Saba (Surah 34)
Saba (Sheba)
Makki SurahIntroduction
This Meccan sûrah takes its name from the reference to the people of Sheba (verses 15-20) who were punished for meeting Allah’s favours with ingratitude. Both David (ﷺ) and Solomon (ﷺ) are cited as grateful servants of Allah. The Meccan pagans are reminded that only faith can bring them closer to Allah, not their wealth. They are criticized for calling the Prophet (ﷺ) ‘insane’ and are warned of punishment in this life and the next. Both the last part of this sûrah (verses 40-41) and the beginning of the next (verse 1) reaffirm the angels as Allah’s faithful servants. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Praises to the Almighty
1. All praise is for Allah, to Whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And praise be to Him in the Hereafter. He is the All-Wise, All-Aware. 2. He knows whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes out of it, and whatever descends from the sky and whatever ascends into it. And He is the Most Merciful, All-Forgiving.
Surah 34 - Saba (Sheba) - Verses 1-2
Denying the Hour
3. The disbelievers say, “The Hour will never come to us.” Say, (O Prophet,) “Yes—by my Lord, the Knower of the unseen—it will certainly come to you!” Not (even) an atom’s weight is hidden from Him in the heavens or the earth; nor anything smaller or larger than that, but is (written) in a perfect Record. 4. So He may reward those who believe and do good. It is they who will have forgiveness and an honourable provision. 5. As for those who strive to discredit Our revelations, it is they who will suffer the (worst) torment of agonizing pain. 6. Those gifted with knowledge (clearly) see that what has been revealed to you from your Lord (O Prophet) is the truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.
Surah 34 - Saba (Sheba) - Verses 3-6
Warning to the Deniers
7. The disbelievers say (mockingly to one another), “Shall we show you a man who claims that when you have been utterly disintegrated you will be raised as a new creation? 8. Has he fabricated a lie against Allah or is he insane?” In fact, those who do not believe in the Hereafter are bound for torment and have strayed farthest (from the truth). 9. Have they not then seen all that surrounds them of the heavens and the earth? If We willed, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause (deadly) pieces of the sky to fall upon them. Surely in this is a sign for every servant who turns (to Allah).
Surah 34 - Saba (Sheba) - Verses 7-9
Allah’s Favours to David
10. Indeed, We granted David a (great) privilege from Us, (commanding:) “O mountains! Echo his hymns! And the birds as well.” We made iron mouldable for him, 11. instructing: “Make full-length armour, (perfectly) balancing the links. And work righteousness (O family of David!). Indeed, I am All-Seeing of what you do.”