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

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

bookmark 1. Noon. By the pen, and by what they inscribe.

1. نٓ ۚ وَٱلْقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسْطُرُونَ

bookmark 2. By the grace of your Lord, you are not insane.

2. مَآ أَنتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍۢ

bookmark 3. In fact, you will have a reward that will never end.

3. وَإِنَّ لَكَ لَأَجْرًا غَيْرَ مَمْنُونٍۢ

bookmark 4. And you are of a great moral character.

4. وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍۢ

bookmark 5. You will see, and they will see.

5. فَسَتُبْصِرُ وَيُبْصِرُونَ

bookmark 6. Which of you is the afflicted.

6. بِأَييِّكُمُ ٱلْمَفْتُونُ

bookmark 7. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best the well-guided.

7. إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

bookmark 8. So do not obey the deniers.

8. فَلَا تُطِعِ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

bookmark 9. They would like you to compromise, so they would compromise.

9. وَدُّوا۟ لَوْ تُدْهِنُ فَيُدْهِنُونَ

bookmark 10. And do not obey any vile swearer.

10. وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍۢ مَّهِينٍ

bookmark 11. Backbiter, spreader of slander.

11. هَمَّازٍۢ مَّشَّآءٍۭ بِنَمِيمٍۢ

bookmark 12. Preventer of good, transgressor, sinner.

12. مَّنَّاعٍۢ لِّلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ أَثِيمٍ

bookmark 13. Rude and fake besides.

13. عُتُلٍّۭ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ زَنِيمٍ

bookmark 14. Just because he has money and children.

14. أَن كَانَ ذَا مَالٍۢ وَبَنِينَ

bookmark 15. When Our Verses are recited to him, he says, “Myths of the ancients!”

15. إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَٰتُنَا قَالَ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ

bookmark 16. We will brand him on the muzzle.

16. سَنَسِمُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلْخُرْطُومِ

bookmark 17. We tested them, as We tested the owners of the garden, when they vowed to harvest it in the morning.

17. إِنَّا بَلَوْنَٰهُمْ كَمَا بَلَوْنَآ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ إِذْ أَقْسَمُوا۟ لَيَصْرِمُنَّهَا مُصْبِحِينَ

bookmark 18. Without any reservation.

18. وَلَا يَسْتَثْنُونَ

bookmark 19. But a calamity from your Lord went around it while they slept.

19. فَطَافَ عَلَيْهَا طَآئِفٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّكَ وَهُمْ نَآئِمُونَ

bookmark 20. And in the morning it was as if picked.

20. فَأَصْبَحَتْ كَٱلصَّرِيمِ

bookmark 21. In the morning, they called to one another.

21. فَتَنَادَوْا۟ مُصْبِحِينَ

bookmark 22. “Go early to your plantation, if you are going to harvest.”

22. أَنِ ٱغْدُوا۟ عَلَىٰ حَرْثِكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰرِمِينَ

bookmark 23. So off they went, murmuring to one another.

23. فَٱنطَلَقُوا۟ وَهُمْ يَتَخَٰفَتُونَ

bookmark 24. “No poor person is to enter it upon you today.”

24. أَن لَّا يَدْخُلَنَّهَا ٱلْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكُم مِّسْكِينٌۭ

bookmark 25. And early they went, resolved in intent.

25. وَغَدَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ حَرْدٍۢ قَٰدِرِينَ

bookmark 26. But when they saw it, they said, “We were wrong.

26. فَلَمَّا رَأَوْهَا قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا لَضَآلُّونَ

bookmark 27. We are now deprived.”

27. بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ

bookmark 28. The most reasonable of them said, “Did I not say to you, ‘if only you would glorify?’”

28. قَالَ أَوْسَطُهُمْ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ لَوْلَا تُسَبِّحُونَ

bookmark 29. They said, “Glory to our Lord—We were indeed in the wrong.”

29. قَالُوا۟ سُبْحَٰنَ رَبِّنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ

bookmark 30. Then they turned to one another, blaming one another.

30. فَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍۢ يَتَلَٰوَمُونَ

bookmark 31. They said, “Woe to us—we were indeed domineering.

31. قَالُوا۟ يَٰوَيْلَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا طَٰغِينَ

bookmark 32. Perhaps our Lord will give us a better substitute for it. We are turning to our Lord.”

32. عَسَىٰ رَبُّنَآ أَن يُبْدِلَنَا خَيْرًۭا مِّنْهَآ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا رَٰغِبُونَ

bookmark 33. Such is the punishment; but the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew.

33. كَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْعَذَابُ ۖ وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ أَكْبَرُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ

bookmark 34. For the righteous are Gardens of Delight with their Lord.

34. إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّٰتِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

bookmark 35. Shall We treat the Muslims like the villains?

35. أَفَنَجْعَلُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ كَٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

bookmark 36. What is the matter with you? How do you judge?

36. مَا لَكُمْ كَيْفَ تَحْكُمُونَ

bookmark 37. Or do you have a scripture in which you study.

37. أَمْ لَكُمْ كِتَٰبٌۭ فِيهِ تَدْرُسُونَ

bookmark 38. Wherein there is whatever you choose?

38. إِنَّ لَكُمْ فِيهِ لَمَا تَخَيَّرُونَ

bookmark 39. Or do you have oaths from Us, binding until the Day of Resurrection, that you will have whatever you demand?

39. أَمْ لَكُمْ أَيْمَٰنٌ عَلَيْنَا بَٰلِغَةٌ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۙ إِنَّ لَكُمْ لَمَا تَحْكُمُونَ

bookmark 40. Ask them, which of them will guarantee that.

40. سَلْهُمْ أَيُّهُم بِذَٰلِكَ زَعِيمٌ

bookmark 41. Or do they have partners? Then let them produce their partners, if they are truthful.

41. أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَآءُ فَلْيَأْتُوا۟ بِشُرَكَآئِهِمْ إِن كَانُوا۟ صَٰدِقِينَ

bookmark 42. On the Day when the Shin will be exposed, and they will be called to bow down, but they will be unable.

42. يَوْمَ يُكْشَفُ عَن سَاقٍۢ وَيُدْعَوْنَ إِلَى ٱلسُّجُودِ فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ

bookmark 43. Their eyes subdued, shame will cover them. They were invited to bow down when they were sound.

43. خَٰشِعَةً أَبْصَٰرُهُمْ تَرْهَقُهُمْ ذِلَّةٌۭ ۖ وَقَدْ كَانُوا۟ يُدْعَوْنَ إِلَى ٱلسُّجُودِ وَهُمْ سَٰلِمُونَ

bookmark 44. So leave Me to those who reject this discourse; We will proceed against them gradually, from where they do not know.

44. فَذَرْنِى وَمَن يُكَذِّبُ بِهَٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ ۖ سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

bookmark 45. And I will give them respite. My plan is firm.

45. وَأُمْلِى لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِى مَتِينٌ

bookmark 46. Or do you ask them for a fee, so they are burdened with debt?

46. أَمْ تَسْـَٔلُهُمْ أَجْرًۭا فَهُم مِّن مَّغْرَمٍۢ مُّثْقَلُونَ

bookmark 47. Or do they know the future, and so they write it down?

47. أَمْ عِندَهُمُ ٱلْغَيْبُ فَهُمْ يَكْتُبُونَ

bookmark 48. So wait patiently for the Decision of your Lord, and do not be like the Fellow of the Fish who cried out in despair.

48. فَٱصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ وَلَا تَكُن كَصَاحِبِ ٱلْحُوتِ إِذْ نَادَىٰ وَهُوَ مَكْظُومٌۭ

bookmark 49. Were it not for his Lord’s favor that reached him, he would have been thrown into the wilderness, fully despised.

49. لَّوْلَآ أَن تَدَٰرَكَهُۥ نِعْمَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ لَنُبِذَ بِٱلْعَرَآءِ وَهُوَ مَذْمُومٌۭ

bookmark 50. But his Lord chose him, and made him one of the righteous.

50. فَٱجْتَبَٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ فَجَعَلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

bookmark 51. Those who disbelieve almost stab you with their glances when they hear the message, and say, “He is crazy!”

51. وَإِن يَكَادُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ بِأَبْصَٰرِهِمْ لَمَّا سَمِعُوا۟ ٱلذِّكْرَ وَيَقُولُونَ إِنَّهُۥ لَمَجْنُونٌۭ

bookmark 52. But it is no less than a reminder to all the Worlds.

52. وَمَا هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌۭ لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ

Context of Revelation

Surah Al-Qalam (The Pen) is a Meccan surah consisting of 52 verses. It is among the earliest revelations to the Prophet , revealed soon after Surah Al-‘Alaq. The name “Al-Qalam” refers to the “Pen” mentioned in the first verse — a symbol of knowledge, revelation, and divine wisdom.

Revealed during a time when the Quraysh accused the Prophet of madness, this surah serves as a divine vindication of his integrity, exalting the value of knowledge and the moral superiority of faith.

Main Teachings and Key Insights

Surah Al-Qalam highlights the virtue of knowledge, moral integrity, and accountability of human actions. Its main teachings include:

  • Divine defense of the Prophet — God affirms his noble character. (vv. 1–4)
  • The sanctity of knowledge and writing — the pen as a symbol of learning and divine guidance. (v. 1)
  • The parable of the garden owners — a lesson against greed and ingratitude toward God’s blessings. (vv. 17–33)
  • The distinction between the righteous and the corrupt — every soul is rewarded according to its deeds. (vv. 34–52)
  • Reaffirmation of the Day of Judgment and the eternal reward of the faithful. (v. 35 onward)

The surah connects faith with ethical conduct and personal responsibility, condemning arrogance and injustice while emphasizing God’s protection of His Messenger .

Structure and Main Themes

  • Introduction (vv. 1–4): The exaltation of knowledge and praise of the Prophet’s moral excellence.
  • Rebuttal of false accusations (vv. 5–16): Warning against arrogance, denial, and moral corruption.
  • The parable of the garden owners (vv. 17–33): Illustration of divine justice and the consequences of selfishness.
  • Final judgment and distinction (vv. 34–52): Separation between believers and deniers, and reminder of past nations’ fate.

The tone of the surah is moral and resolute: it upholds the Prophet’s integrity, exalts the pursuit of knowledge, and warns against the decay of ethical values.

Key Verse

The central verse of the surah is verse 4:

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

And indeed, you are of a noble character.

Why this verse is key:

  • It serves as a divine testimony to the Prophet’s moral greatness — a direct affirmation from God.
  • It defines the ethical foundation of Islam: faith is inseparable from moral excellence and compassion.
  • It stands as a timeless model of virtue for believers, illustrating that character is the essence of true faith.

In summary, Surah Al-Qalam champions knowledge, moral integrity, and sincere faith. It defends the Prophet’s mission against false accusations, reminds of divine justice, and teaches that true nobility lies in righteousness, humility, and awareness of God.

Surah Al-Qalam
The Pen
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القلم
1.
Al-Fatiha The Opening
2.
Al-Baqara The Cow
3.
Al-Imran Family of Imran
4.
An-Nisa' Women
5.
Al-Maidah The Table
6.
Al-Anam Livestock
7.
Al-Araf The Elevations
8.
Al-Anfal The Spoils
9.
At-Tawbah The Repentance
10.
Yunus Jonah
11.
Hud Hud
12.
Yusuf Joseph
13.
Ar-Raad Thunder
14.
Ibrahim Abraham
15.
Al-Hijr The Rock
16.
An-Nahl The Bee
17.
Al-Isra The Night Journey
18.
Al-Kahf The Cave
19.
Maryam Mary
20.
Ta-Ha Ta-Ha
21.
Al-Anbiya The Prophets
22.
Al-Hajj The Pilgrimage
23.
Al-Muminune The Believers
24.
An-Nur The Light
25.
Al Furqane The Criterion
26.
As-Shuaraa The Poets
27.
An-Naml The Ant
28.
Al-Qasas History
29.
Al-Ankabut The Spider
30.
Ar-Rum The Romans
31.
Luqman Luqman
32.
As-Sajda The Prostration
33.
Al-Ahzab The Confederates
34.
Saba Sheba
35.
Fatir Originator
36.
Yassine (Yas-Sin) Ya Seen
37.
As-Saffat The Aligners
38.
Sad Saad
39.
Az-Zumar Throngs
40.
Gafir The Forgiver
41.
Fussilat Detailed
42.
Ash Shura Consultation
43.
Azzukhruf Decorations
44.
Ad-Dukhan Smoke
45.
Al-Jathya Kneeling
46.
Al-Ahqaf The Dunes
47.
Muhammad Muhammad
48.
Al-Fath Victory
49.
Al-Hujurat The Chambers
50.
Qaf Qaf
51.
Ad-Dariyat The Spreaders
52.
At-Tur The Mount
53.
An-Najm The Star
54.
Al-Qamar The Moon
55.
Ar-Rahman The Compassionate
56.
Al-Waqi'a The Inevitable
57.
Al-Hadid Iron
58.
Al-Mujadalah The Argument
59.
Al-Hasr The Mobilization
60.
Al-Mumtahanah The Woman Tested
61.
As-Saff Column
62.
Al-Jumua Friday
63.
Al-Munafiqun The Hypocrites
64.
At-Tagabun Gathering
65.
At-Talaq Divorce
66.
At-Tahrim Prohibition
67.
Al-Mulk Sovereignty
68.
Al-Qalam The Pen
69.
Al-Haqqah The Reality
70.
Al-Maarij Ways of Ascent
71.
Nuh Noah
72.
Al-Jinn The Jinn
73.
Al-Muzzamil The Enwrapped
74.
Al-Muddattir The Enrobed
75.
Al-Qiyamah Resurrection
76.
Al-Insan Man
77.
Al-Mursalate The Unleashed
78.
An-Naba The Event
79.
An-Naziate The Snatchers
80.
Abasa He Frowned
81.
At-Takwir The Rolling
82.
Al-Infitar The Shattering
83.
Al-Mutaffifin The Defrauders
84.
Al-Insiqaq The Rupture
85.
Al-Buruj The Constellations
86.
At-Tariq The Nightly Visitor
87.
Al-Ala The Most High
88.
Al-Gasiyah The Overwhelming
89.
Al-Fajr The Dawn
90.
Al-Balad The Land
91.
Ach-Chams The Sun
92.
Al-Layl The Night
93.
Ad-Duha Morning Light
94.
Ash-Sarh The Soothing
95.
At-Tin The Fig
96.
Al-Alaq Clot
97.
Al-Qadr Decree
98.
Al-Bayyinah Clear Evidence
99.
Az-Zalzalah The Quake
100.
Al-Adiyate The Racers
101.
Al-Qariah The Shocker
102.
At-Takatur Abundance
103.
Al-Asr Time
104.
Al-Humazah The Backbiter
105.
Al-Fil The Elephant
106.
Coraïsh Quraish
107.
Almaun Assistance
108.
Al-Kawtar The Plenty
109.
Al-Kafirune The Disbelievers
110.
An-Nasr Victory
111.
Al-Masad Thorns
112.
Al-Ikhlas Monotheism
113.
Al-Falaq Daybreak
114.
An-Nas Mankind
Surah Al-Qalam

The Pen

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