Surah Abasa (سُورَةُ عَبَسَ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

Abasa (سُورَةُ عَبَسَ) — "He frowned" is the 80th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 42 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

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Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ عَبَسَ وَتَوَلَّىٰٓ

HE FROWNED and turned away

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Verse 2

أَن جَآءَهُ ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ

because the blind man approached him!

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Verse 3

وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ لَعَلَّهُۥ يَزَّكَّىٰٓ

Yet for all thou didst know, [O Muhammad,] he might perhaps have grown in purity,

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Verse 4

أَوْ يَذَّكَّرُ فَتَنفَعَهُ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰٓ

or have been reminded [of the truth], and helped by this reminder.

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Verse 5

أَمَّا مَنِ ٱسْتَغْنَىٰ

Now as for him who believes himself to be self-sufficient

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Verse 6

فَأَنتَ لَهُۥ تَصَدَّىٰ

to him didst thou give thy whole attention,

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Verse 7

وَمَا عَلَيْكَ أَلَّا يَزَّكَّىٰ

although thou art not accountable for his failure to attain to purity;

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Verse 8

وَأَمَّا مَن جَآءَكَ يَسْعَىٰ

but as for him who came unto thee full of eagerness

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Verse 9

وَهُوَ يَخْشَىٰ

and in awe [of God]

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Verse 10

فَأَنتَ عَنْهُ تَلَهَّىٰ

him didst thou disregard!

...and 32 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.

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Key Themes

The surah of Abasa (He frowned) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.

Virtues of Reading This Surah

Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari

Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah Abasa as part of your daily Quran reading.

How to Recite

1. Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
2. Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
3. Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
4. Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
5. Reflect on the meaning as you recite

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Surah Abasa revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah Abasa have? It contains 42 ayaat (verses).

Q: What does "He frowned" mean? The name "Abasa" translates to "He frowned" in English.