Sūrah Al-A‘lā (سورة الأعلى)
Meaning: The Most High
Chapter: 87
Verses: 19
Place of Revelation: Meccan
🌟 Name Origin
The name Al-A‘lā comes from the very first verse:
سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى
“Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High.” (87:1)
This verse sets the tone for the whole surah: a reminder to glorify Allah, who is above all imperfection, higher than all creation, and worthy of worship alone.
📖 Section-by-Section Summary
✨ Verses 1–5: The Praise of the Creator
**1. Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High,
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Who created and proportioned,
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And Who destined and [then] guided,
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And Who brings out the pasture,
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And then makes it black stubble.**
These verses reflect on Allah’s creative power and wisdom:
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He creates with perfection ("proportioned"),
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Gives purpose and direction ("guided"),
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Brings forth life ("green pasture"),
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And allows it to fade ("black stubble").
🌿 This is a lesson in humility — even the greenest life fades. So too will wealth, power, and health. What remains is your faith and deeds.
📘 Verses 6–8: The Prophet’s Revelation
**6. We will make you recite, [O Muhammad], and you will not forget,
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Except what Allah wills. Indeed, He knows what is declared and what is hidden.
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And We will ease you toward ease.**
Allah reassures Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
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The Qur’an will be preserved in his heart.
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Revelation is not a burden; it will be made easy.
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God’s knowledge encompasses all things, even the secrets of hearts.
🔹 These verses also comfort us: the path of truth may be challenging, but Allah eases it for the sincere.
🧭 Verses 9–13: Reminder and Accountability
**9. So remind, if the reminder should benefit.
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He who fears [Allah] will be reminded.
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But the wretched one will avoid it —
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[He] who will [enter and] burn in the greatest Fire,
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Neither dying therein nor living.**
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The reminder (the Qur’an) is for those open to truth.
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The one who fears God will benefit.
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But those who turn away face a terrible end:
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A fire where they will not live fully nor die to escape — a reference to eternal torment.
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🌈 Verses 14–19: Success of the Pure & Transience of the World
**14. He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself,
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And mentions the name of his Lord and prays.
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But you prefer the worldly life,
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While the Hereafter is better and more lasting.
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Indeed, this is in the former scriptures —
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The scriptures of Abraham and Moses.**
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True success is not in wealth or fame — but in purifying the soul and worshipping Allah.
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The world is temporary, but the Akhirah (Hereafter) is eternal.
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This truth is not new — it was revealed to earlier prophets like Ibrāhīm (Abraham) and Mūsā (Moses).
🕊️ A reminder of the unity of the message across all prophets: purify, worship, remember, and prefer the eternal over the temporary.
🧠 Key Themes of Sūrah Al-A‘lā
| Theme | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exaltation of Allah | He is the Most High — perfect in creation, guidance, and control. |
| Purpose of Life | You are created, guided, and tested — not forgotten. |
| Reminder and Free Will | The Qur’an is a reminder, but only the willing benefit. |
| Spiritual Success | Comes through self-purification and prayer. |
| Worldly vs. Eternal | The Hereafter is far better and longer-lasting. |
🕊️ Reflection
🌟 “But you prefer the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring.” (87:16–17)
This surah gently nudges us:
Don’t be deceived by what fades.
Purify your soul. Remember your Lord.
The real reward is waiting.
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