Al-Anbiyâ' (Surah 21)
Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets)
Makki SurahIntroduction
Like the previous sûrah, this is another Meccan sûrah that aims at reassuring the Prophet (ﷺ) by reminding him of Allah’s grace and support to His prophets, including Abraham, Job, Jonah, Zachariah, and Jesus. The Prophet (ﷺ) is said to be sent as a mercy to the whole world (verse 107). Warnings of the horrors of Judgment Day are dispersed throughout the sûrah and are carried over to the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Indifference to the Truth
1. (The time of) people’s judgment has drawn near, yet they are heedlessly turning away. 2. Whatever new reminder comes to them from their Lord, they only listen to it jokingly, 3. with their hearts (totally) distracted. The evildoers would converse secretly, (saying,) “Is this (one) not human like yourselves? Would you fall for (this) witchcraft, even though you can (clearly) see?” 4. The Prophet responded, “My Lord (fully) knows every word spoken in the heavens and the earth. For He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” 5. Yet they say, “This (Quran) is a set of confused dreams! No, he has fabricated it! No, he must be a poet! So let him bring us a (tangible) sign like those (prophets) sent before.” 6. Not a (single) society We destroyed before them ever believed (after receiving the signs). Will these (pagans) then believe?
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 1-6
Human, Not Angelic Messengers
7. We did not send (messengers) before you (O Prophet) except mere men inspired by Us. If you (polytheists) do not know (this already), then ask those who have knowledge (of the Scriptures). 8. We did not give those messengers (supernatural) bodies that did not need food, nor were they immortal. 9. Then We fulfilled Our promise to them, saving them along with whoever We willed and destroying the transgressors.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 7-9
Reasoning with Meccan Pagans
10. We have surely revealed to you a Book, in which there is glory for you. Will you not then understand? 11. (Imagine) how many societies of wrongdoers We have destroyed, raising up other people after them! 12. When the wrongdoers sensed (the arrival of) Our torment, they started to run away from their cities. 13. (They were told,) “Do not run away! Return to your luxuries and your homes, so you may be questioned (about your fate).” 14. They cried, “Woe to us! We have surely been wrongdoers.” 15. They kept repeating their cry until We mowed them down, (leaving them) lifeless.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 10-15
Divine Amusement?
16. We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything in between for sport. 17. Had We intended to take (some) amusement, We could have found it in Our presence, if that had been Our Will. 18. In fact, We hurl the truth against falsehood, leaving it crushed, and it quickly vanishes. And woe be to you for what you claim! 19. To Him belong all those in the heavens and the earth. And those nearest to Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they tire. 20. They glorify (Him) day and night, never wavering.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 16-20
False Gods
21. Or have they taken gods from the earth, who can raise the dead? 22. Had there been other gods besides Allah in the heavens or the earth, both (realms) would have surely been corrupted. So Glorified is Allah, Lord of the Throne, far above what they claim. 23. He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will (all) be questioned. 24. Or have they taken other gods besides Him? Say, (O Prophet,) “Show (me) your proof. Here is (the Quran,) the Reminder for those with me; along with (earlier Scriptures,) the Reminder for those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, so they turn away. 25. We never sent a messenger before you (O Prophet) without revealing to him: “There is no god (worthy of worship) except Me, so worship Me (alone).”
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 21-25
A Pagan Claim
26. And they say, “The Most Compassionate has offspring!” Glory be to Him! In fact, those (angels) are only (His) honoured servants, 27. who do not speak until He has spoken, (only) acting at His command. 28. He (fully) knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them. They do not intercede except for whom He approves, and they tremble in awe of Him. 29. Whoever of them were to say, “I am a god besides Him,” they would be rewarded with Hell by Us. This is how We reward the wrongdoers.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 26-29
Miracles in the Universe
30. Do the disbelievers not realize that the heavens and earth were (once) one mass then We split them apart? And We created from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? 31. And We have placed firm mountains upon the earth so it does not shake with them, and made in it broad pathways so they may find their way. 32. And We have made the sky a well-protected canopy, still they turn away from its signs. 33. And He is the One Who created the day and the night, the sun and the moon—each travelling in an orbit.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 30-33
Fleeting World
34. We have not granted immortality to any human before you (O Prophet): so if you die, will they live forever? 35. Every soul will taste death. And We test you (O humanity) with good and evil as a trial, then to Us you will (all) be returned.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 34-35
Warning to the Polytheists
36. When the disbelievers see you (O Prophet), they only make fun of you, (saying,) “Is this the one who speaks (ill) of your gods?” while they disbelieve at the mention of the Most Compassionate. 37. Humankind is made of haste. I will soon show you My signs, so do not ask Me to hasten them. 38. They ask (the believers), “When will this threat come to pass if what you say is true?” 39. If only the disbelievers knew that a time will come when they will not be able to keep the Fire off their faces or backs, nor will they be helped. 40. In fact, the Hour will take them by surprise, leaving them stunned. So they will not be able to avert it, nor will it be delayed from them. 41. (Other) messengers had already been ridiculed before you (O Prophet), but those who mocked them were overtaken by what they used to ridicule.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 36-41
Questions to the Pagans
42. Ask (them, O Prophet,) “Who can defend you by day or by night against the Most Compassionate?” Still they turn away from the remembrance of their Lord. 43. Or do they have gods—other than Us—that can protect them? They cannot (even) protect themselves, nor will they be aided against Us. 44. In fact, We have allowed enjoyment for these (Meccans) and their forefathers for such a long time (that they took it for granted). Do they not see that We gradually reduce (their) land from its borders? Is it they who will then prevail?
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 42-44
Warning of Torment
45. Say, (O Prophet,) “I warn you only by revelation.” But the deaf cannot hear the call when they are warned! 46. If they were touched by even a breath of your Lord’s torment, they would certainly cry, “Woe to us! We have really been wrongdoers.”
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 45-46
Divine Justice
47. We will set up the scales of justice on the Day of Judgment, so no soul will be wronged in the least. And (even) if a deed is the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as a (vigilant) Reckoner.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 47-47
The Torah
48. Indeed, We granted Moses and Aaron the standard (to distinguish between right and wrong)—a light and a reminder for the righteous, 49. who are in awe of their Lord without seeing Him, and are fearful of the Hour.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 48-49
The Quran
50. And this (Quran) is a blessed reminder which We have revealed. Will you (pagans) then deny it?
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 50-50
Prophet Abraham
51. And indeed, We had granted Abraham sound judgment early on, for We knew him well (to be worthy of it). 52. (Remember) when he questioned his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are so devoted?” 53. They replied, “We found our forefathers worshipping them.” 54. He responded, “Indeed, you and your forefathers have been clearly astray.” 55. They asked, “Have you come to us with the truth, or is this a joke?” 56. He replied, “In fact, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them (both). And to that I bear witness.” 57. (Then he said to himself,) “By Allah! I will surely plot against your idols after you have turned your backs and gone away.” 58. So he smashed them into pieces, except the biggest of them, so they might turn to it (for answers).
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 51-58
His People’s Reaction
59. They protested, “Who dared do this to our gods? It must be an evildoer!” 60. Some said, “We heard a young man, called Abraham, speaking (ill) of them.” 61. They demanded, “Bring him before the eyes of the people, so that they may witness (his trial).” 62. They asked, “Was it you who did this to our gods, O Abraham?” 63. He replied (sarcastically), “No, this one—the biggest of them—did it! So ask them, if they can talk!” 64. So they came back to their senses, saying (to one another), “You yourselves are truly the wrongdoers!” 65. Then they (quickly) regressed to their (original) mind-set, (arguing,) “You already know that those (idols) cannot talk.” 66. He rebuked (them), “Do you then worship—instead of Allah—what can neither benefit nor harm you in any way? 67. Shame on you and whatever you worship instead of Allah! Do you not have any sense?” 68. They concluded, “Burn him up to avenge your gods, if you must act.”
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 59-68
Abraham Prevails
69. We ordered, “O fire! Be cool and safe for Abraham!” 70. They had sought to harm him, but We made them the worst losers. 71. Then We delivered him, along with Lot, to the land We had showered with blessings for all people. 72. And We blessed him with Isaac (as a son) and Jacob (as a grandson), as an additional favour—making all of them righteous. 73. We (also) made them leaders, guiding by Our command, and inspired them to do good deeds, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. And they were devoted to Our worship.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 69-73
Prophet Lot
74. And to Lot We gave wisdom and knowledge, and delivered him from the society engrossed in shameful practices. They were certainly an evil, rebellious people. 75. And We admitted him into Our mercy, (for) he was truly one of the righteous.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 74-75
Prophet Noah
76. And (remember) when Noah had cried out to Us earlier, so We responded to him and delivered him and his family from the great distress. 77. And We made him prevail over those who had rejected Our signs. They were truly an evil people, so We drowned them all.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 76-77
Prophet David and Prophet Solomon
78. And (remember) when David and Solomon passed judgment regarding the crops ruined (at night) by someone’s sheep, and We were witness to their judgments. 79. We guided (young) Solomon to a fairer settlement, and granted each of them wisdom and knowledge. We subjected the mountains as well as the birds to hymn (Our praises) along with David. It is We Who did (it all). 80. We taught him the art of making body armour to protect you in battle. Will you then be grateful? 81. And to Solomon We subjected the raging winds, blowing by his command to the land We had showered with blessings. It is We Who know everything. 82. And (We subjected) some jinn that dived for him, and performed other duties. It is We Who kept them in check.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 78-82
Prophet Job
83. And (remember) when Job cried out to his Lord, “I have been touched with adversity, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” 84. So We answered his prayer and removed his adversity, and gave him back his family, twice as many, as a mercy from Us and a lesson for the (devoted) worshippers.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 83-84
More Prophets
85. And (remember) Ishmael, Enoch, and Ⱬul-Kifl. They were all steadfast. 86. We admitted them into Our mercy, for they were truly of the righteous.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 85-86
Prophet Jonah
87. And (remember) when the Man of the Whale stormed off (from his city) in a rage, thinking We would not restrain him. Then in the (veils of) darkness he cried out, “There is no god (worthy of worship) except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.” 88. So We answered his prayer and rescued him from anguish. And so do We save the (true) believers.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 87-88
Prophet Zachariah
89. And (remember) when Zachariah cried out to his Lord, “My Lord! Do not leave me childless, though You are the Best of Successors.” 90. So We answered his prayer, granted him John, and made his wife fertile. Indeed, they used to race in doing good, and call upon Us with hope and fear, totally humbling themselves before Us.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 89-90
Prophet Jesus and His Mother
91. And (remember) the one who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel, (Gabriel,) making her and her son a sign for all peoples.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 91-91
One Way
92. (O prophets!) Indeed, this religion of yours is (only) one, and I am your Lord, so worship Me (alone). 93. Yet the people have divided it into sects. But to Us they will all return. 94. So whoever does good and is a believer will never be denied (the reward for) their striving, for We are recording it all.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 92-94
The People of Hell
95. It is impossible for a society which We have destroyed to ever rise again, 96. until (after) Gog and Magog have broken loose (from the barrier), swarming down from every hill, 97. ushering in the True Promise. Then—behold!—the disbelievers will stare (in horror, crying,) “Oh, woe to us! We have truly been heedless of this. In fact, we have been wrongdoers.” 98. Certainly you (disbelievers) and whatever you worship instead of Allah will be the fuel of Hell. You are (all) bound to enter it. 99. Had those idols been (true) gods, they would not have entered it. And they will be there forever. 100. In it they will groan, and will not be able to hear.
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 95-100
The People of Paradise
101. Surely those for whom We have destined the finest reward will be kept far away from Hell, 102. not even hearing the slightest hissing from it. And they will delight forever in what their souls desire. 103. The Supreme Horror (of that Day) will not disturb them, and the angels will greet them, (saying,) “This is your Day, which you have been promised.” 104. On that Day We will roll up the heavens like a scroll of writings. Just as We produced the first creation, (so) shall We reproduce it. That is a promise binding on Us. We truly uphold (Our promises)! 105. Surely, following the (heavenly) Record, We decreed in the Scriptures: “My righteous servants shall inherit the land.”
Surah 21 - Al-Anbiyâ' (The Prophets) - Verses 101-105
Advice for the Prophet
106. Surely this (Quran) is sufficient (as a reminder) for those devoted to worship. 107. We have sent you (O Prophet) only as a mercy for the whole world. 108. Say, “What has been revealed to me is this: ‘Your God is only One God.’ Will you then submit?” 109. . If they turn away, then say, “I have warned you all equally. I do not know if what you are threatened with is near or far. 110. Allah surely knows what you say openly and whatever you hide. 111. I do not know if this (delay) is possibly a test for you and an enjoyment for a while.” 112. (In the end,) the Prophet said, “My Lord! Judge (between us) in truth. And our Lord is the Most Compassionate, Whose help is sought against what you claim.”