Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-A’la
Name of Surah al-A’la
This surah is called al-A’la ‘the most high’ because it begins by [87:1 Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High…] It is a command to glorify Allah and confirm that He is free from any imperfection and that He is characterized by all attributes and names of perfection because He is the Most High. Allah is higher than all things in this universe. This surah is also called ‘Sabbih, glorify.’
Relationship with the Previous Surah
Surah at-Tariq comes before surah al-A’la in the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf. Surah at-Tariq refers to the creation of man and plants.
86:5 So let man consider from what he was created.
86:6 He was created from gushing water
86:11 By the sky that rains repeatedly,
86:12 and by the earth that splits,
Surah al-A’la mentions details about the creation of man and plants.
87:2 Who created in due proportion,
87:3 Who ordained and guided,
87:4 and Who brought forth the pasture,
87:5 then made it black stubble.
Main Topics Discussed in Surah al-A’la
Surah al-A’la discusses topics that are usually mentioned in surahs revealed in Mecca. They generally talk about the concept of worshipping Allah alone, Allah’s perfect ability, the Quran, the Day of Judgment, and noble ethics that refine man’s character.
Surah al-A’la begins by commanding to glorify Allah and confirm that He is free from any imperfection in His self, attributes, names, deeds, statements, and rules. It also commands to ascribe all attributes of greatness and glory to Allah, as He created the creatures in the best form and made plants grow with their different shapes.
87:1 Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High,
87:2 Who created in due proportion,
87:3 Who ordained and guided,
87:4 and Who brought forth the pasture,
87:5 then made it black stubble.
Then the surah refers to the fact that Allah made easy the memorization of the Quran for His Messenger Muhammad that he would not forget it. Then Messenger Muhammad was commanded to admonish people to purify their souls from vices.
87:6 We shall make you recite and you will not forget,
87:9 So remind if the reminding profits.
The surah is concluded with referring to the fact that whoever purifies himself from disbelief in Allah’s Oneness, constantly remembers Allah and His greatness, and does not favor the worldly life over the Hereafter will be successful.
87:14 Successful is indeed he who purifies himself,
87:15 and remembers the Name of his Lord and prays.
Virtue of Surah al-A’la
An-Nu’man bin Bashir, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] used to recite surah al-A’la and al-Ghashiyah on two days of Eid and Friday.’
The Noble Quran, English Translation of Surah al-A'la (the Most High)
The Noble Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Surah al-A'la (the Most High)
The Noble Quran: Tafsir of Surah al-Fatihah [Part 2]
The Noble Quran Surah ar-Ra'd English Translation and Tafsir
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