievers have been warned and threat they need to follow the light shown by the revelation from the all-knowing and all powerful Allah or they would go to the same door as the former disbelievers. It focusses on the prophethood from the point of view of the holy prophet and his attitude towards his followers and disbelievers.

7. Al-Araf – The Heights

This chapter addresses the Jews and the consequences of their hypocritical conduct towards prophethood, as they believe in Moses but oppose his teachings, disobey him and worshiped falsehood and consequently were afflicted ignominy and disgrace.

8. Al-Anfal – Spoils of War, Booty

This chapter addresses the proper conduct in war and describes the battle of Badr (as does Al-Araf). It tells Muslims not to regard the spoils of War as their right but as a bounty given to them by Allah. It states that Muslims should refrain from ignorance in times of peace and war and should establish themselves as morally superior in the world.

9. Al-Tawba – Repentance, Dispensation

This chapter describes the sanctity of treaties and explains the principles in which to abide by in regard to breaking them and how to behave if the other party does break a treaty. It describes how Muslims should fight the mushrik Arabs, the Christians and the Jews. It describes how Muslims will only receive the rewards promised by Allah if they actively participate in conflict with Kufr.

10. Yunus – Jonah

The Chapter Yunus contains graphic descriptions of the hereafter in order to warn people that they must change their ways in order to not regret their actions in this world. It explains that this life in only a test and that a person will need to fully accept the messages of the Qur’an in order to pass the test or they will be forever remorseful.

11. Hud – Hud

Hud contains another warning and invitation to follow Allah, it states that you must obey the messenger of Allah, and worship Allah alone. Your life should be built around the fact that you will be called to account in the hereafter. It warns that all non-believers will be destroyed in the final punishment.

12. Yusef – Joseph

This chapter sets to prove that Muhammad was a true prophet and that his knowledge was truly gained through revelation. It also describes the prophets Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph and how their faith and believes were the same as Muhammad’s.

13. Ar-Rad – The Thunder

Ar-Rad reiterates the message of Yusef in the Muhammad’s message is true, it does on to state that the people are to blame for accepting the message. It makes a sympathetic appeal to the people to win over their hearts and to convince them to accept Muhammad’s message.

14. Ibrahim – Abraham

The central theme of this chapter is a warning to all non-believers and rejecters of the Holy Prophet, it addresses those who are plotting against the prophet, instead of admonishing them like the previous chapters it focuses on warning, reproof, censure and reproach.

15. Al-Hijr – Stoneland, Rock City

This Chapter contains a warning for those who reject the Message of the Holy Profit or ridicule him. It also contains encouragement and comfort to the holy prophet. It also contains brief admonition in the story of Adam and Satan.

16. An-Nahl – The Bee

Proof of the Tauhid have been presented in this chapter based on universal signs and mankind himself. The objections of non-believers are discussed, their arguments refuted and their false pretext corrected. The moral changes that Allah require mankind to make are also briefly introduced.

17. Al-Isra – The Night Journey, Children of Israel

This chapter is written at a time when the prophet had been propagating Tauhid for 12 years and Islam had spread to every corner of Arabia despite the opposition’s attempts to undermine it. It describes how human success and failure is based upon the proper understanding of the Tauhid, life after death and prophethood. It described the creation of the Islamic state in Arabia and the spread of Islam throughout the world.

18. Al-Kahf – The Cave

This chapter was written in answer to three questions asked of the Holy Prophet by the mushriks of Makkah and the Christian and Jewish people (referred to as the people of the book). The questions is addresses are 1. Who were the sleepers in the cave? 2. What is the real story of Khidr? 3. What do you know about Zul-Qarnin?

19. Maryam – Mary

This chapter addresses migrants leaving the Arab lands for Christian countries and tells them to spread the teachings of Islam and to tell those who follow Christianity that Jesus is not the son of God. The story of the prophet Abraham is relayed to comfort the migrants that they are following in his footsteps as he was also forced to leave his country.

20. Ta-Ha – Ta-Ha

This chapter explains that prophethood it bestowed privately and it should not be seen as strange when someone becomes a prophet without a ceremony. It also describes how the Tauhid and Hereafter being presented by Muhammad are the same principles that were being presented by Moses when he was appointed a prophet.

21. Al-Anbiya – The Prophets

The chapter addresses arguments that Muhammad was a false prophet and the fact the people believed that life was just for sport and had no purpose behind it. Both thee believes are admonished in this chapter and answered. There is also a reminder that punishment will come after death even though there may seem like there is no punishment at the moment.

22. Al-Hajj – The Pilgrimage

This chapter addresses the right to worship at the Mosque and how the non-believers and the Mushriks have no right to stop them from visiting the Mosque. It also stares that Muslims should fight the Quraish in order to beat their tyranny.

23. Al-Mumenoon – The Believers

The central theme of this chapter is to invite the non-believers to accept the message of the Holy Prophet. It describes how the believers have developed noble attributes and how those communities who rejected the message have suffered negative consequences.

24. An-Noor – The Light

This chapter describes the conduct to be expected in relation to the Holy prophet. His wives are to remain in private quarters and avoid wearing adornments, they should also be cautious when talking to other people. Other Muslims are forbidden to enter the private quarters of the Holy prophet and should communicate with him through a curtain. Only relatives that were unable to marry are allowed to enter the private quarters of the Holy Prophet’s wives. The wives of the Prophet should be treated with the holiest intentions. Allah would curse those who offended the Holy Prophet or attack his honour. This chapter also urges women to cover their faces with a sheet when leaving the house.

25. Al- Furqan The Criterion, The Standard

This contains answers to the objections being raised by the non-believers of Makkah about the Qur’an, the prophet Muhammad and his teachings. Warnings are given to the non-believers about the consequences of rejecting the truth.

26. Ash-Shuara – The Poets

This chapter describes how there are signs of Muhammad being a true prophet scattered throughout the earth for all to see and then there are the signs that which have been seen by the Pharaoh and his people, Noah’s people, the Ad and the Thamud, Lot’s people and the people of Aiykah. You are then invited to decide which signs you would be eager to see. It also describes how Allah is almighty and all powerful and all merciful and how there have been many instances throughout history where Allah’s wrath has been shown as well as his Mercy.

27. An-Naml – The Ants

This discloses that only those who become worthy of the good promises made in the Qu’ran can truly benefit from it. It describes how the biggest hindrance to mankind accepting the Qu’ran is the denial of the Hereafter.

28. Al-Qasas – The Story

The main theme of Al-Qasas is the dispel doubts and objections that were being raised against the prophet Muhammad. This is done by relating the great power of Allah to provide the means and motives of whatever he wills to do. It then reiterates that Allah grants prophethood not through ceremony but privately and comes out without an army or force to support him and defeats much stronger oppositions. It then explains why Muhammad had not been given the same miracles as Moses as people had not believed even after seeing such miracles.

29. Al-Ankaboot – The Spider

Al-Ankaboot answers questions around being forced to give up your religion for example parents telling you to give up your religion as Muhammad preaches to always obey your parents so by disobeying you are in breach of your own belief system, is also explain how to deal with the oppression being subjected on new converts.

30. Ar-Room – The Romans, The Byzantines

This begins by discussing the Romans and how they have been overcome and it is expected that they will collapse, although in reality in a few short years they were once again victorious. The purpose of the story is to show how man only sees the superficial and does not see the real truth.

31. Luqman – Luqman

This chapter’s purpose is to explain the meaningless and absurdity of the Shirk (worshiping multiple gods, or false gods), and to reinforce the truth and reasonableness of the Tauhid (oneness of god).People are invited to give up the false beliefs of their forefathers and take on the teachings of Muhammad.

32. As-Sajda – The prostration, Worship, Adoration

This chapter is also devoted to dispelling the non-believers and to fix any doubts in the Tauhid, the Hereafter and the Holy Prophet. It requests people look at themselves and their own creation and see how it fits with the teachings of Muhammad.

33. Al-Ahzab – The Clans, The Coalition, The Combined Forces

A section of this chapter addresses The Holy Prophets wives and asks them to make a choice between the adornments of the world and Allah. They are told if they are to choose Allah they must remain patient. Objections are also answered in regards to The Holy Prophets marriage to the divorced Hadrat Zainab. There are clauses on the rules of Marriage and Divorce and a section which explains how Muhammad is an exception to the usual rules set upon Muslims.

34. Saba – Saba, Sheba

This chapter addresses ridicule and criticism that was being directed at the prophet Muhammad and admonishes those that mock the Holy Prophet.

35. Fatir – The Angels, Originator

The hoy prophet is being consoled in this chapter it is telling him that he is not responsible for the non-believers and as long as he is preaching the word of Allah it is their error for not believing his teachings. It reiterates the message that there is an afterlife and everyone will bear the consequences of how the behave on earth once they arrive in the hereafter.

36. Ya-Seen – Ya-Seen

Arguments are made for three things in this chapter 1. For Tauhid, from the signs of the universe and from common sense. 2. For the Hereafter, from the signs of the universe, from common sense and from Man’s own existence. 3. For the Prophethood of Muhammad from the hardships he had faced preaching his message with no selfish intent, and from this anything he was inviting the people to be rational and reasonable and accepting it was in the people’s best interest.

37. As-Saaffat – These who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks.

Arguments are presented as to the validity of the doctrines of Tauhid and the Hereafter. Criticism are made about the creed of the Mushrikin to show the absurdity of their beliefs and warnings are given to them to change their ways and about the evil consequences of their deviation.

38. Sad – The letter Sad

This Chapter describes that non-believers are so due to no defect in the message of Islam but due to their own arrogance, Jealousy and insistence on following the blind, as they are not prepared to believe a member of their own society to be a prophet of god.

39. Az-Zumar- The Troops, Throngs

This is a sermon that addresses mostly the unbelieving Quarish as well as less so the believers. It states that Man should adopt Allah’s servitude sincerely and should not pollute worship with the service of any other God. It promotes the positive results of accepting the singular God.

40. Al-Ghafir – The forgiver, God

A warning is given to those plotting against Muhammed that they will face the same fate as the Pharaoh did for plotting against Moses. Muhammed and his followers are reassured that even though they are smaller in numbers than the wicked people who are against them, they have the word of Allah and the backing of Allah to support them.

41. Fussilat – Explained in detail

This chapter addresses the accusations of Utbah against Muhammed, he had accused Muhammed of not being a prophet of Allah and the Qur’an not being his word. He had implied that Muhammed must have political motivations or the desire for wealth.

42. Ash-Shura – Council, Consultation

This chapter questions why people are so surprised and amazed by what the prophet is portraying to them. He reiterates that what he is saying is not new or storage and that previous prophets have had the same messages.

43. Az-Zukhruf – Ornaments of Gold, Luxury

This chapter admonishes the non-believers and states that there is only one god. God does not have any offspring, there aren’t separate gods of earth and heavens. There is no being that can protect against the punishment of Allah against those who knowingly adopt deviation.

44. Ad-Dukhan – Smoke

This chapter addresses the people of Makkah and tells them they are wrong to believe that Muhammed is compassing the Qur’an and reiterates that it is the word of Allah. It states that the people of Makkah are blessed to have received the message of Allah and should understand and be grateful of Allah’s Mercy.

45. Al-Jathiya – Crouching

Al-Jathiya explains how all the things that man has been able to exploit from the earth and all the things that he is using for his interest did not appear to him by chance, they were not supplied for the Gods and Goddesses but by one God alone.

46. Al-Ahqaf – The Wind-Curved Sandhills, The Dunes

This reiterates that the Qur’an is not the writings of Muhammed but the revelations of the all mighty and all wise Allah, for nowhere in the Qur’an do you find any human feelings of a man who is going through such hardship as Muhammed is at the time of the this chapter’s production.

47. Muhammad – Muhammad

This chapter issues the Muslims with their War instructions and reassures them that their struggle will not go unrewarded, they are told that the greatest rewards are offered those who make sacrifices and they will be abundantly rewarded in this life and the hereafter. The disbelievers are told they have hastened their own doom by chasing the Holy Prophet out of Makkah.

48. Al-Fath – Victory, Conquest

Al-Fath lays out the details of a peace agreement as follows: No War would take place for 10 years, and there would be no hostility on either side. If one of the Quraish went to Muhammed without his guardian’s permission he would be returned whereas if a companion of Muhammed went to the Quraish he would not be returned. Every Arab tribe would have the option to join either side as an ally and join the treaty. Muhammed and his men could come back the following year for umrah and stay in Makkah for three days providing they brought only one sword each and no other weapons. All Makkans would vacate the city for these three days.

49. Al-Hujraat – The private apartments, the inner apartments

This chapter describes the manners a Muslim should adopt in regards to Allah and the Holy Prophet. They are then told to believe blindly in any news they hear and to think about things carefully. He outlaws gossip, mocking, name calling, taunting, and back biting. It then approaches the topic of race and states that all tribes and races come from the same pair and the same soul and no one tribe or race has superiority above another. Differences are only for recognition purposes and not a reason for pride.

50. Qaf – The Letter Qaf

This chapter is entirely devoted to the Hereafter, it talks of resurrection after death and that people will have to account for their actions on earth. It warns the people that whether they believe it or not or are amazed and wondered by it, it does not change the fact that the Hereafter is real and they will be judged according to their deeds on earth.

51. Adh-Dhariyat – The Winnowing Winds

This chapter explains that Allah has not created you for the service of others but for the service of Allah, he is not like the other false gods who cannot function without the help of man, but he is the creator of all mankind and all the earth and sustains them himself. He does not need sustenance from anyone and is powered only by his own power and might.

52. At-Tur – The Mount

At-Tur also talks mostly about the hereafter and how no power can prevent its coming. It goes on to describe what the fate of those who chose not to believe will be when it comes to pass, it also talks of how the righteous will be treated in the hereafter.

53. An-Najm – The Star

This chapter reassures those that they should belief in Muhammed, that he has not gone astray and is not deluded as some might have you think he is in fact the true prophet of Muhammad. What he is presenting is nothing other than the revelations passed down from Allah.

54. An-Qamar – The Moon

This chapter addresses the failings of the non-believers and how they do not listen to the admonition and refuse to learn from the lessons of the past, they refuse to be faithful even when the evidence in in front of their eyes, they are blind even though they can see. They will only believe on the day of resurrection but it will be too late then.

55. Ar-Rahman – The Beneficent, The Mercy Giving

This is the only chapter in which the Jinn are mentioned, the Jinn are the other creation of Allah and are intelligent spirits who can take the form of man or animal and can also possess humans, they also have free will so can be good and evil. It is stated that both men and Jinn need to realise the wonders of Allah’s powers.

56. Al-Waqia – The Event, the Inevitable.

This chapter reiterates the truth of the two doctrines, the oneness of god and the hereafter and talks of how men can shut their eyes to the truth but in death their eyes will be opened and they will be rendered helpless to the will of Allah and he will pass out punishment as he sees fit, as well as reward to those who have been faithful.

57. Al-Hadid – The Iron

Al-Hadid states that man should not refrain from spending his wealth in the name of Allah as all wealth belongs to Allah and will eventually return to Allah. Sacrifices made in the name of Allah will be judged not only be the size of the sacrifice but in relation to the occasion of the sacrifice. Those who sacrifice themselves when Islam is weak will gain greater rewards than those who sacrifice when Islam is strong.

58. Al-Mujadila – She that Disputes, the Pleading Woman.

This chapter addresses the Hypocrites, those who have accepted Islam into their hearts but chose to make their own rules contrary to their believes or only chose to adopt parts of Allah’s instruction. Those who are found to be hypocrites will be punished with humiliation and disgrace in this world and in the Hereafter.

59. Al-Hashr – Exile, Banishment.

This Chapter describes the destruction of Bani an-Nadir a centuries old tribe who gave up after only a few days of fighting with the Muslims, even though none of their men were killed. Allah says they gave up because the Jewish has resisted the word of Allah and therefore must serve the same fate. The rules of war are laid out in this chapter exempting destruction of war from coming under the rule of not causing mischief in the world.

60. Al-Mumtahina – She that is to be examined, examining her.

This discus’s the betrayal of the Holy Prophet by Hadrat Harib bin Abdi Balta’a who tried to inform the enemy of the Holy Prophets plans in war in order to safeguard his family. This would have been at the expense of many Muslim lives and would have caused a lot of bloodshed if the deception had not been found out.

61. Al-Saff – The Ranks, Battle Ready

The community of the Holy Prophet are warned not to tread him as the Israelites treated Moses and Jesus, although they accepted Moses as a prophet they continued to question him and malign him throughout his life and although they saw proof of Jesus being a prophet the refused to believe him.

62. Al-Jumua – The Congregation, Friday

This addresses the people who refused to believe in Muhammed as he was not from their own community and race, Allah states that prophethood is not designed only for one race or one group of people and that Allah is free to choose a prophet from any creed who so desires and this should not be questioned. It also addresses the Jewish people and admonishes them for being in position of the Torah but not understanding their responsibility in regards to it.

63. Al-Munafiqoon – The Hypocrites

This tells the story of a man who committed open treachery by withdrawing from battle with 300 men, leaving the Holy prophet to fight 3000 men with only 700. He was labelled a hypocrite and openly humiliated at the Holy Prophets next sermon as Allah states will happen to all Hypocrites.

64. At-Taghabun – Mutual Disillusion, Haggling

This chapter discusses good faith and morals among Muslims. It states that the Universe is ruled solely by Allah and that the universe is not without meaning and purpose. You have the choice as to whether you believe or not but god is watching how you exercise that choice. You have been created with understanding and responsibility and you will ultimately be returned to your creator and he will know the inner most thoughts and feelings you possess you will not be able to hide anything from him.

65. At-Talaq – Divorce

This sets out the rules of Divorce. A man can divorce his wife three times. If he divorces once or twice he can chose to keep his wife in the waiting period and may remarry her if he wished. If he divorces her three times he forfeits his right to keep her as his wife in the waiting period and cannot re-marry unless the woman remarries and the husband divorces her of his own free will. If the woman has menstruated and the marriage has been consummated then the waiting period is 3 cycles. If the marriage is not consummated there is no waiting period of the woman is free to remarry if she wishes. The waiting period of a woman whose husband had died is 4 months and 10 days before she can re-marry.

66. At-Tahrim – Banning, Prohibition

This section states that the Holy Prophet cannot make anything lawful or unlawful of his own account. He can only declare things lawful and unlawful with direct instruction from Allah. He is scrutinised to a much higher level than a normal man and every small detail of his life it checked.

67. Al-Mulk The Sovereignty, Control

Man is made to realise that the world they live in is a well organised and fortified land which is free from fault, weakness of flaw. The Universe was brought into existence by Allah alone from nothingness. Allah is in complete control and has the power to rule, control and change it as he sees fit.

68. Al-Qalam – The Pen

This chapter contains three distinct parts which contain replies to the objections of unbelievers. Warnings to the non-believers and admonition of them. It states that the believers are sane and the non-believers clearly mad.

69. Al-Haaqqa – The Reality

This first section of Al-Haaqqa is about the Hereafter and how those who disbelieve and go against the word of Allah are worthy of his vengeance for all eternity. The second section is to reiterate that the Qur’an is the word of Allah sent down to earth to enlighten the people.

70. Al-Maaij – The Ascending Stairways

This is a warning to the non-believers that they will be forever tormented if they do not open their hearts to the truth. Those who mocked Muhammed and the Hereafter will forever be worthy of punishment from Allah.

71. Nooh – Noah

The story of Noah is recounted as a form of warning that if the people of Makkah did not change the way they treat Muhammed and continue to act as Noah’s people did they would come to the same end. It describes how Noah asks god to ensure no disbeliever is left alive on earth as they have become devoid of all good.

72. Al-Jinn – The Jinn

This chapter explains the acceptance of Allah by the Jinn and how those who refrain from Polytheism and follow the ways of righteousness firmly will be blessed, those who turn away from Allah will be punished severely. It also describes how the Holy Prophet is only responsible for replaying the message of Allah and can can’t control what good or bad is bestowed on people.

73. Al-Muzzammil – The Enshrouded One, Bundled Up.

Muhammed is instructed to stand in prayer for half the night and told of the great mission he must prepare himself for. He is told to entrust himself entirely to Allah with an open heart and full acceptance. The second section explains the rules of praying 5 times a day and how this should be done in a routine and timely manner.

74. Al-Muddaththir – The Man wearing the cloak, The Cloaked One.

This chapter described how Muhammed was informed of his Prophethood and the tasks he would have to face. He was then left alone with this information so he could clear his mind of worry before receiving the revelations from Allah.

75. Al-Qiyama – The rising of the dead, Resurrection

This chapter explains the reasons people deny the hereafter is not because they cannot fathom it rationally but because of their own selfish motives that are blocking their minds from accepting the truth.

76. Al-Insan – Man

Al-Insan explains to mankind their position and place in the world and how they should accept this position gratefully, if they do they will be rewarded greatly in the hereafter. This chapter describes the best rewards that will be received and explains what one must do to become worthy of them. For example it describes the collars and chains and raging fires prepared for the non-believers and the wine and bounty for the believers.

77. Al-Mursalat – The Emissaries, Winds Sent Forth

This section describes the day of decision and how the non-believers will have no escape from the fires whereas the believers will be basking in the shade and springs enjoying whatever fruits they desire. Eat and drink with relish as a reward for the deeds you have done on earth.

78. An-Naba – The Tiding, The Announcement

This section talks about hell and how the non-believers will drink nothing but boiling water in hell and have no soothing from the heat. The righteous on the other hand will be filled with joy in the gardens and vineyard and be rewarded with maidens of the same age and an abundance of food and drink.

79. An-Naziat – Those who drag forth, Soul-Snatchers

An-Naziat talks of the Angels who will pluck out the souls of the dead and will also restore souls in reincarnation. It reaffirms that the hereafter and resurrection are real and should be feared by the non-believers. The story of Moses and the Pharaoh is recounted as a warning that people will suffer the same fate if they do not believe.

80. Abasa – He frowned

In this chapter Allah appears to be reprimanding the Holy Prophet for ignoring a blind man and directing his attention only to the chiefs of a village. It is explained the Muhammed was not being rude and did not mean to appear as though he thought the chief more important but he wanted to address the people who may have more power and be able to help convince the masses of the truth.

81. Al-Takwir – The Overthrowing

This describes the day of reckoning where the Sun will die the Stars will scatter, the seas will boil and all mankind will lose all their positions. All the souls will be reunited with their bodies and everyone will be held accountable for their actions on earth. Heaven and Hell will come into view and each person will be sent to either depending on their actions on earth.

82. Al-Infitar – The Cleaving, Bursting Apart

The day of resurrection is also described in this chapter and it explains how on this day each person will be able to see everything they have done in the world. It goes on to state that just because Allah is bountiful and generous that does not mean you should not fear his justice when the day of resurrection happens.

83. Al-Mutaffin – Defrauding, The Cheats, Cheating

This chapter describes how those who have been unjust in their commercial lives will be treated in the hereafter. It states that even if they practice honesty in other areas of their lives they will still be seen as dishonest if they act in this manner in their commercial lives. This is giving an example of why it is important to follow the way of Allah in all aspects of life and not just the parts that suit.

84. Al-Inshiqaq – The Surrender, Splitting Open

This section reiterates Al-Mtaffin’s message of the hereafter and describes how the world will become flat and all the bodies resurrected from the ground so that their souls can be restored and their deeds be displayed. Limitless rewards are given to the believers and grievous punishment to the non-believers.

85. Al-Burooj – The Mansions of the Stars, Constellations

The theme of this chapter serves to reassure and strengthen the belief of Muslims that if they resist the tyranny and coercion they will be richly rewarded. It relays a story of believers being burned to death and serves as a reminder that even under the worst persecution if you do not lose your faith you will be greatly rewarded so you must remain strong in your faith.

86. At-Tariq – The Morning Star, The Nightcomer

This chapter has two sections, the first section reiterates how man will have to stand before god after death and be held accountable for all his actions. The second section talks of how the Qur’an is the decisive word of god and how nothing the non-believers do can alter the truth.

87. Al-Ala – The Most High, Glory to your lord in the highest.

This chapter describes how Allah should always be glorified and never described in a way which may reflect badly upon him or make him seem similar to a created being. He should only be remembered by the beautiful names that befit him.

88. Al-Ghashiya – The overwhelming, The Pall

This chapter reiterates the themes of the oneness of God and how only he should be worshiped, and the Hereafter and resurrection after death. These are the two most important points of the Qur’an and are often reiterated in different chapters.

89. Al-Fajr – The Dawn, Daybreak

This chapter describes the distribution of rewards and punishments in the Hereafter, it describes the fate of Ad Iram to serve as a warning to those who refuse to accept the truth of Qur’an. It also mentions that the righteous and faithful will be allowed to join Allah in paradise.

90. Al-Balad – The City, This Countryside

This explains the position of man in the world and the position of the world in relation to man. It explains how Allah has shown man both the paths of good and evil and how they are free to choose their path but will be punished or rewarded accordingly. This world is not a place for man to relax and enjoy but a place for man to show his servitude to Allah.

91. Ash-Shams – The Sun

This chapter describes how there is a fundamental difference between good and evil and how Allah has instilled a natural distinction into the sub-conciseness and a willingness for the good to be good and the evil to evil.

92. Al-Lail – The Night

This chapter serves to explain the two different ways of life a person mighty chose and to distinguish the ends they will face depending on their choices. It states the man should refrain from wealth worship and should spend whatever Allah has given generously making well and helping others. They should fear god and not do anything that would displease him, and they should believe in goodness and make goodness the core of whatever they do.

93. Ad-Dhuha – The Morning Hours, Morning Bright

This chapter has been sent down to console the Holy prophet as he had been anxious and distressed over the suspension of revelation. He is told that his lord has not forsaken him and is not displeased with him. He is also told that the hardships of his life would soon be over and that each period of his life will get better and better.

94. Al-Inshirah – Solace, Consolation, Relief

This was revealed at a similar time to Ad-Dhuha and carries a similar message of consonance to the Holy Prophet as he has been experiencing the greatest hardship of his life since embarking on his mission to invite the people to Islam. Although Muhammed later becomes accustoms to such hardships the first period of his journey was particularly difficult in mind and this is the period this chapter focuses on.

95. At-Tin – The Fig, The Figtree

The rewards and punishments of the hereafter are again discussed in this chapter, it begins by explaining that man has been created in the extraordinary of moulds and explains the importance on man on earth. It then it explains the two type of men, those who can be tainted by evil and those who cannot and embrace faith and righteousness.

96. Al-Alaq – The Clot, Read

This chapter describes Muhammed meeting Gabriel and describing his fear to his wife. He is fearful for his life and is worried the tribes will outcast him as so often happens to prophets. This is the time where the Quraish first believed that Muhammad had adopted a new religion and it was not accepted well.

97. Al-Qadr – Power, Fate

This chapter has been sent down to educate man to the importance and worth of Qur’an and how it contains many blessings for mankind. It is sent down in a night of destines, a night where destinies’ are decided and made. It also admonishes those who believe the Qur’an is the word of Muhammad and not the word of Allah.

98. Al-Bayyina – The Clear proof, Evidence

This chapter explains the importance and reasons why Allah needed to send a messenger alongside his Holy book in the form of Muhammed. Muhammed was needed to really make people understand the importance of the book.

99. Az-Zalzala – The Earthquake

This chapter explains the second life after death and how on the day of their resurrection they will have to speak every good and evil thing they had ever done to the people involved so that not a single good or evil deed will be left unaccounted for. Everything will be seen by Allah.

100. Al-Adiyat – The Courser, The Chargers

This chapter is a warning to show people how evil man can become when he denies the hereafter. It also warns people that not only their viable sins will be on show but the ones hidden in their hearts. Every sinful thought and deed will be accounted for and punished.

101. Al-Qaria – The Calamity, The Stunning Blow, The Disaster

This is one of the earliest Chapters sent down from Allah, it talks briefly of the resurrection and the hereafter and how on the day of reckoning people will be running around in confusion, and the mountains will be uprooted. Each person will have to stand before Allah’s court and recount all their deeds. Those found to have committed good deeds outweighing the bad will be blessed with bliss and happiness whereas those whose evil deeds outweigh the good will be cast into the deep pit full of burning fire.

102. At-Takathur – Rivalry in the World, Competition

This chapter warns people about the evil of worshiping wealth, people who try to acquire more and more worldly powers and material possessions. These people will be consumed by their greed which will leave no time for the exploration of faith and the search for truth.

103. Al-Asr – The Declining Day, Eventide, The Epoch

The fur qualities that describe a true believer are detailed in this chapter. Faith, righteous deeds, exhorting one another to truth and exhorting one another to patience. This are values that all good Muslims should live their lives by.

104. Al-Humaza – The Traducer, The Gossipmonger

Pre-Islamic materialism and hoarding tendencies are condemned in this chapter. The treatment these people would endure in the hereafter has also been described so there is no denying that it is to be seen as a true evil characteristic.

105. Al-Fir – the Elephant

This chapter is a brief description of the current destruction of the people of the Elephant. It is a reminder to the people that they should worship Allah and only Allah and anyone who tried to get in the way of this truth would face the same fate as the people of the elephant.

106. Quraish – Winter, Quraysh

This chapter is a message to the Quraish in which Allah is telling them that it is he and he alone that has granted them prosperity and wealth and that they should only worship him and not their false idols.

107. Al-Maun – Small Kindnesses, Almsgiving, Have you Seen

This chapter describes the morals a man is adapting when he refuses to believe in the hereafter. It also addresses the hypocrites who claim to be Muslim but do not understand the hereafter or the consequences of what will happen at the resurrection.

108. Al-Kauther – Abundance, Plenty

Al-Kauther was sent down when the Quraish were particularly angry with Muhammad as he was openly worshiping Allah and reputing their faith publicly. He was being deprived of the rank, esteem and honour he had enjoyed before prophethood. He had lost two sons and people were rejoicing in his loss. Allah puts forth in this chapter that it is them that will be cut down and not Muhammad and urges Muhammad to stay strong.

109. Al-Kafiroon – The disbelievers, Atheists

This chapter addresses the disbelievers and urges the people to stay away from polytheism and to stay true to Allah and the oneness of god.

110. An-Nasr – Succour, Divine Support

Allah informs Muhammad that once Islam achieved victory in Arabia and that masses of people began to join the Islamic religion then his work and mission would be complete.

111. Al-Masadd – Palm Fibre, The Flame

This chapter condemn Abu Lahab for being an enemy of Islam, he is the only person who is condemned by name in the Qur’an even though here were many enemies of Islam during this time. Aby Lahab was the Holy Prophets uncle and an uncle is meant to take care of a nephew when he is fatherless, but as Abu Lahab hated Islam so much he turned his back on Muhammad and disregarded Arab traditions in doing so.

112. Al-Ikhlas – Sincerity

This chapter explains the differences between Allah and the supposed gods of other religions and polytheism, the main difference being that all other religions attribute some human characteristics to their gods and the ability to reproduce with humans whereas Allah has no human characteristics and does not appear as a man. This is used as argument to prove the truth of Allah and disprove the other religions.

113. Al-Falaq – The Daybreak Dawn

This is a five verse invocation asking Allah for protection against the evil of Satan, verse 4 makes reference to pagan curse casting that is condemned by Islam.

114. An-Nas – Mankind

This is the final chapter of the Qu’ran and relates strongly to the previous chapter Al-Falaq it is a 6 verse invocation asking Allah for protection against the Shaitan. In some traditions it is read over the sick and dying and/or before bed.