Surah Ash-Shams (سُورَةُ الشَّمۡسِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir
Read Surah Ash-Shams — the 91st chapter of the Quran with 15 verses. The Sun. English translation and commentary.
Overview
Ash-Shams (سُورَةُ الشَّمۡسِ) — "The Sun" is the 91st chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 15 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.
Selected Verses
Verse 1
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ وَٱلشَّمْسِ وَضُحَىٰهَا
CONSIDER the sun and its radiant brightness,
Verse 2
وَٱلْقَمَرِ إِذَا تَلَىٰهَا
and the moon as it reflects the sun!
Verse 3
وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا جَلَّىٰهَا
Consider the day as it reveals the world,
Verse 4
وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَىٰهَا
and the night as it veils it darkly!
Verse 5
وَٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا بَنَىٰهَا
Consider the sky and its wondrous make,
Verse 6
وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا طَحَىٰهَا
and the earth and all its expanse!
Verse 7
وَنَفْسٍۢ وَمَا سَوَّىٰهَا
Consider the human self, and how it is formed in accordance with what it is meant to be,
Verse 8
فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَىٰهَا
and how it is imbued with moral failings as well as with consciousness of God!
Verse 9
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا
To a happy state shall indeed attain he who causes this [self] to grow in purity,
Verse 10
وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّىٰهَا
and truly lost is he who buries it [in darkness].
...and 5 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.
Key Themes
The surah of Ash-Shams (The Sun) 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 Ash-Shams 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 Ash-Shams revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.
Q: How many verses does Surah Ash-Shams have? It contains 15 ayaat (verses).
Q: What does "The Sun" mean? The name "Ash-Shams" translates to "The Sun" in English.