Surah Al-Burooj (سُورَةُ البُرُوجِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Al-Burooj — the 85th chapter of the Quran with 22 verses. The Constellations. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Al-Burooj (سُورَةُ البُرُوجِ) — "The Constellations" is the 85th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 22 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ وَٱلسَّمَآءِ ذَاتِ ٱلْبُرُوجِ
CONSIDER the sky full of great constellations,
Verse 2
وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْمَوْعُودِ
and [then bethink thyself of] the promised Day,
Verse 3
وَشَاهِدٍۢ وَمَشْهُودٍۢ
and [of] Him who witnesses [all], and [of] that unto which witness is borne [by Him]!
Verse 4
قُتِلَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْأُخْدُودِ
THEY DESTROY [but] themselves, they who would ready a pit
Verse 5
ٱلنَّارِ ذَاتِ ٱلْوَقُودِ
of fire fiercely burning [for all who have attained to faith]!
Verse 6
إِذْ هُمْ عَلَيْهَا قُعُودٌۭ
Lo! [With glee do] they contemplate that [fire],
Verse 7
وَهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَفْعَلُونَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ شُهُودٌۭ
fully conscious of what they are doing to the believers,
Verse 8
وَمَا نَقَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْحَمِيدِ
whom they hate for no other reason than that they believe in God, the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due,
Verse 9
ٱلَّذِى لَهُۥ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ شَهِيدٌ
[and] to whom the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs. But God is witness unto everything!
Verse 10
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ فَتَنُوا۟ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَٰتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَتُوبُوا۟ فَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ ٱلْحَرِيقِ
Verily, as for those who persecute believing men and believing women, and thereafter do not repent, hell's suffering awaits them: yea, suffering through fire awaits them!
...and 12 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.
Key Themes
The surah of Al-Burooj (The Constellations) 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-Burooj 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-Burooj revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Burooj have? It contains 22 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Constellations" mean? The name "Al-Burooj" translates to "The Constellations" in English.