Surah Al-Qalam (سُورَةُ القَلَمِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

Al-Qalam (سُورَةُ القَلَمِ) — "The Pen" is the 68th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 52 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

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Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ نٓ ۚ وَٱلْقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسْطُرُونَ

Nun. CONSIDER the pen, and all that they write [therewith]!

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Verse 2

مَآ أَنتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍۢ

Thou art not, by thy Sustainer's grace, a madman!

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Verse 3

وَإِنَّ لَكَ لَأَجْرًا غَيْرَ مَمْنُونٍۢ

And, verily, thine shall be a reward neverending –

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Verse 4

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍۢ

for, behold, thou keepest indeed to a sublime way of life;

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Verse 5

فَسَتُبْصِرُ وَيُبْصِرُونَ

and [one day] thou shalt see, and they [who now deride thee] shall see,

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Verse 6

بِأَييِّكُمُ ٱلْمَفْتُونُ

which of you was bereft of reason.

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Verse 7

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

Verily, thy Sustainer alone is fully aware as to who has strayed from His path, Just as He alone is fully aware of those who have found the right way.

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Verse 8

فَلَا تُطِعِ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Hence, defer not to [the likes and dislikes of] those who give the lie to the truth:

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Verse 9

وَدُّوا۟ لَوْ تُدْهِنُ فَيُدْهِنُونَ

they would like thee to be soft [with them], so that they might be soft [with thee].

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Verse 10

وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍۢ مَّهِينٍ

Furthermore, defer not to the contemptible swearer of oaths,

...and 42 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-Qalam (The Pen) 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-Qalam 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-Qalam revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Qalam have? It contains 52 ayaat (verses).

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