Download MP3 and PDF of Surah Ash-Shams (English Translation)

Surah Ash-Shams, the 91st chapter of the Holy Qur’an, is a powerful meditation on the cosmic order and human accountability. Comprising 15 verses, this Surah explores the natural phenomena and moral lessons derived from the sun, moon, earth, and the human soul.

Revelation and Context

Surah Ash-Shams was revealed in Mecca during a period when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers faced intense persecution and opposition from the Quraysh tribe. The Surah addresses themes of faith, righteousness, and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.

The Oath by the Sun and its Brightness

The Surah begins with a series of oaths, invoking natural phenomena as witnesses to divine truth:

“By the sun and its brightness, and the moon when it follows it,” (Qur’an 91:1-2)

These verses draw attention to the sun’s brightness and the moon’s gentle glow, symbolizing clarity, guidance, and the divine order of creation. They serve as a reminder of Allah’s power and the signs of His existence manifested in the natural world.

The Soul and its Potential for Good and Evil

Surah Ash-Shams reflects on the moral potential of the human soul:

“And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it, and inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness,” (Qur’an 91:7-8)

These verses highlight the human capacity for discernment between good and evil, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to choose righteousness and avoid wrongdoing. They underscore the importance of moral accountability and the consequences of one’s actions in shaping one’s destiny.

Success and Failure

The Surah contrasts the outcomes for those who succeed in purifying their souls and those who fail to do so:

“Successful is he who purifies it, and failed is he who buries it [in corruption].” (Qur’an 91:9-10)

These verses emphasize the rewards for righteousness and the consequences of neglecting moral principles. They encourage believers to strive for spiritual purification and moral excellence in order to attain Allah’s pleasure and the ultimate reward in the Hereafter.

Conclusion

Surah Ash-Shams is a profound meditation on the cosmic order, human accountability, and the moral potential of the human soul. It challenges believers to reflect on the signs of Allah’s existence in the natural world and emphasizes the importance of choosing righteousness over wrongdoing. Through its vivid imagery and moral lessons, this Surah serves as a timeless reminder of the consequences of one’s actions and the path to spiritual fulfillment.