Al-Aḥqâf (Surah 46)
Al-Aḥqâf (The Sand-Hills)
Makki SurahIntroduction
This Meccan sûrah takes its name from the sand-hills mentioned in verse 21 in the story of the people of Hûd (ﷺ) who were destroyed for their disbelief, even though they were far superior to the Arab pagans (verses 21-28). Again, Allah’s infinite power is contrasted with the powerlessness of the idols. The pagan arguments against the Quran and the Resurrection are refuted, and reference is made to a group of jinn who readily embraced the truth once they heard the Prophet’s recitation of the Quran. The Prophet (ﷺ) is urged to be patient, and reminded of the fate awaiting those who challenge the truth at the end of this sûrah and the beginning of the next. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
A Message to Idolaters
1. Ḥâ-Mĩm. 2. The revelation of this Book is from Allah—the Almighty, All-Wise. 3. We only created the heavens and the earth and everything in between for a purpose and an appointed term. Yet the disbelievers are turning away from what they have been warned about. 4. Ask (them, O Prophet), “Have you considered whatever (idols) you invoke besides Allah? Show me what they have created on earth! Or do they have a share in (the creation of) the heavens? Bring me a scripture (revealed) before this (Quran) or a shred of knowledge, if what you say is true.” 5. And who could be more astray than those who call upon others besides Allah—(others) that cannot respond to them until the Day of Judgment, and are (even) unaware of their calls? 6. And when (such) people will be gathered together, those (gods) will be their enemies and will disown their worship.
Surah 46 - Al-Aḥqâf (The Sand-Hills) - Verses 1-6
Pagan Denial of the Quran
7. Whenever Our clear revelations are recited to them, the disbelievers say of the truth when it has come to them, “This is pure magic.” 8. Or do they say, “He has fabricated this (Quran)!”? Say, (O Prophet,) “If I have done so, then there is nothing whatsoever you can do to save me from Allah. He knows best what (slurs) you indulge about it. Sufficient is He as a Witness between you and me. And He is the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 9. Say, “I am not the first messenger ever sent, nor do I know what will happen to me or you. I only follow what is revealed to me. And I am only sent with a clear warning.”
Surah 46 - Al-Aḥqâf (The Sand-Hills) - Verses 7-9
Pagan Arrogance Towards Allah
10. Ask (them, O Prophet), “Consider if this (Quran) is (truly) from Allah and you deny it, and a witness from the Children of Israel attests to it and then believes, whereas you act arrogantly. Surely Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.”
Surah 46 - Al-Aḥqâf (The Sand-Hills) - Verses 10-10
Belittling the Quran
11. The disbelievers say of the believers, “Had it been (something) good, they would not have beaten us to it.” Now since they reject its guidance, they will say, “(This is) an ancient fabrication!” 12. And before this (Quran) the Book of Moses was (revealed as) a guide and mercy. And this Book is a confirmation, in the Arabic tongue, to warn those who do wrong, and as good news to those who do good.