Signs in Nature and the Night-Day Cycle
Humanity’s regretful pattern of rejecting messengers is contrasted with clear signs: revived earth, gardens, and the ordered movement of sun, moon, and night.
Juz 23
36. Yā-Sīn
Ya SinSigns at Sea and a Call to Charity
God’s favor is shown in carrying people and providing means of travel; deniers still refuse to heed warnings and mock calls to spend for the needy.
The Sudden Blast
They demand when the promise will come; it arrives unexpectedly, leaving no time for wills or return to families.
Resurrection, Judgment, and the Two Destinies
The trumpet is blown and all are raised; the righteous enjoy peace and delight, while the guilty are separated, rebuked, and cast into Hell.
Witnessing Limbs and Life’s Reversal
On that Day mouths are sealed and hands and feet testify; God’s power to alter people is affirmed, and old age is a reminder of human weakness.
Not Poetry—A Clear Reminder
The revelation is not poetry; it is a reminder and clear recitation to warn the living and confirm the truth against disbelievers.
Livestock as Provision and a Refutation of Idols
God created cattle for benefit and food, yet people take other gods for help; the Prophet is told not to grieve at their denial.
Reviving Bones and God’s Absolute Power
The doubter questions resurrection; God answers by pointing to human creation, the spark from green wood, and His command—when He wills, it is.
Context · al-Wahidi
Verse 36:78 came down about Ubayy ibn Khalaf. Al-Wahidi reports from the commentators that Ubayy brought the Prophet an old, decayed bone and asked whether Allah would bring it back to life after it had crumbled. The Prophet answered yes, and said that Allah would raise Ubayy too and put him in the Fire. Allah then revealed these verses. Al-Wahidi also gives a version from Abu Malik, in which Ubayy crumbled the bone in front of the Prophet. In that version the Prophet said Allah would cause Ubayy to die, bring him back to life, and put him in Hell.
Source text (1 entry)
His words, Mighty and Majestic: "He says: Who will give life to the bones when they have rotted?" [36:78].The commentators said (5): Ubayy ibn Khalaf came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) with an old, decayed bone and said:
O Muhammad, do you think Allah will give life to this after it has rotted? He said: "Yes, and He will resurrect you and put you into the Fire." So Allah, Exalted is He, sent down these verses: "And he strikes a parable for Us and forgets his own creation. He says: Who will give life to the bones" [36:78].
(360) Sa'id ibn Muhammad (1) ibn Ja'far informed us, saying: Abu Ali ibn Abi Bakr al-Faqih informed us, saying: Ahmad ibn al-Husayn ibn al-Junayd informed us, saying: Ziyad ibn Ayyub related to us, saying: Hushaym related to us, saying: Husayn related to us, from Abu Malik: that Ubayy ibn Khalaf al-Jumahi came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) with an old bone and crumbled it before him, then said: O Muhammad, will Allah resurrect this after it has rotted? (2) He said: "Yes, Allah will resurrect this, and He will make you die, then give you life, then put you into the Fire of Hell." So these verses were sent down (3).
Surah Sad
[His words, Mighty and Majestic: "Sad. By the Quran full of remembrance ... [to the end of the verse]"] (1) [38:1].
(367) Abu al-Qasim ibn Abi Nasr al-Khuza'i (2) informed us, saying: Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Hamdawayh related to us, saying: Abu Bakr ibn Abi (3) Darim al-Hafiz informed us, saying: Muhammad ibn Uthman ibn Abi Shaybah related to us, saying: my father related to us, saying: Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Asadi related to us, saying: Sufyan related to us, from al-A'mash, from Yahya ibn Umarah, from Sa'id ibn Jubayr, from Ibn Abbas, who said: Abu Talib fell ill. Quraysh came, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) came. By the head of Abu Talib there was room for one man to sit, and Abu Jahl stood up to keep him from it. They complained of him to Abu Talib, and he said: O son of my brother, what do you want from your people? He said: "O uncle, I want from them only one word, by which the Arabs will submit to them and the non-Arabs will pay them tribute (4)." [He said: And what is the word?] (5) He said: "One word." He said: What is it? He said: "There is no god but Allah." They said: Has he made the gods one God? He said: So the Quran came down concerning them:
"Sad. By the Quran full of remembrance" [38:1] until he reached (6): "This is nothing but
a fabrication" [38:7] (7).
The commentators said (1): When Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) accepted Islam, that was hard on Quraysh, and the believers rejoiced. Al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah said to the chiefs of (2) Quraysh, who were the leaders and nobles: Go to Abu Talib. So they came to him and said to him: You are our elder and our chief, and you know what these fools have done. We have come to you so that you may judge between us and your brother's son. Abu Talib sent for the Prophet (peace be upon him) and summoned him, and said to him: O son of my brother, these are your people. They ask of you what is fair (3), so do not incline wholly against your people. He said: And what do they ask of me? They said: Leave us alone, and leave off mentioning our gods, and we will leave you and your God. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "[Will you give me one word by which you will rule the Arabs and the non-Arabs will submit to you?" Abu Jahl said: Allah bless your father! We will give it to you, and ten like it. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:] (4) "Say: There is no god but Allah." They recoiled from that and stood up, saying: "Has he made the gods one God?" How can one God suffice all of creation (5)? So Allah, Exalted is He, sent down concerning them (6) these verses, up to His words: "Before them the people of Noah denied" [38:12].
Surah al-Zumar
(5) See: Tafsir al-Baghawi (1792), and al-Durr al-Manthur 7/74-75.
(3) In (S) and (H): "the verse". Recorded by Sa'id ibn Mansur, Ibn al-Mundhir and al-Bayhaqi in al-Ba'th, as in al-Durr al-Manthur 7/75.
(7) Its chain is weak because of the obscurity of Yahya ibn Umarah.
Recorded by: Abd al-Razzaq (9924), Ibn Abi Shaybah (36553), Ahmad 1/227, 228 and 362, al-Tirmidhi (3232) and (3232m), al-Nasa'i in al-Kubra (8769), (11436) and (11437) and in his separate Tafsir (456) and (457), Abu Ya'la (2583), al-Tabari in the Tafsir 23/125, al-Tahawi in Sharh al-Mushkil (2029), Ibn Hibban (6686), al-Hakim 2/432, and al-Bayhaqi 9/188.
(1) Tafsir al-Baghawi (1801), al-Qurtubi 7/5594, and al-Tha'alibi cited it without a chain, as in Takhrij al-Kashshaf 4/72.
weak chain
37. Aṣ-Ṣāffāt
Those Who Set The RanksThe Ordered Angels and One God
Oaths by ranks of angels affirm that God is One, Lord of the heavens and earth; devils are barred from the exalted assembly and repelled from listening.
Denial of Resurrection and the Fate of the Guilty
The disbelievers mock being raised after death and call the message magic; they are warned that they will be gathered, punished, and repaid only for what they used to do.
The Sincere in Paradise
God’s devoted servants are exempt from punishment, enjoying known provision, honor, and pure companionship in gardens of bliss.
A Conversation and a Warning from Hell’s End
In Paradise, a believer recalls a companion who denied accountability; seeing him among the punished, the believer thanks God for salvation, and the passage warns that many earlier peoples also rejected and were destroyed.
Noah Saved, the Rejecters Drowned
Noah calls upon God and is answered; he and his followers are rescued while the rest are drowned, and his good mention is preserved among later generations.
Abraham Breaks Idols and Is Thrown into Fire
Abraham confronts his people’s idol worship, destroys their idols, and is condemned to be burned; God saves him, turning the plot against him into failure.
The Sacrifice Test and the Ransom
Abraham prays for a righteous son; when the son is old enough, both submit to God’s command to sacrifice, and God ransoms him with a great offering, honoring their sincerity.
Glad Tidings of Isaac and Blessings on Abraham
Abraham is given good news of Isaac as a prophet; blessings are granted to Abraham and Isaac, with their offspring including both doers of good and those who wrong themselves.
Elijah’s Call to Leave Baal
Elijah urges his people to fear God and abandon Baal; most reject him, but God honors Elijah and the faithful, preserving his praise among later generations.
Lot Delivered; Jonah Tested and Restored
Lot and his family are saved except his wife, while his people are destroyed; Jonah flees, is cast into the sea and swallowed by a great fish, then saved due to his glorification and sent back to a believing people.
Refuting False Claims about Angels
The passage challenges the claim that God has daughters and that angels are female; it exposes their baseless assertions and affirms that angels are honored servants who stand in ranks and glorify God.
Truth’s Victory and God’s Praise
Though the disbelievers once wished for a reminder, they deny it when it comes; God promises victory for His messengers and defeat for hostile forces, concluding with glorification and praise of the Lord of all worlds.
38. Ṣād
The Letter SadPrideful Rejection of the Message
The disbelievers deny the Qur’an out of arrogance, mocking the call to worship one God and demanding proof despite past nations’ lessons.
Who Controls Mercy and Victory?
Their claims are refuted: they own none of God’s mercy or dominion, and their forces will be defeated; the Prophet is told to be patient and remember David.
David’s Trial and Repentance
David is granted strength and praise from creation, then tested by disputants; he realizes his error and turns to God in repentance.
David’s Forgiveness and Just Rule
God forgives David and grants him nearness, commanding him to judge with justice and not follow desire that leads astray.
Creation’s Purpose and the Blessed Book
The heavens and earth were not created in vain; the Qur’an is sent so people reflect on its signs and take heed.
Solomon’s Gratitude and Kingdom
Solomon is praised as an excellent servant who returns to God; after a test involving his steeds, God grants him a unique dominion, including control of the wind and jinn.
Job’s Endurance Rewarded
Job calls upon God in distress; God restores him and his family, and provides a way to fulfill his oath, honoring his steadfast patience.
The Chosen Prophets Remembered
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl are recalled as sincere, chosen servants, promised a blessed outcome.
Gardens for the Godfearing
The righteous are promised everlasting gardens with open gates, abundant provisions, and companionship—God’s unfailing reward.
Hell’s Quarrels and Blame
The rebellious face a miserable return in Hell, arguing and cursing one another as each group blames the other for leading them astray.
A Clear Warning of One God
The Prophet is commanded to declare that he is only a warner and that God alone is worthy of worship; revelation comes from the Lord of all.
Adam’s Creation and Satan’s Defiance
God creates Adam and commands the angels to prostrate; Iblis refuses out of pride, is expelled, and vows to mislead humanity, while God decrees Hell for him and his followers.
No Reward Sought—A Reminder to All
The Prophet asks no payment for conveying the message; the Qur’an is a reminder for all people, and its truth will become known in time.
39. Az-Zumar
The TroopsSincere Worship of the One Creator
The revelation is from Allah; worship must be devoted to Him alone. Claims of using intermediaries are rejected, and Allah’s power is shown in creation, the alternation of night and day, and His absolute sovereignty.
Creation, Provision, and Gratitude
Allah created humans from one soul, provided spouses and livestock, and forms people in the wombs. He has no need of anyone; disbelief harms the disbeliever, while gratitude is what He approves.
Human Inconstancy vs. Devout Awareness
In hardship people call on Allah, but when relief comes many revert to associating partners. In contrast, the truly devoted worship by night, fear the Hereafter, and hope for mercy—knowledge and heedlessness are not equal.
Context · al-Wahidi
Al-Wahidi gives three views on verse 39:9 and does not name a circumstance. Ibn Abbas, in the report through Ata, says it came down about Abu Bakr al-Siddiq. Al-Fahl notes that he found no chain for this report. Ibn Umar says it came down about Uthman ibn Affan. Muqatil says it came down about Ammar ibn Yasir. Al-Wahidi gives nothing for verse 39:8.
Source text (1 entry)
The words of Allah, Exalted is He: "Is one who is devout in the hours of the night ..." [to the end of the verse] [39:9].Ibn Abbas said(1), in the report of Ata: It was revealed about Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him. Ibn Umar said: It was revealed about Uthman ibn Affan (2).
Muqatil said: It was revealed about Ammar ibn Yasir (3).
(1) Al-Baghawi mentions it in his Tafsir 4/81 without a chain, and we have not found it with a chain. From Ibn Abbas, in the report of al-Dahhak from him, it is that it was revealed about Abu Bakr and Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both. See: Tafsir al-Qurtubi 7/5683.
(2) Recorded by Abu Nuaym in al-Hilyah 1/56, and Ibn Asakir in Tarikh Dimashq 39/231-232. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur 7/213-214 also attributes it to Ibn al-Mundhir, Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Mardawayh.
(3) Something like this is reported as a saying of Ibn Abbas, al-Durr al-Manthur 7/214.
Patience, True Success, and the Fate of the Losers
Believers are urged to fear Allah and do good; the patient will be rewarded without measure. The Prophet is commanded to worship sincerely, while the ultimate loss is for those who ruin themselves and their families in Hell.
Turning Away from False Gods
Those who avoid idol-worship and return to Allah receive glad tidings. Allah guides whom He wills; the people of taqwa will have lofty dwellings in Paradise beneath which rivers flow.
Context · al-Wahidi
Verse 39:17 came down, according to Ibn Zayd, about three men who said "There is no god but Allah" even before Islam: Zayd ibn Amr, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari and Salman al-Farisi. For verses 39:17-18, al-Wahidi reports from Ibn Abbas that Abu Bakr believed in the Prophet. Then Uthman, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, Talhah, al-Zubayr, Sa'id ibn Zayd and Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas asked him about it and also believed, and the verses came down about them. They had heard Abu Bakr and followed the best of what he said. Al-Fahl notes that other sources give this second report without a chain.
Source text (2 entries)
The words of Allah, Mighty and Majestic: "And those who shun the worship of false gods..." [to the end of the verse] [39:17].Ibn Zayd said(4): It was revealed about three men who, in the pre-Islamic period, used to say: There is no god but Allah. They were(5) Zayd ibn Amr, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, and Salman al-Farisi.
(4) Recorded by al-Tabari in his Tafsir 23/207 by way of Ibn Zayd from his father, with it. Al-Suyuti cited it in al-Durr al-Manthur 7/217 and attributed it to Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim from Zayd ibn Aslam, with it. See: Tafsir al-Baghawi 4/83.
His words, Mighty and Majestic: "So give good tidings (6) to My servants, those who listen to the word and follow the best of it" [39:17-18].Ata said, from Ibn Abbas: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (1), may Allah be pleased with him, believed in the Prophet (peace be upon him) and affirmed him as true. Then Uthman, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, Talhah, al-Zubayr, Said ibn Zayd and Sad ibn Abi Waqqas came and asked him, and he told them of his belief, so they believed. And about them was revealed: "So give good tidings to My servants, those who listen to the word" [39:17-18]. He said: meaning from Abu Bakr: "and follow the best of it" (2) [39:18].
(2) Al-Baghawi mentioned it in his Tafsir 4/83, and Abu Jafar al-Tabari in al-Riyad al-Nadirah 1/235 (96), without a chain.
Signs in Nature and the Best Speech
Rain revives the earth and cycles through growth and decay as a lesson. The Quran is described as the best discourse—consistent and stirring—softening believers’ hearts and guiding them, while misguidance has no rescuer.
Context · al-Wahidi
Al-Wahidi says, without naming an authority, that verse 39:22 came down about Hamzah, Ali, Abu Lahab and his sons. Ali and Hamzah were among those whose hearts Allah opened to Islam. Abu Lahab and his sons were the ones whose hearts were hardened against the remembrance of Allah. For verse 39:23, al-Wahidi reports from Sad that the Companions said, "O Messenger of Allah, if only you would tell us something," and Allah then revealed this verse.
Source text (2 entries)
The words of Allah, Mighty and Majestic: "Is one whose breast Allah has opened to Islam, so that he is upon a light from his Lord ... [to the end of the verse]" [39:22].It was revealed about Hamzah, Ali, Abu Lahab and his children. Ali and Hamzah are among those whose breasts Allah opened
to Islam (3), while Abu Lahab and his children are those whose hearts were hardened against the remembrance of Allah, [and that is His words, Exalted is He: "So woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah ..."] (4) [to the end of the verse] (5).
(5) The author mentioned it in al-Wasit 3/577.
His saying (Exalted and Majestic is He): "Allah has sent down the best of speech..." [to the end of the verse] [39:23].(368) Abd al-Qahir ibn Tahir al-Baghdadi informed us, saying: Abu Amr ibn Matar informed us, saying: Ja'far ibn Muhammad al-Firyabi informed us, saying: Ishaq ibn Rahawayh (6) narrated to us, saying: Amr ibn Muhammad al-Qurashi narrated to us, saying: Khallad al-Saffar narrated to us, from Amr ibn Qays al-Mula'i, from Amr ibn Murrah, from Mus'ab ibn Sa'd, from Sa'd (7), who said: They said: "O Messenger of Allah, if only you would tell us stories." So Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) sent down: "Allah has sent down the best of speech, a Book..." [39:23].
Humiliation of the Rejecters
Those who cannot shield themselves from punishment on the Day of Judgment are contrasted with the righteous. Earlier peoples were seized unexpectedly, and Allah made them taste disgrace in this world before the greater punishment to come.
Clear Parables and Pure Lordship
Allah presents varied examples in the Quran so people may remember. A parable contrasts a slave owned by quarreling masters with one devoted to a single master—showing the clarity and superiority of worshiping Allah alone.
The Truthful and the Day of Dispute
All will die, then contend before their Lord. The worst wrongdoing is lying about Allah and rejecting truth; while those who bring truth and believe in it will have whatever they wish, and their sins will be removed.