Surah Sad

ص

Surah Sad is a Meccan surah of 88 verses that answers the arrogance of the Quraysh with the stories of David, Solomon and Job, and the refusal of Iblis.

Meaning
The Letter "Saad"
Surah
38 of 114
Verses
88
Revealed in
Mecca
Found in
Juz 23

What Surah Sad is about

Surah Sad is the 38th surah of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 88 verses. It takes its name from the Arabic letter Sad with which it begins, followed by an oath by the Quran. It is one of the surahs that contain a verse of prostration (sajdah), at verse 24.

The opening (38:1-16) describes the leaders of Mecca who were astonished that a warner had come from among them and that he called all gods into One. They urge each other to hold on to their gods. The surah reminds them of earlier nations, Noah's people, Aad, Pharaoh, Thamud, Lot's people and the dwellers of the Woods, who also denied their messengers.

The Prophet ﷺ is told to be patient and to remember David (Dawud), to whom the mountains and birds joined in glorification (38:17-20). Two men climb into his sanctuary with a dispute over ewes, and David realises he is being tested, asks forgiveness and bows down (38:21-25). He is then told to judge with justice and not follow desire (38:26). Verse 29 describes the Quran as a blessed Book sent down so that people would reflect on its verses.

Solomon (Sulayman) is tested, repents, and asks for a kingdom no one after him will have; he is given the wind and the jinn (38:30-40). Job (Ayyub) calls out in his suffering, is told to strike the ground with his foot to find cool water, and has his family restored (38:41-44). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl are mentioned briefly (38:45-48).

After a contrast between Paradise and the quarrelling people of the Fire (38:49-64), the surah ends with the creation of Adam from clay and Iblis's refusal to bow, out of pride, because he was made of fire (38:71-85). Iblis vows to mislead everyone except Allah's sincere servants. The final verses say the Prophet ﷺ asks no payment and that this is only a reminder to all people (38:86-88).

Main themes

  1. Astonishment at the call to worship Allah alone

    The Meccan leaders find it strange that a single man should call them to worship Allah alone, and they accuse him of sorcery. The surah answers by asking whether they own the treasuries of Allah's mercy, and by recalling the confederate nations before them.

    Verses 4–16
  2. David and judging with justice

    David is praised as strong, devoted and given wisdom. The case of the ninety-nine ewes becomes a test he recognizes, and he turns to Allah in repentance. He is then told to rule with justice and not let desire draw him from Allah's path.

    Verses 17–26
  3. Solomon's kingdom and Job's patience

    Solomon, who is described as one who constantly turned back to Allah, is given an unmatched kingdom with the wind at his command. Job, in contrast, is tested with hardship and pain, and is praised as patient and an excellent servant when relief comes.

    Verses 30–44
  4. Two destinations

    The devout are promised the open gates of the Gardens of Eden, while the arrogant quarrel and curse each other in the Fire. They even wonder where the people they used to mock have gone.

    Verses 49–64
  5. Adam, Iblis and pride

    Allah creates a human being from clay and commands the angels to bow. Iblis refuses, claiming to be better because he was made from fire, and is expelled. He asks for respite and swears to mislead people, except Allah's devoted servants.

    Verses 71–85

Verses to know

قَالَ لَقَدۡ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعۡجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِي بَعۡضُهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتِ وَقَلِيلࣱ مَّا هُمۡۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرَ رَبَّهُۥ وَخَرَّۤ رَاكِعٗاۤ وَأَنَابَ۩ ﴿٢٤﴾

He said, “He has done you wrong by asking your ewe in addition to his ewes. Many partners take advantage of one another, except those who believe and do good deeds, but these are so few.” David realized that We were testing him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell down to his knees, and repented.
Sad 38:24

David recognizes that he has been tested and immediately seeks forgiveness and bows down. This is the verse of prostration in Surah Sad.

كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ مُبَٰرَكࣱ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓاْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ ﴿٢٩﴾

A blessed Book that We sent down to you, that they may ponder its Verses, and for those with intelligence to take heed.
Sad 38:29

This verse gives a purpose for the Quran itself: it is a blessed Book sent down so that people reflect on its verses and those with understanding take it to heart.

وَٱذۡكُرۡ عَبۡدَنَآ أَيُّوبَ إِذۡ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ بِنُصۡبٖ وَعَذَابٍ ﴿٤١﴾ ٱرۡكُضۡ بِرِجۡلِكَۖ هَٰذَا مُغۡتَسَلُۢ بَارِدࣱ وَشَرَابࣱ ﴿٤٢﴾ وَوَهَبۡنَا لَهُۥٓ أَهۡلَهُۥ وَمِثۡلَهُم مَّعَهُمۡ رَحۡمَةٗ مِّنَّا وَذِكۡرَىٰ لِأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ ﴿٤٣﴾ وَخُذۡ بِيَدِكَ ضِغۡثٗا فَٱضۡرِب بِّهِۦ وَلَا تَحۡنَثۡۗ إِنَّا وَجَدۡنَٰهُ صَابِرٗاۚ نِّعۡمَ ٱلۡعَبۡدُ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابࣱ ﴿٤٤﴾

41And mention Our servant Job, when he called out to his Lord, “Satan has afflicted me with hardship and pain.” 42“Stamp with your foot—here is cool water to wash with, and to drink.” 43And We restored his family for him, and their like with them; as a mercy from Us, and a lesson for those who possess insight. 44“Take with your hand a bundle, and strike with it, and do not break your oath.” We found him patient. What an excellent servant! He was obedient.
Sad 38:41–44

Job's prayer and relief are told in a few short lines, and he is described as patient and an excellent servant. Many Muslims turn to his story in times of illness.

قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيۡرࣱ مِّنۡهُ خَلَقۡتَنِي مِن نَّارٖ وَخَلَقۡتَهُۥ مِن طِينٖ ﴿٧٦﴾

He said, “I am better than he; You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”
Sad 38:76

Iblis justifies his disobedience by claiming to be better than Adam. The verse is often cited as the first example of arrogance based on origin.

When Surah Sad is recited

There is no widely established special time for reciting Surah Sad. Its verse 24 is a place of prostration in the Quran. A report in Sahih al-Bukhari mentions Ibn Abbas saying that the prostration in Sad is not one of the emphasized ones, yet he had seen the Prophet ﷺ prostrate at it.

Surah Sad in Arabic and English

All 88 verses, with the Arabic, a transliteration to help you read it aloud, and the English translation by Talal Itani.

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

  1. 1

    صٓۚ وَٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ ذِي ٱلذِّكۡرِ

    Sad waalqurani thee alththikri

    Saad. By the renowned Quran.

  2. 2

    بَلِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فِي عِزَّةٖ وَشِقَاقٖ

    Bali allatheena kafaroo fee AAizzatin washiqaqin

    Those who disbelieve are steeped in arrogance and defiance.

  3. 3

    كَمۡ أَهۡلَكۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِهِم مِّن قَرۡنٖ فَنَادَواْ وَّلَاتَ حِينَ مَنَاصٖ

    Kam ahlakna min qablihim min qarnin fanadaw walata heena manasin

    How many generations have We destroyed before them? They cried out when it was too late to escape.

  4. 4

    وَعَجِبُوٓاْ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرࣱ مِّنۡهُمۡۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرُونَ هَٰذَا سَٰحِرࣱ كَذَّابٌ

    WaAAajiboo an jaahum munthirun minhum waqala alkafiroona hatha sahirun kaththabun

    And they marveled that a warner has come to them from among them. The disbelievers said, “This is a lying magician.”

  5. 5

    أَجَعَلَ ٱلۡأٓلِهَةَ إِلَٰهٗا وَٰحِدًاۖ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَشَيۡءٌ عُجَابࣱ

    AjaAAala alalihata ilahan wahidan inna hatha lashayon AAujabun

    “Did he turn all the gods into one God? This is something strange.”

  6. 6

    وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِنۡهُمۡ أَنِ ٱمۡشُواْ وَٱصۡبِرُواْ عَلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِكُمۡۖ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَشَيۡءࣱ يُرَادُ

    Waintalaqa almalao minhum ani imshoo waisbiroo AAala alihatikum inna hatha lashayon yuradu

    The notables among them announced: “Go on, and hold fast to your gods. This is something planned.

  7. 7

    مَا سَمِعۡنَا بِهَٰذَا فِي ٱلۡمِلَّةِ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ إِنۡ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا ٱخۡتِلَٰقٌ

    Ma samiAAna bihatha fee almillati alakhirati in hatha illa ikhtilaqun

    We never heard of this in the former faith. This is nothing but a fabrication.

  8. 8

    أَءُنزِلَ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلذِّكۡرُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِنَاۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ فِي شَكّٖ مِّن ذِكۡرِيۚ بَل لَّمَّا يَذُوقُواْ عَذَابِ

    Aonzila AAalayhi alththikru min baynina bal hum fee shakkin min thikree bal lamma yathooqoo AAathabi

    Was the message sent down to him, out of all of us?” In fact, they are doubtful of My warning. In fact, they have not yet tasted My punishment.

  9. 9

    أَمۡ عِندَهُمۡ خَزَآئِنُ رَحۡمَةِ رَبِّكَ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡوَهَّابِ

    Am AAindahum khazainu rahmati rabbika alAAazeezi alwahhabi

    Or do they possess the treasuries of the mercy of your Lord—the Majestic, the Giver?

  10. 10

    أَمۡ لَهُم مُّلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَاۖ فَلۡيَرۡتَقُواْ فِي ٱلۡأَسۡبَٰبِ

    Am lahum mulku alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma falyartaqoo fee alasbabi

    Or do they possess the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend the ropes.

  11. 11

    جُندࣱ مَّا هُنَالِكَ مَهۡزُومࣱ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَحۡزَابِ

    Jundun ma hunalika mahzoomun mina alahzabi

    An army of confederates will be defeated there.

  12. 12

    كَذَّبَتۡ قَبۡلَهُمۡ قَوۡمُ نُوحٖ وَعَادࣱ وَفِرۡعَوۡنُ ذُو ٱلۡأَوۡتَادِ

    Kaththabat qablahum qawmu noohin waAAadun wafirAAawnu thoo alawtadi

    Before them the people of Noah denied the truth; as did Aad, and Pharaoh of the Stakes.

  13. 13

    وَثَمُودُ وَقَوۡمُ لُوطٖ وَأَصۡحَٰبُ لۡـَٔيۡكَةِۚ أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلۡأَحۡزَابُ

    Wathamoodu waqawmu lootin waashabu alaykati olaika alahzabu

    And Thamood, and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the Woods—these were the confederates.

  14. 14

    إِن كُلٌّ إِلَّا كَذَّبَ ٱلرُّسُلَ فَحَقَّ عِقَابِ

    In kullun illa kaththaba alrrusula fahaqqa AAiqabi

    None of them but denied the messengers, so My retribution was deserved.

  15. 15

    وَمَا يَنظُرُ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ إِلَّا صَيۡحَةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗ مَّا لَهَا مِن فَوَاقٖ

    Wama yanthuru haolai illa sayhatan wahidatan ma laha min fawaqin

    These can expect only a single scream, from which there is no recovery.

  16. 16

    وَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَا عَجِّل لَّنَا قِطَّنَا قَبۡلَ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡحِسَابِ

    Waqaloo rabbana AAajjil lana qittana qabla yawmi alhisabi

    And they say, “Our Lord, hasten Your writ upon us, before the Day of Account.”

  17. 17

    ٱصۡبِرۡ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَٱذۡكُرۡ عَبۡدَنَا دَاوُۥدَ ذَا ٱلۡأَيۡدِۖ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ

    Isbir AAala ma yaqooloona waothkur AAabdana dawooda tha alaydi innahu awwabun

    Be patient in the face of what they say, and mention Our servant David, the resourceful. He was obedient.

  18. 18

    إِنَّا سَخَّرۡنَا ٱلۡجِبَالَ مَعَهُۥ يُسَبِّحۡنَ بِٱلۡعَشِيِّ وَٱلۡإِشۡرَاقِ

    Inna sakhkharna aljibala maAAahu yusabbihna bialAAashiyyi waalishraqi

    We committed the mountains to glorify with him, in the evening and at daybreak.

  19. 19

    وَٱلطَّيۡرَ مَحۡشُورَةٗۖ كُلࣱّ لَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابࣱ

    Waalttayra mahshooratan kullun lahu awwabun

    And the birds, gathered together. All obedient to him.

  20. 20

    وَشَدَدۡنَا مُلۡكَهُۥ وَءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ ٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَفَصۡلَ ٱلۡخِطَابِ

    Washadadna mulkahu waataynahu alhikmata wafasla alkhitabi

    And We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.

  21. 21

    ۞وَهَلۡ أَتَىٰكَ نَبَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَصۡمِ إِذۡ تَسَوَّرُواْ ٱلۡمِحۡرَابَ

    Wahal ataka nabao alkhasmi ith tasawwaroo almihraba

    Has the story of the two disputants reached you? When they scaled the sanctuary?

  22. 22

    إِذۡ دَخَلُواْ عَلَىٰ دَاوُۥدَ فَفَزِعَ مِنۡهُمۡۖ قَالُواْ لَا تَخَفۡۖ خَصۡمَانِ بَغَىٰ بَعۡضُنَا عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖ فَٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تُشۡطِطۡ وَٱهۡدِنَآ إِلَىٰ سَوَآءِ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ

    Ith dakhaloo AAala dawooda fafaziAAa minhum qaloo la takhaf khasmani bagha baAAduna AAala baAAdin faohkum baynana bialhaqqi wala tushtit waihdina ila sawai alssirati

    When they entered upon David, and he was startled by them. They said, “Do not fear. Two disputants; one of us has wronged the other; so judge between us fairly, and do not be biased, and guide us to the straight way.”

  23. 23

    إِنَّ هَٰذَآ أَخِي لَهُۥ تِسۡعࣱ وَتِسۡعُونَ نَعۡجَةٗ وَلِيَ نَعۡجَةࣱ وَٰحِدَةࣱ فَقَالَ أَكۡفِلۡنِيهَا وَعَزَّنِي فِي ٱلۡخِطَابِ

    Inna hatha akhee lahu tisAAun watisAAoona naAAjatan waliya naAAjatun wahidatun faqala akfilneeha waAAazzanee fee alkhitabi

    “This brother of mine has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe, and he said, ‘Entrust it to me,’ and he pressured me with words.”

  24. 24

    قَالَ لَقَدۡ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعۡجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِي بَعۡضُهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتِ وَقَلِيلࣱ مَّا هُمۡۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرَ رَبَّهُۥ وَخَرَّۤ رَاكِعٗاۤ وَأَنَابَ۩

    Qala laqad thalamaka bisuali naAAjatika ila niAAajihi wainna katheeran mina alkhulatai layabghee baAAduhum AAala baAAdin illa allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati waqaleelun ma hum wathanna dawoodu annama fatannahu faistaghfara rabbahu wakharra rakiAAan waanaba

    He said, “He has done you wrong by asking your ewe in addition to his ewes. Many partners take advantage of one another, except those who believe and do good deeds, but these are so few.” David realized that We were testing him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell down to his knees, and repented.

  25. 25

    فَغَفَرۡنَا لَهُۥ ذَٰلِكَۖ وَإِنَّ لَهُۥ عِندَنَا لَزُلۡفَىٰ وَحُسۡنَ مَـَٔابٖ

    Faghafarna lahu thalika wainna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin

    So We forgave him that. And for him is nearness to Us, and a good place of return.

  26. 26

    يَٰدَاوُۥدُ إِنَّا جَعَلۡنَٰكَ خَلِيفَةٗ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَضِلُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمۡ عَذَابࣱ شَدِيدُۢ بِمَا نَسُواْ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡحِسَابِ

    Ya dawoodu inna jaAAalnaka khaleefatan fee alardi faohkum bayna alnnasi bialhaqqi wala tattabiAAi alhawa fayudillaka AAan sabeeli Allahi inna allatheena yadilloona AAan sabeeli Allahi lahum AAathabun shadeedun bima nasoo yawma alhisabi

    “O David, We made you a ruler in the land, so judge between the people with justice, and do not follow desire, lest it diverts you from Allah’s path. Those who stray from Allah’s path will have a painful punishment, for having ignored the Day of Account.”

  27. 27

    وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَا بَٰطِلٗاۚ ذَٰلِكَ ظَنُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْۚ فَوَيۡلࣱ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

    Wama khalaqna alssamaa waalarda wama baynahuma batilan thalika thannu allatheena kafaroo fawaylun lillatheena kafaroo mina alnnari

    We did not create the heaven and the earth and everything between them in vain. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve—so woe to those who disbelieve because of the Fire.

  28. 28

    أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتِ كَٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ نَجۡعَلُ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ كَٱلۡفُجَّارِ

    Am najAAalu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati kaalmufsideena fee alardi am najAAalu almuttaqeena kaalfujjari

    Or are We to treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like those who make trouble on earth? Or are We to treat the pious like the shameless?

  29. 29

    كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ مُبَٰرَكࣱ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓاْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ

    Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun liyaddabbaroo ayatihi waliyatathakkara oloo alalbabi

    A blessed Book that We sent down to you, that they may ponder its Verses, and for those with intelligence to take heed.

  30. 30

    وَوَهَبۡنَا لِدَاوُۥدَ سُلَيۡمَٰنَۚ نِعۡمَ ٱلۡعَبۡدُ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ

    Wawahabna lidawooda sulaymana niAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun

    And We granted David, Solomon, an excellent servant. He was penitent.

  31. 31

    إِذۡ عُرِضَ عَلَيۡهِ بِٱلۡعَشِيِّ ٱلصَّـٰفِنَٰتُ ٱلۡجِيَادُ

    Ith AAurida AAalayhi bialAAashiyyi alssafinatu aljiyadu

    When the beautiful horses were paraded before him in the evening.

  32. 32

    فَقَالَ إِنِّيٓ أَحۡبَبۡتُ حُبَّ ٱلۡخَيۡرِ عَن ذِكۡرِ رَبِّي حَتَّىٰ تَوَارَتۡ بِٱلۡحِجَابِ

    Faqala innee ahbabtu hubba alkhayri AAan thikri rabbee hatta tawarat bialhijabi

    He said, “I have preferred the love of niceties to the remembrance of my Lord—until it disappeared behind the veil.

  33. 33

    رُدُّوهَا عَلَيَّۖ فَطَفِقَ مَسۡحَۢا بِٱلسُّوقِ وَٱلۡأَعۡنَاقِ

    Ruddooha AAalayya fatafiqa mashan bialssooqi waalaAAnaqi

    Bring them back to me.” And he began caressing their legs and necks.

  34. 34

    وَلَقَدۡ فَتَنَّا سُلَيۡمَٰنَ وَأَلۡقَيۡنَا عَلَىٰ كُرۡسِيِّهِۦ جَسَدٗا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ

    Walaqad fatanna sulaymana waalqayna AAala kursiyyihi jasadan thumma anaba

    We tested Solomon, and placed a body on his throne; then he repented.

  35. 35

    قَالَ رَبِّ ٱغۡفِرۡ لِي وَهَبۡ لِي مُلۡكٗا لَّا يَنۢبَغِي لِأَحَدٖ مِّنۢ بَعۡدِيٓۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ

    Qala rabbi ighfir lee wahab lee mulkan la yanbaghee liahadin min baAAdee innaka anta alwahhabu

    He said, “My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingdom never to be attained by anyone after me. You are the Giver.”

  36. 36

    فَسَخَّرۡنَا لَهُ ٱلرِّيحَ تَجۡرِي بِأَمۡرِهِۦ رُخَآءً حَيۡثُ أَصَابَ

    Fasakhkharna lahu alrreeha tajree biamrihi rukhaan haythu asaba

    So We placed the wind at his service, blowing gently by his command, wherever he directed.

  37. 37

    وَٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّآءٖ وَغَوَّاصٖ

    Waalshshayateena kulla bannain waghawwasin

    And the demons—every builder and diver.

  38. 38

    وَءَاخَرِينَ مُقَرَّنِينَ فِي ٱلۡأَصۡفَادِ

    Waakhareena muqarraneena fee alasfadi

    And others fettered in chains.

  39. 39

    هَٰذَا عَطَآؤُنَا فَٱمۡنُنۡ أَوۡ أَمۡسِكۡ بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٖ

    Hatha AAataona faomnun aw amsik bighayri hisabin

    “This is Our gift; so give generously, or withhold; without account.”

  40. 40

    وَإِنَّ لَهُۥ عِندَنَا لَزُلۡفَىٰ وَحُسۡنَ مَـَٔابٖ

    Wainna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin

    For him is nearness to Us, and a beautiful resort.

  41. 41

    وَٱذۡكُرۡ عَبۡدَنَآ أَيُّوبَ إِذۡ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ بِنُصۡبٖ وَعَذَابٍ

    Waothkur AAabdana ayyooba ith nada rabbahu annee massaniya alshshaytanu binusbin waAAathabin

    And mention Our servant Job, when he called out to his Lord, “Satan has afflicted me with hardship and pain.”

  42. 42

    ٱرۡكُضۡ بِرِجۡلِكَۖ هَٰذَا مُغۡتَسَلُۢ بَارِدࣱ وَشَرَابࣱ

    Orkud birijlika hatha mughtasalun baridun washarabun

    “Stamp with your foot—here is cool water to wash with, and to drink.”

  43. 43

    وَوَهَبۡنَا لَهُۥٓ أَهۡلَهُۥ وَمِثۡلَهُم مَّعَهُمۡ رَحۡمَةٗ مِّنَّا وَذِكۡرَىٰ لِأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ

    Wawahabna lahu ahlahu wamithlahum maAAahum rahmatan minna wathikra liolee alalbabi

    And We restored his family for him, and their like with them; as a mercy from Us, and a lesson for those who possess insight.

  44. 44

    وَخُذۡ بِيَدِكَ ضِغۡثٗا فَٱضۡرِب بِّهِۦ وَلَا تَحۡنَثۡۗ إِنَّا وَجَدۡنَٰهُ صَابِرٗاۚ نِّعۡمَ ٱلۡعَبۡدُ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابࣱ

    Wakhuth biyadika dighthan faidrib bihi wala tahnath inna wajadnahu sabiran niAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun

    “Take with your hand a bundle, and strike with it, and do not break your oath.” We found him patient. What an excellent servant! He was obedient.

  45. 45

    وَٱذۡكُرۡ عِبَٰدَنَآ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسۡحَٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ أُوْلِي ٱلۡأَيۡدِي وَٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرِ

    Waothkur AAibadana ibraheema waishaqa wayaAAqooba olee alaydee waalabsari

    And mention Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—endowed with ability and vision.

  46. 46

    إِنَّآ أَخۡلَصۡنَٰهُم بِخَالِصَةٖ ذِكۡرَى ٱلدَّارِ

    Inna akhlasnahum bikhalisatin thikra alddari

    We distinguished them with a distinct quality: the remembrance of the Home.

  47. 47

    وَإِنَّهُمۡ عِندَنَا لَمِنَ ٱلۡمُصۡطَفَيۡنَ ٱلۡأَخۡيَارِ

    Wainnahum AAindana lamina almustafayna alakhyari

    To Us they are among the chosen, the outstanding.

  48. 48

    وَٱذۡكُرۡ إِسۡمَٰعِيلَ وَٱلۡيَسَعَ وَذَا ٱلۡكِفۡلِۖ وَكُلࣱّ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَخۡيَارِ

    Waothkur ismaAAeela wailyasaAAa watha alkifli wakullun mina alakhyari

    And mention Ishmael, Elisha, and Ezekiel; all are among the outstanding.

  49. 49

    هَٰذَا ذِكۡرࣱۚ وَإِنَّ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ لَحُسۡنَ مَـَٔابٖ

    Hatha thikrun wainna lilmuttaqeena lahusna maabin

    This is a reminder. The devout will have a good place of return.

  50. 50

    جَنَّـٰتِ عَدۡنٖ مُّفَتَّحَةٗ لَّهُمُ ٱلۡأَبۡوَٰبُ

    Jannati AAadnin mufattahatan lahumu alabwabu

    The Gardens of Eden, with their doors wide-open for them.

  51. 51

    مُتَّكِـِٔينَ فِيهَا يَدۡعُونَ فِيهَا بِفَٰكِهَةٖ كَثِيرَةٖ وَشَرَابٖ

    Muttakieena feeha yadAAoona feeha bifakihatin katheeratin washarabin

    Relaxing therein, and calling for abundant fruit and beverage.

  52. 52

    ۞وَعِندَهُمۡ قَٰصِرَٰتُ ٱلطَّرۡفِ أَتۡرَابٌ

    WaAAindahum qasiratu alttarfi atrabun

    With them will be attendants with modest gaze, of same age.

  53. 53

    هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِيَوۡمِ ٱلۡحِسَابِ

    Hatha ma tooAAadoona liyawmi alhisabi

    This is what you are promised for the Day of Account.

  54. 54

    إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَرِزۡقُنَا مَا لَهُۥ مِن نَّفَادٍ

    Inna hatha larizquna ma lahu min nafadin

    Such is Our bounty, inexhaustible.

  55. 55

    هَٰذَاۚ وَإِنَّ لِلطَّـٰغِينَ لَشَرَّ مَـَٔابٖ

    Hatha wainna lilttagheena lasharra maabin

    All this. But the transgressors will have a miserable return.

  56. 56

    جَهَنَّمَ يَصۡلَوۡنَهَا فَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

    Jahannama yaslawnaha fabisa almihadu

    Hell; in which they will roast; what a miserable abode!

  57. 57

    هَٰذَا فَلۡيَذُوقُوهُ حَمِيمࣱ وَغَسَّاقࣱ

    Hatha falyathooqoohu hameemun waghassaqun

    All this. Let them taste it—boiling and bitter cold.

  58. 58

    وَءَاخَرُ مِن شَكۡلِهِۦٓ أَزۡوَٰجٌ

    Waakharu min shaklihi azwajun

    And similar torments of diverse kinds.

  59. 59

    هَٰذَا فَوۡجࣱ مُّقۡتَحِمࣱ مَّعَكُمۡ لَا مَرۡحَبَۢا بِهِمۡۚ إِنَّهُمۡ صَالُواْ ٱلنَّارِ

    Hatha fawjun muqtahimun maAAakum la marhaban bihim innahum saloo alnnari

    “This is a crowd rushing headlong with you.” There is no welcome for them. They will be scorched by the Fire.

  60. 60

    قَالُواْ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ لَا مَرۡحَبَۢا بِكُمۡۖ أَنتُمۡ قَدَّمۡتُمُوهُ لَنَاۖ فَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡقَرَارُ

    Qaloo bal antum la marhaban bikum antum qaddamtumoohu lana fabisa alqararu

    They will say, “But it is you! There is no welcome for you! It is you who brought it upon us! What a miserable end!”

  61. 61

    قَالُواْ رَبَّنَا مَن قَدَّمَ لَنَا هَٰذَا فَزِدۡهُ عَذَابٗا ضِعۡفٗا فِي ٱلنَّارِ

    Qaloo rabbana man qaddama lana hatha fazidhu AAathaban diAAfan fee alnnari

    They will say, “Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us, give him double torment in the Fire.”

  62. 62

    وَقَالُواْ مَا لَنَا لَا نَرَىٰ رِجَالٗا كُنَّا نَعُدُّهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَشۡرَارِ

    Waqaloo ma lana la nara rijalan kunna naAAudduhum mina alashrari

    And they will say, “What is it with us that we do not see men we used to count among the wicked?

  63. 63

    أَتَّخَذۡنَٰهُمۡ سِخۡرِيًّا أَمۡ زَاغَتۡ عَنۡهُمُ ٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرُ

    Attakhathnahum sikhriyyan am zaghat AAanhumu alabsaru

    Did we take them for mockery, or have our eyes swerved from them?”

  64. 64

    إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ لَحَقࣱّ تَخَاصُمُ أَهۡلِ ٱلنَّارِ

    Inna thalika lahaqqun takhasumu ahli alnnari

    This is certainly true—the feuding of the people of the Fire.

  65. 65

    قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ مُنذِرࣱۖ وَمَا مِنۡ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡوَٰحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّارُ

    Qul innama ana munthirun wama min ilahin illa Allahu alwahidu alqahharu

    Say, “I am only a warner, and there is no god except Allah—the One, the Conqueror.

  66. 66

    رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَا ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفَّـٰرُ

    Rabbu alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma alAAazeezu alghaffaru

    The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; the Mighty, the Forgiver.”

  67. 67

    قُلۡ هُوَ نَبَؤٌاْ عَظِيمٌ

    Qul huwa nabaon AAatheemun

    Say, “It is a message of great importance.

  68. 68

    أَنتُمۡ عَنۡهُ مُعۡرِضُونَ

    Antum AAanhu muAAridoona

    From which you are turning away.

  69. 69

    مَا كَانَ لِيَ مِنۡ عِلۡمِۭ بِٱلۡمَلَإِ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰٓ إِذۡ يَخۡتَصِمُونَ

    Ma kana liya min AAilmin bialmalai alaAAla ith yakhtasimoona

    I have no knowledge of the Highest Assembly as they dispute.

  70. 70

    إِن يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَيَّ إِلَّآ أَنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ نَذِيرࣱ مُّبِينٌ

    In yooha ilayya illa annama ana natheerun mubeenun

    It is only revealed to me that I am a clear warner.”

  71. 71

    إِذۡ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّي خَٰلِقُۢ بَشَرٗا مِّن طِينٖ

    Ith qala rabbuka lilmalaikati innee khaliqun basharan min teenin

    Your Lord said to the angels, “I am creating a human being from clay.

  72. 72

    فَإِذَا سَوَّيۡتُهُۥ وَنَفَخۡتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِي فَقَعُواْ لَهُۥ سَٰجِدِينَ

    Faitha sawwaytuhu wanafakhtu feehi min roohee faqaAAoo lahu sajideena

    When I have formed him, and breathed into him of My spirit, fall prostrate before him.”

  73. 73

    فَسَجَدَ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ كُلُّهُمۡ أَجۡمَعُونَ

    Fasajada almalaikatu kulluhum ajmaAAoona

    So the angels fell prostrate, all of them.

  74. 74

    إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ

    Illa ibleesa istakbara wakana mina alkafireena

    Except for Satan. He was too proud, and one of the faithless.

  75. 75

    قَالَ يَـٰٓإِبۡلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَن تَسۡجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقۡتُ بِيَدَيَّۖ أَسۡتَكۡبَرۡتَ أَمۡ كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡعَالِينَ

    Qala ya ibleesu ma manaAAaka an tasjuda lima khalaqtu biyadayya astakbarta am kunta mina alAAaleena

    He said, “O Satan, what prevented you from prostrating before what I created with My own hands? Are you too proud, or were you one of the exalted?”

  76. 76

    قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيۡرࣱ مِّنۡهُ خَلَقۡتَنِي مِن نَّارٖ وَخَلَقۡتَهُۥ مِن طِينٖ

    Qala ana khayrun minhu khalaqtanee min narin wakhalaqtahu min teenin

    He said, “I am better than he; You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”

  77. 77

    قَالَ فَٱخۡرُجۡ مِنۡهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمࣱ

    Qala faokhruj minha fainnaka rajeemun

    He said, “Then get out of here! You are an outcast!

  78. 78

    وَإِنَّ عَلَيۡكَ لَعۡنَتِيٓ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلدِّينِ

    Wainna AAalayka laAAnatee ila yawmi alddeeni

    And My curse will be upon you until the Day of Judgment.”

  79. 79

    قَالَ رَبِّ فَأَنظِرۡنِيٓ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يُبۡعَثُونَ

    Qala rabbi faanthirnee ila yawmi yubAAathoona

    He said, “Lord, defer me until the Day they are resurrected.”

  80. 80

    قَالَ فَإِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنظَرِينَ

    Qala fainnaka mina almunthareena

    He said, “You are one of those deferred.

  81. 81

    إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡوَقۡتِ ٱلۡمَعۡلُومِ

    Ila yawmi alwaqti almaAAloomi

    Until the Day of the time appointed.”

  82. 82

    قَالَ فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لَأُغۡوِيَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ

    Qala fabiAAizzatika laoghwiyannahum ajmaAAeena

    He said, “By Your majesty, I will seduce them all.

  83. 83

    إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنۡهُمُ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

    Illa AAibadaka minhumu almukhlaseena

    Except for Your loyal servants among them.”

  84. 84

    قَالَ فَٱلۡحَقُّ وَٱلۡحَقَّ أَقُولُ

    Qala faalhaqqu waalhaqqa aqoolu

    He said, “The truth is, and I say the truth.

  85. 85

    لَأَمۡلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكَ وَمِمَّن تَبِعَكَ مِنۡهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ

    Laamlaanna jahannama minka wamimman tabiAAaka minhum ajmaAAeena

    I will fill Hell with you, and with every one of them who follows you.”

  86. 86

    قُلۡ مَآ أَسۡـَٔلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ مِنۡ أَجۡرٖ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَكَلِّفِينَ

    Qul ma asalukum AAalayhi min ajrin wama ana mina almutakallifeena

    Say, “I ask of you no wage for this, and I am not a pretender.

  87. 87

    إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكۡرࣱ لِّلۡعَٰلَمِينَ

    In huwa illa thikrun lilAAalameena

    It is but a reminder to mankind.

  88. 88

    وَلَتَعۡلَمُنَّ نَبَأَهُۥ بَعۡدَ حِينِۭ

    WalataAAlamunna nabaahu baAAda heenin

    And you will know its message after a while.”

Surah Sad PDF

The whole surah on printable pages: Arabic, transliteration and English side by side. Free to download, print and share.

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Questions about Surah Sad

How many verses are in Surah Sad?

Surah Sad has 88 verses. It is the 38th surah of the Quran and was revealed in Mecca.

Is there a sajdah in Surah Sad?

Yes. Verse 24, where David seeks forgiveness and bows down, is a place of prostration in recitation. Scholars differ on how strongly it is emphasized.

What does Sad mean?

Sad is the name of an Arabic letter. The surah opens with this single letter, one of the disconnected letters whose meaning is known only to Allah according to many scholars.

What is the story of the two disputants in Surah Sad?

In 38:21-25 two men climb into David's sanctuary and ask him to judge between them: one has ninety-nine ewes and wants the other's single ewe. David gives his judgment, then realises the episode was a test and repents.