Colorful Surah Lahab / Surah Masad in English

Al-Masad (Arabic: المسد‎, meaning "Twisted Strands" or "The Palm Fiber") is the 111th chapter (surah) of the Quran with 5 verses (āyāt). This surah is positioned in Para 30 which is also known as Juz Amma (Juz' 30).

Verse 1 mentions one of Muhammad's adversaries named Abū Lahab. This surah takes its name from verse 5 in which the phrase “ḥablun min masad” (meaning “a rope of palm fibre”) occurs that mentions the palm fibre rope that in hellfire shall be twisted around the neck of the wife of Muhammad’s uncle, who bitterly opposed Islam; for she took great pride in wearing an ostentatious necklace she became known for and would slip by night to strew thorns and prickly plants in Muhammad’s path to injure his feet.

Regarding the timing and contextual background of the revelation (asbab al-nuzul), it is an earlier "Meccan / Makki surah", revealed prior to Prophet Muhammad's migration to Madinah.

Surah Al-Masadd in ahadith:

Since this is the only place in the Quran where an enemy of Islam has been condemned by name, the study of hadith / hadees is pivotal to grasp the special trait of the character of this person, which became the basis of this condemnation by name, as ḥadīṯ (حديث) is literally "speech"; recorded saying or tradition of Muhammad validated by isnad; with sira these comprise the sunnah and reveal shariah.

Narrated Ibn Abbas: Abu Lahab said, "May you perish! Is it for this that you have gathered us?" So there was revealed: 'Perish the hands of Abu Lahab'.

Narrated Ibn Abbas: When the Verse: 'And warn your tribe of near-kindred, was revealed, the Prophet (Mohammed) ascended the Safa (mountain) and started calling, "O Bani Fihr! O Bani `Adi!" addressing various tribes of Quraish till they were assembled. Those who could not come themselves, sent their messengers to see what was there. Abu Lahab and other people from Quraish came and the Prophet then said, "Suppose I told you that there is an (enemy) cavalry in the valley intending to attack you, would you believe me?" They said, "Yes, for we have not found you telling anything other than the truth." He then said, "I am a warner to you in face of a terrific punishment." Abu Lahab said (to the Prophet) "May your hands perish all this day. Is it for this purpose you have gathered us?" Then it was revealed: "Perish the hands of Abu Lahab (one of the Prophet's uncles), and perish he! His wealth and his children will not profit him...."

Narrated Jundub bin Sufyan: Once Muhammad became sick and could not offer his night prayer (Tahajjud) for two or three nights. Then a lady (the wife of Abu Lahab) came and said, "O Muhammad! I think that your satan has forsaken you, for I have not seen him with you for two or three nights!" On that Allah revealed: 'By the fore-noon, and by the night when it darkens, your Lord (O Muhammad) has neither forsaken you, nor hated you.'

There are 5 verses in this Surah and it is ‘makki’. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) advised that whenever a person recites this Sorat, he should curse Abu Lahab because of his he mistreated the Holy Prophet (S) and showed disrespect to him.

1. It is narrated that recitation of this Sorah is good before sleeping keeps one safe in the night.

2. Surah Lahab is the best solution to protection from enemy of faith, wrongdoers and evil-minded persons.

3. If recited seven times a day, one can save themselves from their enemy.

4. If you have to confront an enemy bent on harming you for no reason, you can recite Surat Lahab. Inshaallah the enemy will avoid you.

المصحف المعلم جزء 30 سورة المســـد ترتيب السورة فى المصحف (111) عدد آياتها (5)