Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-‘Alaq

 

Name of the Surah 

This surah is called al-‘Alaq because it begins with 96:1 Read in the name of your Lord, Who created. 96:2 He created man from a clot ‘al-‘Alaq, namely, a sticky lump that forms when blood dries up or becomes thick. Surah al-‘Alaq was revealed in Makkah. 

Relationship between Surah At-Tin and Surah al-‘Alaq

Surah At-Tin mentions that Allah, Exalted be He, created man in the best form. 95:4 We indeed created man in the best form. Then, surah al-‘Alaq elaborates on how man was created. Besides, surah al-‘Alaq refers to some matters that will take place in the Hereafter to clarify what is mentioned in surah At-Tin. 

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah al-‘Alaq

• The first ayat of surah al-‘Alaq are the first ayat of the Quran that were revealed to Messenger Muhammad.

• Surah al-‘Alaq refers to the wisdom behind creating man in a state of weakness and then changing it into strength. In other words, Allah created man from a clot, which is very weak, and then He made him strong and provided him with the intellect and faculties that distinguish him from the rest of the creatures.

• Surah al-‘Alaq mentions that man transgresses all proper bounds by worshipping other gods besides Allah and disobeying His commands.

• Surah al-‘Alaq mentions that man denies Allah’s blessings on him.

• Surah al-‘Alaq warns Abu Jahl of the severe punishment awaiting him on the Day of Judgment as he used to disbelieve in Allah’s Oneness and abuse Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him].

English Translation of Surah al-‘Alaq

Revealed in Makkah, Contains 19 Ayah

Bism-Allah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Giver of Mercy, the Most Merciful

96:1 Read in the name of your Lord, Who created.

96:2 He created man from a clot.

96:3 Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,

96:4 Who taught by the pen.

96:5 He taught man what he knew not.

96:6 No! Indeed, man transgresses all bounds

96:7 for he considers himself self-sufficient.

96:8 Surely, to your Lord is the return.

96:9 Have you seen him who forbids

96:10 a slave when he prays?

96:11 Have you considered if he were on the right way,

96:12 or he enjoins to be God-fearing?

96:13 Have you considered if he denies and turns away?

96:14 Does he not know that Allah sees?

96:15 No! If he does not desist, We shall seize him by the forelock,

96:16 a lying, sinful forelock.

96:17 Then, let him call his associates!

96:18 We shall call the guards of Hell.

96:19 No! Do not obey him. Prostrate yourself and draw near.

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