Surah Al Araf in English

Al-A'raf (Arabic: ٱلْأَعْرَاف‎ al-ʾAʿrāf, "The Heights") is the seventh chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an, with 206 verses (āyāt). Regarding the timing and contextual background of the revelation (Asbāb al-nuzūl), it is a "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca.

This Surah takes its name from ayat 46-47 in which word A'araf appears.

The time of its disclosure is about equivalent to that of Al-Anam, i. e., the last year of the Islamic prophet Muhammad's residence at Makkah, yet it can't be declared with assurance which of these two was uncovered before. Anyhow the manner of its admonition clearly indicates that it belongs to the same period and both have the same historical background. The audience should keep in mind the introduction to Al Anam.

Contents

The chapter refers to Adam and Eve, Noah, Lot, Hud, Saleh, Shuaib, Moses and Aaron. The significant issues, Divine laws and points of guidance in this surah are as follows

A greeting is given to the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) to become Muslims.

An admonition is given to the unbelievers about the results of their disavowal through referring to the case of punishments which were caused upon previous nations for their off-base mentality towards their Rasools.

The Jews are cautioned about the results of their deceptive lead towards the prophets.

Precept to proliferate the message of Islam with astuteness.

The fact that the Rasools just as the individuals to whom they are sent will be addressed on the Day of Judgment.

Precept to the Believers that they should wear respectable and appropriate dress and eat pure and good food.

Conversation between the inhabitants of Paradise, the prisoners of hell and the individuals of A'raf (a spot between the Paradise and hellfire).

Luxuriousness and difficulty are the ewminders from Allah.

Muhammad is the Rasool for the entirety of humankind.

The fact that the coming of Muhammad was depicted in Torah and the Gospel (Bible).

Jews have created fabricated a wrong belief about Allah's creation.

Humankind's declaration about Allah at the hour of Adam's creation.

Allah made all of humankind from a single soul.

Allah's command to show forgiveness, speak for justice and stay away from the ignorant.

Allah's order about tuning in to the recitation of The Quran with complete quietness.

Theme

The chief subject of this Surah is a invitation to the Divine Message sent down to Muhammad. The Messenger had been admonishing the individuals of Makkah for 13 years. Yet there was no substantial impact on them, since they had deliberately ignored his message. And had become so adversarial that Allah was going to order Muhammad to disregard them and go to others. That is the reason they are being reproved to acknowledge the message and an admonition is given about the results of their off-base demeanor. Since Muhammad was going to get Allah's edict to relocate from Makkah, the finishing up part of this Surah addresses the People of the Book with whom he was going to come into contact at Al-Madinah. In the ayaat directed to the Jews, the outcomes of their deceptive mentality towards the prophets are likewise brought up clearly. As they proclaimed to put belief in Musa (Moses) yet their practices were against his lessons.

Towards the ending of the Surah, guidelines are given to Muhammad and his adherents to show tolerance and exercise patience in answer to the incitements of their rivals. Since the devotees were feeling the squeeze and stress, are encouraged to be cautious and not make any stride that may hurt their cause.

There are 206 verses in this ‘makki’ Surah. It is reported from Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.), that whoever recites this Surah once a month, he will have no worry or fear on the Day of Resurrection and if it is recited on a Friday, then the reciter will be from among those who will be exempted from the taking of accounts on the Day of Judgement.