The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

074 – Al Muddathir – The Covered One

The chapter focuses on the task of the Prophet as a warner to those who denied revelation. It begins with the order from divinity to persevere in transmitting the awesomeness of the Creator regardless of opposition.

The historical example of Waleed ibn Mugheera follows. He was well known for his eloquence, intelligence and wealthy status amongst the Arabs. He recognised the uniqueness and greatness of revelation but could not declare it for it would mean losing his status. His thinking, plotting and subsequent allegations is captured by Divinity.

This is followed by oaths alluding to the light of revelation, removing the darkness of ignorance.

The chapter ends with the conversation of the inmates of Jahannam with the inmates of Janna explaining why they found themselves in Jahannam. Divinity concludes by saying that they ran away from revelation like donkeys from a lion.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

073 – Al Muzzammil – The Wrapped One

The chapter takes its name from the address to the Prophet by Divinity when he wrapped himself in his cloak in awe of the new revelations. It is a very early Makki chapter revealed straight after the first verses of Sura Al Alaq and Sura Al Qalam. 

The first nine verses establish the awesomeness of the night vigil continuing to tell the Prophet not to worry about those who deny him as Allah will deal with them on the day of Accountability. 

A graphic picture of the day of judgement follows with the shaking of the mountains and the tearing of the skies which would age children. 

The last verse removes the obligation of the night vigil, enjoining amongst other things the establishing of salaa and giving zakaa. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

072 – Al Jinn – The Jinn

Before the revelation of the Qur’an, the Jinn used to eavesdrop on snatches of information they heard in the lowest heavens between the angels. Suddenly they found that they could no longer intercept the messages, and found angels set as guards shooting meteorites at them if they went any way near. Distressed, they realised that it could only be as a result of a major event and searched the globe.

A group heard the Prophet (pbuh) and realised that it was the revelation of the Qur’an and went back to their community to report their findings and complain about how they were deceived by their ‘teacher’ Iblees (Shaytan). The chapter continues with their account about themselves and a response from Divinity asking the Prophet to declare to them that he is the Prophet. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

071 – Nuh – Noah

Although the chapter is named after Prophet Nuh, it does not tell his entire story. What we glean from this chapter is that Allah instructs him to warn his people with the message that resonates throughout the Qur’an – Submit to Divinity and follow Divine guidance to achieve your full potential. 

It urges them to forgiveness and reflection on creation. 

The chapter then narrates Prophet Nuh’s complaints about his people and ends with a dua for forgiveness. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

070 – Al Ma’aarij – The Stairway

The chapter begins with a rebuke to the one asked mockingly to hasten the punishment of retribution for covering up the truth. It follows with a description of the day of judgement for those who lacked humanity and hoarded wealth refusing to believe in accountability and then the three verses (19-21) which describe the hasty and grieving nature of the human being when afflicted with difficulty and his stinginess when good comes his way. 

The next section describes the qualities of the righteous who will be in Janna and have been able to overcome their anxiousness. The chapter ends with the disgrace of those  who reject these qualities and accost the Prophet about Divine revelation.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

069 – Al Haaqqa – The Truth

The sura begins with an oath on the undeniable reality which is a descriptive name of the day of judgement.

A warning with the historical destruction  of the people of Aad & Thamud with relentless winds for seven nights and eight days follows. Pharaoh and the people of Prophet Nuh are also mentioned as a warning of the consequences of injustice and arrogance. 

Aspects of the day of judgement are followed by a contrast of the fate of the people who receive their book of deeds in the right hand to those who receive it in their left hand.

The chapter ends with an affirmation of the revealed nature of the Qur’an and an order to declare His perfection.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

068 – Al Qalam – The Pen

The chapter begins with the letter ‘nun’ which may allude to the Divine pot of ink (energy, light)  with which the Divine pen inscribes the decree.

It continues with an assertion that the Prophet is of the highest moral character.
This is followed by a large section that lists the nature of those who cover up the truth and reject the Prophet. 

The parable of the owners of the garden who lost their harvest because of their stinginess and selfishness follows. The chapter continues with challenges and a warning  to those who deny Divine guidance on the day of judgement, ending with an affirmation that the Prophet and the Qur’an are reminders for all. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

067 – Al Mulk – The Kingdom

The chapter begins with the awesomeness of His Kingdom which guarantees increase beyond expectation for the one who has understood the purpose of life and death – prioritising the best of works (submitting to Divinity and manifesting it in serving humanity). 

It transitions to a reflection on the seamlessness of the heavens and then continues to regret of those who denied the truth on the Day of Judgement. Thereafter the promise of forgiveness and Janna as the great reward to those who are God conscious.

The chapter  concludes with rhetorical questions to those who questioned the Prophet about the end of time. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

066 – Al Tahreem – The Forbidden

The chapter begins with an admonition to the Prophet not to forbid to himself that which Allah has allowed even if he made an oath to himself.

A mention of the domestic situation in the household of the Prophet where his spouse divulged what he specifically asked her not to share with anyone else follows. The chapter then instructs those who believe to strive to protect themselves and their families from the fire and to repent. The final verses provide examples of women who believed and those who covered up the truth in stark contrast to the beliefs of their husbands.  The virtue of Sayyida Aasiya in comparison to the unjust arrogant Firawn and the betrayal of the wives of prophet Nuh and Lut in contrast to the righteousness of their husbands.  

The chapter ends with the mention of Sayyida Maryam and her total trust in Divinity – the only woman mentioned in the Qur’an by name 34 times.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

065 – Al Talaaq – The Divorce

The chapter is also known as Sura Al Nisaa Al Qusraa (the shorter sura regarding women). It begins with the details regarding the waiting period to be observed after divorce, and emphasises the order from Divinity of exercising compassion. An admonition to observe these laws follows by providing reminders of previous people who failed to follow Divine guidance. 

The chapter ends with the mission of the Prophet to bring those who believe and obey Allah out fo the darkness of ignorance to the light of revelation so they may reach their full potential and the power and knowledge of Allah that encompasses all creation. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

064 – Al Taghabun – Loss and Gain

The chapter is the last of the Musabbihaat (those that begin with a reference to the declaring of perfection of Allah). It identifies those who cover up the truth as being deniers of Divine guidance (Messengers) and Accountability calling the day of judgement as the day of ultimate success or ultimate failure. 

Maintaining faith through afflictions is rewarded with Divine guidance to the heart. The chapter ends with the warning that wealth and children can be a source of diversion and thus of trial and with a reminder to spend in His way before being overcome by death.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

063 – Al Munafiqun – The Hypocrites

The chapter takes its name from the discussion of the hypocrites who testified to the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) but continued to ally themselves with his enemies. It provides an overview of hypocrisy detailing the characteristics of a hypocrite. 

The final verses of the chapter urges those who believe not to allow their wealth and children to distract them from remembering Divinity and to serve humanity before death comes.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

062 – Al Jumua’ – Friday

The chapter takes its name  from the directive to gather for the Friday prayers.
It is part of the Musabbihaat group of chapters, which begin with the declaration of perfection of Allah (Glorification). 

The focus of the chapter is the second verse which is the answer to the dua of Prophet Ibraheem for a global messenger for all generations. 

It then warns of the afflictions that befell those who did not uphold the Tawraat (Torah). After stating the inevitability of death and the presentation of one’s life works the chapter ends with an exhortation to Muslims to leave all worldly transactions to observe the Friday congregational prayers. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

061 – Al Saff – The Rows

This chapter is one of the Musabbihaat and thus begins with the declaration of perfection (flawlessness) and emphasises the importance of discipline in every aspect of life, giving the example of fighting in his way like a wall (organised and unified in his cause)

The chapter continues with a brief mention of the opposition encountered by Prophet Musa (pbuh) and Prophet Isa (pbuh). The condemnation of those who covered up the truth and opposed Divine Guidance leads to the formula of success and its rewards being belief in Allah and His Messenger and striving with oneself and one’s property to reach one’s full potential. The chapter ends with an encouragement to be like the disciples of Prophet Isa (pbuh).

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

060 – Al Mumtahana – The Examined Woman

The chapter begins with the directive that those who are open enemies of Divinity will never be protective friends  It alludes to the incident of Hateeb, whose  wife and children were in Makka. He sent a message to the Quraysh that if the Muslims should come to Makka, they should not hurt his wife and family thereby giving away the plans of the Prophet. Advised by Jibrail, The Prophet asked Imam Ali with others to intercept the messenger who hid the letter in her hair.  The Prophet forgave Hateeb.

The example of Prophet Ibraheem and his followers is then mentioned as an example to be followed. The chapter continues in encouraging for good relations with those who do not oppose the Muslims. It concludes referring to the emigration of women from Makka to Madina from which the chapter gets its name. 

The Prophet had signed a treaty at Hudaibiyya with the Makkans that if a man from Makka emigrated to Madina, the Muslims would have to return him. A woman called Sabi’a, daughter of Harith went to Madina from Makka and verses 10 -12 were revealed asking the women to confirm the emigration was because they had become Muslims. The Makkans were advised that the treaty did not include women.  

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

059 – Al Hashr – The Gathering

The chapter begins with the declaration of the perfection of Allah followed by the incident of the expulsion of the Banu Nudhayr.  who were presented with the choice of leaving with all their possessions, but retaining the right to proceeds from their crops, or face war. They requested a respite of ten days. They decided to lock themselves up in their fort hoping that the hypocrites in Madina would assist them. The Muslims surrounded them and cut some off their date palms to be able to enter the fort. Divine terror led them to leave but they destroyed their own homes.

The chapter continues with the distribution of the spoils of war which exposed the ingrain greed of some of the wealthy in Madina, and the faith of the emigrants and the awesomeness of the loving acceptance of the immigrants by the helpers of Madina.

An exhortation to be mindful of accountability follows stating that the people of Janna are not equal to the people of Jahannam

The chapter ends with the most awesome verses of the Qur’an, which emphasises the ability of the Qur’an to change hearts with the attributes of Allah – verses 21-24

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

058 – Al Mujaadila – The Pleading Woman

It takes its name from the incident of Khawla bint Tha’laba whose husband divorced her according to pre Islamic custom of Zihaar where a man could renounce his wife simply by saying she was to him like his mother. By this the husband was free from all his responsibilities to his wife but she was not free to leave him. Khawla complained of this injustice to the Prophet and her plea was heard. Divinity revealed the revoking of Zihaar.

The sura continues from domestic matters to the secret conversations (najwa) to disrupt public meetings (Shura). The proper manner in which to hold public and private discourse follows.
A directive to give charity before conversing with the Prophet is mentioned in verse 12.

The longest section addresses the nature of the hypocrites and their opposition to the Prophet and the chapter concludes with a long verse regarding the rewards for those who believe in Allah and accountability where faith is inscribed on their hearts.  

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

057 – Al Hadeed – The Iron

The chapter begins with six verses that emphasise the awesomeness of Allah with a focus on amongst other attributes –  The Mighty, The Wise, The Owner and Creator  of the heavens and the earth, The First, The Last,  The All Knowing….

The next five verses enjoin belief in Allah and spending one’s wealth in His way. This is followed by the contrast of the fate that awaits the believers and the hypocrites on the day of judgement. 

The fourth and longest section begins with a call in verse 16 to humble and soften the hearts to the remembrance of Allah. It then discusses the illusory nature of the world which distracts the human being, followed by a directive to compete towards forgiveness and Janna. Verses 22-23 refer to calamities being specifically targeted to highlight flaws and create relief. 

The last section extends its discussion to the people of the book, calling upon them to believe in the Prophet and reminds those who believe of His double portion of Mercy for being God conscious which will energise them. 

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

056 – Al Waaqia – The Event

The central theme of the chapter is the day of judgement and the three classes of people:

The amazing companions of the right.
The unfortunate companions of the left.
The awesome successful winners.

The chapter describes the rewards in Janna for the awesome winners and the righteous companions of the right in contrast to the punishment of the unfortunate companions of the left who were wasteful and denied Divinity and resurrection. The nature of the revelation of the Qur’an as honourable guidance follows.

The chapter ends with the nature of death and the afterlife, concluding with an order to declare the perfection of Allah.  

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city 

055 – Al Rahmaan – The Merciful

This is the only chapter that begins with a Divine Name and addresses both human beings and the jinn. The chapter is early Madani and/or late Makki and the audience is therefore a combination of the stubborn Makkans who required continuous repetition and the hypocrites who only accepted Islam as lip service. 

The first section discusses the nature of the The All Compassionate as the Teacher, Creator and the One who assists to articulate speech. It then transitions into reflection of Divine blessings in the world, which is followed by a graphic description of the Day of Qiyama and the fate of the deniers of truth.

The chapter then looks at the two levels of Janna for those who are God conscious and grateful and ends with the concept that the attribute of Al Rahmaan empowers an  increase beyond expectation.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city