Surah As-Saffat – Those Who Set the Ranks

Classification: Makki | Verses: 182

Surah As-Saffat, revealed in Makkah, is the thirty-seventh chapter of the Quran. It opens by swearing an oath on the angels who line up in ranks to glorify Allah, emphasizing His oneness and majesty. The surah refutes false claims about Allah having offspring, particularly the claim of the pagans that angels were His daughters. It describes the fate of disbelievers in Hell and the rewards awaiting the righteous in Paradise. The chapter recounts the stories of earlier prophets — including Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Harun (Aaron), Ilyas (Elijah), and Lut (Lot), peace be upon them — highlighting their struggles, sacrifices, and Allah’s support. It particularly emphasizes Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, a supreme example of submission. The surah concludes by affirming that Allah’s promise of victory for His messengers and the believers is certain.

• Begins with an oath by the angels who line up in ranks, affirming Allah’s oneness and majesty.
• Condemns false beliefs, including associating partners or offspring with Allah.
• Depicts the torment of disbelievers in Hell, contrasted with the joy of believers in Paradise.
• Describes a dialogue between believers and disbelievers, showing the regret of the latter in the Hereafter.
• Recounts the story of Nuh and his salvation from the flood.
• Highlights Ibrahim’s rejection of idolatry and his test of sacrificing his son, demonstrating submission to Allah’s command.
• Mentions other prophets — Musa, Harun, Ilyas, and Lut — and Allah’s support for them.
• Closes with praise of Allah, affirming the truth of His message and the certainty of the victory of His messengers.