Revealed during the middle Makkan period, Surah As-Saffat (Those Who Set the Ranks) begins with a powerful oath by the angels standing in ranks, establishing the absolute unity of the Creator and the protection of heaven from rebellious devils. It details the historical trials of past prophets—such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Aaron, Elijah, and Jonah—focusing deeply on Abraham's agonizing trial of sacrificing his son and his ultimate reward for obedience. The chapter refutes the pagan myths of God having daughters, presenting logical arguments against polytheism. It ends with a strong message of victory for the messengers and the righteous, declaring that God's army will inevitably prevail.
Transliteration
Waalssaffati saffan
Translation
By the aligners aligning
Transliteration
Faalzzajirati zajran
Translation
And the drivers driving
Transliteration
Faalttaliyati thikran
Translation
And the reciters of the Reminder
Transliteration
Inna ilahakum lawahidun
Translation
Your God is indeed One
Transliteration
Rabbu alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma warabbu almashariqi
Translation
Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; and Lord of the Easts
Transliteration
Inna zayyanna alssamaa alddunya bizeenatin alkawakibi
Translation
We have adorned the lower heaven with the beauty of the planets
Transliteration
Wahifthan min kulli shaytanin maridin
Translation
And guarded it against every defiant devil
Transliteration
La yassammaAAoona ila almalai alaAAla wayuqthafoona min kulli janibin
Translation
They cannot eavesdrop on the Supernal Elite, for they get bombarded from every side
Transliteration
Duhooran walahum AAathabun wasibun
Translation
Repelled—they will have a lingering torment
Transliteration
Illa man khatifa alkhatfata faatbaAAahu shihabun thaqibun
Translation
Except for him who snatches a fragment—he gets pursued by a piercing projectile
Transliteration
Faistaftihim ahum ashaddu khalqan am man khalaqna inna khalaqnahum min teenin lazibin
Translation
Inquire of them, “Are they more difficult to create, or the others We created?” We created them from sticky clay
Transliteration
Bal AAajibta wayaskharoona
Translation
But you wonder, and they ridicule
Transliteration
Waitha thukkiroo la yathkuroona
Translation
And when reminded, they pay no attention
Transliteration
Waitha raaw ayatan yastaskhiroona
Translation
And when they see a sign, they ridicule
Transliteration
Waqaloo in hatha illa sihrun mubeenun
Translation
And they say, “This is nothing but plain magic
Transliteration
Aitha mitna wakunna turaban waAAithaman ainna lamabAAoothoona
Translation
When we have died and become dust and bones, shall we be resurrected
Transliteration
Awaabaona alawwaloona
Translation
And our ancestors of old?”
Transliteration
Qul naAAam waantum dakhiroona
Translation
Say, “Yes indeed, and you will be totally subdued.”
Transliteration
Fainnama hiya zajratun wahidatun faitha hum yanthuroona
Translation
It will be a single nudge, and they will be staring
Transliteration
Waqaloo ya waylana hatha yawmu alddeeni
Translation
They will say, “Woe to us. This is the Day of Judgment.”