Al-Burooj (البروج)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ وَالسَّمَاءِ ذَاتِ الْبُرُوجِ
CONSIDER the sky full of great constellations,
وَالْيَوْمِ الْمَوْعُودِ
and [then bethink thyself of] the promised Day,
وَشَاهِدٍ وَمَشْهُودٍ
and [of] Him who witnesses [all], and [of] that unto which witness is borne [by Him]!
قُتِلَ أَصْحَابُ الْأُخْدُودِ
THEY DESTROY [but] themselves, they who would ready a pit
النَّارِ ذَاتِ الْوَقُودِ
of fire fiercely burning [for all who have attained to faith]!
إِذْ هُمْ عَلَيْهَا قُعُودٌ
Lo! [With glee do] they contemplate that [fire],
وَهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَفْعَلُونَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ شُهُودٌ
fully conscious of what they are doing to the believers,
وَمَا نَقَمُوا مِنْهُمْ إِلَّا أَنْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ
whom they hate for no other reason than that they believe in God, the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due,
الَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
[and] to whom the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs. But God is witness unto everything!
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَتَنُوا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَتُوبُوا فَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ الْحَرِيقِ
Verily, as for those who persecute believing men and believing women, and thereafter do not repent, hell's suffering awaits them: yea, suffering through fire awaits them!
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْكَبِيرُ
[But,] verily, they who attain to faith and do righteous deeds shall [in the life to come] have gardens through which running waters flow - that triumph most great!
إِنَّ بَطْشَ رَبِّكَ لَشَدِيدٌ
VERILY, thy Sustainer's grip is exceedingly strong!
إِنَّهُ هُوَ يُبْدِئُ وَيُعِيدُ
Behold, it is He who creates [man] in the first instance, and He [it is who] will bring him forth anew.
وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الْوَدُودُ
And He alone is truly-forgiving, all-embracing in His love,
ذُو الْعَرْشِ الْمَجِيدُ
in sublime almightiness enthroned,
فَعَّالٌ لِمَا يُرِيدُ
a sovereign doer of whatever He wills.
هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْجُنُودِ
HAS IT ever come within thy ken, the story of the [sinful] hosts
فِرْعَوْنَ وَثَمُودَ
of Pharaoh, and of [the tribe of] Thamud?
بَلِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فِي تَكْذِيبٍ
And yet, they who are bent on denying the truth persist in giving it the lie:
وَاللَّهُ مِنْ وَرَائِهِمْ مُحِيطٌ
but all the while God encompasses them [with His knowledge and might] without their being aware of it.
بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَجِيدٌ
Nay, but this [divine writ which they reject] is a discourse sublime,
فِي لَوْحٍ مَحْفُوظٍ
upon an imperishable tablet [inscribed].
Meaning
The Mansions of the Stars
Ayas
22
Revelation
Meccan
Surah No
85
Surah Al-Buruj speaks of divine justice, the persecution of the believers, and the triumph of the righteous. The key themes include:
The persecution of the believers: The Surah opens by recalling the story of the people of the trench who persecuted and killed the believers for their faith. This story is a powerful reminder of the trials faced by those who uphold the truth.
Divine retribution: The Surah emphasizes that Allah’s justice will prevail, and those who oppress and harm the righteous will face the consequences of their actions.
The victory of the righteous: It highlights the ultimate triumph of the believers, showing that despite persecution, those who remain steadfast in faith will be rewarded.
Affirmation of divine justice: Surah Al-Buruj serves as a reminder that Allah is always just and that no one can escape the consequences of their actions, especially those who oppress others.
Support for the oppressed: The Surah reassures the oppressed and those who face trials for their faith, showing that Allah will ultimately reward them and punish their oppressors.
Encouragement for steadfastness: It encourages believers to remain firm in their faith despite facing difficulties, as ultimate victory lies with the righteous.
Strengthens patience and perseverance: Reciting this Surah helps believers reflect on the trials faced by the early Muslims and encourages them to remain patient in the face of adversity.
Reminds of divine justice: It reinforces the concept that Allah’s justice will ultimately prevail, which is comforting for those who face oppression or injustice.
Spiritual protection: It is believed that reciting this Surah offers spiritual strength and protection from harm and persecution.
Patience in adversity:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever is patient in the face of adversity will be rewarded with a reward beyond measure.” (Sahih Muslim)
The reward for the righteous:
“The believers will be rewarded for their patience, and the oppressors will be punished for their oppression on the Day of Judgment.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
“If you find any mistakes in this, please let us know. For a more accurate translation, please refer to the English version. May Allah forgive us for any unintentional mistakes.”
