Surah Ash Shuraa in English Translation with Explain

Surah Ash-Shūra (Arabic: الشورى) is the 42nd chapter of the Qur'an, consisting of 53 verses. It is a Meccan surah, and its name, Ash-Shūra, means "The Consultation," which is derived from the principle of mutual consultation (Shura) emphasized in the surah. This chapter addresses topics like the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), the roles of the Prophets, the necessity of following the message of Allah, the importance of consultation and collective decision-making, and the consequences of rejecting the truth.

General Themes of Surah Ash-Shūra:

Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): Emphasizes the unique and absolute oneness of Allah and rejects any form of polytheism (shirk).
The Role of the Prophets: The surah acknowledges the role of the Prophets and their divine mission to guide people to the truth.
Divine Justice: Allah is just in His decisions, and everyone will be judged based on their deeds on the Day of Judgment.
Consultation and Collective Decision-making: The surah encourages mutual consultation in matters of importance, particularly in governance and community affairs.
Rejection of the Truth: The surah addresses the consequences faced by those who reject the truth and continue in disbelief.

English Translation and Explanation of Key Verses:

1. Verse 1-3:

"Ha, Meem. 'Ain, Seen. Thus is the revelation of the Exalted in Might, the Wise. Indeed, within the heavens and the earth are signs for the believers." The surah opens with disjointed letters (Ha, Meem, 'Ain, Seen), a common feature in some chapters of the Qur'an. It then emphasizes that the revelation is from Allah, who is both powerful and wise. It also mentions that the signs of Allah can be found in the creation of the heavens and the earth, which should lead the believers to reflect and believe.

2. Verse 4:

"And to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great." This verse highlights the sovereignty of Allah over all that exists in the heavens and on earth. Allah is the Supreme Being, and everything in creation is under His control and authority.

3. Verse 5:

"The heavens almost break apart from above them, and the angels glorify their Lord with praise and ask forgiveness for those on the earth. Unquestionably, Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful." The verse illustrates the majesty and power of Allah. The heavens almost collapse due to the weight of Allah’s glory, and the angels seek forgiveness for the believers. It underscores Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

4. Verse 7:

"And thus We have revealed to you an Arabic Qur'an that you may warn the Mother of Cities (Mecca) and those around it, and warn of the Day of Assembly, about which there is no doubt. A party will be in Paradise and a party in the Blaze." This verse mentions that the Qur'an has been revealed in clear Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) so that he may warn the people of Mecca and the surrounding regions about the Day of Judgment. On that day, people will be divided into two groups: one will be in Paradise and the other in Hell.

5. Verse 10:

"And whatever you disagree over – its judgment is with Allah. That is Allah, my Lord; in Him I have trusted, and to Him is my return." This verse emphasizes that when people disagree or have disputes, the ultimate judgment belongs to Allah. It encourages believers to put their trust in Allah, for He is the final judge.

6. Verse 11:

"Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you from the earth a bed and the sky a canopy. And He formed you and perfected your forms; and to Him is the final return." This verse speaks about Allah’s creative power. He created the heavens and the earth, and He made the earth a place of rest (a bed) and the sky a protective canopy. Allah also created human beings and gave them perfect forms. Ultimately, everyone will return to Allah.

7. Verse 13:

"He has ordained for you the religion which He enjoined upon Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, O Muhammad, and that which We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: 'Establish the religion and do not divide therein. Disbelievers are to what you invite them to in despair. Allah will make clear to them those who are in doubt.'" This verse emphasizes the continuity of the message brought by all the Prophets, from Noah to Muhammad (PBUH). The core of their message was to establish true religion and avoid divisions. Those who reject this call will be in despair, but Allah will clarify the truth for those who are uncertain.

8. Verse 14:

"And they did not become divided until after knowledge had come to them, out of jealousy between themselves. And if not for a word that preceded from your Lord, it would have been judged between them. And indeed, those who were made to inherit the Scripture after them are in doubt concerning it." This verse explains that the division among the followers of earlier prophets occurred after knowledge came to them. Their divisions were driven by jealousy, not by the truth. It also mentions that those who inherited the Scripture after the Prophets are now in doubt about it.

9. Verse 17:

"Allah is the One who sent down the Book in truth, and the balance. And what will make you know? Perhaps the Hour is near." Allah has sent the Qur'an (the Book) and the balance (justice) to guide humanity. The verse highlights the uncertainty about the exact time of the Hour (Day of Judgment), yet its arrival is inevitable and near.

10. Verse 18:

"Those who do not believe in it are impatient for it, while those who believe are fearful of it and know that it is the truth. Unquestionably, those who dispute concerning the Hour are in extreme error." This verse contrasts the attitudes of the believers and disbelievers towards the Day of Judgment. The disbelievers are impatient, not believing in its coming, while the believers are fearful and aware of its certainty. Those who dispute its occurrence are in deep error.

11. Verse 23-24:

"And this is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Him, all that they were doing would have been worthless." The surah highlights that Allah is the ultimate source of guidance. He guides whom He wills, but if they had engaged in shirk (associating partners with Allah), their deeds would be rendered useless.

12. Verse 32-34:

"And of His signs are the ships, in the sea, like mountains. If He wills, He causes the wind to cease, and they remain motionless on its surface. Indeed, in that are signs for everyone who is patient and grateful." This verse reflects on the signs of Allah in nature, particularly the power He has over the sea and wind. Ships that resemble mountains in their majesty and the ability to move across the sea are controlled by Allah. When He wills, He can cause them to stop, reminding believers to be patient and grateful.

13. Verse 38-39:

"And those who, when they are reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. And those who say, 'Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us.'" This verse talks about the attitude of the true believers, who heed the reminders of Allah’s signs. It also includes a prayer for forgiveness and mercy from Allah for any shortcomings, such as forgetting or making mistakes.

14. Verse 42:

"The Day their faces will be covered with the Fire, they will be in despair over what they used to earn." This verse describes the fate of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment. Their faces will be covered with the fire of Hell, and they will be regretful for their past actions and disbelief.

15. Verse 51:

"And it is not for any human that Allah should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a veil or that He sends a messenger to reveal what He wills by His permission. Indeed, He is Most High and Wise." This verse explains the ways in which Allah communicates with His prophets. He speaks to them either directly through revelation, from behind a veil, or through the sending of a messenger. Allah is exalted and wise in all His actions.

Key Lessons from Surah Ash-Shūra:

Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): The surah emphasizes Allah’s absolute sovereignty and the importance of worshipping Him alone without associating any partners.
The Role of the Prophets: The message of the Prophets, from Noah to Muhammad (PBUH), is one of unity, establishing the true religion, and avoiding divisions. This message is consistent and should be followed by all.
Consultation (Shura): The surah emphasizes the importance of consultation in decision-making, especially in the affairs of the community. Mutual consultation fosters unity and wisdom.
Patience and Gratitude: Believers are encouraged to remain patient in the face of trials and to express gratitude for Allah’s guidance and blessings.

Divine Justice: Allah’s judgment is fair and just, and everyone will be rewarded or punished according to their deeds. The Day of Judgment is certain.

Trust in Allah’s Wisdom: The surah encourages believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom, knowing that His plan is perfect and His decisions are just.

Conclusion:

Surah Ash-Shūra serves as a profound reminder of the oneness of Allah, the importance of following the teachings of the Prophets, the necessity of mutual consultation in decision-making, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. It encourages believers to remain patient, grateful, and to trust in Allah’s justice and wisdom. The surah offers a clear message to both individuals and communities to adhere to the guidance of Allah and to work together in harmony and unity.

Surah Ash Shuraa in English Translation with Explain