Surah Al-Alaq (سُورَةُ العَلَقِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

Al-Alaq (سُورَةُ العَلَقِ) — "The Clot" is the 96th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 19 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

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Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ

READ in the name of thy Sustainer, who has-

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Verse 2

خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ

created man out of a germ-cell

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Verse 3

ٱقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْأَكْرَمُ

Read - for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful One

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Verse 4

ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَ بِٱلْقَلَمِ

who has taught [man] the use of the pen –

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Verse 5

عَلَّمَ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

taught man what he did not know!

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Verse 6

كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ لَيَطْغَىٰٓ

Nay, verily, man becomes grossly overweening

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Verse 7

أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسْتَغْنَىٰٓ

whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient:

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Verse 8

إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلرُّجْعَىٰٓ

for, behold, unto thy Sustainer all must return.

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Verse 9

أَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى يَنْهَىٰ

HAST THOU ever considered him who tries to prevent

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Verse 10

عَبْدًا إِذَا صَلَّىٰٓ

a servant [of God] from praying?

...and 9 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.

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Key Themes

The surah of Al-Alaq (The Clot) 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-Alaq 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 Al-Alaq revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Alaq have? It contains 19 ayaat (verses).

Q: What does "The Clot" mean? The name "Al-Alaq" translates to "The Clot" in English.