This
article presents a brief introduction to the English Translation and Tafsir of
Surah Al-Jinn.
Name of the Surah
This surah is called Al-Jinn because it speaks about some of the conditions of the jinn. When the jinn heard the recitation of the Quran, they immediately believed in it.
Surah Al-Jinn gives the reader a clear image of the world of the jinn. It mentions that some of them are righteous while others are wicked, that they do not know the unseen as only Allah knows it, that they are accountable for their deeds and will be rewarded or punished according to their deeds, that they cannot benefit or harm anyone, and that they are under the control of Allah.
Surah Al-Jin was revealed in Makkah. It contains twenty-eight ayah.
Relationship between Surah Noah and Al-Jinn
In surah Noah, which comes before surah Al-Jinn according to the arrangement of the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf, the disbelievers are commanded to seek forgiveness from Allah so that they will be given abundant rain. Surah Al-Jinn mentions that if the disbelievers follow the path of guidance, they will be given abundant rain.
Both surahs refer to heaven. Surah Noah mentions that Allah has created seven heavens one upon another. Surah Al-Jinn mentions that there are strong guards in heaven to prevent the jinn from eavesdropping. 72:8 And we sought to reach haven, but we found it filled with strong guards and shooting stars.
Surah Noah mentions that the people of Noah were drowned because of their sins. Surah Al-Jinn mentions that whoever disobeys Allah will enter Hell where he will remain forever suffering its severe punishment. 72:23 And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger – for him, surely the Fire of Hell abiding therein forever.’
Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Jinn
Surah Al-Jinn discusses two important topics, namely, informing about facts related to the world of the jinn, and instructions to Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon] as to what he should do about inviting people to Islam.
Surah Al-Jinn begins by informing about the story of the jinn who believed in the Oneness of Allah after listening to the recitation of the Quran from Messenger Muhammad when he was praying.
72:1 Say, ‘It has been revealed to me that a company of the jinn listened to the Quran, and said, ‘Truly, we have heard a wondrous Quran.
72:2 It guides to the right path, so we believe in it. And we shall never worship anyone besides our Lord.
Then, the surah enlightens about the exaltation and glorification of Allah and worshipping Him alone by the jinn.
72:3 And we believe that He, Exalted be the glory of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son.
72:4 And the foolish among us used to say outrageous lies against Allah.
72:5 And we thought that men and jinn would never speak a lie against Allah.
Then, surah Al-Jinn mentions some attempts of the jinn to eavesdrop on what happens in heaven to know the news of the upper world. It also says that they are prevented from eavesdropping by the presence of angel guards in heaven and burning them by shooting stars after sending Muhammad as Messenger of Allah.
72:8 And we sought to reach haven, but we found it filled with strong guards and shooting stars.
72:9 And we used to sit there in positions for hearing, but whoever listens now will find a shooting star in wait for him.
After that, the surah mentions that the jinn are divided into two parties, the believers and the disbelievers. It gives good news to the believers among them of happiness in the life of this world and the Hereafter. It warns the disbelievers among them of severe punishment.
Then, surah Al-Jinn refers to how the jinn gathered around Messenger Muhammad when they heard him reciting the Quran.
72:19 And when the slave of Allah stood up invoking his Lord, they almost swarm upon him.
Then, the surah mentions some instructions to Messenger Muhammad commanding him to sincerely convey the message of Islam to people, and never worship other gods besides Allah. It also informs that Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] cannot bring benefit to himself nor ward off harm let alone to other people, that no one can help him protect him from the punishment of Allah if he disobeys the commands of Allah, and that he does not know when the punishment of Allah will befall the disbelievers.
72:20 Say, ‘I invoke my Lord only and do not worship anyone along with Him.’
72:21 Say, ‘Indeed, I possess no power for you to do you harm nor guide you rightly.’
Finally, surah Al-Jinn is concluded with confirming that only Allah knows the unseen and that He alone knows everything about the creatures.
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