Sad (ص) - Surah Details

38. Sad (ص)

Meaning: The Letter Sad

Total Ayahs: 88

Place of Revelation: Mecca

Summary

Surah Sad responds to the Meccan chiefs' mockery of the Prophet (PBUH) through the lessons of fallen civilizations (David, Solomon, Job) and the arrogance of Iblis. It establishes that true leadership combines power with justice and repentance. The Surah's climax contrasts the prophets' humility with Satan's eternal curse due to pride.

Core Message

Power without accountability corrupts. Repentance erases major sins. Pride is the root of eternal damnation.

Benefits

The Prophet (PBUH) would recite it during hardship for solace. Its stories of David's repentance (verse 24) are cited in Islamic jurisprudence on justice.

Famous Verses

38:24 "...قَالَ لَقَدْ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعْجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦ..." - '[David] said: He has certainly wronged you by demanding your ewe...'
38:45 "وَٱذْكُرْ عِبَـٰدَنَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ..." - 'Remember Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob...'
38:75 "قَالَ يَـٰٓإِبْلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَن تَسْجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقْتُ بِيَدَىَّ..." - '[Allah] said: O Iblis! What prevented you from prostrating to what I created with My Hands?'

Moral Lesson

Leadership demands justice. Arrogance blinds one to truth. Divine tests purify the sincere.

Divine Attributes

Al-Wadud (The Loving), At-Tawwab (The Accepter of Repentance), Dhul-Jalal wal-Ikram (Possessor of Majesty & Honor)

Keywords

David's Justice Solomon's Kingdom Iblis' Arrogance Repentance