Surah Al-Anbiya, also known as “The Prophets”, is the 21st surah (chapter) of the Quran. It consists of 112 verses (ayahs) and is found in the 17th part (juz’) of the Quran.
The title “Al-Anbiya” refers to its mention of numerous prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, among others. Each of these figures is noted for their steadfastness, dedication, and devotion to Allah, even in the face of severe trials and tribulations. They are presented as examples of faith and moral character for believers to follow.
The Surah addresses several major themes, such as monotheism, resurrection, the final judgment, and the reality of divine guidance through the prophets. It underlines the importance of following Allah’s guidance and accepting His prophets.
The Surah also provides reflections on the natural world as signs of Allah’s existence and power. It invites humans to contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth and all that lies within them as evidence of a single, all-powerful Creator.
One of the unique aspects of Surah Al-Anbiya is its balance between discussing the past (with references to various prophets) and considering the future (with references to the Day of Judgement).
While it was revealed in Makkah, its themes resonate with a universal audience. The chapter seeks to strengthen the resolve of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers by reminding them of the challenges faced by the prophets of the past and their ultimate success.
These verses convey some of the Surah’s core messages about the signs of Allah in the natural world and the role of Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to all of creation.
This summary offers only a brief introduction to Surah Al-Anbiya. For a more in-depth study, consulting scholars and their works can provide valuable insights.
Following are the topics of the Surah, each of which is linked to the actual verse of the Surah.
- Reckoning Approaches: People’s Heedlessness in a Time of Change
- Admonition Overlooked: The Playful Indifference of the People
- Mortal Sorcery: The Whispered Doubts of Wrong-Doers
- Divine Omniscience: He who Knows All in Heavens and Earth
- Confused Dreams: Skeptics’ Demand for Miraculous Signs
- The Unbelieving Townships: Lessons from Past Destructions
- Messengers of Revelation: A Common Thread of Humanity
- Messengers’ Mortality: The Paradox of Divinity and Hunger
- Promise Fulfilled: Rescue, Destruction and Divine Will
- A Book of Reflection: The Qur’an and Understanding
- Rise and Fall: The Cycle of Wrong-Doing Towns
- The Flight from Chastisement: A People’s Fearful Response
- Doomed Return: The Unavoidable Interrogation of Comforts
- Painful Realization: The Admission of Wrong-Doers
- Silent Stubble: The Consequence of Persistent Wrong-Doing
- Cosmic Seriousness: The Purposeful Creation of All Things
- Averting Divine Pastime: The Choice of Divine Will
- The Crushing Force of Truth: The Fallacy of Falsehood
- Heavenly Devotion: The Unwearied Servitude of Angels
- Angels’ Ceaseless Praise: Glorifying Him Day and Night
- Earthly Gods and the Dead: A Misguided Expectation?
- Divine Order: The Unity of Heavens, Earth, and Allah
- Divine Accountability: The Infallibility of Allah’s Actions
- False Gods, False Claims: A Call for Proof
- The One True God: A Message Shared by All Messengers
- Sons of God? The Misunderstanding of Divine Servitude
- Heavenly Speech: Following the Command of Allah
- Divine Knowledge and Intercession: The Limits of Servitude
- Punishment for False Deities: Hell’s Reward for Wrong-Doers
- Creation of Life: A Divine Argument for Belief
- Stable Earth and Guiding Paths: The Benevolence of Creation
- The Secure Sky: A Sign Overlooked by People
- The Cycle of Time: Night, Day, Sun, and Moon
- Mortality of All: Prophet Muhammad and the Human Condition
- Life, Death, and Trial: The Certainty of Divine Judgment
- Mockery of Faith: Disbelievers and the Mention of Gods
- The Haste of Man: A Warning Against Impatience
- The Threat of Punishment: Skepticism and Truth
- Fire and Inevitability: The Unstoppable Hour of Judgment
- The Sudden Shock: The Unexpected Onset of Punishment
- History of Mockery: The Fate of Past Disbelievers
- Protective Deity: The Inefficacy of False Gods
- The Limitations of False Gods: Lack of Protection and Power
- Provision and Retribution: The Inevitability of Divine Triumph
- Deaf to Warning: The Ineffectiveness of Divine Revelation
- Divine Justice and Wrongdoers Admission of Guilt
- The Day of Resurrection: Just Scales and the Weight of a Mustard Seed
- Moses, Aaron, and Their Gift of the Criterion and Light
- The Unseen Fear: The God-Fearing and Their Dread of Reckoning
- The Blessed Admonition: Revealed Wisdom or Rejected Guidance?
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Early Wisdom: The Divine Knowledge We Knew
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Challenge: The Devoutly Clung Images and Ancestral Faith
- Continued Devotion: The Faithful Worship of Ancestral Idols
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Verdict: Manifest Error of Fathers and Their Kin
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Revelation: True Ideas or Mere Jest?
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Witness: The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Resolve: The Plan Against the Gods Post-Departure
- The Break of Deity: Prophet Ibrahim’s Strategy and the Supreme Idol
- The Idol’s State: The Accusation of Wrong-Doing Against Prophet Ibrahim
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Infamy: The Youth Who Dared to Defy the Gods
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Trial: The Public Judgement Against the Iconoclast
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Response: The Question of Idol’s Power
- The Idols’ Inability: The Question That Silenced Them All
- The Realization: The Wrong-Doers Confront Their Misguided Worship
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Insight: The Truth About Idols’ Mute Existence
- Prophet Ibrahim’s Confrontation: The Worthlessness of Idol Worship
- The Worshipper’s Lament: Prophet Ibrahim’s Rebuke and the Lack of Sense
- The Retribution: Prophet Ibrahim’s Punishment and the Gods’ Defenders
- Miracle for Prophet Ibrahim: The Cooling of the Burning Fire
- The Twist of Fate: The Loss of Prophet Ibrahim’s Oppressors
- Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Loot’s Salvation: The Blessed Land for All People
- The Divine Gift: Righteous Isaac and Jacob, Sons of Prophet Ibrahim
- The Inspired Leaders: Guiding People Through Prayers and Zakah
- Lot’s Gifts: Sound Judgement and Salvation from the Wicked City
- Admission to Mercy: Lot, the Epitome of Righteousness
- Prophet Nooh’s Rescue: Salvation from the Great Distress and Rejection
- Prophet Nooh’s Victory: The Downfall of the Sign Deniers
- The Wise Judgement: David, Solomon and the Trespassed Tillage
- The Divine Gifts: Knowledge, Praise and Artistry for David and Solomon
- The Protective Art: Solomon’s Mastery of Mail Coats
- Solomon’s Command: The Wind’s Journey to the Blessed Land
- The Subdued Devils: Solomon’s Diving and Laboring Servants
- Prophet Ayoub’s Plea: The Merciful Answer to the Stricken
- Prophet Ayoub’s Restoration: The Merciful Response to His Affliction
- Ishmael, Idris, Dhu al-Kifl: The Steadfast Trio of Blessings
- The Righteous Admitted: Ishmael, Idris, and Dhu al-Kifl’s Mercy
- Dhu al-Nun’s Desperation: The Wrong-Doer’s Cry in Darkness
- Dhu al-Nun’s Salvation: The Merciful Response from the Darkness
- Zakariya’s Prayer: The Devout Cry for Heirs
- The Glad Tidings: Zakariya and the Birth of John
- The Miracle of Birth: Mary, the Chaste Mother of Jesus
- Jesus’s Miraculous Life: The Word of Truth against the Doubters
- The Divine Line: A Legacy of God-Fearing Men
- The Believers: The Righteous Men of Steadfast Faith
- The Divine Garden: The Reward of Those Who Fear Their Lord
- Beyond Human Comprehension: The Bountiful Harvest of Paradise
- The Divine Fountain: The Ultimate Reward for the Righteous
- The Final Abode: The Promise of Eternal Bliss
- The Ultimate Gift: The Graceful Greeting of Peace
- The Divine Judgment: The Ultimate Justice and Mercy
- God’s Favor: The Righteous Shielded from Hell’s Whispers
- Eternal Bliss: The Desired Delights Heard No More of Hell
- Angelic Reception: The Promised Day Unmarred by Great Terror
- Heavenly Message: A Beacon for the Devoted Worshipers
- Divine Edict in Psalms: Earth Inherited by Righteous Servants
- Heavenly Message: A Beacon for the Devoted Worshipers
- Universal Mercy: Your Divine Mission to the Whole World
- Prophetic Revelation: The Oneness of God and the Call to Submission
- Warning and Patience: Divine Promises Near or Distant
- Divine Omniscience: The Unspoken Secrets Known by God
- A Reprieve or Trial: The Opportune Moments of Existence
- The Messenger’s Appeal: Seeking Truthful Judgment Against Blasphemy
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