Az-Zukhruf (Surah 43)
Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments)
Makki SurahIntroduction
This Meccan sûrah takes its name from the ornaments mentioned in verse 35. The pagans are scorned for following their forefathers blindly, labelling the angels as Allah’s daughters, claiming that Muḥammad (ﷺ) is not worthy to receive revelations because he is not rich, and for associating idols with Allah in worship, although they admit that He is the sole Creator of the heavens and the earth. Similar to the next sûrah, the pagans are warned of a horrifying punishment in Hell and the believers are promised a great reward in Paradise. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Excellence of the Quran
1. Ḥâ-Mĩm. 2. By the clear Book! 3. Certainly, We have made it a Quran in Arabic so perhaps you will understand. 4. And indeed, it is—in the Master Record with Us—highly esteemed, rich in wisdom.
Surah 43 - Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments) - Verses 1-4
Warning to the Deniers
5. Should We then turn the (Quranic) Reminder away from you (simply) because you have been a transgressing people? 6. (Imagine) how many prophets We sent to those (destroyed) before! 7. But no prophet ever came to them without being mocked. 8. So We destroyed those who were far mightier than these (Meccans). The examples of (their) predecessors have (already) been related.
Surah 43 - Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments) - Verses 5-8
Allah Is the Creator
9. If you ask them (O Prophet) who created the heavens and the earth, they will certainly say, “The Almighty, All-Knowing did.” 10. (He is the One) Who has laid out the earth for you, and set in it pathways for you so that you may find your way. 11. And (He is the One) Who sends down rain from the sky in perfect measure, with which We give life to a lifeless land. And so will you be brought forth (from the grave). 12. And (He is the One) Who created all (things in) pairs, and made for you ships and animals to ride 13. . so that you may sit firmly on their backs, and remember your Lord’s blessings once you are settled on them, saying, “Glory be to the One Who has subjected these for us, for we could have never done so (on our own). 14. And surely to our Lord we will (all) return.”
Surah 43 - Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments) - Verses 9-14
Allah’s Daughters?
15. Still the pagans have made some of His creation out to be a part of Him. Indeed, humankind is clearly ungrateful. 16. Has He taken (angels as His) daughters from what He created, and favoured you (O pagans) with sons? 17. Whenever one of them is given the good news of what they attribute to the Most Compassionate, his face grows gloomy, as he suppresses his rage. 18. (Do they attribute to Him) those who are brought up in fineries and are not commanding in disputes? 19. Still they have labelled the angels, who are servants of the Most Compassionate, as female. Did they witness their creation? Their statement will be recorded, and they will be questioned!