Al-Anbiya (الأنبياء)

21. Al-Anbiya (الأنبياء)

Meaning: The Prophets

Total Ayahs: 112

Place of Revelation: Mecca

Summary

Surah Al-Anbiya presents a compelling narrative about the lives of various prophets, their struggles, and the ultimate triumph of truth. It begins by addressing the Day of Judgment and human negligence, then systematically recounts stories of Nuh, Ibrahim, Lut, Dawud, Sulayman, Ayyub, Yunus, Zakariya and others (peace be upon them all). The Surah powerfully refutes polytheism while establishing Allah's absolute oneness and the reality of resurrection.

Core Message

The unity of divine message across all prophethood. Truth ultimately prevails despite temporary setbacks. Allah's wisdom governs all creation.

Benefits

The Prophet (PBUH) frequently recited this Surah, especially its verses about divine oneness. Scholars note its effectiveness in strengthening faith in resurrection and refuting atheistic arguments. Its closing verses are particularly powerful for those seeking Allah's mercy.

Famous Verses

21:22 "لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَآ آلِهَةٌ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا..." - 'Had there been gods besides Allah in them, both would have been ruined...'
21:30 "أَوَلَمْ يَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقًۭا فَفَتَقْنَـٰهُمَا..." - 'Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and earth were a joined entity...'
21:87 "وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَـٰضِبًۭا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ..." - 'And the man of the fish (Yunus), when he went off in anger...'
21:107 "وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ" - 'And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds...'

Moral Lesson

Prophets shared one consistent message. Arrogance leads to destruction while repentance brings salvation. The universe itself testifies to divine oneness.

Divine Attributes

Al-Wahid (The One), Al-Qahhar (The Subduer), Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), Al-Khaliq (The Creator)

Keywords

Prophets Resurrection Tawhid Creation Mercy Divine Justice