Saba (Surah 34)

Introduction

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