Surah Shams

Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun), the 91st chapter of the Quran, is a concise yet profound Makkan surah that conveys powerful themes through vivid imagery and divine oaths. Surah Ash-Shams invites us to ponder the delicate balance between light and darkness within ourselves. It urges us toward purification and righteousness

Surah Ash Shams Meaning

The name of this chapter, ‘As-Shams’, appears in the very first verse. The word ‘Shams’ (الشَّمْسِ) means ‘the sun’. This Surah begins with an oath, ‘By the sun and its brightness’ (وَالشَّمْسِ وَضُحَا). It is from this phrase that the entire chapter takes its name. 

Basic Information About Surah al Shams

Surah e Shams is among the shortest chapters of the Quran. Every muslim should learn and memorize this chapter. You can learn and memorize the Quran online. Here is the overview of Ash Shams Surah.

Surah Ash-Shams in Arabic Text

The holy Quran is revealed in the Arabic language. It should be read and memorized in its original language. The Arabic text of Ash-Shams Surah is written as;

Surah Shams Transliteration

Surah al Shams transliteration assists the readers in reading the Arabic text in their own script. Here, we provide you with Surah Ash Shams transliteration in Roman English. 

Wash Shamsi wa Duhaa Haa, Wal Qamari Izaa Talaa Haa, Wannahaari Izaa Jallaa Haa, Wallaili Izaa Yaghshaa Haa, Wassamaaa'i wa Maa Banaahaa, Wal Ardi wa maa Tahaahaa, Wa Nafsiw wa Maa Sawwaahaa, Fa-Alhamahaa Fujoorahaa wa Taqwaahaa, Qad Aflaha man Zakkaahaa, Wa Qad Khaaba Man Dassaahaa, Kazzabat Samoodu bi Taghwaahaaa, Izim Ba'asa Ashqaahaa, Faqaala Lahum Rasoolul Laahi Naaqatal Laahi wa Suqiyaahaa, Fakazzaboohu Fa'aqaroohaa Fadamdama 'Alaihim Rabbuhum Bizambihim Fasaw Waahaa, Wa Laa Yakhaafu Uqbaahaa.

Surah Shams Translation

Surah Al Shams Translation provides insight into understanding the meaning and context of this sacred chapter. The translation is crucial for conveying the moral and theological lessons, particularly the cautionary tale of the Thamud people, who were destroyed for their disobedience. 

You can download the translation of Surah e Shams in PDF. 

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Surah Shams in English Translation 

Understanding Surah Al-Shams in English is significant for grasping its core messages. The English translation helps make the universal message of Surah Al-Shams accessible, emphasizing soul purification through divine oaths and historical examples. 

I swear by the sun and his broad light, and by the moon when she follows him, and by the day when it shows his brightness, and by the night when it envelops him, and by the sky, and the One who built it, and by the earth, and the One who spread it, and by the soul, and the One who made it well, then inspired it with its (instincts of) evil and piety, success is really attained by him who purifies it, and failure is really suffered by him who pollutes it. (The People of) Thamūd denied the truth because of their transgression, when rose up the one who was most wretched of them. So, the Messenger of Allah said to them, “Be careful of Allah’s she-camel and her right to drink.” But they rejected him and killed her, so their Lord sent eradicating torment upon them because of their sin, and made it equal for all. And He has no fear of its consequences.

You can also download Surah Shams translation in English in PDF. 

Surah Shams Translation in Urdu

The Quran is translated into Urdu by many scholars. It helps the Urdu speakers to understand the meaning of this chapter. We will provide you with the Urdu translation of Surat ul Shams in PDF so that you can download and read it at your leisure time.

Context of Revelation of Surah al Shams

Surah Ash-Shams was revealed in Makkah during the early years of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) mission. It is a concise Makkan surah with vivid rhythms and universal themes. It was delivered in a pagan society where the Quraysh leaders resisted monotheism and moral reform, persecuting the small Muslim community. 

The surah warns the Makkans indirectly by recounting the destruction of Thamud, a people who rejected their prophet Hazrat Salih (A.S), drawing a parallel to the Quraysh’s rejection of the message of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

Revealed during the middle Meccan period amid rising opposition, this chapter emphasizes moral accountability, reminding listeners that Allah has instilled knowledge of right and wrong in the soul. By highlighting Thamud’s fate, it subtly cautions the people of Makkah and all people against choosing evil over good, urging reflection to avoid a similar downfall.

Themes of Surah As Shams

Surah e Shams presents several interconnected themes that revolve around morality, accountability, and divine design. It contrasts pairs of opposites in the cosmos to emphasize the fundamental duality of good and evil within the human soul and the importance of self-purification.

Divine Oaths and the Order of Creation

The surah begins with a series of oaths by natural phenomena: the sun, moon, day, night, sky, earth, and the human soul (verses 1–7). These oaths emphasize the perfect balance and harmony in Allah’s creation, reflecting His power and wisdom.

The use of celestial and earthly elements highlights the universal truth that everything in existence follows a divine order, setting the stage for the human soul’s responsibility to align with this order.

The Human Soul and Free Will

A central theme is the human soul or Nafs and its capacity for both good and evil (verses 7–10). Allah created the soul with the ability to choose between righteousness (Taqwa) and corruption (Fujur).

This theme underscores free will. Humans are given the clarity to distinguish right from wrong and are responsible for their choices.

Moral Responsibility and Purification

The surah teaches that success (falah) comes from purifying the soul through obedience to Allah, while failure results from corrupting it with sin (verses 9–10).

Purification involves self-discipline, sincerity, and striving to align with divine guidance, emphasizing personal accountability.

Consequences of Rejecting Truth

The surah recounts the story of the people of Thamud and their Prophet, Hazrat Saleh (A.S) (verses 11–15). They rejected divine guidance and killed the she-camel, a clear sign from Allah. It led to their destruction.

This narrative illustrates the consequences of arrogance, disobedience, and denying the truth, serving as a warning to humanity.

The Struggle Between Good and Evil

The contrast between light (sun, day) and darkness (moon, night) in the oaths symbolizes the moral struggle within individuals and societies. Choosing righteousness leads to light and success, while succumbing to evil leads to darkness and ruin.

This theme encourages self-reflection and striving toward moral excellence.

Universality of Divine Message

By swearing on universal elements like the sun and sky, the surah conveys that its message is timeless and applies to all of humanity. The lessons of Surah Ash-Shams transcend culture and era, calling everyone to heed divine guidance.

Significance of Ash Shams Surah 

The Al Shams surah’s concise yet profound message inspires self-awareness, moral integrity, and submission to Allah’s guidance. It is significant for personal and communal reform.

Spiritual Awakening

Surah Ash-Shams acts as a means of spiritual awakening for readers. It uses vivid oaths, such as sun, moon, day, night, and soul, to grab attention and stir the conscience. It urges the readers to recognize Allah’s signs and their moral responsibilities.

Moral Clarity

Surat Shams emphasizes the soul’s innate ability to distinguish right from wrong. It helps highlight personal accountability and the importance of choosing righteousness to purify the soul.

Historical Warning

Surah 91 of the Quran recounts the destruction of Thamud for rejecting Prophet Hazrat Salih (A.S). This chapter serves as a powerful warning to the Makkans and all people about the consequences of arrogance and disbelief.

Universal Message

 Its focus on divine order, human nature, and justice transcends its Makkan context, offering timeless guidance on aligning with truth to achieve spiritual success.

Call to Reform

By addressing the Quraysh’s resistance indirectly, Ash Shams Surah tactfully challenges societal wrongs. This surah encourages reflection and ethical transformation to avoid divine punishment.

Surah Shams Benefits 

The Quran is a book of reward and healing. Its recitation brings unimaginable benefits to one’s life. Reciting Surah Ash-Shams is associated with several benefits. 

Spiritual Success Through Self-Purification

Surah Ash-Shams encourages reflecting on our inner struggle between good and evil. It inspires us to choose good deeds like kindness and honesty to purify our souls. This leads to spiritual success and closeness to God.

Humility and Submission

The surah’s powerful oaths, including the sun, the moon, the day, the night, and the story of Thamud’s downfall, remind us of Allah’s immense power and justice. Reciting it humbles the heart, reducing pride and ego, and encourages submission to Allah’s will.

Protection and Safety

Islamic tradition suggests that reciting Surah Ash-Shams, especially during voluntary prayers like Ishraq (post-sunrise prayer), brings divine protection for oneself and one’s possessions. It is believed to act as a shield against harm and to offer peace of mind and spiritual security.

Charity-Like Reward

Some narrations indicate that reciting Surah Al-Shams brings a reward equivalent to giving charity to everything the sun and moon shine upon. This immense spiritual reward motivates regular recitation for blessings and divine favor.

Spiritual Strength and Reflection

Surat Shams' focus on the soul’s ability to discern right from wrong strengthens resolve to make righteous choices. Reciting it regularly inspires self-reflection, helping us evaluate our actions and grow spiritually stronger in faith and character.

Conclusion 

Surah Ash-Shams, the 91st chapter of the Quran, asserts that human success and failure depend entirely on the purification or corruption of one's soul. The surah emphasizes this principle through a series of vivid oaths and the historical example of the destroyed tribe of Thamud.