Surah Al-A'laa (سُورَةُ الأَعۡلَىٰ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Al-A'laa — the 87th chapter of the Quran with 19 verses. The Most High. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Al-A'laa (سُورَةُ الأَعۡلَىٰ) — "The Most High" is the 87th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 19 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ سَبِّحِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلْأَعْلَى
EXTOL the limitless glory of thy Sustainer's name: [the glory of] the Al-Highest,
Verse 2
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ فَسَوَّىٰ
who creates [every thing], and thereupon forms it in accordance with what it is meant to be,
Verse 3
وَٱلَّذِى قَدَّرَ فَهَدَىٰ
and who determines the nature [of all that exists], and thereupon guides it [towards its fulfilment],
Verse 4
وَٱلَّذِىٓ أَخْرَجَ ٱلْمَرْعَىٰ
and who brings forth herbage,
Verse 5
فَجَعَلَهُۥ غُثَآءً أَحْوَىٰ
and thereupon causes it to decay into rust-brown stubble!
Verse 6
سَنُقْرِئُكَ فَلَا تَنسَىٰٓ
WE SHALL teach thee, and thou wilt not forget [aught of what thou art taught],
Verse 7
إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ يَعْلَمُ ٱلْجَهْرَ وَمَا يَخْفَىٰ
save what God may will [thee to forget] - for, verily, He [alone] knows all that is open to [man's] perception as well as all that is hidden [from it]
Verse 8
وَنُيَسِّرُكَ لِلْيُسْرَىٰ
and [thus] shall We make easy for thee the path towards [ultimate] ease.
Verse 9
فَذَكِّرْ إِن نَّفَعَتِ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ
REMIND, THEN, [others of the truth, regardless of] whether this reminding [would seem to] be of use [or not]:
Verse 10
سَيَذَّكَّرُ مَن يَخْشَىٰ
in mind will keep it he who stands in awe [of God],
...and 9 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.
Key Themes
The surah of Al-A'laa (The Most High) 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 Al-A'laa as part of your daily Quran reading.
How to Recite
- Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
- Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
- Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
- Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
- Reflect on the meaning as you recite
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Surah Al-A'laa revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Al-A'laa have? It contains 19 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Most High" mean? The name "Al-A'laa" translates to "The Most High" in English.