Qur’an 77 Verses 1–50 Surah Al-Mursalat, Translation and Lessons for SS 1

Study of the Qur’an 77: 1-50 (Sūrat Al Mursalāt)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. recite Sūrat Al- Mursalāt (chapter 77) with Tajwid;
2. memorize Sūrat Al-Mursalāt;
3. translate Sūrat Al-Mursalāt into English;
4. write Sūrat Al- Mursalāt;
5. explain lessons that can be derived from Sūrat Al- Mursalat.

Memory Verse

The central message of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt revolves around the certainty of the Day of Judgment. A key verse that encapsulates this theme is:

إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَوَاقِعٌ

Indeed, what you are promised is to occur.

(Qur’an 77:7)

Qur’an Reading

For a complete understanding of the themes and lessons discussed in this unit, students should read the entire Sūrat Al-Mursalāt:

1. Qur’an 77:1-50

Introduction to Sūrat Al-Mursalāt

Sūrat Al-Mursalāt is the 77th chapter of the Holy Qur’an, consisting of 50 verses. It is a Meccan Surah, meaning it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Mecca before his migration to Medina. Meccan Surahs often focus on fundamental beliefs such as the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), the truth of prophethood, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment and resurrection.

The name “Al-Mursalāt” translates to “The Emissaries” or “The Winds Sent Forth,” referring to the opening verses where Allah swears by various natural phenomena, particularly the winds, to emphasise the inevitability of the Day of Judgment. The Surah strongly warns those who deny the truth and promises severe consequences for them, while also offering glad tidings to the righteous.

Arabic Text of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt

The complete Arabic text of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt is presented below for recitation, memorisation, and writing practice.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

1. وَالْمُرْسَلَاتِ عُرْفًا
2. فَالْعَاصِفَاتِ عَصْفًا
3. وَالنَّاشِرَاتِ نَشْرًا
4. فَالْفَارِقَاتِ فَرْقًا
5. فَالْمُلْقِيَاتِ ذِكْرًا
6. عُذْرًا أَوْ نُذْرًا
7. إِنَّمَا تُوعَدُونَ لَوَاقِعٌ
8. فَإِذَا النُّجُومُ طُمِسَتْ
9. وَإِذَا السَّمَاءُ فُرِجَتْ
10. وَإِذَا الْجِبَالُ نُسِفَتْ
11. وَإِذَا الرُّسُلُ أُقِّتَتْ
12. لِأَيِّ يَوْمٍ أُجِّلَتْ
13. لِيَوْمِ الْفَصْلِ
14. وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا يَوْمُ الْفَصْلِ
15. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
16. أَلَمْ نُهْلِكِ الْأَوَّلِينَ
17. ثُمَّ نُتْبِعُهُمُ الْآخِرِينَ
18. كَذَٰلِكَ نَفْعَلُ بِالْمُجْرِمِينَ
19. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
20. أَلَمْ نَخْلُقكُّم مِّن مَّاءٍ مَّهِينٍ
21. فَجَعَلْنَاهُ فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ
22. إِلَىٰ قَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ
23. فَقَدَرْنَا فَنِعْمَ الْقَادِرُونَ
24. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
25. أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ الْأَرْضَ كِفَاتًا
26. أَحْيَاءً وَأَمْوَاتًا
27. وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ شَامِخَاتٍ وَأَسْقَيْنَاكُم مَّاءً فُرَاتًا
28. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
29. انطَلِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَا كُنتُم بِهِ تُكَذِّبُونَ
30. انطَلِقُوا إِلَىٰ ظِلٍّ ذِي ثَلَاثِ شُعَبٍ
31. لَّا ظَلِيلٍ وَلَا يُغْنِي مِنَ اللَّهَبِ
32. إِنَّهَا تَرْمِي بِشَرَرٍ كَالْقَصْرِ
33. كَأَنَّهُ جِمَالَتٌ صُفْرٌ
34. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
35. هَٰذَا يَوْمُ لَا يَنطِقُونَ
36. وَلَا يُؤْذَنُ لَهُمْ فَيَعْتَذِرُونَ
37. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
38. هَٰذَا يَوْمُ الْفَصْلِ ۖ جَمَعْنَاكُمْ وَالْأَوَّلِينَ
39. فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمْ كَيْدٌ فَكِيدُونِ
40. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
41. إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي ظِلَالٍ وَعُيُونٍ
42. وَفَوَاكِهَ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ
43. كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
44. إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
45. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
46. كُلُوا وَتَمَتَّعُوا قَلِيلًا إِنَّكُم مُّجْرِمُونَ
47. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
48. وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ارْكَعُوا لَا يَرْكَعُونَ
49. وَيْلٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
50. فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَهُ يُؤْمِنُونَ

English Translation of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt

The following is an English translation of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt, which helps in understanding the meanings and messages conveyed in the Surah.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the winds sent forth in gusts,
2. And the violently storming winds,
3. And the winds that spread [clouds] widely,
4. And those [angels] who separate [truth from falsehood],
5. And those [angels] who deliver the message,
6. As an excuse or a warning,
7. Indeed, what you are promised is to occur.
8. So when the stars are obliterated,
9. And when the heaven is split open,
10. And when the mountains are blown away,
11. And when the messengers are appointed for a time,
12. For what Day was it postponed?
13. For the Day of Decision.
14. And what can make you know what is the Day of Decision?
15. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
16. Did We not destroy the former peoples?
17. Then We will follow them with the later ones.
18. Thus do We deal with the criminals.
19. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
20. Did We not create you from a despised liquid?
21. And We placed it in a firm lodging
22. For a known duration?
23. And We determined [it], and excellent are the determiners.
24. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
25. Did We not make the earth a container?
26. For the living and the dead?
27. And We placed therein lofty, firmly set mountains and gave you sweet water to drink.
28. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
29. [They will be told], “Proceed to that which you used to deny.
30. Proceed to a shadow [of smoke] having three columns,
31. Neither cooling nor availing against the flame.”
32. Indeed, it throws sparks [as huge] as castles,
33. As if they were yellow camels.
34. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
35. This is a Day they will not speak,
36. Nor will permission be given them that they may make excuses.
37. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
38. This is the Day of Decision; We have assembled you and the former peoples.
39. So if you have a plot, then plot against Me.
40. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
41. Indeed, the righteous will be among shades and springs
42. And fruits from whatever they desire.
43. [They will be told], “Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you used to do.”
44. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.
45. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
46. [O disbelievers], “Eat and enjoy yourselves a little; indeed, you are criminals.”
47. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
48. And when it is said to them, “Bow [in prayer],” they do not bow.
49. Woe, that Day, to the deniers!
50. So in what statement after it will they believe?

Lessons Derivable from Sūrat Al-Mursalāt

Sūrat Al-Mursalāt conveys several profound lessons and warnings for humanity. These lessons are crucial for guiding believers in their daily lives and strengthening their faith.

1. The Certainty of the Day of Judgment

The Surah begins with powerful oaths by various natural phenomena (the winds, angels) to affirm the absolute certainty of the Day of Judgment. Allah swears by these mighty creations to underscore that what has been promised regarding the resurrection and accountability will undoubtedly come to pass. This serves as a fundamental reminder that life in this world is temporary and a preparation for the eternal afterlife.

2. Signs of the Day of Judgment

The Surah describes terrifying events that will precede the Day of Judgment, such as the obliteration of stars, the splitting of the heavens, and the blowing away of mountains. These descriptions highlight the immense power of Allah and the complete transformation of the universe that will occur. They are meant to instill awe and fear of Allah’s might and the gravity of the impending Day.

3. Consequences for Deniers (The Disbelievers)

A recurring phrase, “Woe, that Day, to the deniers!”, appears ten times in the Surah. This emphatic repetition serves as a severe warning to those who reject the truth of Allah’s messages, His messengers, and the Day of Judgment. The Surah details their dreadful fate, including being driven to a three-columned shadow of smoke in Hellfire, which offers no relief from the intense heat. On that Day, they will be speechless and unable to offer excuses, facing the full consequences of their disbelief and crimes.

4. Rewards for the Righteous (The Pious)

In contrast to the deniers, the Surah offers a beautiful description of the rewards awaiting the righteous (Al-Muttaqīn). They will reside in pleasant shades, near flowing springs, and enjoy fruits of their desire. They will be invited to “Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you used to do.” This contrast motivates believers to strive for piety and good deeds, knowing that their efforts will be abundantly rewarded by Allah.

5. Allah’s Power in Creation and Sustenance

The Surah reminds humanity of Allah’s immense power through His creation. It points to the creation of humans from a “despised liquid” (sperm) and placing it in a “firm lodging” (the womb) for a “known duration,” demonstrating Allah’s precise planning and ability. It also highlights how Allah made the earth a “container” for both the living and the dead, placed firm mountains upon it, and provided sweet water. These examples serve as evidence of Allah’s power to create and resurrect, challenging the deniers who doubt His ability to bring the dead back to life.

6. The Importance of Submission to Allah

The Surah criticises those who, when told to “Bow [in prayer],” do not bow. This refers to their refusal to submit to Allah’s commands and worship Him. It underscores the importance of prayer (Salat) and general submission (Islam) as a core aspect of faith and obedience to Allah. The final verse questions what message they will believe in if they reject the clear signs and warnings in the Qur’an.

Developing Skills from Sūrat Al-Mursalāt

The study of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt also involves developing practical skills essential for every Muslim learner.

1. Reciting Sūrat Al-Mursalāt with Tajwid

Recitation of the Qur’an is an act of worship. To recite Sūrat Al-Mursalāt correctly, learners must apply the rules of Tajwid. Tajwid refers to the set of rules governing the pronunciation of the Qur’an, ensuring that each letter is pronounced correctly with its proper attributes and that the sounds are articulated from their correct points of articulation. Regular practice, listening to skilled reciters, and seeking guidance from a Qur’an teacher are crucial for mastering Tajwid.

The procedure for improving recitation includes the following steps:

1. Listen to a reputable reciter: Play audio recordings of Sūrat Al-Mursalāt by a qualified Qari (reciter) and listen carefully to the pronunciation of each word and the application of Tajwid rules.
2. Repeat after the reciter: Pause the recording after each verse or a few verses and try to imitate the pronunciation and rhythm.
3. Focus on specific Tajwid rules: Pay attention to rules like Ghunnah (nasalisation), Madd (elongation), Ikhfa (concealment), and Idgham (merging) as they appear in the Surah.
4. Recite slowly and clearly: Begin by reciting at a slow pace to ensure accuracy in pronunciation before increasing speed.
5. Seek feedback: Recite to a teacher or a knowledgeable person who can correct mistakes and guide on proper Tajwid.

2. Memorising Sūrat Al-Mursalāt

Memorising the Qur’an is a highly rewarding act. Memorising Sūrat Al-Mursalāt allows believers to internalise its messages and recite it during prayers. Consistent effort and a structured approach are key to successful memorisation.

The procedure for memorising the Surah involves the following steps:

1. Break the Surah into small sections: Do not attempt to memorise the entire Surah at once. Divide it into smaller portions, such as 5-10 verses at a time.
2. Recite each section repeatedly: Read the chosen section multiple times, both silently and aloud, until it becomes familiar.
3. Listen to the audio: Play the audio of the section you are memorising repeatedly. This helps in correct pronunciation and rhythm.
4. Connect verses: Once a section is memorised, try to connect it with the previous section to ensure a smooth flow.
5. Review regularly: Regularly revise previously memorised sections to prevent forgetting. This can be done daily or weekly.
6. Pray with the memorised Surah: Reciting the memorised verses during daily prayers helps to reinforce memorisation.

3. Writing Arabic Text of the Surah and English Translation

Writing the Arabic text of the Qur’an helps in familiarising learners with the script, improving their recognition of words, and reinforcing memorisation. Writing the English translation helps in deepening the understanding of the Surah’s meaning.

The procedure for writing the Surah and its translation includes the following steps:

1. Obtain a clear copy: Use a clear copy of the Qur’an with legible Arabic script.
2. Practice Arabic calligraphy: Start by tracing the Arabic letters and words, paying attention to the correct formation and connections of letters.
3. Write verse by verse: Write one verse of the Arabic text at a time, then check it against the original to ensure accuracy.
4. Translate verse by verse: After writing the Arabic verse, write its English translation immediately below it. This helps to link the Arabic words with their meanings.
5. Focus on accuracy: Pay close attention to spelling and grammar in both Arabic and English. For Arabic, ensure all diacritics (harakat) are correctly placed.
6. Review and correct: After writing a section, review it for any errors in Arabic script or English translation.