Have you ever wondered why is Surah Rahman called the bride of the Quran? This magnificent chapter captures hearts with its eloquence and resonates with deep meanings that touch the soul. In this article, we uncover the reasons behind this unique and beautiful title.
Surah Ar-Rahman: An Overview
Surah Ar-Rahman is the 55th chapter of the Quran. It is widely considered a Meccan Surah, revealed before the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ migration to Medina. It consists of 78 verses and is located in the 27th part (juz’) of the Quran. It is famously known as the “Bride of the Quran”.
explanation of Surah Rahman verses
Let us explore the meanings and significance of some of the key verses in Surah Ar-Rahman:
“ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ١ عَلَّمَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ ٢ خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ٣ عَلَّمَهُ ٱلْبَيَانَ ٤”
“The Most Compassionate 1 taught the Quran,2 created humanity,3 ˹and˺ taught them speech.”
Here, Allah—Alrahman—is described as the One who taught the Quran, created mankind, and granted humans the ability to communicate. This is a mark of distinction that elevates humans above other creatures.
“ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍۢ ٥ وَٱلنَّجْمُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَانِ ٦”
“The sun and the moon ˹travel˺ with precision.The stars and the trees bow down ˹in submission˺.”
Allah Almighty declares that the sun and the moon follow a calculated and precise course, never deviating from it. Even the stars in the heavens and the trees on earth recognize their Creator, and in humble submission, they prostrate to Him.
“وَٱلسَّمَآءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ ٱلْمِيزَانَ ٧ أَلَّا تَطْغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْمِيزَانِ ٨ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلْوَزْنَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا۟ ٱلْمِيزَانَ ٩”
“As for the sky, He raised it ˹high˺, and set the balance ˹of justice˺so that you do not defraud the scales.Weigh with justice, and do not give short measure.”
God raised the sky and established the principles of justice on earth. He commands fairness and prohibits cheating in measurements.
“وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ ١٠ فِيهَا فَـٰكِهَةٌۭ وَٱلنَّخْلُ ذَاتُ ٱلْأَكْمَامِ ١١ وَٱلْحَبُّ ذُو ٱلْعَصْفِ وَٱلرَّيْحَانُ ١٢ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ١٣”
“He laid out the earth for all beings. In it are fruit, palm trees with date stalks,and grain with husks, and aromatic plants. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you ˹humans and jinn˺ both deny?”
These verses illustrate how Allah has spread out the earth, preparing it as a stable home for all creation. Within it, He placed delicious fruits, date palms bearing their clustered produce, and grain covered in husks, provisions for both you and your livestock. So which of your Lord’s worldly and spiritual favours will you deny, O assembly of jinn and humans?
“خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن صَلْصَـٰلٍۢ كَٱلْفَخَّارِ ١٤ وَخَلَقَ ٱلْجَآنَّ مِن مَّارِجٍۢ مِّن نَّارٍۢ ١٥ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ١٦”
“He created humankind from ˹sounding˺ clay like pottery, and created jinn from a ˹smokeless˺ flame of fire. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Allah created Adam from clay and Jinn from fire. This serves as a reminder of our humble beginnings and His power over all creation.
“رَبُّ ٱلْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ ٱلْمَغْرِبَيْنِ ١٧ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ١٨”
“˹He is˺ Lord of the two easts and the two wests.1 Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
It is Allah—exalted is He—who governs the movement of the sun across its two points of rising and setting: the summer and the winter. With absolute precision, He orchestrates the changing of seasons. So which of your Lord’s countless blessings will you deny?
” مَرَجَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ ١٩بَيْنَهُمَا بَرْزَخٌۭ لَّا يَبْغِيَانِ ٢٠فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢١”
“He merges the two bodies of ˹fresh and salt˺ water, yet between them is a barrier they never cross.1 Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Allah, in His wisdom, has blended the two seas, one fresh and palatable, the other salty and bitter. Yet between them stands a divinely placed barrier, preventing either from overwhelming the other. Can you then deny this magnificent sign?
“يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُمَا ٱللُّؤْلُؤُ وَٱلْمَرْجَانُ ٢٢ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢٣”
“Out of both ˹waters˺ come forth pearls and coral. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
By His power, Allah brings forth from the depths of these waters the precious pearl and the radiant coral, beauties of the sea crafted for your benefit. So which of your Lord’s favours can you possibly deny?
“وَلَهُ ٱلْجَوَارِ ٱلْمُنشَـَٔاتُ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ كَٱلْأَعْلَـٰمِ ٢٤ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢٥”
“To Him belong the ships with raised sails, sailing through the seas like mountains. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
To Him belong the mighty ships that sail the seas, their sails towering like mountains, carried by winds He alone controls. A sign of mastery and mercy at once, so which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?
“كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍۢ ٢٦ وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ ٢٧ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢٨”
“Every being on earth is bound to perish. Only your Lord Himself,1 full of Majesty and Honour, will remain ˹forever˺.2 Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
All who dwell upon the earth will fade, and nothing endures but the glorious Face of your Lord, possessor of majesty, might, and honour. So which of your Lord’s enduring favours will you deny?
” يَسْـَٔلُهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِى شَأْنٍۢ ٢٩فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٠”
“All those in the heavens and the earth are dependent on Him. Day in and day out He has something to bring about.1 Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
All creatures in the heavens and on earth turn to Him with their pleas, He elevates and humbles, gives and withholds, and governs every affair with wisdom. Then which of your Lord’s ceaseless favours can you deny?
“سَنَفْرُغُ لَكُمْ أَيُّهَ ٱلثَّقَلَانِ ٣١ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٢”
” We will soon attend to you ˹for judgment˺, O two multitudes ˹of jinn and humans˺! Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Allah warns both Jinn and humans that judgment is inevitable, and He will hold all accountable.
“يَـٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ إِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَن تَنفُذُوا۟ مِنْ أَقْطَارِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنفُذُوا۟ ۚ لَا تَنفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَـٰنٍۢ ٣٣ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٤”
“O assembly of jinn and humans! If you can penetrate beyond the realms of the heavens and the earth, then do so. ˹But˺ you cannot do that without ˹Our˺ authority. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny”
No one can escape divine authority, neither by strength nor by stealth, For none can break beyond the bounds of His command. So which of your Lord’s undeniable favours will you deny?
“يُرْسَلُ عَلَيْكُمَا شُوَاظٌۭ مِّن نَّارٍۢ وَنُحَاسٌۭ فَلَا تَنتَصِرَانِ ٣٥ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٦”
“Flames of fire and ˹molten˺ copper will be sent against you, and you will not be able to defend one another. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Flames of scorching fire and streams of molten copper will be poured upon your heads, none will shield you, and none will stand by you. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?
“فَإِذَا ٱنشَقَّتِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ فَكَانَتْ وَرْدَةًۭ كَٱلدِّهَانِ ٣٧ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٨”
“˹How horrible will it be˺ when the heavens will split apart, becoming rose-red like ˹burnt˺ oil! Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
On that Day, the heavens will split open, their hue turned crimson, like molten oil, or a rose burning in the fire of terror. A sign of the Day none can flee. So which of your Lord’s signs and mercies will you deny?
“فَيَوْمَئِذٍۢ لَّا يُسْـَٔلُ عَن ذَنۢبِهِۦٓ إِنسٌۭ وَلَا جَآنٌّۭ ٣٩ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٠”
“On that Day there will be no need for any human or jinn to be asked about their sins.1 Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
On that Day, the angels will not ask humans or jinn about their sins. So which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?
“يُعْرَفُ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ بِسِيمَـٰهُمْ فَيُؤْخَذُ بِٱلنَّوَٰصِى وَٱلْأَقْدَامِ ٤١ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٢”
“The wicked will be recognized by their appearance, then will be seized by ˹their˺ forelocks and feet. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Angels recognize criminals by their marks, and the angels will seize them, by the forelocks and the feet, dragging them to the fire prepared for them. Then which of your Lord’s many warnings and mercies will you deny?
“هَـٰذِهِۦ جَهَنَّمُ ٱلَّتِى يُكَذِّبُ بِهَا ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ ٤٣ يَطُوفُونَ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَ حَمِيمٍ ءَانٍۢ ٤٤ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٥”
“˹They will be told,˺ “This is the Hell which the wicked denied.They will alternate between its flames and scalding water. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Scornfully it will be said: This is the Hell you once mocked. Now taste its flames, and drink the scalding liquid that tears through bowels and bones. So which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?
“وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ جَنَّتَانِ ٤٦ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٧”
“And whoever is in awe of standing before their Lord will have two Gardens. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
And as for the righteous, those who stood in awe of their Lord, two Gardens await them in reward. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?
“ذَوَاتَآ أَفْنَانٍۢ ٤٨ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٩ فِيهِمَا عَيْنَانِ تَجْرِيَانِ ٥٠فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥١ فِيهِمَا مِن كُلِّ فَـٰكِهَةٍۢ زَوْجَانِ ٥٢ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٣”
“˹Both will be˺ with lush branches. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? In each ˹Garden˺ will be two flowing springs. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? In each will be two types of every fruit. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
These verses describe the eternal joys of Paradise, each Garden flows with twin springs, and offers fruits of every kind, in pairs and plenty. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?
“مُتَّكِـِٔينَ عَلَىٰ فُرُشٍۭ بَطَآئِنُهَا مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقٍۢ ۚ وَجَنَى ٱلْجَنَّتَيْنِ دَانٍۢ ٥٤ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٥”
“Those ˹believers˺ will recline on furnishings lined with rich brocade. And the fruit of both Gardens will hang within reach. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Those who fear the standing before their Lord—recognizing His majesty and living with mindfulness of His commands—will be granted two Gardens. There, they will recline in comfort upon couches lined with rich brocade, enjoying a life of peace and honor. The fruits of these Gardens will be brought close within easy reach, as a sign of divine generosity. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
“فِيهِنَّ قَـٰصِرَٰتُ ٱلطَّرْفِ لَمْ يَطْمِثْهُنَّ إِنسٌۭ قَبْلَهُمْ وَلَا جَآنٌّۭ ٥٦ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٧ كَأَنَّهُنَّ ٱلْيَاقُوتُ وَٱلْمَرْجَانُ ٥٨ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٩”
“In both ˹Gardens˺ will be maidens of modest gaze, who no human or jinn has ever touched before. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? Those ˹maidens˺ will be ˹as elegant˺ as rubies and coral. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Within these Gardens are companions, devoted in gaze, who look to none but their husbands. Untouched before by man or jinn, they are radiant—like rubies and coral in their beauty. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
“هَلْ جَزَآءُ ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنُ ٦٠ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦١ وَمِن دُونِهِمَا جَنَّتَانِ ٦٢ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٣”
“Is there any reward for goodness except goodness? Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? And below these two ˹Gardens˺ will be two others. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
Is there any reward for one who excelled in their deeds during this worldly life, acting in righteousness and sincerity, except to be rewarded with the utmost goodness in the Hereafter: Paradise? Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? And beneath the two lofty Gardens already mentioned, there will be two other Gardens prepared for the righteous. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
“مُدْهَآمَّتَانِ ٦٤ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٥ فِيهِمَا عَيْنَانِ نَضَّاخَتَانِ ٦٦ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٧”
“Both will be dark green. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? In each will be two gushing springs. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
These Gardens are lush and deep green, overflowing with vibrant life. Within each of them, two springs gush forth, flowing without end. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
” فِيهِمَا فَـٰكِهَةٌۭ وَنَخْلٌۭ وَرُمَّانٌۭ ٦٨ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٩ فِيهِنَّ خَيْرَٰتٌ حِسَانٌۭ ٧٠ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧١”
“ In both will be fruit, palm trees, and pomegranates. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? In all Gardens will be noble, pleasant mates. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
In these two Gardens, there will be varieties of fruits, date palms, and pomegranates in abundance. And within them are noble spouses, pure in character and beautiful in appearance. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
“حُورٌۭ مَّقْصُورَٰتٌۭ فِى ٱلْخِيَامِ ٧٢ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧٣ لَمْ يَطْمِثْهُنَّ إِنسٌۭ قَبْلَهُمْ وَلَا جَآنٌّۭ ٧٤ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧٥”
“˹They will be˺ maidens with gorgeous eyes, reserved in pavilions. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny? No human or jinn has ever touched these ˹maidens˺ before.1 Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
There are also fair maidens, modestly veiled within grand pavilions, sheltered and honored, untouched by any human or jinn before their rightful husbands. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
“مُتَّكِـِٔينَ عَلَىٰ رَفْرَفٍ خُضْرٍۢ وَعَبْقَرِىٍّ حِسَانٍۢ ٧٦ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧٧”
“All ˹believers˺ will be reclining on green cushions and splendid carpets. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?”
They will recline on green cushions and exquisite carpets, surrounded by beauty, serenity, and eternal comfort. Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?
” تَبَـٰرَكَ ٱسْمُ رَبِّكَ ذِى ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ ٧٨”
“Blessed is the Name of your Lord, full of Majesty and Honour.”
Blessed is the Name of your Lord—full of Majesty, full of Honor. His blessings are endless, His might unparalleled, His generosity never withheld from those who turn to Him.
And with this, we conclude our detailed explanation of surah rahman verses, a chapter overflowing with divine mercy, powerful reminders, and the recurring question that continues to resonate: “So which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?”
What is the main message of surah rahman?
Many people ask: What is the main message of surah rahman?
The scholars have said that the main purpose of Surah Ar-Rahman is to affirm that Allah Almighty is described with the attribute of mercy, to encourage people to seek His blessings, and to warn them of His punishment.
Why is Surah Rahman Called The Bride of the Quran?
Surah Ar-Rahman was named “the bride of the Qur’an” because of the beauty and perfection of its verses. The Prophet ﷺ himself gave it this title, as mentioned in the authentic hadith:
وَعَنْ عَلِيٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم يَقُول: «لكل شَيْء عروس وعروس الْقُرْآن الرَّحْمَن» .
‘Alī told that he heard God’s messenger say, “Everything has an adornment, and the adornment of the Qur’ān is ar-Rahmān” (Qur’ān, 57)
And with this, we have answered the question: why is surah rahman called the bride of the quran?
What is the story behind Surah Al Rahman?
Many people also ask: What is the story behind Surah Al Rahman?
The answer is that it was revealed in response to the disbelievers’ rejection of the name of Allah, Ar-Rahman.
Allah Almighty mentioned their denial in Surah Al-Furqan, where He says:
“وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِلرَّحْمَـٰنِ قَالُوا۟ وَمَا ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ أَنَسْجُدُ لِمَا تَأْمُرُنَا وَزَادَهُمْ نُفُورًۭا ۩ ٦٠”
“When it is said to them, “Prostrate to the Most Compassionate,” they ask ˹in disgust˺, “What is ‘the Most Compassionate’? Will we prostrate to whatever you order us to?” And it only drives them farther away.”
It was also said that the reason for its revelation was the claim of the disbelievers:
“إِنَّمَا يُعَلِّمُهُۥ بَشَرٌۭ ۗ”
“No one is teaching him except a human.”
So Allah responded to them by affirming that Ar-Rahman is the One who taught the Prophet ﷺ the Qur’an.
What is the secret of Surah Rahman?
There are many secrets and key messages in Surah Ar-Rahman, including the following:
- It is the only Surah in the Qur’an that begins with one of Allah’s names: Ar-Rahman.
- It is the only chapter that mentions one of Allah’s beautiful names: “Dhul-Jalali wal-Ikram”, Owner of Majesty and Honour.
- Its verses are short and extremely eloquent.
- The repeated verse “Then which of your Lord’s favours will you both deny?” appears 31 times to emphasize and acknowledge Allah’s countless blessings, every time a blessing is mentioned, this verse follows.
- It describes the conditions of both believers and disbelievers, in this life and the Hereafter.
And with this, we have answered the question: What is the secret of Surah Rahman?
Conclusion
Now we know the answer to why is Surah Rahman called the bride of the quran? It is a chapter filled with mercy and miraculous language, and every verse reflects the greatness of the Creator. That is why it truly deserves the title “The Bride of the Qur’an.”
Did the beauty of Surah Ar-Rahman touch your heart and make you wish to reflect more deeply on the Qur’an?
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