Surah Al-Fajr (سُورَةُ الفَجۡرِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Al-Fajr — the 89th chapter of the Quran with 30 verses. The Dawn. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Al-Fajr (سُورَةُ الفَجۡرِ) — "The Dawn" is the 89th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 30 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ وَٱلْفَجْرِ
CONSIDER the daybreak
Verse 2
وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍۢ
and the ten nights!
Verse 3
وَٱلشَّفْعِ وَٱلْوَتْرِ
Consider the multiple and the One!
Verse 4
وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا يَسْرِ
Consider the night as it runs its course!
Verse 5
هَلْ فِى ذَٰلِكَ قَسَمٌۭ لِّذِى حِجْرٍ
Considering all this - could there be, to anyone endowed with reason, a [more] solemn evidence of the truth?
Verse 6
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِعَادٍ
ART THOU NOT aware of how thy Sustainer has dealt with [the tribe of] ‘Ad,
Verse 7
إِرَمَ ذَاتِ ٱلْعِمَادِ
[the people of] Iram the many-pillared,
Verse 8
ٱلَّتِى لَمْ يُخْلَقْ مِثْلُهَا فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ
the like of whom has never been reared in all the land? –
Verse 9
وَثَمُودَ ٱلَّذِينَ جَابُوا۟ ٱلصَّخْرَ بِٱلْوَادِ
and with [the tribe of] Thamud, who hollowed out rocks in the valley? –
Verse 10
وَفِرْعَوْنَ ذِى ٱلْأَوْتَادِ
and with Pharaoh of the [many] tent-poles?
...and 20 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.
Key Themes
The surah of Al-Fajr (The Dawn) 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-Fajr 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-Fajr revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Fajr have? It contains 30 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Dawn" mean? The name "Al-Fajr" translates to "The Dawn" in English.